Search Results (193)

Background/Objectives: The objective of this review is to document the modalities to enhance the neuromuscular effects of botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection in spastic patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: We conducted a literature review focusing on studies involving BoNT administration for MS-related spasticity and the use of adjunctive therapies aimed at reducing dosage and increasing injection intervals. Results: The findings revealed a limited number of studies specific to MS patients, addressing only a few adjunct techniques, including electrical stimulation, vibration therapy, physical exercise, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Conclusions: These preliminary findings highlight the need for further research into integrative therapeutic strategies tailored specifically to the MS population. Full article

Introduction: The vascular architecture of the vocal folds plays a critical role in sustaining the dynamic demands of phonation. Disruptions in this microvascular system are linked to various pathological conditions, including Reinke’s edema, hemorrhage, and laryngeal carcinoma. This review explores the structural and functional components of vocal fold microvascularization, with emphasis on pericytes, endothelial interactions, and neurovascular regulation. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Keywords included “pericytes”, “Reinke’s edema”, and “vocal fold microvascularization”. Selected studies were peer-reviewed and met criteria for methodological quality and relevance to laryngeal microvascular physiology and pathology. Results: The vocal fold vasculature is organized in a parallel, tree-like pattern with distinct arterioles, capillaries, and venules. Capillaries dominate the superficial lamina propria, while transitional vessels connect to deeper arterioles surrounded by smooth muscle. Pericytes, present from birth, form tight associations with endothelial cells and contribute to capillary stability, vessel remodeling, and mechanical protection during vibration. Their thick cytoplasmic processes suggest a unique adaptation to the biomechanical stress of phonation. Arteriovenous anastomoses regulate perfusion by shunting blood according to functional demand. Furthermore, neurovascular control is mediated by noradrenergic fibers and neuropeptides such as VIP and CGRP, modulating vascular tone and glandular secretion. The limited lymphatic presence in the vocal fold mucosa contributes to edema accumulation while also restricting carcinoma spread, offering both therapeutic challenges and advantages. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of vocal fold microvascularization enhances clinical approaches to voice disorders and laryngeal disease, offering new perspectives for targeted therapies and regenerative strategies. Full article

Introduction: Emerging evidence indicates that whole-body vibration (WBV) may be a relevant adjunct in interventions targeting overweight and obese individuals. Moreover, WBV has been applied in combination with other exercise modalities and therapeutic strategies, with various physiological responses observed in this population. Objective: The current systematic review aimed to assess the physiological effects of WBV with other modalities of exercises in overweight and obese individuals. Methods: Searches in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were conducted to assess physiological responses to the combination of WBV with other modalities of exercises in overweight and obese individuals. Publications were identified and the screening was performed by two reviewers, independently. Irrelevant studies were excluded based on the eligibility criteria. Results: Seven studies, analyzing different outcomes, were included, with a mean methodological quality score of 7. Four studies analyzed the acute effect and three studied the cumulative effect, with different intervention protocols. Increases in growth hormone (GH) concentrations and bioelectrical phase angles, and reductions in fat mass, blood triglycerides, and cholesterol concentrations, as well as blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial stiffness, were reported. Conclusions: WBV combined with other exercise modalities seems to promote important physiological responses in overweight and obese individuals. However, more large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials with WBV and other modalities of exercises in overweight and obese cohorts are needed to corroborate and expand the findings of the current systematic review. Full article

Local temperature measurement is crucial for understanding nanoscale thermal transport and developing nanodevices for biomedical, photonic, and optoelectronic applications. The rise of photothermal therapy for cancer treatment has increased the demand for high-resolution nanothermometric techniques capable of non-contact intracellular temperature measurement and modification. Raman spectroscopy meets this need: the ratio of anti-Stokes to Stokes Raman intensities for a specific vibrational mode correlates with local temperature through the Boltzmann distribution. The present study proposes a novel photothermal therapy agent designed to advance the current state of the art while adhering to green chemistry principles, thereby favoring low-temperature synthesis involving limited energy consumption. A key challenge in this field is to achieve close contact between plasmonic nanosystems, which act as nanoheaters, and local temperature sensors. This is achieved by employing silver nanoparticles as a heat release agent, coated with anatase-phase titanium dioxide, as a local temperature sensor. The proposed synthesis, which combines refluxing and subcritical solvothermal treatments, enables direct anatase formation, despite its metastability under standard conditions, thus eliminating the need for a calcination step. Structural characterization through SAED-HRTEM and Raman spectroscopy confirms the successful crystallization of the desired phase. Moreover, the nanothermometry measurements conducted at various wavelengths ultimately demonstrate both the effectiveness of these nanomaterials as thermometric probes, with a relative sensitivity of about 0.24 K⁻¹%, and their capability as local heaters, with a release of a few tens of degrees. This work demonstrates a new synthetic strategy for these nanocomposites, which offers a promising pathway for the optimization of nanosystems in therapeutic applications. Full article

