DR. LIYANG LEON CHEN, M.D.

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This research focused on understanding why gastric cancer cells resist a type of programmed cell death called anoikis, which typically helps eliminate unhealthy cells. The study created a model using eight specific genes to predict patient outcomes, finding that this model can help identify patients at higher risk of severe disease. They found that one of the key genes helps cancer cells survive by reducing harmful chemical reactions, and blocking a related signaling pathway could restore cell death and stop cancer growth. Who this helps: This benefits patients with gastric cancer by providing a way to predict their prognosis and identify potential treatment targets.

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This study looked at the health benefits of anthocyanins, which are the compounds in blueberries responsible for their positive effects on health, such as fighting inflammation, improving heart health, and boosting brain function. Researchers found that these anthocyanins are not very stable and can lose their effectiveness due to light, heat, and other factors. To address this issue, they explored different methods to improve how well these compounds are absorbed by the body, like using advanced delivery systems to enhance their stability. Who this helps: This benefits patients looking to improve their health through diet, doctors recommending blueberries, and food manufacturers aiming to create more effective functional foods.

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This study looks at how to improve the way data is routed through networks, especially when conditions change frequently. The researchers developed a new algorithm called AR-MRs that uses advanced technology to optimize multiple network resources at the same time. Their simulations showed that this method can significantly cut communication delays by improving the speed and accuracy of data transmission, making networks more reliable. Who this helps: This benefits network operators and technology developers looking to enhance network performance.

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This study looked at a new treatment called TLL-018 for people with moderate to severe chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who didn't find relief from standard antihistamines. Out of 41 patients, those taking TLL-018 showed significant improvement in their symptoms, with 71.4% of those on the highest dose experiencing reduced itching and hives after 12 weeks. The study found that TLL-018 was both effective and generally safe, with some mild side effects like elevated blood sugar levels. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria who do not respond to existing treatments.

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This study looked at a new way to improve the extraction of lithium from seawater using a specially designed membrane. Researchers created a protective layer that significantly enhances the membrane's durability, allowing it to operate efficiently for over 650 hours with a lithium extraction success rate of 97.4% while using less energy. This work is important because it could lead to more reliable and effective methods for sourcing lithium, which is critical for batteries and renewable energy technologies. Who this helps: This benefits lithium extraction companies and the renewable energy sector.

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This research focused on improving the efficiency of chlorine-based batteries, which are important for increasing energy storage in aqueous batteries. The study found that using a special organic compound made from selenium helped to securely hold chlorine in the battery, leading to a high discharge voltage of 3.7 volts and a capacity of 344 milliamp hours per gram. This is significant because it means the batteries can stay efficient and safe for a long time, maintaining over 84% of their capacity after 850 charging cycles. Who this helps: This benefits battery manufacturers and consumers looking for safer and more efficient battery technologies.

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This study looked at a special chromosome in zebra finches called the germline-restricted chromosome (GRC), which includes many copies of certain genes and has unique inheritance patterns. Researchers found that the genetic variation on this GRC is much lower—about 20 to 50 times—compared to other parts of the zebra finch genome. This finding helps us understand how this unusual chromosome evolves and spreads in populations, which is important for studying similar genetic features in other species. Who this helps: Scientists studying genetics in birds and other animals with similar chromosomes.

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This study examined the role of a protein called Otp in the brains of adult mice. When researchers removed Otp in mice that were two months old, the mice showed signs of increased depression, higher stress hormone levels, and changes in metabolism, including lower thyroid hormone levels and more body fat. These findings are important because they show that Otp plays a vital role in how the body reacts to stress and manages energy throughout life. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with stress-related disorders and obesity, as well as doctors seeking to understand hormonal and metabolic functions.

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This study looked at how to improve diabetes testing for women who had gestational diabetes after they give birth. It found that women who were tested for diabetes while still in the hospital had a significantly higher completion rate of the test—over 92%—compared to just 27% of those who were tested after going home. Additionally, testing in the hospital led to higher satisfaction scores and a higher diagnosis rate for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, with 50% diagnosed in the hospital group versus 21% in the outpatient group. Who this helps: This benefits new mothers who had gestational diabetes by ensuring they receive better follow-up care.

