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[Display omitted] Multicore flower-like iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are among the best candidates for magnetic hyperthermia applications against cancers. However, they are rarely investigated in physiological environments and their efficacy against cancer cells has been even less studied. The combination of magnetic hyperthermia, using multicore IONPs, with selected bioactive molecules should lead to an enhanced activity against cancer cells. Multicore IONPs were synthesized by a seeded-growth thermal decomposition approach. Then, the cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and efficacy of the magnetic hyperthermia approach were studied with six cancer cell lines: PANC1 (pancreatic carcinoma), Mel202 (uveal melanoma), MCF7 (breast adenocarcinoma), MB231 (triple-negative breast cancer line), A549 (lung cancer), and HCT116 (colon cancer). Finally, IONPs were modified with a chemotherapeutic drug (SN38) and tumor suppressor microRNAs (miR-34a, miR-182, let-7b, and miR-137), to study their activity against cancer cells with and without combination with magnetic hyperthermia. Two types of multicore IONPs with very good heating abilities under magnetic stimulation have been prepared. Their concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and internalization have been established, showing a strong dependence on the cell line and the nanoparticle type. Magnetic hyperthermia causes significant cell death that is dramatically enhanced in combination with the bioactive molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hypothermia is a common and preventable cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although hypothermia prevention has been extensively studied in infants <32 weeks' gestation, the authors of few studies have targeted moderate- and late-preterm infants (MLPIs) in the delivery room. METHODS: This quality improvement initiative was conducted from June 2019 to June 2023 at the Massachusetts General Hospital NICU and Labor and Delivery Unit. All inborn MLPIs 32 1 0/7 to 36 1 6/7 weeks' gestation admitted to the NICU were included. We expanded thermoregulatory measures typically used in protocols for infants <32 weeks' gestation, including increasing delivery room ambient temperature to 74° F and thermal mattress use. The primary outcome was hypothermia (<36.5°C) after NICU admission. The balancing measure was hyperthermia (≥38 °C). RESULTS: During the study period, there were 566 inborn MLPIs with a mean gestational age of 34 1 3/7 weeks and a mean birth weight of 2269 g. Special cause variation in neonatal hypothermia incidence was observed with a decrease from a mean baseline of 27% to 7.8% postintervention. Special cause variation was observed in hyperthermia incidence, with an increase from 1.4% to 6.2% postintervention largely initially associated with noncompliance with the protocol for thermal mattress removal. CONCLUSIONS: The expansion of several thermoregulation techniques commonly used in infants <32 weeks' gestation, particularly thermal mattress use, was associated with a decreased incidence of NICU admission hypothermia in MLPIs, with an increase in mild hyperthermia predominantly associated with concomitant polyethylene wrap use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This trial was carried out to investigate the effect of forced air warming in various body areas of women on hypothermia during cesarean delivery. The patients in the study groups (n = 76) were assigned to the full-body warming group, upper-extremity warming group, lower-extremity warming group, and control groups. The intervention groups received forced-air warming 30 min before the surgery and continued until 30 min after surgery. The incidence of hypothermia was significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups at the 60th minute of the operation (p < 0.01). The intervention and control groups showed significant differences in the frequency of shivering at the entrance to the PACU (p = 0.001). Thermal comfort scores have significant difference between the control group and all of the intervention groups (p<.001). It is said that the full-body forced-air warming technique prevents hypothermia, shivering, and thermal discomfort in women Cesarean Section (CS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) with free secondary amine groups was synthesized by reacting poly(ethylene glycol)bis-cyclic carbonate with triethylenetetramine. PHU was mixed with varying amounts of gelatin (GE) and crosslinked by reacting them with either poly(ethylene glycol)glycidyl ether (PEGDE) or 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE). The tensile strength and fluid handling capacity of the monolayer films obtained from different formulations of PHU, GE, PEGDE, or BDDE were evaluated. To further improve the tensile strength of dressings via increasing the crosslinking of the networks, varying amounts of epoxidized graphene oxide (EGO) were utilized as an auxiliary crosslinking agent. The improved tensile strength of up to 140% was recorded for these samples. Additionally, the membranes containing EGO were able to absorb near-infrared light. The resulting hyperthermia effect (increasing temperature up to about 63 within 15 min) could efficiently kill bacteria (100% killing). The free secondary amine groups on the PHU backbone also reduced the silver ions loaded into the dressings, and resulting silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) showed acceptable antibacterial activity against E.coli (53% killing) and S.aureus (78% killing). It was also found that the antibacterial activity of AgNPs-containing samples was further improved after incorporating EGO due to the knife-killing effect of EGO nanoplates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feasibility study on cobalt ferrite-barium titanate (CFO-BTO) core-shell nanocomposite as a potential candidate to induce localized hyperthermia is performed through finite element analysis (FEA). The applied field in the radio frequency range (RF) to the simulated nanosized magneto-electric (ME) CFO-BTO core-shell nanocomposites is translated to heat energy due to (i) eddy current loss (ii) hysteresis loss and (iii) relaxation loss. A quantitative estimation of the hysteresis loss and eddy current loss is evaluated. The required temperature for hyperthermia is approximately 315K and the Pennes bioheat equation is used to study the rate of change in the temperature of the surrounding dielectric tissue. The FEA is used to study the temperature gradient as a function of time for four cases: (i) no nanoparticles (ii) using CFO-BTO to generate hyperthermia (iii) using cobalt ferrite (CFO) to generate hyperthermia (iv) increasing the concentration of CFO-BTO to generate hyperthermia. It was evident that the rate of temperature increase is higher for CFO-BTO compared to CFO. This can be attributed to the acoustic translation of energy between the magnetostrictive and piezoelectric shells. The results also indicate that increasing the concentration of CFO-BTO allows a faster rate of applied field energy translation to internal energy due to close interparticle interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe major aim of this research hyperthermia and magnetic resonance-high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) focused on investigating the potential of aloe vera leaf extract-mediated gold-coated iron oxide nanohybrids (Au-IONPs) as a modern theragnostic material for the treatment of uterine myoma. To assess the cytotoxicity of Au-IONPs, induce hyperthermia, and apply radiotherapy to determine the level of apoptosis in the human ht-UtLM cells. Subsequently, it evaluated the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles on human ht-UtLM cells by exposing the cells to various concentrations of Au-IONPs for a 4-hour incubation period. Based on the results, concentrations of 10 and 15 µg/mL were selected for further investigation. The MTT assay and flow cytometry results demonstrated that Au-IONPs significantly induce cell apoptosis. It allows the Au-IONPs to turn as an effective development mediator in the ablation of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment. Finally, it could be suggested to developed material have excellent systemic toxicity, which promises well for treatment of uterine fibroids.HIGHLIGHTSBiosynthesis of gold – iron oxide nanohybrids (Au-IONPs) through a green approach.Physio-chemical properties of Au-IONPs have been characterized through various techniques.Investigating the anti-tumor effects of Au-IONPs in combination with thermo-radiotherapy for uterine myoma.Determine the level of apoptosis in the human myoma cells by inducing hyperthermia and radiotherapy.Observed the correlation behavior between the dose of the cell viability and Au-IONP nanoparticles.Au-IONPs had a significant impact on enhancing the effects of both hyperthermia and radiation therapies.Biosynthesis of gold – iron oxide nanohybrids (Au-IONPs) through a green approach.Physio-chemical properties of Au-IONPs have been characterized through various techniques.Investigating the anti-tumor effects of Au-IONPs in combination with thermo-radiotherapy for uterine myoma.Determine the level of apoptosis in the human myoma cells by inducing hyperthermia and radiotherapy.Observed the correlation behavior between the dose of the cell viability and Au-IONP nanoparticles.Au-IONPs had a significant impact on enhancing the effects of both hyperthermia and radiation therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual observation and therapeutic intervention against tumors hold significant appeal for tumor treatment, particularly in meeting the demands of intraoperative navigation. From a clinical perspective, the naked‐eye visualization of tumors provides a direct and convenient approach to identifying tumors and navigating during surgery. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing need to develop effective solutions in this frontier. Genetically engineered microorganisms are promising as living therapeutics for combatting malignant tumors, leveraging precise tumor targeting and versatile programmed functionalities. Here, genetically modified Escherichia coli (E. coli) MG1655 bacterial cells are introduced, called MelaBac cells, designed to express tyrosinase continuously. This bioengineered melanogenesis produces melanin capable of pigmenting both subcutaneous CT26 xenografts and chemically induced colorectal cancer (CRC). Additionally, MelaBac cells demonstrate the initiation of photonic hyperthermia therapy and immunotherapy against tumors, offering promising selective therapeutic interventions with high biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change materials with high energy storage density and stable phase change temperature are ideal choices for personal thermal therapy and heat management. However, leakage and poor flexibility have long been bottlenecks in their application. Excellent latent heat performance and flexibility are crucial, especially in the thermal management of flexible wearable devices. In this study, a simple strategy was adopted to prepare a flexible polyurethane-based phase change material using a prepolymer method with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the phase change material. Attributed to the cross-linked network structure in the polymer, the prepared phase change material exhibits excellent thermal stability and shape stability without leakage. Additionally, it shows relatively high latent heat and good flexibility. Based on these significant comprehensive properties, a performance-improved thermal wrist wrap was designed to achieve thermal therapy and efficient human heat management. This work provides insights into the rational design of flexible and shape-stable high latent heat phase change materials, demonstrating tremendous potential applications in wearable thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Many patients undergoing major abdominal surgery experience changes in their albumin levels, but the impact of this on their recovery is not well understood. Our research focused on patients who had cytoreductive surgery and a special chemotherapy treatment during surgery. We looked at how albumin levels changed from the time of surgery until three days after surgery and whether these changes were linked to major complications. We found that patients whose albumin levels dropped significantly during surgery were more likely to have serious complications. By tracking albumin levels, we might better predict and manage complications after this type of surgery. Our findings suggest that monitoring albumin could improve patient outcomes in the future. The clinical consequences of perioperative albumin extravasation accompanying major abdominal surgery remain underexplored. We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Parameters of albumin kinetics, including serum albumin concentration decrease (∆Alb) and extravasated albumin level (Albshift), were assessed from surgery until postoperative day (POD) 3. Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with major complications. The association of albumin kinetics with major complications was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Serum albumin levels decreased during surgery and subsequently increased. Of the 121 analyzed patients, 25 (21%) developed major complications. The ∆Alb and Albshift during surgery and on POD 3 were greater in patients who developed major complications than in those who did not (12 ± 12 vs. 6 ± 14, p = 0.032, and 127.5 (71.9) vs. 48.5 (44.9), p < 0.001, respectively). Perioperative ∆Alb and Albshift were associated with major complications. The areas under the ROC curve of Albshift during the 3 days post-surgery and Albshift on POD 3 were 0.843 and 0.910, respectively. Albshift during the 3 days post-surgery and Albshift on POD 3 were correlated with complications (p < 0.05). In conclusion, perioperative albumin loss was associated with major complications in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC. Albshift was associated with serious complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report highlights the effective use of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) in warming a 71-year-old female patient with severe hypothermia who presented with a rectal temperature of 25 °C and signs of hemodynamic instability. The patient, found unconscious after prolonged exposure to cold exacerbated by alcohol consumption, initially showed some improvement in core temperature through active external rewarming methods. However, soon, her temperature plateaued at 27 °C. Patient was deemed unsuitable for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) due to her age, and urgent IHD was initiated. This approach resulted in a stable increase in core temperature at approximately 2.0 °C/hr, along with normalization of lactic acidosis, creatinine phosphokinase, and correction of electrolyte imbalances, culminating in her full recovery and discharge after seven days in the hospital. After reviewing this case alongside similar ones from before, this case report highlights the efficacy and safety of IHD as an efficient, readily available, and less invasive method for rewarming moderate to severe hypothermic patients who are hemodynamically unstable patients but do not have cardiac arrest or renal dysfunction. IHD is especially useful when less invasive cooling devices (Artic Sun/ CoolGard) are not available or more invasive extracorporeal life support options (ECMO/ CPB) are either not indicated or unavailable. IHD can also help improve concurrent electrolyte imbalances and/or toxin buildup. The report further emphasizes the necessity of monitoring for potential complications, such as post-dialysis hypophosphatemia and rebound hyperkalemia, following successful rewarming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are emerging metallic nanoparticles utilized to generate heat for photothermal therapy (PTT) in cancer. The tunable plasmonic properties of AuNRs make them a remarkable candidate for hyperthermia. However, the cytotoxicity of AuNRs limits its biological applicability due to the existence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the surface as a common surfactant. In this study, AuNRs are synthesized by seed‐mediated growth and then the optical properties are optimized by altering AgNO3 concentration. Afterward, CTAB is replaced with biopolymers which are BSA:Dextran and BSA:Guar Gum conjugates resulting in enhanced cellular viability, enabling to use of them as biologically relevant photothermal agents. The biocompatibility of AuNRs is improved to utilize them at high concentrations for laser studies, in which similar heat generation success of CTAB‐ and biopolymer‐coated AuNRs are shown for potential PTT applications. CTAB and biopolymer‐coated AuNRs in concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg mL−1 are irradiated under NIR light at 808 nm laser at 0.5, 0.75, and 1 W cm−2 for 300 s. The biopolymer‐coated gold nanorods with different coatings preserve photothermal properties while reducing the cytotoxicity effects of CTAB and thus they are promising photothermal agents for potential PTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoradiotherapy combines radiation therapy with hyperthermia to increase therapeutic effectiveness. Currently, both modalities are optimized separately and in state-of-the-art research the enhanced therapeutic effect is evaluated using equivalent radiation dose in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2). This study proposes a novel thermoradiotherapy treatment planning framework with voxelwise EQD2 radiation therapy optimizing including thermal radiosensitization and direct thermal cytotoxicity. To demonstrate proof-of-concept of the planning framework, 3 strategies consisting of 20 radiation therapy fractions were planned for 4 prostate cancer cases with substantially different temperature distributions: (1) Conventional radiation therapy plan of 60 Gy combined with 4 hyperthermia sessions (RT 60 + HT), (2) standalone uniform dose escalation to 68 Gy without hyperthermia (RT 68), and (3) uniform target EQD2 that maximizes the tumor control probability (TCP) accounting for voxelwise thermal effects of 4 hyperthermia sessions without increasing normal tissue doses (RT HT + HT). Assessment included dose, EQD2, TCP, and rectal normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), alongside robustness analyses for TCP and NTCP against parameter uncertainties. The estimated TCP of around 76% for RT 60 without hyperthermia was increased to an average of 85.9% (range, 81.3%-90.5%) for