Use of a Spinal Thermal Massage Device for Anti-oxidative Function and Pain Alleviation.

Background: Elderly people are vulnerable to a variety of diseases, including chronic pain, which reduces their levels of physical fitness. Thermal massage has been shown to relieve pain and activate antioxidant enzymes. The objective of this study was to determine whether thermal massaging of the spinal column can reduce muscle pain and induce antioxidant function. Methods: This study included participants aged ≥60 years with lower back pain. The participants were assigned to either an experimental group who received spinal column thermal massage and standard rehabilitative treatment or a control group who received standard rehabilitative treatment only. Data from a total of 116 participants (61 and 55 in the control and experimental groups, respectively) were used for analysis. Participants were assessed before treatment and at 4 (POST1) and 8 weeks (POST2) post-treatment, using a pain numeric rating scale (PNRS) and the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and by measuring the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), serum glutathione-peroxidase (GPx), and serum catalase (CAT). Results: The extent of pain reduction, as measured by the PNRS, was greater in the experimental group. The RMDQ score in the control group decreased at POST1, but the decrease was not maintained at POST2, whereas the decrease in POST1 in the experimental group continued until POST2. SOD concentrations were significantly higher in the experimental group at POST1 and POST2, and GPx levels were significantly higher in the experimental group at POST2; however, there were no changes in CAT concentrations. Incidentally, there was a significant correlation between antioxidant activity and pain perception in the experimental group. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that spinal column thermal massage reduces pain more effectively, improves self-reported levels of disability, and increases the antioxidant enzyme levels. Thermal massage may, therefore, be useful in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with oxidation.

Antibacterial effect of traditional food ingredients for healthcare on Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND: The development of antibacterial materials using various traditional food ingredients will be valuable to inhibit Helicobacter pylori in the future. The vegetables and herbs used in this study were food ingredients that normal people eat every day. This paper can be used as a resource for healthcare. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the design to investigate the antibacterial effect of 20 vegetables and herbs used as traditional food ingredients on H. pylori. METHODS: The antibacterial effect on H. pylori was studied using the disk diffusion test on the activity of H. pylori. For the control group, 50 mg/ml of Metronidazol, a widely used antibiotic, was used. In particular, four herbs of Artemisia argyi, Scutellaria baicalensis, Annona muricata and Agrimonia pilosa were selected to measure the microbial viability assay, MTT assay, and antioxidant activity owing to the DPPH free radical elimination ability. RESULTS: The measurement results showed that Annona muricata and Agrimonia pilosa had an antibacterial effect on H. pylori and all four herbs were safe in terms of cytotoxicity. The measurement results on the antioxidant activity showed that Scutellaria baicalensia was the best. Annona muricata and Agrimonia pilosa also had an antioxidant activity. CONCLUSIONS: The study results on antibacterial effect of traditional food ingredients of vegetables and herbs on H. pylori showed that Scutellaria baicalensis, Annona muricata and Agrimonia pilosa can be considered as healthcare functional materials through the inhibition of H. Pylori.

Alleviation of ascorbic acid-induced gastric high acidity by calcium ascorbate in vitro and in vivo.

Ascorbic acid is one of the most well-known nutritional supplement and antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables. Calcium ascorbate has been developed to mitigate the gastric irritation caused by the acidity of ascorbic acid. The aim of this study was to compare calcium ascorbate and ascorbic acid, focusing on their antioxidant activity and effects on gastric juice pH, total acid output, and pepsin secretion in an in vivo rat model, as well as pharmacokinetic parameters. Calcium ascorbate and ascorbic acid had similar antioxidant activity. However, the gastric fluid pH was increased by calcium ascorbate, whereas total acid output was increased by ascorbic acid. In the rat pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model, calcium ascorbate increased the gastric fluid pH without changing the total acid output. Administration of calcium ascorbate to rats given a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg as ascorbic acid resulted in higher plasma concentrations than that from ascorbic acid alone. The area under the curve (AUC) values of calcium ascorbate were 1.5-fold higher than those of ascorbic acid, and the Cmax value of calcium ascorbate (91.0 ng/ml) was higher than that of ascorbic acid (74.8 ng/ml). However, their Tmax values were similar. Thus, although calcium ascorbate showed equivalent antioxidant activity to ascorbic acid, it could attenuate the gastric high acidity caused by ascorbic acid, making it suitable for consideration of use to improve the side effects of ascorbic acid. Furthermore, calcium ascorbate could be an appropriate antioxidant substrate, with increased oral bioavailability, for patients with gastrointestinal disorders.

