Advances in viral encephalitis:Viral transmission,host immunity,and experimental animal models

Viral infections have led to many public health crises and pandemics in the last few centuries.Neurotropic virus infection-induced viral encephalitis(VE),especially the symptomatic inflammation of the meninges and brain parenchyma,has attracted growing attention due to its high mortality and disability rates.Understanding the infectious routes of neurotropic viruses and the mechanism underlying the host immune response is critical to reduce viral spread and improve antiviral therapy outcomes.In this review,we summarize the common categories of neurotropic viruses,viral transmission routes in the body,host immune responses,and experimental animal models used for VE study to gain a deeper understanding of recent progress in the pathogenic and immunological mechanisms under neurotropic viral infection.This review should provide valuable resources and perspectives on how to cope with pandemic infections.

Effects of mesenchymal stem cell on dopaminergic neurons,motor and memory functions in animal models of Parkinson's disease:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Parkinson’s disease is chara cterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars com pacta,and although restoring striatal dopamine levels may improve symptoms,no treatment can cure or reve rse the disease itself.Stem cell therapy has a regenerative effect and is being actively studied as a candidate for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.Mesenchymal stem cells are considered a promising option due to fewer ethical concerns,a lower risk of immune rejection,and a lower risk of teratogenicity.We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives on motor function,memory,and preservation of dopamine rgic neurons in a Parkinson’s disease animal model.We searched bibliographic databases(PubMed/MEDLINE,Embase,CENTRAL,Scopus,and Web of Science)to identify articles and included only pee r-reviewed in vivo interve ntional animal studies published in any language through J une 28,2023.The study utilized the random-effect model to estimate the 95%confidence intervals(CI)of the standard mean differences(SMD)between the treatment and control groups.We use the systematic review center for laboratory animal expe rimentation’s risk of bias tool and the collaborative approach to meta-analysis and review of animal studies checklist for study quality assessment.A total of 33studies with data from 840 Parkinson’s disease model animals were included in the meta-analysis.Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells significantly improved motor function as assessed by the amphetamine-induced rotational test.Among the stem cell types,the bone marrow MSCs with neurotrophic factor group showed la rgest effect size(SMD[95%CI]=-6.21[-9.50 to-2.93],P=0.0001,I^(2)=0.0%).The stem cell treatment group had significantly more tyrosine hydroxylase positive dopamine rgic neurons in the striatum([95%CI]=1.04[0.59 to 1.49],P=0.0001,I^(2)=65.1%)and substantia nigra(SMD[95%CI]=1.38[0.89 to 1.87],P=0.0001,I^(2)=75.3%),indicating a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons.Subgroup analysis of the amphetamine-induced rotation test showed a significant reduction only in the intracranial-striatum route(SMD[95%CI]=-2.59[-3.25 to-1.94],P=0.0001,I^(2)=74.4%).The memory test showed significant improvement only in the intravenous route(SMD[95%CI]=4.80[1.84 to 7.76],P=0.027,I^(2)=79.6%).Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to positively impact motor function and memory function and protect dopaminergic neurons in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease.Further research is required to determine the optimal stem cell types,modifications,transplanted cell numbe rs,and delivery methods for these protocols.

Exploration of the Characteristics of Animal Supply and Demand in University Experimental Teaching Pratice

The supply and demand of laboratory animals for teaching in colleges and universities has its own internal characteristics.To grasp the supply and demand characteristics of laboratory animals for teaching is of vital importance to the planning,supply and use of teaching animals,the realization of teaching objectives and the completion of teaching tasks.Based on the supply of teaching experimental animals and the work of animal experimental teaching in our university in recent years,this paper expounds the inherent characteristics and practice of supply and demand of teaching experimental animals.

Complete Achilles Tenotomy:A New Improved Experimental Surgical Technique in Rats

Rupture of the Achilles tendon is one of the most frequent tendon injuries in humans. However, there is no standard surgical technique thus far to reproduce complete rupture of this tendon in rats. Surgical procedures were performed in Wistar rats under light microscopy, with posterior longitudinal incision and preservation of the plantaris tendon. The animals were sacrificed on 2nd and 8th postoperative week and we used hematoxilin and eosin, picrosirius-red and Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin to observe general tendon healing. The mean operative time was one minute and 24 seconds. Histological studies showed cellular proliferation and fibrillogenesis at two weeks, with decreased amounts of cellularity and elastic fibers at the 8th week, besides changes in structural organization of collagen fibers. The complete Achilles tenotomy in rats, was improved under light microscopy and sparing the plantaris tendon. This surgical technique was simple and quick, showed signs of normal healing process, could be easily reproducible, and triggered translational researches in this area.

