Injectable, Antioxidative, and Tissue-Adhesive Nanocomposite Hydrogel as a Potential Treatment for Inner Retina Injuries.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been recognized as prevalent contributors to the development of inner retinal injuries including optic neuropathies such as glaucoma, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, traumatic optic neuropathy, and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, among others. This underscores the pivotal significance of oxidative stress in the damage inflicted upon retinal tissue. To combat ROS-related challenges, this study focuses on creating an injectable and tissue-adhesive hydrogel with tailored antioxidant properties for retinal applications. GelCA, a gelatin-modified hydrogel with photo-crosslinkable and injectable properties, is developed. To enhance its antioxidant capabilities, curcumin-loaded polydopamine nanoparticles (Cur@PDA NPs) are incorporated into the GelCA matrix, resulting in a multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel referred to as Cur@PDA@GelCA. This hydrogel exhibits excellent biocompatibility in both in vitro and in vivo assessments, along with enhanced tissue adhesion facilitated by NPs in an in vivo model. Importantly, Cur@PDA@GelCA demonstrates the potential to mitigate oxidative stress when administered via intravitreal injection in retinal injury models such as the optic nerve crush model. These findings underscore its promise in advancing retinal tissue engineering and providing an innovative strategy for acute neuroprotection in the context of inner retinal injuries.

Ginsenoside Rg1 treats ischemic stroke by regulating CKLF1/CCR5 axis-induced neuronal cell pyroptosis.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke, a severe and life-threatening neurodegenerative condition, currently relies on thrombolytic therapy with limited therapeutic window and potential risks of hemorrhagic transformation. Thus, there is a crucial need to explore novel therapeutic agents for ischemic stroke. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), a potential neuroprotective agent, exhibits anti-ischemic effects attributed to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Nevertheless, the precise underlying mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore whether Rg1 exerts anti-ischemic stroke effects by inhibiting pyroptotic neuronal cell death through modulation of the chemokine like factor 1 (CKLF1)/ C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) axis. METHODS: In this study, the MCAO model was used as an ischemic stroke model, and experimental tests were performed after 6 hours of ischemia. The anti-ischemic effect of Rg1 was examined by TTC staining, nissl-staining and neurobehavioral tests. In the in vitro experiments, PC12 cells were subjected to stimulation with CKLF1's mimetic peptide C27 to assess the potential of CKLF1 to induce focal neuronal cell death. Additionally, the impact of CKLF1 mimetic peptide C27, antagonistic peptide C19, and CCR5 inhibitor MVC on PC12 cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and subsequently treated with Rg1 was investigated. In vivo, Rg1 treatment was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), western blot (WB), and co-immunoprecipitate (Co-IP) assays to perspective whether Rg1 treatment reduces CKLF1/CCR5 axis-induced pyroptotic neuronal cell death. In addition, to further explore the biological significance of CKLF1 in ischemic stroke, CKLF1-/- rats were used as the observation subjects in this study. RESULTS: The in vitro results suggested that CKLF1 was able to induce neuronal cells to undergo pyroptosis. In vivo pharmacodynamic results showed that Rg1 treatment was able to significantly improve symptoms in ischemic stroke rats. In addition, Rg1 treatment was able to inhibit the interaction between CKLF1 and CCR5 after ischemic stroke and inhibited CKLF1/CCR5 axis-induced pyroptosis. The results of related experiments in CKLF1-/- rats showed that Rg1 lost its therapeutic effect after CKLF1 knockdown. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is initiated by the CKLF1/CCR5 axis, facilitated through the activation of the NF-κB pathway, ultimately resulting in the pyroptosis of neuronal cells. Conversely, Rg1 demonstrates the capability to mitigate neuronal cell damage following CKLF1-induced effects by suppressing the expression of CKLF1. Thus, CKLF1 represents a crucial target for Rg1 in the context of cerebral ischemia treatment, and it also holds promise as a potential target for drug screening in the management of ischemic stroke.

Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 improves ischemic random skin flap survival in rats.

