Kennedy’s disease is a rare X-linked neuromuscular disorder with no curative treatment.
Although acupuncture has been suggested as a supportive therapy, evidence
supporting its effectiveness remains limited. This single-case study is aimed to
assess a patient with Kennedy’s disease who underwent 61 acupuncture sessions
between March 2023 and October 2023. The clinical outcomes were assessed using
EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), WHO Quality of Life Scale Abbreviated
Version (WHOQOL-BREF), and the EQ-Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS). After treatment,
the EQ-5D-5L score improved from 0.324 to 0.592, WHOQOL-BREF from
43.7 to 47.9, and EQ-VAS from 20 to 40. The patient showed improvements in
well-being and functional activity. Acupuncture may improve the quality of life
and reduce the symptoms of Kennedy’s disease. Although limited to a single retrospective
case, the findings of this study suggest the potential of acupuncture as
a supportive therapy.
Miscellaneous systems and treatments, Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Bharti Gawai, Amol A. Tagalpallewar, Anil T. Pawar
et al.
Background: Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases. Alternative therapies, such as homeopathy, have gained attention for their potential in managing inflammatory conditions. Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, is well-documented for its anti-inflammatory properties in herbal medicine. However, its efficacy in homeopathic formulations remains largely unexplored. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of different homeopathic potencies of Glycyrrhiza glabra against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: normal control, LPS-induced inflammation control, dexamethasone-treated, Glycyrrhiza glabra homeopathic mother tincture (GHMT)-treated, and groups treated with Glycyrrhiza glabra homeopathic potency (G6CH, G30CH, G200CH). Anti-inflammatory effects of GHMT, G6CH, G30CH, and G200CH were evaluated against LPS-induced inflammation by measuring paw volume, serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)], levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase) in paw tissues, and histopathological changes in inflamed paw tissues. Results: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in paw volume in GHMT and G200CH-treated groups (p<0.0001) as compared to the inflammation control group. Additionally, the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly lowered (p<0.0001), and oxidative stress biomarkers showed significant improvement (p<0.0001) in GHMT and G200CH-treated groups. Histopathological examination further confirmed the reversal of inflammation-induced tissue changes by G. glabra homeopathic formulations, indicating its anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory potential of homeopathic formulations of Glycyrrhiza glabra, particularly GHMT and G200CH. The study suggests that these homeopathic potencies could serve as promising alternative anti-inflammatory agents, warranting further research to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
This is a protocol for assessing abundance of autophagy proteins after inhibition of the lysosomal cholesterol transprorter NPC1 via the U18666A inhibitor by Western blotting from whole-cell lysates derived from HeLa cell culture systems.
Zankhana Buch, Suprabha Hegde, Aishwarya Lakshmi
et al.
Although empirical data on the influence of Ayurveda on Chemo/Radiotherapy-induced side effects are limited, its methodological framework, grounded in a 'systems thinking' perspective, enables the precise delineation of the pathogenic stage of these side effects. This, in turn, facilitates the development of a strategy to address the decline in the quality of life parameters commonly associated with cancer treatment. Ayurveda personalized approach to disease management typically involves providing customized diets, lifestyle adjustments, medications, and detoxification therapies that target the entire body.We present a case involving a patient with numbness and pain in the right hand after undergoing chemotherapy who was referred to us by an oncologist for symptom management. This case report demonstrates the Ayurveda approach for establishing the etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) resulting from taxane-based chemotherapy. Following Ayurveda intervention, the patient exhibited significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life parameters.This case report systematically illustrates the application of Ayurveda approach in CIPN management.
Background: Alopecia is a dermatological condition affecting genders, negatively impacting their personality and quality of life (QoL). The current approved entities are limited, inconsistently effective, and associated with negative side effects. To alleviate this issue, ayurvedic herbs such as Ashwagandha have being explored. As a result, this study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (root extract) topical formulation (serum) on hair health in healthy adults. Methods: In this prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, two arm, parallel, comparative study, the effects of topical Ashwagandha on the hair health was evaluated. Healthy adults between 18 and 45 years with mild to moderate hair loss were randomized to either Ashwagandha (topical) or Placebo (topical) treatment. The participants were assessed at Day-1 and Day-75 for change in efficacy parameters, which included 60 Seconds Hair Comb, Trichoscan analysis, Hair Pull test, Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) and QoL using Hair-specific Skindex-29. Results: In the per protocol analysis of 61 participants, Ashwagandha group demonstrated significant reduction in hair shedding in the 60 Seconds Hair Comb test compared to Placebo at day 75. Similarly, Ashwagandha substantially enhanced hair density, growth, and thickness compared to the Placebo group (density = 7.3 vs. 2.8, P < 0.001; growth = 21.7 vs. 4.2, P < 0.001; thickness = 1.8 vs. 0.9, P < 0.001). In addition, Ashwagandha significantly improved QOL compared to placebo (Score = −17.3 vs. −6.1, P = 0.011). Conclusion: The study found that topical Ashwagandha (serum) improved hair growth and hair health indicators. Thus, it can be an effective and safer alternative for alopecia. Study registration: CTRI, Number CTRI/2022/11/047539, Registered on: 23/11/2022.
