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Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Aromatherapy is a holistic healing method to promote health and well-being by using natural plant extracts. However, its precise mechanism of action and influence on the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing method to promote health and well-being by using natural plant extracts. However, its precise mechanism of action and influence on the endocrine system remains unclear. Since recent studies reported that a neuropeptide, oxytocin, can attenuate anxiety, we hypothesized that if oxytocin secretion is promoted through aromatherapy, it may improve mood and anxiety. The present study is aimed to investigate the relationship between oxytocin and the effects of aromatherapy with lavender oil on anxiety level, by measuring salivary oxytocin levels in healthy men and women.
METHODS
We conducted a randomized open crossover trial in 15 men and 10 women. Each participant received a placebo intervention (control group) and aromatherapy with lavender oil (aromatherapy group). For the aromatherapy group, each participant spent a 30-min session in a room with diffused lavender essential oil, followed by a 10-min hand massage using a carrier oil containing lavender oil. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before the intervention, 30-min after the start of intervention, and after hand massage, in both groups. Saliva samples were collected at the same time points of the STAI.
RESULTS
In women, either aromatherapy or hand massage was associated with a reduction in anxiety levels, independently. Moreover, salivary oxytocin levels were increased after aromatherapy. On the other hand, in men, anxiety levels were decreased after aromatherapy, as well as after hand massage, regardless of the use of lavender oil. However, there were no significant differences in changes of salivary oxytocin levels between the control and aromatherapy groups during the intervention period. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between anxiety levels and salivary oxytocin levels before the intervention, but a negative correlation was observed after hand massage with lavender oil.
CONCLUSION
The results of the present study indicate that in women, aromatherapy with lavender oil attenuated anxiety with increase in oxytocin level in women, whereas in men, there was no clear relationship of aromatherapy with anxiety or oxytocin levels but, there was a change in correlation between anxiety and oxytocin. The results of the present study suggest that the effect of aromatherapy can vary depending on sex.
Topics: Humans; Oxytocin; Aromatherapy; Female; Male; Saliva; Anxiety; Adult; Oils, Volatile; Lavandula; Plant Oils; Young Adult; Cross-Over Studies; Sex Characteristics
PubMed: 38919481
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1380779 -
AIDS Education and Prevention :... Jun 2024This analysis examined correlates of HIV testing among Asian immigrant female sex workers in massage parlors. We interviewed 69 Chinese and Korean immigrant women who...
This analysis examined correlates of HIV testing among Asian immigrant female sex workers in massage parlors. We interviewed 69 Chinese and Korean immigrant women who provided sexual services in massage parlors in New York City or Los Angeles County (2014-2016). Multivariable logistic regression results showed that participants who were younger, have lived in the U.S. for a longer period of time, had greater English proficiency, perceived higher HIV risk, or were living with an intimate partner were more likely to have had an HIV test. Disclosing sex work to a close friend was also positively associated with HIV testing at < .1. These correlates may reflect differential access to information, systems, and social networks that would facilitate HIV testing, highlighting the importance of reducing social isolation and increasing HIV education, especially for older women who have come to the U.S. more recently. As the literature has indicated that Asian immigrant female sex workers experience high rates of intersectional stigma, efforts to mitigate these intersecting stigmas could further these objectives.
Topics: Humans; Female; Sex Workers; Emigrants and Immigrants; New York City; Los Angeles; Adult; Asian; HIV Infections; Social Stigma; HIV Testing; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Sex Work; Sexual Partners; Interviews as Topic
PubMed: 38917302
DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2024.36.3.182 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024This meta-analysis examines peak systolic velocities (PSVs) in thyroid arteries as potential biomarkers for thyroid disorders, which includes treated and untreated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A meta-analysis: elucidating diagnostic thresholds of peak systolic flow velocities in thyroid arteries for the discrimination of Graves' disease and destructive thyrotoxicosis.
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis examines peak systolic velocities (PSVs) in thyroid arteries as potential biomarkers for thyroid disorders, which includes treated and untreated Graves' disease(GD) and destructive thyrotoxicosis(DT).
