5-Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy versus minocycline for moderate-to-severe rosacea: A single-center, randomized, evaluator-blind controlled study.

BACKGROUND: 5-Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) showed potential to treat rosacea according to recent studies; however, a lack of clinical evidence and unclear adverse effects limit its use. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of ALA-PDT vs minocycline on rosacea. METHODS: In this single-center, randomized, evaluator-blind, controlled study, patients with moderate-to-severe rosacea were allocated to receive 3 to 5 sessions of ALA-PDT or 8 weeks of 100 mg daily minocycline treatment, followed by a 24-week follow-up. RESULTS: Of all the 44 randomized patients, 41 received complete treatment (ALA-PDT: 20 and minocycline: 21 patients). At the end of treatment, ALA-PDT showed noninferior improvement of papulopustular lesions and Rosacea-specific Quality of Life compared with minocycline (median reduction of lesion count: 19 vs 22, median change of Rosacea-specific Quality of Life score: 0.48 vs 0.53). The Clinician's Erythema Assessment success of ALA-PDT was lower than that of minocycline's (35% vs 67%). Demodex density and relapse rate were comparable in both groups. Erythema, mild pain, and exudation were the most common adverse reactions of ALA-PDT. LIMITATIONS: Limited sample size restricted us from drawing further conclusions. CONCLUSION: As minocycline does, ALA-PDT can improve rosacea mainly in papulopustular lesions and patients' quality of life, indicating a new option for rosacea.

A FRET sensor based on quantum dots-porphyrin assembly for Fe(III) detection with ultra-sensitivity and accuracy.

Exploring sensors based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) systems enables the continuous development of biological sensing technologies. Herein, we report the construction of a FRET sensor with dual-emissive quantum dots (QDs) and meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphine (TSPP). The sensor is composed of mesial green-emissive QDs with a thick silica shell (gQD@SiO2) and circumjacent blue-emissive QDs coated with ultra-thin silica spacer, on which is linked TSPP (bQD@SiO2-TSPP). The gQD@SiO2 endows the sensor with a fluorescent background. Due to the ultra-thin silica spacing, coupled with the superior resonance effect of bQD fluorescence and the Soret-band absorption of TSPP, the FRET efficiency is highly sensitive to the chelation state of TSPP. Relying on the absorbance transition of TSPP complexed with Fe(III), the FRET sensor is applied for ultra-sensitive Fe(III) detection. In aqueous solution, the sensor is demonstrated to linearly detect Fe(III) in the range of 0-1 µM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 40 nM. More importantly, reliable Fe(III) detection can be achieved via the specific complexation of Fe(III) by TSPP and the ratiometric fluorescent response. As such, the inter-/intra-day precisions in standard samples, as well as the recovery rate in biological matrices, are fully validated. The excellent analytical performance, in combination with the excellent biocompatibility of the FRET sensor, allows semi-quantitative Fe(III) imaging in living cells.

Comparison of red light and blue light therapies for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Red and blue light therapies are safe and effective treatments for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. However, very few previous studies have directly compared the characteristics of these two methods. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and side effects of red light (RL) and blue light (BL) for acne vulgaris and to assess these two therapies in different types of lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris were randomized into the RL group or the BL group. Subjects in each group received different light treatments, and they were followed up regularly until 2 weeks after the last treatment. The improvement rates of different types of acne lesions were compared between the 2 groups, as well as the incidence of adverse reactions. RESULTS: At the 2-week follow-up, the average improvement rate of total acne lesions was 36.2% in the RL group and 30.7% in the BL group (p > .05). The average improvement rate of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions was 51.5% and 17.3% in the RL group, compared with 26.4% and 10.0% in the BL group (all p > .05). Treatment-related adverse reactions were observed distinctly in the BL group. CONCLUSIONS: Red light and BL therapies have similar efficacy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, especially for inflammatory lesions. RL had advantages with fewer adverse reactions compared with BL.