Objective: To compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) on the lung phenotype of rat offspring exposed to nicotine during the perinatal period. Methods: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group (saline only), the model group (nicotine only), the EA group (nicotine + EA at ST 36 acupoints bilaterally), and the moxibustion group (nicotine + moxibustion at ST 36 acupoints bilaterally). n = 6 rats per group. On postnatal day 21, the body weight, lung weight, and pulmonary function were determined and lung morphometry was performed. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and β-catenin levels in the lung tissue of offspring were also determined. Results: Perinatal nicotine exposure (PNE) results in decreased body and lung weights of offspring rats, abnormal lung tissue morphology, and significantly altered pulmonary function, showing an increase in total airway resistance and a decrease in tidal volume, minute ventilation, total airway compliance, and peak expiratory flow. Bilateral EA at ST 36 acupoints could block all of these perinatal nicotine-induced effects. Although moxibustion also had protective effects in nicotine-induced offspring lungs, some of these effects did not reach statistical significance, e.g., protection against the upregulation of β-catenin, the downregulation of PPARγ signaling, and the increase in peak expiratory flow. Conclusion: Maternal EA at ST 36 blocked the PNE-induced changes in key developmental signaling pathways, prevented the PNE-induced changes in lung morphology, and protected pulmonary function. Moxibustion at ST 36 showed similar but weaker protective effects against the PNE-induced changes in the exposed offspring. It is important to note that the mechanism underlying the protective effects of moxibustion at ST 36 may be different from those of EA at ST 36, and further research is needed to understand these differences.
Background: An unbiased assessment of clinical outcomes may provide greater insight into the characteristics of individual acupoints. In this study, we used machine-learning methods to examine clinical trial data for diseases treated using prescribed five-phase acupoint patterns. Methods: We performed a search of acupuncture treatment regimens used in randomized controlled trials included in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The frequencies of 60 five-phase acupoints were calculated based on 421 clinical trials on 30 diseases. The characteristics of prescribed five-phase acupoints were further analyzed using multidimensional scaling and K-means clustering. Results: Among the five-phase acupoints, stream and sea acupoints were the most widely used, with well, spring, and river acupoints less common. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis revealed that the LR3, ST36, GB34, BL60, KI3, LI11, and HT7 acupoints exhibited distinct characteristics based on distances representing the similarity between acupoint indications. Conclusions: The results suggest that stream and sea acupoints exhibit distinct characteristics compared to the other acupoints. Such data-driven approaches will improve our understanding of five-phase acupoints and facilitate the establishment of new models of analysis and educational resources for major acupoint characteristics.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that typically involves neuronal damage leading to the deterioration of cognitive and essential body functions in aging brains. Major signatures of AD pathology include the deposition of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and induction of hyper-activated proinflammation in the brain, leading to synaptic impairment and neuronal loss. However, conventional pharmacotherapeutic modalities merely alleviate symptoms, but do not cure AD, partly because drug screening has used model systems with limited accuracy in terms of reflecting AD pathology in human brains. In this regard, several AD organoids have received substantial attention as alternatives to AD animal models. In this review, we summarize the key characteristics required for the generation of a pathologically relevant AD brain organoid. We also overview major experimental organoid models of AD brains, such as spheroids, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted constructs, and 3D brain-on-chips, and discuss their strengths and weaknesses for AD research. This review will provide valuable information that will inspire future efforts to engineer authentic AD organoids for the study of AD pathology and for the discovery of novel AD therapeutic strategies.
