Short-term effects of low-level laser versus ultrasound therapy on children's neck posture after long-term use of electronic devices

The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), ultrasound therapy (US), and strengthening and stretching exercise in children diagnosed with cervical straightening caused by long-term use of electronic devices. A total of 60 patients from 12 to 18 years of both gender diagnosed with straight neck syndrome which is losing the normal C shape of cervical vertebrae. Patients were randomized into three groups. In group A, patients received LLLT plus exercise, while in group B, they received US plus exercise, and group C received exercise. In group A and B, Cobb angle and VAS showed a significant improvement (more significant in group A) with P < 0.001, while in group C P = 0.006. LLLT, US, and exercise improved the cervical straight curve, and reduced pain with maximum effect was done by LLLT.

Effects of laser acupuncture on anthropometric parameters and lipid profile in obese adolescents

The purpose was to compare the effects of diet and exercise and laser interference and maneuver on anthropometric parameters and blood effects of object agents. The study was a randomized controlled longitudinal study. It included 45 adolescents from both sexes who were divided randomly into two groups: one group was treated with low calorie diet and exercise as group A and group B was treated with low calorie diet, exercise, and laser acupuncture. All parameters and blood samples were done before and after the interventions. Group A showed a highly significant reduction post intervention in anthropometric parameters: triceps skin fold thickness (SFT), biceps SFT, subscapular SFT, suprailiac SFT, abdominal SFT, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist C, and hip C, except for waste/hip (W/H) ratio which showed no significant difference, p > 0.05 and some lipid profiles (cholesterol, LDL) with p < 0.001 Whereas, a significant decrease in TG was observed (p < 0.05). On the other hand, a significant increase in HDL was observed (p < 0.05). Group B (LCD + exercise + LA) showed a highly significant reduction post intervention in anthropometric parameters: triceps SFT, biceps SFT, subscapular SFT, suprailiac SFT, abdominal SFT, MUAC, waist C, and Hip C, except for W/H ratio which showed no significant difference, p > 0.05 and lipid profile: cholesterol, LDL, and TG with (p < 0.001), whereas a highly significant increase in HDL was observed (p < 0.001). The current study revealed a significant difference between group A and group B regarding the percentage of change, where the highest values were found in group B compared to group A, in anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, subscapular SFT, MUAC, waist circumference) and some lipid profiles (LDL and HDL) with p < 0.05. Laser acupuncture was a safe, easy, and more effective tool with extra effect in management of obesity when added to diet and exercise on anthropometric parameters and lipid profile.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on quadriceps and foot muscle fatigue in children with spastic diplegia: a randomized controlled study

Spastic diplegia is the most common form of cerebral palsy; children with spastic diplegia are suffering from muscle fatigue and spasticity which lead to decreasing power of muscles, impaired motor control, and many functional abilities. The effect of low-level laser (LLL) has a good result as it improves muscles pain and spasticity and in decreasing lactate levels. Forty children were selected with spastic diplegia and were divided into two groups: A and B. Group A received low-level laser treatment (LLLT) with physiotherapy treatment. Group B got physiotherapy sessions. Pain intensity was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) of pain which is reliable from age 5, before treatment and after 1-month follow-up. Muscle fatigue and power were assessed by maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) before treatment and after 1-month follow-up. Also, we tested blood lactate level in both groups; all evaluations were done before treatment and after 1-month follow-up. We found a significant difference between the two groups in VAS and MVIC and blood lactate level test regarding low-level therapy after 1-month follow-up. There is a good effect of low-level laser in increasing muscle power, decreasing blood lactate level, and improving pain.

