Voluntary participation of hemiplegic patients is crucial for functional electrical stimulation therapy.A wearable functional electrical stimulation system has been proposed for real-time volitional hand motor functio...Voluntary participation of hemiplegic patients is crucial for functional electrical stimulation therapy.A wearable functional electrical stimulation system has been proposed for real-time volitional hand motor function control using the electromyography bridge method.Through a series of novel design concepts,including the integration of a detecting circuit and an analog-to-digital converter,a miniaturized functional electrical stimulation circuit technique,a low-power super-regeneration chip for wireless receiving,and two wearable armbands,a prototype system has been established with reduced size,power,and overall cost.Based on wrist joint torque reproduction and classification experiments performed on six healthy subjects,the optimized surface electromyography thresholds and trained logistic regression classifier parameters were statistically chosen to establish wrist and hand motion control with high accuracy.Test results showed that wrist flexion/extension,hand grasp,and finger extension could be reproduced with high accuracy and low latency.This system can build a bridge of information transmission between healthy limbs and paralyzed limbs,effectively improve voluntary participation of hemiplegic patients,and elevate efficiency of rehabilitation training.展开更多
Gait recognition is the key question of functional electrical stimulation (FES) system control for paraplegic walking. A new risk-tendency-graph (RTG) method was proposed to recognize the stability information in FES-...Gait recognition is the key question of functional electrical stimulation (FES) system control for paraplegic walking. A new risk-tendency-graph (RTG) method was proposed to recognize the stability information in FES-assisted walking gait. The main instrument was a specialized walker dynamometer system based on a multi-channel strain-gauge bridge network fixed on the walker frame. During walking process, this system collected the reaction forces between patient's upper extremities and walker and converted them into RTG morphologic curves of dynamic gait stability in temporal and spatial domains. To demonstrate the potential usefulness of RTG, preliminary clinical trials were done with paraplegic patients. The gait stability levels of two walking cases with 4- and 12-week FES training from one subject were quantified (0.43 and 0.19) from the results of temporal and spatial RTG. Relevant instable phases in gait cycle and dangerous inclinations of patient's body during walking process were also brought forward. In conclusion, the new RTG method is practical for distinguishing more useful gait stability information for FES system control.展开更多
An extra-cochlear stimulation system has been investigated as a less invasive alternative to conventional cochlear implant;however, the system is used primarily as a speech-reading aid. The purpose of this study was t...An extra-cochlear stimulation system has been investigated as a less invasive alternative to conventional cochlear implant;however, the system is used primarily as a speech-reading aid. The purpose of this study was to develop a speech encoding scheme for the extra-cochlear stimulation system to convey intelligible speech. A click-modulated speech sound (CMS) was created as a simulation of the extra-cochlear stimulation system. The CMS is a repetitive click with a repetition rate similar to the formant frequency transition of an original sound. Seven native Japanese speakers with normal hearing participated in the experiment. After listening to the CMS, synthesized from low familiarity Japanese words, the subjects reported their perceptions. The results showed that the rates of correctly identified vowels and consonants were significantly higher than those of the control stimulus, suggesting that the CMS can generate at least partially intelligible vowel and consonant perceptions. In all, the speech encoding scheme could be applied to the extra-cochlear stimulation system to restore speech perception.展开更多
An inexpensive stimulation system for recording eye-blink responses elicited by taste stimuli has been developed using a manually controlled syringe and tasimetric sensor. The system requires neither an intra-oral dev...An inexpensive stimulation system for recording eye-blink responses elicited by taste stimuli has been developed using a manually controlled syringe and tasimetric sensor. The system requires neither an intra-oral device nor clamping of the head and tongue for natural eye-blink responses. The data recorded by the system have a high temporal resolution that is likely to be sufficient for the analysis of eye-blink responses based on video recordings.展开更多
The traditional acoustic stimulation used for auditory evoked EEG potentials(AERs) is always short sound and short tone,and the light stimulation for visuallyevoked EEG potentials (VEPs) is always flash.However,these ...The traditional acoustic stimulation used for auditory evoked EEG potentials(AERs) is always short sound and short tone,and the light stimulation for visuallyevoked EEG potentials (VEPs) is always flash.However,these signals are com-posed of various frequencies and cannot keep the intensity for fairly an enough展开更多
Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques offer promising therapeutic and regenerative prospects in neurological diseases by modulating brain activity and improving cognitive and motor functions.Given the paucity of kn...Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques offer promising therapeutic and regenerative prospects in neurological diseases by modulating brain activity and improving cognitive and motor functions.Given the paucity of knowledge about the underlying modes of action and optimal treatment modalities,a thorough translational investigation of noninvasive brain stimulation in preclinical animal models is urgently needed.Thus,we reviewed the current literature on the mechanistic underpinnings of noninvasive brain stimulation in models of central nervous system impairment,with a particular emphasis on traumatic brain injury and stroke.Due to the lack of translational models in most noninvasive brain stimulation techniques proposed,we found this review to the most relevant techniques used in humans,i.e.,transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation.We searched the literature in Pub Med,encompassing the MEDLINE and PMC databases,for studies published between January 1,2020 and September 30,2024.Thirty-five studies were eligible.Transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation demonstrated distinct strengths in augmenting rehabilitation post-stroke and traumatic brain injury,with emerging mechanistic evidence.Overall,we identified neuronal,inflammatory,microvascular,and apoptotic pathways highlighted in the literature.This review also highlights a lack of translational surrogate parameters to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and their clinical translation.展开更多
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is a well-established therapeutic approach for chronic wounds.Conventionally,NMES involves direct electrode contact with wounds or adjacent healthy skin;however,it is limited ...Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is a well-established therapeutic approach for chronic wounds.Conventionally,NMES involves direct electrode contact with wounds or adjacent healthy skin;however,it is limited by the need for wound exposure and by increased pain.Our preliminary study demonstrated the innovative application of remote NMES(rNMES)to the skeletal muscle of the distal calf,which showed the potential to accelerate wound healing in remote areas.rNMES was effective in human clinical trials in our previous work,although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.As rNMES is often used to stimulate muscle contraction in long-term bedridden patients,we analyzed data from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and found that exercise promotes midkine(MDK)expression in muscle.MDK is a small secreted heparin-binding protein that interacts with multiple cell surface receptors to promote growth.In the present study,we found that MDK significantly enhanced macrophage efferocytosis in a low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1)-dependent manner.Our findings demonstrate that rNMES upregulates MDK expression in skeletal muscles through the AMPK-ERK axis,facilitating its delivery to wounds through the circulatory system and promoting LRP1-mediated efferocytosis of apoptotic cells,thereby expediting wound healing.展开更多