Gold nanorod-photosensitizer conjugates with glutathione-sensitive linkages for synergistic cancer photodynamic/photothermal therapy.

Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been intensively investigated as a useful modality for the treatment of various cancers. In addition, near infrared (NIR) photothermal therapy (PTT) using gold nanocarriers has attracted particular interest as a hyperthermia strategy. In this study, gold nanorod (AuNR)-photosensitizer conjugates with glutathione-sensitive linkages were designed for PDT and PTT. Several kinds of AuNRs with different aspect ratios were synthesized and modified with FA-conjugated block copolymers (FA-PEG-P(Asp)-DHLA) and Chlorin e6 (Ce6) as a photosensitizer. The surface-modified AuNRs showed excellent stability and solubility in aqueous solution. In particular, FA-PEG-P(Asp)-DHLA-AuNR100-SS-Ce6 with a 3.84 aspect ratio exhibited strong photothermal effects, enhanced singlet oxygen generation, and marked phototoxicity. Based on these results, we suggest that AuNR-photosensitizer conjugates with glutathione-sensitive linkages have potential application in PDT/PTT for effective clinical treatment of various cancers.

Suppressive effect of an aqueous extract of Diospyros kaki calyx on dust mite extract/2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, affecting 10-20% of individuals worldwide. Therefore, the discovery of drugs for treating AD is an attractive subject and important to human health. Diospyros kaki and Diospyros kaki (D. kaki) folium exert beneficial effects on allergic inflammation. However, the effect of D. kaki calyx on AD remains elusive. The present study evaluated the effects of an aqueous extract of D. kaki calyx (AEDKC) on AD-like skin lesions using mouse and keratinocyte models. We used a mouse AD model by the repeated skin exposure of house dust mite extract [Dermatophagoides farinae extract (DFE)] and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to the ears. In addition, to determine the underlying mechanism of its operation, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-activated keratinocytes (HaCaT) were used. Oral administration of AEDKC decreased AD-like skin lesions, as demonstrated by the reduced ear thickness, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), DFE-specific IgE, IgG2a, histamine level and inflammatory cell infiltration. AEDKC inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a chemokine via downregulation of nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 in HaCaT cells. On examination of the AD-related factors in vivo and in vitro, it was confirmed that AEDKC decreased AD-like skin lesions. Taken together, the results suggest that AEDKC is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of AD.

Formulation parameters influencing the physicochemical characteristics of rosiglitazone-loaded cationic lipid emulsion.

To enhance the solubility of rosiglitazone, rosiglitazone-loaded cationic lipid emulsion was formulated using cationic lipid DOTAP, DOPE, castor oil, tween 20, and tween 80. The formulation parameters in terms of droplet size were optimized focused on the effect of the cationic lipid emulsion composition ratio on drug encapsulating efficiency, in vitro drug release, and cellular uptake of the rosiglitazone-loaded emulsion. Droplet sizes of a blank cationic emulsion and a rosiglitazone-loaded cationic emulsion ranged between 195-230 nm and 210-290 nm, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of the rosiglitazone-loaded emulsion was more than 90%. The rosiglitazone-loaded cationic emulsion improved in vitro drug release over the drug alone and showed a much higher cellular uptake than rosiglitazone alone. Moreover, drug loading in cationic emulsions increased cellular uptake of rosiglitazone in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells more than the normal HepG2 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that cationic lipid emulsions could be a potential delivery system for rosiglitazone and could enhance its cellular uptake efficiency into target cells.

7-O-methylaromadendrin stimulates glucose uptake and improves insulin resistance in vitro.

