[Preparation process selection of presonalized traditional Chinese medicine concentrated watered pills containing heat-unstable components].

In the process of preparing presonalized concentrated watered pills, the decoction needs to be concentrated by heat and mixed with medicinal slices or powder to prepare a wet mass. However, some of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) components are easily decomposed or transformed by heat. In order to optimize the preparation process of presonalized TCM concentrated watered pills and reduce the loss of heat-unstable components in prescriptions, this study uses five compound TCM prescriptions containing heat-unstable components as model prescriptions, namely the Linggui Zhugan Formula, Xiaochengqi Formula, Sanpian Formula, Xiaoer Qixing Formula, and Xiaoyao Formula. Based on the two kinds of preparation process of presonalized concentrated watered pills previously established by our research group, whole extract concentrated watered pills and concentrated watered pills without excipients are prepared, respectively. Characteristic maps are measured and compared with those of the corresponding decoction. The results show that the characteristic maps of the concentrated watered pills without excipients of the five model prescriptions are very close to those of the decoction, and the number of characteristic peaks and peak areas are higher than those of whole extract concentrated watered pills. In addition, the peak area of some peaks is higher than that of the corresponding decoction. Thus, it is recommended to select the preparation process of prescription-based concentrated watered pills without excipients based on the "unification of medicines and excipients" to preserve those heat-unstable components more effectively when the prescription contains a heat-unstable component of TCM. This study provides a basis for the subsequent reasonable development and application of presonalized TCM pills.

[Research progress in pharmacological effects of Gypsum Fibrosum and material basis for its heat-clearing effect].

Gypsum Fibrosum, as a classic heat-clearing medicine, is widely used in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). However, debates exist about the material basis and mechanism of its efficacy. Therefore, this paper reviewed the recent research progress in the heat-clearing effect and mechanism of Gypsum Fibrosum and discussed the material basis for the heat-clearing effect of this medicine. Ca~(2+) may inhibit the upward movement of temperature set point by regulating the Na~+/Ca~(2+) level in the heat-regulating center. Moreover, trace elements may inhibit the rise of body temperature by regulating the immune system, promoting the absorption of Ca~(2+), and affecting the synthesis of prostaglandin E2(PGE2). This review aims to enrich the knowledge about the mechanism of Gypsum Fibrosum in clearing heat and provides a scientific basis for the clinical application and further development of Gypsum Fibrosum.

Identifying the temporal contributors and their interactions during dynamic formation of black tea cream.

Tea cream formed in hot and strong tea infusion while cooling deteriorates quality and health benefits of tea. However, the interactions among temporal contributors during dynamic formation of tea cream are still elusive. Here, by deletional recombination experiments and molecular dynamics simulation, it was found that proteins, caffeine (CAF), and phenolics played a dominant role throughout the cream formation, and the contribution of amino acids was highlighted in the early stage. Furthermore, CAF was prominent due to its extensive binding capacity and the filling complex voids property, and caffeine-theaflavins (TFs) complexation may be the core skeleton of the growing particles in black tea infusion. In addition to TFs, the unidentified phenolic oxidation-derived products (PODP) were confirmed to contribute greatly to the cream formation.

Assessing the impact of plasma-activated water-assisted heat-moisture treatment on the extrusion-recrystallization process of hausa potato starch.

The study explored the plasma-activated water (PAW)-assisted heat-moisture treatment (HMT) on the structural, physico-chemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of extrusion-recrystallized starch. Native starch of hausa potatoes underwent modification through a dual process involving PAW-assisted HMT (PHMT) followed by extrusion-recrystallization (PERH) using a twin-screw extruder. The PHMT sample showed surface roughness and etching with a significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) RC (20.12 %) and ΔH (5.86 J/g) compared to DHMT. In contrast, PERH-induced structural damage, resulting in an irregular block structure, and altered the crystalline pattern from A to B + V-type characterized by peaks at 17.04°, 19.74°, 22°, and 23.94°. DSC analysis showed two endothermic peaks in all the extrusion-recrystallized samples, having the initial peak attributed to the melting of structured amylopectin chains and the second one linked to the melting of complexes formed during retrogradation. Dual-modified samples displayed notably increased transition temperatures (To1 74.54 and 74.17 °C, To2 122.65 and 121.49 °C), along with increased RS content (43.76 %-45.30 %). This study envisages a novel approach for RS preparation and broadens the utilization of PAW in starch modification synergistically with environmentally friendly techniques.

