The development and potential application of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is closely related to the human brain, so that the ethical regulation of BCI has become an important issue attracting the consideration of society. Existing literatures have discussed the ethical norms of BCI technology from the perspectives of non-BCI developers and scientific ethics, while few discussions have been launched from the perspective of BCI developers. Therefore, there is a great need to study and discuss the ethical norms of BCI technology from the perspective of BCI developers. In this paper, we present the user-centered and non-harmful BCI technology ethics, and then discuss and look forward on them. This paper argues that human beings can cope with the ethical issues arising from BCI technology, and as BCI technology develops, its ethical norms will be improved continuously. It is expected that this paper can provide thoughts and references for the formulation of ethical norms related to BCI technology.
Humans ; Brain-Computer Interfaces ; Technology ; Brain ; User-Computer Interface ; Electroencephalography

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of external diaphragm pacing on the prevention of ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) in rabbits and its mechanism.Methods:Eighty-five New Zealand white rabbits were randomly (random number) divided into the blank control group (BC, n=5), spontaneous breathing group (SB, n=20), volume control ventilation group (VC, n=20), external diaphragm pacing group (EDP, n=20), external diaphragm pacing and volume control ventilation group (EDP+ VC, n=20). After successful modeling, the rabbits in each group were treated accordingly except for the BC group. Rabbitss in the BC group were not mechanically ventilated, and the diaphragm was removed immediately after anesthetizing. Whole diaphragms of 5 rabbits per time point per other group were also collected after anesthesia at post treatment hour (PTH) 6 and on post treatment day (PTD) 1, 3, and 7. Diaphragm weight/body weight and diaphragm isometric contractile force of each group were measured. The pathological changes of diaphragmatic tissues were observed by HE staining. The protein expressions of Cyt c, RyR1, caspase-3, and p-mTORC1 were measured by Western blot. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for the comparison between multiple groups of variables at different time points, and LSD- t test was used for the further comparison between two groups at the same time point, a P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:Compared with the BC group, the VC group showed diaphragmatic pathological changes conformed to VIDD: DW/BW was decreased obviously; HE staining revealed obvious changes in diaphragmatic tissue; Diaphragmatic contractility was also significantly decreased; The expression of Cyt c and caspase-3 were increased while the expression of RyR1 and p-mTORC1 were decreased gradually with the extension of treatment time ( P<0.05). Compared the EDP+VC group with the VC group, with the extension of treatment time, DW, DW/BW, pathological damages and diaphragmatic contractility were improved [PTD 1: (0.80±0.05)kg vs (0.56±0.04) kg, PTD 3: (1.06±0.05) kg vs (0.47±0.03) kg, PTD 7: (1.24±0.10) kg vs (0.39±0.07) kg, all P<0.05; PTD 1: (2.05±0.54) vs (1.86±0.72), PTD 3: (2.19±0.61) vs (1.74±0.40), PTD 7: (2.46±0.62) vs (1.53±0.85), all P<0.05; PTD 1: (2.39±0.42) N/cm 2vs (1.91±0.25) N/cm 2, PTD 3: (2.57±0.62) N/cm 2vs (1.72±0.50) N/cm 2, PTD 7: (2.77±0.55) N/cm 2vs (1.54±0.33) N/cm 2, all P<0.05]. The expression of Cyt c and caspase-3 were decreased while the expression of RyR1 and p-mTORC1 were increased gradually in the EDP+VC group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:External diaphragm pacer plays a protective role in ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction, which can inhibit mitochondrial damage, reduce oxidative damage, and mitigate diaphragmatic atrophy and injury.

BACKGROUND:Herba epimedi, a traditional Chinese medicine, has a long time in dealing with various orthopedic disorders. Icarinwithmany biological activites is one of the most important compositions of Herba epimedi. OBJECTIVE:Toinvestigate the effects of icarin on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cels and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cels were treated using icarin with or without osteogenic mediumin vitro. Osteogenic differentiation markers, including runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin and osterix, were detected by real time-qPCR. Alizarin red staining was used to measure calcium nodes generated by osteoblasts induced frombonemarrow mesenchymal stem cels. The proximal tibia bone structure of rats fed with icarin (2 mgperday) for 5 weeks was detected and analyzed by MicroCT. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Icarin was able to promote the expression of genes related to osteogenic differentiation in the absence or presence of osteogenic induction. Icarin could obviously increase the quantity of calcium nodes whenmesenchymal stem celswere cultured in the osteogenic medium. The animal experiment showed that icarin improved formation of trabecular bone.