METHODS
A search across databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science identified studies assessing peak systolic flow velocity in the inferior thyroid artery (ITA-PSV) and superior thyroid artery (STA-PSV) diagnostic efficacy in GD and DT.And the search was restricted to publications in the English language.The analysis compared STA-PSV and ITA-PSV across patient groups, evaluating intra-group variances and synthesizing sensitivity and specificity data.
RESULTS
The analysis covered 18 studies with 1276 GD, 564 DT patients, and 544 controls. The difference of STA-PSV between GD group, DT group and normal group and the difference of ITA-PSV were analyzed in subgroups, and there was no statistical significance between subgroups when comparing any two groups. Normal subjects displayed intra-group ITA-PSV and STA-PSV differences with established cut-off values of 20.33 cm/s (95% CI, 17.48-23.18) for ITA-PSV and 25.61 cm/s (95% CI, 20.37-30.85) for STA-PSV. However, no significant intra-group differences were observed in the STA-PSV and ITA-PSV cut-off values among groups with GD or DT. The combined cut-off values for these patient groups and normal subjects were 68.63 cm/s (95% CI, 59.12-78.13), 32.08 cm/s (95% CI, 25.90-38.27), and 23.18 cm/s (95% CI, 20.09-26.28), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio(DOR) for these values was 35.86 (95% CI, 18.21-70.60), and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was 0.91, with a sensitivity estimate of 0.842 (95% CI, 0.772-0.866).
CONCLUSION
PSVs in thyroid arteries are useful diagnostic tools in distinguishing DT from GD. A PSV above 68.63 cm/s significantly improves GD diagnosis with up to 91% efficacy. No notable differences were found between superior and inferior thyroid arteries in these conditions.
Topics: Humans; Graves Disease; Thyroid Gland; Blood Flow Velocity; Thyrotoxicosis; Arteries; Diagnosis, Differential; Systole
PubMed: 38911037
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1393126 -
Zhongguo Gu Shang = China Journal of... Jun 2024To explore dose-effect relationship of biomechanical parameters in treating atlantoaxial joint disorder by slimming manipulation.
OBJECTIVE
To explore dose-effect relationship of biomechanical parameters in treating atlantoaxial joint disorder by slimming manipulation.
METHODS
From October 2022 to May 2023, 18 patients with atlantoaxial joint disorders were treated, including 10 males and 8 females;aged from 24 to 27 years old with an average of (25.50±1.10) years old;CT of cervical vertebra showed 16 patients with right side distortion and 2 patients with left side distortion. The mechanical parameters of treatment of atlantoaxial joint disorder by tendon relaxation manipulation were measured by wearing massage manipulation gloves. The magnitude, frequency and mechanical curve of force during tendon relaxation and starting force, pulling force, pulling time and mechanical curve during rehabilitation were quantified, the differences between the affected and contralateral manipulations were compared.
RESULTS
The maximum force and frequency of Fengchi(GB20) on the affected side were (19.82±2.02) N and (116.83±14.49) times/min, and opposite side were (13.87±2.19) N and (188.89±16.03) times/min, respectively. There were statistically difference in the maximum force and frequency of both sides (<0.05). The maximum force and frequency of Quepen (ST12) on the affected side were (14.44±3.27) N and (139.06±28.47) times/min, and those on the opposite side were (9.41±1.38) N and (142.50±28.47) times/min. There was difference in maximum force on both sides (<0.05). The starting force, turning force and turning time of the affected side were (14.16±5.98) N, (11.56±6.63) N, (0.14±0.03) S, and the contralateral side were (8.94±3.39) N, (8.30±4.64) N, (0.18±0.04) S, respectively. The difference of starting force, turning force and turning time on both sides were statistically significant (<0.05).
