Current Issue

• 2025 Volume 20 Issue 12
  Published: 25 December 2025

    

  ---

• Select all
  |

• Select
  Effects of Sex Differences on Conditioned Fear Extinction in Wild-Type C57 Mice

  WU Longxin 1, 2 , LIU Zhuoqun 1, 2 , SUN Xiaohong 1, 2 , ZHOU Yan 1, 2 , XU Qunyuan 1 , LEI Huimeng 1, 2 .

  2025, 20(12): 683-687.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  To investigate whether behavioral differences exist between female and male wild-type C57 mice in conditioned fear extinction experiments, providing a reference for the equal use of both sexes in fear conditioning and extinction-related studies. Methods: Fear levels, freezing episodes, freezing level per episode, and locomotor activity during conditioned stimulus presentation were measured through auditory-cued fear conditioning, extinction, and retrieval experiments. Behavioral differences between sexes were compared. Results: In fear conditioning and extinction experiments, no significant differences were observed between female and male mice across the four behavioral metrics. During the fear extinction retrieval test, female mice exhibited a higher freezing level per episode upon the first conditioned stimulus presentation, while no significant differences were found in other metrics. Conclusion: Wild-type C57 mice of both sexes show no behavioral differences in fear conditioning and extinction experiments, supporting their equal use in such studies. However, potential sex-based differences in the ability to maintain extinction memory suggest caution when investigating fear memory retention.
• Select
  The Role of the Left Supramarginal Gyrus in Patients with Anomic Aphasia: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

  XIONG Xiao 1 , LIN Bingbing 1, 2 , HUANG Yunshi 1 , ZHANG Lanlan 1, 3 , LIN Qian 4 , QIU Lifang 4 , LUO Qimeng 4 , HUANG Jia 1

  2025, 20(12): 688-693.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  This study employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to analyze cortical activation patterns during resting state and picture naming tasks in patients with subacute post-stroke anomic aphasia. Method: Fifteen patients with subacute post-stroke anomic aphasia were enrolled as the aphasic group, and twenty age- and gender-matched healthy subjects were recruited as controls. fNIRS data were collected from both groups during resting state and picture naming tasks, with analysis focused on language-related brain regions. Results: During the resting state, the aphasic group showed reduced oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations in the left supramarginal gyrus (SMG) and right superior temporal gyrus (STG) compared to controls (P<0.05). Enhanced functional connectivity was observed between the left SMG and right Broca’s area, as well as between the left SMG and right middle temporal gyrus (MTG) (P< 0.05). During picture naming, the aphasic group exhibited decreased activation in the left supplementary motor area (SMA), left angular gyrus, and bilateral SMG compared to controls (P<0.05). Notably, the β-value of the left SMG during picture naming correlated positively with task performance scores (P<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, fNIRS revealed significantly reduced activation in the left SMG among anomic aphasic patients, with activation levels positively correlating with picture-naming performance. These findings underscore the critical role of the left SMG in language deficits and its potential as a therapeutic target for rehabilitation.
• Select
  Subtypes and Clinical Features of Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness

  HE Haonan, YAO Xiaodong

  2025, 20(12): 694-699.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  To explore the possible subtypes and clinical characteristics of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness(PPPD). Methods: A total of 106 patients diagnosed with PPPD were selected from the Shanxi People’s Hospital between May 2023 and December 2023. General and clinical data of the patients were collected; upon admission, questionnaires including the Niigata PPPD Questionnaire(NPQ), Dizziness Handicap Inventory(DHI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI) were administered. Factor analysis was conducted on the scale items, followed by cluster analysis based on the results of the factor analysis, with characteristic analysis performed for each patient group. Results: Factor analysis revealed three factors, named active motor factor(32.82% ), visual stimulation factor(14.80% ), and upright position factor(10.97% ). Cluster analysis identified three subtypes: visual stimulation-dominant subtype(n=25), posture control-dominant subtype(n=24), and active motor-dominant subtype(n=57). There were statistically significant differences in age, occupation, and family history of headaches among the three subtypes(P<0.05). The visual stimulation-dominant subtype patients had younger ages, with a notable family history of headache, and worked primarily as bank/supermarket clerks; the posture control-dominant subtype mainly consisted of civil servants, teachers; while the active motor-dominant subtype included predominantly workers, farmers. No statistically significant differences were found in other clinical data(P>0.05). Conclusion: The most common exacerbating factor for PPPD is active movement; it can be divided into three subtypes, each with significant characteristics in terms of age, occupation, and family history of headaches.
• Select
  Analysis of the Current Status and Influencing Factors of Fear of Disease Progression in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

