1.Applications of EEG Biomarkers in The Assessment of Disorders of Consciousness
Zhong-Peng WANG ; Jia LIU ; Long CHEN ; Min-Peng XU ; Dong MING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):899-914
Disorders of consciousness (DOC) are pathological conditions characterized by severely suppressed brain function and the persistent interruption or loss of consciousness. Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of DOC are prerequisites for precise treatment. Traditional assessment methods are primarily based on behavioral scales, which are inherently subjective and rely on observable behaviors. Moreover, traditional methods have a high misdiagnosis rate, particularly in distinguishing minimally conscious state (MCS) from vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS). This diagnostic uncertainty has driven the exploration of objective, reliable, and efficient assessment tools. Among these tools, electroencephalography (EEG) has garnered significant attention for its non-invasive nature, portability, and ability to capture real-time neurodynamics. This paper systematically reviews the application of EEG biomarkers in DOC assessment. These biomarkers are categorized into 3 main types: resting-state EEG features, task-related EEG features, and features derived from transcranial magnetic stimulation-EEG (TMS-EEG). Resting-state EEG biomarkers include features based on spectrum, microstates, nonlinear dynamics, and brain network metrics. These biomarkers provide baseline representations of brain activity in DOC patients. Studies have shown their ability to distinguish different levels of consciousness and predict clinical outcomes. However, because they are not task-specific, they are challenging to directly associate with specific brain functions or cognitive processes. Strengthening the correlation between resting-state EEG features and consciousness-related networks could offer more direct evidence for the pathophysiological mechanisms of DOC. Task-related EEG features include event-related potentials, event-related spectral modulations, and phase-related features. These features reveal the brain’s responses to external stimuli and provide dynamic information about residual cognitive functions, reflecting neurophysiological changes associated with specific cognitive, sensory, or behavioral tasks. Although these biomarkers demonstrate substantial value, their effectiveness rely on patient cooperation and task design. Developing experimental paradigms that are more effective at eliciting specific EEG features or creating composite paradigms capable of simultaneously inducing multiple features may more effectively capture the brain activity characteristics of DOC patients, thereby supporting clinical applications. TMS-EEG is a technique for probing the neurodynamics within thalamocortical networks without involving sensory, motor, or cognitive functions. Parameters such as the perturbational complexity index (PCI) have been proposed as reliable indicators of consciousness, providing objective quantification of cortical dynamics. However, despite its high sensitivity and objectivity compared to traditional EEG methods, TMS-EEG is constrained by physiological artifacts, operational complexity, and variability in stimulation parameters and targets across individuals. Future research should aim to standardize experimental protocols, optimize stimulation parameters, and develop automated analysis techniques to improve the feasibility of TMS-EEG in clinical applications. Our analysis suggests that no single EEG biomarker currently achieves an ideal balance between accuracy, robustness, and generalizability. Progress is constrained by inconsistencies in analysis methods, parameter settings, and experimental conditions. Additionally, the heterogeneity of DOC etiologies and dynamic changes in brain function add to the complexity of assessment. Future research should focus on the standardization of EEG biomarker research, integrating features from resting-state, task-related, and TMS-EEG paradigms to construct multimodal diagnostic models that enhance evaluation efficiency and accuracy. Multimodal data integration (e.g., combining EEG with functional near-infrared spectroscopy) and advancements in source localization algorithms can further improve the spatial precision of biomarkers. Leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to develop intelligent diagnostic tools will accelerate the clinical adoption of EEG biomarkers in DOC diagnosis and prognosis, allowing for more precise evaluations of consciousness states and personalized treatment strategies.
