1.Unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion reduces paravertebral muscle atrophy and enhances recovery compared with Wiltse-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in lumbar degenerative disease: a retrospective study in a Chinese cohort
Chong CHEN ; Jing ZHUANG ; Xiang LONG ; Xingchen ZHAO ; Jun OUYANG ; Jianxiong ZHUANG ; Shuaihao HUANG ; Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Yunbing CHANG ; Dong YIN ; Yongxiong HUANG
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):232-243
Methods:
Fifty patients who underwent UBE-TLIF and 50 patients who underwent W-TLIF, each with >2 years of follow-up, were retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes included operative parameters, time to postoperative mobilization, paravertebral muscle atrophy and fat infiltration rates, clinical scores (Visual Analog Scale [VAS], Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA]), modified Macnab criteria, fusion rates, and complications.
Results:
Compared with W-TLIF, the UBE-TLIF group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss, shorter operative times, and lower postoperative drainage volumes (p <0.05). The UBE-TLIF group showed faster postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stays. At 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, W-TLIF patients had higher multifidus and erector spinae atrophy, and greater paravertebral muscle fat infiltration (p <0.05). The UBE-TLIF group also had lower VAS and ODI scores at 1 year and 2 years (p <0.05) and fewer surgical complications (6% vs. 10%). Fusion rates (94% vs. 92%) and modified Macnab outcomes (88% vs. 86%) were comparable (p >0.05).
Conclusions
UBE-TLIF is associated with reduced intraoperative trauma, quicker recovery, and fewer complications. In the long-term, it better preserves paravertebral muscle integrity and provides superior pain and functional outcomes.
2.Liuwei Dihuangwan Reduces Valproic Acid-induced ASD-like Behaviors in Rats by Modulating mTOR-mediated Synaptic Plasticity in Prefrontal Cortex-hippocampus Circuit
Ji WU ; Niya YIN ; Lei OUYANG ; Siyu HE ; Fangyu PEI ; Ying XIE ; Fan LI ; Qian LEI ; Sha ZHAO ; Di ZHANG ; Qinquan ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):1-11
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Liuwei Dihuangwan on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-mediated synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex-hippocampus circuit in the rat model of valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to explore its potential mechanism for reducing behavioral abnormalities in ASD rats. MethodsThirteen SD pregnant rats were randomized into the VPA group (10 rats) and the control group (3 rats). On gestational day 13, the VPA group was intraperitoneally injected with VPA solution (600 mg·kg-1), while the control group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Male pups of 21 days old from both groups underwent behavioral tests to screen the ASD model rats (32 rats). These rats were then randomly assigned to the model (distilled water), vitamin D (1 480 U·kg-1), low-dose (0.75 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan, and high-dose (1.5 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan groups, and normal male pups were selected as the blank group (distilled water), with 8 rats in each group. Each group was treated with the corresponding drug or an equal volume of distilled water via gavage daily. After drug administration, behavioral tests were conducted again, followed by anesthesia and tissue collection. Nissl staining was carried out to observe the morphological changes of neurons in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe changes in hippocampal synaptic structure. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to determine the expression of mTOR, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) in the prefrontal cortex, as well as synaptophysin-1 (SYP-1), postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited severe growth retardation and developmental deformities, with abnormal behavioral performance and pathological damage to neurons and synapses in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed reduced behavioral abnormalities and pathological damage to neurons and synapses in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, with the most significant effects in the high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased protein levels and phosphorylation ratios of p-mTOR, p-Akt, and p-PI3K in the prefrontal cortex (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased protein levels of SYP-1 and PSD95 and increased protein level of NMDARs in the hippocampus (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the protein levels of p-mTOR, p-Akt, and p-PI3K in the prefrontal cortex decreased in the vitamin D and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups (P<0.05), and the p-mTOR/mTOR, p-Akt/Akt, and p-PI3K/PI3K ratios in the prefrontal cortex declined in the vitamin D group (P<0.05). The high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group showed a reduction in p-PI3K/PI3K ratio (P<0.05). The protein level of SYP-1 and PSD95 in the hippocampus increased in the vitamin D, low-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan, and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the protein level of NMDARs decreased in the vitamin D and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups (P<0.01). ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan significantly reduces VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors and enhances the regeneration and repair of neurons in the prefrontal cortex and synaptic structures in the hippocampus by downregulating of PI3K/Akt/mTOR expression in the prefrontal cortex, upregulating SYP-1 and PSD95 expression in the hippocampus, and inhibiting NMDARs expression.
