Recent developments in multifunctional neural probes for simultaneous neural recording and modulation

Neural probes are among the most widely applied tools for studying neural circuit functions and treating neurological disorders.Given the complexity of the nervous system,it is highly desirable to monitor and modulate neural activities simultaneously at the cellular scale.In this review,we provide an overview of recent developments in multifunctional neural probes that allow simultaneous neural activity recording and modulation through different modalities,including chemical,electrical,and optical stimulation.We will focus on the material and structural design of multifunctional neural probes and their interfaces with neural tissues.Finally,future challenges and prospects of multifunctional neural probes will be discussed.

Flexible and biocompatible nanopaper-based electrode arrays for neural activity recording

Advances in neural electrode technologies can have a significant impact on both fundamental and applied neuroscience. Here, we report the development of flexible and biocompatible neural electrode arrays based on a nanopaper substrate. Nanopaper has important advantages with respect to polymers such as hydrophilicity and water wettability, which result in significantly enhanced biocompatibility, as confirmed by both in vitro viability assays and in vivo histological analysis. In addition, nanopaper exhibits high flexibility and good shape stability. Hence, nanopaper-based neural electrode arrays can conform to the convoluted cortical surface of a rat brain and allow stable multisite recording of epileptiform activity in vivo. Our results show that nanopaper-based electrode arrays represent promising candidates for the flexible and biocompatible recording of the neural activity.

A Prognostic Nomogram with High Accuracy Based on 2D-SWE in Patients with Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure

Background and Aims:Acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)is associated with very high mortality.Accurate prediction of prognosis is critical in navigating optimal treatment decisions to improve patient survival.This study was aimed to develop a new nomogram integrating two-dimensional shear wave elastography(2D-SWE)values with other independent prognostic factors to improve the precision of predicting ACLF patient outcomes.Methods:A total of 449 consecutive patients with ACLF were recruited and randomly allocated to a training cohort(n=315)or a test cohort(n=134).2D-SWE values,conventional ultrasound features,laboratory tests,and other clinical characteristics were included in univariate and multivariate analysis.Factors with prognostic value were then used to construct a novel prognostic nomogram.Receiver operating curves(ROCs)were generated to evaluate and compare the performance of the novel and published models including the Model for EndStage Liver Disease(MELD),MELD combined with sodium(MELD-Na),and Jin’s model.The model was validated in a prospective cohort(n=102).Results:A ACLF prognostic nomogram was developed with independent prognostic factors,including 2D-SWE,age,total bilirubin(TB),neutrophils(Neu),and the international normalized ratio(INR).The area under the ROC curve(AUC)was 0.849 for the new model in the training cohort and 0.861 in the prospective validation cohort,which were significantly greater than those for MELD(0.758),MELD-Na(0.750),and Jin’s model(0.777,all p<0.05).Calibration curve analysis revealed good agreement between the predicted and observed probabilities.The new nomogram had superior overall net benefit and clinical utility.Conclusions:We established and validated a 2D-SWE-based noninvasive nomogram to predict the prognosis of ACLF patients that was more accurate than other prognostic models.