Brain-Heart Axis: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cardiovascular Disease-A Review of Systematic Reviews.

BACKGROUND: The brain-heart axis is an intra- and bidirectional complex that links central nervous system dysfunction and cardiac dysfunction. In recent decades, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as a strategic molecule involved in both brain and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This systematic review of systematic reviews aimed to (1) identify and summarize the evidence for the BDNF genotype and BDNF concentration in CVD risk assessment, (2) evaluate the evidence for the use of BDNF as a biomarker of CVD recovery, and (3) evaluate rehabilitation approaches that can restore BDNF concentration. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was developed using PRISMA. The risk of bias was assessed via ROBIS. RESULTS: Seven studies were identified, most of which aimed to evaluate the role of BDNF in stroke patients. Only two systematic reviews examined the association of BDNF concentration and polymorphism in CVDs other than stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The overall evidence showed that BDNF plays a fundamental role in assessing the risk of CVD occurrence, because lower BDNF concentrations and rs6265 polymorphism are often associated with CVD. Nevertheless, much work remains to be carried out in current research to investigate how BDNF is modulated in different cardiovascular diseases and in different populations.

The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Depression and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have been conducted to prove the bidirectional relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression. These two major illnesses share several common risk factors such that the development of either condition may increase the risk of the occurrence of the other. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been suggested as a reliable biomarker for depression and a strong predictor of CVD because it plays an important role in neuron survival and growth, serves as a neurotransmitter modulator, and promotes neuronal plasticity. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the bidirectional relationship between CVD and depression, focusing on the potential role of low serum BDNF levels in the development of either disease in the presence of the other. METHODS: A systematic search strategy was developed using PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Six studies (comprising 1251 patients) were identified, all of which examined the association between CVD and depression. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that there may be a strong association between low serum BDNF levels and the risk of post-stroke depression. However, the studies on the role of altered serum BDNF levels and other types of CVD are few. Therefore, the inverse association between depression and CVD cannot be proven.

The role of arts engagement in reducing cognitive decline and improving quality of life in healthy older people: a systematic review.

In recent years, arts engagement has been proposed as a non-pharmacological approach to reduce cognitive decline and increase well-being and quality of life in specific populations such as the elderly or patients with severe disease. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of receptive or active arts engagement on reducing cognitive decline and improving quality of life and well-being in healthy populations, with a particular focus on the role of arts engagement in the long term. A comprehensive search strategy was conducted across four databases from February to March 2023. Ten studies with a total of 7,874 participants were incorporated in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Active and receptive arts engagement was found to be an effective approach to reduce cognitive decline and improve well-being and quality of life in healthy populations. The role of the positive effects of arts engagement could be determined by the combination of several factors such as exposure to cultural activities and the group effect. There is limited evidence of the protective effects of active arts engagement over a long period of time. Given the increasing demand for preventive programmes to reduce the negative effects of population ageing, more research on arts engagement should be conducted to identify its mechanisms and long-term effects.

Impact of low-dose Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) on atrial fibrillation recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the effectiveness of catheter-based ablation, periprocedural complication and recurrences remain a concern. In this context, we aim to appraise the potential impact of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on reducing episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). METHODS: 22 patients with an established diagnosis of PAF and without structural heart disease were considered. Every patient received 20 drops of GUNA-BDNF administered in the morning. During the 24 months of follow-up, the arrhythmic burden was measured by the average monthly duration of PAF episodes. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period (24 months), data from 22 patients, of whom 17 men and five women, were analyzed. The arrhythmic burden, measured in terms of average monthly duration of PAF episodes, was found significantly reduced after the administration of low dose BDNF (9.5 vs. 65.3 minutes per month, P<0.001). A total of 17 out of 22 patients saw their arrhythmic burden eliminated or consistently reduced, furthermore two patients underwent a drastic reduction of the average monthly duration of AF (more than 200 minutes compared to the baseline). Only four patients, despite the administration of BDNF, still experienced an arrhythmic burden of 20 minutes or more. Considering the age groups, the major reduction was observed in people aged 70 or more, who were also the most represented in the sample. These results are coherent with the poor literature currently available. CONCLUSIONS: BDNF low dose therapy has shown to have an impacting role in reducing the arrhythmic burden and recurrences of AF, with a particular effectiveness in patients over 70 and without structural heart disease. We should welcome this work, despite it limitations. Further clinical and molecular studies are needed before-considering BDNF low dose as a tool against PAF.

