Hasil untuk "Other systems of medicine"

T. Shrilatha Kamath, Anchumol Joseph

Touraine–Solente–Gole syndrome, also known as pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) or primary osteoarthropathy, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a distinctive triad: pachydermia (skin thickening), digital clubbing, and periostosis (excessive bone formation) of long bones. However, its rarity and clinical similarities with acromegaly make diagnosis challenging. In the presented case report, a 23-year-old male patient presented with a complex five-year history of bilateral ankle and knee joint swelling, enlarged hands and feet, excessive sweating, and distinctive facial skin and eyelid changes. Despite previous evaluations, a clear diagnosis was not established, prompting further investigation. The initial goal was to diagnose and provide symptomatic pain relief. Following a comprehensive diagnostic workup, the patient was diagnosed with PDP. Given the limited Ayurveda understanding of PDP, but noting similarities with Amavata (~rheumatism due to Ama), an Ayurveda approach was adopted, drawing on fundamental principles for management. The patient received Apatarpana chikitsa (~depleting therapy), including Agni chikitsa alepa (~therapeutic application of paste to stimulate digestive/metabolic factors), Dhanyamladhara (~therapeutic streaming of sour rice gruel over body), and Dashamoola parisheka (~therapeutic streaming) along with Shamana (~palliative) drugs. On discharge, the patient experienced significant symptomatic relief, with reduced swelling, pain, and sweating. This case provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis and management of PDP, aligning with Ayurveda principles and highlighting the benefits of integrating Ayurveda approaches into modern medical practice.

Yanhong Liu, Wenqi Li, Jingxiao Chen et al.

Abstract Objective This study aims to identify the bioactive components of Qing-Wei-San (QWS) for treating periodontitis and to uncover their mechanisms using computational pharmacology. By constructing a comprehensive pharmacological network, this study seeks to identify key targets and active components associated with periodontitis, providing scientific evidence for the optimization, mechanistic analysis, and clinical application of TCM. Methods Through bioinformatics analysis, periodontitis-associated pathogenic genes were identified from the DisGeNET and GEO databases. Meanwhile, all components of QWS were retrieved from the TCMSP database, TCM Integrated Database, and TCM Database@Taiwan. These components were then subjected to further screening to identify potential bioactive compounds. A component-target-target network was constructed using protein-protein interaction data, pathogenic genes, and active components. The network was validated using a computational network pharmacology model to identify equivalent component groups. The anti-inflammatory effects of these components on RAW264.7 cells were assessed via CCK8, NO, qRT-PCR, and Western Blot assays. Additionally, molecular docking was performed with AutoDock Tools to evaluate the binding affinity between equivalent components and core targets. Results We designed a novel computational systems pharmacology model that integrates the targets of the traditional Chinese medicine QWS with periodontitis-associated pathogenic genes, forming a Core Effect Space (CES). Node importance was calculated using a new method to identify active proteins within this space. Subsequently, approximate equivalent component group (AECG) capable of mediating these active proteins was screened based on a cumulative contribution rate model. The systems pharmacology results indicate that the targets of the AECG derived from the optimized CES effectively cover both drug targets and pathogenic genes at the functional level. Experimental results demonstrate that Ethyl ferulate, Methyl protocatechuate, and quercetin significantly reduce the expression levels of inflammatory factors in an inflammatory environment. Conclusion This study can predict the key bioactive components and mechanisms of action of QWS in the treatment of periodontitis, providing a methodological reference for the optimization, mechanistic analysis, and further development of TCM.

J. Robertson, B. Long

Aryel Ken Murasaki, Sandra Maria Galheigo

Jovens mulheres trans compõem um grupo populacional invisibilizado que enfrenta desafios para inserção escolar, no trabalho e no acesso a saúde, estando sujeitas a processos de discriminação, preconceito e violência. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo conhecer as experiências de vida de jovens mulheres trans e os desafios para a participação social e acesso aos direitos. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa utilizando entrevistas abertas com quatro jovens mulheres trans de 20 a 26 anos, residentes na cidade de São Paulo. As entrevistas foram transcritas e textualizadas, tendo sido realizada análise temática reflexiva. Foram elaboradas 2 categorias temáticas das quais uma é apresentada neste artigo: Eu vou procurando esses lugares mais fáceis de conviver com as pessoas: reconhecimento, acesso a direitos e participação social. Os resultados da pesquisa refletem sobre as experiências de ser trans no que se refere: às vivências escolares com suas potências e discriminações; às experiências de trabalho, que implicam em relações de discriminação, informalidade e precariedade e; à atenção à saúde e aos processos de violências, discriminações e saúde mental. A pesquisa afirma a importância do desenvolvimento de práticas sociais e de saúde mais acolhedoras e emancipatórias, que se baseiem no melhor conhecimento de suas experiências de vida.