3.Chinese expert consensus on the clinical application of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (2025 edition)
Chentian SHEN ; Yushen GU ; Hui TAN ; Anren KUANG ; Sijin LI ; Yaming LI ; Jing WANG ; Ningyi JIANG ; Jian TAN ; Zhuoying WANG ; Shaoyan LIU ; Xiaoyi LI ; Jugao FANG ; Dingcun LUO ; Youben FAN ; Hui WANG ; Yuetao WANG ; Xuemei WANG ; Feng WANG ; Wei FU ; Feng SHI ; Xuegong LIU ; Zhongwei LÜ ; Yan XING ; Lin LI ; Hui YANG ; Jun XIN ; Yifan ZHANG ; Yue CHEN ; Yansong LIN ; Wei OUYANG ; Shuzhan YAO ; Changjiu ZHAO ; Xinming ZHAO ; Zairong GAO ; Dingde HUANG ; Qiang WEN ; Xingmin HAN ; Cen LOU ; Weibing MIAO ; Wei FAN ; Quanyong LUO ; Hongcheng SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(5):932-944
The recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) can be used for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) preparation before 131I therapy, and follow-up. Since its approval by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, rhTSH has been clinically used in European countries, the United States, and other countries for nearly 30 years. In April 2024, China’s first independently developed rhTSH agent was approved. Based on clinical experience and evidence from domestic and international studies, an expert consensus on the application of rhTSH has been developed following thorough consultations among experts. The consensus offers evidence-based recommendations to guide the appropriate use of rhTSH in clinical practice.
4.In Vitro and in vivo Component Analysis of Total Phenolic Acids from Gei Herba and Its Effect on Promoting Acute Wound Healing and Inhibiting Scar Formation
Xixian KONG ; Guanghuan TIAN ; Tong WU ; Shaowei HU ; Jie ZHAO ; Fuzhu PAN ; Jingtong LIU ; Yong DENG ; Yi OUYANG ; Hongwei WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):156-167
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), to identify the in vivo and in vitro chemical components of total phenolic acids in Gei Herba(TPAGH), and to clarify the pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of the effective part in promoting acute wound healing and inhibiting scar formation. MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was used to identify the chemical components of TPAGH and ingredients absorbed in vivo after topical administration. A total of 120 ICR mice were randomly divided into the model group, recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF) group(4 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of TPAGH(3.5, 7, 14 mg·kg-1), with 24 mice in each group. A full-thickness skin excision model was constructed, and each administration group was coated with the drug at the wound site, and the model group was treated with an equal volume of normal saline, the treatment was continued for 30 days, during which 8 mice from each group were sacrificed on days 6, 12, and 30. The healing of the wounds in the mice was observed, and histopathological changes in the skin tissues were dynamically observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to dynamically measure the contents of interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-3 and MMP-9 in skin tissues. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets related to the promotion of acute wound healing and the inhibition of scar formation by TPAGH, and molecular docking of key components and targets was performed. Gene Ontology(GO) biological process analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were carried out for the related targets, so as to construct a network diagram of herbal material-compound-target-pathway-pharmacological effect-disease for further exploring its potential mechanisms. ResultsA total of 146 compounds were identified in TPAGH, including 28 phenylpropanoids, 31 tannins, 23 triterpenes, 49 flavonoids, and 15 others, and 16 prototype components were found in the serum of mice. Pharmacodynamic results showed that, compared with the model group, the TPAGH groups showed a significant increase in relative wound healing rate and relative scar inhibition rate(P<0.05), and the number of new capillaries, number of fibroblasts, number of new skin appendages, epidermal regeneration rate, collagen deposition ratio, and Ⅲ/Ⅰ collagen ratio in the tissue were significantly improved(P<0.05, 0.01), the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3 and MMP-9 in the skin tissues were reduced to different degrees, while the level of VEGFA was increased. Network pharmacology analysis screened 10 core targets, including tumor protein 53(TP53), sarcoma receptor coactivator(SRC), protein kinase B(Akt)1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and so on, participating in 75 signaling pathways such as advanced glycation end-products(AGE)-receptor for AGE(AGE/RAGE) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed that the key components genistein, geraniin, and casuariin had good binding ability to TP53, SRC, Akt1, STAT3 and EGFR. ConclusionThis study comprehensively reflects the chemical composition of TPAGH and the absorbed components after topical administration through UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. TPAGH significantly regulates key indicators of skin healing and tissue reconstruction, thereby clarifying its role in promoting acute wound healing and inhibiting scar formation. By combining in vitro and in vivo component identification with network pharmacology, the study explores how key components may bind to targets such as TP53, Akt1 and EGFR, exerting therapeutic effects through related pathways such as immune inflammation and vascular regeneration.
