Present Chemotherapy Induced Alopecia and Research in Future

CIA (Chemotherapy Induced Alopecia) is a common side effect seen during cancer treatment and a distressing symptom in many types of cancer patients. Patients exposed with alopecia during cancer treatment were accompanied by social influences and further quality of life. Although hair regrows in 3-6 months after chemotherapy, the regrown hair has changes in color, structure, texture etc. In the United States, chemotherapeutic patients had alopecia in varying degrees, where woman patients considered CIA as the most severe trauma, and even refused proper chemotherapy or have chosen an alternative therapy. Furthermore, the reported conditions of permanent CIA have been increasing. The CIA measures are mainly assessed using NCI-CTCAE, CTC, WHO, and GPA. Etiologically, CIA might be caused by therapeutic agents, genes and hormones. Diagnosis includes CST (Cross-Section Trichometry), Trichoscopy and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography). Currently, the mainly reported used prevention of CIA is scalp cooling, and FDA has classified the scalp cooling system into class II (special controls) to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device. Scalp cooling is influenced by temperature, therapeutic agents, time and physiological factors. Besides physical interventions, several novel methods have been reported in animal models recently including drug-specific antibodies, hair growth cycle modifiers, cytokines, growth factors, antioxidants, cell cycle/proliferation modifiers or inhibitors of apoptosis, LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy), many drug preventions being under preclinical research. Thus, this review explores the current clinical treatment and future researches.

Chronic Pain has become a Chronic Problem in Norway. What are we doing Wrong? A Report from a Norwegian Pain Clinic

hronic pain occurs in around 20% of European adults [1], affecting 100 million people. In Norway 30% of the population suffer from chronic pain [2]. Reasons for why Norwegians have such a high incidence of chronic pain is not known. Chronic pain has been associated with socio-economic deprivation [3]. However, the World Bank has declared Norway the richest country in the world [4]. All residents are covered by the National Insurance Scheme. Private medical insurance is limited and most hospitals are public. Outpatient care and medicines used in chronic diseases are usually heavily subsidized or free. Is it possible that these support systems and the provision of sick pay paradoxically reduce motivation in individuals to increase levels of activity, and reduce the use of medication, thereby delaying a return to work?

Inferences of Carbon Dioxide in Present-Day Cell Culture Systems: An Unacknowledged Problem and Perspectives

The impact of cell culture technology has been immense in the field of research and pharmaceutical sciences. Suitable environmental conditions are paramount need in order to maintain the cell line in an in-vitro condition. Since the biological processes are highly susceptible to acid-base chemistry, variations among the factors will have a severe effect on cellular integrity that often leads to hypercapnia and senescence of the cells. pH regulation in the cell culture environment is a fundamental biological phenomenon of great significance for the growth and metabolism of cells. This review focuses on the implications of the two critical factors carbon dioxide (CO2), pH, and their correlated effects in the mammalian culture system. Bicarbonate buffer plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis as dissolved CO2 hydration occurs in bicarbonate (HCO3-) and H+ equilibriums. If pH is not controlled, inhibition of CO2 causes acidification in the medium. In contrast, if pH is not regulated by integrating essential requirements, the equilibrium reaction shifts to the right towards the hydrogen ions that maintains the balance. Despite a few literatures exhibiting the role of carbon dioxide in cell culture, the present review distinguishes from them by showing the effects of CO2 in the in-vitro environment in maintaining the pH balance and cellular integrity. Thus, ensuring the proper mechanism of the utilization of CO2 and pH in the cell culture system will undoubtedly lead to the exploration of enormous concepts in the present crucial study.