Objective: Random skin flaps have many applications in plastic and reconstructive surgeries. However, distal flap necrosis restricts wider clinical utility. Mitophagy, a vital form of autophagy for damaged mitochondria, is excessively activated in flap ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, thus inducing cell death. Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), an allosteric tetrameric enzyme, plays an important role in regulating mitophagy. We explored whether ALDH2 activated by N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2,6-dichlorobenzamide (Alda-1) could reduce the risk of ischemic random skin flap necrosis, and the possible mechanism of action. Methods: Modified McFarlane flap models were established in 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats assigned randomly to three groups: a low-dose Alda-1 group (10 mg/kg/day), a high-dose Alda-1 group (20 mg/kg/day) and a control group. The percentage surviving skin flap area, neutrophil density and microvessel density (MVD) were evaluated on day 7. Oxidative stress was quantitated by measuring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Blood perfusion and skin flap angiogenesis were assessed via laser Doppler flow imaging and lead oxide-gelatin angiography, respectively. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ALDH2, PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), and E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin) were immunohistochemically detected. Indicators of mitophagy such as Beclin-1, p62, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results: Alda-1 significantly enhanced the survival area of random skin flaps. The SOD activity increased and the MDA level decreased, suggesting that Alda-1 reduced oxidative stress. ALDH2 was upregulated, and mitophagy-related proteins (PINK1, Parkin, Beclin-1, p62, and LC3) were downregulated, indicating that ALDH2 inhibited mitophagy through the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Treatment with Alda-1 reduced neutrophil infiltration and expressions of inflammatory cytokines. Alda-1 significantly upregulated VEGF expression, increased the MVD, promoted angiogenesis, and enhanced blood perfusion. Conclusion: ALDH2 activation can effectively enhance random skin flap viability via inhibiting PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy. Moreover, enhancement of ALDH2 activity also exerts anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties.

Roxadustat promotes hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor signalling to enhance random skin flap survival in rats.

Random skin flaps have limited clinical application as a broad surgical reconstruction treatment because of distal necrosis. The prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein inhibitor roxadustat (RXD) enhances angiogenesis and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. This study explored the function of RXD in the survival of random skin flaps. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into low-dose RXD group (L-RXD group, 10 mg/kg/2 day), high-dose RXD group (H-RXD group, 25 mg/kg/2 day), and control group (1 mL of solvent, 1:9 DMSO:corn oil). The proportion of surviving flaps was determined on day 7 after surgery. Angiogenesis was assessed by lead oxide/gelatin angiography, and microcirculation blood perfusion was evaluated by laser Doppler flow imaging. Specimens in zone II were obtained, and the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured as indicators of oxidative stress. Histopathological status was evaluated with haematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by immunohistochemistry. RXD promoted flap survival and microcirculatory blood perfusion. Angiogenesis was detected distinctly in the experimental group. SOD activity increased and the MDA level decreased in the experimental group. Immunohistochemistry indicated that the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were increased while the levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α were decreased after RXD injection. RXD promoted random flap survival by reinforcing vascular hyperplasia and decreasing inflammation and ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Real-Time Immunosensor for Small-Molecule Monitoring in Industrial Food Processes.

Industrial food processes are monitored to ensure that food is being produced with good quality, yield, and productivity. For developing innovative real-time monitoring and control strategies, real-time sensors are needed that can continuously report chemical and biochemical data of the manufacturing process. Here, we describe a generalizable methodology to develop affinity-based biosensors for the continuous monitoring of small molecules in industrial food processes. Phage-display antibody fragments were developed for the measurement of small molecules, as exemplified with the measurement of glycoalkaloids (GAs) in potato fruit juice. The recombinant antibodies were selected for use in a competition-based biosensor with single-molecule resolution, called biosensing by particle motion, using assay architectures with free particles as well as tethered particles. The resulting sensor measures GAs in the micromolar range, is reversible, has a measurement response time below 5 min, and enables continuous monitoring of GAs in protein-rich solutions for more than 20 h with concentration measurement errors below 15%. The demonstrated biosensor gives the perspective to enable a variety of monitoring and control strategies based on continuous measurement of small molecules in industrial food processes.

Biomimetic polyphenol-coated nanoparticles by Co-assembly of mTOR inhibitor and photosensitizer for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy.

