Katia Mareschi , Deborah Rustichelli, Valentina Comunanza, Roberta De Fazio, Cristina Cravero, Giulia Morterra,Barbara Martinoglio, Enzo Medico, Emilio Carbone, Chiara Benedetto and Franca Fagioli
Background aims
Amniotic fluid (AF) contains stem cells with high proliferative and differentiative potential that might be an attractive source of multipotent stem cells. We investigated whether human AF contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and evaluated their phenotypic characteristics and differentiation potential in vitro.
Methods:
AF was harvested during routine pre-natal amniocentesis at 14–16 weeks of pregnancy. AF sample pellets were plated in α-minimum essential medium (MEM) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). We evaluated cellular growth, immunophenotype, stemness markers and differentiative potential during in vitro expansion.
Neural progenitor maintenance medium (NPMM), a medium normally used for the growth and maintenance of neural stem cells, containing hFGF, hEGF and NSF-1, was used for neural induction.
Results:
Twenty-seven AF samples were collected and primary cells, obtained from samples containing more than 6 mL AF, had MSC characteristics. AF MSC showed high proliferative potential, were positive for CD90, CD105, CD29, CD44, CD73 and CD166, showed Oct-4 and Nanog molecular and protein expression, and differentiated into osteoblasts, adypocytes and chondrocytes. The NPMM-cultured cells expressed neural markers and increased Na+ channel density and channel inactivation rate, making the tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive channels more kinetically similar to native neuronal voltage-gated Na+ channels.
Conclusions:
These data suggest that AF is an important multipotent stem cell source with a high proliferative potential able to originate potential precursors of functional neurons.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Human neural stem cells: electrophysiological properties of voltage-gated ion channels. Xanya Sofra Weiss
T. Cho, J. H. Bae, H. B. Choi, S. Kim, J. G. McLarnon, H. Suh-Kim, S. U. Kim, CA and C. K. Min
We have characterized the pro¢le ofmembrane currents in an immortalized human neural stem cell line, HB1.F3 cells, using wholecell patch clamp technique.Human neural stemcell line generated from primary cell cultures of embryonic human telencephalon using a replication-incompetent retroviral vector containing vmyc expresses nestin, a cell type-speci¢c marker for neural stem cells.The human neural stemcells expressed both outward and inward Kþ currents with no evidence for Naþ currents.The density of the outward, delayed rectifying type Kþ current was 1.870.015 nA/pF, and that of the inwardly rectifying Kþ current was 0.3770.012 nA/pF (at 30mMof [Kþ]o). In order to induce neuronal di¡erentiation of the neural stem cells, a full-length coding region of NeuroD, a neurogenic transcription factor, was transfected into HB1.F3 cells. Introduction of NeuroDi nduced expression of Naþ currents with the current density of 0.04270.011nA/ pF. The presence of two types of Kþ currents and expression of Naþ currents induced byNeuroDap pear to re£ect the characteristic physiological features of human neural stemcells.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
We have characterized the pro¢le ofmembrane currents in an immortalized human neural stem cell line, HB1.F3 cells, using wholecell patch clamp technique.Human neural stemcell line generated from primary cell cultures of embryonic human telencephalon using a replication-incompetent retroviral vector containing vmyc expresses nestin, a cell type-speci¢c marker for neural stem cells.The human neural stemcells expressed both outward and inward Kþ currents with no evidence for Naþ currents.The density of the outward, delayed rectifying type Kþ current was 1.870.015 nA/pF, and that of the inwardly rectifying Kþ current was 0.3770.012 nA/pF (at 30mMof [Kþ]o). In order to induce neuronal di¡erentiation of the neural stem cells, a full-length coding region of NeuroD, a neurogenic transcription factor, was transfected into HB1.F3 cells. Introduction of NeuroDi nduced expression of Naþ currents with the current density of 0.04270.011nA/ pF. The presence of two types of Kþ currents and expression of Naþ currents induced byNeuroDap pear to re£ect the characteristic physiological features of human neural stemcells.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Functional ion channels in human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) discovered. Functional ion channels in human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) discovered.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins have discovered the presence of functional ion channels in human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). These ion channels act like electrical wires and permit ESCs, versatile cells that possess the unique ability to become all cell types of the body, to conduct and pass along electric currents. If researchers could selectively block some of these channels in implanted cells, derived from stem cells, they may be able to prevent potential tumor development. The paper appears Aug. 5 online in the journal Stem Cells. "A major concern for human ESC-based therapies is the potential for engineered grafts to go haywire after transplantation and form tumors, for instance, due to contamination by only a few undifferentiated human ESCs," says Ronald A. Li, Ph.D., an assistant professor of medicine at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and senior author of the study. "Our discovery of functional ion channels, which are valves in a cell's outer membrane allowing the passage of charged atoms, the basis of electricity, provides an important link to the differentiation, or maturation, and cell proliferation, or growth of human ESCs." Because human ESCs can potentially provide an unlimited supply of even highly specialized cells, such as brain and heart cells, for transplantation and cell-based therapies, they may provide an ultimate solution to limited donor availability.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Fibronectin-induced proliferation in thyroid cells is mediated by alphavbeta3 integrin through Ras/Raf-1/MEK/ERK and calcium/CaMKII signals.
Illario M, Cavallo AL, Monaco S, Di Vito E, Mueller F, Marzano LA, Troncone G, Fenzi G, Rossi G, Vitale M.
We recently demonstrated in an immortalized thyroid cell line that integrin stimulation by fibronectin (FN) simultaneously activates two signaling pathways: Ras/Raf/MAPK kinase (Mek)/Erk and calcium Ca2+/calcium calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). Both signals are necessary to stimulate Erk phosphorylation because CaMKII modulates Ras-induced Raf-1 activity. In this study we present evidence that extends these findings to normal human thyroid cells in primary culture, demonstrating its biological significance in a more physiological cell model. In normal thyroid cells, immobilized FN-induced activation of p21Ras and Erk phosphorylation. This pathway was responsible for FN-induced cell proliferation. Concurrent increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and CaMKII activation was observed. Both induction of p21Ras activity and increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration were mediated by FN binding to alphavbeta3 integrin. Inhibition of the Ca2+/CaMKII signal pathway by calmodulin or CaMKII inhibitors completely abolished the FN-induced Erk phosphorylation. Binding to FN induced Raf-1 and CaMKII to form a protein complex, indicating that intersection between Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk and Ca2+/CaMKII signaling pathways occurred at Raf-1 level. Interruption of the Ca2+/CaMKII signal pathway arrested cell proliferation induced by FN. We also analyzed thyroid tumor cell lines that displayed concomitant aberrant integrin expression and signal transduction. These data confirm that integrin activation by FN in normal thyroid cells generates Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk and Ca2+/CaMKII signaling pathways and that both are necessary to stimulate cell proliferation, whereas in thyroid tumors integrin signaling is altered.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Fibronectin-Induced Proliferation in Thyroid Cells. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Maddalena Illario, Anna Lina Cavallo, Sara Monaco, Ennio Di Vito, Frank Mueller, Luigi A. Marzano, Giancarlo Troncone, Gianfranco Fenzi, Guido Rossi, and Mario Vitale
Werecently demonstrated in an immortalized thyroid cell line that integrin stimulation by fibronectin (FN) simultaneously activates two signaling pathways: Ras/Raf/MAPK kinase (Mek)/Erk and calcium (Ca2 )/calcium calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). Both signals are necessary to stimulate Erk phosphorylation because CaMKII modulates Ras-induced Raf-1 activity. In this study we present evidence that extends these findings to normal human thyroid cells in primary culture, demonstrating its biological significance in a more physiological cell model. In normal thyroid cells, immobilized FNinduced activation of p21Ras and Erk phosphorylation. This pathway was responsible for FN-induced cell proliferation. Concurrent increase of intracellular Ca2 concentration and CaMKII activation was observed. Both induction of p21Ras activity and increase of intracellular Ca2 concentration were
mediated by FN binding to v 3 integrin. Inhibition of the Ca2 /CaMKII signal pathway by calmodulin or CaMKII inhibitors completely abolished the FN-induced Erk phosphorylation. Binding to FN induced Raf-1 and CaMKII to form a protein complex, indicating that intersection between Ras/Raf/ Mek/Erk and Ca2 /CaMKII signaling pathways occurred at Raf-1 level. Interruption of the Ca2 /CaMKII signal pathway arrested cell proliferation induced by FN. We also analyzed thyroid tumor cell lines that displayed concomitant aberrant integrin expression and signal transduction. These data confirm that integrin activation by FN in normal thyroid cells generates Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk and Ca2 /CaMKII signaling pathways and that both are necessary to stimulate cell proliferation, whereas in thyroid tumors integrin signaling is altered. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90: 2865–2873, 2005)
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Werecently demonstrated in an immortalized thyroid cell line that integrin stimulation by fibronectin (FN) simultaneously activates two signaling pathways: Ras/Raf/MAPK kinase (Mek)/Erk and calcium (Ca2 )/calcium calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). Both signals are necessary to stimulate Erk phosphorylation because CaMKII modulates Ras-induced Raf-1 activity. In this study we present evidence that extends these findings to normal human thyroid cells in primary culture, demonstrating its biological significance in a more physiological cell model. In normal thyroid cells, immobilized FNinduced activation of p21Ras and Erk phosphorylation. This pathway was responsible for FN-induced cell proliferation. Concurrent increase of intracellular Ca2 concentration and CaMKII activation was observed. Both induction of p21Ras activity and increase of intracellular Ca2 concentration were
mediated by FN binding to v 3 integrin. Inhibition of the Ca2 /CaMKII signal pathway by calmodulin or CaMKII inhibitors completely abolished the FN-induced Erk phosphorylation. Binding to FN induced Raf-1 and CaMKII to form a protein complex, indicating that intersection between Ras/Raf/ Mek/Erk and Ca2 /CaMKII signaling pathways occurred at Raf-1 level. Interruption of the Ca2 /CaMKII signal pathway arrested cell proliferation induced by FN. We also analyzed thyroid tumor cell lines that displayed concomitant aberrant integrin expression and signal transduction. These data confirm that integrin activation by FN in normal thyroid cells generates Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk and Ca2 /CaMKII signaling pathways and that both are necessary to stimulate cell proliferation, whereas in thyroid tumors integrin signaling is altered. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90: 2865–2873, 2005)
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Excitation-contraction coupling from the 1950s into the new millennium. Xanya Sofra Weiss Xanya Sofra Weiss
Dulhunty AF.
