Search

Music therapy and the use of music in medical practice have now become rapidly advancing and promising areas of non-invasive alternative medicine. However, the opinions of physicians and therapists on the implementation of this complementary therapy, especially in the process of treating the patient, are constantly different. In addition, the effect of music and individual methodological procedures are not uniform and defined in detail. Therefore, this review study summarizes the results and conclusions of some selected high-quality publications over the last decade and makes suggestions for improvement and further research. It focuses mainly on the evaluation of changes in heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in connection with the application of music in the process of passive music therapy.

In recent years there has been an increase in development of electromagnetic (EM) technology in the telecommunication industry, resulting in an increase in human non-ionizing exposure. This fact has initiated a number of scientific studies on possible health effects of EM fields on human organism. Totally four representative microenvironments were investigated for RF EM fields distribution, namely: city center, residential area, rural area, and extra-village area. Each microenvironment was measured 20 times in accordance with the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. The extra-village measurements were taken as the base values that reflect the E-field intensities with the lowest amplitudes. The statistical analysis revealed notable statistical significance (p < 0.001) in almost all measured frequency bands except the Wi-Fi where the p-values were less than 0.05 for the city center and residential area but not significant for rural area. The highest total E-field intensity was measured in the residential area (approximately 1.85 V/m). All measured values were below the legal limits of the Slovak Republic and ICNIRP safety guidelines. However, the ICNIRP safety limits were written in 1998 considering only the thermal effects of RF radiation. They were updated in 2009 without any changes in the limits and still recommend 27.5 – 61 V/m (2 – 10 W/m2) for the RF frequency band of 400–2,000 MHz. The BioInitiative Report of 2012 established the scientific benchmark for possible health risks as 30–60 μW/m2 (approximately 0.1 – 0.15 V/m). Thus, all measured values were above the scientifically derived limits.

Upper airways (UA) are an organic component of the respiratory tract, they serve to respiration, respiratory tract protection and defense, phonation, deglutition, etc. The functions of UA are regulated by motor control of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal muscles.

The aim of our study was to investigate acute post-radiation changes after therapy with ionizing radiation manifested by erythema or dry, squamous and scurfy skin on a breast. We observed 100 female patients suffering from an early stage of breast carcinoma. The entering criteria were: age below 70 years, 100% of the Karnofsky s Score, no tumor bilaterality, tumor in the stage of T1 or T2. The female patients had finished nonradical surgery consisting from quadrantectomy and deviation of the axilla. Our results showed relationships between the localization and the level of breast skin change as well as between adjuvant chemotherapy and the level of breast skin change and, finally, between the size of the average dose of high energy radiation and the level of breast skin change.

Methods that had been applied to study central neuronal circuits regulating cough and respiratory reflexes so far rely on recording performed in vivo, ex vivo, micro injecting and lesion methods. Based on the available data it is clear that this network is complicated, multilevel, holarchical, undergoing reconfiguration under afferent inputs. For many students and researchers it is complicated to get a virtual spatial image of these cooperating neuronal populations. The project was aimed to create graphical three-dimensional computer model of the brainstem using environment MATLAB and the matrix algebra to visualize neuron localization within the brainstem. Relevant data for the model had been taken from recent and also former research papers published in particular areas. This model may help scientists to visualize groups of neurons, help them to find targets for microinjecting or lesion studies together with stereotaxic positioning. The model is upgradeable and highly flexible for future use, research and teaching applications in MATLAB environment. MATLAB is a high-level language and interactive environment that enables you to perform computationally intensive tasks faster than with traditional programming languages

Background: Although the scientific community is extensively concerned with the effects of the EMF, the unambiguous explanation of its effects on living structures is still lacking. Goals: The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of a low-frequency (LF) electromagnetic field (EMF) on the growth and multiplication of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Methods: Yeast cells were exposed to a frequency of 900 Hz and a magnetic flux density of 2.3 mT. The duration of each experiment was 8 hours, in the beginning of the measurement the value of frequency, rms (root mean square) value of electric current (2 A), and magnetic flux density were fixed set on the exposure device. A paired experiment was performed, a sample exposed to EMF, and a sample shielded from the field. Subsequently, samples were taken every two hours, the number of cells was recorded, and then the concentration of the yeast cells was evaluated at time points. The time points reflected the exposure time of the samples exposed to EMF. Results: The results indicate that LF EMF at given parameters has an inhibitory effect on the growth and multiplication of yeast cells. Conclusion: Exposure to EMF can cause the differences in growth dynamics between cells exposed to the field and the unexposed ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroanatomic and electrophysiologial techniques, used to find out the organization of vestibular inputs to nuclear tractus solitarius (NTS) and adjacent structures in cats, show that vestibular nuclear labelled projections are located in the middle and lateral regions of NTS. Neurons with vestibular inputs receive signals from abdominal vagal nerve and baroreceptor inputs. However, the inspiratory neurons in the dorsal respiratory group receive only meager vestibular input, revealing that this group does not regulate vestibulorespiratory reflexes.

