1.Cage design-centric glider approach to full-endoscopic lumbar fusion: optimizing nerve root protection in facet-sparing and facet-resecting techniques
Yu-Chia HSU ; Hao-Chun CHUANG ; Yuan-Fu LIU ; Chao-Jui CHANG ; Yu-Meng HSIAO ; Yi-Hung HUANG ; Keng-Chang LIU ; Chien-Min CHEN ; Hyeun-Sung KIM ; Cheng-Li LIN
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):343-353
Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) offers substantial advantages in the management of degenerative spinal diseases, including accelerated postoperative recovery. However, its technical complexity and steep learning curve pose risks for nerve root injury. Optimizing nerve root protection in full-endoscopic facet-sparing TLIF (FE fs-TLIF) and full-endoscopic facet-resecting TLIF (FE fr-TLIF) is essential for enhancing surgical safety. This study aimed to improve the nerve root protection in FE fs-TLIF and FE fr-TLIF by optimizing cage glider selection and insertion techniques based on the specific cage shape—banana-shaped or bullet-shaped. The goal was to ensure safe cage positioning and mitigate nerve root injury during discectomy, endplate preparation, and cage insertion. These strategies were validated through cadaveric simulations and clinical implementation. In FE fr-TLIF utilizing bullet-shaped (straight) cages, one-tip and two-tip cage gliders effectively protected the traversing nerve root by facilitating medial cage entry, thereby minimizing irritation of the exiting nerve root. Conversely, in FE fr-TLIF with banana-shaped cages, the lateral tilt of the cage holder during implantation required the use of a two-tip cage glider to protect the traversing and exiting nerve roots, thereby mitigating the potential risk of nerve irritation. In FE fs-TLIF, a one-tip cage glider is preferred for safeguarding the exiting nerve root, while the traversing root is inherently protected by the medial wall of the facet joint. The use of a two-tip cage glider in FE fs-TLIF can cause injury to the nerve root during glider insertion. In addition to the selection of cage gliders, improper cage insertion steps can also contribute to postoperative neurapraxia. The appropriate selection of cage gliders with corresponding insertion techniques is critical for nerve root protection in endoscopic TLIF. Tailoring these choices to the specific approach (FE fs-TLIF or FE fr-TLIF) and cage type (banana or bullet) enhances surgical safety and clinical outcomes.
2.Divergent Small Vessel Disease Burden in Warfarin-Associated and Direct Oral Anticoagulant-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Sung-Chun TANG ; Ya-Fang CHEN ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Ching-Hua KUO ; Yuan-Chang CHAO ; Yu-Fong PENG ; Shu-Wen LIN ; Shin-Yi LIN ; Jiann-Shing JENG
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):334-338
3.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
4.Current Status and Prospects of Research on the Potential Neurobiological Mechanisms of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Tobacco Dependence
Shumin CHEN ; Jin CHANG ; Chaoren TAN ; Hao ZHU ; Jinsheng YANG ; Zhao LIU ; Yingying WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):421-426
This paper comprehensively discusses on the potential neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of tobacco dependence, focusing on three important aspects, including acupuncture's regulation of tobacco dependence behavior, effects of acupuncture on withdrawal syndrome, and the role of acupuncture in preventing relapse. It is found that acupuncture can inhibit drug-seeking behavior by regulating the reward pathway and related neurons, such as dopamine, thus modulating tobacco dependence behavior. It also alleviates withdrawal symptoms by improving the oral environment of smokers and reducing negative emotions after quitting. Furthermore, acupuncture can prevent relapse by decreasing brain network activity related to smoking cravings and improving cognitive brain functions like addiction memory. Currently, research on the specific neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture in treating tobacco dependence and the involved neural circuits is limited. Future research directions are proposed, including the evaluation of clinical effects, exploration of specific therapeutic mechanisms, investigation of brain pathology, and strengthening the exploration of brain functions. Additionally, combining modern technologies to clarify the neural circuits involved in acupuncture intervention will provide a basis for acupuncture treatment of tobacco addiction.
5.Advances in the application of machine learning-related combined models in infectious disease prediction
Weihua HU ; Huimin SUN ; Yikun CHANG ; Jinwei CHEN ; Zhicheng DU ; Yongyue WEI ; Yuantao HAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):1085-1094
When the epidemiology of infectious diseases is more complex, it is often difficult for disease prediction studies based on a single model to capture the multidimensional nature of disease transmission. In recent years, combining different models to improve infectious disease prediction has gradually become a research trend and hotspot. Existing studies have shown that combined models usually have higher prediction performance and better generalization ability. The current combined models mainly combine machine learning and other models, including time-series models, dynamic models, etcetera. In addition, integrated learning that combines diverse machine learning techniques also holds significant importance across various research domains. This paper reviews the progress of applying combined models around machine learning in infectious disease prediction to promote the innovation and practice of combined models for infectious diseases and help to build smarter and more efficient infectious disease early warning and prediction methods and systems.
