1.Spinal cord stimulation for spinal cord injury from 1999 to 2025: a bibliometric analysis
Yuanyuan QI ; Haifeng GAO ; Lina LIU ; Yujie XIE ; Jing XU ; Feng GAO ; Liang CHEN ; Degang YANG ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):373-386
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends in the field of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsLiterature about SCS for SCI was retrieve from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, with a time range from January, 1999 to July, 2025. VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace 6.4.R2 were used to analyze the annual publication volume, countries, authors, institutions, journals and keywords. ResultsA total of 636 literatures were included. From 1999 to 2025, the overall publication trend in this field showed an upward trajectory, with recent years fluctuating but tending to stabilize. The country with the most publications was the United States (429 papers), followed by Russia (98 papers) and China (70 papers). The institution with the highest number of publications was the University of California, Los Angeles (76 papers), the author with the most publications was V. Reggie Edgerton (70 papers), and the journal with the most publications was Journal of Clinical Medicine (31 papers). The most frequently cited study focused on exploring the combination of epidural spinal cord stimulation with task-specific training to restore motor function in patients with complete SCI. Keyword analysis showed that the research hotspots in this field were mainly focused on neuroregulation mechanisms, recovery of motor and autonomic nervous dysfunction, artificial intelligence, closed-loop stimulation and brain-computer interface technology innovations. In recent years, the research focus gradually shifted from basic mechanisms to personalized and precise multifunctional rehabilitation strategies. ConclusionThe field of SCS for SCI has undergone phases of basic mechanism exploration and clinical application expansion. Current research hotspots and future trends focus primarily on the development of new stimulation paradigms and combined innovative technologies.
2.Advances in the mechanisms of fibrosis at the electrode interface of invasive brain-computer interfaces and intervention strategies
Qi GAO ; Xiaofang CAO ; Hua HE ; Huajun ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(2):203-212
The invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) is a method that involves implanting microelectrodes into brain tissue to collect neural electrical signals. The signals obtained through this method are often of high precision and relatively stable. However, the chronic fibrotic reaction resulting from long-term implantation can significantly impair the quality of the collected brain electrical signals. Therefore, ensuring the long-term stability of signal acquisition is a major challenge in the development of invasive BCI. This paper systematically reviews the formation mechanisms of fibrosis at the electrode interface, elaborating on the progression from acute inflammatory responses to the development of chronic glial scars and the formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). It introduces the roles, advantages, and disadvantages of three anti-fibrosis strategies: material and surface optimization, drug and biological factor intervention, and integration of immune regulation and tissue engineering. This paper also evaluates their practical effects and limitations in animal and human clinical applications. Finally, it highlights the importance of establishment of standardized follow-up recording mechanisms in ensuring the long-term reliability and stability of invasive BCIs, providing references and insights for future in-depth interface optimization and clinical translation.
3.Construction of a community-family management model for older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Junli CHEN ; Han ZHANG ; Yefan ZHANG ; Yanqiu ZHANG ; Runguo GAO ; Qianqian GAO ; Weiqin CAI ; Haiyan LI ; Lihong JI ; Zhiwei DONG ; Qi JING
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):90-100
ObjectiveTo develop a community-family management model for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to formulate detailed application specifications, and to fully leverage the initiative of communities and families under limited resource conditions, for achieving community-based early detection and early intervention for older adults with MCI. MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to identify pertinent publications. Corpus-based research methodologies were employed to extract, refine, integrate and synthesize management elements, thereby establishing the specific content and service processes for each stage of the management model. Utilizing the 5W2H analytical framework, essential elements such as management stakeholders, target populations, content and methods for each stage were delineated. The model and its application guidelines were finalized through expert consultation and demonstration. ResultsAn expert evaluation of the management model yielded mean scores of 4.84, 4.32 and 4.84 for acceptability, feasibility and systematicity, respectively. By integrating the identified core elements with expert ratings and feedback, the final iteration of the community-family management model for older adults with MCI was formulated. This model comprised of five stages: screening and identification, comprehensive assessment, intervention planning, monitoring and referral pathways to ensure implementation, and enhanced support for communities, family members and caregivers. Additionally, it included 18 specific application guidelines. ConclusionThe proposed management model may theoretically help delay cognitive decline, improve cognitive function and potentially promote reversal from MCI to normal cognition. It may also enhance the awareness and coping capacity of older adults and their families, strengthen community healthcare professionals' ability to early identify and manage MCI.