CONCLUSION
By applying a light relaxation force on the affected side, the mechanical balance between cervical vertebrae could be restored, and recovery trend of atlantoaxial joint disorder could be strengthened. On this basis, the atlantoaxial odontoid process could be reversed by applying a light rotation force, which reflects the characteristics of high safety of the manipulation.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Atlanto-Axial Joint; Tendons; Biomechanical Phenomena; Young Adult; Joint Diseases
PubMed: 38910379
DOI: 10.12200/j.issn.1003-0034.20230957 -
Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Jun 2024Anxiety disorders have a far-reaching impact on society, with profound implications on both mental and physical health. In response, there is growing interest in manual...
CONTEXT
Anxiety disorders have a far-reaching impact on society, with profound implications on both mental and physical health. In response, there is growing interest in manual therapy modalities, with emerging research suggesting their potential to alleviate related symptoms.
OBJECTIVES
To establish a consensus regarding manual therapy modalities for addressing anxiety symptoms, a systematic review of current literature was conducted.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted between May and August 2023, utilizing a systematic search on both PubMed and Google Scholar, adhering to the defined inclusion criteria. In addition, information was gathered utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Both authors (KLW and TH) conducted the literature review. The inclusion criteria include articles written in English, peer-reviewed, anxiety conditions documented, and manual therapy delivered by a respectfully qualified professional. Manual therapy modalities include massage therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), foot reflexology, acupressure, manual therapy, healing touch, therapeutic touch, and gentle touch. After initial data collection, both researchers independently screened articles utilizing two metrics: a level of evidence (LOE) table and a screening criterion incorporating unique elements from the search process. The quality of the included articles was assessed utilizing Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT). When reviewer discrepancies arose, authors reread full-text studies and discussed the inclusion and exclusion criteria to achieve consensus.
RESULTS
The data searches identified 8,979 articles, with 239 articles remaining after duplicates and nonapplicable articles were removed. A total of 42 articles met the inclusion criteria, with only 40 articles able to be obtained for full-article review. After full review and the exclusion of articles with invalid author conclusions, meta-analysis, or systematic reviews, 34 articles were included in the review. All articles received an LOE rating of 2 or better and aligned with our specific screening criteria. Based on SORT, each modality was assigned a "B" rating. Among the included articles, n=27 demonstrated statistical significance in favor of manual therapy modalities as an anxiety treatment. The positive results for the aforementioned manual therapies on anxiety symptom improvement are shown: 15/18 (83 %) massage therapy, 2/6 (33 %) OMT, 5/5 (100 %) foot reflexology, 1/1 (100 %) acupressure, 1/1 (100 %) manual therapy, 0/2 (0 %) healing touch, 1/1 (100 %) therapeutic touch, and 1/1 (100 %) gentle touch.
CONCLUSIONS
A pattern emerged, wherein individuals receiving manual therapy interventions displayed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety intensity. Considering the positive results, manual therapy should be considered an effective strategy for anxiety management.
PubMed: 38905700
DOI: 10.1515/jom-2024-0001 -
American Family Physician Jun 2024The major salivary glands are the paired parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Salivary gland disorders can affect the glandular tissue or its excretory system.... (Review)
Review
The major salivary glands are the paired parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Salivary gland disorders can affect the glandular tissue or its excretory system. The parotid glands are the largest and produce aqueous serous secretions that are less immunogenic. They are more susceptible to infections and neoplasms. The submandibular glands produce mucinous secretions that are high in calcium and phosphate salts through a long submandibular duct that flows against gravity. The submandibular glands are responsible for more than 80% of salivary stones. Sialadenitis can be acute or chronic and caused by bacterial, viral, and obstructive etiologies; the most common bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus. The most common viral etiologies in children are mumps (globally) and juvenile recurrent parotitis (in vaccinated populations). Sialadenosis is a chronic asymptomatic enlargement of the salivary glands due to systemic disease. Sialolithiasis causes up to 50% of salivary gland disorders. It is associated with salivary stasis and inflammation caused by dehydration, malnutrition, medications, or chronic illness. Obstruction is also caused by trauma, stenosis, and mucoceles. Neoplasms are rare and typically benign, but they warrant referral and imaging with ultrasonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance sialography. Most disorders are managed with conservative measures by treating the underlying etiology, optimizing predisposing factors, controlling pain, and increasing salivary flow with sialagogues, hydration, massage, warm compresses, oral hygiene, and medication adjustment. Sialendoscopy is a gland-sparing technique that can treat obstructive and nonobstructive disorders. (Am Fam Physician. 2024;109(6):550-559.
