Evaluating the efficacy of Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) electrotherapy in mixed-type dry eye patients / Evaluación de la eficacia de la electroterapia de resonancia molecular cuántica (QMR) en pacientes con ojo seco de tipo mixto

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the low-power, high-frequency electrical current treatment administered by the Rexon-Eye device, in a cohort of patients affected by mixed-type dry eye disease (DED) of medium to severe level. Patients and methods: In this prospective, non-randomized, interventional clinical study, eighteen mixed type DED patients were treated. Treatment was a specific type of electrotherapy, Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR®), administered by means of the Rexon-Eye® device (Resono Ophthalmic, Sandrigo, Italy) with a protocol of one 20-min session per week, for 4 weeks. Patients were examined at baseline and one month after the last treatment, utilizing the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and clinical signs: non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), Oxford staining, meibum quality, meibography, meibomian gland expressibility, tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer's test, ocular inflammation expressed by MMP-9 concentration. Results: Subjective benefit in OSDI was reported (p = 0.013). Improvement was also observed in NIBUT (p < 0.001), Oxford staining (p = 0.002), expressible meibomian glands number (p = 0.001) and meibum quality (p < 0.001). A remarkable benefit was present in inflammation, as evidenced by the reduction of MMP-9 (p = 0.003). Changes, although not statistically significant, were also present in TMH (p = 0.076) and Schirmer's test (p = 0.675), whereas no change was observed in meibography score. No adverse event was reported. Conclusion: In this mixed-type DED patients’ cohort, Rexon-Eye proved to be effective and safe in improving subjective and objective ocular parameters, as well as capable to normalize inflammatory markers.(AU)

Evaluating the efficacy of Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) electrotherapy in mixed-type dry eye patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the low-power, high-frequency electrical current treatment administered by the Rexon-Eye device, in a cohort of patients affected by mixed-type dry eye disease (DED) of medium to severe level. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, non-randomized, interventional clinical study, eighteen mixed type DED patients were treated. Treatment was a specific type of electrotherapy, Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR®), administered by means of the Rexon-Eye® device (Resono Ophthalmic, Sandrigo, Italy) with a protocol of one 20-min session per week, for 4 weeks. Patients were examined at baseline and one month after the last treatment, utilizing the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and clinical signs: non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), Oxford staining, meibum quality, meibography, meibomian gland expressibility, tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer's test, ocular inflammation expressed by MMP-9 concentration. RESULTS: Subjective benefit in OSDI was reported (p = 0.013). Improvement was also observed in NIBUT (p < 0.001), Oxford staining (p = 0.002), expressible meibomian glands number (p = 0.001) and meibum quality (p < 0.001). A remarkable benefit was present in inflammation, as evidenced by the reduction of MMP-9 (p = 0.003). Changes, although not statistically significant, were also present in TMH (p = 0.076) and Schirmer's test (p = 0.675), whereas no change was observed in meibography score. No adverse event was reported. CONCLUSION: In this mixed-type DED patients' cohort, Rexon-Eye proved to be effective and safe in improving subjective and objective ocular parameters, as well as capable to normalize inflammatory markers.

Effect of Low-Power Visible-Light-Activated Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the most common complaints in women of childbearing age. Therefore, this trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of low-power visible-light-activated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (PD), and to further investigate their possible mechanisms of action. Methods: This study was conducted by using a multicenter, randomized, open, parallel control design. Qualified subjects are randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (low-power visible-light-activated PDT group), Group B (placebo group) and are treated with corresponding protocols for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Baseline data are collected during the trial period. Changes in the scores of VAS scales and the fluctuation of pain factors (PGE2, PGF2α) are recorded before and after the treatment for each group. A comparison of effectiveness in pain control and symptom control is made among the two groups. Results: After treatment, for the PDT group, the scores of VAS scales decline compared with the scores before treatment. The level of pain factors including PGE2 and PGF2α also drops significantly (P < 0.05). There are no serious adverse events during the study. Conclusion: Low-power visible-light-activated PDT is a new type of treatment for primary dysmenorrhea which is safe, effective and does not affect normal pregnancy preparation. It may exert its therapeutic effect by adjusting downward the level of PGE2, PGF2α in the body. These factors can be used not only to study the treatment mechanism for primary dysmenorrhea, but also to serve as quantitative indicators for objective assessment of whether dysmenorrhea is relieved.