Rapamycin (RAPA) functions as effectively clinical immunosuppressive agent, its significant tumor growth suppression effect via various pathways in diverse cancers, especially combined with photothermal therapy, is gaining a burgeoning attention. However, its critical defects, low solubility and poor stability, have severely hampered its further application. Herein, RAPA, indocyanine green (ICG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) serving as chemotherapeutic drug, photosensitizer and biomimetic coatings, respectively, were co-assembled into carrier-free, high biocompatible ICG-RAPA-EGCG nanoparticles (IRE NPs) for synergistic cancer therapy. Particularly, the bioinspired EGCG coatings not only improved the stability of IRE NPs under physiological conditions to avert NPs disassembly and drug release, but also maintained the photostability of ICG to achieve excellent photothermal response. The results indicated that the as-prepared IRE NPs displayed good monodispersity and enhanced stability at various stored media after introducing of EGCG. Compared with monotherapy of RAPA or ICG, IRE NPs showed higher dose-dependent toxicity in MCF-7 cells, HepG2 cells and HeLa cells, especially plus near-infrared laser irradiation. Furthermore, IRE NPs exhibited quicker uptake in cells, higher accumulation in tumor region (even in 48 h) than free ICG and effectively inhibited tumor growth without side effect in H22 tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, the carrier-free IRE NPs provided a simply alternative approach to fabricate RAPA/photosensitizer co-loaded nanoparticles for combinatorial tumor therapy.

A triterpenoid-enriched extract of bitter melon leaves alleviates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting inflammatory responses in carbon tetrachloride-treated mice.

Liver fibrosis is a progression of chronic liver disease characterized by excess deposition of fibrillary collagen. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of a triterpenoid-enriched extract (TEE) from bitter melon leaves against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Male ICR mice received TEE (100 or 150 mg kg-1) by daily oral gavage for one week before starting CCl4 administration and throughout the entire experimental period. After intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 for nine weeks, serum and liver tissues of the mice were collected for biochemical, histopathological and molecular analyses. Our results showed that TEE supplementation reduced CCl4-induced serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities. Histopathological examinations revealed that CCl4 administration results in hepatic fibrosis, while TEE supplementation significantly suppressed hepatic necroinflammation and collagen deposition. In addition, TEE supplementation decreased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive staining and protein levels of α-SMA and transforming growth factor-ß1. TEE-supplemented mice had lower mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and toll-like receptor 4. Moreover, TEE (150 mg kg-1) supplementation significantly reduced intrahepatic inflammatory Ly6C+ monocyte infiltration. We demonstrated that TEE could ameliorate hepatic fibrosis by regulating inflammatory cytokine secretion and α-SMA expression in the liver to reduce collagen accumulation.

Cycling Exercise Training Enhances Platelet Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Exercise training influences the risk of vascular thrombosis in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Mitochondrial functionalities in platelets involve the cellular bioenergetics and thrombogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of cycling exercise training (CET) on platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics in PAD patients. Forty randomly selected patients with PAD engaged in general rehabilitation (GR) with CET (i.e., cycling exercise at ventilation threshold for 30 minute/day, 3 days/week) (GR + CET, n = 20) or to a control group that only received GR course (n = 20) for 12 weeks. Systemic aerobic capacity and platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics that included oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and electron transport system (ETS) were measured using automatic gas analysis and high-resolution respirometry, respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that GR + CET for 12 weeks significantly (1) elevated VO2peak and lowered VE-VCO2 slope, (2) raised resting ankle-brachial index and enhanced cardiac output response to exercise, (3) increased the distance in 6-minute walk test and raised the Short Form-36 physical/mental component scores, and (4) enhanced capacities of mitochondrial OXPHOS and ETS in platelets by activating FADH2 (complex II)-dependent pathway. Moreover, changes in VO2peak levels were positively associated with changes in platelet OXPHOS and ETS capacities. However, no significant changes in systemic aerobic capacity, platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) occurred following GR alone. Hence, we conclude that CET effectively increases the capacities of platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics by enhancing complex II activity in patients with PAD. Moreover, the exercise regimen also enhanced functional exercise capacity, consequently improving HRQoL in PAD patients.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Clinical Evidence and Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Developing Supplementary Medical Application.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-specific colorectal disease caused by multifaceted triggers. Although conventional treatments are effective in the management of IBD, high cost and frequent side effects limit their applications and have turned sufferers toward alternative and complementary approaches. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (Danshen) is an herbal medicine that reportedly alleviates the symptoms of IBD. A large body of research, including clinical trials in which Danshen-based products or botanical compounds were used, has unmasked its multiple mechanisms of action, but no review has focused on its efficacy as a treatment for IBD. Here, we discussed triggers of IBD, collected relevant clinical trials and analyzed experimental reports, in which bioactive compounds of Danshen attenuated rodent colitis in the management of intestinal integrity, gut microflora, cell death, immune conditions, cytokines, and free radicals. A network pharmacology approach was applied to describe sophisticated mechanisms in a holistic view. The safety of Danshen was also discussed. This review of evidence will help to better understand the potential benefits of Danshen for IBD treatment and provide insights for the development of innovative applications of Danshen.