4.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
5.Mechanisms of Jiangtang No. 3 Prescription in Alleviating Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Rats via TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway-mediated Inflammation
Tongxun WANG ; Lantian LIU ; Runqi LI ; Haoxiang LI ; Yi ZHAO ; Tian TIAN ; Rufeng MA ; Sihua GAO ; Dandan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):109-117
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Jiangtang No. 3 prescription on inflammatory pathways and insulin resistance-related indicators in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to elucidate its molecular mechanism in combating diabetes. MethodsA T2DM rat model was established using a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to the model group, metformin group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Jiangtang No. 3 prescription groups, and a normal group was also set. Daily gavage was administered for 8 weeks as follows: metformin at 0.1 g·kg-1·d-1, Jiangtang No. 3 prescription granules at 1.62, 3.24, 6.48 g·kg-1·d-1 for the respective dose groups, and sterile water for the normal and model groups. Rat body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were measured. After drug intervention, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and insulin (INS). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe morphological changes in adipose tissue. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in adipose tissue. Western blot was used to measure the corresponding protein expression levels. ResultsCompared with the model group, Jiangtang No. 3 prescription groups exhibited significantly increased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced FBG (P<0.05, P<0.01), significant reductions in TC, TG, NEFA, and LDL (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a significant increase in HDL (P<0.01). Serum levels of inflammatory mediators IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and adipose tissue pathology was improved. The protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and GSDMD were markedly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA expression levels of these indicators were also significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Some effects were superior to those of the positive control drug metformin, and certain indicators exhibited dose-dependent improvements. ConclusionT2DM rats display significant inflammatory responses, disordered glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. Jiangtang No. 3 prescription effectively suppresses inflammatory mediators, improves glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, and ameliorates pathological changes in adipose tissue. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in visceral adipose tissue, thereby influencing downstream inflammatory mediators.
6.Epigenetic mechanism of Diwu Yanggan Capsule in improving liver regeneration microenvironment in a rat model of liver cancer
Minggang WANG ; Jiamei DONG ; Zhihua YE ; Xiang GAO ; Qi CHEN ; Xiaoqiao YU ; Hanmin LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):362-371
ObjectiveTo investigate the epigenetic mechanism of Diwu Yanggan Capsule in improving liver regeneration microenvironment in a rat model of liver cancer by regulating DNA methylation, and to provide a basis for scientific clinical medication. MethodsA total of 48 specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal group, model group, and Diwu Yanggan Capsule group using a random number table, with 16 rats in each group. The Solt-Farber two-step method was used to establish a rat model of liver cancer. The rats in the Diwu Yanggan Capsule group were given Diwu Yanggan Capsule at a dose of 750 mg/kg/d by gavage, and those in the normal group and the model group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. Liver tissue samples were collected from each group of rats after 16 weeks of continuous intervention; DNA methylation chips were used to analyze the change in DNA methylation in liver tissue, and gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were used for data analysis. In addition, the MeDIP-PCR technique was used to detect the changes in candidate differentially methylated genes such as YWHAB, ADCK2, ERLIN2, SEMA3B, and TPH2 in the liver tissue of rats, and Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to verify the expression of key methylated genes. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, while the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsThe DNA methylation chip analysis showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significant methylation changes in the promoter region of 2 422 genes in liver tissue of rats. The GO functional enrichment analysis and the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that these differentially methylated genes were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis and drug metabolism-cytochrome P450. Compared with the model group, the Diwu Yanggan Capsule group had significant reversal of promoter methylation in 1 650 genes, and the KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these genes were mainly involved in the pathways closely associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis, and microenvironment regulation, such as the calcium ion signaling pathway, the cAMP signaling pathway, and the extracellular factor signaling pathway. Compared with the model group, the Diwu Yanggan Capsule group had a significant increase in the promoter methylation level of the ADCK2 gene (P<0.05) and significant reductions in the promoter methylation levels of the ERLIN2 and TPH2 genes (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the Diwu Yanggan Capsule group had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels and the protein expression levels of the ADCK2 (all P<0.05). ConclusionAbnormal DNA methylation in liver tissue participates in the development and progression of liver cancer. The effect of Diwu Yanggan Capsule on DNA methylation level is an important epigenetic mechanism for its effect in the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
