1.Dynamic Interactions Between Hemispheres Reveal a Compensatory Pathway for Motor Recovery in Moderate-to-Severe Subcortical Stroke
Huaxin FAN ; Hewei WANG ; Zhengxu LIAN ; Qiurong YU ; Xinran WU ; Nanyu KUANG ; Benjamin BECKER ; Jianfeng FENG ; Mingxia FAN ; Lili SONG ; Limin SUN ; Jie ZHANG ; Craig S. ANDERSON
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(1):97-114
Background:
and Purpose Therapeutic target selection in noninvasive brain stimulation for poststroke motor recovery typically relies on the interhemispheric inhibition model, which is effective for mildly affected patients but offers limited benefits for severely affected individuals. The mechanisms governing recovery from moderate-to-severe stroke remain poorly understood, which hinders the development of targeted interventions.
Methods:
We analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from patients with unilateral subcortical stroke and moderate-to-severe upper limb deficits, both pre- and postintervention, along with data from healthy controls. We developed a novel dynamic lag analysis method for identifying recovery-related homotopic sensorimotor regions with altered interhemispheric interactions. To further uncover the global reorganization pathway, we developed dynamic lateralization approaches to detect large-scale functional connectivity (FC) alterations associated with the identified regions in transient lateralization states.
Results:
Dynamic time-lag analysis revealed significantly reduced synchronized states in the homotopic dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) post-intervention compared with pre-intervention, which correlated with motor recovery. Further dynamic lateralization analysis revealed a prolonged segregation state in patients, characterized by weakened interhemispheric and strengthened intrahemispheric interactions. In this state, patients showed decreased FC in the ipsilesional PMd and increased FC in the contralesional PMd with bilateral subcortical networks. These recoveryrelated alterations were absent in the traditional static analysis.
Conclusions
Dynamic analyses targeting interhemispheric interactions are valuable for understanding neural reorganization after stroke. The diminished interactions between the homotopic PMd indicate a compensatory mechanism. Importantly, a state-dependent compensatory pathway was identified, wherein the contralesional PMd assumes the functions of the ipsilesional PMd through enhanced interactions with subcortical structures, potentially guiding more effective interventions.
2.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
3.Visual analysis of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of multiple myeloma based on CiteSpace
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(19):59-64
Objective To explore the research status,hotspots and future development trends of traditional Chinese medicine in the field of multiple myeloma(MM)treatment in the past 20 years.Methods Retrieve the relevant literatures of traditional Chinese medicine in the field of MM treatment included in CNKI,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform and VIP database from January 2004 to April 2024.The NoteExpress software was used for merging and deduplication,and the CiteSpace6.3.R1 software was used for visual analysis of the authors,research institutions and key words of the included literatures.Results A total of 420 literatures were included,and the overall number of published articles showed an upward trend.The author with the highest number of articles was Zhou Yuhong,with a total of 25 core authors.The institution with the highest number of published articles was the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.A total of 277 key words were obtained.Through the induction of high-frequency key words,it could be seen that the current research hotspots focus on aspects such as the pathogenesis,chemotherapy drugs,adverse reactions,and treatment based on syndrome differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine.Conclusion The research interest in the Chinese medicine treatment of MM is increasing.The research topics currently attracting the most attention are the single active ingredient of Chinese medicine,the experience of renowned medical practitioners,the treatment of associated complications,and the combined use of Chinese and Western medicines.The research focus in the future will be on the mechanism pathway and the Chinese medicine characteristic therapy to enhance the quality of life of patients.
4.Effect of electroacupuncture on learning and memory abilities in vascular dementia rats via the NCOA4/FTH1 signaling pathway-mediated ferritinophagy.
Wei SUN ; Yinghua CHEN ; Tong WU ; Hongxu ZHAO ; Haoyu WANG ; Ruiqi QIN ; Xiaoqing SU ; Junfeng LI ; Yuanyu SONG ; Yue MIAO ; Xinran LI ; Yusheng HAN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(9):1271-1280
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN1) and "Fengchi" (GB20) on hippocampal neuronal ferritinophagy mediated by the nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)/ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) signaling pathway in vascular dementia (VD) rats, and to explore the potential mechanisms of electroacupuncture for VD.