Objective To investigate the status and difference of learning burnout between Korean-Chinese nursing students and Chinese nursing students;and to compare the influencing factors of learning burnout between them.Methods A total of 307 nursing students in Yanbian University were recruited by convenience samphng method.Data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0,using descriptive statistics,t-test,ANOVA,correlation analysis,and linear regression analysis.Results The emotion and learning burnout of Korean-Chinese nursing students scored (3.18±0.52)points and (2.84±0.33)points,which were higher than (3.04±0.53)points and (2.69±0.36) points of Chinese nursing students (t=5.72,4.19,all P ＜ 0.05);The significant predictors of learning burnout of Korean-Chinese nursing students were effective commitment,continuance commitment and ideality commitment;and the significant predictors of Chinese nursing students were effective commitment,continuance commitment and behavior self-efficacy.Conclusions Because of the special background of Korean-Chinese nursing students,it is suggested payed attention to improve their major commitment and learning self-efficacy,then to decrease their learning burnout.

A large ischemic stroke caused by malignant middle cerebral artery infarction can lead to severe cerebral edema, even cerebral hernia. This condition deteriorates and progresses rapidly, usually leading to death. Due to limitations of conservative treatments, decompressive hemicraniectomy becomes a favored option in clinic. Recent years, a series of ex?perimental studies and clinical trials achieved reliable evidence that decompressive hemicraniectomy is an effective treat?ment for patients who suffer from malignant middle cerebral artery infarction. With the successful surgical procedure, most patients benefit from a reduced mortality and improved functional outcome without severe disability. Nevertheless, plenty of issues about decompressive hemicraniectomy still need to be solved. Here, we reviewed researches of early diagnosis of ma?lignant middle cerebral infarction and the application of decompressive hemicraniectomy as its treatment.

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) level in the follicular fluid on oocyte retrieval day with the number of oocytes retrieved, maturation rate, embryonic development, and pregnancy outcome in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles.

METHODSThe data of 311 IVF/ICSI-ET cycles from 2012 to 2013 was analyzed and stratified according to hCG level in follicular fluid on oocyte retrieval day (<7 nmol/L, 7-14 nmol/L, 14-21 nmol/L, and >21 nmol/L) determined with chemiluminescence method. The number of oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturation rate, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, available embryo rate and pregnancy rate were compared between the groups.

RESULTSIn the IVF/ICSI-ET cycles, the cycles with hCG level of 14-21 nmol/L in the follicular fluid on the day of oocyte retrieval had significantly higher oocyte maturation rate and fertilization rate than those in the other 3 groups (P<0.05), but the number of oocytes retrieved, cleavage rate, available embryo rate and pregnancy rate, though slightly higher, showed no significant difference from the other 3 groups (P>0.05). In the group with hCG level >21 nmol/L, the oocyte maturation rate and fertilization rate were significantly lower than those in the other 3 groups (P<0.05), and the available embryo rate and pregnancy rate were slightly lower without significant differences from the other 3 groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONFollicular fluid hCG level on the day of oocyte retrieval is associated with oocyte maturation, fertilization, embryonic development potential, and IVF outcome. An excessively high follicular fluid hCG level on the day of oocyte retrieval may have negative effects on oocyte maturation and embryo development.

Adult ; Chorionic Gonadotropin ; chemistry ; Embryonic Development ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Follicular Fluid ; chemistry ; Humans ; Oocyte Retrieval ; Oocytes ; physiology ; Pregnancy ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level on day 3 of embryo culture with embryo development.

METHODSSpent culture media were collected from individually cultured embryos on day 3 of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. HCG concentration in the culture media was measured using an ELISA kit and its association with embryo development was assessed.

RESULTSIn the 163 samples of embryo culture media from 60 patients, HCG was positive in 153 sample (93.8%) with a mean level of 0.85 ± 0.43 mIU/ml. The concentration of hCG in the culture media increased gradually as the number of blastomeres increased (F=2.273, P=0.03), and decreased as the morphological grade of the embryo was lowered (F=3.900, P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONELISA is capable of detecting HCG levels in spent culture media of embryos on day 3 of in vitro culture. The concentration of HCG in spent culture media is positively correlated with the status of early embryo development and implantation rate and thus serves as a useful marker for embryo selection in IVF-ET procedure.