1. Excitation-contraction coupling is broadly defined as the process linking the action potential to contraction in striated muscle or, more narrowly, as the process coupling surface membrane depolarization to Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. 2. We now know that excitation-contraction coupling depends on a macromolecular protein complex or 'calcium release unit'. The complex extends the extracellular space within the transverse tubule invaginations of the surface membrane, across the transverse tubule membrane into the cytoplasm and then across the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane and into the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. 3. The central element of the macromolecular complex is the ryanodine receptor calcium release channel in the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. The ryanodine receptor has recruited a surface membrane L-type calcium channel as a 'voltage sensor' to detect the action potential and the calcium-binding protein calsequestrin to detect in the environment within the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Consequently, the calcium release channel is able to respond to surface depolarization in a manner that depends on the Ca(2+) load within the calcium store. 4. The molecular components of the 'calcium release unit' are the same in skeletal and cardiac muscle. However, the mechanism of excitation-contraction coupling is different. The signal from the voltage sensor to ryanodine receptor is chemical in the heart, depending on an influx of external Ca(2+) through the surface calcium channel. In contrast, conformational coupling links the voltage sensor and the ryanodine receptor in skeletal muscle. 5. Our current understanding of this amazingly efficient molecular signal transduction machine has evolved over the past 50 years. None of the proteins had been identified in the 1950s; indeed, there was debate about whether the molecules involved were, in fact, protein. Nevertheless, a multitude of questions about the molecular interactions and structures of the proteins and their interaction sites remain to be answered and provide a challenge for the next 50 years.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Control of calcium in skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling: implications for malignant hyperthermia. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Wingertzahn MA, Ochs RS.
The missing link in our understanding of excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) in skeletal muscle is the mechanism by which Ca2+ increases in the cytosol to trigger contraction. We discuss here a general background of intracellular Ca2+ handling, some characteristics of the major proteins involved in Ca2+ flow during ECC, and mechanisms currently believed to explain the increase in Ca2+ upon stimulation of muscle cells. These mechanisms include the calcium-induced calcium release, the direct coupled mechanism in which a plasma membrane and sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane protein interact, and mechanisms involving Ca2+ secretagogues that are known to elicit increases in calcium in other cells, inositol trisphosphate, and cyclic ADP ribose. We also consider possible roles for proteins associated with the principal calcium release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, the ryanodine receptor. Finally, we discuss malignant hyperthermia, a disease associated directly with aberrant control of muscle cell calcium release. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
The missing link in our understanding of excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) in skeletal muscle is the mechanism by which Ca2+ increases in the cytosol to trigger contraction. We discuss here a general background of intracellular Ca2+ handling, some characteristics of the major proteins involved in Ca2+ flow during ECC, and mechanisms currently believed to explain the increase in Ca2+ upon stimulation of muscle cells. These mechanisms include the calcium-induced calcium release, the direct coupled mechanism in which a plasma membrane and sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane protein interact, and mechanisms involving Ca2+ secretagogues that are known to elicit increases in calcium in other cells, inositol trisphosphate, and cyclic ADP ribose. We also consider possible roles for proteins associated with the principal calcium release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, the ryanodine receptor. Finally, we discuss malignant hyperthermia, a disease associated directly with aberrant control of muscle cell calcium release. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Characterization of Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels in Human Neural Progenitor Cells. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Grit Schaarschmidt, Florian Wegner, Sigrid C. Schwarz, Hartmut Schmidt, Johannes Schwarz,
Background: Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are among the earliest ion channels to appear during brain development, suggesting a functional requirement for progenitor cell proliferation and/or differentiation. We tested this hypothesis, using human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) as a model system.
Methodology/Principal Findings: In proliferating hNPCs a broad spectrum of Kv channel subtypes was identified using quantitative real-time PCR with a predominant expression of the A-type channel Kv4.2. In whole-cell patch-clamp recordings Kv currents were separated into a large transient component characteristic for fast-inactivating A-type potassium channels (IA) and a small, sustained component produced by delayed-rectifying channels (IK). During differentiation the expression of IA as well as A-type channel transcripts dramatically decreased, while IK producing delayed-rectifiers were upregulated. Both Kv currents were differentially inhibited by selective neurotoxins like phrixotoxin-1 and a-dendrotoxin as well as by antagonists like 4-aminopyridine, ammoniumchloride, tetraethylammonium chloride and quinidine. In viability and proliferation assays chronic inhibition of the A-type currents severely disturbed the cell cycle and precluded proper hNPC proliferation, while the blockade of delayed-rectifiers by a-dendrotoxin increased proliferation.
Conclusions/Significance: These findings suggest that A-type potassium currents are essential for proper proliferation of immature multipotent hNPCs.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Transport Mechanisms in Iontophoresis. II. Electroosmotic Flow and Transference Number Measurements for Hairless Mouse Skin. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Abstract Previous studies suggest that bulk fluid flow by electroosmosis is a significant factor in iontophoresis and may provide an explanation for the observed enhanced transport of neutral species. In a charged membrane, the solution carries a net charge and thus experiences a volume force in an electric field, which causes volume flow (J v in the direction of counterion flow. J vdata were obtained for hairless mouse skin (HM) as a function of pH, concentration of NaCl, current density, and time. Volume flow was measured by timing fluid movement in horizontal capillary tubes attached to the anode and cathode (Ag/AgCl) compartments. By convention, the sign of J v is taken as positive when the volume flow is in the same direction as positive current flow. Experimental mean values were in the range 0 to + 37 µl/cm2 hr, depending on the experimental conditions. Volume flow of this magnitude is large enough to have significant impact on flow of both ions and neutral species. The positive sign for J v indicates that HMS is negative in the pH range studied (3.8–8.3). J v decrease with time, decrease with increasing NaCl concentration, are much lower at pH 3.8 than at the higher pH's, and increase with current density. Effective transference numbers, determined from membrane potential measurements, showed significant pH dependence, consistent with a small negative charge on the membrane at mid pH's and charge reversal around pH 4. Both electrical resistance and J v data indicate changes in transport properties occur when HMS is subjected to an electric field.
Ion Channels: Febrile convulsions, ataxia, developmental delay, and obesity: a new syndrome? Xanya Sofra Weiss
Febrile convulsions, ataxia, developmental delay, and obesity: a new syndrome?
D Lev, N Watemberg, A Aviram, J Fishoff, E Antman, T Lerman-Sagie
We describe the association of recurrent complicated febrile convulsions, developmental delay, ataxia, and obesity in three unrelated girls. The three girls, aged 3 to 4 years, were all born to healthy, nonconsanguineous parents and have normal siblings. Their birth weight was appropriate for gestational age. They are not dysmorphic and have normal head circumference. Development is delayed; they all walked with an ataxic gait after the age of 2 years and started speaking at 3 years. Their growth charts are remarkably alike: they initially had a normal growth curve and around 24 months of age started to gain weight excessively. They all continue to suffer from complicated febrile seizures, which started before 12 months of age, and are resistant to prophylactic anticonvulsants. Metabolic evaluation is normal. They have normal magnetic resonance images and electroencephalograms. Fragile X and Prader-Willi syndromes were ruled out. We suggest that this is a new mental retardation syndrome that should be considered in children with recurrent febrile convulsions, developmental delay, and obesity. In a recent study, mutations in the beta4 calcium channel were identified in the mutant epileptic mouse that presents with epilepsy, mental retardation, and ataxia. We hypothesize that a calcium channel gene may be involved in this syndrome.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
D Lev, N Watemberg, A Aviram, J Fishoff, E Antman, T Lerman-Sagie
We describe the association of recurrent complicated febrile convulsions, developmental delay, ataxia, and obesity in three unrelated girls. The three girls, aged 3 to 4 years, were all born to healthy, nonconsanguineous parents and have normal siblings. Their birth weight was appropriate for gestational age. They are not dysmorphic and have normal head circumference. Development is delayed; they all walked with an ataxic gait after the age of 2 years and started speaking at 3 years. Their growth charts are remarkably alike: they initially had a normal growth curve and around 24 months of age started to gain weight excessively. They all continue to suffer from complicated febrile seizures, which started before 12 months of age, and are resistant to prophylactic anticonvulsants. Metabolic evaluation is normal. They have normal magnetic resonance images and electroencephalograms. Fragile X and Prader-Willi syndromes were ruled out. We suggest that this is a new mental retardation syndrome that should be considered in children with recurrent febrile convulsions, developmental delay, and obesity. In a recent study, mutations in the beta4 calcium channel were identified in the mutant epileptic mouse that presents with epilepsy, mental retardation, and ataxia. We hypothesize that a calcium channel gene may be involved in this syndrome.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Vitamin C Iontophoresis in Melasma. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Vitamin C is known to both inhibit melanin formation and reduce oxidized melanin. However, vitamin C does not easily penetrate the skin. In this study, vitamin C iontophoresis was employed in order to enhance vitamin C penetration. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C iontophoresis for melasma patients. Methods: Twenty-nine females with melasma were enrolled. For iontophoresis, a vitamin C solution was applied to one side of the face, while distilled water was applied to the other side as a control. The L (luminance) value was measured by a colorimeter to obtain an objective pigmentation parameter. Results:Twelve weeks after iontophoresis, the colorimeter of the treated site showed a significant decrease in the L value (from 4.60 to 2.78, p = 0.002), compared to that of the control site (from 4.45 to 3.87, p = 0.142). Conclusion: Vitamin C iontophoresis may be an effective treatment modality for melasma.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Zinc nutritional status and its relationships with hyperinsulinemia in obese children and adolescents. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Abstract A perturbation of zinc metabolism has been noted in subjects with obesity. The present work intends to investigate whether the zinc nutritional status is associated with hyperinsulinemia in obesity. A study was carried out in a group of obese children and adolescents (n=23) and compared to a control group (n=21), both between 7 and 14 yr of age. Software analyzed diet information from 3-d food records. Body composition was evaluated by body mass index (BMI), bioelectrical impedance, and skinfold measurements. Zinc nutritional status was evaluated by Zn determination in plasma, erythrocyte, and 24-h urine, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (λ=213.9 nm). Insulin was measured by radioimmunoassay (Linco Res). Diets consumed by both groups had marginal concentrations of zinc. Zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes were significantly lower in the obese group. Urinary zinc excretion and serum insulin were significantly higher in the same group, although the insulinemia and the parameters of zinc nutritional status were not significantly correlated. As a result, considering that zinc is part of the synthesis and secretion of this hormone, an assessment is necessary of the possible participation of the oligoelement in the mechanisms of insulin resistance, commonly present in obese patients.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow: variation within and between subjects and relationship to obesity. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Summers LK, Samra JS, Humphreys SM, Morris RJ, Frayn KN
Oxford Lipid Metabolism Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Radcliffe Infirmary, U.K.
