Robbert van Haselen, Robbert van Haselen, Martin Loef
et al.
BackgroundEvidence synthesis for whole medical systems, defined as complete systems of theory and practice that have evolved independently from biomedicine. is challenging. This paper provides a framework for evidence synthesis of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) systems incorporating context and complexity. A systematic review program on the effects of homeopathic preparations is used as a practical illustration of the proposed framework.Proposed solutionA systems perspective considers the patient as a complex system of interconnected regulative subsystems embedded in a complex environment, and disease as a dysregulation of the dynamic adaptive state of the organism. Most TCIM systems, including homeopathy, aim to stimulate regulative systems and their functions to regain homeostasis. The consequences of these principles for the approach to evidence synthesis of TCIM systems are explored and explained.Framework componentsA systems perspective takes into account a plurality of evidence sources, including ‘real-world’ clinical data such as case reports, case series and cohort studies. The systematic review program focuses on comparative studies of homeopathy in various clinical indications and includes both non-randomized prospective studies of interventions (NRSIs) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). For risk-of-bias assessments, use is made of respectively ROBINS-I and ROB2. Evidence certainty is graded transparently and rigorously based on the GRADE framework. An experienced patient advocate is involved in the research program and input from patient advisors who experienced the clinical indication under investigation is incorporated.DiscussionRCT and NRSI evidence on homeopathic preparations for a range of clinical indications will be synthesised. A limitation, from a complex systems perspective, is that the implication of these findings will still need to be contextualized within the broader context of the existing state of knowledge. An ‘evidence eco-system’ that includes complementary sources of information will be required to inform decisions.ConclusionEvidence synthesis of TCIM systems can move beyond conventional approaches by framing evidence within its complexity and context, together with real-world data and patient perspectives. This approach entails methodological challenges and will require gap analyses to guide future research and improve the applicability for public health and individualized patient care.
Traditional medicine methods are of significant importance in the contemporary Russian healthcare system. In particular, the concept of traditional medicine is defined in part 1 of Article 50 of Federal Law No. 323-FZ of 21.11.2011 “On the Fundamentals of Health Protection of Citizens in the Russian Federation”, and the Coordination Council for the improvement of legal and regulatory framework for traditional medicine has been established under the Ministry of Health of Russia. Russia has a National Professional Association of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, whose members belong to the emerging National Register of Traditional (Complementary) Medicine Experts. In Russia some TM methods are licensed and used in clinical practice, such as homeopathy, manual therapy, hirudotherapy, medical massage, reflexotherapy, traditional diagnostics, traditional systems of recover [1,2]. Integration of complementary and traditional medicine (TM) into the healthcare system of different countries in accordance with national priorities, including Russia, is one of the main strategies of the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2025-2034 [3, 4]. Our aim was to simulating the establishment of a center for traditional medicine (CTM) on the premises of the National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology of the Ministry of Health of Russia. The product of the model is a CTM operating on the premises of the National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology of the Ministry of Health of Russia - the leading research and practice institution of Russia in the field of medical rehabilitation and spa treatment, which combines three major areas of activity: medical, scientific and educational. The simulation methods were: SWOT-analysis, economic and mathematical as well as system analysis, calculation of material and technical conditions and staff supply for the creation of CTM, as well as the risks of the project implementation. The conducted SWOT-analysis showed that the strengths of the National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology of the Ministry of Health of Russia are many years of experience in conducting scientific research in the field of TM (reflexotherapy, manual therapy), the presence of existing clinical departments working in the field of rehabilitation and spa treatment, research department and educational center that provides training of doctors in reflexotherapy and manual therapy. The weak point is the absence of “TM doctor” specialty in the nomenclature of medical workers. Support from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in the field of TM opens opportunities for the project implementation. A threat is the low level of training of TM specialists by private training centers. We have identified 3 main areas of CTM activity. The research area includes conducting fundamental and applied scientific research with the purpose of scientific substantiation of TM methods application in patients with different groups of diseases; integration of the obtained results of scientific research into clinical recommendations and practical healthcare, and development of unique therapy programs combining the main TM methods differentially, depending on the stage of the disease and the focus of the therapeutic effect: prevention, treatment or rehabilitation. The clinical area involves creation of clinical CTM based on the branch of the National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology of the Ministry of Health of Russia. The new center will extend the use of various Traditional Medicine (TM) technologies in programmes of medical rehabilitation and spa treatment of patients, as well as the adoption of unique treatment programmes developed on the basis of TM methods. The educational domain encompasses professional retraining and supplementary professional education for doctors and nursing personnel in TM, the implementation of international internship programmes, and the conduction of advanced training cycles in TM within the framework of the fundamental clinical speciality. The material and technical conditions for establishing CTM entail the organization of offices and essential services within the existing medical building. The personnel potential of the center will consist of 17 specialists, including 2 therapists, 2 reflexologists, 1 doctor of manual therapy, 1 doctor of psychotherapy and 9 nurses. The risks associated with implementing the project include the complex nature of the evidence and the likelihood that the applied TM methods will not be included in clinical recommendations. There are also reputational risks associated with the use of TM methods by third parties who are not medical professionals or who actually provide services that substitute for TM principles, and the lack of partners to implement the project activities. In conclusion, the developed model of CMT on the grounds of the National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology of the Ministry of Health of Russia can serve as a basis for the introduction of TM methods in the Russian healthcare system. Integration of academic and TM by creating appropriate regulatory, research and educational, organizational, financial and economic, personnel, material and technical conditions, wider use of TM methods in treatment, rehabilitation and spa treatment programs for patients will make a certain contribution to the achievement of the national goal of health protection of the nation and to the increase in life expectancy of the population up to 78 years by 2030.