A mathematical model for imaging and killing cancer cells by using concepts of the Warburg effect in designing a Graphene system.

According to the Warburg effect, there are some significant differences between metabolisms, products and process of respirations of cancer cells and normal cells. For example, normal cells absorb oxygen and glucose and give water molecules, carbon dioxide, ATP molecules and some number of spinors; while cancer cells take glucose and give lactate, less number of ATP molecules and different number of spinors. Using this property, we can design a system from two graphene sheets that are connected by pairing the fourth free electrons of carbons. Then, we can break some pairs and produce some holes. The number of these holes should be equal to the number of radiated spinors by normal cells. Near a normal cell, all holes are filled and the graphene system doesn't emit any electrical current or wave. However, near a cancer cell, some extra holes or spinors remain that their motions produce some electrical currents. These currents force on cancer cell membranes and destroy them and consequently, cause the cell death. Also, these currents emit some electromagnetic waves which detectors could take them out of the human's body and consequently, they could play the main role in imaging.

Information Survey on the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Background and Objectives: Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are generally considered non-scientific and poor effective therapies. Nevertheless, CAMs are extensively used in common clinical practice in Western countries. We decided to promote a Delphi consensus to intercept the opinion of Italian physicians on CAM use in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: We run a Delphi-based consensus, interviewing anonymously 97 physicians. Of these, only 78 participate to the questionnaire. Results: Consensus about agreement and disagreement have been reached in several topics, including indication, as well as safety issues concerning CAMs. Conclusions: The use of CAMs in clinical practice still lacks evidence. Experts agree about the possibility to safely use CAMs in combination with conventional medicines to treat non-critical medical conditions.

A model for analyzing evolutions of neurons by using EEG waves.

It is known that differences between potentials of soma, dendrites and different parts of neural structures may be the origin of electroencephalogram (EEG) waves. These potentials may be produced by some excitatory synapses and currents of charges between neurons and then thereafter may themselves cause the emergence of new synapses and electrical currents. These currents within and between neurons emit some electromagnetic waves which could be absorbed by electrodes on the scalp, and form topographic images. In this research, a model is proposed which formulates EEG topographic parameters in terms of the charge and mass of exchanged particles within neurons, those which move between neurons, the number of neurons and the length of neurons and synapses. In this model, by knowing the densities of the frequencies in different regions of the brain, one can predict the type, charge and velocity of particles which are moving along neurons or are exchanged between neurons.

A Proposal for an Ultrasound/Sound Holographic Microscope Using Entangled Mobile Phone Inductors.

In this study we propose a model for building a holographic ultrasound microscope. In this model two mobile phones are first connected by waves and techniques like the WhatsApp waves. If the mobile phones are close to each other, their inductors and speakers become entangled, they exchange electromagnetic and sound waves, and they vibrate many times with each other. Objects placed between two mobile phones change the sound waves and electromagnetic waves and appear as holographic images within the inductors and also on the plastic of the speakers. To see these images, a hologram machine is built from a room of plastic, one or two magnets, iron particles, and sound producers. Holographic waves change the magnetic field within the hologram machine and move the plastic and iron particles. These objects take the shape of waves and produce holographic images. To see microbes, one can send a weak current to a container of microbes and then connect it to an amplifier. The weak current takes the shape of the microbes and is amplified by one strong amplifier. Then this current goes to the mobile phone and sound card and, after passing some stages, is sent to the second mobile phone. In the second mobile phone, the sound wave is amplified by speakers and transmitted to the hologram machine. Consequently, particles within this machine move and produce big holographic images of the microbes.

Regulation of Inflammatory Reaction in Health and Disease.

