Effects of Bioceramic Material and Colored Light Irradiation on Learning and Memory in Aging Rats.

Aging is characterized by molecular damage from free radicals, leading to neural dysfunction and memory impairment. This study investigated using bioceramic material and colored light to mitigate neurodegenerative symptoms in aging rats. We assessed the effects of different color light spectrums on D-galactose-induced aging rats using the Morris water maze, novel object recognition, and open field tests. Findings revealed that bioceramic material with various light wavelengths improved activity, recognition, and memory in aging rats. Significant enhancements were observed in the open field and novel object recognition tests, with a trend toward improvement in the Morris water maze. These effects are attributed to the antioxidant properties and microcirculation enhancement associated with bioceramic materials. Color stimulation may impact enzymes, human physiology, psychological activity, and the autonomic nervous system. This study highlights the significance of exploring novel interventions for neurodegenerative symptoms and memory deficits in aging rats. Results indicate that bioceramic material with different colored light spectrums positively influences cognitive function. These findings contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic potential of bioceramic materials and emphasize the need for further research in this area.

Inhibition of breast cancer with transdermal tamoxifen-encapsulated lipoplex.

BACKGROUND: Tamoxifen is currently used for the treatment of both early and advanced estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer in pre- and post-menopausal women. However, using tamoxifen routinely to inhibit endogenous or exogenous estrogen effects is occasionally difficult because of its potential side effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to design a local drug delivery system to encapsulate tamoxifen for observing their efficacy of skin penetration, drug accumulation and cancer therapy. METHODS: A cationic liposome-PEG-PEI complex (LPPC) was used as a carrier for the encapsulation of tamoxifen and forming 'LPPC/TAM' for transdermal release. The cytotoxicity of LPPC/TAM was analyzed by MTT. The skin penetration, tumor growth inhibition and organ damages were measured in xenograft mice following transdermal treatment. RESULTS: LPPC/TAM had an average size less than 270 nm and a zeta-potential of approximately 40 mV. LPPC/TAM displayed dramatically increased the cytotoxic activity in all breast cancer cells, especially in ER-positive breast cancer cells. In vivo, LPPC drug delivery helped the fluorescent dye penetrating across the skim and accumulating rapidly in tumor area. Administration of LPPC/TAM by transdermal route inhibited about 86 % of tumor growth in mice bearing BT474 tumors. This local treatment of LPPC/TAM did not injury skin and any organs. CONCLUSION: LPPC-delivery system provided a better skin penetration and drug accumulation and therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, LPPC/TAM drug delivery maybe a useful transdermal tool of drugs utilization for breast cancer therapy.

Evaluation of Reflexology by "BIOCERAMIC Resonance" Operation producing Weak Force Field during Simultaneous Acupoint Stimulation of Urinary Bladder Point on Subject's Ear Resulting in Electric Current Change on Urinary Bladder reflex Point on Subject's Hands, and Related New Research Finding.

