Clinical Study of Modified Shenqi Pill （肾气丸） Plus Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture （通督调神针刺） for Neurogenic Bladder After Spinal Cord Injury of Kidney-Yang Deficiency Syndrome / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of modified Shenqi Pill （肾气丸） plus Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture （通督调神针刺） in the treatment of neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury of kidney-yang deficiency syndrome. MethodsForty-six patients were randomly divided into 23 cases each in the control group and the treatment group. Both groups were given conventional treatment， i.e. oral methylcobalamin tablets （0.5 mg each time， 3 times a day） and paraplegic conventional acupuncture （once a day， 6 consecutive days a week）. The control group was given simple bladder function rehabilitation training on the basis of the conventional treatment； and the treatment group was given modified Shenqi Pill orally （1 dose a day， 150 ml each time， taken warmly in morning and evening） and Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture （once a day， 6 consecutive days per week） in addition to what were given to the control group. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks. The 24 h urination frequency， 24 h urine leakage frequency， 24 h single urine volume， bladder residual urine volume， international lower urinary tract symptom （LUTS） score， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score were compared between the two groups， and clinical effectiveness and TCM syndrome effectiveness were compared between the two groups after treatment. ResultsTwenty patients in each group were finally analyzed in this study. The number of 24 h urination， the number of 24 h urine leakage， bladder residual urine volume， LUTS score， and the TCM syndrome scores decreased after treatment in both groups， and the 24 h single urine volume increased （P＜0.01）； and much more improvement was found of each index in the treatment group than in the control group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The total clinical effectiveness and TCM syndrome effectiveness in the treatment group was 85.00% （17/20） respectively， which were statistically significantly higher than 45.00% （the total clinical effectiveness， 9/20） and 60.00% （TCM syndrome effectiveness， 12/20） in the control group （P＜0.01）. ConclusionModified Shenqi Pill plus Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture can signi-ficantly improve the clinical symptoms of neurogenic bladder patients after spinal cord injury of kidney-yang deficiency syndrome， having better effectiveness than simple bladder function rehabilitation training， and its mechanism may be related to the improvement of the injured nerve function innervating the bladder.

Vulnerabilidad del adulto mayor con lesión cervical traumática

Fundamento: los adultos mayores sufren caídas que producen complicaciones traumáticas, dentro de estas se encuentra el trauma raquimedular que produce una alta tasa de discapacidad y mortalidad. Objetivo: exponer factores pronósticos que repercuten en el adulto mayor con lesión espinal cervical traumática. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal sobre 42 pacientes geriátricos diagnosticados con trauma raquimedular cervical atendidos en Camagüey, desde 2019 hasta el 2022. Se analizaron las variables siguientes: datos demográficos, tipo de accidente, nivel de la lesión, complicaciones médicas, terapia utilizada y como variable dependiente la mortalidad. Resultados: se observó un predominio de los pacientes entre 60 a 74 años. El análisis estadístico sobre las probabilidades de fallecer mostró que ante un evento cervical traumático los pacientes con ventilación mecánica asistida, complicaciones médicas, nivel de severidad de la lesión (ASIA A o B) que sufrieron un accidente de tránsito tuvieron mayor riesgo de morir que los que no se encontraban en estos grupos. El nivel de dependencia social del grupo estuvo entre moderado y severo. Conclusiones: el envejecimiento poblacional requiere del desarrollo de terapias especializadas, donde se tomen en cuenta las características morfofisiológicas de este grupo que permitirá mejor recuperación funcional y una calidad de vida adecuada.

Foundation older adults suffer falls that produce traumatic complications, among which is spinal cord trauma with a high rate of disability and mortality. Objective to set out the prognostic factors that affect the elderly with traumatic cervical spinal injury. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out with 42 geriatric patients diagnosed with spinal cord trauma treated in Camagüey, from 2019 to 2022. The research consisted of a stage for the collection of demographic data, the type of accident, the level of injury, medical complications, the therapy used and another where the statistical processing was carried out where the mortality variable was considered as dependent. Results: a predominance of patients between 60 and 74 years of age was observed. The statistical analysis on the probabilities of dying showed that in a traumatic cervical event, patients with assisted mechanical ventilation, medical complications, injury severity level (ASIA A or B) who suffered a traffic accident had a higher risk of dying than those who were not in these groups. The level of social dependence of the group was between moderate and severe. Conclusions: population aging requires the development of specialized therapies, where the morphophysiological characteristics of this group are taken into account, which will allow better functional recovery and an adequate quality of life.

