1.The Neurobiological Mechanisms of Runner’s High
Yun-Teng WANG ; Jia-Qi LIANG ; Wan-Tang SU ; Li ZHAO ; Yan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):358-373
“Runner’s high” refers to a momentary sense of pleasure that suddenly appears during running or other exercise activities, characterized by anti-anxiety, pain relief, and other symptoms. The neurobiological mechanism of “runner’s high” is unclear. This review summarizes human and animal models for studying “runner’s high”, analyzes the neurotransmitters and neural circuits involved in runner’s high, and elucidates the evidence and shortcomings of researches related to “runner’s high”. This review also provides prospects for future research. Research has found that exercise lasting more than 30 min and with an intensity exceeding 70% of the maximum heart rate can reach a “runner’s high”. Human experiments on “runner’s high” mostly use treadmill exercise intervention, and evaluate it through questionnaire surveys, measurement of plasma AEA, miRNA and other indicators. Animal experiments often use voluntary wheel running intervention, and evaluate it through behavioral experiments such as conditional place preference, light dark box experiments (anxiety), hot plate experiments (pain sensitivity), and measurement of plasma AEA and other indicators. Dopamine, endogenous opioid peptides, endogenous cannabinoids, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and other substances increase after exercise, which may be related to the “runner’s high”. However, attention should be paid to the functional differences of these substances in the central and peripheral regions, as well as in different brain regions. Moreover, current studies have not identified the targets of the neurotransmitters or neural factors mentioned above, and further in-depth researches are needed. The mesolimbic dopamine system, prefrontal cortex-nucleus accumbens projection, ventral hippocampus-nucleus accumbens projection, red nucleus-ventral tegmental area projection, cerebellar-ventral tegmental area projection, and brain-gut axis may be involved in the regulation of runner’s high, but there is a lack of direct evidence to prove their involvement. There are still many issues that need to be addressed in the research on the neurobiological mechanisms of “runner’s high”. (1) Most studies on “runner’s high” involve one-time exercise, and the characteristics of changes in “runner’s high” during long-term exercise still need to be explored. (2) The using of scales to evaluate subjects lead to the lacking of objective indicators. However, some potential biomarkers (such as endocannabinoids) have inconsistent characteristics of changes after one-time and long-term exercise. (3) The neurotransmitters involved in the formation of the “runner’s high” all increase in the peripheral and/or central nervous system after exercise. Attention should be paid to whether peripheral substances can enter the blood-brain barrier and the binding effects of neurotransmitters to different receptors are completely different in different brain regions. (4) Most of the current evidence show that some brain regions are activated after exercise. Is there a functional circuit mediating “runner’s high” between these brain regions? (5) Although training at a specific exercise intensity can lead to “runner’s high”, most runners have not experienced “runner’s high”. Can more scientific training methods or technological means be used to make it easier for people to experience the “runner’s high” and thus be more willing to engage in exercise? (6) The “runner’s high” and “addiction” behaviors are extremely similar, and there are evidences that exercise can reverse addictive behaviors. However, why is there still a considerable number of people in the sports population and even athletes who smoke or use addictive drugs instead of pursuing the “pleasure” brought by exercise? Solving the problems above is of great significance for enhancing the desire of exercise, improving the clinical application of neurological and psychiatric diseases through exercise, and enhancing the overall physical fitness of the population.
2.Optimization of purification process and component analysis of alkaloids from Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim
Heying YANG ; Caiping LUO ; Ting PENG ; Wenyi LIANG ; Songzhang SHEN ; Juan SU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(2):75-81
Objective To optimize the process conditions and analyze the components of alkaloids from Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim(Z. bungeanum)using macroporous resin. Methods Combining single factor tests and orthogonal tests, the content of hydroxy-α-sanshool(HAS)and hydroxy-β-sanshool(HBS)were considered as indexes to determine the best process parameters. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE)was used to identify the structures of alkaloids. Results The optimal conditions were Mitsubishi HP-20 macroporous resin, the loading solution concentration was 0.2 g crude drug/ml, the ratio of crude drug to resin volume was 1 g∶2.5 ml, the diameter/height ratio of resin column was 1∶7, the dynamic adsorption flow rate was 4 times of bed volume(BV)per hour, and the adsorption time was 1 h. Impurities were removed by using 2 BV of 20% ethanol, 5 BV of 80% ethanol was used to elution, and the content of HAS and HBS was 4.71% and 1.02%, respectively. A total of 20 alkaloids were identified from Z. bungeanum. Conclusion This method was stable and feasible, obtaining high purity and various kinds of alkaloids, which could be used for the enrichment and purification of alkaloids from Z. bungeanum.
