Effect of date palm pollen supplementation on female sexual function in non-menopausal women: A double blind randomized clinical trial / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Despite numerous experimental studies in the literature, there are few clinical trials regarding the effect of date palm pollen (DPP) supplementation on sexual function improvement. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the impact of DPP on female sexual function in Iranian non-menopausal women. Methods: Between October 2019 and December 2019, health centers in the city of Khalkhal, volunteers meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in randomized clinical trials. Sixty-eight women were randomly stratified and assigned to one of the two study groups: placebo group (n = 35) and palm pollen group (n = 35), and received a starch or palm pollen capsule (300 mg per day), respectively, for 35 d. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) instrument was used to assess female sexual function. Results: After DPP supplementation, the increase in desire, lubrication, and the overall score, was statistically significant compared to the placebo group (P = 0.002, P = 0.000, and P = 0.042; respectively); Whilst there was no significant differences in the remaining domains (arousal: P = 0.763; orgasm: P = 0.370; satisfaction: P = 0.474; pain: P = 0.259). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the coitus and preintervention levels of desire (r = 0.298, P = 0.038), arousal (r = 0.328, P = 0.021), lubrication (r = 0.361, P = 0.011), orgasm (r = 0.320, P = 0.025), satisfaction (r = 0.327, P = 0.022), and overall scores (r = 0.338, P = 0.018). Conclusion: This study suggests that DPP (300 mg supplementation for 35 d), given to non-menopausal women, could improve the lubrication and desire domains of FSFI.

Repercussions of circulatory electrical stimulation on quality of life, lubrication and pelvic floor muscles: a pilot study / Repercussões da eletroestimulação circulatória na qualidade de vida, lubrificação e musculatura pélvica: um estudo piloto

Abstract Introduction: The climacteric is one of the transition periods in the life cycle of women between the reproductive and non-reproductive phase, and it is characterized by various metabolic, psychological and social changes, either by psychic disorders or sexual dysfunctions promoting changes in quality of life. Objective: To analyze the repercussions of electrical stimulation on quality of life, lubrication and myoelectric activity of pelvic floor muscles in postmenopausal women. Methods: This was a pilot study in which the sample consisted of ten menopausal volunteers aged 48-60 years. We used the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire to determine the improvement in lubrication and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess quality of life. The pelvic floor muscles were evaluated by electromyography with an intracavitary electrode. The protocol used was: phasic contraction evaluated by three contractions of two seconds and six of rest; three tonic contractions for ten seconds with ten-second rest; and endurance for thirty seconds. The intervention was performed by another researcher, through circulatory stimulation with the Dualpex 961 Quark®. Results: Electromyography after circulatory stimulation showed statistically significant results with an increase in Fast Fourier Transform in tonic and phasic contractions, obtaining a positive effect on the perception and awareness of contractions due to increased blood flow. Also, there was improvement in lubrication and quality of life in all areas. Conclusion: Circulatory stimulation had repercussions on pelvic floor muscles in menopausal women in both muscle physiology and lubrication, with an influence on the quality of life of volunteers.

Resumo Introdução: O climatério constitui um dos períodos de transição no ciclo vital da mulher entre a fase reprodutiva e a não reprodutiva, caracterizado por várias alterações metabólicas e psicológicas, seja por distúrbios psíquicos ou disfunções sexuais, promovendo alterações na qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Analisar as repercussões da eletroestimulação na qualidade de vida, lubrificação e atividade mioelétrica dos músculos do assoalho pélvico em mulheres menopausadas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo piloto no qual a amostra foi composta por dez voluntárias em menopausa com idade entre 48 e 60 anos. Para avaliar a melhora da lubrificação foi utilizado o questionário Female Sexual Function Index. Quanto à qualidade de vida, utilizou-se o questionário WHOQOL-bref. Já para a avaliação dos músculos do assoalho pélvico, utilizou-se a eletromiografia com eletrodo intracavitário. O protocolo utilizado foi: contração fásica avaliada por três contrações de dois segundos e seis de repouso; três contrações tônicas sustentadas por dez segundos com repouso de dez segundos; endurance durante trinta segundos. A intervenção foi realizada por outra pesquisadora, através de estimulação circulatória com o aparelho Dualpex 961 Quark®. Resultados: A eletromiografia pós-estimulação circulatória obteve resultados significativos, com aumento na Fast Fourier Transform nas contrações tônicas e fásicas, obtendo efeito positivo na percepção e conscientização das contrações devido ao aumento do fluxo sanguíneo. Houve, também, melhora na lubrificação e na qualidade de vida em todos os domínios. Conclusão: A estimulação circulatória apresentou repercussões nos músculos do assoalho pélvico em mulheres menopausadas tanto na fisiologia muscular quanto na lubrificação, influenciando a qualidade de vida das voluntárias.

