1.The Adoption of Non-invasive Photobiomodulation in The Treatment of Epilepsy
Ao-Yun LI ; Zhan-Chuang LU ; Li CAO ; Si CHEN ; Hui JIANG ; Chang-Chun CHEN ; Lei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):882-898
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.
2.Construction of A Macro-evaluation Tool for Dampness Syndrome Animal Model in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chuang LI ; Peng XU ; Ruimin TIAN ; Zhaorui CAO ; Mingjia LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Zhaoyu LU ; Taohua LAN ; Xiaowan WANG ; Wei MAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(14):1449-1457
ObjectiveTo construct a macro-evaluation tool for dampness syndrome (DS) animal model, which will provide a basis for experimental research on dampness syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsConceptual framework of this study was clarified through discussions within the core working group, and dimensions of the evaluation of the animal model of DS were identified according to TCM principles. We searched CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and SinoMed databases from the inception to June 30th, 2023, on experiments involving dampness syndrome animals to create a pool of items about DS animal models. The core items were selected and extracted for factor analysis and cluster analysis. An expert importance rating questionnaire was developed based on the results of the literature review, analyzing the distribution of item scores, importance averages, and coefficient of variation. Through a comprehensive analysis of literature, expert importance scoring, and specific expert opinions, items that did not meet anyone of the criteria of average importance rating ≥2.04, coefficient of variation ≤30%, or literature eva-luation frequency ≥2% were removed, thereafter, the macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model was preliminarily constructed. ResultsSpirit and body state, autonomic activity state, body surface characteristics, diet, urination and defecation, tongue manifestation, and motor behavior assessment were constructed as the seven dimensions in the evaluation of DS animal model. A total of 348 papers about animal experiments were included and analyzed, resulting in a saturated pool of 72 items, which was refined to 38 core items of DS animal models. Factor analysis obtained 16 common factors, which were further clustered into two categories, named dampness transforming from heat syndrome and dampness transforming from cold syndrome. The expert importance scoring showed that the Kendall harmony coefficient was 0.359 (P<0.05) indicating a high level of agreement, coordination and reliability among the experts. Notably, 50% or more of the experts considered the items thick and greasy tongue coating, unclean perianal area, loose stools, lethargy, unformed stools, and listless expression as very important. The median scores for all items were 2.04(1.73, 2.37), with a coefficient of variation ranging from 19.73% to 53.38%. After expert evaluation, the macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model in TCM with 33 items and corresponding criteria for assessing the formation of DS models was finally contructed. ConclusionThe Macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model in TCM is highly scientific, credible, and operable, and can be utilized in DS animal experiments after its characteristics are actually evaluated.
3.Research advances on in-situ cell electrospinning and its application in wound repair
Huazhen LIU ; Yi ZHANG ; Chuang GAO ; Chunxiang LU ; Zilong GUO ; Wenbin SUN ; Shichu XIAO ; Yuanyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2024;40(7):694-698
Currently, there are limited strategies for convenient and rapid wound repair in clinical practice. In recent years, in-situ cell electrospinning (IS-CE) technology, developed from in-situ electrospinning (IS-E) technology, has emerged. IS-CE technology involves encapsulating living cells within micro-nanofibers to construct living fibrous tissue scaffolds in situ, making some progress in wound repair applications. However, this technology still faces limitations such as low cell survival rate and poor fiber stability. This article provides a comprehensive review on the current status of both IS-E and IS-CE technologies, as well as the application of IS-CE technology in wound repair. In addition, the advantages, limitations, and improvement methods of IS-CE technology applied in wound treatment are emphatically discussed, aiming to provide insights for its application in tissue engineering and wound repair.