  YE Chunhui, LI Fangfang, CHEN Daiqi

  2025, 20(12): 700-704.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  To investigate the current status of fear of disease progression (FoP) in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and analyze its influencing factors. Methods: A total of 120 patients with NMOSD from the neurology outpatient and inpatient departments of a tertiary hospital in Wuhan were selected as participants between June 2024 and March 2025. The enrolled patients were assessed using the General Information Questionnaire, Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), followed by statistical analysis. Results: The mean Fear of Disease Progression (FoDP) score among NMOSD patients was 36.57 ± 7.72. Of the participants, 48(40% ) exhibited moderate fear, and 66(55% ) demonstrated severe fear. Key influencing factors included avoidant coping, yielding coping, and the presence of refractory hiccups, nausea, or vomiting symptoms (all P<0.05). Avoidant coping showed a positive correlation with FoDP (P<0.01), while yielding coping negatively correlated with FoDP (P<0.01). Conclusion: Patients with NMOSD experience a high level of fear regarding disease progression. Clinical interventions should prioritize guiding patients to reduce avoidant coping strategies while addressing the psychological needs revealed by their yielding coping responses. Additionally, proactive management of refractory hiccups, nausea, and vomiting is essential to alleviate patients’fears effectively.
• Select
  Application of Repetitive Nerve Stimulation in the Efficacy Evaluation of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment for Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

  WAN Mei 1 , LUO Lijun 1 , WEI Dongsheng 1 , ZHU Xinyi 2 , YE Tong 2 , YANG Jie

  2025, 20(12): 705-710.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  To analyze the correlation between repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) characteristics and the severity of myasthenia gravis (MG), and to explore its application in evaluating the efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment for generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG). Methods: Adult GMG patients with spleen-kidney deficiency type, admitted to Wuhan Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from May 2021 to December 2023, were selected and randomly divided into a Western medicine group and an integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine group. The neuro-electrophysiological characteristics of RNS in all enrolled patients were compared, including the positive rate, distribution of positive muscles, and the maximum amplitude decrement ratio of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP). The correlation between the CMAP maximum amplitude decrement ratio and the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMGs), the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scale, and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score in assessing GMG condition was analyzed. Changes in the CMAP maximum amplitude decrement ratio, QMGs score, MG-ADL score, and TCM symptom score before treatment, and at 3 and 6 months after treatment were compared and analyzed between the two groups. Results: A total of 74 GMG patients were enrolled, with 66 actually completing the clinical observation (35 in the Western medicine group, 31 in the integrated medicine group). Among the enrolled patients, the RNS positive rate was 81.82% to 94.44% , with no statistically significant difference in positive rates among patients of different MGFA types (P>0.05). The distribution of RNS positive muscles was consistent with the range of myasthenia involvement, showing facial nerve > accessory nerve > median nerve. As the MGFA type increased, the CMAP maximum amplitude decrement ratio showed an upward trend, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Before treatment, and at 3 and 6 months after treatment, there was no significant correlation between the CMAP maximum amplitude decrement ratio and the QMGs score (P>0.05). Before treatment and at 6 months after treatment, there was a correlation between the CMAP maximum amplitude decrement ratio and the MG-ADL score (P<0.05). Before treatment, there was a correlation between the CMAP maximum amplitude decrement ratio and the TCM symptom score (P<0.05). After treatment, the CMAP maximum amplitude decrement ratio, QMGs score, MG-ADL score, and TCM symptom score in both groups were significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.01). Intergroup comparison results showed that at 3 and 6 months of treatment, the TCM symptom score in the integrated medicine group was lower than that in the Western medicine group (P<0.05). Conclusion: In GMG patients, the RNS positive rate is high. The CMAP maximum amplitude decrement ratio has reference significance in assessing the severity of GMG, the improvement in patients’daily living ability, and the improvement in TCM symptom scores.
• Select
  An Analysis of the Causal Relationship between Gut Microbiota, Plasma Metabolites and Myasthenia Gravis: A Mendelian Randomization Study

