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.Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Concurrent Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Knee Osteoarthritis
Xin CUI ; Huaiwei GAO ; Long LIANG ; Ming CHEN ; Shangquan WANG ; Ting CHENG ; Yili ZHANG ; Xu WEI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):257-265
ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in the patients with concurrent knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and provide a scientific basis for precise TCM syndrome differentiation, diagnosis, and treatment of such concurrent diseases. MethodsA prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional clinical survey was conducted to analyze the characteristics of TCM syndromes in the patients with concurrent PMOP and KOA. Excel 2021 was used to statistically analyze the general characteristics of the included patients. Continuous variables were reported as
3.Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Concurrent Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Knee Osteoarthritis
Xin CUI ; Huaiwei GAO ; Long LIANG ; Ming CHEN ; Shangquan WANG ; Ting CHENG ; Yili ZHANG ; Xu WEI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):257-265
ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in the patients with concurrent knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and provide a scientific basis for precise TCM syndrome differentiation, diagnosis, and treatment of such concurrent diseases. MethodsA prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional clinical survey was conducted to analyze the characteristics of TCM syndromes in the patients with concurrent PMOP and KOA. Excel 2021 was used to statistically analyze the general characteristics of the included patients. Continuous variables were reported as
4.Surveillance results of diarrhea in Minhang District of Shanghai City in 2018-2020
Hui FANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Zhaowen ZHANG ; Long CHEN ; Zhiying XYU ; Xuanzhao ZHANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(1):79-82
Objective To investigate the epidemic features and pathogen spectrum distribution of diarrhea cases in Minhang District of Shanghai City so as to provide scientific evidence for developing prevention and control measures. Methods Surveillance on diarrhea was conducted in sentinel hospitals in Minghang District from 2018 to 2020. According to the quantity of outpatients in the monitoring hospital, the stool samples were collected by systematic sampling method according to the fixed interval proportion in the case queue which met the requirements of the monitored cases, and the pathogenic composition and epidemiological characteristics were analyzed. Results Among the 721 samples detected , 307(42.58%) were pathogen positive, The main positive bacteria was Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which accounted for 36.11%(39/108) among all positive bacteria.The main positive virus was norovirus GII, which accounted for 24.43%(75/307) among all positive virus. Positive cases were detected among all age groups. 81 positive cases (26.38%) were detected among 31-40 years old, with the highest detection rate. There was no difference in the positive detection rate between genders(χ2= 1.95, P = 0.16). The positive cases showed two peaks during the season of winter and spring. The positive rate of bacteria was highest in the third quarter and positive rate of viruses was highest in the first quarter. The mixed infection rate of bacteria and viruses was highest in the second quarter. Conclusions Diarrhea cases in Minhang District of Shanghai from 2018 to 2020 is caused by a variety of pathogens and related seasonality is obvious in Minghang District, Shanghai City in 2018-2020. It is necessary to take specific prevention based on various pathogens to reduce the incidence of diarrhea.
5. Influence of quercetin on aging of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by microgravity
Yu-Tian YANG ; Ying-Ying XUAN ; Yu-Tian YANG ; Ying-Ying XUAN ; Yu-Hai GAO ; Long-Fei WANG ; Han-Qin TANG ; Zhi-Hui MA ; Liang LI ; Yi WU ; Ke-Ming CHEN ; Yu-Tian YANG ; Ying-Ying XUAN ; Yu-Hai GAO ; Long-Fei WANG ; Han-Qin TANG ; Zhi-Hui MA ; Liang LI ; Yi WU ; Ke-Ming CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):38-45
Aim To investigate the effect of quercetin on the aging model of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells established under microgravity. Methods Using 3D gyroscope, a aging model of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was constructed, and after receiving quercetin and microgravity treatment, the anti-aging effect of the quercetin was evaluated by detecting related proteins and oxidation indexes. Results Compared to the control group, the expressions of age-related proteins p21, pi6, p53 and RB in the microgravity group significantly increased, while the expressions of cyclin D1 and lamin B1 significantly decreased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). In the microgravity group, mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased (P<0.05), ROS accumulation significantly increased (P <0.05), SOD content significantly decreased and MDA content significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared to the microgravity group, the expressions of age-related proteins p21, pi6, p53 and RB in the quercetin group significantly decreased, while the expressions of cyclin D1 and lamin B1 significantly increased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). In the quercetin group, mitochondrial membrane potential significantly increased (P<0.05), ROS accumulation significantly decreased (P<0.05), SOD content significantly increased and MDA content significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions Quercetin can resist oxidation, protect mitochondrial function and normal cell cycle, thus delaying the aging of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by microgravity.