1. We assessed the variation in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow within and between subjects and investigated whether it is correlated with body mass index. 2. We measured body mass index and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow in 38 fasting subjects on the same day and on different days and, in a subgroup of 16 subjects, after a mixed meal. 3. In 190 measurements in the fasted state, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow was significantly more variable between subjects than could be accounted for by the within-subject variation alone. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow was also significantly more variable between days within subjects than could be accounted for by within-day variation alone. Fasting and post-prandial subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow were negatively correlated with body mass index, as was the post-prandial rise in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow. Multiple regression analysis showed that fasting blood flow was not dependent on insulin concentration after allowing for body mass index. There was no correlation between post-prandial subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow and insulin concentration. 4. Insulin does not appear to have a direct vasodilatory effect in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Obese subjects have lower fasting and post-prandial subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow. This may be because of a blunted response to sympathetic stimulation, or it may be another aspect of the insulin-resistant state. 
The Biochemical Society and the Medical Research Society © 1996
DHA. Xanya Sofra Weiss
DHA supplements may be useful for people with heart disease, high cholesterol, and other conditions. This eMedTV page explains the importance of having DHA as part of your diet, describes how it works, and lists possible side effects that may occur.
DHA is beneficial for helping with fetal and infant brain and eye development. As this eMedTV article explains, there are many other benefits of DHA. For example, DHA supplements may also help lower triglycerides and increase "good" cholesterol.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is often found in products that also contain EPA, but does DHA work by itself? This eMedTV segment explores the effectiveness of DHA for several different uses, including diabetes, heart health, and mental health.
Although DHA is a natural product, some people may wonder, "Is DHA safe?" This portion of the eMedTV Web site explores the safety of DHA and provides a list of important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking the supplement.
Many people experience nausea and gas when taking DHA supplements. This article from the eMedTV Web site lists other possible DHA side effects, including serious side effects that may indicate that you should stop taking the supplement.
At this time, DHA dosage recommendations are not clearly established. This page from the eMedTV site discusses possible DHA dosing guidelines and offers a list of some precautions and warnings to be aware of before taking DHA.
If orlistat, warfarin, or aspirin is taken together with DHA, drug interactions could occur. As this part of the eMedTV library explains, taking certain medications with DHA supplements can increase your risk of bleeding or lead to other problems.
A DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) overdose can cause an upset stomach or increase the risk of bleeding. This eMedTV Web page further describes the possible symptoms of a DHA overdose and explains what treatment options are available.
Taking DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) during pregnancy may help with fetal brain and eye development. This eMedTV page offers a more in-depth look at DHA and pregnancy, and describes the potential benefits of using the supplement while you are pregnant.
Taking DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) while breastfeeding may help with your baby's brain and eye development. This eMedTV resource offers more information on DHA and breastfeeding, and explains why DHA may be beneficial for breastfed babies.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
How does it work? Xanya Sofra Weiss
A water molecule is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. When the molecule loses a hydrogen atom, the remaining OH molecule takes on a negative charge. As you walk along the beach, your body absorbs millions of these negatively charged ions, which alkalize the blood and tissue. Because of poor diet and high stress, we tend to accumulate and store excessive quantities of waste products such as diacetic, lactic, pyruvic, uric, carbonic, acetic, butyric and heptic acids. According to Dr. Theodore Baroody, author of Alkalize Or Die, acid wastes attack joints, tissues, muscles, organs and glands causing minor to major dysfunction He asserts that avoiding disease and maintaining vitality as we age requires the maintenance of an alkaline environment throughout the body. This is virtually impossible to accomplish in our hightech, high-stress, toxic society unless we can walk on the beach everyday.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
The effect of microcurrent stimulation on ATP synthesis in the human masseter as evidenced by phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Xanya So
by Mannheimer, Jeffrey S., PhD,; 2005
The application of weak, low frequency electrical stimulation at the cellular level in animal, plant and E.Coli has been shown to stimulate the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In direct relationship, microamperage electrical nerve stimulation (MENS) has received anecdotal and clinical support as a pain reducing modality that has not been subjected to scientific study. The theoretical therapeutic effect of MENS is based upon the chemiosmotic theory of ATP synthesis by creating a proton gradient at the inner mitochondrial membrane. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) represents the gold standard to quantify the metabolic effects of exercise and electrical stimulation on ATP synthesis as determined by fluctuation of Pi/PCr. An increase in Pi/PCr is indicative of an elevated rate of ATP production. 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to examine the levels of inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphocreatine (PCr) and intracellular pH (pHi) of the human masseter muscle. A cohort (n = 23) consisting of normal subjects and those with a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were tested in a single application, randomized design with active and placebo comparison during a one hour exposure. Data in the form of phosphorus spectra were acquired at baseline, during the 20-32 and 48-60 minute time-points, with active stimulation and placebo protocols administered at a sub-sensory level via surface electrodes adjacent to the masseter muscle, thereby employing repeated measures. Pi/PCr values were calculated at each time-point and clinical measures consisting of visual analogue scale (VAS), active vertical mandibular range of motion (ROM) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the masseter were obtained at pre-and post-exposure for the TMD group. Exposure to MENS revealed a significant (p = .05) elevation of Pi/PCr in both normal and TMD subjects at the 48-60 minute time-point, which was not apparent with placebo exposure. Significant increases in ROM and PPT as well as a decrease in VAS, was apparent for the TMD group exposed to active stimulation. Due to the small sample size and limited statistical power, results should be considered with caution, pending replication and verification by further study.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Does microcurrent stimulation increase the range of movement of ankle dorsiflexion in children with cerebral palsy? Xanya Sofra Weiss
Helena M[Photo]enp[Photo][Photo]; Riitta Jaakkola; Marita Sandstr[Photo]m; Lennart Von Wendt; 2004
Aim: To determine whether microcurrent stimulation (MENS) increases the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint in children with cerebral palsy.
Design: Twelve children with spastic hemiplegia (age range 4.5 to 16 years) with moderate myocontracture of the triceps surae, received MENS for 1 h five times a week for 4 weeks. An equally long baseline period was preceded. The assessments were: active and passive ROM of ankle dorsiflexion, popliteal flexion and ankle dorsiflexion in maximal flexion of knees in standing position while maintaining the heels in contact with the floor, one foot standing and hopping on one foot.
Results: After the treatment with MENS, the passive ROM of ankle dorsiflexion with both knees flexed and extended (p < 0.001) increased significantly. Increases were also observed in popliteal flexion (p < 0.001) and ankle dorsiflexion (p = 0.0012) during maximal flexion of the knees in a standing position. The ROM of active dorsiflexion with the knee flexed (p < 0.05) and one foot standing (p < 0.05) also improved. Children and parents found this treatment easy to carry out.
Conclusions: MENS relieves myocontracture and can enhance conventional rehabilitation programmes for children with cerebral palsy.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
PHYSICAL REGULATION OF EPIPHYSEAL CARTILAGE BIOSYNTHESIS: RESPONSES TO ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, AND CHEMICAL SIGNALS. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Physiological tissues adapt their structure and composition to functional demands. Since a major function of connective tissues is mechanical support, physical forces are believed to play a significant role in connective tissue growth and development. This thesis focuses on the response of epiphyseal plate chondrocytes to mechanical loading. A basic system theory approach is used as a framework for examining the complex interactions which exist between the applied signal, tissue matrix, cells, and measurable response. Under physiological loading conditions, many events occur simultaneously within the tissue. These include deformation, streaming currents and potentials; fluid flow, changes in hydrostatic pressure, and physicochemical changes associated with consolidation. Any one or
more of these events may act as a modulating signal to the cell. Experimental configurations which decouple these events and which provide a spatially uniform signal were used to probe and characterize the cellular response.
