1.Efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation therapy in treating persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia and its relationship with changes in peripheral blood inflammatory markers
Sisi CHEN ; Shuyan TONG ; Zhu TONG ; Wanlong LI ; Hanqing SHI ; Lei YAO ; Chao ZHOU ; Xiangrong ZHANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):295-302
BackgroundNegative symptoms of schizophrenia impose a substantial burden on society, and the current antipsychotic drugs have limited efficacy in treating these symptoms. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), as a novel neuromodulation technique, shows potential therapeutic promise. However, the evidence for its efficacy in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia and its relationship with associated immuno-inflammatory changes remain to be further elucidated. ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of iTBS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) on persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and to analyze its relationship with changes in peripheral blood inflammatory markers, so as to provide references for the clinical application of iTBS in treating persistent negative symptoms and to offer clues for further research into its potential biological mechanisms. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 60 patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized at Xuzhou Oriental Peopple's Hospital from February 20, 2024 to May 10, 2025 were consecutively enrolled. All patients met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) and fulfilled the criteria for persistent negative symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned into the study group and the control group, with 30 patients in each group. The two groups respectively received 20 sessions of either active iTBS or sham stimulation over a 4-week period. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at the baseline, the end of treatment, and 3 months after treatment. Peripheral blood inflammatory markers were measured at the baseline and at the end of treatment, including white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and monocyte count, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were also calculated. A linear mixed model was used to compare PANSS scores between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine the association between reductions in inflammatory markers at the end of treatment and reductions in PANSS negative symptom subscale scores, with body mass index (BMI) and chlorpromazine-equivalent dose as covariates. Results①The time-group interaction effect for the PANSS negative symptom subscale score was statistically significant (F=5.410, P<0.01). At the end of treatment and 3 months after treatment, the study group had significantly lower scores on the PANSS negative symptom subscale than the control group (P<0.01). ② At the end of treatment, group differences in reduction scores for neutrophil count, NLR, and PLR were significant (Z=-2.262, -2.048, -2.070, P<0.05). However, after FDR correction, the between-group differences in reductions in peripheral blood inflammatory markers were no longer statistically significant (P>0.05). ③ After adjusting for BMI and chlorpromazine equivalents, the reduction in PANSS negative symptom subscale scores was positively correlated with the reduction in neutrophil count in the study group (rs=0.382, P=0.045). ConclusioniTBS targeting the L-DLPFC may be beneficial in improving persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and its clinical efficacy may be associated with changes in neutrophil count. [Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (number, 82371510); Social Development Project of Jiangsu Province (number, BE2023668). www.chictr.org.cn number, ChiCTR2500101060]
2.Deep learning model based on grayscale ultrasound for predicting asymptomatic compensated advanced chronic liver disease
Sisi HUANG ; Yingzi LIANG ; Fangyi HUANG ; Liyan WEI ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Yong GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(6):947-951
Objective To explore the value of deep learning(DL)model based on grayscale ultrasound for predicting asymptomatic advanced chronic liver disease(cACLD).Methods Totally 258 patients with asymptomatic compensatory chronic liver diseases were retrospectively included,among them 117 with F3 or F4 stage liver fibrosis were classified into cACLD group,while 141 with F1 or F2 stage liver fibrosis were taken as non-cACLD group.The patients were divided into training set(n=180,including 82 cases of cACLD and 98 cases of non-cACLD)and validation set(n=78,including 35 cases of cACLD and 43 cases of non-cACLD)at the ratio of 7∶3.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen independent clinical predictors of cACLD and construct a clinical model.Based on liver grayscale ultrasound,optimal DL features were extracted and screened,and Resnet50 network was adopted as framework,na?ve Bayes classifier was used to construct DL model,and a combined model was constructed based on clinical model and DL model.The efficacy and clinical value of each model for predicting asymptomatic cACLD were evaluated.Results Age,gamma-glutamyl transferase and platelet count were all independent clinical predictors of cACLD,and a clinical model was constructed.Totally 38 optimal DL features were screened to build a DL model.The AUC of combined model in training set and validation set was 0.950 and 0.740,of DL model was 0.944 and 0.737,respectively,being not significantly different(both P>0.05)but all higher than that of clinical model(0.667 and 0.573,all P<0.05).Taken 0.59-0.90 as the threshold,the net benefits of combined model in both training and validation sets were higher than that of other models.Conclusion DL model based on grayscale ultrasound could be used to effectively predict asymptomatic cACLD.Combining with clinical characteristics might improve clinical net benefit of this model.