  HAN Xingyu 1, 2 , ZHANG Qing 1, 2 , LI Zhijun 1, 2 , GE Huizhen 1, 2 , ANG Mengge 1, 2 , BU Bitao 1, 2

  2025, 20(12): 711-717.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  This study aims to use Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal associations between gut microbiota, blood metabolites, and myasthenia gravis (MG), as well as the potential mediating mechanisms. Methods: Publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data were utilized, encompassing 473 gut microbial taxa (n=5959), 1400 plasma metabolites, and cases (197 MG patients and 354945 controls). Bidirectional MR was employed to assess causal relationships between gut microbiota and MG, with multistep MR and mediation analyses conducted to investigate the mediating roles of metabolites. Results: A total of 23 gut microbial taxa exhibited causal associations with MG (IVW, P<0.05), while MG demonstrated reverse causal effects on the abundance of two gut microbial species. Nine plasma metabolites showed causal links with MG (IVW, P<0.05), with no reverse causal influence of MG on these metabolites. CAG-269 significantly increased the protective metabolites 1-linoleoyl-GPI (18∶2) (OR=1.120, P= 0.027) and 1-palmitoyl-GPI (16∶0) (OR=1.141, P=0.017), while decreasing the risk metabolite 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid (OR=0.902, P=0.045). The genus Jiangellaceae reduced the risk metabolite phenylacetylglutamine (OR= 0.701, P=0.042), and CAG-448 lowered the risk metabolite N-acetyl-2-aminononanoic acid (OR=0.910, P= 0.049). Multivariable MR analysis revealed that the protective effect of CAG-269 was mediated through reductions in 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid (mediation effect: 14.1% ) and increases in 1-linoleoyl-GPI (18 ∶ 2) (12.8% ) and 1-palmitoyl-GPI (16 ∶ 0) (12.9% ). Conversely, the risk-enhancing effect of Jiangellaceae was mediated by reductions in phenylacetylglutamine (14.9% ), and the risk-enhancing effect of CAG-448 was mediated by reductions in N-acetyl-2-aminononanoic acid (7.4% ). Conclusion: This MR study provides genetic evidence supporting causal associations between select gut microbial taxa, plasma metabolites, and MG.
• Select
  The Diagnostic Value of Oculomotor and Vestibulo-ocular Examinations in Differentiating Progressive Supranuclear Palsy from Parkinson’s Disease

  LING Xia 1 , WANG Yang 2 , MA Xinyan 3 , WAN Zhirong 3 , XUE Siru 1 , SUN Yunchuang 1 , LI Fan 1 , WEI Luhua 1 , LI Kai 1 , CHEN Jing 1 , ZHAO Guiping 1 , YANG Xu 1 , WANG Zhaoxia 1

  2025, 20(12): 718-723.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  To quantitatively characterize the visuo-oculomotor and vestibulo-oculomotor pathways in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and Parkinson's disease (PD) using video-oculography (VOG), delineate the profile of oculomotor dysfunction in each disorder, and identify parameters with differential diagnostic value. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed vestibulo-ocular reflex suppression (VOG) data from 24 PSP patients and 48 PD patients. The data included measurements of spontaneous nystagmus, gaze holding, saccades, head-shaking test, and the vestibulo-ocular reflex suppression (VORS) test. Results: In PSP patients, the incidence of restricted vertical gaze range, decreased vertical saccadic peak velocity, saccadic hypometria and prolonged latency, horizontal gaze-evoked nystagmus (GEN), horizontal saccade hypometria and reduced velocity, as well as VORS functional abnormalities, were all significantly higher than those in PD patients (P< 0.05 for all). Spontaneous nystagmus was significantly more prevalent in PD patients than that in PSP patients (P= 0.006). The incidence of saccadic intrusions, vertical saccade hypometria, prolonged horizontal saccade latency, and perverted head-shaking nystagmus (pHSN) showed no significant difference between the PSP and PD groups (P>0.05 for all). Conclusion: Oculomotor and vestibulo-ocular assessments holds significant clinical value in differentiating PSP from PD. Specifically, vertical saccade dysfunction and VORS abnormalities serve as critical differential diagnosis indicators for distinguishing between the two conditions.
• Select
  Correlation between Tremor and Monoaminergic Neurotransmitters in Parkinson’s Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

