Alternative Treatment Modality Research Articles

SHORT TERM EFFECTS OF PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY ON CLINICAL, MICROBIAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS

Objectives: Photodynamic therapy applies to the elimination of target cells by reactive oxygen species using a photosensitizing agent and a sufcient wavelength of light. It is a new, non-invasive approach to preventing infection. It is now an upcoming alternative treatment modality for periodontitis patients as a supplement to traditional scaling and root planing. The objective of the present study was to assess and compare the effect of photodynamic therapy with conventional Scaling and Root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: The study included a minimum of 5 non-smoking males with mild to moderate periodontitis. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, gingival bleeding index, pocket probing depth, clinical attachment level; microbiological parameter – anaerobic bacterial CFU count in subgingival plaque samples and biochemical parameter – GCF SOD levels were evaluated at baseline and 28 days postoperatively. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS (SYSTAT 12) statistical software. The Wilcoxon signed Rank test was used to compare the mean values of various parameters before and after treatment. Results: The results of the study show that all clinical parameters improved from baseline to day 28. Following therapy, the mean levels of the anaerobic bacterial CFU and GCF SOD have decreased dramatically. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest a signicant improvement in clinical, microbiological and Biochemical parameters with the use of PDT as an adjunct to conventional SRP in chronic periodontitis patients

Drug-Coated Balloons for the Treatment of Symptomatic Intracranial High-Grade Stenosis: A Review of the Current Rationale.

Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (sICAD) remains a challenging disorder in the neurovascular field. Despite best medical treatment, the recurrence rate for stroke remains high in patients with intracranial high-grade stenosis (>70–99%). Furthermore, two large randomized trials (SAMMPRIS and VISSIT) failed to prove the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in patients with sICAD. Drug-coated balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (DCB-PTA) represents an alternative treatment modality with therapeutic benefits for interventional cardiology. However, there are very few articles in the existing literature that relate to the use of DCB-PTA in sICAD patients. Here, we aimed to review the rationale underlying the use of DCB-PTA in sICAD patients and summarize recent developments in the neurovascular field.

Implications of radiofrequency ablation in patients undergoing thyroid surgery for benign disease in the United States

BackgroundRadiofrequency ablation is an alternative strategy for the management of benign thyroid conditions. We analyzed the proportion of patients who underwent thyroid surgery for benign conditions who would be potentially eligible for radiofrequency ablation. MethodsWe identified patients who underwent thyroid surgery from 2015 to 2019 at the study institution for Bethesda II cytopathology or toxic adenoma. Patients were considered potentially eligible for radiofrequency ablation if they had a dominant nodule >2 cm with or without compression symptoms, a dominant nodule <2 cm with compression symptoms, or a toxic adenoma. ResultsOf 411 patients in total, 284 (69.1%) would be eligible to consider thyroid radiofrequency ablation. In the radiofrequency ablation–eligible group, 20 (7.0%) experienced voice change after surgery, and 2 (0.7%) were dissatisfied or concerned about their scar. In the radiofrequency ablation–eligible group, 70 patients (24.6%) had malignancy diagnosed by final pathology, and 23 patients (8.1%) had cancers that were equal to or larger than 1 cm in size. ConclusionMany patients who undergo surgery for benign thyroid disease could be considered for radiofrequency ablation as an alternative treatment modality. Given the rate of occult malignancy, optimal evaluation of nondominant nodules before radiofrequency ablation and long-term thyroid surveillance for patients who undergo radiofrequency ablation should be further studied.

A Retrospective Cohort Study on Predictors for Rehospitalizations With Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation Post-Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is increasing in prevalence due to an aging population. Although medications for rhythm and rate control remain the first-line treatment options for many patients, difficulties can include arrhythmia relapse and drug side effects. Catheter ablation or radiofrequency is an alternative treatment modality that can isolate where ectopic arrhythmic sites originate. Several previous studies have examined post-ablation complications and hospitalization rates for arrhythmia recurrence. However, many of these studies used patient data from before 2015. We examined the following data using recent records: pre-procedural patient characteristics, rates of post-procedural hospitalizations with documented recurrence of AF, and patient risk factors associated with these recurrences.

Risk of Obesity Among Children Prescribed Atypical Antipsychotics for Six Months or More.

