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.Follow up study on the association of anxiety and depressive symptoms with smartphone addiction among middle school students
JI Mingxia, YANG Jie, JIA Qu, DONG Ying, WANG Daosen, LI Zhumin, WEN Xiang, CHEN Qifei, LI Xiuhong
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1277-1281
Objective:
To investigate the changing trends for associations of anxiety and depressive symptoms with smartphone addiction among middle school students, so as to provide a scientific basis for preventing smartphone addiction in middle school students.
Methods:
From 2022 to 2023, a method of combining convenient sampling with cluster sampling was used to select 8 923 middle school students from 27 junior high schools and 3 senior high schools in a district of Shenzhen City between September 2022 (baseline, T1) and September 2023 (follow up, T2). The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), Patients Health Questionnaire-9 Item (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7) were administered to assess smartphone addiction, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Mixed effects models were used to analyze the association of anxiety and depressive symptoms with smartphone addiction among middle school students.
Results:
From September 2022 to September 2023, the reported prevalence of smartphone addiction increased from 24.22% to 25.25% ( χ 2=45.71); and smartphone addiction scores [ 24.00 (16.00, 32.00),25.00(16.00, 33.00)], anxiety symptom scores [2.00(0.00, 7.00),3.00(0.00, 7.00)] and depressive symptom scores[3.00(0.00, 8.00),5.00(0.00, 9.00)] all significantly increased ( Z =-17.43, -42.38, -41.57) (all P <0.05). There were statistically significant difference in the distribution of anxiety and depression symptom levels among middle school students in 2022 and 2023 ( χ 2=85.15, 106.85, both P <0.05). After adjusting for covariates such as age, gender and family background, mixed effects models revealed dose response associations of anxiety and depressive symptoms with smartphone addiction among middle school students:mild anxiety symptom( OR =3.22), moderate to severe anxiety symptom ( OR =5.36), mild depressive symptom ( OR =3.32) and moderate to severe depressive symptom ( OR =6.13) were significantly associated with higher risks of smartphone addiction (all P <0.05). Interaction effect analysis found that co existing anxiety and depressive symptoms synergistically increased addiction risk by 5.60 times ( OR =5.60) compared to the asymptomatic group, with 32% of the combined risk attributable to their interaction ( S=1.64, AP =0.32)(both P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions
Anxiety and depressive symptoms are significantly associated with smartphone addiction, exhibiting a synergistic effect. Attention should be paid to emotional issues and smartphone addiction among middle school students.
3.Clinical Efficacy of Xiaoji Hufei Formula in Protecting Children with Close Contact Exposure to Influenza: A Multicenter,Prospective, Non-randomized, Parallel, Controlled Trial
Jing WANG ; Jianping LIU ; Tiegang LIU ; Hong WANG ; Yingxin FU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Yingqi XU ; Yanan MA ; Wei WANG ; Jia WANG ; Haipeng CHEN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Liqun WU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):223-230
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xiaoji Hufei Formula in protecting children with close contact exposure to influenza, and to provide reference and evidence-based support for better clinical prevention and treatment of influenza in children. MethodsA multicenter, prospective, non-randomized, parallel, controlled trial was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 in five hospitals, including Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Confirmed influenza cases and influenza-like illness (ILI) cases were collected, and eligible children with close contact exposure to these cases were recruited in the outpatient clinics. According to whether the enrolled close contacts were willing to take Xiaoji Hufei formula for influenza prevention, they were assigned to the observation group (108 cases) or the control group (108 cases). Follow-up visits were conducted on days 7 and 14 after enrollment. The primary outcomes were the incidence of ILI and the rate of laboratory-confirmed influenza. Secondary outcomes included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score scale for influenza, influenza-related emergency (outpatient) visit rate, influenza hospitalization rate, and time to onset after exposure to influenza cases. ResultsA total of 216 participants were enrolled, with 108 in the observation group and 108 in the control group. Primary outcomes: (1) Incidence of ILI: The incidence was 12.0% (13/108) in the observation group and 23.1% (25/108) in the control group, with the observation group showing a significantly lower incidence (χ2=4.6, P<0.05). (2) Influenza confirmation rate: 3.7% (4/108) in the observation group and 4.6% (5/108) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. Secondary outcomes: (1) TCM symptom score scale: after onset, nasal congestion and runny nose scores differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05), while other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough showed no significant differences. (2) Influenza-related emergency (outpatient) visit rate: 84.6% (11 cases) in the observation group and 96.0% (24 cases) in the control group, with no significant difference. (3) Time to onset after exposure: The median onset time after exposure to index patients was 7 days in the observation group and 4 days in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). ConclusionIn previously healthy children exposed to infectious influenza cases under unprotected conditions, Xiaoji Hufei formula prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence of ILI. Xiaoji Hufei Formula can be recommended as a specific preventive prescription for influenza in children.
