PURPOSE: To evaluate the longitudinal effects of fingolimod therapy on choroidal vascular architecture, particularly the choroidal vascularity index (CVI), in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)....PURPOSE: To evaluate the longitudinal effects of fingolimod therapy on choroidal vascular architecture, particularly the choroidal vascularity index (CVI), in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). METHODS: This retrospective study included 51 RRMS patients who initiated fingolimod therapy and were followed for a median of 24 months (range 12-36 months). 51 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals served as a cross-sectional reference group. Central macular thickness (CMT), retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), choroidal luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), total choroidal area (TCA), and CVI were assessed at baseline and end of follow-up using spectral-domain OCT with enhanced depth imaging. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between treatment duration and the magnitude of change in CVI and SA. RESULTS: CMT, SFCT, RNFL, LA, and TCA remained stable throughout follow-up (all p > 0.05). SA decreased significantly (p = 0.007) and CVI increased significantly (0.6968 ± 0.0287 → 0.7082 ± 0.0321; mean paired difference +0.0114, 95% CI 0.0040-0.0188; p = 0.003). Follow-up CVI was significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls (p = 0.017). No patient developed macular oedema. A moderate positive correlation was found between treatment duration and ΔCVI (ρ = 0.38, p = 0.006).No correction for multiple comparisons was applied; all findings are exploratory. CONCLUSION: Fingolimod does not affect conventional OCT parameters in RRMS patients. A statistically significant increase in CVI accompanied by stromal reduction, correlating modestly with treatment duration, suggests a progressive change in choroidal vascular-stromal balance associated with treatment duration. These are exploratory findings; prospective studies with untreated RRMS comparators, longitudinal control data, and functional visual endpoints are required before drawing causal conclusions.
PURPOSE: Interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT) is an emerging loco-regional treatment for glioblastoma based on intracerebral illumination delivered through stereotactically implanted optical fibers. Despite encouragi...PURPOSE: Interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT) is an emerging loco-regional treatment for glioblastoma based on intracerebral illumination delivered through stereotactically implanted optical fibers. Despite encouraging oncological results, treatment-related morbidity remains significant, and the contribution of unintended light-induced thermal effects has never been experimentally investigated. This study aimed to preclinically characterize temperature changes during illumination using MRI-based thermometry. METHODS: Fifty-seven minutes of illumination were performed in ex vivo calf brain model at room temperature baseline. The temperature was monitored using the proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) method on a 1.5 T MRI system. Thermometric measurements were first validated against fiber-optic temperature probes during single diffusing fiber illumination. Spatio-temporal thermal distributions were then evaluated for three diffusing fiber configurations with inter-fiber spacings of 2.0, 1.0, and 0.6 cm. Macroscopic assessment of thermal tissue damage was performed after illumination. RESULTS: MRI thermometry showed excellent agreement with fiber optic temperature probes. Cumulative heating strongly depended on inter-fiber spacing. At the barycenter of the diffusing part of the three fibers, the mean ± SD final temperature estimated was 43.7 ± 0.7 °C at 2.0 cm spacing, 46.6 ± 5.9 °C at 1.0 cm spacing, and 53.5 ± 10.2 °C at 0.6 cm spacing. No macroscopic thermal tissue damage was observed. CONCLUSION: MRI thermometry provides a robust and translatable tool to quantify thermal effects during iPDT. Diffusing fiber spacing critically influences temperature distribution, supporting the use of thermometric monitoring to enhance procedural safety. Future clinical thermometric data could be implemented into treatments planning systems to refine fiber placement and enable patient-specific strategies aimed at maximizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the risk of thermal injury.
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and oral leukoplakia (OLK) are both potentially malignant disorders. Patients with habits of betel quid chewing and smoking are frequently diagnosed with both conditions. Notably, the rate o...Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and oral leukoplakia (OLK) are both potentially malignant disorders. Patients with habits of betel quid chewing and smoking are frequently diagnosed with both conditions. Notably, the rate of malignant transformation is significantly higher in individuals with concurrent OSF and OLK than in those with either condition alone. Laser assisted photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic modality that has been applied in the management of OLK, though its use in OSF remains unveiled. In this study, we report three patients with concurrent OSF and OLK who underwent laser-assisted PDT and demonstrated favorable outcomes and safety. These findings suggest that laser-assisted PDT may be a suitable therapeutic option for patients with OLK in the context of OSF.