Collins Azubuike Onyeto PhD, Akachukwu Marytheresa Onwuka MS, Ikechukwu Emmanuel Peter MS
et al.
Objective Aqueous extract of unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit is commonly used for the treatment of ulcers in eastern Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the acute and subacute effects of an aqueous extract of unripe fruit on male and female fertility in rats. Methods Aqueous extracts obtained by maceration were analyzed for acute and subacute toxicity and for the presence of phytochemical constituents using standard procedures. The extract (100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) was administered daily to rats of both sexes for 28 d. Blood samples collected on days 0 and 28 were assessed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Testes and ovaries were harvested for histopathological analysis. Sperm were also collected to determine the sperm count and motility. Results Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and resins. After an oral dose of up to 5000 mg/kg, there were no deaths in the acute toxicity test. The extract (500 mg/kg) significantly ( P < .05) enhanced sperm count and motility relative to the untreated control; significantly ( P < .05) reduced SOD, CAT, and glutathione levels, while significantly ( P < .05) elevated LH, FSH, and MDA levels in male and female rats. Histological examination revealed significant structural damage to the ovaries. Conclusion Unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit exhibited an adverse toxicological profile following prolonged administration and caused oxidative stress in rodents.
Innocent A. Edagha, Blessing C. Akpan, David O. Edem
et al.
Abstract Combination antiretroviral therapies (cARTs) are linked with multiple-organ system (MOS) toxicities in laboratory animals, and in humans undertaking treatment for HIV/AIDS. The ameliorative potential of low-dose quercetin following cART-associated MOS-toxicities in cardio-hepato-renal organs was evaluated in in vivo model. Oral administration of cART (Dolutegravir 50 mg, Lamivudine 300 mg and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg [DLT]) at 9.29 mg/kg, was challenged against low-dose quercetin 25 mg/kg body weight (bw) in Wistar rats. Group 1, the normal control (NC) received distilled water (5 mL), while groups 2 to 4 received quercetin (25 mg), DLT (9.29 mg), and DLT + quercetin (9.29 mg + 25 mg respectively), per kg bw. All administrations lasted for 14 days, and thereafter animals were humanely sacrificed after intraperitoneal anesthesia injection with 100 mg ketamine /5 mg xylazine per kg bw followed by cervical dislocation. Blood and organs were harvested for analyses using standard protocols. The serum concentrations of lipid parameters [total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and VLDL-cholesterol], liver biomarkers (total-bilirubin, direct-bilirubin, and transaminases], and kidney biomarkers [urea and creatinine] were significantly increased (p < 0.05) while electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl− and HCO3 −) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in DLT group but improved in DLT + Q group. Histopathology demonstrated distorted myocytes, hepatocytes and renal tubules, fatty liver with vacuolization, dystrophied glomeruli and distorted renal interstitium in DLT group, compared with normal appearing histoarchitectural features in NC and DLT + Q groups. In conclusion, oral administration of low-dose quercetin (25 mg/kg) ameliorated cART-associated cardio-hepato-renal toxicities in rats, improving their biomarkers and histoarchitecture.
Jagat Pal Yadav, Prateek Pathak, Seema Yadav
et al.
