Minutes Treatment Research Articles

Ultrasound-assisted hydrogen peroxide–ascorbic acid method to degrade sweet corncob polysaccharides can help treat type 2 diabetes via multiple pathways in vivo

In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of various ultrasound durations on the structure and bioactivity of sweet corncob polysaccharides treated with ultrasound-assisted degradation using hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid (H2O2–Vc). We subjected sweet corncob polysaccharides to ultrasound treatment for 0, 30, 60, and 90 min alongside the H2O2–Vc method. We then analyzed their chemical composition and structure. Additionally, we administered these polysaccharides to mice with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) through gavage at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/day. The results indicated a significant reduction in the molecular weight of the degraded sweet corncob polysaccharides, while their composition remained relatively stable. However, the basic structure of the polysaccharides was retained. In vivo experiments demonstrated that ultrasound-assisted degradation of these polysaccharides had a positive impact on T2DM, particularly the 60-minute ultrasound treatment (UH-DSCBP-60 min), which effectively controlled blood glucose levels by regulating glycolipid metabolism in the livers of mice with T2DM. This approach also reduced inflammation and oxidative stress levels and inhibited disaccharide activity in the small intestine. We demonstrated that ultrasound can positively affect the sweet corncob polysaccharides hypoglycemic activity. The findings of our study provide a theoretical foundation for the valuable utilization of sweet corncob polysaccharides.

Photoelectrochemical activation of peroxymonosulfate using Sn-doped α-Fe2O3 thin film for degradation of anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drug

Introduction of oxygen vacancies (OVs) has been investigated as a promising way to improve the electrical and catalytic characteristics of a hematite (α-Fe2O3) based photoelectrode. In this work, we develop a novel method for preparing porous Sn-doped α-Fe2O3 (Sn:Fe2O3) thin films with intrinsic OVs. The procedure included spin-coating an iron precursor onto a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate, followed by thermal treatment at elevated temperatures. The influence of Sn dopant on the optoelectronic properties of α-Fe2O3 was demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurements. The combined effect of OVs and Sn doping was found to play a synergistic role in reducing the charge recombination’s. The Sn:Fe2O3 photoanodes were used as a dual catalyst to oxidise water and break down an anti-inflammatory drug called 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid (IBPA). The Sn:Fe2O3 thin film with a 30-minute heat treatment time displayed the highest incident photon-to-current efficiency. For the first time, Sn:Fe2O3 thin films were utilised in the effective PEC degradation of IBPA employing peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under visible light illumination. The hydroxyl radicals (OH), singlet oxygen (1O2), photogenerated holes (h+), and sulfate radicals (SO4−) were discovered to be the main reactive species during PEC degradation. IBPA degradation and the formation of new compounds were verified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Lepidium sativum L phytotoxicity test reveals that PEC-treated wastewater with IBPA exhibits decreased toxicity.

The real-time measurements of PSII photochemical efficiency in the microscopic sporophyte of Pyropia yezoensis f. narawaensis (Bangiaceae) reveals the low capacity of desiccation tolerance that drops within a few minutes of dehydration

The photochemical efficiency of photosystem II under desiccation stress was examined in the microscopic sporophyte of a cultivated red alga, Pyropia yezoensis f. narawaensis (= Neopyropia yezoensis f. narawaensis; Bangiales) from Saga, Japan, using a pulse amplitude modulation (PAM)-chlorophyll fluorometer. The effective quantum yield (ΔF/Fm') of sporophytes on dead oyster shells was measured every 20 s during the experiments. Experiments were designed to examine 0-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, 7-, 10-, and 15-min of desiccation (50 % humidity) with subsequent 15-min rehydration in seawater at 24 °C under dim light (2 μmol photons m−2 s−1). The results showed that the ΔF/Fm' quickly dropped to zero or almost zero under 5-, 7-, 10-, and 15-min desiccation treatments with no recovery during the subsequent 15-minute rehydration period. However, in sporophytes of the 1-, 2-, and 3-minute desiccation treatments, the ΔF/Fm' declined but did not drop to zero; the ΔF/Fm' gradually recovered during the subsequent 15-minute rehydration period. An additional experiment was conducted under 3- and 5-minute desiccation treatments at four different levels of irradiance (2, 20, 100, 500 μmol photons m−2 s−1), which revealed that an increase in irradiance enhances the effects of desiccation. It appears that the photochemical efficiency of microscopic sporophytes is sensitive to desiccation, whereas the macroscopic gametophyte is more tolerant to desiccation. We recommend that during conchospore seeding of Nori-net cultivation, the effects of desiccation should be minimized to ensure stable production.