BACKGROUND Trichotillomania is a challenging to treat psychiatric disorder,with limited evidence for pharmacotherapy.Treatment typically involves medication,cognitive behavioral therapy,and behavioral interventions.Re...BACKGROUND Trichotillomania is a challenging to treat psychiatric disorder,with limited evidence for pharmacotherapy.Treatment typically involves medication,cognitive behavioral therapy,and behavioral interventions.Recently,transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)has emerged as a potential treatment strategy.AIM To assess the role of TMS in treating trichotillomania.METHODS A systematic search using specific terms was done in PubMed and Scopus databases for articles published until May 17,2024,related to trichotillomania and TMS.The search included randomized controlled trials,open-label studies,case series,case reports,and retrospective chart reviews,following the Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guideline.RESULTS We identified 32 articles(6 in PubMed and 26 in Scopus).After removing duplicates and articles that did not meet the selection criteria,we conducted a final analysis of four articles.These included one retrospective study,two case series,and one case study,with a total of 22 patients diagnosed with trichotillomania enrolled across all four studies.The brain areas targeted were the supplementary motor area(SMA),pre-SMA,and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.The studies reported an improvement in the severity of symptoms of trichotillomania in the majority of patients with negligible side effects.Nevertheless,it is important to note that the existing studies are mostly of low to moderate quality.CONCLUSION Early evidence suggests repetitive TMS and accelerated continuous theta burst stimulation can help treat trichotillomania adjunctively to other treatments.展开更多
BACKGROUND Working memory serves as a fundamental cognitive function that substantially impacts performance in various cognitive tasks.Extensive neurophysiological research has established that theta oscillations(4-8 ...BACKGROUND Working memory serves as a fundamental cognitive function that substantially impacts performance in various cognitive tasks.Extensive neurophysiological research has established that theta oscillations(4-8 Hz)play an essential role in supporting working memory operations.Theta-band transcranial alternating current stimulation(tACS)offers a potential mechanism for working memory enhancement through direct modulation of these fundamental neural oscillations.Nevertheless,current empirical evidence shows substantial variability in the observed effects of theta-tACS across studies.AIM To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of thetatACS on working memory performance in healthy adults.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science up to March 10,2025.Effect sizes were computed using Hedges’g with 95%confidence intervals(CIs),with separate meta-analyses for all included studies and for distinct working memory paradigms[n-back and delayed matchto-sample(DMTS)tasks]to examine potential task-specific effects.Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to evaluate the influence of key moderating variables.RESULTS The systematic review included 21 studies(67 effect sizes).Initial meta-analysis showed theta-tACS moderately improved working memory(Hedges’g=0.405,95%CI:0.212-0.598).However,this effect became nonsignificant after correcting for publication bias(trim-and-fill adjusted Hedges’g=0.082,95%CI:-0.052 to 0.217).Task-specific analyses revealed significant benefits in n-back tasks(Hedges’g=0.463,95%CI:0.193-0.733)but not in DMTS tasks(Hedges’g=0.257,95%CI:-0.186 to 0.553).Moderator analyses showed that performance in n-back tasks was influenced by stimulation frequency(P=0.001),concurrent status(P=0.014),task modality(P=0.005),and duration(P=0.013),whereas only the region of targeted stimulation(P=0.012)moderated DMTS tasks.CONCLUSION Theta-tACS enhances working memory in healthy adults,with effects modulated by the task type and protocol parameters,offering dual implications for cognitive enhancement and clinical interventions.展开更多
This study elucidates the findings of a computational investigation into the stimulation characteristics of natural reservoir systems enhanced by high-voltage electropulse-assisted fluid injection.The presented method...This study elucidates the findings of a computational investigation into the stimulation characteristics of natural reservoir systems enhanced by high-voltage electropulse-assisted fluid injection.The presented methodology delineates the comprehensive rock-fracturing process induced by electropulse and subsequent fluid injection,encompassing the discharge circuit,plasma channel formation,shockwave propagation,and hydro-mechanical response.A hydromechanical model incorporating an anisotropic plastic damage constitutive law,discrete fracture networks,and heterogeneous distribution is developed to represent the natural reservoir system.The results demonstrate that high-voltage electropulse effectively generates intricate fracture networks,significantly enhances the hydraulic properties of reservoir systems,and mitigates the adverse impact of ground stress on fracturing.The stimulationenhancing effect of electropulse is observed to intensify with increasing discharge voltage,with enhancements of 118.0%,139.5%,and 169.0%corresponding to discharge voltages of 20 kV,40 kV,and 60 kV,respectively.Additionally,a high-voltage electropulse with an initial voltage of U_(0)=80 kV and capacitance C=5μF has been shown to augment the efficiency of injection activation to approximately 201.1%compared to scenarios without electropulse.Under the influence of high-voltage electropulse,the fluid pressure distribution diverges from the conventional single direction of maximum stress,extending over larger areas.These innovative methods and findings hold potential implications for optimizing reservoir stimulation in geo-energy engineering.展开更多
[Objectives]To evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)on neurophysiological outcomes in patients with acute stroke.[Methods]A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed...[Objectives]To evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)on neurophysiological outcomes in patients with acute stroke.[Methods]A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science,the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL),and CINAHL databases up to March 1,2025.Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and clinical controlled trials(CCTs)involving adult patients(≥18 years)with acute ischemic stroke(within 2 weeks of onset)who received rTMS intervention were included.Data on motor evoked potential(MEP)amplitude,resting motor threshold(RMT),and central motor conduction time(CMCT)were extracted.The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 18.0,with standardized mean differences(SMDs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs)calculated.Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I^(2)statistic.[Results]Eight studies involving 932 identified records met the inclusion criteria.Meta-analysis revealed that rTMS significantly increased MEP amplitude(Hedges'g=0.77,95%CI:0.52-1.02,P<0.01)and reduced RMT(Hedges g=-1.13,95%CI:-1.63 to-0.62,P<0.01)in the lesioned hemisphere,indicating enhanced corticospinal excitability.No significant effects were observed on MEP amplitude or RMT in the unaffected hemisphere.Additionally,rTMS did not significantly alter CMCT in either hemisphere.Heterogeneity was low to moderate for most outcomes,and no significant publication bias was detected.[Conclusions]rTMS is a safe and effective intervention for improving corticospinal excitability and motor recovery in patients with acute stroke.Both high-frequency stimulation of the ipsilesional hemisphere and low-frequency stimulation of the contralesional hemisphere have demonstrated beneficial effects,supporting the interhemispheric inhibition model.Future large-scale,multi-center RCTs are needed to optimize rTMS parameters and establish standardized treatment protocols for acute stroke rehabilitation.展开更多