Proto-neural networks from thermal proteins.

Proteinoids are synthetic polymers that have structural similarities to natural proteins, and their formation is achieved through the application of heat to amino acid combinations in a dehydrated environment. The thermal proteins, initially synthesised by Sidney Fox during the 1960s, has the ability to undergo self-assembly, resulting in the formation of microspheres that resemble cells. These microspheres have fascinating biomimetic characteristics. In recent studies, substantial advancements have been made in elucidating the electrical signalling phenomena shown by proteinoids, hence showcasing their promising prospects in the field of neuro-inspired computing. This study demonstrates the advancement of experimental prototypes that employ proteinoids in the construction of fundamental neural network structures. The article provides an overview of significant achievements in proteinoid systems, such as the demonstration of electrical excitability, emulation of synaptic functions, capabilities in pattern recognition, and adaptability of network structures. This study examines the similarities and differences between proteinoid networks and spontaneous neural computation. We examine the persistent challenges associated with deciphering the underlying mechanisms of emergent proteinoid-based intelligence. Additionally, we explore the potential for developing bio-inspired computing systems using synthetic thermal proteins in forthcoming times. The results of this study offer a theoretical foundation for the advancement of adaptive, self-assembling electronic systems that operate using artificial bio-neural principles.

Responsive regularity of neurons in the hindlimb region of primary somatosensory cortex to different temperature thermal needle stimulation of "Zusanli"(ST36) in mice. / å°é¼ åˆçº§ä½“æ„Ÿçš®å±‚åŽè‚¢åŒºç¥žç»å ƒå¯¹"足三里"不同温度热刺激的响应规律.

OBJECTIVES: To study the regularity of central response to thermal needle stimulation of "Zusanli" (ST36) at different temperature, and to analyze the temperature difference of central responses. METHODS: Six male C57BL/6j adult mice were used in the present study. For observing activities of neurons in the hindlimb region of left primary somatosensory cortex (S1HL, A/P=0.46 mm, M/L=1.32 mm, D/V=-0.14 mm) by using a fast high-resolution miniature two-photon microscopy (FHIRM-TPM), the mice were anesthetized with 3% isoflurane (inhalation), with its head fixed in a stereotaxic apparatus, then, adeno-associated virus (AAV-hSyn-GCaMP6f-WPRE-hGHpA, for showing intracellular calcium transients in neurons transfected) was injected into the left S1HL region using a micro-syringe after scalp surgical operation. The mice's right ST36 were stimulated using internal thermal needles with the temperature being 43 ℃, or 45 ℃, or 47 ℃, separately. Image J software and MATLAB 2020b software were used to process the image data of neuronal calcium activity (Ca2+ signaling) in the left S1HL region, including the instant maximum calcium peak value (ΔF/F) in 2 s, instant calcium spike frequency in 2 s, short-term calcium peak value (ΔF/F) in 3.5 min, short-term calcium spike frequency in 3.5 min, calcium peak duration in 3.5 min, maximum calcium peak value (ΔF/F) at the 1st , 2nd and 3rd min, and calcium spike frequency at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd min after thermal needle stimulation. RESULTS: In comparison with the normal temperature needle stimulation, the instant intracellular maximum calcium peak value, instant calcium spike frequency, short-term maximum calcium peak value, short-term calcium spike frequency, and calcium peak duration of S1HL neurons in response to 43 ℃, 45 ℃ and 47 ℃ internal thermal needle stimulation of ST36 were significantly increased (P<0.001, P<0.01). Comparison among the 43 ℃, 45 ℃ and 47 ℃ thermal needle stimulation showed that the 45 ℃ thermal needle stimulation was obviously superior to 43 ℃ and 47 ℃ thermal needle stimulation in increasing instant calcium spike frequency, short-term calcium spike frequency and calcium peak duration of S1HL neurons (P<0.001, P<0.01). The 47 ℃ thermal needle stimulation was stronger than 43 ℃ and 45 ℃ thermal needle stimulation in increasing the instant maximum calcium peak value (P<0.001). The maximum calcium peak value was apparently higher (P<0.001) at the 2nd min than that at the 1st and 3rd min after 43 ℃, 45 ℃ and 47 ℃ thermal needle stimulation. No significant differences were found in the short-term maximum calcium peak value among the 3 thermal needle stimulation and in the calcium spike frequency among the 3 time points after 43 ℃, 45 ℃ and 47 ℃ thermal needle stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: S1HL neurons respond to all 43 ℃, 45 ℃ and 47 ℃ thermal needle stimulation of ST36 in mice, while more actively to 45 ℃ thermal needle stimulation.