Association of long-term exposure to ambient particulate pollution with stage 1 hypertension defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guideline and cardiovascular disease: The CHCN-BTH cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the effects of ambient air pollution on new stage 1 hypertension defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guideline remains sparse. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 with stage 1 hypertension and to explore the mediating and modifying effects of PM2.5 on cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: A total of 32,135 participants aged 18-80 years were recruited in 2017. The three-year (2014-2016) average PM2.5 concentrations were assessed by a spatial statistical model. Blood pressure (BP) was divided into four categories according to the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guideline: normal BP (SBP<120 mmHg and DBP<80 mmHg), elevated BP (SBP 120-129 mmHg and DBP<80 mmHg), stage 1 hypertension (SBP 130-139 mmHg or DBP 80-89 mmHg), and stage 2 hypertension (SBP≥140 mmHg or DBP≥90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medications). The associations of PM2.5 with BP categories were estimated by two-level generalized linear mixed models. Analyses stratified by age, mediation and interaction analyses of PM2.5 and stage 1 hypertension with CVD were performed. RESULTS: We detected a positive significant association between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and stage 1 hypertension. Compared to normal BP, the OR was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.08) per 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5. The association was stronger than that of elevated BP but weaker than that of stage 2 hypertension. Stage 1 hypertension only partially mediated the association between PM2.5 and CVD, and the mediation proportions ranged from 1.55% to 11.00%. However, it modified the association between PM2.5 and CVD, which was greater in participants with stage 1 hypertension (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.43, 1.93) than in participants with normal BP (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.57), with Pinteraction<0.001. In the analysis stratified by age, the above associations were age-specific, and significant associations were only observed in the young and middle-aged (<60 years) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 was significantly associated with stage 1 hypertension. This earlier stage of hypertension may be a trigger BP range for adverse effects of air pollution in the development of hypertension and CVD, especially in young and middle-aged individuals.

Associations of fat and carbohydrate intake with becoming overweight and obese: an 11-year longitudinal cohort study.

The effects of macronutrient intake on obesity are controversial. This research aims to investigate the associations between macronutrient intake and new-onset overweight/obesity. The relationship between the consumption of carbohydrate and total fat and obesity was assessed by the multivariable Cox model in this 11-year cohort, which included 6612 adults (3291 men and 3321 women) who were free of overweight and obesity at baseline. The dietary intake was recorded using a 24-h recall method for three consecutive days. Moreover, substitution models were developed to distinguish the effects of macronutrient composition alteration from energy intake modification. During 7·5 person years (interquartile range 4·3, 10·8) of follow-up, 1807 participants became overweight or obese. After adjusting for risk factors, the hazard ratio (HR) of overweight/obesity in extreme quintiles of fat was 1·48 (quintile 5 v. quintile 1, 95 % CI 1·16, 1·89; Ptrend = 0·02) in women. Additionally, replacing 5 % of energy from carbohydrate with equivalent energy from fat was associated with an estimated 4·3 % (HR 1·043, 95 % CI 1·007, 1·081) increase in overweight/obesity in women. Moreover, dietary carbohydrate was inversely associated with overweight/obesity (quintile 5 v. quintile 1, HR 0·70, 95 % CI 0·55, 0·89; Ptrend = 0·02) in women. Total fat was related to a higher risk of overweight/obesity, whereas high carbohydrate intake was related to a lower risk of overweight/obesity in women, which was not observed in men.

Trends in age of smoking initiation among the Chinese population born between 1950 and 1997.