Although previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation protects the ischemic brain,clear criteria for the stimulation time window and intensity are lacking.Electrical impedance to...Although previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation protects the ischemic brain,clear criteria for the stimulation time window and intensity are lacking.Electrical impedance tomography enables real-time monitoring of changes in cerebral blood perfusion within the ischemic brain,but investigating the feasibility of using this method to assess post-stroke rehabilitation in vivo remains critical.In this study,ischemic stroke was induced in rats through middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery.Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation was used to treat the rat model of ischemia,and electrical impedance tomography was used to measure impedance during both the acute stage of ischemia and the rehabilitation stage following the stimulation.Electrical impedance tomography results indicated that cerebral impedance increased after the onset of ischemia and decreased following transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation.Furthermore,the stimulation promoted motor function recovery,reduced cerebral infarction volume in the rat model of ischemic stroke,and induced the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the ischemic brain.Our results also revealed a significant correlation between the impedance of the ischemic brain post-intervention and improvements in behavioral scores and infarct volume.This study shows that daily administration of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation for 20 minutes to the ischemic hemisphere 24 hours after cerebral ischemia enhanced motor recovery in a rat model of ischemia.Additionally,our findings indicate that electrical impedance tomography can serve as a valuable tool for quantitatively evaluating rehabilitation after ischemic stroke in vivo.These findings suggest the feasibility of using impedance data collected via electrical impedance tomography to clinically assess the effects of rehabilitatory interventions for patients with ischemic stroke.展开更多
The continuous extension of human life expectancy and the global trend of population aging have contributed to a marked increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases,with fractures and osteoporosis being promi...The continuous extension of human life expectancy and the global trend of population aging have contributed to a marked increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases,with fractures and osteoporosis being prominent examples.Consequently,promoting bone regeneration is a crucial medical challenge that demands immediate attention.As early as the mid-20th century,researchers revealed that electrical stimulation could effectively promote the healing and regeneration of bone tissue.This is achieved by mimicking the endogenous electric field within bone tissue,which influences cellular behavior and molecular mechanisms.In recent years,electroactive hydrogels responsive to electric field stimulation have been developed and applied to regulate cell functions at different stages of bone regeneration.This paper elaborates on the regulatory effects of electrical stimulation on MSCs,macrophages,and vascular endothelial cells during the process of bone regeneration.It also involves the activation of relevant ion channels and signaling pathways.Subsequently,it comprehensively reviews various electric-field-responsive hydrogels developed in recent years,covering aspects such as material selection,preparation methods,characteristics,and their applications in bone regeneration.Ultimately,it provides an objective summary of the existing deficiencies in hydrogel materials and research,and looks ahead to future development directions.展开更多
Chronic pain following a spinal cord injury refers to pain that persists or recurs after the injury.This pain can manifest as burning,stinging,or sensations similar to electric shocks.Recent studies have shown that sp...Chronic pain following a spinal cord injury refers to pain that persists or recurs after the injury.This pain can manifest as burning,stinging,or sensations similar to electric shocks.Recent studies have shown that spinal cord stimulation is an effective way to treat chronic pain after spinal cord injury.The purpose of this review is to introduce the technique of spinal cord stimulation,the clinical manifestations of spinal cord injury,and the role of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of spinal cord injury.The mechanism and clinical application of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of pain after spinal cord injury are discussed.The mechanism of spinal cord stimulation primarily involves three aspects:neuromodulation,neurochemical regulation,and anti-inflammatory effects,along with nerve repair.In terms of neuromodulation,spinal cord stimulation is based on the gate control theory of pain.It activates large-diameter amyloid-βnerve fibers to promote the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters by gamma-aminobutyric acidergic inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord,thereby blocking the transmission of pain signals from small-diameter C fibers.Neurochemical studies indicate that spinal cord stimulation can regulate the balance of neurotransmitters within the spinal cord,increasing the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid,serotonin,and acetylcholine while reducing the levels of excitatory neurotransmitters.Additionally,spinal cord stimulation exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects,downregulating pro-inflammatory factor levels,upregulating anti-inflammatory factor expression,alleviating neuroinflammatory responses,and repairing damaged neural circuits by promoting the secretion of neurotrophic factors and axonal regeneration.Spinal cord stimulation have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the clinical treatment of pain after spinal cord injury,but there are still limitations such as small sample size and high heterogeneity in clinical studies,as well as insufficient long-term efficacy data.Future research should conduct multi-center large-sample randomized controlled trials,and establish long-term follow-up mechanisms to improve evidence-based medical evidence.展开更多
Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize...Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize electrical stimulation to directly or indirectly target specific brain regions,modulating neural activity and influencing broader brain networks,thereby regulating cognitive function.Regulating cognitive function involves an understanding of aspects such as perception,learning and memory,attention,spatial cognition,and physical function.To enhance the application of cognitive regulation in the general population,this paper reviews recent publications from the Web of Science to assess the advancements and challenges of invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods in modulating cognitive functions.This review covers various neuromodulation techniques for cognitive intervention,including deep brain stimulation,vagus nerve stimulation,and invasive methods using microelectrode arrays.The non-invasive techniques discussed include transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial direct current stimulation,transcranial alternating current stimulation,transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation,and time interference stimulation for activating deep targets.Invasive stimulation methods,which are ideal for studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,tend to cause greater trauma and have been less researched in the context of cognitive function regulation.Non-invasive methods,particularly newer transcranial stimulation techniques,are gentler and more appropriate for regulating cognitive functions in the general population.These include transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation using acupoints and time interference methods for activating deep targets.This paper also discusses current technical challenges and potential future breakthroughs in neuromodulation technology.It is recommended that neuromodulation techniques be combined with neural detection methods to better assess their effects and improve the accuracy of non-invasive neuromodulation.Additionally,researching closed-loop feedback neuromodulation methods is identified as a promising direction for future development.展开更多
Brain lesions,such as those caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury(TBI),frequently result in persistent motor and cognitive impairments that significantly affect the individual patient's quality of life.Despit...Brain lesions,such as those caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury(TBI),frequently result in persistent motor and cognitive impairments that significantly affect the individual patient's quality of life.Despite differences in the mechanisms of injury,both conditions share a high prevalence of motor and cognitive impairments.These deficits show only limited natural recovery.展开更多
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of cognitive disorder,and there is an urgent need to develop more effective,targeted and safer therapies for patients with this condition.Deep brain stimulation is an in...Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of cognitive disorder,and there is an urgent need to develop more effective,targeted and safer therapies for patients with this condition.Deep brain stimulation is an invasive surgical treatment that modulates abnormal neural activity by implanting electrodes into specific brain areas followed by electrical stimulation.As an emerging therapeutic approach,deep brain stimulation shows significant promise as a potential new therapy for Alzheimer's disease.Here,we review the potential mechanisms and therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease based on existing clinical and basic research.In clinical studies,the most commonly targeted sites include the fornix,the nucleus basalis of Meynert,and the ventral capsule/ventral striatum.Basic research has found that the most frequently targeted areas include the fornix,nucleus basalis of Meynert,hippocampus,entorhinal cortex,and rostral intralaminar thalamic nucleus.All of these individual targets exhibit therapeutic potential for patients with Alzheimer's disease and associated mechanisms of action have been investigated.Deep brain stimulation may exert therapeutic effects on Alzheimer's disease through various mechanisms,including reducing the deposition of amyloid-β,activation of the cholinergic system,increasing the levels of neurotrophic factors,enhancing synaptic activity and plasticity,promoting neurogenesis,and improving glucose metabolism.Currently,clinical trials investigating deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease remain insufficient.In the future,it is essential to focus on translating preclinical mechanisms into clinical trials.Furthermore,consecutive follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease,including cognitive function,neuropsychiatric symptoms,quality of life and changes in Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.Researchers must also prioritize the initiation of multi-center clinical trials of deep brain stimulation with large sample sizes and target earlier therapeutic windows,such as the prodromal and even the preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease.Adopting these approaches will permit the efficient exploration of more effective and safer deep brain stimulation therapies for patients with Alzheimer's disease.展开更多
Osteoarthritis is among the leading causes of disability worldwide,and no pharmacological therapies currently exist to reverse its progression.This lack of therapies is primarily attributed to the inadequacies of conv...Osteoarthritis is among the leading causes of disability worldwide,and no pharmacological therapies currently exist to reverse its progression.This lack of therapies is primarily attributed to the inadequacies of conventional in vitro models of joint physiology and pathology,which significantly hinder advancements in disease mechanism research and drug development.As an emerging in vitro joint model,joint-on-a-chip(JoC)technology allows low-cost,efficient simulation of physiological and pathological joint activities,making it a focal point of current research.Cartilage,subchondral bone,and synovium are among the key tissues required for constructing in vitro joint models,with cartilage playing a central load-bearing role in joint movement.This article provides a detailed overview of the structure and function of these tissues,with an emphasis on the load-bearing mechanisms of cartilage,and identifies the microenvironmental characteristics that JoC should aim to replicate.Subsequently,we review the current types of JoC and highlight their core challenge:the seamless integration of multi-tissue co-culture with specific mechanical stimulation.To address this issue,we propose potential solutions and present a conceptual design for a JoC prototype.Finally,we discuss the challenges and issues related to the outlook for JoC.Our ultimate goal is to develop a JoC capable of replicating the key microenvironments of joints,serving as a high-performance in vitro joint model to advance the study of disease mechanisms and facilitate drug development.展开更多
Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a non-invasive technique that modifies cortical excitability and induces neuroplasticity using low-intensity electrical currents.Nuclear medicine technologies like posit...Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a non-invasive technique that modifies cortical excitability and induces neuroplasticity using low-intensity electrical currents.Nuclear medicine technologies like positron emission tomography(PET)and single-photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)can quantify cerebral metabolism and other dynamics.Evidence suggests that combining tDCS with these imaging methods enhances understanding and outcomes for neurological and psychiatric conditions.This review highlights how nuclear medicine can objectively characterize tDCS eff ects,map network modulation,and identify predictive biomarkers.PET and SPECT indicate changes in glucose metabolism and neurotransmitter activity post-tDCS,demonstrating their value in validation.While the co-application of these methodologies is still in conceptual stages,their integration may advance precision neuromodulation and inform rehabilitation strategies.展开更多
Phrenic nerve stimulation(PNS)may preserve diaphragm activation and mitigate multiorgan injury during mechanical ventilation(MV);however,a minimal invasive rat model integrating PNS with MV is lacking.We established a...Phrenic nerve stimulation(PNS)may preserve diaphragm activation and mitigate multiorgan injury during mechanical ventilation(MV);however,a minimal invasive rat model integrating PNS with MV is lacking.We established an omohyoid muscle-based PNS rat model combined with MV.Bilateral nerves were exposed within 20±2 min by transection at the intermediate tendon of omohyoid muscle,minimizing trauma and bleeding.Threshold stimulation(0.6±0.2 mA)correlated with body weight.Ventilator-synchronized stimulation increased compound muscle action potentials by~30%,whereas histology confirmed intact nerve.Physiological parameters remained stable throughout ventilation.This model provides a safe and scalable platform for mechanistic and preclinical studies on PNS-mediated protection against MV-induced organ injury.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.90307013,90707005,61534003the Science&Technology Pillar Program of Jiangsu Province in China,No.BE2013706
