1.Characteristics of 150 patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity
Xiaolei LU ; Yiji WANG ; Genlin LIU ; Ying ZHENG ; Chunxia HAO ; Ying ZHANG ; Haiqiong KANG ; Bo WEI ; Qianru MENG ; Hongjun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):393-398
ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of 150 patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 150 patients with spinal cord injury accompanied by spasticity from September, 2019 to December, 2024. Their age, gender, cause of injury, injury site, severity of injury, spasticity severity and other indicators were recorded. The relationships between different characteristics were analyzed, and a correlation analysis of disease duration, spasticity grade, injury level, injury severity and age were conducted. ResultsThere was no significant difference in age distribution between patients with tetraplegia and paraplegia (Z = 0.806, P = 0.420). The proportions of trauma (χ2 = 3.982, P = 0.046) and tetraplegia (χ2 = 10.559, P = 0.010) were higher in males than in females. Trauma was the main cause of injury in both tetraplegia and paraplegia patients; the proportion of tetraplegia was higher than paraplegia in trauma patients, while paraplegia was higher than tetraplegia in non-trauma patients (χ2 = 11.885, P < 0.001). Patients with tetraplegia was dominated by incomplete injury, whereas patients with paraplegia was dominated by complete injury (χ2 = 10.885, P = 0.012). Grade A injury was predominant in trauma patients (P = 0.003). Spasticity grade showed a very weak positive correlation with disease duration (r = 0.175, P = 0.032) and age (r = 0.168, P = 0.040). Injury severity showed a very weak positive correlation with age (r = 0.183, P = 0.025). ConclusionCharacteristics of patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity is different with gender, cause of injury, injury level, injury severity.
2.Tangbikang Granules Improve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Zehong YANG ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Lingling QIN ; Xiaolei JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):52-60
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Tangbikang granules improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on ferroptosis mediated by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (AMPK/Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsA diabetes model was established using spontaneous male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups, and a metformin hydrochloride group. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups were administered by gavage at doses of 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g·kg-1, respectively. The metformin hydrochloride group received 0.135 g·kg-1 by gavage, while the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water. Administration continued for 12 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured after administration, and at 4, 8, 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention, the thermal pain threshold and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the sciatic nerve were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in the sciatic nerve were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) were detected using immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, GPx4, and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were detected using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significantly higher blood glucose levels after administration and at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), and the SNCV was significantly slowed down (P<0.01). The SOD and ATP levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the MDA levels significantly increased (P<0.01). Pathologically, the sciatic nerve fibers in the model group showed a dispersed structure, disordered and sparse arrangement, axonal atrophy, irregular myelin sheath halo, increased and swollen Schwann cell nuclei, obvious endoneurial fibrosis, and collagen hyperplasia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed fragmented red fluorescence and significantly reduced expression of GPx4 (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly decreased protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 (P<0.01), and significantly increased expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group at weeks 4 and 12 (P<0.05). The thermal pain threshold was significantly shortened in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SNCV was significantly accelerated in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SOD levels were significantly elevated in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group (P<0.01). The MDA levels significantly decreased in all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). Both the metformin hydrochloride group and the high-dose Tangbikang granules group exhibited relatively orderly and densely arranged sciatic nerve fibers with more regular myelin sheath halos. The GPx4 expression significantly increased in both the metformin hydrochloride group and all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ACSL4 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve peripheral neuropathy by suppressing ferroptosis through the regulation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
3.Overview of the Research on Mechanisms and Application of Essential Oil of Aromatic Chinese Medicinals in Prevention of Respiratory Infectious Disease
Wan Ling LI ; Xinxin WU ; Xiaolei LI ; Mingzhao HAO ; Fang ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Haoyue LI ; Jing ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):638-644
Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs, which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition, immune regulation, and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation, smearing, topical application, bathing, gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification, through methods like diffusion, vaporization, or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience, quick absorption, and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However, there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions, indications, safety, and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils, and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation, and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently, accurately, and safely, thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Application of Aromatic Inhalation Therapy in Preventing Respiratory Infectious Diseases Based on the Theory of "Aromatics Acting on the Spleen"
Xinxin WU ; Yue ZHANG ; Xiaolei LI ; Haoyue LI ; Fang ZHANG ; Nanjiang YU ; ZHAOJING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):432-436
Aromatic inhalation therapy is a key traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach for preventing respiratory infectious diseases. Its foundational theory, "aromatics acting on the spleen", is deeply rooted in TCM principles and supported by modern medical research. The theory posits that the aromatic properties of medicinals primarily act on the spleen, and the aromatic inhalation therapy achieved its protective effects by modulation of the spleen and spleen channel to enhance the regulation of wei qi, striae and interstices. In TCM, the spleen is considered the mother of the lungs, with the function of nurturing lung; it is also seen as the source of wei qi, responsible for external defense; and the root of healthy qi, forming the foundation of acquired (postnatal) constitution. Thus, preventive strategies for respiratory infectious diseases focus on strengthening the spleen. From a modern medical perspective, the spleen's role in regulating lung immune responses, the shared immune functions of the respiratory and gastrointestinal mucosa, and the spleen's overall immune modulation provide scientific evidence for using aromatic inhalation therapy to prevent respiratory infections. Additionally, aromatic inhalation therapy offers several advantages, including direct action, rapid onset, minimal side effects, controllable risks, convenience, and ease of dissemination, making it a practical and effective preventive measure for respiratory infectious diseases.
5.Effect of Cordyceps Sinensis Extract in Antidrug Resistance of Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
Minyuan LU ; Ruonan WANG ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Xiaofan MA
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(6):1015-1020
ObjectiveTo investigate the reversal effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract on immunotherapy resistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsELISA, flow cytometry, and co-culture assays were performed to evaluate the effects of Cordyceps sinensis extract on cytokine secretion, proliferation, and tumor cell killing activity of Jurkat (JKT) cells. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract on programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) resistant lung cancer was evaluated through in vivo experiments both alone and in combination with anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody. ResultsCordyceps sinensis extract enhanced the secretion of cytokines interferon gamma(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) and interleukin-2 (IL-2)in JKT cells, promoted cell proliferation (P=0.006), and boosted their killing function against tumors (P<0.001). Compared with the control group, in vivo study demonstrated that Cordyceps sinensis extract monotherapy effectively inhibited the growth of PD-L1-resistant tumors [tumor growth inhibition value (TGI)=26.1%, P=0.090], while its combination with anti-PD-L1 antibody significantly reversed PD-L1 resistance (TGI=50.6%, P<0.001). ConclusionThis study provides certain data support for the activation of anti-tumor immunity by Cordyceps sinensis extract, and offers a new treatment strategy for enhancing anti-tumor immunity and reversing immune resistance in lung cancer.
6.Interferon Gamma and Secretory Immunoglobulin A Levels Decrease in Persistent Anal Condyloma Acuminatum Infection
Yuanli GUO ; Zi ZHANG ; Lipei ZHAO ; Xiaohui MA ; Tingting MAO ; Xiaolei CHENG ; Qiulin GAO ; Manli QI
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(3):140-145
Background:
Condyloma acuminatum (CA) is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). In recent years, research on anal CA has primarily focused on treatment rather than underlying mechanisms. The mechanism of HPV persistence and recurrence in CA require further exploration. It needs multiple researches in mechanisms to focalize treatment targets.
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between intestinal mucosal immunity and the relapse of anal CA and persistent infection.
Methods:
Levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay in anal mucosal cells obtained from patients treated at Tianjin Union Medical Center from September 2022 to December 2024. All the participants signed Informed Consent and the whole plan was approved by Institutional Review Board in Tianjin Union Medical Center (No. B155).
Results:
The levels of IFN-γ and sIgA significantly decreased after infection, and persistent infection exhibited even lower levels. These two factors increased following treatment, reaching peak concentrations at 4 weeks before decreasing again.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrate a significant association between persistent anal CA infection and dysregulation of intestinal mucosal immunity.