2.Research and Application of Scalp Surface Laplacian Technique
Rui-Xin LUO ; Si-Ying GUO ; Xin-Yi LI ; Yu-He ZHAO ; Chun-Hou ZHENG ; Min-Peng XU ; Dong MING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):425-438
Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive, high temporal-resolution technique for monitoring brain activity. However, affected by the volume conduction effect, EEG has a low spatial resolution and is difficult to locate brain neuronal activity precisely. The surface Laplacian (SL) technique obtains the Laplacian EEG (LEEG) by estimating the second-order spatial derivative of the scalp potential. LEEG can reflect the radial current activity under the scalp, with positive values indicating current flow from the brain to the scalp (“source”) and negative values indicating current flow from the scalp to the brain (“sink”). It attenuates signals from volume conduction, effectively improving the spatial resolution of EEG, and is expected to contribute to breakthroughs in neural engineering. This paper provides a systematic overview of the principles and development of SL technology. Currently, there are two implementation paths for SL technology: current source density algorithms (CSD) and concentric ring electrodes (CRE). CSD performs the Laplace transform of the EEG signals acquired by conventional disc electrodes to indirectly estimate the LEEG. It can be mainly classified into local methods, global methods, and realistic Laplacian methods. The global method is the most commonly used approach in CSD, which can achieve more accurate estimation compared with the local method, and it does not require additional imaging equipment compared with the realistic Laplacian method. CRE employs new concentric ring electrodes instead of the traditional disc electrodes, and measures the LEEG directly by differential acquisition of the multi-ring signals. Depending on the structure, it can be divided into bipolar CRE, quasi-bipolar CRE, tripolar CRE, and multi-pole CRE. The tripolar CRE is widely used due to its optimal detection performance. While ensuring the quality of signal acquisition, the complexity of its preamplifier is relatively acceptable. Here, this paper introduces the study of the SL technique in resting rhythms, visual-related potentials, movement-related potentials, and sensorimotor rhythms. These studies demonstrate that SL technology can improve signal quality and enhance signal characteristics, confirming its potential applications in neuroscientific research, disease diagnosis, visual pathway detection, and brain-computer interfaces. CSD is frequently utilized in applications such as neuroscientific research and disease detection, where high-precision estimation of LEEG is required. And CRE tends to be used in brain-computer interfaces, that have stringent requirements for real-time data processing. Finally, this paper summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of SL technology and envisages its future development. SL technology boasts advantages such as reference independence, high spatial resolution, high temporal resolution, enhanced source connectivity analysis, and noise suppression. However, it also has shortcomings that can be further improved. Theoretically, simulation experiments should be conducted to investigate the theoretical characteristics of SL technology. For CSD methods, the algorithm needs to be optimized to improve the precision of LEEG estimation, reduce dependence on the number of channels, and decrease computational complexity and time consumption. For CRE methods, the electrodes need to be designed with appropriate structures and sizes, and the low-noise, high common-mode rejection ratio preamplifier should be developed. We hope that this paper can promote the in-depth research and wide application of SL technology.
3.Research progress on the application of visual electrophysiological examination in early diagnosis of glaucoma
Chang SUN ; Rong ZHANG ; Xiaolin XIAO ; Minpeng XU ; Dong MING ; Xia HUA
International Eye Science 2025;25(7):1073-1078
Glaucoma is a group of optic nerve disorders characterized by progressive optic nerve atrophy and visual field defects, which can lead to irreversible blindness. Early diagnosis of glaucoma is essential for preventing visual loss. However, due to the absence of obvious early symptoms, the diagnosis of glaucoma remains challenging. Visual electrophysiological examinations, an objective approach for evaluating visual function, have the potential to be used in the early diagnosis of glaucoma. This review integrates the latest publications to introduce visual electrophysiological examination techniques, including electroretinography(ERG)and visual evoked potential(VEP). It also explores the mechanisms underlying these techniques and their application value in the early diagnosis of glaucoma. In addition, this review summarizes the advantages, limitations, and applicable scenarios of different visual electrophysiological techniques. Finally, the review provides an outlook on the development prospects of visual electrophysiological techniques in the early diagnosis of glaucoma. The findings of this review can assist clinicians in selecting appropriate diagnostic methods, promote the innovation and development of early visual electrophysiological diagnostic techniques for glaucoma, and contribute to reducing the risk of blindness caused by glaucoma.
