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Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Interpersonal touch represents the primal sensory experience between humans, fostering social bonding from the cradle to the death bed. In recent decades "affective... (Review)
Review
Interpersonal touch represents the primal sensory experience between humans, fostering social bonding from the cradle to the death bed. In recent decades "affective touch" has been intensely studied, stimulated by the discovery of a population of mechanosensitive unmyelinated C-tactile afferents in mammalian skin. A lack of touch in childhood is associated with negative consequences for psychosocial and physical health and the benefits of professional touch techniques in the prevention and treatment of various diseases have been shown over and over again in clinical studies. However, its application in mainstream clinical applications remains limited. To bridge the gap between recent discoveries in touch research and clinical medicine, we propose the establishment of a new discipline: 'Touch Medicine'. Here, we unfold the potential of Touch Medicine by focusing on the treatment of depression, which in our view is primarily a disorder of the lived body. Controlled studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated the antidepressant, anxiolytic and analgesic effects of specific massage techniques. Underlying mechanisms of action are currently under investigation, ranging from interoceptive, endocrinological, to stress-related or psychological underpinnings. Touch Medicine represents a novel interdisciplinary field connected to various medical specialities such as neonatology, pediatrics, pain medicine, neurology, psychiatry, and geriatrics - but also clinical psychology and psychosomatic medicine might benefit from the integration of these findings into their daily practice.
PubMed: 38881553
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1390673 -
Chinese Medicine Jun 2024Liguzinediol (Lig) has emerged as a promising candidate for mitigating Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity, a significant limitation in the clinical application of...
BACKGROUND
Liguzinediol (Lig) has emerged as a promising candidate for mitigating Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity, a significant limitation in the clinical application of this widely used antineoplastic drug known for its efficacy. This study aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanisms underlying Lig's protective role against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
METHODS
C57BL/6 mice were treated with DOX. Cardiac function changes were observed by echocardiography. Cardiac structure changes were observed by HE and Masson staining. Immunofluorescence was applied to visualize the cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), Caspase-3 and gasdermin E N-terminal fragment (GSDME-N). These experiments confirmed that Lig had an ameliorative effect on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in mice.
RESULTS
The results demonstrated that Lig effectively countered myocardial oxidative stress by modulating intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Lig reduced levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), while ameliorating histopathological changes and improving electrocardiogram profiles in vivo. Furthermore, the study revealed that Lig activated the AMPK/SIRT3 pathway, thereby enhancing mitochondrial function and attenuating myocardial cell apoptosis. In experiments with H9C2 cells treated with DOX, co-administration of the AMPK inhibitor compound C (CC) led to a significant increase in intracellular ROS levels. Lig intervention reversed these effects, along with the downregulation of GSDME-N, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), suggesting a potential role of Lig in mitigating Caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study suggest that Lig effectively alleviates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through the activation of the AMPK/SIRT3 pathway, thereby presenting itself as a natural product with therapeutic potential for preventing DOX-associated cardiotoxicity. This novel approach may pave the way for the development of alternative strategies in the clinical management of DOX-induced cardiac complications.
PubMed: 38877519
DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00955-5 -
Nursing Open Jun 2024To investigate mothers' experience of infant massage.
AIM
To investigate mothers' experience of infant massage.
DESIGN
This was an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study based on individual interviews.
METHODS
A qualitative interview study with an inductive approach was used according to the COREQ guidelines. The participants in the study were mothers (n = 11) residing in Sweden who received training in infant massage from the child health care nurse in the child health care services. The transcribed interviews were analysed using a qualitative content analysis.
RESULTS
The collected material resulted in two categories and eight subcategories. The categories were learning infant massage and using infant massage as a tool. The eight subcategories were massaging in a parent group, massaging at home, massage movements and the child health care nurse's supporting hand, reading the child's signals, creating time and relaxation together, interaction and connection between the child and the parent, relief from stomach problems and anxiety and continuing to massage the older child. The study showed that mothers experienced that the relationship created through infant massage brought more joy, tenderness and security to the child. The child health care nurse had an important role in supporting the mothers, especially when it came to different views on doing infant massage at home and in groups.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
Mothers with experience of infant massage were interviewed.
Topics: Humans; Massage; Mothers; Female; Qualitative Research; Infant; Sweden; Adult; Interviews as Topic; Mother-Child Relations
PubMed: 38875351
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2206 -
International Journal of Therapeutic... Jun 2024Lumbar hyperlordosis is the most prevalent musculoskeletal postural deformity. Maintenance of normal limits of lumbar lordosis is necessary for obtaining an ideal...
BACKGROUND
Lumbar hyperlordosis is the most prevalent musculoskeletal postural deformity. Maintenance of normal limits of lumbar lordosis is necessary for obtaining an ideal posture. Literature suggests that poor posture results in fascial restriction in which the fascia reorganizes in response to tension. Gross myofascial release (MFR) combined with posterior pelvic tilting exercises proved to be beneficial in improving the lumbar range of motion. Three-dimensional (3D) MFR is a novel approach toward reducing fascial restrictions. However, the literature determining the effects of 3D MFR is still emerging.