The stimulation of glucose uptake into peripheral tissues is an important mechanism for the removal of glucose in blood and for the management of diabetes mellitus (DM). Since recent results have demonstrated the beneficial effects of flavonoids in relation to DM, this study was designed to examine the effects of 7-O-methylaromadendrin (7-O-MA), a flavonoid isolated from Inula viscosa, on glucose uptake into liver and fat tissue, and investigate the molecular mechanisms involved. 7-O-MA at 10 microM significantly stimulated insulin-induced glucose uptake measured by 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-NBDG) in both human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG2) cells and differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Adipocyte-specific fatty acid binding protein (aP2) gene expression was increased by 7-O-MA in adipocytes, and both gene and protein level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) was also increased. Moreover, 7-O-MA stimulated the reactivation of insulin-mediated phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-linked protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) and adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in high glucose-induced, insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, and this effect was blocked by either LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, or compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Therefore, these results suggest that 7-O-MA might stimulate glucose uptake via PPARgamma2 activation and improve insulin resistance via PI3K and AMPK-dependent pathways, and be a potential candidate for the management of type 2 DM.

Delivery of interleukin-18 gene to lung cancer cells using cationic emulsion.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is known to reduce melanoma lung metastases through various mechanisms. For the delivery of IL-18 gene into the lung, three different cationic emulsions as non-viral vectors were formulated using the same components of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP), and Tween 80 with distinct oils. By using the small particle size of physicochemically stable E3, the complex of E3/plasmid DNA encoding IL-18 (16:2.5, w/w) was transfected into lung cancer cells, and the amount of plasmid DNA transferred and the expression of both mRNA and protein for IL-18 were measured. When compared with Lipofectamine/DNA complexes, an E3/DNA complex was less toxic and induced a comparable cellular level of plasmid DNA and expression levels of both mRNA and protein for IL-18. After injecting E3/DNA complexes into mice, the distribution of plasmid DNA was the highest in the lung and the liver. Especially, the administration of E3/DNA complexes induced a more rapid and prolonged distribution of plasmid DNA encoding IL-18 into the lung than that of Lipofectamine/DNA ones. These data demonstrated that cationic emulsion E3 containing castor oil could be useful for a delivery of IL-18 gene targeting the lung as well as the liver without an additional homing device, implying a potential IL-18 delivery system for the treatment of lung cancer.

Melampolides from the leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius and their inhibitory activity of lps-induced nitric oxide production.

Two new melampolide-type sesquiterpene lactones, 8beta-epoxyangeloyloxy-9alpha-ethoxy-14-oxo-acanthospermolide (1) and 8beta-angeloyloxy-9alpha-ethoxy-14-oxo-acanthospermolide (2), were isolated from the leaves of yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolia (POEPP. et ENDL.) H. Robinson] along with eleven known melampolides, allo-schkuhriolide (3), enhydrin (4), polymatin A (5), fluctuanin (6), 8beta-angeloyloxy-9alpha-acetoxy-14-oxo-acanthospermolide (7), 8beta-angeloyloxy-14-oxo-acanthospermolide (8), 8beta-methacryloyloxymelampolid-14-oic acid methyl ester (9), uvedalin (10), polymatin B (11), 8beta-tigloyloxymelampolid-14-oic acid methyl ester (12), and sonchifolin (13). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic evidence including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments. All isolates were evaluated for inhibition of LPS-induced nitric oxide production in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.

The relation of meditation to power and well-being.

The purpose of this research is to examine the relation of meditation to power and well-being in Korean adults. Using a quasi-experimental design, meditation was provided through a chakra meditation music program over a 4 week period. The Power as Knowing Participation in Change Tool and the Well-Being Picture Scale were used, after being translated into Korean. Statistically significant interaction effects of power and group (p<.001), and well-being and group (p<.05) were found. Meditation has a potential to facilitate power and well-being in the human and environmental field patterning process.

The therapeutic effect of tissue cultured root of wild Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer on spermatogenetic disorder.

This study examined the possibility of using a tissue cultured root of wild Panax ginseng (tcwPG) as a fertility agent. The effect of tcwPG on spermatogenesis was studied using male rats. The tcwPG crude powder was administered orally to 7-week-old rats over a 6-week period. The number of sperm in the testes and epididymides was significantly higher than the control. A histological examination did not reveal any morphological changes in the testes from the tcwPG powder treated rats. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the weights of the heart, spleen, liver, kidney, brain, testes and epididymides. Oligospermia was also induced by administering 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodaibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to the rats in order to estimate the feasibility of using tcwPG as treatment for infertility caused by spermatogenic disorders. After exposing the rats to TCDD, the tcwPG saponin fraction treated rats showed some improvement in the body weight, sperm number and testis morphology. It was estimated that tcwPG had feasibility as a therapeutic agent on spermatogenic disorder.

