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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2022Bimetallic nanomaterials (BMNs) composed of two different metal elements have certain mixing patterns and geometric structures, and they often have superior properties... (Review)
Review
Bimetallic nanomaterials (BMNs) composed of two different metal elements have certain mixing patterns and geometric structures, and they often have superior properties than monometallic nanomaterials. Bimetallic-based nanomaterials have been widely investigated and extensively used in many biomedical fields especially cancer therapy because of their unique morphology and structure, special physicochemical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and synergistic effect. However, most reviews focused on the application of BMNs in cancer diagnoses (sensing, and imaging) and rarely mentioned the application of the treatment of cancer. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive perspective on the recent progress of BNMs as therapeutic agents. We first introduce and discuss the synthesis methods, intrinsic properties (size, morphology, and structure), and optical and catalytic properties relevant to cancer therapy. Then, we highlight the application of BMNs in cancer therapy (e.g., drug/gene delivery, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, enzyme-mediated tumor therapy, and multifunctional synergistic therapy). Finally, we put forward insights for the forthcoming in order to make more comprehensive use of BMNs and improve the medical system of cancer treatment.
Topics: Humans; Photochemotherapy; Phototherapy; Neoplasms; Nanostructures; Diagnostic Imaging
PubMed: 36557846
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248712 -
Annals of Medicine 2023Light therapy (LT) for Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) has been a well-known and effective treatment for 40 years. The psychiatric university clinic of Groningen,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Light therapy (LT) for Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) has been a well-known and effective treatment for 40 years. The psychiatric university clinic of Groningen, the Netherlands was an early adopter and started research and treatment of SAD in 1987. Research projects on mechanisms, the role of the circadian system, treatment optimization, and investigating new areas for the effects of light treatment have been carried out ever since, leading to a widespread interest across the country.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview and description of the historical development of LT for mental disorders in the Netherlands.
METHODS
A non-systematic, review of research on light treatment for mental problems in the Netherlands, published since 1987 was conducted.
RESULTS
The fields of LT and chronotherapy are strongly based in the scientific interests of both chrono-biologists and therapists in the Netherlands. LT has shown effectiveness in treating mood disorders. Likewise, results for other mental disorders have shown some promise, but so far, the outcomes are not always unequivocal and have not always been based on robust data. Ongoing research is discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
LT, and in addition exposure to the right light at the right time is an important issue in mental health. Over the past 3 decades research on light and LT in the Netherlands has become well established and is still growing.
Topics: Humans; Netherlands; Mental Disorders; Seasonal Affective Disorder; Mood Disorders; Phototherapy
PubMed: 37857364
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2269574 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2023This study aimed to establish the cost-effectiveness of home phototherapy versus hospital phototherapy treating hyperbilirubinemia in neonates more than 36 weeks. Based... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aimed to establish the cost-effectiveness of home phototherapy versus hospital phototherapy treating hyperbilirubinemia in neonates more than 36 weeks. Based on clinical results from a randomised controlled trial showing that home phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates is as effective as hospital phototherapy, we performed a cost-minimisation analysis to identify the most cost-effective alternative. We included costs for health care resource use as well as costs for transportation in connection with re-visits. The cost per patient was €337 for home phototherapy compared with €1156 for the hospital alternative indicating average cost savings of €819 (95% confidence interval €613-1025) or 71% per patient. Transportation and outpatient costs were higher in the home treatment group and hospital care costs were higher in the hospital group. Sensitivity analysis shows that results are robust also when allowing for uncertainty. Home phototherapy for neonates more than 36 weeks costs less than in-hospital phototherapy while being equally effective, meaning that home phototherapy is a cost-effective alternative to hospital treatment for infants with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.Trial registration NCT03536078 . Date of registration: 24/05/2018.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Bilirubin; Treatment Outcome; Phototherapy; Hyperbilirubinemia; Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal
PubMed: 37400561
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37684-y -
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology &... May 2024Vitiligo is characterized by depigmented patches resulting from loss of melanocytes. Phototherapy has emerged as a prominent treatment option for vitiligo, utilizing... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Vitiligo is characterized by depigmented patches resulting from loss of melanocytes. Phototherapy has emerged as a prominent treatment option for vitiligo, utilizing various light modalities to induce disease stability and repigmentation.