Objectives: The study investigates the risk of obesity for young children prescribed an atypical antipsychotic (AAP) for 6 months or more. AAPs are associated with risk of obesity. They are used in children for a variety of psychiatric conditions and are often prescribed off-label. Long-term risk of obesity in this age group is unknown as most studies are short-term investigations and generally combine younger children with adolescents and adults. Methods: A retrospective cohort of children, 10 years old or younger, prescribed either an AAP or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for 6 months or more were followed for up to 9.5 years. The primary endpoint was the body-mass index (BMI) reaching the 95th percentile. Results: One thousand six hundred fifty-five patients met inclusion criteria. One thousand one hundred eighteen patients were prescribed an AAP and 537 were prescribed an SSRI: 1152 (74.5%) patients were male and mean (standard deviation) age was 7.9 [1.90] years at study entry. Median follow-up was 3.58 years for the AAP cohort and 3.28 years for the SSRI cohort (p = 0.02). After adjusting for baseline demographic variables, BMI, and other concomitantly prescribed medications, children prescribed AAPs for 6 months or longer were twice as likely to become obese compared with children prescribed SSRIs (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.06 [95% confidence interval; CI 1.60-2.66], p < 0.0001). Further stratification by AAP revealed that the obesity risk for patients prescribed aripiprazole was 34% greater than for those prescribed risperidone (adjusted HR 1.34 [95% CI 1.01-1.78], p = 0.0033). Conclusions: The risk of obesity for young children prescribed an AAP for 6 months or more is approximately double that of children prescribed an SSRI. The risk of obesity is greater with aripiprazole than risperidone in the first year. Prescribers should consider the risk of obesity when prescribing AAPs and consider alternative treatment modalities in this vulnerable patient population.

Is Curcumin the Answer to Future Chemotherapy Cocktail?

The rise in cancer cases in recent years is an alarming situation worldwide. Despite the tremendous research and invention of new cancer therapies, the clinical outcomes are not always reassuring. Cancer cells could develop several evasive mechanisms for their survivability and render therapeutic failure. The continuous use of conventional cancer therapies leads to chemoresistance, and a higher dose of treatment results in even greater toxicities among cancer patients. Therefore, the search for an alternative treatment modality is crucial to break this viscous cycle. This paper explores the suitability of curcumin combination treatment with other cancer therapies to curb cancer growth. We provide a critical insight to the mechanisms of action of curcumin, its role in combination therapy in various cancers, along with the molecular targets involved. Curcumin combination treatments were found to enhance anticancer effects, mediated by the multitargeting of several signalling pathways by curcumin and the co-administered cancer therapies. The preclinical and clinical evidence in curcumin combination therapy is critically analysed, and the future research direction of curcumin combination therapy is discussed.

Successful management of status epilepticus with yoga prana vidya healing as a complementary therapy: A case study of atypical febrile seizure

: Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system and affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds, and seen more commonly in children. Atypical febrile seizure with Status epilepticus is a disorder known for significant morbidity and mortality. Despite newer antiepileptic drugs, 30 % of subjects are refractory to the conventional treatment with a risk of recurrence and neuro-developmental disorder. This paper presents one such case of a child handled successfully by Yoga Prana Vidya (YPV) Energy healing complementarily to conventional therapy. This is a prospective case study of a 2-month-old infant, an emergency case of atypical febrile seizures with status epilepticus, where YPV Healing intervention was done from the beginning while admitting doctors had given a guarded prognosis. This case study reports the normal physical, mental &amp; psychological development of the subject following YPV Healing with 3-year follow up, and the subject was observed to be normal without any recurrence of the disease or neuro-developmental abnormality.: Although the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been evaluated globally, there are few studies available on the use of Energy healing in various ailments. YPV Healing has been emerging as an effective modality of treatment for various physical, psychological ailments without any side effects. It can be effectively used from distance even without physically examining the subject. It has been used as a complementary or alternative modality of treatment in some severe life-threatening emergency conditions, and further studies may be conducted with appropriate sample sizes.

Monolithic Endocrown Vs. Hybrid Intraradicular Post/Core/Crown Restorations for Endodontically Treated Teeth; Cross-sectional Study.

