[Objective]To explore the effects of electricity on sperm quality,sex hormone levels,and related proteins in TGF-β 1/smads signaling in testicular tissue.[Methods]Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,electroacupuncture group,and positive drug group.Adenine gavage method was used to establish the model,in the electroacupuncture group,rats received electroacupuncture treatment at the acupoints Zhongji,Guanyuan,Zusanli,and Sanyinjiao once daily for 30 minutes;in the positive drug group,rats were administered L-carnitine oral solution via gavage at a dosage of 10 mL/kg,both intervention groups underwent continuous treatment for 28 days.After treatment,the changes of sperm number,sperm motility rate,follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteizing hormone(LH)and serum sex hormone testosterone(T)were detected by HE staining,and the expression of TGF-β-1/smads signaling pathway in testicular tissue was examined by Western Blot.[Results]Compared to the blank group,the model group showed a significant decrease in sperm count and sperm motility rate(P<0.05),both the electroacupuncture group and the positive drug group exhibited significant increases compared to the model group(P<0.05).Compared to the blank group,the model group had a significant decrease in serum testosterone(T)levels(P<0.05),and significant increases in serum FSH and LH levels(P<0.05);in comparison to the model group,the electroacupuncture group and the positive drug group showed significant increases in serum T levels(P<0.05),and significant decreases in serum FSH and LH levels(P<0.05).The HE staining results showed typical pathological features of AR in the testicular tissue of model group rats,with varying degrees of improvement observed in electroacupuncture and positive drug group rats.Western Blot analysis revealed that in the model group,the protein levels of TGF-β,p-smad2,and p-smad3 in the TGF-β1/smads pathway in testicular tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05);in comparison to the model group,the electroacupuncture group and the positive drug group showed significant decreases in the protein levels of TGF-β,p-smad2,and p-smad3(P<0.05).[Conclusion]Acupuncture can improve the sperm number and sperm motility rate,regulate sex hormone level and improve the spermatogenic environment,and affect the spermatogenesis process via TGF-β 1/smads signaling pathway.

Objective:Combined retrograde tracing with optogenetic methods,we are investigating the functional role of dorsal raphe nucleus(DRN)GABAergic neurons projecting to lateral habenula(LHb)terminals in anxiety-like behaviors.Methods:The specific retrograde tracing virus AAVretro-Ef1α-DIO-mCherry was injected into the LHb of Vgat-Cre mice.After the viral expression,Multi-brain slides scanning microscope imaging scan and observe the up-stream distribution of GABAergic neural projection in LHb.By retrograde tracing,opto-activated virus AAV2/9-Ef1a-DIO-ChR2-mCherry(ChR2 group)and control virus AAV2/9-Ef1a-DIO-mCherry(mCherry group)were injected into the DRN of Vgat-cre mice respectively.Three weeks after virus expression,DRNGABA neurons and the DRNCABA-LHb neural terminals were activated by optogenetic to observe their role in anxiety-like behaviors.Results:According to the results of retrograde tracing,the midbrain DRN is one of the major GABAergic neural projection brain areas in the LHb nucleus.Optogenetic stimulation of DRNGABA neurons,compared with the mCherry group,the ChR2 group showed sig-nificantly longer total moving distance,central area moving time and distance in the open field test(OFT);In the ele-vated plus maze(EPM),the open arm moving time and distance was significantly increased.When DRN GABA-LHb neural terminals were stimulated,compared with the mCherry group,the ChR2 group showed a significantly longer cen-tral zone moving time,distance and total moving distance in the OFT.During the elevated plus maze(EPM),the open arm moving time was significantly increased.Conclusion:The specific activation of the DRNGABA neuron as well as the DRNGABA-LHb neural projections showed that both significantly improved anxiety-like behaviors in mice.This provides new ideas and evidence for the treatment of anxiety,depression and other psychiatric disorders.

Objective:To compare and analyze the correlation between two kinds of point-of-care testing (POCT) instruments and Roche electrochemiluminescence instrument in detecting myocardial biomarkers,so as to provide reference for the selection of POCT instruments in clinical testing. Methods:A total of twenty patient's samples were selected,which concentration range covered the reportable range of detection results. Two kinds of POCT instruments (named respectively A and B) were used to detect the concentrations of plasma myoglobin (Myo),creatine kinase isoenzyme mass (CK-MB mass),cardiac troponin I(cTnI),and N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)/Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). The results of the electrochemiluminescence instrument were used as reference,and Pearson correlation analysis and Kappa test evaluation were used to evaluate respectively the correlation and consistency of the detected results between the two kinds of POCT instruments and Roche electrochemiluminescence instrument. Results:Our study demonstrated that there were good correlations in the detected results of Myo,CK-MB mass,cTnI,NT-proBNP/BNP between the instrument A and Roche electrochemiluminescence instrument,and between the instrument B and Roche electrochemiluminescence instrument (rinstrumentA=0.994,0.989,0.917,0.996,rinstrumentB=0.928,0.934,0.883,0.977,P<0.05),respectively. In the comparisons about consistencies,the concordance rates between instrument A and electrochemiluminescence instrument were respectively 90％,100％,70％ and 100％ in detecting Myo,CK-MB,cTnI and NT-proBNP,and the concordance rates between instrument B and electrochemiluminescence instrument were respectively 90％,100％,70％ and 100％ in detecting them. Both two kinds of POCT instruments had favorable consistencies with Roche electrochemiluminescence instrument (Kappainstrument A=0.798,1.00,0.429,1.00,Kappainstrument B=0.794,0.886,0.429,1.00),respectively. The precisions of both instruments were less than 10％. Conclusion:Both two kinds of POCT instruments can meet the requirements of clinical test,which have favorable correlations with electrochemiluminescence instrument in detecting myocardial biomarkers.

