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Same-Day Bilateral Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implants for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema.
Lin, TC, Tseng, PC, Hsu, TK, Huang, HW, Huang, YM, Lo, WJ, Chao, CY, Chung, YC
Ophthalmologica. Journal international d'ophtalmologie. International journal of ophthalmology. Zeitschrift fur Augenheilkunde. 2023;(3-4):238-244
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and complications associated with the use of same-day bilateral intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implants for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS This retrospective analysis of an open-label, multicenter, consecutive case series included 130 eyes of 65 patients with bilateral DME who were treated with intravitreal DEX implants. The patients were divided into two groups: a control group (comprising 40 eyes treated with an alternating unilateral regimen) and a study group (comprising 90 eyes treated with concomitant bilateral DEX implants). All patients were followed up monthly after implantation. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) from baseline to sixth month after implantation, and ocular adverse effects such as intraocular pressure, cataract, and tolerability of bilateral implantation were reviewed. The primary endpoint was to assess the safety of the same-day bilateral treatment protocol. The secondary endpoints focused on evaluating the functional and anatomical changes associated with bilateral simultaneous or alternating implantations. RESULTS At 6 months after implantation, mean BCVA increased and CRT decreased in both groups. Moreover, no serious ocular adverse effects were observed. In addition, no differences were observed between the two groups in the number of patients who required extra follow-up visits or the number of extra visits made in addition to the treatment schedule. CONCLUSIONS Same-day bilateral intravitreal DEX implants are associated with a low complication rate and are well tolerated by patients. This safe practice may optimize efficiency and reduce the burden on both the health-care system and patients, when used to treat bilateral DME.
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Effect of non-pharmacological interventions on the prevention of sarcopenia in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Tan, TW, Tan, HL, Hsu, MF, Huang, HL, Chung, YC
BMC women's health. 2023;(1):606
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is a chronic disease marked by gradual muscle system and functional decline. Prior research indicates its prevalence in those under 60 varies from 8 to 36%. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for sarcopenia prevention in menopausal women aged 40-60. This study examines the influence of such interventions for sarcopenia prevention on these women. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, and Airiti Library were searched from inception until May 5, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that examined exercise, vitamin D and protein supplementation effects on muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Quality assessment used the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and analysis employed Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0. RESULTS A total of 27 randomized controlled trials, involving 1,989 participants were identified. Meta-analysis results showed exercise improved lean body mass (SMD = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.097, 0.366), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.901, 95% CI: 0.362, 1.441), knee extension strength (SMD = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.384, 1.013). Resistance training had a small effect on lean body mass, longer exercise duration (> 12 weeks) and higher frequency (60-90 min, 3 sessions/week) showed small to moderate effects on lean body mass. Vitamin D supplementation improved handgrip strength (SMD = 0.303, 95% CI: 0.130, 0.476), but not knee extension strength. There was insufficient data to assess the impact of protein supplementation on muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS Exercise effectively improves muscle mass, and strength in menopausal women. Resistance training with 3 sessions per week, lasting 20-90 min for at least 6 weeks, is most effective. Vitamin D supplementation enhances small muscle group strength. Further trials are needed to assess the effects of vitamin D and protein supplementation on sarcopenia prevention. REGISTRATION NUMBER This review was registered on PROSPERO CRD42022329273.
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The Effects of Spirulina maxima Extract on Memory Improvement in Those with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
Choi, WY, Lee, WK, Kim, TH, Ryu, YK, Park, A, Lee, YJ, Heo, SJ, Oh, C, Chung, YC, Kang, DH
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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Alzheimer’s disease, which involves the most severe level of memory impairment, is mostly irreversible, thus it is critical to prevent deterioration of cognitive function. Spirulina is a microalga known to be high in nutrients and is considered one of the most perfect dietary supplements for humans because it contains many bioactive substances. The aim of this study was to report the effects of spirulina maxima 70% ethanol extract (SM70EE) on cognitive function in older adults (aged over 60 years) with memory impairment. This study is a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. The study recruited eighty participants who were randomised into two equal-sized groups of 40 individuals each. The investigators and participants were blinded to the treatment regimens. Results showed statistically significant differences between the visual leading test and the visual working memory test. Furthermore, the vocabulary results showed a statistically significant difference between groups. SM70EE ingestion was determined to be safe for the human body because no clinically significant adverse reactions or physical changes were observed. Authors conclude that continuous intake of SM70EE could show improvement in memory function through improved visual memory and vocabulary.