Honeycomb-like Structured Film, a Novel Therapeutic Device, Suppresses Tumor Growth in an In Vivo Ovarian Cancer Model.

Ovarian cancer cell dissemination can lead to the mortality of patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Complete surgery for no gross residual disease contributes to a more favorable prognosis than that of patients with residual disease. HCFs have highly regular porous structures and their 3D porous structures act as scaffolds for cell adhesion. HCFs are fabricated from biodegradable polymers and have been widely used in tissue engineering. This study aimed to show that HCFs suppress tumor growth in an in vivo ovarian cancer model. The HCF pore sizes had a significant influence on tumor growth inhibition, and HCFs induced morphological changes that rounded out ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, we identified gene ontology (GO) terms and clusters of genes downregulated by HCFs. qPCR analysis demonstrated that a honeycomb structure downregulated the expression of CXCL2, FOXC1, MMP14, and SNAI2, which are involved in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, focal adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Collectively, HCFs induced abnormal focal adhesion and cell morphological changes, subsequently inhibiting the differentiation, proliferation and motility of ovarian cancer cells. Our data suggest that HCFs could be a novel device for inhibiting residual tumor growth after surgery, and could reduce surgical invasiveness and improve the prognosis for patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Shear-mediated platelet activation in the free flow II: Evolving mechanobiological mechanisms reveal an identifiable signature of activation and a bi-directional platelet dyscrasia with thrombotic and bleeding features.

Shear-mediated platelet activation (SMPA) in the "free flow" is the net result of a range of cell mechanobiological mechanisms. Previously, we outlined three main groups of mechanisms including: 1) mechano-destruction - i.e. additive platelet (membrane) damage; 2) mechano-activation - i.e. activation of shear-sensitive ion channels and pores; and 3) mechano-transduction - i.e. "outside-in" signaling via a range of transducers. Here, we report on recent advances since our original report which describes additional features of SMPA. A clear "signature" of SMPA has been defined, allowing differentiation from biochemically-mediated activation. Notably, SMPA is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, platelet membrane eversion, externalization of anionic phospholipids, and increased thrombin generation on the platelet surface. However, SMPA does not lead to integrin αIIbß3 activation or P-selectin exposure due to platelet degranulation, as is commonly observed in biochemical activation. Rather, downregulation of GPIb, αIIbß3, and P-selectin surface expression is evident. Furthermore, SMPA is accompanied by a decrease in overall platelet size coupled with a concomitant, progressive increase in microparticle generation. Shear-ejected microparticles are highly enriched in GPIb and αIIbß3. These observations indicate the enhanced diffusion, migration, or otherwise dispersion of platelet adhesion receptors to membrane zones, which are ultimately shed as receptor-rich PDMPs. The pathophysiological consequence of this progressive shear accumulation phenomenon is an associated dyscrasia of remaining platelets - being both reduced in size and less activatable via biochemical means - a tendency to favor bleeding, while concomitantly shed microparticles are highly prothrombotic and increase the tendency for thrombosis in both local and systemic milieu. These mechanisms and observations offer direct clinical utility in allowing measurement and guidance of the net balance of platelet driven events in patients with implanted cardiovascular therapeutic devices.

From the past to the future of therapeutic orthoses for upper limbs rehabilitation

Abstract Introduction The expansion of assistive technologies has been increasing significantly, involving almost all the daily activities, performed by disabled people. One of the highlights to be mentioned is the robotic orthoses, which are being used to amplify movements, to replace amputated limbs, and for a variety of rehabilitation therapies, among others. This study aims to present a review about upper limbs' orthoses, discussing their weaknesses, potentialities, and pointing out for future perspectives under the motor rehabilitation. Methods For this research, it had been identified 161 papers, based on the bibliographic bases from IEEE and Science Direct, which were filtered by the keywords orthoses, hand, upper-limbs and technology. After the appropriate exclusions, 22 papers were analyzed. Results This review indicates that most of the orthoses have been developed for rehabilitation therapies to be employed by people who have suffered stroke, cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury. This research summarized that the upper limbs movements are effectively produced by electric or pneumatic actuators, having a variety of degrees of freedom. Conclusion This review has shown that, although there are many orthoses styles, ranging from electric to pneumatic actuators; also there are some technical restrictions that prevent their use by most people. However, upper limb orthoses seem to be a great solution for the rehabilitation of people who have suffered a stroke.