Laser acupuncture improving functional chronic constipation in children: a randomized controlled trial

Functional chronic constipation (FCC) is a disorder caused by low fiber consumption, lack of fluid intake, lack of mobility, or side effects of medications. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of laser acupuncture and the commonly used osmotic laxative, lactulose (as the control), both combined with behavioral therapy and dietary modification, on children with FCC in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Forty children were randomly chosen, aged 5-15 years with FCC, and randomized into two equal groups (gender ratio (50% male; 50% female), mean ± SD weight (24.2 ± 6.27 kg and 25.7 ± 7.47 kg for groups A and B, respectively)). Study group (group A): used laser acupuncture (650 nm), 30 mW, 0.15 cm2 spot size, 90 s per acupuncture point (ST25, ST36, ST37, BL25, and LI11). Control group (group B): lactulose syrup (1 to 3 mL/kg/day) orally, in divided doses 3 times weekly for 4 weeks, and behavioral training for both groups. Evaluations were conducted before and after the study to assess the efficacy of the therapy. Median value frequency significantly increased in groups A and B post-treatment (4 (6.75-3) and 3 (3.75-2), respectively) compared to pre-treatment (2 (2-1) and 2 (2-0.25), respectively) (p = 0.0001), in favor of group A (p = 0.01). Significant improvement of stool consistency according to Bristol stool scale (BSS) in groups A and B (p = 0.0001), (p = 0.002) respectively in favor of group A (p = 0.03). T-test, Fisher, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were conducted to compare groups. Non-invasive, painless laser acupuncture therapy can be considered as an alternative therapy for patients with FCC.

Could we diagnose childhood asthma by LIBS technique?

Asthma affects children related to trace elements. Our aim was to investigate the levels of trace elements using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The study included 120 children aged 4-12 years from both sexes. They were divided into three groups: Group 1 of 40 children was diagnosed as cases of controlled asthma. Group 2 consisted of 40 children diagnosed as cases of uncontrolled asthma. Group 3 consisted of 40 children as normal control. Asthmatic children were classified according to GINA 2015. They were analyzed for serum levels of total IgE, eosinophil count, and trace metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Mg, and Fe) by using LIBS. There was significant decrease in serum levels of Zn, Mg and Fe in children with asthma than in normal children. There was a significant decrease in uncontrolled asthmatic children than in controlled asthmatic children. But the Cu and Pb concentration in children with asthma was significantly higher than that in normal children, and there was a significant increase in uncontrolled asthmatic children than in controlled asthmatic children. Furthermore, we examined the peak flow meter, eosinophil count, and total IgE and found that the peak flow metric study had shown a significant difference in controlled cases, total eosinophil count, and IgE; the difference was more significant in the uncontrolled group than in the controlled group, and the total levels were higher in the uncontrolled group. Asthma is a common pediatric disease that is related to deficiency of Fe, Zn, and Mg and occurs with increased Pb and Cu. LIBS is a safe and rapid technique that helps in detecting asthma.

Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 in Human Breast Milk and Its Correlation with Infants' Parameters

Background: Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the infant; it contains many anti-inflammatory factors, including transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). Our study aimed to measure the level of TGF-β1 in human milk and to find its correlation with some infant anthropometric characteristics. Subjects and Methods: A milk sample was collected from 84 mothers and the level of TGF-β1 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: TGF-β1 was significantly higher in vegetarian mothers compared with nonvegetarian mothers (p = 0.044). Additionally, the mean value of breast milk TGF-β1 was significantly higher in mothers using contraceptive pills compared with those who do not (p = 0.021). Also, the mean value of TGF-β1 was significantly higher in infants 3-6 months than those <3 months (p = 0.010); also there was a significant difference regarding infants' weight and length with average weight and length (p = 0.042) and (p = 0.009), respectively. Conclusions: TGF-β1 in human milk may play a role in infants' growth and development; mothers' diet is known to influence TGF-β1 level and its relation to infants' age and weight. Contraceptive method could have an influence on TGF-β1 levels during breastfeeding.

Variants of CDKAL1 rs7754840 (G/C) and CDKN2A/2B rs10811661 (C/T) with gestational diabetes: insignificant association

Objectives

Pathophysiological similarity exists between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus with common genetic origin. Genetic liability for GDM in our population is still not researched. The goal was to reveal the genotypic and allele frequency differences of 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) namely, CDKAL1 (rs7754840) and CDKN2A/2B (rs10811661) between GDM pregnancies and normal pregnancies. We assessed them by real time polymerase chain reaction using Taqman^® allelic discrimination assays. We included 47 GDM pregnant subjects and 51 normal glucose tolerance (NGT) pregnant women as controls.