Acharya Balkrishna, Prashant Katiyar, Sourav Ghosh et al.

Abstract Background Integrated-pathy aims to integrate modern medicine with traditional systems via applying the holistic approach of Ayurveda, Yoga, and natural medicine. This is important for addressing the challenges surrounding the delivery of long-term palliative care for chronic ailments including cancer. The prime intent of this study was to substantiate the underlying hypothesis behind the differential and integrative approach having a positive impact on Quality of Life of cancer patients. Study design Cross-sectional Observational study. Methods A standardized questionnaire was developed and used, after obtaining written informed consent from patients to assess the impact of Integrated-pathy on patients (n = 103) diagnosed with cancer receiving care at Patanjali Yoggram. The research was carried out over 8 months. All participants received a uniform treatment protocol as prescribed by Patanjali. For the sample size determination and validation, α and 1-β was calculated and for the significance of the pre- and post-treatment QoL ratings, Shapiro wilk test and other descriptive statistics techniques were explored. Results A total of 103 patients seeking cancer special-healthcare were interviewed, out of which 39 (37.86%) remained finally based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria with age (25–65 years), types of cancers (Carcinoma and Sarcoma), chemotherapy/radiotherapy received or not, before opting Integrated-pathy. Follow-ups revealed a significant increase in the QoL (17.91%) after receiving the integrated therapy over a course of at least 1 month. Further, a significant reduction in cancer-related pain followed by an increase in QoL index was reported in the patients. Shapiro–wilk test revealed significant pairing (p < 0.001) with validation of the model using test. Conclusions To bolster evidence-based backing for Integrated-pathy, there is a need for clearly delineated clinical indicators that are measurable and trackable over time. Clinical investigators are encouraged to incorporate Integrated-pathy into their proposed interventions and conduct analogous studies to yield sustained advantages in the long run.

Xingshuang Song, Yizhi Zhang, Ziyan Tang et al.

Objective: To find a viable alternative to reduce the number of doses required for the patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to improve efficacy and patient compliance. Methods: In this study, we used ginger oil, a phytochemical with potential therapeutic properties, to prepare ginger oil patches. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the main active component of ginger oil, 6-gingerol. Transdermal absorption experiments were conducted to optimize the various pressure-sensitive adhesives and permeation enhancers, including their type and concentration. Subsequently, the ginger oil patches were optimized and subjected to content determination and property evaluations. A PTSD mouse model was established using the foot-shock method. The therapeutic effect of ginger oil patches on PTSD was assessed through pathological sections, behavioral tests, and the evaluation of biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and melatonin (MT). Results: The results demonstrated that ginger oil patches exerted therapeutic effects against PTSD by inhibiting inflammatory responses and modulating MT and BDNF levels. Pharmacokinetic experiments revealed that ginger oil patches maintained a stable blood drug concentration for at least one day, addressing the rapid metabolism drawback of 6-gingerol and enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions: Ginger oil can be prepared as a transdermal drug patch that meets these requirements, and the bioavailability of the prepared patch is better than that of oral administration. It can improve PTSD with good patient compliance and ease of administration. Therefore, it is a promising therapeutic formulation for the treatment of PTSD.

Zhaolin Sun, Yuhua Wei, Yuchen Xu et al.

