1.Effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation combined with upper limb intelligent robot training on upper limb function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy
Mingdi LI ; Yin WANG ; Hewei ZHANG ; Mei HE ; Hongliang HUO ; Qin GU ; Guanjun LIANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):588-596
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) combined with upper limb intelligent robotic training on muscle tension, motor function and cortical excitability in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). MethodsFrom March, 2023 to December, 2024, 90 children with USCP admitted to Children's Hospital of Soochow University were selected and randomly divided into control group (n = 30), rPMS group (n = 30) and combined group (n = 30). The control group received conventional occupational therapy. The rPMS group received rPMS intervention followed by conventional occupational therapy. The combined group received rPMS followed by upper limb intelligent robot training, for four weeks. Before and after treatment, muscle tension of biceps brachii was assessed using the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS); upper limb motor function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and upper limb intelligent parameters; and cortical excitability was measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), including resting motor threshold (RMT) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude of the affected hemisphere. ResultsAfter treatment, MAS grades improved in all groups (|Z| > 3.523, P < 0.001), and the improvement in the combined group was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.05). Significant intra-group (F > 65.21, P < 0.001), inter-group (F > 17.94, P < 0.001) and interaction effects (F > 5.36, P < 0.01) were observed in FMA-UE scores, upper limb intelligent parameters and TMS parameters. Post Hoc analysis showed that the combined group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in FMA-UE scores, upper limb intelligent parameters, and TMS parameters compared with both the control and rPMS groups (all P < 0.01). Except for FMA-UE scores, the rPMS group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in upper limb intelligent parameters (mechanical feedback, trajectory, and range of motion) and TMS parameters (RMT and MEP amplitude) (P < 0.05). ConclusionrPMS combined with upper limb intelligent robotic training can reduce upper limb muscle tension, improve motor function, and enhance cortical excitability in children with USCP.
2.Dynamic Interactions Between Hemispheres Reveal a Compensatory Pathway for Motor Recovery in Moderate-to-Severe Subcortical Stroke
Huaxin FAN ; Hewei WANG ; Zhengxu LIAN ; Qiurong YU ; Xinran WU ; Nanyu KUANG ; Benjamin BECKER ; Jianfeng FENG ; Mingxia FAN ; Lili SONG ; Limin SUN ; Jie ZHANG ; Craig S. ANDERSON
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(1):97-114
Background:
and Purpose Therapeutic target selection in noninvasive brain stimulation for poststroke motor recovery typically relies on the interhemispheric inhibition model, which is effective for mildly affected patients but offers limited benefits for severely affected individuals. The mechanisms governing recovery from moderate-to-severe stroke remain poorly understood, which hinders the development of targeted interventions.
Methods:
We analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from patients with unilateral subcortical stroke and moderate-to-severe upper limb deficits, both pre- and postintervention, along with data from healthy controls. We developed a novel dynamic lag analysis method for identifying recovery-related homotopic sensorimotor regions with altered interhemispheric interactions. To further uncover the global reorganization pathway, we developed dynamic lateralization approaches to detect large-scale functional connectivity (FC) alterations associated with the identified regions in transient lateralization states.
Results:
Dynamic time-lag analysis revealed significantly reduced synchronized states in the homotopic dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) post-intervention compared with pre-intervention, which correlated with motor recovery. Further dynamic lateralization analysis revealed a prolonged segregation state in patients, characterized by weakened interhemispheric and strengthened intrahemispheric interactions. In this state, patients showed decreased FC in the ipsilesional PMd and increased FC in the contralesional PMd with bilateral subcortical networks. These recoveryrelated alterations were absent in the traditional static analysis.
Conclusions
Dynamic analyses targeting interhemispheric interactions are valuable for understanding neural reorganization after stroke. The diminished interactions between the homotopic PMd indicate a compensatory mechanism. Importantly, a state-dependent compensatory pathway was identified, wherein the contralesional PMd assumes the functions of the ipsilesional PMd through enhanced interactions with subcortical structures, potentially guiding more effective interventions.
