Daily Archives: April 25, 2022

The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) from 2019 to 2020.

PUs have many negative consequences, such as pain and disability, extended hospital stay and increased morbidity.

A total of 299 subjects aged 41 to 77 years old, mostly females at 54.2%, with PU from wound clinics and healthcare institutions in Shiraz, Iran, were recruited for the investigation.

The findings were later published in the paper titled The prevalence of using complementary and alternative medicine products among patients with pressure ulcer in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.

Results showed that the most common CAM therapies are: herbal products (100% of participants used this), vitamin supplementation therapy (45.2%), spiritual therapies (21.7%), wet cupping (16.4%), leech therapy (9.4%), acupuncture (1.7%), dry cupping (1.3%) and massage (1.3%).

The most common herbal product used for PU management was Pistacia atlantica gum, either alone or combined with other herbal products (15.5%). Other research noted that the Pistacia atlantica plant, gum and fruit can treat a myriad of disorders in Iran, either topically or orally, and assist in wound healing and pain associated with skin ailments.

All herbal products were applied topically. Other examples include honey, aloe vera, egg albumin and henna.

The most common cause of PU among the subjects is a fracture at 33.78%, while the most common PU site is on the sacrum or buttocks. The most common underlying condition among them was diabetes at 64.2%.

CAM therapies were mainly used to alleviate a chronic disease (71.9%), and only 21.1% of the participants reported the usage of CAM to their physicians.

Another result was that CAM therapies had no significant relationship with the subjects gender, education level, occupation and PU duration.

However, CAM use had a significant relationship with the subjects age, underlying conditions and the PU stage. They retrieved information on CAM from relatives or a simple search online using their mobile phones. This trend was more prevalent among older participants, people with diabetes and stage II PU patients.

Understanding alternative therapy choices

The participants reported that they chose CAM therapies due to the easy accessibility, lower costs and perceived greater effectiveness.

The main reason cited was also to manage chronic conditions, which aligned with other studies in the country.

However, not alerting their physicians would expose the subjects to problems such as drug interactions and medication side effects.

Therefore, quality public education through the mass media is recommended to improve public knowledge about CAM therapies, their uses, and their side effects.

Improving the healthcare provider and laymens knowledge about CAM therapies and the appropriate use of cost-effective CAM therapies in PU management can reduce the need for imported dressings too, which are expensive and not accessible, concluded the researchers.

Source: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03573-6

The prevalence of using complementary and alternative medicine products among patients with pressure ulcer.

Authors: Niloofar Karimianfard and Azita Jaberi

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Iranians prefer alternative therapies to treat pressure ulcers study - NutraIngredients-Asia

Dynamic Culturing Process Developed by Lineage Offers Path to Clinical- and Industrial-Scale Production of Photoreceptors

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc., (NYSE American and TASE: LCTX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing allogeneic cell therapies for unmet medical needs, today announced a new cell therapy development program: photoreceptor neural cell (PNC) transplants for the treatment of vision loss due to photoreceptor dysfunction or damage. Similar to the companys recently announced pipeline expansion into auditory neurons for the treatment of hearing loss, Lineage has filed for intellectual property protection covering the composition and methods for generating PNCs. Based on recent in vivo data generated using the companys PNCs, these cells may be capable of forming reconstructed retina with high survivability and neural connectivity to surrounding functional layers. Notably, Lineage has demonstrated feasibility which could support a large-scale method for producing both types of photoreceptors, known as rods and cones.

It is natural that, on the heels of the announcement of our alliance with Roche and Genentech for our RPE cell therapy, a deal worth up to $670 million dollars plus double-digit royalties if certain development, approval, and sales milestones are achieved and other conditions are met, that we also would pursue treatments for vision loss through the other major cell type of the retina, the photoreceptors, stated Brian Culley, Lineages CEO. Our fundamental technology and accumulated know-how give us the opportunity to make many different cell types, and we have demonstrated our ability to create new programs rapidly and efficiently in two distinct areas, expanding our cell therapy pipeline to five separate preclinical and clinical programs, while still maintaining what we believe is an appropriate and responsible rate of investment for a company of our size. This latest program is part of our long-term planning for clinical and commercial success and serves as another example of the capability of our technology platform. We believe our ability to, in just a matter of months, advance from a product concept to generating new intellectual property and manufacturing the desired cell types, is illustrative of the power and efficiency of our platform. We believe the combination of our capital discipline and current balance sheet will support multiple years of further progress, during which we anticipate reaching achievements with each of our clinical and preclinical programs.