Topics: Humans; Salivary Gland Diseases; Sialadenitis
PubMed: 38905553
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent and debilitating health conditions worldwide. Previous studies have reported a link between metabolic...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent and debilitating health conditions worldwide. Previous studies have reported a link between metabolic dysregulation and MDD. However, evidence for a causal relationship between blood metabolites and MDD is lacking.
METHODS
Using a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis (MR), we assessed the causal relationship between 1,400 serum metabolites and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The Inverse Variance Weighted method (IVW) was employed to estimate the causal association between exposures and outcomes. Additionally, MR-Egger regression, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods were used as supplementary approaches for a comprehensive appraisal of the causality between blood metabolites and MDD. Pleiotropy and heterogeneity tests were also conducted. Lastly, the relevant metabolites were subjected to metabolite function analysis, and a reverse MR was implemented to explore the potential influence of MDD on these metabolites.
RESULTS
After rigorous screening, we identified 34 known metabolites, 13 unknown metabolites, and 18 metabolite ratios associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Among all metabolites, 33 were found to have positive associations, and 32 had negative associations. The top five metabolites that increased the risk of MDD were the Arachidonate (20:4n6) to linoleate (18:2n6) ratio, LysoPE(18:0/0:0), N-acetyl-beta-alanine levels, Arachidonate (20:4n6) to oleate to vaccenate (18:1) ratio, Glutaminylglutamine, and Threonine to pyruvate ratio. Conversely, the top five metabolites that decreased the risk of MDD were N6-Acetyl-L-lysine, Oleoyl-linoleoyl-glycerol (18:1 to 18:2) [2] to linoleoyl-arachidonoyl-glycerol (18:2 to 20:4) [2] ratio, Methionine to phosphate ratio, Pregnanediol 3-O-glucuronide, and 6-Oxopiperidine-2-carboxylic acid. Metabolite function enrichment was primarily concentrated in pathways such as Bile Acid Biosynthesis (FDR=0.177), Glutathione Metabolism (FDR=0.177), Threonine, and 2-Oxobutanoate Degradation (FDR=0.177). In addition, enrichment was noted in pathways like Valine, Leucine, and Isoleucine Biosynthesis (p=0.04), as well as Ascorbate and Aldarate Metabolism (p=0.04).
DISCUSSION
Within a pool of 1,400 blood metabolites, we identified 34 known metabolites and 13 unknown metabolites, as well as 18 metabolite ratios associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Additionally, three functionally enriched groups and two metabolic pathways were selected. The integration of genomics and metabolomics has provided significant insights for the screening and prevention of MDD.
PubMed: 38903637
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1391535 -
JGH Open : An Open Access Journal of... Jun 2024The aim of this study is to compare the effects of osteopathic manipulative therapy home program (OMT-H) abdominal massage home program (AMHP) in treating constipation...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
The aim of this study is to compare the effects of osteopathic manipulative therapy home program (OMT-H) abdominal massage home program (AMHP) in treating constipation in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
METHODS
Twenty-nine children with CP with a mean age of 12.2 ± 3.76 years, who were constipated and were not on medication, were divided into three randomized groups: (i) control group ( = 10), (ii) AMHP ( = 10), and (iii) OMT-H ( = 9). In AMHP and OMT-H groups, treatment was applied as 20-min sessions every other day for 10 sessions for 3 weeks. Modified Constipation Assessment Scale (MCAS), Rome III criteria, and the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used for evaluation before treatment and once a week during treatment.