6.Study on the potential allergen and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions induced by combined using of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection based on metabolomics and bioinformatics
Yu-long CHEN ; You ZHAI ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Wei-xia LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Ya-li WU ; Liu-qing YANG ; Xiao-fei CHEN ; Shu-qi ZHANG ; Lu NIU ; Ke-ran FENG ; Kun LI ; Jin-fa TANG ; Ming-liang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):382-394
Based on the strategy of metabolomics combined with bioinformatics, this study analyzed the potential allergens and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) induced by the combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology combined with UNIFI software, a total of 21 compounds were identified in Reduning and penicillin G mixed injection. Based on molecular docking technology, 10 potential allergens with strong binding activity to MrgprX2 agonist sites were further screened. Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology revealed that 34 differential metabolites such as arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes were endogenous differential metabolites of PARs caused by combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. Through the analysis of the "potential allergen-target-endogenous differential metabolite" interaction network, the chlorogenic acids (such as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid A) and
7.Prevalence of depressive symptoms among freshmen of a college in Hunan Province
PENG Haiyan ; LONG Liying ; CHEN Xi ; CHENG Ming
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(10):901-904,909
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among college freshmen and analyze their influencing factors, so as to provide insights into the prevention and intervention of depressive symptoms among college students.
Methods:
The freshmen enrolled in a college of Hunan Province from 2020 to 2022 were recruited, and demographic data, diet and sleep status were collected using questionnaire surveys. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Factors affecting depressive symptoms were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
Totally 17 862 questionnaires were allocated, and 16 480 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 92.26%. There were 3 374 students of 2020 cohort, 7 038 students of 2021 cohort and 6 068 students of 2022 cohort, 6 029 boys (36.58%) and 10 451 girls (63.42%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms among freshmen was 41.37%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that female (OR=1.482, 95%CI: 1.377-1.594), enrolling through the college entrance examination (OR=1.561, 95%CI: 1.384-1.809), depression history (OR=1.990, 95%CI: 1.513-2.618), abnormal marital status of parents (divorced, OR=1.197, 95%CI: 1.064-1.348; other problem, OR=1.401, 95%CI: 1.174-1.672), abnormal diet (mild, OR=2.883, 95%CI: 2.585-3.105; moderate, OR=6.755, 95%CI: 4.653-9.808; severe, OR=38.897, 95%CI: 12.200-124.012) and abnormal sleep (mild, OR=2.785, 95%CI: 2.593-2.992; moderate, OR=9.009, 95%CI: 7.011-11.578; severe, OR=29.281, 95%CI: 14.163-60.536) were associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms among college freshmen.
Conclusion
The prevalence of depressive symptoms among college freshmen is relatively high, and is influenced by gender, mode of admission, history of depression, parental marital status, diet and sleep.
8.Exploring the risk "time interval window" of sequential medication of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection based on the correlation between biochemical indexes and metabolomics characteristics
Ming-liang ZHANG ; Yu-long CHEN ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Xiao-fei CHEN ; Hui ZHANG ; Ya-li WU ; Liu-qing YANG ; Shu-qi ZHANG ; Lu NIU ; Ke-ran FENG ; Wei-xia LI ; Jin-fa TANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(7):2098-2107
Exploring the risk "time interval window" of sequential medication of Reduning injection (RDN) and penicillin G injection (PG) by detecting the correlation between serum biochemical indexes and plasma metabonomic characteristics, in order to reduce the risk of adverse reactions caused by the combination of RDN and PG. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). The changes of biochemical indexes in serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was determined that RDN combined with PG could cause pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) activated by complement pathway. Further investigation was carried out at different time intervals (1.5, 2, 3.5, 4, 6, and 8 h PG+RDN). It was found that sequential administration within 3.5 h could cause significant PARs. However, PARs were significantly reduced after administration interval of more than 4 h. LC-MS was used for plasma metabolomics analysis, and the levels of serum biochemical indicators and plasma metabolic profile characteristics were compared in parallel. 22 differential metabolites showed similar or opposite trends to biochemical indicators before and after 3.5 h. And enriched to 10 PARs-related pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. In conclusion, there is a risk "time interval window" phenomenon in the adverse drug reactions caused by the sequential use of RDN and PG, and the interval medication after the "time interval window" can significantly reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
9.Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution Types of Nonspecific Low Back Pain and the Influencing Factors for the Thickness of Ligamentum Flavum
Zhou-Hang ZHENG ; Yu ZHANG ; Long CHEN ; Dong-Chun YOU ; Wei-Feng GUO ; Xing-Ming LIU ; Huan CHEN ; Rong-Hai WU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(5):1103-1108