AIM
To determine the effect of 3D MFR on a lumbar lordosis angle and lumbar range of motion, in individuals with asymptomatic hyperlordosis.
METHOD
Participants (n = 30) with hyperlordosis were randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving 3D MFR (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15) that received sham 3D MFR for six sessions (3 alternate days for 2 weeks). The outcomes were assessed at day 1 and day 6. Lumbar range of motion was assessed using modified-modified Schober's test and the lumbar lordosis angle was measured using x-ray and flexicurve.
RESULTS
There was significant decrease (p = 0.0001) in the lumbar lordosis angle, increase in the lumbar flexion (p = 0.0001), and decrease in the extension (p = 0.0011) range of motion in the experimental group when compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION
Lumbar lordosis decreased and the lumbar range of motion increased in the experimental group only with 3D MFR and not with sham 3D MFR. Hence, 3D MFR is an effective method in the correction of lumbar hyperlordosis and improving the lumbar range.Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) trial number
PubMed: 38873188
DOI: 10.3822/ijtmb.v17i2.957 -
International Journal of Therapeutic... Jun 2024The research carried out is a large research project that examined two different massage methods on many variables so that they can determine their effect on variables...
INTRODUCTION
The research carried out is a large research project that examined two different massage methods on many variables so that they can determine their effect on variables on a wider scale, namely pain, range of movement (ROM), and low back function. Pain and ROM variables have been published in different journals, and their acute effects are only known after treatment and the results are effective. This study examined the low back function variable 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Tepurak and deep tissue massaging with stretching (DTMS) on low back function in nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) and conduct a comparison of the effectiveness of Tepurak versus DTMS for low back function in NSLBP.
METHODS
This research is a quasi-experiment using a pre-test/post-test design to determine the difference in scores before and after treatment. The variable measured involved the low back function using the Oswestry Disability Index. Measurements were carried out four times at pre-test, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the treatments. This study used two different sample groups. The research sample consisted of 42 NSLBP sufferers who were randomly divided into two groups, A and B. Group A received Tepurak treatment, while Group B received DTMS treatment. These treatments were carried out in one treatment session.
RESULTS
The results of the different treatments for the low back function variables in the Tepurak treatment have a p-value of 0.000. The results of the low back function variables in the DTMS treatment have a p-value of 0.000. The results of the comparison test of Tepurak versus DTMS therapy for the low back function variable had a p-value of 0.771.
CONCLUSION
Both Tepurak and DTMS are effective in improving low back function in NSLBP cases. In comparison between Tepurak and DTMS, there was no significant difference in the effectiveness in improving low back function in NSLBP cases.
PubMed: 38873187
DOI: 10.3822/ijtmb.v17i2.927 -
International Journal of Therapeutic... Jun 2024Proprioception is critical for older adults to maintain their balance and prevent falling. However, massage is a convenient intervention that its beneficial effect on...
BACKGROUND
Proprioception is critical for older adults to maintain their balance and prevent falling. However, massage is a convenient intervention that its beneficial effect on the proprioception is suggested.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to determine whether one session of stimulating massage of the muscles around the knee joint improves position sense in older adult men.
METHODS
Twenty healthy older adults participated in this blind, randomized, crossover trial. The two treatment phases were massage and rest. The washout period between interventions was a 1-week interval. The massage protocol was as follows: deep effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement for 5 minutes for the anterior (tensor fascia lata, quadriceps, sartorius, and gracilis) and posterior (hamstrings) muscles of the knee (10 minutes in total).
RESULTS
Outcome measures were absolute, constant, and variable errors (AE, CE, and VE). Participants were assessed immediately before and after the intervention by a blinded investigator. Independent -tests were used for statistical analyses. Massage reduced absolute error (2.77°, p = 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The finding of this study confirms the beneficial impact of the massage on the joint position sense in healthy older adult men.
PubMed: 38873186
DOI: 10.3822/ijtmb.v17i2.961 -
International Journal of Therapeutic... Jun 2024This editorial continues the exploration of the three pillars of the We discuss opportunities in TMB practice to share experiences and learnings with the IJTMB...
This editorial continues the exploration of the three pillars of the We discuss opportunities in TMB practice to share experiences and learnings with the IJTMB community. Several exemplars of manuscripts published in the Practice Sections are shared for inspiration.
PubMed: 38873185
DOI: 10.3822/ijtmb.v17i2.1049 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2024Among leukemia patients, sleep disruptions are prevalent and can profoundly affect their overall quality of life. Acupressure and foot reflexology, modalities rooted in... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Among leukemia patients, sleep disruptions are prevalent and can profoundly affect their overall quality of life. Acupressure and foot reflexology, modalities rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have garnered attention for their potential to address sleep disturbances and mitigate associated symptoms.