The potential of therapeutic hyperthermia to eradicate Staphylococcus aureus bacteria; an in vitro study.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common infectious agents, causing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most pathogenic bacteria are classified in the group of mesophilic bacteria and the optimal growth temperature of these bacteria changes between 33 and 41 °C. Increased temperature can inhibit bacterial growth and mobility, which in turn, can trigger autolysis and cause cell wall damage. Hyperthermia treatment is defined as a heat-mediated treatment method applied using temperatures higher than body temperature. Nowadays, this treatment method is used especially in the treatment of tumours. Hyperthermia treatment is divided into two groups: mild hyperthermia and ablative or high-temperature hyperthermia. Mild hyperthermia is a therapeutic technique in which tumour tissue is heated above body temperature to produce a physiological or biological effect but is often not aimed at directly causing significant cell death. The goal of this method is to achieve temperatures of 40-45 °C in human tissues for up to 2 h. Hyperthermia can be used in the treatment of infections caused by such bacterial pathogens. In addition, using hyperthermia in combination with antimicrobial drugs may result in synergistic effects and reduce resistance issues. In our study, we used two different temperature levels (37 °C and 45 °C). We assessed growth inhibition, some virulence factors, alteration colony morphologies, and antimicrobial susceptibility for several antibiotics with three methods (Kirby-Bauer, E-test and broth microdilution) under hyperthermia. In the study, we observed that hyperthermia affected the urease enzyme, antibiotic sensitivity levels showed synergy with hyperthermia, and changes occurred in colony diameters and affected bacterial growth. We hypothesise that hyperthermia might be a new therapeutic option for infectious diseases as a sole agent or in combination with different antimicrobials.

The Efficacy of Chaihu-Guizhi-Ganjiang Decoction on Chronic Non-Atrophic Gastritis with Gallbladder Heat and Spleen Cold Syndrome and Its Metabolomic Analysis: An Observational Controlled Before-After Clinical Trial.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness and explore the mechanism of Chaihu-Guizhi-Ganjiang decoction (CGGD) in the treatment of chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNAG) with gallbladder heat and spleen cold syndrome (GHSC) by metabolomics based on UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Patients and Methods: An observational controlled before-after study was conducted to verify the effectiveness of CGGD in the treatment of CNAG with GHSC from January to June 2023, enrolling 27 patients, who took CGGD for 28 days. 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled as the controls. The efficacy was evaluated by comparing the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome and CNAG scores, and clinical parameters before and after treatment. The plasma levels of hormones related to gastrointestinal function were collected by ELISA. The mechanisms of CGGD in the treatment of CNAG with GHSC were explored using a metabolomic approach based on UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Results: Patients treated with CGGD experienced a statistically significant improvement in TCM syndrome and CNAG scores (p < 0.01). CGGD treatment evoked the concentration alteration of 15 biomarkers, which were enriched in the glycerophospholipid metabolism, and branched-chain amino acids biosynthesis pathways. Moreover, CGGD treatment attenuated the abnormalities of the gastrointestinal hormone levels and significantly increased the pepsinogen level. Conclusion: It was the first time that this clinical trial presented detailed data on the clinical parameters that demonstrated the effectiveness of CGGD in the treatment of CNAG with GHSC patients. This study also provided supportive evidence that CNAG with GHSC patients were associated with disturbed branched-chain amino acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid levels, suggesting that CNAG treatment based on TCM syndrome scores was reasonable and also provided a potential pharmacological mechanism of action of CGGD.