3.Analysis of the Construction and Path of China's Hospital Digital Transformation Model Based on the Multiple Case Study
Mengke YANG ; Sisi CHEN ; Jie XIN ; Yong GAO ; Hui XIAO ; Bingbing TUO ; Zhuxin YAO ; Zhiguo ZHANG ; Lining SHEN
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(5):39-44,53
Objective To investigate the drivers,stakeholders,core tasks,and differentiated development models of digital transformation in Chinese hospitals,develop a hospital digital transformation model,and propose advancement pathways.Methods Leveraging ROCCIPI theory,socio-technical systems theory,and social network theory,a multiple case study approach was employed to analyze four representative Chinese hospitals,examining the driving factors,social network relationship,and core tasks of digital transformation.Results Hospital digital transformation is a complex process driven by regulations,opportunities,and capabilities,requiring efficient collaboration among stakeholders focused on patient services,clinical operations,hospital management,and security.It identified three development models-ecology-oriented,regional integration,and grassroots enhancement—based on the distinct characteristics of the hospitals.A theoretical model for digital transformation in four Chinese hospitals was developed,along with proposed pathways and strategies.Conclusion It presents a digital transformation model and advancement pathways for hospitals through multiple case analyses,addressing the limited perspectives of existing research and providing a reference for practice.
4.Application of gamification programs in exercise rehabilitation for knee osteoarthritis:a scoping review
Sisi REN ; Xiangyang CAO ; Daqiao ZHU ; Mengyao LIU ; Hongping YANG ; Jieyu ZHANG ; Xin YANG ; Ying CHEN ; Chaofan YANG ; Rui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(10):1184-1190
Objective To conduct a scoping review of the application of gamification programs in exercise rehabilitation for knee osteoarthritis,examining the application carriers,game content,outcome indicators,measurement tools,and application effects of gamification programs,to provide references for future practice and related research in this field.Methods The search was conducted in PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Scopus,CIN AHL,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,CNKI,and Wanfang Data from their inception to December 28,2024.The included studies were summarized and analyzed.Results A total of 28 studies were included in the review.The game carriers encompassed virtual reality technology,sensor devices,and mobile applications.The game content covered interactive motion games,aerobic exercises,and goal-motivated games.Outcome indicators included functional performance,physical activity,pain,psychological and health status,and user experience.Gamification programs were found to effectively enhance user engagement,improve physical function,reduce negative emotions,and improve quality of life.However,there remains controversy regarding their efficacy in pain relief.Conclusion Gamification programs have shown positive effects in exercise rehabilitation for knee osteoarthritis.Future efforts should focus on developing gamification programs that are culturally appropriate for China,creating"digital therapeutics",continuously updating systems,conducting economic evaluations,and ensuring digital equity to enhance patients'rehabilitation experiences and improve health outcomes.