  CAO Shuangshuang 1, 2 , CUI Yusha 2 , YAN Rui 2 , WANG Mingyu 3 , FENG Tao 2

  2025, 20(12): 724-731.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  To systematically evaluate the correlation between tremor severity and three monoaminergic neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: Studies analyzing the correlation between PD tremor and these three monoaminergic neurotransmitters were searched, and a meta-analysis was conducted. Results: A total of 26 studies were included, involving 1878 participants. The meta-analysis revealed no correlation between contralateral putamen dopamine function and PD tremor [r=－0.05, 95%CI (－0.13, 0.03), P=0.194]. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between ipsilateral caudate dopamine function and PD tremor in the early stage of the disease (disease duration≤5 years) [r=0.17, 95%CI (0.10, 0.25), P<0.001]. The results of the correlation analysis between raphe nuclei serotonergic function and PD tremor were unstable [random-effects model: r=－0.23, 95% CI (－0.44, 0.02), P=0.067; fixed-effects model: r=－0.14, 95%CI (－0.23, －0.04), P=0.004]. The tracers used in studies investigating the correlation between noradrenergic function and PD tremor varied significantly, so a systematic review was conducted for this part. Conclusion: The relationship between PD tremor and dopaminergic function may be influenced by brain region and disease duration. In the early stage of the disease, ipsilateral caudate dopamine function is positively correlated with PD tremor severity. The relationships between PD tremor and both serotonergic and noradrenergic functions require further investigation, and it is crucial to use consistent and specific tracers.
• Select
  Research Progress on the Gut-Muscle-Brain Axis in Sarcopenia among Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease

  ZHANG Yujing 1, 2 , WANF Cong 2, 3 , WANG Jiuxue 2 , LIU Chenqi 1, 2 , ZHEN Xinchi 2, 3 , WANG Tianjun 2

  2025, 20(12): 732-736.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  The gut-muscle-brain axis, acting as a three-dimensional interactive network that mediates neurodegenerative diseases and sarcopenia, plays a core regulatory role in the pathological progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This article provides a systematic review of how gut microbiota dysbiosis within this axis influences the balance of muscle protein synthesis and degradation via microbial metabolites, how myokines secreted by skeletal muscle in turn modulate neuroinflammation and the function and integrity of the intestinal barrier, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the bidirectional propagation of α-synuclein among the gut, muscle, and brain. Incorporating the latest clinical evidence, it further explores targeted intervention strategies such as probiotics and combined exercise-nutrition approaches, aiming to offer new perspectives for the precision prevention and management of sarcopenia in elderly PD patients.
• Select
  Neuroprotective Effects of β-Hydroxybutyrate in Alzheimer’s Disease

  WANG Luyao 1, 2 , ZHAN Zige 1, 2 , ZHENG Kai 1, 2

  2025, 20(12): 737-741.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by progressive cognitive decline and driven by complex pathological processes, including β-amyloid deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau aggregation, and neuroinflammation. β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the predominant circulating ketone body, functions not only as an alternative energy substrate to mitigate neuronal energy deficits but also acts on multiple pathological targets central to AD progression. This review systematically summarizes the neuroprotective mechanisms of BHB in AD, focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction, pathological protein deposition, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Clinical studies indicate that BHB significantly improves cognition in APOE ε4-negative patients, yet current strategies for inducing endogenous ketosis or supplementing exogenous ketones face substantial challenges. Future research should focus on optimizing BHB administration protocols, defining the optimal therapeutic blood concentration range, and advancing BHB as a targeted metabolic intervention for AD. Collectively, this review provides a theoretical framework for understanding the multi-mechanistic synergy of BHB in AD and its clinical translation.
• Select
  Mechanisms of Putrescine Metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Therapeutic Prospects

  MEI Xiaohan 1 , WANG Qun 2

  2025, 20(12): 742-746.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder for which effective treatments are still lacking. Recent studies have revealed that putrescine, as a central molecule in polyamine metabolism, plays a critical role in the onset and progression of AD. This review systematically summarizes the neurobiological functions of putrescine and its multifaceted pathological mechanisms in AD, including the promotion of Aβ deposition, induction of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, activation of neuroinflammation, and impairment of synaptic function. Additionally, the article evaluated therapeutic strategies targeting putrescine metabolism, such as inhibiting its key synthetic enzymes or supplementing beneficial polyamines, in terms of their potential and challenges in intervening with the AD process. This study provides a theoretical basis for a deeper understanding of the metabolic mechanisms of AD and the development of therapeutic approaches targeting the polyamine system.
• Select
  The Research Progress of Risk Genes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