We report a case of a 64-year-old woman who had a subcutaneous schwannoma accompanied by hemorrhagic cystic degeneration in the left lower extremity. The patient presented with a progressively enlarging subcutaneous mass...We report a case of a 64-year-old woman who had a subcutaneous schwannoma accompanied by hemorrhagic cystic degeneration in the left lower extremity. The patient presented with a progressively enlarging subcutaneous mass over an 8-year course, accompanied by activity-induced dull pain. Physical examination revealed a firm, well-defined nodule measuring 5.0 × 3.5 × 0.5 cm, with a negative Tinel's sign. Ultrasonography initially led to misdiagnosis of the lesion as a hemangioma; histopathological examination following complete surgical excision confirmed schwannoma. Microscopic analysis demonstrated characteristic Antoni A areas (featuring palisading spindle cells and Verocay bodies) and Antoni B (showing myxoid degeneration, cystic changes, and hyalinized vasculature). Subcutaneous schwannomas are prone to misdiagnosis because of the absence of typical imaging features. This imaging limitation necessitates a multidimensional analysis that integrates imaging with clinical manifestationsand histopathological features for accurate identification and differential diagnosis. Complete surgical excision achieved local disease control, and no recurrence was observed during the 4-year follow-up.This case highlights the importance of considering schwannoma in the differential diagnosis of chronic subcutaneous lower extremity masses. Establishing a "clinical-imaging-pathology" tripartite diagnostic framework is critical for early and precise management.Although photodynamic therapy or photodiagnosis was not performed in the present case, accurate recognition of rare superficial tumors with atypical manifestations may support appropriate lesion characterization before selecting diagnostic or therapeutic strategies, including photo-based approaches when clinically applicable.
PURPOSE: To compare the refractive outcomes of sulcus intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with optic capture following capsular tension ring (CTR) implantation versus standard in-the-bag IOL implantation in cataract pati...PURPOSE: To compare the refractive outcomes of sulcus intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with optic capture following capsular tension ring (CTR) implantation versus standard in-the-bag IOL implantation in cataract patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES). METHODS: Senile cataract patients diagnosed with PES were prospectively enrolled in the study and divided into two groups using closed-envelope randomization: Group 1: Following CTR implantation, a 3-piece IOL was implanted in the ciliary sulcus with optic capture. Group 2: A 3-piece IOL was implanted in-the-bag in a standard manner. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), refraction, and corneal topography measurements were performed preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively. The difference between calculated and actual spherical equivalent was defined as the refractive shift (RS). RESULTS: 56 eyes of 56 patients meeting the study criteria were evaluated. The mean RS was -0.38±0.72 D in Group 1 and +0.14±0.60 D in Group 2, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.015). Postoperative ACD increase was significantly lower in Group 1 (0.87±0.38 mm vs. 1.07±0.29 mm; p = 0.038). Best corrected visual acuity and IOP were similar in both groups. Postoperative capsular bag distension syndrome (CBDS) developed in two patients in Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PES, using CTR combined with sulcus implantation of the IOL with optic capture may result in a more anterior IOL position compared to in-the-bag implantation, leading to myopic RS. Therefore, the possibility of a more anterior effective lens position (ELP) should be considered in IOL power calculations. In patients undergoing optic capture technique, careful viscoelastic clearance is important to minimize the risk of CBDS.
