Publications by authors named "Ho-Wei Lin"
Efficacy of Oral Probiotics in Patients with Acne: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.
Clin Exp Dermatol
August 2025
Background: Acne is a common dermatological disease characterized by the presence of comedones, papules, pustules, or purulent cysts on seborrheic areas. Probiotics is a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit, and has been demonstrated as an effective treatment for dermatological disorders. However, the effects of probiotics on acne remain unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Although whole-body vibration (WBV) is often employed alongside traditional physical therapies to treat cerebral palsy, its effects on motor function remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of WBV either alone or in combination with other therapies in children with cerebral palsy, compared with control groups that underwent traditional physical therapy or remained untreated.
Methods: We analyzed randomized controlled trials published up to September 2024 that assessed motor function in WBV and control groups, including those receiving conventional physical therapy or no intervention.
Article Synopsis
- - The study reviews large-scale clinical trials and real-world data on the effectiveness and safety of CDK4/6 inhibitors for breast cancer treatment, addressing potential biases from limited real-world evidence.
- - It analyzed 41 prospective trials and 80 retrospective studies with nearly 70,000 patients, finding that CDK4/6 inhibitors significantly enhance overall survival and progression-free survival rates across different drugs.
- - Adverse effects vary by ethnicity, with Asian patients more prone to specific side effects like neutropenia, while Western patients reported higher rates of severe adverse effects, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
Laser therapy for Bell's palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Lasers Med Sci
November 2024
This meta-analysis investigated therapeautic effects of laser therapies in patients with Bell's palsy (BP). The authors performed the literature search in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases using the following search terms: (facial paralysis OR Bell's palsy OR facial palsy OR idiopathic facial paralysis) AND (laser OR low-level laser OR photobiomodulation OR phototherapy). Relevant studies published before October 29th 2024 were identified.
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- Aromatherapy may help reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and improve functional abilities in patients with dementia, as shown in a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- The analysis included 15 trials involving 821 participants, revealing significant reductions in agitation and neuropsychiatric symptoms after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment with aromatherapy compared to control groups.
- While some trials indicated improvements in depressive moods, the study concluded that aromatherapy is a safe non-drug option for managing BPSD, particularly when combined with massage therapy.
Article Synopsis
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and involves various harmful processes in the brain, such as amyloid and tau accumulation, inflammation, and neuron damage.
- The US-FDA has recently approved two new drugs, Aducanumab and Lecanemab, targeting amyloid, marking a significant advancement after nearly 20 years without new treatments.
- Current clinical trials are focusing on developing disease-modifying therapies that target the underlying causes of AD and are increasingly recruiting participants at earlier disease stages, emphasizing the importance of research in prevention and intervention.
The global response: how cities and provinces around the globe tackled COVID-19 outbreaks in 2021 - authors' reply.
Lancet Reg Health Southeast Asia
May 2023
Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Mindfulness and meditation therapies have been demonstrated as effective alternative treatments for patients with neurological disorders. However, the effects of mindfulness and meditation therapies on PD remain unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on range of motion, pain, and disability in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC).
Data Sources: The authors performed the literature search in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases in February 2023.
Study Selection: Prospective studies comparing the outcomes of PRP with other intervention in patients with AC.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 6-week betaine supplementation during a preparatory period of collegiate athletes on muscular power and strength. Sixteen male collegiate athletes received 5 g/day of betaine (betaine group, n = 9) or carboxymethyl cellulose (placebo group, n = 7) for 6 weeks. All participants engaged in their regular training during the experimental period.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe global response: How cities and provinces around the globe tackled Covid-19 outbreaks in 2021.
Lancet Reg Health Southeast Asia
September 2022
Background: Tackling the spread of COVID-19 remains a crucial part of ending the pandemic. Its highly contagious nature and constant evolution coupled with a relative lack of immunity make the virus difficult to control. For this, various strategies have been proposed and adopted including limiting contact, social isolation, vaccination, contact tracing, etc.
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- A meta-analysis explored whether omentectomy (removal of the omentum) is beneficial during gastrectomy for gastric cancer compared to preserving the omentum.
- The analysis included nine studies with 3,561 patients and found no significant differences in overall survival, relapse-free survival, or recurrence rates between the two approaches.
- Additionally, preserving the omentum led to shorter surgery times and less blood loss, suggesting that omentectomy might not be necessary.