Biotechnology, Miscellaneous systems and treatments
ABSTRACT Introduction: A constant update of antibiotic sensitivity of pathogens of the area, country, or institution helps in interventions that would improve the prescribing pattern and rational use of drugs in children. This study aimed to assess prescribing trends for urinary tract infection (UTI), a common distressful pediatric infection in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, and record-based analysis including pediatric patients aged <18 years of either gender diagnosed with UTI. The case record files retrieved from medical records department based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) disease coding were analyzed for demographics, and details of drugs including dose and route of administration, frequency, and duration of treatment with antimicrobial used and other concurrent drugs were recorded. Results: Of 42 patients included in the study, 14 (33.3%) were males and 28 (66.67%) were females. Third-generation cephalosporins were the most commonly used antibiotics (71.4%) followed by aminoglycosides (35.7%), amoxicillin clavulanate (11.9%), fluoroquinolones (7.1%), and miscellaneous (doxycycline, metronidazole, and nitrofurantoin) (9.5%). Ceftriaxone among the cephalosporins and amikacin among the aminoglycosides were the most commonly used drugs. Intravenous route was the most commonly used route of administration followed by patients who received by both intravenous and oral routes. The average duration of therapy was 4.43 ± 1.9 days. Conclusion: This study concludes that third-generation cephalosporin is used as first-line drugs irrespective of the causative agent for UTI which should ideally be reserved for complicated UTIs. Moreover, existing guidelines also indicate that the duration of antimicrobial therapy should be seven to 14 days. These results highlight the necessity for a remedial education program within the health care system designed to improve pharmacotherapy of UTI.
Abdulaziz A. Albalwi, Eric G. Johnson, Ahmad A. Alharbi
et al.
Abstract Background Motion sensitivity, or motion sickness, is common in modern vehicular and visually stimulating environments. Several studies have shown a relationship between motion sensitivity and decreased postural stability. We aimed to evaluate the effects of head motion (horizontal and vertical) on postural stability in healthy adults with and without chronic motion sensitivity (CMS). Methods Sixty healthy adult men and women (age, 20–40 years) with CMS (CMS group, n = 30) and without CMS (non-CMS group, n = 30) participated in the study. Postural stability was assessed during three conditions (static, horizontal head motion, and vertical head motion) using computerized dynamic posturography. Group and condition-related differences in equilibrium scores were evaluated. Results There was no significant group x condition interaction (F2,114 = 0.9, partial ƞ2 = 0.04, p = 0.35). However, significant condition-related differences in equilibrium scores were observed (F2,114 = 26.4, partial ƞ2 = 0.31, p < 0.001). Equilibrium scores were significantly worse in the horizontal and vertical head motion conditions compared to those in the static condition (p < 0.001), but were comparable in vertical and horizontal head motion conditions (p = 0.27). Conclusions Postural stability was lower in the horizontal and vertical conditions compared to the static condition. However, horizontal and vertical head motions had comparable effects on postural stability in both CMS and non-CMS groups, contrary to our expectations.
Francisco Roberto Avelar Bastos, Anderson Alberto Gonçalves Alves, Leonardo Rafael Soares Ribeiro
et al.
A judicialização da saúde é um fenômeno recente no Brasil. Em linhas gerais, deve ser entendida como um fenômeno amplo e diverso de reclame de bens e direitos no Poder Judiciário: são insumos, consultas, cirurgias, medicamentos, assistência em saúde, dentre outras demandas protegidas pelo direito à saúde. Em consequência disso, existem argumentos distintos para analisar as implicações do fenômeno da judicialização do direito à saúde no país: de um lado, se anuncia a possibilidade de efetivação do direito; do outro, há o risco de a judicialização ser uma interferência indevida ou problemática do Judiciário nas políticas públicas. Diante do significativo número de processos ajuizados referentes à busca do Direito à Saúde, realizou-se a presente pesquisa em 234 processos judiciais impetrados por usuários, entre os anos de 2012 a 2015 onde constatou-se os seguintes resultados: a maioria das ações judiciais relacionam-se com medicamentos, a origem de grande parte de três municípios da Região Centro do Rio Grande do Sul, Cachoeira do Sul, Novo Cabrais e Cerro Branco, as ações se deram por meio da Defensoria Pública, maior número de ações relacionadas com especialidades médicas, em faixas etárias acima dos quarenta anos e do sexo masculino. Concluímos que os dados também podem nos motivar sobre como tem ocorrido o acesso aos serviços de saúde nos três níveis de atenção, como também, que esses elementos possam mais do que buscar melhorias na judicialização da saúde e sirvam para subsidiar os gestores na construção de indicadores de monitoramento das ações judiciais, para o acompanhamento temporal e para a comparação da situação dos mandados judiciais entre diferentes locais, proporcionando a integralidade da atenção.
Miscellaneous systems and treatments, Public aspects of medicine
Objective: To investigate the frequency of deficiency of spleen qi (DSQ) in persons with Parkinson disease (PD) as well as the correlation between DSQ and PD.
Methods: This study comprised three parts: determining the frequency of DSQ in participants with PD; comparing the frequency of DSQ in PD and non-PD participants; and monitoring DSQ in participants with PD for 24 weeks. Outcome measurements were a modified DSQ scale and the Chinese version of the Parkinson Disease Questionnaire 39 (C-PDQ39).