The spermatogenic and ovogenic effects of chronically administered Shilajit to rats.

This study examined the possibility of using Shilajit as a fertility agent. The effects of Shilajit on spermatogenesis and ovogenesis were studied using male and female rats. Shilajit was administered orally to 7-week-old rats over a 6-week period. In the male rats, the number of sperms in the testes and epididymides was significant higher than in the control. A histological examination revealed an apparent increase in the number of seminiferous tubular cell layers in the testes of the treated rats. However, there were no significant differences in the weights of heart, spleen, liver, kidney, brain, testes and epididymides. In the female rats, the effect of Shilajit was estimated by the ovulation inducing activity. Over a 5-day, ovulation was induced in seven out of nine rats in the Shilajit administration group and in three out of nine rats in the control. It was estimated that Shilajit had both a spermiogenic and ovogenic effect in mature rats.

[Development and application of an online alternative therapy and health promotion class].

PURPOSE: This study was to develop an online "alternative therapy and health promotion" class for university students and to evaluate its changes. METHOD: The online class was developed based on the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) model and model of Web-Based Instruction (WBI) developmental process. This was a quasi- experimental, one group pretest-posttest design. The subjects of this study were 130 students in 3 universities, and they were provided the cyber class for 16 weeks. Data was analyzed by descriptive and plural answer statistics, and paired t-test. RESULTS: The cyber class was developed in five steps: analysis, design, data collection and reconstruction, programming and publishing, and evaluation. The results of program evaluation were positive, which included learning 3.47, system 3.57, and learning satisfaction 3.64 on the scale of 5. The posttest scores of cognition and reliability of alternative therapy were higher than pretest scores. The posttest scores of health promoting lifestyle (t=-5.051, p=.000) and perceived health status (t=2.979, p=.003) were significantly higher than those of the pretest. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the cyber class is a positive method in increasing a cognition, reliability of alternative therapy, and is effective to improve a health promotion lifestyle and perceived health status for the university students.

[The effects of Dogbi(ST35) & Sulan moxibustion on knee joint pain, range of motion and discomfort during ADL in the aged].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to test the effects of ST35 & Sulan moxibustion on knee joint pain, range of motion, and discomfort during Activies of Daily Living (ADL) in elderly with knee joint pain. METHOD: A nonequivalent control group pre-post test research design was used. Thirty four elderly who had knee joint pain were studied. Of them, sixteen were in the experimental group and eighteen the control group. The instruments used for this study were NRS, goniometer, and a modified ADL questionnaire developed by Lee. RESULT: The pain scores of right & left knee joint after moxibustion were significantly different between the experimental group and the control group (Right: F=26.27, p=0.000, Left: F=20.77, p=0.000). Right and left knee ROM scores were significantly different between the experimental group and the control group after moxibustion (Right: F=10.74, p=0.003, Left: F=9.239, p=0.005). Discomfort during ADL scores were significantly different between the experimental group and the control group after moxibustion (F= 32.31, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: It is necessary that nurses provide the elderly with knee joint pain with moxibustion to reduce joint pain and to increase knee ROM as an alternative therapy.

[Effects of hand massage and hand holding on the anxiety in patients with local infiltration anesthesia].

PURPOSE: This study was to examine the effects of hand massage and hand holding as nursing interventions on the anxiety in patients with local infiltration anesthesia. METHOD: The design of this study was a nonequivalent, control group, non- synchronized design. The subjects of this study consisted of 15 patients for the hand group, 15 patients for the hand holding group and 17 patients for the control group awaiting surgery in the operation room of a general hospital in Daegu. As an experimental treatment, hand massage was carried out by the Hand Massage Protocol developed by Snyder (1995) and interpreted by Cho (1998) and hand holding developed by Cho (1998). The data were analyzed by SPSS/WIN, T-test, ANOVA, Cronbach's alpha, and the Scheffe test. RESULTS: The hand massage group and hand holding group were more effective than the control group in reducing anxiety, VAS score, systolic blood pressure and pulse rate. CONCLUSION: Hand massage and hand holding are effective nursing interventions that alleviates the psychological and physiological anxiety of patients with local infiltration anesthesia. In particular, the simple contact of hand holding is regarded as an effective and easily accessible nursing intervention in the operating room.