3.Comparison of 25G with 27G vitrectomy in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment involving the macular area
Bowei LIANG ; Chang SU ; Xiaoxiao FU ; Wei LI ; Ruifeng SU
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):666-670
AIM: To compare the efficacy, safety, and complications of 27G and 25G vitrectomy in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)involving the macular area.METHODS:This retrospective study analyzed 60 patients(60 eyes)initially diagnosed with RRD involving the macular area and undergoing 25G or 27G vitrectomy combined with retinal reattachment at our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Patients were divided into 25G group(30 eyes)and 27G group(30 eyes). Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure(IOP), surgical duration, retinal reattachment rate and complications of both groups of patients were compared before and after surgery.RESULTS: The mean surgical time in the 27G group was slightly longer than in the 25G group(40.20±7.52 vs 36.97±7.47 min). Incision leakage occurred in 7 eyes(23%)in the 25G group versus 1 eye(3%)in the 27G group, though the difference was not statistically significant between two groups(P>0.05). At 6 mo postoperatively, BCVA(LogMAR)improved significantly in both groups(27G: 0.37±0.19 vs preoperative 0.98±0.32; 25G: 0.40±0.17 vs preoperative 0.84±0.33; all P<0.05), with no statistical difference in BCVA(P>0.05). At 1 d postoperatively, the 25G group had lower mean IOP(12.29±2.86 mmHg)compared to the 27G group(15.87±3.70 mmHg; P<0.001), but no differences were observed at 1 wk or 1 mo postoperatively(all P>0.05). Retinal reattachment rates and complications(intra- or postoperative)showed no significant intergroup differences(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Both 25G and 27G vitrectomy are safe and effective in treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. However, the 27G vitrectomy offers advantages such as small incisions, better self-sealing properties, and more stable IOP.
4.Differention and Treatment of Brain Metastasis from Lung Cancer Based on Theory of "Yang Qi Depletion and Latent Pathogens Transmitting to the Brain"
Huiying ZHAO ; Yanxia LIANG ; Guangsen LI ; Wenwen WANG ; Wenwen SU ; Fenggu LIU ; Hongfei XING ; Maorong FAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):968-972
5.Quantification of in vivo biomechanics and analysis of influencing factors in cervical spine fixed-point rotation manipulation
Jiyao LIANG ; Honghai ZHOU ; Guikang WEI ; Shaoting SU ; Longhao CHEN ; Xinyu HE ; Liangpu LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):486-492
BACKGROUND:Fixed-point rotation manipulation of cervical spine is a mechanical operation with high technical requirements,but the biomechanics of fixed-point manipulation of cervical spine still lacks relevant quantitative data.Moreover,the research on the influencing factors of cervical fixed-point rotation manipulation includes many parameters and there are differences,so it is necessary to further analyze its influencing factors to improve its related data. OBJECTIVE:To quantify the biomechanical parameters of cervical spine fixed-point rotation manipulation,explore the correlation between different biomechanical parameters,and the influence of individual characteristics of the subjects on the biomechanical parameters of cervical spine fixed-point rotation manipulation. METHODS:Totally 35 cases of cervical spondylosis were Outpatients from Orthopedic Department of Renai Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine and selected as the subjects investigated.Wearable mechanical measuring gloves were used to collect biomechanical parameters of cervical spine fixed-point rotation manipulation,including:thumb preload,thumb maximum thrust,palm preload,palm wrench force,and palm wrench maximum force.Personal characteristic parameters were collected,including age,height,weight,and neck circumference.The key biomechanical parameters in the process of cervical spine fixed-point rotation manipulation were analyzed and different individual characteristics were quantified.The results of biomechanical parameters were analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis.The possible effects of different individual characteristic parameters on biomechanics were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with bilateral mechanical parameters,there was no significant difference between left manipulation and right manipulation(P>0.05).(2)The average of thumb preload force was(7.21±1.19)N;the average of thumb maximum thrust was(28.40±4.48)N;the average of palm preload was(5.67±2.49)N;the average of palm wrench force was(10.90±5.11)N,and the average of palm wrench maximum force was(16.00±7.27)N.(3)There was a significant positive correlation between palm preload and palm wrench force(Rs=0.812,P<0.01).There was a significant positive correlation between palm preload and palm wrench maximum force(Rs=0.773,P<0.01).There was a significant positive correlation between palm wrench force and palm wrench maximum force(Rs=0.939,P<0.01).(4)The weight was positively correlated with thumb preload,palm preload,palm wrench force and palm wrench maximum force(P<0.05).(5)These findings confirm that there is a certain biomechanical standard value in the operation of cervical spine fixed-point rotation manipulation to treat cervical spondylosis.There is no significant difference between the left and right manipulations,which indicates that the manipulation has good consistency and repeatability.There is consistency and coordination among palm preload force,palm wrench force,and palm wrench maximum force.Their contributions to the therapeutic effect are similar.Body weight is an important factor affecting cervical spine fixed-point rotation manipulation.