Given the cervical spinal cord’s role in locomotor and rhythmic upper limb tasks, its neuromodulation has emerged as an important area of study for understanding human spinal rhythmogenesis. We previously demonstrated that, under unloading conditions, arm muscle vibrostimulation can elicit non-voluntary upper limb oscillations. In this study, we investigated the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex during both voluntary and non-voluntary (vibration-induced) rhythmic arm movements. We analyzed motor-evoked potentials, mean arm muscle activity, and kinematic parameters of arm movements, including cycle duration and shoulder and elbow joint angular oscillations. Motor-evoked potentials in proximal arm muscles were significantly modulated during both movement types. Notably, low-frequency TMS markedly enhanced non-voluntary arm oscillations, whereas its effect on voluntary movements was statistically non-significant. This differential response is likely due to the absence of characteristic supraspinal influences in sensory-induced spinal activation during non-voluntary movements. These findings align with previous evidence showing that supraspinal pathways facilitate rhythmogenesis in the lower limbs, and they now extend this concept to the upper limbs. Overall, our results suggest that therapies aimed at modulating cervical central pattern generators may benefit from the active engagement of supraspinal motor circuits. Full article

Background and Objective: Fatigue represents a hallmark symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but its diagnosis and clinical evaluation is difficult because it is described as a subjective feeling of exhausted physical and mental sensation. Studies have also shown that approaches based on assisted therapies and robotics, as well as the use of vibration, which are used to improve sensory integration, reduce fatigue. The primary outcome in this study is to evaluate the effects of the application of focal vibrations on the reduction in fatigue, muscle strength, and endurance in MS patients with moderate disability. The secondary outcome is to assess the effects on quality of life, cognitive status, and mood. Methods: We enrolled 40 MS patients. The study was designed as a parallel randomized controlled trial: 20 patients were assigned to the experimental group (EG), who received vibration training, and 20 to the control group (CG), who received traditional physical exercise. Results: We found significant differences in the EG in fatigue, motor, and cognitive outcome and improvement of some aspects of quality of life (QoL). There are correlations between perceived multidimensional fatigue and cadence, step length, and health quality of life composite. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the potential effectiveness of vibration training in balance, walking endurance, and reduction in the risk of falls in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. In addition, we added evidence about fatigue, non-motor outcomes, in particular promoting mental and physical QoL and individual life satisfaction. The name of the registry is clinicaltrial.gov; the number of registration id NCT05783999; and the date of registration is 14 March 2023. Full article

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a growing health challenge with increasing prevalence. Early diagnosis and effective interventions are crucial to the management of KOA individuals. Vibration therapy has shown promise as an intervention for KOA. Systemic vibratory therapy (SVT) and local vibratory therapy (LVT) have gained interest in recent years. In these therapies, mechanical vibrations are transmitted to the body either systemically or locally. The current systematic review aims to comprehensively summarize SVT and LVT effects on the functional capacity of KOA individuals. Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro, and EMBASE on 3 July 2024, including only randomized controlled trials, were performed. The data collected were participant characteristics, vibrating devices, intervention duration, and main findings. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed with Cochrane tools, and methodological quality (MQ) was assessed via the Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Nine papers were selected from 922 articles: five on SVT and four on LVT, involving 352 individuals aged 40–80. SVT studies reported acute or chronic responses like increased muscle strength and improved functional capacity. LVT studies also indicated functional capacity improvements. RoB was classified as ‘high’ in three SVT studies and ‘low’ in two LVT studies. MQ was classified as ‘high’ in five SVT studies and one LVT study. Both SVT and LVT studies reported improvements in muscle strength, range of motion, and functional capacity. The current review revealed beneficial effects of both therapies on the functional capacity of KOA individuals. However, further well-designed studies are needed to reach definitive conclusions about the effect of SVT and LVT for KOA individuals. Full article

Background and Objectives: Whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy presents controversial evidence regarding its effectiveness in improving lower limb functional capacity in children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly when applied continuously as an adjunct to a physiotherapy program with demonstrated efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding WBV to an intensive therapeutic exercise and functional training program in improving lower limb functional capacity in children with spastic CP. Materials and Methods: Thirty children with spastic CP were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. Both groups completed a 4-week intensive therapeutic exercise and functional training program (4 sessions/week). The experimental group additionally received daily WBV. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all analysed variables at 1, 2, and 6 months post-treatment (p < 0.001). However, no significant between-group differences were found for primary (GMFM-88 D: p = 0.80; GMFM-88 E: p = 0.91) or secondary outcomes in relation to muscle tone and strength, and balance. A trend toward greater improvement was observed in the experimental group but without statistical significance. Conclusions: The addition of WBV to an intensive program of therapeutic exercise and functional training does not yield additional benefits in motor function, spasticity, gait capacity, lower limb muscle strength, or balance compared to intensive physiotherapy and functional training alone in children with spastic CP. The significant within-group improvements can be attributed to the intensive physiotherapy intervention, comprising therapeutic exercises and functional training. Full article

