Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease caused by abnormal synchronous discharge of the brain, which is characterized by recurrent and transient neurological abnormalities, mainly manifested as loss of consciousness and limb convulsions, and can occur in people of all ages. At present, anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are still the main means of treatment, but their efficacy is limited by the problem of drug resistance, and long-term use can cause serious side effects, such as cognitive dysfunction and vital organ damage. Although surgical resection of epileptic lesions has achieved certain results in some patients, the high cost and potential risk of neurological damage limit its scope of application. Therefore, the development of safe, accurate and personalized non-invasive treatment strategies has become one of the key directions of epilepsy research. In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM) has gained significant attention as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach. PBM uses light of specific wavelengths to penetrate tissues and interact with photosensitive molecules within cells, thereby modulating cellular metabolic processes. Research has shown that PBM can enhance mitochondrial function, promote ATP production, improve meningeal lymphatic drainage, reduce neuroinflammation, and stimulate the growth of neurons and synapses. These biological effects suggest that PBM not only holds the potential to reduce the frequency of seizures but also to improve the metabolic state and network function of neurons, providing a novel therapeutic avenue for epilepsy treatment. Compared to traditional treatment methods, PBM is non-invasive and avoids the risks associated with surgical interventions. Its low risk of significant side effects makes it particularly suitable for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, offering new therapeutic options for those who have not responded to conventional treatments. Furthermore, PBM’s multi-target mechanism enables it to address a variety of complex etiologies of epilepsy, demonstrating its potential in precision medicine. In contrast to therapies targeting a single pathological mechanism, PBM’s multifaceted approach makes it highly adaptable to different types of epilepsy, positioning it as a promising supplementary or alternative treatment. Although animal studies and preliminary clinical trials have shown positive outcomes with PBM, its clinical application remains in the exploratory phase. Future research should aim to elucidate the precise mechanisms of PBM, optimize light parameters, such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, and investigate potential synergistic effects with other therapeutic modalities. These efforts will be crucial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of PBM and ensuring its safety and consistency in clinical settings. This review summarizes the types of epilepsy, diagnostic biomarkers, the advantages of PBM, and its mechanisms and potential applications in epilepsy treatment. The unique value of PBM lies not only in its multi-target therapeutic effects but also in its adaptability to the diverse etiologies of epilepsy. The combination of PBM with traditional treatments, such as pharmacotherapy and neuroregulatory techniques, holds promise for developing a more comprehensive and multidimensional treatment strategy, ultimately alleviating the treatment burden on patients. PBM has also shown beneficial effects on neural network plasticity in various neurodegenerative diseases. The dynamic remodeling of neural networks plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy, and PBM’s multi-target mechanism may promote brain function recovery by facilitating neural network remodeling. In this context, optimizing optical parameters remains a key area of research. By adjusting parameters such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, researchers aim to further enhance the therapeutic effects of PBM while maintaining its safety and stability. Looking forward, interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in the fields of neuroscience, optical engineering, and clinical medicine, will drive the development of PBM technology and facilitate its transition from laboratory research to clinical application. With the advancement of portable devices, PBM is expected to provide safer and more effective treatments for epilepsy patients and make a significant contribution to personalized medicine, positioning it as a critical component of precision therapeutic strategies.