OBJECTIVE: It was postulated in our previous publications that the meridian channels as conceived in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are various standing waves arising from harmonic rhythmic sound frequencies originating from the human heart beat. BIOCERAMIC is an artificial material able to produce a weak force field causing different biophysical and systemic health benefits, with the key characteristics of hydrogen bonds weakening and microcirculation enhancement. Since discovering that the effects of a BIOCERAMIC field can be transmitted via sound waves propagation, we then also developed a BIOCERAMIC Resonance device to produce weak force field throughout the body, and achieve resonance with the body's meridian channels to reinforce microcirculation. METHODS: Since our previous research proved BIOCERAMIC can produces changes in ectodermal current levels, the present evaluation on reflexology is done by the application of Electric Current Detection (ECD) to the palmar surface of the hands matching correlative organs and glands loci to reflex points according to standard reflexology. The procedure will compare changes in the electrical current observed before and after a session of BIOCERAMIC Resonance treatment on the soles of the subjects' feet. We also conducted a procedure using corona discharge (Kirlian) photography of the hands to examine whether the coronal intensities could be affected by application of the BIOCERAMIC patch. Intensities are shown on the screen of a computer using special software that categorizes intensities into five zones. RESULTS: Under the continuous treatment of BIOCERAMIC Resonance on soles of the feet and simultaneous stimulation on the specific point on the surface of the ear representing the urinary bladder. The electrical current (Aji ampere) on the areas in the hands are decreased from the beginning of the experiment, but only the specific area on the surface of the ear representing the urinary bladder was exhibited increased of the electrical current (Aji ampere), with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). To the other study we evaluated the validity of reflexology and corona discharge (Kirlian) photography by applying BIOCERAMIC Resonance and small adhesive patches made from the BIOCERAMIC material. Significant differences were evident on four out of five different zones of the computerized images. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the existence of presupposed virtual channels or reflex points on the skin surface of the feet, hands, and ears that connect or somehow reflect back to specific internal organs, as mapped out on standard charts found in reflexology. Furthermore, the depicted corona intensities from five zones shown on a computer screen of corona discharge photography seem to indicate that the volunteer subjects are affected by the BIOCERAMIC patches. This study demonstrates the operation of the BIOCERAMIC Resonance device is able to produce weak force field through the body, which is objectively measurable and thereby scientifically integrating the concepts of reflexology, meridian channels and biofield therapy.

In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of the Biological Effects of Bioceramic (a Material of Emitting High Performance Far-Infrared Ray) Irradiation.

Bioceramic is a material that emits high performance far-infrared ray, and possess physical, chemical and biological characteristics on irradiation of water, particularly to in reducing the size of water clusters, weakening of the hydrogen bonds of water molecules and other effects on physical and chemical properties of water. In this review paper, we summarized the in vivo and in vitro biological effects of Biocermaic, and included previous published data on nitric oxide, calmodulin induction on cells, effects of bioceramic on intracellular heat shock protein and intracellular nitric oxide contents of melanoma cells, antioxidant effects of Bioceramic on cells and plants under H2O2-mediated oxidative stress, effects on anti-oxidative stress of myoblast cells and on preventing fatigue of amphibian skeletal muscle during exercise, anti-inflammatory and pain relief mechanism, effects on the chondrosarcoma cell line with prostaglandin E2 production, effects on the rabbit with inflammatory arthritis by injection of lipopolysaccharides under monitoring by positron emission tomography scan, effects on psychological stress-conditioned elevated heart rate, blood pressure and oxidative stress-suppressed cardiac contractility, and protective effects of non-ionized radiation against oxidative stress on human breast epithelial cell. We anticipate that the present work will benefit medical applications.

A static magnetic field attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuro-inflammatory response via IL-6-mediated pathway.

An effective method for controlling brain damage and neurodegeneration caused by inflammation remains elusive. Down-expression of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokines resulting in endotoxin tolerance is reported as an alternative anti-infection treatment. Nonetheless, because the dosage and action site are hard to control, endotoxin tolerance caused by low-dose LPS injection in brain tissue may induce side effects. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that static magnetic fields (SMF) stimulate endotoxin tolerance in brain tissue. In this study, survival rate and pathological changes in brain tissues of LPS-challenged mice were examined with and without SMF treatment. In addition, the effects of SMF exposure on growth rate and cytokine expression of LPS-challenged BV-2 microglia cells were monitored. Our results showed that SMF pre-exposure had positive effects on the survival rate and histological outcomes of LPS-treated mice. Furthermore, SMF exposure significantly decreased IL-6 expression in BV-2 cells (p < 0.05) by a phenomenon similar to endotoxin tolerance. We suggest that SMF has potential as an alternative simulation source for controlling LPS-induced excess neuro-inflammatory response.

Resting-State Network Analysis Reveals Altered Functional Brain Connectivity in Essential Tremor.