4.Observation of the efficacy of Vonoprazan dual therapy in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Shi-Ling WANG ; Dan-Ni CHEN ; Zhao LIU ; Zhao-Li MA ; Qiang LI ; Hong LU ; Min LIU ; Xi GOU ; Jun WANG ; Xiao-Chuang SHU ; Qian REN
Modern Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment in Gastroenterology 2024;29(3):265-269
Objective This paper intends to compare the efficacy and safety of high-dose dual regimens containing Vonoprazan and proton pump inhibitor in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori).Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted.According to inclusion and exclusion criteria.,243 patients with H.pylori infection admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology,the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from February 2023 to December 2023 were enrolled as the research objects.They were randomly divided into two groups.The high-dose dual therapy containing Vonoprazan group(VPZ-HDDT group)was given Vonoprazan fumarate tablet 20mg twice daily plus amoxicillin 750 mg four times daily for 14 days and the high-dose combination group containing PPI(PPI-HDDT group)was given esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily plus amoxicillin 750 mg four times daily for 14 days.Patients were followed up and recorded by telephone or WeChat on the 7th and 14th day of starting treatment for drug intake and occurrence of adverse reactions.Patients were instructed to recheck the 13C or 14C urea breath test at least 1 month after the end of medication.Treatment by protocol(PP)analysis,modified intention to treat(mITT)and intention-to-treat(ITT)analysis were used for H.pylori eradication rates in both groups,and compliance and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results The eradication rates of the VPZ-HDDT group and the PPI-HDDT group in the initial treatment were 94.0%and 88.5%(P=0.209)by PP analysis,and 91.8%and 87.5%(P=0.358)86.7%by mITT analysis,and 81.9%(P=0.377)by ITT analysis,respectively.In the retreated patients,the PP analysis and mITT analysis eradication rates in these two groups were consistent,87.0%and 84.2%(P=0.800),respectively,and 83.3%and 76.2%(P=0.550)by ITT analysis.For the refractory H.pylori patients,the PP analysis and mITT analysis eradication rates in these two groups were also consistent,71.4%and 50.0%(P=0.429),and the eradication rates of ITT analysis were 62.5%and 50.0%(P=0.640),respectively.In different stratifications,the eradication rates of the VPZ-HDDT group were higher than those of the PPI-HDDT group,but the differences were not statistically significant.The incidence of adverse reactions and compliance of the VPZ-HDDT group and the PPI-HDDT group were similar,with no statistically significant differences.Conclusion Both two combination regimens can achieve clinically acceptable eradication rates(>85%)in the first-time treatment patients.For the retreated and refractory patients,the choice of vonoprazan is more beneficial.
5.Effects of LAL on lipid synthesis and lipolysis in adipocytes of dairy cows
Lu LU ; Shuyu DU ; He YANG ; Qiushi XU ; Chuang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(10):2172-2178
In order to investigate the effects of LAL on the lipolysis and lipid synthesis of dairy adi-pocytes,the protein expressions of lipid synthesis-related molecules,acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1(ACC1),phosphorylated transcription factor-α(CEBPα),diacylglyceryl acyltransferase 2(DGAT2),sterol regulatory element binding protein 1(SREBP1),and peroxisome proliferator-ac-tivated receptor-γ(PPARγ),and lipolysis-related molecules,lipid droplet coated protein-1(PLIN1),triglyceride lipase(ATGL),hormone-sensitive lipase(HSL),p-HSL,and the target pro-tein lysosomal acid lipase(LAL),were detected in adipose tissues of healthy dairy cows and ketosis cows.The lipid synthesis and lipolysis-related protein expressions in adipocytes were detected by Western blot technology.The primary bovine adipocytes were cultured in vitro with overexpressed LAL,and the lipolysis model of adipocytes was constructed by adding isoproterenol(ISO).The re-sults showed that the expression of LAL in adipose tissue of ketosis cows was significantly lower than that of healthy cows(P<0.01).Compared with healthy cows,the protein expression levels of lipid synthesis-related proteins ACC1,CEBPα,DGAT2,SREBP1 and PPARγin adipose tissue of clinical ketosis cows were significantly decreased,while the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of lipolysis-related proteins,PLIN1,ATGL,and p-HSL were significantly increased.The a-bove results confirmed that the lipid synthesis of adipose tissue of ketosis cows was inhibited,and the lipolysis was enhanced.In vitro results showed that ISO could downregulate the protein ex-pression levels of lipid synthesis related molecules,and upregulate the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of lipid lysis related molecules in bovine adipocytes.The content of basal lipid synthesis and ISO-induced lipid synthesis proteins in bovine adipocytes of LAL overexpres-sion group was significantly increased,while the content of basal lipid lysis and ISO-induced lipid lysis proteins was significantly decreased.In conclusion,in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that LAL can inhibit the lipid lysis of bovine adipocytes and promote the lipid synthesis of bovine adipocytes.