AIMS AND METHODS
This narrative review aims to explore the clinical applications and molecular mechanisms of phototherapy in vitiligo.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The review evaluates existing literature on phototherapy for vitiligo, analyzing studies on hospital-based and home-based phototherapy, as well as outcomes related to stabilization and repigmentation. Narrowband ultra-violet B, that is, NBUVB remains the most commonly employed, studied and effective phototherapy modality for vitiligo. Special attention is given to assessing different types of lamps, dosimetry, published guidelines, and the utilization of targeted phototherapy modalities. Additionally, the integration of phototherapy with other treatment modalities, including its use as a depigmenting therapy in generalized/universal vitiligo, is discussed. Screening for anti-nuclear antibodies and tailoring approaches for non-photo-adapters are also examined.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of phototherapy for vitiligo treatment. It underscores the evolving landscape of phototherapy and offers insights into optimizing therapeutic outcomes and addressing the challenges ahead. By integrating clinical evidence with molecular understanding, phototherapy emerges as a valuable therapeutic option for managing vitiligo, with potential for further advancements in the field.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Ultraviolet Therapy; Phototherapy; Melanocytes; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38632705
DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12968 -
Small Methods May 2023Phototherapy is an emerging approach for cancer treatment that is effective at controlling the growth of primary tumors. In the presence of light irradiation,... (Review)
Review
Phototherapy is an emerging approach for cancer treatment that is effective at controlling the growth of primary tumors. In the presence of light irradiation, photothermal and photodynamic agents that are delivered to tumor sites can induce local hyperthermia and the production of reactive oxygen species, respectively, that directly eradicate cancer cells. Nanoparticles, characterized by their small size and tunable physiochemical properties, have been widely utilized as carriers for phototherapeutic agents to improve their biocompatibility and tumor-targeted delivery. Nanocarriers can also be used to implement various codelivery strategies for further enhancing phototherapeutic efficiency. More recently, there has been considerable interest in augmenting the immunological effects of nanoparticle-based phototherapies, which can yield durable and systemic antitumor responses. This review provides an overview of recent developments in using nanoparticle technology to achieve photo-immunotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Phototherapy; Neoplasms; Immunotherapy; Drug Delivery Systems; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 36960932
DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300252 -
Current Drug Targets 2022Vitiligo is an acquired, chronic, and progressive depigmentation or hypopigmentation characterized by the destruction of melanocytes and the occurrence of white patches... (Review)
Review
Vitiligo is an acquired, chronic, and progressive depigmentation or hypopigmentation characterized by the destruction of melanocytes and the occurrence of white patches or macules in the skin, mucosal surface of eyes, and ears. Melanocytes are the melanin pigment-producing cells of the skin which are destroyed in pathological conditions called vitiligo. Approximately 0.5 - 2.0% of the population is suffering from vitiligo, and a higher prevalence rate of up to 8.8% has been reported in India. It is caused by various pathogenic factors like genetic predisposition, hyperimmune activation, increased oxidative stress, and alteration in neuropeptides level. Genetic research has revealed a multi- genetic inheritance that exhibits an overlap with other autoimmune disorders. However, melanocytes specific genes are also affected (such as DDR1, XBP1, NLRP1, PTPN22, COMT, FOXP3, ACE, APE, GSTP1, TLR, SOD, and CTLA-4). A number of therapeutic options are employed for the treatment of vitiligo. The topical corticosteroids and immunomodulators are currently in practice for the management of vitiligo. Phototherapies alone and in combinations with other approaches are used in those patients who do not respond to the topical treatment. The main focus of this review is on the etiopathological factors, pharmacological management (phototherapy, topical, systemic, and surgical therapy), and herbal drugs used to treat vitiligo.
Topics: Humans; Administration, Topical; Hypopigmentation; Melanocytes; Phototherapy; Vitiligo
PubMed: 35388753
DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220406125645 -
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B Jun 2022Wound healing is a complex process that greatly affects the normal physiological activities of genes, proteins, signaling pathways, tissues, and organs. Bacterial... (Review)
Review
Wound healing is a complex process that greatly affects the normal physiological activities of genes, proteins, signaling pathways, tissues, and organs. Bacterial infection could easily lead to serious tissue damage during wound healing, thus countering wound infections becomes a major challenge for clinicians and nursing professionals. At present, the exploration of highly effective, low toxicity and environment friendly methods for wound healing is attracting considerable interest all over the world. Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have presented great potential for treating wound infections due to their unique characteristics of diversified functionality, large specific surface area, and high biocompatibility. These properties endow MOFs/MOF-based composites with an outstanding anti-wound infection effect, which is mainly attributed to the continuously released active components and the exerted catalytic activity with the assistance of phototherapy. In this review, the current progress of MOFs/MOF-based composites for the phototherapy of skin wounds is presented. Firstly, we illustrate the pathophysiological mechanisms, principles of phototherapy and the conventional methods for wound healing. Then, the structures and characteristics of MOFs are systematically summarized. Moreover, the review highlights the recent advances in the application of phototherapy for wound healing (including photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and synergistic therapy) based on various MOFs/MOF-based composites. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are provided for the further development of MOF-based materials for medical application.
Topics: Metal-Organic Frameworks; Phototherapy
PubMed: 35687028
DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00341d -
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Oct 2023The biofilms formed by bacteria at the wound site can effectively protect the bacteria, which greatly weakens the effect of antibiotics. Herein, a microneedle patch for...