Quantum Molecular Resonance Electrical Stimulation as a Beneficial and Safe Treatment for Multifactorial Dry Eye Disease.

To assess the clinical benefits obtained with transcutaneous low-power, high-frequency quantum molecular resonance (QMR) electrotherapy in a group of multifactorial dry eye patients. Fifty-one patients (total of 102 eyes) with dry eye symptoms were enrolled in the study. Included clinical conditions were meibomian gland dysfunction, glaucoma, cataract surgery within the past six months, and autoimmune disease-related superficial punctuate keratitis. The QMR treatment was administered using the Rexon-Eye device (Resono Ophthalmic, Sandrigo, Italy) for four consecutive weeks, with one 20-minute treatment session per week. The measured ocular parameters included non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), corneal interferometry, lower eyelid meibography, and tear meniscus height, all measured at baseline, at the end of treatment, and two months after the end of treatment. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was gathered at the same time. The study has received approval from our institution's ethics committee. At the end of treatment, interferometry, tear meniscus height, and OSDI score improved at a statistically significant level. No statistically significant change was observed in NIBUT or meibography. At two months after the end of treatment, all parameters showed a statistically significant improvement, namely NIBUT, meibography, interferometry, tear meniscus, and OSDI score. No adverse events or side effects were reported. The QMR electrotherapy by the Rexon-Eye device shows statistically significant improvement of dry eye clinical signs and symptoms with a duration of at least two months.

Effects of Neurofeedback on Cognitive Function, Productive Activity, and Quality of Life in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Cognitive impairment is common in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies that have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback (NFB) on cognitive function following TBI have had poor study designs and small sample sizes. Objectives This randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of low-resolution tomography Z-score NFB (LZNFB) and theta/beta NFB on cognitive impairment, return to productive activity, and quality of life in patients with TBI. Methods We randomly assigned 87 patients with TBI with cognitive impairment to LZNFB, theta/beta NFB, or usual care (UC) groups. Patients in both NFB groups received weekly 60-minute treatment for 10 weeks, and those in the control group received UC and telephone interviews for 10 weeks. The primary outcome was cognitive function as measured by performance on cognitive tasks; the secondary outcomes included productive activity and quality of life based on the Community Integration Questionnaire-revised (CIQ-R) and the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI), respectively, at baseline and immediately after the last intervention. Results The LZNFB group exhibited significantly greater improvements in immediate recall, delayed recall, recognition memory, and selective attention compared with the UC group; the theta/beta NFB group exhibited improvements in only immediate memory and selective attention (P < .05). The total CIQ-R scores of the LZNFB group after treatment were significantly improved than those of the UC group were. Conclusion Consecutive LZNFB achieved therapeutic effects in memory, attention, and productive activity, whereas theta/beta NFB improved memory and attention in patients with TBI. This trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (registration number: NCT03515317; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03515317).

Pengaruh Lama Waktu Pengukusan Terhadap Karakteristik Kimia Dan Organoleptik Kaki Naga (Drums Stick) Ikan Marlin (Makiara Indica) Produk Koprasi Aceh Food Fish Jely