文摘Voluntary participation of hemiplegic patients is crucial for functional electrical stimulation therapy.A wearable functional electrical stimulation system has been proposed for real-time volitional hand motor function control using the electromyography bridge method.Through a series of novel design concepts,including the integration of a detecting circuit and an analog-to-digital converter,a miniaturized functional electrical stimulation circuit technique,a low-power super-regeneration chip for wireless receiving,and two wearable armbands,a prototype system has been established with reduced size,power,and overall cost.Based on wrist joint torque reproduction and classification experiments performed on six healthy subjects,the optimized surface electromyography thresholds and trained logistic regression classifier parameters were statistically chosen to establish wrist and hand motion control with high accuracy.Test results showed that wrist flexion/extension,hand grasp,and finger extension could be reproduced with high accuracy and low latency.This system can build a bridge of information transmission between healthy limbs and paralyzed limbs,effectively improve voluntary participation of hemiplegic patients,and elevate efficiency of rehabilitation training.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.60501005)Key Programof Tianjin Science Technology Support Plan(No.2007-68)
文摘Gait recognition is the key question of functional electrical stimulation (FES) system control for paraplegic walking. A new risk-tendency-graph (RTG) method was proposed to recognize the stability information in FES-assisted walking gait. The main instrument was a specialized walker dynamometer system based on a multi-channel strain-gauge bridge network fixed on the walker frame. During walking process, this system collected the reaction forces between patient's upper extremities and walker and converted them into RTG morphologic curves of dynamic gait stability in temporal and spatial domains. To demonstrate the potential usefulness of RTG, preliminary clinical trials were done with paraplegic patients. The gait stability levels of two walking cases with 4- and 12-week FES training from one subject were quantified (0.43 and 0.19) from the results of temporal and spatial RTG. Relevant instable phases in gait cycle and dangerous inclinations of patient's body during walking process were also brought forward. In conclusion, the new RTG method is practical for distinguishing more useful gait stability information for FES system control.
文摘An extra-cochlear stimulation system has been investigated as a less invasive alternative to conventional cochlear implant;however, the system is used primarily as a speech-reading aid. The purpose of this study was to develop a speech encoding scheme for the extra-cochlear stimulation system to convey intelligible speech. A click-modulated speech sound (CMS) was created as a simulation of the extra-cochlear stimulation system. The CMS is a repetitive click with a repetition rate similar to the formant frequency transition of an original sound. Seven native Japanese speakers with normal hearing participated in the experiment. After listening to the CMS, synthesized from low familiarity Japanese words, the subjects reported their perceptions. The results showed that the rates of correctly identified vowels and consonants were significantly higher than those of the control stimulus, suggesting that the CMS can generate at least partially intelligible vowel and consonant perceptions. In all, the speech encoding scheme could be applied to the extra-cochlear stimulation system to restore speech perception.
文摘An inexpensive stimulation system for recording eye-blink responses elicited by taste stimuli has been developed using a manually controlled syringe and tasimetric sensor. The system requires neither an intra-oral device nor clamping of the head and tongue for natural eye-blink responses. The data recorded by the system have a high temporal resolution that is likely to be sufficient for the analysis of eye-blink responses based on video recordings.
文摘The traditional acoustic stimulation used for auditory evoked EEG potentials(AERs) is always short sound and short tone,and the light stimulation for visuallyevoked EEG potentials (VEPs) is always flash.However,these signals are com-posed of various frequencies and cannot keep the intensity for fairly an enough
基金funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG,German Research Foundation):project ID 431549029-SFB 1451the Marga-und-Walter-Boll-Stiftung(#210-10-15)(to MAR)a stipend from the'Gerok Program'(Faculty of Medicine,University of Cologne,Germany)。
文摘Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques offer promising therapeutic and regenerative prospects in neurological diseases by modulating brain activity and improving cognitive and motor functions.Given the paucity of knowledge about the underlying modes of action and optimal treatment modalities,a thorough translational investigation of noninvasive brain stimulation in preclinical animal models is urgently needed.Thus,we reviewed the current literature on the mechanistic underpinnings of noninvasive brain stimulation in models of central nervous system impairment,with a particular emphasis on traumatic brain injury and stroke.Due to the lack of translational models in most noninvasive brain stimulation techniques proposed,we found this review to the most relevant techniques used in humans,i.e.,transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation.We searched the literature in Pub Med,encompassing the MEDLINE and PMC databases,for studies published between January 1,2020 and September 30,2024.Thirty-five studies were eligible.Transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation demonstrated distinct strengths in augmenting rehabilitation post-stroke and traumatic brain injury,with emerging mechanistic evidence.Overall,we identified neuronal,inflammatory,microvascular,and apoptotic pathways highlighted in the literature.This review also highlights a lack of translational surrogate parameters to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and their clinical translation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82271252 to W.L.,No.8217091029 to T.W.and No.82204542 to L.H.)the Key Medical Research Projects of Jiangsu Health and Health Commission(Grant No.K2023066 to L.Z.)the Taishan Industrial Talent Project(Grant No.2020-371722-73-03-097290 to W.L.).
文摘Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is a well-established therapeutic approach for chronic wounds.Conventionally,NMES involves direct electrode contact with wounds or adjacent healthy skin;however,it is limited by the need for wound exposure and by increased pain.Our preliminary study demonstrated the innovative application of remote NMES(rNMES)to the skeletal muscle of the distal calf,which showed the potential to accelerate wound healing in remote areas.rNMES was effective in human clinical trials in our previous work,although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.As rNMES is often used to stimulate muscle contraction in long-term bedridden patients,we analyzed data from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and found that exercise promotes midkine(MDK)expression in muscle.MDK is a small secreted heparin-binding protein that interacts with multiple cell surface receptors to promote growth.In the present study,we found that MDK significantly enhanced macrophage efferocytosis in a low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1)-dependent manner.Our findings demonstrate that rNMES upregulates MDK expression in skeletal muscles through the AMPK-ERK axis,facilitating its delivery to wounds through the circulatory system and promoting LRP1-mediated efferocytosis of apoptotic cells,thereby expediting wound healing.