6.Suture tape and headless compression screws in treatment of Lisfranc injury with comminuted fractures of the first and second proximal metatarsal bones
Haobo HUANG ; Xinyuan LIANG ; Guozhong YE ; Qingxiang XIE ; Boyuan SU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1803-1809
BACKGROUND:Lisfranc ligament is an important structure to maintain the transverse and longitudinal arch of the foot.This injury is a serious middle-foot injury.Lisfranc ligamentous injuries are complex,and their treatment,along with the preferred method of fixation,is controversial. OBJECTIVE:To compare the short-term efficacy of plate combined with Suture tape versus plate combined with headless compression screw in the treatment of Lisfranc injury with comminuted fractures of the 1st and 2nd proximal metatarsal bones. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed on 48 patients with Lisfranc injury due to comminuted fractures of the 1st and 2nd proximal metatarsal bones in Seventh Department of Orthopedics,Dongguan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to June 2022.Among them,25 were fixed with plate combined with Suture tape(observation group)and 23 were fixed with plate combined with headless compression screw(control group).Preoperative classification was performed according to Myerson classification system based on preoperative imaging data.Postoperative follow-up was performed according to fracture healing time,visual analog scale,and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)criteria to assess the recovery of foot functions.Postoperative complications were compared and analyzed between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All cases completed the operation successfully and obtained follow-up in the two groups.The postoperative follow-up time of the two groups was 12-36 months,with a mean of(18.0±5.42)months.(2)There were no significant differences in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)The fracture healing time of observation group was slightly longer than that of control group(P<0.05).(4)After 3,6,and 12 months of follow-up,the visual analog scale score of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).(5)At 6 and 12 months after operation,AOFAS score of foot function in the observation group was significantly improved compared with the screw group at various time points after operation(P<0.05),and was significantly higher than that before operation(P<0.05).(6)The postoperative complications were 1 case of traumatic arthritis in the observation group and 1 case of incision infection,1 case of screw fracture,and 2 cases of traumatic arthritis in the control group.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05),considering the correlation with a small sample size.(7)It is indicated that as for the surgical method of Lisfranc injury with comminuted fractures of the 1st and 2nd proximal metatarsal bones,the application of plate combined with Suture tape internal fixation has a reliable effect in the treatment of Lisfranc joint injury,which can improve the function of the foot joint of patients,and has the advantages of less surgical trauma,fewer postoperative complications,and lower risk of long-term iatrogenic traumatic arthritis.Compared with headless compression screw,it is more beneficial to the recovery of foot function.
7.Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Transarterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis
Keng-Wei LIANG ; Hsuan Yin LIN ; Kai-Lan HSU ; Fa-Chuan KUAN ; Chia-Yu GEAN ; Chien-Kuo WANG ; Wei-Ren SU ; Bow WANG
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(3):230-238
Objective:
To assess the effect of transarterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis (AC) by evaluating clinical outcomes and changes in inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Materials and Methods:
Patients who had undergone TAE between August 2020 and August 2023 for AC refractory to conservative treatments without any invasive procedures for more than 3 months, and had undergone baseline and 3-month post-AC follow-up contrast-enhanced MRI evaluations, were included. A suspension mixture of 500 mg imipenem/cilastatin in 10 mL of iodinated contrast agent was used for TAE. MRI results were analyzed to assess periarticular capsule/ligament inflammation. Clinical assessments included pain scores using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional scores using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire.