METHODS:
A total of 60 male rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a blank group (12 rats), a sham surgery group (12 rats) and a modeling group (36 rats). In the modeling group, the modified 4-vessel occlusion method was used to establish the VD model. The 24 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group and an electroacupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at left and right "Sishencong" (EX-HN1), and bilateral "Fengchi" (GB20), with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current intensity of 1 mA, 30 min a time, once daily for 21 consecutive days. The learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze test before modeling, after modeling and after intervention, as well as the novel object recognition test after intervention. After intervention, the neuronal morphology in the hippocampus was observed by Nissl staining; the iron deposition was observed by Prussian blue staining; the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining; the levels of iron, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampal tissue were measured by the colorimetric assay, TBA method, and WST-1 method, respectively; the positive expression of NCOA4, FTH1 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was detected by immunohistochemistry; the protein expression of NCOA4, FTH1, GPX4, and the ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus were detected by Western blot.
RESULTS:
Compared with the sham surgery group, in the model group, the escape latency was prolonged, and the number of platform crossings reduced (P<0.01), the recognition index (RI) was decreased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons displayed a blurred laminar structure, disorganized cellular arrangement, and the number of Nissl bodies was decreased (P<0.01); the percentage of iron deposition area in the hippocampus was increased (P<0.01); in the hippocampus, the levels of ROS, iron, MDA, and the protein expression of NCOA4, as well as the LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were increased (P<0.01), the SOD level, and the protein expression of FTH1 and GPX4 were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the electroacupuncture group, the escape latency was shortened and the number of platform crossings was increased (P<0.01), the RI was increased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons exhibited more regular morphology, better-organized cellular structure, and the number of Nissl bodies was increased (P<0.05); the percentage of iron deposition area in the hippocampus reduced (P<0.01); in the hippocampus, the levels of ROS, iron, MDA, and the protein expression of NCOA4, as well as the LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the SOD level, and the protein expression of FTH1 and GPX4 were increased (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Electroacupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN1) and "Fengchi" (GB20) can improve learning and memory abilities in VD rats, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the hippocampal NCOA4/FTH1 signaling pathway, inhibition of ferritinophagy, and alleviation of oxidative stress damage.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Dementia, Vascular/genetics*
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Signal Transduction
;
Humans
;
Memory
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Nuclear Receptor Coactivators/genetics*
;
Ferritins/genetics*
;
Learning
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Acupuncture Points
5.C1q-neutralizing antibodies improves postpartum depressive-like behaviors in mice by regulating the C1q/C3 pathway.
Yiming SUN ; Xinran XU ; Xuerui ZHUO ; Hui CAI ; Yan WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2111-2117
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the role of C1q, the promoter of the classical pathway of the complement system, in regulating postpartum depressive-like behaviors in mice and the therapeutic mechanism of C1q-neutralizing antibodies.
METHODS:
Female C57BL/6 mouse models of postpartum depression established by hormone-simulated pregnancy (HSP) were evaluated for depression-like behaviors, and peripheral blood levels and hippocampal expressions of C1q were detected using ELISA and Western blotting. Immunofluorescence staining was used for detecting co-labeling of C1q and microglia, and the differentially expressed mRNAs in the hippocampus of HSP mice were analyzed using RNA sequencing. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to screen patients with postpartum depression, from whom peripheral blood mononuclear cells were extracted for detecting C1q expression levels with Western blotting. The HSP mice were subjected to stereotactic injection of C1q-neutralizing antibody or a control IgG in the hippocampus, and the changes in depressive-like behaviors and hippocampal expression of C3 were examined.
RESULTS:
The HSP mice exhibited obvious depressive behaviors, demonstrated by significantly decreased preference for sugar water and increased forced swimming and tail suspension time. The mouse models showed significantly increased peripheral blood C1q level and hippocampal expression level of C1q, accompanied by an increase in Iba1 and C1q co-labeling in the hippocampus. The expression level of C1q in peripheral monocytes was also significantly increased in patients with postpartum depression. In HSP mice, stereotactic injection of C1q-neutralizing antibody, but not the control IgG, obviously alleviated depressive-like behaviors, shown by significantly increased preference for sugar water and decreased forced swimming and tail suspension time, resulting also in decreased expression of C3 in the hippocampus and lowered serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.