4.Clinical Efficacy of Xiaoji Hufei Formula in Protecting Children with Close Contact Exposure to Influenza: A Multicenter,Prospective, Non-randomized, Parallel, Controlled Trial
Jing WANG ; Jianping LIU ; Tiegang LIU ; Hong WANG ; Yingxin FU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Yingqi XU ; Yanan MA ; Wei WANG ; Jia WANG ; Haipeng CHEN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Liqun WU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):223-230
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xiaoji Hufei Formula in protecting children with close contact exposure to influenza, and to provide reference and evidence-based support for better clinical prevention and treatment of influenza in children. MethodsA multicenter, prospective, non-randomized, parallel, controlled trial was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 in five hospitals, including Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Confirmed influenza cases and influenza-like illness (ILI) cases were collected, and eligible children with close contact exposure to these cases were recruited in the outpatient clinics. According to whether the enrolled close contacts were willing to take Xiaoji Hufei formula for influenza prevention, they were assigned to the observation group (108 cases) or the control group (108 cases). Follow-up visits were conducted on days 7 and 14 after enrollment. The primary outcomes were the incidence of ILI and the rate of laboratory-confirmed influenza. Secondary outcomes included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score scale for influenza, influenza-related emergency (outpatient) visit rate, influenza hospitalization rate, and time to onset after exposure to influenza cases. ResultsA total of 216 participants were enrolled, with 108 in the observation group and 108 in the control group. Primary outcomes: (1) Incidence of ILI: The incidence was 12.0% (13/108) in the observation group and 23.1% (25/108) in the control group, with the observation group showing a significantly lower incidence (χ2=4.6, P<0.05). (2) Influenza confirmation rate: 3.7% (4/108) in the observation group and 4.6% (5/108) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. Secondary outcomes: (1) TCM symptom score scale: after onset, nasal congestion and runny nose scores differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05), while other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough showed no significant differences. (2) Influenza-related emergency (outpatient) visit rate: 84.6% (11 cases) in the observation group and 96.0% (24 cases) in the control group, with no significant difference. (3) Time to onset after exposure: The median onset time after exposure to index patients was 7 days in the observation group and 4 days in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). ConclusionIn previously healthy children exposed to infectious influenza cases under unprotected conditions, Xiaoji Hufei formula prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence of ILI. Xiaoji Hufei Formula can be recommended as a specific preventive prescription for influenza in children.
5.Comparison of the diagnostic value of ultrasound-derived fat fraction, controlled attenuation parameter, and hepatic/renal ratio in the grading of hepatic steatosis in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Xinge CAO ; Yali ZHANG ; Lizhuo JIA ; Jianghong CHEN ; Yi DONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1788-1794
ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic accuracy and grading capability of ultrasound-derived fat fraction (UDFF), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and hepatic/renal ratio (HRR) in assessing hepatic steatosis in metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as the gold standard. MethodsA total of 150 patients with MAFLD who attended The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2023 to December 2024 were enrolled, and 148 healthy volunteers were recruited. All subjects underwent MRI-PDFF, UDFF, CAP, and HRR examinations. Hepatic steatosis was graded based on MRI-PDFF (S0:148 cases; S1:92 cases; S2:21 cases; S3:37 cases), and the MAFLD patients with different grades of hepatic steatosis were compared in terms of UDFF, CAP, HRR, and clinical features. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups and the Tukey HSD test was used for further comparision between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for further comparison between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between UDFF, CAP, HRR, and MRI-PDFF in different grades of MAFLD; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the efficacy of UDFF, CAP, and HRR in the diagnosis of different degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD; the Bland-Altman difference plot was used to analyze the consistency between UDFF and MRI-PDFF in different degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. ResultsUDFF measurement gradually increased with the increase in the grade of fatty liver (H=201.52,P0.001). The Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a strong correlation between any two indicators of UDFF, CAP, HRR, and MRI-PDFF in S1, S2, and S3 MAFLD (all P0.001), with the strongest correlation between UDFF and MRI-PDFF (rs1=0.884,rs2=0.962,rs3=0.929, all P0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed that UDFF had a larger area under the ROC curve (AUC) than CAP and HRR in the graded diagnosis of S1 and S3 (all P0.05), while in the diagnosis of S2 MAFLD, UDFF had a significantly larger AUC than HRR (P0.05) and a similar AUC to CAP (P0.05). The Bland-Altman difference plot showed good consistency between UDFF and MRI-PDFF in different degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. ConclusionCompared with CAP and HRR, UDFF can accurately measure liver fat content and has good efficacy in identifying varying degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD.
