Phase errors induced by platform motion uncertainties significantly degrade image quality in near-field millimeter-wave synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging, thus limiting applications for weapon detection and security screening. This article presents a phase autocorrelation correction (PAC) method and applies improvements to the back projection algorithm (BPA). The PAC implements dynamic phase compensation through transfer function modeling of ideal and actual sampling signals. It also uses range dimensional accumulation and Riemann sum approximation for precise extraction of linear phase error factors. The enhanced BPA algorithm embeds phase correction factors in wavenumber domain, improving the phase matching accuracy of matched filtering. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly reduces sidelobe interference and enhances the energy focusing characteristics of targets in point target imaging. Practical imaging experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm markedly improves complex contour clarity and suppresses background noise. The algorithm maintains effective phase correction even at a 1.25-MHz sampling rate, as evidenced by further experiments, ensuring reliable imaging quality for critical target structures. This novel approach offers a valuable supplement to the field of near-field millimeter-wave SAR imaging and is particularly applicable to applications in sparse-data environments.

BackgroundThe rapid increase in the global aging population poses a major public health challenge due to the prevalence of stroke. Constipation represents a significant complication of stroke, significantly impacting quality of life. The objective of this study is to investigate the incidence of constipation in acute stroke and to identify the factors that contribute to new-onset constipation (defined as constipation developing after stroke in patients with no prior history) after stroke.MethodsA total of 600 acute stroke patients were recruited for a cross-sectional study, with a questionnaire administered to each participant. This study included demographic characteristics, stroke type and focus, medical history, sleep quality, psychological problems, and the NIHSS and Barthel index (BI). Participants with constipation were evaluated for severity, medications, and stroke outcomes at discharge by the investigators.ResultsOf the 600 acute stroke patients, 126 (21%) reported a history of constipation. Furthermore, 278 patients (46.3%) demonstrated post-stroke constipation (PSC), while 184 patients (38.8%) experienced new-onset constipation following their stroke. The results indicated that hemorrhagic stroke, posterior circulation stroke, diabetes, osmotic diuretics, antacids, use of bedpans, Difficulty falling asleep, depression, and a higher NIHSS score at admission were significant risk factors for new-onset constipation. In patients demonstrating moderate severity, PSC correlated with adverse stroke outcomes at discharge.ConclusionThe incidence of constipation in acute stroke patients is higher than that in the general population. The results suggest that depression and Difficulty falling asleep may increase the risk of new-onset constipation. Moreover, after adjusting for confounders, new-onset constipation was independently associated with poor discharge outcome, particularly in patients with moderate stroke severity. Early identification of constipation risk in stroke patients can improve the development and optimization of rehabilitation protocols.Clinical trial registrationIdentifier ChiCTR2400080663.

ObjectiveYoung-onset stroke (YOS) has increasing public health relevance. This study mapped global research trends, hotspots, and emerging frontiers in YOS from 1996 to 2026.MethodsEnglish articles and reviews from 1996 to 2026 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, yielding 5,249 records after screening. PubMed was analyzed for external validation, with 2,929 eligible records. bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were used to analyze publication output, collaboration networks, keywords, bursts, and co-citations. A strict title-field subset evaluated search-strategy sensitivity.ResultsPublication output increased markedly after 2018. The United States and China were the leading contributors. Major topics included ischemic stroke, risk factors, cardiovascular comorbidity, etiologic evaluation, acute treatment, rehabilitation, and survivorship. Recent bursts indicated growing attention to disease burden, mechanical thrombectomy, medical therapy, stroke survivors, quality of life, fatigue, unmet needs, and machine learning. PubMed validation and strict title-field sensitivity analysis supported the main temporal and thematic patterns.ConclusionYOS research has expanded into a multidimensional field. Future work should prioritize harmonized definitions, multinational data resources, age-specific etiologic and treatment studies, long-term cognitive and psychosocial outcomes, and rehabilitation.

