1.Interactive effects of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on brain structure and function
Jiayan YIN ; Yifeng LUO ; Zhihong CAO ; Yuefeng LI ; Jiyuan GE ; Qingyue LAN ; Rongfeng QI ; Luoan WU ; Li ZHANG ; Guangming LU
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(10):1025-1035
Objective:To investigate the interactive effects of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on brain structure, function, and structure-function coupling, and to analyze their association with clinical symptom.Methods:A total of 112 parents who lost their only child and participated in the psychological aid project organized by Local Civil Affairs Department in Sunan aear of Jiangsu Province in China from April 2021 to July 2021 and 36 healthy controls recruited from the community during the same period were selected. Based on childhood trauma questionnaire scores, parents who had lost their only child were divided into those with childhood trauma (group A, n=55) and those without childhood trauma (group B, n=57); similarly, the healthy controls were divided into a group with childhood trauma (group C, n=12) and a group without childhood trauma (group D, n=24). All participants were evaluated by clinical scales such as Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). MRI 3D-T1 structural images and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected; gray matter volume (GMV) and degree centrality (DC) were calculated by standardized image preprocessing procedure, and ratio of DC to GMV within each voxel was computed to obtain the structure-function coupling map. A two-factor analysis of variance was used to analyze the independent effect and interactive effect of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on GMV, DC, and DC/GMV coupling value. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate the associations of above indicators in brain regions with significant difference in independent effect and interactive effect with clinical scale scores. Results:(1) Compared with the participants without childhood trauma (group B+group D), the participants with childhood trauma (group A+group C) showed significantly reduced GMV in the left middle temporal gyrus and right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, Gaussian random field [GRF] corrected). A significant interactive effect of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on GMV in the right precuneus was observed (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). (2) Compared with the healthy controls, parents who had lost their only child exhibited significantly increased DC in the left middle frontal gyrus (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). Compared with participants without childhood trauma, participants with childhood trauma showed significantly increased DC in the right thalamus (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P< 0.05, GRF corrected). A significant interactive effect of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on DC in the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus was observed (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). (3) Compared with the healthy controls, parents who had lost their only child showed significantly decreased DC/GMV coupling value in the left middle frontal gyrus (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). Compared with participants without childhood trauma, participants with childhood trauma showed significantly increased DC/GMV coupling value in the right thalamus (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). A significant interactive effect of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on DC/GMV coupling value in the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus was observed (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). (4) Correlation analysis revealed that GMV in the right precuneus with significant interactive effect of loss of the only child and childhood trauma was positively correlated with MMSE score ( r s=0.317, P=0.010, Bonferroni corrected). GMV in the left middle temporal gyrus with significant independent effect of childhood trauma was positively correlated with both HAMD score and HAMA score ( r s=0.362, P=0.006; r s= 0.349, P=0.008, Bonferroni corrected). Conclusion:Loss of the only child and childhood trauma can interact to jointly affect the brain structure, function, and structure-function coupling; and some of these brain structure alterations are closely associated with clinical symptoms.