7.Study on the current status of emergency management for severe mental disorders in Shanghai
Xiaolei GE ; Yi ZHU ; Chunmei CHEN ; Youwei ZHU ; Yanli LIU ; Jun CAI ; Weibo ZHANG ; Fei XIE
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):276-281
ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of emergency management for severe mental disorders in Shanghai, and to provide countermeasures and suggestions for the establishment of a sound emergency management system for severe mental disorders and the enhancement of emergency management capability. MethodsA questionnaire survey and qualitative interviews were used to conduct an investigation into the emergency management in 17 district-level mental illness prevention and control institutions in Shanghai, which includes the basic situation of emergency management for severe mental disorders, the construction of emergency response teams and personnel, emergency preparedness drills and training, emergency management plans and rules and regulations, and problems encountered in emergency management. ResultsIn terms of emergency management mechanism and basic situation, resources such as personnel allocation, security funds and green channel were well equipped in each district-level mental illness prevention and control institution in Shanghai. However, the equipment of some hardware facilities was still insufficient to some extent. Therefore, further improvement on the emergency management mechanism for severe mental disorders was needed. With regard to the construction of emergency team and personnel allocation, the majority were those aged between 35‒<45 years old, with a bachelor’s degree, and more than 10 years of working experience. For example, 90.27% staff in district-level mental illness prevention and control institution had a bachelor’s degree or above, which was higher than that among the staff in community-level (73.60%); staff majored in clinical medicine in district-level institution accounted for the proportion at 52.71%, higher than that among the staff in community-level (28.86%); 57.24% staff in district-level institution had an intermediate professional title, higher than that among the staff in community-level (42.28%); and 69.90% staff in district-level institution had more than 10 years of working experience, higher than that among the staff in community-level (43.62%). In the aspect of emergency drills and training, all district-level mental illness prevention and control institutions in Shanghai had a high demand for emergency training, and the weak aspects mainly focused on lack of emergency service protocols, skills of addressing technical challenges, and construction of effectiveness evaluation system. Moreover, the teaching methods were primarily centered on case analysis, simulation drills, interactive discussions, and so forth. Concerning emergency management plans and rules and regulations, all districts in Shanghai had relatively established well-developed systems for emergency response plans, emergency response leadership groups, and emergency response operational task forces for severe mental disorders. About half of the institutions had established other rules and regulations related to emergency management of severe mental disorders in addition to emergency plans. ConclusionShanghai has initially established an emergency management system for severe mental disorders, but it is still fragile in specialized training for emergency management of severe mental disorders, construction of emergency management mechanisms, and the building-up of grassroots emergency teams. Further priorities should include strengthening emergency management training, enhancing the construction of emergency management personnel teams, and gradually establishing a more comprehensive and integrated emergency management mechanism for severe mental disorders.
8.Expression and characterization of the TsNas36 protein of Trichinella spiralis
Guangquan SI ; Junpeng SONG ; Qingbo LYU ; Xue BAI ; Yang WANG ; Xiaolei LIU ; Lixi-ao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(6):1225-1232,1242
Trichinella spiralis zinc metalloproteinase NAS-36 gene(TsNas36)is a member of the zinc metalloproteinase family found in excretory secretory products(ESP)of T.spiralis.In this study,TsNas36 gene was cloned and expressed,and its biological characteristics and temporal and spatial characteristics were identified.These results provide a theoretical and material basis for ex-ploring the biological function of TsNas36 gene.Bioinformatics analysis showed that TsNas36 was 470 amino acids(AA)in length with a molecular weight of about 54.69 kDa,no transmembrane region,and contained a signal peptide(1-20 AA),an Astacins domain(116-320 AA)and a CUB domain(355-470 AA).There were five active site residues located at amino acids 216(His),217(Glu),220(His),226(His)and 275(Tyr).The expression plasmid pET-28a(+)/TsNas36 was constructed and induced to express in E.coli BL21(DE3)to obtain the recombinant protein rTs-Nas36.The recombinant protein was used to immunize rabbits to obtain anti-rTsNas36 polyclonal antibody serum.Indirect ELISA results showed that the antibody titer reached 1∶105.qRT-PCR and Western blot results showed that the transcription levels of TsNas36 were significantly higher in newborn larvae(NBL)than in adult worm(AW)and muscle larva(ML)stages.Immunofluo-rescence results showed that TsNas36 was only localized in the epidermis of NBL.In summary,this study characterized the biological characteristics of the TsNas36 gene and found that this gene is highly period-specific and may be involved in the unique developmental process of NBL.