Experimental study of tibial transverse bone transfer on wound healing of diabetic rabbit leg ulcer

Objective To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of tibial transverse bone transfer in the treatment of lower limb ulcer wounds in diabetic rabbits.Methods Animal models of diabetic foot lower extremity ischemia were made,and grouped Animal models of diabetic foot lower extremity ischemia were made,and grouped control studies were designed to evaluate the time of wound healing and the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),platelet derived growth factor(PDGF),and epidermal cell growth factor(EGF)in the wound during the same period of time.Results In animal experiments,transverse tibial bone transfer can shorten the healing time of diabetic ulcer and increase the expression of wound growth factor(VEGF,PDGF,EGF).Conclusion In animal experiments,diabetes can inhibit the expression of growth factors(VEGF,PDGF,EGF)in ulcer wounds,and tibial transverse bone transfer can promote wound healing.The mechanism may be related to the increased expression of VEGF,PDGF and EGF in the wound surface.

Fundus photography,fundus fluorescein angiography,and optical coherence tomography of healthy cynomolgus monkey,New Zealand rabbit,Sprague Dawley rat,and BALB/c mouse retinas

Background:A variety of experimental animal models are used in basic ophthalmological research to elucidate physiological mechanisms of vision and disease pathogenesis.The choice of animal model is based on the measurability of specific parameters or structures,the applicability of clinical measurement technologies,and the similarity to human eye function.Studies of eye pathology usually compare optical parameters between a healthy and altered state,so accurate baseline assessments are critical,but few reports have comprehensively examined the normal anatomical structures and physiological functions in these models.Methods:Three cynomolgus monkeys,six New Zealand rabbits,ten Sprague Dawley(SD)rats,and BALB/c mice were examined by fundus photography(FP),fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA),and optical coherence tomography(OCT).Results:Most retinal structures of cynomolgus monkey were anatomically similar to the corresponding human structures as revealed by FP,FFA,and OCT.New Zealand rabbits have large eyeballs,but they have large optic disc and myelinated retinal nerve fibers in their retinas,and the growth pattern of retinal vessels were also different to the human retinas.Unlike monkeys and rabbits,the retinal vessels of SD rats and BALB/c mice were widely distributed and clear.The OCT performance of them were similar with human beings except the macular.Conclusions:Monkey is a good model to study changes in retinal structure associated with fundus disease,rabbits are not suitable for studies on retinal vessel diseases and optic nerve diseases,and rats and mice are good models for retinal vascular diseases.These measures will help guide the choice of model and measurement technology and reduce the number of experimental animals required.

Study on prescription medication mode and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of noncritical COVID-19 based on data mining

Background:As of 2023,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is still spreading globally.Therefore,we aim to integrate non-critical COVID-19 high-frequency and high-targeting Chinese medicines to provide a reference for clinical prescriptions to improve COVID-19-related symptoms.Materials and methods:The information on non-critical COVID-19 high-frequency Chinese medicines in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 was obtained by the TCM inheritance support platform.Using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,high-targeting Chinese medicines with good docking activity with COVID-19 receptors angiotensin-converting enzyme-II(ACE2),3CLpro and tyrosine-protein kinase receptor UFO(AXL)were obtained.A new prescription for non-critical COVID-19 was established by integrating high-frequency and high-targeting Chinese medicines.Rats with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide were used as the experimental model.The histopathological changes in the lungs of rats in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The lung coefficient of rats was measured.The levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1βin serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The mRNA and protein levels of ACE2 and AXL in lung tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot.Results:Through data mining,it was found that there were 39 high-frequency traditional Chinese medicines for non-critical COVID-19 in the diagnosis and treatment guidelines.According to network pharmacology and molecular docking,30 highly targeted traditional Chinese drugs for COVID-19 were found.The new prescriptions for non-critical COVID-19 were comprehensively obtained,including Glycyrrhizae Radix,Ephedra Herba,Amygdalus Communis Vas,Gypsum Fibrosum,Descurainiae Semen,Atractylodes Lancea,Scutellariae Radix,Amomum Tsao-Ko Crevostet,Forsythiae Fructus,Pogostemon cablin,Magnolia Officinalis.Compared with the LPS-induced lung injury model group,the medium dose of the new prescription group had significantly alleviated pathological changes in lung tissue,decreased lung coefficient,decreased contents of IL-6,TNF-αand IL-1β,and increased mRNA and protein expression of ACE2 and AXL(P<0.05).Conclusion:Based on data mining,network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,the new prescription for non-critical COVID-19 established by this method has an anti-inflammatory effect on rats with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide and can provide a reference for clinicians to alleviate the symptoms related to non-critical COVID-19.