  LUO Han 1, 2 , LIU Yang 1, 2 , BA Li 1, 2 , ZHAO Xin 1, 2 , GONG Zhenxiang 1, 2 , ZHANG Min 1, 2, 3

  2025, 20(12): 747-751.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor neuron loss, currently lacks effective clinical treatments and carries an extremely poor prognosis. Recent advances in understanding ALS pathogenesis have increasingly highlighted the central role of genetic factors—particularly as most prior studies focused on high-penetrance classic genes in familial cases, leaving sporadic ALS genetic architecture largely unexplained. Risk genes typically represent small-effect genetic variants across the genome that collectively influence disease susceptibility through polygenic interactions, epigenetic modifications, and gene-environment interplay. Breakthroughs from high-throughput sequencing coupled with multi-omics technologies have identified dozens of novel ALS risk genes in recent years. Elucidating their functional mechanisms could provide crucial molecular evidence for decoding ALS heritability patterns. This review systematically summarizes molecular regulatory mechanisms of newly discovered ALS risk genes over the past five years, evaluates their potential roles in core pathogenic pathways, and emphasizes their translational potential as precision therapy targets. By integrating multi-omics datasets with gene editing tools, we aim to accelerate clinical translation of these findings—potentially transforming ALS management through personalized medicine grounded in genetic insights.
• Select
  Research Progress on Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques in the Rehabilitation of Upper Limb Motor Dysfunction after Stroke

  CONG Shan 1, 2 , WANG Meng 1, 2 , SUN Yujia 1, 2 , YU Tao 1, 3 , DOU Baomin 2 , GONG Yinan 2

  2025, 20(12): 752-755.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Post-stroke upper limb motor dysfunction is one of the most common sequelae following a stroke, primarily manifesting as flaccidity, weakness, spasticity, and shoulder pain in the upper limb, which severely impacts patients’ability to perform activities of daily living. Current treatment methods include medication, acupuncture, and physical/occupational therapy, but the rehabilitation process is often slow and costly. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques hold promising application prospects for the rehabilitation of post-stroke upper limb motor dysfunction, among which repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have garnered the most clinical attention. This article reviews the application of these two techniques in the rehabilitation of post-stroke upper limb motor dysfunction, discusses their clinical selection strategies, and explores future research directions that warrant greater focus.
• Select
  Research Progress on Novel Rehabilitation Technologies in Rehabilitation Treatment Patients with Vascular Cognitive Impairment

  WU Pingping 1, 2 , SUN Weixia 1 , ZHAO Weijing 2 , YOU Hong 2

  2025, 20(12): 756-759.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’ s disease, and its incidence is increasing annually. Cognitive rehabilitation is a crucial therapeutic approach for patients with VCI. Traditional cognitive rehabilitation methods are often monotonous, unengaging, and have limited efficacy. In recent years, novel rehabilitation technologies such as virtual reality, non-invasive transcranial stimulation, and visual feedback balance training have gained prominence. Multimodal combination therapy has shown superior improvement effects. This article reviews the application of these new rehabilitation technologies in the treatment of VCI patients, aiming to provide reference value for their clinical rehabilitation.
• Select
  Research Progress on the Effects of Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Improving Walking and Balance Abilities After Stroke

  QI Jingman 1 , ZHAO Ruoxuan 1 , XIANG Aomeng 1 , WANG Chengshuo 1 , FU Yanxin 1 , WU Liang 2 , ZHANG Qin 2 , HUANG Dan 2

  2025, 20(12): 760-763.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Post-stroke patients often experience balance and gait impairments, severely affecting their quality of life. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, particularly transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), can promote functional recovery by modulating cortical excitability and neuroplasticity. The cerebellum, a key structure for motor coordination and balance control, has emerged as a novel target for TMS intervention. This review summarizes research progress on cerebellar TMS in improving post-stroke gait and balance, including its mechanisms, clinical effects, and underlying pathways. Studies indicate that cerebellar TMS can enhance motor learning, improve gait and balance, and may be superior to traditional motor cortex stimulation. However, current studies are limited by small sample sizes and variable parameters. Future large-scale trials combined with multimodal neuroimaging are needed to optimize protocols and clarify neural mechanisms.
• Select
  认知行为疗法；肠造口；照护者；应激反应

  2025, 20(12): 770-772.

  PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save