Abstract Background Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (Wall. ex Wight) belonging to the family Fabaceae. Renowned for its diverse array of phytochemicals, this plant has been historically employed in the treatment of various ailments. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of the optimized M. pruriens var. utilis seed extract. Methods The in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of M. pruriens var. utilis ethanolic extracts was scrutinized using the Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) method. To evaluate antioxidant activity, ABTS and DPPH assays were employed. Furthermore, the antidiabetic activity was assessed through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. Results In the ethanolic extract of M. pruriens var. utilis numerous phytoconstituents were found by doing a phytochemical analysis (alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, glycosides, tannins). The total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined to be 112.07 ± 1.21 mg of gallic acid equivalents GAE/g and 101.41 ± 1.08 mg of quercetin equivalents QE/g respectively. In this investigation ethanolic extract of M. pruriens var. utilis exhibited a high anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities in a dose-dependent manner. The M. pruriens var. utilis extract shows that anti-inflammatory activity 32.26 ± 3.23%, potent antioxidant effect by ABTS radical scavenging assay IC50 67.46 ± 1.45 µg/mL and DPPH radical scavenging assay IC50 63.34 ± 2.27 µg/mL and in addition, showed promising antidiabetic potential by inhibiting α-amylase IC50 33.42 ± 1.35 µg/mL and α-glucosidase IC50 28.34 ± 1.41 µg/mL. Conclusion These findings provide additional support for the traditional medicinal use of M. pruriens var. utilis in treating inflammation, oxidative stress, and diabetes mellitus.
Hemant Rawat, Shahnawaz Ahmad Bhat, Daljeet Singh Dhanjal
et al.
This comprehensive review investigates the dynamic landscape of trace elemental analysis methodologies applied to plants and food-based extracts. The exploration spans from the inception of techniques to the latest procedures, contributing to heightened precision and sensitivity in elemental detection. According to the WHO, herbal plants and medicine from varied soil compositions serve as crucial therapeutic agents for 70–80 % of the world's population. Yet, their susceptibility to trace element toxicity poses a significant risk to human health. Rising population and increased food demands have led to environmental pollution, contaminating the food chain through unintended activities like industrialization, mining, and pesticide production. The elemental composition of plants and derived extracts is central to comprehending nutritional profiles, evaluating product quality, and ensuring food safety. Methodological advancements, progressing from manual procedures to sophisticated technologies such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), neutron activation analysis (NAA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), are delineated. Recent strides in paper-based electrochemical sensors are highlighted for their distinctive capabilities and elucidation of associated advantages and limitations.Moreover, the review delves into innovative sample preparation methodologies, encompassing microwave-assisted digestion and solid-phase microextraction, to amplify the efficiency of elemental extraction and subsequent analysis. Integrating data analytics and machine learning in elucidating complex elementary datasets is explored, underscoring the potential for heightened accuracy and automation in trace elemental analysis. This review compiles literature data, summarizing sample preparation methods for various herbal parts (roots, soil, stems, bark, fruits, food). Standard protocols from WHO, United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-FR), Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) are considered. Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Arsenic are the primary toxic elements of concern in herbal medicines. This review furnishes valuable insights tailored for researchers, analysts, and policymakers actively involved in advancing the domain of trace elemental analysis in plants and food-based extract.
Ajay Kumar Meena, Ayyam Perumal, Neeraj Kumar
et al.
Background: Vitex negundo plants beautiful gift of Nature to humankind, and we must conserve for the future. This plant has many uses in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Allopathy to treat several diseases like venereal diseases, Urinary problems, cough and fever, asthmatic pain, female reproductive problems. Purpose: This study aimed to perform the comparative phytochemical analysis, chromatographic profiling, and quantification of Negundoside in Vitex negundo root and small branches. We also did in-silico evaluation of Negundoside. Methods: Using cold maceration extraction, Successful soxhlet extraction processes were used to prepare hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and alcoholic extracts. Preliminary phytochemicals perimeters were carried out in both plant parts extract. We performed chromatographic profiling of Vitex negundo by using HPLC, LC-MS and GC-MS. Negundoside in Vitex negundo plant root and small branches were identified and quantified by using HPLC. Results: LC-MS showed similarities in the compounds in ethanol extracts of Vitex negundo root and small branches extracts. Similarlry, GC–MS identified many similar volatile compounds of Vitex negundo root and small branches. The results obtained from HPLC analysis show that root contains 0.0696%, and small branches had 0.3818% of negundoside in Vitex negundo. In molecular docking study of negundoside with cox-2 we found binding energy of −7.2 kcal/mol. Conclusion: As per present study, Vitex negundo plant roots could be replaced by small branches. We found in the comparative study there is very close similarity between roots and small branches suggested the further uses of small branches in place of roots.