Previous studies of physiological responses to music and noise showed the effect on the autonomic nervous system. The heart rate variability (HRV) has been used to assess the activation of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems. The present study was aimed to examine HRV with exposure to four sine-wave pure tones (20 Hz, 50 Hz, 2 kHz and 15 kHz) in an environment where the sound intensity exceeded level 65 dB (A-weighted). The participants (20 adolescent girls) were lying in supine position during exposure protocol divided into 6 periods, the first time with generated sounds and the second time without sounds. In the protocol without sound exposure, the low frequency band of the HRV spectrum was increased compared to the basal state before examination (period_1: 6.05±0.29 ms² compared to period_5: 6.56±0.20 ms2, p<0.05). The significant increase of root Mean Square of the Successive Differences (rMSSD, period_1: 4.09±0.16 s compared to period_6: 4.33±0.12 s, p<0.05) and prolongation of R to R peak (RR) interval (period_1: 889±30 ms compared to period_5: 973±30 ms, p<0.001) were observed in the protocol without sound exposure comparing to the protocol with sound exposure where only bradycardia was observed. Contrary to rather polemical data in literature our pilot study suggests that sounds (under given frequencies) have no impact on the heart rate variability and cardiac autonomic regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 27-year-old male patient with hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma with tendon contractures, myopathy and pulmonary fibrosis (POIKTMP). The patient developed pancreatic insufficiency and sleeping problems, requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) while also having hypocalcemia, G6PD deficiency and hypertension. Histopathological examination of the skin is considered as a helpful tool in diagnosing patients with POIKTMP.