The gold standard for restoring Endodontically Treated Teeth (ETT) with successful clinical longevity requires having minimal invasive preparations and maximal tissue conservation. Many dentists still consider hybrid post/core/crown to be the first choice for restoring ETT. Endocrown is a viable alternative treatment modality to hybrid post/core/crown. This study aims to assess the proper judgment of dentists working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the use of monolithic endocrown versus hybrid post/core/crown for restoring ETT. The IRB of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) Institutional Review Board reviewed this study. The questionnaire was validated and electronically distributed. The participants were pre-informed that their responses are completely anonymous and used for professional purposes only. The questionnaire surveyed dentists working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, about their preference for different ETT restorative modalities at various clinical scenarios. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and t-test. All P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. A total of 275 responses were collected; 61.45% were females and 38.55% males. 56% of them were general practitioners, while 16% were consultants. Prefabricated post/core was the most preferred technique among the participants (18.55%), followed by endocrown (12.36%), and lastly, cast post/core (8.73%). The amount of remaining tooth structure was the most influential in the treatment selection (30.18%), followed by the presence or absence of 1–2 mm ferrule (17.82%). Interocclusal space (12.36%) was the least influential factor. Endocrown recorded 63.27% as the most preferred line of treatment in case of insufficient inter-occlusal space. 40.36% preferred endocrown for patients with occlusal risk factors. The amount of the remaining tooth structure and the tooth position significantly affect the treatment options of the participants. Endocrown was the most preferred treatment modality for restoring ETT for patients with occlusal consideration.

Silver Nanoparticles Enhance Antimicrobial Efficacy of Antibiotics and Restore That Efficacy against the Melioidosis Pathogen

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Gram-negative bacillus bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. Due to the emerging resistance of B. pseudomallei to antibiotics including ceftazidime (CAZ), the development of novel antibiotics and alternative modes of treatment has become an urgent issue. Here, we demonstrated an ability to synergistically increase the efficiency of antibiotics through their combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Combinations of four conventional antibiotics including CAZ, imipenem (IMI), meropenem (MER), and gentamicin sulfate (GENT) with starch-stabilized AgNPs were tested for their antibacterial effects against three isolates of B. pseudomallei. The combination of each antibiotic with AgNPs featured fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index values and fractional bactericidal concentration (FBC) index values ranging from 0.312 to 0.75 µg/mL and 0.252 to 0.625 µg/mL, respectively, against the three isolates of B. pseudomallei. The study clearly showed that most of the combinatorial treatments exhibited synergistic antimicrobial effects against all three isolates of B. pseudomallei. The highest enhancing effect was observed for GENT with AgNPs. These results confirmed the combination of each antibiotic with AgNPs restored their bactericidal potency in the bacterial strains that had previously been shown to be resistant to the antibiotics. In addition, morphological changes examined by SEM confirmed that the bacterial cells were severely damaged by combinations at the FBC level. Although bacteria produce fibers to protect themselves, ultimately the bacteria were killed by the antibiotic–AgNPs combinations. Overall, these results suggest the study of antibiotic–AgNPs combinations as an alternative design strategy for potential therapeutics to more effectively combat the melioidosis pathogen.

A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of mud-bath therapy on knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) results from loss of cartilage in-tegrity in association with changes to the structure of the entire joint. Treatment of OA is based on different pharmaceutical and no phar-maceutical approaches and the latter include the use of spa-therapy. The biological effects of mud-bath therapy are mainly secondary to heat stimulation and to physic-chemical properties of mineral waters and mud-packs. Mud-bath therapy likely exerts its effects modulating several cytokines and other molecules involved in inflammation and cartilage degradation. Our aim was to perform an updated meta-analysis of the effectiveness of the mud-bath therapy on knee osteoarthritis and briefly to discuss the mechanisms of action of this treatment. A MEDLINE on PubMed for articles on knee OA and spa therapy published from 1995 through up to April 2019 was performed. Then, we checked the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to find additional references included up to April 2019. Articles were included if in accordance with the eligibility cri-teria. Sample size and effect sizes were processed with the MedCalc software package. Twenty one studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in meta-analysis. We examined WOMAC Index and VAS pain. We found significant improvements in function scores and painful symptoms after mud-bath therapy in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis. Spa therapy is a non-drug treatment modalities, non invasive, complication-free, and cost-effective alternative modality for the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis. It cannot substitute for conventional therapy but can integrated or alternated to it. Treatment with mud-bath therapy may relieve pain, stiffness and improve functio-nal status in patients with knee OA.