3.Transcranial and peripheral magnetic stimulation act synergistically to relieve post-stroke shoulder pain
Yang WANG ; Yuming HUANG ; Hewei WANG ; Junli GAO ; Quanhong LIU ; Qingyun HOU ; Lili ZHOU ; Ying SU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(3):221-225
Objective:To document any effect of combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) to relieve shoulder pain in hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty hemiplegic stroke survivors with shoulder pain were randomly divided into a Central Group ( n=20), a Peripheral Group ( n=20), and a Combined Group ( n=20). In addition to routine pharmacological intervention and rehabilitation training, the Central Group received 10Hz rTMS over the M1 area of the affected hemisphere, the Peripheral Group received 20Hz rPMS at Erb′s point of the affected limb, while the Combined Group received rTMS followed by rPMS. Before as well as after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, all were assessed using a numerical pain intensity rating scale (NRS), for passive range of motion (PROM) of the shoulder joint, and using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA). Results:Before the treatment there were no significant differences among the 3 groups. After 2 weeks there was significant improvement in the average shoulder PROM and FMA scores, and a significant decrease in the average NRS ratings. After 4 weeks there was continued significant improvement. After 2 and 4 weeks, the Combined Group gave significantly lower NRS ratings than the others and had greater average shoulder PROM improvement. The average FMA score of the Combined Group (36.10±13.32) after two weeks was significantly better than those of the Central and Peripheral groups. However, no significant differences were found between the Central and Peripheral Groups in the other measurements.Conclusions:Both rTMS and rPMS can relieve shoulder pain and promote the recovery of motor function, with superior synergistic effects observed in their combined application.
4.The effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the lower limb functioning of stroke survivors
Bin SU ; Zhiwei TANG ; Li ZHANG ; Hewei WANG ; Weiwei ZHAO ; Jinyu YANG ; Ze ZHENG ; Wang YAO ; Guilan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(3):209-215
Objective:To document any effect of repeated high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) using double-cone coils on the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors.Methods:A total of 40 stroke survivors were randomly divided into an rTMS group and a sham stimulation group, each of 20. The rTMS group received rTMS at 10Hz with a double-cone coil, while a coil that produced sound but no magnetic stimulation was used with the sham group. The treatments were administered daily, five times a week, for three weeks. Before as well as after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of treatment, lower limb motor function, balance, and the root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF) of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Brunnstrom staging, the TecnoBody balance assessment system, and surface electromyography.Results:Compared with the sham stimulation group, the BBS score of the rTMS group was significantly higher after 2 weeks of treatment, and both the FMA-LE and BBS scores were significantly higher after 3 weeks. The average Brunnstrom stage in the sham group had increased significantly after 3 weeks, but in the rTMS group it had increased after 2 weeks. By 3 weeks there were no significant differences between the two groups. In terms of movement control, the average motion ellipse area in the rTMS group was significantly smaller than among the sham group after 2 weeks, and after 3 weeks the average motion trajectory length was significantly shorter than in the sham group. The average RMS of the rectus femoris in the rTMS group was significantly higher than the sham group′s average after 3 weeks of treatment, indicating improved muscle activation.Conclusions:High-frequency rTMS using a conical coil can effectively improve the lower limb motor function and balance ability of stroke survivors, demonstrating promising clinical application potential.
