Knee pain is the most frequently encountered complaint in clinical practice among diverse age groups. In India, osteoarthritis alone covers 25–35 % of all rheumatological conditions. That stands out as one of the common causes of misdiagnosis of all other soft tissue and ligamentous diseases of the knee joint. However, in light of common clinical manifestations like osteoarthritis, many cases go neglected and remains in the grey area of literature. Here we are reporting a case of a 65-year-old female patient who presented with knee pain, and difficulty walking, and she was previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis. However, ultrasonography (USG) revealed a cystic enlargement measuring 12.3 × 5.4mm distal to the medial-cutaneous ligament (MCL) with inflammation and local edema. Following a thorough case evaluation, the patient was prescribed Ruta graveolens 200CH, followed by Thuja occidentalis 200CH. The anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-cancer properties of both these medicines have been thoroughly demonstrated via many scientific experiments. We believe the positive effect is due to their alkaloids, but we have not questioned how they maintain their qualities at such high dilutions. The Lysholm Knee Score and Tegner Activity Scale (TLSS) were used to quantify progressive improvement. Significant improvement was observed with the following remission of cystic edema and local irritation. The TLSS climbed to 78 at the end of treatment from 56 at the beginning. Despite being a rare clinical presentation of knee pain, this case report is valuable in homeopathy since it is the first attempt to analyze knee joint functionality using TLSS.
Nur-A-Safrina Rahman, Munmun Mustafa, Tahsin Tasneem Tabassum
et al.
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique challenges for cancer patients, who not only require ongoing medical care but also face an elevated risk of infection. Investigating the health-seeking behavior and barriers among adult cancer patients during this global crisis is crucial for ensuring their access to essential care amidst the pandemic’s complexities.
Objective:
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the health-seeking behavior, perceived barriers, and anxiety among adult cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
The study, conducted from August 2020 to December 2020, involved 210 participants purposively selected from the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital and Ahsania Mission Cancer and General Hospital in Dhaka. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).
Results:
Among the 210 participants, 56.2% were male, 28.6% aged 46–55, and 36.7% had no formal education. Approximately 52.3% preferred public healthcare facilities, while 6.2% sought homeopathy or pharmacy advice for symptoms. Significant differences emerged in post-pandemic healthcare provider contact (P-0.0). Notably, 88.1% missed appointments, with 78.3% taking no action. Barriers included transport issues (77.1%), reduced income (59%), and a lack of financial (53.4%) and mental support (56.6%). Conversely, respondents downplayed public awareness (80%), infection risk from others (84.7%), healthcare provider infection risk (82.4%), and hospital overcrowding (64.8%). Fear of hospitals correlated with public awareness (P-0.0). On the GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item) scale, most had minimal anxiety (53.8%), with a weak provider contact-anxiety correlation (P-0.03). Healthcare providers excelled in precautions (99.5%) and health status communication (85.3%).
Conclusion:
Despite the barriers and risks posed by the pandemic, cancer patients prioritized their care. Given the need for continued cancer care and the elevated risk of COVID-19 among cancer patients, adapting measures to align with the population’s real needs could prove highly beneficial.
Objective: In homeopathy, ethanolic extract of Carduus marianus (EECM), is used against various liver disorders including cancer. This investigation aims at evaluating hepatoprotective potential of EECM, if any, against p-dimethylaminoazobenzene (pDAB)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mouse models in vivo and elucidating its possible underlying mechanism(s). Methods: Randomized sets of inbred mice were chronically fed with different food regimens for varying periods of time and divided accordingly, 6 mice in each group, into control (Normal I and Alcohol II) and treated groups (III-V); group I: fed Normal diet, group II: Normal diet + Alcohol, group III: pDAB + Phenobarbital (PB), group IV: pDAB + PB + Alcohol, group V: pDAB + PB + EECM. They were sacrificed at day 30, 60, 90 and 120. All routine protocols were deployed for cytogenetical, enzymatic, and histopathological studies. Expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), Cysteine aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3), and Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were evaluated at day 90 and 120 only. The DPPH free-radical scavenging activity of EECM was estimated to determine the antioxidant properties. Results: No mice of groups I and II developed tumors in liver at any fixation intervals while all mice of groups (III-IV) developed liver tumors at three fixation intervals. But in group V mice, 4 each of 6 mice at 90 and 120 days, did not show tumor nodules in their livers, signifying that feeding of EECM could combat carcinogenesis. EECM reduced genotoxic effects and favorably modulated expression of Caspase 3 and MMP-9 as compared to control. Conclusion: The treatment of EECM clearly demonstrated protective action against pDAB induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice for delaying tumor progression, decreasing total tumor load and genotoxic effects, and also evidenced by favourable modulations of the apoptotic signal proteins like Bcl2, Bcl-xl. Bax, Caspase 3 and other marker enzymes AST (Aspartate amino transferase), ALT (Alanine amino transferase) etc. However, the molecular mechanism of this protective action still needs to be further elucidated.
