1.Research progress of biomaterial-mediated brain-computer interfaces in neural rehabilitation
Xiangxiang YU ; Jie SHI ; Yucheng CHEN ; Lifeng CHENG ; Liangcan HE ; Kai LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(2):213-220
Neurological disorders such as post-stroke hemiplegia, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson disease represent a major global health burden. Brain-computer interface (BCI), which creates direct communication pathways between the nervous system and external devices, offers a promising strategy for functional restoration. The long-term efficacy of such BCI fundamentally depends on the performance of biomaterials at the neural interface. Ideal materials must concurrently satisfy biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, enduring chemical stability, and mechanical compatibility with brain tissue. This review systematically outlines the application of conductive polymers, inorganic nanomaterials, natural biomaterials, and composites in BCI, with a focus on how advanced designs, such as bionic and encapsulated electrodes, improve signal fidelity and surgical feasibility through structural innovation. It further summarizes key material-modification techniques and analyzes the complex foreign-body response orchestrated by microglia, astrocytes, and peripheral immune cells. Finally, it provides insights into future research directions and clinical translation of BCI-based neurorehabilitation, while highlighting critical challenges including long-term biosafety and the establishment of standardized evaluation frameworks, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and effective clinical deployment.
2.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
3.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
4.Study on the reversal effect of Qingfei huayu jiedu formula on drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Shuailong CHEN ; Huihui LIU ; Feng SANG ; Lifeng JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1553-1558
OBJECTIVE To investigate the reversal effect of Qingfei huayu jiedu formula (QFHYJDF) on drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells based on the microRNA-641 (miR-641)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. METHODS The human parental NSCLC cell line A549 was used to establish gefitinib-resistant cells A549/GR by combining concentration gradient increment with high-concentration pulse strategy. After screening for optimal intervention concentration and duration, the resistant cells were divided into a control serum group (treated with 20% blank serum for 48 h), QFHYJDF-containing serum group (treated with 20% QFHYJDF-containing serum for 48 h), and the normally cultured group (normally cultured for 48 h). The cell relative viability, total apoptosis rate, as well as the expression levels of miR-641, neurofibromin 1 (NF1), ERK1/2, and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), were assessed in each group. RESULTS Compared with the normally cultured group and the control serum group, the QFHYJDF-containing serum group exhibited significantly decreased cell relative viability and significantly increased total apoptosis rate ( P <0.05). Moreover, the expression of NF1 protein was significantly up-regulated, while the expression levels of miR-641 and p-ERK1, p-ERK2 proteins were significantly down-regulated in the QFHYJDF-containing serum group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS QFHYJDF can inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of gefitinib-resistant lung cancer cells, which may be associated with up-regulating NF1 protein expression, down-regulating miR-641 expression, and inhibiting the activity of the ERK signaling pathway.
5.Research Progress on the Solid Form of Estradiol and Its Derivatives
Juan XU ; Xiaofeng CHEN ; Lifeng NING
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(6):881-885
Solid forms,such as polymorphs and co-crystals,can improve the physicochemical properties of drugs without changing their molecular structure,increasing their solubility,bioavailability,stability,and thus affecting their original pharmacodynamic activity.Estradiol and its derivatives ethinylestradiol and estriol,contain steroidal parent nucleus,which results in a very low water solubility.Researches showed that polymorphism and co-crystal studies could enhance the water solubility of estradiol and its derivatives.This paper reviews the research progress on the solid forms of estradiol and its derivatives in last decade.