5.Association Between Low Birth Weight and Dementia Risk:A Large-scale Prospective Study
Xinyue YU ; Qingping XUE ; Jingyi LI ; Peiqi ZHANG ; Qingqing OUYANG ; Xiaoxue LUO ; Qian HE ; Yongliu WANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Xiangwang HE ; Fan LI ; Yunhaonan YANG ; Xiongfei PAN
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):697-710
Objective To investigate the association between birth weight and dementia risk and the mediating roles of chronic diseases,and to assess potential biological pathways underlying the birth weight-associated dementia risk based on large-scale proteomics.Methods We used data from 279 743 participants aged 40 to 69 years enrolled in the UK Biobank.Birth weight was categorized into low birth weight(≤2 500 g),normal birth weight(2 500-3 999 g),and macrosomia(≥4 000 g).Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the associations between birth weight categories and all-cause dementia and its subtypes(Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia).Proteomics analyses were conducted to identify proteins and the potential pathways involved.Results Low birth weight was associated with higher risks for all-cause dementia and its subtypes.The hazard ratios were 1.18(95%CI,1.08-1.30)for all-cause dementia,1.14(95%CI,1.00-1.31)for Alzheimer's disease,and 1.22(95%CI,1.01-1.48)for vascular dementia.A non-linear relationship was observed between birth weight and dementia risk(P for nonlinearity<0.001).Certain cardiometabolic diseases in middle-aged adults,such as diabetes,stroke,hypertension,and dyslipidemia,played a significant mediating role in the relationship between low birth weight and dementia risk,with the mediation proportion being 6.3%to 15.8%.Proteomic analyses identified 21 proteins linked to both low birth weight and all-cause dementia risk,which were significantly enriched in the pathways for viral protein interaction with cytokines and cytokine receptors,adipocytokine signaling,and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction.Conclusion Low birth weight is positively associated with dementia risk.Cardiometabolic diseases in middle-aged adults may mediate the relationship between low birth weight and dementia risk.A number of proteins and the associated pathways underscore the relationship between low birth weight and dementia risk.
6.Application of Electroacupuncture for Pain Management in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients
Jiaqi LIU ; Haiqian ZHAO ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Ningli ZHANG ; Jie OUYANG ; Ying CHEN
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(10):70-76
Objective To compare the efficacy of electroacupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine with the opioid adjuvant drug dezocine.Methods 122 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University between October 12,2023,and April 05,2024,were randomly allocated into three groups:dezocine group(D group,n=40),electroacupuncture group(E group,n=42),and electroacupuncture combined with dezocine group(ED group,n=40).Patients received 10 mg dezocine,electroacupuncture,or electroacupuncture+10 mg dezocine after cholecystectomy.Pain threshold index(PTi),pain index(Pi),and visual analogue scale(VAS)scores were observed at different time points during surgery.Vital signs were recorded,and adverse reactions within 24 hours postoperatively were noted.Results There were no statistically significant differences in PTi among groups before electroacupuncture(T1)(P>0.05).At the end of electroacupuncture(T2)and after cholecystectomy(T3),the PTi values in the E and ED groups were lower than the D group(P<0.05).At the end of surgery(T4)and upon extubation(T5),the PTi values of all three groups reached a tolerable level for patients,with the E and D groups showing higher PTi values compared to the ED group(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative pain scores(Pi)and VAS at various time points(P>0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture demonstrates analgesic efficacy non-inferior to opioid drugs and can be recommended as a postoperative pain management technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients.
7.Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect using fully biodegradable occluder under ultrasound guidance: A case report
Ying' ; ao ZHAO ; Yiming YAN ; Ziping LI ; Hang LI ; Fengwen ZHANG ; Fang FANG ; Guangzhi ZHAO ; Jing DONG ; Chuangshi WANG ; Jiande WANG ; Wenbin OUYANG ; Xiangbin PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(12):1796-1799
Currently, transcatheter intervention is the preferred treatment for patients with anatomically suitable atrial septal defects. However, the use of nickel-titanium alloy occluders in interventional procedures results in lifelong presence of the implant in the body, leading to complications such as metal allergies and arrhythmias in some patients. To overcome the short-term and long-term complications associated with the presence of metal, and to avoid radiation exposure and metal toxicity, this paper reports a case of successful transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect in a pediatric patient with metal allergies using fully biodegradable occluder under ultrasound guidance, achieving excellent results by interventional therapy.