6. Lycium barbarian seed oil activates Nrf2/ARE pathway to reduce oxidative damage in testis of subacute aging rats
Rui-Ying TIAN ; Wen-Xin MA ; Zi-Yu LIU ; Hui-Ming MA ; Sha-Sha XING ; Na HU ; Chang LIU ; Biao MA ; Jia-Yang LI ; Hu-Jun LIU ; Chang-Cai BAI ; Dong-Mei CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):490-498
Aim To explore the effects of Lycium berry seed oil on Nrf2/ARE pathway and oxidative damage in testis of subacute aging rats. Methods Fifty out of 60 male SD rats, aged 8 weeks, were subcutaneously injected with 125 mg • kg"D-galactosidase in the neck for 8 weeks to establish a subacute senescent rat model. The presence of senescent cells was observed using P-galactosidase ((3-gal), while testicular morphology was examined using HE staining. Serum levels of testosterone (testosterone, T), follicle-stimulating hormone ( follicle stimulating hormone, FSH ) , luteinizing hormone ( luteinizing hormone, LH ) , superoxide dis-mutase ( superoxide dismutase, SOD ) , glutathione ( glutathione, GSH) and malondialdehyde ( malondial-dehyde, MDA) were measured through ELISA, and the expressions of factors related to aging, oxidative damage, and the Nrf2/ARE pathway were assessed via immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting. Results After successfully identifying the model, the morphology of the testis was improved and the intervention of Lycium seed oil led to a down-regulation in the expression of [3-gal and -yH2AX. The serum levels of SOD, GSH, T, and FSH increased while MDA and LH decreased (P 0. 05) . Additionally, there was an up-regulated expression of Nrf2, GCLC, NQOl, and SOD2 proteins in testicular tissue ( P 0. 05 ) and nuclear expression of Nrf2 in sertoli cells. Conclusion Lycium barbarum seed oil may reduce oxidative damage in testes of subacute senescent rats by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.
7. Geraniol attenuates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating oxidative stress via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Jia LUO ; Yu WU ; Jing-Dong LIU ; Sha CHEN ; Zhi DONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):431-439
Aim To investigate the regulatory effect of geraniol on Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)in rats. Methods In this experiment,all the male SD rats were randomly divided into nine groups receiving the following treatments:sham operation(sham); sham operation+200 mg·kg-1 geraniol; I/R; I/R+50 mg·kg-1 geraniol; I/R+100 mg/kg geraniol; I/R+200 mg·kg-1 geraniol; edaravone; I/R+ brusatol(Nrf2 inhibitor); I/R+200mg·kg-1 geraniol+brusatol. All rats received intraperitoneal injection of geraniol for five consecutive days before MCAO and again after MCAO. During the construction of cerebral I/R injury models,the blood vessels were isolated without any suture in the sham operation and the sham operation +200 mg·kg-1 geraniol groups while the blood vessels with suture in other groups. The damage of neurological function was evaluated by the modified rating scale for neurological function. The TTC,HE and Tunel staining methods were used to determine the cerebral infarction volume,the damage of the ischemic cortex and the apoptosis of cortical cells,respectively. The oxidative stress-related parameters then were measured. The protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were detected by immunohistochemical staining and the target protein expressions of the injured cortex were detected by Western blot. Results Compared with the model group,it was found that the geraniol treatment significantly repaired neural injury,reduced cerebral infarction volume,cerebral cortex damage and cell apoptosis. Meanwhile,geraniol intervention could significantly increase the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 protein in the right-sided cortex and reduce oxidative stress level. Conclusion Geraniol can attenuate cerebral injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats via activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
8.In vitro study of immunocompatibility of humanized genetically modified pig erythrocytes with human serum
Leijia CHEN ; Mengyi CUI ; Xiangyu SONG ; Kai WANG ; Zhibo JIA ; Liupu YANG ; Yanghui DONG ; Haochen ZUO ; Jiaxiang DU ; Dengke PAN ; Wenjing XU ; Hongbo REN ; Yaqun ZHAO ; Jiang PENG
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(3):415-421