5.Transcranial and peripheral magnetic stimulation act synergistically to relieve post-stroke shoulder pain
Yang WANG ; Yuming HUANG ; Hewei WANG ; Junli GAO ; Quanhong LIU ; Qingyun HOU ; Lili ZHOU ; Ying SU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(3):221-225
Objective:To document any effect of combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) to relieve shoulder pain in hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty hemiplegic stroke survivors with shoulder pain were randomly divided into a Central Group ( n=20), a Peripheral Group ( n=20), and a Combined Group ( n=20). In addition to routine pharmacological intervention and rehabilitation training, the Central Group received 10Hz rTMS over the M1 area of the affected hemisphere, the Peripheral Group received 20Hz rPMS at Erb′s point of the affected limb, while the Combined Group received rTMS followed by rPMS. Before as well as after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, all were assessed using a numerical pain intensity rating scale (NRS), for passive range of motion (PROM) of the shoulder joint, and using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA). Results:Before the treatment there were no significant differences among the 3 groups. After 2 weeks there was significant improvement in the average shoulder PROM and FMA scores, and a significant decrease in the average NRS ratings. After 4 weeks there was continued significant improvement. After 2 and 4 weeks, the Combined Group gave significantly lower NRS ratings than the others and had greater average shoulder PROM improvement. The average FMA score of the Combined Group (36.10±13.32) after two weeks was significantly better than those of the Central and Peripheral groups. However, no significant differences were found between the Central and Peripheral Groups in the other measurements.Conclusions:Both rTMS and rPMS can relieve shoulder pain and promote the recovery of motor function, with superior synergistic effects observed in their combined application.
6.The effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the lower limb functioning of stroke survivors
Bin SU ; Zhiwei TANG ; Li ZHANG ; Hewei WANG ; Weiwei ZHAO ; Jinyu YANG ; Ze ZHENG ; Wang YAO ; Guilan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(3):209-215
Objective:To document any effect of repeated high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) using double-cone coils on the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors.Methods:A total of 40 stroke survivors were randomly divided into an rTMS group and a sham stimulation group, each of 20. The rTMS group received rTMS at 10Hz with a double-cone coil, while a coil that produced sound but no magnetic stimulation was used with the sham group. The treatments were administered daily, five times a week, for three weeks. Before as well as after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of treatment, lower limb motor function, balance, and the root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF) of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Brunnstrom staging, the TecnoBody balance assessment system, and surface electromyography.Results:Compared with the sham stimulation group, the BBS score of the rTMS group was significantly higher after 2 weeks of treatment, and both the FMA-LE and BBS scores were significantly higher after 3 weeks. The average Brunnstrom stage in the sham group had increased significantly after 3 weeks, but in the rTMS group it had increased after 2 weeks. By 3 weeks there were no significant differences between the two groups. In terms of movement control, the average motion ellipse area in the rTMS group was significantly smaller than among the sham group after 2 weeks, and after 3 weeks the average motion trajectory length was significantly shorter than in the sham group. The average RMS of the rectus femoris in the rTMS group was significantly higher than the sham group′s average after 3 weeks of treatment, indicating improved muscle activation.Conclusions:High-frequency rTMS using a conical coil can effectively improve the lower limb motor function and balance ability of stroke survivors, demonstrating promising clinical application potential.
7.Residual risk estimates of transfusion transmissible hepatitis B,hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus using P-WP model in Yantai,China,2018 through 2022
Xintang SHEN ; Hewei SONG ; Jiali QU ; Min ZHOU ; Xiaoli WU ; Xiaohua WANG
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(5):898-906
Objective Estimating the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted diseases in voluntary blood donors is crucial for monitoring blood safety.and to analyze the evolution trend over a five-year period in Yantai,Shandong Province.Methods This study retrospectively reviewed screening data from Yantai Central Blood Station between 2018 and 2022.We compared the positivity rates between first-time and repeat donors,calculated the prevalence of each virus,and estimated the residual risk using the prevalence-window period model.Meanwhile,the age characteristics of all positive donors were analyzed.Results Over the five-year period,a total of 320 016 individuals donated blood.The overall reaction rate of transfusion-transmitted diseases was 0.165%,with HBV(0.129%)being the most common.The positivity rate among first-time donors[P(FTDs)](0.310%)was significantly higher than that among repeat donors[P(RDs)](0.054%)(χ2=312.783,P<0.05).The serological residual risks for HBV,HCV,and HIV were 1∶188 090,1∶1 042 805,and 1∶392 995,respectively.During the five-year period,they decreased from 1∶129 495 to 1∶390 011,from 1∶697 002 to 1∶1 145 826,and from 1∶684 109 to 1∶1 067 317,respectively.The residual risks of HCV and HIV after NAT were 1∶22 369 329 and 1∶6 639 965,respectively,which were significantly reduced by 21.5-fold and 16.9-fold,and decreased steadily during the study period.Among the HBV-DNA(+)donors,61.8%(68/110)were RDs,and the residual risk was 1∶65 350.Conclusion This study demonstrates the remarkable effectiveness of introducing nucleic acid amplification technology(NAT)in reducing the residual risk of HBV,HCV,and HIV,particularly for HCV and HIV.The residual risk for HBV remains higher compared to HCV and HIV due to the discovery of occult HBV infections(OBI).Therefore,a crucial step toward further reducing this residual risk is the use of more sensitive reagents and detection platforms.Furthermore,implementing effective long-term incentive mechanisms and strategic planning to increase the proportion of repeat donors(RDs)is critical for enhancing transfusion safety.
