ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.

Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus is a Chinese medicinal material used for clearing heat， detoxicifying， resolving phlegm， and dissipating nodules. It is derived from Cremastra appendiculata， Pleione bulbocodioides， or Pleione yunnanensis， as recorded in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People′s Republic of China， with the former known as Maocigu and the latter two known as Bingqiuzi. Current antitumor studies mainly focus on polysaccharides， water-extracted alcohol-precipitated fractions， and purified extracts of C. appendiculata. Structurally characterized glucomannans suppress breast and liver tumor xenografts and exhibit immunomodulatory effects. The water-extracted alcohol-precipitated fractions inhibit tumor angiogenesis in hepatoma-bearing mice. A purified C. appendiculata extract standardized to five phenanthrene and bibenzyl constituents induces mitochondrial apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Reported pharmacological effects involve cell-cycle regulation， apoptosis， epithelial-mesenchymal transition， angiogenesis， autophagy， and the tumor immune microenvironment， with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR）， Wnt/β-catenin， and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （JAK2/STAT3） signaling pathways being the major mechanism links. Quality evaluation of Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus has progressed from single-marker assays to an integrated approach involving botanical authentication， chromatographic fingerprinting， multicomponent analysis， and evaluation of associations between blood-absorbed constituents and antitumor effects. Militarine and dactylorhin A can be used for botanical identification and batch evaluation， and in vivo exposure data from related orchids are concentrated on militarine. Quantitative associations between these constituents and antitumor effects remain to be established. Clinical evidence mainly focuses on formula-based applications and expert experience. Comparative antitumor data in hepatoma models are available for the commercial specifications of Maocigu and Bingqiuzi， whereas parallel evaluations of pharmacological effects， safety windows， and drug interactions among the three official botanical origins remain insufficient. The major limitations are the incomplete standardization of botanical origins and preparations and the lack of quantitative links among quality markers， systemic exposure， antitumor effects， and toxicity endpoints， which constrain reproducible pharmacological evaluation and clinical translation of Cremastrae Pseudobulbus/Pleiones Pseudobulbus.

Objective To investigate the learning curve of real-life vaginal delivery,including its difficult steps and influencing factors,to optimize the future training of vaginal delivery for residents in department of obstetrics and gynecology.Methods From 25 Sep 2020 to 12 Mar 2022,OBGYN residents without previous experiences in vaginal delivery were prospectively enrolled in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University.Residents performed normal vaginal delivery under the supervision of senior obstetricians and midwives.The performance score(PS)of vaginal delivery and its 9 steps were evaluated via a questionnaire fulfilled by the supervisor once each delivery was finished.Logistic regression models were performed for univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate the factors that might be correlated with the PS.Results Eventually,233 deliveries performed by 60 residents were analyzed.Results showed that more than 10 deliveries were needed for 70%of residents to obtain minimal competence of vaginal delivery.Perineal protection,delivery of the fetal head,delivery of the fetal shoulders and repair of episiotomy or laceration were found to be the most difficult steps,which required more practices to achieve minimal competence level.Univariate analyses showed the delivery experience,the times of observation/simulation/training,and humanistic care skills might influence the total PS(P<0.05).However,only delivery experience(OR=1.43,95%CI:1.22-1.67)and the times of observation(OR=1.02,95%CI:1.00-1.04)were found to be independently correlated with the total PS in multivariate analyses.Conclusion More than 10 real-life practices were required to achieve the minimal competence of normal vaginal delivery.Enhancing the training on the four difficult steps of vaginal delivery might improve the learning efficiency when delivery opportunities are limited.