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is gradually becoming one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. Compared to chemical drugs, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has significant advantages in the treatment of NAFLD owing to its long history, remarkable efficacy, and low toxicity. Methods: The scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI) were searched using the keywords of NAFLD, TCM, lipid metabolism, high-fat diet, bupleurum decoction, Yinchenhao decoction, Shugan Jiangzhi granules, Shugan Jianpi Jiangzhuo decoction, GanShuang granules, Gegen Qinlian decoction, bupleurum, Yinchen, Jiaogulan, Huangqin, Gegen, Baizhu, flavonoids, baicalein, luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, apigenin, isorhamnetin, hesperidin, icariin, rutin, soy isoflavones, puerarin, phlorizin, total flavonoids from hawthorn leaves, and total flavonoids from buckwheat flowers and leaves to overview the pathogenesis and treatment of NAFLD. Results: This review explained the causes of NAFLD, including factors like lipotoxicity, insulin resistance, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, and inflammation. Furthermore, the review provided a thorough overview of the effects and mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of NAFLD. This included an analysis of six TCM formulas, six single herbs, and 14 flavonoids derived from TCM. Discussion: TCM has proven to be highly effective in the treatment of NAFLD, with numerous Chinese medicine formulas and individual herbs being commonly used in clinical practice. The active components in these TCM, flavonoids, have demonstrated significant biological effects in addressing NAFLD. Conclusion: TCM has the potential to greatly enhance the treatment of NAFLD with minimal adverse reactions. Given these results, we are confident that TCM holds promising opportunities for the management of NAFLD and can offer valuable perspectives for future research.

LIU Hongyan, ZHENG Siyi, WEI Xi

Preserving the sustained vitality of dental pulp, maintaining the periapical tissues in a healthy state and implementing minimally invasive therapies are key themes within the development of contemporary endodontics. The research of irreversible pulpitis is of great importance within endodontics. The application and investigation of vital pulp therapy(VPT)in the field of irreversible pulpitis is expected to facilitate the precision and minimally invasive process in diagnosis and treatment of pulpitis. This review article focuses on the application of vital pulp therapy in the diagnosis and treatment of irreversible pulpitis as well as the challenges.

Mengmeng Zhang, Jiaolong Wang, Lei Zhu et al.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Rutaceae) is a popular food additive and traditional Chinese herbal medicine commonly named HuaJiao in China. This plant is widely distributed in Asian countries. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review on the traditional usages, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of this plant. Furthermore, the possible development and perspectives for future research on this plant are also discussed. To date, over 140 compounds have been isolated and identified from Z. bungeanum, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and free fatty acids. The extracts and compounds have been shown to possess wide-ranging biological activity, such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, antioxidant and anti-tumor effects, antibacterial and antifungal effects, as well as regulatory effects on the gastrointestinal system and nervous system, and other effects. As a traditional herbal medicine, Z. bungeanum has been widely used to treat many diseases, especially digestive disorders, toothache, stomach ache, and diarrhea. Many traditional usages of this plant have been validated by present investigations. However, further research elucidating the structure-function relationship among chemical compounds, understanding the mechanism of unique sensation, as well as exploring new clinical effects and establishing criteria for quality control for Z. bungeanum should be further studied.

Hye-Youn Kim, Seyoung Yu, Yo Jun Choi et al.

Since the first publication on generating kidney-like cell aggregates from pluripotent stem cells, various modifications have been made to develop more complex and detailed kidney structures. In contrast to earlier models that featured nephron-like structures, these advances have improved the differentiation efficiency and similarity to the human kidney. Presently, kidney organoids contain not only nephrons and ureteric buds but also stromal cells. These organoids mimic the structural similarities and developmental processes of the kidneys, while reflecting their physiological properties. Kidney tubuloids derived from adult stem cells offer the advantage of long-term culture and expansion, but they include only tubular structures and lack glomerular components. In this review, we discuss the induction protocols for kidney organoids and tubuloids, as well as their potential applications in understanding kidney development, renal pathogenesis, and drug screening.

Maxwell Mamfe Sakyiamah, Paa Kwesi Gordon, Peter Bolah et al.