Regulation of Quan Du Zhong capsule on VEGF/bFGF and expression of Bcl‑2/Bax and Caspase‑3 protein in the repairing process of canine femoral head necrosis

Objective:To explore the repair and treatment effect of Quan Du Zhong capsule on necrosis of femoral head in dogs.Methods:Totally 12 beagles were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Quan Du Zhong capsule group and Xianlinggubao capsule group,with three in each group.In addition to the normal group,the other groups established the femoral head necrosis model by liquid nitrogen alternative freezing.The normal group and the model group did not have any intervention during the modeling period,and the Quan Du Zhong group began to receive the Quan Du Zhong by gavage on the day of modeling;Xianlinggubao capsule group was given Xianlinggubao capsule by gavage once a day for 12 consecutive weeks on the day of modeling.The levels of VEGF and bFGF in the blood vessels of each group at the 12th week were compared,and the ratios of BMD,BS/BV,BV/TV,Tb.Th,Tb.N were measured by Micro CT,and the expressions of Bcl-2,Bax,Caspase-3 proteins were detected by immune reaction.Results:1.Compared with the normal group,the level of serum VEGF and bFGF in the model group decreased after 12 weeks of modeling(P<0.05);Compared with the model group,the levels of serum VEGF and bFGF water in the Xianlinggubao capsule group and the Quan Du Zhong capsule group increased on average at the 12th week of modeling,with statistical difference(P<0.05).The level of the Quan Du Zhong capsule group was the highest,followed by the Xianlinggubao capsule group.2.Compared with the normal group,BMD,BS/BV,BV/TV,Tb.Th and Tb.N in the model group were lower,and Tb.SP were higher,the results were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the BMD,BV/TV,Tb.Th and Tb.N of Xianlinggubao capsule group and the total eucommia capsule group increased,while the BS/BV and Tb.SP decreased(P<0.05).3.The Quan Du Zhong capsule group and Xianlinggubao capsule group could significantly increase the expression of bcl-2 protein in the femoral head of dogs,which was significantly different from the model group(P<0.05).The expression of bax protein in the femoral head of dogs in the Quan Du Zhong capsule group and the Xianlinggubao capsule group was significantly reduced compared with the model group(P<0.05).The expression of caspase-3 protein in the femoral head of dogs was significantly reduced in the Quan Du Zhong capsule group and Xianlinggubao capsule group,which was significantly different from the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Quan Du Zhong capsule can increase the expression of VEGF and bFGF in serum,increase the expression of bcl-2,inhibit the expression of bax,and reduce the expression of caspase-3,which plays a synergistic role in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head,and has potential targets.

High Linoleic Acid in the Food Supply Worldwide-What are the Consequences?

The macronutrient composition of food supply in China has altered dramatically in the past 70 years.Fat(oil)has increased more than 4.2-times while the carbohydrate content has declined by 34%.Vegetable oils are the major component of the fat intake and since these oils are rich in linoleic acid,there has been a significant rise in the consumption of this fatty acid(as much as a 4-fold rise).Linoleic acid has essential functions in the body in skin and as a precursor of prostaglandins and related compounds.The current intakes of linoleic acid are well in excess of the minimum requirements.In this review,the effects of a food supply rich in linoleic acid on pain in arthritis and headache,non-alcoholic fatty liver and neural function are explored,with emphasis on lipid mediators derived from linoleic acid and other long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.The current world food systems have created an imbalance of dietary linoleic acid in relation to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,and an imbalance in the lipid mediators derived from these polyunsaturated fatty acids which may be contributing to sub-optimal health status.