CONCLUSIONS
C1q-neutralizing antibodies improve postpartum depressive-like behaviors in mice possibly by regulating the C1q/C3 signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Female
;
Depression, Postpartum
;
Complement C1q/metabolism*
;
Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Pregnancy
;
Disease Models, Animal
6.Development and validation of an innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis
Jiajun FENG ; Chaoming DENG ; He HONG ; Fan WU ; Guogui TAO ; Xiaoqing SUN ; Xiaomin LIU ; Tiantian ZUO ; Wanhong WU ; Xinran WANG ; Zichuan CHEN ; Hu ZHANG ; Zhiqi HU ; Guobin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(7):952-955
Objective To develop an innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis,and conduct clinical validation.Methods The design concept,technical principles and system composition of the innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis were introduced.A total of 73 patients(146 axillae)with axillary osmidrosis were enrolled as subjects,and underwent surgery using the newly developed surgical system.Clinical validation of the system was performed by evaluating postoperative scarring,odor elimination rate,postoperative complication incidence,and patient satisfaction.Results The study demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes in the following aspects:postoperative scarring,odor elimination rate,postoperative complication incidence,and patient satisfaction.Conclusion The minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis is rationally designed.The rotary-cutting puncture device is safe,effective,minimally invasive,and convenient for axillary osmidrosis surgery,warranting further clinical validation and widespread application.
7.Development and validation of an innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis
Jiajun FENG ; Chaoming DENG ; He HONG ; Fan WU ; Guogui TAO ; Xiaoqing SUN ; Xiaomin LIU ; Tiantian ZUO ; Wanhong WU ; Xinran WANG ; Zichuan CHEN ; Hu ZHANG ; Zhiqi HU ; Guobin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(7):952-955
Objective To develop an innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis,and conduct clinical validation.Methods The design concept,technical principles and system composition of the innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis were introduced.A total of 73 patients(146 axillae)with axillary osmidrosis were enrolled as subjects,and underwent surgery using the newly developed surgical system.Clinical validation of the system was performed by evaluating postoperative scarring,odor elimination rate,postoperative complication incidence,and patient satisfaction.Results The study demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes in the following aspects:postoperative scarring,odor elimination rate,postoperative complication incidence,and patient satisfaction.Conclusion The minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis is rationally designed.The rotary-cutting puncture device is safe,effective,minimally invasive,and convenient for axillary osmidrosis surgery,warranting further clinical validation and widespread application.
8.Visual analysis of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of multiple myeloma based on CiteSpace
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(19):59-64
Objective To explore the research status,hotspots and future development trends of traditional Chinese medicine in the field of multiple myeloma(MM)treatment in the past 20 years.Methods Retrieve the relevant literatures of traditional Chinese medicine in the field of MM treatment included in CNKI,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform and VIP database from January 2004 to April 2024.The NoteExpress software was used for merging and deduplication,and the CiteSpace6.3.R1 software was used for visual analysis of the authors,research institutions and key words of the included literatures.Results A total of 420 literatures were included,and the overall number of published articles showed an upward trend.The author with the highest number of articles was Zhou Yuhong,with a total of 25 core authors.The institution with the highest number of published articles was the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.A total of 277 key words were obtained.Through the induction of high-frequency key words,it could be seen that the current research hotspots focus on aspects such as the pathogenesis,chemotherapy drugs,adverse reactions,and treatment based on syndrome differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine.Conclusion The research interest in the Chinese medicine treatment of MM is increasing.The research topics currently attracting the most attention are the single active ingredient of Chinese medicine,the experience of renowned medical practitioners,the treatment of associated complications,and the combined use of Chinese and Western medicines.The research focus in the future will be on the mechanism pathway and the Chinese medicine characteristic therapy to enhance the quality of life of patients.
