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.Effect of Modified Shibaotang on Serum Sex Hormone Levels in Patients with Male Late-onset Hypogonadism of Kidney Essence Deficiency Syndrome Complicated with Diabetes Mellitus
Yi SHAN ; Shaokang CHEN ; Zhenfu SHI ; Haifeng XU ; Yi LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):227-233
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of modified Shibaotang on serum sex hormone levels in patients with male late-onset hypogonadism of kidney essence deficiency syndrome complicated with diabetes mellitus. MethodsA total of 60 patients with male late-onset hypogonadism of kidney essence deficiency syndrome complicated with diabetes mellitus,who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to Yinchuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to October 2023,were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 30 patients in each group. Both groups continued their original treatments,including blood glucose lowering and blood lipid regulation. The observation group was treated with modified Shibaotang,while the control group was treated with testosterone undecanoate capsules. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. The changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)syndrome scores,partial androgen deficiency in aging males (PADAM)symptom scores,glucose metabolism indexes [fasting plasma glucose (FPG),2-hour postprandial glucose (2 h PG),glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)],and serum sex hormone indexes [sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG),free testosterone (FT),total testosterone (TT),prolactin (PRL),luteinizing hormone (LH),follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),estrogen (E2)] were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Safety was also evaluated. Results(1)Clinical efficacy comparison:After treatment,the clinical efficacy in both groups was similar,and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. (2)TCM syndrome score and PADAM symptom score comparison:After treatment,both groups showed a significant reduction in TCM syndrome scores and PADAM symptom scores (P<0.01),and the observation group showed a significantly greater reduction compared to the control group (P<0.05). (3)Glucose metabolism indexes comparison:After treatment,the levels of FPG,2 h PG,and HbA1c were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.01),and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding FPG,2 h PG,and HbA1c levels after treatment. (4)Serum sex hormone indexes comparison:After treatment,the levels of FT,TT,PRL,LH,and FSH were significantly increased in both groups (P<0.01),while E2 levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the levels of FT,TT,PRL,LH,FSH,and E2 after treatment. There was also no significant difference in SHBG levels within or between the groups before and after treatment. During the clinical observation,neither group exhibited any obvious adverse reactions. ConclusionModified Shibaotang can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of male late-onset hypogonadism of kidney essence deficiency syndrome complicated with diabetes mellitus,reduce blood glucose,and increase sex hormone levels. The mechanism may involve the inhibition of aromatase transformation in adipocytes,promotion of GnRH production,and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function.
3.Hierarchical brain structural alterations in patients with white matter hyperintensity-related cognitive impairment based on morphometric similarity gradient
Jingxian XU ; Haifeng CHEN ; Yun XU
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(12):1077-1084
Morphometric similarity gradient;White matter hyperintensity;Connectivity gradient
Objective To investigate the change in morphometric similarity gradient in patients with white matter hyperintensity (WMH)-related cognitive impairment and its influence on cognitive function. Methods Baseline and neuroimaging data were collected from 141 healthy controls (HC group), 66 patients with WMH and normal cognition (WMH-NC group), and 134 patients with WMH and cognitive impairment (WMH-CI group). The difference in gradient was compared between groups based on the morphometric similarity gradient analysis. The mediating effect model was used to investigate the association between WMH volume,plasma biomarkers for nerve injury, gradient, and cognitive function. Results The research findings showed significant aberrant alternations in morphometric similarity gradient, with a significant increase in variability in the second gradient (P=0.036, not surviving FDR correction). There was a significant negative correlation between the second gradient and geodesic distance (Pspin<0.001). In addition,visual cortex gradient played a key mediating role in the association between p-tau181/WMH volume and visuospatial function. Conclusion Patients with WMH-related cognitive impairment have aberrant macroscopic connectivity patterns of the cortex. The aberrant pattern of regional cortex mediates the process in which p-tau181 and WMH volume affect cognitive function, which provides a new perspective for understanding the potential structural mechanism of WMH-related cognitive impairment.