文摘BACKGROUND Trichotillomania is a challenging to treat psychiatric disorder,with limited evidence for pharmacotherapy.Treatment typically involves medication,cognitive behavioral therapy,and behavioral interventions.Recently,transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)has emerged as a potential treatment strategy.AIM To assess the role of TMS in treating trichotillomania.METHODS A systematic search using specific terms was done in PubMed and Scopus databases for articles published until May 17,2024,related to trichotillomania and TMS.The search included randomized controlled trials,open-label studies,case series,case reports,and retrospective chart reviews,following the Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guideline.RESULTS We identified 32 articles(6 in PubMed and 26 in Scopus).After removing duplicates and articles that did not meet the selection criteria,we conducted a final analysis of four articles.These included one retrospective study,two case series,and one case study,with a total of 22 patients diagnosed with trichotillomania enrolled across all four studies.The brain areas targeted were the supplementary motor area(SMA),pre-SMA,and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.The studies reported an improvement in the severity of symptoms of trichotillomania in the majority of patients with negligible side effects.Nevertheless,it is important to note that the existing studies are mostly of low to moderate quality.CONCLUSION Early evidence suggests repetitive TMS and accelerated continuous theta burst stimulation can help treat trichotillomania adjunctively to other treatments.
基金Supported by Shanghai Municipal Health Commission’s Special Clinical Research Project for the Hygiene Industry,No.20244Y0041Youth Initiation Fund of Naval Medical University,No.2023QN028 and No.2023QN030。
文摘BACKGROUND Working memory serves as a fundamental cognitive function that substantially impacts performance in various cognitive tasks.Extensive neurophysiological research has established that theta oscillations(4-8 Hz)play an essential role in supporting working memory operations.Theta-band transcranial alternating current stimulation(tACS)offers a potential mechanism for working memory enhancement through direct modulation of these fundamental neural oscillations.Nevertheless,current empirical evidence shows substantial variability in the observed effects of theta-tACS across studies.AIM To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of thetatACS on working memory performance in healthy adults.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science up to March 10,2025.Effect sizes were computed using Hedges’g with 95%confidence intervals(CIs),with separate meta-analyses for all included studies and for distinct working memory paradigms[n-back and delayed matchto-sample(DMTS)tasks]to examine potential task-specific effects.Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to evaluate the influence of key moderating variables.RESULTS The systematic review included 21 studies(67 effect sizes).Initial meta-analysis showed theta-tACS moderately improved working memory(Hedges’g=0.405,95%CI:0.212-0.598).However,this effect became nonsignificant after correcting for publication bias(trim-and-fill adjusted Hedges’g=0.082,95%CI:-0.052 to 0.217).Task-specific analyses revealed significant benefits in n-back tasks(Hedges’g=0.463,95%CI:0.193-0.733)but not in DMTS tasks(Hedges’g=0.257,95%CI:-0.186 to 0.553).Moderator analyses showed that performance in n-back tasks was influenced by stimulation frequency(P=0.001),concurrent status(P=0.014),task modality(P=0.005),and duration(P=0.013),whereas only the region of targeted stimulation(P=0.012)moderated DMTS tasks.CONCLUSION Theta-tACS enhances working memory in healthy adults,with effects modulated by the task type and protocol parameters,offering dual implications for cognitive enhancement and clinical interventions.
基金the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42077435 and 42377171).
文摘This study elucidates the findings of a computational investigation into the stimulation characteristics of natural reservoir systems enhanced by high-voltage electropulse-assisted fluid injection.The presented methodology delineates the comprehensive rock-fracturing process induced by electropulse and subsequent fluid injection,encompassing the discharge circuit,plasma channel formation,shockwave propagation,and hydro-mechanical response.A hydromechanical model incorporating an anisotropic plastic damage constitutive law,discrete fracture networks,and heterogeneous distribution is developed to represent the natural reservoir system.The results demonstrate that high-voltage electropulse effectively generates intricate fracture networks,significantly enhances the hydraulic properties of reservoir systems,and mitigates the adverse impact of ground stress on fracturing.The stimulationenhancing effect of electropulse is observed to intensify with increasing discharge voltage,with enhancements of 118.0%,139.5%,and 169.0%corresponding to discharge voltages of 20 kV,40 kV,and 60 kV,respectively.Additionally,a high-voltage electropulse with an initial voltage of U_(0)=80 kV and capacitance C=5μF has been shown to augment the efficiency of injection activation to approximately 201.1%compared to scenarios without electropulse.Under the influence of high-voltage electropulse,the fluid pressure distribution diverges from the conventional single direction of maximum stress,extending over larger areas.These innovative methods and findings hold potential implications for optimizing reservoir stimulation in geo-energy engineering.
文摘[Objectives]To evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)on neurophysiological outcomes in patients with acute stroke.[Methods]A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science,the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL),and CINAHL databases up to March 1,2025.Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and clinical controlled trials(CCTs)involving adult patients(≥18 years)with acute ischemic stroke(within 2 weeks of onset)who received rTMS intervention were included.Data on motor evoked potential(MEP)amplitude,resting motor threshold(RMT),and central motor conduction time(CMCT)were extracted.The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 18.0,with standardized mean differences(SMDs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs)calculated.Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I^(2)statistic.[Results]Eight studies involving 932 identified records met the inclusion criteria.Meta-analysis revealed that rTMS significantly increased MEP amplitude(Hedges'g=0.77,95%CI:0.52-1.02,P<0.01)and reduced RMT(Hedges g=-1.13,95%CI:-1.63 to-0.62,P<0.01)in the lesioned hemisphere,indicating enhanced corticospinal excitability.No significant effects were observed on MEP amplitude or RMT in the unaffected hemisphere.Additionally,rTMS did not significantly alter CMCT in either hemisphere.Heterogeneity was low to moderate for most outcomes,and no significant publication bias was detected.[Conclusions]rTMS is a safe and effective intervention for improving corticospinal excitability and motor recovery in patients with acute stroke.Both high-frequency stimulation of the ipsilesional hemisphere and low-frequency stimulation of the contralesional hemisphere have demonstrated beneficial effects,supporting the interhemispheric inhibition model.Future large-scale,multi-center RCTs are needed to optimize rTMS parameters and establish standardized treatment protocols for acute stroke rehabilitation.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,Nos.G2021KY05107,G2021KY05101the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32071316,32211530049+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province,No.2022-JM482the Education and Teaching Reform Funds for the Central Universities,No.23GZ230102(all to LL and HH).
