A case report of neuralgic amyotrophy.

Neuralgic muscular atrophy is not uncommon in clinical practice. Due to the different branches of brachial plexus involved in the lesion, the clinical symptoms are different, and there is a lack of clear imaging diagnostic criteria, so the diagnosis of this disease brings great challenges to clinicians. We have certain experience in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, and hereby select a representative case of neuralgic muscular atrophy to share its diagnosis and treatment process, focusing on analyzing the characteristic symptoms of this disease, valuable imaging data and targeted treatment, so as to enable clinicians to better understand this disease.

Effects of Qiye Shen'an Pian Combined with Glutamate and Vitamin B1 on Fatigue State, Immune Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Objective: To observe the effects of Qiye Shen'an Pian combined with ghrelin and vitamin B1 on the fatigue status, immune function, and quality of life of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), focusing specifically on the efficacy of this combination therapy. Methods: In this prospective study, 106 CFS patients admitted from June 2021 to June 2023 were selected. Using a simple randomisation method, patients were divided into two groups. The conventional group received glutathione and vitamin B1 treatment, while the Qiye Shen'an group received an additional treatment with Qiye Shen'an Pian on top of the standard glutathione and vitamin B1, for a continuous period of 8 weeks. To assess treatment efficacy, we compared immune function-related indexes (such as CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, NK cell ratio), free radical metabolism indexes (like lipid peroxide, catalytic enzyme, and superoxide dismutase levels), TCM symptom scores, FS-14 scores, and SPHERE scores between the two groups. Adverse reactions were also recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: Notable improvements were observed in both groups, with the Qiye Shen'an group showing particularly significant enhancements. Post-treatment immune function indicators revealed a greater decrease in CD8+ levels in the Qiye Shen'an group (P < .05), along with marked increases in CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and NK cell ratio in both groups, more so in the Qiye Shen'an group (P < .05). Free radical metabolism indicators, including lipid peroxide levels, decreased in both groups, with a more significant reduction observed in the Qiye Shen'an group (P < .05). The levels of catalytic enzyme and superoxide dismutase increased in both groups, with a notably higher improvement in the Qiye Shen'an group (P < .05). In terms of TCM symptom scores, FS-14 scores, and SPHERE scores, both groups showed a reduction after treatment, with a more substantial decrease in the Qiye Shen'an group (P < .05). Conclusion: In this study, we observed that Qiye Shen'an Pian combined with glutathione and vitamin B1, produced significant improvements in immune function and antioxidant capacity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Specifically, patients' CD4+, CD8+ levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity all showed positive changes after treatment. These changes are crucial for enhancing patients' disease resistance and reducing fatigue symptoms. Qiye Shen'an Pian combined with glutamine and vitamin B1 in the treatment of CFS can alleviate the fatigue state of patients, improve the immune function, enhance the antioxidant capacity of the body, and improve somatic and psychological health. These findings underscore the potential of this combination therapy in effectively managing chronic fatigue syndrome, offering a promising direction for future treatment strategies.

New internationalization paths of Chinese brands: A configurational study.

Although several new international brands in the information technology services industry have emerged in China, most previous research on the paths of internationalization taken by Chinese brands has focused on the manufacturing industry. Further exploration of the diversity and novel characteristics of these paths remains necessary. Taking into account the different industries and the interactions among multiple factors that are relevant in this context, supplementary research on the paths of internationalization taken by Chinese brands is also needed. Simultaneously, more research on the mechanisms underlying brand empowerment during the internationalization process is necessary. Based on a theoretical framework for brand empowerment, this article analyzes 61 representative Chinese brands using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). This article reveals the following main findings: (1) brand penetration and brand acculturation are two key capabilities with regard to brand internationalization; (2) two modes of brand internationalization are evident in China, i.e., progressive internationalization and leapfrog internationalization; (3) four paths of internationalization can be observed with regard to Chinese brands, including two new paths, i.e., L-S-Cu and P-S-M; and (4) six additional paths are worthy of further exploration.

MiR-30b-5p attenuates neuropathic pain by the CYP24A1-Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in CCI rats.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported to act as key regulators of neuronal function. Increasing evidence has showed that miRNAs exert significant effects in neuropathic pain. We explored the role of miR-30b-5p in neuropathic pain by establishing a rat model of chronic constrictive injury (CCI). The sciatic nerve of CCI rats was used to induce chronic neuropathic pain. The expression and cellular distribution of miR-30b-5p were determined by RT-qPCR and FISH. The mRNA level, protein level, and cellular distribution of CYP24A1 were detected by RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining assays, respectively. The interaction between miR-30b-5p and CYP24A1 was examined by a luciferase reporter assay. The behavioral effects of miR-30b-5p were assessed after intrathecal administration. Mechanical stimuli and radiant heat were applied to assess mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia of rats. ELISA was performed to measure the concentration of inflammatory cytokines. MiR-30b-5p expression was significantly downregulated in the spinal cord tissues and of CCI rats. Overexpression of miR-30b-5p attenuated symptoms of neuropathic pain, including mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Additionally, miR-30b-5p overexpression suppressed neuroinflammation by reducing the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and COX2 and elevating the levels of IL-10 in CCI rats. Mechanistically, CYP24A1 was a target of miR-30b-5p, and its expression was negatively regulated by miR-30b-5p. Moreover, CYP24A1 expression was upregulated in CCI rats and knockdown of CYP24A1 attenuated neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, miR-30b-5p reduced the levels of the Wnt pathway-related genes in CCI rats by downregulating CYP24A1. Rescue assays showed that overexpression of CYP24A1 or activation of Wnt pathway reduced the alleviative effects of miR-30b-5p overexpression on neuropathic pain in CCI rats. Overall, miR-30b-5p inhibits neuropathic pain progression in CCI rats by inhibiting the CYP24A1-Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.