BACKGROUND: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common premalignant condition arising from chronic ultraviolet exposure and frequently occurs within fields of sun-damaged skin that harbour subclinical dysplasia. OBJECTIVE: To su...BACKGROUND: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common premalignant condition arising from chronic ultraviolet exposure and frequently occurs within fields of sun-damaged skin that harbour subclinical dysplasia. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the mechanistic rationale, clinical evidence, safety profile, and practical considerations for a sequential regimen of short-course topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) pretreatment followed by daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy (dPDT) for field-directed management of AK. METHODS: We performed a narrative synthesis of randomized controlled trials, split-site studies, mechanistic investigations and cohort reports identified through comprehensive searches of major biomedical databases. RESULTS: An intra-individual randomized trial demonstrated that pretreatment with 4% 5-FU cream prior to daylight-PDT achieved superior overall clearance 87% versus 74% especially in thicker (grade II) lesions. Across the reviewed studies, the sequential use of 5-fluorouracil followed by daylight photodynamic therapy achieved higher rates of complete lesion clearance, particularly in grade II cases. These benefits were sustained in 12 months, with lower recurrence rates and strong patient satisfaction. While the combination approach was linked to temporary redness and scaling, these side effects were mild and did not result in treatment discontinuation in the reported trials. CONCLUSIONS: Short-course topical 5-FU pretreatment before dPDT is a biologically plausible and clinically promising strategy to improve lesion and field clearance in AK, particularly for moderately thick lesions. Larger multicentre randomized trials with standardized protocols and longer follow-up are required to define optimal dosing, timing, and applicability to hyperkeratotic high-grade lesions.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the structural impact of intravitreal faricimab on the neovascular network in treatment-resistant Type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) using quantitative swept-source optical coherence tomography...PURPOSE: To evaluate the structural impact of intravitreal faricimab on the neovascular network in treatment-resistant Type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) using quantitative swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). METHODS: A retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted on 21 eyes with Type 1 MNV (including polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy) that were unresponsive to intensive intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy. Patients underwent switching therapy with a single faricimab injection and were evaluated at baseline and Day 14. Quantitative SS-OCTA analysis included perfusion indices, vascular component segmentation (trunk vs. capillary), and fractal analysis (fractal dimension [FD] and lacunarity) to quantify lesion complexity and pruning. RESULTS: Despite a heavy prior treatment burden (mean 11.8 ± 6.5 injections), significant functional and anatomical improvements were observed. BCVA improved (P = 0.0088), and maximum pigment epithelial detachment height decreased (P = 0.0008) with reductions in CFT and SFCT. Crucially, SS-OCTA revealed profound network regression with reduced perfusion area (P = 0.0002) and vessel density (P = 0.0019). Component analysis demonstrated the regression of both recalcitrant trunk and capillary vessels. This vascular remodeling was confirmed by decreased branching complexity (intersection points, P = 0.0017; FD, P = 0.001) and increase in lacunarity (P = 0.0102), quantitatively indicating the "pruning" of the neovascular tree. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal faricimab demonstrated rapid regression of neovascular architecture in refractory MNV. Quantitative SS-OCTA findings suggest that dual Ang-2/VEGF-A inhibition may contribute to vascular pruning of both trunk and capillary vessels, supporting a potential benefit in structural remodeling compared with anti-VEGF therapy.
BACKGROUND: Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is an effective and non-invasive treatment for HPV-related diseases, but its underlying mechanisms still need further investigation. cGAS-STING signaling pat...BACKGROUND: Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is an effective and non-invasive treatment for HPV-related diseases, but its underlying mechanisms still need further investigation. cGAS-STING signaling pathway takes part in antiviral innate immune defense, but its changes and regulatory mechanisms in ALA-PDT treatment remain unknown. METHODS: Under ALA-PDT treatment in HPV-transformed cells, the relative expression of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was measured by qPCR. Cellular morphology and the spatial relationship between mitochondria and DNA were observed using confocal microscopy. Protein expression related to the cGAS-STING pathway was assessed by western blot, and apoptosis was detected via flow cytometry. Corresponding statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: ALA-PDT treatment induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release into the HeLa cells cytosol and activated the cGAS-STING pathway, evidenced by upregulated cGAS and STING expression, and promoted cell apoptosis (P < 0.05). In addition, pharmacological inhibition of STING attenuated this effect. Notably, in mtDNA-depleted (ρ) cells, the cGAS-STING response to ALA-PDT was markedly diminished, suggesting that the immunostimulatory effect of ALA-PDT may be mediated through mtDNA release. CONCLUSION: We identified that ALA-PDT could induce mtDNA release from mitochondria into cytoplasm and then activate cGAS-STING signaling pathway in HPV infected HeLa cells. These results might help expand our knowledge of ALA-PDT intervention mechanisms and is possibly instrumental to further exploration of novel photodynamic, photo-immuno and photo-immune-gene therapies.