Cosmos Yarfi, Cosmos Yarfi, Gifty Gyamah Nyante
et al.
BackgroundConventional and complementary treatments are often used in rehabilitation for persons with stroke. The conventional treatment makes use of medications, physiotherapy, occupational, speech, and diet therapies, while the complementary treatment makes use of homeopathy, naturopathy, massage, and acupuncture. The structure, process, and outcomes of stroke rehabilitation using conventional or complementary treatments have not been empirically investigated in Ghana.AimsThis study aims to investigate the structure, process, and outcomes of stroke rehabilitation at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra and Kwayisi Christian Herbal Clinic (KCHC) in Nankese-Ayisaa, Ghana, and to explore the experiences of persons with stroke.MethodsThis study involves a mixed methods approach. This study will utilize three study designs, namely, cross-sectional, hospital-based cohort, and qualitative exploratory study designs. The objectives of the study will be achieved using three phases, namely, phase one will recruit health professionals and gather information on the structure and process of stroke rehabilitation at a conventional and complementary hospital using adapted questionnaires; phase two will determine the outcomes of stroke patients attending a conventional and complementary hospital facility at baseline, 2-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up using outcome measures based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model; and phase three will explore the experiences of stroke patients who use complementary or conventional treatment using an interview guide.Data analysisIBM SPSS Statistics Version 27 will be used to analyze the data using descriptive and inferential statistics. Repeated measures of ANOVA will be used to determine the differences between variables at baseline, 2-, 3-, and 6-month post-stroke. The qualitative data will be transcribed and entered into Atlas Ti version 9.0. The data will be coded and analyzed using thematic areas that will be generated from the codes.ConclusionThe study protocol will provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, process, and outcomes of stroke rehabilitation in Ghana, incorporating both conventional and complementary treatment and rehabilitation into the stroke recovery journey. It will also inform clinical practice, with new insights on the experiences of stroke patients based on their choice of rehabilitation pathway.
Rishabh G Mistry, Treville Pereira, Subraj Shetty
et al.
Introduction: Forensic odontology is the application of dental knowledge in human identification. It has major implications in criminal investigation, and human remains identification. Objective: The aim of this study is to introspect the attitude and knowledge of forensic odontology among general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Mumbai. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample size of 225 GDPs of Mumbai with the help of an online questionnaire comprising 11 questions. Results: GDPs were found to have a lack of exposure and poor knowledge regarding the subject of forensic odontology. Only 13.3% of dentists have had a formal training in the subject. About 29.3% are unaware that they can testify in the court and support the investigation. Conclusion: The lack of awareness and knowledge among dentists will hinder the criminal investigation. Hence, awareness should be created among young dentists and more courses should be available in the field.
Recent publications focus on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has gravely impacted the entireworld. It is an envelopedRNAvirus arising from the genus betacoronavirus.1 Owing to the lack of any previous treatmentmodalities available for COVID-19, clinical and health care experts have resorted to the use of drugs known to be effective against other viral fevers. This emergence of drug repurposing has arisen for several reasons, which canbeattributed to the slowpaceofnewdrugdiscovery along with high-cost involvement.2,3 Examples of such repurposed drugs include hydroxychloroquine, arbidol, remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir, and ritonavir, and these have now been selected for further testing as potential treatment candidates.4 However, clinical trials on repurposed drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 have not been entirely successful, though they are being used in several countries despite having moderate to severe adverse effects.5,6 A critical flaw in such trials is their study design, which is compromised by the fact that these are not double-blind studies and also have a low sample size; however, the scientific rationale given for conducting such trials is to balance scientific rigor against speed.7 Currently, the worldwide acceptance rate and the use of homeopathy are increasing. Homeopathic medicines have shown promising results for epidemic diseases such as influenza, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis8–10; however, homeopathy is still viewed critically by sceptics for not following the gold standard of research.11 Thus, during such unprecedented times, as the scientific world is moving forward using modified and less stringent protocols to study the efficacy of repurposed drugs, homeopathy can also take an initiative to showcase its scientific potential for the treatment of COVID-19. With a hope to quickly single out homeopathic candidate medicines for COVID-19, we can adopt an approach to screen the available medicines that are in use for treating other viral