Abstract Background Medicinal plants represent a valuable source for new effective and safe antimicrobial drugs making them an alternative therapy. Existing antimicrobial agents are costly and mostly associated with possible side effects. The aim of the present study therefore, was to assess the antimicrobial property and phytochemical composition of hydroethanolic extract of Tapinanthus bangwensis leaves and its fractions. Method T. bangwensis leaves (harvested from its host plant, Persea americana) was extracted by cold maceration with 70% ethanol and further fractionated with different organic solvents using the solvent partitioning method to obtain the crude extract, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and the resulting aqueous fractions. The phytochemical constituents of the extracts were screened and quantified. Also, the TLC of the extracts were analyzed to serve as a fingerprint. Using the agar diffusion and broth dilution methods, the antimicrobial properties of the extracts were assessed. Results The study showed that the hydroethanolic (70%) crude extract of T. bangwensis leaves and its fractions contain phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols and reducing sugars. The phytoconstituents were well extracted into the ethyl acetate fraction than the other fractions evidenced in the high levels (p < 0.0001) of saponins (66.47 ± 1.72% w/w), phenolic compounds (77.75 ± 1.06 mg/100 mg GAE) and flavonoids (44.34 ± 0.06 mg/100 mg QE) contents. From the antimicrobial studies, all the microorganisms tested exhibited varying degrees of susceptibility to the extracts with MIC values between 0.78 to 12.5 mg/mL. The crude extract of T. bangwensis leaves, its ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions also exhibited lethal antimicrobial activity with MLC between 6.25 to 50 mg/mL. Conclusion The crude extract of T. bangwensis leaves and its fractions demonstrated antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Candida albicans, thereby representing a potential source of natural antimicrobial agent. Further study is required to identify and isolate antimicrobial compounds from the plant for the development of the natural bioactive antimicrobial agents.

Gabriela Ferreira Ribeiro, Rayssa Francielly dos Santos Alves, Matheus William de Oliveira Melo et al.

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar os principais desafios enfrentados por pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) na vida adulta. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa abrangendo artigos publicados entre os anos de 2017 e 2022, disponíveis nas bases de dados: Scopus, PubMed e a Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Após a seleção e a organização dos estudos, o corpus foi constituído por oito artigos que abordavam esses desafios de pessoas adultas com TEA e suas experiências no âmbito da saúde, polifarmácia, socialização e a correlação com outros transtornos psiquiátricos. Os estudos contribuíram para um entendimento sobre as problemáticas enfrentadas pelo grupo, somado às suas necessidades e percepções, apontando a carência de apoio na transição para a vida adulta, a escassez de qualificação profissional na assistência a pessoas com TEA e a ausência de adaptações do ambiente para com os indivíduos, coadjuvando com o aumento de transtornos mentais e isolamento social.

Kenneth J Young, Jane Fitzgerald, Jonathan Field et al.

Abstract Background Databases have become an important tool in understanding trends and correlations in health care by collecting demographic and clinical information. Analysis of data collected from large cohorts of patients can have the potential to generate insights into factors identifying treatments and the characteristics of subgroups of patients who respond to certain types of care. The Care Response (CR) database was designed to capture patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for chiropractic patients internationally. Although several papers have been published analysing some of the data, its contents have not yet been comprehensively documented. The primary aim of this study was to describe the information in the CR database. The secondary aim was to determine whether there was suitable information available to better understand subgroups of chiropractic patients and responsiveness to care. This would be achieved by enabling correlations among patient demographics, diagnoses, and therapeutic interventions with machine learning approaches. Methods Data in all available fields were requested with no date restriction. Data were collected on 12 April 2022. The output was manually scanned for scope and completeness. Tables were created with categories of information. Descriptive statistics were applied. Results The CR database collects information from patients at the first clinical visit, 14, 30, and 90 days subsequently. There were 32,468 patient responses; 3210 patients completed all fields through the 90 day follow up period. 45% of respondents were male; 54% were female; the average age was 49. There was little demographic information, and no information on diagnoses or therapeutic interventions. We received StartBack, numerical pain scale, patient global impression of change, and Bournemouth questionnaire data, but no other PROMs. Conclusions The CR database is a large set of PROMs for chiropractic patients internationally. We found it unsuitable for machine learning analysis for our purposes; its utility is limited by a lack of demographic information, diagnoses, and therapeutic interventions. However, it can offer information about chiropractic care in general and patient satisfaction. It could form the basis for a useful clinical tool in the future, if reformed to be more accessible to researchers and expanded with more information collected.

Tatum Sevenoaks, Jean-Paul Fouche, Bulelwa Mtukushe et al.