Maxillary reservoir denture to overcome radiation-induced xerostomia – Light at the end of the tunnel

Xerostomia is a subjective symptom of dry mouth. It can occur as a part of the systemic disease, drug-induced side effect, or following therapeutic radiation therapy to the head-and-neck region. The primary complication faced by these xerostomic patients is the difficulty in retention of removable dentures. It is important to recognize that the prosthodontic management of these patients requires special attention and care. In an attempt to overcome the presence of xerostomia, several techniques of introducing reservoirs into the dentures containing salivary substitutes have been proposed. This case report presents a simplified approach for the construction of a reservoir in the maxillary denture, specifically in patients where other treatment modalities have failed. This technique provided excellent lubrication to oral tissues, hygienic for the patient, and utilized routine denture base material

Avances en la terapia basada en ácido hialurónico para pacientes con osteoartritis / Advances in hyaluronic acid-based therapy for patients with osteoarthritis

La osteoartritis se considera una de las principales causas de discapacidad funcional. Es una enfermedad crónica y degenerativa que presenta un pico de incidencia en personas mayores de 60 años. El propósito de este trabajo es mostrar los avances en la terapia de pacientes con osteoartritis basada en ácido hialurónico para pacientes con osteoartritis. El ácido hialurónico posee funciones en la articulación que abarcan la lubricación, servir como relleno de espacio para permitir que la articulación permanezca abierta y la regulación de actividades celulares como la unión de proteínas. Cada vez hay más pruebas de que, dentro del espectro de derivados disponibles del ácido hialurónico, la eficacia de los productos de ácido hialurónico con un alto peso molecular es superior a la eficacia de los derivados con un bajo peso molecular. Aprovechando el control espacial de ciertos tipos de hidrogeles de ácido hialurónico, se están desarrollando sistemas de microdispositivos que pueden encapsular células madre embrionarias viables y luego recuperarlas mediante interrupción mecánica. Estas células madre podrían usarse para el tratamiento de enfermedades como la osteoartritis. El ácido hialurónico es un fármaco que puede para ayudar a reducir los efectos secundarios de la osteoartritis(AU)

Osteoarthritis is considered one of the main causes of functional disability. Osteoarthritis conceptualized as a chronic and degenerative disease that presents a peak incidence in people older than 60 years. To show advances in hyaluronic acid-based therapy for patients with osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid has functions in the joint that include lubrication, which serves as a filling of space to allow the joint to remain open and the regulation of cellular activities such as protein binding. Hyaluronic acid is a potential drug to help reduce the side effects of osteoarthritis(AU)

Influence of Dimple Depth on Lubricant Thickness in Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication for Metallic Hip Implants Using Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) Approach

@#Introduction: The lubricant thickness in clearance between bearing surfaces for metallic hip implants are currently incapable of accommodating the motion experienced (high load and low entraining motion) in hip walking cycle. Thus, micro-dimpled surfaces were introduced onto surfaces of metallic acetabular cups to improve lubricant thickness. Micro-dimpled surface is a method of advanced surface improvement to increase the lubricant thickness in various tribological applications, such as hip implants. However, the application of micro-dimpled surfaces in hip implants has not yet been explored adequately. Therefore, this study aims to identify the influence of micro-dimpled depth on lubricant thickness elastohydrodynamically for metallic hip implants using Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) approach. Methods: Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) approach is an alternative method for analysing characteristics of lubrication in hip implant. Dimples of radius 0.25 mm and various depths of 5μm, 45μm and 100μm were applied on the cup surfaces. The vertical load in z-direction and rotation velocity around y-axes representing the average load and flexion-extension (FE) velocity of hip joint in normal walking were applied on Elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model. Results: The metallic hip implants with micro-dimpled surfaces provided enhanced lubricant thickness, namely by 6%, compared to non-dimpled surfaces. Furthermore, it was suggested that the shallow depth of micro-dimpled surfaces contributed to the enhancement of lubricant thickness. Conclusion: Micro-dimpled surfaces application was effective to improve tribological performances, especially in increasing lubricant thickness for metallic hip implants.