Black marlin fish (makiara indica) or “balck marlin” it a class of Scombroid fish which is included in a fishery export commodity with high economic value in, dragon's feet is a processed fishery product whose research aims to de rermine the length of steaming time different and to find out the best chemical and organo leptic characteristics with different length of steaming time. quantitative research methods, data analysis used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 different treatments, P1: 15 minutes, P2: 30 minutes and P3: 45 minutes at 100 0C. Proximate analysis results, sho ing the best water content at 45 minutes with a value (61.35%), the best ash content at 15 minutes with a value (1.36%), the best fat content at 45 minutes with a value (3.01%), the best protein content at 15 minutes with a value (18.69%), the best crude fiber found at 15 minutes with a value (4.41%), and the best carbohydrate content at 30 minutes with a value of (9.58%). The organoleptic results that the analyst likes the most on appearance are in the 15-minute treatment with an average value of at least 7 (the spatial product is very strong), the taste that the analyst likes the most is in the treatment 30 minutes with an average value of at least 7, the most preferred odor by the analyst is in the 30-minute treatment with a minimum average value of 7 (the spatial product is less strong), and for the most preferred texture by the analyst is in the 30-minute treatment with a average of at least 7 (dense and compact).

Novel Technology for Facial Muscle Stimulation Combined With Synchronized Radiofrequency Induces Structural Changes in Muscle Tissue: Porcine Histology Study.

With age, facial muscles lose the ability to complete contractions properly, resulting in limitation of facial expressions and fat shifting, and leading to skin creases and wrinkling. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the novel high intensity facial electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES) technology combined with synchronized radiofrequency on delicate facial muscles, using an animal porcine model. Eight (n = 8, 60-80 kg) sows were divided into the active group (n = 6) and the control group (n = 2). The active group underwent four 20-minute treatments with radiofrequency (RF) and HIFES energies. The control group was not treated. Histology samples of muscle tissue were collected by a punch biopsy (6 mm in diameter) from the treatment area of each animal at baseline, 1-month, and 2-month follow-up. The evaluation included staining of the obtained tissue slices with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome to determine the changes in muscle mass density, number of myonuclei, and muscle fibers. The active group showed muscle mass density increase (by 19.2%, P < .001), together with elevated numbers of myonuclei (by 21.2%, P < .05) and individual muscle fibers, which increased from 56.8 ± 7.1 to 68.0 ± 8.6 (P < .001). In the control group, no significant changes were seen in any of the studied parameters throughout the study (P > .05). Finally, no adverse events or side effects were observed in the treated animals. The results document favorable changes after the HIFES + RF procedure at the level of the muscle tissue, which may be of great importance in terms of maintenance of facial appearance in human patients.

Pregabalin and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on pain thresholds and anxio-depressive behaviors in a preclinical fibromyalgia pain model.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic, widespread pain disorder generally of a non-inflammatory nature with many known affective and cognitive comorbidities. There is promise in the implementation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) for alleviating FM pain and comorbidities, despite no work investigating the efficacy of this treatment in prominent preclinical FM models. This project aimed to investigate the affective components, specifically anhedonia and anxiety, associated with an acidic saline model of FM in rats. We investigated the acidic saline model's ability to produce the sensory component of FM through reduced mechanical thresholds, as well as anxiety-like and avoidance behaviors through measures of open field and place escape/avoidance. We further investigated the use of pregabalin, a known FM therapeutic agent, in reducing negative sensory and affective measures within the model. Results revealed insignificant between-group differences for measures of anxiety, despite animals in the FM condition showing significantly reduced mechanical thresholds. Results further revealed that the acidic saline model was effective in increasing place escape/avoidance behavior among animals in the FM condition, with pregabalin reducing avoidance behaviors. In addition, we investigated the role of HBO2 [two 60-minute treatments at 2.0 ATA (atmospheres absolute)] in alleviating FM-like pain, anxiety, and anhedonia in the acidic saline model, utilizing mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds, open field, and sucrose preference measures. Results revealed that the acidic saline model produced reduced thresholds indicative of FM-like pain. Data did not provide support for the presence of anxio-depressive comorbidities associated with the FM model. HBO2 treatment did not significantly increase mechanical thresholds as expected. Future studies should seek to investigate the experimental circumstances within which the acidic saline model produces negative affect alongside hyperalgesia in order to contribute to the development of a multidimensional FM treatment methodology.

Pressure treatment has a differential effect on cyanide- and ethanol-induced autofluorescence response in yeast.