Long-term Efficacy of Percutaneous Epidural Neurolysis of Adhesions in Chronic Lumbar Radicular Pain: 10 Year Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

No long-term follow-up data exist in any treatment for chronic radicular pain occurring with disc pathology and after failed back surgery. A previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) has proven efficacy in short-term follow-up as an evidence-based effective therapeutic option. Long term data is needed to determine the efficacy and cost- effectiveness of minimal invasive procedures. The present study reports 10 year follow-up results from the randomized trial. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, interventional clinical trial. A power calculation was based on a previous feasibility trial. University medical centers. After a 4 year enrollment phase, 381 patients with chronic radicular pain persisting beyond 4 months, who failed conservative treatments, were screened. Ninety patients were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive percutaneous epidural lysis of adhesions or placebo with concealed allocation in permuted blocks of 4 to 8 patients each, and stratified by treatment center. The primary outcomes were a mean change of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), one and 10 years after intervention. For each rating scale an analysis of variance with the within-patient factor time (baseline, one year follow-up, 10 year follow-up) and the between-patient factor treatment (lysis, placebo) was used. Homogeneity was shown at baseline between the groups. The ODI and VAS scores were significantly better one and 10 years in the lysis group vs the control group. The ODI in the lysis group improved from 55.3 ± 11.6 to 9.6 ± 9.3 after one year and to 11.7 ± 14.2 after 10 years. The placebo group also improved from 55.4 ± 11.5 to 30.7 ± 14.2 after one year and to 24.8 ± 12.0 after 10 years. The VAS improved from 6.7 ± 1.1 to 1.2 ± 1.1 after one year and to 1.5 ± 1.4 after 10 years in the lysis group and from 6.7 ± 1.1 to 2.8 ± 1.5 after one year and to 2.9 ± 1.3 after 10 years after placebo intervention. The statistical difference of the ODI and VAS between the treatment and control groups remain significant up to 10 years. No treatment-related severe adverse effects occurred within the 10 years, but minor transient neurological effects were seen directly after the intervention. The long-term effects of single treatment components cannot be specified as no imaging examination was performed at 10 year follow-up. A large variety of unanalyzed noninvasive treatments were done within the 10 years. Some patients did not clearly remember the intervention after 10 years. Uncontrolled effects such as higher inhomogeneity of biometric properties, concomitant therapies, pain tolerance level, or just social effects could occur, but were not analyzed in the trial. This is the first 10 year follow-up report of a placebo-controlled RCT showing efficacy of the minimally invasive percutaneous adhesiolysis procedure for patients with chronic lumbosacral radicular pain. No alternative evidence-based treatment modality with 10 year follow-up is available to be recommended. This procedure should be considered as the first treatment option for patients with chronic lumbosacral radicular pain.

A Mixed-Methods Study Protocol for Soma Experiencing Motion Program (Soma e-motion Program): The Effectiveness of Contemplative Movement for Emotion Regulation.

Somatics refers to body work and movement study that emphasize internal perception and experience. Recently, a new perspective has emerged that views somatics-based techniques as a kind of mindful movement. Somatic techniques as contemplative movement can improve emotional regulation ability through improvement of body awareness or interoception. Based on this background, the present study attempts to develop a somatics based program suitable for a group of clinical patients suffering from emotional dysregulation. This study plans to collect quantitative and qualitative data in order to clarify how interoception and the related emotional regulation ability change after the program. These findings will help to explore whether the somatics technique has potential as an emotion regulation program in the future. In addition, the results are expected to contribute to finding an alternative treatment modality for patients who have not achieved a sufficient effect with conventional psychotherapy.

Use of Botulinum Toxin Injections for the Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure: Results From an American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Survey.

Chronic anal fissure (CAF) is commonly treated by colorectal surgeons. Pharmacological treatment is considered first-line therapy. An alternative treatment modality is chemical sphincterotomy with injection of botulinum toxin (BT). However, there is a lack of a consensus on the BT administration procedure among colorectal surgeons. A national survey approved by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) Executive Council was sent to all members. An eight-question survey was sent via ASCRS email correspondence between December 2019 and February 2020. Questions were derived from available meta-analyses and expert opinions on BT use in CAF patients and included topics such as BT dose, injection technique, and concomitant therapies. The survey was voluntary and anonymous, and all ASCRS members were eligible to complete it. Responses were recorded and analyzed via an online survey platform. 216 ASCRS members responded to the survey and 90% inject 50-100U of BT. Most procedures are performed under MAC anesthesia (56%). A majority of respondents (64%) inject into the internal sphincter and a majority (53%) inject into 4 quadrants in the anal canal circumference. Some respondents perform concomitant manual dilatation (34%) or fissurectomy (38%). Concomitant topical muscle relaxing agents are not used uniformly among respondents. Injection of BT for CAF is used commonly by colorectal surgeons. There is consensus on BT dosage, administration site, technique, and the use of monitored anesthesia care.