As the global aging trend intensifies, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), is increasing year by year. Currently, there is no effective cure for PD. Therefore, exploring safe and effective therapeutic targets is of utmost importance. Previous studies have shown that modulation of vagus nerve (VN) activity, a key communication pathway between the brain and the gut, may produce therapeutic effects in PD and influence its disease course by regulating the gut microbiota, brain plasticity, neuroimmune, and neuroendocrine systems, while the nerve itself also plays a complex role that can contribute to pathological processes like disease propagation. This review comprehensively summarizes the potential mechanisms by which vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) intervenes in PD may influence the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA), including the regulation of gut microbiota composition and metabolites, inhibition of central and peripheral neuroinflammatory responses, modulation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function, enhancement of brain region functional connectivity and neurotrophic factor secretion, and explores its potential value in translating into clinical therapeutic strategies. This study is the first to integrate the MGBA theory with VNS technology, revealing its cross-system regulatory network in intervening PD and providing new ideas for breaking through the limitations of traditional treatments.

BACKGROUND:Studies consistently demonstrate that vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) onset and progression are associated with diminished activity in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, crucial for maintaining blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and promoting angiogenesis in the central nervous system. Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) has shown potential to enhance cognitive function by reducing BBB permeability and stimulating angiogenesis, yet its direct linkage to the Wnt7/β-catenin pathway activation remains uncertain and requires mechanistic validation. METHODS:A rat model of VCID was established by inducing temporary bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (tBCCAO) in rats. Following surgery, rats received daily taVNS treatments for 14 consecutive days (Days 13-26). Cognitive function was assessed on postoperative day 26. Additionally, the hippocampal region was analyzed to detect changes in the Wnt7/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins, neuronal injury and apoptosis, angiogenesis, BBB tight junction integrity, and astrocyte activation. RESULTS:TaVNS treatment resulted in significant cognitive improvements, alongside marked reductions in neuronal damage and apoptosis within the hippocampal CA1 region. It effectively decreased BBB permeability and enhanced angiogenesis. Mechanistically, taVNS suppressed astrocyte activation, promoted a shift from pro-inflammatory (A1) to anti-inflammatory (A2) phenotypes, and consequently upregulated the Wnt7/β-catenin signaling pathway, boosting expression of its downstream targets to foster neuroprotection and vascular repair. CONCLUSIONS:This study confirms that taVNS effectively alleviates neurological damage in VCID by upregulating the Wnt7/β-catenin pathway, potentially through astrocyte phenotypic modulation. These findings underscore taVNS as a promising non-invasive intervention for cognitive deficits in vascular disorders, warranting further clinical investigation.

To observe the modulation and clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) on cerebral cortical activity in post-stroke upper limb spasticity. Patients with upper limb spasticity after stroke were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n = 15) received acupuncture treatment, and the experimental group (n = 15) received cTBS treatment of the premotor cortex of the healthy side in addition to acupuncture. The efficacy was evaluated before and after the first treatment and 2 weeks after treatment. MAS, FMA, MBI, fNIRS and F wave evaluation were observed in the two groups. After treatment, there were significant differences between the two groups in MAS, FMA-UE, MBI, F-wave amplitude, and the F/M amplitude ratio index of the experimental group (p < 0.05). Comparison between groups, the MAS-elbow flexor in the experimental group decreased significantly after the first treatment and 2 weeks after treatment. After 2 weeks of treatment, the HbO2 concentration in the CH4 channel exercise phase in the experimental group increased compared with the control group (p FDR <0.05). The strength of functional connection in the left primary motor area (M1)-the left primary somatosensory cortex (S1), the left S1-the right premotor cortex and supplementary motor area (PMC & SMA), and the left S1-the left PMC&SMA showed an increasing trend (0.05 < p FDR < 0.1). The F wave amplitude was significantly lower than before intervention, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). Acupuncture combined with cTBS can relieve upper limb spasticity, enhance motor function, improve daily living ability, and reduce excessive spinal cord excitability. It can also increase HbO2 concentration in the cerebral cortex. However, large-sample studies are still needed to prove the effect of this therapy on brain networks. This study provides evidence for the potential of combined cTBS and acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation. identifier ChiCTR2400083631.