2.Relationship of Serum IL-27,CysC,GAPDH Antibodies with Disease Severity and Prognosis in Children with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Zuohua WANG ; Rongfeng WU ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Huiping WANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(7):146-154
Objective To explore the relationship between serum Interleukin-27(IL-27),Cystatin C(CysC),and Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH)antibodies and the severity of disease in children with Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder(NMOSD),as well as their impact on prognosis.Methods A total of 102 children with NMOSD admitted to Kunming Children's Hospital from July 2019 to July 2023 were selected,along with 102 healthy during the same period.Serum levels of IL-27,CysC,and GAPDH antibodies were compared between children with NMOSD and healthy children.The levels of serum IL-27,CysC,and GAPDH antibodies were compared among children with varying disease severity.The correlations between serum IL-27,CysC,GAPDH antibodies and disease condition,cerebrospinal fluid markers were analyzed.And 102 children with NMOSD received individualized treatment and were followed up for 1 year.The prognosis was evaluated based on disease relapse,and patients were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group.The clinical data,serum IL-27,CysC,and GAPDH antibody levels were compared between the two groups.the impact of serum IL-27,CysC,and GAPDH antibodies on disease recurrence was analyzed,and the predictive value of serum IL-27,CysC,and GAPDH antibodies for disease recurrence was evaluated.Results Children with NMOSD had lower levels of serum IL-27 and CysC and higher levels of GAPDH antibodies than healthy children(P<0.05).Serum IL-27 and CysC levels were negatively correlated with Aquaporin 4(AQP4)-IgG antibody positivity,the number of spinal cord-involved segments,Expanded disability status scale(EDSS)scores,cerebrospinal fluid protein content,and white blood cell count.In contrast GAPDH antibodies were positively correlated with these parameters(P<0.05).After 1-year follow-up,2 cases were lost to follow-up,21 cases relapsed,and 79 cases did not,which were included in the relapse group and non-relapse group,respectively.There were significant differences in the number of spinal cord-involved segments,EDSS scores,and cerebrospinal fluid protein content between the relapse group and non-relapse group(P<0.05).The levels of serum IL-27 and CysC were lower and the levels of GAPDH antibodies were higher in the relapse group than the non-relapse group(P<0.05).Serum IL-27,CysC,and GAPDH antibodies were significantly associated with disease relapse(P<0.05).The Area under the curve(AUC)values for predicting disease recurrence in children with NMOSD based on serum IL-27,CysC,and GAPDH antibodies were 0.748,0.791,and 0.747,respectively,with optimal cutoff values of 38.77 pg/mL,0.79 mg/L,and 55.81 pg/mL,respectively.The combined prediction of disease relapse using these three markers had an AUC of 0.900,which was superior to individual prediction values(Z=2.215,2.137,2.220,P=0.024,0.033,0.023).Conclusion The levels of serum IL-27,CysC,and GAPDH antibodies are significantly correlated with the disease severity and prognosis in children with NMOSD,and can effectively predict the risk of disease recurrence.Combined detection provides more reliable predictive value.
3.Effects of laminarin on non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in C57BL/6 mice based on transcriptomics analysis
Lei Zhang ; Sumei Zhang ; Zhen Yang ; Weikang Hu ; Hongmei Bai ; Wenjing Zhou ; Zihan Wang ; Mingcong Li ; Shengquan Zhang ; Rongfeng Liao
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(3):392-398
Objective :
To investigate the effect of laminarin(LAM) on nonproliferative diabetes retinopathy by high throughput sequencing(RNA-seq).
Methods :
The diabetes model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ), and the effect of LAM on diabetic mice was observed.C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: Control group, Model group, and LAM group, with 8 mice in each group. After 8 weeks of modeling, the LAM group received a 4-week intraperitoneal injection of LAM treatment. Changes in blood glucose and body weight of the three groups of mice were recorded, HE staining was performed to examine retinal lesions, and RNA-seq was used to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs) in diabetic retinopathy(DR) under the action of STZ and LAM.
Results :
STZ successfully established the model of DR, and LAM reduced the blood sugar in diabetic mice to a certain extent and improved the pathological morphology of retinal structural looseness in diabetic mice. After RNA-seq analysis of DEGs, it was found that there were a total of 214 DEGs in the retina of the Model group mice compared to the Control group. Enrichment analysis revealed that DR could exacerbate the lesions through the PI3K Akt signaling pathway. There were a total of 42 DEGs in the retina of the Model group and LAM group mice, and enrichment showed that LAM improved the lesions through the neutrophil extracellular trap pathway. Early growth response factor 1(Egr1), FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene(Fos), nuclear receptor subfamily 4A member 1(Nr4a1), and salt-induced kinase 1(Sik1) were regulated by STZ, and LAM significantly regulated their expression, which might be closely related to LAM′s treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Conclusion
DEGs can exacerbate the severity of diabetic retinopathyviathe PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. LAM can mitigate diabetic retinopathyviathe neutrophil extracellular trap pathway. Egr1, Fos, Nr4a1, and Sik1 are key genes involved in LAM treatment of STZ-induced DR.