Beyond the Guidelines: Treatment of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Cystic Fibrosis.

To review the available literature addressing alternative allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) treatment options for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). A literature search of PubMed was performed (January 2002 to April 2021) using the following search terms: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergillus-related lung disease, cystic fibrosis. Manufacturer prescribing information, clinical practice guidelines, and data from ClinicalTrials.gov were incorporated in the reviewed data. Relevant English-language studies or those conducted in humans were considered for inclusion. Available literature for alternative ABPA treatments in CF is lacking randomized controlled trials, but there is considerable support in case reports and case series describing the benefits in pediatric and adult patients. Recent literature has begun to explore the place in therapy for novel, corticosteroid-sparing treatment approaches. The alternative therapies summarized in this review all resulted in clinical improvement and subsequent discontinuation or dose reductions of oral corticosteroids, with minimal reported adverse drug effects. Although corticosteroids are the cornerstone of ABPA management, the toxicities can be significant limitations in an already high-risk patient population. Patients may fail or become intolerant to guideline-recommended therapies and require alternative treatment approaches. Alternative treatment modalities for ABPA in patients with CF, including azole antifungals, pulsed intravenous glucocorticoids, omalizumab, mepolizumab, and inhaled amphotericin, appear to be efficacious and well tolerated. Pharmacological properties including route of administration, storage and stability, beyond use dating, and adverse effects of the various treatment modalities must be considered when selecting a practical care plan for patients.

Doxorubicin Delivered via ApoE-Directed Reduction-Sensitive Polymersomes Potently Inhibit Orthotopic Human Glioblastoma Xenografts in Nude Mice.

PurposeGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) poorly responds to chemotherapy owing to the existence of blood-brain barriers (BBB). It has been a long desire to develop BBB-permeable vehicles to facilitate drug targeting to GBM.Method and ResultsHere, we report that doxorubicin hydrochloride loaded in ApoE peptide-functionalized reduction-sensitive polymersomes (ApoE-PS-DOX) induces potent therapy of orthotopic U-87 MG model in nude mice. ApoE-PS-DOX with varying amount of ApoE (10~30 mol%) all had stable DOX loading and small sizes (< 90 nm). As revealed by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, apoptosis and MTT assays, ApoE-PS-DOX with 20 mol.% ApoE induced the best cellular uptake and inhibitory effect to U-87 MG cells, which were much better than the non-targeted PS-DOX and liposomal doxorubicin (Lipo-DOX) used in the clinic. ApoE-PS-DOX revealed a pharmacokinetic profile comparable to PS-DOX but induced considerably better growth inhibition of orthotopically xenografted U-87 MG tumors in nude mice than PS-DOX and Lipo-DOX, leading to significant survival benefits with a median survival time of 44 days, which was almost doubled relative to the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group. Moreover, in contrast to mice treated with Lipo-DOX and PS-DOX, ApoE-PS-DOX group exhibited little body weight loss, signifying that ApoE-PS-DOX not only has low side effects but also can effectively inhibit glioblastoma invasion.ConclusionThis ApoE-docked multifunctional polymersomal doxorubicin induces potent and safe chemotherapy of orthotopic U-87 MG model in nude mice offering an alternative treatment modality for GBM.

Un-sedated Office-Based Application of Blue Laser in Vocal Fold Lesions

Office-based laser procedures in laryngology have gained a lot of popularity in the last decade with the use of the KTP, PDL and Thulium lasers. Preliminary investigations currently report on the use of the 445 nm wavelength Blue laser for the treatment of various laryngeal pathologies, given its dual photoangiolytic and cutting properties. We aim to investigate the safety and efficacy of the Blue laser for the treatment of vocal fold lesions. This is a retrospective chart review of eleven patients with a variety of vocal fold lesions (polyps, Reinke's edema, papilloma, and leukoplakia), that underwent un-sedated office-based treatment using the 445 nm blue laser. The primary outcome was to compare preoperative to postoperative Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) score and self-reported voice improvement using a visual analog scale (VAS). We also compared fiberoptic laryngeal examination before and after treatment. Eleven un-sedated office-based procedures using the blue laser were performed. There was improvement in the mean VHI-10 score (n=8) with a decrease from 15.13 ± 8.77 to 3.50 ± 3.46 (P= 0.015). Similarly, the mean VAS score (n=7) decreased from 6.14 ± 1.21 to 1.71 ± 1.60 (P< 0.003). All patients had a complete or partial regression of the vocal fold lesions on fiberoptic laryngeal examination. None of the patients had complications after the procedure. Blue laser therapy can be suggested as a safe and effective alternative treatment modality in office-based laryngology procedures for a variety of vocal fold lesions. A larger series is needed to better validate the efficacy of this laser as a new treatment modality.