Going with the flow: analysis of population structure reveals high gene flow shaping invasion pattern and inducing range expansion of Mikania micrantha in Asia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mikania micrantha, a climbing perennial weed of the family Asteraceae, is native to Latin America and is highly invasive in the tropical belt of Asia, Oceania and Australia. This study was framed to investigate the population structure of M. micrantha at a large spatial scale in Asia and to identify how introduction history, evolutionary forces and landscape features influenced the genetic pattern of the species in this region. METHODS: We assessed the genetic diversity and structure of 1052 individuals from 46 populations for 12 microsatellite loci. The spatial pattern of genetic variation was investigated by estimating the relationship between genetic distance and geographical, climatic and landscape resistances hypothesized to influence gene flow between populations. KEY RESULTS: We found high genetic diversity of M. micrantha in this region, as compared with the genetic diversity parameters of other invasive species. Spatial and non-spatial clustering algorithms identified the presence of multiple genetic clusters and admixture between populations. Most of the populations showed heterozygote deficiency, primarily due to inbreeding, and the founder populations showed evidence of a genetic bottleneck. Persistent gene flow throughout the invasive range caused low genetic differentiation among populations and provided beneficial genetic variation to the marginal populations in a heterogeneous environment. Environmental suitability was found to buffer the detrimental effects of inbreeding at the leading edge of range expansion. Both linear and non-linear regression models demonstrated a weak relationship between genetic distance and geographical distance, as well as bioclimatic variables and environmental resistance surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence that extensive gene flow and admixture between populations have influenced the current genetic pattern of M. micrantha in this region. High gene flow across the invaded landscape may facilitate adaptation, establishment and long-term persistence of the population, thereby indicating the range expansion ability of the species.

The Effect of Shu Xue Tong Treatment on Random Skin Flap Survival via the VEGF-Notch/Dll4 Signaling Pathway.

Objective: To determine the effect of Shu Xue Tong treatment on random skin flap survival. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were administered Shu Xue Tong or normal saline. On postoperative day 7, flap survival area, flap angiogenesis angiography, blood flow and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Notch1, and Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) expression were assessed. Results: The mean flap survival area, blood vessel regeneration, microcirculatory flow, and expression of VEGF were enhanced with Shu Xue Tong treatment relative to the control. However, in Shu Xue Tong-treated rat flap, Notch1 and Dll4 levels were significantly reduced. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the beneficial action of Shu Xue Tong on random skin flap survival and suggest that its mechanism of action involves the promotion of angiogenesis via the VEGF-Notch1/Dll4 signaling pathway.

Protective effects of icariin on dorsal random skin flap survival: An experimental study.

This study was performed to examine the protective effects of icariin (ICA) on ischemic random skin flaps. A rat random-pattern skin flap model was established, and animals in the low-dose and high-dose experimental groups were administered ICA intraperitoneally at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, respectively, once daily for 7 days after the initial surgery. Control rats received vehicle according to the same schedule. Survival rates were observed and recorded using transparent graph paper, and flaps were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the flap tissue were assessed. The blood flow volume was determined by the laser Doppler method, and tissue expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß, and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) were scored immunohistochemically. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6, were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The main flap survival area was significantly larger in rats treated with ICA than in vehicle-treated controls. H&E staining showed an inhibitory effect of ICA on inflammation, especially at the high dose. In addition, ICA treatment was associated with decreases in the tissue MDA level, proinflammatory cytokine production, and the level of PDE5, but increases in SOD activity, blood flow volume, and the level of VEGF expression. The findings of the present study suggest that ICA is a potential therapeutic agent for random-pattern skin flap necrosis in the clinical setting.

Intrinsic Neural Linkage between Primary Visual Area and Default Mode Network in Human Brain: Evidence from Visual Mental Imagery.

Previous studies have reported the essence of the sensory-based properties of human brain function, in which mental imagery is of great importance. In this study, we explored the association between the activities of two special regions, i.e., the primary visual area (PVA), which is the classically dominant sensory region, and the default mode network (DMN), which is the classical supra-sensory region, with a focus on their linkage in visual mental imagery. For this purpose, we collected fMRI data from 30 healthy participants (15 males; 22.37 ±â€¯2.52 years) during the resting state and a mental rotation task state. By using a critical time point analysis (CTPA), we investigated the association between the activities of the PVA and the DMN. As the results showed, there existed a PVA-related (i.e., prefrontal cortex, DMN, sensorimotor areas and medial temporal lobe (MTL)) and a DMN-related neural association pattern (i.e., PVA, prefrontal cortex and the MTL) in the human brain. Furthermore, the results showed the steady and tight intrinsic association between the activities of the PVA and the DMN, with the prefrontal cortex and the MTL regions being found to be consistently involved in the resting-state brain. It also was suggested that the observed association between the PVA and the DMN was highly reproducible for the mental rotation task. Together, these observations, from the perspective of visual mental imagery, provided experimental evidence for the robustness and stability of the detailed map of the associations between the activities of the PVA and the DMN.