diseases. During the Ebola virus outbreak, for example, the WHO gave ethical consideration to the use of unregistered intervention for Ebola viral disease: it mentions “Compassionate use is justified as an exceptional emergency measure”.12 The contemporary outbreak of COVID-19 is a pandemic and it deserves interim intervention from other therapeutic approaches such as homeopathy to support ailing people as well as to provide prophylaxis options for health careworkers. Since the development of specific treatments and vaccines is still underwayandmight take up to 12 to 18months to achieve fruition,7 homeopathy can offer support along with conventional drugs and clinical management. Due to the lackof time,we thehomeopathy community can collect available data about potential drug targets based upon the source material of homeopathic medicines and use those selected for repurposing in COVID-19 treatment. There are several candidates that can be targeted to inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 and its subsequent multiplication in the human body.13 Potential drug targets that have been identified by science include angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor and protease inhibitors.14,15Homeopathicmedicines such as Bryonia alba,16 Calendula,17,18 Passiflora incarnata,19 and Zingiber officinale,20 are in use for several other maladies. Based on the properties of their source materials, these medicines might prove to be potential inhibitors of ribosome inactivating protein, proteases, and ACE-2, and hence may be worth investigating for the treatment of COVID-19.
S. Natarajan, C. Anbarasi, P. Sathiyarajeswaran
et al.
Abstract Objectives The primary objectives of this study are to determine efficacy of Siddha medicine, Kabasura kudineer in reduction of SARS-CoV-2 viral load and reducing the onset of symptoms in asymptomatic COVID-19 when compared to Vitamin C and Zinc (CZ) supplementation. In addition, the trial will examine the changes in the immunological markers of the Siddha medicine against control. The secondary objectives of the trial are to evaluate the safety of the Siddha medicine and to document clinical profile of asymptomatic COVID-19 as per principles of Siddha system of Medicine. Trial design A single centre, open-label, parallel group (1:1 allocation ratio), exploratory randomized controlled trial. Participants Cases admitted at non-hospital settings designated as COVID Care Centre and managed by the State Government Stanley Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India will be recruited. Eligible participants will be those tested positive for COVID-19 by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain reaction (RT-PCR) aged 18 to 55 years without any symptoms and co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus, hypertension and bronchial asthma. Those pregnant or lactating, with severe respiratory disease, already participating in COVID trials and with severe illness like malignancy will be excluded. Intervention and comparator Adopting traditional methods, decoction of Kabasura kudineer will be prepared by boiling 5g of KSK powder in 240 ml water and reduced to one-fourth (60ml) and filtered. The KSK group will receive a dose of 60ml decoction, orally in the morning and evening after food for 14 days. The control group will receive Vitamin C (60000 IU) and Zinc tablets (100mg) orally in the morning and evening respectively for 14 days. Main outcomes The primary outcomes are the reduction in the SARS-CoV-2 load [as measured by cyclic threshold (CT) value of RT-PCR] from the baseline to that of seventh day of the treatment, prevention of progression of asymptomatic to symptomatic state (clinical symptoms like fever, cough and breathlessness) and changes in the immunity markers [Interleukins (IL) 6, IL10, IL2, Interferon gamma (IFNγ) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha]. Clinical assessment of COVID-19 as per standard Siddha system of medicine principles and the occurrence of adverse effects will be documented as secondary outcomes. Randomisation The assignment to the study or control group will be allocated in equal numbers through randomization using random number generation in Microsoft Excel by a statistician who is not involved in the trial. The allocation scheme will be made by an independent statistician using a sealed envelope. The participants will be allocated immediately after the eligibility assessment and informed consent procedures. Blinding (masking) This study is unblinded. The investigators will be blinded to data analysis, which will be carried out by a statistician who is not involved in the trial. Numbers to be randomised (sample size) Sample size could not be calculated, as there is no prior trial on KSK. This trial will be a pilot trial. Hence, we intend to recruit 60 participants in total using a 1:1 allocation ratio, with 30 participants randomised into each arm. Trial status Protocol version 2.0 dated 16th May 2020. Recruitment is completed. The trial started recruitment on the 25th May 2020. We anticipate study including data analysis will finish on November 2020. We also stated that protocol was submitted before the end of data collection Trial registration The study protocol was registered with clinical trial registry of India (CTRI) with CTRI/2020/05/025215 on 16 May 2020. Full protocol The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol. The study protocol has been reported in accordance with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Clinical Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines (Additional file 2).