The aim of our study was to investigate acute post-radiation changes after therapy with ionizing radiation manifested by erythema or dry, squamous and scurfy skin on a breast. We observed 100 female patients suffering from an early stage of breast carcinoma. The entering criteria were: age below 70 years, 100% of the Karnofsky s Score, no tumor bilaterality, tumor in the stage of T1 or T2. The female patients had finished nonradical surgery consisting from quadrantectomy and deviation of the axilla. Our results showed relationships between the localization and the level of breast skin change as well as between adjuvant chemotherapy and the level of breast skin change and, finally, between the size of the average dose of high energy radiation and the level of breast skin change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is generally acknowledged that there is a correlation between the incidence of ultraviolet burden diseases and an overexposure of the body to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The main goal of our study was to determine the personal protection of students against the harmful effects of UVR. Methods: We performed a questionnaire study of UVR in years 2005 and 2008 at 2 Slovak universities - Comenius University in Bratislava, the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFMED) and the University of Žilina (UŽ). Results: The study includes 478 university students, 403 from JFMED and 75 from UŽ; 315 respondents in 2005 and 163 in 2008. The number of students avoiding solaria increased in 2008 (p<0.001) compared to 2005 because of the reduction of those attending solaria occasionally (p<0.001). A low number of regular users of solaria in 2005 did not decrease in 2008 significantly. The proportion of students not familiar with the term "skin photo-type" was not significantly different in 2005 and 2008. However, the number of those who knew their skin type rose in 2008 (p<0.05) compared to the number in 2005. No statistically significant improvement in the protection of students against UVR (the ratios of respondents using sunscreens, wearing sunglasses, and wearing the hat and clothes) was found in 2008 compared to 2005. Conclusions: This study showed the particular types of personal protection of university students, future doctors and bioengineers. Higher level of students' awareness against the harmful effects of UVR and improved safety behaviour related to UVR exposure was proved. The study brings new insights on the surveillance and protection against the harmful effects of UVR in university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:This study was designed to investigate the effects of oxidant and antioxidant treatment, as well as regular exercise, on neurotrophin levels in the spinal cord of rats.Objectives:Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in neurodegenerative diseases, but ROS at moderate levels could stimulate biochemical processes through redox-sensitive transcription.Methods:Exercised or sedentary animals were injected subcutaneously with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), N-tert butyl-alpha-phenyl nitrone (PBN) or saline for the last 2 weeks of a 10-week experimental period to challenge redox balance. Free radical (FR) concentration was evaluated in the spinal cord by electron spin resonance, protein carbonyls, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels and the mRNA expression of BDNF receptor and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrKB).Setting:Research Institute of Sport Science, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.Results:Exercise or PBN decreased the concentration of FR, whereas the carbonyl content did not change. BDNF was significantly decreased in exercised sham and sedentary PBN-treated groups, and its content correlated with the level of FR. GDNF was significantly increased in sedentary H(2)O(2)-treated groups. No differences were observed in TrkB mRNA expression among groups.Conclusions:Results suggest that regular exercise alone and PBN in sedentary animals can successfully decrease FR levels in the spinal cord. Redox alteration seems to affect the levels of GDNF and BDNF, which might have clinical consequences, as neurotrophins play an important role in cellular resistance and regeneration.Spinal Cord (2009) 47, 453-457; doi:10.1038/sc.2008.125; published online 21 October 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Evidence for complex rostral NTS neuronal structures employed in the control of coughing. • GABA-ergic modulation of number, expiratory efforts and inspiratory timing of cough. • Evidence for limited role of GABA B receptors in the rostral NTS in the control of inspiratory cough efforts. • Limited effect of GABA-ergic neurotransmission in the caudal NTS on cough in cat. • Evidence for significant species differences in the cough circuitry between cats and rabbits. Abstract GABA, muscimol, and baclofen were microinjected into the rostral (rNTS) and caudal solitary tract nucleus (cNTS) in 24 anesthetized cats. Electromyograms (EMGs) of diaphragm (DIA) and abdominal muscles (ABD), blood pressure and esophageal pressure (EP) were recorded and analysed. Bilateral microinjections of 1 mM GABA (total 66 ± 4 nl), 1 mM baclofen (64 ± 4 nl) and unilateral microinjections of 0.5 mM muscimol (33 ± 1 nl) in the rNTS significantly reduced cough number (CN), amplitudes of ABD EMGs, expiratory EP, and prolonged the duration of the cough inspiratory phase. GABA microinjections decreased the amplitudes of cough-related DIA EMGs and inspiratory EP; muscimol microinjections decreased the cough DIA EMG on the contralateral side. Only microinjections of GABA into the cNTS suppressed CN. In some cases, microinjections prolonged the inspiratory phase, lowered respiratory rate, changed the depth of breathing, and increased blood pressure and heart rate. Our results confirm that GABA-ergic inhibitory mechanisms in the rNTS can regulate coughing in the anesthetized cat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Central neuronal interaction seems to play a role in pathogenesis of upper airway cough syndrome. In the guinea pig model we used the method c-fos expression to identify neurons involved in processing of nociceptive nasal stimuli and their contribution to enhancement of cough. 21 spontaneously breathing, urethane anaesthetized animals were used. The controls received intranasal saline, stimulation group received capsaicin (15μl, 50μM), and not-treated group was free of nasal challenge. After 2h animals were deeply anaesthetized, exsanguinated and transcardially perfused with saline and paraformaldehyde. The brainstems were removed, post-fixed, and slices were processed immunohistochemically for c-fos. In capsaicin group the FLI was detected in the nTs 0.5mm caudal, 1.5mm lateral to the obex, the area postrema, LRN and VRG. Intensive FLI was identified in trigeminal nuclear complex. Mean number of FOS positive neurons per section was significantly higher in capsaicin group than that in no-treatment controls or saline controls at the level of obex (p<0.01). Neurons of nTs and VRG clearly activated after nasal provocation may participate in enhancement of cough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The oxidative stress of birth in cattle (Bos taurus) was evaluated by measuring steady state concentration of free radicals in whole blood, rate of lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes, antioxidant capacity of blood plasma in 14 calves at birth and four times after birth until 3 weeks of age and also in their mothers at calving. The same parameters were also measured in 58 dairy cows before calving, at parturition and after calving. Free radical concentration in the blood of newborn calves was higher than in cows confirming that birth means oxidative stress for calves. Red blood cell malondialdehyde in calves was the highest at birth and following the first solid feed intake at the third week. Superoxide dismutase activity increased in calves during the first three weeks of life. Ferric reducing ability of plasma was higher in calves at birth than in cows and decreased thereafter. Higher superoxide dismutase activity in red blood cells and lower ferric reducing ability of plasma in dairy cows was found at calving compared to the average of all pre- and post-calving results. We conclude that the blood of newborn calves is well prepared to deal with the oxidative stress of birth, and that such a stress is present even when some fingerprint markers of redox imbalance show no apparent alterations. Stress of calving has minor effects on the antioxidant system of cows. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Importance: Office-based phototherapy is cost-effective for psoriasis but difficult to access. Home-based phototherapy is patient preferred but has limited clinical data, particularly in patients with darker skin., Objective: To compare the effectiveness of home- vs office-based narrowband UV-B phototherapy for psoriasis., Design, Setting, and Participants: The Light Treatment Effectiveness study was an investigator-initiated, pragmatic, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter, noninferiority randomized clinical trial embedded in routine care at 42 academic and private clinical dermatology practices in the US. Enrollment occurred from March 1, 2019, to December 4, 2023, with follow-up through June 2024. Participants were 12 years and older with plaque or guttate psoriasis who were candidates for home- and office-based phototherapy., Interventions: Participants were randomized to receive a home narrowband UV-B machine with guided mode dosimetry or routine care with office-based narrowband UV-B for 12 weeks, followed by an additional 12-week observation period., Main Outcomes and Measures: The coprimary effectiveness outcomes were Physician Global Assessment (PGA) dichotomized as clear/almost clear skin (score of ≤1) at the end of the intervention period and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 5 or lower (no to small effect on quality of life) at week 12., Results: Of 783 patients enrolled (mean [SD] age, 48.0 [15.5] years; 376 [48.0%] female), 393 received home-based phototherapy and 390 received office-based phototherapy, with 350 (44.7%) having skin phototype (SPT) I/II, 350 (44.7%) having SPT III/IV, and 83 (10.6%) having SPT V/VI. A total of 93 patients (11.9%) were receiving systemic treatment. At baseline, mean (SD) PGA was 2.7 (0.8) and DLQI was 12.2 (7.2). At week 12, 129 patients (32.8%) receiving home-based phototherapy and 100 patients (25.6%) receiving office-based phototherapy achieved clear/almost clear skin, and 206 (52.4%) and 131 (33.6%) achieved DLQI of 5 or lower, respectively. Home-based phototherapy was noninferior to office-based phototherapy for PGA and DLQI in the overall population and across all SPTs. Home-based phototherapy, compared to office-based phototherapy, was associated with better treatment adherence (202 patients [51.4%] vs 62 patients [15.9%]; P < .001), lower burden of indirect costs to patients, and more episodes of persistent erythema (466 of 7957 treatments [5.9%] vs 46 of 3934 treatments [1.2%]; P < .001). Both treatments were well tolerated with no discontinuations due to adverse events., Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, home-based phototherapy was as effective as office-based phototherapy for plaque or guttate psoriasis in everyday clinical practice and had less burden to patients., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03726489.

