Objective To investigate the effects of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on levels of memory T (Tm) cells and their subsets in lymph nodes of mice at different stages of infection, so as to provide new insights into immunotherapy for alveolarechinococcosis. MethodsTwenty-four C57BL/6J mice aged 6 to 9 weeks were randomly divided into the infection group and the control group, of 12 mice in each group. Mice in the infection group were administered with 3 000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces via portal venous injection, while animals in the control group were administered with an equal volume of physiological saline. Three mice from each group were sacrificed 4, 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-infection, and lymph nodes were sampled and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to investigate the histopathological changes of mouse lymph nodes in the infection group. The expression and localization of T lymphocyte surface markers CD3, CD4, and CD8 were observed in mouse lymph nodes using immunohistochemical staining. In addition, lymphocyte suspensions were prepared from mouse lymph nodes in both groups at different time points post-infection, and the levels of Tm cell subsets and their secreted cytokines were detected using flow cytometry. Results HE staining showed diffuse structural alterations in the subcapsular cortical and paracortical regions of mouse lymph nodes in the infection group 4 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis. Immunohistochemical staining detected CD3, CD4 and CD8 expression in mouse lymph nodes in both groups. Flow cytometry revealed higher proportions of CD4⁺ Tm cells [(55.3 ± 4.8)% vs. (38.8 ± 6.1)%; t = -4.259, P < 0.05] and CD4⁺ tissue-resident Tm (Trm) cells [(57.7 ± 3.7)% vs. (34.1 ± 11.2)%; t = -3.990, P < 0.05] in mouse lymph nodes in the infection group than in the control group 4 weeks post-infection, and higher proportions of CD4⁺ Tm cells [(34.6 ± 3.2)% vs. (23.3 ± 7.5)%; t = -2.764, P < 0.05] and CD4⁺ Trm cells [(44.0 ± 1.9)% vs. (31.2 ± 1.5)%; t = -4.039, P < 0.05] in mouse lymph nodes in the infection group than in the control group 24 weeks post-infection. The proportions of CD8⁺ Tm cells were higher in the infection group than in the control group 4 weeks [(56.8 ± 2.7)% vs. (43.9 ± 5.2)%; t = -4.416, P < 0.01] and 12 weeks post-infection [(25.4 ± 2.7)% vs. (12.0 ± 2.6)%; t = -2.552, P < 0.05], while the proportions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α⁺ CD4⁺ T cells [(15.7 ± 5.0)% vs. (49.4 ± 6.4)%; t = 7.150, P < 0.01], TNF-α⁺CD8⁺ T cells [(20.7 ± 5.5)% vs. (57.5 ± 8.4)%; t = -6.694, P < 0.01], and TNF-α⁺ CD8⁺ Tm cells [7.0% (1.0%) vs. 31.0% (11.0%); Z = -2.236, P < 0.05] were lower in the infection group than in the control group 24 weeks post-infection. Conclusions Tm cells levels are consistently increased in lymph nodes of mice at different stages of E. multilocularis infection, with Trm cells as the predominantly elevated subset. The impaired capacity of CD8⁺ Tm cells to secrete the effector molecule TNF-α in mouse lymph nodes at the late-stage infection may facilitate chronic parasitism of E. multilocularis.

ObjectiveIn nature, objects cast shadows due to illumination, forming the basis for stereoscopic perception. Birds need to adapt to changes in lighting (meaning they can recognize stereoscopic shapes even when shadows look different) to accurately perceive different three-dimensional forms. However, how neurons in the key visual brain area in birds handle these lighting changes remains largely unreported. In this study, pigeons (Columba livia) were used as subjects to investigate how neurons in pigeon’s ventrolateral mesopallium (MVL) represent stereoscopic shapes consistently, regardless of changes in lighting. MethodsVisual cognitive training combined with neuronal recording was employed. Pigeons were first trained to discriminate different stereoscopic shapes (concave/convex). We then tested whether and how light luminance angle and surface appearance of the stereoscopic shapes affect their recognition accuracy, and further verify whether the results rely on specify luminance color. Simultaneously, neuronal firing activity of neurons was recorded with multiple electrode array implanted from the MVL during the presentation of difference shapes. The response was finally analyzed how selectively they responded to different stereoscopic shapes and whether their selectivity was affected by the changes of luminance condition (like lighting angle) or surface look. Support vector machine (SVM) models were trained on neuronal population responses recorded under one condition (light luminance angle of 45°) and used to decode responses under other conditions (light luminance angle of 135°, 225°, 315°) to verify the invariance of responses to different luminance conditions. ResultsBehavioral results from 6 pigeons consistently showed that the pigeons could reliably identify the core 3D shape (over 80% accuracy), and this ability wasn’t affected by changes in light angle or surface appearance. Statistical analysis of 88 recorded neurons from 6 pigeons revealed that 83% (73/88) showed strong selectivity for specific 3D shapes (selectivity index>0.3), and responses to convex shapes were consistently stronger than to concave shapes. These shape-selective responses remained stable across changes in light angle and surface appearance. Neural patterns were consistent under both blue and orange lighting. The decoding accuracy achieves above 70%, suggesting stable responses under different conditions (e.g., different lighting angles or surface appearance). ConclusionNeurons in the pigeon MVL maintain a consistent neural encoding pattern for different stereoscopic shapes, unaffected by illumination or surface appearance. This ensures stable object recognition by pigeons in changing visual environments. Our findings provide new physiological evidence for understanding how birds achieve stable perception (“invariant neural representations”) while coping with variations in the visual field.