文摘Although previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation protects the ischemic brain,clear criteria for the stimulation time window and intensity are lacking.Electrical impedance tomography enables real-time monitoring of changes in cerebral blood perfusion within the ischemic brain,but investigating the feasibility of using this method to assess post-stroke rehabilitation in vivo remains critical.In this study,ischemic stroke was induced in rats through middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery.Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation was used to treat the rat model of ischemia,and electrical impedance tomography was used to measure impedance during both the acute stage of ischemia and the rehabilitation stage following the stimulation.Electrical impedance tomography results indicated that cerebral impedance increased after the onset of ischemia and decreased following transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation.Furthermore,the stimulation promoted motor function recovery,reduced cerebral infarction volume in the rat model of ischemic stroke,and induced the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the ischemic brain.Our results also revealed a significant correlation between the impedance of the ischemic brain post-intervention and improvements in behavioral scores and infarct volume.This study shows that daily administration of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation for 20 minutes to the ischemic hemisphere 24 hours after cerebral ischemia enhanced motor recovery in a rat model of ischemia.Additionally,our findings indicate that electrical impedance tomography can serve as a valuable tool for quantitatively evaluating rehabilitation after ischemic stroke in vivo.These findings suggest the feasibility of using impedance data collected via electrical impedance tomography to clinically assess the effects of rehabilitatory interventions for patients with ischemic stroke.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.82272491)。
文摘The continuous extension of human life expectancy and the global trend of population aging have contributed to a marked increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases,with fractures and osteoporosis being prominent examples.Consequently,promoting bone regeneration is a crucial medical challenge that demands immediate attention.As early as the mid-20th century,researchers revealed that electrical stimulation could effectively promote the healing and regeneration of bone tissue.This is achieved by mimicking the endogenous electric field within bone tissue,which influences cellular behavior and molecular mechanisms.In recent years,electroactive hydrogels responsive to electric field stimulation have been developed and applied to regulate cell functions at different stages of bone regeneration.This paper elaborates on the regulatory effects of electrical stimulation on MSCs,macrophages,and vascular endothelial cells during the process of bone regeneration.It also involves the activation of relevant ion channels and signaling pathways.Subsequently,it comprehensively reviews various electric-field-responsive hydrogels developed in recent years,covering aspects such as material selection,preparation methods,characteristics,and their applications in bone regeneration.Ultimately,it provides an objective summary of the existing deficiencies in hydrogel materials and research,and looks ahead to future development directions.
基金supported by Key Tackling Project of the Education Department of Liaoning Province,No.2024C011the Medical-Industrial Joint Innovation Funding Project of the First Hospital of Dalian Medical University and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics,No.DMU-1&DICP UN202311(both to ZL).
文摘Chronic pain following a spinal cord injury refers to pain that persists or recurs after the injury.This pain can manifest as burning,stinging,or sensations similar to electric shocks.Recent studies have shown that spinal cord stimulation is an effective way to treat chronic pain after spinal cord injury.The purpose of this review is to introduce the technique of spinal cord stimulation,the clinical manifestations of spinal cord injury,and the role of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of spinal cord injury.The mechanism and clinical application of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of pain after spinal cord injury are discussed.The mechanism of spinal cord stimulation primarily involves three aspects:neuromodulation,neurochemical regulation,and anti-inflammatory effects,along with nerve repair.In terms of neuromodulation,spinal cord stimulation is based on the gate control theory of pain.It activates large-diameter amyloid-βnerve fibers to promote the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters by gamma-aminobutyric acidergic inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord,thereby blocking the transmission of pain signals from small-diameter C fibers.Neurochemical studies indicate that spinal cord stimulation can regulate the balance of neurotransmitters within the spinal cord,increasing the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid,serotonin,and acetylcholine while reducing the levels of excitatory neurotransmitters.Additionally,spinal cord stimulation exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects,downregulating pro-inflammatory factor levels,upregulating anti-inflammatory factor expression,alleviating neuroinflammatory responses,and repairing damaged neural circuits by promoting the secretion of neurotrophic factors and axonal regeneration.Spinal cord stimulation have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the clinical treatment of pain after spinal cord injury,but there are still limitations such as small sample size and high heterogeneity in clinical studies,as well as insufficient long-term efficacy data.Future research should conduct multi-center large-sample randomized controlled trials,and establish long-term follow-up mechanisms to improve evidence-based medical evidence.
基金supported by STI 2030-Major Projects,No.2021ZD0201603(to JL)the Joint Foundation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,No.8091A170201(to JL)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.T2293730(to XC),T2293731(to XC),T2293734(to XC),62471291(to YW),62121003(to XC),61960206012(to XC),62333020(to XC),and 62171434(to XC)the National Key Research and Development Program of China,Nos.2022YFC2402501(to XC),2022YFB3205602(to XC).
文摘Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize electrical stimulation to directly or indirectly target specific brain regions,modulating neural activity and influencing broader brain networks,thereby regulating cognitive function.Regulating cognitive function involves an understanding of aspects such as perception,learning and memory,attention,spatial cognition,and physical function.To enhance the application of cognitive regulation in the general population,this paper reviews recent publications from the Web of Science to assess the advancements and challenges of invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods in modulating cognitive functions.This review covers various neuromodulation techniques for cognitive intervention,including deep brain stimulation,vagus nerve stimulation,and invasive methods using microelectrode arrays.The non-invasive techniques discussed include transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial direct current stimulation,transcranial alternating current stimulation,transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation,and time interference stimulation for activating deep targets.Invasive stimulation methods,which are ideal for studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,tend to cause greater trauma and have been less researched in the context of cognitive function regulation.Non-invasive methods,particularly newer transcranial stimulation techniques,are gentler and more appropriate for regulating cognitive functions in the general population.These include transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation using acupoints and time interference methods for activating deep targets.This paper also discusses current technical challenges and potential future breakthroughs in neuromodulation technology.It is recommended that neuromodulation techniques be combined with neural detection methods to better assess their effects and improve the accuracy of non-invasive neuromodulation.Additionally,researching closed-loop feedback neuromodulation methods is identified as a promising direction for future development.