Importance: Trichophyton indotineae is an emerging dermatophyte causing outbreaks of extensive tinea infections often unresponsive to terbinafine. This species has been detected worldwide and in multiple US states, yet detailed US data on infections with T indotineae are sparse and could improve treatment practices and medical understanding of transmission., Objective: To correlate clinical features of T indotineae infections with in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing results, squalene epoxidase gene sequence variations, and isolate relatedness using whole-genome sequencing., Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study of patients with T indotineae infections in New York City spanned May 2022 to May 2023. Patients with confirmed T indotineae infections were recruited from 6 New York City medical centers., Main Outcome and Measure: Improvement or resolution at the last follow-up assessment., Results: Among 11 patients with T indotineae (6 male and 5 female patients; median [range] age, 39 [10-65] years), 2 were pregnant; 1 had lymphoma; and the remainder were immunocompetent. Nine patients reported previous travel to Bangladesh. All had widespread lesions with variable scale and inflammation, topical antifungal monotherapy failure, and diagnostic delays (range, 3-42 months). Terbinafine treatment failed in 7 patients at standard doses (250 mg daily) for prolonged duration; these patients also had isolates with amino acid substitutions at positions 393 (L393S) or 397 (F397L) in squalene epoxidase that correlated with elevated terbinafine minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.5 μg/mL or higher. Patients who were treated with fluconazole and griseofulvin improved in 2 of 4 and 2 of 5 instances, respectively, without correlation between outcomes and antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations. Furthermore, 5 of 7 patients treated with itraconazole cleared or had improvement at the last follow-up, and 2 of 7 were lost to follow-up or stopped treatment. Based on whole-genome sequencing analysis, US isolates formed a cluster distinct from Indian isolates., Conclusion and Relevance: The results of this case series suggest that disease severity, diagnostic delays, and lack of response to typically used doses and durations of antifungals for tinea were common in this primarily immunocompetent patient cohort with T indotineae, consistent with published data. Itraconazole was generally effective, and the acquisition of infection was likely in Bangladesh.