Structural shift of gut microbiota during chemopreventive effects of epigallocatechin gallate on colorectal carcinogenesis in mice

AIM To investigate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) on structural changes of gut microbiota in colorectal carcinogenesis.METHODS An azoxymethane(AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced colitis mouse model was established. Fortytwo female FVB/N mice were randomly divided into the following three groups: group 1(10 mice, negative control) was treated with vehicle, group 2(16 mice, positive control) was treated with AOM plus vehicle, and group 3(16 mice, EG) was treated with AOM plus EGCG. For aberrant crypt foci(ACF) evaluation, the colons were rapidly took out after sacrifice, rinsed with saline, opened longitudinally, laid flat on a polystyrene board, and fixed with 10% buffered formaldehyde solution before being stained with 0.2% methylene blue in saline. For tumor evaluation, the colon was macroscopically inspected and photographed, then the total number of tumors was enumerated and tumor size measured. For histological examination, the fixed tissues were paraffin-embedded and sectioned at 5 mm thickness. Microbial genomic DNA was extracted from fecal and intestinal content samples using a commercial kit. The V4 hypervariable regions of 16 S r RNA were PCR-amplified with the barcoded fusion primers. Using the best hit classification option, the sequences from each sample were aligned to the RDP 16 S r RNA training set to classify the taxonomic abundance in QIIME. Statistical analyses were then performed.RESULTS Treatment of mice with 1% EGCG caused a significant decrease in the mean number of ACF per mouse, when compared with the model mice treated with AOM/DSS(5.38 ± 4.24 vs 13.13 ± 3.02, P < 0.01). Compared with the positive control group, 1% EGCG treatment dependently decreased tumor load per mouse by 85%(33.96 ± 6.10 vs 2.96 ± 2.86, respectively, P < 0.01). All revealed that EGCG could inhibit colon carcinogenesis by decreasing the number of precancerous lesions as well as solid tumors, with reduced tumor load and delayed histological progression of CRC. During the cancerization, the diversity of gut microbiota increased, potential carcinogenic bacteria such as Bacteroides were enriched, and the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria(Clostridiaceae, Ruminococcus, etc.) decreased continuously. In contrast, the structure of gut microbiota was relatively stable during the intervention of EGCG on colon carcinogenesis. Enrichment of probiotics(Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillu, etc.) might be a potential mechanism for EGCG's effects on tumor suppression. Via bioinformatics analysis, principal coordinate analysis and cluster analysis of the tumor formation process, we found that the diversity of gut microbiota increased in the tumor model group while that in the EGCG interfered group(EG) remained relatively stable.CONCLUSION Gut microbiota imbalance might be a potential mechanism for the prevention of malignant transformation by EGCG, which is significant for diagnosis, treatment, prognosis evaluation, and prevention of colorectal cancer.

Stem cell therapy for Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment.It is caused by synaptic failure and excessive accumulation of misfolded proteins.To date,almost all advanced clinical trials on specific AD-related pathways have failed mostly due to a large number of neurons lost in the brain of patients with AD.Also,currently available drug candidates intervene too late.Stem cells have improved characteristics of self-renewal,proliferation,differentiation,and recombination with the advent of stem cell technology and the transformation of these cells into different types of central nervous system neurons and glial cells.Stem cell treatment has been successful in AD animal models.Recent preclinical studies on stem cell therapy for AD have proved to be promising.Cell replacement therapies,such as human embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neural cells,have the potential to treat patients with AD,and human clinical trials are ongoing in this regard.However,many steps still need to be taken before stem cell therapy becomes a clinically feasible treatment for human AD and related diseases.This paper reviews the pathophysiology of AD and the application prospects of related stem cells based on cell type.

