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.The level of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue and its clinical significance in patients in the convalescence stage of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure
Zhekai CAI ; Long XU ; Wenli LIU ; Yingqun XIAO ; Qingmei ZHONG ; Wei ZHANG ; Min WU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):57-62
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression level of HBV cccDNA in patients in the convalescence stage of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) and its correlation with HBV markers and liver histopathological changes. MethodsA total of 30 patients in the convalescence stage of HBV-ACL who were hospitalized in The Ninth Hospital of Nanchang from January 2015 to October 2023 were enrolled as liver failure group, and 9 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), matched for sex and age, were enrolled as control group. The content of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue was measured, and its correlation with clinical data and laboratory markers was analyzed. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and a one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups; the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. A Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsThe liver failure group had a significantly lower content of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue than the control group (-0.92±0.70 log10 copies/cell vs -0.13±0.91 log10 copies/cell, t=2.761, P=0.009). In the liver failure group, there was no significant difference in the content of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue between the HBeAg-positive patients and the HBeAg-negative patients (P>0.05); there was no significant difference in the content of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue between the patients with different grades (G0-G2, G3, and G4) of liver inflammatory activity (P>0.05); there was no significant difference in the content of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue between the patients with different stages (S0-S2, S3, and S4) of liver fibrosis (P>0.05); there was no significant difference in the content of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue between the patients with negative HBV DNA and those with positive HBV DNA (P>0.05). For the liver failure group, the content of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue was positively correlated with the content of HBV DNA in liver tissue (r=0.426, P=0.043) and was not significantly correlated with the content of HBV DNA in serum (P>0.05). ConclusionThere is a significant reduction in the content of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue in the convalescence stage of HBV-ACLF. HBV cccDNA exists continuously and stably in liver tissue and can better reflect the persistent infection and replication of HBV than HBV DNA in serum and liver tissue.
3.Correlation between depressive symptom and traditional Chinese medicine constitution among school aged children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1222-1225
Objective:
To explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents, so as to provide evidences for informing constitution based regulation and prevention of depressive symptom.
Methods:
From June to December 2024, a total of 4 729 students aged 6-14 were recruited by cluster random sampling from 10 primary schools in Baoding (Hebei Province), Heze and Liaocheng (Shandong Province). General information, TCM constitution and depressive symptom were collected. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to analyze related factors and threshold effects of depressive symptom. Binary Logistic regression was applied to examine the association between depressive symptom and TCM constitution, with subgroup analyses conducted.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptom among the included children and adolescents was 25.82%. RCS analyses indicated non linear associations between depressive symptom and age (inflection point at 10 years old), bedtime (inflection point at 22:00), and wake up time (inflection point at 6:30 ) (all P non linearity <0.01). Linear associations were observed with body mass index (BMI) and sleep duration (all P non linearity > 0.05 ). After adjusting for covariates such as age, BMI and sleep status, binary Logistic regression analyses showed that Yin deficient constitution ( OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.09-1.45) and Phlegm-dampness constitution ( OR =1.42, 95% CI =1.11-1.82) were significantly associated with depressive symptom among children and adolescents (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents is primarily associated with Yin deficiency and Phlegm dampness constitutions in TCM constitution. Active attention should be paid to susceptible TCM constitution among children and adolescents. Targeted health guidance and interventions should be implemented to improve TCM constitution health status for preventing the occurrence of depressive symptom.
4.Screening of a KCNQ potassium channel opener and observation of its antiepileptic activity
Jia LI ; Yuan WANG ; Chao SONG ; Qing-Zhong JIA ; Jin-Long QI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1744-1752
Aim To screen out the KCNQ channel o-peners and evaluate the antiepileptic activity.Methods The high throughput screening(HTS)method of Rb+efflux assay was used to identify the active com-pound of KCNQ opener;the preferred compound QO-7 2 was selected to test the pharmacological action in multiple animal models;through the analysis of behav-ioral and EEG,combined with the observation of gener-al pharmacological experiments,the efficacy and safety of the drug were preliminarily evaluated,and the mech-anism was explored.Results By HTS we identified three series compounds with high activity,a total of 51 compounds.In the results,the QO-72 ig or ip in differ-ent doses showed significant anticonvulsant activity in the MES and PTZ induced acute epilepsy models,the anticonvulsant protection rate significantly increased(P<0.05,0.01)and the seizure threshold was signif-icantly extended(P<0.01).In chronic epilepsy model,the seizure ranks and duration significantly de-creased in the QO-72 treatment groups(P<0.01)and the antiepileptic protection rates significantly increased in the higher dose(P<0.01).Compared with PTZ group,the amplitude,seizure wave duration and power density of EEG were reduced significantly in QO-72 treatment groups(P<0.05,0.01).Besides,rotarod,spontaneous activity and cooperative sleep tests of mice by ig at 16 times,ip at 8 times of therapeutic dose had confirmed that the QO-72 had no central side effect.Further mechanism studies were performed on the QO-72 treated animals,the outcomes revealed that there was a significant elevation in GABA(P<0.01)in hippocampus,but there was no significant change in Glu(P>0.05).Conclusions The compound QO-72 shows significant antiepileptic activity in the MES and PTZ models;the mechanism is not only related to o-pening KCNQ channels,but also to increasing the con-tent of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in brain.