Objective:To develop a maternal assessment scale integrating both positive (affirmation, optimism, self-confidence) and negative psychological states (fear, anxiety, depression) throughout the entire pregnancy cycle and evaluate its reliability and validity.Methods:In December 2020, the scale items were preliminarily identified through a literature review, forming a 55-item questionnaire for pilot survey and expert interviews. A pilot survey was conducted among registered pregnant women at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from April to May 2021. The feasibility and reliability of the questionnaire was validated through reliability and validity analysis, and revisions were made based on the feedback. The finalized version comprised 43 items, categorized into four key event dimensions (pregnancy, childbirth, transition to motherhood, and complications) and six psychological state dimensions (affirmation, fear, anxiety, depression, optimism, and self-confidence). Among these psychological states, affirmation, self-confidence, and optimism represent positive states, while fear, anxiety, and depression reflect negative states. A formal survey was conducted from December 2021 to November 2022. The normality, multicollinearity, reliability, construct validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of each item were analyzed.Results:(1) General information: A total of 625 participants were involved in the pilot survey. For the formal survey, 8 045 questionnaires were distributed, with 6 273 valid responses (78.0%). Among the valid questionnaires, 5 694 (90.8%) reported positive psychological states and 579 (9.2%) negative states. All of the psychological state dimensions were correlated (all P<0.01), with no multicollinearity detected [variance inflation factor (VIF)<10]. The four key event dimensions were also correlated (all P<0.01), with no multicollinearity (VIF<10). (2) Reliability: The overall Cronbach's α coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.830, and removing any single item resulted in the value remaining>0.6. Cronbach's α coefficient values for affirmation, fear, anxiety, depression, optimism, and self-confidence were 0.772, 0.724, 0.648, 0.551, 0.257, and 0.740, respectively. The values for the key event dimensions were as follows: 0.722 for pregnancy, 0.554 for childbirth, 0.621 for transition to motherhood, and 0.568 for complications. (3) Model fit: For the psychological states, the Chi-square to degrees of freedom ratio ( χ2/df) was 19.979 (>3), and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.055 (<0.08). The model of key event dimensions had a χ2/df of 48.557, RMSEA of 0.087, comparative fit index of 0.400 (<0.9), and incremental fit index of 0.400 (<0.9). (4) Convergent and discriminant validity: The average variance extraction (AVE) values for affirmation, fear, anxiety, depression, optimism, and self-confidence were 0.407, 0.099, 0.188, 0.223, 0.419, and 0.362, with composite reliability (CR) values of 0.822, 0.730, 0.655, 0.584, 0.627, and 0.786, respectively. In the model of key event dimensions, the AVE values for pregnancy, childbirth, transition to motherhood, and complications were 0.167, 0.287, 0.328, and 0.166, with CR values of 0.555, 0.832, 0.746, and 0.633, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between all psychological dimensions except optimism-depression and self-confidence-anxiety pairs (all P<0.05). All four key event dimensions were significantly correlated (all P<0.05). Conclusions:This study preliminarily develops a maternal psychological status assessment scale with satisfactory reliability and validity. This scale can be used to evaluate the comprehensive psychological states of pregnant women during critical pregnancy-related events.

Objective To investigate the influence of helical tomographic radiotherapy plans with different combinations of lead gate width,pitch and algorithms on threading effects.Methods A target model was established with a Cheese Phantom used as the simulated human body,then three lead gate widths(1.0,2.5,and 5.0 cm),six screw pitches(0.143,0.172,0.215,0.287,0.430,and 0.500)and two computational grids(Fine algorithm and Normal algorithm)were respectively combined for designing the helical tomography radiotherapy plans.The radiotherapy plans with a pitch of 0.143,0.172,0.215,0.287 or 0.430 were enrolled into an experimental group,and the plans with a pitch of 0.500 were divided into a control group.The dosimetric parameters including maximum dose(Dmax),minimum dose(Dmin)and mean dose(Dmean)of the target area PTV1 and PTV2 were evaluated by the dose volume histogram(DVH).The dose homogeneity index(HI)of the target area was calculated,and the single rotation time and total treatment time of each plan were recorded and counted.SPSS 27.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results No significant threading effect appeared regardless of the pitch value when the lead gate width was 1.0 cm.The threading effects in the experimental group were weaker than those in the control group when the lead gate width was 2.5 or 5.0 cm.The threading effect gradually rose with the pitch increased when the lead gate width was 5.0 cm.The most significant difference was found between the threading effect in case of the screw pitch being 0.500 and that with the screw pitch being 0.143,with the differenes being statistically obvious(P<0.05).The lead gate width had significant effects on the Dmax,Dmin,Dmean and HI of PTV1 and PTV2.When the lead gate width was 5.0 cm,high HI value and uneven dose distribution were detected and lowered screw pitch weakened the threading effect.The single rotation time first remained constant and then increased with the screw pitch was enlarged,with the changing points occurring in case of the screw pitches of 0.287 and 0.430.With a certain lead gate width,the treatment time for plans was shortened with the decrease of the pitches in case of the pritches lower than 0.287,and tended to be constant after the screw pitches reached 0.287.The changes of the computational grid had no significant effects on the results of radiotherapy plans when the lead gate width and screw pitch were kept constant.Conclusion When designing a spiral tomotherapy plan with conventional doses,a lead gate width of 1.0 or 2.5 cm and a screw pitch of 0.287 or 0.430 should be selected in order to minimize the threading effect while ensuring the efficiency of plan implementation.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(8):58-66]

