[Correction of age-related changes in facial tissues and restoration of the body's functional reserves using dynamic electroneurostimulation and spectral phototherapy]. / Korrektsiya vozrastnykh izmenenii tkanei litsa i vosstanovlenie funktsional'nykh rezervov organizma s ispol'zovaniem dinamicheskoi elektroneirostimulyatsii i spektral'noi fototerapii.

Theoretical background of a rational combination of dynamic electric neurostimulation (DENS) and spectral phototherapy (SPT) for complex elimination of age-related changes of facial tissues (ARCFT) and restoration of the body's functional reserves (BFR) is provided. Comparative results of separate and combined application of DENS and SPT (DENS&SPT) are provided. The results obtained upon examination of 90 patients have shown that DENS&SPT is more effective compared to separate application of the above procedures for both eliminating ARCFT and increasing BFR. After a course of DENS&SPT procedures, 87.5% of women evaluated the obtained aesthetic result as «significant improvement¼ and «improvement¼. When exposed to DENS&SPT, 5 of 8 measured parameters of facial skin condition improved significantly. At the same time, there was a restoration of BFR stress levels to moderate and optimal levels. DENS&SPT provides a mutually potentiating effect both in the aspect of correction of ARCFT and restoration of BFR decreasing with age.

The effects of menopausal hormone therapy on proinflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins in perimenopausal patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

AIM: To determine the effects of menopausal hormone therapy dosage on levels of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins in bodily fluids of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during perimenopause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 119 perimenopausal females with moderate type 2 DM and stable COPD with signs of menopausal syndrome. Cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood serum were measured with flow cytofluorometry (Вeckman Coulter FC500, USA) using a multiplex kit for human cytokines (BMS810FF) in adherence to the manufacturer's instructions. The lower limit of quantification was 2.5-52.7 pg/mL. The following cytokines were studied: IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and IF-γ. The data was analyzed with Flow CytomixProver 3.0 manufacturer-licensed software package. IgМ, IgG and IgА in the blood serum (Vektor-Best, Russia) were detected using an immunoenzymatic assay (Stat Fax 3200Analyzer, Awareness Technology, USA). Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) with 17 beta-estradiol/dydrogesterone (standard - 2 mg, low - 1 mg, ultralow - 0.5 mg): 0.5/2.5 (estradiol 0.5 mg/dydrogesterone 2.5 mg) - ultralow-dose MHT, 1/10 (estradiol 1 mg/dydrogesterone 10 mg) - low-dose MHT; 2/10 (estradiol 2 mg/dydrogesterone 10 mg) - standard-dose MHT. Саrbohydrate metabolism was assessed in three groups. RESULTS: While 2/10 MHT yielded the most prominent decrease in IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and IF-γ levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood serum, the effect was statistically insignificant compared to 0.5/2.5 and 1/10 MHT. Initially decreased IgM, IgG and IgA levels were elevated in all the three dosage groups with no significant differences between them. As to carbohydrate metabolism target values of glycemia were achieved in all three groups taking MHT. CONCLUSION: Standard-, low- and ultralow-dose MHT has positive effects on levels of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins characteristic of the association between type 2 DM, COPD and menopausal syndrome. The differences between the three dosage groups were statistically insignificant. Different dosage of MHT with dydrogesterone provide for improving impaired carbohydrate metabolism.

[The meteopathic reactions as reflected in the indicators of electropuncture diagnostics. A pilot study]. / Otrazhenie meteopaticheskikh reaktsii v pokazateliakh élektropunkturnoi diagnostiki. Pilotnoe issledovanie.

The present article was designed to report the results of the electropuncture diagnostics (EPD) with the use of the 'Prognoz' electropunctural device obtained during the examination of 12 patients who experienced meteopathic reactions (MPR) during magnetic storms. The most frequently detected changes were deviations affecting the acupuncture channels (AC) of the heart, pericardium and triple energizer. The latter underwent the most pronounced deviation from the 'balanced condition'. In 2 cases out of the three (66,6%), its hypofunction was documented The pericardium channel was characterized by extreme asymmetry of its left and right branches. To a lesser extent, a similar asymmetry was apparent in the acupuncture channels of the heart. The present pilot study revealed the noticeable changed in the functional state of two AC (pericardium and triple energizer) in people suffering from meteopathic reactions. It is concluded that the further studies involving a larger population of the weather-dependent subjects is likely to identify other sensitive acupuncture channels; the analysis of their functional condition may be instrumental in determining the typical MPR profiles based on the results of the evaluation of the effectiveness of electropunctural diagnostics. The newly detected patterns may be useful for the development of the personalized approach to the prediction, prevention, and relief of the meteopathic reactions.