Reserve zone epiphyseal plate cartilage was harvested from newborn calves immediately after slaughter and maintained in organ culture for 2 days. For the next 12 hours tissue was subjected to one of three exposure conditions: (1) sinusoidal currents up to 1 mA/cm2 at frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 100 Hz, (2) static compressive loads up to 3 MPa, and (3) physicochemical alterations of [SO4-] (0.8 mM to 1.6 mM), [K+] (5.4 mM to 10.4 mM) or pH (5.5 to 7.9). During the exposure period, tissue was bathed in media containing 35S-sulfate and 3H-proline to assess glycosaminoglycan and protein synthesis. In a separate series of experiments the kinetics of the response to mechanical loading was examined for step loading and step unloading. The applied currents, which were similar to those expected to occur under in vivo loading conditions, did not significantly alter the incorporation of proline and sulfate over the 12 hour period. Under static loading conditions there was a dose-dependent depression in proline and sulfate incorporation. This depression was strongly dependent on compression for compressions greater than 35%.
Proline incorporation was found to decrease under load in less than 1/2 hour, while sulfate incorporation decreases in 2 to 6 hours. The response to unloading following a 12 hour preload was not simply the inverse of the response to loading; proline incorporation exceeded control levels for 4 hours, while sulfate incorporation remained depressed for over 4 hours. Because of the high negative fixed charge density of cartilage, - 4 - compression leads to increases in interstitial cation concentration (e.g. [K+], [H+]) and decreases in anion concentration (e.g. [S02-]) consistent with Donnan equilibrium. Increasing [S0O-] did not alter the incorporation of sulfate under free swelling or loading conditions. When the potassium concentration was increased under unloaded conditions to levels expected to occur at 60% consolidation there was no detectable effect on either sulfate or proline incorporation. In contrast, adjustment of bath pH with bicarbonate led to changes in incorporation consistent with those seen under equivalent loading conditions. The insensitivity of chondrocytes in organ culture to electric fields (and/or associated fluid flow) suggests that such fields either have a minimal effect on the total biosynthetic behavior of chondrocytes, or result in a very slow response by the chondrocytes. The dose-dependent response to static loads suggests that longitudinal growth rate is modulated, in part, by the time-average load. This response may be accounted for by the decreased interstitial pH which occurs with consolidation. Compression induced changes in [K+] and [SO4-] do not appear to influence the response to compressive loads. The nonlinear response seen when comparing step increases in load to step decreases suggests that the response to dynamic loads may not simply reflect the response to the time-average load. -5- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To appropriately acknowledge and thank all those who have helped and encouraged me over the years would require a document in itself. This dissertation truly represents the work and ideas of many people; in
all honesty, it should not be called mine. I hope that all involved will accept my most sincere thanks. The members of my committee spent considerable time and effort guiding the research and reading the document. For 7 years Alan
Grodzinsky has been my research advisor, patiently encouraging and teaching me, all the while treating me as a colleague rather than as the naive young graduate student that I was. The support and guidance provided by Raphael Lee were instrumental to this project. He helped me to maintain a broad perspective by introducing me to many of the
relevant clinical and research issues. David Swann taught me the necessary cell culture and biochemical techniques and was always helpful in analyzing and interpreting the results. Steve Trippel's enthusiasm for the work was a major source of encouragement. He and his co-workers were very helpful in teaching me practical procedures such as harvesting the epiphyseal plate. Bill Siebert has always been very supportive as was demonstrated by his willingness to serve on my committee, despite a very busy schedule. The success of this project is due in large part to the wonderful people in the Continuum Electromechanics Group. Chapter 6 is dedicated to my dear friend Angelina Pizzanelli, for without her those experiments would not have been possible. In addition, she is responsible for the
careful and tedious biochemical analyses. Caroline Wang and Pauline Liu performed most of the electrical experiments. Caroline has been extremely helpful in running control experiments and harvesting the tissue. Lori Tsuruda faithfully hunted down numerous references, patiently calibrated thermistors and load cells, and willingly assisted in preparing samples for counting. I am particularly indebted to Eliot Frank both for his friendship and assistance. In a calm, type B way he revolutionized the production of theses and he provided regular expert consultation on topics ranging from cartilage electrokinetics to circuit design. Linda Bragman was always ready to help out in every way. It would be impossible to list all she has done for me but to name a few: she typed some of these chapters; labeled sample tubes; took data; brought me lunch; and prevented many crises. TOATEOH will be remembered always for the support and friendship and for introducing me to the lore of Continuum Electromechanics. Susan arrived on the scene with a helping hand just as desperation had begun to sink in; no thesis is complete
without a figure from Kevin; Laura, Bob and Debbie spent inordinate amounts of time reading and rereading the document. Professor Sol taught me a tremendous amount about cartilage and research and was always ready and willing to listen and offer suggestions. As a colleague and friend, KJ has had a tremendous influence in my life. Working with him was always fun (even though it usually meant getting drenched in the rain) and I am very much looking forward to working together in the coming -6 - years. Finally, it seems appropriate here to express my appreciation to the faculty and students in HST. Roger Mark convinced me that MIT and MEMP would provide a wonderful and exciting graduate education. As usual, he was right. Ernie Cravalho has been a continuing source of encouragement and friendship. He was instrumental in making MEMP a very special experience in the midst of this institution. The MEMP students comprise a truly remarkable group. The friendship provided by Dave and Linda, Debbie, Jose, and many others deserves my most sincere appreciation.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Bacterial Growth. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Jerrold Petrofsky Ph D, Michael Laymon DPTSc, Wendy Chung DPTSc, Kelly Collins BS, Tien-Ning Yang B
Background; Electrical stimulation has been used as a modality for many years for wound healing. One of the mechanisms proposed for why it works is that electrical stimulation is believed to be bacteria static. However, early studies making this claim used much greater than normal stimulation voltages and currents. Methods and procedures; In the present investigation, 3 types of bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were examined with physiological levels of AC (5 and 20 ma) and DC electrical stimulation to see if these same currents that traverse through tissue during normal electrical stimulation for wound treatment could impair bacterial growth. Results; DC micro current did not alter bacteria growth for any of the three bacteria studied. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed significantly reduced growth with both (5 and 20 ma) AC current intensities (p<0.05)>
Xanya Sofra Weiss
CHANGES OF THE COLLAGEN COMPOSITION IN THE HEART CAUSED BY MICROCURRENT APPLICATION. AN EXPLANATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF CARDIAC FUNCTION BY BI-VENT
Johannes Muller, Barbara Kapeller, Gerd Wallukat, Karin Macfelda; 2005
OBJECTIVE: Improvement of cardiac function by the unloading effect of a cardiac assist device mainly depends on the duration of heart failure (HF). Patients with a short history of HF (<> 5 years) do not show significant cardiac function improvement is that the collagen composition of the extracellular matrix is irreversible. It is successful clinical practice to apply microcurrent in patients with bone fractures and wound healing disturbances in order to improve the healing process by modulation of the collagen synthesis. In order to examine whether microcurrent can also influence the collagen synthesis in the myocardium, the effect of microcurrent application on collagen synthesis of adult cardiomyocytes was investigated.
METHODS: Adult cardiomyocytes were isolated and cultivated in 24 well cell culture plates. Current of different magnitudes (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 :A) was applied via platinum electrodes by a special custom-made device. The whole equipment was incubated under cell culture conditions (+37°C, 5% CO2) over a period of 7 days. Changes of the collagen type I and type III synthesis were analyzed using immunohistochemical staining methods. Collagen type I and type III content was quantified using a special fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy system including special analysis software.
RESULTS: Compared to cardiomyocytes exposed to 0 :A (control cells), collagen type I synthesis of cardiomyocytes showed no significant change after exposure to a moderate current magnitude(40, 60 :A) but a highly significant mean decrease (20.6 %) if exposed to high current (80, 100 :A). Collagen type III revealed a mean increase at moderate current of 29.7 % and a decrease of 25.2 % at high current exposure. As a side effect, we detected an increase in the cell proliferation rate at moderate and high current.
CONCLUSION: The results obtained in cell culture suggest that the application of micro-current is able to modulate the synthesis of collagen. In particular, in dependency of the current magnitude collagen type I can be up- or down-regulated. Collagen type I is responsible for the stiffness and the degree of dilatation of the heart. Therefore it can be envisaged that this method -if applied clinically - may help to improve cardiac function, as it helps to heal bone fractures.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Feedback-Modulated Microcurrent 2000. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Background: Acupuncture point stimulation with both needles and transcutaneous microcurrent can be combined in the same treatment session. Microcurrent devices with feedback modulation characteristics offer theoretical advantages over those without them.
Objective: To describe the outcomes of patients treated with acupuncture and transcutaneous feedback-modulated microcurrent.
Design, Setting, and Patients: Four patients received treatment at a physician acupuncturist’s practice. Two patients had chronic limb pain, 1 had acute migraine headache, and 1 had chronic depression.
Intervention: A combination of acupuncture and acupuncture point stimulation with transcutaneous feedback-modulated microcurrent.
Main Outcome Measures: Patient reports of pain level, activity level, and use of medication.
Results: Chronic pain patients: 1 (disabled) patient had complete pain relief and returned to work, 1 experienced significant pain relief. The patient with acute headache had complete pain relief. The patient with depression was able to discontinue her medication.