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction represents a prevalent non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that not only contributes significantly to disease progression but also substantially compromises patients’ quality of life. Over the past decade, research in this domain has expanded considerably. To systematically delineate the knowledge framework and evolving trends, we performed a bibliometric analysis of publications on GI and PD from 2015 to 2025. A total of 924 articles were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Co-occurrence, clustering, and collaboration network analyses were performed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package Bibliometrix. For findings validation, the PubMed database was incorporated as an independent external validation dataset, providing complementary verification of keyword analyses derived from WoSCC. Our analysis revealed a steady annual increase in publication output. China and the United States emerged as the most prolific contributors globally, with the latter attaining the highest total citation count. At the institutional level, Capital Medical University led in publication output, whereas the University of Helsinki ranked highest in both total and average citations. Among journals, Parkinsonism & Related Disorders published the most papers on this topic, while Movement Disorders received the most citations. Keyword cluster analyses identified three primary research frontiers: (1) pathogenesis, focusing on α-synuclein (α-syn), the brain-gut-microbiome axis, and the enteric nervous system; (2) clinical manifestations, especially dysphagia and constipation; and (3) therapeutic interventions, particularly fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics. By integrating established knowledge and highlighting emerging trends, this review aims to inform and guide future research and clinical practice in the field of gastrointestinal dysfunction in PD.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2025.1585885.].

BACKGROUND:Acupuncture at the governor vessel (GV) has been shown to be more effective than conventional acupuncture in treating ischemic stroke. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms underlying GV acupuncture in experimental models, providing a scientific foundation for its clinical application in treating ischemic stroke. METHODS:Six databases - including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Cqvip database, Sinomed, PubMed, and Web of Science - were systematically searched for studies on the use of GV acupuncture in experimental models of ischemic stroke published before December 2024. A total of 20 articles were identified and included in the meta-analysis. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4. RESULTS:Pooled analysis indicated that acupuncture at the GV significantly reduced infarct size, improved neurological deficit scores, and decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells compared with control groups. Additionally, this acupuncture approach significantly increased levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP), along with the activities Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase. It also reduced levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the hippocampus of the infarcted brain region. Furthermore, the number of Nestin-positive cells in brain tissue was significantly lower in the GV acupuncture group than in controls. CONCLUSION:Acupuncture targeting GV can effectively reduce infarct size and improve neurological function in ischemic stroke. The therapeutic effects may be related to the inhibition of apoptosis and neuroinflammation, as well as enhancements in energy metabolism and ionic homeostasis in the ischemic brain.

Objective:Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a significant global public health challenge. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy and constitutes a rapidly evolving research domain for AD intervention. This study aims to synthesize recent advancements in NIBS technologies for AD through comprehensive knowledge mapping. By mapping the research landscape, identifying key trends, and analyzing collaborative networks, we seek to explore emerging frontiers and translational potential of NIBS in AD research, thereby informing evidence-based clinical practice. Methods:Using the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) of Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. The analysis included an evaluation of publication trends, journal distribution statistics, country/region and institutional collaboration networks, author and co-cited author networks, co-citation document networks, as well as keywords and research hotspot analysis. Then CiteSpace, GraphPad Prism, VOSviewer, Microsoft Excel and NoteExpress were used for follow-up bibliometric analysis. Results:A total of 632 studies were included in this study. Research on NIBS applications in AD peaked during 2020-2021. The predominant journals disseminating NIBS-AD research were Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, and Clinical Neurophysiology. Italy, China, and the United States led in research contributions during this period. At the institutional level, Harvard Medical School and the University of Brescia published the most. There are 529 authors in this field, among which Professor Giacomo Koch maintains a continuous academic leadership position. Keyword analysis revealed high-frequency terms, "Alzheimer's disease," "transcranial magnetic stimulation," and "mild cognitive impairment." "Impairment" and "non-invasive brain stimulation" emerged as citation burst terms from 2022 onward, signaling current investigative priorities centered on NIBS-induced cognitive modulation, therapeutic target selection, and underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. Conclusion:This study comprehensively reviews current research status, hotspots and trends of NIBS in AD. The results suggest that researchers should focus on the cognitive impact of NIBS technology on AD patients, the best therapeutic targets and potential mechanisms. Strengthening global collaboration among international, institutional and scientific researchers should be promoted to promote the in-depth development of this field.