Objective To construct 5 machine-learning models and compare their performance in predicting the associations between pre-pregnancy socio-psycho-behavioral exposures of both spouses and preconception outcomes.Methods Based on Chongqing Preconception Reproductive Health and Birth Outcome Cohort of volunteers recruited from Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children during January 2019 and March 2022,5 447 couples were recruited and surveyed through interviewer-interview for the demographic and social-psychological-behavioral data of both spouses(221 variables).According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,4 097 couples were finally included,and randomly assigned into a training set(n=2 867 spouses)and a validation set(n=1 230 spouses)at a ratio of 7∶3.Feature analysis and collinear screening were applied to select the potential exposure factors.In consideration of difficulty to carry out semen parameters analysis in primary healthcare institutions,feature Set 1 including sperm parameters and feature Set 2 excluding semen parameters were constructed by including or excluding sperm quality simultaneously in the training set and the validation set.Five algorithms,that is,Logistic Regression,Naive Bayes,Random Forest,Gradient Boosting Machine,and Support Vector Machine,were used to construct preconception outcome prediction models,and the parameters of each model were optimized using random search combined with grid search.The predictive performance of each model was compared using precision,recall,F1 score,area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC),and calibration curve.The optimal model was then selected by comparing the changes in the predictive ability of the questionnaire data for fertility outcomes with or without semen parameters.Results There were 24 variables screened out in feature Set 1,and 16 variables in feature Set 2.In feature Set 1,the gradient boosting machine performed better,with a relatively higher AUC value(0.651)and better F1 score(0.61).The logistic regression model performed stably(AUC value=0.647)and was suitable as the reference model.The random forest(AUC value=0.641),Naive Bayes(AUC value=0.641),and support vector machine(AUC value=0.634)performed second-best.By utilizing the gradient boosting machine,comparable results were found between the predictions from feature sets with or without semen parameters,as in feature Set 1,the AUC value of its validation set was 0.651(95%CI:0.629～0.681),the prediction accuracy was 0.63,the recall rate was 0.65,and the average precision value F1 was 0.61;and in feature Set 2,the AUC value of its validation set was 0.649(95%CI:0.624～0.663),and both the calibration curves were close to the ideal curve.The prediction results indicated that in feature Set 1,the features highly negatively correlated with preconception outcomes were female age,male age,and no pregnancy within 1 year without contraception,while the features highly positively correlated with preconception outcomes were female pregnancy history,total sperm vitality,and use of contraceptive measures before enrollment.Conclusion Among the 5 machine-learning algorithms performed in this cohort data,the gradient boosting machine shows slightly better performance.There are 24 factors being associated with preconception outcomes in both spouses,and the performance of the simplified model excluding semen parameters is not significantly declined.It is feasible to use machine-learning methods to predict human preconception outcomes through social-psychological-behavioral questionnaires.

Objective To investigate the effect of chronic psychological stress on testicular cell senescence in rats and the role of glucocorticoid receptor(GR)in the process.Methods Thirty-two male SD rats(4～6 weeks old,weighing 120～140 g)were randomly assigned into dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)group,mifepristone(RU486)group,chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)group,and CUMS+RU486 group.DMSO of 0.5 ml/(kg·d)was injected subcutaneously into the rats of DMSO group.After the rats of the CUMS group were exposed to CUMS,mifepristone of 1 mg/(kg·d)was given to the rats of the RU486 group and CUMS+RU486 group.All the above 4 groups were inflicted for 42 consecutive days.After modeling,the psychological stress status of rats was evaluated with animal behavioral experiments.Computer-aided sperm analysis(CASA)system was used to detect sperm density.ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of corticosterone(CORT),sex hormones and inflammation factors.The contents of malondialdehyde(MDA),H2O2,NAD+/NADH and ATP in the testicular tissues were tested with corresponding reagent kits.Western blotting was utilized to detect protein levels of[3-gal,p16,and GR in testicular tissue,and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial structure of spermatogenic cells.Results Compared with the DMSO group,the sperm density,serum levels of testosterone(T),luteinizing hormone(LH)and follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)were decreased while those of CORT and estradiol(E2)were increased in the CUMS group(all P＜0.001).Serum pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were increased while anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 concentration was decreased in the CUMS group than the DMSO group(all P＜0.05).And,ATP content and NAD+/NADH ratio were decreased while MDA and H2O2 levels were elevated in testicular tissues in the CUMS group(all P＜0.05).Moreover,the protein levels of testicular cell aging markers β-gal,p16 and GR were significantly enhanced in the CUMS group(all P＜0.01),accompanied by swelling and vacuolization of mitochondrial structures in spermatogenic cells.RU486 treatment effectively improved sperm density and increased CORT level and down-regulated the testicularβ-gal,p16 and GR protein level(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Chronic psychological stress induces testicular damage in rats,presenting declines in sperm density and CORT level,which is possibly associated with GR-mediated cell senescence.