Cellular processes associated with biological membranes and multimeric associations exhibit pressure sensitivity. In cellular respiration for example, pressure-regulated respiratory oxidases and cytochromes are found in piezophilic microbes, and pressure reduces oxygen consumption rates in eukaryotes. The presence of piezotolerant obligate aerobic yeasts in deep sea environments further justifies investigating pressure effects on cellular respiratory mechanisms. Ambient pressure analysis of UV-excited autofluorescence signals used for monitoring respiratory metabolism have identified multiple cellular NADH and NADPH conformations, significant because the distribution of conformational forms depends on metabolic conditions. Here, we use UV-excited autofluorescence spectroscopy with the spectral response quantified using phasor analysis to monitor cellular NADH and NADPH conformation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) suspensions after 30-minute pressure treatment at up to 11 kpsi (75.8 MPa). Specifically, we investigate the effects of pressure treatment on the autofluorescence response to the additions of cyanide and ethanol (both respiratory inhibitors at ambient pressure). The autofluorescence response to cyanide measured 30 min after pressure release shows a diminished response, while the response to ethanol shows no detectable difference when compared with the response prior to pressure treatment. Conditions for this study are similar to those previously reported to activate transcription factors in yeast due to pressure-induced stress tolerance, suggesting autofluorescence may be useful for assessing mitochondrial functional under induced stress-tolerance conditions.

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Plum Blossom Needling with Mild Moxibustion Device for Upper Limb Pain Disorder and Motor Dysfunction in Patients with Stage 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Study Protocol for a Multi-Center, Single-Blind, Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial.

Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (PS-SHS), a common neurological comorbidity after stroke episodes, poses a grave threat on patients' functional recovery. Preliminary trials have demonstrated that the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, including a dermal acupuncture tapping method known as plum blossom needling (PBN) can improve pain and motor dysfunctions in patients with PS-SHS. However, there are few reports describing simultaneous moxibustion treatment in combination with PBN. Hence, a novel plum blossom needle device with mild moxibustion (PBNMM) was developed to evaluate its potential efficacy and safety in patients with stage 1 PS-SHS. This multicenter, sham-controlled, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will recruit 102 eligible patients with stage 1 PS-SHS from three clinical centers, randomly allocated in a ratio of 1:1:1 to the PBNMM group, PBNMM with no moxa smoke (PBNMM-NMS) group and sham control group. Patients in each group will receive a 30-minute treatment once per day for 4 weeks, with 5 consecutive sessions per week, for a total of 20 sessions. The primary outcome measure will be defined as the decreased scores from baseline in the visual analog scale (VAS) assessment at week 4. Secondary outcome measures will include scores on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) records. All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and weeks 4, 5, 6 and 10, and the intention-to-treat analysis will be applied. This study aims to provide robust evidence for the efficacy and safety of the PBNMM for PS-SHS treatment, as well as the specific impact of moxibustion smoke itself in dealing with PS-SHS. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry No. ChiCTR2200062441. Registered on 7 August 2022.

Ultrasound Assessment of Gastric Volume in Parturients After High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy.

High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) therapy is widely used in critical care obstetrics to improve oxygenation. Much of the benefit of HFNO is linked to the creation of modest levels of positive airway pressure. Pregnant women are generally considered to be at high risk of regurgitation and aspiration. It is unknown whether HFNO may cause gas insufflation into the stomach and further increase this risk. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically evaluate the possible safety effects of HFNO on gastric volume in healthy fasted parturients. Sixty fasted parturients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were enrolled in an observer-blinded, prospective, interventional study. We used ultrasonography to assess changes of antral cross-sectional area (CSA) and gastric volume before and after a 20-minute treatment with HFNO at a rate of 50 L·min -1 . The primary outcome was the change in gastric volume from before to after HFNO therapy, and the secondary outcome was the distribution of antral grades. In semirecumbent right lateral position, the antral CSA at baseline and after treatment with HFNO was 3.81 (3.01-4.72) cm 2 and 3.79 (3.03-4.54) cm 2 , respectively. The estimated fluid volume at baseline and after treatment with HFNO was 38.51 (33.39-54.62) mL and 39.71 (32.00-52.82) mL, respectively. All participants had either a grade 0 or grade 1 antrum, and most of them had a grade 0 antrum. There was no significant difference in gastric volume and distribution of antral grades before and after HFNO therapy. Gastric air distension was not shown in any of the parturients either at baseline or after treatment with HFNO. Treatment with HFNO for 20 minutes at flow rates up to 50 L·min -1 did not increase gastric volume in term pregnant women breathing spontaneously when evaluated by gastric ultrasonography.