Results

The genotype frequencies in the GDM group and the NGT group of rs7754840-GG/GC/CC were 6.4/15.7% (3/8), 55.3/45.1% (26/23) and 38.3/39.2% (18/20) respectively. Also, those of rs10811661-CC/CT/TT were 74.5/14.9/4.3% (38/7/2) and 80.9/19.6/5.9% (38/10/3) respectively. The allele frequencies in the GDM group and the NGT group of C/G and T/C were 66/34% (62/32), 61.8/38.2% (63/39) and 11.7/88.3% (11/83), 15.7/84.3% (16/86) respectively. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in allele frequencies and genotype frequencies (all P > 0.05). Non-significant association was seen in the two SNPs of CDKAL1 and CDKN2A/B genes with GDM. Further studies are essential to validate data.

Topical timolol solution versus laser in treatment of infantile hemangioma: a comparative study

Lasers, 595-nm pulsed dye and 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), have been used successfully for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs). Recently the use of a topical β-blocker, specifically timolol maleate, has been promising in the treatment of IHs. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of topical timolol 5 mg/mL solution with that of combined sequential dual-wavelength laser in the treatment of IHs. Sixty children with IHs were divided randomly into two equal groups. Group 1 was treated with applications of timolol drops (5 mg/mL) twice daily. Group 2 was treated with sequential pulsed dye and Nd:Yag laser. Treatments were performed every month for a maximum of six sessions. Efficacy was evaluated clinically and by measuring the average hemoglobin level. A significant decrease in the average hemoglobin level was determined in both groups and a dramatic response was observed in superficial hemangiomas in the timolol group. The timolol group received treatment for an average of 4.0 ± 1.1 months and the laser group for 5.5 ± 0.9 months. The degree of improvement of mixed hemangiomas to laser treatment was greater than that of the timolol group. During 3 months of follow-up, no further improvement or relapse was reported in either group. Timolol solution is a safe and effective alternative to laser treatment in superficial hemangiomas. In mixed hemangiomas, the combined sequential 595-nm and 1,064-nm dual-wavelength laser provided better results than timolol solution because it penetrated deeply so that deep dermal blood vessels were reached.

Photodynamic antibacterial enhanced effect of methylene blue-gold nanoparticles conjugate on Staphylococcal aureus isolated from impetigo lesions in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcal aureus is the most common organism which has been encountered in impetigo infection. Gold nanoparticles can be used as a tool to deliver antimicrobials or to enhance photodynamic destruction of bacteria.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the photodynamic effect of methylene blue gold nanoparticles (MB-gold nanoparticles conjugate) on S. aureus which were isolated from impetigo lesions.

PATIENT AND METHODS

Twenty children were diagnosed clinically as impetigo, and aged from 3 to 5 years of both sexes were recruited in the study. Two bacteriological samples were collected from each patient, identified and cultured. Samples of S. aureus of a concentration of 10(-1)ml were divided into four groups. S. aureus was treated by MB-gold nanoparticles conjugate, gold nanoparticles, MB, and the fourth group served as a control group. Diode laser (660 nm) was used for photoactivation. The bacterial growth inhibition was determined by two methods: the percentage of reduction of viable bacteria count and the optical density (O.D) of bacterial growth.

RESULTS

The highest significant inhibitory effect on S. aureus was obtained with MB-gold nanoparticles conjugate when irradiated by diode laser 660 nm (P < 0.0001). The percentage of viable bacteria was 3%. The photoactivated gold nanoparticles showed a significant inhibitory effect on bacterial growth (P < 0.05). A non-significant inhibitory effect was elicited in other groups.

CONCLUSION

The photoactivated MB-gold nanoparticles conjugate showed the maximum inhibitory effect on S. aureus activity. The gold nanoparticles proved efficacy as a drug delivery system. It enhanced the photodynamic antibacterial effect of methylene blue.