Positive Response to Thermobalancing Therapy Enabled by Therapeutic Device in Men with Non-Malignant Prostate Diseases: BPH and Chronic Prostatitis.

BACKGROUND: The most common types of non-malignant prostate diseases are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis (CP). The aim of this study was to find out whether thermobalancing therapy with a physiotherapeutic device is effective for BPH and CP. METHODS: During a 2.5-year period, 124 men with BPH over the age of 55 were investigated. Clinical parameters were tested twice: via the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and via ultrasound measurement of prostate volume (PV) and uroflowmetry maximum flow rate (Qmax), before and after six months of therapy. In 45 men with CP under the age of 55, the dynamics of the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) were studied. RESULTS: The results of the investigated index tests in men with BPH confirmed a decrease in IPSS (p < 0.001), a reduction in PV (p < 0.001), an increase in Qmax (p < 0.001), and an improvement of quality of life (QoL) (p < 0.001). NIH-CPSI scores in men with CP indicated positive dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: The observed positive changes in IPSS, PV, and Qmax in men with BPH and the improvement in NIH-CPSI-QoL in patients with CP after using a physiotherapeutic device for six months as mono-therapy, support the view that thermobalancing therapy with the device can be recommended for these patients. Furthermore, the therapeutic device is free of side effects.

The injectable neurostimulator: an emerging therapeutic device.

Injectable neurostimulators are currently applied in clinical trials to minimize the side effects such as discomfort, risk of infection, and post-surgery trauma, which can be pronounced with conventional, bulky implantable neurostimulators. Owing to its smaller size, wireless-updatable software, and wireless power supply, the injectable neurostimulator is presumably less invasive, 'smarter', and has a longer lifetime. We discuss the concept and development of the injectable neurostimulator, persistent implementation challenges, and obstacles to be overcome in its evolution. We survey the use of new materials, technologies, and design methods for injectable electrodes, batteries, antennas, and packaging to enhance reliability and other features. These advances in the field are accompanied by progress in electrophysiology, neuroscience, neurology, clinical trials, and treatments.

Psicanálise e construção do caso clínico: considerações sobre um dispositivo terapêutico / Psychoanalysis and construction of the clinical case: considerations about a therapeutic device / Psicoanálisis y construcción del caso clínico: consideraciones sobre un dispositivo terapéutico / Psychanalyse et construction du cas clinique: considérations concernant un dispositif thérapeutique

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir a construção do caso como um dispositivo clínico psicanalítico capaz de responder aos desafios do campo da saúde mental. A metodologia consistiu em um levantamento bibliográfico a partir de comentadores da psicanálise, tais como Vorcaro, Viganò e Figueiredo. A pesquisa teve como referência os descritores saúde mental, psicanálise e construção do caso clínico. De acordo com a discussão desses autores, a construção do caso clínico se caracteriza como uma proposta de trabalho e de investigação de orientação psicanalítica que norteia a conduta em equipe a partir da reflexão sobre as particularidades vivenciadas no contexto da saúde pública, da instituição e dos sintomas dos sujeitos, possibilitando a realização do trabalho em um solo comum a todos os profissionais da área da saúde mental. Tais características são consideradas fundamentais frente aos desafios do cenário da saúde mental que se caracteriza cada vez mais amplo e heterogêneo devido às mudanças advindas com a criação do SUS e da reforma psiquiátrica. Dessa forma, defendemos a construção do caso clínico como um dispositivo capaz de abranger a amplitude, as singularidades e as divergências, problematizando os pilares organizadores da clínica e os entraves institucionais, mobilizando o sujeito em seu diagnóstico permitindo que surja um espaço para que a subjetividade possa advir.