Inflammation is a key mechanism for the clearance of infective agents and other inflammatory triggers and is pivotal for the repairing processes of the affected tissues. Inflammation is a multistep process driven by a great number of mediators which regulate specific aspects of the inflammatory response, in agreement with a well-defined chronobiological program. A great number of inflammation-related diseases show a deeply altered immune chronobiology (e.g., COVID-19-related cytokines storm). This aspect highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the inflammatory phenomenon. It is fundamental to study inflammation as a multilevel phenomenon. Of particular interest is the low-grade chronic inflammation, which is an etiological factor of many chronic diseases. Nowadays, the therapeutic approach to low grade chronic inflammation is one of the great challenges of traditional pharmacology. Currently, no drugs specifically designed for the treatment of chronic inflammatory forms are available. Today, bioregulatory systems medicine (BrSM) and low dose medicine (LDM), two pharmacological paradigms grounded in systems medicine, potentially represent new tools for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. Scientific research has assessed the effectiveness and safety of both these therapeutic approaches, in particular for the management of chronic inflammatory conditions and chronic immunological dysregulations.

Quantum information teleportation through biological wires, gravitational micro-bio-holes and holographic micro-bio-systems: A hypothesis.

Biological systems like cells, bacteria, chloroplasts and other micro-organisms could exchange quantum particles like electrons, photons and gravitational waves and have large distant information teleportation. This is because that their DNAs and membranes are formed from quantum particles like electrons and protons and by their motions, some currents and waves are emerged. These waves have the main role in information teleportation. There are different methods which could be used for quantum information teleportation in biological system. Some of these mechanisms are: 1. Microbes, micro-bubbles and some other biological molecules like to form some biological lines specially near the cellular gates. Also, some biological lines may be formed between two cells. These biological lines could play the role of wires which transmit information from a place to another one. For example, some signatures of this quantum information teleportation could be seen in biological lines which are emerged near the plant cell walls or gates or close to chloroplasts. Chloroplasts shoot some spinors which maybe confined within the micro-bubbles or absorb by microbes. These bubbles and microbes may join to each other and form some biological lines which may be strengthen from a plant cell to another. These biological lines could be seen near the plant cell walls or on a metal which connects two parts of a leaf. 2. Some another signatures of "quantum photon exchange or quantum information teleportation" could be seen between microbes under the objective lenses and macro-objects on the eye lenses of a light microscope. It seems that as microscope make big images from microbes for us, produce small pictures of macro-objects for microbes such as they could diagnose them and interact with them. This property could be used in controlling microbes. 3. Another way for controlling microbes is using of virtual shapes which are induced by a special light source. For example, using a multi-gonal lamp, one can induce multi-gonal shape within the micro-bubbles. Also, this special lamp could force microbes and micro-bubbles to build multi-gonal colonies on a metal-glass slide. Maybe, by using this property, one can build a light source with the shape of anti-microbial matter and induce anti-microbial property within micro-bubbles. 4. Another main way for quantum teleportation is using of gravitational holes which may be emerged by increasing concentration of microbes and heavy cells in some points. These holes absorb microbes and micro-bubbles and conduct them to the heavy cells. Usually, there are some white holes near these dark holes which as a proposal, one can assume that these white holes are another end of gravitational holes and emit photons which are entered from dark end. 5. And finally, a very main mechanism for quantum information teleportation with microbes and controlling them is using of a holography and inducing virtual microbes and biological molecules in biological systems. For example, by a combinations of two lights with different colors under a light microscope in a dark room, one may induce some non-virtual microbes in biological systems such as each microbe interacts with a virtual microbe. This is because that light waves take photos of microbes, collide with lenses of microscopes and return to the slide and form virtual microbes or biological molecules. This technique could be used in curing diseases. Although, results of our experiments show the correctness of these mechanisms and theories, however, for the moment, we propose them only as a proposal and hypothesis and hope that other scientists do similar experiments. Also, some of our experiments may be at preliminary stages; however they could be used as a hypothesis, proposal and guidance.

Impact of stress, immunity, and signals from endocrine and nervous system on fascia.

