1.Advances in the mechanisms of fibrosis at the electrode interface of invasive brain-computer interfaces and intervention strategies
Qi GAO ; Xiaofang CAO ; Hua HE ; Huajun ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(2):203-212
The invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) is a method that involves implanting microelectrodes into brain tissue to collect neural electrical signals. The signals obtained through this method are often of high precision and relatively stable. However, the chronic fibrotic reaction resulting from long-term implantation can significantly impair the quality of the collected brain electrical signals. Therefore, ensuring the long-term stability of signal acquisition is a major challenge in the development of invasive BCI. This paper systematically reviews the formation mechanisms of fibrosis at the electrode interface, elaborating on the progression from acute inflammatory responses to the development of chronic glial scars and the formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). It introduces the roles, advantages, and disadvantages of three anti-fibrosis strategies: material and surface optimization, drug and biological factor intervention, and integration of immune regulation and tissue engineering. This paper also evaluates their practical effects and limitations in animal and human clinical applications. Finally, it highlights the importance of establishment of standardized follow-up recording mechanisms in ensuring the long-term reliability and stability of invasive BCIs, providing references and insights for future in-depth interface optimization and clinical translation.
2.Epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of liver cancer in Guangdong Province
Ying ZHANG ; Yixuan CHEN ; Rong CAO ; Yue GAO ; Yutong HAN ; Ye WANG ; Ruilin MENG ; Xueyan ZHENG ; Yu LIAO ; Zhuanping ZENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):68-72
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of liver cancer in Guangdong Province in 2020, and to provide a scientific foundation for the development of regionalized prevention and control strategies for liver cancer. Methods According to the cancer registry data of Guangdong Province, the incidence, mortality and age-standardized rate by Chinese standard population in 2020 were calculated to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of liver cancer. The disability adjusted life years (DALYs), year of life loss (YLL), year of lived with disability (YLD), and cause-eliminated life expectancy were used to assess the disease burden of liver cancer. Results In 2020, the crude incidence rate and the age-standardized incidence rate of liver cancer in Guangdong Province were 27.79/100 000 and 20.84/100 000,respectively, and the crude mortality rate and the age-standardized mortality rate of liver cancer were 25.49/100,000 and 17.64/100 000, respectively. The total DALY and DALY rate of liver cancer in Guangdong Province were 515 311 person-years and 513.83/100 000, respectively. After eliminating the causes of death from liver cancer, the life expectancy in Guangdong Province increased from 84.60 years to 84.99 years. All indicators consistently demonstrated that the burden of liver cancer was higher in males than that in females, and the burden of liver cancer was higher in rural areas than that in urban areas. Conclusion Liver cancer in Guangdong Province exhibits a high incidence, mortality and disease burden level in 2020. There are obvious differences of gender, age and region in cancer burden. It is necessary to strengthen liver cancer screening and diagnosis and treatment in men, the elderly and those in rural areas to reduce the burden of liver cancer gradually in Guangdong Province.
3.Safety of endoscopic variceal ligation and endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection in treatment of esophagogastric varices in patients with liver cirrhosis and influencing factors for postoperative bleeding
Luyao JIA ; Baoying CAO ; Chunming HUANG ; Biao XIE ; Hongbo GAO ; Chuo LI ; Qinghua HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):356-361
ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors for bleeding within 5 days and 2 weeks after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection (ECI) for the treatment of esophagogastric varices in patients with liver cirrhosis, as well as the safety of EVL/ECI in patients with thrombocytopenia. MethodsA total of 489 patients with liver cirrhosis and esophagogastric varices who underwent EVL/ECI in Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, from January 2018 to December 2023 were enrolled as subjects, and according to the presence or absence of bleeding after surgery, they were divided into bleeding group and non-bleeding group. The risk factors for bleeding within 5 days and 2 weeks after surgery were analyzed. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test or the continuity-corrected chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to determine the cut-off value of MELD score; a multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for postoperative bleeding. ResultsThere were no significant differences in the bleeding rates within 5 days and 2 weeks after EVL/ECI between the 386 patients with a platelet count of ≥50×109/L and the 103 patients with a platelet count of (25 — 49)×109/L (5 days: 1.94% vs 2.85%, P=0.870; 2 weeks: 2.91% vs 4.92%, P=0.544). The overall bleeding rate was 2.66% (13/489) and 4.50% (22/489), respectively, within 5 days and 2 weeks after EVL/ECI. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MELD score was an independent risk factor for bleeding within 5 days (odds ratio [OR]=3.726, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.214 — 11.429, P=0.021) and 2 weeks (OR=5.760, 95%CI: 1.779 — 18.651, P=0.003) after EVL/ECI, while hemoglobin (Hb) was a protective factor against bleeding within 5 days (OR=0.972, 95%CI: 0.948 — 0.996, P=0.025) and 2 weeks (OR=0.976, 95%CI: 0.957 — 0.995, P=0.016) after surgery; portal vein tumor thrombus (OR=2.667, 95%CI: 1.000 — 7.117, P=0.050) was an independent risk factor for bleeding within 2 weeks after surgery, while platelet count [(25 — 49)×10⁹/L] was not a risk factor for postoperative bleeding (P>0.05). ConclusionBoth EVL and ECI have good safety in patients with liver diseases and grade 3 thrombocytopenia. MELD score is an independent risk factor for bleeding within 5 days and 2 weeks after EVL/ECI, while Hb is a protective factor; portal vein tumor thrombus is an independent risk factor for bleeding within 2 weeks after surgery.