Background: This study aimed to investigate depression and quality of life longitudinally in caregivers of adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) enrolled in the Cape Town Adolescent Antiretroviral Cohort (CTAAC). Methods: Depression, socioeconomic factors and quality of life were assessed in caregivers (n = 121) at baseline and 36 months follow-up using the Centers for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD), the Family Resources Scale (FRS), Family Support Scale (FSS), and the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Scale (WHOQoL). Internalizing and externalizing behaviors in PHIV adolescents were assessed using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Qualitative analysis was conducted to highlight key concerns raised by caregivers in caring for PHIV adolescents. Results: CESD was significantly lower at follow-up compared to baseline (p = 0.001), with FRS (p = 0.003) and WHOQoL physical health (p = 0.038) significantly higher at follow-up. Higher CESD scores were predicted by increased CBCL internalizing (baseline: p = 0.002; follow-up: p = 0.021) and externalizing behavior (baseline: p = 0.010; follow-up: p = 0.015) in PHIV adolescents and decreased WHOQoL physical health (baseline: p = 0.001; follow-up: p = 0.016) and WHOQoL overall quality of life (baseline: p = 0.003; follow-up: p = 0.019). Higher WHOQoL Total Score was predicted by lower CESD scores (baseline: p < 0.001; follow-up: p = 0.010) and higher FRS (p < 0.001) and FSS (baseline: p < 0.001; follow-up: p = 0.001). Qualitative analysis indicated that caregivers’ main concerns were PHIV adolescent educational and health problems. Limitations: Self-report measures and small sample size. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for adequate intervention strategies to provide resources and social support to caregivers of PHIV adolescents in order to improve their mental health.

José Espinoza-Pérez, César Reyes, Jesús Hernández-Ruíz et al.

Abstract Background In some regions of Mexico, edible wild plants have been displaced or eliminated from the traditional food systems, mainly by changes in land use, booming monoculture, herbicide use, and by changes among the new generations in the traditional foods and diets of indigenous populations. In the Totonacapan region of Puebla, the gradual change from the traditional acahual plantation to coffee-type agroecosystems has provoked the displacement of old-growth forests and the eradication of wild plants since 1970. One of the wild species which has been used in traditional medicine and food recipes by the Totonac culture is Smilax aristolochiifolia (SMILACACEAE), known as “kgentsililh”. This species forms part of traditional Totonac recipes, in which the tender stems are still used in local medicine to treat menstrual pain, deal with dysentery, and prevent hair loss. According to the Maxent® Program, there are still potential areas with habitats suitable to promote its conservation in the Poblano Totonacapan. Methods We conducted 260 interviews with people in 13 locations in the northern Sierra of the State of Puebla. Variables taken into account in the interview related to the consumption frequency of the species, its abundance and distribution perception, reasons or arguments given by the Totonac indigenous population about the decreased presence of specimens of S. aristolochiifolia, its dates of collection, and the cutting prices of kgentsililh at the community level and in local markets. The relative abundance of S. aristolochiifolia was determined through 22 samples in 2ts of 600 m2. Later, its potential distribution in the state of Puebla was estimated using the Maxent® Program Ver. 3.3.3. Results Of the 260 Totonac families interviewed, 31% had stopped consuming kgentsililh. The residents reported that in the last 50 years the populations of this plant had diminished in the northern Sierra of the State of Puebla, mainly due to changes in land use, herbicide application, over-collection, and urban growth. In traditional medicine, the stem sap of S. aristolochiifolia is currently employed to help treat baldness, and the “tuberous root” or plant rhizome is used to prepare a tea infusion to treat dysentery. The cost of plant guides varies from 10.00 to 40.00 Mexican pesos for one bunch (around 0.5 to 2.00 US dollars), and every bundle consists of between 7 to 10 cuttings from 0.4 to 0.5 m long. From our 22 quadrats of sampling and collection of S. aristolochiifolia, we were able to recognize a total of 32 specimens. There is a considerable abundance of kgentsililh in acahual plantations and old-growth forests (evergreen lowland and mid-elevation perennial forest) concerning the coffee-type plantations and milpas. According to our analysis using the Maxent Program®, eight physical and climatic variables have a direct relationship to the potential distribution of the species. Conclusions Smilax aristolochiifolia is still a plant of socioeconomic importance, mainly because of its food value and its use in traditional medicine by indigenous families in Poblano Totonacapan. It is evident that the villagers perceive that in the last 50 years the species has decreased its population mainly due to land-use change, the application of herbicides to the different family production units, and climate change. At the moment, there is no knowledge about the methods of propagation of the species, and therefore there is no intention on the part of the population to conserve the species. However, it would be of great importance to generate a biocultural conservation strategy and take advantage of the results obtained from the potential geographic distribution area, since according to the Maxent® Program, there are still potential areas with habitat suitable to promote conservation in Poblano Totonacapan.