7.Comparison of public awareness of tuberculosis control information in Inner Mongolia between the initial stage and 17 years after the implementation of DOTS strategy
Jiafu QI ; Pengfei GAO ; Jia SUN ; Yanqin YU ; Jinqi HAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):285-291
ObjectiveTo provide evidence for strengthening tuberculosis control in Inner Mongolia by analyzing changes and influencing factors in public awareness of tuberculosis prevention and control information among residents between the early stage and 17 years after the implementation of the directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) strategy. MethodsBased on the "National Public Knowledge, Belief and Behavior Questionnaire on Tuberculosis Prevention and Control" designed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a questionnaire survey was conducted among residents in Inner Mongolia using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis, and binary Logistic regression was employed to explore the influencing factors of public awareness of tuberculosis prevention and control information. ResultsThe overall awareness rate of core information on tuberculosis prevention and control among the public was 67.7% in 2006, and it decreased to 49.2% in 2023 (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed, compared with the groups aged 15-29, illiterate and semi-illiterate, those with public medical care, and those with three or fewer family members, the awareness rate of the groups aged 60 and above (OR=0.689), those with primary and junior high school education (OR=0.856), and those with self-paid medical care (OR=0.468) was significantly lower in 2006. The awareness rate was relatively high in groups with more than 3 family members (OR=1.236) (P<0.05). Compared with the groups aged 15-29, illiterate and semi-illiterate, married, Han ethnicity, employed, and those receiving public medical care, the awareness rate was higher among the groups aged 30-59 (OR=1.976), 60 and above (OR=2.224), those with high school education and above (OR=2.801), and single (OR=2.244) in 2023. However, the awareness rates of ethnic minorities (OR=0.737), the unemployed (OR=0.557), and self-funded medical care (OR=0.497) groups were significantly lower (P<0.05). ConclusionPublic awareness of TB prevention knowledge in Inner Mongolia remains suboptimal. Strengthening diversified health education campaigns, addressing social stigma, and improving healthcare access are critical to enhance regional TB control outcomes.
8.Protective effects and mechanisms of sodium pyruvate on storage lesions in human red blood cells
Haoning CHEN ; Qi MIAO ; Qiang GAO ; Xin SUN ; Shunyu MEI ; Li WANG ; Yun LIAN ; Honglin LUO ; Chenjie ZHOU ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):833-838
Objective: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of sodium pyruvate (SP) on RBC storage lesions using an oxidative damage model. Methods: Six units of leukocyte-depleted suspended RBCs (discarded for non-infectious reasons within three days post-collection) were randomly assigned to four groups: negative control (NS), positive control (PS), experimental group 1 (SP1), and experimental group 2 (SP2). Oxidative stress was induced in the PS group by the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H
O
), while SP1 and SP2 received SP supplementation at different concentrations (25 mM and 50 mM, respectively) in the presence of H
O
. After 1 hour of incubation, RBC morphology was assessed microscopically, and biochemical indicators including glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), methemoglobin (MetHb), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and Na
/K
-ATPase activity were measured. Results: RBCs in the PS group exhibited pronounced morphological damage, including cell shrinkage and echinocyte formation, whereas both SP-treated groups showed significantly reduced structural injury. SP treatment led to elevated GSH levels and decreased concentrations of MDA and MetHb, suggesting attenuation of oxidative stress. Additionally, SP enhanced intracellular ATP levels and Na
/K
-ATPase activity, thereby contributing to membrane stability. Notably, the SP2 group (50 mM) demonstrated superior protective effects compared to SP1 (25 mM). Conclusion: Sodium pyruvate effectively attenuates oxidative storage lesions in RBCs, primarily through its antioxidant properties, energy metabolism supporting ability, and celluar membrane stabilizing function. These findings suggest SP as a promising additive for enhancing the quality and safety of stored RBCs.
9.Microscope-assisted minimally invasive flap periodontal bone grafting for mandibular molar grade Ⅱ furcation defects
HUANG Rongyu ; GAO Li ; LUO Qi ; XIAO Jianhao ; MA Shanshan ; BAI Ruiqi
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(9):765-772
Objective:
To investigate the clinical efficacy of oral microscope-assisted microflap periodontal bone grafting in treating class Ⅱ furcation involvement in mandibular molars, and to provide clinical evidence for its treatment in furcation involvement.
Methods:
This study was reviewed and approved by the institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Sixty mandibular molars with class II furcation involvement caused by periodontitis were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical study, utilizing a random number table method. Patients were categorized into a control group (n=30) and an experimental group (n=30) based on the surgical procedure employed. The control group underwent periodontal flap surgery with an internal oblique incision and vertical incision; this procedure was performed without the aid of a microscope. Conversely, the experimental group underwent micro flap periodontal bone grafting surgery without vertical incision; an oral microscope was used for this procedure. Both groups were analyzed 6 months after surgery, and postoperative gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), vertical bone height increase (VBHI), pain level, and complications were recorded.