4.MRI study on the impact of intergenerational caregiving on the structure and function of grandparents' brains
Wenxi FENG ; Yifeng LUO ; Zhihong CAO ; Jiyuan GE ; Qingyue LAN ; Chenyu PAN ; Rongfeng QI ; Guangming LU ; Li ZHANG ; Luo'an WU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(6):895-899
Objective To investigate the impact of intergenerational caregiving on the brain structure and function of grandparents,and to analyze its correlation with caregiving factors.Methods Healthy adults(66 with grandchildren,24 without grandchildren)were recruited as study subjects,and clinical and MRI data were collected.Resting-state brain functional degree centrality(DC)and surface-based morphometry(SBM)methods were used to compare the differences in brain structure and function between the groups with and without grandchildren.The correlation between the differences in brain regions and △ values with grandchild's age,number,and time spent in childcare were assessed,respectively.Results Compared to the group without grandchildren,the group with grandchildren showed reduced surface area and cortical volume in the left middle temporal gyrus,as well as decreased DC values in the left medial superior frontal gyrus,bilateral orbital superior frontal gyrus,and left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyrus(P<0.05),respectively.In the grandchildren group,DC values and △ values in the left orbital superior frontal gyrus,left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyrus were significantly positively correlated with time spent in childcare.Conclusion The brain structures and functions of grandparents related to empathy and motivation are changed in intergenerational caregiving,which may reveal the neuroplasticity after caring for their grandchildren.
5.Expert Consensus on Optimisation of Emergency Management Procedure for Hand Injury in Microsurgery (2025)
Ziqing ZHANG ; Jianxi HOU ; Kelie WANG ; Jian QI ; Rongfeng ZHANG ; Dong HUANG ; Xiaoju ZHENG ; Muwei LI ; Qiqiang DONG ; Xianyou ZHENG ; Shuqiang XIE ; Qiao HOU ; Gangyi LIU ; Jian LIN ; Jihui JU ; Huaqiao WANG ; Liqiang GU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(4):361-372
Standardised emergency management protocols for hand injury in microsurgery is critical, as it directly determines ultimate clinical outcomes. This consensus consolidates expert insights regarding diagnostic and treatment procedure for hand injury in microsurgery, emergency support protocols and key points of emergency workflow optimisation. It summarises the opinions of experts and puts forward standardised recommendations to guide clinical practice in microsurgical treatment process, so as to further improve the quality of treatment for hand injury in microsurgery and maximise the protection of limb function and quality of life of patients.
6.The impact of lesions in different nuclei of the basal ganglia on speech processing function in patients with post-stroke dysarthria
Juan LIU ; Shuzhi ZHAO ; Rongfeng SU ; Shaofeng ZHAO ; Yumei ZHANG ; Lan WANG ; Nan YAN
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(6):517-524
Objective:To investigate the impact of lesions in different nuclei of the subcortical basal ganglia on speech processing functions in patients with post-stroke dysarthria.Methods:From July 2022 to September 2023, a total of 20 patients with post-stroke dysarthria (patient group) and 22 healthy individuals (control group) were recruited. Brain imaging data, including structural magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), as well as behavioral data of speech fluency task and picture association task were collected. Structural MRI data was analyzed using SPM12 software to perform voxel-based morphometry (VBM), measuring cortical thickness and gray matter volume (VGM) in specific nuclei of the basal ganglia. Behavioral metrics, such as reaction time (RT) and the number of valid responses were extracted for each task. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 27.0 and R 4.0 softwares. Spearman correlation analysis was applied to examine relationships between neuroimaging parameters and behavioral performance indicators.Results:The patient group exhibited significantly smaller gray matter volumes in both left and right caudate nuclei((2.69±0.92)mm 3, (3.17±0.91)mm 3 ) and putamen (3.31±1.08)mm 3, (3.66±0.91)mm 3) compared to the control group (caudate nuclei (3.19±0.36)mm 3, (3.49±0.52)mm 3 putamen (4.52±0.54)mm 3, (4.72±0.64)mm 3), with statistically significant differences ( t=-2.83, 1.68; t=-3.59, 3.52, both P<0.05). Behavioral experiments revealed that the patient group exhibited significantly prolonged reaction time during picture association and naming tasks (1 910.50(1 214.25, 3 806.75) ms, 1 362.00(978.00, 2 297.00) ms) compared to the control group (1 618.00(1 162.75, 2 401.75) ms, 1 224.00(984.25, 1 661.50) ms; Z=-5.20, -4.61, both P<0.05). Gray matter volumes in the left caudate nucleus and left putamen exhibited negative correlations with reaction times during the picture naming task ( r=-0.52, -0.54, both P<0.05). Additionally, the gray matter volume of the left putamen demonstrated a positive correlation with the number of valid responses in speech fluency task-T2 ( r=0.46, P<0.05), whereas the left globus pallidus volume showed a negative correlation with speech fluency task-T1 ( r=-0.51, P<0.05) with the same measure. Conclusion:Lesions in the left subnuclei of the basal ganglia directly impair early-stage speech functions, including conceptual preparation and lexical selection, whereas right-side lesions exert less pronounced effects on linguistic performance compared to their left counterparts. Furthermore, the basal ganglia's involvement in higher-order linguistic processing may represent an indirect consequence of cognitive decline.
