Efficacy of combined strategies of physical activity, diet and sleep disorders as treatment in patients with chronic shoulder pain. A systematic review

Introduction: The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the existing scientific evidence on the influence of dietary strategies, exercise, and sleep disorders on the symptomatology of patients with chronic shoulder pain, as well as to assess the methodological quality of the literature collected. Methods: The selection criteria were as follows: we included randomized controlled clinical trials written in English that investigated the effects of such interventions in patients with chronic shoulder pain and excluded studies where pre-operative rehabilitation or rehabilitation combined with corticosteroid injections was performed. We searched six databases Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Sportdiscus and Scopus, using the keywords “shoulder pain,” “fasting,” “physical therapy modalities,” “rehabilitation,” “exercise,” “circadian clocks,” and “chronic pain” to select randomized controlled clinical trials conducted in humans and written in English. The last search was conducted on 24/01/2023. (PROSPERO:CRD42023379925). Results: We used the tool proposed by the Cochrane Handbook to assess the risk of bias in the included studies of the 17 studies included, nine had a high risk of bias, two studies had an unclear risk of bias, and the remaining six studies had a low risk of bias. A total of 17 articles were selected, including 10 studies that showed a positive influences of exercise on chronic shoulder pain and five studies that showed a negative influence of sleep disorders on this patient profile. The remaining two articles analyzed the influence of nutritional strategies and metabolic problems in patients with chronic shoulder pain. The total sample size of the 17 included articles amounted to 9,991 individuals. Discussion: Studies confirm that exercise generates a hypoalgesic effect that improves chronic shoulder pain, functionality, and quality of life. Although dietary strategies and sleep disorders are known to influence chronic shoulder pain, there is a lack of studies that conduct interventions on these problems to assess how chronic shoulder pain varies.University Chair in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology (University of Granada and PNI Europe

Effectiveness of Treatments That Alter Metabolomics in Cancer Patients—A Systematic Review

This research has been partially funded by the University Chair in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology (University of Granada and PNI Europe).Supplementary Materials: The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/cancers15174297/s1, Table S1: Search strategies; Table S2: GRADE System.Introduction: Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, with the most frequent being breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men and colon cancer in both sexes. The use of metabolomics to find new biomarkers can provide knowledge about possible interventions based on the presence of oncometabolites in different cancer types. Objectives: The primary purpose of this review is to analyze the characteristic metabolome of three of the most frequent cancer types. We further want to identify the existence and success rate of metabolomics-based intervention in patients suffering from those cancer types. Our conclusions are based on the analysis of the methodological quality of the studies. Methods: We searched for studies that investigated the metabolomic characteristics in patients suffering from breast cancer, prostate cancer or colon cancer in clinical trials. The data were analyzed, as well as the effects of specific interventions based on identified metabolomics and one or more oncometabolites. The used databases were PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, EBSCO and Cochrane Library. Only nine studies met the selection criteria. Study bias was analyzed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This systematic review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023401474). Results: Only nine studies about clinical trials were included in this review and show a moderate quality of evidence. Metabolomics-based interventions related with disease outcome were conflictive with no or small changes in the metabolic characteristics of the different cancer types. Conclusions: This systematic review shows some interesting results related with metabolomics-based interventions and their effects on changes in certain cancer oncometabolites. The small number of studies we identified which fulfilled our inclusion criteria in this systematic review does not allow us to draw definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, some results can be considered as promising although further research is needed. That research must focus not only on the presence of possible oncometabolites but also on possible metabolomics-based interventions and their influence on the outcome in patients suffering from breast cancer, prostate cancer or colon cancer.University Chair in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology (University of Granada)University Chair in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI Europe

BigBand: GHz-Wide Sensing and Decoding on Commodity Radios

The goal of this paper is to make sensing and decoding GHz of spectrum simple, cheap, and low power. Our thesis is simple: if we can build a technology that captures GHz of spectrum using commodity Wi-Fi radios, it will have the right cost and power budget to enable a variety of new applications such as GHz-widedynamic access and concurrent decoding of diverse technologies. This vision will change today s situation where only expensive power-hungry spectrum analyzers can capture GHz-wide spectrum. Towards this goal, the paper harnesses the sparse Fourier transform to compute the frequency representation of a sparse signal without sampling it at full bandwidth. The paper makes the following contributions. First, it presents BigBand, a receiver that can sense and decode a sparse spectrum wider than its own digital bandwidth. Second, it builds a prototype of its design using 3 USRPs that each samples the spectrum at 50 MHz, producing a device that captures 0.9 GHz -- i.e., 6x larger bandwidth than the three USRPs combined. Finally, it extends its algorithm to enable spectrum sensing in scenarios where the spectrum is not sparse

Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Treatment of Pain and Inflammation: A Literature Review

The main objective of this literature review was to analyze the efficacy of (PBM) therapy application on subjects with chronic pain and inflammation, and furthermore, to evaluate the methodological quality of the collected literature. The search was conducted using five databases: PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro. The keywords “low level laser therapy”, “chronic pain”, and “inflammation” provided the selection of RCTs that were published within the last 5 years, conducted in humans, and written in English. The PEDro Internal Validity Scale (IVS) checklist was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. A total of 11 articles were selected, all of them RCTs. Of the articles, five showed that PBM positively influences chronic pain, while another showed the same but only in the short term. In two other articles, the patient’s inflammation improved markedly. In one article there was no improvement in chronic pain and in another, there was no improvement in inflammation. Four articles demonstrated that PBM is beneficial in acute pain. Furthermore, six studies were given an “excellent” score and the remaining five a “good” score based on the IVS. Photobiomodulation has beneficial effects on chronic pain and inflammation, although more research needs to be completed in this line for this to be clarified as the existence of RCTs on this subject is limited.University Chair in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology (University of Granada and PNI Europe

Efficacy of combined strategies of physical activity, diet and sleep disorders as treatment in patients with chronic shoulder pain. A systematic review

Introduction: The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the existing scientific evidence on the influence of dietary strategies, exercise, and sleep disorders on the symptomatology of patients with chronic shoulder pain, as well as to assess the methodological quality of the literature collected.Methods: The selection criteria were as follows: we included randomized controlled clinical trials written in English that investigated the effects of such interventions in patients with chronic shoulder pain and excluded studies where pre-operative rehabilitation or rehabilitation combined with corticosteroid injections was performed. We searched six databases Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Sportdiscus and Scopus, using the keywords “shoulder pain,” “fasting,” “physical therapy modalities,” “rehabilitation,” “exercise,” “circadian clocks,” and “chronic pain” to select randomized controlled clinical trials conducted in humans and written in English. The last search was conducted on 24/01/2023. (PROSPERO:CRD42023379925).Results: We used the tool proposed by the Cochrane Handbook to assess the risk of bias in the included studies of the 17 studies included, nine had a high risk of bias, two studies had an unclear risk of bias, and the remaining six studies had a low risk of bias. A total of 17 articles were selected, including 10 studies that showed a positive influences of exercise on chronic shoulder pain and five studies that showed a negative influence of sleep disorders on this patient profile. The remaining two articles analyzed the influence of nutritional strategies and metabolic problems in patients with chronic shoulder pain. The total sample size of the 17 included articles amounted to 9,991 individuals.Discussion: Studies confirm that exercise generates a hypoalgesic effect that improves chronic shoulder pain, functionality, and quality of life. Although dietary strategies and sleep disorders are known to influence chronic shoulder pain, there is a lack of studies that conduct interventions on these problems to assess how chronic shoulder pain varies

Assessment of 25 (OH) Vitamin D in Neonates with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Background: Vitamin D is a hormone that affects a wide range of functions within the body. Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious disease that may lead to permanent brain injury.Objective: The present study aimed to study vitamin D status in hypoxic ischemic in encephalopathy.Patients and methods: A case control study carried out in newborn intensive care unit (NICU) of Zagazig University Children Hospitals. Total number of cases that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria was 49 full term neonates with HIE divided according to Sarnat stages: stage I; 20 full term neonates, stage II; 15 full term neonates and stage III; 14 full term neonates. Cases were compared to 16 healthy controls. Results: There was a statistical significant increase in Apgar score 1, 5, 10 in control group compared to all cases groups. There were no statistical significant differences between the studied groups in relation to CBC results. There was a statistical significant difference between the different stages of HIE in CRP and pH. There was a statistical significant increase in frequency of hypoxic change in stage III compared to stage II and I. All stages of HIE showed statistical significant increase in frequency of vitamin D deficiency compared to control group. Stage III had statistical significant increase in frequency of vitamin D deficiency compared to stage I and II.Conclusion: Serum 25(OH) vitamin D insufficiency is present in the majority of term HIE neonates. 25 (OH) vitamin D was significantly deficient in stage III more than stage I and II

Efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in the treatment of pain and inflammation: a literature review