Is it necessary to use the entire root as a donor when transferring contralateral C7 nerve to repair median nerve？

If a partial contralateral C_7 nerve is transferred to a recipient injured nerve, results are not satisfactory. However, if an entire contralateral C_7 nerve is used to repair two nerves, both recipient nerves show good recovery. These findings seem contradictory, as the above two methods use the same donor nerve, only the cutting method of the contralateral C_7 nerve is different. To verify whether this can actually result in different repair effects, we divided rats with right total brachial plexus injury into three groups. In the entire root group, the entire contralateral C_7 root was transected and transferred to the median nerve of the affected limb. In the posterior division group, only the posterior division of the contralateral C_7 root was transected and transferred to the median nerve. In the entire root + posterior division group, the entire contralateral C_7 root was transected but only the posterior division was transferred to the median nerve. After neurectomy, the median nerve was repaired on the affected side in the three groups. At 8, 12, and 16 weeks postoperatively, electrophysiological examination showed that maximum amplitude, latency, muscle tetanic contraction force, and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle were significantly better in the entire root and entire root + posterior division groups than in the posterior division group. No significant difference was found between the entire root and entire root + posterior division groups. Counts of myelinated axons in the median nerve were greater in the entire root group than in the entire root + posterior division group, which were greater than the posterior division group. We conclude that for the same recipient nerve, harvesting of the entire contralateral C_7 root achieved significantly better recovery than partial harvesting, even if only part of the entire root was used for transfer. This result indicates that the entire root should be used as a donor when transferring contralateral C_7 nerve.

Neural stem cell therapy for brain disease

Brain diseases, including brain tumors, neurodegenerative disorders, cerebrovasculardiseases, and traumatic brain injuries, are among the major disordersinfluencing human health, currently with no effective therapy. Due to the lowregeneration capacity of neurons, insufficient secretion of neurotrophic factors,and the aggravation of ischemia and hypoxia after nerve injury, irreversible lossof functional neurons and nerve tissue damage occurs. This damage is difficult torepair and regenerate the central nervous system after injury. Neural stem cells(NSCs) are pluripotent stem cells that only exist in the central nervous system.They have good self-renewal potential and ability to differentiate into neurons,astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes and improve the cellular microenvironment.NSC transplantation approaches have been made for various neurodegenerativedisorders based on their regenerative potential. This review summarizes anddiscusses the characteristics of NSCs, and the advantages and effects of NSCs inthe treatment of brain diseases and limitations of NSC transplantation that need tobe addressed for the treatment of brain diseases in the future.

Animal modeling in bone research—Should we follow the White Rabbit?

Animal models are live subjects applied to translational research.They provide insights into human diseases and enhance biomedical knowledge.Livestock development has favored the pace of human social development over millennia.Today's society is more aware of animal welfare than past generations.The general public has marked objections to animal research and many species are falling into disuse.The search for an ideal methodology to replace animal use is on,but animal modeling still holds great importance to human health.Bone research,in particular,has unmet requirements that in vitro technologies cannot fully address.Standardizing novel models remains necessary and rabbits are gaining in popularity as potential bone models.Our aim here is to provide a broad overview of animal modeling and its ethical implications,followed by a narrower focus on bone research and the role rabbits are playing in the current scenario.

Survival effect of probiotics in a rat model of colorectal cancer treated with capecitabine

