Fire needle combined with blood-letting therapy for a case of 20-year trigeminal neuralgia

Background： Trigeminal neuralgia （TN） is a neuropathic pain syndrome. It is the most frequent cranial neuralgia and defined as sudden, usually unilateral and lightning-like, knife-like or burning-like recurrent episodes of pain within the distribution area of one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve. Here we reported that an 81-year-old woman with TN who complained of severe pain on her right face showed a complete clinical relief after comprehensive therapy containing fire needle, filiform needle and blood-letting therapy. Methods： The patient was applied fire needle combined with filiform needle therapy （3 times / week for 4 months） and three consecutive fire needle combined with blood-letting therapy （3 times / week for one week）. Fire needle was inserted into the back points of Du meridian, the first lateral line of bladder meridian, the right spreading area of the trigeminal nerve and the points around the pain radiation site. The filiform needle acupuncture was applied to the points on the right face including Yuyao （EX-HN4）, Yangbai （GB14）, Toulinqi （GB15）, et al; points on the abdomen including Xiawan （RN10）, Qihai （RN16）, Guanyuan （RN14） and the bilateral points including Tianshu （ST25）, Daheng （SP15）, Zusanli （ST36）, et al. Finally, the three-edged fire needle punctured the points of Yangbai （GB41）, Shangguan （GB3）, Jiache （ST6） on the right face accompanied by the cupping method on the bleeding points. Results： The patient reported the complete disappearance of pain and could open mouth and eat normally. The face was normal and no triggering pain recurred after one-month follow-up. Conclusions： The fire needle combined with blood-letting therapy can cure the TN and might provide an alternative non-drug therapy for those patients who still suffered from TN after other medical treatments or whom that refused surgical treatment.

OBSERVATION OF 14 CASES OF LARYNGEAL CARBUNCLE TREATED BY WEI JIA'S BLOOD-LETTING THERAPY

The author used the pricking-blood therapy to treat 14 cases of laryngeal car-buncle.The pricking-blood therapy included clumpy pricking(local area),spot pricking(prickingSanshang points on the thumb and three points of the helix).The therapy has role of clearing awaypathogentic heat and toxic materials and promoting subsidence of swelling.It could avoid forming py-opoiesis and free from operating treatment.The treatment was given once daily,result:13 cases cured(93%),1 case failed(7%).In 14 cases,antero-upper type has 13 cases which cured,postero-uppertype has only 1 case which treated failure.It is because its imflammation was located on posterior totonsillae,exposed bad and pricked difficulty.So the therapy only used antero-upper type of laryngealcarbuncle and had a good effect.

Observation on the effect difference in migraine treated with the combination of acupuncture and blood-letting therapy and medication with carbamazepine

Objective:To observe the clinical therapeutic effect on migraine treated with acupuncture combined with blood-letting therapy.Methods:A total of 90 patients of migraine were included in compliance with the requirement and divided into a blood-letting therapy group,a western medication group,an acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group,30 cases in each one according to the random number table.In the two control groups,the simple blood-letting therapy was exerted at Dàzhuī(大椎GV14)and the oral administration with carbamazepine were provided respectively.In the acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group,acupuncture was exerted at Bǎihuì(百会GV20)and other points,with blood-letting therapy combined.The treatment was given once daily and 12 treatments were as one course.After 2 courses of treatment,the score of therapeutic effect on symptoms and signs,pain score of visual analogue scale(VAS)and clinical therapeutic effect were compared among the three groups before and after treatment.Results:At the end of treatment,the scores for symptoms and signs and VAS score were reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment in the three groups(all P<0.01).Compared with the blood-letting therapy group and the medication group,the scores for symptoms and signs and VAS score were all reduced more obviously in the acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group respectively(all P<0.01)and the differences were not significant between the blood-letting therapy group and the medication group(P>0.05).The total effective rate in the acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group was higher obviously than either the blood-letting therapy group or the medication group(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with blood-letting therapy achieves a better clinical therapeutic effect on migraine as compared with either simple blood-letting therapy or medication.Such combined treatment obtains a satisfactory therapeutic results and deserves to be promoted in clinical application.