BACKGROUND: Traditional photodynamic therapy (PDT) is limited by low penetration of light in the tissue. Cherenkov radiation-induced PDT (CR-PDT) uses Cherenkov luminescence from charged particles passing through the tis...BACKGROUND: Traditional photodynamic therapy (PDT) is limited by low penetration of light in the tissue. Cherenkov radiation-induced PDT (CR-PDT) uses Cherenkov luminescence from charged particles passing through the tissue as an internal light source to excite photosensitizers (PS) used to treat deep tumors. METHODS: This systematic review was carried out according to PRISMA 2020 protocols and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD420261309392). PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched (January 2015-February 2026). Sixteen preclinical studies (14 in vitro/in vivo, 2 early translational) were included after screening 894 records. RESULTS: Beta-emitters (primarily Zr, F-FDG, Y) activated diverse PS, frequently nanoparticle-encapsulated (e.g., mesoporous silica nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, or graphene oxide hybrids), producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) via Type I/II mechanisms. In vitro, dose-dependent reductions in metabolic activity (assessed by MTT/MTS assays and flow cytometry), which reflect acute biological response but not clonogenic survival in two studies) reached >70-80% reduction in cell viability with optimized nanoplatforms. In vivo, significant tumor growth regression and survival benefits were observed in animal models (murine breast, ovarian, liver, and pancreatic xenografts). Cherenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) provided inherent theranostic monitoring of distribution and response. The risk of bias (ROB) was low in general. CONCLUSION: CR-PDT represents an experimental preclinical strategy for internally activated theranostic PDT in deep-seated tumor models. Nanotechnology enhances efficacy, but clinical translation requires standardized dosimetry and larger studies.
BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent cutaneous malignancy. It correlates strongly with ultraviolet exposure. The incidence of BCC continues to climb annually. Consequently, the demand for safe, co...BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent cutaneous malignancy. It correlates strongly with ultraviolet exposure. The incidence of BCC continues to climb annually. Consequently, the demand for safe, cosmetically favorable, and highly effective therapies is pressing. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has captured significant research interest due to its therapeutic efficacy against BCC. This study aims to investigate current research hotspots, knowledge gaps, and future trends concerning PDT in BCC management. METHODS: We mapped the research landscape and developmental trends of dermatological PDT for BCC. This analysis utilized visual knowledge graphs derived from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and Scopus. A comprehensive literature search covered publications on BCC and PDT from 2001 to 2025. Search queries were conducted in English. Subsequent evaluations included scientific performance analysis, collaboration networks (authors, institutions, and countries), reference co-citation networks, and keyword burst analysis. We utilized VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix to process the resulting data. RESULTS: The initial search retrieved 2458 records. Following deduplication and data conversion, 1551 articles were included in the final analysis. Publication volume surged notably between 2004 and 2009. The United States and the United Kingdom emerged as the primary contributing nations. Maastricht University was identified as the leading research institution. References exhibiting the highest centrality predominantly centered on key consensus guidelines established by the International Society for Photodynamic Therapy. They also focused on the therapeutic efficacy and cosmetic advantages in treating nodular BCC. High-frequency keywords were dominated by "Photodynamic therapy" and "Basal cell carcinoma." Furthermore, cluster analysis mapped all keywords into three fundamental domains: disease classification, core pharmacology and mechanisms, and combined or controlled treatment modalities. Within the analyzed corpus of 1551 papers, R. Szeimies and C. Morton emerged as the most prolific authors. They made the most substantial contributions to the field. Keyword analysis also illuminated other high-frequency terms. These included Actinic keratosis, Squamous cell carcinoma, Aminolevulinic acid, Methyl aminolevulinate, Imiquimod, and Pain. Finally, the keyword timeline visualization revealed several emerging research hotspots. Notably, these are optical coherence tomography, immunotherapy, drug delivery, and the hedgehog pathway. CONCLUSION: PDT offers a dual advantage over conventional therapies for BCC. It successfully balances clinical efficacy with superior cosmetic outcomes. This study represents the first global, quantitative literature analysis on the intersection of BCC and PDT. It identifies several established research hotspots. These encompass the metabolic mechanisms of photosensitizer precursors, the expansion of targeted clinical indications, and the management of pain-related adverse events. Furthermore, we identified a shift toward novel research frontiers. Emerging trends heavily focus on precise localization through non-invasive optical imaging and the development of innovative carriers to breach the skin barrier. They also highlight advanced diagnostic and therapeutic protocols that integrate immunomodulators with molecular targeted pathways. Ultimately, these findings provide valuable navigational guidance for future research endeavors.