6.Development and practicality of an intelligent management platform for postoperative rehabilitation of patients with head and neck tumors
Lifeng SHEN ; Piaopiao CHEN ; Yafen QIAN ; Yan XU ; Haiwei GUO ; Aixiang JIN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(1):61-68
Objective To construct an intelligent postoperative rehabilitation management platform and evaluate its effect in patients with head and neck cancer.Methods The postoperative intelligent rehabilitation management platform of head and neck cancer patients was divided into 5 layers from bottom to top,including the underlying environment,platform support,core database,analysis algorithm and application platform.Through the construction of head and neck tumor postoperative complications knowledge base and risk prediction model and wearable device auxiliary precision prediction risk,the head and neck cancer patients with postoperative intelligent rehabilitation management was realized.A historical controlled study was conducted and 90 participants with head and neck cancer were selected who underwent the surgical treatment in a hospital in Hangzhou,Zhejiang Province.The experimental group(45 participants admitted from February to July)received the intervention by the intelligent rehabilitation management platform,while the control group(45 patients from August to December)received the routine rehabilitation management.The outcome measures including NRS scores at 12 h,24 h,48 h and 72 h after surgery,incidence of postoperative complications,postoperative length of hospital stay,and patient satisfaction were compared between the 2 groups.Results The scores of incidences of complications,postoperative hospital stay,and NRS scores at 12 h,24 h,48 h and 72 h after surgery in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),while the scores of patient satisfaction in the experimental group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The intelligent postoperative rehabilitation management platform can achieve accurate prediction of postoperative complications,reduce postoperative complications of head and neck tumors,timely intervene to relieve patients'pain and discomfort,shorten hospital stays,improve nursing work efficiency and improve patient satisfaction.
7.Xiaohuang Qudan decoction alleviates ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and regulating TH17/Treg.
Zhangkui TAN ; Lifeng CHEN ; Zhiqin YE ; Qiping LU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(4):457-470
Xiaohuang Qudan decoction (XHQDD) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula widely used in the treatment of cholestatic liver injury. Despite its widespread use, the protective mechanism of XHQDD against cholestatic liver injury remains incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether XHQDD mediates its beneficial effects by inhibiting the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway and regulating TH17/Treg balance. To this end, the researchers used Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and established a cholestatic liver injury model by oral administration of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT). The experimental group was divided into six groups: Control (CON), ANIT, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), XHQDD-low dose (XHQDD-L) group, XHQDD-medium dose (XHQDD-M) group, and XHQDD-high dose (XHQDD-H) groups. Then, after 7 d of treatment, various tests were performed to verify the results. Firstly, XHQDD and its drug-containing serum were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and 14 blood-entry components were identified. Then, bile flow was monitored and found to be significantly reduced in the model group, which was significantly reversed in the UDCA and XHQDD groups. To further assess ANIT-induced liver injury, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Sirius red staining, alongside transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were employed to observe liver tissues, revealing hepatocellular injury, cholestasis, and hepatic fibrotic changes. Serum inflammatory factors and liver injury indicators were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indicating an inflammatory state in ANIT-induced liver injury rats. The expression levels of JAK2/STAT3-related genes and proteins in liver and intestinal tissues were measured via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence (IF) staining, and Western blottting (WB) assays. These studies revealed that the inflammatory state of liver-injured rats was inextricably linked to the inflammatory cascade associated with the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and that XHQDD may exert anti-inflammatory efficacy by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells in serum and hepatocytes, and it was further found that XHQDD was able to regulate Th17/Treg immune homeostasis in liver-injured rats. The findings suggest that XHQDD markedly alleviates inflammation in ANIT rats, potentially treating cholestasis and liver injury through JAK2/STAT3 inhibition and Th17/Treg balance regulation.
Animals
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STAT3 Transcription Factor/immunology*
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Janus Kinase 2/immunology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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1-Naphthylisothiocyanate/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Rats
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Th17 Cells/immunology*
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Cholestasis/immunology*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology*
;
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/immunology*
;
Liver/drug effects*
8.Survival Probability Extraction and Performance Comparison of Kaplan-Meier Curves
Lifeng MU ; Longying MAO ; Yun MAO ; Xin CHEN ; Long CHEN ; Ming YANG
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(7):36-39
Objective:To plot Kaplan-Meier curves using simulated survival data and compare the characteristics of different survival probability extraction methods for Kaplan-Meier curves and their performance across various scenarios.Methods:Survival datasets were simulated using R-4.4.2 with parameters including sample sizes,censoring marker,and curve numbers.GetData Graph Digitizer,IPDfromKM getpoints,SurvdigitizeR survival_digitize were evaluated.A JavaScript script was developed to extract Kaplan-Meier curve.Root Mean Square Error(RMSE)was calculated to quantify deviations between digitized and true survival probabilities.Results:The JavaScript script method demonstrated the smallest RMSE across all simulated scenarios(RMSE=1.015×10-4),significantly outperforming the other three methods(P<0.05),with statistically significant differences observed among methods(P<0.05).Conclusion:For vector format illustrations,JavaScript scripts enable accurate and robust reverse engineering of Kaplan-Meier curves;for bitmaps,the GetData Graph Digitizer and SurvdigitizeR survival_digitize methods yield more accurate results,and the SurvdigitizeR survival_digitize method is the most efficient.Future research should focus on integrating intelligent algorithms for enhanced robustness and precision in survival data reconstruction.