5.Comparisons of clinical and pathological characteristics of urticarial vasculitis versus chronic spontaneous urticaria with pigmentation
Xuewei HUANG ; Qiquan CHEN ; Xianjie YANG ; Anqi CHEN ; Huan WANG ; Sisi DENG ; Zhifang ZHAI ; Juan WANG ; Zhiqiang SONG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(6):508-514
Objective:To compare and analyze the similarities and differences in clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, pathological characteristics, and prognosis between urticarial vasculitis (UV) and chronic spontaneous urticaria with pigmentation (CSUwp) .Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and follow-up results from 35 UV patients and 54 CSUwp patients who attended the Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University from 2014 to 2024. The clinical characteristics (duration of rash, pigmentation, petechiae and ecchymosis, itching, burning sensation, fever, fatigue, skin lesion characteristics, etc.) , laboratory test results, pathological features, and prognosis were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was carried out by t test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results:There were no significant differences in gender, age, or age of onset between the UV group and CSUwp group (all P < 0.05) . The proportions of patients with petechiae/purpura (68.57% [24/35] vs. 11.11% [6/54]) , and those with burning sensation (22.86% [8/35] vs. 3.70% [2/54]) were significantly higher in the UV group than in the CSUwp group (both P < 0.05) . Compared with the CSUwp patients, the UV patients presented with a greater number of lesions, larger lesion areas, and more frequent involvement of the lower limbs (all P < 0.05) , also showed significantly higher incidence rates of peripheral blood complement reduction, perivascular neutrophil infiltration, nuclear dust, fibrinoid necrosis of the vessel wall, and erythrocyte extravasation (all P < 0.05) , as well as more extensive dermal perivascular inflammation ( Z = -4.506, P < 0.001) . Among patients who achieved remission, the natural disease course was significantly longer in the CSUwp patients than in the UV patients (6.00 [2.5, 24] months vs. 2.00 [0.5, 24] months; Z = -2.618, P = 0.009]. However, the survival analysis showed no significant difference in the natural disease course or clinical outcomes between the two groups ( χ2 = 2.771, P = 0.096) . There were also no significant differences in rash duration or in the incidence rates of itching, angioedema, or joint pain between the two groups (all P > 0.05) . Conclusions:UV patients exhibited certain differences from CSUwp patients in clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, histopathological features, and prognosis. However, whether their natural disease courses differ requires further follow-up studies to confirm.
6.Effect of Qinggan Bupi Jiangtang Decoction combined with acupuncture on glucose and lipid metabolism and cytokines in patients with overweight/obese type 2 diabetes mellitus
Wenlan GAO ; Wenyan WANG ; Sisi LI ; Xuefei WANG ; Yi CHEN ; Feng TAO ; Gan CAI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(1):29-35
Objective:To investigate the effect of Qinggan Bupi Jiangtang Decoction combined with acupuncture on glucose and lipid metabolism and cytokines in patients with overweight/obese T2DM.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 104 patient with overweight/obese T2DM who were admitted to the Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2022 to March 2023 were selected as the research subjects. They were randomly divided into the control group (52 cases) and the combination group (52 cases). The control group was given conventional symptomatic treatment and treated with acupuncture. On this basis, the combination group was treated with Qinggan Bupi Jiangtang Decoction. The two groups were compared in terms of efficacy, TCM syndrome scores, glucose metabolism indicators, islet function indicators, lipid metabolism indicators, cytokines, and blood glucose control. Results:The total effective rate was 90.38% (47/52) in the combined group and 73.08% (38/52) in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=5.22, P=0.022). After treatment, the TCM syndrome score (13.21±1.48 vs. 18.54±2.01, t=15.40) of the combination group was lower than that of the control group ( P<0.001). After treatment, the combination group FPG [(6.05 ± 1.01) mmol/L vs. (7.26 ± 1.13) mmol/L, t=5.73], 2 hPG [(8.23 ± 1.12) mmol/L vs. (10.41 ± 1.26) mmol/L, t=9.54], HbAlc [(5.84 ± 0.84) % vs. (6.31 ± 0.93) %, t=2.84] and HOMA-IR (2.57 ± 0.26 vs. 2.86 ± 0.30, t=3.75) were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05), and HOMA-β (61.34 ± 6.75 vs. 56.69 ± 5.72, t=5.87) was higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05). After treatment, the combination group TC, TG and LDL-C were lower than those in the control group ( t values were 10.25, 5.35, 3.51, respectively, P<0.01), HDL-C was higher than that of the control group ( t=11.59, P<0.01). After treatment, the combination group CTRP12 [(296.05 ± 30.11) ng/L vs. (280.23 ± 28.44) ng/L, t=2.76], FGF-21 [(184.12 ± 19.05) μg/L vs. (170.04 ± 17.03) μg/L, t=2.77], Nesfatin1 [(0.92 ± 0.10) μg/L vs. (0.77±0.08) μg/L, t=5.99] and lipidin levels [(4.89±0.51) mg/L vs. (4.12±0.48) mg/L, t=8.58] were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.01). The combined group composite endpoint achievement rate was 53.85% (28/52), the 12-week HbA1c achievement rate was 80.77% (42/52), and the rate of no weight increase was 84.62% (44/52). The control group's composite endpoint achievement rate was 34.62% (18/52), the 12-week HbA1c achievement rate was 61.54% (32/52), and the rate of no weight increase was 67.31% (35/52). The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( χ2 values were 3.90, 4.69, 4.27, respectively, and the P values were 0.048, 0.030, 0.039, respectively). The adverse reactions of the two groups were mainly mild nausea, skin rash and pruritus, the incidence of which was 15.38% (8/52) in the combination group and 9.62% (5/52) in the control group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=0.79, P=0.374). Conclusion:The therapeutic effect of Qinggan Bupi Jiangtang Decoction combined with acupuncture on overweight/obese T2DM patients is relatively clear, and it can regulate the glucose and lipid metabolism and cytokines of patients.