This article has as an objective to discuss the case construction as a psychoanalytical clinical device capable of providing an answer to the challenges of the mental health field. The methodology consists in a bibliographic mapping from psychoanalysis commentators that discuss clinical-institutional interventions in mental health, such as Vorcaro, Viganó and Figueiredo. The research had as reference the descriptors mental health, psychoanalysis and construction of clinical case. According to the discussion of said authors, the construction of the clinical case is characterized as a work and investigation proposal of psychoanalytical orientation that guides the team conduct from the reflection about the particularities experienced in the public health context, the institution and the subject's symptoms, enabling the accomplishment of the work in a soil common to all professionals of mental health area. The said characteristics are considered to be fundamental in facing the challenges of the mental health scenery which is characterized to be wider and heterogeneous by the time due to the changes resulted from the creation of the SUS and the psychiatric reform. This way, we defend the construction of the clinical case as a device able to cover the amplitude, the singularities and the divergences, raising problems about the organizer pillars of the clinic and the institutional hindrances, rallying the subject in his diagnostics allowing the emergence of a space for subjectivity to occur.

Este artículo tiene como un objetivo discutir la construcción del caso clínico como un dispositivo clínico psicoanalítico capaz de responder a los desafíos del campo de la salud mental. La metodología consiste en un levantamiento bibliográfico a partir de comentaristas de la psicoanálisis que discuten intervenciones clínico-institucionales en salud mental, tales como Vorcaro, Viganó y Figueiredo. La investigación tuvo como referencia los descriptores salud mental, psicoanálisis y construcción del caso clínico. In acuerdo con la discusión de los autores, la construcción del caso clínico. De acuerdo con la discusión de los autores, la construcción del caso clínico se caracteriza como una propuesta de trabajo e investigación de orientación psicoanalítica que orienta la conducta in equipe a partir de la reflexión sobre las particularidades experimentadas en lo contexto de la salud pública, de la institución e los síntomas de los sujetos, posibilitando la realización del trabajo in suelo común a todos los profesionales de la área de la salud mental. Tales características san consideradas fundamentales frente a los desafíos del escenario de la salud mental que se caracteriza cada vez más amplio y heterogéneo debido a las mudanzas advenidas con la creación del SUS y de la reforma psiquiátrica. Así, defendemos la construcción del caso clínico como un dispositivo capaz de alcanzar la amplitud, las singularidades y las divergencias, problematizando los pilares organizadores de la clínica y los obstáculos institucionales, movilizando el sujeto in suyo diagnostico permitiendo la insurgencia de un espacio para que la subjetividad posa advenir.

Ce travail a pour but discuter la construction du cas en tant que dispositif clinique psychanalytique capable de répondre aux défis du domaine de la santé mentale. La méthodologie repose sur une enquête bibliographique à partir de commentateurs de la psychalyse, tels que Vorcaro, Viganò et Figueiredo. La recherche a pour point de repère les descripteurs santé mentale, psychanalyse et construction du cas clinique. Selon la discussion de ces auteurs, la construction du cas clinique se caractérise par une proposition de travail et de recherche d'orientation psychanalytique qui guide la conduite en équipe à partir de la réflexion sur les particularités vécues dans le contexte de la santé publique, de l'institution et des symptômes des sujets possibilitant aussi la réalisation du travail sur un terrain commun à tous les professionnels du domaine de la santé mentale. Ces caractéristiques sont considérées fondamentales pour surmonter les défis du scénario de la santé mentale qui se trouve de plus en plus large et hétérogène, en raison des changements venus avec la mise en place du SUS et de la réforme psychiatrique. Ainsi, nous défendons la construction du cas clinique en tant que dispositif capable de toucher l'ampleur, les particularités et divergences, en problématisant les piliers organisateurs de la clinique et des entraves institutionnels et, qui, au même temps, mobilisera le sujet vers son diagnostic, permettant élever un espace pour que la subjectivité puisse se produire.

A tissue-engineered therapeutic device inhibits tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.

