Biochemical Interactions through Microscopic Techniques: Structural and Molecular Characterization.

Many researchers and scientists have contributed significantly to provide structural and molecular characterizations of biochemical interactions using microscopic techniques in the recent decade, as these biochemical interactions play a crucial role in the production of diverse biomaterials and the organization of biological systems. The properties, activities, and functionalities of the biomaterials and biological systems need to be identified and modified for different purposes in both the material and life sciences. The present study aimed to review the advantages and disadvantages of three main branches of microscopy techniques (optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy) developed for the characterization of these interactions.

Additive effects of acupuncture in alleviating anxiety: A double-blind, three-arm, randomized clinical trial.

Background: In this trial, additive effects of acupuncture to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) treatment for reducing anxiety, were investigated.

Methods: 112 patients with anxiety disorder were randomly divided into three groups including SSRIs alone (drug group), SSRIs with sham acupuncture (control group) and SSRI with acupuncture (acupuncture group), and treated for 4 weeks. At the beginning of the study and on day 28, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire was completed and serum levels of cortisol were measured.

Isolation of arsenic accumulating bacteria from garbage leachates for possible application in bioremediation.

Background And Objectives: Bioremediation is a process to reduce toxic heavy-metals, such as arsenic, in the environment using microorganisms. This study aimed to isolate arsenic remediating microbial strains from garbage leachates and to evaluate the effects of several factors on bioremediation by isolated strains.

Materials And Methods: After isolating arsenic-resistant bacteria from garbage leachates and determining their MIC values, Taguchi design of experiments was used to evaluate the effect of arsenic concentration, pH solution, temperature, and contact time on arsenic bioremediation by isolated bacteria.

Investigation of the electrical impedance of acupuncture points and non-acupuncture points before and after acupuncture, using a four-electrode device.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on skin electrical impedance of selected points, before and after acupuncture on one acupuncture point (PC6), using a four-electrode device.

Methods: Six acupuncture and non-acupuncture points on both sides of the body were selected to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on electrical properties of these points.

Results: There were no results significant differences of electrical impedance before and after acupuncture in the selected points.

Characterisation of human skin impedance at acupuncture point PC4 Ximen and pericardium meridian using the four-electrode method.

Introduction: Traditional Chinese medicine offers several theories to explain the mechanism of acupuncture. One of these theories proposes that acupuncture points and meridians have unique electrical properties and their electrical skin impedance is lower than surrounding areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in electrical skin impedance between PC4 and the pericardium meridian compared with the surrounding areas.

Development and evaluation of a novel four-electrode device system for monitoring skin impedance.

Qi, meridians, and acupoints are important issues in Chinese medicine. One of the theories claims that acupuncture points and meridians have unique electrical properties. The associations between acupuncture points or meridians and special electrical properties are still under debate.