7.Repair Effect of Danhuang Powder-Containing Serum on High Glucose-Induced Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury
Sisi ZHAO ; Chunling ZHANG ; Wei ZHAO ; Tietao DI ; Shiyong ZHOU ; Lu CHEN ; Lianggang WEI ; Yan ZHANG ; Yuanyuan DONG ; Yi FAN ; Lei ZHU ; Zhiqin LUO ; Xinghui WANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(1):185-190
Objective To observe the repair effect and mechanism of Danhuang Powder-containing serum on high glucose-induced vascular endothelial cell injury.Methods Danhuang Powder-containing serum was prepared.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were cultured to be divided into control group,recombinant human epidermal growth factor(called"growth factor"for short)group,Danhuang Powder group,high glucose group,high glucose+growth factor group,and high glucose+Danhuang Powder group.After corresponding intervention in each group for 48 hours,the cell ultrastructure and autophagy were observed under transmission electron microscope,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,and the protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),epidermal growth factor(EGF)and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)in the cells were detected by Western Blot.Results(1)The intra-mitochondrial ridges in the control group were clearly visible,autophagosomes and autolysosomes were fewer;mitochondria in the high glucose group were swollen and irregular,and appeared vacuolated;and the more typical autophagy-like structures were seen in the high glucose+Danhuang Powder group.(2)Compared with the high glucose group and high glucose+growth factor group,the apoptosis rate of cells in the high glucose+Danhuang Powder group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the high glucose group and the high glucose+growth factor group,the protein expression levels of VEGF,EGF and bFGF in the cells of the high glucose+Danhuang Powder group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Danhuang Powder-containing serum can reduce the high glucose-induced damage in HUVEC cells,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of mitochondrial autophagy,and the inhibition of apoptosis,as well as the up-regulation of the expression of VEGF,EGF and bFGF.
8.Preliminary Study of Dilated Cardiomyopathy at a High Altitude Based on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking
Zhetao WANG ; Chunhua WANG ; Hongke YIN ; Sisi ZHAO ; Jinghang SUO ; Lei WANG ; Yushu CHEN ; Peng ZHOU ; Fabao GAO
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(2):489-494
Objective To investigate the application of cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking(CMR-FT)in assessing myocardial strain in dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)patients residing at high altitudes.Methods We retrospectively enrolled 29 DCM patients living at high altitudes(DCM-H),27 DCM patients living in a low-altitude plain environment(DCM-P),23 healthy volunteers living at a high altitude(HV-H),and 24 healthy volunteers living in a low-altitude plain environment(HV-P).All subjects underwent cine MRI scanning using a 3.0T rapid steady-state free precession sequence.The CMR images thus acquired were analyzed using cvi42,a post-processing software,to obtain left ventricular function and myocardial strain parameters.Results Compared with the HV-H group,the DCM-H group showed higher left ventricle end-diastolic volume(LVEDV)and left ventricle end-systolic volume(LVESV),and lower left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and stroke volume(LVSV)(all P<0.01).No significant difference was observed in cardiac function between the DCM-H and DCM-P groups(all P>0.05).The absolute values of global radial strain(GRS),global circumferential strain(GCS),and global longitudinal strain(GLS)in the DCM-H group were lower than those in the HV-P group([14.5±6.5]%vs.[34.2±10.7]%,[-11.1±4.4]%vs.[-19.9±2.8]%,and[-7.7±3.2]%vs.[-13.6±4.1]%,respectively),with the differences being statistically significant(all P<0.001).The DCM-H group had higher absolute GRS,GCS,and GCS values than the DCM-P group did([14.5±6.5]%vs.[7.0±2.7]%,[-11.1±4.4]%vs.[—5.4±2.2]%,and[—7.7±3.2]%vs.[—4.3±1.7]%,respectivley,all P<0.01).Conclusion Myocardial strain in DCM patients living at a high altitude is lower than that in healthy volunteers living at a high altitude,but higher than that in DCM patients living in a low-altitude plain environment.CMR-FT can be used to quantitatively assess myocardial contractility in DCM patients living at a high altitude,showing promise for clinical application.