High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field With Synchronized Radiofrequency Achieves Superior Gluteal Muscle Contouring Than High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field Procedure Alone.

The high-intensity focused electromagnetic field (HIFEM) procedure is an effective method for noninvasive toning and shaping of buttocks. To investigate and compare the efficacy of simultaneous application of HIFEM procedure with radiofrequency (RF) heating vs HIFEM standalone procedure on the buttocks. Sixty-seven subjects (21-67 years, BMI 16-34 kg/m2) were recruited and divided into two groups. Group A received simultaneous HIFEM + RF therapy, and group B received standalone HIFEM treatments. All participants underwent four 30-minute bilateral treatments on the buttocks. The MRI was used to evaluate the changes in muscle and fat thickness. Data of 32 subjects from group A and 31 subjects from group B were reviewed at 1-month follow-up. On average, subjects from group A showed a 31.3% higher increase in muscle thickness, as shown in the MRI evaluation. The gluteal muscle thickness continued to grow and peaked at a 3-month follow-up, wherein 27 patients were evaluated in each group (n = 54). Group A showed on average +24.7% increase (gluteus maximus +8.5 ± 1.9 mm, medius +6.0 ± 1.1 mm, minimus +2.9 ± 0.8 mm), while group B exhibited only +15.9% increase in muscle thickness (gluteus maximus +5.2 ± 1.1 mm, medius +3.6 ± 1.0 mm, minimus +1.6 ± 0.4 mm). On average, group A showed a 35.6% higher growth in muscle thickness. Treatments were safe and comfortable with high satisfaction rates. No adverse event was reported throughout the study. Our results suggest that simultaneous use of HIFEM + RF is safe and significantly more effective for gluteal contouring than the HIFEM procedure alone.

Are there differences between a real C0-C1 mobilization and a sham technique in function and pressure pain threshold in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical restriction? A randomised controlled clinical trial.

Chronic neck pain is one of the main reasons for visiting a healthcare professional. In recent years, it has been shown that upper cervical restriction may be a factor involved in neck pain. To compare the immediate effects of a real cervical mobilization technique versus a sham cervical mobilization technique in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical restriction. This was a randomised, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Twenty-eight patients with chronic neck pain were recruited and divided into two groups (14 = real cervical mobilization; 14 = sham mobilization). Both groups received a single 5-minute treatment session. Upper cervical range motion, flexion-rotation test, deep cervical activation and pressure pain threshold were measured. In the between-groups comparison, statistically significant differences were found in favour of the real cervical mobilization group in upper cervical extension (p= 0.003), more restricted side of flexion-rotation test (p< 0.001) and less restricted side of flexion-rotation test (p= 0.007) and in the pressure pain threshold of the right trapezius (p= 0.040) and right splenius (p= 0.049). No differences in deep muscle activation were obtained. The real cervical mobilization group generates improvements in upper cervical spine movement and pressure pain threshold of right trapezius and right splenius compared to the sham group in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical restriction.

Inactivation efficacy of low-pressure plasma treatment against seed-borne tomato pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis and effect of seed setting position and mesh sheet usage.