Introduction: Essential tremor (ET) comprises motor and non-motor-related features, whereas the current neuro-pathogenetic basis is still insufficient to explain the etiologies of ET. Although cerebellum-associated circuits have been discovered, the large-scale cerebral network connectivity in ET remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize the ET in terms of functional connectivity as well as network. We hypothesized that the resting-state network (RSN) within cerebrum could be altered in patients with ET. Methods: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to evaluate the inter- and intra-network connectivity as well as the functional activity in ET and normal control. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between RSN metrics and tremor features. Results: Comparison of inter-network connectivity indicated a decreased connectivity between default mode network and ventral attention network in the ET group (p < 0.05). Differences in functional activity (assessed by amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation, ALFF) were found in several brain regions participating in various RSNs (p < 0.05). The ET group generally has higher degree centrality over normal control. Correlation analysis has revealed that tremor features are associated with inter-network connectivity (|r| = 0.135-0.506), ALFF (|r| = 0.313-0.766), and degree centrality (|r| = 0.523-0.710). Conclusion: Alterations in the cerebral network of ET were detected by using resting-state fMRI, demonstrating a potentially useful approach to explore the cerebral alterations in ET.

Physiological effects of bioceramic material: harvard step, resting metabolic rate and treadmill running assessments.

Previous biomolecular and animal studies have shown that a room-temperature far-infrared-rayemitting ceramic material (bioceramic) demonstrates physical-biological effects, including the normalization of psychologically induced stress-conditioned elevated heart rate in animals. In this clinical study, the Harvard step test, the resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessment and the treadmill running test were conducted to evaluate possible physiological effects of the bioceramic material in human patients. The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) during the Harvard step test indicated that the bioceramic material significantly increased the high-frequency (HF) power spectrum. In addition, the results of RMR analysis suggest that the bioceramic material reduced oxygen consumption (VO2). Our results demonstrate that the bioceramic material has the tendency to stimulate parasympathetic responses, which may reduce resting energy expenditure and improve cardiorespiratory recovery following exercise.

Effects of far infrared rays irradiated from ceramic material (BIOCERAMIC) on psychological stress-conditioned elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and oxidative stress-suppressed cardiac contractility.

The present study examined the effects of BIOCERAMIC on psychological stress-conditioned elevated heart rate, blood pressure and oxidative stress-suppressed cardiac contractility using in vivo and in vitro animal models. We investigated the effects of BIOCERAMIC on the in vivo cardiovascular hemodynamic parameters of rats by monitoring their heart rates, systolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Thereafter, we assayed its effects on the heart rate in an isolated frog heart with and without adrenaline stimulation, and on cardiac contractility under oxidative stress. BIOCERAMIC caused significant decreases in heart rates and systolic and mean blood pressure in the stress-conditioned heart rate rat models (P < 0.05), as well as in the experimental models of an isolated frog heart with and without adrenaline stimulation (P < 0.05), and normalized cardiac contractility under oxidative stress (P < 0.05). BIOCERAMIC may, therefore, normalize the effects of psychological stress and oxidative stress conditions.

Bone and joint protection ability of ceramic material with biological effects.

Ceramic materials with biological effects (bioceramic) have been found to modulate various biological effects, especially those effects involved in antioxidant activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging. As arthropathy and osteopathy are the major chronic diseases of geriatric medicine, we explored the possible activity of bioceramic on these conditions using animal and cell models. Rabbits received intra-articular injections of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to induce inflammation that mimic rheumatic arthritis. FDG isotopes were then IV injected for PET scan examinations at 16 hours and 7 days after the LPS injection. We examined and compared the bioceramic and control groups to see if bioceramic was capable of relieving inflammation in the joints by subtracting the final and initial uptake amount of FDG (max SUV). We studied the effects in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibition on the human chondrosarcoma (SW1353) cell line, and the effects on the murine osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cell line under oxidative stress. All the subtractions between final and initial uptakes of FDG in the left knee joints of the rabbits after LPS injection indicated larger decreases in the bioceramic group than in the control group. This anti-arthritic or inflammatory effect was also demonstrated by the PGE2 inhibition of the SW1353 cells. We further proved that bioceramic treatment of the MC3T3-E1 cells resulted in increased viability of osteoblast cells challenged with hydrogen peroxide toxicity, and increased alkaline phosphatase activity and the total protein production of MC3T3-E1 cells under oxidative stress. Since LPS-induced arthritis is an experimental model that mimics RA, the potential therapeutic effects of bioceramic on arthropathy merit discussion. Bioceramic may contribute to relieving inflammatory arthritis and maintaining bone health.