Objective:To investigate the role of GABAergic neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in isoflurane-induced general anesthesia-emergence in mice.Methods:Twenty-three healthy male Vgat-Cre transgenic mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 22 g, were used in the study. In the immunofluorescence staining experiment, 8 mice were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=4 each) using a random number table method: oxygen group and isoflurane group. Oxygen group inhaled oxygen at a rate of 1.0 L/min for 2 h, while isoflurane group inhaled 1.4% isoflurane + 1.0 L/min oxygen for 2 h. The animals were then sacrificed, and brain tissues were removed and subjected to immunofluorescence staining for determination of the expression of c-Fos and the rate of co-labeling with GABA neurons. For the optogenetic experiment, 15 mice were divided into 3 groups ( n=5 each) using a random number table method: control group (CON group), optogenetic excitation group (CHR2 group) and optogenetic inhibition group (eNpHR group). The rAAV-Ef1a-DIO-mCherry, rAAV-Ef1a-DIO-CHR2-mCherry, and rAAV-Ef1a-DIO-eNpHR3.0-mCherry viruses were injected to the BNST brain region. After 3 weeks of virus expression, the mice were exposed to 1.0% isoflurane + 1.0 L/min oxygen, and their cortical EEG was simultaneously monitored. When the mice reached a stable anesthetic state, optogenetic methods were utilized to modulate the viability of GABAergic neurons in the BNST brain region, and the burst suppression ratio (BSR) of the cortical EEG was recorded at 2 min before light stimulation and 2 min of light stimulation. Results:Compared with oxygen group, the rate of c-Fos co-labeling with GABA neurons in the BNST brain region was significantly reduced ( P<0.05), and the c-Fos-positive neurons were reduced in isoflurane group. Compared with CON group or with the prestimulation level, BSR was significantly decreased in CHR2 group ( P<0.001), and no significant change was found in BSR during light stimulation in eNpHR group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Decreased viability of GABAergic neurons in the BNST brain region may be involved in the process of loss of consciousness in isoflurane-anesthetized mice, while increased viability of GABAergic neurons in the BNST brain region promotes the transition from anesthesia to emergence.

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of anterior column reconstruction using single or double titanium mesh cage (TMC) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 39 patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tumors. All patients underwent TES, followed by anterior reconstruction and screw-rod instrumentation via a posterior-only procedure. Twenty-two patients in group A were treated with a single TMC to reconstruct the anterior column, whereas 17 patients in group B were reconstructed with double TMCs. Results: The overall follow-up is 20.5 ± 4.6 months. There is no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, tumor location, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. The time for TMC placement was significantly shortened in the double TMCs group (5.2 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 15.6 ± 3.3 minutes, p = 0.004). Additionally, postoperative neural complications were significantly reduced with double TMCs (5/22 vs. 0/17, p = 0.046). The kyphotic Cobb angle and mean intervertebral height were significantly corrected in both groups (p ≤ 0.001), without obvious loss of correction at the last follow-up in either group. The bone fusion rates for single TMC and double TMCs were 77.3% and 76.5%, respectively. Conclusion Using 2 smaller TMCs instead of a single large one eases the placement of TMC by shortening the time and avoiding nerve impingement. Anterior column reconstruction with double TMC is a clinically feasible, and safe alternative following TES for thoracic and lumbar tumors.

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of anterior column reconstruction using single or double titanium mesh cage (TMC) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 39 patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tumors. All patients underwent TES, followed by anterior reconstruction and screw-rod instrumentation via a posterior-only procedure. Twenty-two patients in group A were treated with a single TMC to reconstruct the anterior column, whereas 17 patients in group B were reconstructed with double TMCs. Results: The overall follow-up is 20.5 ± 4.6 months. There is no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, tumor location, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. The time for TMC placement was significantly shortened in the double TMCs group (5.2 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 15.6 ± 3.3 minutes, p = 0.004). Additionally, postoperative neural complications were significantly reduced with double TMCs (5/22 vs. 0/17, p = 0.046). The kyphotic Cobb angle and mean intervertebral height were significantly corrected in both groups (p ≤ 0.001), without obvious loss of correction at the last follow-up in either group. The bone fusion rates for single TMC and double TMCs were 77.3% and 76.5%, respectively. Conclusion Using 2 smaller TMCs instead of a single large one eases the placement of TMC by shortening the time and avoiding nerve impingement. Anterior column reconstruction with double TMC is a clinically feasible, and safe alternative following TES for thoracic and lumbar tumors.