Daphne Fonseca, Sahithi Shilpa Arya, K V. V. N. Raju
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and comprise <2.2% of all GI tumors. The incidence of endometrial cancer in India is 1.2%. Among synchronous cancers, female genital tract tumors, mostly endometrioid/ovarian carcinomas, constitute 5% of GIST patients. We describe an unusual case with synchronous occurrence of GIST of the stomach with high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) of the endometrium, which was proven by histopathological examination and further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. This is the first case published so far of a patient with synchronous occurrence of low-risk GIST of the stomach with HGSC of the endometrium. The main objective of the study is to present a unique case because we have not found any reports for coexistence of the described neoplasm as in our patient, and we hope that it will be valuable in future investigations about the genesis, diagnosis, and treatment of these types of tumors.
Context: Hospital establishes daily visiting hours and rules for the comfort and safety of patients and their loved ones. The need to minimize disruption to the therapeutic environment of the patients while giving patients' and their families' time to be together, is an integral part of patient-centeredness and patient's recovery. Aims: The aim of the study is to determine the level of satisfaction of the patient visitors toward the visiting hour policy, to identify their preferences, and to associate satisfaction toward visiting hour policy with selected demographic variables. Settings and Design: Postnatal ward of selected Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru and a cross-sectional descriptive study design. Materials and Methods: Five-point rating scale to assess the level of satisfaction and a semi-structured questionnaire to identify the preferences of the patient visitors toward visiting hour policy. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency, mean, standard deviation, mean percentage, and Chi-Square for the association. Results: Majority (74%) were satisfied toward visiting hour policy, and a few (3%) were not satisfied. More than half (59%) visitors prefer the visiting hour policy to be displayed in Kannada language, majority (78%) prefer to have 2-h duration of visiting, and more than half (68%) prefer one visitor at a time. Association was found between satisfaction and experience on previous visits (P = 0.011 < 0.05 level) of the visitors. Conclusions: Pooled results showed that patient visitors were satisfied with visiting hour policy and also had similar preferences for visiting hour policy.
Godwin O. Ihegboro PhD, Chimaobi J. Ononamadu PhD, E. Afor PhD
et al.
Medicinal plants over time have proven to have potential to manage a huge number of diseases and disorders and thus have become a great source of pharmaceutical drugs. One of such plants is Tapinanthus bangwensis (African mistletoe). It is a semiparasitic and epiphytic plant growing on citrus tree, obtaining its food photosynthetically while its nutrient and water is got from the host plant. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxicological and hepatocurative effect of aqueous fraction of T bangwensis in acetaminophen (paracetamol)-induced Wistar rats. The antioxidant potential of the plant was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. The cytotoxic effect was determined using Allium cepa test while the liver biochemical indices were determined by standard protocols. Data obtained were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance at 95% confidence level and reported as mean ± standard deviation. The concentrated aqueous fraction of T bangwensis was found to be 23.3 g (58.25%). Quantitative determination of some vital phytochemicals revealed the following: flavonoid (84.6 ± 0.41 mg/100 g), phenol (147.5 ± 1.07 mg/100 g), tannin (31 ± 0.85 mg/ 100 g), alkaloid (23.45 ± 0.09 mg/100 g), and saponin (0.146 ± 0.0 mg/100 g). Treatment of rats with the aqueous extract of T bangwensis significantly decreased paracetamol-induced elevation of activities of liver function indices, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, total cholesterol level and increased the albumin, total protein, and high-density lipoprotein levels. The plant extract also attenuated the paracetamol elevated lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde. The research findings suggest that aqueous extract of T bangwensis is slightly cytotoxic, possesses appreciable antioxidant property and exhibited hepatocurative effect against paracetamol-induced hepatoxicity.
Shifa Shaffique, Saeed Ahmed, Ghulam Hussain
et al.
Homeopathic system of medicine is globally used alternative system of medicine. It is becoming popular worldwide. However homeopathic system of medicine has to face many criticisms due to presence of ultrahigh dilution. In developed countries where there is much advancement are present in the field of medicine where it is a big problem that microbes are becoming resistant and it is the need of the time to introduce the alternative approach to kill the microbes with minimal side effects. Homeopathic system of medicine contains ultra-high dilution that kills the microbes with minimal side effects.