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Researchers studied how the Japanese encephalitis virus affects the brain by observing interactions between various immune cells and blood vessel cells in infected mice. They found that a type of immune cell, called Ly6c2 monocytes, plays a critical role in spreading the virus and driving inflammation. This inflammation contributes to severe brain damage, and targeting the communication between these immune cells and blood vessel cells may help slow down the disease's progression. Who this helps: This helps patients with Japanese encephalitis and could benefit future research on other brain-infecting viruses.

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This study looked at how an enzyme called formate dehydrogenase can convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into formate, a useful chemical, without needing a common helper molecule called NADH. Researchers found that using carbon nanotubes made this process much more effective, with significant results showing increased formate production at specific electrical potentials. This is important because it offers a new and efficient way to reduce CO2, which could help in efforts to combat climate change. Who this helps: This helps researchers and industries looking for sustainable methods to reduce carbon emissions.

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This study looked at how certain chemicals known as PFAS affect bone density in teenagers. Researchers found that higher levels of PFOA in the blood were linked to lower bone density in a part of the arm at all ages studied, showing a decrease of about 0.39 points at delivery and remaining consistently negative through age 12. On the other hand, some PFAS showed mixed effects depending on the child’s age and gender, with some linked to better bone density at age 3 and others pointed to lower bone density at age 12. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and healthcare providers by highlighting the potential risks of PFAS exposure for adolescent bone health.

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This study focused on creating a new type of coating for titanium implants that can prevent bacterial infections and promote healing. Researchers successfully developed a composite coating using zinc oxide and zinc phosphate in just 15 minutes, which was both quicker and simpler than traditional methods. The new coating not only reduced zinc release by 25% after two weeks but also showed high antibacterial effectiveness, killing 96.2% of E. coli and 89.8% of Staphylococcus aureus, while improving bone healing. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving titanium implants by lowering the risk of infections and enhancing the healing process.

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This study explored a new treatment strategy combining two substances—chlorin e6 and regorafenib—to improve cancer therapy by enhancing the immune system's ability to fight tumors. The treatment, called CeRe, works by killing cancer cells with light while also making the immune system more active against tumors. It was found to significantly enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapy, leading to better control of tumor growth. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients, especially those undergoing immunotherapy.

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This study focused on a substance called camizestrant (AZD9833), which is being developed as a treatment for breast cancer. Researchers found a significant byproduct of this drug, known as M14, which is important because it helps understand how the drug is processed in the body. They successfully created a new method to produce M14, which opens doors to better understanding and using similar compounds in drug development. Who this helps: This helps patients with ER-positive breast cancer and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how effective a less invasive treatment, called a tunnelled pleural catheter (TPC) with a non-vacuum drainage system, is for patients suffering from fluid buildup in the chest due to cancer. Researchers found that, after two weeks, patients reported reduced breathing difficulty, with scores dropping from an average of 43 to 16 on a scale where lower numbers mean less discomfort. While nearly half (47.5%) of the patients experienced complications related to this treatment, a significant 37.5% had a successful outcome where the fluid buildup did not return by around 55 days after the procedure. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with cancer-related fluid buildup in their lungs.

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This study looked at how involvement in activities outside of school affects the emotional well-being of students studying occupational and physical therapy. Researchers found that 80% of the activities these students participated in were non-academic, and there was a strong link between being involved in these activities and feeling happy, with 53% of students reporting higher happiness levels. This is particularly important for supporting students' mental health and happiness, especially in occupational therapy, which had even stronger results. Who this helps: This benefits therapy students and educators who want to support their mental health and happiness.

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This study looked at how brain activity is different in teenagers with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) compared to healthy peers, and how these differences might relate to how they perceive their parents' behavior. Researchers found that teens with OCD had abnormal patterns of brain connectivity, including decreased connections in areas responsible for visual processing and executive function. These changes were connected to feelings of paternal rejection and overprotection, suggesting that parenting style might influence the severity of OCD symptoms. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with OCD and their families by highlighting the potential impact of parenting on mental health.