Impacto de los ejercicios físicos en la rehabilitación de pacientes con lesiones medulares cervical incompleta, en Guinea-Bissau

Las personas con lesiones de la médula espinal cervical tienen de dos a cinco veces más probabilidades de morir prematuramente, estas lesiones son una de las causas de muerte más frecuente en la población mundial independientemente de la religión, edad, raza, sexo, nacionalidad o clase social; las tasas de supervivencia más bajas, se encuentran en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. En Guinea-Bissau, los pacientes desconocen su enfermedad y los beneficios de la actividad física para su tratamiento; por ello, se realizó un estudio con diez pacientes que asisten al área de Neuro-rehabilitación motora, Bissau, donde el objetivo fue: determinar el impacto de los ejercicios físicos en la rehabilitación de los pacientes con lesión medular cervical incompleta. Se utilizaron métodos de orden cualitativo (revisión documental) y cuantitativos (medición) y criterio de expertos que permitieron el estudio del objeto y la evaluación teórica y práctica de los ejercicios físicos, los que fueron validados por 17 expertos, entre los cuales el 95 % evaluaron los indicadores en adecuados y muy adecuados y se aplicó en la práctica a diez pacientes con resultados muy satisfactorios, lo que confirmó la pertinencia del estudio realizado. El 100 % de los participantes alcanzaron un nivel significativo en las actividades de la vida diaria, capacidades físicas y funcionales. Este estudio respondió a necesidades investigativas de la Universidad de Ciencias de la Cultura Física y el Deporte "Manuel Fajardo", de Cuba y al Centro de Neuro-Rehabilitación Físico Motor Sanca, de Guinea-Bissau.

SÍNTESE Pessoas com lesões da medula cervical têm duas a cinco vezes mais probabilidade de morrer prematuramente, essas lesões são uma das causas de morte mais freqüentes na população mundial, independentemente da religião, idade, raça, sexo, nacionalidade ou classe social; as mais baixas taxas de sobrevivência são encontradas em países de baixa e média renda. Na Guiné-Bissau, os pacientes desconhecem sua doença e os benefícios da atividade física para seu tratamento; portanto, foi realizado um estudo com dez pacientes que freqüentavam a área de neuro-reabilitação motora, Bissau, onde o objetivo era: determinar o impacto dos exercícios físicos na reabilitação de pacientes com lesão incompleta da medula cervical. Foram utilizados métodos qualitativos (revisão documental) e quantitativos (medição) e julgamento de especialistas para estudar o objeto e a avaliação teórica e prática dos exercícios físicos, que foram validados por 17 especialistas, 95% dos quais avaliaram os indicadores como adequados e muito adequados, e foram aplicados na prática a dez pacientes com resultados muito satisfatórios, confirmando a relevância do estudo realizado. 100% dos participantes atingiram um nível significativo nas atividades de vida diária, nas habilidades físicas e funcionais. Este estudo respondeu às necessidades de pesquisa da Universidade de Cultura Física e Ciências do Esporte "Manuel Fajardo", Cuba e do Centro de Reabilitação Neuro-Motora Sanca, Guiné-Bissau.

People with cervical spinal cord injuries are two to five times more likely to die prematurely, these injuries are one of the most frequent causes of death in the world population regardless of religion, age, race, sex, nationality or social class; the lowest survival rates are found in low- and middle-income countries. In Guinea-Bissau, patients are unaware of their illness and the benefits of physical activity for their treatment; for this reason, a study was carried out with ten patients who attend the area of Motor Neuro-rehabilitation, Bissau, where the objective was: to determine the impact of physical exercises on the rehabilitation of patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. Qualitative (documentary review) and quantitative (measurement) and expert criteria methods were used, which allowed the study of the object and the theoretical and practical evaluation of the physical exercises, which were validated by 17 experts, among whom 95% they evaluated the indicators as adequate and very adequate and it was applied in practice to ten patients with very satisfactory results, which confirmed the relevance of the study carried out. 100% of the participants reached a significant level in activities of daily living, physical and functional capacities. This study responded to the research needs of the "Manuel Fajardo" University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences, of Cuba and the Sanca Neuro - Physical Motor Rehabilitation Center, of Guinea-Bissau.

Effect of 12-week sports intervention programme on physical fitness and sports performance in individuals with spinal cord injury

Objectives: Inactivity in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) results in low physical fitness, cardiopulmonary endurance and poor quality of life. Sports participation is known to enhance physical fitness. Therefore, the present study evaluated effect of a structured, 12-week MGM Sports Intervention for Sports Intervention Program for SCI (SPISI) on physical fitness and throw-ball performance in individuals with SCI. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at MGM School of Physiotherapy and Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation centre in Navi Mumbai, India. Following ethical approval, 15 individuals with SCI (80% males and 20% females mean age 33.1 ± 7.2 years) were recruited. Upper-extremity explosive power (medicine-ball-throw), agility (t-test), cardiorespiratory endurance (incremental shuttle wheelchair propulsion test) and ball-throwing capacity (maximal-pass test) were evaluated pre- and post-12-week sports intervention programme (SPISI). The protocol involved strength training of upper extremity training at 50% 1 repetition maximum and participation in throw-ball sport. Results: Following training, increase in upper extremity explosive power (11%), cardiopulmonary endurance (5%), agility (8%) and ball-throwing capacity in distance (7%) (P < 0.05) was observed. The large effect size was observed for sports performance (maximal-pass test distance-Cohen’s d 1.261), moderate for cardiorespiratory endurance (incremental wheelchair propulsion test distance Cohen’s d 0.517) and upper extremity explosive power (medicine-ball throw distance 0.593). Increment in all outcome variables was greater than minimal clinically important difference. Conclusion: Sports intervention programme (SPISI) for 12 weeks brought about minimal clinically important difference in upper-extremity explosive power, agility, cardiorespiratory endurance and sport-specific performance and should be included as an integral component of rehabilitation of individuals with SCI.

Mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang Combined with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell （BMSC） transplantation in the treatment of spinal cord injury （SCI）. MethodDifferent concentrations （12.5， 25， 50 g·kg-1） of Buyang Huanwutang were administrated to rats by gavage. The spinal cord function of rats was measured by modified Tarlov score， and the most suitable concentration of Buyang Huanwutang was screened out. SD rats were then divided into 6 groups， namely， the sham operation group （gavage of equal amount of normal saline）， the model group （gavage of equal amount of normal saline）， the Buyang Huanwutang group （gavage of 25 g·kg-1 Buyang Huanwutang）， the BMSC transplantation group （tail vein injection of BMSCs 1 mL）， the Buyang Huanwutang+BMSC group （gavage of 25 g·kg-1 Buyang Huanwutang and tail vein injection of BMSCs 1 mL）， the Buyang Huanwutang+BMSC+LY294002 group （gavage of 25 g·kg-1 Buyang Huanwutang and tail vein injection of BMSCs 1 mL and 40 mg·kg-1 LY294002）， with 10 rats in each group. The spinal cord function was measured by the modified Tarlov score， inclined plate test， and latency of cortical somatosensory evoked potential. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the number of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuracil nucleoside （Brdu）-labeled positive cells in the spinal cord tissue. The protein expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B （p-Akt）， glycoprotein 130 （gp130）， and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in spinal cord were detected by Western blot. ResultAs compared with the sham operation group， the Tarlov score and the critical angle of tilt plane in the model group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the latency of cortical somatosensory evoked potential wave and the protein expression levels of p-Akt， gp130， and IL-6 were significantly increased （P<0.05）. As compared with the model group， the Tarlov score and the critical angle of tilt plane in the sham operation group and each treatment group were significantly increased （P<0.05）， and the latency of cortical somatosensory evoked potential wave and the protein expression levels of p-Akt， gp130， and IL-6 were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. As compared with the BMSC group， the Tarlov score and the critical angle of inclined plane in the Buyang Huanwutang+BMSC group increased （P<0.05）， the latency of cortical somatosensory evoked potential wave and the protein expression levels of p-Akt， gp130， and IL-6 decreased （P<0.05）， and the number of Brdu-labeled positive cells increased 5 weeks after transplantation （P<0.05）. As compared with the Buyang Huanwutang+BMSC group， the Tarlov score and the critical angle of the inclined plane in the Buyang Huanwutang+BMSC+LY294002 group increased （P<0.05）， and the latency of cortical somatosensory evoked potential wave and the protein expression levels of p-Akt， gp130， and IL-6 decreased significantly （P<0.05）. Five weeks after transplantation， the number of Brdu-labeled positive cells increased significantly in the Buyang Huanwutang+BMSC+LY294002 group （P<0.05）. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang can promote BMSCs migration and restore spinal cord function by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signal.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of children with spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality caused by non-severe violence / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To investigate the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of children with spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality caused by non-severe violence, and to raise the awareness of spinal cord injury in children.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed on the age of onset, injury mechanism, main clinical symptoms and occurrence time, treatment process and recovery of children with spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality caused by non-severe violence. The children were admitted to our hospital from August 2015 to September 2020. Abnormal findings in spinal cord MRI in acute stage were analyzed, and long-term prognosis was followed up by telephone. The degree of spinal cord injury was determined according to the criteria established by the American Spinal Cord Injury Association.Results:Of six patients, three boys and three girls, aged from 16 months to 8 years old.Injury mechanism: fall on the bed, a sudden fall in standing position, fall while jumping in sports.All of the symptoms appeared immediately after trauma, such as limb weakness, pain, unable to walk, urination disorders.Treatment process: spinal immobilization, methylprednisolone pulse therapy[20 mg/(kg·d)], alleviat edema and protect the nerve system, necessary symptomatic treatment including urethral catheterization, the use of antibiotics, timely rehabilitation treatment.No fracture or dislocation was found in all six patients by spinal cord radiometric examination, and MRI of spinal cord indicated abnormal signals of thoracic cord or below. The recovery sequence of spinal cord function: urination function recovery, pain from lower limbs relief, lower limbs weakness improvement.By the time of follow-up by telephone, the course of disease was 1 to 5 years. Urine fecal incontinence was found in one patient, and his muscle strength of both lower extremities belong to grade Ⅰ, atrophic changes were found in spinal cord MRI.The remaining five patients were able to walk independently, complained of leg pain during long distance walking, mild varus or valgus, and no obvious abnormality in spinal cord MRI.Conclusion:In daily activities, except bend down in dancing, falling on the sacral tail is easy to cause spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation in children. The damaged spinal cord function often cannot recover thoroughly, and even cannot recover. It is advisable to identify early, formulate comprehensive treatment measures in time, strive to improve the prognosis.