OBJECTIVES: Smoking prevalence has significantly increased among Chinese adolescences in the past decades. The aim of our study is to investigate the trends and changing patterns in age of smoking initiation among the Chinese population. STUDY DESIGN: Pooled data from the 2006-2015 China Health and Nutrition Survey was used for analysis. A total of 10,032 adults aged ≥18 years who were born between 1950 and 1997 were separated into five birth cohorts (1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989 and 1990-1997). METHODS: Age-specific (10-24 years) smoking initiation rates were calculated by gender, educational level and urbanisation. The multiple logistic models were used for estimates of changes in smoking initiation age. RESULTS: The mean age of smoking initiation decreased substantially from 22.0 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.2-22.7) to 17.5 years (95% CI: 16.2-19.1) over five generations. A large decrease was seen in the initiation age group of 15-24 years in the 1980s cohort (15-19 years: odds ratio [OR] = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.19-0.97; 20-24 years: OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.18-0.82); a significant decrease was also found in the 1990s cohort (15-19 years: OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.11-0.94; 20-24 years old: OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14-0.85). The peak age of smoking initiation changed from 20 years old to 18 years old over the five generations. CONCLUSIONS: The age of smoking initiation has decreased rapidly in the Chinese population in the past decades. Chinese adolescents are becoming the main target group for the tobacco marketing industry, and national legislations are urgently required.

Arctigenin Attenuates Ischemia/Reperfusion Induced Ventricular Arrhythmias by Decreasing Oxidative Stress in Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Arctigenin (ATG) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, immunemodulatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, vasodilatory and anti-platelet aggregation properties. However, the protective role of ATG in prevention of arrhythmias induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-arrhythmia effect of ATG in an ischemia/reperfusion injured rat heart model and explore the related mechanisms. METHODS: Rats were randomly exposed to sham operation, myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion (MI/R) alone, ATG+ MI/R, pretreated with ATG in low (12.5 mg/kg/day), medium (50 mg/kg/day) and high dose (200 mg/kg/day), respectively. Ventricular arrhythmias were assessed. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in myocardial tissue were determined by chemical analysis. RESULTS: Compared to MI/R, rats pretreated with ATG in doses of 50 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day showed significantly reduced incidence and duration of ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular ectopic beat (VEB), and decreased the arrhythmia score during the 30-min ischemia. Incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia, infarction size and arrhythmia scores in these groups were significantly decreased during the 120-min reperfusion. No ventricular fibrillation occurred during the period of reperfusion. Rats pretreated with ATG in doses of 50 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/ day markedly enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px, reduced the level of MDA. No differences were observed between the group pretreated with a low dose of ATG and the sham group. Administration of ATG significantly increased the expression of antioxidant stress protein Nrf2, Trx1 and Nox1. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that ATG plays anti-arrhythmia role in ischemia/reperfusion injury, which is probably associated with attenuating oxidative stress by Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Paenibacillus ferrarius sp. nov., isolated from iron mineral soil.

A Gram-reaction-positive, endospore-forming, aerobic bacterium, designated strain CY1(T), was isolated from iron mineral soil of Hunan Province, China. The isolate was rod-shaped and motile by means of peritrichous flagella. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0 and the major quinone was menaquinone 7. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol phosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content was 50.5 mol% and the major diagnostic diamino acid in cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CY1(T) is most closely related to Paenibacillus chondroitinus DSM 5051(T) (97.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Paenibacillus pocheonensis Gsoil 1138(T) (97.4%) and Paenibacillus frigoriresistens YIM 016(T) (97.0%). DNA-DNA hybridization dissociation values were lower than 49% with the most closely related species. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic evidence, strain CY1(T) is affiliated to the genus Paenibacillus, but could be distinguished from the species of this genus. A novel species with the name Paenibacillus ferrarius sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CY1(T) ( =KCTC 33419(T) =CCTCC AB 2013369(T)).

A prospective, split-face, randomized controlled trial of intense pulsed light-photodynamic therapy for seborrhea.