Aim To systematically investigate the ac-tive components,targets,and regulatory pathways of Po-lygonum capitatum in intervening atherosclerosis(AS)through network pharmacology,molecular docking and animal experiments.Methods Active components of Polygonum capitatum and AS-related targets were screened and identified through database searches.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis was performed using the STRING database,followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses via the David plat-form.Molecular docking validation was conducted with AutoDock.An AS model was established in Syrian golden hamsters fed a high-fat diet.Predicted pathways and targets were validated using qPCR,ELISA,and histopathological assessment of aortic and hepatic tis-sues via HE staining.Results Network pharmacology identified 27 potential active components of Polygonum capitatum(primarily flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin)and 110 drug-disease intersection targets,in-cluding core targets MMP-9,ALB,and AKT1.GO and KEGG analyses enriched 593 and 125 pathways,re-spectively,with the NF-κB inflammatory pathway,TNF signaling pathway and lipid metabolism/atherosclerosis pathways highlighted as key mechanisms.Animal ex-periments demonstrated that Polygonum capitatum im-proved serum lipid profiles(reduced TC,TG,LDL-C)in AS hamsters,suppressed the MMP-9/NF-κB signa-ling pathway(downregulated MMP-9,p65 phosphoryla-tion,TNF-α,and IL-6),and inhibited VSMC synthetic phenotypic transformation(upregulated α-SMA and myocardin)by downregulating MCPIP1.Additionally,Polygonum capitatum ameliorated aortic lesions and he-patic lipid deposition in AS hamsters.Conclusions Polygonum capitatum alleviates AS by synergistically regulating the MMP-9/NF-κB/MCPIP1 axis through flavonoid components,suppressing vascular inflammato-ry cascades and maintaining VSMC contractile pheno-types.This reflects Polygonum capitatum's multi-com-ponent,multi-pathway,and multi-target characteristics in combating AS.

The chemical components of Carthami Flos were investigated by using macroporous resin, silica gel column chromatography, reversed-phase octadecylsilane(ODS) column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The planar structures of the compounds were established based on their physicochemical properties and ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis), infrared(IR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopic technology. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism(ECD). Six flavonoid C-glycosides were isolated from the 30% ethanol elution fraction of macroporous resin obtained from the 95% ethanol extract of Carthami Flos, and identified as saffloquinoside F(1), 5-hydroxysaffloneoside(2), iso-5-hydroxysaffloneoside(3), isosafflomin C(4), safflomin C(5), and vicenin 2(6). Among these, the compounds 1 to 3 were new chalcone C-glycosides. The compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 could significantly increase the viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) at a concentration of 50 μmol·L~(-1), showing their good cardioprotective activity.
Glycosides/pharmacology* ; Flowers/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Carthamus tinctorius/chemistry* ; Chalcones/pharmacology* ; Animals