[The experimental evaluation of the protective effect of the extract of the cyclodextrin-containing phytotherapeutic composition on the development of osteoporosis].

OBJECTIVE: The relevance of the problem considered in the present communication arises to-day from the widespread prevalence of osteoporosis (OP), the rather low effectiveness of the methods currently available for the treatment of this condition, and iatrogenic effects of its medication therapy. The great diversity of phytotherapeutic modalities of traditional medicine are is only poorly supported by the results of the scientific studies results; moreover, most of them are coming from the foreign literature publications. AIM:  The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the phytotherapeutic preparation (Phytocost) having cyclodextrin in its composition on the restoration of the cartilaginous and bony tissues based on the experimental research with the use of the OP experimental model. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  The experimental studies were performed on 5 month-old Balb/c mice used as the prednisolone-induced osteoporosis model. The animals were divided into four study groups according to the daily doses administered to them: 0.005; 0.05; 0.5 and 5.0 mg/mouse during 30 days and 3 control groups: intact, 14 and 30 days after prednisolone administration, naïve mice. RESULTS:  The study has demonstrated the dose-dependent protective effect of cyclodextrin-containing Phytocost. The most pronounced effect in the form of reduction of osteoblast number and the increase in the number of osteocytes was obtained at a Phytocost dose of 0.5 mg/mouse. No undesirable adverse reactions were documented during the study. CONCLUSION:  The domestically produced Phytocost composition differs from its foreign analogues in that it contains a significantly greater number of constituent components because the ultimate goal of the study was to create a medication acting on all currently known mechanisms of OP pathogenesis, whereas our Chinese colleagues proceed from the ancient knowledge gained by traditional medicine that it is sometimes difficult to understand and explain in the light of the modern concepts. All the plants used as raw materials for Phytocost production grow at the territory of the Russian Federation which provides the possibilities for the efficient import substitution of the components necessary for the manufacture of the preparation in question.

[The algorithm for the determination of the sufficient number of dynamic electroneurostimulation procedures based on the magnitude of individual testing voltage at the reference point]. / Algoritm opredeleniya dostatochnogo kolichestva protsedur dinamicheskoi elektroneirostimulyatsii po napryazheniyu testirovaniya v repernoi tochke.

This article was designed to present evidence of the advantages of the personified approach to the treatment of the patients presenting with arterial hypertension (AH), lumbar spinal dorsopathy (LSD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and duodenal ulcer (DU) at the stage of exacerbation obtained by the measurements of testing voltage at the reference point (Utest). AIM: The objective of the present study was to develop the algorithm for the determination of the sufficient number (optimal duration) of therapeutic procedures of the protracted treatment with the use of the Utest at the reference point. THE PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 647 patients (439 women and 208 men at the age varying from 25 to 72 years) with grade I-II AH, DU at the stage of exacerbation, grades II and III lumbar spinal dorsopathy, grade II-III COPD. The informed written content to participate in the study was obtained from all the patients. They were divided into three groups. Those comprising group 1 were treated by standard therapy, patients of group 2 received the same treatment supplemented by dynamic electroneurostimulation (DENS) while the patients of the third group were given personified DENS in accordance with the determined sufficient number of DENS procedures. RESULTS: The blood pressure in the patients with AH comprising group 3 was found to decrease more significantly in comparison with those in groups 1 an 2 (by 9% and 3% respectively). The intensity of pain syndrome in the patients with lumbar spinal dorsopathy evaluated based on the visual analog scale decreased two-fold in group 3 in comparison with the 1.2 and 1.8 times decrease in groups 1 and 2 respectively. The level of pH in the stomach of patients with DU increased by 33.3% in group 3 in comparison with 12,5%, in group 1 and 21,8% in group 2. Vital capacity of the lungs in the patients of group 3 presenting with COPD and treated with the use of the personified approach was found to increase almost up to 612 ml in comparison with 477 ml in the patients given DENS in combination with standard therapy and only 219 ml in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study give evidence of the advantage of the personified treatment based on the determination of the sufficient number of the therapeutic procedures needed for the protracted treatment with the use of the Utest at the reference point. This approach can be used as a tool for the evaluation of the functional state of the patients and a method for the management of a chosen therapeutic strategy.

[The physical methods for the prevention and management of weather-dependent pathological reactions (a literature review)]. / Fizicheskie metody profilaktiki i korrektsii meteopaticheskikh reaktsii (obzor).

The review presents data on the non-pharmacological methods and technologies for the prevention and management of meteopathic reactions (MPR) applied in Russia for the treatment of the patients suffering from obstructive and cardiovascular diseases. It is assumed, based on the concept of heliogeophysical imprinting, that the major factors responsible for the development of MPR are the disturbances of electromagnetic homeostasis. The acupuncture points and channels are regarded as a system designed for the maintenance of electromagnetic balance in the human body. In this context, it is proposed to encourage the application of the methods of electro-diagnostics and reflexology for the prevention and correction of meteopathic reactions.