BACKGROUND: Seborrhea poses a common cosmetic concern in adolescents and young adults, often accompanied by enlarged pores, and contributing to various skin conditions, including acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis. At present, there is a lack of effective treatment for this problem, and the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in reducing sebum remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory, prospective, single-center, double-blinded, randomized split-face controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light-photodynamic therapy (IPL-PDT) versus IPL therapy for seborrhea. METHODS: Participants with seborrhea underwent 3 times of IPL treatment (590 nm, 15-17 J/cm2 based on patient's tolerance) for one hemifacial part and IPL-PDT treatment for the other. Follow-up assessment was conducted up to 8 weeks after the final treatment. RESULTS: Compared with single IPL treatment, IPL-PDT can significantly inhibit sebum secretion and decrease pore size. PDT group exhibited no additional damage to the skin barrier, with even lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Additionally, the PDT group showed superior improvement in scores of porphyrins, red areas, and ultraviolet (UV) spots. Both groups experienced only mild topical adverse effects, well tolerated by the participants. CONCLUSION: IPL-PDT is a more effective method than IPL in the treatment of seborrhea, as well as on the improvement of the skin barrier function.

[Relationship between colorectal adenocarcinoma with invasive micropapillary carcinoma component and lymph node metastasis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between colorectal adenocarcinoma with invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) component, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis. METHODS: One hundred and thirty one cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma with invasive micropapillary carcinoma component were evaluated by H&E and immunohistochemical staining. The main pathological features, percentage of IMPC component, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis were assessed and compared to 296 cases of conventional colorectal adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: The maximum diameter of the tumors of the IMPC group was significantly lower than the conventional group. The degree of differentiation, the lymph node metastatic rate, the average number of metastatic lymph nodes, the number of cases with lymphovascular tumor emboli were significantly higher in the IMPC group (P = 0.000). The rate of distant metastasis at operation was higher in the IMPC group (14.5%) compared to the conventional group (10.8%) even though statistical significance was not achieved (P = 0.278) . In IMPC group, as the IMPC component increased, the rate of lymph node metastasis also showed an increasing trend. The rate of lymph node metastasis were 53.0% (157/296) , 67.7% (42/62) and 85.5% (59/69) " respectively" for conventional adenocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma with ≤ 10% IMPC component and adenocarcinoma with > 10% IMPC component; the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional colorectal adenocarcinomas, the colorectal carcinomas with IMPC component show a significantly higher rate of lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. The percentage of IMPC component in colorectal adenocarcinoma is significantly correlated to the rate of lymph node metastasis. Therefore, presence of IMPC component and degree of tumor differentiation are predicting factors of lymph node metastasis.

Secular Trends in Sleep Conditions in Chinese Elderly Individuals: A National Population-Based Study.

Purpose: As one of the most rapidly aging countries in the world, the elderly population is expected to reach over 400 million in China by 2032. Many studies have suggested a positive association between sleep duration and adverse health events among elderly individuals. This study aimed to investigate the sleep conditions of Chinese elderly individuals between 2005 and 2018. Patients and methods: Data for 53,013 elderly individuals were taken from five cycles of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) during 2005-2018. Sex- and age-specific means and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to estimate sleep duration trends. Changes in sleep patterns were explored during this period. The prevalence of short and long sleep durations was assessed and age-standardized by the 2010 census. Finally, self-reported sleep quality was used to determine sleep conditions from another perspective among elderly individuals. Results: The mean sleep duration decreased from 7.87 (95% CI: 7.83-7.91) to 7.29 (95% CI: 7.25-7.33) hours between 2005 and 2018. Changes in sleep duration patterns were found during the study period. The proportion of the elderly population who slept ≤6 hours increased and that of those who slept ≥9 hours decreased noticeably over the past 13 years. The age-standardized prevalence of short sleep duration increased from 32.7% (95% CI: 32.7-32.9%) to 38.4% (95% CI: 38.3-38.5%). A significant decrease was observed in the prevalence of long sleep duration. Conclusion: Sleep conditions are gradually shifting toward a shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality among Chinese elderly individuals.