Conclusions: Acupuncture point stimulation with a combination of needles and transcutaneous feedback-modulated microcurrent can be used to satisfactorily treat a variety of conditions.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
The impairment of flow-mediated vasodilatation in obese men with visceral fat accumulation. Xanya Sofra Weiss
BACKGROUND: Obesity has been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease and other atherosclerotic diseases. Recently, evidence has accumulated indicating that intra-abdominal visceral fat accumulation contributes to atherogenesis; however, the mechanism underlying this remains to be determined. This study was undertaken to elucidate whether intra-abdominal visceral fat accumulation impairs vascular endothelial function in obese men.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-eight obese men (body mass index (BMI)26.0), aged 19-64 y (mean age 37.6±1.8 y) and 23 age-matched non-obese subjects were examined. According to the ratio of the maximum thickness of preperitoneal fat to the minimum thickness of subcutaneous fat (Pmax/Smin) obtained by longitudinal ultrasound scanning in the subxiphoid region in obese men, we divided obese subjects into two categories; visceral (Pmax/Smin1; n=23) and subcutaneous type (Pmax/Smin<1; n="15).">
CONCLUSIONS: The subjects with visceral type obesity, rather than those with the subcutaneous type, are associated with impaired flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilatation of the brachial artery.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Monday, December 13, 2010
The clinical effectiveness of therapeutic massage for musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review. Xanya Sofra Weiss
M . Lewis , M . Johnson; 2003
Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of therapeutic massage (TM) for the symptomatic relief of musculoskeletal pain, and to analyse TM intervention protocols used in studies.
Design: Systematic review of randomised controlled clinical trials and experimental studies on healthy human participants.
Participants: Patients with musculoskeletal pain and healthy participants with post-exercise pain and soreness. Main outcome measures Comparisons of TM with: (i) no treatment; (ii) sham interventions; and (iii) active (standard) treatment. Outcome was dichotomised as effective (TM>comparison group) or not effective (TM≤comparison group).
Results: Twenty studies (1341 participants) met the criteria for review. TM was superior to no treatment in five out of 10 comparisons, superior to sham (laser) treatment in one out of two comparisons, and superior to active treatment in seven out of 22 comparisons. TM was superior to comparison groups in six out of 11 studies using patients with musculoskeletal pain, and in three out of seven studies using patients with low back pain. TM was superior to comparison groups in four out of nine studies using healthy participants experiencing post-exercise pain and soreness. There were no relationships between study outcome and the TM regimen used.
Conclusions: The available evidence is inconclusive. A combination of inadequate sample sizes, low,methodological quality and insufficient TM dosing is likely to have contributed to the confused evidence base.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Islet cell culture in defined serum-free medium. Xanya Sofra Weiss
SA Clark and WL Chick ; 1990
A serum-free, hormone- and factor-supplemented, defined medium was developed which maintains functional activity of primary cultures of adult islet cells and continuous islet cell lines. Medium supplements examined included proteose peptone (PP), transferrin (TrFe), insulin- like growth factor-I (IGF-I), an insulinotropic fragment of human GH [hGH-(6-13)], ethanolamine (EA), phosphoethanolamine (PEA), and human serum albumin (HSA). Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from islet monolayers was determined after culture in serum-free supplemented medium by either 2- to 3-h static incubations or in a superfusion system with either low (2.8-8.3 mM) or stimulatory (16.7-19.4 mM) glucose concentrations. Glucose-induced secretion was not sustained after 3-4 days of culture in medium supplemented with PP (0.5 mg/ml) and TrFe (10 micrograms/ml) alone. Addition of T3 did not restore glucose-induced secretion, although a combination of T3 and IGF-I or of T3, IGF-I, and PRL (10(-10)-10(-9) M) maintained glucose-induced insulin secretion for 1 month. No beneficial effects were noted with hGH-(6-13). The beta-cell lines HIT-T15 and RINr 1046-38 were used to screen for a potential replacement for PP, the undefined component of the serum-free medium. A combination of HSA (1 mg/ml), EA (50 microM), and PEA (50 microM) provided a replacement for PP. In fact, insulin secretion from HIT-T15 cells was significantly better after culture in medium supplemented with HSA, EA, PEA, TrFe, T3, IGF-I, and PRL than in medium with PP, TrFe, T3, IGF-I, and PRL. HSA (1 mg/ml), EA (50 microM), and PEA (50 microM) in combination with TrFe (10 micrograms/ml), T3 (0.1 nM), IGF-I (0.65 nM), and PRL (1 nM) were used in studies with primary islet monolayers. After 3 weeks of culture islet monolayers were superfused, and the biphasic glucose-induced insulin secretion of cells maintained in defined medium was indistinguishable from the insulin secretion of cells maintained in medium with 5% fetal bovine serum. These studies indicate that adult rat beta-cells retain biphasic glucose-induced insulin secretion after extended culture in defined serum-free medium. The defined medium was also useful for cultures of RINr 1046-38 and HIT-T15 cells and should provide a basis for formulating media for islet cells from higher mammals, including man.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Bioimpedance; Erythrocyte Separation. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra-Weiss, Ph.D
A clinical study with individuals presenting abnormally clumped Red Blood Cells’ (RBCs) was completed in February 2009 with the Ion Magnum. Results indicate that this technology rapidly and efficiently leads to normalized erythrocytes’ separation at the microscopic level. RBCs separation is crucial for the overall blood flow and timely transport of hormones, antibodies, oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and waste products to the kidneys. Ion Magnum’s (IM) dynamic, multi-sine, analogue waveform was originally tested at the cellular level by Dr. Donald Gilbert, a molecular biologist, in the eighties. After 30 years of research, the Ion Magnum was electronically engineered by the Co-Inventor of the first Pacemaker (2008) to resonate the motor nerve’s signal of strenuous exercise normally emitted by the brain. Due to its resonance with the biological signal, the Ion Magnum signal spreads throughout the CNS inducing effortless and painless isometric and isotonic muscle contractions. The signal to the nerve ultimately triggers hormonal secretion such as Growth Hormone (GF), Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) for lipolysis and Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-1) formuscle hypertrophy.
CONCLUSION: The results of this clinical microscopy study are summarized:
1. Ion Magnum (IM) treatments result in an overall improvement in terms of normalized erythrocyte separation.
2. On the average, RBCs separation appears to linearly improve with increased number of Ion Magnum treatments.
3. Ion Magnum treatments appear to have a negative correlation with the number of fungal forms, poikilocytosis, thrombocyte aggregation and bacteria present in the blood prior to the IM treatments, demonstrating a significant reduction of all of the above mentioned variables.
4. The enhanced erythrocyte separation as well as the reduction of fungal forms, poikilocytosis, thrombocyte aggregation and bacteria persisted during the intervals between treatments. A longitudinal study is necessary to investigate the total length of time during which such normalization effects continue to be present. So far, two subjects that have been followed up over a period of three months have sustained the Ion Magnum’s positive effects on RBCs separation. This technology that was initially based on research associated with the Pacemaker and gained its popularity in the field of body building and cosmetic procedures is now coming full circle by offering benefits that can be potentially used in Medicine to reduce the incidence or progression of cardiac disorders resulting from erythrocyte aggregation. IM treatments effortlessly exercise the body without lactic acid production while enhancing RBCs separation. This process of exercising without actually exercising could solve the dilemma caused by intolerance to Statins which is associated with intolerance to exercise, possibly due to lactic acid formation. Statins are widely prescribed to lower high blood cholesterol and thus reduce the risk for heart disease.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Arasys Inch Loss Arasys Perfector Xanya Xanya Sofra Weiss Xanya Weiss Xanya Sorfa-Weiss Xanyasofraweiss xanyaweiss perfector arasys perfectorarasys arasysperfector inch loss inch-loss body shaping Ion Magnum Pacemaker Technology pacemaker Statins Heart Disease Heart attack Diabetes obesity cellulite cellulite loss nanotechnology nanocurrent pico amperes picoamperes picocurrent marren micro current microcurrents microcurrent face lift non surgical face lift Bio-identical Hormone Therapy Bio-identical Hormones Growth Hormone Free T3 Thyroid Hormones Muscle Building Acne Reduces acne Melasma Reduces Melasma Pigmentations Reduce Pigmentation Reduce Acne
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Experimental studies of the effect of direct electric micro-current on the healing processes of bone defects. Xanya Sofra
As a procedure to accelerate healing of the bone defect, the electric micro-current has attracted much attention in the field of clinical application and experimental research. However, investigation of the calcifying process and comparison of the elements of the newly formed bony callus have not yet been carried out. In order to get deeper understanding of the callus formation and calcifying process in bone defects, this experiment aimed at comparing the healing processes of bone defects in the rabbit humerus between stimulated and non-stimulated control group. The bone specimens were surgically removed, on the 4th postoperative day and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th postoperative weeks. The specimens were examined by the use of the computer aided microanalyser, the energy dispersive spectrometer, and the scanning electron-microscope (JCMA-733). Histological examination was also made. In the stimulated group, on the 4th day, Ca and P of low concentration were observed around the inner periosteum indicating initiation of the calcification with callus formation. On the 1st week Ca and P were distributed diffusely in the bone defect. On the 2nd and 3rd weeks, the bone defect was almost filled with new bony callus and the calcification became more intense. After the 4th week, the distribution and concentration of Ca and P in the bony callus were similar to those of the surrounding cortical bone. Furthermore, the molar ratio of Ca/P of the new bony callus was much greater in the stimulated group than in the control group, and was rather similar to the molar ratio of Ca/P in the surrounding cortical bone. The results showed that the electric micro-current facilitated not only callus formation but also calcification, thus shortening the healing period of the bone defect.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF ULTRA-LOW MICROCURRENTS. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Bok Y. Lee, MD, FACS Alfred J. Koonin, M.B., Ch, B., Ph.D., FRCS Keith Wendell, Ph.D.