The main objective of this literature review was to analyze the efficacy of (PBM) therapy application on subjects with chronic pain and inflammation, and furthermore, to evaluate the methodological quality of the collected literature. The search was conducted using five databases: PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro. The keywords “low level laser therapy”, “chronic pain”, and “inflammation” provided the selection of RCTs that were published within the last 5 years, conducted in humans, and written in English. The PEDro Internal Validity Scale (IVS) checklist was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. A total of 11 articles were selected, all of them RCTs. Of the articles, five showed that PBM positively influences chronic pain, while another showed the same but only in the short term. In two other articles, the patient’s inflammation improved markedly. In one article there was no improvement in chronic pain and in another, there was no improvement in inflammation. Four articles demonstrated that PBM is beneficial in acute pain. Furthermore, six studies were given an “excellent” score and the remaining five a “good” score based on the IVS. Photobiomodulation has beneficial effects on chronic pain and inflammation, although more research needs to be completed in this line for this to be clarified as the existence of RCTs on this subject is limited.This study has been partially funded by the University Chair in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology (University of Granada and PNI Europe). Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Optimiranje fizikalno-kemijskih parametara, djelomično pročišćavanje i karakterizacija izvanstanične alkalne lipaze iz novog soja plijesni Curvularia sp. DHE 5

Thirty isolated fungal strains were screened for lipase production using Phenol Red plates, containing tributyrin as lipidic substrate, and a novel fungus identified genetically as Curvularia sp. DHE 5 was found as the most prominent strain. Various agro-industrial substrates were evaluated as inert supports for lipase production in solid-state fermentation. The highest yield of lipase ((83.4±2.2) U/g on dry mass basis) was reported with wheat bran medium after seven days of fermentation at pH=7.0, temperature of 30 °C, 70 % moisture content, inoculum size of 1.27·107 spore/mL and 2 % olive oil as an inducer. Supplementation of the medium with 0.05 % KCl as an ion source further increased lipase production to (88.9±1.2) U/g on dry mass basis. The enzyme was partially purified through ammonium sulphate fractionation (40 %) followed by dialysis, and its optimum pH and temperature were reported at 8.0 and 50 °C, respectively, with remarkable pH and thermal stability.U radu je ispitana proizvodnja lipaze iz 30 izolata plijesni na podlozi s tributirinom pomoću fenolnog crvenila, pri čemu se najviše istaknuo izolat koji je genetički identificiran kao novi soj plijesni Curvularia sp. DHE 5. Ispitana je mogućnost korištenja različitog agroindustrijskog otpada kao inertnih podloga za proizvodnju lipaze fermentacijom na čvrstoj podlozi. Najveći prinos lipaze od (83,4±2,2) jedinica po gramu suhe tvari dobiven je u podlozi s pšeničnim mekinjama nakon sedam dana fermentacije pri pH-vrijednosti od 7,0; temperaturi od 30 °C, 70 %-tnom udjelu vlage, veličini inokuluma od 1,27·107 spora po mililitru i s dodatkom 2 %-tnog maslinovog ulja. Dodatak 0,05 % KCl kao izvora iona dodatno je potaknuo proizvodnju lipaze na 88,9±1,2 jedinica po gramu suhe tvari. Enzim je djelomično pročišćen (40 %) frakcioniranjem pomoću amonijeva sulfata i dijalizom, te se pokazao izuzetno stabilinim, s optimalnom pH-vrijednosti od 8,0 i optimalnom temperaturom od 50 °C

Implications of abnormal abdominal wall computed tomographic angiography findings on postmastectomy free flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the abdominal wall vessels is used when planning free flap breast reconstruction (FFBR) because it provides a surgical road map which facilitates flap harvest. However, there are few reports on the effect of abnormal findings on the operative plan. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all FFBRs performed at a tertiary referral center over a 6-year period (November 2011 to June 2017). One consultant radiologist reported on the findings. Details on patient demographics, CTA reports, and intraoperative details were collected. RESULTS: Two hundred patients received preoperative CTAs. Fourteen percent of patients (n=28) had abnormal findings. Of these findings, 18% were vascular anomalies; 36% tumorrelated and 46% were "miscellaneous." In four patients, findings subsequently prevented surgery; they comprised a mesenteric artery aneurysm, absent deep inferior epigastric (DIE) vessels, bilateral occluded DIE arteries, and significant bone metastases. Another patient had no suitable vessels for a free flap and the surgical plan converted to a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. The remaining incidental findings had no impact on the surgical plan or appropriateness of FFBR. More than one in 10 of those with abnormal findings went on to have further imaging before their operation. CONCLUSIONS: CTA in FFBR can have a wider impact than facilitating surgical planning and reducing operative times. Incidental findings can influence the surgical plan, and in some instances, avoid doomed-to-fail and unsafe surgery. It is therefore important that these scans are reported by an experienced radiologist