Observation of the efficacy of elongated needle therapy in treating patients with â ¢B prostatitis of stagnant dampness-heat syndrome. / 芒针治疗湿热瘀阻证⠢Båž‹å‰åˆ—è ºç‚Žæ‚£è€ çš„ç–—æ•ˆè§‚å¯Ÿ.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the clinical efficacy in patients with ⅢB prostatitis of stagnant dampness-heat syndrome treated with elongated needle therapy. METHODS: A total of 90 patients with ⅢB prostatitis of stagnant dampness-heat syndrome were selected and randomly divided into a treatment group(45 cases, 2 dropped out) and a control group(45 cases, 1 dropped out) using a random number table method. The control group was treated with oral administration of Qianlie Shutong Capsule, 3 capsules per dose, 3 times a day for a total of 4 weeks. The treatment group received elongated needle therapy at Qihai(CV6), Zhongji(CV3), bilateral Zhibian(BL54) and Shuidao(ST28), with one treatment per day for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index(NIH-CPSI) score were compared between the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was compared after treatment. RESULTS: Compared with that before treatment, the control group showed significant decrease in traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, testicular pain, urinary frequency, unending remnants of urine, scrotal wetness, yellowish urine, urinary symptoms, and quality of life scores after treatment(P<0.05)；the treatment group showed significant decrease in traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, and perineal pain, groin pain, pelvic pain, testicular pain, scrotal wetness, yellowish urine scores, NIH-CPSI total score, pain symptoms, urinary symptoms, and quality of life scores after treatment(P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group showed significantly lower traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, and perineal pain, groin pain, pelvic pain, testicular pain scores, NIH-CPSI total score, pain symptoms, and quality of life scores than those of the control group(P<0.05). The effective rate in the treatment group (63.64%, 28/43) was significantly higher than that in the control group (88.37%, 38/44, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elongated needle therapy can significantly improve the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, NIH-CPSI total score, and pain symptom scores in patients with ⅢB prostatitis of stagnant dampness-heat syndrome. It can significantly improve the cure rate in these patients and is particularly effective in relieving pain.

Comparison evaluation pretreatments on the quality characteristics, oxidative stability, and volatile flavor of walnut oil.

In this study, we applied various thermal pretreatment methods (e.g., hot-air, microwave, and stir-frying) to process walnut kernels, and conducted comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties, nutritional components, in vitro antioxidant activity, and flavor substances of the extracted walnut oil (WO). The results indicated that, thermal pretreatment significantly increased the extraction of total trace nutrients (e.g., total phenols, tocopherols, and phytosterols) in WO. The WO produced using microwave had 2316.71 mg/kg of total trace nutrients, closely followed by the stir-frying method, which yielded an 11.22% increase compared to the untreated method. The WO obtained by the microwave method had a higher Oxidative inductance period (4.05 h) and oil yield (2.48%). After analyzing the flavor in WO, we found that aldehydes accounted for 28.77% of the 73 of volatile compounds and 58.12% of the total flavor compound content in microwave-pretreated WO, these percentages were higher than those recorded by using other methods. Based on the comprehensive score obtained by the PCA, microwave-pretreatment might be a promising strategy to improve the quality of WO based on aromatic characteristics.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the mechanism of a clinical proved recipe for external use of clearing heat and removing dampness in the treatment of immune-related cutaneous adverse events.

Immune-related cutaneous adverse events (ircAEs) will undermine the patients' quality of lives, and interrupt the antitumor therapy. A clinical proved recipe for external use of clearing heat and removing dampness (Qing-Re-Li-Shi Formula, hereinafter referred to as "QRLSF") is beneficial to the treatment of ircAEs in clinical practice. Our study will elucidate the mechanism of QRLSF against ircAEs based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active components and corresponding targets of QRLSF were collected through traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database. GeneCards, online Mendelian inheritance in man, and pharmacogenomics knowledgebase were used to screen the targets of ircAEs. The intersecting targets between drug and disease were acquired by venn analysis. Cytoscape software was employed to construct "components-targets" network. Search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins database was applied to establish the protein-protein interaction network and then its core targets were identified. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis was performed to predict the mechanism. The molecular docking verification of key targets and related phytomolecules was accomplished by AutoDock Vina software. Thirty-nine intersecting targets related to QRLSF against ircAEs were recognized. The analysis of network clarified 5 core targets (STAT3, RELA, TNF, TP53, and NFKBIA) and 4 key components (quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and ursolic acid). The activity of QRLSF against ircAEs could be attributed to the regulation of multiple biological effects via multi-pathways (PI3K-Akt pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, JAK-STAT pathway, chemokine pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, IL-17 pathway, TNF pathway, and Toll-like receptor pathway). The binding activities were estimated as good level by molecular docking. These discoveries disclosed the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics of QRLSF against ircAEs, providing a new strategy for such medical problem.

