The current unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) technique was originated from Argentina and developed in South Korea, which was rapidly growing and popularizing in China. The adoption of spinal endoscopy, using small cameras placed inside body with continuous water irrigation, providing better surgical field with less tissue dissection and quicker recovery for patients. As with other disciplines, the use of spinal endoscopy in spinal surgery will become increasingly widespread. UBE technique will promote the popularization of spinal endoscopy in China with monoportal endoscopy technique. At the same time, biportal endoscopy has better expansibility, the application of accessory incision may provide solution for more complicated spinal disease. Chinese spine surgeon should better understand the trends in spinal endoscopy, seize the opportunity of the rapidly evolving in spinal healthcare, and to promote the popularization of UBE across the globe.
Using optical imaging equipment with different wavelength and computer technology, fundus optical imaging diagnostic techniques can record fundus reflected light, auto fluorescence and emitted light after excitation by external light source in order to observe and analyze the structure and pathological process of retina and choroid. Advances in fundus optical image capture technology (including laser, confocal laser, spontaneous auto-fluorescence, multispectral imaging) and storage and analysis technology, promote this field into a high-definition digital imaging era, with features of rapid, non-invasive, wide-angle three-dimensional multi-level integration, dynamic automatic navigation location tracking and combined application of a variety of optical imaging diagnostic techniques. In order to promote clinical and scientific research of ocular fundus diseases, we need to understand the development trend of optical imaging diagnostic technique, interpret the fundus imaging features appropriately, reasonably chose different inspection techniques, establish standardized diagnosis criteria and continue to expand clinical applications.
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the key characteristic of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), and the effective therapy is intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents based on clinical and basic research. In the meantime the challenge is how to further improve the inhibiting effect for CNV and visual function of anti-VEGF treatment on nAMD. The new strategy and drug delivery devices for anti-VEGF treatment will optimize the clinical scheme. From bench to bedside, the research on targeted treatment of angiogenesis brings the bloom of nAMD medical therapy.
The hallmark of the recent latest advances in diagnostic fundus imaging technology is combination of complex hierarchical levels and depths, as well as wide-angle imaging, ultra-wide imaging. The clinical application of wide-angle and ultra-wide imaging, not only can reevaluate the role of the peripheral retina, the classification types and treatment modalities of central retinal vein occlusion, and enhance the reliability of diabetic retinopathy screening, improve the classification and therapeutic decision of diabetic retinopathy, and but also can help guide and improve laser photocoagulation. However we must clearly recognize that the dominant role of ophthalmologists in the diagnosis of ocular fundus diseases cannot be replaced by any advanced fundus imaging technology including wide-angle imaging. We emphasize to use the three factors of cognitive performance (technology, knowledge and thinking) to improve the diagnosis of ocular fundus diseases in China.
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have become one of the cutting-edge technologies in the world, and have been mainly applicated in medicine. In this article, we sorted out the development history and important scenarios of BCIs in medical application, analyzed the research progress, technology development, clinical transformation and product market through qualitative and quantitative analysis, and looked forward to the future trends. The results showed that the research hotspots included the processing and interpretation of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, the development and application of machine learning algorithms, and the detection and treatment of neurological diseases. The technological key points included hardware development such as new electrodes, software development such as algorithms for EEG signal processing, and various medical applications such as rehabilitation and training in stroke patients. Currently, several invasive and non-invasive BCIs are in research. The R&D level of BCIs in China and the United State is leading the world, and have approved a number of non-invasive BCIs. In the future, BCIs will be applied to a wider range of medical fields. Related products will develop shift from a single mode to a combined mode. EEG signal acquisition devices will be miniaturized and wireless. The information flow and interaction between brain and machine will give birth to brain-machine fusion intelligence. Last but not least, the safety and ethical issues of BCIs will be taken seriously, and the relevant regulations and standards will be further improved.
慢性阻塞性肺部疾病(COPD)是全球性高发病率、高死亡率以及高卫生保健费用的重要疾病之一。2001年COPD是发达国家第5位的致死原因，占总死亡数的3．8％；在发展中国家则为第6位致死原因，占总死亡数的4．9％[1]。随着全球人口的老龄化，COPD负担将逐年增加。因此，在未来数年内我们必须共同面对挑战，实施有成本效益的防治策略，以遏制这一疾病及其耗费。