9.Analysis on the TCM Syndrome Characteristics of Aging in Female Insomnia Patients
Ke NIE ; Ying CHEN ; Juanjuan AI ; Weiwei ZHONG ; Deyu YANG ; Rujin ZHENG ; Xin SONG ; Wenzheng ZHANG ; Lifeng YUE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(12):148-153
Objective To analyze the characteristics of TCM symptoms of aging in female insomnia patients;To provide syndrome differentiation evidence for clinical prevention and treatment of female aging.Methods A cross-sectional study method was used to include female insomnia patients who attended outpatient clinics at Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,Beijing Changping District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from August 2021 to July 2024.The patients'clinical information was collected,and frequency analysis,factor analysis,and clustering analysis of the relevant clinical information of the 107 female insomnia patients were conducted,which,together with the experts'opinions,resulted in characteristics of TCM syndrome elements and syndrome distribution of aging in female insomnia patients.Results Totally 20 core items were screened and 7 common factors were obtained from the factor analysis.There were 5 types of syndrome elements of disease location associated with aging symptoms in female patients with insomnia,including heart,liver,spleen,kidney and lung;and there were 7 types of syndrome elements of disease property,including qi deficiency,yin deficiency,qi stagnation,blood deficiency,heat,phlegm,and dampness.There were 4 types of syndromes were obtained from the systematic clustering,including heart-kidney disharmony syndrome,heart-liver stagnation syndrome,spleen deficiency and qi stagnation syndrome,lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome.Conclusion By analyzing the TCM syndrome characteristics of aging symptoms in female patients with insomnia,four types of syndromes are obtained.The heart-kidney disharmony syndrome is the common syndrome.The internal relationship between insomnia and aging process in female patients with insomnia is revealed from the perspective of pathogenesis,which can provide a research basis for the clinical practice of TCM anti-aging guided by syndrome differentiation and treatment in the future.
10.Strategies for selecting recipient vessels in free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects
Hongbo XU ; Lifeng LI ; Xinmeng QI ; Jing ZHOU ; Zheng YANG ; Qi FU ; Guihua WANG ; Xiaohong CHEN ; Zhigang HUANG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(7):409-412
OBJECTIVE To investigate the selection strategy for recipient vessels in free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 96 patients who underwent 99 free flap reconstructions for head and neck defects between January 2020 and December 2024.Recipient vessel selection,flap survival,and postoperative complications were analyzed based on defect location and flap type.RESULTS In 99 cases microvessel anastomosis,the recipient arteries were superior thyroid artery in 49 branches,facial artery in 28 branches,superficial temporal artery in 14 branches,lingual artery in 5 branches.external carotid artery in 1 branch,transverse cervical artery in 1 branch,and superior laryngeal artery in 1 branch.Venous anastomosis was performed in 104 branches,with 94 cases in 1 venous anastomosis and 5 cases in 2 venous anastomoses.The recipient veins selected were facial vein in 62 branches,external jugular vein in 21 branches,superficial temporal vein in 12 branches,retromandibular vein in 3 branches,middle thyroid vein in 2 branches,internal jugular vein in 2 branches,middle temporal vein in 1 branch,and superior thyroid vein in 1 branch.Complete flap necrosis occurred in 5 cases,and partial necrosis occurred in 4 cases.When the recipient vessels were deficient,the lingual artery was chosen in 3 cases,the facial artery in 1 case,the external jugular vein in 3 cases,the internal jugular vein with end-to-side anastomosis in 1 case,and the common facial vein with end-to-side anastomosis in 1 case.CONCLUSION In free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects,the superior thyroid artery,facial artery,and superficial temporal artery are commonly used as recipient arteries,while the facial vein,external jugular vein,and superficial temporal vein are frequently selected as recipient veins.When recipient vessels are scarce,the ipsilateral lingual artery,transverse cervical artery,and main trunk of the internal jugular vein can serve as alternative recipient vessels.

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