Mapping theme trends and knowledge structures for human neural stem cells:a quantitative and co-word biclustering analysis for the 2013-2018 period

Neural stem cells,which are capable of multi-potential differentiation and self-renewal,have recently been shown to have clinical potential for repairing central nervous system tissue damage.However,the theme trends and knowledge structures for human neural stem cells have not yet been studied bibliometrically.In this study,we retrieved 2742 articles from the PubMed database from 2013 to 2018 using "Neural Stem Cells" as the retrieval word.Co-word analysis was conducted to statistically quantify the characteristics and popular themes of human neural stem cell-related studies.Bibliographic data matrices were generated with the Bibliographic Item Co-Occurrence Matrix Builder.We identified 78 high-frequency Medical Subject Heading(MeSH)terms.A visual matrix was built with the repeated bisection method in gCLUTO software.A social network analysis network was generated with Ucinet 6.0 software and GraphPad Prism 5 software.The analyses demonstrated that in the 6-year period,hot topics were clustered into five categories.As suggested by the constructed strategic diagram,studies related to cytology and physiology were well-developed,whereas those related to neural stem cell applications,tissue engineering,metabolism and cell signaling,and neural stem cell pathology and virology remained immature.Neural stem cell therapy for stroke and Parkinson’s disease,the genetics of microRNAs and brain neoplasms,as well as neuroprotective agents,Zika virus,Notch receptor,neural crest and embryonic stem cells were identified as emerging hot spots.These undeveloped themes and popular topics are potential points of focus for new studies on human neural stem cells.

Transplantation of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the subarachnoid space for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:a safety analysis of 14 patients

There is a small amount of clinical data regarding the safety and feasibility of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cell transplantation into the subarachnoid space for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.The objectives of this retrospective study were to assess the safety and efficacy of peripheral blood mononuclear cell transplantation in 14 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients to provide more objective data for future clinical trials.After stem cell mobilization and collection,autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells（1 × 109） were isolated and directly transplanted into the subarachnoid space of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.The primary outcome measure was incidence of adverse events.Secondary outcome measures were electromyography 1 week before operation and 4 weeks after operation,Functional Independence Measurement,Berg Balance Scale,and Dysarthria Assessment Scale 1 week preoperatively and 1,2,4 and 12 weeks postoperatively.There was no immediate or delayed transplant-related cytotoxicity.The number of leukocytes,serum alanine aminotransferase and creatinine levels,and body temperature were within the normal ranges.Radiographic evaluation showed no serious transplant-related adverse events.Muscle strength grade,results of Functional Independence Measurement,Berg Balance Scale,and Dysarthria Assessment Scale were not significantly different before and after treatment.These findings suggest that peripheral blood mononuclear cell transplantation into the subarachnoid space for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is safe,but its therapeutic effect is not remarkable.Thus,a large-sample investigation is needed to assess its efficacy further.

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote repair of neonatal brain injury caused by hypoxia/ischemia in rats

Administration of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)is believed to be an effective method for treating neurodevelopmental disorde rs.In this study,we investigated the possibility of hUC-MSCs treatment of neonatal hypoxic/ischemic brain injury associated with maternal immune activation and the underlying mechanism.We established neonatal rat models of hypoxic/ischemic brain injury by exposing pregnant rats to lipopolysaccharide on day 16 or 17 of pregnancy.Rat offspring were intranasally administe red hUC-MSCs on postnatal day 14.We found that polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-1(PTBP-1)participated in the regulation of lipopolysaccharide-induced maternal immune activation,which led to neonatal hypoxic/ischemic brain injury.Intranasal delive ry of hUC-MSCs inhibited PTBP-1 expression,alleviated neonatal brain injury-related inflammation,and regulated the number and function of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes,there by promoting plastic regeneration of neurons and im p roving brain function.These findings suggest that hUC-MSCs can effectively promote the repair of neonatal hypoxic/ischemic brain injury related to maternal immune activation through inhibition of PTBP-1 expression and astrocyte activation.

Dried Rehmannia root protects against glutamate-induced cytotoxity to PC12 cells through energy metabolism-related pathways

Rehmannia has been shown to be clinically effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases; however, the neuroprotective mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we established a model of neurodegenerative disease using PC12 cytotoxic injury induced by glutamate. The cells were treated with 20 mM glutamate in the absence or presence of water extracts of dried Rehmannia root of varying concentrations（70%, 50% and 30%）. The different concentrations of Rehmannia water extract significantly increased the activity of glutamate-injured cells, reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase, inhibited apoptosis, increased the concentrations of NADH, NAD and ATP in cells, ameliorated mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduced the levels of light chain 3. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Rehmannia water extracts exert a cytoprotective effect against glutamate-induced PC12 cell injury via energy metabolism-related pathways.