8.Residual risk estimates of transfusion transmissible hepatitis B,hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus using P-WP model in Yantai,China,2018 through 2022
Xintang SHEN ; Hewei SONG ; Jiali QU ; Min ZHOU ; Xiaoli WU ; Xiaohua WANG
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(5):898-906
Objective Estimating the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted diseases in voluntary blood donors is crucial for monitoring blood safety.and to analyze the evolution trend over a five-year period in Yantai,Shandong Province.Methods This study retrospectively reviewed screening data from Yantai Central Blood Station between 2018 and 2022.We compared the positivity rates between first-time and repeat donors,calculated the prevalence of each virus,and estimated the residual risk using the prevalence-window period model.Meanwhile,the age characteristics of all positive donors were analyzed.Results Over the five-year period,a total of 320 016 individuals donated blood.The overall reaction rate of transfusion-transmitted diseases was 0.165%,with HBV(0.129%)being the most common.The positivity rate among first-time donors[P(FTDs)](0.310%)was significantly higher than that among repeat donors[P(RDs)](0.054%)(χ2=312.783,P<0.05).The serological residual risks for HBV,HCV,and HIV were 1∶188 090,1∶1 042 805,and 1∶392 995,respectively.During the five-year period,they decreased from 1∶129 495 to 1∶390 011,from 1∶697 002 to 1∶1 145 826,and from 1∶684 109 to 1∶1 067 317,respectively.The residual risks of HCV and HIV after NAT were 1∶22 369 329 and 1∶6 639 965,respectively,which were significantly reduced by 21.5-fold and 16.9-fold,and decreased steadily during the study period.Among the HBV-DNA(+)donors,61.8%(68/110)were RDs,and the residual risk was 1∶65 350.Conclusion This study demonstrates the remarkable effectiveness of introducing nucleic acid amplification technology(NAT)in reducing the residual risk of HBV,HCV,and HIV,particularly for HCV and HIV.The residual risk for HBV remains higher compared to HCV and HIV due to the discovery of occult HBV infections(OBI).Therefore,a crucial step toward further reducing this residual risk is the use of more sensitive reagents and detection platforms.Furthermore,implementing effective long-term incentive mechanisms and strategic planning to increase the proportion of repeat donors(RDs)is critical for enhancing transfusion safety.