8.Shenfu Injection Improve Chronic Heart Failure by Regulates Glycolytic Pathway Mediated by HIF-1α/PFKFB3 Pathway
Ji OUYANG ; Kun LIAN ; Xiaoqian LIAO ; Lichong MENG ; Lin LI ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):136-145
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanism and targets of Shenfu Injection in regulating glycolysis to intervene in myocardial fibrosis in chronic heart failure based on the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/ 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) signaling pathway. MethodsA rat model of chronic heart failure was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (ISO). After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the Sham group, Model group, Shenfu injection (SFI, 6 mL·kg-1) group, and inhibitor (3PO, 35 mg·kg-1) group, according to a random number table, and they were treated for 15 days. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fasting body weight and heart weight were measured, and the heart index (HI) was calculated. Pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining, and the fibrosis rate was calculated. Biochemical assays were used to determine serum levels of glucose (GLU), lactic acid (LA), and pyruvic acid (PA). Western blot was used to analyze the expression of proteins related to the HIF-1α/PFKFB3 signaling pathway (HIF-1α and PFKFB3), glycolysis-related proteins (HK1, HK2, PKM2, and LDHA), and fibrosis-related proteins [transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Collagen type Ⅰ α1 (ColⅠA1)]. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of HIF-1α and PFKFB3 in myocardial tissue. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the Model group showed significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular shortening fraction (LVFS), interventricular septal thickness (IVSd), and interventricular septal strain (IVSs) (P<0.05), while left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole (LVDd) and end-systole (LVIDs) were increased (P<0.05). Serum NT-proBNP levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), and body weight was decreased. Heart weight was increased, and the HIT index was increased (P<0.05). Myocardial tissue exhibited inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition, and the fibrosis rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). Serum GLU was decreased (P<0.05), while LA and PA levels were increased (P<0.05). Protein expressions of HIF-1α, PFKFB3, HK1, HK2, PKM2, LDHA, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and ColⅠA1, as well as the mRNA expression of HIF-1α and PFKFB3 were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the Model group, both the SFI group and 3PO groups showed significant improvements in LVEF, LVFS, IVSd, and IVSs (P<0.05) and decreases in LVDd, LVIDs, and NT-proBNP levels (P<0.05). Body weight was significantly increased. Heart weight was significantly decreased, and the HIT index was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen fiber deposition, and the fibrosis rate were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum GLU levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while LA and PA levels were decreased (P<0.05). Expressions of glycolysis-related proteins, fibrosis-related proteins, and HIF-1α/PFKFB3 pathway-related proteins and mRNAs were significantly suppressed (P<0.05). ConclusionSFI improves cardiac function in chronic heart failure by downregulating the expression of HIF-1α/PFKFB3 signaling pathway-related proteins, regulating glycolysis, and inhibiting myocardial fibrosis.
9.Role of Folic Acid Supplementation on Association between Short Inter-Pregnancy Intervals and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Changsha, China.
Zhi Qing ZHAO ; Ling CHEN ; Wen Bin OUYANG ; Jing DENG ; Xiao Hui CHEN ; Xin HUANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(6):751-756
10.Risk factors of bladder stones in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and development of a SHAP-based interpretable predictive model
Huan ZHAO ; Song OUYANG ; Hongchao DONG ; Qinzhang WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(8):653-661
Objective To explore the independent risk factors of bladder stones(BS)in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH),and to construct a predictive model and an easy-to-use website.Methods The clinical data of 460 BPH patients treated during Jan.2022 and Jan.2025 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University were retrospectively analyzed.The independent risk factors of BS in the training set were identified with univariate logistic regression and the Boruta algorithm,based on which a nomogram was constructed.The predictive performance of the model was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),negative predictive value(NPV),F1 index,calibration curve and clinical decision curve analysis(DCA).The contribution of different variables to BS was evaluated with SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)algorithm.A web page was established.Results Among the 460 BPH patients,144(31.3%)had BS,and 6 independent risk factors were identified,including neutrophil level,urine culture results,intravesical prostatic protrusion(IPP),urine nitrite test results,urine leukocytes test results,and urine occult blood results.In the test set,the area under the ROC curve(AUC)was 0.887(95%CI:0.816-0.947),sensitivity 0.705,specificity 0.968,PPV 0.912,NPV 0.876,and F1 score 0.795.Calibration and DCA indicated good discrimination and clinical applicability.SHAP results showed that the risk factors mentioned above were the most important for concurrent BS.The resulting website(https://wutiaowu2.shinyapps.io/bladderrrr/)was publicly accessible.Conclusion The neutrophil level,urine culture results,IPP,urinary nitrite test results,urinary leukocytes test results,and urinary occult blood test results were identified as the independent risk factors of BPH complicated with BS.The model and website developed based on these factors demonstrate high usability and accuracy,possessing significant clinical value.

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