Acetylcorynoline inhibits microglia activation by regulating EGFR/MAPK signaling to promote functional recovery of injured mouse spinal cord / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of acetylcorynoline (Ace) for promoting functional recovery of injured spinal cord in rats and explore the underlying mechanism.@*METHODS@#Rat models of spinal cord injury (SCI) were treated with intraperitoneal injection of different concentrations of Ace, with the sham-operated rats as the control group. After the treatment, the changes in motor function of the rats and the area of spinal cord injury were assessed with BBB score and HE staining, and the changes in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and microglial activation were determined using PCR, ELISA and immunofluorescence staining. In a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV2 cell model, the effects of different concentrations of Ace or DMSO on microglial activation and inflammatory cytokine production were observed. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to predict the target protein and signaling mechanism that mediated the inhibitory effect of Ace on microglia activation, and AutoDock software was used for molecular docking between Ace and the target protein. A signaling pathway blocker (Osimertinib) was used to verify the signaling mechanism in rat models of SCI and LPS-treated BV2 cell model.@*RESULTS@#In rat models of SCI, Ace treatment significantly increased the BBB score, reduced the area of spinal cord injury, and lowered the number of activated microglia cells and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05). The cell experiments showed that Ace treatment significantly lower the level of cell activation and the production of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-treated BV2 cells (P < 0.05). Network pharmacology analysis suggested that EGFR was the main target of Ace, and they bound to each other via hydrogen bonds as shown by molecular docking. Western blotting confirmed that Ace inhibited the activation of the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway in injured mouse spinal cord tissue and in LPS-treated BV2 cells, and its inhibitory effect was comparable to that of Osimertinib.@*CONCLUSION@#In rat models of SCI, treatment with Ace can inhibit microglia-mediated inflammatory response by regulating the EGFR/MAPK pathway, thus promoting tissue repair and motor function recovery.

Questionnaire Survey on Regenerative Medicine for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Objectives：This study investigated the perceptions of regenerative medicine among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods：Between October 2019 and February 2020, we interviewed individuals with SCI who had a history of inpatient or outpatient visits to our hospital using a structured questionnaire on regenerative medicine.Results：Ninety-nine participants completed the questionnaires. The mean age was 52.8±14.8 years, with 9.1％ of them being females. The majority of cases included cervical SCI (54.5％), AIS A lesion (63.6％), and traumatic causes (90.9％), and 93.9％ of the individuals had some interest in regenerative medicine for SCI, which is well known to individuals with SCI in the following order：induced pluripotent stem cells (n＝89), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (n＝25), and autologous olfactory mucosal transplantation (n＝16). Individuals with SCI chose motor function (65.7％), bladder and bowel function (24.3％), and sensory function (9.0％）when asked to choose only one symptom that required improvement. Individuals with cervical SCI had more interest in regenerative medicine than those with SCI (46.3％ vs. 26.7％). In contrast, the majority of respondents with SCI were concerned about the effectiveness (n＝59) and cost (n＝53) of the treatment. Most participants obtained information about regenerative medicine on television (n＝73), followed by the Internet and/or social networking services (n＝54).Conclusion：Approximately half of individuals with SCI hope that regenerative medicine will restore their ability to walk.

Short-chain fatty acids ameliorate spinal cord injury recovery by regulating the balance of regulatory T cells and effector IL-17+ γδ T cells / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunctions. The gut microbiome has an important role in SCI, while short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are one of the main bioactive mediators of microbiota. In the present study, we explored the effects of oral administration of exogenous SCFAs on the recovery of locomotor function and tissue repair in SCI. Allen's method was utilized to establish an SCI model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The animals received water containing a mixture of 150 mmol/L SCFAs after SCI. After 21 d of treatment, the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score increased, the regularity index improved, and the base of support (BOS) value declined. Spinal cord tissue inflammatory infiltration was alleviated, the spinal cord necrosis cavity was reduced, and the numbers of motor neurons and Nissl bodies were elevated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and immunohistochemistry assay revealed that the expression of interleukin (IL)‍-10 increased and that of IL-17 decreased in the spinal cord. SCFAs promoted gut homeostasis, induced intestinal T cells to shift toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, and promoted regulatory T (Treg) cells to secrete IL-10, affecting Treg cells and IL-17+ γδ T cells in the spinal cord. Furthermore, we observed that Treg cells migrated from the gut to the spinal cord region after SCI. The above findings confirm that SCFAs can regulate Treg cells in the gut and affect the balance of Treg and IL-17+ γδ T cells in the spinal cord, which inhibits the inflammatory response and promotes the motor function in SCI rats. Our findings suggest that there is a relationship among gut, spinal cord, and immune cells, and the "gut-spinal cord-immune" axis may be one of the mechanisms regulating neural repair after SCI.