[The effectiveness of the application of dynamic electrical neurostimulation for the treatment of dorsalgias of the lumbar-sacral localization].

Dynamic electrical neurostimulation (DENS) is a variant of transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation based on the use of biological feedback monitoring the surface impedance of the skin. The present study was designed to estimate the effectiveness of the application of dynamic electrical neurostimulation for the treatment of dorsalgias of the lumbar-sacral localization in comparison with the standard combined treatment including pharmacotherapy, massage, and therapeutic physical culture exercises. The data obtained indicate that the inclusion of DENS in the standard treatment protocol promotes the regression of pain and neurological symptoms; moreover, it accelerates the achievement of clinical remission.

[Sensitivity and specificity of the cerebral blood flow reactions to acupuncture in the newborn infants presenting with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of acupuncture integrated into the standard therapy, the condition of cerebral blood flow, and other syndromes associated with cerebral ischemia in the newborn infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS. A total of 131 pairs of puerperae and newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were divided into four treatment groups. 34 children of the first group were given standard therapy (control), in the second group comprised of 33 mothers and children the standard treatment was supplemented by acupuncture, the third group included only 32 mothers given the acupuncture treatment alone, and the fourth group contained only 32 newborn infants treated by acupuncture. Each course of acupuncture treatment consisted of five sessions. Sensitivity and specificity of cerebral blood flow reactions were determined based on the results of the ROC-analysis and the area under the curve before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The treatment with the use of acupuncture greatly improved the cerebrospinal hemodynamics (p < 0.05). Other symptoms, viz. sleep disorders, vegetative reactivity and excitability were significantly reduced. The ROC analysis confirmed the effectiveness of acupuncture as a tool for the treatment of the impaired cerebral blood flow in the newborn babies. The high level of sensitivity (84.4-94.8%) associated with good specificity makes it possible to distinguish between the true positive and true negative cases. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture integrated into the treatment of "mother-baby" pairs presenting with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy can be used to improve the initially low level of cerebral blood flow in neonates presenting with this condition.

[New phytotherapeutic composition for restoring bone and cartilage. Experimental study].

Presents a new import-substituting the composition of the powder mixture 60 medicinal plants and dead bees. In prednisolonbuy models of osteoporosis have shown dose-dependent regenerative effects bone and cartilage of the hip joints of mice. Unwanted side effects when taking composition was observed. It is assumed the possibility of effective application of the composition as a complementary treatment for osteoporosis.

[Reflexotherapy in the context of rehabilitative medicine].

The main stages of the history of reflexotheray and its principal methodological aspects are reviewed in the context of the introduction of this approach into rehabilitative medicine. Productive results of such integration find the demonstrative reflection in the defense of 56 theses for the degree of candidate of science and 28 ones for the degree of doctor of science devoted to various aspects of reflexotherapy. The growing tendency toward the more extensive application of non-pharmacological approaches to complementary medicine opens up new prospects for the further development of reflexotherapy in the context of modern health care practices.

[DENAS-Vertebra--an innovative step in transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation in the realm of evidence-based medicine].

Despite data of numerous original investigations giving evidence of the high pain-relieving efficacy of transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS), the authors of the Cochraine reviews avoid definitive conclusions with respect to this issue. This discrepancy is a result of antagonism between the requirements of maximum possible degree of standardization of the method in question and the principle of necessary personification of preventive measures. Certain technological characteristics of the DENAS-Vertebra apparatus allows the acceptable level of consensus to be reached for the solution of the standardization/personification problem pertinent to TCNS procedures.

[The influence of acupuncture on the quality of life and the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in patients presenting with subclinical hypothyroidism].

This study included 27 female patients who applied for medical treatment of arthralgias and myalgias. They were found to have elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in conjunction with the normal concentrations of thyroid hormones. The therapeutic procedures included corporal and auricular acupuncture, introduction of needles into the reflexogenic scalp and wrist zones (depending on clinical symptoms) and into the thyroid gland projection zones on the skin, massage of paravertebral regions of the cervical and thoracic spine using a bone scraper (the Gua Sha healing technique). Twenty of the 27 patients completed two therapeutic courses with a 3-4 month interval between them. The treatment resulted in a significant decrease of the number and severity of the initial clinical symptoms; the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone fell down to the physiological values, characteristics of the quality of life became comparable with those of healthy subjects. It is concluded that acupuncture may be regarded as an alternative to substitution therapy of subclinical hypothyroidism.

