Machado-Joseph disease, or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), represents the most common autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia worldwide. Despite its progressive and debilitating nature, disease-modifying therapies remain elusive. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive intervention; however, its clinical application has been hindered by inconsistent protocols and a lack of mechanistic understanding. A recent landmark study published in Brain Stimulation by Chen et al. addressed these challenges by combining a high-dose intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) protocol with concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation-electroencephalography (TMS-EEG). This commentary provides an in-depth analysis of their findings, highlighting the restoration of cerebello-cortical inhibition (CBI) as a key therapeutic mechanism. Furthermore, we discuss the broader implications of this work, proposing that future translational research should integrate accelerated iTBS (aiTBS) paradigms, cortical response measurements (CRM), and individualized neuro-navigation to establish a new era of precision neuromodulation for ataxia.

Machado-Joseph disease, or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), represents the most common autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia worldwide. Despite its progressive and debilitating nature, disease-modifying therapies remain elusive. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive intervention; however, its clinical application has been hindered by inconsistent protocols and a lack of mechanistic understanding. A recent landmark study published in Brain Stimulation by Chen et al. addressed these challenges by combining a high-dose intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) protocol with concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation-electroencephalography (TMS-EEG). This commentary provides an in-depth analysis of their findings, highlighting the restoration of cerebello-cortical inhibition (CBI) as a key therapeutic mechanism. Furthermore, we discuss the broader implications of this work, proposing that future translational research should integrate accelerated iTBS (aiTBS) paradigms, cortical response measurements (CRM), and individualized neuro-navigation to establish a new era of precision neuromodulation for ataxia.

ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.

Steroid-associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) is a progressive osteoarticular disorder associated with prolonged or high-dose glucocorticoid exposure. Its development involves local ischemia, oxidative stress, dysregulated bone metabolism, and disruption of the osteoimmune microenvironment. Macrophages exhibit marked phenotypic plasticity, and their polarization is essential for maintaining the dynamic balance among inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone remodeling. Persistent glucocorticoid stimulation, hypoxia, excessive reactive oxygen species, and damage-associated signals released from necrotic tissues can shift macrophages toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Classically activated macrophages (M1 macrophages) predominantly mediate inflammatory responses. By releasing tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and other mediators, promoting osteoclast activation, suppressing the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and impairing vascular endothelial function, M1 macrophages accelerate trabecular destruction and expansion of the necrotic lesion. In contrast, alternatively activated macrophages (M2 macrophages) contribute to inflammation resolution, neovascularization, osteogenic repair, and tissue remodeling, thereby supporting regeneration within the necrotic region. Macrophage-derived exosomes further influence disease progression through intercellular communication. Exosomes from different macrophage phenotypes can differentially regulate adipogenic differentiation, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and endothelial phenotypic transition, thereby affecting the repair capacity of the necrotic area. These findings indicate that macrophage polarization shapes the local microenvironment not only through soluble mediators but also through vesicle-mediated communication with BMSCs, neutrophils, endothelial cells, and other cell populations. At the molecular level, the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3(NLRP3) inflammasome, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‑κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathways jointly regulate macrophage polarization and its downstream osteoimmune effects. Dysregulation of these pathways may sustain inflammatory activation, aggravate oxidative and vascular injury, inhibit osteogenesis, and impair tissue repair. NLRP3 inflammasome activation links danger signals and oxidative stress to inflammatory cytokine maturation and pyroptotic injury; NF-κB signaling promotes pro-inflammatory gene transcription and M1 polarization; JAK/STAT signaling participates in the balance between inflammatory and reparative macrophage programs; and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling regulates cellular metabolism, survival, autophagy, and regeneration. Notably, the biological effects of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling are cell-type dependent, and Akt-mediated repair signaling should be distinguished from mTOR-related autophagy regulation. The pathological significance of macrophage polarization in SANFH is not determined simply by an increase or decrease in a single phenotype. Rather, disease progression appears to result from an imbalance between persistent pro-inflammatory activity and insufficient reparative responses at different stages of the disease. Such an imbalance disrupts the coordinated coupling of inflammation resolution, vascular regeneration, and bone remodeling, ultimately contributing to structural deterioration of the femoral head. This review summarizes the pathological roles, signaling regulation, and exosome-mediated intercellular communication associated with macrophage polarization imbalance in SANFH. A more precise understanding of these mechanisms may clarify the osteoimmune basis of SANFH and support the development of macrophage-targeted interventions. However, most available evidence is derived from cellular and animal studies, and the temporal evolution of macrophage phenotypes in patients remains insufficiently characterized. Therapeutic strategies should therefore move beyond the simple suppression of M1 macrophages or enhancement of M2 macrophages and instead aim to restore a stage-appropriate balance between inflammatory control and tissue repair while promoting angiogenesis and bone reconstruction.