Effect of torso training on unstable surface on lower limb motor function in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the effect of torso training on unstable surface on lower limb motor function in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury.@*METHODS@#A total of 80 patients with incomplete spinal cord injury caused by thoracolumbar fracture admitted in Ningbo Yinzhou No.2 Hospital from April 2020 to December 2021 were randomly divided into control group and study group, with 40 cases in each group. In addition to routine training, the control group received torso training on stable surface and the study group received torso training on unstable surface. The gait, lower limb muscle strength, balance function, lower limb function, mobility and nerve function of the two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the stride length, stride frequency and comfortable walking speed improved in the two groups (all P<0.05), and the improvements in study group were more significant (all P<0.05). The muscle strength of quadriceps femoris, gluteus maximus, hamstring, anterior tibialis and gastrocnemius were improved in the two groups (all P<0.05), and the improvements in study group were more significant (all P<0.05); the total trajectories of static eye opening and static eye closing gravity center movement in the two groups were significantly shorter (all P<0.05), and the improvements in the study group were more significant (all P<0.05). The dynamic stability limit range and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) lower extremity motor score, Berg balance scale, modified Barthel index scale in the two groups were significantly higher (all P<0.05), and these scores in study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Both groups showed a significant improvement in ASIA grade (all P<0.05), and the improvement in the study group was significantly better (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Torso training on unstable surface can effectively improve the gait and lower limb muscle strength of patients with incomplete spinal cord injury and improve the lower limb motor function.

Neuroprotective effect of tetramethylpyrazine on mice after spinal cord injury / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of tetramethylpyrazine on mice after spinal cord injury and its mechanism. Seventy-five female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, namely, a sham operation group, a model group, a tetramethylpyrazine low-dose group(25 mg·kg~(-1)), a tetramethylpyrazine medium-dose group(50 mg·kg~(-1)), and a tetramethylpyrazine high-dose group(100 mg·kg~(-1)), with 15 mice in each group. Modified Rivlin method was used to establish the mouse model of acute spinal cord injury. After 14 d of tetramethylpyrazine intervention, the motor function of hind limbs of mice was evaluated by basso mouse scale(BMS) and inclined plate test. The levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in the spinal cord homogenate were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the histology of the spinal cord, and Nissl's staining was used to observe the changes in the number of neurons. Western blot and immunofluorescence method were used to detect the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and C3 protein. Tetramethylpyrazine significantly improved the motor function of the hind limbs of mice after spinal cord injury, and the BMS score and inclined plate test score of the tetramethylpyrazine high-dose group were significantly higher than those of the model group(P<0.01). The levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in spinal cord homogenate of the tetramethylpyrazine high-dose group were significantly decreased(P<0.01). After tetramethylpyrazine treatment, the spinal cord morphology recovered, the number of Nissl bodies increased obviously with regular shape, and the loss of neurons decreased. As compared with the model group, the expression of GFAP and C3 protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01) in tetramethylpyrazine high-dose group. In conclusion, tetramethylpyrazine can promote the improvement of motor function and play a neuroprotective role in mice after spinal cord injury, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting inflammatory response and improving the hyperplasia of glial scar.

Guidelines for management of pediatric acute hyperextension spinal cord injury / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Pediatric acute hyperextension spinal cord injury (SCI) named as PAHSCI by us, is a special type of thoracolumbar SCI without radiographic abnormality and highly related to back-bend in dance training, which has been increasingly reported. At present, it has become the leading cause of SCI in children, and brings a heavy social and economic burden. Both domestic and foreign academic institutions and dance education organizations lack a correct understanding of PAHSCI and relevant standards, specifications or guidelines. In order to provide standardized guidance, the expert team formulated this guideline based on the principles of science and practicability, starting from the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, etiology, admission evaluation, treatment, complications and prevention. This guideline puts forward 23 recommendations for 14 related issues.