Blood-Letting Therapy for Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of blood-letting therapy(BLT)in treatment of hypertension.Methods:A comprehensive electronic and manual bibliographic searches were performed in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,Excerpt Medica Database(EMBASE),PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Chinese Scientific Journal Database,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,and Wanfang Database to identify randomized controlled trials(RCTs)in which hypertensive patients were treated with BLT or BLT plus antihypertensive drugs(BPAD)against placebo,no treatment or antihypertensive drugs.The Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool was used to assess the methodological quality of trials.The Review Manager 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.Results:A total of 7 RCTs with 637 hypertensive patients from 1989 to 2017 were identified.Compared with antihypertensive drugs,blood pressure was significantly reduced by BLT(RR=1.21,95%CI:1.01 to 1.44,P=0.03;heterogeneity:P=0.06,I^2=60%)and BPAD(RR=1.25,95%CI,1.02 to 1.53,P=0.03;heterogeneity:P=0.01,I^2=71%).Moreover,a significant improvement in Chinese medicine syndrome by BLT(RR=1.32;95%CI:1.14 to 1.53,P=0.0002;heterogeneity:P=0.53,I^2=0%)and BPAD(RR=1.47;95%CI:1.06 to 2.04,P=0.02;heterogeneity:P=0.13,I^2=56%)was identified.The reported adverse effects were well tolerated.Conclusions:Although some positive findings were identified,no definite conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of BLT as complementary and alternative approach for treatment of hypertension could be drew due to the generally poor methodological design,significant heterogeneity,and insufficient clinical data.Further rigorously designed trials are warranted to confirm the results.

Treatment of spinal cord injury with biomaterials and stem cell therapy in non-human primates and humans

Spinal cord injury results in the loss of sensory,motor,and autonomic functions,which almost always produces permanent physical disability.Thus,in the search for more effective treatments than those already applied for years,which are not entirely efficient,researches have been able to demonstrate the potential of biological strategies using biomaterials to tissue manufacturing through bioengineering and stem cell therapy as a neuroregenerative approach,seeking to promote neuronal recovery after spinal cord injury.Each of these strategies has been developed and meticulously evaluated in several animal models with the aim of analyzing the potential of interventions for neuronal repair and,consequently,boosting functional recovery.Although the majority of experimental research has been conducted in rodents,there is increasing recognition of the importance,and need,of evaluating the safety and efficacy of these interventions in non-human primates before moving to clinical trials involving therapies potentially promising in humans.This article is a literature review from databases(PubMed,Science Direct,Elsevier,Scielo,Redalyc,Cochrane,and NCBI)from 10 years ago to date,using keywords(spinal cord injury,cell therapy,non-human primates,humans,and bioengineering in spinal cord injury).From 110 retrieved articles,after two selection rounds based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,21 articles were analyzed.Thus,this review arises from the need to recognize the experimental therapeutic advances applied in non-human primates and even humans,aimed at deepening these strategies and identifying the advantages and influence of the results on extrapolation for clinical applicability in humans.

Real-world evidence on the efficacy and safety of vonoprazanamoxicillin dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori treatment in elderly patients

BACKGROUND A dual therapy regimen containing amoxicillin is a common treatment option for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori).While substantial research supports the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan and amoxicillin(VA)dual therapy in the general population,there is still a lack of studies specifically focusing on its safety in elderly patients.AIM To evaluate efficacy and safety of VA dual therapy as first-line or rescue treatment for H.pylori in elderly patients.METHODS As a real-world retrospective study,data were collected from elderly patients aged 60 years and above who accepted VA dual therapy(vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily+amoxicillin 1000 mg thrice daily for 14 days)for H.pylori eradication in the Department of Gastroenterology at Peking University First Hospital between June 2020 and January 2024.H.pylori status was evaluated by^(13)C-urease breath test 6 weeks after treatment.All adverse events(AEs)during treatment were recorded.RESULTS In total,401 cases were screened.Twenty-one cases were excluded due to loss to follow-up,lack of re-examination,or unwillingness to take medication.The total of 380 included cases comprised 250 who received VA dual therapy as first-line treatment and 130 who received VA dual therapy as rescue treatment.H.pylori was successfully eradicated in 239 cases(95.6%)in the first-line treatment group and 116 cases(89.2%)in the rescue treatment group.The overall incidence of AEs was 9.5%for both groups.Specifically,9.2%of patients experienced an AE in the first-line treatment group and 10.0%in the rescue treatment group.Five patients discontinued treatment due to AE,with a discontinuation rate of 1.3%.No serious AE occurred.CONCLUSION The VA dual therapy regimen as a first-line treatment and a rescue therapy was effective and safe for elderly patients aged 60 and older.