7.Magnetic resonance imaging burden of cerebral small vascular disease and ischemic stroke
Shenyu FAN ; Yukun ZHANG ; Rongfeng QI ; Bing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(5):470-475
The long-term functional impairment of survivors of ischemic stroke has emerged as an increasingly pressing concern, and most stroke patients are afflicted with cognitive impairment and functional deficits. Compared with the general population, stroke patients exhibit significantly greater magnetic resonance imaging burden of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), which is associated with substantially elevated risks of post-stroke dementia, aggravated disability severity, and increased stroke recurrence rates. This article reviews existing researches, delving deep into the role and significance of the CSVD magnetic resonance imaging burden in the assessment of cognitive impairment and functional prognosis in patients with ischemic stroke. The results demonstrate that CSVD magnetic resonance imaging burden, whether assessed through a grading scoring method or quantitative analysis, shows significant correlations with cognitive function in patients with ischemic stroke, and the total CSVD magnetic resonance imaging burden exhibits high sensitivity in predicting functional prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke. Therefore, this indicator holds great promise in providing pivotal support for aspects such as monitoring disease progression and formulating personalized treatment strategies.In the future, it will be imperative to establish multicenter prospective cohorts to further elucidate the relationship between the CSVD magnetic resonance imaging burden and the long-term prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke.
8.Predictive study of brain gray matter volume combined with regional homogeneity on the alleviation of post-traumatic stress disorder in bereaved parents who lost their only child
Chensi LI ; Yifeng LUO ; Zhihong CAO ; Yuefeng LI ; Jiyuan GE ; Qingyue LAN ; Rongfeng QI ; Luo'an WU ; Li ZHANG ; Guangming LU
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(10):879-884
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in assessing symptom remission of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of bereaved parents who lost their only child.Methods:In this prospective study, 34 parents with PTSD resulting from the loss of the only child were followed-up for 2 years. Based on the PTSD diagnostic status at the end of the follow-up, participants were divided into the remission group and the persistent group.R 3.6.1 and SPSS 20.0 software were used for statistical analysis.Baseline clinical data and neuroimaging findings were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression and LASSO regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of PTSD symptom remission. The predictive performance of these factors was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:Initial screening with univariate Logistic regression and LASSO regression revealed that regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the left middle temporal gyrus, the combined predictive value based on ReHo, and the integrated predictive value combining gray matter volume (GMV) and ReHo (GMV-ReHo predictor) were significant factors influencing symptom remission (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression further demonstrated that the GMV-ReHo predictor retained independent predictive significance ( P<0.05), with ROC curve analysis showing an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.979 (95% CI=0.935-0.996, P<0.001) for its ability to predict PTSD remission. Notably, a combined model incorporating both the scores of the clinician administered PTSD scale (CAPS) and the GMV-ReHo predictor achieved an enhanced predictive performance, yielding an AUC of 0.984 (95% CI=0.952-0.998, P<0.001). Conclusion:The GMV-ReHo predictor effectively identifies symptom remission in PTSD resulting from the loss of the only child.