6.Progress in application of compartment model-related combined models in infectious disease prediction
Weihua HU ; Huimin SUN ; Yikun CHANG ; Jinwei CHEN ; Zhicheng DU ; Yongyue WEI ; Yuantao HAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(7):1289-1296
Methods such as compartmental models, agent-based models, time series models, and machine learning can be used for the prediction of infectious disease incidence. When disease epidemics are complex, it is often difficult to use a single model to comprehensively and accurately capture the multi dimensional nature of the disease. Exploring the combined application of different models has gradually become a research trend and hotspot in recent years, and the prediction performance of combined models is often better than that of single ones. Current research related to combined models mainly focus on machine learning or compartmental models. In this review, we focus on the combination of compartmental models and other models, and summarize their combination principles, application progress, and advantages or disadvantages for the purpose of promoting the innovation and application of combined models for infectious disease incidence prediction, and establishing a more intelligent and efficient early warning and prediction method or systems for the prevention and control of infectious disease.
7.Role of myelin transcription factor 1-like in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Shu-Chang LÜ ; Ying-Jun GUAN ; Xiao-Su CHEN ; Hao-Yun ZHANG ; Jin-Meng LIU ; Qiu-Peng YAN ; Yan-Chun CHEN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(5):524-532
Objective To investigate the expression of myelin transcription factor 1-like(MYT1L)during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)progression and its association with neuronal degeneration through bioinformatics analysis combined with in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods Bioinformatics analysis of the GSE106803 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database revealed significant down-regulation of MYT1L in spinal cords of ALS transgenic mice carrying the human superoxide dismutase 1 mutant gene(hSOD1G93A)compared to the wild-type(WT)mice.hSOD1G93A transgenic mice and their WT littermates were selected to analyze MYT1L mRNA and protein changes in spinal cord tissues at different disease stages using Real-time PCR and Western blotting.Double immunofluorescent staining was used to determine the distribution and cellular localization of MYT1L in the spinal cord of mice at the middle stage of the disease.An ALS cellular model was established using hSOD1G93A mutant NSC34 cells,with hSOD1WT NSC34 cells as controls.MYT1L expression and distribution were assessed in these cells via Real-time PCR,Western blotting,and immunofluorescent staining.Based on the GSE76220 dataset from the GEO database,differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between MYT1L high-and low-expression groups in lumbar spinal motor neurons of ALS patients were identified,followed by Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis.MYT1L overexpression was induced in the ALS cellular model to evaluate alterations in cell viability and neurite outgrowth.Results In the GSE106803 dataset,MYT1L expression was significantly down-regulated in the spinal cord of ALS mice.Animal experiments confirmed progressive reductions in MYT1L mRNA and protein levels in spinal cord tissues of ALS mice during mid-and late-disease stages.Compared to the WT group,MYT1L expression decreased in motor neurons of the lumbar spinal cord gray matter anterior horn in ALS mice,while it increased in astrocytes.In vitro,hSOD1G93Amutant NSC34 cells exhibited significantly reduced MYT1L expression than controls,with MYT1L localized to both the cytoplasm and nucleus.DEGs between MYT1L high-and low-expression groups in lumbar spinal cord motor neurons of ALS patients(GSE76220 dataset)were enriched in synaptic-related functions through GO analysis.Overexpression of MYT1L in hSOD1G93A mutant NSC34 cells enhanced cell viability and promoted neurite outgrowth.Conclusion Aberrantly low expression of MYT1L is closely associated with ALS pathogenesis.Overexpression of MYT1L promotes neurite growth and exerts protective effects on ALS motor neurons,suggesting its therapeutic potential.
8.Suanzaoren Decoction Alleviates Anxiety- and Depression-Like Behaviors Induced by Chronic Restraint Stress via Regulating Pyramidal Neuron Activity in Basolateral Amygdala of Mice.
Chang-Feng CHEN ; Yin-Huan GAO ; Qin FANG ; Yong-Feng ZHOU ; Yong LIU ; Jian WU ; Hao CHEN ; Lie-Cheng WANG ; Lei CHEN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(11):982-990
OBJECTIVE:
To elucidate the modulation mechanism of Suanzaoren Decoction (SZRD) on basolateral amygdala (BLA) neuronal activity to alleviate chronic restraint stress (CRS)-related behavioral deficits.
METHODS:
The male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 4 groups using the complete randomization method, including control (CON, n=19), CRS (n=19), SZRD (n=21), and fluoxetine (Flu, n=22) groups. Mice were restrained for 6 h per day, over a 21-d period to establish CRS models. The CON group remained in their cages without food or water during the 6-h matching period. SZRD and Flu groups received intragastric administration of SZRD (4.68 g/kg) and Flu (20 mg/kg) daily, respectively, 30 min before restraint for 21 consecutive days. The therapeutic effects of SZRD were evaluated using behavioral tests including the tail suspension test, elevated plus maze test, and forced swimming test. The cellular Fletcher B. Judson murine osteosarcoma proto-oncogene (c-Fos) expression in the BLA was measured using immunofluorescence, while action potential (AP) firing and synaptic transmission in BLA pyramidal neurons were evaluated using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings.