Cell-based therapy is a promising direction for the treatment of various diseases. However, it is associated with several problems, primarily related to reproducibility and standardization. In this context, the development of new methods for the production of cell-based preparations is of particular relevance. Recently, a novel technology named ‘crossing’ has been developed. It comprises the multi-stage vibrational processing of two closely spaced test tubes containing the initial substance and a neutral carrier (water or lactose). As a result, the neutral carrier acquires some properties of the initial substance, and artificial products, vibrational iterations, are obtained. Some vibrational iterations are also capable of exerting a modifying effect on the initial substance (or its target in the body), changing its physico-chemical/biological properties. Earlier, we demonstrated the possibility of obtaining vibrational iterations from biological molecules (antibodies). In this study, we evaluated the biological effects of vibrational iterations obtained by the crossing technology using cells grown in culture. This work shows that vibrational iterations obtained from CHO-S cell culture affect the ability of CHO-S cells to utilize glucose in the presence of insulin. The data demonstrate the prospect of developing fundamentally new biological drugs based on vibrational iterations, including for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Full article

Primary cervical dystonia (PCD), or spasmodic torticollis, is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary and often painful muscle contractions, leading to abnormal cervical movements and postures. While botulinum toxin injections are the first-line treatment, additional therapies, such as segmental muscle vibration (SMV), remain underexplored. SMV, a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, may enhance motor cortex excitability and promote neuroplasticity, offering potential benefits in PCD management. This single-center triple-blinded randomized controlled trial evaluates SMV’s efficacy in reducing dystonic pain and improving quality of life in PCD patients undergoing standardized rehabilitation after botulinum toxin treatment. Participants with a pain level of ≥3 on the Numerical Rating Scale will be randomized into two groups. The experimental group will receive 80 Hz SMV during a 10-session rehabilitation program, while the control group will undergo sham SMV. Both groups will follow identical physiotherapy and occupational therapy protocols. The primary outcomes include changes in pain intensity and function, assessed at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment using validated scales. The secondary outcomes will evaluate quality of life and patient satisfaction. This study hypothesizes that SMV will significantly reduce dystonic pain and enhance quality of life, supporting its integration into multidisciplinary rehabilitation for dystonic disorders. Trial registration number: NCT06748846. Full article

Background/Objectives: Magnetic hyperthermia (MH) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional cancer treatments, offering targeted tumor destruction with minimal damage to healthy tissues. In this study, we synthesized manganese-doped magnetic nanoflowers (Mn-NFs) using a polyol-mediated approach to enhance heating efficiency and biocompatibility for MH applications. Our objective was to evaluate their structural, magnetic, and in vitro hyperthermic properties to determine their potential for lung cancer therapy. Methods: Mn-NFs, with the general formula MnxFe₃-xO₄ (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7), were synthesized via a one-step polyol method and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Their heating efficiency was assessed through specific absorption rate (SAR) measurements in aqueous and solid environments under an alternating magnetic field (AMF). Cytocompatibility was evaluated using the Alamar Blue assay on A549 lung carcinoma cells. Cellular uptake was quantified via a colorimetric iron determination method, while in vitro MH efficacy was tested by subjecting Mn-NF-loaded A549 cells to AMF exposure at different field strengths and nanoparticle concentrations. Results: Mn-NFs exhibited a flower-like morphology with enhanced magnetic properties, achieving high SAR values, particularly in immobilized conditions. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed high biocompatibility at relevant doses, with Mn-NFs of x = 0.3 showing optimal cellular uptake. MH studies demonstrated significant cancer cell death at AMF intensities of around 30 kA/m, with increased effectiveness following static magnetic field pre-alignment. Conclusions: The results highlight Mn-NFs, particularly those with a Mn content of x = 0.3, as promising candidates for MH-based lung cancer therapy, combining high heating efficiency, biocompatibility, and effective intracellular uptake. Further studies are needed to validate their therapeutic potential in vivo. Full article