4.Mechanism of Kechuanting granules in suppressing IL-33/ILC2s and pathogenic T cells to intervene in allergic airway inflammation
Nan-Ting ZOU ; Zhao WU ; Xiao-Dong YAN ; Chun-Fei ZHANG ; Hao-Hong ZHANG ; Qing-Yan MO ; Ming-Qian JU ; Jin-Zhu XU ; Chun-Ping WAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1350-1357
Aim To investigate the mechanisms of Ke-chuanting granules(KCT)inhibiting the IL-33/ILC2s pathway and pathogenic T cells to intervene in allergic airway inflammation.Methods Network pharmacolo-gy was utilized to analyze the potential targets and mechanisms of KCT-treated asthma.Allergic asthma models were induced in mice using OVA.Lung histo-pathology was conducted to observe injury changes.ELISA and quantitative PCR were utilized to measure key inflammatory factors and their mRNA expression levels in Th2-type asthma.Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation levels of relevant proteins in the MAPK pathway.Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the proportions of ILC2s,Th1,Th 17,Th2 and Treg cells.Results Network pharmacology iden-tified 227 main active components and 143 key targets of KCT in treating asthma,primarily enriched in signa-ling pathways such as MAPK and IL-17.Further vali-dation experiments demonstrated that KCT significantly alleviated lung inflammatory injury in asthmatic mice,reduced the number of B cells,production of I L-4,TNF-α and TGF-β,downregulated JNK phosphoryla-tion levels in lung tissue,as well as mRNA levels of Il-33,Bcl11b,Rorα,Tcf-7,Jun,Mapk3 and Mapk14.KCT intervention reduced the numbers of ILC2s and Th 17 cells in lungs and spleens of mice,and inhibited Th2 cell infiltration in lungs.Conclusions KCT ex-hibits therapeutic effects on allergic airway inflamma-tion in asthma,closely associated with the inhibition of the IL-33/ILC2s pathway,pathogenic T cell subsets,and JNK-MAPK signaling pathway.
5.Virtual preoperative planning and 3D-printed templates for pre-contoured plates in treatment of acetabular posterior wall fractures
Chen HUANG ; Wei XU ; Mei-Ming XIE ; Cai-Ru WANG ; Shao-Lin DENG ; Dong-Fa LIAO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(2):135-141
Objective To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of virtual preoperative planning and 3D-printed templates for pre-contoured plates for the treatment of posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum.Methods A retrospective analysis of 29 patients with posterior acetabular wall fractures treated between August 2017 and March 2021 were divided into 2 groups based on whether to use preoperative virtual planning and 3D printed template.In 3D-printing group,there were 14 patients,includ-ing 10 males and 4 females;aged from 21 to 53 years old;CT-based virtual surgical planning was done using Mimics and 3-Matic software and 3D-printed templates for pre-contoured plates were adopted.In conventional group,there were 15 patients,including 10 males and 5 females;aged from 19 to 55 years old;conventional method of intra-operative contouring to adapt the plate to the fracture region was adopted.Blood loss,surgical time,radiographic quality of reduction,and hip function were compared between groups.Results The difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss was significant(P<0.05).Twenty-three patients were followed up from 12 to 30 months,and the fractures in both groups healed with a healing time of 3 to 6 months.At the last follow-up,the Merle d'Aubign-Postel score of the 3D printed group was lower than that of the conven-tional group(P<0.05),with no significant differences in walking ability,hip mobility and total score(P>0.05).In 3D printing group,6 cases were excellent,5 cases were good,3 cases were fair;in conventional group,5 cases were excellent,5 cases were good,4 cases were fair,1 case was worse;no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Virtual preopera-tive planning and 3D-printed templates for pre-contoured plates can reduce operative time and the blood loss of surgery,im-prove the quality of reduction.This method is efficient,accurate and reliable to treat acetabular posterior wall fractures.