4.Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation on motor function and gait in children with cerebral palsy:a network meta-analysis
Xinyan CAO ; Zifu YU ; Xiaoxuan LENG ; Shiai GAO ; Jinhui CHEN ; Xihua LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1539-1548
OBJECTIVE:Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation have shown positive effects in improving gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy.A network meta-analysis was performed to analyze the clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation on the improvement of lower limb motor function and gait in children with cerebral palsy.METHODS:Randomized controlled trials(RCT)about repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation on lower limb motor function and gait in children with cerebral palsy were collected from CNKI,WanFang,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Web of Science,Medline.The search time limit was from the inception to October 5,2024.After screening literature,extracting data and evaluating the risk of bias of included studies,Stata 15.0 software was used for network meta-analysis,AND GRADE profiler was used for quality evaluation.RESULTS:A total of 19 studies were included,involving 4 treatment measures:conventional therapy,high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation,low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and anodic transcranial direct current stimulation.The results of network meta-analysis showed that in terms of improving gross motor function,low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation[mean difference(MD)=9.48,95%confidence interval(CI)(6.61,12.34),P<0.05]was the most effective.In terms of alleviating spasticity,high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation[MD=-0.63,95%CI(-1.72,0.45),P<0.05]had the best efficacy.In terms of improving ankle joint range of motion and step speed,transcranial direct current stimulation[MD=2.27,95%CI(1.37,3.17),P<0.05;MD=0.11,95%CI(0.05,0.17),P<0.05]was the most effective.CONCLUSION:Existing clinical evidence suggests that low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has the best therapeutic effect compared with other intervention measures in terms of improving lower limb gross motor function.In terms of reducing spasticity,high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has a more significant effect.In terms of improving gait,transcranial direct current stimulation has more advantages.
5.Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation on motor function and gait in children with cerebral palsy:a network meta-analysis
Xinyan CAO ; Zifu YU ; Xiaoxuan LENG ; Shiai GAO ; Jinhui CHEN ; Xihua LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1539-1548
OBJECTIVE:Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation have shown positive effects in improving gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy.A network meta-analysis was performed to analyze the clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation on the improvement of lower limb motor function and gait in children with cerebral palsy.METHODS:Randomized controlled trials(RCT)about repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation on lower limb motor function and gait in children with cerebral palsy were collected from CNKI,WanFang,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Web of Science,Medline.The search time limit was from the inception to October 5,2024.After screening literature,extracting data and evaluating the risk of bias of included studies,Stata 15.0 software was used for network meta-analysis,AND GRADE profiler was used for quality evaluation.RESULTS:A total of 19 studies were included,involving 4 treatment measures:conventional therapy,high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation,low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and anodic transcranial direct current stimulation.The results of network meta-analysis showed that in terms of improving gross motor function,low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation[mean difference(MD)=9.48,95%confidence interval(CI)(6.61,12.34),P<0.05]was the most effective.In terms of alleviating spasticity,high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation[MD=-0.63,95%CI(-1.72,0.45),P<0.05]had the best efficacy.In terms of improving ankle joint range of motion and step speed,transcranial direct current stimulation[MD=2.27,95%CI(1.37,3.17),P<0.05;MD=0.11,95%CI(0.05,0.17),P<0.05]was the most effective.CONCLUSION:Existing clinical evidence suggests that low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has the best therapeutic effect compared with other intervention measures in terms of improving lower limb gross motor function.In terms of reducing spasticity,high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has a more significant effect.In terms of improving gait,transcranial direct current stimulation has more advantages.