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This study looked at how certain chemicals called benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) affect the function of trophoblasts, which are important cells in the placenta during pregnancy. The researchers found that these BUVSs can disrupt trophoblast activity even at very low concentrations, specifically as low as 1 nanomolar for the most harmful chemical, UV-328. This is concerning because it suggests that normal human exposure to these substances could negatively impact placental health, potentially leading to pregnancy complications. Who this helps: This information is important for patients, especially pregnant women, and healthcare providers concerned about environmental exposures during pregnancy.

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This study looked at how certain chemicals called PFAS, found in many everyday products, affect the brains of adolescents. Researchers analyzed brain scans of 155 participants at age 12 and found that higher levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were linked to increased gray matter volume, while higher levels of PFOA and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) were linked to decreased white matter volume. These findings could indicate that exposure to PFAS might be related to changes in brain development, potentially affecting learning and behavior. Who this helps: This helps parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers understand the effects of PFAS exposure on children's brain development.

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This study looked at different non-medication methods to improve sleep quality for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers analyzed 35 studies with a total of 2,804 participants and found that occupational therapy-based sleep interventions were the most effective, helping nearly 94% of those who used them feel better about their sleep. Other effective methods included mindfulness practices and sleep hygiene education. Who this helps: This benefits patients with multiple sclerosis seeking better sleep without medication.

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In this study, researchers investigated how sulfur dioxide (SO2) breaks apart when exposed to very short bursts of laser light. They found that SO2 can split in two main ways and in one more complex way that involves three smaller pieces, revealing four different processes for the three-body breakup. This discovery, especially the new isomerization pathway, could improve our understanding of how oxygen is produced in environments similar to other planets. Who this helps: This helps scientists studying planetary atmospheres and their chemical processes.

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This study looked at a new type of transistor inspired by how insects see polarized light, which can improve how we process visual information. Researchers developed a special device that effectively uses light polarization to enhance tasks like recognizing fingerprints while using less energy and working better than existing technologies. For instance, the device has a high performance ratio of 10 and moves efficiently with 12.5 cmVs, making it promising for future applications. Who this helps: This benefits patients and users who rely on secure biometric authentication and advanced imaging technology.

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This study looked at how two drugs, brefeldin A and latrunculin B, affect the movement of certain proteins in root cells of plants, specifically in epidermal and columella cells. The researchers found that in epidermal cells, these drugs caused a significant build-up of proteins, with a notable accumulation in the transition zone, while in columella cells, this build-up was almost non-existent. These findings highlight important differences in how these two types of cells transport proteins, which could help us better understand plant responses to environmental changes. Who this helps: This helps scientists studying plant biology and agriculture.

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This study looked at how a specific protein behaves in brain cells called endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, and how it influences brain development. Researchers found that when they removed this protein from endothelial cells in mice, the blood vessels became less stable, potentially leading to problems like increased brain ventricle size and a higher risk of conditions such as hydrocephalus. The study highlights how a single gene can play two crucial roles in the brain by producing different versions of a protein for nerve connections and blood vessel stability. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for neurological disorders and healthcare providers managing these conditions.

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This study looked at how a protein called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) affects blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes after they exercise. It found that individuals who experienced better blood sugar levels the day after exercise had a stronger response of FGF21, with specific differences observed in blood metabolites between those who responded positively and those who did not. This matters because it helps us understand how exercise can lead to lasting benefits for blood sugar levels, potentially guiding better treatment strategies for diabetes. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 2 diabetes by providing insights into exercise and blood sugar management.