John Hillard, RN
Otto Van Guericke, who rotated a ball of solidified sulfur to create static electricity in 1672, invented the first electrical instrument made by man. Amber was the first material used to generate electricity, which could be generated by rubbing it with the hands. Static electricity machines were the first instruments and, with the machine age by the 18th century, were powerful enough to destroy superficial tissue and be used for cauterization. Ultraviolet ray machines invented by Strong in 1897 were still in use in 1937.Direct current grew rapidly with the invention of the battery. The electric cell pile allowed the generation of higher voltages than the usual two volts by connecting them in series. This reaction then provided a convenient and readily available source of Direct Current. Salandier is credited as the first to apply direct current to acupuncture needles and later moist conductive pads were introduced. Galvanic is another word used to describe direct current therapy. Today's galvanic instruments are a direct descendant of this early invention, practically without change.With the discovery of Alternating Current by Tesla, and the invention of the Vacuum Tube by Edison and improved by DeForrest, tubes were universally used. House mains were used to eliminate the nuisance of recharging or replacing batteries for the energy gobbling appetites of the vacuum tubes.The limitation of tubes as far as frequencies were concerned, was primarily due to the matching transformers, which, although they did well in the audible human range of 20 to 20,000 cycles per second, did not produce frequencies below 10 Hertz because the output could not be coupled easily to the patient. With the advent of the rediscovery of solid-state technology, the transistor was capable of bridging the gap.Frequency, which is the rate of occurrence of repetition, is used in physical therapy to describe the number of cycles per second of the output wave. Since electrical waves travel at approximately 186,000 miles or so per second, the length of each wave is calculated by dividing the repetitions per second into the known speed. In honor of Hertz, a German scientist who discovered and measured radio waves, cycles per second are termed "Hertz" or in abbreviation Hz. Clinical research has shown that the frequencies in the Ultra-low frequency range of 0.1 and 0.3 Hz, seem to have longer lasting effects, although relief is not as rapid as in higher frequencies of 10 to 100 Hz.The initials A.C. mean alternating current. Most physical therapy equipment use electrical waves that are alternating positive then negative in each half cycle to complete one complete wave. Whereas Direct Current flows in one direction only, A.C. flows in alternating directions in accordance with it being in the negative or positive phase. The upper half is considered the positive cycle, whereas the lower portion is the negative cycle. Radio waves overlap into frequencies in the audible range, starting as low as 5,000 Hz. Above 1,000 Hz, we do not find physical therapy using any frequencies until 2,000,000 Hertz (2 Megahertz) where interferential frequencies of 2,000 to 4,000 Hz are not considered as therapeutic since only the lower 0 to 200 Hz have been touted for therapy. Ultrasound instruments use this to vibrate their sound heads.The resulting output is mechanical, but not electrical, so that a nonelectrical conductive substance can be employed. The next higher frequency is the short wave diathermy at 27 Megahertz. Originally these were equipped with large insulated rubber pads, however it was possible to burn the patient, so it is wise to wrap them in several layers of heavy towels for additional insulation. Most present units employ an isolating drum inductor to reduce this hazard. Outputs from these units are usually 300 to 500 watts, so care is advised on their application. The cords leading to these pads are usually cut to match the wavelength and are "hot" with Radio Frequency (RF). They also should be carefully routed to avoid painful RF burns. A safer form of diathermy is the Microwave or Radar type. At frequencies of 2,450 MHz, the wavelength is so short that a reflector type antenna can be used to direct the energy to the area desired. Most units have outputs of 100 watts, and depend upon increased circulation rather than heating.Frequencies higher are in the heat lamps, infrared and colors of the visiblelight ranges. Medical laser, X rays and cosmic rays complete the high end of the spectrum. The healing effects of electricity have always been ill understood. However, with the advent of subatomic particle physics and the electron theory of electrical current, explanations of electricity acting as an antioxidant become more likely.In order to understand how electrical currents can function as an antioxidant, the formation and effects of free radicals and their interaction with antioxidants needs to be understood.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Effectiveness of Microcurrent Therapy in the Management of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Pilot Study. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Lydie O.L. Ho MMedSca, Wai Lun Kwong MScb and Gladys L.Y. Cheing PhD; 2007
Lateral epicondylitis is a musculoskeletal condition that is commonly encountered in outpatient physio-therapy clinics. In the recent decade, various types of electrophysical modalities and exercise therapy have been used for the management of lateral epicondylitis. Limited research has been done on microcurrent therapy. The present study was a randomized controlled pilot trial that aimed to evaluate if the addition of microcurrent therapy could enhance the treatment effects of exercise therapy in the management of lateral epicondylitis. Sixteen subjects participated in the study; they were randomly allocated to receive either microcurrent therapy and exercise, or exercise therapy alone. All subjects completed the whole treatment course of 10 sessions. Outcome measures included mechanical-pain threshold, pain-free handgrip, maximum handgrip and visual analogue scale to document the intensity of pain aggravated by a maximum handgrip. Assessments were taken in the first treatment session (baseline), at the end of week 1, week 2, week 3, and at the 3-week follow-up session. The results showed trends of improvement in all outcomes. However, no significant between-group difference was observed in mechanical-pain threshold, pain-free handgrip, maximum handgrip or visual analogue scale during maximum handgrip testing. Our findings seem to suggest that exercise alone is already effective for the management of lateral epicondylitis. The addition of microcurrent therapy to exercise does not enhance the treatment effect. However, the present study had a small sample size, so further research with a larger sample size is recommended.
Lateral epicondylitis is a musculoskeletal condition that is commonly encountered in outpatient physio-therapy clinics. In the recent decade, various types of electrophysical modalities and exercise therapy have been used for the management of lateral epicondylitis. Limited research has been done on microcurrent therapy. The present study was a randomized controlled pilot trial that aimed to evaluate if the addition of microcurrent therapy could enhance the treatment effects of exercise therapy in the management of lateral epicondylitis. Sixteen subjects participated in the study; they were randomly allocated to receive either microcurrent therapy and exercise, or exercise therapy alone. All subjects completed the whole treatment course of 10 sessions. Outcome measures included mechanical-pain threshold, pain-free handgrip, maximum handgrip and visual analogue scale to document the intensity of pain aggravated by a maximum handgrip. Assessments were taken in the first treatment session (baseline), at the end of week 1, week 2, week 3, and at the 3-week follow-up session. The results showed trends of improvement in all outcomes. However, no significant between-group difference was observed in mechanical-pain threshold, pain-free handgrip, maximum handgrip or visual analogue scale during maximum handgrip testing. Our findings seem to suggest that exercise alone is already effective for the management of lateral epicondylitis. The addition of microcurrent therapy to exercise does not enhance the treatment effect. However, the present study had a small sample size, so further research with a larger sample size is recommended.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Treating Obesity by Enhancing Erythrocyte Separation. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra-Weiss, Ph.D
Obesity is associated with more than 30 medical conditions including Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Osteroarthritis, High Blood Pressure, Breast Cancer, Cancers of the Esophagus and Gastric Cardia, Impaired Immune Response. Low Back Pain etc. Selim et al (2008) have shown that Obesity is related to reduced blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries. Laasko et al (1990) has shown that reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake in human obesity is due to defects in insulin’s action to increase blood flow to these tissues. Laasko et al report that this defect in insulin’s action is a novel mechanism of insulin resistance. Overall, obesity is characterized by decreased blood flow into muscle. The reduced blood flow and/or tissue activity can lead to decreased insulin-medicated glucose uptake, another factor associated with obesity according to Laasko et al (1990). Cheuk-Kwan Sun et al (2003) demosnstrated that obesity is related with reduced portal venus blood flow, and a decrease in overall hepatic perfusion and oxygenation.
A clinical study with individuals presenting abnormally clumped Red Blood Cells’ (RBCs) was completed in February 2009 with a device representing the Pacemaker Technology for the Skeletal muscle, Ion Magnum. Results (see figure 1) indicate that this technology rapidly and efficiently leads to normalized erythrocytes’ separation at the microscopic level. RBCs separation is crucial for the overall blood flow and timely transport of hormones, antibodies, oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and waste products to the kidneys. Transport of Hormones is a crucial process lipolysis (T3 and Growth Hormone -- GF) and muscle hypertrophy (Insulin Growth Factor - IGF-1). Additionally, erythrocyte separation resulting from treatment with the Ion Magnum appears to have a negative correlation with the number of fungal forms, poikilocytosis, thrombocyte aggregation and bacteria present in the blood prior to treatments. In summary, the erythrocyte separation resulting from treatments with the Ion Magnum enhances hormonal transport including T3 and GH leading to lipolysis and muscle hypertrophy; 2) RBC;s separation enhances overall level of health by a significant reduction of free radicals. bacteria, fungal forms. etc.; 3) Obesity is characterized by reduced blood flow. The Ion Magnum increases RBC’s separation resulting in normalized blood flow. In conclusion, re-establishing normal levels of blood flow will not only help reduce obesity but it will help reduce the risk of heart attack as well as all other disorders associated with obesity.
The fact that the Ion Magnum reduces Obesity is shown in a recent clinical study 2009. Five separate clinics from around the world participated in this clinical study . All five subjects that participated in the study showed substantial weight loss, including reduction of visceral fat. Jensen (2008) reports that an upper body/visceral fat distribution in obesity is closely linked with metabolic complications, whereas increased lower body fat is independently predictive of reduced cardiovascular risk. The before and after of subject 3 are shown in figure 2.