9.Clinical characteristics and management status of Turner syndrome in 1 089 children
Yan LIANG ; Haiyan WEI ; Ruimin CHEN ; Zhixin ZHANG ; Xinran CHENG ; Na TAO ; Chunlin WANG ; Yu YANG ; Ying XIN ; Xin FAN ; Xingxing ZHANG ; Geli LIU ; Shengquan CHENG ; Min ZHU ; Hongwei DU ; Yan SUN ; Linqi CHEN ; Lanwei CUI ; Xiaoping LUO
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(10):962-968
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and management status of children with Turner syndrome (TS) in China.Methods:As a cross-sectional study, 1 089 TS patients were included in the database of the National Collaborative Alliance for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Turner Syndrome from August 2019 to November 2023. Clinical characteristics (growth development, sexual development, organ anomalies, etc.), karyotypes, auxiliary examinations, and treatments were collected and analyzed.Results:Among the 1 089 TS cases, 809 were recorded karyotypes. The karyotype distribution was as follows: 45, X in 317 cases (39.2%), X chromosome structural variants (including partial deletions of p or q arm, ring chromosome, and marker chromosome) in 89 cases (11.0%), 45, X/46, XX mosaicism in 158 cases (19.5%), mosaicism with X chromosome structural variants in 209 cases (25.8%), and presence of Y chromosome material in 36 cases (4.4%). Among the 824 TS cases, the age of diagnosis was 9.7(6.4, 12.2) years, with a height standard deviation score (HtSDS) of -3.1±1.2. Five hundred and fifty three cases underwent growth hormone (GH) stimulation test, and 352 cases (63.7%) had GH peak values <10 μg/L and 75.9% (577/760) had low IGF1 levels, with IGF1 SDS ≤-2 accounting for 38.2% (290 cases). Among 471 cases aged ≥8 years, 132 cases (28.0%) showed spontaneous sexual development (mean bone age (11.0±1.7) years), 10 cases had spontaneous menarche (mean bone age (12.0±2.2) years), and 2 cases had regular menstrual cycles. Common physical features included cubitus valgus (311 cases (28.5%)), neck webbing (188 cases (17.2%)), low posterior hairline (185 cases (17.0%)), shield chest (153 cases (14.0%)), high arched palate (127 cases (11.6%)), short fourth metacarpal (43 cases (3.9%)), and spinal abnormalities (38 cases (3.5%)). Congenital cardiovascular and urogenital anomalies occurred in 91 cases (19.4%) and 66 cases (12.0%)respectively. Abdominal ultrasound in 33 cases (7.2%) indicated fatty liver, hepatomegaly, intrahepatic bile duct stones, and splenomegaly. Among 23 cases undergoing oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) test, 2 were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and 4 with impaired glucose tolerance. Following diagnosis, 669 cases (80.7%) received rhGH treatment at a chronological age of (9±4) years and bone age of (8.3±3.2) years. Additionally, 112 cases (19.4%) received sex hormone replacement therapy starting at the age of (14±4) years and bone age of (12.6±1.2) years.Conclusions:The karyotypes of 45, X and mosaicism were most common in Chinese children with TS. The clinical manifestations were mainly short stature and gonadal dysplasia. However, a few TS children could be in the normal range of height, and some cases among those aged of ≥8 years old had spontaneous sexual development. Some exhibited physical features, congenital cardiovascular and urogenital anomalies, and dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-IGF1 axis. Moreover, a few of them developed impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus. Following diagnosis, most of the patients received rhGH treatment, and a few of them received sex hormone replacement therapy.
10.Effects and comparison of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 in depression-and anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable stress in rats
Xueyi BEI ; Ning JIANG ; Caihong YAO ; Yiwen ZHANG ; Xinran SUN ; Yanqin LUO ; Liang LI ; Mengzhou XIE ; Xinmin LIU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(7):68-78
Objective To compare the effects of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 on depression-and anxiety-like behaviors in chronic unpredictable stress-induced rats.Methods Seventy male SPF grade SD rats were tested for sugar and water preference after 5 days of adaptation and divided into seven groups according to their preference index:a control group,model group,fluoxetine hydrochloride group,ginsenoside Rg1 24 mg/kg group,ginsenoside Rg1 48 mg/kg group,ginsenoside Rb1 33 mg/kg group,and ginsenoside Rb1 67 mg/kg group.All rats,except for the control group,were subjected randomly to one or two different stimulating factors every day for a total of 35 days.On the 36th day,behavioral experiments including sugar and water preference,open field,novel environment feeding inhibition,elevated cross maze,and forced swimming experiments were conducted to investigate the anti-depression and anti-anxiety effects of the treatments.Serum and hippocampal levels of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and serum corticosterone were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Compared with the model group,ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 significantly increased sucrose consumption in the sucrose preference test and decreased immobility in the forced swimming test.Ginsenoside Rg1(48 mg/kg)significantly reduced the latency to eat in the novelty-suppressed feeding test,and ginsenoside Rg1(24 and 48 mg/kg)significantly increased the percentage of open arm entries and time in the elevated cross maze test.Serum corticosterone levels were significantly decreased in the ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 groups,serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased in the ginsenoside Rg1(48 mg/kg)group,serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased in the ginsenoside Rb1(33 mg/kg)group,and IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α levels in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the ginsenoside Rg1(48 mg/kg)and Rb1(67 mg/kg)groups.Conclusions Both ginsenosides can regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and inhibit neuroinflammation,improving depression-and anxiety-like behaviors in rats induced by chronic unpredictable stress.Ginsenoside Rg1 has a significantly better anti-anxiety effect than Rb1.

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