Resilience: conceptualisations and challenges for effective heatwave public health planning.

OBJECTIVES: This article examines diverse perspectives on heatwave resilience in public health planning, interviewing stakeholders from various sectors. It identifies challenges, including operational, political, economic, and cultural aspects, hindering effective strategies. The study advocates for a holistic approach to heatwave resilience, emphasising interdisciplinary research and collaboration for targeted interventions. Enhancing resilience is crucial to mitigating adverse health impacts and safeguarding vulnerable populations during heatwaves. Conceptualisations of resilience related to heatwave public health planning and heatwave resilience vary significantly. There is a need to unveil the multifaceted nature of resilience in the context of heatwaves and identify key challenges that hinder effective public health planning efforts. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative study to explore key stakeholders' conceptualisations of resilience and highlight challenges and opportunities needed for greater heatwave resilience and public health planning. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with a diverse group of key stakeholders involved in local, regional, and national heatwave planning, academics, civil sector and private sector representatives. RESULTS: The findings of this study highlight diverse conceptualisations of resilience. Conceptualisations of resilience mainly differ on the following: 'whom'; 'what'; 'how'; 'when'; and 'why'. This analysis shows that the concept of resilience is well understood but has different functions. The analysis of challenges revealed several key problems, such as operational and technical; political and governance; organisational and institutional; economic; linguistic; cultural, social, and behavioural; and communication, information, and awareness. These significantly hinder effective heatwave public health planning strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasises the need for a holistic and integrated approach to heatwave resilience. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing heatwave public health planning. This study provides valuable insights into the complexities of heatwave resilience, offering guidance for different sectors of society to develop targeted interventions and strategies. The development of new resilience interdisciplinary and intersectoral research, practice, and governance will prove crucial to ongoing efforts to strengthen national heatwave resilience public health planning. By fostering resilience, societies can mitigate the adverse impacts of heatwaves and safeguard the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Impact of heat stress on health-related symptoms and physiological changes among workers at a palm oil mill in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: The palm oil (PO) industry is one of the most important sectors in the Malaysian economy. Workers at PO mills are, however, at risk for a number of health and safety issues, including heat stress, as the PO is one of the industries with high heat exposure. Heat stress occurs when a person's body cannot get rid of excess heat. Heat stress can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash, and heat stroke. It also results in physiological and psychological changes that can have an impact on a worker's performance. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of heat stress on health-related symptoms and physiological changes among workers in a PO mill. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a PO mill located in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia. Thirty-one workers from the four workstations (sterilizer, boiler, oil, and engine rooms) were selected as the respondents in this study. Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer was used in this study to measure the environmental temperature (WBGTin). Body core temperature (BCT), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded both before and after working in order to assess the physiological effects of heat stress on workers. A set of questionnaires were used to determine sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents and their symptoms related to heat stress. Data were then analyzed using SPSS Ver28. RESULTS: The WBGTin was found to be above the ACGIH threshold limit value of heat stress exposure in the engine room, sterilizer, and boiler workstations (>28.0°C). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the worker's BCT in these three workstations before and after work (p<0.05). Only the systolic BP and HR of those working at the boiler workstation showed significant difference between before and after work (p<0.05). The most typical symptoms that workers experience as a result of being exposed to heat at work include headache and fatigue. However, statistical analysis using Spearman Rho's test showed that there is no correlation between heat stress level with physiological changes and health-related symptoms among study respondents (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Results of the present study confirmed that workers in PO mill were exposed to high temperatures while at work. Although the evidence indicates the physiological parameters in general are not significantly affected while working, it also demonstrated that worker's body adapts and acclimates to the level of heat. Even so, precautions should still be taken to reduce future heat exposure. It is recommended that a physiological study be carried out that focuses on cognitive function impairment to support the evidence regarding the effects of heat stress on PO mill workers.

Enhancement of skin tumor laser hyperthermia with Ytterbium nanoparticles: numerical simulation.