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is an emerging non-invasive technique designed to stimulate branches of the vagus nerve distributed over the body surface. Studies suggest a correlation between the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The BGM axis represents a complex bidirectional communication system, with the vagus nerve being a crucial component. Therefore, non-invasive electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve might have the potential to modify—most of the time probably in a non-physiological way—the signal transmission within the BGM axis, potentially influencing the progression or symptoms of AD. This review explores the interaction between percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and the BGM axis, emphasizing its potential effects on AD. It examines various aspects, such as specific brain regions, gut microbiota composition, maintenance of intestinal environmental homeostasis, inflammatory responses, brain plasticity, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis regulation. The review suggests that tVNS could serve as an effective strategy to modulate the BGM axis and potentially intervene in the progression or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in the future.

BackgroundRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), as an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique, is now widely employed in rehabilitation therapy. The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively summarize existing evidence regarding rTMS intervention for lower limb motor function in patients at different stages of stroke.MethodsA systematic search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of rTMS for treating lower limb motor dysfunction after stroke. Multiple databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Database, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, were searched. The search period extended from the inception of the libraries to June 2024. Literature information was extracted, and methodological quality was evaluated using the risk of bias assessment tool in the Cochrane Handbook. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software.ResultsOverall, 49 appropriate studies (including 3,558 stroke subjects) were found. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that rTMS effectively improved lower limb motor function across all stages of stroke. The intervention was particularly more effective in patients in the subacute stage than in the acute or chronic stages. Subgroup analysis revealed that, for acute-stage patients, low-frequency stimulation targeting the M1 or DLPFC brain regions on the unaffected side with 20–40 sessions significantly improved FMA-LE scores. In subacute-phase patients, low-frequency stimulation targeting the M1 brain regions on the unaffected side with 18 sessions significantly improved FMA-LE scores. The results demonstrated that HF-rTMS was more effective than LF-rTMS in improving walking speed, with the greatest efficacy observed at 20 sessions. While for enhancing gait balance in stroke patients, LF-rTMS with the best therapeutic effect was observed at a frequency of 20–40 treatments.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the efficacy of rTMS in improving lower limb motor function, balance, and walking speed in stroke patients at various stages. The findings provide a valuable reference for the development of optimized rTMS treatment plans in clinical practice.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO: CRD42023466094.

Neuropathic pain （NP） is a persistent and refractory chronic pain condition resulting from damage or disease within the somatosensory nervous system. Its complex pathophysiology，coupled with low clinical remission rates，significantly impairs the physical and mental well-being of affected individuals. Transcranial magnetic stimulation （TMS），a well-established non-invasive neuromodulation technique，generates brief magnetic pulses that penetrate the skull，inducing changes in cortical neuron potentials. This can influence both the function and structure of the nervous system，providing relief from NP symptoms and improving associated mood disorders. However，the neurobiological mechanisms underlying TMS-induced analgesia have not yet been fully elucidated，and there is no consensus on these mechanisms. This review aims to synthesize current understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms by which TMS alleviates NP，based on its operational principles. The mechanisms discussed include modulation of synaptic plasticity，functional reorganization of neural networks （inducing cortico-cortical functional connectivity and subcortical functional connectivity），adjustment of afferent nerve fiber sensitivity，alteration of neurotransmitter levels，and effects on neuroimmune interactions. These mechanisms collectively provide a foundation for the application of TMS in the treatment of NP. Despite the promising findings，several limitations persist in the current body of research. Studies on synaptic plasticity are not sufficiently detailed，and investigations into afferent nerve fiber sensitivity require further refinement. Additionally，the exploration of neuroimmune responses remains limited. Future research should address these gaps through multicenter，large-scale studies，employing advanced technologies such as electroencephalography （EEG） to better understand the intrinsic mechanisms by which TMS modulates neural networks. Furthermore，the application of paired-pulse TMS in clinical studies related to NP should be promoted，thereby providing more robust evidence-based support for the use of TMS in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most severe and common neurodegenerative diseases, has no effective cure. Therefore it is crucial to explore novel and effective therapeutic targets. The gut microbiota - brain axis has been found to play a role in Alzheimer’s disease by regulating the neuro-immune and endocrine systems. At the same time, acupuncture can modulate the gut microbiota and may impact the course of Alzheimer’s disease. In this Review, we discuss recent studies on the role of acupuncture on the gut microbiota as well current challenges and future opportunities of acupuncture as potential treatment for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a noninvasive brain function detection technique based on the principle of neuro-vascular coupling. Based on a bibliometric approach, the present study visualizes and analyses the number of publications, countries, institutions, authors, co-citations and keywords of fNIRS with the help of Web of Science core collection database platform, CiteSpace and VOS-viewer software, and provides a narrative review of the literature in the past decade to comprehensively analyze the application and future development trend of fNIRS in clinical practice. The findings reveal that fNIRS is a clinically valuable tool with numerous advantages. It is therefore widely utilized to capture brain cortical activity data in both resting and task-related states. It enables the analysis of brain functional states from multiple dimensions and can be combined with other brain imaging techniques, improving the identification and detection of various neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions, pediatric medicine, and sports medicine. In the future, fNIRS technology is expected to achieve higher spatiotemporal resolution, increased data collection capacity, reduced interference and errors, and expanded application scope, thereby supporting clinical and research endeavors.