Objective:To investigate the pathogen distribution characteristics and related risk factors for postoperative infection in liver transplant recipients.Method:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 153 recipients who underwent liver transplantation and received postoperative treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023. According to whether postoperative infection occurred, the recipients were divided into the infection group (33 cases) and the non-infection group (120 cases). Pathogen-related data were collected from multiple postoperative body fluid sites of liver transplant recipients. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify independent risk factors.Result:Among the 153 recipients, 105 were male and 48 were female, with a mean age of (52.2 ± 9.5) years. During the ICU stay after liver transplantation, 33 recipients developed infections, including 15 cases of single-pathogen infection and 18 cases of mixed-pathogen infection. The most common site of infection was the lung, accounting for 22 cases (66.67%). Eleven recipients (33.33%) in the infection group died, with septic shock being the leading cause of death (7 cases, 63.63%), and the median survival time was 14 days. Infected recipients had Gram-negative bacteria (171 strains), mainly Stenotrophomonas maltophilia[54 strains (31.57%)] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa[52 strains (30.41%)]. Gram-positive bacteria (47 strains) were dominated by Enterococcus faecalis[25 strains (53.19%)]. Multivariate regression analysis showed that postoperative mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours was an independent risk factor for infection in liver transplant recipients ( OR=10.878, 95% CI: 3.632-32.580, P<0.001). Conclusion:It is necessary to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in liver transplant recipients. Early removal of the tracheal tube and strengthening hospital infection prevention and control are of great significance in reducing the risk of postoperative infection in liver transplant recipients.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from ethyl acetate fraction of Balanophora harlandii Hook.f.and their tyrosinase inhibitory activity.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using silica gel,MCI,ODS,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The monophenolase inhibitory activity was determined by the tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of L-tyrosine.RESULTS Twenty-four compounds were isolated and identified as sesamin(1),methyl caffeate(2),quercetin(3),5,7-dihydroxychromanone(4),methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate(5),esculetin(6),kaempferol(7),naringenin(8),pyrogallic acid(9),pinosylvin(10),methyl propionate(11),caffeic acid(12),saccharinol(13),ferulic acid(14),trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid(15),cinnamic acid(16),vanillic acid(17),vanillin(18),4-hydroxyacetophenone(19),4-hydroxybenzaldehyde(20),apigenin(21),(-)-isolariciresinol(22),(-)-secoisolariciresinol(23)and meso-2,3-di(3′,4′-methylenedioxybenzyl)butane-1,4-diol(24).The IC50 values of compounds 3,5,7,8,19,and 20 ranged from(0.246 5±0.028 3)to(1.278 2±0.021 3)mmol/L.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-9、11、15、17-21、24 are isolated from this plant for the first time,and 1,6,9,17-19,24 are first isolated from genus Balanophora.Compounds 3、5、7、8、19 and 20 have tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Objective:To investigate the effect of long non-coding RNA glucuronidase β pseudogene 11(GUSBP11)regulating miR-339-5p/mouse two-minute homolog 2(MDM2)axis on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of gastric cancer AGS cells.Methods:Cancerous and adjacent tissues from 25 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from December 2023 to June 2024 were collected.Gastric cancer AGS cells and normal gastric mucosal epithelial GES-1 cells were routinely cultured.The control plasmids and knockdown plasmids were transfected into AGS cells using transfection reagents,dividing the cells into Ctrl group,sh-NC group,sh-GUSBP11 group,sh-GUSBP11+anti-NC group,and sh-GUSBP11+anti-miR-339-5p group.The mRNA expression of GUSBP11,miR-339-5p,and MDM2 in gastric cancer tissues and cells of each group was detected by qPCR.A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between GUSBP11 or MDM2 and miR-339-5p.EdU staining,scratch healing assay,and Transwell chamber assay were adopted to assess the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of AGS cells,respectively.WB assay was used to measure the protein expression of CDK1,MMP-2,and MMP-9 in AGC cells.The effects of GUSBP11 knockdown on tumor growth were examined through AGS cell xenograft experiments.Results:The mRNA expression of GUSBP11 and MDM2 were significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells(both P<0.05),while miR-339-5p was significantly downregulated(P<0.05).A targeting relationship was found between GUSBP11 and miR-339-5p,as well as between MDM2 and miR-339-5p.Knockdown of GUSBP11 in AGS cells significantly inhibited MDM2 protein expression and promoted miR-339-5p expression,while inhibition of miR-339-5p promoted MDM2 protein expression.GUSBP11 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of AGS cells,while inhibition of miR-339-5p reversed this effect.GUSBP11 knockdown significantly inhibited the protein expression of CDK1,MMP-2,and MMP-9,and inhibition of miR-339-5p reversed this effect.Furthermore,GUSBP11 knockdown significantly inhibited the growth of AGS cell xenografts.Conclusion:GUSBP11 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells,and knocking down GUSBP11 expression may inhibit malignant biological behaviors of gastric cancer cells through regulating the miR-339-5p/DM2 axis.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from salt-processed Litchi Semen and their antioxidant activities.METHODS The 85％ethanol extract from salt-processed Litchi Semen was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,MCI,ODS and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.DPPH and ABTS+free radical scavenging method were used to evaluate their antioxidant activities.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as dehydrocostuslactone(1),ananosmoside A(2),funingensin A(3),(2S)-pinocembrin-7-O-(6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside)(4),liquiritienin(5),quercetin(6),rutin(7),isorhamnetin-3-O-β-rutinoside(8),procyanidin A2(9),procyanidin A1(10),ethyl protocatechuate(11),5-hydroxymethylfurfural(12),di(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalate(13),nicotinamide(14),(10E,15Z)-9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadeca-10,15-dienoic acid(15).Compounds 6-7,9-10 exhibited scavenging activities against DPPH radicals with IC50 values of(12.929±1.232),(14.104±0.946),(10.417±1.736),(6.944±0.030)μmol/L,respectively.Compounds 6-10 exhibited scavenging activities against ABTS+radicals with IC50 values of(21.952±0.577),(25.683±0.625),(22.970±1.336),(20.210±1.435),(18.725±0.324)μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,5,14-15 are isolated from Litchi genus for the first time.Compounds 6-7,9-10 have strong in vitro antioxidant activities.