Results:
Twenty-five patients (female:male, 14:11; age, 54.9 ± 7.1 years) were included. Significant reductions in average NRS pain scores as well as improvements in Quick DASH scores and range of motion, including anterior flexion and abduction, were observed at 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE (all P < 0.001). MRI analyses revealed that TAE significantly decreased the grades of axillary recess capsule enhancement, rotator interval (RI) capsule T2 signal intensity, and RI capsule enhancement (all P ≤ 0.004).
Conclusion
TAE may be an effective and safe therapeutic approach for AC refractory to conservative treatments, alleviating pain and supporting functional recovery. The observed MRI findings suggest that the effectiveness of TAE for AC may be attributed to the reduction of inflammation and the elimination of angiogenesis.
8.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
9.Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Transarterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis
Keng-Wei LIANG ; Hsuan Yin LIN ; Kai-Lan HSU ; Fa-Chuan KUAN ; Chia-Yu GEAN ; Chien-Kuo WANG ; Wei-Ren SU ; Bow WANG
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(3):230-238
Objective:
To assess the effect of transarterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis (AC) by evaluating clinical outcomes and changes in inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Materials and Methods:
Patients who had undergone TAE between August 2020 and August 2023 for AC refractory to conservative treatments without any invasive procedures for more than 3 months, and had undergone baseline and 3-month post-AC follow-up contrast-enhanced MRI evaluations, were included. A suspension mixture of 500 mg imipenem/cilastatin in 10 mL of iodinated contrast agent was used for TAE. MRI results were analyzed to assess periarticular capsule/ligament inflammation. Clinical assessments included pain scores using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional scores using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire.
Results:
Twenty-five patients (female:male, 14:11; age, 54.9 ± 7.1 years) were included. Significant reductions in average NRS pain scores as well as improvements in Quick DASH scores and range of motion, including anterior flexion and abduction, were observed at 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE (all P < 0.001). MRI analyses revealed that TAE significantly decreased the grades of axillary recess capsule enhancement, rotator interval (RI) capsule T2 signal intensity, and RI capsule enhancement (all P ≤ 0.004).
Conclusion
TAE may be an effective and safe therapeutic approach for AC refractory to conservative treatments, alleviating pain and supporting functional recovery. The observed MRI findings suggest that the effectiveness of TAE for AC may be attributed to the reduction of inflammation and the elimination of angiogenesis.
10.Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Transarterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis
Keng-Wei LIANG ; Hsuan Yin LIN ; Kai-Lan HSU ; Fa-Chuan KUAN ; Chia-Yu GEAN ; Chien-Kuo WANG ; Wei-Ren SU ; Bow WANG
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(3):230-238
Objective:
To assess the effect of transarterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis (AC) by evaluating clinical outcomes and changes in inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Materials and Methods:
Patients who had undergone TAE between August 2020 and August 2023 for AC refractory to conservative treatments without any invasive procedures for more than 3 months, and had undergone baseline and 3-month post-AC follow-up contrast-enhanced MRI evaluations, were included. A suspension mixture of 500 mg imipenem/cilastatin in 10 mL of iodinated contrast agent was used for TAE. MRI results were analyzed to assess periarticular capsule/ligament inflammation. Clinical assessments included pain scores using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional scores using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire.
Results:
Twenty-five patients (female:male, 14:11; age, 54.9 ± 7.1 years) were included. Significant reductions in average NRS pain scores as well as improvements in Quick DASH scores and range of motion, including anterior flexion and abduction, were observed at 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE (all P < 0.001). MRI analyses revealed that TAE significantly decreased the grades of axillary recess capsule enhancement, rotator interval (RI) capsule T2 signal intensity, and RI capsule enhancement (all P ≤ 0.004).
Conclusion
TAE may be an effective and safe therapeutic approach for AC refractory to conservative treatments, alleviating pain and supporting functional recovery. The observed MRI findings suggest that the effectiveness of TAE for AC may be attributed to the reduction of inflammation and the elimination of angiogenesis.

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