9.Jiawei Chunze Decoction treats urinary retention after spinal cord injury in rats based on the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress apoptosis
Bochao ZHU ; Yanjie LI ; Hewei QIN ; Nannan ZHAO ; Haoyuan LIU ; Zhenhua XU ; Yupu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):371-378
BACKGROUND:Preliminary clinical observations found that Jiawei Chunze Decoction is an effective formula for clinical treatment of urinary retention after spinal cord injury.Animal experiments have found that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway is closely related to the degree of bladder dysfunction. OBJECTIVE:To further investigate the effects of Jiawei Chunze Decoction on bladder function and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats with urinary retention. METHODS:Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose group,Jiawei Chunze Decoction high-dose group and agonist group.In the sham operation group,the spinal cord was exposed but not transected.In the other groups,the modified Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method was used to prepare the model of sacral medullary injury.At 24 hours after modeling,the sham operation group and model group were intragastrically given equal volume of normal saline,Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose and high-dose groups were given Jiawei Chunze Decoction granules containing 14.4 and 28.8 g/kg,respectively,via intragastric administration for 4 weeks,and the agonist group was treated with an intraperitoneal injection of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway agonist 740Y-P at a dose of 0.02 mg/kg.After 4 weeks of treatment,the maximum bladder capacity,leakage point pressure and bladder compliance of rats in each group were detected by urine flow dynamics.The minimum bladder contraction tension and frequency of rats in each group were detected by detrusor pull test.The pathological changes of the rat bladder in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The concentrations of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in serum were detected by ELISA,and the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in bladder tissues were detected by RT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the maximum bladder volume,bladder compliance and minimum systolic tension of rats in the model group were increased(P<0.05),and the leakage point pressure and bladder contraction frequency were decreased(P<0.05);serum GRP78,CHOP,and Caspase-12 levels were also increased(P<0.05).The arrangement of bladder epithelial cells in the model group was disordered,and there was monocyte infiltration between cells,tissue edema,and detrusor tract atrophy.The mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and Akt in bladder tissues were significantly decreased in the model group compared with the sham operation group,while those of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the maximum bladder volume,bladder compliance and minimum systolic tension of rats were decreased in the Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose,high-dose and agonist groups after 4 weeks of intervention(P<0.05),while the leakage point pressure and bladder contraction frequency were increased(P<0.05);serum GRP78,CHOP,Caspase-12 levels were decreased(P<0.05).The bladder epithelial cells in the three intervention groups were distributed evenly,arranged neatly,with less inflammatory cell infiltration and fuller detrusor muscle bundle.Compared with the model group,the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and Akt were increased in the three intervention groups,while those of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 were decreased(P<0.05).The Jiawei Chunze Decoction high-dose group was better than the Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose group and shared the similar results with the agonist group.To conclude,Jiawei Chunze Decoction can improve the bladder function of rats with urinary retention after spinal cord injury,and the mechanism may be related to reducing the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress in bladder tissue through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,and then alleviating apoptosis.
10.Traditional Chinese medicine monomer in treatment of neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury:effects of nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway
Zhenhua XU ; Yanjie LI ; Hewei QIN ; Haoyuan LIU ; Bochao ZHU ; Yupu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):590-598
BACKGROUND:Targeted therapy based on nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway to explore neuroinflammation is increasingly worth exploring,and the advantages of Chinese medicine such as many targets,wide range,rich mechanisms,and few side effects have great potential in the treatment of various diseases. OBJECTIVE:Based on the nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway,this paper systematically expounded and summarized the research progress of kaempferol,safflower yellow,baicalin,and triptolide in the treatment of neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury. METHODS:Search terms"spinal cord injury,inflammation,anti-inflammatory,traditional Chinese medicine monomer,monomeric compound,NF-κB signaling pathway,flavonoids,glycosides,phenols,esters,alkaloids"were searched in CNKI and PubMed databases.Totally 67 articles were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The role of nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway in the nervous system is complex and diverse,which can regulate neutrophils,microglia,astrocytes,and macrophages,and mediate the occurrence and development of inflammation after injury.(2)The effects of traditional Chinese medicine monomers such as baicalin on the degradation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B inhibitory protein,the inhibition of phosphorylation process by safflowerin on nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway,and the inhibition of kaempferol on nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway p65 nuclear translocation can reduce the impact of inflammatory response on the body,thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function.(3)The nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway can promote inflammation and immune cell migration and activation in the early stage of injury,and can promote the repair of injury site and the occurrence of fibrosis in the middle and late stages of injury.Appropriate activation of the nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway can promote the release of inflammatory factors,improve the antioxidant capacity of cells,and promote the activation of immune cells,but the over-activated nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway can easily lead to the occurrence and continuation of chronic inflammation and the inhibition of apoptosis.(4)Future research can further explore how to accurately regulate the activation level of nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway,how to achieve precise intervention for nervous system inflammation and injury,and can also focus on the preparation of traditional Chinese medicine monomers and the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine monomers on signaling pathways,in order to provide more effective treatment strategies for the rehabilitation and functional recovery of neurological diseases.

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