9.Generationof the polyclonal antibody against Zaire Ebola virus GP1 protein and development of indirect ELISA for antibody detection
Xiao WU ; Mengyao ZHANG ; Hailun LI ; Pei HUANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Xiaolei LIU ; Hualei WANG ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(6):1194-1201
To establish an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method for the detection of Zaire Ebola virus(ZEBOV)specific antibodies,the full-length of ZEBOV GP1 gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into pET-30a(+)vector to generate the pET-30a(+)-GP1 plasmid.After expressed in the E.coli expression system,the purified GP1 protein was used as coating antigen to establish the indirect ELISA method for detection of ZEBOV antibody.The con-ditions including concentration of coating antigen and serum dilution were determined by chess-board titration.Specificity,sensitivity,and reproducibility of the established ELISA detection meth-od were evaluated.GP1 protein was successfully prepared by prokaryotic expression,and was used as the coatingantigen for indirect ELISA.By optimizing the reaction conditions,the optimal concen-tration of the coating antigen was determined to be 0.5 g/L;the optimal dilution of serum was cal-culated to be 1∶3 200;the optimal dilution of enzyme-labeled secondary antibody was measured to be 1∶20 000.The established method exhibited excellent specificity,sensitivity,and reproducibili-ty.In the present study,the GP1 protein was successfully expressed in the E.coli expression sys-tem and the high purity GP1 protein was used as the coating protein to establish an indirect ELISA assay for ZEBOV antibody.This method is highly specific,sensitive,and reproducible,which provides technical support for the fur-ther study of the biological function of GP1 and the detection of ZEBOV antibody in serum.
10.Application of virtual reality technology in functional recovery of peripheral nerve injury
Shuyang ZHANG ; Xinyu DU ; Donglin ZHAO ; Zheng XING ; Xiaolei CHU ; Qi LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(21):4593-4601
BACKGROUND:Virtual reality technology is a popular human-computer intelligent interaction technology in recent years,and has been widely used in leisure and entertainment,vocational training,medical rehabilitation and other fields. OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential of virtual reality technology combined with different therapies in functional recovery of patients with peripheral nerveinjury,summarize its mechanism of action,evaluate its application effects and prospects,and discuss its advantages and disadvantages,so as to provide new ideas and methods for rehabilitation practice after peripheral nerve injury.METHODS:The relevant literature of CNKI and PubMed database from inception to May 2024 was retrieved by computer. Chinese and English search terms were "peripheral nerves injury,virtual reality,endoplasmic reticulum stress,muscle atrophy,cerebral cortex,mirror therapy,tendon vibration,treadmill training." Finally,68 articles were included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Virtual reality technology,as a new auxiliary means,simulates the real environment to provide immersive multi-sensory experiences for patients,greatly enriching the dimensions of rehabilitation training and significantly accelerating the recovery process of patients with peripheral nerve injury. Its mechanism of action is to promote cortical plasticity through multi-sensory stimulation,invading the dormant areas adjacent to the cortex,and these areas responding to other inputs or generating new muscle activation,thereby promoting functional recovery. (2) Virtual reality technology has been widely combined with traditional therapies,showcasing its unique advantages. When combined with mirror therapy,the advantage of virtual reality is breaking the limitation of body position and advancing the time point of rehabilitation intervention. When combined with tendon vibration,virtual reality technology enhances the dual stimulation of visual and tactile perception to enhance the illusion of movement,significantly improving the perception and motor ability of patients,but also raises the issue of increased perception of limb weight. In running machine training,virtual reality technology further leverages its advantages by simulating real-life environments through multi-sensory stimulation to enhance balance and walking function,but problems such as motion sickness still exist. (3) Therefore,in actual applications,due to the fact that virtual reality combined with mirror therapy and tendon vibration will enhance the illusion of movement for patients,it is more suitable for early stages of rehabilitation. Meanwhile,the combination of virtual reality and treadmill training is suitable for the later stage of rehabilitation,helping patients to better return to their daily lives. (4) Although virtual reality technology has shown great potential in peripheral nerve injury rehabilitation,there are still some problems and challenges,such as motion sickness,the design and application of virtual reality rehabilitation games,and ethical considerations. Future research should focus on solving these problems to further promote the development of virtual reality technology in the field of rehabilitation.

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