BACKGROUND Probiotics are used to manage a number of gastrointestinal disorders due to their beneficial properties.Clinical reports showed that probiotics also improve the life quality of patients with colorectal cancer(CRC)subjected to oncologic treatment.In a CRC animal model,probiotics supplementation has the potential to decrease the formation of aberrant crypts and ameliorate tumor malignancy,enhancing the antitumor effect of 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)chemotherapy.Based on these data,we hypothesize that the administration of probiotics impact positively in the overall survival and life quality of rats with CRC under the treatment of capecitabine,which is the pro drug of 5-FU.AIM To evaluate the probiotics effects in a rat CRC model treated with capecitabine and followed until the end of life.METHODS 1,2-Dimethylhidrazine dihydrochloride(1,2-DMH)was employed as carcinogen inductor of CRC.Fifty male Wistar-Lewis rats were randomly assigned to one of five following groups:Control(n=5),Control+probiotics(Control-P group,n=5),1,2-DMH alone(DMH group,n=10),1,2-DMH+capecitabine(DMH-C group,n=10),1,2-DMH+probiotics(DMH-P group,n=10)and 1,2-DMH+capecitabine+probiotics(DMH-C-P group,n=10).All parametric data were expressed as the mean±SD.The statistical significance of differences was analyzed using one-way ANOVA.Data were analyzed with InfoStat software.The results were considered statistically significant at P<0.05.Overall survival was evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier estimator with the log-rank test.RESULTS The data of mean overall survival for DMH,DMH-P,DMH-C,DMH-C-P,Control and Control-P groups were 250 d[95%confidence interval(CI):242.5-253.1],268 d(95%CI:246.3-271.4),380 d(95%CI:337.8-421.9),480 d(95%CI:436.9-530.7),588 d(95%CI:565.8-609.3)and 590 d(95%CI:564.3-612.9),respectively,with a significant difference between DMH-C and DMH-C-P groups(P=0.001).Comparing all groups by Kaplan-Meier estimator,we found a significantly different in the overall survival of DMH and DMH-P groups respect to DMH-C(P=0.001)and DMH-C-P(P=0.001)groups;interestingly,there were no meaningful differences between Control,Control-P and DMH-C-P groups(P=0.012).The tendency of change in body weight gain of the rats at 90 d of finishing DMH administration was similar in Control group compared with DMH-C and DMHC-P groups;however,and of relevance,DMH-C-P group has experienced a higher body weight gain at the end of animal’s life than DMH-C group(P=0.001).In DMH-C-P group we found a positive effect of probiotics in clinical manifestations since diarrhea,constipation and blood stool were absenting.Also,the tumor burden was lower in DMH-C-P than DMH-C,DMH-P or DMH groups(1.25 vs 1.81 vs 3.9 vs 4.8 cm2,respectively).DMH-C and DMH-C-P groups showed only mucinous carcinoma type while in other DMH groups the tumor types were variable.However,mucinous carcinoma from DMH-C-P group showed invasion until muscularis propria layer.Interestingly,metastatic lymph node was observed in DMH,DMH-C and DMH-P groups but not in DMH-C-P.All animals in Control group died from natural causes without objective injuries.All animals of DMH and DMH-P groups died from tumor complications(i.e.,obstruction or intestinal perforation);however,this cause was seen only in 44.5%of DMH-C and DMH-C-P groups CONCLUSION Probiotics administration improves life quality of rats with CRC under capecitabine treatment and also has a positive effect in the overall survival of these animals treated with this drug.

Influence of the heat irrigating effect of radiofrequency ablation on regional liver tissue in Bama miniature pigs

BACKGROUND The results of the heat irrigating effect of radiofrequency ablation(RFA)are uncertain,and the accurate impact of the heat irrigating effect on regional liver tissue is unknown due to a lack of control experiments.AIM The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the heat irrigating effect of RFA on regional liver tissue in Bama miniature pigs.METHODS Eight Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into the observation group(group A)and the control group(group B),with 4 pigs/group.An RFA electrode needle was implanted near the hepatic segment vasculature(3-5 mm from the hepatic segment portal vein)under ultrasound guidance in group A.Similarly,an RFA electrode needle was implanted far from the hepatic segment vasculature(8-10 mm from the hepatic segment portal vein)in group B.The left internal lobe and right medial lobe were chosen as RFA sites in each pig.RFA was performed at the left internal lobe on day one in each pig,and at the right medial lobe 7 d later.Each RFA lasted 12 min.The general status of the pigs and serious complications were observed during the perioperative period.The pigs were sacrificed and the livers were removed immediately after RFA on the eighth day.The samples were roughly observed.Hematoxylin-eosin and Ki67 staining,as well as TUNEL detection,were performed on the tissue sections.RESULTS All 8 animals successfully underwent ultrasound-guided RFA.No serious complications,such as massive hemorrhage,biliary fistula,severe pleural effusion,pneumothorax,peripheral organ failure,or renal failure occurred in any of the animals during the perioperative period.The RFA coagulative necrosis lesion was spherical and the surrounding liver tissue showed an inflammatory response.The difference in the Suzuki score of the liver tissue surrounding the ablated portal vein,and its distal area between groups A and B,was statistically significant(P<0.05).More apoptotic cells were seen in liver tissue surrounding the ablated portal vein and its distal area in group A,while fewer apoptotic cells in the same area were seen in group B.The difference in the apoptotic index of the above area between group A and group B was statistically significant(P<0.05).Cells staining positive for Ki67 were observed in liver tissue at the left internal lobe around the ablated portal vein and its distal area in group A.No Ki67 staining positive cells were observed in other tissue sections.The difference in the Ki67 staining positive index in the above area was statistically significant(P<0.05)between group A and group B.CONCLUSION Changes as a result of thermal damage occur in liver tissue around the ablated portal vein and its distal area due to the heat irrigating effect when the RFA electrode tip is close to(<5 mm)the portal vein.