6.Ilizarov technique combined with center of rotation dome-shaped osteotomy for the treatment of juvenile distal femoral valgus deformity
Ming-Liang XU ; Guo-Liang CHEN ; Yilihamu YILIZATI ; Chang-Hong DONG ; Ai-Min PENG ; Rong-Jian SHI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(7):725-731
Objective To investigate the effect of Ilizarov technique combined with rotational center dome-shaped osteoto-my in the treatment of juvenile distal femoral valgus deformity.Methods A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 11 patients with valgus deformity of the distal femur who had been admitted and followed up completely from January 2016 to October 2020.There were 7 males and 4 females.The 6 patients were on the right side and 5 patients were on the left side.The age ranged from 10 to 14 years old.The center of roration of angulation(CORA)was identified at the distal femur deformity,and dome-shaped osteotomy was performed with the CORA as the midpoint.The annular external fixator was installed according to the needle threading principle of Ilizarov external fixation,and the distal femur was cut off.The valgus deformity under visual inspection of the distal femur was corrected immediately,and the external fixator was fixed and main-tained.The residual deformity and shortening were corrected according to the force line and length of the lower limbs suggested by the weight-bearing full-length anteroposterior and lateral X-rays of both lower limbs.Results All 11 patients were followed up for 13 to 25 months.The time of wearing external fixator was 12 to 17 weeks.In the last follow-up,both lower limbs were measured by the weight-bearing full-length anteroposterior and lateral X-rays,and the length of both lower limbs of 11 patients were equal,and the deformities were corrected.The score of hospital for special surgery(HSS)was used to evaluate the knee function,all of which were excellent.Conclusion The Ilizarov technique was applied in the treatment of distal femoral valgus deformity in adolescents using a rotating central dome-shaped osteotomy.Visual femoral valgus deformity was corrected imme-diately during the operation.After the operation,residual deformities and shortening were dynamically adjusted and corrected according to the force line and shortening degree of lower extremities indicated by the weight-bearing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of both lower limbs,with minimal damage and fast recovery.
7.Treatment of massive rotator cuff tears with modified Chinese-way technique
Wen-Yi MING ; Xu-Dong WU ; Hai-Dong DAI ; Zhe-Ming LI ; Lin CHEN ; Hong-Ming LIN ; Jia-Yi ZHAO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(9):921-924
Objective To explore clinical effect of modified Chinese-way technique under shoulder arthroscopy in treating massive rotator cuff tears.Methods From January 2019 to June 2022,22 patients with massive rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with improved Chinese-way technique,including 10 males and 12 females,aged from 46 to 76 years old with an average of(64.14±7.45)years old;the courses of disease ranged from 5 to 14 months with an average of(8.32±2.42)months;19 patients were complete repaired,and 3 patients were partial repaired.Visual analogue scale(VAS)and University of California at Los Angeles(UCLA)scale were used to evaluate pain and function of shoulder joint preopera-tively and 1 year postoperatively.Postoperative complications,the integrity of reconstructed tissue structure and the size of sub-acromial space were observed.Results All patients were followed up from 12 to 34 months with an average of(17.14±5.93)months.Re-tear were occurred in 4 patients during MRI follow-up,but clinical symptoms of patients were improved significant-ly and they were satisfied with the treatment,the others were no complications such as incision infection,peripheral nerve in-jury,loosening and falling off of internal fixation anchors.Preoperative and 1 year after operation VAS were(8.05±1.12)and(1.82±1.50),UCLA scores were(7.45±1.65)and(31.41±2.87)respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The modified Chinese-way technique under shoulder arthroscopy for the massive rotator cuff tear could relieve pain obviously and recovery postoperative function well,with satisfactory curative effect.