Pharmacy and materia medica, Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Cletus Anes Ukwubile, Troy Salvia Malgwi, Collins Emeka Odu
Abstract The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a growing concern, as it significantly contributes to colon cancer initiation and progression. Conventional treatment strategies face challenges such as poor bioavailability and antibiotic resistance, necessitating the development of targeted therapies. This study evaluates the efficacy of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GELCs) in inhibiting MDR E. coli-induced colon cancer using the HCT-116 cell line. The nanoparticles were synthesized with an average size of 150 ± 5 nm, a zeta potential of + 32.5 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 84.3%. Their biological activity was assessed through in vitro and in vivo models, focusing on antimicrobial effects, cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and inflammatory modulation. The GELCs exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, reducing MDR E. coli colony-forming units (CFUs) by 83% compared to untreated co-cultures. MTT assay results showed a dose-dependent reduction in HCT-116 cell viability, with an IC₅₀ of 22.8 µg/mL, which was significantly lower than that of free ginger extract (IC₅₀ = 48.6 µg/mL), indicating enhanced efficacy. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed increased apoptosis, with a BAX/BCl-2 ratio of 11.3 in the GELC-treated group compared to 1.0 in the control. ELISA assays further demonstrated a reduction in inflammatory cytokines, with IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels decreasing by 54%, 61%, and 47%, respectively. These findings highlight the dual antimicrobial and anticancer potential of GELCs, making them a promising candidate for targeted therapy against MDR E. coli-associated colon cancer. This study underscores the advantages of nanoparticle-based delivery systems in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of natural bioactive compounds.
Chandana A. Reddy, Suganitha Balasundaram, Vasudha Kulkarni
Renal ectopia refers to the abnormal position of the kidney outside the renal fossa. It may be in sacral, lumbar, thoracic, or subdiaphragmatic regions, of which the latter is extremely rare and may be associated with congenital abnormalities. High renal ectopia is a rare disease that affects 1 in every 22 ectopic kidney occurrences. During the routine cadaveric dissection of a 50-year-old male, we observed an uncommon case of high ascent of the right kidney, up to the bare area of liver. The right kidney was normal in size and shape, and received a renal artery positioned obliquely, 3 mm below the origin of the left renal artery and its vein drained into the hepatic portion of the inferior venacava (IVC). Knowledge about the variations in the positions of the kidneys is very important as cephalad ectopic kidney may pose a challenge for surgical and interventional procedures.
Cédric Sima Obiang, Rick Léonid Ngoua Meye Misso, Guy Roger Ndong Atome
et al.
Abstract Background Gabonese flora abounds in a significant reserve of plants in medical matter. Thus, medicinal plants occupy a significant place in African pharmacopeia. Aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of extracts of Guibourtia tessmanii (Harms) J. Léonard. Methods The test for sensitivity to microorganisms was performed by the diffusion method, while the MICs and MBCs were evaluated by the microdilution technique. Antioxidant tests were performed by scavenging the DPPH and ABTS radicals. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by protein denaturing and membrane stabilization methods. The cytotoxicity was evaluated on the tadpoles of the green frog. Results The antibacterial activity shows that the Gt F2 fraction and the water-acetone extract produced the greatest inhibitions. The water, water-ethanol and water-acetone extracts exhibited bactericidal effects on the majority of bacteria. In the case of trapping of the DPPH radical, the IC50 values varied from 6.92 ± 0.48 to 16.64 ± 0.20 μg/mL. For the decolouration of ABTS, oxidation was mainly inhibited by the water-acetetone, water-ethanol extracts and some fractions. The water and water-acetone extracts showed good inhibition of denaturation. The hemolysis test confirmed the good activities of the extracts. The lethal test showed that the LC50 drops from 171.37 ± 9.25 to 58.25 ± 7.21 μg/mL after 24 and 96 h of exposure. In tadpoles exposed to 7.81 μg / mL of extracts, the first mortalities (12.5%) were observed on the second day of exposure. From the ninth day, the mortality rate increased (25%) until the 16th day. Conclusion Our results show that Guibourtia tessmanii may be a promising product for the isolations of molecules responsible for biological activities.
Suruj Kaushik, Parag Jain, Trilochan Satapathy
et al.