Abstract
Spirulina maxima is a marine microalga that has been promoted worldwide as a super food. This study was conducted to evaluate its ability to improve memory in the older adults using Spirulina maxima 70% ethanol extract (SM70EE). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial comprised 80 volunteers recruited from Jeonbuk National University Hospital in Jeonju, Republic of Korea, who were randomly assigned to two groups. The participants received either 1 g/day of SM70EE or a placebo without otherwise changing their diet or physical activity. The participants were examined at baseline and after a 12-week interval to determine whether there were changes in their results for visual learning, visual working memory, and verbal learning tests from the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and beta-amyloid levels, and total antioxidant capacity. Compared to the placebo group, the treatment group showed a significant improvement in visual learning and visual working memory test results and enhanced vocabulary. SM70EE use was shown to improve memory, with no adverse effects. Its efficacy in alleviating Alzheimer's disease symptoms was verified for the first time through this clinical trial. SM70EE could play a role in the management of patients with dementia. This trial is registered with registration number of clinical research information service (CRIS: KCT0006161).
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Efficacy and Safety of Sesame Oil Cake Extract on Memory Function Improvement: A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.
Jung, SJ, Jung, ES, Ha, KC, Baek, HI, Park, YK, Han, SK, Chae, SW, Lee, SO, Chung, YC
Nutrients. 2021;(8)
Abstract
The goal of treatment for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is to reduce the existing clinical symptoms, delay the progression of cognitive impairment and prevent the progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). At present, there is no effective drug therapy for AD treatment. However, early intake of dietary supplements may be effective in alleviating and delaying the MCI. This study aims to evaluate the effects of sesame oil cake extract (SOCE) supplementation on cognitive function in aged 60 years or older adults with memory impairment. A total of 70 subjects received either SOCE (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) for 12 weeks based on random 1:1 assignment to these two groups. Cognitive function was evaluated by a computerized neurocognitive function test (CNT), and changes in the concentrations of plasma amyloid β (Aβ) proteins and urine 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) were investigated before and after the experiment. Verbal learning test index items of the CNT improved markedly in the SOCE group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, plasma amyloid-β (1-40) and amyloid-β (1-42) levels in the SOCE group decreased significantly compared to that in the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in urine 8-OHdG between the two groups (p > 0.05). Collectively, intake of SOCE for 12 weeks appears to have a beneficial effect on the verbal memory abilities and plasma β-amyloid levels of older adults with memory impairment.
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Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus Plantarum C29-Fermented Soybean (DW2009) in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 12-Week, Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
Hwang, YH, Park, S, Paik, JW, Chae, SW, Kim, DH, Jeong, DG, Ha, E, Kim, M, Hong, G, Park, SH, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) describes a range of symptoms that impact on cognition and memory, but not to such an extent that it seriously affects a person's day to day life. People with MCI are at higher risk of going on to develop dementia. Consumption of both probiotics and soy beans have been shown to enhance memory function in previous studies on animals and humans. In this Korean study, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers used soybeans that had been fermented with a bacterium called Lactobacillus plantarum C29, a type of bacteria which is found in the traditional Korean food kimchi. One hundred men and women diagnosed with MCI were given capsules containing either 800 mg of dried fermented soybeans or a placebo for 12 weeks. Participants underwent a series of memory and attention tests to measure cognitive function. Researchers also looked at levels of a protein that supports nerve cells, called brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) in the blood, as well as the composition of bacteria in the stool samples of the participants. The group that consumed the fermented soybeans showed greater improvements in the overall cognitive function, especially attention, compared to those who took the placebo. BDNF levels increased in the soybean group but declined in the placebo group. Increases in BDNF were associated with improvements in cognitive function. The results of this clinical trial suggest that fermented soybeans can be safely consumed by people with MCI to enhance cognitive function. The authors suggested that the increase in blood BDNF levels may be partly responsible for the improved cognitive function, and this in turn points to the importance of the so-called gut-brain axis in improving symptoms of MCI.