The biofilms formed by bacteria at the wound site can effectively protect the bacteria, which greatly weakens the effect of antibiotics. Herein, a microneedle patch for wound treatment is designed, which can effectively penetrate the biofilms in a physical way because of the penetration ability of the microneedles and the motion behavior of the nanomotors, and deliver bacterial quorum sensing inhibitor luteolin (Le) and nanomotors with multiple antibacterial properties within biofilms. Firstly, the nanomotors-loaded microneedle patches are prepared and characterized. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments show that the microneedle patches have good biosafety and antibacterial properties. Among them, Le can inhibit the growth of biofilms. Further, under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, the nanomotors loaded with photosensitizer ICG and nitric oxide (NO) donor L-arginine (L-Arg) can move in the biofilms under the double driving effect of photothermal and NO, and can give full play to the multiple anti-biological infection effects of photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and NO, and finally realize the effective removal of biofilms and promote wound healing. The intervention of nanomotor technology has brought about a new therapeutic strategy for bacterial biofilm-related infection of wound.
Topics: Humans; Photochemotherapy; Drug Delivery Systems; Phototherapy; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Bacterial Infections; Biofilms
PubMed: 37247478
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.05.080 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Mar 2024Phototherapy is used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD). Evidence for its efficacy, impact on quality of life, cost-effectiveness and short- and long-term safety with...
BACKGROUND
Phototherapy is used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD). Evidence for its efficacy, impact on quality of life, cost-effectiveness and short- and long-term safety with real-life usage is weak.
OBJECTIVES
We established a taskforce to examine how phototherapy is currently being used as a treatment for AD across the United Kingdom and Europe to inform our understanding and guide future research into management of patients with AD using UV-based phototherapies.
METHODS
An anonymous electronic multiple-response survey exploring phototherapy prescribing practices and experience of phototherapy modalities was developed by the study authors and sent to members of phototherapy networks from the United Kingdom and Europe. Responses were received between February and July 2021.
RESULTS
About 144 respondents from 27 European countries completed the survey. NBUVB was the most widely used [n = 138 (96%)]. Home-based NBUVB was available in 8/27 countries (25/144 respondents, 17%). Oral psoralen-UVA (PUVA) was more widely available than bath PUVA (n = 106, 74% vs. n = 60, 42%) and used mainly in adult patients. 49/144 (34%) of respondents had access to UVA1. Phototherapy would be considered instead of systemic treatment in 96% of adults and 82% of children for NBUVB, versus 40% of adults and 3% of children for PUVA. Starting doses, standard dosing increments, length of treatment courses, lifetime limits for treatments and thresholds for performing annual skin assessments varied between responders.
CONCLUSIONS
NBUVB was the most widely used phototherapy for AD in adult and paediatric patients, while PUVA and UVA1 were less used. Prescribing practices varied considerably, highlighting the lack of consensus practice in many different aspects of phototherapy for the treatment of AD in children and adults. This indicates that further studies are required to determine optimal phototherapeutic regimens for AD and informs our understanding of parameters that should be included in future high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCT) of phototherapy.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child; Dermatitis, Atopic; Phototherapy; Ultraviolet Therapy; Europe; United Kingdom
PubMed: 38011002
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19638 -
International Journal of Cancer Oct 2019We sought to determine if neonatal phototherapy is associated with a greater risk of childhood cancer. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 786,998 infants born...
We sought to determine if neonatal phototherapy is associated with a greater risk of childhood cancer. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 786,998 infants born in hospitals of Quebec, Canada between 2006 and 2016, with 4,660,868 person-years of follow-up over an 11-year period. The exposures were neonatal phototherapy (32,314 or 4.1% of infants) and untreated jaundice (91,855 or 11.7% of infants). The outcome was hospitalization for solid or hematopoietic childhood tumours between 2 months and 11 years of age. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to compute hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of phototherapy with childhood cancer, adjusted for infant characteristics. The incidence of childhood cancer was higher for infants with phototherapy (25.1 per 100,000 person-years) and untreated jaundice (23.0 per 100,000) compared to unexposed infants (21.6 per 100,000). Phototherapy appeared to be associated with late onset solid tumours, including brain/central nervous system cancers. Between age 4 and 11 years, children who received neonatal phototherapy had more than 2 times the risk of any solid tumour compared to unexposed children (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.34-3.81). Results were similar for phototherapy compared against untreated jaundice. A similar trend was however less apparent for hematopoietic cancer. We conclude that neonatal phototherapy may be associated with a slightly increased risk of solid tumours in childhood, but cannot rule out an effect of bilirubin. Minimizing unnecessary exposure to phototherapy through adherence to recommended thresholds for treatment is encouraged.
Topics: Canada; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Jaundice; Male; Neoplasms; Phototherapy; Proportional Hazards Models; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 30684392
DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32158