Lubricating conditions: effects on friction between orthodontic brackets and archwires with different cross-sections

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the effect of the condition of lubrication on the friction between brackets and NiTi archwires of different rounded cross-sections. Methods: Brackets (Roth, GAC) were affixed to a device connected to a universal testing machine into which segments of archwire were placed (NiTi, Nitinol, GAC) with cross-sections of 0.012-in, 0.016-in and 0.020-in. Once the wire was in the bracket slot, the following lubricants were applied: human saliva (HS: positive control), distilled water (DI), mucin-based (MUC) or carboxymethylcellulose-based (CMC) artificial saliva. In the negative control group, no lubricant was used. The combination between the wire cross-sections and the lubrication condition generated 15 groups with 15 samples each. Data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. Results: There was no significant interaction between the wire cross-section and the condition of lubrication (p= 0.901). Irrespective of whether lubricants were used or not, there was a significant increase in friction with an increase in the cross-section of the wire (p< 0.001). For any wire, the group tested in the presence of MUC was not different from that in which HS was applied. On the other hand, when the application of lubricants was suppressed, significantly higher friction values were observed. The CMC group and the DI group demonstrated intermediate behavior. Conclusions: Friction increased with the increase of the cross-section of the NiTi archwire, but regardless of the archwire, friction with MUC artificial saliva was similar to that of HS and lower than in dry conditions.

Resumo Objetivo: este estudo investigou o efeito das condições de lubrificação no atrito entre braquetes e fios de NiTi de diferentes secções transversais. Métodos: os braquetes (Roth, GAC) foram fixados a um dispositivo conectado a uma máquina de ensaio universal, que recebeu segmentos de fio de NiTi (Nitinol, GAC) com secções de 0,012"; 0,016" ou 0,020". Após o fio ter sido instalado no slot do braquete, aplicou-se um dos seguintes lubrificantes: saliva humana (SH: controle positivo), água destilada (AD) ou saliva artificial à base de mucina (MUC) ou de carboximetilcelulose (CMC). No grupo controle negativo, nenhum lubrificante foi utilizado. As combinações entre as secções dos fios e as condições de lubrificação geraram 15 grupos, com 15 amostras cada. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância a dois critérios e ao teste de Tukey. Resultados: não houve interação significativa entre a secção do fio e a condição de lubrificação (p = 0,901). Independentemente de ter sido utilizado ou não lubrificante, observou-se elevação significativa do atrito com o aumento da secção transversal do fio (p < 0,001). Para qualquer um dos fios, o grupo testado na presença de MUC não diferiu daquele em que se aplicou SH. Por outro lado, quando suprimiu-se os lubrificantes, constatou-se atrito significativamente mais elevado. Os grupos CMC e AD demonstraram comportamento intermediário. Conclusões: o atrito se elevou com o aumento da secção transversal dos fios de NiTi, mas a despeito do fio, o atrito com a saliva à base de MUC foi similar àquele com a SH e menor do que sob condição a seco.

Evolution of lubricating adsorption films with protein aqueous solution under impact loads / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the dynamic growth of adsorption films on solid surfaces in point contacts with aqueous protein aqueous solutions and investigate the dominating factors. Methods The formation of the adsorption films within a ball-on-disc contact was measured using optical interference technique. The effects of impact loads, impact times and surface properties of the materials on the adsorption of BSA aqueous solution were also studied. Results Under dynamic conditions, the thickness of the adsorption film was much higher than that under static condition. The adsorption film was growing with increasing impact times and finally the stable thickness could be achieved. Small loads and hydrophobic materials were favorable for the growth of the adsorption film. The BSA adsorption film was easy to grow on the steel surface, but on the ceramic surface the adsorption film thickness was low. Conclusions The research about adsorbed lubricating films evolution of protein aqueous solution under impact loads is of clinical significance for treating and preventing of artificial prosthesis.

Evolution of lubricating adsorption films with protein aqueous solution under impact loads / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the dynamic growth of adsorption films on solid surfaces in point contacts with aqueous protein aqueous solutions and investigate the dominating factors.Methods The formation of the adsorption films within a ball-on-disc contact was measured using optical interference technique.The effects of impact loads,impact times and surface properties of the materials on the adsorption of BSA aqueous solution were also studied.Results Under dynamic conditions,the thickness of the adsorption film was much higher than that under static condition.The adsorption film was growing with increasing impact times and finally the stable thickness could be achieved.Small loads and hydrophobic materials were favorable for the growth of the adsorption film.The BSA adsorption film was easy to grow on the steel surface,but on the ceramic surface the adsorption film thickness was low.Conclusions The research about adsorbed lubricating films evolution of protein aqueous solution under impact loads is of clinical significance for treating and preventing of artificial prosthesis.