808-Nm Near-Infrared Laser Photobiomodulation versus Switched-Off Laser Placebo in Major Aphthae Management: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Background: the aphtha is one of the most common oral mucosal ulcerations and presents as a painful punched-out sore. Systemic and topical medications are used to reduce inflammation and pain and to support the natural period of remission. Alternative treatment modalities have been requested to relieve pain and improve its healing. In this regard, photobiomodulation, which is a manipulation of cells’ metabolism through an energy transfer by light sources of non-ablative or thermal intensity, could support aphtha management. The predictor variable of our research was the photobiomodulation through higher energy and power irradiated through a handpiece with a flat-top beam profile. The primary end point was the complete healing of the aphtha, defined as the time from the irradiation to the complete recovery. The secondary end point was pain relief, evaluated daily through the visual analogue scale (VAS), from the irradiation to 24 and 48 h after. Methods: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted according to the CONSORT guideline. Irradiation was performed through an 808-nm diode laser with flat-top handpiece, and 1 W, 1 W/cm2, 60 J, 60 J/cm2 for 60 s on a spot-size area of 1 cm2. Time of complete healing and pain evaluation by VAS scale were evaluated. Results: between 1 January, 2020 and 1 March, 2021, 126 patients were screened for the study at the Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa, Italy. Sixty patients were randomly assigned (30 in the photobiomodulation group and 30 in the placebo group). Patients of the photobiomodulation group experienced complete healing in an average time of 8.13 days ± 1.69 (min 5–max 10 days), while for the placebo group the average time extended to 30.76 ± 4.63 days (min 25–max 42 days). Patients of the photobiomodulation therapy group experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain and discomfort 24 and 48 h after treatment (p &lt; 0.05); the reduction was statistically higher (p &lt; 0.05) 48 h after treatment compared to 24 h after. Conclusions: photobiomodulation at the parameters and modality of irradiation proposed accelerates the healing recovery and reduces pain compared to the patients treated with the placebo.

Thermal Response of Dielectric Nanoparticle-Infused Tissue Phantoms During Microwave-Assisted Hyperthermia

Abstract Hyperthermia has been in use for many years, as a potential alternative modality for cancer treatment. In this paper, an experimental investigation of microwave-assisted thermal heating (MWATH) of tissue phantom using a domestic microwave oven has been reported. Computer simulations using finite element method-based tools were also carried out to support the experimental observations and probe insight into the thermal transport aspects deep within the tissue phantom. A good agreement between predicted and measured temperature was achieved. Furthermore, experiments were conducted to investigate the efficacy of dielectric nanoparticles, namely, alumina (Al2O3) and titanium oxide (TiO2) during the MWATH of nanoparticle-infused tumor phantoms. A deep-seated tumor injected with nanoparticle solution was specifically mimicked in the experiments. Interesting results were obtained in terms of spatiotemporal thermal history of the nanoparticle-infused tissue phantoms. An elevation in the temperature distribution was achieved in the vicinity of the targeted zone due to the presence of nanoparticles, and the spatial distribution of temperature was grossly morphed. We conclusively show, using experiments and simulations that unlike other nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia techniques, direct injection of the nanoparticles within the tumor leads to enhanced heat generation in the neighboring healthy tissues. The inhomogeneity of the hyperthermia event is evident from the local occurrence of hot spots and cold spots, respectively. The present findings may have far-reaching implications as a framework in predicting temperature distributions during microwave ablation (MWA).