阿尔茨海默病(AD)是严重的神经退行性疾病之一.近年来研究发现,脑-肠-微生物轴(BGMA)与神经退行性病变的病理生理相关,而针刺可显著改善AD患者的认知行为和日常生活能力.对近年有关BGMA相关研究及针刺治疗AD机制进行综述,发现针刺能够通过调控肠道微生物群、迷走神经、下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴(HPA轴)及神经-免疫过程影响BGMA系统中的信息交流,从而治疗AD.因此,针刺调节BGMA可以在未来成为预防和治疗AD的潜在手段.

卒中后失语症(post-stroke aphasia,PSA)是临床常见的一种获得性交流障碍综合征[1],以语言表达、语言理解障碍为主要表现,伴或不伴有写作、认知等功能障碍,是卒中常见后遗症之一.全球疾病负担研究(global burden of disease,GBD)数据显示,2019 年我国卒中人数达2876万例[2].

梅杰综合征(Meige syndrome)是MEIGE H[1]首先描述的一组罕见的椎体外系疾病,根据临床症状可以分为眼睑痉挛型、眼睑痉挛合并口下颌肌张力障碍型、口下颌肌张力障碍型、其他型[2].本病归属于中医学"目瞤"范畴,病因多与肝、脾、肾脏腑功能失调密切相关,其发病的基本病机为肝风内动,脾失健运[3].针刺作为中医学的特色治疗,将整体观念与辨证论治相结合,根据患者的症状及舌脉、四诊合参,突显出了中医的辨证优势.虽然治疗周期长,但疗效显著,无明显不良反应.

共济失调指小脑、本体感觉以及前庭功能障碍导致患者出现的运动笨拙和不协调,累及躯干、四肢时可引起身体平衡、步态障碍.本病根据病因可分为获得性、遗传性、非遗传性退行性3种.其中,非遗传性退行性主要是多系统萎缩-小脑性及病因不明的散发性成人发病共济失调[1].因其病因不明,目前临床缺乏有效的治疗策略,而针刺在改善共济失调症状方面有其独特的优势[2].于涛主任医师采用头体针结合治疗不明原因共济失调1例,疗效显著,现报告如下.

Background: There are 15 million new cases of stroke every year in the world, 65% of which have dysuria in the early stage of stroke, which seriously affects the quality of life of stroke patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of randomized controlled trials to determine whether acupuncture can improve the residual urine volume of the bladder in middle age patients with urinary retention post-stroke. Methods: Eight databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Wanfang Database, and Web of Science, will be searched using English and Chinese search strategies. In addition, manual retrieval of research papers, conference papers, ongoing experiments, internal reports, etc, will supplement electronic retrieval. All eligible studies published on or before October 1, 2022 will be selected. To enhance the effectiveness of the study, only clinical randomized controlled trials related to the use of manual acupuncture for the treatment of urinary retention post-stroke will be included. Conclusion: The residual urine volume of bladder will be the primary outcome measure, whereas the Clinical efficiency will be the secondary outcomes. Side effects and adverse events will be included as safety evaluations. To ensure the quality of the systematic evaluation, study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment will be independently performed by two authors, whereas a third author will resolve any disagreement.