RT 60 + HT, 92.5% (92.4%-92.5%) for RT 68 , and 94.4% (91.7%-96.6%) for RT HT + HT. The corresponding averaged rectal NTCPs were 8.7% (7.9%-10.0%), 14.9% (13.8%-17.1%), and 8.4% (7.5%-9.7%), respectively. RT 68 and RT HT + HT exhibited slightly enhanced TCP robustness against parameter uncertainties compared with RT 60 + HT, and RT 68 presented higher and less robust rectal NTCP values compared with the other planning strategies. This study introduces an innovative thermoradiotherapy planning approach, integrating thermal effects into EQD2-based radiation therapy optimization. Results demonstrate an ability to achieve enhanced and uniform target EQD2 and TCP across various temperature distributions without elevating normal tissue EQD2 or NTCP compared with conventional methods. Although promising for improving clinical outcomes, realizable enhancements depend on accurate tumor- and tissue-specific data and precise quantification of hyperthermic effects, which are seamlessly integrable in the planning framework as they emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nutritional status is closely related to the outcomes of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC). However, the prognostic value of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in CRS-HIPEC has not yet been investigated. This study evaluated the predictive power of the CONUT score for mortality and postoperative complications after CRS-HIPEC. We found that patients with high CONUT score exhibited significantly higher 1-year mortality and postoperative complication rates than those with low CONUT score. Notably, a high CONUT score was identified as an independent risk factor for 1-year mortality and postoperative complications. These results suggest the potential of the CONUT score as a robust risk stratification tool for identifying high-risk patients within the CRS-HIPEC surgical demographic. The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is a novel nutritional index that integrates the serum albumin level, peripheral blood lymphocyte count, and total cholesterol level. This retrospective study explores its prognostic significance in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC). We included 436 patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC, categorized into low (0–3) and high (4–12) CONUT score groups, and performed logistic regression analysis to predict one-year mortality and postoperative morbidity. Our findings revealed that high CONUT scores correlate with increased one-year mortality (47.1% vs. 20.3%, p < 0.001) and morbidity (39.2% vs. 18.2%, p < 0.001) compared to low CONUT scores. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed high CONUT scores as independent predictors of one-year mortality (odds ratio: 2.253, 95% CI: 1.014–5.005, p = 0.046) and postoperative morbidity (odds ratio: 2.201, 95% CI: 1.066–4.547, p = 0.033). These results underscore the CONUT score's effectiveness as an independent marker for evaluating risks associated with CRS-HIPEC, emphasizing its potential to improve risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Peritoneal sarcomatosis has traditionally been characterized by a poor prognosis and few effective treatment options. Improving radical surgery procedures with high percentages of complete cytoreduction and limited morbidity in centers with considerable experience, together with new systemic treatments associated with evolutionary development in oncology, may modify this concept. The wide histological variability of soft tissue sarcomas that can cause peritoneal sarcomatosis prompts its evaluation and treatment by expert multidisciplinary teams. An updated review of the scientific evidence in this regard and the consensus regarding recommendations for the adequate management of this condition represent the main objective of this study. Peritoneal sarcomatosis is a rare malignant disease with a poor prognosis, secondary to peritoneal dissemination of abdominopelvic soft tissue sarcomas. Its rarity, together with the characteristic histological heterogeneity and the historically poor response to systemic treatments, has prevented the establishment of widely accepted treatment criteria with curative intent. In this sense, radical cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with peritonectomy procedures and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), widely used in peritoneal carcinomatosis with excellent results, have not had the same evolutionary development in patients with peritoneal sarcomatosis. A multidisciplinary working group of experts in sarcomas and peritoneal oncological surgery established a series of recommendations based on current scientific evidence for the management of peritoneal sarcomatosis, taking into account the different histological subgroups of abdominopelvic sarcomas that can cause it depending on their origin: retroperitoneal sarcomas, uterine sarcomas, and visceral/peritoneal sarcomas of GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) and non-GIST origin. This article shows the results of sarcoma experts' voting on the recommendations presented during the I Ibero-American Consensus on the Management of Peritoneal Sarcomatosis, which took place during the recent celebration of the III Hispanic-Portuguese Meeting for Updates on the Treatment of Sarcomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) movement of fluids through a porous material has a variety of uses such as distillation towers, heat exchangers, catalytic processes, magnetic field‐based wound treatments, cancer therapy and hyperthermia. This paper explores the complex dynamics of a three‐phase flow utilizing MHD Jeffrey fluid, which sits in between nano and hybrid (molybdenum disulphide [MoS2] and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes [MWCNTs]) nanofluids. The governing differential equations are derived for the physical flow model. The equations are reduced to dimensionless equations by using dimensionless parameters. The resultant equations are solved by using the regular perturbation technique. The results are analysed for various physical pertinent parameters through 2D/3D graphs. The heat transfer rate and volume flow rate are calculated for the left and right plates. This analysis also considers how the system's overall behaviour would be affected by radiation and dissipation effects. The results indicate that the magnetic parameter, electric parameter, quadratic convective parameter, Brinkman number and Grashof number significantly affect heat transfer enhancement. Fluid velocity can be reduced using radiation parameters, porosity, electric and magnetic parameters and velocity declines by Jeffrey parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To reduce maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality, it is becoming increasingly important for anesthetists to understand and implement enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) cesarean delivery guidelines. Our aim was to reveal the knowledge of anesthesia assistants in Turkey about ERAS during cesarean delivery and to increase their awareness of ERAS. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the city of Isparta, Turkey in 2023. The survey, which was approved by the ethics committee, was distributed to participants across Turkey via e-mail and online messages. The survey comprises of a total of 42 questions evaluating perioperative ERAS recommendations. Results: Of the 404 participants in our survey, 59.9% were associated with university hospitals and 65.8% had completed three or more years of education. A total of 87.9% of the participants were familiar with ERAS; however, only 42.8% had received ERAS training. Although 93.8% of the participants' institutions performed a cesarean delivery, ERAS recommendations were only implemented at a rate of 48%. This may be due to the absence of an ERAS team, which was identified in our survey at a high rate of 66.6%. Conclusion: Awareness about ERAS was high among the participants, but the implementation rates of some recommendations were low. The reason for this may be the inability to form a multidisciplinary team and inadequate training of participants. For this purpose, we recommend the formation of a multidisciplinary team for ERAS protocol implementation and increased participant training opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[198Au]Au@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles ([198Au]Au@SiO2 CSNPs) were synthesized using Persea americana Mill. seed (PAS) extract as a reducing agent. The synthesis involves amino-functionalized SiO2 core formation followed by shell formation with [198Au]Au seeds attachment and a reduction process. The resulting [198Au]Au@SiO2 CSNPs, sized at 188.96 nm, exhibited near-infrared (NIR) absorption at 750 nm and radiochemical purity of 99.91%. In vitro treatment, combined with 980 nm laser irradiation at 3 W cm−2, induced hyperthermia, enhancing cell death in LNCaP cancer cells to 2.60% viability. This study highlights the potential of [198Au]Au@SiO2 CSNPs as a promising radio-photothermal therapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation, as a complex and multimodal treatment concept, makes significant use of methods that are assigned to conservative orthopedics, in particular the procedures of physical therapy. In contrast to physiotherapy and medical