Exploring the Pathogenesis and Mechanism-Targeted Treatments of Rosacea: Previous Understanding and Updates.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent erythema, flushing, telangiectasia, papules, pustules, and phymatous changes in the central area of the face. Patients with this condition often experience a significant negative impact on their quality of life, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Despite its prevalence, the pathogenesis of rosacea is not yet fully understood. Recent research advances are reshaping our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of rosacea, and treatment options based on the pathophysiological perspective hold promise to improve patient outcomes and reduce incidence. In this comprehensive review, we investigate the pathogenesis of rosacea in depth, with a focus on emerging and novel mechanisms, and provide an up-to-date overview of therapeutic strategies that target the diverse pathogenic mechanisms of rosacea. Lastly, we discuss potential future research directions aimed at enhancing our understanding of the condition and developing effective treatments.

Dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFAs ameliorates LL37-induced rosacea-like skin inflammation via inhibition of TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Rosacea is a facial chronic inflammatory skin disease with dysfunction of immune and neurovascular system and treatments for rosacea are challenging. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), one of essential fatty acids, are needed for health maintenance and exert anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory effects in a series of cutaneous diseases such as atopic dermatitis and photoaging through dietary supplementation. However, the role of n-3 PUFAs on rosacea remains to be elucidated. In this study, KEGG enrichment analysis and GO analysis indicated that the biological process and signaling pathways, including chemokine signaling pathway, regulated by n-3 PUFAs highly overlapped with those in the pathogenic biological process of rosacea, especially the erythema telangiectasia type. Next, mice were randomized to fed with a customized n-3 PUFAs diet. We showed that n-3 PUFAs ameliorated skin erythema, inhibited dermal inflammatory cell infiltration (mast cells, neutrophils, and CD4 +T cells) and suppressed elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in LL37-induced rosacea-like mice. Besides, n-3 PUFAs were also verified to repress angiogenesis in LL37-induced mice skin. Further investigation revealed that n-3 PUFAs attenuated LL37-induced inflammation via TLR2/ MyD88/ NF-κB pathway both in mice and in keratinocytes. In conclusion, our findings underscore that dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFAs have the potential to become an efficient and safe clinical therapeutic candidate for rosacea.

Successful treatment of hidradenocarcinoma using ALA-PDT combined with local narrow margin excision.

Hidradenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy of sweat gland differentiation. It is known for its high rate of recurrence and metastasis, which has a serious impact on human health and aesthetics. However, the treatment options for this disease are limited, making prompt and appropriate treatment is a daunting challenge. In this report, we present the first successful cure of hidradenocarcinoma using 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) combined with local narrow margin excision on the left side of the forehead in an elderly woman. No recurrence during one year of follow-up after the combined therapy. This case will provide a valuable reference for more efficient management of similar cases in clinic.

A Teleoperated Robotic System-Assisted Percutaneous Transiliac-Transsacral Screw Fixation Technique.

Transiliac-transsacral screw fixation is challenging in clinical practice as the screws need to break through six layers of cortical bone. Transiliac-transsacral screws provide a longer lever arm to withstand the perpendicular vertical shear forces. However, the screw channel is so long that a minor discrepancy can lead to iatrogenic neurovascular injuries. The development of medical robots has improved the precision of surgery. The present protocol describes how to use a new teleoperated robotic system to execute transiliac-transacral screw fixation. The Robot was operated remotely to position the entry point and adjust the orientation of the sleeve. The screw positions were evaluated using postoperative computed tomography (CT). All the screws were safely implanted, as confirmed using intraoperative fluoroscopy. Postoperative CT confirmed that all the screws were in the cancellous bone. This system combines the doctor's initiative with the Robot's stability. The remote control of this procedure is possible. Robot-assisted surgery has a higher position-retention capacity compared with conventional methods. In contrast to active robotic systems, surgeons have full control over the operation. The robot system is fully compatible with operating room systems and does not require additional equipment.

Digitalization of prevention and treatment and the combination of western and Chinese medicine in management of acute heart failure.