Optimizing care for gastric cancer with overt bleeding:Is systemic therapy a valid option?

Gastric cancer(GC)and gastroesophageal junction cancer(GEJC)represent a significant burden globally,with complications such as overt bleeding(OB)further exacerbating patient outcomes.A recent study by Yao et al evaluated the effectiveness and safety of systematic treatment in GC/GEJC patients presenting with OB.Using propensity score matching,the study balanced the comparison groups to investigate overall survival and treatment-related adverse events.The study's findings emphasize that systematic therapy can be safe and effective and contribute to the ongoing debate about the management of advanced GC/GEJC with OB,highlighting the complexities of treatment decisions in these high-risk patients.

Current status of drug therapy for chronic hepatitis B

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Meng et al.Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)is a significant global health problem,particularly in developing countries.Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is one of the most important risk factors for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Prevention and treatment of HBV are key measures to reduce complications.At present,drug therapy can effectively control virus replication and slow disease progression,but completely eliminating the virus remains a challenge.Anti-HBV treatment is a long-term process,and there are many kinds of antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of action,it is essential to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these drugs to reduce side effects and improve patients’compliance.We will summarize the current status of CHB drug treatment,hoping to provide a reference for the selection of clinical antiviral drugs.

Antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus infection is beneficial for the prognosis hepatocellular carcinoma

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Mu et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology.We pay special attention to the immune tolerance mechanism caused by hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection,the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and the role of antiviral therapy in treating HCC related to HBV infection.HBV infection leads to systemic innate immune tolerance by directly inhibiting pattern recognition receptor recognition and antiviral signaling pathways,as well as by inhibiting the immune functions of macrophages,natural killer cells and dendritic cells.In addition,HBV leads to an immunosuppressive cascade by expressing inhibitory molecules to induce exhaustion of HBV-specific cluster of differentiation 8+T cells,ultimately leading to long-term viral infection.The loss of immune cell function caused by HBV infection ultimately leads to HCC.Long-term antiviral therapy can improve the prognosis of patients with HCC and prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis.

Summary of the current guidelines for managing iatrogenic colorectal perforations and the evolving role of endoluminal vacuum therapy

Colonoscopy represents a safe procedure that is widely used in medical practice either to diagnose or treat various gastrointestinal diseases.During the last few years,the incidence rate of perforations in colonoscopic procedures has increased,especially in therapeutic colonoscopies.The recent advancements in endoscopic techniques and gastrointestinal tumoral resection procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic full-thickness resection,and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)could be a risk factor for this increased risk.The incidence rate of mortality of serious colonoscopic perforations is 7.1%.The management plan for these perforations starts with conservative treatment in mild cases,endoscopic closure,and surgical management in severe cases.Recently,endoluminal vacuum therapy was found to be effective in the management of colorectal perforations and this has been reported in multiple case reports.This editorial provides an overview of the current guidelines for the management of iatrogenic colorectal perforations.These insights are from the perspectives of endoscopists and gastroenterologists.We also present a management algorithm based on the guidelines of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy,the American Gastroenterological Association,and the World Society of Emergency Surgery.We also discussed in brief the use of endoluminal vacuum therapy in colorectal perforations.

Advancing treatment strategies:Insights from network meta-analysis of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

This study examines the pivotal findings of the network meta-analysis of Zhou et al,which evaluated the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and combination therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).This meta-analysis suggests that therapeutic combinations have greater efficacy than do standard treatments.The article highlights the key insights that have the potential to shift current clinical practice and enhance outcomes for patients with advanced HCC.Additionally,this article discusses further research that can be conducted to optimize these treatments and achieve personalized care for patients with HCC.