Dr. Rami Skaliter, who leads the manufacturing function for Lineage, added, Im exceptionally proud of the teams success at overcoming obstacles related to the limited scale of photoreceptor production. Building upon our experience with other cell lineages, we have developed intellectual property, and filed for patent protections, on a manufacturing process which is compatible with large-scale production of photoreceptors in a closed system, improvements which could enable industrial manufacturing. We believe this accomplishment will provide new opportunities for clinical, and ultimately commercial, production of photoreceptors in areas of large unmet need such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardts Macular Dystrophy, and retinal detachments, either independently or through strategic alliances.

As part of a scientific collaboration with Professors Benjamin Reubinoff, M.D., Ph.D. and Eyal Banin, M.D., Ph.D., of the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, the differentiation of pluripotent cells into photoreceptors with clinically compatible characteristics was established utilizing a novel differentiation protocol which generated positive identity of key markers of both rods and cones photoreceptor populations. The data generated by the company further demonstrated that a single cell suspension of photoreceptor precursor cells has the potential to survive and mature post-transplantation in a rodent model of retinal degeneration.

About Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc.

Lineage Cell Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel cell therapies for unmet medical needs. Lineages programs are based on its robust proprietary cell-based therapy platform and associated in-house development and manufacturing capabilities. With this platform Lineage develops and manufactures specialized, terminally differentiated human cells from its pluripotent and progenitor cell starting materials. These differentiated cells are developed to either replace or support cells that are dysfunctional or absent due to degenerative disease or traumatic injury or administered as a means of helping the body mount an effective immune response to cancer. Lineages clinical programs are in markets with billion dollar opportunities and include five allogeneic (off-the-shelf) product candidates: (i) OpRegen, a retinal pigment epithelium transplant therapy in Phase 1/2a development for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration, which is now being developed under a worldwide collaboration with Roche and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group; (ii) OPC1, an oligodendrocyte progenitor cell therapy in Phase 1/2a development for the treatment of acute spinal cord injuries; (iii) VAC2, a dendritic cell therapy produced from Lineages VAC technology platform for immuno-oncology and infectious disease, currently in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (iv) ANP1, an auditory neuronal progenitor cell therapy for the potential treatment of auditory neuropathy, and (v) PNC1, a photoreceptor neural cell therapy for the treatment of vision loss due to photoreceptor dysfunction or damage. For more information, please visit http://www.lineagecell.com or follow the company on Twitter @LineageCell.

Forward-Looking Statements

Lineage cautions you that all statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, in some cases, can be identified by terms such as believe, aim, may, will, estimate, continue, anticipate, design, intend, expect, could, can, plan, potential, predict, seek, should, would, contemplate, project, target, tend to, or the negative version of these words and similar expressions. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to (i) the potential amount of payments to Lineage under the alliance with Hoffman-La Roche Ltd. (Roche) and Genentech, Inc., (ii) the potential for new opportunities for clinical, and ultimately commercial, production of photoreceptors in areas of large unmet need, (iii) Lineages position to become a leader in the emerging field of regenerative medicine and anti-aging technology, and (iv) future areas of potential treatment using PNC transplant. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Lineages actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release, including, but not limited to, the risk that competing alternative therapies may adversely impact the commercial potential of OpRegen, which could materially adversely affect the payments payable to Lineage under the Roche/Genentech collaboration and license agreement, the risk that Roche/Genentech may not be successful in completing further clinical trials for OpRegen and/or obtaining regulatory approval for OpRegen in any particular jurisdiction; the risk that Lineage might not succeed in developing products and technologies that are useful in medicine and demonstrate the requisite safety and efficacy to achieve regulatory approval in accordance with its projected timing, or at all; the risk that Lineages intellectual property may be insufficient to protect its assets; risks and uncertainties inherent in Lineages business and other risks discussed in Lineages filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Lineages forward-looking statements are based upon its current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included under the heading Risk Factors in Lineages periodic reports with the SEC, including Lineages most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC and its other reports, which are available from the SECs website. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Lineage undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220425005336/en/

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Lineage Announces a Fifth Cell Therapy Program: Allogeneic Photoreceptor Transplants for the Treatment of Diseases Which May Lead to Blindness -...

Dr. Freeman: "Mr. Vargas, great news on the biopsy results: all negative. It means the workup we have done, including imaging, blood work, and endoscopies, is all normal. Youre all set."

Mr. Vargas: "How can that be? I feel miserable!"