First step in the assessment of mechanical properties of pure API: production of tablet with minimum addition of excipient.

There are a number of challenges during tablet dosage form development like excipient selection, poor powder flow, poor tableting, lack of hardness, high friability, elevated disintegration time, low dissolution rate etc. Most of them are significantly influenced by the mechanical properties (like elasticity, plasticity, brittleness, powder compressibility, tensile strength, etc.) of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Assessment of these properties of the pure actives is not always easy. Absence of lubrication may induce a lot of friction, causing capping, lamination or sticking or in many cases, combination of them, damaging the test tablet when taken out. Different approaches were studied to overcome this problem and a solution was found by compaction of a tablet of Sodium Starch Glycolate-Magnesium Stearate in a ratio of 2.75:1 before compressing each tablet of pure API.

Fluid-structure interaction analysis on lubrication system of artificial hip joint / 医用生物力学

Objective To compare the method based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid structure interaction (FSI) with the traditional Reynolds equation method in the study of an artificial hip joint lubrication system. Methods Using business software Adina as a computing platform, the metal-on-metal total hip replacement (MOM THR) model was developed as the subject to establish the rigid and elastic CFD model, respectively. Results The film- thickness curve obtained by the CFD&FSI method had a significant depression in the center, which was more reasonable than that obtained by the traditional Reynolds equation method. The model with elastic surface under the given load showed a significant deformation at the FSI surface of the acetabular cup femoral head, and the deformation was consistent with the pressure and film thickness distribution in fluid field. Conclusions The CFD&FSI method used here was more reasonable than the traditional method when computing the elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication of an artificial hip joint system.

The Tribological and Lubrication Responses of a Cobalt-Chromium Femoral Head in Total Hip Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: This study aimed at investigating the role of albumin as a boundary lubricant in the lubrication of the Co-Cr femoral head of artificial hip implants by measuring the tribological parameters of the Co-Cr femoral head with Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were prepared from the main wear region of a Co-Cr femoral head from revision hip surgery. Two types of solutions were prepared as lubricants: PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline) as a control solution and BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) as a lubricant at concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/ml in PBS solution. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the frictional coefficients (micron) of a Co-Cr head between the PBS control and all the concentrations of BSA (10, 20, 30, 40 mg/ml) (P<0.001). Similarly, there were statistically significant differences for the micron between the BSA concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/m for all the cases except between the BSA of 30 and 40 mg/ml (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: There exists a maximum protein concentration of BSA to play a role as an effective boundary lubricant through adsorption on the surface of Co-Cr femoral head.

Las Mucinas Salivales y sus implicaciones en la reología de la saliva humana y los sustitutos salivales

La literatura revisada para el presente artículo requirió el análisis de aspectos reológicos aplicables a la saliva humana y los sustitutos salivales. La saliva cuenta entre sus componentes glicoproteínas tipo mucina, las características bioquímicas de dichas glicoproteínas le confieren a la saliva sus propiedades reológicas, tales como viscosidad, lubricación y elasticidad. Las moléculas de mucina en solución presentan asociación y gelificación; la dinámica de estos procesos se ha estudiado por diversas técnicas e instrumentos. La hidratación de las mucinas es necesaria para que estas se gelifiquen, y le confieran a la saliva (o sus soluciones), viscosidad, lubricación y elasticidad, los mecanismos para que esto ocurra se apoyan en un Equilibrio de Donnan, sin embargo, en el fluido salival humano, la concentración fisiológica de mucina es tal que no permite la observación de gelificación. No obstante, a concentraciones mayores sí podría ser observada. Se han realizado estudios para el desarrollo de sustitutos salivales con compuestos de naturaleza glucídica y con mucinas extraídas de diversos tejidos animales, individualmente y en mezcla, con el objeto de aliviar la sintomatología de patologías que disminuyen el flujo salival, estos estudios han demostrado que la mucina extraída de glándulas submandibulares de bovino es la que mejor se adapta a los parámetros reológicamente deseables para un sustituto salival.