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP) is a serious metabolic bone disease caused by long-term application of glucocorticoids(GCs). Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has unique advantages in improving bone microstructure and antagonizing hormone toxicity. This paper systematically reviews the theoretical research, clinical application, and basic research progress of TCM intervention in GIOP. In terms of theoretical research, the theory of "kidney governing bone and generating marrow" indicates that the kidney is closely related to bone development, revealing that core pathogenesis of GIOP is Yin-Yang disharmony, which can be discussed using the theories of "Yin fire", "ministerial fire", and "Yang pathogen damaging Yin". Thus, regulating Yin and Yang is the basic principle to treat GIOP. In terms of clinical application, effective empirical prescriptions(such as Bushen Zhuanggu Decoction, Bushen Jiangu Decoction, and Zibu Ganshen Formula) and Chinese patent medicines(Gushukang Capsules, Hugu Capsules, Xianling Gubao Capsules, etc.) can effectively increase bone mineral density(BMD) and improve calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine can reduce the risk of fracture and play an anti-GIOP role. In terms of basic research, it has been clarified that active ingredients of TCM(such as fraxetin, ginsenoside Rg_1, and salidroside) reduce bone loss and promote bone formation by inhibiting oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and other pathways, effectively improving bone homeostasis. Additionally, classical prescriptions(Modified Yiguan Decoction, Modified Qing'e Pills, Zuogui Pills, etc.) and Chinese patent medicines(Gushukang Granules, Lurong Jiangu Dropping Pills, Gubao Capsules, etc.) can improve bone marrow microcirculation, promote osteoblast differentiation, and inhibit bone cell apoptosis through multiple pathways, multiple targets, and multiple mechanisms. Through the above three aspects, the TCM research status on GIOP is elucidated in the expectation of providing reference for its diagnosis and treatment using traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment programs.
Osteoporosis/physiopathology* ; Humans ; Glucocorticoids/adverse effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Bone Density/drug effects*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application effect of grid locator in hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). METHODS: Total of 50 patients of FAI were treated by arthroscopic hip joint surgery for from January 2020 to January 2021, and were divided into two groups according to intraoperative positioning methods. Among them, 27 cases in the positioner group were treated by hip arthroscopy assisted by grid positioner including 10 males and 17 females with a mean age of (35.91±9.92) years old. In the non-locator group, 23 cases were treated with hip arthroscopy by positioning puncture according to the operator's experience including 12 males and 11 females with a mean age of (36.01±11.03) years old. Intraoperative fluoroscopy times, puncture time, adjusted puncture times and operation time of two groups were compared. The α Angle and lateral central edge(LCE) angle of hip joint were measured and compared before and after operation. Four evaluation indexes were recorded and compared, including pain visual analogue scale(VAS), hip Harris score, non-inflammatory hip joint score (NAHS), hip joint activities of daily living (HOS-ADL). RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 6 to 12 months with an average of (18.69±3.72) months. The α angle and LCE angle of hip joint at 1 month after operation were decreased in both groups(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups(P>0.05). VAS, hip Harris score, NAHS and HOS-ADL score after operation were higher than those before operation(P<0.05), but there was no statistical significance between groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative fluoroscopy times(6.04±1.13), puncture time(13.19±3.52) min, puncture adjustment times(4.59±1.55) and operation time(48.28±3.38) min in the positioner group were less (shorter) than those of (13.43±2.56), (22.39±2.93) min, (10.43±3.33), (62.25±5.73) min in the non-positioner group(P<0.05). No postoperative complications occurred in both groups, and the pain was significantly relieved. CONCLUSION The application of hip arthroscopy in the treatment of femoral acetabular impingement sign can obtain good postoperative results. Compared with the traditional positioning method, the grid locator can improve the accuracy of skin positioning point, shorten the puncture time, reduce the number of fluoroscopy, and improve the efficiency of surgical puncture.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Arthroscopy/instrumentation* ; Femoracetabular Impingement/physiopathology* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Hip Joint/surgery*