5.Allyl isothiocyanate exacerbates acute toxoplasmosis through inhibition of inflammatory cytokines
Qiu-Mei LIN ; Hong-Bin LONG ; Jun-Ting HE ; Zhi-hao ZHANG ; Ho-Woo NAM ; Fu-Shi QUAN ; Qi ZHONG ; Xu-Qing LIU ; Zhao-Shou YANG
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2024;62(4):476-483
Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a natural product commonly used in food preservation and pharmaceutical applications. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, is prevalent globally while the impact of AITC on toxoplasmosis is unclear. We explored the effect of AITC on acute toxoplasmosis. We infected C57BL/6 mice with T. gondii type I RH strain following AITC administration. On the 4th day after infection, which corresponds to the initial stage of infection, we collected serum for the determination of inflammatory cytokine levels. The mice serum of the AITC-administered group contained significantly lower levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-23 subunit p19, IL-4, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. The lifespan of the mice in the AITC-administered group was significantly reduced. In vitro experiments showed that AITC promoted the proliferation of intracellular T. gondii accompanied by the inhibition of IL-4, IL-1β, and IL-6 production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Our results showed that AITC facilitated T. gondii infection in the early stage by inhibiting the production of several inflammatory cytokines.
6.Early-life gut microbiota protects against obesity in later life by regulating adipocytes thermogenesis
Jiali FANG ; Xue LONG ; Hong ZHONG ; Xianwei CUI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(10):872-878
Objective:To explore whether disrupted colonization of the gut microbiota in early life accelerates the development of obesity later in life through programming adipose thermogenesis.Methods:Neonatal mice were treated with a mixture of antibiotics (ABX), and 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed that ABX treatment disrupted the establishment of gut microbiota. The mice were monitored for changes in body weight and fat content at weaning, adulthood, and under a high-fat diet (HFD) to assess obesity phenotypes. Additionally, glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests were conducted, along with measurements of blood glucose and lipid levels, to evaluate changes in glucose and lipid metabolism. The expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in adipose tissue was assessed through immunohistochemistry and Western blotting to evaluate alterations in adipocyte thermogenic capacity.Results:The analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing technology revealed that ABX treatment significantly reduced both α- and β-diversity of the gut microbiota. Compared to untreated mice, the microbial composition in ABX treated mice showed significant differences, with a notable reduction in the abundance of beneficial bacteria, including Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Akkermansia muciniphila ( A. muciniphia). Subsequent monitoring indicated that ABX treatment did not affect body weight or fat content during the lactation period. However, a significant decrease in surface temperature was observed in the ABX group, specifically in the interscapular region. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot of UCP1 demonstrated impaired thermogenic capacity in adipose tissue. Interestingly, the impaired thermogenesis persisted in adult mice, leading to a decreased cold tolerance, although no changes of metabolic dysfunction, including body weight, body fat percentage, serum insulin and triglyceride levels, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Upon switching to HFD, ABX-exposed mice exhibited significant increases in body weight, fat mass, and serum glucose, indicating a greater susceptibility to obesity. Further thermographic analysis and UCP1 detection suggested that this susceptibility to obesity was also linked to impaired thermogenic capacity in adipose tissue. Conclusion:Early-life gut microbiota is a critical determinant of long-term adipose thermogenesis. Disruption of the microbiota enhances the effect of diet-induced obesity.