training therapy, physical therapy is a form of therapy provided with technology. The spectrum ranges from hydrotherapy, mechanotherapy and thermotherapy to balneotherapy, massage forms and electrotherapy. Climatotherapy, phototherapy and aerosol/inhalation therapy have less of an impact on the orthopaedic field. Although the forms of therapy are often referred to as passive, the effect is based on physical laws, physiological reactions and adaptation. In addition, these are predominantly forms of therapy, some of which have been in use for centuries, some for thousands of years, these efficient treatments with a good safety and tolerability profile gained by means of empiricism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal pain is a major burden in our society. Management of musculoskeletal pain or injuries includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, including heat therapy (HT). HT is a well-established treatment option due to its ability to promote muscle relaxation, enhance blood circulation, and modulate nociceptors with a good safety profile. The main focus of this paper is to review the available literature about HT in knee pathologies (i.e., arthrosis, arthritis, traumatic pathologies in the subacute phase, muscle and tendon pathologies linked to fatigue, muscle tension and distractions) and to provide an expert opinion in case of lack of data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for various clinical applications, such as tumor-targeted imaging, hyperthermia therapy, drug delivery, and live-cell tracking. However, the application of IONPs as T1 contrast agents has been restricted due to their high r2 values and r2/r1 ratios, which limit their effectiveness in T1 contrast enhancement. Notably, IONPs with diameters smaller than 5 nm, referred to as extremely small-sized IONPs (ESIONs), have demonstrated potential in overcoming these limitations. To advance the clinical application of ESIONs as T1 contrast agents, we have refined a scale-up process for micelle encapsulation aimed at improving the hydrophilization of ESIONs, and have carried out comprehensive in vivo biodistribution and preclinical toxicity assessments. Results: The optimization of the scale-up micelle-encapsulation process, specifically employing Tween60 at a concentration of 10% v/v, resulted in ESIONs that were uniformly hydrophilized, with an average size of 9.35 nm and a high purification yield. Stability tests showed that these ESIONs maintained consistent size over extended storage periods and dispersed effectively in blood and serum-mimicking environments. Relaxivity measurements indicated an r1 value of 3.43 mM− 1s− 1 and a favorable r2/r1 ratio of 5.36, suggesting their potential as T1 contrast agents. Biodistribution studies revealed that the ESIONs had extended circulation times in the bloodstream and were primarily cleared via the hepatobiliary route, with negligible renal excretion. We monitored blood clearance and organ distribution using positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, MRI signal variations in a dose-dependent manner highlighted different behaviors at varying ESIONs concentrations, implying that optimal dosages might be specific to the intended imaging application. Preclinical safety evaluations indicated that ESIONs were tolerable in rats at doses up to 25 mg/kg. Conclusions: This study effectively optimized a scale-up process for the micelle encapsulation of ESIONs, leading to the production of hydrophilic ESIONs at gram-scale levels. These optimized ESIONs showcased properties conducive to T1 contrast imaging, such as elevated r1 relaxivity and a reduced r2/r1 ratio. Biodistribution study underscored their prolonged bloodstream presence and efficient clearance through the liver and bile, without significant renal involvement. The preclinical toxicity tests affirmed the safety of the ESIONs, supporting their potential use as T1 contrast agent with versatile clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 6 weeks of localized, muscle‐focused (quadriceps femoris) passive heat therapy (PHT) on resistance artery function, exercise haemodynamics and exercise performance relative to knee extension (KE) exercise training (EX). We randomized 34 healthy adults (ages 18–36; n = 17 female, 17 male) to receive either PHT or sham heating sessions (120 min, 3 days/week), or EX (40 min, 3 days/week) over 6 weeks. Blood flow was assessed with Doppler ultrasound of the femoral artery during both passive leg movement (PLM) and a KE graded exercise test. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis at baseline and after 6 weeks. Peak blood flow during PLM increased to the same extent in both the EX (∼10.5% increase, P = 0.009) and PHT groups (∼8.5% increase, P = 0.044). Peak flow during knee extension exercise increased in EX (∼19%, P = 0.005), but did not change in PHT (P = 0.523) and decreased in SHAM (∼7%, P = 0.020). Peak vascular conductance during KE increased by ∼25% in EX (P = 0.030) and PHT (P = 0.012). KE peak power increased in EX by ∼27% (P = 0.001) but did not significantly change in PHT and SHAM groups. Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase increased significantly in both EX (P = 0.028) and PHT (P = 0.0095), but only EX resulted in increased angiogenesis. In conclusion, 6 weeks of localized PHT improved resistance artery function at rest and during exercise to the same extent as exercise training but did not yield significant improvements in performance. Many for whom exercise would be most beneficial are either unable to exercise or have a very low exercise tolerance. In these cases, an alternative treatment to combat declines in resistance artery function is needed. We tested the hypothesis that passive heat therapy (PHT) would increase resistance artery function, improve exercise haemodynamics and enhance exercise performance compared to a sham treatment, but less than aerobic exercise training. This report shows that 6 weeks of localized PHT improved resistance artery function at rest and during exercise to the same extent as exercise training but did not improve exercise performance. Additionally, muscle biopsy analyses revealed that endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression increased in both PHT and exercise training groups, but only exercise resulted in increased angiogenesis. Our data demonstrate the efficacy of applying passive heat as an alternative treatment to improve resistance artery function for those unable to receive the benefits of regular exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) is an intraoperative and topical administration of chemotherapeutic drugs with simultaneous warming of the thoracic cavity. This procedure was first described by Spratt in 1980 as a thermal transfusion infiltration system, performed on canine models to treat malignant effusions of metastatic abdominal cancers. The main tumors causing malignant pleural effusion, which have been seen to benefit from hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy, are mesothelioma, thymic malignancies and lung cancer: despite the high prevalence of MPE in patients with metastatic breast and ovarian cancers, there are still inadequate data on the use of HITHOC as a treatment option for these malignancies. Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare but aggressive thoracic tumor with a poor prognosis. Multimodal treatment—including induction chemotherapy, aggressive surgical resection, radiotherapy and immunotherapy in selected cases—currently represents the best therapeutic option. Single-center studies advocate hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) during surgical resection as an additional therapeutic option, although its impact on post-operative morbidity and survival has not yet been evaluated on a larger scale. HITHOC can be applied not only in the case of mesothelioma, but also in the case of thymoma with pleural involvement or—in very selected cases—in patients with secondary pleural metastases. Despite favorable outcomes and reduced clinical risks, there is no uniform approach to HITHOC, and a wide variety of indications and technical applications are still reported. Based on available data, HITHOC seems to offer a clear benefit in regard to overall survival of all mesothelioma patients; however, multicenter randomized controlled trials are required to validate and standardize this approach. The aim of this review is to focus on the present role of HITHOC in thoracic tumors with pleural involvement as well as on future challenges, particularly in the light of possible combined therapy of thoracic tumors still presenting poor prognoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. Transcutaneous electrotherapies have been widely used to treat CLBP but, with the partial exception of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), their effect on pain, disability, quality-of-life, and psychosocial outcomes have not been systematically reviewed. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to clarify the overall effect of transcutaneous electrotherapies on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in CLBP patients. Methods: Four databases and two study registries were searched for studies that utilized transcutaneous electrotherapies as a primary intervention for CLBP, compared against active or passive controls. Two reviewers independently extracted study data and assessed risk of bias. Studies were grouped by intervention vs. comparison, and by time of follow-up. Meta-analyses were conducted where appropriate. Results: A total of 89 full-text were assessed for eligibility; 14 studies were included, with 6 in the meta-analyses (all TENS or mixed TENS). Pain: meta-analyses revealed no significant difference for TENS vs. active control, TENS vs. passive control, or mixed TENS vs. active control at post-intervention, nor for mixed TENS vs. active control at 1-month post-intervention. Interferential current (IFC) was more effective than active control (2 studies), while electromyostimulation (EMS) was generally superior to passive, but not active, controls (6 studies). Disability: Meta-analyses revealed no significant difference for TENS vs. active control at post-intervention, mixed TENS vs. active control at post-intervention, or mixed TENS vs. active control at 1-month post-intervention. IFC was more effective than active control (2 studies), while the EMS results were mixed (6 studies). We were unable to perform metaanalyses for quality-of-life or psychosocial outcomes. Conclusion: There is moderate evidence that TENS is similar to all controls for improving pain and disability. There is limited evidence that IFC is superior to active controls for improving pain and disability. There is limited evidence that EMS is superior to passive but not active controls for improving pain, and similar to all controls for improving disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperthermia therapy refers to the elevating of a region in the body for therapeutic purposes. Different techniques have been applied for hyperthermia therapy including laser, microwave, radiofrequency, ultrasonic, and magnetic nanoparticles and the latter have received great attention in recent years. Magnetic hyperthermia in cancer therapy aims to increase the temperature of the body tissue by locally delivering heat from the magnetic nanoparticles to cancer cells with the aid of an external alternating magnetic field to kill the cancerous cells or prevent their further growth. This review introduces magnetic hyperthermia with magnetic nanoparticles. It includes the mechanism of the operation and magnetism behind the magnetic hyperthermia phenomenon. Different synthesis methods and surface modification to enhance the biocompatibility, water solubility, and stability of the nanoparticles in physiological environments have been discussed. Recent research on versatile types of magnetic nanoparticles with their ability to increase the local temperature has been addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the endocrine responses of 16 (female = 8) resistance trained volunteers to a single bout of whole-body high-volume load resistance exercise in hot (HOT; 40° C) and temperate (TEMP; 20° C) environmental conditions. Thermoregulatory and heart rate (HR) data were recorded, and venous blood was acquired before and after resistance exercise to assess serum anabolic and catabolic hormones. In men, testosterone increased after resistance exercise in HOT and TEMP (p < 0.01) but postexercise testosterone was not different between condition (p = 0.51) In women, human growth hormone was different between condition at pre-exercise (p = 0.02) and postexercise (p = 0.03). After controlling for pre-exercise values, the between-condition postexercise difference was abolished (p = 0.16) There were no differences in insulin-like growth factor-1 for either sex (p >= 0.06) In women, cortisol increased from pre-exercise to postexercise in HOT (p = 0.04) but not TEMP (p = 0.19) generating a between-condition difference at postexercise (p < 0.01) In men, cortisol increased from pre-exercise to postexercise in HOT only (p < 0.01) Rectal temperature increased to a greater extent in HOT compared with TEMP in both men (p = 0.01) and women (p = 0.02) Heart rate increased after exercise under both conditions in men and women (p = 0.01), but only women experience greater postexercise HR in HOT vs. TEMP (p = 0.04) The addition of heat stress to resistance exercise session did not overtly shift the endocrine response toward an anabolic or catabolic response. When acute program variables are prescribed to increase postresistance exercise anabolic hormones, adding heat stress is not syner- gistic but does increase physiologic strain (i.e., elevated HR and rectal temperature). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothermia can be the first and only sign of sepsis in young infants, yet there is a paucity of standard recommendations for pediatric primary-care office management of those infants identified. The SMART aim of this study was to standardize the identification and care of infants age 0 to 49 days at risk of hypothermia in pediatric primary care by decreasing the percent of infants with temperatures ≤36.5°C from 24% to 10% within 2 years. Over the course of this project, variation in documented temperatures ≤36.5°C decreased from 24% to 7% of encounters. Temperatures ≤36.5°C were documented for 951 infants or 13.4% (1078 of 8020 encounters). Of the 951 infants with temperatures ≤36.5°C, 96.1% were rewarmed in the office. Thirty-one patients ultimately required hospitalization. Application of quality improvement in a primary-care office decreased low temperatures by standardizing care, empowering staff, and triaging at-risk infants to the most appropriate level of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the factors associated with the procalcitonin levels in newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who received therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Materials and Methods: The neonates, who had moderate/severe HIE and were treated with TH, were included. The neonates were arranged into 2 groups by procalcitonin (PCT) level after rewarming was completed. The neonates who had a procalcitonin level of < 2.5 ng/ml constituted Group 1 and the ones who had a procalcitonin level of ≥ 2.5 ng/ml constituted Group 2. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the factors related with PCT level. Results: The first group included 123 (87.9%) neonates and the second group included 17 (12.1%) neonates. The median gestational age was 38 (36-39) weeks and the mean birth weight was 3081.7 ± 552.8 grams. In group 2, the rates for severe HIE, cesarean section, antibiotic switch, convulsion, inotrope use and mortality were higher, and duration of hospitalization was longer, whereas Apgar scores were lower (P < .05). The risk of a high procalcitonin level was found to be 6-fold (95% CI 1.9-19.1) higher in severe HIE and 5.2-fold higher (95% CI 1.7-16) in cesarean delivery. Conclusion: In neonates with HIE/TH, high post-rewarming procalcitonin levels were related with severe HIE and cesarean delivery. Some other clinical and laboratory findings, which may reflect worse clinical status, were also associated with high procalcitonin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by excessive proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) and accumulation of inflammatory cytokines. Exploring the suppression of RASFs and modulation of the RA microenvironment is considered a comprehensive strategy for RA. In this work, specifically activated nanoagents (MAHI NGs) based on the hypoxic and weakly acidic RA microenvironment are developed to achieve a second near‐infrared fluorescence (NIR‐II FL)/photoacoustic (PA) dual‐model imaging‐guided multi‐treatment. Due to optimal size, the MAHI NGs passively accumulate in the diseased joint region and undergo rapid responsive degradation, precisely releasing functionalized components: endogenous melanin‐nanoparticles (MNPs), hydrogen gas (H2), and indocyanine green (ICG). The released MNPs play a crucial role in ablating RASFs within the RA microenvironment through photothermal therapy (PTT) guided by accurate PA imaging. However, the regional hyperthermia generated by PTT may exacerbate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammatory response following cell lysis. Remarkably, under the acidic microenvironment, the controlled release of H2 exhibits precise synergistic antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects with MNPs. Moreover, the ICG, the second near‐infrared dye currently approved for clinical use, possesses excellent NIR‐II FL imaging properties that facilitate the diagnosis of deep tissue diseases and provide the right time‐point for PTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hysteresis loss (P) of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) under alternating current excitation has been used to induce hyperthermia in cancer cells. We theoretically optimized the excitation field amplitude Hac and frequency f required to maximize P, while the product C = Hacf did not exceed a threshold value to avoid side effects in biomedical applications. We obtained analytical expressions for the optimum values of Hac and f as functions of C and MNP parameters. Almost the same P could be obtained for MNPs with magnetic core diameters dc ranging over 20–40 nm if Hac and f were optimized according to the dc value. A numerical example was a P of ∼0.4 kW/g Fe for immobilized MNPs under C = 2 × 109 A/(ms). We also examined the dependences of P on MNP parameters under the optimum excitation field. A large saturation magnetization was essential for a large P. The degradation of P caused by the dc distribution in a practical (realistic) sample was examined, and the conditions that reduce degradation were determined. There was a strong agreement among these properties between the analyses and numerical simulations. Finally, we showed how much P increased for suspended MNPs relative to that for immobilized MNPs. Overall, these results will be useful for the development of high-performance hyperthermia systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound is widely used in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. Tumors can be treated by thermal or mechanical tissue ablation. Furthermore, tumors can be manipulated by hyperthermia, sonodynamic therapy and sonoporation, e.g., by increasing tumor perfusion or the permeability of biological barriers to enhance drug delivery. These treatments induce various immune responses in tumors. However, conflicting data and high heterogeneity between experimental settings make it difficult to generalize the effects of ultrasound on tumor immunity. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to answer the question: "Does ultrasound alter the immune reaction of peripheral solid tumors in humans and animals compared to control conditions without ultrasound?" A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science and 24,401 potentially relevant publications were identified. Of these, 96 publications were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. Experiments were performed in humans, rats, and mice and focused on different tumor types, primarily breast and melanoma. We collected data on thermal and non-thermal ultrasound settings, the use of sono-sensitizers or sono-enhancers, and anti-tumor therapies. Six meta-analyses were performed to quantify the effect of ultrasound on tumor infiltration by T cells (cytotoxic, helper, and regulatory T cells) and on blood cytokines (interleukin-6, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α). We provide robust scientific evidence that ultrasound alters T cell infiltration into tumors and increases blood cytokine concentrations. Furthermore, we identified significant differences in immune cell infiltration based on tumor type, ultrasound settings, and mouse age. Stronger effects were observed using hyperthermia in combination with sono-sensitizers and in young mice. The latter may impair the translational impact of study results as most cancer patients are older. Thus, our results may help refining ultrasound parameters to enhance anti-tumor immune responses for therapeutic use and to minimize immune effects in diagnostic applications. This systematic review and meta-analysis presents robust scientific evidence for ultrasound-induced immune responses in tumors. The results may help to refine ultrasound parameters to prime tumors for immunotherapy. [Display omitted] • Ultrasound increases tumor infiltration by cytotoxic and helper T cells. • Regulatory T cell infiltration into tumors is decreased after ultrasound exposure. • The strongest effects are found in young mice and in melanoma. • Hyperthermia with sono-sensitizers induces the strongest immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible heaters with personal thermal management capabilities have great potential in thermal therapy applications due to their excellent flexibility, low power consumption, and portability. However, manufacturing wearable heating devices that are breathable, wear resistant and conformal for long-term use is still challenging. To address these issues, we designed a leather heater using breathable, biocompatible, and tailorable leather as the substrate through a simple in-situ polymerization polypyrrole strategy. This heater exhibits excellent heating and mechanical properties (reaching 64°C at a voltage of 5 V with efficient Joule heat generation of 2286 W/m2 and uniform temperature distribution, and functioning properly after 1000 cycles of bendability tests). In addition, this heater displays better wear resistance and water vapor permeability rate (38.04 g/(m2 h)). The cuttable and sewable of leather gives the strategy ability to be flexibly designed to mold the heater to the specific requirements of different body parts, providing a new approach to wearable thermal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Hyperthermia represents an adjuvant local anticancer strategy which relies on the increase of temperature beyond the physiological level. In this study, we investigated the anticancer potential of Fe3O4 and Fe3O4core Aushell nanoparticles as hyperthermic agents in terms of cytotoxicity and studied the expression of cellular markers of proliferation (changes in mRNA levels via realtime polymerase chain reaction). Materials and Methods: The human breast cancer cell line SK-BR-1 was incubated with either Fe3O4 or Fe3O4core Aushell nanoparticles stabilized with tryptophan, prior to hyperthermia treatment. The normal HEK293 cell line was used as a control. Toxicity was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay to estimate possible toxic effects of the tested nanoparticles. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, mRNA expression of three indicators of proliferation, namely marker of proliferation Ki-67, DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) and TPX2 microtubule nucleation factor (TPX2), was investigated. Results: At each concentration tested, Fe3O4core Aushell nanoparticles showed greater toxicity compared to Fe3O4, while SK-BR-3 cells were more susceptible to their cytotoxic effects compared to the HEK293 cell line. The expression of Ki-67, TOP2A and TPX2 was reduced in SK-BR-3 cells by both Fe3O4 or Fe3O4core Aushell nanoparticles compared to untreated cells, while the only observed change in HEK293 cells was the up-regulation of TOP2A. Conclusion: Both Fe3O4core Aushell and Fe3O4 NPs exhibit increased cytotoxicity to the cancer cell line tested (SK-BR-3) compared to HEK293 cells. The down-regulation in SK-BR-3 cells of the three proliferative markers studied, Ki-67, TOP2A and TPX2, after incubation with NPs suggests that cells that survived thermal destruction were not actively proliferating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives We aim to compare efficacy and safety of water vapour therapy (Rezūm), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) for treating men with moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. Materials PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 30 July 2023, followed by reference searching and dual‐independent study selection. We analysed only randomized clinical trials. RoB‐2, NIH‐quality assessment tool and GRADE guidelines were used for quality‐of‐evidence (QoE) assessment. Relevant prospective studies without a critical risk‐of‐bias were included. Results At 12 months, Rezūm showed similar efficacy to TUNA and TUMT for improvement in International Prostate Symptoms Score – Rezūm versus TUMT: 1.33 points (95% CI: −1.66 to 4.35) favouring TUMT (QoE: Moderate) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 0.07 points (95% CI: −3.64 to 3.88) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Rezum had similar outcomes to TUNA and TUMT for Maximum Peak‐Flow Rate (Qmax): Rezūm versus TUMT: 1.05 mL/s (95% CI: −4.88 to 2.82) favouring Rezūm (QoE: Low) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 0.37 mL/s (95% CI: −4.61 to 4.21) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Furthermore, post‐void residual volume (PVR) comparisons demonstrated that Rezūm was similar, or inferior to other techniques at 12 months – Rezūm versus TUMT: 11.20 mL (95% CI: −32.40 to 10.30) favouring TUMT (QoE: Low) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 24.10 mL (95% CI: 2.81 to 45.10) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Rezūm also had a similar surgical retreatment rate with TUMT and TUNA up to 3‐years – TUMT versus Rezūm RR: 1.21 (95% CI: 0.20 to 15.90) (QoE: Low) and TUNA versus Rezūm showed RR: 1.81 (95% CI: 0.2 to 24.60) (QoE: Low). In the first 12 months after treatment, Rezūm had a higher rate of serious adverse events (Clavien‐Dindo ≥ Grade 3) than TUMT and TUNA. TUMT versus Rezūm with RR = 0.53 (95% CI: 0.13 to 3.14) (QoE: Low) and TUNA versus Rezūm with RR = 0.38 (95% CI: 0.04 to 3.49) (QoE: Low). Conclusions Moderate to weak evidence suggests that Rezūm is not superior to TUNA and TUMT in all domains studied.

Highlights Elephant trunk-inspired anisotropic wrinkling structures were formed on a sandwich-like conductive film through a controlled shrinking method. The wrinkled conductive network could withstand up to 200% tensile strain and exhibits a strain-enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness when stretching parallel to the electric field polarization direction.