Different from other trauma, the scar and pigmentation formed after healing of burn wound not only hinder beauty but also easily lead to a series of sequential psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety. Music therapy, as a supplementary treatment, is widely used in many fields including medical and health care and psychological regulation. However, affected by factors such as medical resources, the awareness and acceptance of music therapy among burn treatment workers in China are still low. Based on the clinical characteristics of burns, this paper matches the applicability of music therapy with it, summarizes the supplementary application of music therapy in the field of burn treatment, expounds this natural science with both science and aesthetics, and puts forward feasible suggestions for its future development.
Anxiety ; Burns/therapy* ; Cicatrix ; Humans ; Music Therapy ; Wound Healing

Cathepsin D (CTSD), the major lysosomal aspartic protease that is widely expressed in different tissues, potentially regulates the biological behaviors of various cells. Follicular granulosa cells are responsive to the increase of ovulation number, hence indirectly influencing litter size. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of CTSD on the behaviors of goat granulosa cells has not been fully elucidated. This study used immunohistochemistry to analyze CTSD localization in goat ovarian tissues. Moreover, western blotting was applied to examine the differential expression of CTSD in the ovarian tissues of monotocous and polytocous goats. Subsequently, the effects of CTSD knockdown on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and the expression of candidate genes of the prolific traits, including bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB (

China ; Humans ; Otolaryngology

Objective To explore the feasibility of 3D printed individualized applicator for the intracavitary HDR-brachytherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods CT scan was performed in 1 case of recurrent rT1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 1 case of T2 residual nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the obtained images were transmitted to 3D image processing software.The geometric contour parameters of the nasopharyngeal cavity were obtained and a pipeline was designed to make it close to the recurrent gross tumor volume (rGTV).Individualized cavity applicators were created by using 3D printer.The applicator was inserted into the patient's nasopharyngeal cavity through oral cavity.The source tube and false source were inserted into the preset pipe of the applicator.CT scan was performed again and the images were transmitted to the 3D brachytherapy planning system.Mter delineating the target volume and organ at risk,treatment plan was optimized.After completing the first treatment,the applicator was removed.Before second treatment in a few days,CT scan was reviewed to confirm whether the position was correct.Results When the applicator was inserted into the nasopharyngeal cavity,it could be fully aligned with the nasopharyngeal wall and self-fixed without additional fixation measures.Comparing the location of false source in multiple reviews of CT scan,the error was ≤ 1 mm.No significant discomfort was reported throughout the treatment.In optimized three-dimensional treatment,100％ prescription dose curve included the full rGTV,maximum dose of the brain stem and spinal cord was＜30％ prescription dose.Recurrent patients were given with a prescription dose of DT 40Gy/8 fractions/4 weeks and patients with residual tumors were given with 12Gy/2 fractions/1 week.No tumor recurrence was observed at postoperative 3 months in two cases.Conclusions The 3D printed individualized nasopharyngeal intracavitary applicator has the advantages of self-fixation,accurate location,good repeatability and good patient tolerance.The short-term outcome is effective,whereas its long-term clinical effect and adverse reactions need to be further observed.