Disclosing Critical Voice Features for Discriminating between Depression and Insomnia-A Preliminary Study for Developing a Quantitative Method.

Background: Depression and insomnia are highly related-insomnia is a common symptom among depression patients, and insomnia can result in depression. Although depression patients and insomnia patients should be treated with different approaches, the lack of practical biological markers makes it difficult to discriminate between depression and insomnia effectively. Purpose: This study aimed to disclose critical vocal features for discriminating between depression and insomnia. Methods: Four groups of patients, comprising six severe-depression patients, four moderate-depression patients, ten insomnia patients, and four patients with chronic pain disorder (CPD) participated in this preliminary study, which aimed to record their speaking voices. An open-source software, openSMILE, was applied to extract 384 voice features. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the effects of the four patient statuses on these voice features. Results: statistical analyses showed significant relationships between patient status and voice features. Patients with severe depression, moderate depression, insomnia, and CPD reacted differently to certain voice features. Critical voice features were reported based on these statistical relationships. Conclusions: This preliminary study shows the potential in developing discriminating models of depression and insomnia using voice features. Future studies should recruit an adequate number of patients to confirm these voice features and increase the number of data for developing a quantitative method.

Anti-Inflammatory mechanisms of the proteinase-activated receptor 2-inhibiting peptide in human synovial cells.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease which affects the entire joint structure, including the synovial membrane. Disease progression was shown to involve inflammatory changes mediated by proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)-2. Previous studies demonstrated that PAR-2 messenger (m)RNA and protein levels increased in OA synovial cells, suggesting that PAR-2 is a potential therapeutic target of the disease. METHODS: We designed a PAR-2-inhibiting peptide (PAR2-IP) by changing an isoleucine residue in the PAR-2-activating peptide (PAR2-AP), SLIGKV, to alanine, generating the SLAGKV peptide. We used it to test PAR-2-mediated inflammatory responses, including the expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in human synovial cells. As a control, expressions of COX-2 and MMP-1 were induced by trypsin at both the mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS: The PAR2-AP increased the expression of COX-2 more dramatically than that of MMP-1. When we treated cells with the designed PAR2-IP, the trypsin-induced COX-2 level was completely inhibited at a moderate concentration of the PAR2-IP. With further examination of trypsin-induced NF-κB activation, we observed sufficient inhibitory effects of the PAR2-IP in synoviosarcoma cells and primary synovial cells from OA patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the PAR2-IP inhibits trypsin-induced NF-κB activation, resulting in a reduction in inflammatory COX-2 expression in synovial cells. Application of PAR2-IP is suggested as a potential therapeutic strategy for OA.

A Pilot Study of Ceramic Powder Far-Infrared Ray Irradiation (cFIR) on Physiology: Observation of Cell Cultures and Amphibian Skeletal Muscle.

The purpose of this research was to assess the potential for far-infrared ray irradiation from ceramic powder to improve exercise performance at room temperature. We designed experiments with murine myoblast cells (C2C12) to study the effect of cFIR irradiation on cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase release under H2O2-mediated oxidative stress and evaluated intracellular levels of nitric oxide and calmodulin. We also used electro-stimulation of amphibian skeletal muscle. Our results show that cFIR strengthened C2C12 under oxidative stress and delayed onset of fatigue induced by muscle contractions. We discuss possible mechanisms including anti-oxidation and prevention of acid build-up in muscle tissue based, and expect to see more applications of cFIR in the future.

Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor of soft parts.

Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (PHAT) of soft parts is a rare, nonmetastasizing tumor of uncertain lineage which was first reported in 1996. Here, we report a case of PHAT and review the literature. A 49-year-old man presented with a soft and progressively enlarging mass over the right buttock for several years. On suspicion that the mass was a right gluteal lipoma, he underwent surgical excision. The excised lesion measured 14 x 6 x 3.5 cm. It had a variegated appearance with a white-tan to yellowish color on the cut surface. Some punctate hemorrhage and vessel thrombosis were seen. Microscopically, the tumor was a PHAT characterized by clusters of ectatic, fibrin-lined, thin-walled vessels, which were surrounded by a mitotically inert, spindled, pleomorphic, neoplastic stroma that contained a variable inflammatory component. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells were positive for CD34, and negative for S-100, HMB45 and actin. The patient experienced local recurrence 6 months later. The recurrent tumor was widely excised. No evidence of metastasis was found during the 18 months after the second operation. The recurrent lesion had a microscopic appearance that was similar to the initial lesion.

Establishment of a basic medical science system for Traditional Chinese medicine education: A suggestion based on the experience of BIOCERAMIC technology.

The aim of this review study is to present an integrated and systematic approach to meridian channels and Ashi acupuncture points based on scientific evidence. We herein establish a framework of basic medical science to explain meridian channels based on the(1) Concepts of Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) approach using physics and physiology: (i) the physical theory of pulse sound and cardiovascular physiology: resonance of harmonic sounds and the specific frequencies arising from heartbeats, which form pathways of different meridian channels to enhance microcirculation; (ii) standing wave hypothesis to explain meridian channels; (iii) Ashi acupuncture or trigger points caused by ischemia due to inappropriate harmonic resonance of standing waves; and (2)the TCM concept strengthened by BIOCERAMIC technology: (i) 'wave-induced flow characteristics of meridians'; (ii) the 'Propagated sensation along meridian' phenomenon; (iii) clinical observations of the different chief complaints of candidates in which sensation was induced along specific meridian channels; (iv) generates 'biofield' phenomenon composed of virtual channels of interconnecting 'feet-hands-ears' to different internal organs/tissues that support the principles of reflexology.

Base on concept of traditional Chinese medicine: Experimental studies on efficacy of BIOCERAMIC Resonance to alleviate drug withdrawal symptoms.

Those who are challenged by dependency on prescription drugs or suffer drug addictions have few options available to them for recovery, such as psychotherapy and physiotherapy. Here we present a new approach with clinical examples involving stimulant addiction or overdose of hypnotic drugs that were received BIOCERAMIC Resonance, which was developed based on concept of 12 meridian channels of traditional Chinese medicine, and has successful withdrawal or dose reduction benefits. We describe the whole process and the clinical outcome. And by help of our previous publication on functional MRI, we discuss the possible brain locations response to BIOCERAMIC Resonance that may be corresponding to the beneficial effects of relief of depression, sleep deprivation and other mental symptoms that associate with substance abuse and withdrawal effects. We suggest this could be potentially widely application on substances abuse.

A technology developed from concept of acupuncture and meridian system, the clinical effect of BIOCERAMIC resonance on psychological related sleep disturbance with findings on questionnaire, EEG and fMRI.