Biomarkers ; chemistry ; Chorionic Gonadotropin ; chemistry ; Culture Media ; chemistry ; Embryo Transfer ; Embryonic Development ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Humans

Objective To compare the effects of sodium hyaluronate (SH) and celecoxib (CO) administration on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate their influences on levels of uPA and MMP-3 in synovial fluid. Methods One hundred and thirty-six knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients from January 2010 to October 2011 were randomly enrolled into two groups: the SH group and the CO group. In the SH group, patients were injected with 2 mL sodium hyaluronate intra articulation once a week for 5 weeks. In the CO group , patients were given oral administration of celecoxib daily at a dosage of 200 mg for 5 weeks. Before and at 1 ,6 months after treatment, Lequesne′s index and VAS-pain were detected to assess the clinical results of these two drugs. The levels of uPA and MMP-3 in synovial fluid were measured by using ELISA assay. Results All patients were followed up for 6 months to 12 months. The Lequesne′s index and VAS-pain score were lowered at 1 and 6 moths after treatment in both the SH group and the CO group(P<0.05). In the CO group, however, higher Lequesne′s index and VAS-pain score were obtained at 6 months compare to that obtained at 1 month after treatment (P<0.05). In contrast, no significant difference of Lequesne′s index and VAS-pain score were shown at 6 months and at 1 month after treatment in the SH group (P>0.05). Dramatic reduction of the levels of uPA and MMP-3 in synovial fluid were observed in the SH group after treatment(P<0.01), while marginal changes were found in the CO group(P>0.05). Conclusion The redueced levels of uPA and MMP-3 in synovial fluid after treatment of sodium hyaluronate may contribute to its longer-lasting effect than that of celecoxib. Therefore , the combination of sodium hyaluronate with celecoxib may lead to better therapeutic effect on OA patients.

Objective To detect the expression levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3),MMP-9,MMP-13 and MMP-14 in the patients with osteoarthritis(OA)before and after arthroscopic debridement,and to explore the influence of arthroscopic debridement in the expressions of uPA, MMP-3,MMP-9,MMP-13, and MMP-14.Methods 420 cases of synovial fluid from knee OA patients undergoing arthroscopic debridement were obtained before operation. After six months follow-up, 350 cases of synovial fluid samples were obtained and according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 228 synovial fluid were selected to analyze.The expression levels of uPA,MMP-3,MMP-9,MMP-13,and MMP-14 were measured by ELISA assay.Pain intensity of these patients before operation and six months after operation were recorded using the Visual Analogue Scale/Score(VAS).The differences of the expression levels of uPA,MMP-3,MMP-9, MMP-13,and MMP-14 between before operation and after operation were compared.The relationship between the expression levels of uPA, and MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, MMP-14 and VAS was analyzed with Spearman analysis.Results All the patients were followed up for 36.5 months. Compared with before operation, the expression levels of uPA and MMP-3 in the synovial fluid of the patients after arthroscopic debridement were significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression levels of MMP-9 and MMP-13 were also decreased (P<0.05), but the MMP-14 expression level showed no significant change.The expression levels of uPA,MMP-3,MMP-9, MMP-13,MMP-14 were positively associated with VAS before arthroscopic debridement (r=0.361,r=0.417, r=0.136,r=0.514,r=0.156,P<0.05 );uPA and MMP-3 were positively correlated with VAS after arthroscopic debridement(r=0.981,r=0.831,P<0.01),as well as the expression level of MMP-13 and VAS, but there were no significant differences between the expression levels of MMP-9, MMP-14 and VAS. Conclusion The decreased levels of uPA,MMP-3 and MMP-13 in synovial fluid may contribute to the pain-relief effects of arthroscopic debridement.

Objective To evaluate the value of the new ovarian function marker serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)and to clarify the effect of hysterectomy on the ovarian function of the younger women.Methods The serum AMH,follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)and luteinizing hormone (LH)levels in 35 women suffered uterus benign lesion aged 36-45 years and 35 women suffered hysteromyoma without operation were measured at different time.And the ovarian arterial blood flow resistance index (RI ) was measured by Doppler ultrasound. Results Compred with before operation, the serum AMH levels of the patients in hysterectomy group 2 d and 3 months after operation were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with control group,the serum AMH levels of the patients in hysterectomy group 2 d and 3 months after operation were also decreased (P<0.05).The ovarian arterial blood flow RI of the patients in hysterectomy group 1 and 3 months after operation were increased compared with control group (P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the serum FSH and LH levels in each group between different time points (P>0.05).Conclusion Hysterectomy can affect the ovarian function,and the serum AMH level 3 months after operation is decreased and the ovarian arterial blood flow RI is increased.AMH is superior to FSH or LH in evaluating the changes of ovarian function.