Background: Autistic children often face challenges with attention and emotion regulation, which can impact their socio-communication skills and overall well-being. Vibroacoustic therapy (VAT), a sensory-based intervention using low-frequency sound vibrations, may offer a novel approach to address these challenges. The objective of this pilot study is to explore the feasibility and potential efficacy of VAT in improving attention and emotion regulation in autistic children aged 9–12 years. Methods: Eighteen children were recruited with assistance from the school psychologist, using purposive sampling to identify participants with autism spectrum disorder and attentional challenges. The study was conducted at a primary school in Pretoria, South Africa, in March 2023. Participants were divided into treatment (n = 9) and control (n = 9) groups. The treatment group underwent 10 VAT sessions over six weeks. Attention was assessed using the NEPSY-II and Joint-Attention Test (JTAT), focusing on sustained, selective, alternating, and joint attention. Qualitative data were collected through observations and creative semi-structured interviews to understand the children’s experiences of VAT. Tests were conducted at baseline, midway, post-intervention, and one week post-intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using a Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) in R version 4.3.1, with significance assessed using a Likelihood Ratio Test (p < 0.05) to assess attention improvements. Results: Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in joint attention in the treatment group (X² = 11.64, df = 3, p = 0.008). Qualitative findings highlighted positive experiences related to emotion regulation, with children reporting a sense of calm and enjoyment during VAT sessions. Teachers also noted improvements in attention and engagement. Conclusions: VAT appears to be a feasible and acceptable intervention for autistic children, with potential benefits for attention and emotion regulation. These findings support further research to validate its efficacy and explore its adaptability for diverse sensory profiles. VAT may hold promise as a holistic therapeutic tool in autism intervention programmes. Full article

Vibrotherapy has been gaining popularity as a conceivable rehabilitative physical agent modality to decrease the pain and time for proper return-to-sport. This study aimed to assess the administration of mechanical Focal Vibration (mFV) in an adult male amateur runner with a grade II lesion of the rectus femoris muscle. He had to stop training 2 years ago and recently started running at least 3 days a week (5 km for 30 min/session). Five sessions of mechanical vibration were performed (20 min application, with an approximately 30 s pause between sequential sessions) per week for 2 weeks. Four weeks after the therapy, the lesion was healed, with an early good recovery in balance (Centre of pressure (CoP) speed (mm/s) decreased from 70.2 ± 13 to 46.7 ± 8, CoP area (mm²) decreased from 258 ± 31 to 203 ± 25) and pain relief (NRS reduced from 8/10 to 2/10), allowing the patient a short-term return to sport. These case report results might suggest that the use of mFV is a safe and reliable approach for muscle injury recovery, combinable within a multidisciplinary rehabilitation model. Full article

Background: Squat exercises are widely recognized for their ability to improve sports performance. Recent advancements in force/velocity profiling have highlighted the importance of power and velocity in explosive movements. While various training methods have been applied to enhance these parameters, their effectiveness remains inconsistent. Focal vibration has emerged as a potential intervention, yet its impact on squat performance has not been extensively explored. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of focal vibration with voluntary contractions on power/velocity during a squat exercise in amateur athletes in comparison with voluntary contraction in isolation. Methods: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 72 amateur athletes. Velocity, power, muscle activity, perceived effort, and clinical change were measured. The experimental group received focal muscle vibration therapy (100–180 Hz) combined with voluntary contraction, while the sham group underwent identical procedures and focal muscle vibration without the vibrating head, close to the muscle belly but without touching the skin. Results: Statistically significant improvements in the experimental group were found for mean power (p < 0.001; ES = 0.08), peak velocity (p < 0.010; ES = 0.42), and mean velocity (p < 0.001; ES = 0.66) during the squat. Between-group analysis favored the experimental group in peak power (p < 0.049; ES = 0.65), mean power (p < 0.034; ES = 1.42), peak velocity (p < 0.024; ES = 0.095), and mean velocity (p < 0.002; ES = 1.67). Conclusions: Focal muscle vibration (100–180 Hz) combined with active muscle contraction significantly enhances power and velocity during squat exercises in amateur athletes. Full article

Treating advanced metastatic cancer, particularly with bone metastasis, remains a significant challenge. In previous studies, induced tumor-suppressing (iTS) cells were successfully generated through genetic, chemical, and mechanical interventions. This study investigates the potential of electrical stimulation to generate iTS cells. Using a custom electrical stimulator with platinum electrodes, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and Jurkat T cells were stimulated under optimized conditions (50 mV/cm, 10–100 Hz, 1 h). Conditioned medium (CM) from electrically stimulated cells demonstrated tumor-suppressing capabilities, inhibiting tumor cell migration, 3D spheroid growth, and cancer tissue fragment viability. Additionally, the CM reduced osteoclast maturation while promoting osteoblast differentiation. Proteomic analysis revealed enrichment of tumor-suppressing proteins, including histone H4, in the CM. Functional studies identified Piezo1 as a key mediator, as its knockdown significantly impaired the tumor-suppressive effects. Mechanistically, the process was distinct from other methods, such as mechanical vibration, with SUN1 inhibition showing no effect on iTS cell generation by electrical stimulation. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of electrical stimulation in enhancing the antitumor capabilities of MSCs and T cells, offering a novel approach to cancer therapy. Further exploration of this strategy could provide valuable insights into developing new treatments for metastatic cancer. Full article