Clinical Research Directory

Chinese-Specific Speech Imagery Coding Using High-Density ECoG

The goal of this study is to investigate whether high-density electrocorticography (ECoG) signals recorded from the surface of the brain can be used to decode neural representations of Mandarin Chinese speech features, including lexical tone, without requiring overt speech movements. The study focuses on the development and evaluation of decoding algorithms based on neural activity recorded during clinically indicated neurosurgical procedures. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can high-density ECoG signals be decoded to reconstruct neural representations of Mandarin Chinese speech features, particularly lexical tone? Can neural activity recorded during silent auditory speech imagery be decoded to reconstruct tone-specific speech representations without actual articulation? The study includes two groups of adult patients with neurological conditions who require cortical electrode placement as part of clinically indicated care: A intraoperative high-density ECoG temporary coverage group, enrolling approximately 50 patients with functional-area glioma or drug-resistant epilepsy who undergo awake neurosurgery with temporary high-density ECoG coverage for clinical functional mapping. A permanent high-density ECoG implantation group, enrolling approximately 10 patients with severe speech or language impairment caused by neurological conditions such as stroke, brain tumors, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or locked-in syndrome, who receive permanent high-density cortical electrode implantation for long-term monitoring. Participants will: Complete preoperative clinical assessments as part of standard medical care, including brain imaging, language function evaluation, and routine neurological assessments Undergo clinically indicated awake neurosurgical procedures during which high-density ECoG electrodes are placed on the cortical surface for clinical functional localization Perform language-related tasks, such as listening to speech, imagining speech, and limited spoken responses, while brain electrical activity is recorded for approximately 20-30 minutes during surgery, without altering standard surgical procedures For participants in the permanent implantation group, participate in long-term follow-up visits approximately every 2 weeks or monthly for up to 12 months after surgery, including evaluation of signal quality and research-related analysis and optimization of decoding algorithms All surgical procedures involving temporary or permanent electrode placement are performed for clinical indications and have been approved through institutional ethical and scientific review. Participation in this study does not alter standard clinical care for the temporary recording group and does not require additional clinical procedures beyond routine treatment. This research aims to support the long-term development of silent brain-to-speech communication technologies for individuals with severe speech or motor impairments and to improve understanding of how frontal, parietal, and temporal brain regions represent imagined speech in tonal languages such as Mandarin Chinese.

Application of an AI-Based Health Management System in Long-Term Epilepsy Management in Rural Areas

This project, titled "Application of an AI-Based Health Management System in Long-Term Epilepsy Management in Rural Areas ", is led by the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, with Jiang Wen as the principal investigator. It is a prospective, multicenter, cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 756 patients from eight rural counties in China's northwest region. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an AI-assisted remote healthcare system (via a WeChat mini-program) compared to standard care in reducing seizure frequency and improving self-management skills among adult epilepsy patients. Key components include patient and doctor interfaces for features like AI consultations, medication reminders, and online consultations. The trial runs from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2027, with primary outcomes measured at 12 months and secondary outcomes assessing medication adherence, quality of life, and safety.

Home Ultra-long Term EEG Monitoring for Rare Epilepsies and Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies

With this study the Investigator expects to develop a precise patient-centered model of care by means of home ultra-long-term EEG monitoring with a minimally invasive wearable EEG device (sqEEG). The following aims will be pursued: 1. to assess the sensitivity, reliability, and safety of sqEEG to record seizures over prolonged periods; 2. to verify sensitivity and reliability of automated seizure detection algorithms and to assess circadian and ultradian seizure/interictal epileptic discharges; distribution for the development of personalized seizure action plan; 3. to evaluate whether data collected with sqEEG can improve the clinical management of the patients and treatment outcomes. The investigator expects to use this wearable at-home EEG device to obtain an objective quantification of electrographic and electro-clinical seizures over a twelve-week period up to twenty-four weeks at home. The precise quantification of seizures is essential for a tailored treatment approach and to effectively monitor the response to treatment adjustments. The potential innovation of this approach relies on the possibility of managing the patient at home, reducing the side effects related to hospitalization and objectively quantifying the disease burden in the real-life setting with the aim of improve globally the patients' quality of life.