Current perspectives and the future of disease-modifying therapies in type 1 diabetes

Use of immunomodulating agents to prevent the progression of autoimmuneβ-cell damage leading to type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)is an interesting area for research.These include non-specific anti-inflammatory agents,immunologic vaccination and anti-inflammatory agents targeting specific immune cells or cytokines.Teplizumab is an anti-CD3-molecule that binds to and leads to the disappearance of the CD3/TCR complex and rendering the T cell anergic to its target antigen.Preclinical and clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing the decline in serum C-peptide levels and the need for insulin therapy if used early in the disease process of T1DM.The benefits have been apparent as early as six months to as long as seven years after therapy.It has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to delay the onset of clinical(stage 3)type 1 diabetes in children above 8 years of age.In their recent metaanalysis published in the World Journal of Diabetes,Ma et al found that those in the teplizumab treatment group have a greater likelihood of reduction in insulin use,change in C-peptide response,and better glycemic control compared to the control group with a good safety profile.However,all the included randomized control trials have been conducted in high-income countries.High cost of therapy and unknown utility of the molecule in stage 3 disease limit its widespread use.

Root canal therapy combined with endoscopic sinus surgery for odontogenic sinusitis:Efficacy comparison in a cohort study

BACKGROUND Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis,often triggered by dental issues like periapical periodontitis,significantly contributes to chronic sinusitis,mainly affecting adults around 50 years old,emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment approach.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect and clinical value of root canal therapy combined with nasal endoscopic surgery compared with simple root canal the-rapy in the treatment of severe odontogenic maxillary sinusitis caused by peria-pical periodontitis.METHODS The clinical data,diagnosis,and treatment of 200 patients with severe odonto-genic maxillary sinusitis caused by periapical periodontitis from October 2020 to October 2021 were analyzed retrospectively.Among them,63 patients were treated with simple root canal therapy as the control group,and 137 patients were treated with root canal therapy combined with nasal endoscopic surgery as the observation group.The therapeutic effect,Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score,paranasal sinus Lund-Mackay score,complication rate,recurrence rate,and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.RESULTS First,we compared the effective rates:23 cases were cured,22 were improved,and 8 were ineffective in the control group,yielding a total effective rate of 84.90%.Meanwhile,97 cases were cured,34 improved,and 6 were ineffective in the observation group,resulting in a total effective rate of 95.62%.The observation group had a higher total effective rate compared with the control group(P<0.05).Second,we compared the Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score.Before treatment,no significant difference(P>0.05)was observed in this score between the two groups.After treatment,the Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score decreased in both groups.The Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score of the observation group at 3 and 6 mo after treatment was lower compared to that of the control group(P<0.05).Third,we compared the Lund–Mackay score of paranasal sinuses.Before treatment,there was no significant difference in this score between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the Lund–Mackay scores of paranasal sinuses decreased in both groups.The Lund–Mackay scores of paranasal sinuses in the observation group at 3 and 6 mo after treatment were lower compared to those of the control group(P<0.05).Fourth,we compared the incidence and recurrence rate of complications.Three months after treatment,no significant difference was found in the incidence and recurrence rate of complications between the observation group(6.56%)and the control group(9.52%)(P>0.05).However,6 mo after treatment,the incidence and recurrence rate of complications in the observation group(2.91%)was significantly higher compared to that of the control group(12.69%)(P<0.05).Fifth,we compared patient satisfaction.Six months after treatment,the patient satisfaction of the observation group(93.43%)was significantly better than that of the control group(84.12%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Root canal therapy combined with nasal endoscopic surgery has a good therapeutic effect on severe odontogenic maxillary sinusitis caused by periapical periodontitis,and it can reduce the injury of maxillary sinus mucosa and bone,and significantly reduce the incidence of complications and recurrence rate.Meanwhile,it has high patient satisfaction and remarkable therapeutic effect,which is suggested to be popularized and applied in clinic.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies for regeneration after central nervous system injury