6.Effects of CoCl2 on hypoxia-associated protein,lipid metabolism enzyme and insu-lin signaling pathway in primary bovine adipocytes
Tong YANG ; Yunhui FAN ; Xidan ZHENG ; Lu LU ; Zhuo WANG ; Qing LI ; Cheng YANG ; Chuang XU ; Qiushi XU ; Yuanyuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(10):2190-2196
This study utilized the CCK-8 assay to examine the effects of various concentrations of CoCl2(0,50,100,200,300,400 μmol/L)and different treatment durations(0,6,12,24,48 h)on the viability of adipocytes,in order to determine the most suitable treatment conditions.Western blot analysis was employed to investigate the impact of different concentrations of CoCl2(0,50,100,200,400 μmol/L)on the expression of hypoxia and its downstream key proteins in adipocytes.The results indicated that higher concentrations of CoCl2 led to lower adipocyte viability,with sig-nificant decreases in cell viability observed in the 300,400 μmol/L treatment groups(P<0.01),while the 200 μmol/L group exhibited the highest cell viability.Compared to the control group,the 200 μmol/L CoCl2 treatment group showed a significant upregulation in the expression of hypoxia and its downstream signaling pathway key molecules:hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha(HIF-1α),glucose transporter type 4(GLUT4),vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1(FLT-1),prolyl hydroxylase 2(PHD2),and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)(P<0.01).Addi-tionally,the 200 μmol/L CoCl2 treatment group exhibited higher levels of key lipolytic enzymes,including adipose triglyceride lipase(ATGL),perilipin 1(PLIN1),protein kinase A(PKA),and increased phosphorylation levels of hormone-sensitive lipase(HSL)in the 300 and 400 μmol/L groui ps(P<0.01).CoCl2-mediated hypoxia in the 200 μmol/L treatment group also in-creased the protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)and the phosphorylation level of protein kinase B(Akt).These findings suggest that adding 200 μmol/L CoCl2 can enhance the expression of hypoxia-related proteins,lipolytic enzymes,and insulin-related signaling proteins in primary bovine adipocytes.
7.Long-Term Assessment of Speech and Swallowing Function in Laryngopharyngeal Cancer Patients After J-Flap Reconstruction
Yi-An LU ; Chung-Kan TSAO ; Li-Jen HSIN ; Hsiu-Feng CHUANG ; Tuan-Jen FANG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2024;17(4):346-354
Objectives:
. A novel J-shaped anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction technique was developed to simultaneously restore swallowing and speech functions in patients following total laryngopharyngectomy. This study aimed to assess the outcomes and surgical complications in patients who underwent J-flap reconstruction over time.
Methods:
. Patients who underwent J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube reconstruction were enrolled. Surgical morbidities and outcomes were evaluated every 3 months post-surgery for a period of 12 months or until death.
Results:
. Of the 36 patients, 13 underwent circumferential pharyngeal wall resection (circumferential defect [CD] group), and 23 underwent partial resection (partial defect [PD] group). After 12 months, 97% of the patients were able to resume oral intake without the need for a nasogastric tube, and 50% achieved fluent speech using the reconstructed phonatory tube. The CD group experienced a higher rate of delayed healing than the PD group (30.8% vs. 0%, p=0.012). Additionally, the PD group showed significantly higher percentages of individuals consuming solid food at both the 3- and 12-month intervals than the CD group (81.0% vs. 23.1% and 78.9% vs. 40%, respectively).
Conclusions
. This study investigated the progression of speech and swallowing functions over time after reconstruction of the voice tube with a J-flap. Using a J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube effectively restored both speech and swallowing functions, providing long-term benefits, regardless of whether the defect was circumferential or partial.
8.Long-Term Assessment of Speech and Swallowing Function in Laryngopharyngeal Cancer Patients After J-Flap Reconstruction
Yi-An LU ; Chung-Kan TSAO ; Li-Jen HSIN ; Hsiu-Feng CHUANG ; Tuan-Jen FANG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2024;17(4):346-354
Objectives:
. A novel J-shaped anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction technique was developed to simultaneously restore swallowing and speech functions in patients following total laryngopharyngectomy. This study aimed to assess the outcomes and surgical complications in patients who underwent J-flap reconstruction over time.
Methods:
. Patients who underwent J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube reconstruction were enrolled. Surgical morbidities and outcomes were evaluated every 3 months post-surgery for a period of 12 months or until death.
Results:
. Of the 36 patients, 13 underwent circumferential pharyngeal wall resection (circumferential defect [CD] group), and 23 underwent partial resection (partial defect [PD] group). After 12 months, 97% of the patients were able to resume oral intake without the need for a nasogastric tube, and 50% achieved fluent speech using the reconstructed phonatory tube. The CD group experienced a higher rate of delayed healing than the PD group (30.8% vs. 0%, p=0.012). Additionally, the PD group showed significantly higher percentages of individuals consuming solid food at both the 3- and 12-month intervals than the CD group (81.0% vs. 23.1% and 78.9% vs. 40%, respectively).
Conclusions
. This study investigated the progression of speech and swallowing functions over time after reconstruction of the voice tube with a J-flap. Using a J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube effectively restored both speech and swallowing functions, providing long-term benefits, regardless of whether the defect was circumferential or partial.