9.Value of combined detection of serum mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 and lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 in early diagnosis of cervical cancer
Xiaodan JIANG ; Huifang WANG ; Sisi CHEN ; Yiman TANG ; Zhuang ZHANG ; Meng LI
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(15):58-62,78
Objective To explore the value of combined detection of serum mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1)and lysyl oxidase-like protein 2(LOXL2)in early diagnosis of cervical cancer.Methods A total of 218 patients with cervical lesions were selected as study group(103 ca-ses in cervical cancer group,115 cases in benign tumor group).Additionally,100 patients with cer-vical intraepithelial neoplasia grade Ⅱ were selected as precancerous lesion group,and 79 healthy in-dividuals undergoing physical examinations during the same period were selected as control group.Se-rum levels of MAPK1 and LOXL2 were measured in each group.Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlations of serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in patients with cervical cancer.Logistic regression analysis was performed to screen influencing factors for the occurrence of cervical cancer.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to assess the diagnostic efficacy of serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 for cervical cancer.Results Serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in the study group were higher than those in the precancerous lesion group and the control group,and those in the precancerous lesion group were higher than those in the control group,with statistically signif-icant differences(P<0.05).The proportion of patients with high-risk human papillomavirus(HPV)infection and serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in the cervical cancer group were higher than those in the benign tumor group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in patients with stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ cervical cancer were higher than those in patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ cervical cancer,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in patients with cervical cancer(r=0.468,P<0.001).Logistic regression analysis showed that high-risk HPV infection,MAPK1 and LOXL2 were all influencing factors for the occurrence of cervi-cal cancer(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for com-bined diagnosis of serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 was 0.911,which was significantly greater than the AUCs for individual diagnoses(0.848 and 0.843,respectively).Conclusion Serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in patients with cervical cancer are significantly upregulated,and the two indicators were positively correlated.High-risk HPV infection,serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels were influen-cing factors for the occurrence of cervical cancer.Combined detection of MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels is expected to assist in the diagnosis of cervical cancer.
10.Improving perspective-taking and parental competence in children with autism spectrum disorder:an in-tegrated approach of role-playing games and immediate feedback
Jin HE ; Lingfang CHEN ; Sisi ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;40(9):1380-1385
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of role-playing games with parental involvement and immediate therapist feedback for children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)and to explore their impact on parental compe-tence,thereby providing new insights for ASD rehabilitation.Method:Seventy children with ASD were randomly assigned to either a control or an intervention group.The control group received traditional one-on-one role-playing therapy with parents as observers.In addition to this therapy,the intervention group participated in a 60-minute parent-inclusive role-playing session with real-time therapist feedback.Assessments of children's social perspective-taking abilities and parental competence were conducted at pre-and post-intervention and at follow-up.Children's developmental outcomes were further evalu-ated using the Griffiths Scales at the same timepoints.Result:Sixty-four participants provided valid data.The intervention group showed significant improvements in social perspective-taking post-intervention and at follow-up compared to baseline(P<0.05).At follow-up,chil-dren in the intervention group also scored higher on personal and social,hearing,and language development domains of the Griffiths Scale than the control group(P<0.05).Parental competence in the intervention group significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion:The integrated intervention of role-playing games with immediate feedback effectively enhances so-cial perspective-taking in children with ASD,promotes developmental levels,and strengthens parental competence.

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