4.Exploration and prediction of risk factors for the length of stay in the intensive care unit in pregnant and parturient women:A retrospective study
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(4):541-546
Objective:To investigate the risk factors for staying in the intensive care unit(ICU)for more than 48 hours in pregnant and parturient women,and to identify related predictive indicators.Methods:A total of 146 critically ill pregnant women or parturient women(within 42 days after delivery)who were admitted to the ICU of Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical Univer-sity from January to December 2023 were enrolled in this study.According to the length of stay in the ICU,the pregnant and parturient women were divided into short-term(≤48 hours)group with 60 women and long-term(>48 hours)group with 86 women.Related data were recorded and analyzed,including general information,pregnancy characteristics,ICU interventions,vital signs,and laboratory pa-rameters.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the value of these indicators in predicting the length of stay in the ICU for more than 48 hours in pregnant and parturient women.Results:Compared with the short-term group,the long-term group had a significant increase in the proportion of women receiving mechanical ventilation(P=0.001),radiological examination(P=0.022),antihypertensive pharmacotherapy(P=0.001),diuretic pharmacotherapy(P=0.001),antibiotic therapy(P=0.006),and blood transfusion for>5 U(P=0.032).Compared with the short-term group,the long-term group had a significantly lower number of prenatal visits(P=0.003)and a significantly higher body mass index on admission to the ICU(P=0.012).The long-term group had a signifi-cantly higher number of pregnant and parturient women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy compared with the short-term group(P=0.016).In addition,the long-term group had a significantly higher level of blood pressure than the short-term group(P=0.001),and there were significant differences between the two groups in al-bumin,alanine aminotransferase,direct bilirubin,24-hour urine protein,and serum creatinine(P<0.05).The ROC analysis showed that systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,and mean arterial pressure had a relatively high value in predicting the length of stay in the ICU for more than 48 hours in pregnant and parturient women,with an area under the ROC curve of 0.825,0.782,and 0.811,respectively.The length of stay in the ICU was further prolonged for the pregnant and parturient women with a lower number of prenatal visits and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy(P<0.05).Conclusion:Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are an important risk factor for prolonged stay in the ICU,which can provide certain ideas for the critical care management of pregnant and parturient women.
5.Changes of serum Th1/Th2 cytokines in patients with different degrees of idiopathic oligonasthenospermia
Lei YANG ; Meining FENG ; Haifeng SONG ; Tao XU
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(1):38-41
Objective:To investigate the changes of serum helper T cell 1 (Th1)/helper T cell 2 (Th2) cytokines in patients with idiopathic oligonasthenospermia (IO).Methods:A total of 136 patients with IO admitted to the Xianyang Central Hospital from January 2020 to June 2022 were prospectively selected and divided into mild to moderate group (86 cases) and severe group (50 cases) according to the severity of IO. Another 60 healthy males were selected as normal control group. Baseline data, serum Th1 and Th2 cytokines [interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-21] of the three groups were compared. Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-21 and the severity of IO disease.Results:The sperm concentration, total sperm and percentage of forward motile sperm in severe group were lower than those in mild to moderate group and normal control group (all P<0.05), and the sperm concentration, total sperm and percentage of forward motile sperm in mild to the moderate group were lower than those in the normal control group (all P<0.05). The serum levels of Th1 cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-21 in severe group were higher than those in the mild-moderate group and the normal control group (all P<0.05), and the serum levels of Th1 cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-21 in mild-moderate group were higher than those in the normal control group (all P<0.05). The serum levels of Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in severe group were higher than those in the mild-moderate group and the normal control group (all P<0.05), and the serum levels of Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in mild-moderate group were higher than those in the normal control group (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the severity of IO disease was positively correlated with the levels of serum Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-21) and serum Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) (all P<0.001). Conclusions:The Th1/Th2 immune imbalance in patients with IO is aggravated with the increase of disease severity. Early diagnosis and treatment of IO should be strengthened to prevent disease progression.