The stress response, by virtue of release of glucocorticoids and catecholamines and by modifying the endocrine, neural, and immune responses, can impact the function of the fibroblasts and myofibroblasts that reside throughout the body and more specifically in the fascia, a ubiquitous and multi-functional connective tissue that supports the body. In the present paper, we review these stress-induced responses relying on psychoneuroendocrineimmunology.

Modelling the dynamics of exchanged novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) between regions in terms of time and space.

To date, many models have been proposed which estimate the transmission risk of COVID-19 in terms of time; however, its dependency on space dimensions has been ignored. In this research, by multiplying risk parameters in certain regions and bridging, we obtain a stable action, which means that the transmission risk worldwide could shrink to a constant. Thus, by increasing the risk parameters in one region, the risk parameters in other regions decrease. Then, by adding space dimensions to the parameters in transmission risk models, and using the wave equations of manifolds for the regions, we obtain the dynamics of the exchanged novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) between countries. We calculate the risk factors of COVID19 for different regions in this model, and observe that they are in good agreement with experimental data.

Psoriatic arthritis and COVID-19 pandemic: Consequences in medical treatment?

The COVID-19 pandemic has a strong negative impact on human society worldwide. Patients with immune-mediated disease may be prone to an increased risk of infection and/or more severe course. We review the available data for patients with psoriatic arthritis (PSA) and systemic treatments. Current treatment options are summarized. Based upon the experience with COVID-19, the following problems are addressed: (a) Can systemic treatment reduce comorbidities of PsA that are also comorbidities for COVID-19? Does systemic medical treatment pose an increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2? Does systemic drug therapy have an impact on the risk of pulmonary fibrosis-a factor with strong negative impact on COVID-19 outcome? Small molecules, inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor alfa, interleukin, and JAK inhibitors are considered. The data are inhomogeneous for the multiple drugs used in PsA. Although the risk for severe upper airway tract infections during clinical controlled trials was mostly in the range of placebo, these data have been obtained before the COVID-19 pandemic and should be interpreted with caution. Some biologics demonstrated an antifibrotic activity in vitro and in animal disease models. None of the biologics is indicated during an active infection with fever. In nonsymptomatic PsA patients, systemic drug therapy can be continued.

A new medical imaging technique for diagnosing dermatologic diseases: A clue to treatment choices.

Recently, it has been shown that DNA could emit some waves which carry main information about its evolution. Using this idea, we design a new method to image the behavior of skin cells, especially melanocytes, and diagnose their damage. In this method, we make use of a circuit which is formed from DNAs within the damaged melanocytes, a graphene sheet, DNAs within the healthy cells, and a scope. To amplify exchanged waves between hexagonal and pentagonal manifolds of DNAs, we induce some defects in the graphene sheets and replace some hexagonal molecules by pentagonal ones to build a structure similar to the structure of DNAs. We show that unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in melanocyte cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to exchanged waves between cells and the emergence of a current in our circuit. By analyzing the evolution of this current, we can estimate the rate of destruction in melanocytes, and predict the emergence of cancer.

The information isn't lost in gene expression.

The present question is the possibility of information loss in gene expression? Information loss in the gene expression disrupts the cellular dynamics and can lead to serious defects, including cancer. Using Gottesman and Preskill method for calculating information loss in black holes,a mechanism for calculating the amount of information transformation in gene expression is proposed. In this proposal, there are three different Hilbert spaces that belong to degrees of freedom of DNA, RNA, and protein. The genetic sequence of the DNA is transcribed into protein at two stages. At first stage it is shown that the internal stationary state of the cell can be represented by a maximally entangled two-mode squeezed state of DNA and mRNA.At second stage, the state of the cell is described by a maximally entangled two-mode squeezed state of mRNA and protein. The amount of information transformation can be obtain by projecting the state at first stage on the state at second stage. Evidently for all finite values of the transcription factor concentration y, binding energy E and free energy F of the transcription factor, the information isn't lost in gene expression.

New local treatments for different types of melasma: Vascular type vs nonvascular type. A randomized polycentric study.