Digitalization has emerged as a new trend in healthcare, with great potential and creating many unique opportunities, as well as many challenges. Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of disease-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the threat to life posed by acute heart failure is evident. In addition to traditional collegiate therapies, this article reviews the current status and subdisciplinary impact of digital healthcare at the level of combined Chinese and Western medical therapies. It also further discusses the prospects for the development of this approach, with the objective of developing an active role for digitalization in the combination of Western and Chinese medicine for the management of acute heart failure in order to support maintenance of cardiovascular health in the population.

A diagnostic prediction model for hypertension in Han and Yugur population from the China National Health Survey (CNHS).

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypertension is high among Chinese adults, thus, identifying non-hypertensive individuals at high risk for intervention will help to improve the efficiency of primary prevention strategies. METHODS: The cross-sectional data on 9699 participants aged 20 to 80 years were collected from the China National Health Survey in Gansu and Hebei provinces in 2016 to 2017, and they were nonrandomly split into the training set and validation set based on location. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to develop the diagnostic prediction model, which was presented as a nomogram and a website with risk classification. Predictive performances of the model were evaluated using discrimination and calibration, and were further compared with a previously published model. Decision curve analysis was used to calculate the standardized net benefit for assessing the clinical usefulness of the model. RESULTS: The Lasso regression analysis identified the significant predictors of hypertension in the training set, and a diagnostic model was developed using logistic regression. A nomogram with risk classification was constructed to visualize the model, and a website ( https://chris-yu.shinyapps.io/hypertension_risk_prediction/ ) was developed to calculate the exact probabilities of hypertension. The model showed good discrimination and calibration, with the C-index of 0.789 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.768, 0.810) through internal validation and 0.829 (95% CI: 0.816, 0.842) through external validation. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the model was clinically useful. The model had a higher area under receiver operating characteristic curves in training and validation sets compared with a previously published diagnostic model based on Northern China population. CONCLUSION: This study developed and validated a diagnostic model for hypertension prediction in Gansu Province. A nomogram and a website were developed to make the model conveniently used to facilitate the individualized prediction of hypertension in the general population of Han and Yugur.

Improving the outcome of treating striae gravidarum by combined therapies using topical ß-glucan and 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser: A prospective randomized vehicle-controlled parallel group study.

Striae gravidarum (SG) is a kind of dermal scar associated with psychosocial and therapeutic challenge. Topical reagents and non-invasive laser are more preferred than invasive procedures for less pain and shorter downtime. However, there are few studies on comparing and combining these two modalities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a topical regimen containing ß-glucan, 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL; ResurFX), and combination of them for SG. A total of 128 unilateral abdomens from 64 subjects were randomly divided into four strategies and were followed up for 12 weeks: topical vehicle (Veh); topical ß-glucan (B); 1565-nm NAFL combined topical vehicle (NAFL); 1565-nm NAFL combined topical ß-glucan (B + NAFL). NAFL was applied three times with a 4-week interval. Topical reagent was applied b.i.d. for 12 weeks. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores were assessed by blinded physician according to standard photograph, and by subjects at 12th week. The degree of SG atrophy was assessed by blinded physician before treatment and at the 12th week according to a standard 5-point scale. Collagen remodeling was evaluated by histological analysis and all adverse effects were recorded. A total of 56 women (112 unilateral abdomens) completed all study. The GAIS scores by blinded physician showed greater improvement in NAFL as compared with ß-glucan, and by subjects showed greater improvement in ß-glucan as compared with vehicle. In terms of striae atrophy scale, the improvement of SG atrophy was more prominent in NAFL compared to ß-glucan, and in ß-glucan + NAFL compared to Veh + NAFL. All treatments were well tolerated. Topical ß-glucan regimen can mildly improve SG. NAFL showed better results than topical ß-glucan regimen. The combined strategy may further improve the SG atrophy compared with single treatment strategy.