[Display omitted] Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) formed by cancer cell invasion is a major cause of high mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the formation of thrombus will be accelerated by bacterial colonization on the surface of the implant after surgery. In this work, Polypyrrole-coated arsenic-loaded layered double hydroxide films were in situ constructed on the nickel-titanium alloy for the efficient killing of tumour cells by thermo-therapeutic synergistic chemotherapy. The good near-infrared photothermal conversion ability of polypyrrole enables the sample surface temperature to be raised to about 51 °C at a low photothermal power (0.5 w/cm2), while the elevated temperature could further accelerate the release of drug arsenic. In addition, when NIR light is not applied, the polypyrrole coating also cleverly acts as a "barrier layer" to reduce the natural release of arsenic in normal tissues to avoid toxicity issues. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that the platform exhibits excellent antitumor and antibacterial abilities. In contrast to the systemic toxicity issues associated with systemic circulation of nanotherapeutic drugs, this in situ functional film is expected to be used in localised interventions for precise drug delivery, and is also more suitable for surgical treatment scenarios in PVTT surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Antitumor hyperthermia therapy is an emerging approach for the thermal treatment of cancer. Magnetite-based nanoparticles are very promising hyperthermia agents due to its biocompatibility and versatile application. In this study, engineered citrate functionalized magnetite nanoparticles resulted in an adequate colloid for the desire application: 12.57 nm ± 3.86, −44.5 ± 0.6 mV, hydrophilic character, and 85.2 ± 1.6 emu/g. Those citrate-functionalized magnetite colloids were embedded into a chitosan nanomatrix to obtain cluster/shell citrate-magnetite/chitosan nanoparticles with demonstrated short-term stability. In addition, freeze-drying using saccharose as cryoprotectant was used for a long-term preservation. Cluster/shell nanostructure was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, surface electrokinetics and thermodynamics, dynamic light scattering and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Citrate-magnetite/chitosan nanoparticles demonstrated negligible cytotoxicity in a non-tumor cell line and adequate characteristics for parenteral administration (187.33 ± 54.85 nm and haemocompatibility). Magnetic behaviour was not affected by the chitosan shell onto the citrate-magnetite cluster of particles. Thermal enhance capacity was fully investigated using magnetic hyperthermia and photothermal modalities. Specific absorption rate values resulted for citrate-magnetite/chitosan NPs were superior to that obtained for single core particles in magnetic hyperthermia (393 ± 45 and 239 ± 31) and photothermal therapy (384 ± 7.1 and 272 ± 0.8, respectively). Therefore, citrate-magnetite/chitosan cluster/shell nanoparticles could find antitumor hyperthermia applications by using a systemic a dual magneto-photo-thermal therapy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Determine the effects of skin temperature change on bench-pull power following a passive warm-up intervention with highly trained swimmers using multiple heated clothing garments. Methods: Using a crossover design, 8 high-performance swimmers (mean [SD]; age, 22.4 [4.4] y; body mass, 74.9 [8.1] kg; height, 1.79 [0.09] m; world record ratio, 107.3% [5.1%]) completed a pool-based warm-up followed by a 35-minute transition phase before completing 3 repetitions at 50% of 1-repetition maximum of the bench-pull exercise. During transition, swimmers wore either a warm (control) or a heated (heat) clothing condition. Results: Following heating, mean skin temperature was 0.7 °C higher in heat (P =.011), though no change was seen in tympanic temperature. Bench-pull mean and peak power improved by 4.5% and 4.7% following heating, respectively. A large repeated-measures correlation was observed between skin temperature and mean (r [90% CI] =.94 [.65 to.99], P <.01) and peak (r [90% CI] =.89 [.45 to.98], P <.01) power output. Thermal sensation and comfort at all regions were higher with heating (P ≤.02). Conclusion: Combined upper- and lower-limb passive heating can increase whole-body skin temperature and improve short-duration upper-limb power output during the bench-pull exercise. Improvements in power output were directly related to the skin temperature increase facilitated by the heated clothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the moderate thermal stimulation of articular cartilage exerts chondroprotective effects, it is difficult to effectively heat deep articular cartilage with conventional methods. Photosensitizers increase the ambient temperature using near-infrared (NIR) radiation, which has high tissue permeability. We hypothesized that the intra-articular administration of photosensitizers and NIR irradiation would exert a greater heating effect on articular cartilage. We aimed to evaluate the heating effect of this method on cultured chondrocytes and rat knee cartilage. In vitro, we irradiated a photosensitizer-containing medium with NIR and measured changes in the medium temperature, cytotoxicity, and gene expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and aggrecan (ACAN). In vivo, the knee joints of rats treated with photosensitizers were irradiated with NIR, and changes in intra-articular temperature and gene expression were measured, alongside histological analysis. The results showed that the medium and intra-articular temperature were raised to approximately 40 °C with no apparent disruption to articular cartilage or the immunohistochemically enhanced staining of HSP70 in chondrocytes. The gene expression of HSP70 and ACAN was increased in both cultured and articular cartilage. In summary, this method can safely heat joints and enhance cartilage metabolism by inducing HSP70 expression in articular cartilage. It presents a new hyperthermia therapy with effective cartilage protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Impact of Photothermal Therapy on Tumor Microenvironment and Immune cell Reprogramming," explores the potential of photothermal therapy (PTT) as a treatment for breast cancer. The study conducted PTT on a breast cancer model in mice and analyzed the immune reprogramming events in vitro and in vivo after treatment. The results showed a reduction in tumor size and a transition towards an antitumorigenic state within 24 hours. The study also found an increase in pro-inflammatory macrophages and a decrease in immunosuppressive macrophages in the tumor microenvironment after PTT treatment. These findings suggest that PTT may modulate the tumor microenvironment for an antitumor immune response and reprogram macrophages. [Extracted from the article]

Cancer cells have higher heat sensitivity compared to normal cells; therefore, hyperthermia is a promising approach for cancer therapy because of its ability to selectively kill cancer cells by heating them. However, the specific and rapid heating of tumor tissues remains challenging. This study investigated the potential of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) modified with tumor-homing peptides (THPs), specifically PL1 and PL3, for tumor-specific magnetic hyperthermia therapy. The synthesis of THP-modified MNPs involved the attachment of PL1 and PL3 peptides to the surface of the MNPs, which facilitated enhanced tumor cell binding and internalization. Cell specificity studies revealed an increased uptake of PL1- and PL3-MNPs by tumor cells compared to unmodified MNPs, indicating their potential for targeted delivery. In vitro hyperthermia experiments demonstrated the efficacy of PL3-MNPs in inducing tumor cell death when exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF). Even without exposure to an AMF, an additional ferroptotic pathway was suggested to be mediated by the nanoparticles. Thus, this study suggests that THP-modified MNPs, particularly PL3-MNPs, hold promise as a targeted approach for tumor-specific magnetic hyperthermia therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ovarian cancer ranks as the second most prevalent genital malignancy in women and leads to higher rates of mortality among gynecological cancers, often diagnosed at advanced stages with extensive metastases. Historically, treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) has focused on managing peritoneal metastases, typically through aggressive surgery followed by systemic chemotherapy. Recent advancements have included secondary cytoreductive surgery and the use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), aimed at improving survival but still debated due to variable outcomes in prior studies. This study conclusively finds that factors such as radical surgery, good performance status, platinum sensitivity, a positive AGO score, and a low Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index (PCI) significantly enhance survival rates for patients with ROC undergoing HIPEC. It also highlights the predictive importance of platinum resistance and the AGO score in determining outcomes. Given these results, there is a strong recommendation for further prospective studies to validate these findings and to refine the criteria for selecting patients suitable for HIPEC, aiming to improve the treatment strategies and survival outcomes in this patient group. Background: Recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) significantly challenges gynecological oncology due to its poor outcomes. This study assesses the impact of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) on ROC survival rates. Materials and Methods: Conducted at the Medical University of Lublin from April 2011 to November 2022, this retrospective