Abstract Background Arthritis is a disorder of change in joint architecture and ligament degeneration. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which body’s immune system targets own cells and degrade them. Martynia annua L. has been used in Indian traditional therapies for the treatment of epilepsy, many types of inflammations, respiratory infection, sore throat and wound. The objective of the present study was to determine anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of M. annua ethanolic fruit extract. Methods The extraction was performed using ethanol as a solvent followed by phytochemical investigation of M. annua ethanolic fruit extract. Antioxidant and anti-hyaluronidase enzyme inhibition activities was performed for the fruit extract. In vivo anti-inflammatory of fruit extract was performed on Calotropis procera latex (CPL) induced paw edema in rats using ibuprofen as standard. Inflammation was observed at 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h. In vivo anti-arthritic of fruit extract was performed on Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis in rats. Arthritis was observed at 0, 7, 14 and 21 day. X-Ray study was also performed for inflammatory and arthritic paw of rats. Results The qualitative phytochemical screening of fruit extract showed presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, glycosides, proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids and polysaccharides. The antioxidant activity of fruit extract was 49.1 as compared to standard 45.73 at 100 μl dose. The anti-hyaluronidase enzyme inhibition activity of fruit extract was 84.60 as compared to standard 94.21 at 100 μl dose. Conclusion It is evident from the study that Martynia annua L. extract possess both antioxidant and hyalurinodase inhibition activity at dose dependent manner as well as anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory potential.
Suvarna Bhasma (SB) is a gold particle-based medicine that is used in Ayurved to treat tuberculosis, arthritis and nervous diseases. Traditionally, the Ayurved preparation processes of SB do exist, but they are all long, tedious and involve several steps. Due to this, there is a possibility of bypassing the necessary Ayurved processes or non-adherence to all steps or use of synthetic gold particles. Our aim is to characterize 5 commercial SB preparations from 5 different manufacturers. A comparative physicochemical, pharmacokinetic (PK) and bioaccumulation study was carried out on all the 5 SB preparations. The general appearance such as color and texture of these 5 samples were different from each other. The size, shape and gold concentration (from 32-98 wt%) varied among all the 5 SBs. The accumulation of ionic gold in zebrafish and gold concentration profiles in rat blood were found to be significantly different for all the 5 SBs. Non-compartmental PK model obtained from the concentration-time profile showed significant differences in various PK parameters such as peak concentration (C max ), half-life (t 1/2 ) and terminal elimination slope (λ z ) for all the 5 SB preparations. SB-B showed the highest C max (8.55 μg/L), whereas SB-D showed the lowest C max (4.66 μg/L). The dissolution of ionic gold from SBs in zebrafish tissue after the oral dose had a 5.5-fold difference between the highest and lowest ionic gold concentrations. All the 5 samples showed distinct physicochemical and biological properties. Based on characteristic microscopic morphology, it was found that 2 preparations among them were suspected of being manufactured by non-adherence to the mentioned Ayurved references.
Koushik Ahammed, Md. Hasibul Hasan Joardar, Maruf ul Islam
et al.
Abstract Background Diabetic is one of the fundamental persuasive of diabetic nephropathy and significantly sparks off kidney diseases and end stage renal failure globally. Method The current research was carried out to evaluate hypoglycemic potential and nephroprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Mikania scandens leaves by using alloxan-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice. The mice were intraperitoneally treated with (200 mg/kg) Mikania scandens leaves extract and standard (120 mg/kg) metformin HCL solution up to 22 days. During this treatment period, we collected blood for evaluation of different types of parameters such as blood glucose level body weight at 0, 15, 22th days, serum creatinine, uric acid, total protein were estimated at the end of the experiment (day 22). Result Mikania scandens leaves extract significantly (p < 0.05) lessen blood glucose level, serum creatinine, total protein and uric acid. Apart this, cytotoxicity studies were assessed by Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay. By this method, we measure the dose of LC50. The plant has high LC50 dose thus cytotoxicity has ensued at massive amount and safe to administer. Conclusion Lowering of serum creatinine, uric acid and total protein recommend that the ethanolic extract of Mikania scandens possess potent nephroprotective activity and assure the traditional avail of this plant in the management of diabetes nephropathy.
Sarah Ellen Braun MS, George Deeb DDS, MD, FACS, Caroline Carrico PhD
et al.