8.Effects of CircNRIP1 on proliferation,apoptosis and chemotherapy resistance of breast cancer cells through regulating miR-136-5p/RAC1 axis
Lu DONG ; Ming LI ; Jian-Li XU ; Yan-Hua XU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(5):383-387
Objective To investigate the effects of CircNRIP1 on the proliferation,apoptosis and chemotherapy resistance of breast cancer cells by regulating miR-136-5p/Ras related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1(RAC1)axis.Methods The mRNA expression of CircNRIP1,miR-136-5p and RAC1 in normal breast epithelial cells of MCF10A,breast cancer cells of MCF-7 and paclitaxel(PTX)resistant cell line of MCF-7/PTX were detected by qRT-PCR.MCF-7/PTX cells were divided into the CK group(normal culture),the si-NC group(transfected with si-NC),the si-CircNRIP1 group(transfected with si-CircNRIP1),the si-CircNRIP1+inhibitor NC group(transfected with si-CircNRIP1 and inhibitor NC),and the si-CircNRIP1+miR-136-5p inhibitor group(transfected with si-CircNRIP1 and miR-136-5p inhibitor).The cell proliferation rate of each group was detected by CCK-8 method;the cell apoptosis of each group was detected by flow cytometry;the expression of CircNRIP1,miR-136-5p,and RAC1 mRNA of each group were detected by qRT-PCR;the expression of Ki-67,Bax,Bcl-2,and RAC1 proteins of each group were detected by Western blot;the relationships between miR-136-5p and CircNRIP1 and RAC1 were verified by dual luciferase experiment.Results Compared with the normal breast epithelial cells of MCF10A,the expression of CircNRIP1 and RAC1 in the MCF-7 and MCF-7/PTX cells were increased(P<0.05),the expression of miR-136-5p was decreased(P<0.05);compared with the MCF-7 cells,the expression of CircNRIP1 and RAC1 in the MCF-7/PTX cells were increased(P<0.05),while the expression of miR-136-5p was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the CK group and the si-NC group,the cell proliferation rate,the expression of CircNRIP1 and RAC1 mRNA,and the protein expression of Ki-67,Bcl-2,and RAC1 in the si-CircNRIP1 group were decreased(P<0.05),the apoptosis rate,and the expression of miR-136-5p and Bax were increased(P<0.05).Knocking down the expression of miR-136-5p could weaken the inhibitory effect of silencing CircNRIP1 on MCF-7/PTX cells(P<0.05).The dual luciferase experiment verified that miR-136-5p had targeting relationships with CircNRIP1 and RAC1.Conclusion Silencing CircNRIP1 expression can inhibit the malignant biological behavior of MCF-7/PTX cells,and reduce their PTX resistance,which may be related to regulating the miR-136-5p/RAC1 axis.
9.Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty guided by intracardiac echocardiography:a report of two cases
De-Jian LI ; Song CHEN ; Chao XU ; Xue JIANG ; Bo WANG ; Jian-Fei FENG ; Dong-Bang SONG ; Guo-Hui ZHANG ; Ming-Quan WANG ; Wei-Min WANG ; Da-Dong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(5):295-297
For the past 30 years,percutaneous balloon mitral valve dilatation has been performed under the guidance of X-rays and bedside ultrasound.However,there are still some cases of mitral valve stenosis in the large atrium where balloon dilation failed.Intraperitoneal ultrasound-guided percutaneous balloon mitral valve plasty is accurate and feasible,which can reduce the occurrence of complications and improve the success rate of such elderly complex cases.Two patients with severe mitral stenosis underwent percutaneous balloon mitral valve plasty guided by intracardiac ultrasound.The operations were successful without any complications,which can provide reference for clinical treatment of mitral stenosis.
10.Current situation and influencing factors of nursing core skills mastery of nursing undergraduates
Ziqiu ZOU ; Xu DONG ; Xiaoyan JIN ; Ming LIU ; Yulu HE ; Miaoxin HUANG ; Shaomei SHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(2):243-248
Objective:To understand the current situation of nursing undergraduate students ' mastery of core skills and analyze the impact paths of learning environment and self-efficacy on the level of nursing core ability mastery. Methods:Using the convenient sampling method, a total of 431 nursing undergraduates from 6 universities in Macao and Guangdong Province were selected as the research objects from November to December 2022. The self-made general data questionnaire, Nursing Core Skills Mastery Questionnaire and General Self-Efficacy Scale were used to investigate the patients.Results:The total score of core nursing skills for 431 undergraduate nursing students was (3.55±0.59). The learning environment had a positive direct effect on the mastery of core skills ( P<0.05), which could indirectly affect the mastery of core skills through the mediating effects of self-efficacy, personal foundation and planning ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Application-oriented colleges, progressive practice plans and increasing the proportion of electives are conducive to the improvement of self-efficacy and the mastery of core nursing skills. It is recommended that nursing colleges clarify the direction of talent cultivation based on their own situation, increase the proportion of elective courses and add clinical practice content in the course process, in order to promote the mastery of core nursing skills for nursing undergraduate students.

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