METHODS
This research utilized a randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design involving 102 leukemia patients admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. Participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups: acupressure (n = 34), reflexology (n = 34), or control (n = 34). Prior to the intervention, patients completed a demographic survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for baseline assessments. Acupressure involved stimulation of the SP6 point twice daily for 10 minutes over 4 weeks, while reflexology entailed daily 10-minute sessions with sweet almond oil on the soles for the same duration. The control group received standard care without additional interventions. Following the 4-week intervention period, post-intervention evaluations were conducted using identical measurement tools.
RESULTS
The findings underscored the efficacy of both acupressure and foot reflexology in significantly improving sleep quality within the intervention groups ( < .001). Initially, there were no notable differences in sleep quality among the 3 groups ( > .05). Subsequently, pairwise comparisons adjusted with Bonferroni corrections revealed significant disparities in sleep quality between the acupressure and reflexology groups compared to the control group ( < .001). However, post-intervention analysis indicated no statistically significant variance in enhancing sleep quality between the acupressure and foot reflexology groups ( < .05).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that acupressure and foot reflexology interventions can enhance sleep quality in individuals with leukemia. These findings support the effectiveness of these complementary modalities, offering targeted relief and relaxation. While these non-invasive therapies show promise in improving well-being, further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these results due to study limitations.
Topics: Humans; Acupressure; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Quality of Life; Sleep Quality; Foot; Leukemia; Massage; Sleep Wake Disorders; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38872330
DOI: 10.1177/15347354241261356 -
BMC Cancer Jun 2024Tumor immune infiltration leads to poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients and seriously affects the life quality of gastric cancer patients. This study was based on...
OBJECTIVE
Tumor immune infiltration leads to poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients and seriously affects the life quality of gastric cancer patients. This study was based on bioinformatics to screen prognostic biomarkers in patients with high degree of immune invasion of gastric cancer. Meanwhile, the action of biomarker CCDC80 was explored in gastric cancer by cell and tumorigenesis experiments, to provide reference for the cure of gastric cancer patients.
METHODS
Data sets and clinical massage on gastric cancer were collected from TCGA database and GEO database. ConsensusClusterPlus was used to cluster gastric cancer patients based on the 28 immune cells infiltration in ssGSEA. R "Limma" package was applied to analyze differential mRNAs between Cluster 1 and Cluster 2. Differential expression genes were screened by single factor analysis. Stemness markers (SERPINF1, DCN, CCDC80, FBLN5, SPARCL1, CCL14, DPYSL3) were identified for differential expression genes. Prognostic value of CCDC80 was evaluated in gastric cancer. Differences in genomic mutation and tumor microenvironment immune infiltration were assessed between high or low CCDC80. Finally, gastric cancer cells (HGC-27 and MKN-45) were selected to evaluate the action of silencing CCDC80 on malignant characterization, macrophage polarization, and tumor formation.
RESULTS
Bioinformatics analysis showed that CCDC80, as a stemness marker, was significantly overexpressed in gastric cancer. CCDC80 was also related to the degree of gastric cancer immune invasion. CCDC80 was up-expressed in cells of gastric cancer. Silencing CCDC80 inhibited malignant characterization and subcutaneous tumor formation of gastric cancer cells. High expression of CCDC80 was positive correspondence with immune invasion. Silencing CCDC80 inhibited M2 polarization and promoted M1 polarization in tumor tissues. In addition, gastric cancer patients were likely to have mutations in CDH1, ACTRT1, GANAB, and CDH10 genes in the High-CCDC80 group.
CONCLUSION
Silencing CCDC80, a prognostic biomarker in patients with immune invasion of gastric cancer, could effectively inhibit the malignant characterization, M2 polarization, and tumor formation of gastric cancer.
Topics: Stomach Neoplasms; Humans; Biomarkers, Tumor; Mice; Animals; Tumor Microenvironment; Prognosis; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Cell Line, Tumor; Gene Silencing; Computational Biology; Female; Male; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 38872096
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12451-y -
Heliyon Jun 2024This study aimed to show a 3-year trajectory of physical performance among Chinese elderly in Beijing communities and explore the associations between new adverse events...
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to show a 3-year trajectory of physical performance among Chinese elderly in Beijing communities and explore the associations between new adverse events during the 3-year follow-up period and decreased physical performance.
METHODS
A longitudinal observational study included baseline data and transitional information of physical performance from 456 community elders (mean age 67.3 ± 4.9 years, female 43.2 %) at a 3-year follow-up. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were used to measure cognition and physical performance, respectively. The number of chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, depression, knee pain, falls, and frailty were the principal independent variables in multivariate logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
The proportion of the elderly with poor physical performance (26.97 %) increased to 42.11 % and the proportion of those with good physical performance (44.96 %) dropped to 30.48 % after the three-year follow-up. As for physical performance transitions, 39.47 % of the elderly progressed to a worsening physical status. After adjustment for covariates, only new onset cognitive impairment (OR: 5.17; 95%CI: 2.01-14.54; P = 0.001) was associated with physical performance deterioration.
CONCLUSION
Cognitive impairment is an independent risk factor for decreased physical performance in elderly people. Active interventions targeted at cognitive impairment could help promote healthy aging.
PubMed: 38867948
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32132