Canine ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia canis, is a tick-borne disease with a global distribution that significantly affects the clinical and epidemiological landscape for dogs. Although laboratory diagnosis is essentia...Canine ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia canis, is a tick-borne disease with a global distribution that significantly affects the clinical and epidemiological landscape for dogs. Although laboratory diagnosis is essential, current diagnostic methods exhibit limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness. This study evaluated the efficacy of ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy combined with machine learning techniques to differentiate serological samples that are positive and negative for E. canis. A total of 46 canine serum samples, classified via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/Dot-Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, were analyzed. Spectra (200-300 nm) underwent dimensionality reduction through principal component analysis, and classification using supervised algorithms, specifically support vector machine. In the binary classification of E. canis positive and negative sera, a linear SVM model (5 PCs) achieved 89.3% accuracy via Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation (LOOCV), yielding 85.7% sensitivity and 92.9% specificity. In the independent test set, the model reached 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, demonstrating high robustness and potential for diagnostic screening. The findings indicate that UV spectroscopy, in conjunction with machine learning, may serve as an effective complementary tool for diagnosing E. canis.
PURPOSE: To investigate whether subtle vascular pathologies undetectable by fundus examination can be identified in the prediabetic stage using OCTA. SETTING: Ege University Hospital, Izmir DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort M...PURPOSE: To investigate whether subtle vascular pathologies undetectable by fundus examination can be identified in the prediabetic stage using OCTA. SETTING: Ege University Hospital, Izmir DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort METHODS: Best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, detailed anterior and posterior segment examinations, OCT angiography (OCTA) were performed on patients diagnosed with prediabetes in the internal medicine department. OCTA was performed using an OptoVue AngioVue XR Avanti SD-OCT (Fremont, USA). Total, foveal, para-perifoveal superficial and deep vasculature; foveal avascular zone (FAZ), outer retina and choriocapillaris were evaluated. Patients with known ocular disease, severe refractive error, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) < 0.8 (Snellen), poor OCTA image quality (signal strength ≤ 50), history of ocular surgery or intravitreal injection and systemic diseases other than controlled hypertension or dyslipidemia excluded. Patients without prediabetes (also without any systemic diseases) were included in the study as the control group RESULTS: The mean age was 52.93 ± 11.41 years in the prediabetic group and 50.14 ± 10.71 years in controls, with no significant difference (p = 0.094). Total deep and superficial, foveal deep, perifoveal superficial vascular densities were significantly lower in the prediabetic group (p < 0.05). Prediabetic patients with hypertension showed no change of vascular densities compared with those without hypertension. Those with high total cholesterol had lower choriocapillaris flow (p = 0.01). HbA1c was not correlated with any OCTA parameter CONCLUSION: Patients with prediabetes exhibit subtle but significant reductions in retinal vascular density, particularly within the superficial capillary plexuses when compared with normoglycemic controls. Ophthalmologists and endocrinologists should consider OCTA findings as part of a broader metabolic assessment, particularly for individuals with risk factors such as obesity, dyslipidemia, or family history of diabetes.