The present study investigated whether a brief yoga intervention would be feasible and acceptable for dental students. Based on empirical evidence about state mindfulness (SM), change in self-reported SM was assessed as a measure of the intervention’s feasibility and acceptability. A repeated-measures within-subjects design was used. Participants were third- and fourth-year dental and dental hygiene students (76% female). The State Mindfulness Scale (SMS), a validated self-report measure of SM with 2 subscales, Mind and Body, was used. Students (n = 132) completed the SMS immediately prior to and following a 1-hour yoga intervention. Dispositional mindfulness, burnout, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms were also investigated as moderators of changes in state mindfulness to determine whether psychological variables had an effect on feasibility in this sample. Total SM significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention, t (46) = 10.26, P < .001. An analysis of covariance showed a significant interaction effect in the relationship between pre-/post-intervention SM of Mind ( β = 0.51, P = .048), such that higher levels of stress saw greater increases in SM of Mind. No other psychological variables were significant moderators. A brief yoga intervention for dental students significantly increased SM, suggesting that yoga interventions may be feasible and acceptable in this population. The results of moderation analyses suggest that a brief yoga intervention may be especially effective at increasing SM for those with high levels of stress. Future research should use a randomized control group to test group differences in SM after a brief yoga intervention for dental students.
Roel O. Lutkenhaus, Jeroen Jansz, Martine P.A. Bouman
In recent years, vaccination rates in the Netherlands have declined slightly, but steadily. The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) commissioned a Committee for Vaccine Willingness (VWC) to study the societal context of the decline. One of the societal contexts is the Internet, where audiences discuss vaccination and refer to sources of health-related information of varying quality.Working for the VWC, we have explored the Dutch vaccination debate on Twitter in order to: (1) identify online communities in the vaccination debate, (2) identify vaccine-related narratives; and (3) understand how the online communities interact with each other. We identified seven different communities, including (public) health professionals, writers and journalists, anti-establishment, and international vaccination advocates.The debate is spearheaded by the writers & journalists community, while the health- and anti-establishment communities try to influence it. The health community circulates facts, figures and scientific studies, while negative messages about vaccination – either from a homeopathy or conspiracy perspective – are most prevalent in the anti-establishment. The facts and figures shared by the health community hardly reach other communities, whereas the myths introduced by the anti-establishment do spill over to other communities. Our study provides further evidence that negative perceptions about vaccination might be rooted in a wider sentiment of distrust of traditional institutions.We argue that Dutch health organizations should try to address questions, doubts, and worries among the general audience more actively, and present scientific information in a simpler and more attractive way. Keywords: Vaccine hesitancy, Health communication, Social media, Network analysis
Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar el perfil sociodemográfico del usuario de la homeopatía en España. Diseño: Estudio cuantitativo. Emplazamiento: España. Corpus: Base de datos del Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (Estudio 3205, febrero de 2018), con un total de 2.486 entrevistas, y se analiza una submuestra (n = 124), que agrupa a todos los ciudadanos que afirman que han usado la homeopatía en España en los 12 meses anteriores. Mediciones principales: Se utilizaron los porcentajes, las medias y/o la desviación estándar de las medias, así como la significación de los cambios en las distintas variables analizadas entre la población en general y los usuarios específicos de la homeopatía en España. Esto se determinó mediante el análisis de la varianza o prueba χ2 de Pearson, dependiendo de la naturaleza de la variable en el estudio. Resultados: El perfil tipo del usuario de la homeopatía en España es una mujer, de clase media/alta, con estudios superiores universitarios y con una ideología política progresista. Conclusiones: El perfil trazado es similar al de otros estudios internacionales. Abstract: Objective: To identify the sociodemographic profile of the homeopathy user in Spain. Design: Quantitative study. Location: Spain. Corpus: The Centre for Sociological Research database (Study 3205, February 2018), with a total of 2,486 interviews, and the sub-sample that includes all patients who have claimed to use homeopathy in Spain in the last 12 months (n = 124). Main measurements: The percentages, means and/or standard deviation of the factors were calculated, as well as the significance of the changes in the different variables analysed in the general population, and the specific users of homeopathy in Spain. This was determined by the variance analysis or Pearson's χ2 test, depending on the nature of the variable in the study. Results: The homeopathy user-type profile in Spain is a woman, of middle/high social status, with higher university studies, and with a progressive political ideology. Conclusions: The Spanish profile is similar to that in other international studies. Palabras clave: Homeopatía, Terapias complementarias, Usuario, Encuesta, Keywords: Homeopathy, Complementary therapies, User, Survey
Fahad Javaid Siddiqui MSc, Pryseley Nkouibert Assam PhD, Nurun Nisa de Souza MPH
et al.