Laser hyperthermia therapy (HT) has emerged as a well-established method for treating cancer, yet it poses unique challenges in comprehending heat transfer dynamics within both healthy and cancerous tissues due to their intricate nature. This study investigates laser HT therapy as a promising avenue for addressing skin cancer. Employing two distinct near-infrared (NIR) laser beams at 980 nm, we analyze temperature variations within tumors, employing Pennes' bioheat transfer equation as our fundamental investigative framework. Furthermore, our study delves into the influence of Ytterbium nanoparticles (YbNPs) on predicting temperature distributions in healthy and cancerous skin tissues. Our findings reveal that the application of YbNPs using a Gaussian beam shape results in a notable maximum temperature increase of 5 °C within the tumor compared to nanoparticle-free heating. Similarly, utilizing a flat top beam alongside YbNPs induces a temperature rise of 3 °C. While this research provides valuable insights into utilizing YbNPs with a Gaussian laser beam configuration for skin cancer treatment, a more thorough understanding could be attained through additional details on experimental parameters such as setup, exposure duration, and specific implications for skin cancer therapy.

Effectiveness and safety of Jiawei Xiaoyao pill in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (liver depression, spleen deficiency, and blood-heat syndrome): a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Jiawei Xiaoyao pill (，JXP) in the treatment of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). METHODS: A total of 144 regularly menstruating women with PMS were recruited at 8 sites in China from August 2017 to December 2018, and randomized to receive either a JXP or a matching placebo (12 g/d, 6 g twice a day) for 3 menstrual cycles. The primary indicator was the reduced Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) scores in the luteal phase after 3 months of treatment. The safety outcomes included clinical adverse events (AEs), adverse reactions (ARs), changes in vital signs, and laboratory tests. RESULTS: JXP surpassed the placebo in reducing DRSP scores (psychological/somatic dysfunction) in the luteal phase over 3 menstrual cycles of treatment (PFAS = 0.002, PPPS = 0.001). Additionally, there were no significant differences in the incidence of AEs, severe AEs, withdrawal due to AEs and ARs between the two groups (all P > 0.05), and no clinically significant adverse medical events related to the test drug observed. CONCLUSIONS: JXP was superior to the placebo in relieving the symptoms associated with PMS, which signified that JXP may be effective, safe, and well-tolerated as an alternative therapy.

Robust, planning-based targeted locoregional tumour heating in small animals.

Objective.To improve hyperthermia in clinical practice, pre-clinical hyperthermia research is essential to investigate hyperthermia effects and assess novel treatment strategies. Translating pre-clinical hyperthermia findings into clinically viable protocols requires laboratory animal treatment techniques similar to clinical hyperthermia techniques. The ALBA micro8 electromagnetic heating system (Med-logix SRL, Rome, Italy) has recently been developed to provide the targeted locoregional tumour heating currently lacking for pre-clinical research. This study evaluates the heat focusing properties of this device and its ability to induce robust locoregional tumour heating under realistic physiological conditions using simulations.Approach.Simulations were performed using the Plan2Heat treatment planning package (Amsterdam UMC, the Netherlands). First, the specific absorption rate (SAR) focus was characterised using a homogeneous phantom. Hereafter, a digital mouse model was used for the characterisation of heating robustness in a mouse. Device settings were optimised for treatment of a pancreas tumour and tested for varying circumstances. The impact of uncertainties in tissue property and perfusion values was evaluated using polynomial chaos expansion. Treatment quality and robustness were evaluated based on SAR and temperature distributions.Main results.The SAR distributions within the phantom are well-focused and can be adjusted to target any specific location. The focus size (full-width half-maximum) is a spheroid with diameters 9 mm (radially) and 20 mm (axially). The mouse model simulations show strong robustness against respiratory motion and intestine and stomach filling (∆T90≤0.14°C).Mouse positioning errors in the cranial-caudal direction lead to∆T90≤0.23°C. Uncertainties in tissue property and perfusion values were found to impact the treatment plan up to 0.56 °C (SD), with a variation onT90of 0.32 °C (1 SD).Significance.Our work shows that the pre-clinical phased-array system can provide adequate and robust locoregional heating of deep-seated target regions in mice. Using our software, robust treatment plans can be generated for pre-clinical hyperthermia research.