Clavibacter michiganensis, a gram-positive actinomycete, is a major seed-borne tomato pathogen. We investigated the inactivation efficacy of low-pressure plasma treatment against C. michiganensis inoculated on tomato seeds by placing them on a mesh sheet above the bottom dielectric glass plate. The 2- and 5-minute plasma treatment reduced C. michiganensis populations on the tomato seeds by 0.8 and 1.8 log cfu/seed, respectively. The reduction rates were similar to those of C. michiganensis on shirona (cruciferous) seeds, which have different shapes and surface structures. In contrast, the inactivation of C. michiganensis cells using plasma was more difficult than that of X. campestris cells. Additionally, it was found that placing seeds on a mesh sheet laid on the dielectric glass plate was remarkably effective in inactivating the pathogens on tomato seeds. Since the tomato seeds were susceptible to damage from plasma treatment, methods to reduce its damage need to be investigated.

Acupuncture at Hegu point (LI4) for myofascial temporomandibular disorders

Rationale: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a common disease. To date, no study has reported the outcomes of acupuncture treatment of a single acupoint (LI 4) bilaterally for 1 session in patients with myofascial pain temporomandibular disorders (MTMD). This report describes the successful addition of acupuncture on pain and mandibular function in a patient with MTMD. Patient concerns: A 29-year-old patient reported pain on mastication, especially food of harder consistency in right preauricular area and limitation of the mouth opening for 2 years and getting worse since 1 month ago. Diagnoses: In this study, the diagnosis of MTMD was based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). The patient had no obvious differential diagnosis. Interventions: The patient received a 30-minute acupuncture treatment bilaterally at the Hegu large intestine 4 (LI 4) acupoint. Outcomes: All outcome measures (the visual analogueue scale, maximum mouth opening, bilateral movement) substantially improved. Moreover, during the observation period, the patient’s myofascial pain and mandibular movement did not worsen. Lessons: After a 30-minute acupuncture treatment, mandibular movement, function, and pain of the masticatory muscle had been improved. However, we could not rule out the possibility of an influence of the passage of time or the Hawthorne effect. The costs of the treatment of MTMD may be reduced, if this therapy was proved useful in future controlled studies.

Effects of Far-Infrared Radiation-Lamp Therapy on Recovery From Simulated Soccer Match Running Activities in Elite Soccer Players.

The authors investigated whether far-infrared radiation (FIR) lamp therapy would reduce muscle damage and enhance recovery from multiple soccer-match-related running activities. Twenty-four elite female soccer players (20-24y) were assigned into a FIR or a sham treatment group (n = 12/group). They performed a daily 90-minute Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) for 6 consecutive days. Maximal voluntary contraction torque of the knee extensors (KEs) and flexors, muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase activity, countermovement jump, and several other performance measures (eg,30-m dash, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1) were taken before the first LIST, 1 hour after each LIST, and 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120hours after the last LIST. All participants received a 30-minute FIR or sham treatment on KEs and knee flexors, respectively, at 2 hour after each LIST and 25, 49, 73, and 97hours after the last LIST. All measures changed significantly (P < .05) at 1 hour after the first LIST without difference (P > .05) between groups. Maximal voluntary contraction torque (eg,the largest decrease of KE for FIR: 13% [4%], sham: 25% [5%]), countermovement jump height (4% [3%] vs 14% [4%]), and other performance measures (eg,Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test: 11% [5%] vs 26% [5%]) decreased less, and peak muscle soreness (eg,KE: 26 [9] vs 51 [18]mm) and plasma creatine kinase activity (172 [32] vs 1289 [610] IU/L) were smaller for the FIR than for the sham group (P < .05), and they returned to the baseline earlier (P < .05) for the FIR group. These results suggest that the FIR therapy provided potent effects on reducing accumulated muscle damage and enhancing recovery.

Multicenter, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Active-Sham Controlled Clinical Study Design to Assess the Safety and Effectiveness of a Novel High Frequency Electric Nerve Block System in the Treatment of Post-Amputation Pain (The QUEST Study).