The clinical scenario above (names altered for privacy) is surprisingly common for gastroenterologists. These doctors of the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon, pancreas, and liver are well trained to identify and treat conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that occur from diseases caused by inflammation, infection, or cancer.

While some of these conditions can be devastating, they are usually easy to diagnose on standard testing. But there are other illnesses that can impact the GI tract that do not have a clear laboratory test or finding on endoscopy to identify them. One such class of these is called disorders of gut-brain interaction, or DGBIs. Some people (including doctors) may be familiar with the older term used to describe these conditions functional GI diseases but it is no longer used.

DGBIs can include irritable bowel syndrome, reflux hypersensitivity, or functional dyspepsia. They are called disorders of gut-brain interaction because it is believed the most critical abnormality is impaired communication between the gut and the brain via the nervous system in both directions (from gut to brain and brain to gut).

Some things are associated with the development of DGBIs, including having suffered from prior infections, particularly those that have symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. DGBIs are more prevalent in certain populations, including women. Depression and anxiety are independent illnesses that can be associated with DGBIs as well. Unfortunately, the mechanisms of why DGBIs happen are still not well defined, which can be frustrating for patients and their providers.

From the perspective of specialists like me, DGBI management is not given a lot of attention in clinical training. This can lead to unnecessary testing that has risks, including perforation from endoscopy or radiation from imaging. Even more confusing is that DGBIs can overlap with other GI diseases. As an example, functional dyspepsia (a type of chronic indigestion) can overlap with gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying). Irritable bowel syndrome can overlap with inflammatory bowel diseases (like ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease).

DGBIs can be treated with multiple primary approaches, and these can also be combined: lifestyle, including dietary approaches; medications; complementary/alternative medicine approaches; and behavioral therapy. Lifestyle and complementary and alternative medicine approaches can be attractive options for some patients.

While eliminating very fatty and processed foods may improve GI symptoms when you have a DGBI, it is hard to sustain such severe changes in diet to control symptoms, and when done too strictly can lead to other conditions, such as feeding difficulties from avoidant restrictive food intake disorder.

Some people might try a low-FODMAP diet (this should be avoided if youve had an eating disorder). You can try to avoid FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols)-containing foods for one month (ideally guided by a doctor and/or a dietitian), and completely return to a normal diet if there is no improvement. If there is improvement, then add back foods systematically to make sure your diet is varied and provides all necessary nutrients.

Sometimes people consider acupuncture, ginger, turmeric, or herbal supplements, which you should always discuss with your doctor to prevent side effects or serious health issues, including liver problems.

Medication-based approaches typically use medications that have been used to treat conditions like depression, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. Sometimes doctors do not clearly explain the rationale for using such medications; however, they are meant to improve the gut-brain interaction by improving pain sensation pathways in the brain, and perhaps even stimulating improved nerve function.

Finally, GI-directed behavioral therapies use cognitive behavioral approaches to improve GI symptom-specific anxiety with the help of a psychologist or therapist.

If your doctor has identified that you have a DGBI, make sure to emphasize how much it is negatively impacting your quality of life. For a condition like irritable bowel syndrome, the change in bowel movements and the associated pain can really cause daily distress. Many DGBIs can affect your ability to do certain types of work that may not allow you easy access to a bathroom. DGBIs also affect sexual health.

Make sure your provider understands that managing your DGBI is important, and you want to work together to find the right treatment approaches (or a combination of approaches), as discussed above.

Beyond this, it is important to recognize that DGBIs are established diagnoses, and are just as valid as any other gastrointestinal disease. When you have symptoms of a DGBI, it is not because of an issue of willpower or weakness, or " just in your head." These are disorders for which good treatments exist, and they can improve your symptoms and quality of life.

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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Recognizing and treating disorders of gut-brain interaction - Harvard Health

They look great in a pair of earrings, but chances are, you don't pay too much attention to your ears on a day-to-day basis. Yet social media influencers keeping up on the latest wellness trends have been seemingly obsessed with their ridged cartilage and lobes thanks to ear seeding, a modern take on acupressure that targets well-established acupuncture points within our ears.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the ear is considered a microsystem: A representation of the whole body. The ear looks like an upside-down baby with the lobe being the head, the interior ridge being the spine, and the internal organs along with the recessed areas, explains Tom Ingegno, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine based in Baltimore, Maryland.