PURPOSE: To quantitatively analyze the characteristics of the retinal large Gaussian curvature annular region (RLCA) in myopic patients using ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). METHODS: P...PURPOSE: To quantitatively analyze the characteristics of the retinal large Gaussian curvature annular region (RLCA) in myopic patients using ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). METHODS: Patients with myopia underwent 24 mm × 20 mm macular OCTA, and retinal curvature (RC) maps were generated. Key RLCA parameters, mean radius (r) and radial distance (R) from the maximum RC point (RCmax) to the fovea, were quantified and correlated with axial length (AL), RCmax, and central macular retinal curvature (RCc). RESULTS: A total of 68 patients (136 eyes) were included in this study. The r exhibited a significant negative correlation with both RCmax and RCc. In contrast, no statistically significant correlation was observed between the r and AL. Furthermore, R showed significant negative correlations with AL, RCmax, and RCc. Notably, r was strongly and positively correlated with R. Additionally, RCmax demonstrated a significant negative correlation with AL but a significant positive correlation with RCc. CONCLUSIONS: The retinal morphology in the "retinal doughnut" region may be associated with the inherent morphological development of the eye to a large extent. Specifically, the smaller eyes exhibited larger RCc and RCmax values along with a smaller r, whereas the larger eyes showed the opposite pattern. Nevertheless, AL may be associated with local morphological changes within this region, which are mainly reflected in the RCmax area.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between sleep duration, sleep quality, and the risk of myopia among adolescents in the United States, utilizing data from the 2005 to 2008 cycles of the National Health and...OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between sleep duration, sleep quality, and the risk of myopia among adolescents in the United States, utilizing data from the 2005 to 2008 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was applied to data from 966 adolescents aged 16 to 19 years. Myopia was classified by severity. Sleep duration and sleep quality were categorized and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations between sleep characteristics and myopia. RESULTS: In unadjusted models, poorer sleep quality (quartiles Q2-Q4) was associated with an increased risk of myopia. This association persisted after adjusting for demographic variables. However, further adjustment for the family poverty income ratio, screen time, and body mass index attenuated the association. Although the overall sleep quality variable remained statistically significant, pairwise comparisons between individual quartiles and the reference group were not. No significant associations were found between sleep duration and myopia. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the apparent influence of sleep may be confounded by other factors, limiting conclusions about its independent role.Future investigations should further employ optical biometry and OCT/OCTA to quantify sleep-related structural changes in the eye, in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the influence of sleep on myopia.
OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the application value of fluorescence imaging (FI) surgical navigation technology in gastric cancer surgery, and to clarify its impact on surgery-related outcome indicators, providin...OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the application value of fluorescence imaging (FI) surgical navigation technology in gastric cancer surgery, and to clarify its impact on surgery-related outcome indicators, providing high-quality evidence for clinical surgical decision-making. METHODS: A computer-based search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases to collect controlled studies comparing FI surgical navigation technology with traditional non-fluorescence imaging (No-FI) navigation technology in gastric cancer surgery, published until April 2026. After quality assessment, meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.1 software. RESULTS: A total of 12 controlled studies were included, involving 1483 patients (683 in the FI group and 800 in the No-FI group). The meta-analysis results showed that compared with the No-FI group, the FI group had a significantly shorter operative time [MD = -11.92, 95% CI (-22.75, -1.10), P = 0.03], hospital stay [MD = -0.26, 95% CI (-0.34, -0.18), P < 0.001], and a significantly greater number of lymph nodes dissected [MD = 5.68, 95% CI (3.83, 7.53), P < 0.001]. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time to first flatus, anastomotic leakage rate, or overall postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The FI surgical navigation technology can significantly increase the number of lymph nodes dissected and also shortens operative time and hospital stay. This procedure offers good clinical application value and warrants clinical promotion.