Yayoi Shigemune, Shoko Saito, Kentaro Hiromitsu et al.

Background: Tumors trigger both depression and anxiety about death because they can be terminal. However, the relationship between depression and time perspective in patients with life-threatening diseases remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of depression on time perspective in patients with brain tumors using a projective method, i.e., the Circle Test. Methods: Participants (40 depressed patients, Dp; 35 non-depressed patients, NDp; and 40 healthy non-depressed controls, NDc) were administered the Circle Test of time perspectives and self-rating depression scales before and after surgery. The Circle Test data were analyzed using traditional indices, i.e., time dominance and relatedness, and novel measurements, i.e., time area and proportion. Results: Although the traditional indices showed no differences, the results for the novel measurements differed among the Dp, NDp, and NDc groups. The overall time perspective was smaller in the Dp group than in the NDc group; furthermore, the proportions of the future and past perspectives were higher and lower, respectively, in the Dp group compared to the NDp group. Limitations: Patients with brain tumors and depressed controls could not be compared, because no healthy control was depressed. Differences in depression-related changes in time perspective between patients with brain tumors and healthy controls should be examined in future studies. Conclusions: Depressed patients with brain tumors may experience changes in time perspectives according to the results for our novel measurements, and this might play an important role in treatment adherence.

Rui Fu, Nicholas Mitsakakis, Michael Chaiton

Aim: Popularity of electronic cigarettes (i.e. e-cigarettes) is soaring in Canada. Understanding person-level correlates of current e-cigarette use (vaping) is crucial to guide tobacco policy, but prior studies have not fully identified these correlates due to model overfitting caused by multicollinearity. This study addressed this issue by using classification tree, a machine learning algorithm. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study used the Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Survey (CTADS) from 2017 that targeted residents aged 15 or older. Forty-six person-level characteristics were first screened in a logistic mixed-effects regression procedure for their strength in predicting vaper type (current vs. former vaper) among people who reported to have ever vaped. A 9:1 ratio was used to randomly split the data into a training set and a validation set. A classification tree model was developed using the cross-validation method on the training set using the selected predictors and assessed on the validation set using sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Results: Of the 3,059 people with an experience of vaping, the average age was 24.4 years (standard deviation = 11.0), with 41.9% of them being female and 8.5% of them being aboriginal. There were 556 (18.2%) current vapers. The classification tree model performed relatively well and suggested attraction to e-cigarette flavors was the most important correlate of current vaping, followed by young age (< 18) and believing vaping to be less harmful to oneself than cigarette smoking. Conclusions: People who vape due to flavors are associated with very high risk of becoming current vapers. The findings of this study provide evidence that supports the ongoing ban on flavored vaping products in the US and suggests a similar regulatory intervention may be effective in Canada.

Christopher Newell, Barbara Ramage, Ion Robu et al.

Abstract Background Side alternating vibration training (SAVT) is a mechanical oscillation using a vibrating platform that simulates exercise. We hypothesized that patients with mitochondrial myopathies, who experience muscle weakness, may see an improvement in muscle power with SAVT. Methods Patients with mitochondrial disease started either a treatment (SAVT) or control phase (standing without vibration) for 12 weeks, then 12 weeks of washout, and then a 12-week cross-over. The main outcome measure was peak jump power (PJP). We compared this to a natural history cohort from clinic. Results Seven out of 13 patients completed at least 80% of their SAVT sessions and were analyzed. The ΔPJP after the control phase was −2.7 ± 1.7 W/kg (mean ± SEM), SAVT was +2.8 ± 0.6 W/kg (p < 0.05) and from the natural history cohort was −2.4 ± 0.8 W/kg/year. Conclusions SAVT is well tolerated and may improve muscle power in mitochondrial disease patients.

Shao-yin Liu, Lunzhao Yi, Yi-Zeng Liang

N. Sethiya, A. Nahata, S. Mishra et al.