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of anterior column reconstruction using single or double titanium mesh cage (TMC) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 39 patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tumors. All patients underwent TES, followed by anterior reconstruction and screw-rod instrumentation via a posterior-only procedure. Twenty-two patients in group A were treated with a single TMC to reconstruct the anterior column, whereas 17 patients in group B were reconstructed with double TMCs. Results: The overall follow-up is 20.5 ± 4.6 months. There is no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, tumor location, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. The time for TMC placement was significantly shortened in the double TMCs group (5.2 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 15.6 ± 3.3 minutes, p = 0.004). Additionally, postoperative neural complications were significantly reduced with double TMCs (5/22 vs. 0/17, p = 0.046). The kyphotic Cobb angle and mean intervertebral height were significantly corrected in both groups (p ≤ 0.001), without obvious loss of correction at the last follow-up in either group. The bone fusion rates for single TMC and double TMCs were 77.3% and 76.5%, respectively. Conclusion Using 2 smaller TMCs instead of a single large one eases the placement of TMC by shortening the time and avoiding nerve impingement. Anterior column reconstruction with double TMC is a clinically feasible, and safe alternative following TES for thoracic and lumbar tumors.

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of anterior column reconstruction using single or double titanium mesh cage (TMC) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 39 patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tumors. All patients underwent TES, followed by anterior reconstruction and screw-rod instrumentation via a posterior-only procedure. Twenty-two patients in group A were treated with a single TMC to reconstruct the anterior column, whereas 17 patients in group B were reconstructed with double TMCs. Results: The overall follow-up is 20.5 ± 4.6 months. There is no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, tumor location, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. The time for TMC placement was significantly shortened in the double TMCs group (5.2 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 15.6 ± 3.3 minutes, p = 0.004). Additionally, postoperative neural complications were significantly reduced with double TMCs (5/22 vs. 0/17, p = 0.046). The kyphotic Cobb angle and mean intervertebral height were significantly corrected in both groups (p ≤ 0.001), without obvious loss of correction at the last follow-up in either group. The bone fusion rates for single TMC and double TMCs were 77.3% and 76.5%, respectively. Conclusion Using 2 smaller TMCs instead of a single large one eases the placement of TMC by shortening the time and avoiding nerve impingement. Anterior column reconstruction with double TMC is a clinically feasible, and safe alternative following TES for thoracic and lumbar tumors.

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of anterior column reconstruction using single or double titanium mesh cage (TMC) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 39 patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tumors. All patients underwent TES, followed by anterior reconstruction and screw-rod instrumentation via a posterior-only procedure. Twenty-two patients in group A were treated with a single TMC to reconstruct the anterior column, whereas 17 patients in group B were reconstructed with double TMCs. Results: The overall follow-up is 20.5 ± 4.6 months. There is no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, tumor location, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. The time for TMC placement was significantly shortened in the double TMCs group (5.2 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 15.6 ± 3.3 minutes, p = 0.004). Additionally, postoperative neural complications were significantly reduced with double TMCs (5/22 vs. 0/17, p = 0.046). The kyphotic Cobb angle and mean intervertebral height were significantly corrected in both groups (p ≤ 0.001), without obvious loss of correction at the last follow-up in either group. The bone fusion rates for single TMC and double TMCs were 77.3% and 76.5%, respectively. Conclusion Using 2 smaller TMCs instead of a single large one eases the placement of TMC by shortening the time and avoiding nerve impingement. Anterior column reconstruction with double TMC is a clinically feasible, and safe alternative following TES for thoracic and lumbar tumors.

Objective To observe and analyze functional areas of the cerebral cortex in C57BL/6 mice of various ages.Methods Improved alkaline phosphatase staining was used to reveal the microvascular morphology of the cerebral cortex in C57BL/6 mice,including the motor cortex(primary and secondary motor cortex),sensory cortex(primary and secondary somatosensory cortex),visual cortex(primary and secondary visual cortex),and auditory cortex(primary and secondary auditory cortex),olfactory cortex(extrarhinal and entorhinal cortex).Images were captured under an OLYMPUS BX51 microscope with Image-Pro Plus 5.1 software.The microvascular length density(Lv),microvascular surface area density(Sv),and microvascular volume density(Vv)were analyzed by Image-Pro Plus 5.1 software.Results Expression of alkaline phosphatase was abundant in cerebral cortical microvessels of adult and elderly mice,and slightly expressed in juvenile mice,but not in lactating mice.Pial blood vessels enter the cortex in T shape,Y shape,large arc,and small arc four manners.Lv,Sv and Vv in different parts of the same aged mice showed a decreasing trend in motor,sensory,visual,auditory and olfactory cortexes,and the microvascular density of Lv,Sv and Vv in motor and sensory cortexes was statistically significant compared with the olfactory cortex(P<0.05).The vascular density in all functional areas in elderly mice was lower than that in adult mice,but no statistical significance was found(P>0.05).Conclusions The expression of alkaline phosphatase in microvessels in functional areas of the cerebral cortex in C57BL/6 mice increases with age and reached its peak value in adulthood.The microvascular architecture in the brain provides morphological parameters to establish cerebrovascular disease models.