6.Kinesiophobia in relation to illness perception and cardiac discomfort among convalescent AMI patients
Ying WU ; Xinting CAO ; Wenjing GAO ; Qian MA
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):104-107
Objective To explore the correlation between kinesiophobia and disease uncertainty, personal mastery, cardiac discomfort symptoms in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during recovery period. Methods A total of 320 patients with AMI admitted to the hospital were enrolled between January 2020 and January 2024. According to the results of Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart (TSK-H), they were divided into AMI kinesiophobia group (n=166) and simple AMI group (n=154). The disease uncertainty was evaluated by Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale for Adults (MUIS-A), personal mastery was evaluated by Personal Mastery Scale (PMS), and cardiac discomfort symptoms were evaluated by cardiac discomfort symptom scale. The correlation between kinesiophobia and disease uncertainty, personal mastery, cardiac discomfort symptoms in AMI patients was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results The scores of MUIS-A and cardiac discomfort symptoms in AMI kinesiophobia group were higher than those in simple AMI group (P<0.05), and PMS scores were lower than those in simple AMI group (P<0.05). The score of kinesiophobia was significantly positively correlated with scores of disease uncertainty and cardiac discomfort symptoms (r=0.628, 0.689, P<0.05), while significantly negatively correlated with the score of personal mastery (r=-0.526, P<0.05). Conclusion Kinesiophobia is related to disease uncertainty, personal mastery and cardiac discomfort symptoms in AMI patients during recovery period. Clinical medical staffs should focus on patients with the above characteristics. The targeted intervention measures can improve kinesiophobia and promote recovery of patients.
7.Relationship between intestinal flora imbalance and pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Lei CAO ; Fang GAO ; Jing HAO ; Lei GUO ; Yingjuan LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):123-127
Objective To explore the relationship between intestinal flora imbalance and pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to analyze the related influencing factors. Methods A total of 310 patients with COPD who were admitted to Air Force Military Medical University Tangdu Hospital from June 2022 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on intestinal flora status, the enrolled patients were classified into imbalance group (n=83) and non-imbalance group (n=227). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the independent related factors of intestinal flora imbalance in COPD patients. Based on the above factors, a prediction model was constructed, and ROC curve analysis model was applied to analyze the predictive value of the model on intestinal flora imbalance. Results Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, IL-6, albumin, pulmonary function, long-term bed rest and long-term use of antibiotics were related to intestinal flora imbalance in COPD patients (all P<0.05). ROC results of the Logistic prediction model showed that the area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity and 95%CI were 0.961, 0.880, 0.996 and 0.932-0.989 respectively. Conclusion The intestinal flora imbalance in patients with COPD is closely related to lung function, age, inflammatory status, nutritional indicators, activity ability and antibiotic use.
8.Exploring the Biological Connotation of "Invisible Phlegm" from the Perspective of Brain Fluid Exchange and Extracellular Microenvironment Regulation
Yiming REN ; Yueyang LU ; Guoyuan ZHANG ; Weiyi CAO ; Zongliang YU ; Haoling ZHANG ; Rui GAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1592-1598
Based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories of body fluid metabolism and turbid phlegm obstructing the orifices, and drawing on recent advances in cerebrospinal fluid-interstitial fluid (CSF-ISF) exchange, glymphatic clearance, and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation, this article discusses the possible scientific connotation of "invisible phlegm" from the perspectives of pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic implications. Impaired brain fluid exchange may lead to reduced clearance, the retention of metabolic wastes and pathological proteins. Abnormal ECM remodeling may further disrupt molecular diffusion and local microenvironmental homeostasis, resulting in a pathological process characterized by slowed fluid movement, reduced clearance, and abnormal retention. This process bears a certain functional resemblance to the TCM pathogenesis of impaired distribution of body fluids, endogenous formation of turbid phlegm and obstruction of the brain orifices, and may also be associated with manifestations such as a clouded sensation in the head, cognitive abnormalities, and emotional disturbances. On this basis, the potential effects of certain phlegm-dissolving Chinese medicines in improving brain clearance function and extracellular microenvironmental homeostasis warrant further investigation. We therefore propose that, the "invisible phlegm" of TCM in brain tissue may manifest as a pathological retention state characterized by restricted fluid exchange, impaired clearance function, and extracellular microenvironmental imbalance. This perspective may provide a new avenue for investigating TCM treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders from the perspective of phlegm.