In recent years,the progression of stem cell therapies has shown great promise in advancing the nascent field of regenerative medicine.Considering the non-regenerative nature of the mature central nervous system,the concept that“blank”cells could be reprogrammed and functionally integrated into host neural networks remained intriguing.Previous work has also demonstrated the ability of such cells to stimulate intrinsic growth programs in post-mitotic cells,such as neurons.While embryonic stem cells demonstrated great potential in treating central nervous system pathologies,ethical and technical concerns remained.These barriers,along with the clear necessity for this type of treatment,ultimately prompted the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells.The advantage of pluripotent cells in central nervous system regeneration is multifaceted,permitting differentiation into neural stem cells,neural progenitor cells,glia,and various neuronal subpopulations.The precise spatiotemporal application of extrinsic growth factors in vitro,in addition to microenvironmental signaling in vivo,influences the efficiency of this directed differentiation.While the pluri-or multipotency of these cells is appealing,it also poses the risk of unregulated differentiation and teratoma formation.Cells of the neuroectodermal lineage,such as neuronal subpopulations and glia,have been explored with varying degrees of success.Although the risk of cancer or teratoma formation is greatly reduced,each subpopulation varies in effectiveness and is influenced by a myriad of factors,such as the timing of the transplant,pathology type,and the ratio of accompanying progenitor cells.Furthermore,successful transplantation requires innovative approaches to develop delivery vectors that can mitigate cell death and support integration.Lastly,host immune responses to allogeneic grafts must be thoroughly characterized and further developed to reduce the need for immunosuppression.Translation to a clinical setting will involve careful consideration when assessing both physiologic and functional outcomes.This review will highlight both successes and challenges faced when using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell transplantation therapies to promote endogenous regeneration.

A Self-assembled Nanomicelle for Realizing Tumor Photodynamic Therapy via Increasing Drug Accumulation and Prolonging Retention Time

A nanomicelle(denoted as TPGS/Ppa)was fabricated via the coassembly of the amphiphilic D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate(TPGS)and the hydrophobic photosensitizer pyropheophorbide a(Ppa)for photodynamic therapy(PDT).The obtained nanomicelle possessed a spherical structure with a diameter of(18.0±2.2)nm and a zeta potential of approximately -18 mV.Besides,the nanomicelle exhibited excellent photostability,biocompatibility,and phototoxicity,and could effectively reach the tumor region via the enhanced permeability and retention effect.Additionally,it could be found that the TPGS/Ppa nanomicelle exhibited higher phototoxicity against 4T1 murine mammary cancer cells than free Ppa.In the 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse model,the nanomicelle showed an excellent antitumor therapeutic effect.This study develops a new type of photodynamic nanomicelle TPGS/Ppa,which can increase the accumulation of drugs and prolong their tumor retention time,providing a feasible strategy for realizing the delivery of small-molecule hydrophobic drugs and tumor PDT.

Multimodal treatment combining neoadjuvant therapy,laparoscopic subtotal distal pancreatectomy and adjuvant therapy for pancreatic neck-body cancer:Case series

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer involving the pancreas neck and body often invades the retroperitoneal vessels,making its radical resection challenging.Multimodal treatment strategies,including neoadjuvant therapy,surgery,and postoperative adjuvant therapy,are contributing to a paradigm shift in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.This strategy is also promising in the treatment of pancreatic neckbody cancer.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a multimodal strategy for the treatment of borderline/locally advanced pancreatic neck-body cancer.METHODS From January 2019 to December 2021,we reviewed the demographic characteristics,neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment data,intraoperative and postoperative variables,and follow-up outcomes of patients who underwent multimodal treatment for pancreatic neck-body cancer in a prospectively collected database of our hospital.This investigation was reported in line with the Preferred Reporting of Case Series in Surgery criteria.RESULTS A total of 11 patients with pancreatic neck-body cancer were included in this study,of whom 6 patients were borderline resectable and 5 were locally advanced.Through multidisciplinary team discussion,all patients received neoadjuvant therapy,of whom 8(73%)patients achieved a partial response and 3 patients maintained stable disease.After multidisciplinary team reassessment,all patients underwent laparoscopic subtotal distal pancreatectomy and portal vein reconstruction and achieved R0 resection.Postoperatively,two patients(18%)developed ascites,and two patients(18%)developed pancreatic fistulae.The median length of stay of the patients was 11 days(range:10-15 days).All patients received postoperative adjuvant therapy.During the follow-up,three patients experienced tumor recurrence,with a median disease-free survival time of 13.3 months and a median overall survival time of 20.5 months.CONCLUSION A multimodal treatment strategy combining neoadjuvant therapy,laparoscopic subtotal distal pancreatectomy,and adjuvant therapy is safe and feasible in patients with pancreatic neck-body cancer.