Objective:To investigate the pathogen distribution characteristics and related risk factors for postoperative infection in liver transplant recipients.Method:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 153 recipients who underwent liver transplantation and received postoperative treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023. According to whether postoperative infection occurred, the recipients were divided into the infection group (33 cases) and the non-infection group (120 cases). Pathogen-related data were collected from multiple postoperative body fluid sites of liver transplant recipients. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify independent risk factors.Result:Among the 153 recipients, 105 were male and 48 were female, with a mean age of (52.2 ± 9.5) years. During the ICU stay after liver transplantation, 33 recipients developed infections, including 15 cases of single-pathogen infection and 18 cases of mixed-pathogen infection. The most common site of infection was the lung, accounting for 22 cases (66.67%). Eleven recipients (33.33%) in the infection group died, with septic shock being the leading cause of death (7 cases, 63.63%), and the median survival time was 14 days. Infected recipients had Gram-negative bacteria (171 strains), mainly Stenotrophomonas maltophilia[54 strains (31.57%)] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa[52 strains (30.41%)]. Gram-positive bacteria (47 strains) were dominated by Enterococcus faecalis[25 strains (53.19%)]. Multivariate regression analysis showed that postoperative mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours was an independent risk factor for infection in liver transplant recipients ( OR=10.878, 95% CI: 3.632-32.580, P<0.001). Conclusion:It is necessary to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in liver transplant recipients. Early removal of the tracheal tube and strengthening hospital infection prevention and control are of great significance in reducing the risk of postoperative infection in liver transplant recipients.