BackgroundChronic pain that follows amputation of a limb is reported as “one of the most severe pains in the human experience,” due to the magnitude of tissue injury and the multiple potential of pain generators at the local peripheral, spinal, and cortical levels. The Altius® System was developed to deliver high-frequency nerve block (HFNB) therapy via a cuff electrode applied to the peripheral nerve(s) and an implantable pulse generator. We report a novel clinical trial design for the first study of an active-implantable medical device in subjects with lower-limb post-amputation pain utilizing a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, active-sham controlled clinical study protocol called QUEST, which is an ongoing investigational device exemption study to support United States Food and Drug Administration approval.MethodsThe study enrollment of 180 subjects was completed in September 2021. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to the treatment group or the active-sham control group for the 3-month primary effectiveness and safety endpoints. After month 3, the active-sham control program group crossed over to the treatment program group and all subjects continued to the 12-month study endpoint. Study effectiveness success is determined by a superiority test between responder rates in the treatment and control groups at 3 months. A responder is defined as someone who experiences a 50% or greater reduction in pain scores – after a 30-minute treatment session – for more than 50% of all pain episodes in which the treatment was used.DiscussionThe QUEST study design employs an active-sham control group to objectively assess the effectiveness of HFNB therapy. Additionally, the electronic diary repeated measures data collection in QUEST is expected to reduce the intra-subject variation typically observed in pain treatment studies. Finally, the longitudinal measurement of health-related quality of life and use of pain medication may, for example, show effectiveness in reducing opioid use over time.

Efficacy of contralateral acupuncture in women with migraine without aura: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionMigraine is a common neurological disorder with a higher prevalence occurring in women. Migraine without aura (MwoA) is the most common type of migraine. In recent years, the safety and...

Chemical components of Ocimum sanctum L. essential oil grown in Hanoi, Vietnam and its antifungal properties against dermatologic pathogen - Malassezia

Malassezia species can cause serious dermatologic diseases in humans. Synthetic antifungal drugs, which have been usually utilised as a treatment for Malassezia-associated diseases, are belonged to the azole group. However, the hypersensitivity and resistance to synthetic drugs due to improper use are raising public concerns. Recently, the study of using herbal essential oils in the control of Malassezia fungus has attracted great attention from researchers. This study analysed and identified 19 compounds of Ocimum sanctum L. essential oil, where eugenol is the main composition in O. sanctum L. essential oil, accounting for 42.4%. O. sanctum L. essential oil showed strong activity against 3 strains of human skin fungi M. furfur VNF01, M. furfurATCC14521, and M. globosa VNG02 with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5 μl/ml. Using this concentration, 74.66-80.66% of tested yeast strains’ cell numbers were eliminated after a 20-minute treatment. The results suggested that the herbal O. sanctum L. essential oil could be a potential agent to develop cosmetic products including shampoo and cream for the prevention and treatment of Malassezia-associated diseases.

Trametes versicolour laccase immobilization by covalent binding and its application in Kraft E1 effluent pre-treated with ozone

Wastewater deriving from cellulose and paper manufacturing is one of the most important industrial effluents due to its large-volume production and high pollution load. Effluent deriving from the pulp bleaching stage (Kraft E1 effluent) remains one of the major issues faced by paper mills among all wastewaters generated in each stage of paper-making processes. Kraft E1 effluent was submitted to a sequential chemical (ozonization) – biological (immobilized laccase) treatment. Laccase was obtained from Trametes versicolour in liquid medium of culture using 2,5 -xylidine as inducer. Crude laccase extract was immobilized through covalent binding in Montmorillonite KSF and Eupergit®C supports based on different protocols. Eupergit®C has shown the best protein immobilization (51%), retention activity (100%), and operational stability (ten oxidative cycles) results. Enzymatic treatments using free and immobilized laccase onto Eupergit®C were applied to Kraft E1 effluent. After 18-h treatment, total phenol removal reached 20% and 40% in free and immobilized laccase, respectively. Ozone combined to enzymatic processes using reactor assembled with immobilized laccase (31 U g−1, total mass = 10.0 g) had effect on decolonization efficiency and on total phenols’ removal from Kraft effluent. Ozone treatment was capable of removing 52% of total phenols and 76% of colour from the investigated effluent. Sequential enzymatic treatment has increased total phenols’ removal to 64% within 30-minute treatment and reached 70% removal within 60 minutes. The herein observed additional phenol removal based on enzymatic treatment is an important outcome if one takes into consideration the fraction of total phenols that could not be removed by the ozone process.