9.Long-Term Assessment of Speech and Swallowing Function in Laryngopharyngeal Cancer Patients After J-Flap Reconstruction
Yi-An LU ; Chung-Kan TSAO ; Li-Jen HSIN ; Hsiu-Feng CHUANG ; Tuan-Jen FANG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2024;17(4):346-354
Objectives:
. A novel J-shaped anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction technique was developed to simultaneously restore swallowing and speech functions in patients following total laryngopharyngectomy. This study aimed to assess the outcomes and surgical complications in patients who underwent J-flap reconstruction over time.
Methods:
. Patients who underwent J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube reconstruction were enrolled. Surgical morbidities and outcomes were evaluated every 3 months post-surgery for a period of 12 months or until death.
Results:
. Of the 36 patients, 13 underwent circumferential pharyngeal wall resection (circumferential defect [CD] group), and 23 underwent partial resection (partial defect [PD] group). After 12 months, 97% of the patients were able to resume oral intake without the need for a nasogastric tube, and 50% achieved fluent speech using the reconstructed phonatory tube. The CD group experienced a higher rate of delayed healing than the PD group (30.8% vs. 0%, p=0.012). Additionally, the PD group showed significantly higher percentages of individuals consuming solid food at both the 3- and 12-month intervals than the CD group (81.0% vs. 23.1% and 78.9% vs. 40%, respectively).
Conclusions
. This study investigated the progression of speech and swallowing functions over time after reconstruction of the voice tube with a J-flap. Using a J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube effectively restored both speech and swallowing functions, providing long-term benefits, regardless of whether the defect was circumferential or partial.
10.Artificial intelligence predicts direct-acting antivirals failure among hepatitis C virus patients: A nationwide hepatitis C virus registry program
Ming-Ying LU ; Chung-Feng HUANG ; Chao-Hung HUNG ; Chi‐Ming TAI ; Lein-Ray MO ; Hsing-Tao KUO ; Kuo-Chih TSENG ; Ching-Chu LO ; Ming-Jong BAIR ; Szu-Jen WANG ; Jee-Fu HUANG ; Ming-Lun YEH ; Chun-Ting CHEN ; Ming-Chang TSAI ; Chien-Wei HUANG ; Pei-Lun LEE ; Tzeng-Hue YANG ; Yi-Hsiang HUANG ; Lee-Won CHONG ; Chien-Lin CHEN ; Chi-Chieh YANG ; Sheng‐Shun YANG ; Pin-Nan CHENG ; Tsai-Yuan HSIEH ; Jui-Ting HU ; Wen-Chih WU ; Chien-Yu CHENG ; Guei-Ying CHEN ; Guo-Xiong ZHOU ; Wei-Lun TSAI ; Chien-Neng KAO ; Chih-Lang LIN ; Chia-Chi WANG ; Ta-Ya LIN ; Chih‐Lin LIN ; Wei-Wen SU ; Tzong-Hsi LEE ; Te-Sheng CHANG ; Chun-Jen LIU ; Chia-Yen DAI ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Han-Chieh LIN ; Wan-Long CHUANG ; Cheng-Yuan PENG ; Chun-Wei- TSAI ; Chi-Yi CHEN ; Ming-Lung YU ;
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2024;30(1):64-79
Background/Aims:
Despite the high efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), approximately 1–3% of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients fail to achieve a sustained virological response. We conducted a nationwide study to investigate risk factors associated with DAA treatment failure. Machine-learning algorithms have been applied to discriminate subjects who may fail to respond to DAA therapy.
Methods:
We analyzed the Taiwan HCV Registry Program database to explore predictors of DAA failure in HCV patients. Fifty-five host and virological features were assessed using multivariate logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and artificial neural network. The primary outcome was undetectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks after the end of treatment.
Results:
The training (n=23,955) and validation (n=10,346) datasets had similar baseline demographics, with an overall DAA failure rate of 1.6% (n=538). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, poor DAA adherence, and higher hemoglobin A1c were significantly associated with virological failure. XGBoost outperformed the other algorithms and logistic regression models, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 1.000 in the training dataset and 0.803 in the validation dataset. The top five predictors of treatment failure were HCV RNA, body mass index, α-fetoprotein, platelets, and FIB-4 index. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the XGBoost model (cutoff value=0.5) were 99.5%, 69.7%, 99.9%, 97.4%, and 99.5%, respectively, for the entire dataset.
Conclusions
Machine learning algorithms effectively provide risk stratification for DAA failure and additional information on the factors associated with DAA failure.

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