Prognosis of traumatic spinal cord injury in children: Follow-up of 86 patients / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#The long-term situation of children with spinal cord injury (SCI) was investigated, and suggestions for helping them better return to the society were provided.@*METHODS@#SCI patients less than 18 years old hospitalized in Beijing Boai Hospital from January 2011 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Information including motor function, complications, characteristic changes, self-care abilities, school attendance and social participation were collected by telephone interview and electronic questionnaire. All the answers were statistically analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 86 cases were enrolled, 77 girls and 9 boys, with a median injury age of 6 years and 2 months. The follow-up time was 3-130 months. The main cause of trauma in these children was sport injury (66.3%), the thoracic spinal cord was involved the most (91.9%), and complete SCIs accounted for the majority (76.7%). In terms of complications, children with complete SCIs were more likely to have urinary incontinence, constipation and characteristic changes (p < 0.05); whereas the incomplete SCIs often have spasticity (p < 0.05). As to the daily living abilities, children with incomplete lumbar SCIs were more capable to accomplish personal hygiene, transfer, and bathing independently than those with complete injuries, or cervical/thoracic SCIs, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, children older than 9 years care more able to dress and transfer independently than the youngers (p < 0.05). Wheelchair users accounted for 84.9% and more than half of them were able to propel wheelchair independently, and those who move passively in wheelchairs were mostly introverted kids (p < 0.05). Almost all (93.8%) children with incomplete injuries were able to walk independently. Most (79.1%) children continued to attending school, and 41.9% participated in interest classes. Unfortunately, 67.4% of the children spent less time playing with their peers than before the injury.@*CONCLUSION@#SCIs impair physical structures and function of children, affect their independence in daily living, and restrict school attendance and social interaction. Comprehensive rehabilitation after injury is a systematic work. Medical staff and caregivers should not only pay attention to neurological function, but also help them improve self-care abilities. It is also important to balance rehabilitation training and school work and social participation.

Clinical characteristics and treatment of spinal cord injury in children and adolescents / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Pediatric and adult spinal cord injuries (SCI) are distinct entities. Children and adolescents with SCI must suffer from lifelong disabilities, which is a heavy burden on patients, their families and the society. There are differences in Chinese and foreign literature reports on the incidence, injury mechanism and prognosis of SCI in children and adolescents. In addition to traumatic injuries such as car accidents and falls, the proportion of sports injuries is increasing. The most common sports injury is the backbend during dance practice. Compared with adults, children and adolescents are considered to have a greater potential for neurological improvement. The pathogenesis and treatment of pediatric SCI remains unclear. The mainstream view is that the mechanism of nerve damage in pediatric SCI include flexion, hyperextension, longitudinal distraction and ischemia. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of drugs such as methylprednisolone in the treatment of pediatric SCI and the indications and timing of surgery. In addition, the complications of pediatric SCI are also worthy of attention. New imaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion tensor tractography may be used for diagnosis and assessment of prognosis. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging, clinical characteristics, treatment and complications of SCI in children and adolescents. Although current treatment cannot completely restore neurological function, patient quality of life can be enhanced. Continued developments and advances in the research of SCI may eventually provide a cure for children and adolescents with this kind of injury.

Dual epidural catheters for labor analgesia in a spinal cord injury patient: a case report

Abstract Impediment to local anesthetic solution in the epidural space results in unsatisfactory pain relief during labor epidural. Patients with a history of back trauma and spinal instrumentation have increased rates of epidural failure due to patchy spread of local anesthetic with obliterated epidural space. Dual Epidural Catheters (DEC) can be used in such clinical scenarios with complete labor analgesia and improved patient satisfaction. We present the successful management of a parturient with vertebral fracture at risk for epidural failure and neurologic injury due to bone fragments and inserted cranial and caudal to the fractured vertebra using ultrasound to avoid neurologic sequelae.

Effects of exercise training on neurological recovery, TGF-β1, HIF-1α, and Nogo-NgR signaling pathways after spinal cord injury in rats

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of exercise training on neurological recovery, Growth Transforming Factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α), and Nogo-NgR signaling pathways after spinal cord injury in rats. Methods Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, sham-operated group, model group, and training group. The rat spinal cord injury model was established using Allen's method, and the training group received exercise training on the 8th day postoperatively. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) score, modified Tarlow score, and inclined plane test scores were compared in each group before injury and 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after injury. Results The BBB score and modified Tarlow score of the model group and the training group were 0 at the first day after the injury, and gradually increased on the seventh day onwards (p < 0.05). The BBB score and modified Tarlow score of the training group were higher than those of the model group at the 14th, 21st and 28th day (p < 0.05). The angles of the inclined plate at multiple time points after injury were lower in the model group and the training group than in the normal group and the sham-operated group (p < 0.05); The angles of the inclined plate at the 14th, 21st and 28th day after injury were higher in the training group than in the model group (p < 0.05). Conclusion The mechanism of exercise training may be connected to the inhibition of the Nogo-NgR signaling pathway to promote neuronal growth.