CHEN Rixin's clinical experience of heat-sensitive moxibustion for Wenyang Yangshen in treatment of insomnia of yang deficiency. / 陈日新热敏灸"æ¸©é˜³å »ç¥ž"æ²»ç–—é˜³è™šå¤±çœ ç—‡ä¸´åºŠç»éªŒæ’·è.

The paper introduces CHEN Rixin's experience and ideas of heat-sensitive moxibustion for Wenyang Yangshen (warming-up yang and nourishing the spirit) in treatment of insomnia of yang deficiency. This type of insomnia is caused by yang insufficiency of the body and malnutrition of the spirit. The treatment focuses on Wenyang Yangshen. Replenishing yang (Shenque [CV 8], Qihai [CV 6] and Guanyuan [CV 4]) is combined with promoting yang circulation (Taiyang [EX-HN 5]). The acupoint combination is optimized through identifying the heat sensitivity. Sparrow-pecking moxibustion and mild moxibustion are used to control the appropriate moxibustion temperature, efficiently stimulate deqi and individually saturate the dose of moxibustion so as to target the principle of treatment and improve the sleep quality.

Heat therapy in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases - an overview of clinical and molecular effects.

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) usually lead to morphological and functional deficits of various extend, increased morbidity and a considerable loss of quality of life. Modern pharmacological treatment has become effective and can stop disease progression. Nonetheless, disease progression is often only slowed down. Moreover, pharmacological treatment does not improve functionality per se. Therefore, multimodal treatment of rheumatic disorders with physical therapy being a key element is of central importance for best outcomes. In recent years, research into physical medicine shifted from a sole investigation of its clinical effects to a combined investigation of clinical effects and potential changes in the molecular level (e.g., inflammatory cytokines and the cellular autoimmune system), thus offering new explanations of clinical effects of physical therapy. In this review we provide an overview of studies investigating different heat applications in RMDs, their effect on disease activity, pain and their influence on the molecular level.

Biochemical and functional characterization of heat-inactivated coelomic fluid from earthworms as a potential alternative for fetal bovine serum in animal cell culture.

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) plays a pivotal role in animal cell culture. Due to ethical and scientific issues, searching for an alternative, comprising the three R's (Refinement, Reduction and Replacement) gained global attention. In this context, we have identified the heat inactivated coelomic fluid (HI-CF) of the earthworm, Perionyx excavatus as a potential alternative for FBS. Briefly, we formulated HI-CF (f-HICF) containing serum free medium which can aid the growth, attachment, and proliferation of adherent cells, similar to FBS. In this study, we investigated the biochemical characterization, sterility, stability, formulation, and functional analysis of HI-CF as a supplement in culturing animal cells. Notably, vitamins, micronutrients, proteins, lipids, and trace elements are identified and compared with FBS for effective normalization of the serum free media. HI-CF is tested to be devoid of endotoxin and mycoplasma contamination thus can qualify the cell culture grade. The f-HICF serum free media was prepared, optimised, and tested with A549, HeLa, 3T3, Vero and C2C12 cell lines. Our results conclude that f-HICF is a potential alternative to FBS, in accordance with ethical concern; compliance with 3R's; lack of unintended antibody interactions; presence of macro and micronutrients; simple extraction; cost-effectiveness and availability.

The Acute Effect of Percussive Massage Intervention with and without Heat Application on Plantar Flexor Muscles' Passive and Active Properties.

Recently, percussive massage (PM) intervention using a handheld percussive massage device, namely a massage gun, has been used as an easy way to perform vibration functions. Additionally, a product has been developed that allows PM intervention and heat application to be performed simultaneously. Thus, this study aimed to compare the acute effects of PM intervention with and without heat application on dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM), passive stiffness, and muscle strength in the gastrocnemius muscle. Fifteen healthy young men (20.9 ± 0.2 years) participated in this study. We measured the DF ROM, passive torque at DF ROM (an indicator of stretch tolerance), passive stiffness, and maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque of the plantar flexor muscles before and immediately after 120 seconds PM intervention with and without heat application. The results showed that PM intervention with and without heat application significantly increased DF ROM and passive torque at DF ROM and decreased passive stiffness, not MVIC torque. These results suggest that PM intervention increased ROM and decreased passive stiffness regardless of the presence or absence of the heat application.