Background. Renewed interest in vinegar as a glucose-lowering agent led to several small trials in the recent past. However, none of the trials could independently provide sufficient evidence. Objectives. Our review aimed to obtain reliable estimates of effects of vinegar on short-term and long-term blood glucose control. Methods. Large bibliographic databases were searched from inception to date of search without language and publication date restrictions. All clinical trials evaluating effect of vinegar on diabetes mellitus patients were eligible. Two authors independently extracted data on fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, insulin, and HbA1c levels at the various time points. MS Excel, SAS® v9.3, and RevMan v5.3 were used for data analysis. Results. Small significant reduction in mean HbA1c was observed after 8 to 12 weeks of vinegar administration: −0.39% (95% confidence interval = −0.59, −0.18; I 2 = 0%). Other long-term outcomes favored vinegar but were not significant. Short-term outcomes showed significantly lower pooled mean difference in glucose levels at 30 minutes in the vinegar group. Readings at 60, 90, and 120 minutes were lower in the vinegar group but not statistically significant. Adverse effects profile also favored the vinegar group. Conclusions. It is worthwhile to carry out carefully planned large trails to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of vinegar as an adjunct treatment modality.
Sk Moquammel Haque, Avijit Chakraborty, Diganta Dey
et al.
Abstract Background Nowadays the multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens are a major concern of the medical science. Medicinal plants may be considered as new sources for producing antibacterial agents. The present study aimed to standardize an improved method for micropropagation and in vitro biomass production of Bacopa monnieri. Second aim is to evaluate the antimicrobial potency of in vitro cultured and ex vitro field grown micropropagated plants against different MDR clinical isolates of human urinary tract infecting (UTI) and respiratory tract infecting (RTI) pathogens. Methods Micropropagation of B. monnieri were performed following standard tissue culture method. The role of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin and spermidine on multiple shoot induction were evaluated. Antimicrobial activity of ethanol, methanol and acetone extract of in vitro and ex vitro plants of B. monnieri were screened by agar cup method against five MDR-UTI bacteria, four MDR-RTI bacteria and three microbial type culture collection (MTCC) bacteria and two fungi. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were also determined. Results Synergistic effect of BAP and spermidine had improved shoot induction with a maximum of 123.8 shoot-buds per explant. Optimum micropropagation with 34.9 elongated shoots per explant was recorded in Murashige and Skoog medium containing 1.5 mg/L BAP and 2.0 mM spermidine. Methanolic extract of ex vitro plants showed maximum activity against MDR-UTI strain of Escherichia coli (sample-9) [ZI 18 ± 0.68 mm, MIC 2.5 μg/mL, MBC 5.0 μg/mL]. Acetone extract of ex vitro plant exhibited maximum inhibition against MDR-RTI strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae (sample-38) [ZI 14 ± 0.22 mm, MIC 5.0 μg/mL, MBC 7.5 μg/mL]. The extracts of B. monnieri were bactericidal rather than bacteriostatic against all UTI and RTI bacteria tested. Conclusions The present manuscript demonstrated an efficient in vitro method for large scale biomass production of B. monnieri. Furthermore, the methanolic extract of B. monnieri have potential antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates of MDR-UTI and MDR-RTI bacterial strains. Hence this plant may further use to treat these infectious diseases. The comparative results show ex vitro grown plants have slightly better antimicrobial activities as compared to the in vitro plants.
Kurt G. Naber, Mikhail Kogan, Florian M. E. Wagenlehner
et al.
Abstract Until recently the generally accepted paradigm implied that urine of healthy people is sterile. In the meantime several studies have established also a microbiome in the bladder with many different species. Whether bacteria cause damage in the bladder depends not only on their virulence, but also on the inflammatory response of the host. Under certain circumstances asymptomatic bacteriuria can even protect from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). Some bacteria in the gut microbiome, such as Oxalobacter formigenes, are protective for calcium oxalate stone formation. The rapid rise of bacterial antibiotic resistance also among uropathogens due to wrong and often unreflected use of antibiotics has become a great concern. Instead of combating the pathogens, it appears to be more useful in many cases to treat the inflammatory host reaction - and to preserve the protective bacterial flora. Due to its antiphlogistic, spasmolytic and antinociceptive properties in a pilot study the herbal triad combination - centaury, lovage, and rosmary leaves (CLR (Canephron® N (Bionorica SE, Neumarkt, Germany))) – showed very good results in the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis. In the meantime a phase 3 study with CLR in comparison with fosfomycin trometamol has started. Analysing microbiome profiles in mice showed that even a single dose of fosfomycin as well as daily application of nitrofurantoin resulted in massive microbiome shifts, whereas phytotherapy with CLR largely preserved the gut microbiota.