Objective To investigate the differences and the immunocompatibility of wild-type (WT), four-gene modified (TKO/hCD55) and six-gene modified (TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM) pig erythrocytes with human serum. Methods The blood samples were collected from 20 volunteers with different blood groups. WT, TKO/hCD55, TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM pig erythrocytes, ABO-compatible (ABO-C) and ABO-incompatible (ABO-I) human erythrocytes were exposed to human serum of different blood groups, respectively. The blood agglutination and antigen-antibody binding levels (IgG, IgM) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity were detected. The immunocompatibility of two types of genetically modified pig erythrocytes with human serum was evaluated. Results No significant blood agglutination was observed in the ABO-C group. The blood agglutination levels in the WT and ABO-I groups were higher than those in the TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups (all P<0.001). The level of erythrocyte lysis in the WT group was higher than those in the ABO-C, TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups. The level of erythrocyte lysis in the ABO-I group was higher than those in the TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups (both P<0.01). The pig erythrocyte binding level with IgM and IgG in the TKO/hCD55 group was lower than those in the WT and ABO-I groups. The pig erythrocyte binding level with IgG and IgM in the TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM group was lower than that in the WT group and pig erythrocyte binding level with IgG was lower than that in the ABO-I group (all P<0.05). Conclusions The immunocompatibility of genetically modified pig erythrocytes is better than that of wild-type pigs and close to that of ABO-C pigs. Humanized pig erythrocytes may be considered as a blood source when blood sources are extremely scarce.
9.Break the domestic public hospital clinical research evaluation system under the background of"five only"
Xiaowen CHEN ; Yongkai ZHU ; Yingyan ZHENG ; Yuhui LIN ; Peng SHI ; Liyuan HAN ; Pin JIA ; Rui DONG
Modern Hospital 2024;24(3):465-468,492
Objective The purpose of this article is to summarize and review the current status of the construction of clinical research evaluation systems in domestic public hospitals,identify existing problems in the evaluation system,and propose development strategies and suggestions.Methods Retrieved relevant articles,dissertations and policies from the past five years(2018-2022),screened the titles,viewed the full texts of 52 selected papers and their references,and summarized them.Results The"five-only"indicators have long been an important indicator for evaluating clinical research in public hospitals,but in today's scientific research environment and policy environment,the"five-only"evaluation system has revealed its utilitarian draw-backs and gradually evolved into a hindrance to scientific research.It is urgent to break through the"five-only"orientation and establish a clinical research evaluation system oriented towards"transforming and applying transformation of scientific research achievements".Conclusion The evaluation system for clinical research should break the previous"five-only"evaluation model based on quantity-oriented scientific research evaluation.We can draw on the framework of the research output,influence,and environment indicators in the UK's REF Excellence Framework model,combine the American APT system and the Chinese STEM indicator dimensions,explore multi-outcome evaluation,integrate developmental indicators,and continuously improve the indica-tor system and application methods in practice to promote the development of clinical research in public hospitals.
10.Analysis of design scheme and manufacturing process of laser-cut 316L medical catheters
Jia-Wei YU ; Zheng-Dong CHEN ; Xiao-Yan SHI
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(1):31-36
Objective To explore the manufacturing process and performance of laser-cut 316L medical catheters based on catheter designs with different cutting methods.Methods Two design schemes of straight and oblique spiral cut were proposed under interrupted spiral cut pattern.Straight and oblique spiral cut medical catheters were obtained with desired laser parameters,cutting speed and focus position of the laser cutting machine,oxygen as the auxiliary gas and nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid as the acid cleaning solution for the post-treatment process,which were compared with Direxion torqueable microcatheter and tested for traceability,torsion control and tensile strength.Results Laser-cut 316L medical catheters were less likely to hurt blood vessels for its advantages over Direxion torqueable microcatheter in surface brightness and roundness of grooved edges,while Direxion torqueable microcatheter behaved better in intensity and width uniformity of grooves and regularity of semi circles at ends of grooves.Straight spiral cut medical catheters had the traceability,torsion control and tensile strength increased by 50%,22%and 33%respectively when compared with oblique spiral cut catheters.Conclusion Laser cutting parameters and post-treatment process are the main factors affecting the appearance and size of laser cut medical catheters,and also of importance for improving the qualified rate of product processing and assembly.The catheter cutting design scheme is also a key element influencing the physical properties of medical catheters.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(1):31-36]


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