Objective: To investigate the influence of different procedures of testicular sperm retrieval on the levels of serum inhibin B (INHB), antisperm antibodies (AsAb), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone (T) in patients with azoospermia. METHODS: We randomly assigned 210 azoospermia patients to receive testicular sperm extraction (TESE, n = 50), testicular sperm aspiration (TESA, n = 56), testicular fine needle aspiration (TEFNA, n = 64), or microscopic TESE (micro-TESE, n = 40). We measured the levels of serum INHB, FSH, and T and the positive rate of AsAb before and at 1 and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the levels of serum FSH at 1 and 3 months after surgery showed no statistically significant differences in the TESE (［8.51 ± 4.34］ vs ［8.76 ± 3.07］ and ［7.24 ± 3.32］ IU/L, P >0.05), TESA (［7.70 ± 2.72］ vs ［7.90 ± 4.57］ and ［8.04 ± 3.65］ IU/L, P >0.05), TEFNA (［6.04 ± 3.17］ vs ［6.08 ± 2.70］ and ［6.10 ± 3.32］ IU/L, P >0.05), or micro-TESE group (［6.59 ± 2.74］ vs ［6.89 ± 1.78］ and ［6.75 ± 2.57］ IU/L, P >0.05); the positive rate of AsAb (IgM) was significantly increased at 1 month in the TESE (0.00 vs 14.00%, P <0.05) and micro-TESE groups (2.50% vs 15.00%, P <0.05), while the serum T level markedly decreased in the two groups (［16.52 ± 6.25］ vs ［9.25 ± 5.76］ nmol/L and ［14.16 ± 5.45］ vs ［8.23 ± 4.12］ nmol/L, P <0.05); the levels of serum INHB were remarkably reduced at 1 and 3 months in the TESE (［70.56 ± 23.17］ vs ［42.63 ± 15.34］ and ［44.05 ± 18.47］ pg/ml, P <0.05), TESA (［68.71 ± 14.74］ vs ［40.55 ± 20.51］ and ［42.11 ± 19.34］ pg/ml, P <0.05), TEFNA (［76.81 ± 27.04］ vs ［46.31 ± 19.28］ and ［48.32 ± 20.54］ pg/ml, P <0.05), and micro-TESE groups (［74.74 ± 28.35］ vs ［45.27 ± 18.83］ and ［47.64 ± 28.34］ pg/ml, P <0.05), but with no statistically significant differences among the four groups (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Different procedures of testicular sperm retrieval have different impacts on the testicular function and AsAb in patients with azoospermia.
Antibodies ; blood ; Azoospermia ; blood ; physiopathology ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Humans ; Inhibins ; blood ; Male ; Sperm Retrieval ; Spermatozoa ; immunology ; Testis ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Testosterone ; blood

Objective To explore the influence of the lactation exposure to fluoxetine on offspring's behavior and serotonin transporter (SERT) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH). Methods Six SD pregnant rats were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=3 each group). Experimental maternal rats were intraperitoneally injected with fluoxetine at a dose of 12 mg/kg from postnatal day 5 to 21. The control group were injected with the same amount of normal saline. In infancy, the offspring's weight, hair length, eye opening and auditory development were measured. The free suspension test and bur?ied food pellets test were applied to evaluate the offspring's behaviors. After postnatal day 21, all the offspring were wean. At early childhood (P35d) and adulthood (P75d), 6 offspring rats from each group were executed to examine SERT and TPH in the prefrontal cortex by immunohistochemistry. Results The offspring's weight of experimental group was significantly lower than control group (P<0.05). The sensitivity of auditory in experimental group was significantly higher than control group (P<0.01). The time of free suspension in experimental group significantly was decreased comparing to control group (P<0.01). The SERT and TPH in prefrontal cortex was significantly lower in experimental group than those in control group either at childhood (P35d) or at adulthood (P75d) (P<0.05). Conclusion Lactation exposure to fluoxetine re?sults in offspring's abnormal development and behaviors through down-regulation of SERT and TPH in the prefrontal cor?tex.

ObjectiveTo detect the association between schizophrenia and polymorphism of phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 ( PSAT1 ) gene.MethodsThe study group included 158 patients with schizophrenia from Xi' an Mental Health Center and the control group included 316 parents.The polymorphism of rs69287125,rs137824326 of phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 gene was detected with PCR methods and SNP typing in all nucleus families by correlation analysis and haplotype relative risk analysis.ResultsThe rs69287125 allele was associated with schizophrenia (P=0.011 ),the G allele was protective factor (Z =-2.31 ) and the A allele was hazarding factor (Z =2.31 ).The rs137824326 allele was associated with schizophrenia (P=0.007 ),the G allele was protective factor ( Z =- 2.54) and the A allele was the hazarding factor( Z =2.54).The haplotypes of A/A and G/G in the rs69287125-rs137824326 were associated with schizophrenia (P =0.021,0.015,Z =2.16,- 1.85).ConclusionThe polymorphism of phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 gene is associated with schizophrenia in Chinese.