observational study involved 71 patients with histologically confirmed ROC who underwent CRS and subsequent HIPEC. Results: The median overall survival (OS) was 41.1 months, with 3-year and 5-year survival rates post-treatment of 0.50 and 0.33, respectively. Patients undergoing radical surgery for primary ovarian cancer had a median OS of 61.9 months. The key survival-related factors included the Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index (PCI) score, AGO score, platinum sensitivity, and ECOG status. Conclusions: The key factors enhancing ROC patients' survival include radical surgery, optimal performance status, platinum sensitivity, a positive AGO score, and a lower PCI. This study highlights the predictive value of the platinum resistance and AGO score in patient outcomes, underlining their role in treatment planning. Further prospective research is needed to confirm these results and improve patient selection for this treatment approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Routine resection of surgical scars could prevent scar recurrences after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal metastases and pseudomyxoma peritonei. However, there is no clear evidence for resecting all surgical scars, irrespective of macroscopic suspicion of scar metastases, and scar resection is associated with wound complications. Careful macroscopic assessment of surgical scars is needed to avoid routine scar resection. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between macroscopically suspected and microscopically confirmed scar metastases, and to analyze the prognostic impact of not undergoing routine scar resection. This study showed that occult scar metastases were uncommon and patients not undergoing routine scar resection did not have worse recurrence-free or overall survival compared with those undergoing scar resection. Therefore, macroscopically benign-appearing scars can be left without resection, though resection should be performed in case of uncertainty. Background: Careful macroscopic assessment of surgical scars is needed to avoid routine scar resection during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for peritoneal metastases (PM). This study aimed to analyze the correlation between macroscopically suspected and microscopically confirmed scar metastases (SMs), and to analyze the prognostic impact of not undergoing routine scar resection. Method: All patients with previous surgery, treated with CRS and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, for colorectal PM or pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), at Uppsala University Hospital in 2013–2021, were included. Macroscopic SMs in surgical reports were compared with histopathological analyses. Results: In total, 227 patients were included. Among colorectal PM patients (n = 156), SM was macroscopically suspected in 41 (26%) patients, and 63 (40%) underwent scar resection. SM was confirmed in 19 (30%). Among patients with macroscopic suspicion, 45% had confirmed SM (positive predictive value, PPV). A total of 1 of 23 (4%) patients with no macroscopic suspicion had SM (negative predictive value, NPV = 96%). Among the PMP patients (n = 71), SM was macroscopically suspected in 13 (18%), and 28 (39%) underwent scar resection, of whom 12 (43%) had SM. The PPV was 77%. Occult SM was found in 1 of 14 (NPV = 93%). Not undergoing routine scar resection did not affect recurrence-free survival (RFS, p = 0.2) or overall survival (OS, p = 0.1) in colorectal PM patients or PMP patients (RFS p = 0.7, OS p = 0.7). Conclusion: Occult SM is uncommon and scar resection does not affect RFS or OS. Therefore, macroscopically benign-appearing scars can be left without resection, though resection should be performed upon suspicion or uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring sports-related musculoskeletal injuries and treatment characteristics in middle school sports may help inform patient care decisions such as appropriate medical coverage. To describe injury and treatment characteristics of middle school–aged athletes receiving care from athletic trainers within the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN). Descriptive study. Middle school. Middle school–aged athletes (n = 1011; male = 503, female = 506, 2 declined to answer) with sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. Electronic patient records were analyzed from the AT-PBRN from 59 athletic trainers across 14 states between 2010 and 2022. Summary statistics (frequency, percentages, median, and interquartile ranges [IQR]) were used to describe injury (age at injury, sex, sport, body part, and diagnosis) and treatment characteristics (type of treatment, number of visits, and number of procedures per visit). Football (17.7%, n = 179), basketball (17.6%, n = 178), and soccer (14.9%, n = 151) reported the highest number of injuries. The ankle (17.2%, n = 174), knee (16.5%, n = 167), and head (14.1%, n = 143) were the most common injury locations. Concussion (13.0%, n = 131), ankle strain/sprain (12.4%, n = 125), and thigh/hip/groin sprain/strain (11.1%, n = 112) were the most reported diagnoses. Therapeutic exercise or activities (27.6%, n = 1068), athletic trainer evaluation or re-evaluation (24.7%, n = 957), and hot/cold packs (19.8%, n = 766) were the most common services, with a median of 2 visits (IQR = 1 to 4) and 2 procedures (IQR = 1 to 2) per visit. Football, basketball, and soccer reported the most musculoskeletal injuries for middle school-aged athletes. Concussions were the most frequent diagnosis, followed by ankle sprains/strains. Our findings are similar to prior investigations at the high school and collegiate levels. Treatments at the middle school level were also similar to those that have been previously reported at the high school level with therapeutic exercise/activity, athletic trainer evaluation or re-evaluation, and hot/cold packs being the most common treatments. This information may be useful for informing patient care decisions at the middle-school level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review is to assess the efficacy and safety of using heat and cold therapy for adults with lymphoedema. A multi-database search was undertaken. Only studies which included adults with lymphoedema who were treated with heat or cold therapy reporting any outcome were included. Screening, data extraction, and assessment of bias were undertaken by a single reviewer and verified by a second. Due to the substantial heterogeneity, a descriptive synthesis was undertaken. Eighteen studies were included. All nine studies which assessed the effects of heat-therapy on changes in limb circumference reported a point estimate indicating some reduction from baseline to end of study. Similarly, the five studies evaluating the use of heat-therapy on limb volume demonstrated a reduction in limb volume from baseline to end-of-study. Only four studies reported adverse events of which all were deemed to be minor. Only two studies explored the effects of cold therapy on lymphoedema. Tentative evidence suggests heat-therapy may have some benefit in treating lymphoedema with minimal side effects. However, further high-quality randomised controlled trials are required, with a particular focus on moderating factors and assessment of adverse events. This review highlights the potential benefit that heat therapy may have on reducing limb circumference and volume for adults with lymphoedema. There was no evidence that controlled localised heat therapy was unsafe. The current evidence-base is at a point where no specific clinical recommendations can be made. The use of heat therapy should only be applied as part of a methodologically robust study to treat lymphoedema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the prevalence of chronic non-specific spinal pain rises, the utilization of diverse massage devices for therapeutic intervention increases rapidly. However, research on their mechanisms, particularly those involving spinal twisting, is limited. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of heat application and spinal twisting massage techniques on individuals suffering from chronic non-specific spinal pain. A total of 36 individuals were divided into two groups: a control group (18 participants) and an experimental group (18 participants). The experimental group received heat treatment plus spinal twisting massage twice a week for four weeks, while the control group received heat therapy plus traditional vibration massage techniques. Effectiveness was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (K-WOMAC) Index, spine tilt, and Cobb angle. VAS, K-WOMAC, and PPT significantly improved in both groups at all three time points. VAS notably decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group (p-value: 0.0369). Despite improvements in K-WOMAC and PPT scores within the experimental group, statistical significance remained elusive. Furthermore, spine tilt and Cobb angle showed no significant differences from baseline to the 6th week. In conclusion, the application of thermotherapy coupled with twisting massage demonstrates significant efficacy in mitigating chronic non-specific spinal pain, surpassing the pain-relief outcomes achieved through heat therapy in combination with standard vibration massage techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]