Bone metastasis is one of the leading causes of death in breast cancer patients. The current treatment is performed as a palliative therapy and the adverse side effects can compromise the patients' quality of life. In order to both effectively treat bone metastasis and avoid the limitation of current strategies, we have invented a drug eluting scaffold with clay matrix release doxorubicin (DESCLAYMR_DOX) to mechanically support the structure after resecting the metastatic tissue while also releasing the anticancer drug doxorubicin which supplements growth inhibition and elimination of the remaining tumor cells. We have previously demonstrated that this device has the capacity to regenerate the bone and provide sustained release of the anticancer drug in vitro. In this study, we focus on the ability of the device to inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro as well as in vivo. Drug-release kinetics was investigated and the cell viability test showed that the tumor inhibitory effect is sustained for up to 4weeks in vitro. Subcutaneous implantation of DESCLAYMR_DOX in athymic mice resulted in significant growth inhibition of human tumor xenografts of breast origin and decelerated multi-organ metastasis formation. Fluorescence images, visualizing doxorubicin, showed a sustained drug release from the DESCLAYMR device in vivo. Furthermore, local use of DESCLAYMR_DOX implantation reduced the incidence of doxorubicin's cardio-toxicity. These results suggest that DESCLAYMR_DOX can be used in reconstructive surgery to support the structure after bone tumor resection and facilitate a sustained release of anticancer drugs in order to prevent tumor recurrence.

Treatment of drug eruption of epidermolysis bullosa with high-power photon therapeutic device in one case / 中国医学装备

We routinely used the high-power photon therapeutic device to treat drug eruption of epidermolysis bullosa in 1 case and there achieved good results.Through analysis,we believe that the device can be used to treat different types of complicated skin diseases.

Treatment of Hand-foot Itch in Old People with Acupuncture / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Old patients with hand-foot itch were treated by acupuncture combined with the irradiation of TDP. For hand itch, selected acupoints Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Shousanli (LI 10), Hegu (LI 4), and Zhongzhu (TE 3); for foot itch, selected acupoints Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Jiexi (ST 41),Rangu (KI 2), Taichong (LR 3) and Zulinqi (GB 4). OF 33 patients, the symptom were cured in 26 cases and improved in 7 cases after 2-course's treatment.

Treatment of Lumbar Intervertebral disc Herniation with Electroacupuncture on Jiaji Points (Ex-B 2) plus TDP: A Report of 68 Cases / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Sixty-eight lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH) cases were treated with electroacupuncture on Jiaji points of the affected area with the following result after three courses of treatment: and 35 cases got recovery, 28 cases got better result, 5 cases had no effect, and the total effective rate was 92.6%.

Acupoint Injection Combined with Radiance of TDP for Acute Facial Paralysis: A Report of 132 Cases / 广州中医药大学学报

One hundred and thirty-two cases of acute facial paralysis involving the channels and collater als (Group A) were treated with acupoint injection of dexamethasone combined with radiance of TOP. And ninety-three cases treated with acupuncture served as the control (Group B). The results showed that the therapeutic effect in Group A was superior to that in Group B ( P

The Role of Electric Field Therapeutic Device (HEALTHTRON) in The Therapy of Acute Low Back Pain / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Thirty-one outpatients with acute low back pain were all educated about activities of daily living. They also received spinal manipulation and SSP (TENS), and took NSAID for a certain period of time. Half of them were additionally exposed an electric field using HEAL THTRON, an electric field therapeutic decice, in order to analyze its efficacy.<br>The patients were randomly divided (non-blind test) into two groups. Those who received ordinary treatment were called the Non-HEALTHTRON group (NH-group); those who received HEALTHTRON treatment in addition to ordinary treatment were called the HEALTHTRON Treatment group (H-group). During the 15-day study period, the patients were subjected to a total of four electric field exposures using HEALTHTRON. Efficacy of the treatment was measured as an objective evaluation by measuring range of motion (ROM) using an inclinometer, and Peak torque and Total work using a dynamometer. A subjective evaluation was performed using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, ADL pain questionnaire, Visual analog scale for Patient global assessment, VAS (Patient) and Visual analog scale for Physician global assessment, VAS (Physician). After ordinary treatment, significant improvement was found in all 31 patients with acute low back pain. The VAS (Physician), ADL pain questionnaire and ROM were more significantly improved in the H-group than in the NH-group.