Thats why, he explains, when pressure is applied to different spots of the ear in the ear seeding process, otherwise known as auriculotherapy, it can stimulate that point of the body. And when it does, it can help you in all sorts of ways by easing pain, lessening stress, easing allergies and more.

Ear seeds are, essentially, what they sound like: little seeds.

In traditional Chinese medicine, they are seeds of the Vaccaria plant, a type of seed that is roughly the size of poppy seeds. This [vaccaria plant] herb is used for its blood moving properties and also reduces swelling, relieves pain and promotes healing, says Sandra Subotich, a doctor of acupuncture and director of eastern medicine at Chicago-based Bian.

Today, ear seeds arent just seeds anymore. Some acupuncturists and stores sell some made of steel, silver, gold, crystal or magnets. Regardless of what theyre made of, the seeds are applied to different acupuncture spots of your ear using an adhesive or waterproof tape.

Once applied, you can wear the seeds all day or up to three to five days tops, if the adhesive holds.

Ear seeds are used to stimulate acupuncture points in the ear, by providing a constant stimulation, Subotich explains. Since the ear is a Microsystem of the entire body, ear seeds can be used to address a wide variety of issues.

These issues, according to Subotich, include sleep problems, stress and anxiety, depression, headaches, addiction, weight management and holistic pain management. Research on substantiated benefits associated with ear seeding is limited, but many practitioners convey these potential benefits to those interested in exploring naturopathic treatment options.

Ear seeding has enjoyed a boom in popularity during the pandemic. During these stressful times, ear seeding has included treating healthcare workers who are overworked and exhausted, explains Barbara Gosse, an acupuncturist and educator with Northwestern Health Sciences University, because they may help ease insomnia side effects, and help individuals deal with stress and anxiety.

Pressing on the seeds helps to more intensely stimulate the point and thereby stimulate the underlying nerves, Subotich says. This sends a stronger message through the neural pathways and helps to modulate the desired effect.

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In many ways, ear seeding is similar to acupuncture but it doesnt require any needles, which is an advantage to anyone thats got a bit of trypanophobia. Ear seeds are also easier to administer, which means that once you know where to put them, you can apply them yourself.

Ear seeds also only apply pressure to your ears skin, which makes it minimally invasive and now that the seeds are made of metals or even crystal, they can also be a bit of a fashion accessory because they look nice while you wear them. Ear seeds are also relatively low cost.

Beginner's set with applicators

Multi-Condition Ear Seeds Kit

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Top-rated crystal ear seeds

Crystal Ear Pellet Seeds

Includes manual and acupressure chart

Multi-Condition Ear Seeds Acupuncture Kit

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Best-selling refill kit

Ear Seed Acupressure Kit (10 Sheets)

$7.69

According to those who practice traditional Chinese medicine, there are centuries of anecdotal evidence that it is effective for treating or at least easing the symptoms of many physical and psychological ailments. Thats why in 1957, Paul Nogier, a French physician, adopted the practice and published the ear map to help those in the west adopt the practice.

Unfortunately, though, there arent many large medical studies that have been published to back up the discussion of these benefits with direct correlation to ear seeds. Many smaller-scale studies, however, conducted independently have suggested that ear seeding may ease the pain on an individual basis.

A small 2013 study, for example, found that ear seeding could help reduce low back pain and improve mobility, while a 2015 study found the practice might increase pain tolerance. An older 2010 study shared in the Journal of Alternative Medicine also found ear seeding might relieve mild to moderate pain and a 2020 review of 14 other studies from Brazil found ear seeds could effectively reduce musco-skeletal pain. A 2021 study in the Journal of Personalized Medicine, meanwhile, found it could ease menstrual pain, causing people to need fewer pain medications.

Other studies have supported some of the other holistic health claims that ear seeding aficionados have floated in the past:

Still, says Ingegno, ear seeding works best on people who have moderate symptoms who are looking for simple relief and not expecting miracles. In addition, many people also find that it benefits them most when it is practiced alongside regular traditional acupuncture sessions.

The short answer? Yes! Ear seeds are generally considered safe to use as they are topically applied with little to no invasive materials used. There may be some application risks, however, that you should be aware of.

Some people are sensitive to the adhesive used to apply the seed (particularly if they have a latex allergy) or the metal of the seed itself, Gosse explains. This can cause some itching, discomfort or redness all signs that you should remove the ear seed right away.

Youll also want to avoid ear seeds if you have cracks, scratches or other injuries to your skin as the seeds could aggravate those injuries further.

In addition, Ingegno says, you dont want to leave them in place too long as you may develop a divot in the skin where the ear seed was placed.