In this review it is considered the rheological aspects of human saliva and salivary substitutes. Saliva has mucin like glycoproteins, which confer saliva its rheological properties, such as viscosity, lubrication and elasticity. Mucin molecules have gel forming properties; the dynamic of this process have been widely discussed. Mucin hydration is necessary for gelification and lubrication, mucin hydration confers saliva, viscosity, elasticity and lubrication properties, the hydration mechanism is based on a Donnan Equilibrium. The physiological concentration of mucins in human saliva is not sufficiently high to show gelification, however, this property can be displayed at higher concentrations. Sugar derivatives and animal mucins have been studied, either isolated or at mixtures for the development of salivary substitutes, these studies showed that mucin extracted from bovine submaxillary glands is best suited to accomplish the desirable parameters for a salivary substitute.

Expression and Translocation of Aquaporin (AQP)-1 after Pelvic Nerve Stimulation in Rat Vagina / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that facilitate water movement across biological membranes. The purposes of this study were to investigate the localization and functional roles of AQP-1 water channels in rat vagina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats (230~240 g, n=40) were anesthetized. To investigate the expression and localization of AQPs in the vagina, the vaginal branch of the pelvic nerve was stimulated for 60 seconds (10 V, 16 Hz, 0.8 msec), and then the animals were sacrificed immediately or 5 minutes later. The expression and cellular localization of AQP-1 in the vaginal tissue was measured by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The cytosolic (or intracellular membrane) and plasma membrane fractions of AQP-1 in vaginal tissue were studied by immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: Immunolabeling showed that AQP-1 was mainly expressed in the capillaries and venules of the vagina. The translocation of AQP-1 isoforms from the cytosolic compartment to the plasma membrane compartment was observed right after nerve stimulation and had declined at 5 minutes after nerve stimulation. However, when the nerve stimulation was repeated 3 times, the translocation of AQP-1 from the intracellular membrane compartment to the plasma membrane compartment was still observed at 5 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that sexual arousal induced by pelvic nerve stimulation modulates AQP-1 activity in the rat vagina. This result implies that AQP-1 may play an important role in vaginal lubrication.

Improvement of Lubrication Properties for New Surface Structure with Regular Patterning for the Frictional Surfaces of the Artificial Joints: Evaluation of Lubrication Properties by the Pendulum Type Hip Joint Simulator / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: A new surface structure with a regular patterning of the frictional surfaces of the artificial joints were designed to improve the wear problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lubrication properties for the cup (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, UHMWPE) vs. ball (Co-Cr alloy) were examined to evaluate the coefficient of friction, wear and surface roughness. The surface structure is a dent pattern, which has diameter of 0.3-0.8 mm, a pitch of 1.2 mm. In this study, such surface patterns were applied to artificial hip joints, and the effects of regular patterning on the frictional surface were examined using a pendulum type hip joint simulator. RESULTS: The coefficient of friction between the cup and a patterned ball showed the same value between the cup and the non-patterned ball. However, the amount of wear of the cup, which was in contact with the patterned head, was only 45% that of the cup, which was in contact with the non-patterned head, and the surface roughness of the cup with the non-patterned head was three times greater than that of the cup with a patterned head. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the lubrication properties can be improved by patterning the frictional surface of the artificial joint. Consequently, patterning on the frictional surfaces can exted the life of an artificial joint.

The Influence of Succinylcholine and Tracheal Tube Lubrication on Postoperative Sore Throat / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Sore throat has been reported to occur in 24-90% of intubated patients after general anesthesia. This study was done to evaluate the influence of succinycholine and tracheal tube lubrication on postoperative sore throat. METHODS: Three hundred and two patients requiring orotracheal intubation for surgery were randomly allocated to one of three groups according to kinds of lubricants on endotracheal tube: control group, 2% lidocaine jelly group, K-Y jelly group. All patients were premedicated similarly and anesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium. Patients were paralyzed with succinylcholine or non-depolarizing muscle relaxants and endotracheal intubation was done by one anesthesiologist. All patients were interviewed postoperatively after 24 hour by individals who did not know which lubricants and muscle relaxants were used. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative sore throat was no statistically significant difference in three groups when non-depolarizing agents were used for endotracheal intubation. And the incidence of postoperative sore throat was increased in control group with succinylcholine compared with control group with non-depolarizing muscle relaxants(p<0.05). But the incidence of postoperative sore throat was decreased in K-Y jelly group and 2% lidocaine jelly group compared to control group when succinylcholine were used for endotracheal intubation(p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that succinylchoine can induce the sore throat, but lubrication of tracheal tubes provide advantage in terms of reducing sore throat when succinylcholine was used for intubation.