Results: A total of 187 participants with PD (mean ages 69.9 ± 9.6 years) completed the assessment in Part 1. Of these, 170 (90.9%) were diagnosed as having DSQ. Thirty non-PD participants (mean ages 66.6 ± 10.2 years) completed the assessment in Part 2. Of these 11 (36.7%) were diagnosed as having DSQ. Positive correlations between total DSQ score and Hoehn-and-Yahr (H&Y) stage (correlation 0.316; P < .001), as well as between DSQ and total C-PDQ39 score (correlation 0.572; P < .001), were observed. For Part 3, 47 participants from Part 1 were observed for 24 weeks. Variation in DSQ symptoms was noted, but all participants developed DSQ by the end of the study.
Conclusions: DSQ is 2.5 times higher in PD participants than in the non-PD participants. More PD participants had DSQ in the advanced H&Y stages. A larger study is needed to validate these results on the prevalence of DSQ in persons with PD.
A equoterapia vem sendo utilizada como tratamento reabilitador em diferentes patologias, no entanto, sua eficácia ainda não é comprovada no que tange ao desempenho funcional de indivíduos com autismo. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar o efeito da equoterapia no desempenho funcional de crianças e adolescentes com autismo comparando praticantes e não praticantes. Participaram do estudo indivíduos com autismo com idades entre 3 e 15 anos, ambos os sexos divididos entre Praticantes e Não Praticantes, emparelhados por gênero e idade. Utilizou-se um questionário para avaliar variáveis socioeconômicas e para avaliação do desempenho funcional o Inventário de Avaliação Pediátrica de Incapacidade (PEDI) e a Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF), aplicados aos cuidadores, para <8 anos e >8 anos, respectivamente. Foram entrevistados 28 cuidadores (14 em cada grupo). Houve diferença para o desempenho funcional das crianças que praticavam equoterapia avaliados pelo PEDI na área de Autocuidado (p=0,041) e Mobilidade (p=0,001). Não houve diferença para o desempenho funcional daqueles avaliados pela MIF (p=0,384). Este estudo sugere que a equoterapia é eficaz para crianças com autismo, nas tarefas das áreas de mobilidade e autocuidado, sendo uma área inovadora para terapia ocupacional.
Background It is a common practice in developing countries that medical/infectious waste openly dumped with municipal solid waste. This paper presented a generation and characterization study of hospital waste. Determination of the waste composition is a basic step for selecting the most efficient treatment method of hospital waste. Methods Stratified random sampling was used to collect the samples of general as well as medical wastes for seven days. Medical waste was sorted into 10 categories whereas general waste was classified into 11 categories. Incineration was observed thoroughly for observing flaws in the incineration process. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 16.0. Results The studied hospital produced an average 297 kilograms of medical waste daily and it comprises plastics (71.0%), glass (13.9%), papers etc. (3.8%), cotton/dressings (5.7%), masks/gloves/sheets (0.3%) diapers (0.4%), wasted machines used in operation theaters (2.0%) and blades (0.1%). Laboratories, cancer ward, nursery ward, OPD and emergency ward are the largest infectious waste producing departments in the hospital. The hospital produced an average 3 511 kilograms of general waste daily in which organics constitute (44.3%), diapers etc. (42.8%), demolition materials (3.7%), plastic waste mixing medical plastic waste (2.5%), miscellaneous (2.14%), cloth/clothes (1.6%), cardboard (1.3%), papers (0.8%), cotton dressings (0.28%), glass (0.27%) and iron materials (0.18%). Other alarming facts are: medical waste is recycled in study area, after incineration of hospital waste, ash simply dumped in the premises of the hospital without any liner system. Conclusions The studied hospital produces 10% of infectious waste and 90% of general waste. The largest components of the infectious waste are plastic and glass. Organics and diapers are major components of the general waste coming from different sites of the hospital. Lack of training, inadequate knowledge regarding to the composition of the infectious waste and risks associated with the waste are the major issues which must be addressed and resolved.
A growing body of evidence suggests that exercise may contribute to preventing pathological changes, treating multiple chronic diseases, and reducing mortality and morbidity ratios. Scientific evidence moreover shows that exercise plays a key role in improving health-related physical fitness components and hormone function. Regular exercise training is one of the few strategies that has been strictly adapted in healthy individuals and in athletes. However, time-dependent exercise has different outcomes, based on the exercise type, duration, and hormone adaptation. In the present review, we therefore briefly describe the type, duration, and adaptation of exercise performed in the morning and evening. In addition, we discuss the clinical considerations and indications for exercise training.