Application of molybdenum target X-ray photography in imaging analysis of caudal intervertebral disc degeneration in rats

BACKGROUND Conventional plain X-ray images of rats,the most common animals used as degeneration models,exhibit unclear vertebral structure and blurry intervertebral disc spaces due to their small size,slender vertebral bodies.AIM To apply molybdenum target X-ray photography in the evaluation of caudal intervertebral disc(IVD)degeneration in rat models.METHODS Two types of rat caudal IVD degeneration models(needle-punctured model and endplate-destructed model)were established,and their effectiveness was verified using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.Molybdenum target inspection and routine plain X-ray were then performed on these models.Additionally,four observers were assigned to measure the intervertebral height of degenerated segments on molybdenum target plain X-ray images and routine plain X-ray images,respectively.The degeneration was evaluated and statistical analysis was subsequently conducted.RESULTS Nine rats in the needle-punctured model and 10 rats in the endplate-destructed model were effective.Compared with routine plain X-ray images,molybdenum target plain X-ray images showed higher clarity,stronger contrast,as well as clearer and more accurate structural development.The McNemar test confirmed that the difference was statistically significant(P=0.031).In the two models,the reliability of the intervertebral height measured by the four observers on routine plain X-ray images was poor(ICC<0.4),while the data obtained from the molybdenum target plain X-ray images were more reliable.CONCLUSIONMolybdenum target inspection can obtain clearer images and display fine calcification in the imaging evaluation of caudal IVD degeneration in rats,thus ensuring a more accurate evaluation of degeneration.

Morphological and functional study of ischemic left ventricle after laser transmural revascularization

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Efficacy of hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection with SOUTEN in gastric lesions:An ex vivo porcine model basic study

BACKGROUND Hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)that comprises mucosal incision and partial submucosal dissection followed by snaring in a planned manner,has been developed for endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal neoplasms to overcome the technical barrier of ESD.Although the superiority of hybrid ESD with SOUTEN,a single multifunctional device,over conventional ESD has been indicated,the actual effect of snaring itself remains unclear since SOUTEN could be applied to hybrid ESD group,but not to the conventional ESD group,due to ethical issue in clinical practice.AIM To determine whether and how hybrid ESD was superior to conventional ESD in the endoscopic treatment of gastric lesions in an ex vivo porcine model basic study.METHODS Sixteen endoscopists participated in this basic study in August 2020 at Kyushu University,performing 32 procedures each for hybrid ESD and conventional ESD.Mock lesions(10-15 mm,diameter)were created in the porcine stomach.The primary outcome was total procedure time and secondary outcomes were en bloc or complete resection,perforation,procedure time/speed for both,mucosal incision,and submucosal dissection.Factors associated with difficulty in ESD including longer procedure time,incomplete resection,and perforation,were also investigated.Categorical and continuous data were analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test,respectively.RESULTS The median total procedure time of hybrid ESD was significantly shorter than that of conventional ESD(median:8.3 min vs 16.2 min,P<0.001).Time,speed,and the amount of hyaluronic acid during submucosal dissection were more favorable in hybrid ESD than conventional ESD(time,5.2 min vs 10.4 min,P<0.001;speed,43.7 mm^(2)/min vs 23.8 mm^(2)/min,P<0.00;injection volume,1.5 mL vs 3.0 mL,P<0.001),although no significant differences in those factors were observed between both groups during mucosal incision.There was also no significant difference between both groups in the en bloc/complete resection rate and perforation rate(complete resection,93.8%vs 87.5%,P=0.67;perforation,0% vs 3.1%,P=1).Selection of conventional ESD as the treatment method was significantly associated with difficulties during ESD(odds ratio=10.2;highest among factors).CONCLUSION Hybrid ESD with SOUTEN improves the treatment outcomes of gastric lesions.It also has the potential to reduce medical costs since SOUTEN is a single multifunctional device that is inexpensive.