Six compounds were isolated from the roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf using various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified by analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, and determined as (Z)-docosanylferulate (1), (E)-docosanylferulate (2), bis (2-ethylheptyl) phythalate (3), 2,2′-oxybis (1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene) (4), diisobutyl phthalate (5), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (6). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound, compounds 2-4 were first isolated from Ephedra. A corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury model was used for compound activity screening. The results showed that compounds 1 and 5 significantly improved corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury and significantly increased 5-HT₇ receptor protein expression in the cells, indicating potential antidepressant activity.

Objective: To develop an assessment tool for risky road behavior tendencies among middle school students in western China, as well as to determine the relevant indices and their weights, so as to provide the reference for road safety prevention and control for middle school students in western China. Methods: A Delphi study was employed to construct the assessment tool for risky road behavior tendencies among middle school students in western China. In August 2023, eighteen experts in related fields such as traffic safety, education, and healthcare were invited to achieve Delphi consensus. The final indices were initially selected based on the consulting results,followed by the determination of their individual and combined weights using the analytic hierarchy process. Results: The finalized assessment tool comprised 3 primary indicators, 13 secondary indicators, and 100 tertiary indicators. The positivity coefficient of experts was 100%, accompanied by the authority coefficient 0.90. The mean importance scores for the three primary indicators varied from 4.67 to 4.78, while those for the 13 secondary indicators ranged from 4.22 to 4.89. The Kendall coefficient W was statistically significant at 0.32 ( χ 2=96.83, P <0.05). The weights assigned to the three primary indicators were:ability (0.329 4), opportunity (0.337 3), and motivation (0.333 3). The secondary indicators with the top three highest combined weights were social influence (0.027 4), knowledge (0.027 3), and skills (0.026 7). Conclusions The assessment tool for risky road behavior tendencies among middle school students in western China demonstrates high expert consensus, with balanced weighting of primary and secondary indicators. Expanded use of the assessment tool would provide the data support for intervention work.

Four furan α-butenolactones were isolated from 50% acetone extract of tuber of Alisma orientale by silica gel column, chromatography gel column and high performance liquid chromatography techniques. Their structures were identified by modern wave spectroscopy techniques and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and assigned as (5R)-5-hydroxy-3,4-dimethylfuran-2(5H)-one (1), 5-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylfuran-2(5H)-one (2), 5-hydroxy-4-(1-methylethyl)-2(5H)-furanone (3) and alismanoid A (4). Compound 1 was new compound and compounds 2–4 were first isolated from Alisma orientale. Compound 1-4 had potential antifibrotic activities.

Objective To explore characteristics of clinical parameters and cytokines in patients with drug-induced liver injury(DILI)caused by different drugs and their correlation with clinical indicators. Method The study was conducted on patients who were up to Review of Uncertainties in Confidence Assessment for Medical Tests(RUCAM)scoring criteria and clinically diagnosed with DILI.Based on Chinese herbal medicine,cardiovascular drugs,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),anti-infective drugs,and other drugs,patients were divided into five groups.Cytokines were measured by Luminex technology.Baseline characteristics of clinical biochemical indicators and cytokines in DILI patients and their correlation were analyzed. Results 73 patients were enrolled.Age among five groups was statistically different(P=0.032).Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)(P=0.033)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)(P=0.007)in NSAIDs group were higher than those in chinese herbal medicine group.Interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in patients with Chinese herbal medicine(IL-6:P<0.001;TNF-α:P<0.001)and cardiovascular medicine(IL-6:P=0.020;TNF-α:P=0.001)were lower than those in NSAIDs group.There was a positive correlation between ALT(r=0.697,P=0.025),AST(r=0.721,P=0.019),and IL-6 in NSAIDs group. Conclusion Older age may be more prone to DILI.Patients with NSAIDs have more severe liver damage in early stages of DILI,TNF-α and IL-6 may partake the inflammatory process of DILI.