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This study looked at new advances in diagnosing and treating early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on both brain markers and potential therapies that may change the disease's course. Researchers shared recommendations from a recent meeting about how memory services can be improved in light of these developments. This is important because it helps ensure that people with Alzheimer's receive the best possible care based on the latest findings. Who this helps: Patients with Alzheimer's disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how using a medication called GLP-1 receptor agonists affects the recovery of diabetic patients who had surgery to fix foot ulcers. Researchers found that patients who used these drugs had significantly fewer complications within 90 days after surgery, including lower rates of infections (4.6% vs. 7.3%), revision surgeries (3.7% vs. 6.3%), and blood clots (2.1% vs. 5.0%), as well as lower hospital visits and deaths. This is important because it suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists might help diabetic patients recover better after surgeries. Who this helps: This helps diabetic patients undergoing foot surgery and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at sleep quality in patients with advanced kidney disease. Among 91 participants, 68% were found to have poor sleep quality based on a Fitbit, and 66% had poor sleep according to a survey. It’s important to understand these sleep issues because many patients with kidney disease want to improve their sleep as part of their treatment. Who this helps: Patients with end-stage kidney disease.

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This study looked at how gut bacteria are related to obesity in children. Researchers found that two types of gut bacteria, Akkermansia and Butyricimonas, can lower the risk of obesity by about 52% and 32%, respectively, while another type, Ruminiclostridium9, can double the risk of obesity. This is important because it highlights how changes in gut bacteria could be a target for preventing and treating obesity in kids. Who this helps: This helps children at risk of obesity and healthcare providers looking for effective treatment options.

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This research examined how to measure the value of elective lumbar fusion surgery by looking at both the outcomes (results) and costs associated with the procedure. The review analyzed 366 studies and found that only 40 met the criteria to provide useful data. Most studies reported costs based on what hospitals charge rather than the actual expenses involved, and a standardized way to measure value that considers specific patient outcomes and costs is needed for better comparisons. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery by aiming to improve decision-making about the procedure's effectiveness and costs.

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Researchers explored how to improve the detection of depression using social media posts. They created a model that looks at people's emotional states, considering their language and feelings over time. The study found that by fine-tuning a language model with mental health data, they could better explain how specific emotions relate to depression characteristics, making it clearer how to identify those in need of support. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with depression and the professionals trying to support them.

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Researchers studied how secondary bile acids (SBAs) are transformed by gut microbes and how these transformations affect the immune system and gut health. They found that hundreds of SBAs exist, and their variations can significantly influence the development of autoimmune diseases. Understanding these relationships is important because it shows how SBAs can help regulate gut bacteria and immune responses, potentially leading to better treatments for conditions like autoimmune disorders. Who this helps: This benefits patients with autoimmune diseases and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at carotid webs, which are a hidden cause of strokes in younger adults, and how well patients do after surgery to remove them. Researchers tracked 39 patients with confirmed symptomatic carotid webs, and of those, 34 had surgery. They found that after an average follow-up of nearly 2.5 years, none of the patients had a recurrent stroke, showing that surgery is a safe and effective treatment for this condition. Who this helps: Patients with symptomatic carotid webs benefit from this surgical approach.

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This study examined the effectiveness of using a hybrid operating room for treating brain aneurysms through a small incision technique called keyhole craniotomy. Researchers looked at data from 119 patients and found that those treated in the hybrid operating room had better immediate results: only 2 patients showed issues after surgery compared to 7 in the traditional operating room, with no long-term returns of the aneurysm at six or twelve months. This is important because it highlights that using advanced imaging during surgery can lead to safer outcomes for patients and reduce the chance of complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain aneurysms undergoing surgery.

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This study looked at how acidic conditions in the mouth affect oral epithelial cells (OECs) when they encounter certain bacteria. Researchers found that exposing these cells to acid (pH 3.0) for just 24 hours caused them to change shape and produced significant increases in 197 genes related to metabolism and 43 related to immune response. This matters because it shows that acidic environments can push these cells towards behaviors that promote inflammation and possibly cancer, helping to understand how early changes in the mouth may lead to serious diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for oral health issues, including oral cancer.

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This study looked at how well different artificial intelligence (AI) models can predict important aspects of patient care, like readmission rates and treatment costs, using real hospital data. The researchers developed a new AI model called Lang1, which significantly outperformed other general-purpose models—being up to 70 times better in some cases. This is important because it shows that healthcare AI must be specifically trained on health-related data to be effective in real-world hospital operations. Who this helps: This benefits hospitals and healthcare providers by improving patient care and operational efficiency.