Under the concept of meridian channels that belongs to traditional Chinese medicine, BIOCERAMIC Resonance (BR) has already been applied to many clinical medical research projects with functions mimicking of traditional acupuncture. Forty-five patients were recruited with chronic sleep disorders; 36 patients were given, applied to the device with BIOCERAMIC material and sound rhythm on chest skin surface; 9 patients were included as controls. All study participants completed a sleep pattern and quality of life questionnaire (assessment on psychological and physical causes of sleep disturbances), which was repeated before, during and after treatment. Electroencephalograph (EEG) recordings were analyzed before, during and after treatment. Functional MRI (fMRI) was also used for demonstration of BR effect for another 8 candidates. During the first 3 days of treatment, sleep quality improved in all 36 patients especially to psychological reasons; in 91.7% (33/36) treatment was associated with an elevation in the beta spectrum of the EEG (at 15-27 Hz). The result of fMRI found corresponding cerebral and cerebellar areas of activation and deactivation. BIOCERAMIC Resonance can improve sleep disorder due to psychological causes, with transient alter brain wave activity and functional activation on specific locations of brain.

Evaluation of the effect of partial splenic embolization on platelet values for liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia.

AIM: To investigate the effect of partial splenic embolization (PSE) on platelet values in liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia and to determine the effective embolization area for platelet values improvement. METHODS: Blood parameters and liver function indicators were measured on 10 liver cirrhosis patients (6 in Child-Pugh grade A and 4 in grade B) with thrombocytopenia (platelet values < 80 x 10(3)/microL) before embolization. Computed tomography scan was also needed in advance to acquire the splenic baseline. After 2 to 3 d, angiography and splenic embolization were performed. A second computed tomography scan was made to confirm the embolization area after 2 to 3 wk of embolization. The blood parameters of patients were also examined biweekly during the 1 year follow-up period. RESULTS: According to the computed tomography images after partial splenic embolization, we divided all patients into two groups: low (< 30%), and high (> or = 30%) embolization area groups. The platelet values were increased by 3 times compared to baseline levels after 2 wk of embolization in high embolization area group. In addition, there were significant differences in platelet values between low and high embolization area groups. GPT values decreased significantly in all patients after 2 wk of embolization. The improvement in platelet and GPT values still persisted until 1 year after PSE. In addition, 3 of 4 (75%) Child-Pugh grade B patients progressed to grade A after 2 mo of PSE. The complication rate in < 30% and > or = 30% embolization area groups was 50% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Partial splenic embolization is an effective method to improve platelet values and GPT values in liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia and the > or = 30% embolization area is meaningful for platelet values improvement. The relationship between the complication rate and embolization area needs further studies.

Identification of a coronary-to-bronchial-artery communication with MDCT shows the diagnostic potential of this new technology: case report and review.

Development and refinement of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has brought the potential to replace conventional coronary angiography with a noninvasive technique that has comparable spatial and temporal resolution with a single breath-hold. Although clinical use of MDCT has largely been confined to evaluation of atherosclerotic coronary artery burden and coronary artery anomalies, it can be applied to diagnosis of other problems concerning the thoracic vasculature. We present the case of a middle-aged man who presented with recent-onset exertional angina: 64-detector CT was used as an alternative to cardiac catheterization and identified the underlying anatomic anomaly, a rare coronary-to-bronchial-artery communication. Clinicians should be aware that the newest generation of MDCT equipment may allow many patients to forego diagnostic cardiac catheterization without compromise in quality of care.

Defining anatomic variants of the coronary artery in taiwanese subjects using 64-multidetector-row computed tomography.

The newly developed 64-multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) prompted us to evaluate coronary angiography using this noninvasive method. We reviewed 281 images of MDCT coronary angiography in Taiwanese. The origins of the coronary arteries were identified from the luminal aspect of the aorta. We described them as seen from the aortic sinus looking toward the cardiac ventricle. The sinus facing the left ventricle was designated sinus 1, and that facing the right ventricle was designated sinus 2. Anatomic variants of the coronary artery were divided into five types according to the structure of the left anterior descending artery, right coronary artery, and left circumflex artery. Of the 281 patients, 275 (97.9%) had the type I variant in which the right coronary artery originated from sinus 2. MDCT provides advantages in defining anatomic variation and helps in the planning of clinical therapy or surgery.