The Ion Magnum is a voltage driven device, very much like the Pacemaker. However, due to the complexity of the CNS, the Ion Magnum is based on a dynamic multi-sine, analogue waveform that was originally tested at the cellular level by Dr. Donald Gilbert, a molecular biologist, in the eighties who worked with Gerry Pollock to invent the Arasys. After 30 years of research, the Ion Magnum was electronically engineered by the Co-Inventor of the first Pacemaker (2008) to resonate the motor nerve’s signal of strenuous exercise normally emitted by the brain. Due to its resonance with the biological signal, the signal of the Ion Magnum spreads throughout the CNS inducing effortless and painless isometric and isotonic muscle contractions. The Ion Magnum signal to the nerve ultimately triggers hormonal secretion such as Growth Hormone (GF), Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) for lipolysis and Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-1) for muscle hypertrophy.
Obesity is associated with more than 30 medical conditions including Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Osteroarthritis, High Blood Pressure, Breast Cancer, Cancers of the Esophagus and Gastric Cardia, Impaired Immune Response. Low Back Pain etc. Selim et al (2008) have shown that Obesity is related to reduced blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries. Laasko et al (1990) has shown that reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake in human obesity is due to defects in insulin’s action to increase blood flow to these tissues. Laasko et al report that this defect in insulin’s action is a novel mechanism of insulin resistance. Overall, obesity is characterized by decreased blood flow into muscle. The reduced blood flow and/or tissue activity can lead to decreased insulin-medicated glucose uptake, another factor associated with obesity according to Laasko et al (1990). Cheuk-Kwan Sun et al (2003) demosnstrated that obesity is related with reduced portal venus blood flow, and a decrease in overall hepatic perfusion and oxygenation.
A clinical study with individuals presenting abnormally clumped Red Blood Cells’ (RBCs) was completed in February 2009 with a device representing the Pacemaker Technology for the Skeletal muscle, Ion Magnum. Results (see figure 1) indicate that this technology rapidly and efficiently leads to normalized erythrocytes’ separation at the microscopic level. RBCs separation is crucial for the overall blood flow and timely transport of hormones, antibodies, oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and waste products to the kidneys. Transport of Hormones is a crucial process lipolysis (T3 and Growth Hormone -- GF) and muscle hypertrophy (Insulin Growth Factor - IGF-1). Additionally, erythrocyte separation resulting from treatment with the Ion Magnum appears to have a negative correlation with the number of fungal forms, poikilocytosis, thrombocyte aggregation and bacteria present in the blood prior to treatments. In summary, the erythrocyte separation resulting from treatments with the Ion Magnum enhances hormonal transport including T3 and GH leading to lipolysis and muscle hypertrophy; 2) RBC;s separation enhances overall level of health by a significant reduction of free radicals. bacteria, fungal forms. etc.; 3) Obesity is characterized by reduced blood flow. The Ion Magnum increases RBC’s separation resulting in normalized blood flow. In conclusion, re-establishing normal levels of blood flow will not only help reduce obesity but it will help reduce the risk of heart attack as well as all other disorders associated with obesity.
The fact that the Ion Magnum reduces Obesity is shown in a recent clinical study 2009. Five separate clinics from around the world participated in this clinical study . All five subjects that participated in the study showed substantial weight loss, including reduction of visceral fat. Jensen (2008) reports that an upper body/visceral fat distribution in obesity is closely linked with metabolic complications, whereas increased lower body fat is independently predictive of reduced cardiovascular risk. The before and after of subject 3 are shown in figure 2.
The Ion Magnum is a voltage driven device, very much like the Pacemaker. However, due to the complexity of the CNS, the Ion Magnum is based on a dynamic multi-sine, analogue waveform that was originally tested at the cellular level by Dr. Donald Gilbert, a molecular biologist, in the eighties who worked with Gerry Pollock to invent the Arasys. After 30 years of research, the Ion Magnum was electronically engineered by the Co-Inventor of the first Pacemaker (2008) to resonate the motor nerve’s signal of strenuous exercise normally emitted by the brain. Due to its resonance with the biological signal, the signal of the Ion Magnum spreads throughout the CNS inducing effortless and painless isometric and isotonic muscle contractions. The Ion Magnum signal to the nerve ultimately triggers hormonal secretion such as Growth Hormone (GF), Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) for lipolysis and Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-1) for muscle hypertrophy.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Treating Obesity by Enhancing Erythrocyte Separation. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Xanya Sofra-Weiss, Ph.D
Obesity is associated with more than 30 medical conditions including Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Osteroarthritis, High Blood Pressure, Breast Cancer, Cancers of the Esophagus and Gastric Cardia, Impaired Immune Response. Low Back Pain etc. Selim et al (2008) have shown that Obesity is related to reduced blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries. Laasko et al (1990) has shown that reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake in human obesity is due to defects in insulin’s action to increase blood flow to these tissues. Laasko et al report that this defect in insulin’s action is a novel mechanism of insulin resistance. Overall, obesity is characterized by decreased blood flow into muscle. The reduced blood flow and/or tissue activity can lead to decreased insulin-medicated glucose uptake, another factor associated with obesity according to Laasko et al (1990). Cheuk-Kwan Sun et al (2003) demosnstrated that obesity is related with reduced portal venus blood flow, and a decrease in overall hepatic perfusion and oxygenation.
A clinical study with individuals presenting abnormally clumped Red Blood Cells’ (RBCs) was completed in February 2009 with a device representing the Pacemaker Technology for the Skeletal muscle, Ion Magnum. Results (see figure 1) indicate that this technology rapidly and efficiently leads to normalized erythrocytes’ separation at the microscopic level. RBCs separation is crucial for the overall blood flow and timely transport of hormones, antibodies, oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and waste products to the kidneys. Transport of Hormones is a crucial process lipolysis (T3 and Growth Hormone -- GF) and muscle hypertrophy (Insulin Growth Factor - IGF-1). Additionally, erythrocyte separation resulting from treatment with the Ion Magnum appears to have a negative correlation with the number of fungal forms, poikilocytosis, thrombocyte aggregation and bacteria present in the blood prior to treatments. In summary, the erythrocyte separation resulting from treatments with the Ion Magnum enhances hormonal transport including T3 and GH leading to lipolysis and muscle hypertrophy; 2) RBC;s separation enhances overall level of health by a significant reduction of free radicals. bacteria, fungal forms. etc.; 3) Obesity is characterized by reduced blood flow. The Ion Magnum increases RBC’s separation resulting in normalized blood flow. In conclusion, re-establishing normal levels of blood flow will not only help reduce obesity but it will help reduce the risk of heart attack as well as all other disorders associated with obesity.
The fact that the Ion Magnum reduces Obesity is shown in a recent clinical study 2009. Five separate clinics from around the world participated in this clinical study . All five subjects that participated in the study showed substantial weight loss, including reduction of visceral fat. Jensen (2008) reports that an upper body/visceral fat distribution in obesity is closely linked with metabolic complications, whereas increased lower body fat is independently predictive of reduced cardiovascular risk. The before and after of subject 3 are shown in figure 2.
The Ion Magnum is a voltage driven device, very much like the Pacemaker. However, due to the complexity of the CNS, the Ion Magnum is based on a dynamic multi-sine, analogue waveform that was originally tested at the cellular level by Dr. Donald Gilbert, a molecular biologist, in the eighties who worked with Gerry Pollock to invent the Arasys. After 30 years of research, the Ion Magnum was electronically engineered by the Co-Inventor of the first Pacemaker (2008) to resonate the motor nerve’s signal of strenuous exercise normally emitted by the brain. Due to its resonance with the biological signal, the signal of the Ion Magnum spreads throughout the CNS inducing effortless and painless isometric and isotonic muscle contractions. The Ion Magnum signal to the nerve ultimately triggers hormonal secretion such as Growth Hormone (GF), Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) for lipolysis and Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-1) for muscle hypertrophy.
Obesity is associated with more than 30 medical conditions including Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Osteroarthritis, High Blood Pressure, Breast Cancer, Cancers of the Esophagus and Gastric Cardia, Impaired Immune Response. Low Back Pain etc. Selim et al (2008) have shown that Obesity is related to reduced blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries. Laasko et al (1990) has shown that reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake in human obesity is due to defects in insulin’s action to increase blood flow to these tissues. Laasko et al report that this defect in insulin’s action is a novel mechanism of insulin resistance. Overall, obesity is characterized by decreased blood flow into muscle. The reduced blood flow and/or tissue activity can lead to decreased insulin-medicated glucose uptake, another factor associated with obesity according to Laasko et al (1990). Cheuk-Kwan Sun et al (2003) demosnstrated that obesity is related with reduced portal venus blood flow, and a decrease in overall hepatic perfusion and oxygenation.
A clinical study with individuals presenting abnormally clumped Red Blood Cells’ (RBCs) was completed in February 2009 with a device representing the Pacemaker Technology for the Skeletal muscle, Ion Magnum. Results (see figure 1) indicate that this technology rapidly and efficiently leads to normalized erythrocytes’ separation at the microscopic level. RBCs separation is crucial for the overall blood flow and timely transport of hormones, antibodies, oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and waste products to the kidneys. Transport of Hormones is a crucial process lipolysis (T3 and Growth Hormone -- GF) and muscle hypertrophy (Insulin Growth Factor - IGF-1). Additionally, erythrocyte separation resulting from treatment with the Ion Magnum appears to have a negative correlation with the number of fungal forms, poikilocytosis, thrombocyte aggregation and bacteria present in the blood prior to treatments. In summary, the erythrocyte separation resulting from treatments with the Ion Magnum enhances hormonal transport including T3 and GH leading to lipolysis and muscle hypertrophy; 2) RBC;s separation enhances overall level of health by a significant reduction of free radicals. bacteria, fungal forms. etc.; 3) Obesity is characterized by reduced blood flow. The Ion Magnum increases RBC’s separation resulting in normalized blood flow. In conclusion, re-establishing normal levels of blood flow will not only help reduce obesity but it will help reduce the risk of heart attack as well as all other disorders associated with obesity.