PURPOSE: To quantify retinal curvature as a geometric descriptor of posterior pole configuration and to evaluate association with axial length and high myopia. METHODS: This dual-center observational study included 142 p...PURPOSE: To quantify retinal curvature as a geometric descriptor of posterior pole configuration and to evaluate association with axial length and high myopia. METHODS: This dual-center observational study included 142 participants (284 eyes). Retinal curvature was derived from three-dimensional reconstruction of the Bruch's membrane surface using wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography after axial length-based magnification correction. Curvature was summarized across predefined macular regions. Eye-level associations of high myopia (HM) and axial length with retinal curvature were evaluated using generalized estimating equations adjusted for age, sex, and imaging center. Interocular analyses were performed using linear regression models relating interocular axial length differences (ΔAL) to corresponding differences in retinal curvature. RESULTS: In eye-level analyses, HM was associated with lower RC5 (β = -0.041; 95% CI, -0.071 to -0.012; q = 0.021), RC6 (β = -0.088; 95% CI, -0.114 to -0.063; q < 0.001), and superior retinal curvature (RCS; β = -0.066; 95% CI, -0.097 to -0.035; q < 0.001). Per 1-mm greater axial length, lower values were observed for RC5 (β = -0.026; 95% CI, -0.038 to -0.014; q < 0.001), RC6 (β = -0.046; 95% CI, -0.058 to -0.033; q < 0.001), RCS (β = -0.030; 95% CI, -0.043 to -0.018; q < 0.001), and RCT (β = -0.019; 95% CI, -0.032 to -0.006; q = 0.014). In interocular analyses, ΔAL was positively associated with ΔRC3 (β = 0.120; 95% CI, 0.079 to 0.160; q < 0.001) and ΔRCS (β = 0.041; 95% CI, 0.007 to 0.075; q = 0.026), but inversely associated with ΔRC6 (β = -0.087; 95% CI, -0.127 to -0.048; q < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Retinal curvature provides a region-specific geometric characterization of posterior pole configuration. In myopic eyes, curvature demonstrates spatially heterogeneous associations with axial length and high myopia, with more pronounced variation in outer regions. These findings support the use of curvature-based metrics to describe spatial variation in posterior pole geometry.
BACKGROUNDS AND AIM: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been suggested to enhance cellular activity and may play a role in regenerative endodontics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of LLLT on the adhesion of undi...BACKGROUNDS AND AIM: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been suggested to enhance cellular activity and may play a role in regenerative endodontics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of LLLT on the adhesion of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to human dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this ex-vivo experimental study, 63 human dentin discs were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 21): irradiation with a 660 nm diode laser, irradiation with an 810 nm diode laser, and no irradiation (control). Third-passage undifferentiated MSCs were seeded onto dentin discs, and cell adhesion was assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: LLLT significantly increased MSC adhesion compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The 660 nm laser group demonstrated significantly higher cell adhesion than the 810 nm group (P < 0.05). In both laser groups, cell adhesion peaked at 48 h. CONCLUSION: LLLT enhances the adhesion of undifferentiated MSCs to human dentin, with 660 nm diode laser showing superior efficacy. These findings suggest a potential role for LLLT in regenerative endodontic and periodontal applications.
OBJECTIVE: Chemotherapy resistance from temozolomide (TMZ) continues to be a major cause of glioblastoma (GBM) recurrence. Emerging evidence indicates that cytoprotective autophagy constitutes a key resistance mechanism...OBJECTIVE: Chemotherapy resistance from temozolomide (TMZ) continues to be a major cause of glioblastoma (GBM) recurrence. Emerging evidence indicates that cytoprotective autophagy constitutes a key resistance mechanism to TMZ. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been shown to modulate the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells (GCs) to TMZ through multiple pathways. This study aims to explore how PDT regulates the sensitivity of GCs to TMZ chemotherapy by inhibiting autophagy formation. METHODS: The vitality and proliferation ability of U251 cells were evaluated under different treatments using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and fluorescence assays, respectively. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using the 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescence probes. The features of autophagy were assessed via lysosomal fluorescent probes, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Compared to TMZ group, samples treated with the combination of TMZ and PDT showed a marked reduction in both cell viability and proliferative ability. Despite this anti-tumor effect, cell death, as assessed by propidium iodide (PI) staining, was not significantly increased during the first 4 h of the combination treatment. But the fluorescence intensity of ROS was significantly higher in Combination group, compared with the other group. The fluorescent analyses and TEM observations confirmed an increase in cytoprotective autophagy in the late phase of TMZ therapy. However, the PI staining assay revealed that the TMZ with synergistic PDT enhanced the percentage of GCs death. CONCLUSION: The combination of TMZ and PDT suppresses autophagy by increasing ROS levels, thereby improving the sensitivity of GCs to TMZ chemotherapy. This finding represents a novel biomedical engineering strategy to overcome TMZ resistance.