6.Evaluation of the efficacy of corticosteroids in male children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Jialu XU ; Qinrong HUANG ; Hongliang HUO ; Yuting ZHANG ; Xiaoyan SHEN ; Liang TAO ; Xujun CAO ; Qin GU ; Nong XIAO ; Haifeng LI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(8):885-890
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroids in male children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and provide evidence for the rational clinical use of medication.Methods:This was a multicenter medical record series study which conducted from January 15 th to March 14 th, 2025. A total of 53 male children with DMD admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation of Children′s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Children′s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and Affiliated Children′s Hospital of Soochow University from 2020 to 2024 were enrolled. Clinical data, corticosteroid usage, and the follow-up data were collected. The North star ambulatory assessment (NSAA) was used as the primary efficacy indicator. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) exchangeable working matrices were used for longitudinal analysis, and the least squares mean were used to compare the change trend of the efficacy evaluation index across different medication durations. Results:The age at the initiation of corticosteroid treatment was (6.3±1.9) years. The follow-up duration was 1.2 (0.9, 2.2) years. After treatment, the raw scores and linear scores of NSAA were both significantly higher than those before treatment ((22±7) vs. (19±5) points, (60±16) vs. (53±8) points; t=3.98, 3.69; both P<0.001). The 10 meter running time and time rising from floor were both shorter than those before treatment (6 (4, 8) vs. 7 (6, 9) s, 5 (3, 6) vs. 6 (5, 9) s; Z=2.62, 3.47; both P<0.01). GEE model analysis revealed all nonlinear correlation between motor function (NSAA linear score, 10-meter running velocity, and rising from floor velocity) and the duration of corticosteroid treatment (all P<0.05). Least squares mean comparison all showed that the medication effect first increased and then decreased with duration, reaching the peak at 1.1-2.0 years after treatment (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Corticosteroids can improve the motor function in male children with DMD, with the maximum treatment effect occurring 1 to 2 years after the initiation of treatment. It is necessary to comprehensively leverage time-varying efficacy of corticosteroids to optimize individualized treatment regimens for maximal motor function benefits in children with DMD.
7.The efficacy and safety of high-frequency irreversible electroporation for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized controlled open-label multicenter trial
Liang DONG ; Zhen TONG ; Benkang SHI ; Qianyuan ZHUANG ; Yuanwei LI ; Min GONG ; Xiaoming XU ; Shengcai ZHOU ; Xulai TAO ; Xinxing DU ; Haifeng WANG ; Jian HUANG ; Wei XUE
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(3):161-165
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of high-frequency irreversible electroporation (H-FIRE) in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods:This randomized controlled open-label multicenter clinical trial enrolled patients from nine medical centers in China between August 2020 and July 2022. Inclusion criteria: age 50–80 years, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥12, maximum urinary flow rate (Q max) >5 ml/min and ≤15 ml/min. Exclusion criteria: prostate malignancy, contraindications to surgery or anesthesia. Patients were randomized 1∶1 into the H-FIRE group (experimental) or the control group (daily oral 0.2 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules). Primary outcomes included Q max, IPSS, prostate volume, and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores, measured at baseline, 1 and 3 months post-treatment. Results:A total of 160 cases were included in this study, including 80 cases in the experimental group and 80 cases in the control group, 30 cases in Renji Hospital, 7 cases in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 8 cases in Tongji Hospital, 3 cases in Hunan Provincial Hospital, 13 cases in Shanghai Pudong Hospital, 29 cases in Hwa Mei Hospital, 18 cases in Yiyuan County People's Hospital, and 38 cases in Shanghai East Hospital, and 14 cases in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. At 3 months of post-treatment, Q max in the experimental group increased by a median of 7.50 (3.55, 14.50) ml/s from the baseline value, whereas in the control group it increased by a median of 1.70 (-1.40, 6.00) ml/s, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.01, U = 1 083); and at 3 months of post-treatment, IPSS in the experimental group decreased by a median of 12.00 (7.00, 17.00) points in the test group and 6.00 (2.00, 11.00) points in the control group, and the magnitude of improvement in IPSS scores in the test group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P < 0.01, U = 1 248); at 3 months of post-treatment, the prostate volume decreased by a median of 12.16 (5.69, 18.27) ml in the experimental group and 0 (-3.94, 6.89) ml in the control group, suggesting that H-FIRE significantly reduced prostate gland volume ( P<0.01, U=1 111). The difference in elevated IIEF-5 scores from baseline at 3 months of treatment between the experimental and control groups was not statistically significant[0(-2.00, 1.00) points vs. 0(-2.00, 1.50) points; P=0.54, U=2 338]. There were no serious adverse events in the two groups. Conclusions:H-FIRE could significantly improve both subjective and objective symptoms of BPH with a low risk of severe complications.