9.Effects of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-like symptoms in 7-year-old children
Yujie CAO ; Xuchen LI ; Huyi TAO ; Jingjing LI ; Tao YUAN ; Linlin WANG ; Ying TIAN ; Yu GAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(6):669-675
Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. Current research suggests that environmental factors, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), may be associated with an increased risk of ADHD in offspring. However, most epidemiological evidence originates from non-Chinese populations, with limited research investigating the association between prenatal PFAS and ADHD-like symptoms in Chinese school-aged children. Objective To examine the association between prenatal PFAS exposure and ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children. Methods Based on the Shanghai Birth Cohort, this study included 488 mother-child pairs. PFAS were measured in maternal serum during the second trimester using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The analysis focused on eight specific compounds from three PFAS categories [perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)]. The hyperactivity subscale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess ADHD-like symptoms in children at age 7. Basic demographic information was collected via questionnaires and medical records. Negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between individual exposures to the three typical PFAS categories (PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS) and children's ADHD-like symptoms, while the bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) mixture model was employed to assess the overall effect of PFAS mixture exposure on ADHD-like symptoms. Results The detection rates of the eight target PFAS in maternal second-trimester serum were all above 85%, with PFOA exhibiting the highest median concentration (10.21 ng·mL−1). Overall, 14.75% of the children exhibited ADHD-like symptoms. Results from the negative binomial regression models showed that second-trimester exposures to PFOA (IRR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.26), n-PFOS (IRR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.15), 6m-PFOS (IRR=1.13, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.21), and 1m-PFOS (IRR=1.11, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.18) were associated with an increased risk of ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children. Stratified analyses suggested potentially statistically significant associations in girls [e.g., for PFOA, boys vs. girls: 1.09 (0.96, 1.23) vs. 1.25 (1.09, 1.44), P-int=0.31]. The BKMR mixture model indicated that the risk of ADHD-like symptoms trended upward with increasing PFAS mixture concentrations, although this association was statistically significant only among girls (P < 0.05). Conclusion Prenatal PFAS exposure may be associated with an increased risk of ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children, and this adverse association appears to be more prominent in girls.
10.Exploring the Biological Connotation of "Invisible Phlegm" from the Perspective of Brain Fluid Exchange and Extracellular Microenvironment Regulation
Yiming REN ; Yueyang LU ; Guoyuan ZHANG ; Weiyi CAO ; Zongliang YU ; Haoling ZHANG ; Rui GAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1592-1598
Based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories of body fluid metabolism and turbid phlegm obstructing the orifices, and drawing on recent advances in cerebrospinal fluid-interstitial fluid (CSF-ISF) exchange, glymphatic clearance, and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation, this article discusses the possible scientific connotation of "invisible phlegm" from the perspectives of pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic implications. Impaired brain fluid exchange may lead to reduced clearance, the retention of metabolic wastes and pathological proteins. Abnormal ECM remodeling may further disrupt molecular diffusion and local microenvironmental homeostasis, resulting in a pathological process characterized by slowed fluid movement, reduced clearance, and abnormal retention. This process bears a certain functional resemblance to the TCM pathogenesis of impaired distribution of body fluids, endogenous formation of turbid phlegm and obstruction of the brain orifices, and may also be associated with manifestations such as a clouded sensation in the head, cognitive abnormalities, and emotional disturbances. On this basis, the potential effects of certain phlegm-dissolving Chinese medicines in improving brain clearance function and extracellular microenvironmental homeostasis warrant further investigation. We therefore propose that, the "invisible phlegm" of TCM in brain tissue may manifest as a pathological retention state characterized by restricted fluid exchange, impaired clearance function, and extracellular microenvironmental imbalance. This perspective may provide a new avenue for investigating TCM treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders from the perspective of phlegm.


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