Abstract
Early intervention using dietary supplements may be effective in alleviating cognitive impairment among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study investigated the efficacy and safety of Lactobacillus plantarum C29-fermented soybean (DW2009) as a nutritional supplement for cognitive enhancement. One hundred individuals with MCI were randomly assigned to take DW2009 (800 mg/day, n = 50) or placebo (800 mg/day, n = 50) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was change in the composite score of cognitive functions related to memory and attention, measured by computerized neurocognitive function tests. Associations between changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and cognitive performance for each treatment group were evaluated. Compared to the placebo group, the DW2009 group showed greater improvements in the combined cognitive functions (z = 2.36, p for interaction = 0.02), especially in the attention domain (z = 2.34, p for interaction = 0.02). Cognitive improvement was associated with increased serum BDNF levels after consumption of DW2009 (t = 2.83, p = 0.007). The results of this clinical trial suggest that DW2009 can be safely administered to enhance cognitive function in individuals with MCI. Increased serum BDNF levels after administering DW2009 may provide preliminary insight into the underlying effects of cognitive improvement, which suggests the importance of the gut-brain axis in ameliorating cognitive deficits in MCI.
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Acupoint Stimulation on Weight Reduction for Obesity: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Study.
Yeh, ML, Chu, NF, Hsu, MY, Hsu, CC, Chung, YC
Western journal of nursing research. 2015;(12):1517-30
Abstract
Auricular acupoint stimulation has become a popular weight loss method. However, its efficacy for obesity treatment has not been fully studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 10-week intervention of auricular electrical stimulation combined with auricular acupressure on weight reduction in obese outpatients. In this single-blind randomized sham-controlled study, 134 participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving stimulation at true acupoints, or a sham group receiving stimulation delivered in the same manner but at sham acupoints. Each participant received nutrition counseling by a nutritionist weekly. The results showed significant differences in body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and leptin or adiponectin over time within the group, but not between the groups. This study could not exclude the effect of placebo and dietary consultation. Further study that adds a control group receiving no treatment is therefore needed to confirm the effects of auricular acupressure.
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Improved cognitive performance following supplementation with a mixed-grain diet in high school students: a randomized controlled trial.
Chung, YC, Park, CH, Kwon, HK, Park, YM, Kim, YS, Doo, JK, Shin, DH, Jung, ES, Oh, MR, Chae, SW
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2012;(2):165-72
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adolescence is a stage of rapid growth, when rich nutritional supplementation is important. Maintaining optimal cognitive functioning is critical in high school students, who are under considerable academic pressure. The objectives of this study were to identify the effects of a 9-wk randomly assigned diet of mixed grains versus a regular diet on cognitive performance and on levels of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100B, a calcium-binding protein produced by astroglial cells, in healthy high school students (grades 10 and 11). METHODS In this 9-wk, single-blind, controlled study, subjects were randomly allocated to either a mixed-grain or a regular diet. Cognitive assessments and measurements of plasma BDNF and S100B levels were performed at baseline and after the 9-wk intake of a mixed-grain or regular diet. Computerized neuropsychological tests and self-rating scales were used for the cognitive assessments. RESULTS Significant improvements in some neuropsychological tests were found after 9 wk in both the mixed-grain and the regular-diet groups, but the changes from baseline between the two groups were not significantly different. Significant impairments on the AX-continuous performance test were observed at the endpoint in the regular-diet group, and the changes from baseline between the two groups were also significantly different for this test. A significant difference in changes in BDNF levels was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that intake of mixed grains for 9 wk is beneficial for cognitive performance and plasma BDNF levels in high school students. These beneficial effects seem to be related to the prevention of cognitive deterioration in a mental-fatigue test with the mixed-grain diet, rather than cognitive enhancement per se.