New perspectives and prospects for the next generation of combination therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

This article comments on the letter by Lowell et al,which addresses the next generation of combination therapy for inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).As the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBD continues to improve,treatment strategies are evolving rapidly.The letter examines the current status and future directions of combination therapy for IBD,focusing on approaches that combine biologics with immunomodulators and the emerging dual-biologic therapy(DBT).The traditional combination of biologics and immunomodulators has demonstra-ted preliminary efficacy by enhancing the effects of biologics through immunomo-dulation.However,concerns regarding long-term safety warrant careful evalua-tion.Recent trials,including DUET-Crohn's disease and DUET-ulcerative colitis,have shown promising potential for the broader adoption of DBT.Nevertheless,comprehensive data on efficacy and safety,as well as the effective integration of supportive treatments,remain essential to establish new paradigms for the next generation of IBD care.

Genetic factors that predict response and failure of biologic therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)represents a significant disease burden marked by chronic inflammation and complications that adversely affect patients’quality of life.Effective diagnostic strategies involve clinical assessments,endoscopic evaluations,imaging studies,and biomarker testing,where early diagnosis is essential for effective management and prevention of long-term complications,highlighting the need for continual advancements in diagnostic methods.The intricate interplay between genetic factors and the outcomes of biological therapy is of critical importance.Unraveling the genetic determinants that influence responses and failures to biological therapy holds significant promise for optimizing treatment strategies for patients with IBD on biologics.Through an indepth examination of current literature,this review article synthesizes critical genetic markers associated with therapeutic efficacy and resistance in IBD.Understanding these genetic actors paves the way for personalized approaches,informing clinicians on predicting,tailoring,and enhancing the effectiveness of biological therapies for improved outcomes in patients with IBD.

Photobiomodulation in ocular therapy:current status and future perspectives

Photobiomodulation has been known to have potential medicinal effects for ages.It involves the use of specific wavelengths to target specific regions in the cell.Different health conditions have been reported to be treated with exposure to light such as cardiovascular conditions,inflammatory diseases,infectious diseases,and most importantly ocular diseases.This review specifically targets the treatment of retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration,diabetic macular edema,myopia and acute retinal light injury with photobiomodulation.Red light is used in this therapy since this wavelength has lower frequency and hence minimal chance of causing any damage.Red light has the potential to penetrate cellular structures such as mitochondria and facilitate cellular processes.For ocular diseases,the target wavelength ranges between 630 to 800 nm.In most of the cases the primary target for red light is the cytochrome C oxidase enzyme in mitochondria,which alters the gene expression and promotes cellular energy production.Clinical evidence shows improvement of visual activity and reduction in thickness of retina post treatment.Future prospects of photobiomodulation involve target-specific treatment,combinational therapy to treat complex retinal diseases including gene therapy,and longitudinal studies to predict long-term efficacy and the chance of any recurrence in the patients.Hence the future of photobiomodulation holds significant potential in medicine especially in ocular diseases characterized by progress in research,technology,and clinical trials.

Evaluating Wharton’s jelly-derived stem cell therapy in autism:Insights from a case study

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting over 2%of the global population,marked by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors.Kabatas et al explored the efficacy and safety of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell(WJ-MSC)therapy in a 4-year-old child with ASD.Using the childhood autism rating scale and Denver II develop-mental screening test,significant improvements were seen after six WJ-MSC sessions,with no adverse events over 2 years.Despite promising results,the study’s single-case design limits generalizability.Larger,multi-center trials are needed to validate the findings and assess long-term effects of WJ-MSC therapy in ASD.