Redes de apoio no continuum processo de reabilitação no quotidiano de pessoas com lesão medular / Redes de apoyo en el continuum proceso de rehabilitación en el cotidiano de personas con lesión medular / Support networks in the continuum rehabilitation process in the daily life of people with spinal cord injury

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender a rede de apoio no continuum processo de reabilitação no quotidiano de pessoas com lesão medular. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, de natureza qualitativa, fundamentado na Sociologia Compreensiva e do Quotidiano, com 23 pessoas com lesão medular, acompanhadas em Serviço de Enfermagem e de Reabilitação do sul do Brasil. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se do prontuário, genograma, ecomapa e entrevista individual. Para a análise da entrevista, utilizou-se a Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: ao ingressar no Programa de Reabilitação, as redes de apoio se configuravam como uma vinculação fraca quando a inacessibilidade era uma barreira, especificamente, o trabalho/escola; hobby/lazer. As vinculações fortes consideram as redes cuidador principal, centro de saúde, amigos, orientação religiosa e família. Considerações finais: as redes de apoio que circundam cada indivíduo com lesão medular e a família e como elas se relacionam, auxiliam o enfrentamento do novo ritmo de vida, colaborando para o alcance das metas de reabilitação e ressocialização.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comprender la red de apoyo en el continuum proceso de rehabilitación en el cotidiano de personas con lesión medular. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, de naturaleza cualitativa, fundamentado en la Sociología Comprensiva y del Cotidiano, con 23 personas con lesión medular, acompañadas en Servicio de Enfermería y de Rehabilitación del sur de Brasil. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizó el registro médico, genograma, ecomapa y entrevista individual. Para el análisis de la entrevista, se utilizó el Análisis de Contenido. Resultados: al ingresar en el Programa de Rehabilitación, las redes de apoyo se configuraban como una vinculación débil cuando la inaccesibilidad era una barrera, específicamente, el trabajo/escuela; pasatiempo/ocio. Las vinculaciones fuertes consideran las redes: cuidador principal, centro de salud, amigos, orientación religiosa y familia. Consideraciones finales: las redes de apoyo, que rodean a cada individuo con lesión medular y a la familia y cómo se relacionan, ayudan a enfrentar el nuevo ritmo de vida, colaborando para el logro de las metas de rehabilitación y resocialización.

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the support network in the continuum process of rehabilitation in the daily life of people with spinal cord injury. Methodology: a descriptive study of a qualitative nature, based on Comprehensive Sociology and Everyday Life, with 23 people with spinal cord injury, accompanied by a Nursing and Rehabilitation Service in southern Brazil. For data collection, we used the medical record, genogram, ecomap and individual interview. Content Analysis was used to analyze the interview. Results: when entering the Rehabilitation Program, the support networks were configured as a weak link when inaccessibility was a barrier, specifically, work/school; hobby/leisure. Strong bonds consider the main caregiver networks, health center, friends, religious orientation and family. Final thoughts: the support networks that surround each individual with spinal cord injury and the family and how they relate, help to cope with the new rhythm of life, collaborating to achieve the goals of rehabilitation and resocialization.

Related factors and prediction model for neurological outcome of dance-associated pediatric spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the neurological outcome of children with dance-associated spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) and explore its related factors and predictive model. MethodsFrom July, 2012 to January, 2022, 75 children with dance-associated SCIWORA hospitalized in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were divided into improved group (n = 14) and non-improved group (n = 61) according to the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade a year later, and the related factors were analyzed. ResultsAll patients were girls aged four to ten years. Most of them were complete spinal cord injuries (52/75, 69%). The time of injury to rehabilitation (OR = 0.926, P = 0.046, 95%CI 0.858 to 0.999), the existing tendon reflex (OR = 46.915，P = 0.012, 95%CI 2.333 to 943.616) and muscle tension (OR = 8.932，P = 0.044，95%CI 1.063~75.067) were correlated with the AIS grade improvement. The combination of time of injury to rehabilitation, tendon reflex and muscle tone existing may predict the improvement of AIS (AUC = 0.953, P < 0.001，95%CI 0.878 to 0.989), the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 83.61%, respectively. ConclusionThe neurological outcome of children with dance-associated SCIWORA is poor. Rehabilitation training as soon as possible is beneficial to the neurological recovery. Tendon reflexe and muscle tone existing at admission are closely related to improvement of neurological outcome, which could be used as potential indicators.