Ear seeds generally stay in place pretty well but there is a small possibility they can fall off and fall into your ear canal, which could cause injury to your ear or lead to an infection. In 2015, the scientific community shared a record of what happened to a woman after the seed fell through a hole in her eardrum and had to be surgically removed.

You can buy ear seeds from an acupuncturist near you, which is recommended for ear seeding newcomers, as they often provide instruction or any of the products available online.

Consumer kits like the ones available from earseeds.com come with instructions, a chart of the relevant points and tweezers, Ingegno says.

That said, all the acupuncturists we spoke with recommended talking with a professional before trying ear seeds for the first time by yourself.

[If you] have your first treatment from a professional acupuncturist, they can help you decide which points are best for you, says Laura Erlich, acupuncturist and womens holistic health specialist with Mother Nurture Wellness in Los Angeles. They can also mark points in your ear with a skin-safe marker to make it easier for you to do at home.

Just make sure that while youre applying them, you use a mirror and tweezers to apply the seed to your ear, while consulting a diagram of the acupuncture points in your ear. Be aware that everyones ears have different shapes and that you might need to adjust placement based on the shape of your ear, Ingegno explains. Dont expect your ear to look exactly like the picture in the product's chart [and] dont stress about getting them perfect.

Given the variation in everyones ears, finding the perfect location may seem impossible so aim for close enough, he adds.

When its time to take them off, use a tweezer and tilt your head towards the ground so the seed doesnt accidentally fall into your ear canal.

You might also want to give your ears short breaks between ear therapy treatments so that the skin doesnt get aggravated over time. Some experts believe they stop being as effective when worn consistently. Ideally you want to change your seeds out every 3 days, as the body will get used to the pressure, says Subotich. I generally will leave my seeds in for no more than 5-7 days and then give my ears a break for a day or two.

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Ear Seeds: What Is Ear Seeding and How Does It Work? Experts Explain - Good Housekeeping

Many people who are immunocompromised will not fully develop the appropriate antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination, but there is hope in the form of an alternative treatment.

Vineeta Kumar, M.D., Photography: Andrea MabryEven with multiple COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, there are still groups of people who do not receive the full benefit of vaccines due to immunosuppressed conditions that prevent the body from making sufficient antibodies. But one alternative treatment option is providing hope.

Known as Evusheld, the medication contains protective antibodies againstSARS-CoV-2.

The antibodies are given as two injections at the same time to a patient, and once injected they are in the system ready to work if the patient is exposed to another person with acute COVID-19 infection in the future.

Vineeta Kumar, M.D., professor of nephrology in the University of Alabama at Birminghams Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, says this is an effective option for immunocompromised populations, such as transplant patients.

We know that transplant recipients develop less of an antibody response to the vaccine due to their immunosuppressive medications, Kumar said.In other words, the medication or immunosuppressed condition may prevent their body from makingsufficient antibodies, and in some patientsanyantibody.This could result in a decrease in the vaccines ability to provide protection against COVID-19 infection.

Kumar adds that this treatment is meant to be given before a person has been exposed to another with COVID-19 infection.

Evusheld should notbe used as a substitute for vaccination or for primary prevention strategies, including masking, social distancing and avoidance of large indoor social gatherings, Kumar said. Vaccination of close contacts, including household members, continues to be an important measure to protect transplant recipients from COVID-19 infection.

For transplant patients, Kumar says it is crucial they receive the infusion as soon as they are cleared after the transplant.

Due to limited supply ofEvusheld nationwide, patients early after transplant or early after receiving medications that suppresses their immune system are prioritized to getEvusheldfirst, she said.

Anoma Nellore, M.D., Photography: Steve Wood She says it is possible that Evusheld may reduce the bodys immune response to a COVID-19 vaccine. If someone has received the COVID-19 vaccine, they should wait at least two weeks after vaccination to receive Evusheld; but booster doses of vaccine can be given any time after Evusheld has been administered.

We will continue to monitor response of the new virus variants to this infusion, Kumar said.

UAB and doctors across the state are still working to make sure as many people have it as possible.

And these include referrals through our state Department of Public Health and referrals from other medical centers, said Anoma Nellore, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases. We want to make sure all patients are protected.

At UAB, Kumar is the Robert and Cutessa Bourge Endowed Professor in Transplant Nephrology.

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Evusheld provides additional protection for immune-compromised patients against COVID-19 - University of Alabama at Birmingham