Melasma is an acquired circumscribed hyperpigmented disorder seen mainly on the malar area of face and other parts of body. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of two different creams for melasma. Sixty volunteers with melasma were evaluated in this study, divided in three groups: A, B, and C. Patients in groups A and B were treated with same creams with the exception of addition of Tranexamic acid in cream B. Patients in group C were treated with placebo cream containing petrolatum only, respectively, twice daily for 10 weeks. Melasma Areas and Severity Index (MASI) score, melanin index (MI) and adverse events were evaluated every 4 weeks. MASI scores declined significantly in groups A and B compared to group C (P < .05). Cream B, containing tranexamic acid, resulted superior to cream A in subjects with hypervascular melasma. No adverse reactions were observed in all groups. Both active creams are safe and effective for melasma and should be selected according to normal or hypervascular type of melasma. Cream B (containing tranexamic acid) should be prescribed instead of cream A (not containing tranexamic acid) to subjects with hypervascular melasma.

Clinical updating study at 3 years on 278 patients treated by modern artificial hair implant technique (automatic biofibre®).

In this study, we report our multicentric experience of synthetic medical certified polyamide hair implants in male androgenetic, female menopausal, and chronic alopecia. Biofibre hair implantation was performed by means of a standardized, mini-invasive technique followed by regular postoperative care along 3 years. From May 2015, 278 patients were enrolled and 253 completed the trial; 202 men (79.9%) versus 51 women (20,1%). The average age was 43(± 4.29); 179 patients (70.1%) had taken previous treatments for alopecia. We evaluated efficacy (as judged by Hamilton scale grading, covered area percent, surgeon, and patient's subjective evaluation) and safety (as judged by adverse events). The overall scalp surface restored with artificial hair (mm2 spaced) and pre-postoperative general customers' satisfaction (by Hamilton scale grading) are reported, showing a significant (98,14%) subjective and objective improvement of the self-image. Twenty-two cases (8.75%) declared minor side effects generally counteracted by topical or short course systemic antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment. The average number of implanted fibers was 2,295 (SD 2.805; SE 200.9) ranging from 300 to 16,000. The average duration of pain and tenderness at the implant area was 2.2 days (SD 4.096; SE 0.2933) ranging from 1 to 20 days. A diagrammatic comparison of the Hamilton scale grading before and after the trial showed a dramatic improvement with the majority of the patients being in Hamilton grade II after implantation.

Autologous Fat Graft: Not Only an Aesthetic Solution.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue was defined as the "perfect filler" as is soft and malleable and is usually enough present in the body for correcting volume defects and small remodelling purposes. The first attempts to implant autologous adipose tissue dates back to the end of the twentieth century, and with the refinement of harvesting, processing and replanting techniques today a uniform and predictable amount of survival rate were achieved. Those improvements have led to wider use of autologous fat grafts in many medical specialities not only in aesthetic or reconstructive treatments.

Botulin Toxin Use in Scars/Keloids Treatment.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxin protein derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction level whose effects has been used for many years to treat a variety of muscular/neuromuscular conditions and more recently also for cosmetic use. BTX has experimented in some dermatological conditions which include scar prevention and treatment with good results The complex mechanism underlying those results is not completely understood but several mechanisms were proposed release inhibition of different substances like (TGF)-ß, substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and glutamate thus modulating cutaneous inflammation and wound healing. We analysed the published data on BTX off label applications on scars and keloids retrieved from PubMed.

Botulin Toxin Use in Rosacea and Facial Flushing Treatment.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxin derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction level whose effects has been used for many years to treat a variety of muscular/neuromuscular conditions and more recently also for cosmetic use. BTX has experimented in some dermatological conditions, which include Rosacea and facial flushing treatment with good results. The complex mechanism underlying those results is not completely understood but was proposed a release inhibition of acetylcholine from peripheral autonomic nerves of the cutaneous vasodilatory system combined with the blockade substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) thus modulating blood vessel dilatation. We analysed the published data on BTX off label applications rosacea and flushing retrieved from PubMed.