To analyze the factors associated with infection and death of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in patients. Using a case-control study method, patients with CRKP infection from January 2019 to December 2021 in the 3201 Hospital were selected as the case group, and patients with carbapenem-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae (CSKP) infection in the same period were selected as the control group in a ratio of 1∶1. The study subjects were followed up for 30 days. The two groups of patients were categorized into survival and death groups based on whether they died or not, respectively, and the 30-day morbidity and mortality rates of the CRKP case group and the CSKP control group were compared. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with CRKP infection and death after CRKP infection. This study included 59 cases in the CRKP case group and 59 in the CSKP control group. The 30-day mortality rate of CRKP-infected patients and CSKP-infected patients were 30.5% (18/59) and 5.1% (3/59), with statistically significant differences ( P<0.001). Surgery within three months prior to KP infection ( OR=17.285, P=0.001), use of carbapenems within three months prior to KP infection ( OR=11.235, P=0.002), use of more than three types of antibiotics ( OR=7.993, P=0.016), albumin<30 g/L in patients prior to KP infection ( OR=10.463, P=0.002), sex ( OR=0.078, P<0.001), and diabetes ( OR=0.076, P=0.011) were associated factors of CRKP infection. Higher age-corrected Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of patients ( OR=1.522, P=0.024) and use of carbapenems by the patients with in the first three months prior to the KP infection ( OR=4.902, P=0.029) were associated factors for the deaths of patients with CRKP. In conclusion, medical personnel should be cautious in performing invasive procedures, strictly control the use of antibiotics, and provide targeted protection and treatment for high-risk patients as soon as possible.

To analyze the factors associated with infection and death of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in patients. Using a case-control study method, patients with CRKP infection from January 2019 to December 2021 in the 3201 Hospital were selected as the case group, and patients with carbapenem-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae (CSKP) infection in the same period were selected as the control group in a ratio of 1∶1. The study subjects were followed up for 30 days. The two groups of patients were categorized into survival and death groups based on whether they died or not, respectively, and the 30-day morbidity and mortality rates of the CRKP case group and the CSKP control group were compared. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with CRKP infection and death after CRKP infection. This study included 59 cases in the CRKP case group and 59 in the CSKP control group. The 30-day mortality rate of CRKP-infected patients and CSKP-infected patients were 30.5% (18/59) and 5.1% (3/59), with statistically significant differences ( P<0.001). Surgery within three months prior to KP infection ( OR=17.285, P=0.001), use of carbapenems within three months prior to KP infection ( OR=11.235, P=0.002), use of more than three types of antibiotics ( OR=7.993, P=0.016), albumin<30 g/L in patients prior to KP infection ( OR=10.463, P=0.002), sex ( OR=0.078, P<0.001), and diabetes ( OR=0.076, P=0.011) were associated factors of CRKP infection. Higher age-corrected Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of patients ( OR=1.522, P=0.024) and use of carbapenems by the patients with in the first three months prior to the KP infection ( OR=4.902, P=0.029) were associated factors for the deaths of patients with CRKP. In conclusion, medical personnel should be cautious in performing invasive procedures, strictly control the use of antibiotics, and provide targeted protection and treatment for high-risk patients as soon as possible.

Objective To develop an automatic urine volume detection and collection device to solve the problems of routine urine test.Methods An automatic urine volume detection and collection device was developed with the components of a main control system,a detection system,a prompting system and a grasping and moving system.The main control system consisted of two STM32 microcontrollers and a reset switch;the detection system was made up of a weighing module,an infrared module and indicator lights,which had its urine volume automatic detection algorithm developed based on the Keil5 platform;the prompting system realized voice broadcasting through the voice module fixed on the back panel of the box;the grasping and moving system was composed of a rail drive motor(86CM stepper motor),a photoelectric switch and a motorized gripper.Results The device developed tested urine samples with an accuracy of 99.44％,and could collect qualified samples automatically and quickly.Conclusion The device developed detects urine volume and collects samples automatically,and enhances the accuracy and efficiency of urine examination.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(4):66-69]

Objective To understand the prevalence characteristics of influenza and changes of influenza virus strains,and provide reference for the prevention and control of influenza in the province.Methods Surveillance da-ta about influenza in Hunan Province from 2014 to 2023 were exported from China Influenza Surveillance Informa-tion System.Differences in the percentage of influenza-like illness(ILI)cases(percentage of influenza-like cases[ILI％]in outpatient and emergency department visits)among different years and different populations,as well as the positive rate of influenza virus in ILI specimens were compared.Results From 2014 to 2023,over 2.65 million cases of ILI were reported,with an ILI％of 4.70％.ILI％among different years presented statistically significant differences(P＜0.001).People aged 0-14 years old were the main population with ILI,accounting for 82.90％.The positive rate of influenza virus in ILI specimens was 14.14％,the positive rate of influenza virus among diffe-rent years and age groups were both significantly different(both P＜0.001).The main prevalent influenza strains from 2014 to 2023 included types A(H1N1),A(H3N2),B(Victoria),and B(Yamagata),alternating among di-fferent years.However,type B(Yamagata)strains were not detected from 2020 to 2023.There were basically two influenza prevalence seasons every year,namely winter-spring and summer.Conclusion People＜15 years old are the main population of influenza,and the prevalence peaks are in winter-spring and summer.From 2021 to 2023,the prevalence alternates mainly among 3 types:A(H1N1),A(H3N2),and B(Victoria).