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This study looked at how physical forces, like pressure or tension, affect how stem cells behave and develop. Researchers found that these mechanical cues can significantly influence stem cell growth and effectiveness in therapies. Understanding this connection is important for creating better treatment options that use stem cells to heal or regenerate tissues. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing advanced stem cell therapies.

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This study looked at how patients with two types of heart failure—reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)—do after total hip and knee surgeries. It found that patients with HFrEF faced significantly higher risks of serious complications, such as acute kidney failure (63% more likely after hip surgery) and heart attacks (66% more likely after hip surgery) compared to those with HFpEF. This is important because it highlights the need for special care for patients with HFrEF to improve their recovery after these surgeries. Who this helps: Patients with heart failure, especially those with reduced ejection fraction.

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This study looked at injuries to male genitalia caused by sports in the U.S. from 2014 to 2023, finding that there were an estimated 93,225 injuries nationally. Most injuries occurred in adolescents aged 15-19, mainly during basketball and football activities, with scrotal injuries leading to more hospital visits than penile injuries. Understanding these injury patterns is important for improving safety measures in sports and protecting young athletes. Who this helps: This benefits young male athletes and their coaches.

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This study investigated how a mixture of natural ingredients, called Hongwu mixture (HWM), affects triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Researchers found that as the dose of HWM increased, the survival rates of TNBC cells decreased significantly, meaning HWM helped slow tumor growth and promote cancer cell death. Specifically, high doses of HWM reduced cell viability and enhanced the cancer cells' ability to die, suggesting it could be an effective treatment option for this aggressive type of breast cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with triple-negative breast cancer by potentially providing a new treatment option.

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This study looked at how the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), a measure of cardiovascular risk, affects outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis who undergo a procedure called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Researchers followed 314 patients for about 29 months and found that higher AIP levels were linked to worse outcomes; specifically, for each unit increase in AIP, the risk of dying from any cause increased by 7.4 times, and the risk of dying from heart-related issues increased by 11.2 times. These findings matter because they suggest that AIP can help doctors predict the risk of serious health events in these patients, allowing for better care decisions. Who this helps: This research helps patients with severe aortic stenosis and their doctors by improving risk assessment and treatment planning.

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This study looked at how combining fly ash and slag can make concrete stronger and last longer, especially in challenging environments like near water or underground. Researchers found that a mix with 14.8% fly ash and 29.3% slag achieved a compressive strength of 56.2 MPa after 28 days and reduced drying shrinkage, which helps prevent cracking. These findings are important because they provide a way to create concrete that is not only durable and safe but also better for the environment. Who this helps: This benefits construction companies and engineers working on concrete structures in tough conditions.

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This research paper focuses on peptide drugs designed to treat gastrointestinal cancers, which make up about one-third of all cancer deaths worldwide. The study highlights that these drugs can specifically target cancer cells and deliver treatments effectively while minimizing side effects, offering a potential improvement over traditional therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy that often fail due to drug resistance. The findings emphasize the need for new strategies that can precisely attack these tumors, providing hope for better treatment options in the future. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with gastrointestinal tumors and their healthcare providers by offering insights into more effective and safer treatment methods.

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Researchers studied a new treatment approach for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), a serious condition where the main artery in the abdomen weakens and bulges. They created a special delivery system that combines two compounds: kaempferol, which helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and indocyanine green (ICG), which improves imaging. Their findings showed that this treatment significantly decreased harmful reactive oxygen species and inflammation in affected tissues, making it a promising option for better diagnosis and treatment of AAAs. Who this helps: This helps patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms.

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The study focused on the p63 gene, which is important for healthy skin development and function. Researchers found that p63 has critical roles in skin growth, healing, and maintaining the skin barrier. Mutations in this gene can lead to various skin diseases, showing its vital role in skin health. Who this helps: This benefits patients with skin disorders and doctors treating them.