9.The impact of lesions in different nuclei of the basal ganglia on speech processing function in patients with post-stroke dysarthria
Juan LIU ; Shuzhi ZHAO ; Rongfeng SU ; Shaofeng ZHAO ; Yumei ZHANG ; Lan WANG ; Nan YAN
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(6):517-524
Objective:To investigate the impact of lesions in different nuclei of the subcortical basal ganglia on speech processing functions in patients with post-stroke dysarthria.Methods:From July 2022 to September 2023, a total of 20 patients with post-stroke dysarthria (patient group) and 22 healthy individuals (control group) were recruited. Brain imaging data, including structural magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), as well as behavioral data of speech fluency task and picture association task were collected. Structural MRI data was analyzed using SPM12 software to perform voxel-based morphometry (VBM), measuring cortical thickness and gray matter volume (VGM) in specific nuclei of the basal ganglia. Behavioral metrics, such as reaction time (RT) and the number of valid responses were extracted for each task. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 27.0 and R 4.0 softwares. Spearman correlation analysis was applied to examine relationships between neuroimaging parameters and behavioral performance indicators.Results:The patient group exhibited significantly smaller gray matter volumes in both left and right caudate nuclei((2.69±0.92)mm 3, (3.17±0.91)mm 3 ) and putamen (3.31±1.08)mm 3, (3.66±0.91)mm 3) compared to the control group (caudate nuclei (3.19±0.36)mm 3, (3.49±0.52)mm 3 putamen (4.52±0.54)mm 3, (4.72±0.64)mm 3), with statistically significant differences ( t=-2.83, 1.68; t=-3.59, 3.52, both P<0.05). Behavioral experiments revealed that the patient group exhibited significantly prolonged reaction time during picture association and naming tasks (1 910.50(1 214.25, 3 806.75) ms, 1 362.00(978.00, 2 297.00) ms) compared to the control group (1 618.00(1 162.75, 2 401.75) ms, 1 224.00(984.25, 1 661.50) ms; Z=-5.20, -4.61, both P<0.05). Gray matter volumes in the left caudate nucleus and left putamen exhibited negative correlations with reaction times during the picture naming task ( r=-0.52, -0.54, both P<0.05). Additionally, the gray matter volume of the left putamen demonstrated a positive correlation with the number of valid responses in speech fluency task-T2 ( r=0.46, P<0.05), whereas the left globus pallidus volume showed a negative correlation with speech fluency task-T1 ( r=-0.51, P<0.05) with the same measure. Conclusion:Lesions in the left subnuclei of the basal ganglia directly impair early-stage speech functions, including conceptual preparation and lexical selection, whereas right-side lesions exert less pronounced effects on linguistic performance compared to their left counterparts. Furthermore, the basal ganglia's involvement in higher-order linguistic processing may represent an indirect consequence of cognitive decline.
10.Magnetic resonance imaging burden of cerebral small vascular disease and ischemic stroke
Shenyu FAN ; Yukun ZHANG ; Rongfeng QI ; Bing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(5):470-475
The long-term functional impairment of survivors of ischemic stroke has emerged as an increasingly pressing concern, and most stroke patients are afflicted with cognitive impairment and functional deficits. Compared with the general population, stroke patients exhibit significantly greater magnetic resonance imaging burden of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), which is associated with substantially elevated risks of post-stroke dementia, aggravated disability severity, and increased stroke recurrence rates. This article reviews existing researches, delving deep into the role and significance of the CSVD magnetic resonance imaging burden in the assessment of cognitive impairment and functional prognosis in patients with ischemic stroke. The results demonstrate that CSVD magnetic resonance imaging burden, whether assessed through a grading scoring method or quantitative analysis, shows significant correlations with cognitive function in patients with ischemic stroke, and the total CSVD magnetic resonance imaging burden exhibits high sensitivity in predicting functional prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke. Therefore, this indicator holds great promise in providing pivotal support for aspects such as monitoring disease progression and formulating personalized treatment strategies.In the future, it will be imperative to establish multicenter prospective cohorts to further elucidate the relationship between the CSVD magnetic resonance imaging burden and the long-term prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke.


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