[The comparative assessment of the wound-healing effects of the treatment with the use of Bioptron, Minitag, Orion+ apparatuses and hollow cathode lamps (experimental study)].

The objective of the present experimental study was the comparative assessment of the wound-healing effects of radiation emitted from Bioptron, Minitag, Orion+ apparatuses and hollow cathode lamps (HCL). The emitters of any type were shown to be equally efficacious in that they accelerated wound epithelization by 30% on the average compared with control. Based on the difference between spectral and power characteristics of different sources of radiation and dynamics of their wound-healing efficacy (including that of two types of HCL), the authors arrived at the conclusion that the further development of the proposed approach to wound healing is a promising line of research in the field of spectral phototherapy.

[The opioidergic system in the combined regulation of pain and immunity]. / Opioidergicheskaia sistema v sochetannoi reguliatsii boli i immuniteta.

Opioidergic mechanisms are involved in responses to nociceptive and antigenic stimuli at all levels and stages (from peripheral nociceptors to the cerebral cortex and from the precursors of immunocompetent cells to mature effector cells). In most experimental and clinical studies, opioid-mediated analgesia proved to be accompanied by immunosuppression. Opioid receptors of mu, delta, and kappa types are involved in the mechanisms of combined regulation of pain and immunity, with mu and delta receptors suppressing the immune response and kappa receptors enhancing it. By modifying the chemical structure of opioid ligands, it is possible to preserve the analgesic effect and avoid the development of immunosuppression. The opioidergic mechanisms are coupled with nonopioid peptidergic and nonpeptide systems of pain and immunity regulation.

[Changes in the thrombocyte and procoagulant links in hemostasis in patients with arterial hypertension]. / Izmeneniia trombotsitarnogo i prokoaguliantnogo zven'ev gemostaza u bol'nykh s arterial'noi gipertenziei.

A study of 62 workers with arterial hypertension of the ore mining industry revealed significant and various changes of the thrombocytic and coagulation hemostasis in patients. Hyperfibrinemia, increase of adhesive-aggregation properties of cellular elements, depression of fibrinolysis creates a thrombogenic situation. For choice of treatment tactics in clinical conditions it is recommended to evaluate the thrombocytic and procoagulant links of hemostasis. Disorders in the system of primary hemostasis (increase of adhesive-aggregational properties of cellular elements) are an indication to the use of antiaggregants (tyclid, tyclopidin). In case of fibrinolysis depression, anticoagulants should be used in the therapy complex.

[Effects of high and low molecular soluble factors of the bone marrow on antibody formation and pain sensitivity in animals]. / Vliianie vysoko- i nizkomolekuliarnykh rastvorimykh faktorov kostnogo mozga na antiteloobrazovanie i bolevuiu chuvstvitel'nost' u zhivotnykh.

In addition to the immunostimulating activity, bone marrow mediators, myelopeptides (MP) show the dose-dependent effect on the development of pain sensitivity in mice. When injected in nanogram amounts, MP induce hyperalgesia and 3-9 fold higher production of antibodies against SREC. When injected in milligram amounts, they exhibit hypoalgesic effect and no influence on antibody production. Immunostimulating effect in MP (mol, mass less than 1 KD, fraction 3) is accompanied with hypoalgesia. Bone marrow factors of mol. masses 40-150 KD (fraction 1) eluted at Sephadex G-25 gel-filtration before MP enhance the pain sensitivity tHreshold and show a potent immunodepressive effect. Thus the bone marrow factors are capable of exhibiting the opposite effects on the immune system in the pain control system that evidences the tight interrelation between these systems.

[Prevention and correction of stress-induced immunodeficiency by atrial electroacupuncture]. / Profilaktika i korrektsiia vyzvannogo stressom immunodefitsitnogo sostoianiia metodom aurikuliarnoi élektroakupunktury.

Secondary immunodeficiency characterized by a sharp decrease in the number of antibody-forming cells in the lymph organs developed in mice under conditions of an immunosuppressive effect of swim stress and hypobaric hypoxia. Auricular electroacupuncture (AEAP) preceding swim stress blocks its immunosuppressive effect completely. AEAP possesses a high preventive action and also produces a marked corrective effect in development of stress-induced immunodeficiency. For instance, AEAP applied in the productive phase of the immune response restores effectively immunocompetence of the body subjected to hypobaric stress. In applying AEAP, the coefficients of antibody-production stimulation in the cells of the lymph nodes, calculated in relation to the hypoxic control, are 3.5-4.0, which do not yield to the values recorded with the use of the most effective pharmacological immunomodulators. AEAP may be considered a promising measure for the prevention and correction of immunodeficiency caused by stress.