Southwest Research Institute assistance to NASA in biomedical areas of the technology utilization program Final report, 1 Feb. 1969 - 24 Aug. 1970

Research progress in technology transfer by NASA Biomedical Application Tea

Reiki for Pain Control

Hemodialysis is a procedure used to remove waste products and electrolytes from the bloodstream when the kidneys are no longer working. In addition to removing waste products and unwanted electrolytes, the process also removes some medications as well; 60% of the most commonly used analgesics are removed during dialysis. For renal patients who experience chronic pain as a result of their illness, this is a serious problem. Dialysis patient are held to the same medication regulations regarding frequency and dosing as the general hospital population, leaving them without pain coverage for longer periods of time. The introduction of a complimentary alternative therapy such as Reiki through a volunteer program using nurses from the dialysis unit could be beneficial to patients receiving dialysis. Studies have shown Reiki to reduce pain in a variefy of situations including dialyzing renal patients. Watson\u27s Caring Theory provides a framework to support energy healing and the integration of a Reiki program for hospitalized dialysis patients. Reiki may reduce the pain dialysis patient\u27s experience, while receiving their dialysis treatment, ultimately enhancing the quality of their life

Preparation and characterization of anti-HIV nanodrug targeted to microfold cell of gut-associated lymphoid tissue

The human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) still remains one of the leading life-threatening diseases in the world. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced disease morbidity and mortality. However, most of the drugs have variable penetrance into viral reservoir sites, including gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Being the largest lymphoid organ, GALT plays a key role in early HIV infection and host–pathogen interaction. Many different treatment options have been proposed to eradicate the virus from GALT. However, it becomes difficult to deliver traditional drugs to the GALT because of its complex physiology. In this regard, we developed a polymer-based Pluronic nanocarrier containing anti-HIV drug called efavirenz (EFV) targeting Microfold cells (M-cells) in the GALT. M-cells are specialized epithelial cells that are predominantly present in the GALT. In this work, we have exploited this paracellular transport property of M-cells for targeted delivery of Pluronic nanocarrier tagged EFV, bioconjugated with anti-M-cell-specific antibodies to the GALT (nanodrug). Preliminary characterization showed that the nanodrug (EFV-F12-COOH) is of 140 nm size with 0.3 polydispersion index, and the zeta potential of the particles was −19.38±2.2 mV. Further, drug dissolution study has shown a significantly improved sustained release over free drugs. Binding potential of nanodrug with M-cell was also confirmed with fluorescence microscopy and in vitro uptake and release studies. The anti-HIV activity of the nanodrug was also significantly higher compared to that of free drug. This novel formulation was able to show sustained release of EFV and inhibit the HIV-1 infection in the GALT compared to the free drug. The present study has potential for our in vivo targeted nanodrug delivery system by combining traditional enteric-coated capsule technique via oral administration

Progress in Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis (HD) represents the first successful long-term substitutive therapy with an artificial organ for severe failure of a vital organ. Because HD was started many decades ago, a book on HD may not appear to be up-to-date. Indeed, HD covers many basic and clinical aspects and this book reflects the rapid expansion of new and controversial aspects either in the biotechnological or in the clinical field. This book revises new technologies and therapeutic options to improve dialysis treatment of uremic patients. This book consists of three parts: modeling, methods and technique, prognosis and complications