8.Expert Consensus on Classification of Hand Degloving Injures and Emergency Repair of Avulsion Skin
Jihui JU ; Gang ZHAO ; Yongjun RUI ; Xin WANG ; Weiyang GAO ; Xiaoheng DING ; Qingtang ZHU ; Xianyou ZHENG ; Yongqing XU ; Shanlin CHEN ; Juyu TANG ; Lei XU ; Jianxi HOU ; Huaqiao WANG ; Jingyi MI ; Haifeng SHI ; Shusen CUI ; Chunlin HOU ; Liqiang GU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(2):121-134
Hand degloving injury represents one of the most severe forms of hand trauma, characterised by challenging treatment and a complex prognostic outcome. It is crucial to effectively utilise the degloved tissues in emergency or primary repair of a hand degloving injury. This consensus provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature on definition, classification, emergency assessment, debridement, judgment of skin viability, in situ repair of the degloved skin, and adjunctive treatment for degloving injury of hand. Based on conclusion of both domestic and international experiences, this expert consensus on the classification of hand degloving injury and the emergency repair with the avulsed skin is established, aiming to provide a guidance to surgeons on standardised treatment strategy and improve the management of hand degloving injury.
9.Innovative applications and developments of artificial intelligence in military medicine
Xi XU ; Haifeng OU ; Wenfeng SITU ; Junjie PENG
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(8):629-633
With the growing complexity and higher risk of modern warfare,artificial intelligence(AI)technologies have been increasingly used in the field of military medicine.This study investigates the innovative applications of AI in military medicine,focusing on practices in such countries as the United States,Israel and the United Kingdom.The research reveals that AI technologies have been extensively applied in battlefield medical training,casualty status monitoring,medical decision support and unmanned rescue operations.Through virtual reality simulation,intelligent decision support and vital sign monitoring technologies,AI has significantly improved the efficiency and precision of battlefield medical care.Despite challenges related to technological implementation,environmental adaptability and ethical controversies,future battlefield medical care will increasingly rely on unmanned systems and intelligent equipment to deliver efficient medical treatment through human-machine collaboration.
10.Synthesis of a temperature-responsive multimodal motion microrobot capable of precise navigation for targeted controllable drug release.
Xuhui ZHAO ; Mengran LIU ; Xi CHEN ; Jing HUANG ; Yuan LIU ; Haifeng XU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1758-1767
OBJECTIVES:
To synthesize a temperature-responsive multimodal motion microrobot (MMMR) using temperature and magnetic field-assisted microfluidic droplet technology to achieve targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release.
METHODS:
Microfluidic droplet technology was utilized to synthesize the MMMR by mixing gelatin with magnetic microparticles. The microrobot possessed a magnetic anisotropy structure to allow its navigation and targeted drug release by controlling the temperature field and magnetic field. In the experiment, the MMMR was controlled to move in a wide range along a preset path by rotating a uniform magnetic field, and the local circular motion was driven by a planar rotating gradient magnetic field of different frequencies. The MMMR was loaded with simulated drugs, which were released in response to laser heating.
RESULTS:
Driven by a rotating magnetic field, the MMMR achieved linear motion following a predefined path. The planar gradient rotating magnetic field controlled circular motion of the MMMR with an adjustable radius, utilizing the centrifugal force generated by rotation. The drug-loaded MMMR successfully reached the target location under magnetic guidance, where the gelatin matrix was melted using laser heating for accurate drug release, after which the remaining magnetic particles were removed using magnetic field.
CONCLUSIONS
The MMMR possesses multimodal motion capabilities to enable precise navigation along a predefined path and dynamic regulation of drug release within the target area, thus having great potential for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Drug Delivery Systems/methods*
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Temperature
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Drug Liberation
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Magnetic Fields
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Robotics
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Gelatin/chemistry*
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Delayed-Action Preparations
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Microfluidics
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Motion

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