Protective Effect of Caffeic Acid Derivatives on tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced Oxidative Hepato-Toxicity and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in HepG2 Cells.

Oxidative stress results in structural and functional abnormalities in the liver and is thought to be a crucial factor in liver diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of caffeic acid (CA) derivatives on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Nine CA derivatives were synthesized, including N-phenylethyl caffeamide (PECA), N-(3-florophen)methyl caffeamide (FMCA), N-(4-methoxy-phen)methyl caffeamide (MPMCA), N-heptyl caffeamide (HCA), N-octyl caffeamide (OCA), octyl caffeate (CAOE), phenpropyl caffeate (CAPPE), phenethyl caffeate (CAPE), and phenmethyl caffeate (CAPME). The results showed that CA and its derivatives significantly inhibited t-BHP-induced cell death of HepG2 cells. The rank order of potency of the CA derivatives for cytoprotection was CAOE > HCA > OCA > FMCA > CAPPE > CAPME > CAPE > PECA > MPMCA > CA. Their cytoprotective activity was associated with lipophilicity. The antioxidant effect of these compounds was supported by the reduction in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substrates, a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, in HepG2 cells. Pre-treatment of CA derivatives significantly prevented the depletion of glutathione, the most important water-soluble antioxidant in hepatocytes. Pre-treatment of CA derivatives before t-BHP exposure maintained mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and ATP content in the injured HepG2 cells. CA derivatives except OCA and HCA significantly suppressed t-BHP-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein level. In addition, all of these CA derivatives markedly increased the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) accumulation in the nucleus, indicating that their cytoprotection may be mediated by the activation of Nrf2. Our results suggest that CA derivatives might be a hepatoprotective agent against oxidative stress.

Comparing gold nano-particle enhanced radiotherapy with protons, megavoltage photons and kilovoltage photons: a Monte Carlo simulation.

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have shown potential to be used as a radiosensitizer for radiation therapy. Despite extensive research activity to study GNP radiosensitization using photon beams, only a few studies have been carried out using proton beams. In this work Monte Carlo simulations were used to assess the dose enhancement of GNPs for proton therapy. The enhancement effect was compared between a clinical proton spectrum, a clinical 6 MV photon spectrum, and a kilovoltage photon source similar to those used in many radiobiology lab settings. We showed that the mechanism by which GNPs can lead to dose enhancements in radiation therapy differs when comparing photon and proton radiation. The GNP dose enhancement using protons can be up to 14 and is independent of proton energy, while the dose enhancement is highly dependent on the photon energy used. For the same amount of energy absorbed in the GNP, interactions with protons, kVp photons and MV photons produce similar doses within several nanometers of the GNP surface, and differences are below 15% for the first 10 nm. However, secondary electrons produced by kilovoltage photons have the longest range in water as compared to protons and MV photons, e.g. they cause a dose enhancement 20 times higher than the one caused by protons 10 µm away from the GNP surface. We conclude that GNPs have the potential to enhance radiation therapy depending on the type of radiation source. Proton therapy can be enhanced significantly only if the GNPs are in close proximity to the biological target.

Reiki therapy for postoperative oral pain in pediatric patients: pilot data from a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of Reiki as an adjuvant therapy to opioid therapy for postoperative pain control in pediatric patients. METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomized controlled study of children undergoing dental procedures. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Reiki therapy or the control therapy (sham Reiki) preoperatively. Postoperative pain scores, opioid requirements, and side effects were assessed. Family members were also asked about perioperative care satisfaction. Multiple linear regressions were used for analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight children participated. The blinding procedure was successful. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups on all outcome measures. IMPLICATIONS: Our study provides a successful example of a blinding procedure for Reiki therapy among children in the perioperative period. This study does not support the effectiveness of Reiki as an adjuvant therapy to opioid therapy for postoperative pain control in pediatric patients.

Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

AIM: This study assessed the effectiveness of blended essential oils on menstrual cramps for outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea and explored the analgesic ingredients in the essential oils. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted. Forty-eight outpatients were diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea by a gynecologist and had 10-point numeric rating scales that were more than 5. The patients were randomly assigned to an essential oil group (n = 24) and a synthetic fragrance group (n = 24). Essential oils blended with lavender (Lavandula officinalis), clary sage (Salvia sclarea) and marjoram (Origanum majorana) in a 2:1:1 ratio was diluted in unscented cream at 3% concentration for the essential oil group. All outpatients used the cream daily to massage their lower abdomen from the end of the last menstruation continuing to the beginning of the next menstruation. RESULTS: Both the numeric rating scale and the verbal rating scale significantly decreased (P < 0.001) after one menstrual cycle intervention in the two groups. The duration of pain was significantly reduced from 2.4 to 1.8 days after aromatherapy intervention in the essential oil group. CONCLUSION: Aromatic oil massage provided relief for outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea and reduced the duration of menstrual pain in the essential oil group. The blended essential oils contain four key analgesic components that amount to as much as 79.29%; these analgesic constitutes are linalyl acetate, linalool, eucalyptol, and ß-caryophyllene. This study suggests that this blended formula can serve as a reference for alternative and complementary medicine on primary dysmenorrhea.

Risk factors for HIV-1 seroconversion among Taiwanese men visiting gay saunas who have sex with men.

BACKGROUND: Men having sex with men (MSM) accounts for 33.6% of all reported cases of HIV-1 infection in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection among MSM in gay saunas in Taiwan. METHODS: Patrons of 5 gay saunas were recruited for a weekly volunteer counseling and testing program from 2001 to 2005. Questionnaires were collected for a risk factor analysis. HIV-1 subtypes were determined using DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: HIV-1 prevalence rates among MSM in gay saunas in 2001 through 2005 were 3.4%, 5.1%, 8.9%, 8.5%, and 8.3%, respectively. In total, 81 of 1, 093 (7.4%) MSM had HIV-1 infection. Fifty-two HIV-1 strains were genotyped, and all of them were subtype B. HIV-seropositive men were significantly younger than the seronegatives. Only 37.1% used condoms every time during sexual intercourse. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for HIV-1 were being uncircumcised (odds ratio (OR) = 2.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08~4.45); having sexual intercourse with at least 2 partners during each sauna visit (≥ 2 vs. ≤ 1, OR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.02~2.89); and the role played during anal intercourse (versatile vs. an exclusively insertive role, OR = 2.76; 95% CI, 1.42~5.36). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 7.4% Taiwanese MSM participating in this study had HIV-1 subtype B infection. Uncircumcised, being versatile role during anal intercourse, and having sex with more than one person during each sauna visit were main risk factors for HIV-1 infection.

Aromatherapy for reducing colonoscopy related procedural anxiety and physiological parameters: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonoscopy is generally tolerated, some patients regarding the procedure as unpleasant and painful and generally performed with the patient sedated and receiving analgesics. The effect of sedation and analgesia for colonoscopy is limited. Aromatherapy is also applied to gastrointestinal endoscopy to reduce procedural anxiety. There is lack of information about aromatherapy specific for colonoscopy. In this study, we aimed to performed a randomized controlled study to investigate the effect of aromatherapy on relieve anxiety, stress and physiological parameters of colonoscopy. METHODOLOGY: A randomized controlled trail was carried out and collected in 2009 and 2010. The participants were randomized in two groups. Aromatherapy was then carried out by inhalation of Sunflower oil (control group) and Neroli oil (Experimental group). The anxiety index was evaluated by State Trait Anxiety Inventory-state (STAI-S) score before aromatherapy and after colonoscopy as well as the pain index for post-procedural by visual analogue scale (VAS). Physiological indicators, such as blood pressure (systolic and diastolic blood pressure), heart rate and respiratory rate were evaluated before and after aromatherapy. RESULTS: Participates in this study were 27 subjects, 13 in control group and 14 in Neroli group with average age 52.26 +/- 17.79 years. There was no significance of procedural anxiety by STAI-S score and procedural pain by VAS. The physiological parameters showed a significant lower pre- and post-procedural systolic blood pressure in Neroli group than control group. CONCLUSIONS: Aromatic care for colonoscopy, although with no significant effect on procedural anxiety, is an inexpensive, effective and safe pre-procedural technique that could decrease systolic blood pressure.