Trigger areas nerve decompression for refractory chronic migraine

BackgroundChronic migraine refractory to medical treatment represents a common debilitating primary neurovascular disorder associated with great disability, high financial costs, reduced rates of productivity and impaired health-related quality of life. ObjectiveTo demonstrate the feasibility of scalp (trigger areas) nerve decompression as a treatment alternative in the management of refractory CM patients MethodsFrom January 2005 to January 2020, we retrospectively collected data of 154 patients diagnosed with chronic migraine that underwent trigger site nerve decompression. These trigger areas were divided according the nerve compromise as frontal (supraorbital nerve), temporal (auriculotemporal nerve), occipital (greater occipital nerve). Following extensive clinical evaluation, the surgical treatment was performed after under local anesthesia and required the release of the affected nerve from surrounding connective tissue adhesions, and vascular conflicts. ResultsOf the total amount of patients, 91 (59.09%) patients underwent auriculotemporal nerve decompression, 27 (13.63%) cases supraorbital nerve decompression, 15 (9.74%) patients greater occipital nerve decompression, and the remaining 21 (13.63%) patients had more than one procedure of nerve decompression. At 1-year follow or latest follow-up, 96 (62.2%) patients were considered as cured, 29 cases (18.83%) reported improvement of their symptoms, 21 (13.64%) patients considered only a partial symptomatic remission and 5 (3.25%) patients reported no change or failed surgical treatment. ConclusionNerve decompression of trigger site areas (frontal, temporal, occipital) by removal of tissue, muscles and vessels in patients with medically refractory CM is a feasible alternative treatment modality with a high success of up to 80.5%

POS1381 BIOLOGIC TREATMENT OF ADULT-ONSET STILL’S DISEASE: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Background:Even though corticosteroids and cDMARDs are effective for inducing remission in patients with Adult-Onset Still Disease (AOSD), relapse is common. Hence, maintaining the clinical stability is challenging. Almost all of the patients face side effects because of high dose steroid treatment. Biological DMARDs have been reported to be effective in refractory patients.Objectives:We aimed to evaluate the patients’ outcomes who were diagnosed with AOSD and treated with at least one bDMARDs in our tertiary center.Methods:Patients with AOSD who were followed in our clinic between 2007 and 2020 were screened retrospectively. For the diagnosis of AOSD, all of the patients fulfilled Yamaguchi criteria. The demographic characteristics, baseline and post-treatment clinical findings and outcomes were reported.Results:Twenty-eight patients (21 F, 7 M) were screened (Figure 1). The mean disease duration of the first bDMARD was 21,76 ± 28,05 months (mean ± SD). The mean duration of bDMARD treatment was 37,04 ± 30,75 months. The reasons for starting a bDMARD were systemic symptoms (%80) and chronic arthritis (%20). All of the patients used methotrexate (MTX) except one. This patient had macrophage activation syndrome during diagnosis and was treated with cyclosporine. All of the patients were treated with corticosteroids (34,28 ± 26,70 mg/d) and a cDMARD at initiation (22 of them MTX, 1 of them azathioprine, 2 of them cyclosporine and 1 of them IVIg). Anakinra was the most preferred biologic as a first-line treatment modality (TNF inhibitors=5, tocilizumab=4). The main reason for switching was loss of efficacy (8/22). Tocilizumab was the most used agent in 2nd line and canakinumab was in 3rd line. Twenty-two patients were in remission at last visit. Also, 15 patients were steroid-free, 14 patients were MTX-free. Patient global visual analogue scale, acute phase reactants and daily steroid dose were reduced significantly at last visit compared to the initial visit (Table 1).Table 1.Comparison of important laboratory findings and the mean steroid doseClinical findingAt initiation of bDMARDmean ± SDAt the last visitmean ± SDPG-VAS9.8 ± 0.82.3 ± 2.3ESR (mm/h)34,28 ± 33,9518.82 ± 11.60CRP (mg/l)70,76 ± 67,8013.44 ± 27.33Ferritin (ng/mL)1662 ± 1239275.7 ± 381.4Daily steroid dose (prednisolone, mg/d)34.28 ± 26.705.60 ± 8.60Figure 1.Presenting signs and the symptoms of the patientsbDMARD treatment was terminated in 5 patients due to complete remission (n=2) and side effects (1 of them pneumonia, 1 of them EBER (+) Hodgkin Lymphoma and 1 of them tuberculosis). Six patients experienced local injection site reaction, none of them stopped treatment. Also, one patient died while she was in remission under anakinra treatment with an unknown cause.Conclusion:The most common presenting symptoms in our cohort were fever and salmon-colored rash. Tocilizumab is an alternative treatment modality in cases with chronic arthritis and IL-1 inhibitors are an alternative for systemic course of disease. bDMARDs, especially IL-1 inhibitors are highly effective for refractory patients with AOSD.Disclosure of Interests:None declared