Results:
Both groups showed improvement in PD and BI after 6 months compared to preoperative levels: the control group had a preoperative PD of (7.33 ± 1.72 mm) and a 6-month postoperative PD of (3.37 ± 0.96 mm), with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The preoperative PD of the experimental group was (7.27 ± 1.57 mm), and the 6-month postoperative PD was (3.00 ± 0.69 mm), with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The BI of the control group decreased from 3.03 ± 1.03 before surgery to 0.77 ± 0.82 at 6 months after surgery (P<0.001), while the BI of the experimental group decreased from 3.20 ± 1.09 before surgery to 0.73 ± 0.64 at 6 months after surgery (P<0.001), and the differences were statistically significant. The experimental group showed a significant improvement in GR (0.70 ± 0.59 mm) compared to preoperative GR (1.26 ± 0.94 mm) at 6 months after surgery (P=0.007), while the control group showed an increase in GR (1.37 ± 0.89 mm) at 6 months after surgery compared to preoperative GR (1.13 ± 0.97 mm), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.337). The inter group comparison results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in PD and BI between the two groups at 6 months after surgery (PD: P=0.096, BI: P=0.861); The GR of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative VBHI between the two groups (P=0.128). The pain level scores of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group at 4 and 24 hours after surgery (P<0.001). None of the patients experienced complications.
Conclusion
Microflap periodontal bone grafting assisted by an oral microscope effectively improves the periodontal condition of patients with grade Ⅱ root bifurcation lesions of mandibular molars, and the bone grafting effect is good, with mild pain and good safety.
10.Houshihei San Repairs Skeletal Muscle Injury After Ischaemic Stroke by Regulating Ferroptosis Pathway
Hu QI ; Dan TIAN ; Xiongwei ZHANG ; Zeyang ZHANG ; Yuanlin GAO ; Yanning JIANG ; Xinran MIN ; Jiamin ZOU ; Jiuseng ZENG ; Nan ZENG ; Ruocong YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):1-11
ObjectiveTo investigate the pharmacodynamic effects of Houshihei San (HSHS) recorded with the effects of treating wind and limb heaviness on muscle tissue injury after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats through the ferroptosis pathway. MethodsThirty SD male rats were selected and randomly grouped as follows: sham, MCAO, deferoxamine mesylate, high-dose HSHS (HSHS-H, 0.54 g·kg-1), and low-dose HSHS (HSHS-L, 0.27 g·kg-1), with 6 rats in each group. A laser scattering system was used to evaluate the stability of the MCAO model, and rats were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 7 days. During the administration period, behavioral, imaging and other methods were used to systematically evaluate the skeletal muscle tissue injury after MCAO and the therapeutic effect in each administration group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to evaluate the cross-section of muscle cells. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry was used to detect tumor suppressor p53 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the soleus tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of p53, GPX4, myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD1), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Myostatin, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), muscle ring-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), and muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx) to verify the therapeutic effect in each group. ResultsCompared with the MCAO group, HSHS enhanced the locomotor ability and promoted muscle regeneration, which suggested that the pharmacological effects of HSHS were related to the inhibition of muscle tissue ferroptosis to reduce the expression of muscle atrophy factors. Behavioral and imaging results suggested that compared with the MCAO group, HSHS ameliorated neurological impairments in rats on day 7 (P<0.01), enhanced 5-min locomotor distance and postural control (P<0.01), strengthened grasping power and promoted muscle growth (P<0.01), stabilized skeletal muscle length and weight (P<0.01), and increased the cross-section of muscle cells (P<0.01). Compared with the MCAO group, HSHS promoted the increases in glutathione and superoxide dismutase content and inhibited the increase in malondialdehyde content (P<0.05,P<0.01). Ferroptosis pathway-related assays suggested that HSHS reduced the p53-positive cells and increased the GPX4-positive cells (P<0.01). HSHS ameliorated muscle function decline after stroke by promoting the expression of GPX4, Nrf2, SLC7A11, and MyoD1 and inhibiting the expression of p53, Myostatin, MurRF1, and MAFbx to reduce ferroptosis in the muscle (P<0.01). ConclusionHSHS, prepared with reference to the method in the Synopsis of Golden Chamber, can simultaneously reduce the myolysis and increase the protein synthesis in the skeletal muscle tissue after ischemic stroke by regulating the ferroptosis pathway.


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