分類: Recent Seminars

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD), formally introduced in the DSM-5 in 2013, marked a paradigm shift from exclusion-based (“medically unexplained”) to inclusion-based (“excessive distress”) diagnostic criteria. As a diagnosis with explicit positive criteria, SSD provides a framework to empirically investigate hypotheses on cultural expressions of emotional distress—such as the lower observed prevalence of depression in East Asia and the prominence of somatic complaints.

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Chronic wound healing remains a major clinical challenge, largely due to persistent infections caused by bacterial biofilms that hinder tissue regeneration. In this presentation, Dr. Cheng will showcase an interdisciplinary research journey addressing both diagnosis and therapy. His team has developed a rapid, non-invasive diagnostic tool using wound blotting and Alcian blue staining to detect biofilm-associated polysaccharides directly from the wound bed. This method enables early identification and localization of biofilms, guiding targeted antimicrobial strategies. Following infection control, regenerative therapies are introduced. The team has pioneered scaffold-free 3D culture techniques using adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), forming cell spheroids and sheets rich in extracellular matrix to promote tissue repair. These strategies avoid the risks associated with gene modification or growth factor use. In parallel, novel biomaterials—such as thermosensitive hydrogels and keratin-based matrices—have been engineered to act as controlled-release carriers for ASCs. These materials enhance stem cell retention, differentiation, and regenerative efficacy. The integrative approach, combining biofilm diagnostics and precision regenerative therapy, represents a promising paradigm for next-generation wound care.

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My research leverages advanced, non-invasive imaging techniques, particularly MRI and quantitative tissue phenotyping, to uncover hidden myocardial changes and disease mechanisms that are often undetectable through conventional methods. The “Beyond the Surface” project utilizes cutting-edge imaging tools—such as ultrahigh-field 7T human scanners and preclinical 9.4T systems—enabling “virtual biopsies” that detect subtle alterations in cardiac and other tissues. This multidisciplinary approach integrates MRI, AI-enhanced analysis, metabolomics, and advanced optical imaging to decode complex metabolic patterns and mitochondrial health, offering insights into the development and etiology of chronic cardiometabolic diseases.

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This talk will explore electric field computations using anatomical human head models and the advanced optimization of stimulation parameters, enabling precise control over the focality and direction of the electric field. We will also discuss current trends in extending electric field analysis to include temporal effects through the integration of biophysical dynamic neural modeling.

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