Objective To investigate the distribution of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution types in the patients with nonspecific low back pain(NLBP)and to explore the correlation of the thickness of ligamentum flavum with the age,body mass index(BMI),gender,the presence of diabetes mellitus,and the grading of hypertension.Methods Sixty patients with NLBP admitted to Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2023 to June 2023 were selected as the study subjects.The TCM constitution types of the patients were identified,the thickness of the ligamentum flavum at lumbar vertebrae 4/5 segment(L4/5)disc level was measured by computerized tomography(CT)scanning,and the patients'age,genders,TCM constitution types,BMI,the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus,and hypertension grading were recorded.Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used for the exploration of the relevant influencing factors for the thickness of the ligamentum flavum of patients with NLBP.Results(1)The average thickness of ligamentum flavum in the 60 patients with NLBP was(2.60±0.72)mm.(2)The TCM constitutions of NLBP patients were classified into four types,of which blood stasis constitution was the most common,accounting for 21 cases(35.0%),followed by 19 cases(31.7%)of damp-heat constitution,12 cases(20.0%)of phlegm-damp constitution,and 8 cases(13.3%)of qi deficiency constitution.(3)The results of correlation analysis showed that BMI,gender,TCM constitution type and the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus had no influence on the thickness of ligamentum flavum in NLBP patients(P>0.05),while the age and hypertension grading had an influence on the thickness of ligamentum flavum(P<0.01).(4)The results of linear regression analysis showed that the age had an influence on the thickness of the ligamentum flavum(b = 0.034,t = 6.282,P<0.01),while the influence of the hypertension grading had no influence on the thickness of the ligamentum flavum(P>0.05).Conclusion The TCM constitution type of NLBP patients is predominated by blood stasis constitution,the thickness of ligamentum flavum is significantly affected by the age,and hypertension may be a potential factor affecting the thickness of ligamentum flavum.
10.Clinical Efficacy of"Triple-posture Positive Bone-setting"Chiropractic Manipulation Combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula for the Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis of Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Type
Long CHEN ; Zhou-Hang ZHENG ; Yu ZHANG ; Meng-Shu WANG ; Zhao-Yuan ZHANG ; Wei-Feng GUO ; Huan CHEN ; Xing-Ming LIU ; Dong-Chun YOU ; Rong-Hai WU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(6):1450-1456
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS)with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Methods Sixty patients with LSS of qi deficiency and blood stasis type were randomly divided into trial group and control group,with 30 cases in each group.The trial group was treated with"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation(a chiropractic manipulation performed under the positive cooperation of the patients at three postures)combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula,while the control group was treated with"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with conventional western medicine.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 4 weeks.Before and after treatment,the patients of the two groups were observed in the changes of pain visual analogue scale(VAS)score,Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)score of lumbar function,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)score,straight-leg raising test results and serum interleukin 6(IL-6)and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the trial group was 96.67%(29/30)and that of the control group was 63.33%(19/30).The intergroup comparison(tested by Fisher's exact test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the lumbar function indicators of pain VAS scores and ODI scores in the trial group were significantly lower(P<0.05),and the JOA scores were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),while in the control group,only the ODI scores were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of VAS and ODI scores and the increase of JOA scores in the trial group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the Laseque s sign of the trial group was significantly improved compared with that before treatment(P<0.05),while no significant improvement was presented in the control group(P>0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the improvement of Laseque's sign in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,the levels of serum inflammatory factors of IL-6 and CRP in the two groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of serum IL-6 level in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05),but CRP level in the two groups after treatment did not differ from that before treatment,no statistically significant difference was shown between the two groups after treatment,either(P>0.05).(5)The incidence of adverse reactions in the trial group was 6.67%(2/30)and that in the control group was 13.33%(4/30),and the intergroup comparison(by Fisher's exact test)showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The therapeutic effect of"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula exert certain effect for the treatment of LSS patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,and it has more obvious advantages in improving the lumbar function,promoting the rehabilitation of the patients,and lowering the level of serum inflammatory factors than"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with conventional western medication.


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