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Enzymatic saccharification and fermentation of xylose-optimized dilute acid-treated lignocellulosics.
Chung, YC, Bakalinsky, A, Penner, MH
Applied biochemistry and biotechnology. 2005;:947-61
Abstract
The cellulose reactivity of two lignocellulosic feedstocks, switchgrass and poplar, was evaluated under straight saccharification (SS) and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) conditions following dilute sulfuric acid pretreatments designed for optimum xylose yields. The optimum pretreatment conditions, within the constraints of the experimental system (Parr batch reactor), were 1.2% acid, 180 degrees C, and 0.5 min for switchgrass and 1% acid, 180 degrees C, and 0.56 min for poplar. The cellulase enzyme preparation was from Trichoderma reesei and fermentations were done with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Time courses for SS were monitored as the sum of glucose and cellobiose; those for SSF as the sum of glucose, cellobiose, and ethanol. Percentage conversions under SS conditions were 79.1% and 91.4% for the pretreated poplar and switchgrass feedstocks, respectively. Analogous values under SSF conditions were 73.0% and 90.3% for pretreated poplar and switchgrass, respectively.
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Dieting is more effective in reducing weight but exercise is more effective in reducing fat during the early phase of a weight-reducing program in healthy humans.
Tsai, AC, Sandretto, A, Chung, YC
The Journal of nutritional biochemistry. 2003;(9):541-9
Abstract
This study compared the relative effectiveness of two means of energy deficit, food restriction (FR) and increased physical activity (EX), on body weight, body composition and concentrations of serum leptin, insulin, glucose, and lipids in female subjects. Thirteen adult female volunteers participated in a two-phase crossover-treatment study. Each phase involved a 9-day energy deficit period and a 5-day follow up energy repletion period. A 25% energy deficit was achieved by either FR or EX. Baseline values were established prior to phase one. Results showed that FR had greater body weight loss, but less body fat loss compared to EX. FR and EX both reduced serum leptin, insulin, total triacylglycerol, LDL-C and VLDL-C concentrations. However, only EX elevated HDL-C. These effects were reversed during follow up energy repletion. Results suggest that under iso-caloric energy deficit conditions FR is more effective in reducing body weight but EX is more effective in reducing body fat and maintaining lean body mass. EX can lead to a more desirable blood lipid profile than can FR. Thus, it is desirable to include exercise in a weight reduction program.
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Biological elimination of H2S and NH3 from wastegases by biofilter packed with immobilized heterotrophic bacteria.
Chung, YC, Huang, C, Tseng, CP
Chemosphere. 2001;(8):1043-50
Abstract
Biotreatment of various ratios of H2S and NH3 gas mixtures was studied using the biofilters, packed with co-immobilized cells (Arthrobacter oxydans CH8 for NH3 and Pseudomonas putida CH11 for H2S). Extensive tests to determine removal characteristics, removal efficiency, removal kinetics, and pressure drops of the biofilters were performed. To estimate the largest allowable inlet concentration, a prediction model was also employed. Greater than 95%, and 90% removal efficiencies were observed for NH3 and H2S, respectively, irrespective of the ratios of H2S and NH3 gas mixtures. The results showed that H2S removal of the biofilter was significantly affected by high inlet concentrations of H2S and NH3. As high H2S concentration was an inhibitory substrate for the growth of heterotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, the activity of H2S oxidation was thus inhibited. In the case of high NH3 concentration, the poor H2S removal efficiency might be attributed to the acidification of the biofilter. The phenomenon was caused by acidic metabolite accumulation of NH3. Through kinetic analysis, the presence of NH3 did not hinder the NH3 removal, but a high H2S concentration would result in low removal efficiency. Conversely, H2S of adequate concentrations would favor the removal of incoming NH3. The results also indicated that maximum inlet concentrations (model-estimated) agreed well with the experimental values for space velocities of 50-150 h(-1). Hence, the results would be used as the guideline for the design and operation of biofilters.