7.Recent advance in oxidative stress after intracranial hemorrhage
Xiaoqi YANG ; Jianlin DING ; Zhong WANG ; Yijiang LI ; Junchi WANG ; Xuehai DENG ; Zixu WANG ; Yiqian CHEN ; Long ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2024;23(10):1043-1049
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease with high incidence and mortality. Oxidative stress response plays an important role in the pathological and physiological processes of ICH, and is also a potential effective target for clinical treatment. In this paper, the pathogenesis of oxidative stress after ICH, mechanism of nerve and vascular injury in oxidative stress, and detection and treatment of oxidative stress are reviewed in order to provide references for basic research and clinical practice in ICH.
8.Analysis of research hotspots and trends in the integration of medical care and elderly care in China from 2013 to 2023:a citespace-based study
Yi ZHONG ; Pingping ZENG ; Zukang GONG ; Bangzhen LONG ; Jianbo KUANG ; Pinghua ZHU ; Bo WEI
Modern Hospital 2024;24(7):998-1003
Objective To retrospectively analyze the research on the integrated medical and elderly care in China in re-cent ten years,and explore the research hotspots and future research trend of the integrated medical and elderly care.Methods Using the method of literature research,the journal articles with the theme of combination of medical care and nursing,integration of medical care and nursing or medical care and nursing service from 2013 to 2023 were searched in CNKI.The sources were lim-ited to Peking University Core,CSSCI,CSCD and AMI,and the selected articles were analyzed by CiteSpace.Results This ar-ticle takes 896 literatures as research objects,we found that the number of articles reached a peak in 2018,the higher number of articles issued by the institutions are medicine-related institutions.The high-frequency keywords are the integrated medical and elderly care,elderly services,senior citizens,elderly care institutions and elderly care model.The strongest emergent word de-tected is health care integration.Conclusion In the past ten years,domestic research on the integration of medical care and eld-erly care has shown diversification and innovation.Policy tools,pension insurance,community and rural pension,quality evalua-tion index system,influencing factors were the research focus of scholars.Future research needs to focus on the application of quantitative methods,empirical and practical analysis.
9.Allyl isothiocyanate exacerbates acute toxoplasmosis through inhibition of inflammatory cytokines
Qiu-Mei LIN ; Hong-Bin LONG ; Jun-Ting HE ; Zhi-hao ZHANG ; Ho-Woo NAM ; Fu-Shi QUAN ; Qi ZHONG ; Xu-Qing LIU ; Zhao-Shou YANG
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2024;62(4):476-483
Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a natural product commonly used in food preservation and pharmaceutical applications. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, is prevalent globally while the impact of AITC on toxoplasmosis is unclear. We explored the effect of AITC on acute toxoplasmosis. We infected C57BL/6 mice with T. gondii type I RH strain following AITC administration. On the 4th day after infection, which corresponds to the initial stage of infection, we collected serum for the determination of inflammatory cytokine levels. The mice serum of the AITC-administered group contained significantly lower levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-23 subunit p19, IL-4, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. The lifespan of the mice in the AITC-administered group was significantly reduced. In vitro experiments showed that AITC promoted the proliferation of intracellular T. gondii accompanied by the inhibition of IL-4, IL-1β, and IL-6 production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Our results showed that AITC facilitated T. gondii infection in the early stage by inhibiting the production of several inflammatory cytokines.
10.Allyl isothiocyanate exacerbates acute toxoplasmosis through inhibition of inflammatory cytokines
Qiu-Mei LIN ; Hong-Bin LONG ; Jun-Ting HE ; Zhi-hao ZHANG ; Ho-Woo NAM ; Fu-Shi QUAN ; Qi ZHONG ; Xu-Qing LIU ; Zhao-Shou YANG
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2024;62(4):476-483
Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a natural product commonly used in food preservation and pharmaceutical applications. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, is prevalent globally while the impact of AITC on toxoplasmosis is unclear. We explored the effect of AITC on acute toxoplasmosis. We infected C57BL/6 mice with T. gondii type I RH strain following AITC administration. On the 4th day after infection, which corresponds to the initial stage of infection, we collected serum for the determination of inflammatory cytokine levels. The mice serum of the AITC-administered group contained significantly lower levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-23 subunit p19, IL-4, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. The lifespan of the mice in the AITC-administered group was significantly reduced. In vitro experiments showed that AITC promoted the proliferation of intracellular T. gondii accompanied by the inhibition of IL-4, IL-1β, and IL-6 production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Our results showed that AITC facilitated T. gondii infection in the early stage by inhibiting the production of several inflammatory cytokines.


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