A neurovascular unit-on-a-chip:culture and differentiation of human neural stem cells in a three-dimensional microfluidic environment

Biological studies typically rely on a simple monolayer cell culture,which does not reflect the complex functional characteristics of human tissues and organs,or their real response to external stimuli.Microfluidic technology has advantages of high-throughput screening,accurate control of the fluid velocity,low cell consumption,long-term culture,and high integration.By combining the multipotential differentiation of neural stem cells with high throughput and the integrated characteristics of microfluidic technology,an in vitro model of a functionalized neurovascular unit was established using human neural stem cell-derived neurons,astrocytes,oligodendrocytes,and a functional microvascular barrier.The model comprises a multi-layer vertical neural module and vascular module,both of which were connected with a syringe pump.This provides controllable conditions for cell inoculation and nutrient supply,and simultaneously simulates the process of ischemic/hypoxic injury and the process of inflammatory factors in the circulatory system passing through the blood-brain barrier and then acting on the nerve tissue in the brain.The in vitro functionalized neurovascular unit model will be conducive to central nervous system disease research,drug screening,and new drug development.

New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase-Mediated Carbapenem Resistance： Origin, Diagnosis, Treatment and Public Health Concern

Objective： To review the origin, diagnosis, treatment and public health concern of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase （NDM）-producing bacteria. Data Sources： We searched database for studies published in English. The database of PubMed from 2007 to 2015 was used to conduct a search using the keyword term ＂NDM and Acinetobacter or Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.＂ Study Selection： We collected data including the relevant articles on international transmission, testing methods and treatment strategies of NDM-positive bacteria. Worldwide NDM cases were reviewed based on 22 case reports. Results： The first documented case of infection caused by bacteria producing NDM- 1 occurred in India, in 2008. Since then, 13 blaNDM variants have been reported. The rise of NDM is not only due to its high rate of genetic transfer among unrelated bacterial species, but also to human factors such as travel, sanitation and food production and preparation. With limited treatment options, scientists try to improve available therapies and create new ones. Conclusions： In order to slow down the spread of these NDM-positive bacteria, a series of measures must be implemented. The creation and transmission of blaNDM are potentially global health issues, which are not issues for one country or one medical community, but for global priorities in general and for individual wound care practitioners specifically.

Clinical observation on 30 cases of external humeral epicondylitis treated with electroacupuncture at Zhouling and Ashi points combined with blood-letting cupping

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture(EA)at Zhouling(Extra)and Ashi points in combination with blood-letting cupping for the treatment of external humeral epicondylitis(EHE).Methods:Thirty EHE patients were treated with EA at Zhouling(Extra)and Ashi points in combination with blood-letting cupping,once every 2 days,twice a week,4 times as one course of treatment,and2 successive courses of treatment were given.Before treatment,after 1 course of treatment,and after 2 courses of treatment,the visual analogue scale(VAS)score and Mayo elbow performance score(MEPS)were adopted to evaluate the curative effect.Results:Before treatment,the VAS score of patients was 7.81±1.39.After 1 course of treatment and after 2 courses of treatment,it was 4.77±1.56 and 2.95±1.23 respectively,lowered than before treatment,and the difference was statistically significant(both P<0.01).Before treatment,the Mayo score of patients was 32.17±19.31.After 1 course of treatment and after 2 courses of treatment,it was 47.39±19.85 and85.21±20.47 respectively,increased than before treatment,and the difference was statistically significant(both P<0.01).Of the 30 patients,5 were cured,accounting for 16.67%;14 cases obviously effective,accounting for 46.67%;8 cases effective,accounting for 26.67%;3 cases ineffective,accounting for 10.00%,and the total effective rate was 90.00%.Conclusion:EA at Zhouling(Extra)and Ashi points and blood-letting cupping used in combination are remarkably effective in the treatment of EHE,being worthy for popularization.

Twenty-eight cases of facial acne treated by quick puncture with collateral-pricking cupping

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of quick puncture with collateral-pricking cupping for facial acne.Methods:Twenty-eight patients with acne were treated with pricking acne spot and abdominal region of three toes for bloodletting combined with collateral-pricking cupping on the back,once every 5 days,for3 weeks in succession.A 3-month follow-up was applied to observe the reducing rate and clinical effect of facial skin lesions after treatment.Results:Of the 28 cases,9 were cured,12 remarkably effective,5 effective,and 2 ineffective.The total effective rate was 92.86%.Conclusion:The effect of pricking acne spot and abdominal region of three toes combined with collateralpricking cupping on the back is good,being worthy of further clinical discussion to promote its application.