RESULTS:
SZRD administration significantly increased time spent in the open arms and open-arm entries while reducing immobility time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). It downregulated CRS-induced c-Fos expression and AP firing of pyramidal neurons in the BLA (P<0.01). Additionally, SZRD selectively attenuated excitatory (P<0.01), but not inhibitory, synaptic transmission onto BLA pyramidal neurons.
CONCLUSION
SZRD alleviated CRS-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice by modulating the excitability and synaptic transmission of BLA pyramidal neurons.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Depression/complications*
;
Pyramidal Cells/pathology*
;
Male
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Basolateral Nuclear Complex/pathology*
;
Restraint, Physical
;
Anxiety/complications*
;
Behavior, Animal/drug effects*
;
Stress, Psychological/physiopathology*
;
Mice
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism*
;
Action Potentials/drug effects*
;
Synaptic Transmission/drug effects*
9.Quality control in manufacturing process of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations and its application in evaluation and decision-making of changes in marketed TCM preparations.
Hao CHEN ; Chang-Ming YANG ; Wei HAN ; Jian-Bo QU ; Ping YANG ; Xia CHEN ; Ruo-Jin WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2589-2595
The manufacturing process is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations. Using advanced technologies, innovative methods, and new equipment tailored for TCM to enhance the quality control of TCM preparations in the manufacturing process helps to ensure the product quality and foster high-quality development of the TCM industry. Upon current technical requirements, such as Guideline for Studies on Pharmaceutical Changes in Marketed Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations(Trial) and Guideline for Study on Quality Control in Manufacturing Process of Oral Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations(Trial), this paper analyzes the characteristics and current development of quality control in the manufacturing process of TCM preparations. It also discusses the significant roles that quality control in manufacturing process plays in ensuring the quality consistency and in the evaluation and decision-making of changes in marketed TCM preparations. Furthermore, to benefit the high-quality development of the TCM industry, this paper offers recommendations for improving quality control of TCM preparations in the manufacturing process and implementing new technologies and methods.
Quality Control
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
;
Decision Making
;
Humans
10.Studies on common irritant components in three different base sources of Polygonati Rhizoma.
Yu-Xin GU ; Hong-Li YU ; Min SHEN ; Xin-Zhi WANG ; Kui-Long WANG ; Jie CAO ; Qian-Lin CHEN ; Yan-Qing XU ; Chang-Li SHEN ; Hao WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3223-3231
To explore the common irritant components in different base sources of Polygonati Rhizoma(PR). A rabbit eye irritation experiment was conducted to compare the irritant effects of raw products of Polygonatum kingianum, P. officinale, and P. multiflorum. The irritant effects of different solvent extraction parts and needle crystals of PR were compared, and the irritant components were screened. The morphology and structure of the purified needle crystal of PR were observed by microscope and scanning electron microscope and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Rabbit eye irritation and mouse abdominal inflammation model were used to evaluate rabbit eye irritation scores, inflammatory mediators, inflammatory factors levels in the peritoneal exudate of mice, with the peritoneal pathological section used as indicators. The inflammatory effect of needle crystals of PR was studied, and the content of calcium oxalate in three kinds of PR was determined by HPLC. The common protein in three kinds of PR was screened and compared by double enzymatic hydrolysis in solution combined with mass spectrometry. The results showed that three kinds of PR raw products had certain irritant effects on rabbit eyes, among which P. kingianum had the strongest irritant effect. There were no obvious irritant effects in the different solvent extraction parts of P. kingianum. Compared with the blank group, the needle crystal of PR had a significant irritant effect on rabbit eyes, and the inflammatory mediators and inflammatory factors in the peritoneal exudate were significantly increased(P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the peritoneal tissue of mice was damaged with significant inflammatory cell infiltration after intraperitoneal injection of needle crystal, indicating that needle crystal had an inflammatory effect. Microscope and scanning electron microscope observations showed that the needle crystals of PR were slender, with a length of about 100-200 μm and sharp ends. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the needle crystals of PR were calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals. The results of HPLC showed that the content of calcium oxalate in P. kingianum was the highest among the three kinds of PR. It was speculated that the content of needle crystal in P. kingianum was higher than that in P. officinale and P. multiflorum, which was consistent with the results of the rabbit eye irritation experiment. The results of mass spectrometry showed that ribosome inactivating protein and mannose/sialic acid binding lectin were related to inflammation and cell metabolism in all three kinds of PR. There was no obvious irritant effect in different solvent extracts of PR. The calcium oxalate needle crystal contained was the main irritant component of PR, and three kinds of PR contained common ribosome inactivating protein and mannose/sialic acid binding lectin, which may be related to the inflammatory irritant effect of PR.
Animals
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Rabbits
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Mice
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Polygonatum/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/toxicity*
;
Rhizome/chemistry*
;
Male
;
Eye/drug effects*
;
Female
;
Humans


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