Mood states and cognitive performance in patients with complete spinal cord injury / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the mood states, cognitive performance and the factors related to cognitive function of patients with complete spinal cord injury. MethodsA total of 60 male patients with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) admitted to Beijing Bo'ai Hospital from November, 2020 to March, 2022 were selected as SCI group, and 30 healthy males were selected as the control group. They were assessed with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Beijing Version (MoCA), Digital Span Test (DST) of Wechsler Memory Scale, Symbol Digit Modalities Test-Oral Version (SDMT), Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test-30 min recall (CFT), Stroop Color-Word Test Chinese Version (CWT), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). ResultsCompared with the control group, the SDMT and CFT scores were significantly lower (t > 3.052，P < 0.01); the reflect and square root transformation of MoCA score, the square root transformation of Stroop interference effects time consuming, HAMA score and HAMD score were higher (|t| > 2.542, |Z| > 7.676, P < 0.05) in SCI group. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age, education level, HAMD score and sleep disorder were significantly correlated with the scores of cognitive function in SCI group. ConclusionThere are more intensive anxiety and depression in patients with complete SCI. The patients with complete SCI present cognitive impairment, especially in information processing speed, visuospatial ability and visual memory, and executive function. Age, education level, depression and sleep disorder are the related factors of cognitive impairment in patients with complete SCI.

Adaptive physical activity and its health benefits for patients with spinal cord injury based on ICF: a scoping review / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo analyze adaptive physical activity interventions and their health benefits for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) based on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). MethodsA combination of subject headings and free words was employed to search for relevant literature on physical activity in patients with SCI in PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO and CNKI, from January, 2017 to July, 2022. A scoping review was conducted. ResultsEight English articles were included, from Australia, the United States, Estonia, Canada, Netherlands and Brazil. The study involved 150 patients with SCI and included seven randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized controlled trial. These literatures were primarily from journals in the fields of SCI, neurology, neuromuscular medicine and physical activity, with publication dates concentrated between 2017 and 2021. The included studies involved participants with complete or incomplete SCI, presenting with paraplegia, tetraplegia, and various levels of injury severity (grades A to D). The main functional disorders related to ICF included b710 mobility of joint functions, b715 stability of joint functions, b720 mobility of bone functions, b730 muscle power functions, b735 muscle tone functions, b750 motor reflex functions, b760 control of voluntary movement functions and b770 gait pattern functions; the functions involved in activities and participation included d410 changing basic body position, d415 maintaining a body position, d420 transferring oneself, d445 hand and arm use, d450 walking, d455 moving around, d570 looking after one's health, d610 acquiring a place to live, d910 community life, d920 recreation and leisure; the environmental factors involved were e1151 assistive products and technology for personal use in daily living, and e1401 assistive products and technology for culture, recreation and sport. Physical activity intervention sites mainly included home, community, medical or rehabilitation institutions. The physical activity could be classified into prevention, health promotion, treatment and rehabilitation. Patients with SCI had completed acute and subacute rehabilitation in medical and rehabilitation institutions, and returned to their families and communities, and some of them received services in medical and rehabilitation institutions from time to time. The forms of physical activity included strength training combined with routine nursing, short-term resistance training, hydrotherapy and robot treadmill activities, functional electrical stimulation and therapeutic exercise, progressive exercise training based on exoskeleton of power machine, leg bicycle assisted by electrical stimulation combined with manual bicycle, and acute exercise with different intensity. The activity frequency was twelve to 60 minutes a time, two to three times a week, lasting for three to 16 weeks, and the activity intensity was mainly medium to high. The health benefits of physical activity on patients with SCI were mainly reflected in four aspects: physical and mental health, activity and behavior health, environmental factors, quality of life and well-being. In terms of physical and mental health, it helped to improve muscle function (muscle strength, strength perception), walking function (walking speed, walking distance), respiratory and circulatory system functions (peak oxygen uptake, aerobic endurance, cardiopulmonary function, reducing the risk of cardiopulmonary diseases, etc.), immune system related functions, and improving psychosocial function (fatigue degree). In terms of activity and behavioral health, it was helpful to improve activity skills and abilities. In terms of environmental factors, the availability and effectiveness of some auxiliary equipment were confirmed. In terms of quality of life and well-being, it could improve self-living ability and quality of life. ConclusionThis study established a PICO framework for adaptive physical activity and its health effects in patients with SCI based on ICF. Physical activity for patients with SCI can be conducted in various settings, including home, community, or medical and rehabilitation institutions. The physical activities of patients with SCI are characterized by wheelchair-based adaptive physical activities, which are mainly divided into two categories: various aerobic exercises and resistance exercises based on wheelchairs, and physical activities based on auxiliary exercise equipment or intervention methods (such as robot treadmill, power machine exoskeleton, functional electrical stimulation, etc.). The frequency of physical activity in patients with SCI is twelve to 60 minutes a time, two to three times a week, lasting for three to 16 weeks, and the activity intensity is maily medium to high. Therapists and rehabilitation professionals can provide guidance and support through various means, such as online or offline supervision and one-on-one coaching, to promote the health benefits of physical activity for patients with SCI, including improved physical and psychological function, enhanced activity levels, reduced sedentary behavior, and increased self-care abilities and quality of life.