AIM: To evaluate the effect of different dentin biomodifiers, grape seed extract (GSE), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), riboflavin photosensitizer-ultraviolet A (RF/UVA), and hydroxyapatite n...AIM: To evaluate the effect of different dentin biomodifiers, grape seed extract (GSE), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), riboflavin photosensitizer-ultraviolet A (RF/UVA), and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) on the shear bond strength (SBS) and resin tag length (RTL) of 5 generation adhesive bonded to artificially demineralized dentin in comparison to the control. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Seventy-five non-carious permanent premolars were used in this study. Dentin was exposed to the middle third level, followed by artificial caries induction using the pH-cycling method. The samples were etched using phosphoric acid (PA). The samples were randomly assigned to five groups based on the type of dentin biomodification. Group 1 (No dentin biomodification); Group 2 (GSE); Group 3 (CPP-ACP); Group 4 (RF/UVA); and Group 5 (HANPs). After modification, a fifth-generation adhesive was applied to the prepared dentin surfaces, which were then restored with composite resin. To simulate aging, all samples were subjected to thermocycling for 10,000 cycles. SBS and failure mode assessments were performed on each cohort using a universal testing machine and stereomicroscope, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the length of the resin tags. Comparisons among different groups were performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests (p<0.05). RESULT: The maximum resin tag length (135.43±5.19 μm) and SBS (11.43±0.77 MPa) were observed in Group 2 (GSE). The minimum RTL (53.11±1.12 μm) and SBS (6.21±0.39 MPa) were observed in Group 4 (RF/UVA) CONCLUSION: GSE and CPP-ACP, as dentin biomodifiers, appear to be promising approaches for improving RTL and SBS of 5th-generation adhesives on artificially demineralized dentin. In contrast, RF/UVA and HANPs significantly compromised adhesive penetration and SBS compared with the untreated control, underscoring the mechanism-specific and material-dependent nature of dentin biomodification strategies.
BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major driver of various malignancies, accounting for approximately 90% of cervical cancer cases and 70% of oropharyngeal cancer cases worldwide, yet therapies for per...BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major driver of various malignancies, accounting for approximately 90% of cervical cancer cases and 70% of oropharyngeal cancer cases worldwide, yet therapies for persistent lesions remain limited. 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) eliminates HPV-infected cells via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis and immune modulation, but its immune regulatory mechanisms remain undefined. METHODS: Macrophage polarization and ferroptosis were characterized through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of phenotype markers, quantification of lipid peroxidation (MDA), ROS, and Bodipy-based fluorescence imaging. Transcriptomic profiling was employed to delineate ferroptosis-associated pathways underlying macrophage polarization. The STEAP3/p53/SLC7A11 axis was validated by Western blot (WB) and qPCR. The effects of macrophage-conditioned medium on HPV16-positive SiHa cells were evaluated using a CCK-8 assay and a Transwell migration assay. RESULTS: ALA-PDT triggered macrophage M1 polarization with upregulated pro-inflammatory markers and induced macrophage ferroptosis, evidenced by elevated ferroptosis markers. Transcriptomic analysis revealed activation of ferroptosis pathways (STEAP3, p53, SLC7A11) in PDT-treated macrophages. Ferrostatin-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, reversed PDT-induced reduction of M1 polarization. Conditioned medium from PDT-treated macrophages significantly reduced the relative metabolic activity and migration of SiHa cells. CONCLUSION: ALA-PDT induces ferroptosis-dependent macrophage M1 polarization via the STEAP3/p53/SLC7A11 axis, potentiating macrophage-mediated elimination of HPV-infected cells. This ferroptosis-immunity interplay not only disrupts viral persistence but also provides a therapeutic paradigm to overcome HPV-driven immune suppression.