The fact that the Ion Magnum reduces Obesity is shown in a recent clinical study 2009. Five separate clinics from around the world participated in this clinical study . All five subjects that participated in the study showed substantial weight loss, including reduction of visceral fat. Jensen (2008) reports that an upper body/visceral fat distribution in obesity is closely linked with metabolic complications, whereas increased lower body fat is independently predictive of reduced cardiovascular risk. The before and after of subject 3 are shown in figure 2.
The Ion Magnum is a voltage driven device, very much like the Pacemaker. However, due to the complexity of the CNS, the Ion Magnum is based on a dynamic multi-sine, analogue waveform that was originally tested at the cellular level by Dr. Donald Gilbert, a molecular biologist, in the eighties who worked with Gerry Pollock to invent the Arasys. After 30 years of research, the Ion Magnum was electronically engineered by the Co-Inventor of the first Pacemaker (2008) to resonate the motor nerve’s signal of strenuous exercise normally emitted by the brain. Due to its resonance with the biological signal, the signal of the Ion Magnum spreads throughout the CNS inducing effortless and painless isometric and isotonic muscle contractions. The Ion Magnum signal to the nerve ultimately triggers hormonal secretion such as Growth Hormone (GF), Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) for lipolysis and Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-1) for muscle hypertrophy.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Use of growth hormone to boost athletic performance can lead to diabetes, reports a study published ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Me
Use of growth hormone to boost athletic performance can lead to diabetes, reports a study published ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study reports the case of a 36 year old professional body-builder who required emergency care for chest pain. He had lost 40 kg in 12 months, during which he had also experienced excessive urination, thirst, and appetite. He admitted to using anabolic steroids for 15 years and artificial growth hormone for the past three. He had also taken insulin, a year after starting on the growth hormone. This was done to counter the effects of high blood sugar, but he had stopped taking it after a couple of episodes of acute low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) while at the gym. Tests revealed that his liver was inflamed, his kidneys were enlarged and that he had very high blood sugar. He was also dehydrated, and diagnosed with diabetes. He was given intravenous fluids and gradually increasing amounts of insulin over five days, after which he was discharged. His symptoms completely cleared up, and he was no longer diabetic. The use of growth hormone has steadily risen among amateur athletes and bodybuilders all round the world, say the authors, because it is easy to buy online and difficult to detect in screening tests unlike anabolic steroids. The authors believe that this is the first reported case of diabetes associated with the use of high dose growth hormone, and urge anyone taking high doses to regularly check their blood sugar levels.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Microcurrent . Xanya Sofra Weiss
Chronic low back pain associated with myofascial trigger point activity has been historically refractory to conventional treatment (Pain Research and Management 7 (2002) 81). In this case series study, an analysis of 22 patients with chronic low back pain, of 8.8 years average duration, is presented. Following treatment with frequency-specific microcurrent, a statistically significant 3.8-fold reduction in pain intensity was observed using a visual analog scale. This outcome was achieved over an average treatment period of 5.6 weeks and a visit frequency of one treatment per week. When pain chronicity exceeded 5 years, there was a trend toward increasing frequency of treatment required to achieve the same magnitude of pain relief.In 90% of these patients, other treatment modalities including drug therapy, chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy, naturopathic treatment and acupuncture had failed to produce equivalent benefits. The microcurrent treatment was the single factor contributing the most consistent difference in patient-reported pain relief.These results support the observation that rigorously designed clinical investigations are warranted.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Novel microcurrent treatment is more effective than conventional therapy for chronic Achilles endinopathy randomised comparative trial. Xanya Sofra
CHAPMAN-JONES David ; HILL D. ; 2002
Background The healing processes of tendon tissue are not well understood and the difficulty in clinical management of its pathology reflects this. Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that application of microcurrent can promote protein production (collagen) in fibroblasts and tenocytes. In vivo studies, using animal models, have demonstrated that tendon and ligament tissue responds particularly well to this application. Thus the purpose of this study was to evaluate functional outcome in patients presenting with chronic pathology in the Achilles tendon, following application of microcurrent compared with conservative management. Method A prospective comparative study was undertaken using a blocked randomisation method. Subjects were allocated either to group A and exposed to current clinical management or to group B, the experimental microcurrent regime. Classification and subsequent evaluation of pathology were assessed employing clinical assessment tests, self-assessment and assessment by diagnostic ultrasound. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Subjects were assessed at three, six and 12 months after entry into the study. Forty-eight subjects, 24 in each group, completed the study. A statistical analysis was performed, calculating the differences between the two groups and between each interval assessment. Categorical variables were compared between the two groups using the chi-squared test. The Mann-Whitney test was performed to assess changes in ordinal variables. Results Statistically significant differences were found in favour of group B, the experimental group, in four out of the five clinical markers used at the 0.1% level of significance. Conclusion The application of microcurrent treatment to patients presenting with chronic Achilles tendon pathology can make a significant contribution to improvement of the condition.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
In vivo and in vitro characterization of skeletal muscle metabolism in patients with statin-induced adverse effects. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Objective: Statins (3-hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor) are widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia. They are generally well tolerated, but myotoxic effects have been reported and the corresponding mechanisms are still a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to determine whether impairment of calcium homeostasis and/or mitochondrial impairment could account for the adverse effects of statins in skeletal muscle.
Methods: Eleven patients with increased creatine kinase levels and myalgias after statin treatment were evaluated using in vitro contracture tests (IVCTs), histology, and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS).
Results: IVCT results were abnormal in 7 of the 9 patients, indicating an impaired calcium homeostasis. The 31P-MRS investigation disclosed no anomaly at rest, and the aerobic function assessed during the postexercise recovery period was normal. On the contrary, the pH recovery kinetics was significantly slowed down as indicated by a reduced proton efflux, which could be ultimately linked to a failure of calcium homeostasis. Overall, our observations indicate a normal mitochondrial function and raise the possibility that statins may unmask a latent pathology involving an impairment of calcium homeostasis such as malignant hyperthermia (MH).
Conclusion: In case of susceptibility to MH, statins treatment must be administered with caution, and signs of adverse effects should be checked.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Growth hormone: a potential treatment option in diabetes? Xanya Sofra Weiss
Richard Holt ; 2003
Despite major fluctuations in supply and demand, sophisticated mechanisms in the body maintain levels of blood sugar (glucose) within narrow limits. Although under normal conditions, insulin is the major regulator of blood glucose levels, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) play an important contributory role. Both of these hormones have potent effects on glucose metabolism which may be utilized in diabetes management. Richard Holt explains the growing interest in exploiting the effects of GH and IGF-1 for people with diabetes.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Impaired Fat-burning Gene Worsens Diabetes, Study Shows. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Professor Juleen R. Zierath at Karolinska Institutet
Type 2-diabetes is a chronic disease resulting from a reduction in insulin-production from the pancreas or an inability of other tissues in the body to respond adequately to the produced insulin, so called insulinresistance. This leads to increased blood sugar, which in turn leads to a worsening of the insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing many serious diabetes-associated complications. An international research team, led by Professor Juleen R. Zierath at Karolinska Institutet have identified previously unknown molecular mechanisms by which elevated blood sugar leads to impaired insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes. The research team identified a ‘fat-burning’ gene, the products of which are required to maintain the cells insulin sensitivity. They also discovered that this gene is reduced in muscle tissue from people with high blood sugar and type 2-diabetes. In the absence of the enzyme that is made by this gene, muscles have reduced insulin sensitivity, impaired fat burning ability, which leads to an increased risk of developing obesity. “The expression of this gene is reduced when blood sugar rises, but activity can be restored if blood sugar is controlled by pharmacological treatment or exercise”, says Professor Juleen Zierath. “Our results underscore the importance of tight regulation of blood sugar for people with diabetes.”
Xanya Sofra Weiss
The International women’s health center. Xanya Sofra Weiss
The word Hormone is derived from Greek word horman, meaning “to set in motion”. Hormones
are chemicals produced by certain, specialized cells in your glands. The hormones then travel to
other cells, in order to regulate or manage processes there. Hormones are produced by
particular organs, but affect different organs. Hormones regulate all body systems, internally
and externally, physically and mentally. Their decline results in Aging or decay of the body and mind.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
Friday, December 10, 2010
New diabetes research: Half of Americans have gene that affects how body burns sugar 2007. Xanya Sofra Weiss
Those people with the variant gene processed fat differently than those who don’t have it. They burned more fat, which may have hindered their ability to remove sugar from the blood stream and burn it. Diabetes is characterized by too much sugar in the blood. “This study adds to what was previously known about this gene variant by showing that after consuming a very rich milkshake, people with the variant gene process the fat from the drink differently than other people,” Weiss says. That is not to say that half of U.S. residents are destined to get diabetes, he adds. “While the variation of the gene appears to contribute to the diabetes risk, it does not cause diabetes by itself,” Weiss says. “Many other genes, some known and some unknown, are involved in a person’s overall risk of developing diabetes. Those are things a person can’t control. But there are risk factors for diabetes that a person can change - lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise.”
Xanya Sofra Weiss
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