基金supported by the Defitech Foundation(Morges,CH)to FCHthe Bertarelli Foundation-Catalyst program(Gstaad,CH)to FCH+2 种基金the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering the Lighthouse Partnership for AI-guided Neuromodulation to FCHthe Fonds de recherche du Quebec-Sante(FRQS#342969)to CEPthe Neuro X Postdoctoral Fellowship Program to CEP。
文摘Brain lesions,such as those caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury(TBI),frequently result in persistent motor and cognitive impairments that significantly affect the individual patient's quality of life.Despite differences in the mechanisms of injury,both conditions share a high prevalence of motor and cognitive impairments.These deficits show only limited natural recovery.
基金supported by the Capital Fund for Health Improvement and Research,No.2022-2-2048(to WZ)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81970992(to WZ)+3 种基金Capital Clinical Characteristic Application Research,No.Z121107001012161(to WZ)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,No.7082032(to WZ)the Key Technology R&D Program of Beijing Municipal Education Commission,No.KZ201610025030(to WZ)Project of Scientific and Technological Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing,No.JJ2018-48(to WZ)。
文摘Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of cognitive disorder,and there is an urgent need to develop more effective,targeted and safer therapies for patients with this condition.Deep brain stimulation is an invasive surgical treatment that modulates abnormal neural activity by implanting electrodes into specific brain areas followed by electrical stimulation.As an emerging therapeutic approach,deep brain stimulation shows significant promise as a potential new therapy for Alzheimer's disease.Here,we review the potential mechanisms and therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease based on existing clinical and basic research.In clinical studies,the most commonly targeted sites include the fornix,the nucleus basalis of Meynert,and the ventral capsule/ventral striatum.Basic research has found that the most frequently targeted areas include the fornix,nucleus basalis of Meynert,hippocampus,entorhinal cortex,and rostral intralaminar thalamic nucleus.All of these individual targets exhibit therapeutic potential for patients with Alzheimer's disease and associated mechanisms of action have been investigated.Deep brain stimulation may exert therapeutic effects on Alzheimer's disease through various mechanisms,including reducing the deposition of amyloid-β,activation of the cholinergic system,increasing the levels of neurotrophic factors,enhancing synaptic activity and plasticity,promoting neurogenesis,and improving glucose metabolism.Currently,clinical trials investigating deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease remain insufficient.In the future,it is essential to focus on translating preclinical mechanisms into clinical trials.Furthermore,consecutive follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease,including cognitive function,neuropsychiatric symptoms,quality of life and changes in Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.Researchers must also prioritize the initiation of multi-center clinical trials of deep brain stimulation with large sample sizes and target earlier therapeutic windows,such as the prodromal and even the preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease.Adopting these approaches will permit the efficient exploration of more effective and safer deep brain stimulation therapies for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12202302,12272253)Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province,China(202403021223002)+1 种基金Sanjin Talents Program for Science and Technology Innovation Teams of Shanxi Province(SJYC2024493)the CUHK Peter Hung Pain Research Institute(PHPRI/2024/122)。
文摘Osteoarthritis is among the leading causes of disability worldwide,and no pharmacological therapies currently exist to reverse its progression.This lack of therapies is primarily attributed to the inadequacies of conventional in vitro models of joint physiology and pathology,which significantly hinder advancements in disease mechanism research and drug development.As an emerging in vitro joint model,joint-on-a-chip(JoC)technology allows low-cost,efficient simulation of physiological and pathological joint activities,making it a focal point of current research.Cartilage,subchondral bone,and synovium are among the key tissues required for constructing in vitro joint models,with cartilage playing a central load-bearing role in joint movement.This article provides a detailed overview of the structure and function of these tissues,with an emphasis on the load-bearing mechanisms of cartilage,and identifies the microenvironmental characteristics that JoC should aim to replicate.Subsequently,we review the current types of JoC and highlight their core challenge:the seamless integration of multi-tissue co-culture with specific mechanical stimulation.To address this issue,we propose potential solutions and present a conceptual design for a JoC prototype.Finally,we discuss the challenges and issues related to the outlook for JoC.Our ultimate goal is to develop a JoC capable of replicating the key microenvironments of joints,serving as a high-performance in vitro joint model to advance the study of disease mechanisms and facilitate drug development.
文摘Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a non-invasive technique that modifies cortical excitability and induces neuroplasticity using low-intensity electrical currents.Nuclear medicine technologies like positron emission tomography(PET)and single-photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)can quantify cerebral metabolism and other dynamics.Evidence suggests that combining tDCS with these imaging methods enhances understanding and outcomes for neurological and psychiatric conditions.This review highlights how nuclear medicine can objectively characterize tDCS eff ects,map network modulation,and identify predictive biomarkers.PET and SPECT indicate changes in glucose metabolism and neurotransmitter activity post-tDCS,demonstrating their value in validation.While the co-application of these methodologies is still in conceptual stages,their integration may advance precision neuromodulation and inform rehabilitation strategies.
基金Outstanding Young Investigator Program of Capital Medical University,Grant/Award Number:A2308。
文摘Phrenic nerve stimulation(PNS)may preserve diaphragm activation and mitigate multiorgan injury during mechanical ventilation(MV);however,a minimal invasive rat model integrating PNS with MV is lacking.We established an omohyoid muscle-based PNS rat model combined with MV.Bilateral nerves were exposed within 20±2 min by transection at the intermediate tendon of omohyoid muscle,minimizing trauma and bleeding.Threshold stimulation(0.6±0.2 mA)correlated with body weight.Ventilator-synchronized stimulation increased compound muscle action potentials by~30%,whereas histology confirmed intact nerve.Physiological parameters remained stable throughout ventilation.This model provides a safe and scalable platform for mechanistic and preclinical studies on PNS-mediated protection against MV-induced organ injury.