RESULTS
While there was no change in constipation symptoms in the control group, there was an improvement in constipation symptoms after treatment in the AMHP and OMT-H groups (AMHP, = 0.003; OMT-H, = 0.000014). While the treatment showed to be effective from the first week in the OMT-H group, the change in BSFS ( = 0.026) and MCAS sub-parameters was found to be superior.
CONCLUSION
AMHP and OMT-H are effective and beneficial in treating constipation. In children with CP, OMT-H was found to be quicker and more successful compared with AMHP. The OMT-H can be effectively used in clinical practice in relieving constipation in CP.
PubMed: 38903486
DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.13102 -
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research Jun 2024To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL15) and "Feishu" (BL13) on transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1(TRPV1), calcitonin gene-related peptide...
OBJECTIVES
To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL15) and "Feishu" (BL13) on transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1(TRPV1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the myocardial tissue of rats with chronic heart failure (CHF), so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in improvement of CHF.
METHODS
Male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal, model, moxibustion, capsaicin, moxibustion + capsaicin, and moxibustion + solvent groups, with 10 rats in each group. The CHF model was established by permanent ligation of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. Mild moxibustion was applied to bilateral BL13 and BL15 for 30 min once daily for 4 weeks. Rats in the capsaicin group were smeared with capsaicin in the acupoint area once a day for 4 weeks. For rats of the moxibustion + capsaicin and moxibustion + solvent groups, capsaicin and solvent were applied to the acupoint area before moxibustion for 4 weeks, respectively. The ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening rate (FS) were examined by echocardiography. HE staining was used to observe the myecardial morphological structure. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPV1, CGRP and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in myocardial tissue were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. The content of IL-10 in serum was detected by ELISA.
RESULTS
After modeling, the pathological changes of myocardium (as cardiac muscle fiber disorder, inflammatory cell infiltration, etc.) were obvious, and the EF, FS, serum IL-10, protein and mRNA exspression of TRPV1 and CGRP were significantly decreased (<0.01) in the model group compared with the normal group, while the protein and mRNA exspression of Gal-3 were significantly up-regulated (<0.01). Following the interventions, the above-mentioned indexes were all reversed in moxibustion, capsaicin, and moxibustion + capsaicin groups (<0.01), and the effect of moxibustion + capsaicin was the best (<0.05, <0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Moxibustion can reduce myocardial injury and improve cardiac function in CHF rats, which may be related to its effects in up-regulating the expression of TRPV1 and CGRP, and down-regulating the expression of Gal-3 to alleviate myocardial fibrosis.
Topics: Animals; TRPV Cation Channels; Moxibustion; Heart Failure; Male; Rats; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Humans; Myocardium; Acupuncture Points; Interleukin-10
PubMed: 38897798
DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230820 -
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva Jun 2024The article aims to verify the influence of MNFs on the duration of the birth process. A systematic review was carried out in the MEDLINE, Web of Science and LILACS...
The article aims to verify the influence of MNFs on the duration of the birth process. A systematic review was carried out in the MEDLINE, Web of Science and LILACS databases, through a combination of terms that cover the topic addressed, from 1996 to 2021/April. The Excel spreadsheet was used to collect data to extract information regarding each selected article, in turn, data analysis included the evaluation and classification of quality, reliability and risk of bias, thus, the following tools were used: Cochrane RoB 2, Checklist and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Warm bath, walking, exercises with a birthing ball, breathing techniques, supine position, acupuncture, acupressure and water birth reduced labor time. While spontaneous pushing, massage and immersion baths prolonged labor. Non-pharmacological methods capable of reducing the duration of labor were hot/warm shower, walking, birth ball exercises, breathing techniques, maternal mobility, dorsal position, acupuncture, acupressure and water birth, as well. associated applied techniques such as hot/warm bath, ball exercises and lumbosacral massage, as well as immersion bath, ball exercises, aromatherapy, vertical postures and maternal mobility with alternating vertical postures, shortened the birth time.
Topics: Humans; Time Factors; Female; Pregnancy; Labor, Obstetric; Delivery, Obstetric; Reproducibility of Results; Parturition
PubMed: 38896686
DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232024296.19032022