Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer that has shown resistance to multiple treatments. This article aims to screen out reliable core genes and explore their underlying mechanisms in limited-stage NSCLC.

Material and methods: Three datasets (GSE19188, GSE27262, and GSE33532) were selected from the gene expression omnibus (GEO). Venn diagram software, omicshare tools, and gene ontology (GO) were used to screen identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and potential pathways. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was drawn using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STING), and Cytoscape was applied for module analysis. Prognostic information in NSCLC clinical samples was also reconfirmed by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and the Kaplan Meier-plotter program. The filtered core genes were analyzed through the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment.

Results: 235 common DEGs (Differentially Expressed Genes) were obtained. 32 genes were screened out through the PPI network and MCODE. 9 core genes (CCNB1, CCNB2, MAD2L1, BUB1, TTK, CDC20, AURKA, RRM2, GTSE1) were obtained through the KEGG pathway enrichment, which mainly enriched in 4 pathways, namely, Cell cycle, Oocyte meiosis, p53 signaling pathway, and Progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, respectively.

Conclusion: Nine critical dependable DEGs were identified in limited-stage NSCLC using integrated bioinformatical approaches, and these core genes show great potential as prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the progression of limited-stage NSCLC.

Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer, biomarkers, therapeutic targets, p53 signaling pathway, bioinformatics analysis.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the application effect of a multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and treatment model in the perioperative period of elderly hip fractures.

Methods: The extraction period was from January 2021 to December 2022, and the clinical data of 120 elderly patients with hip fractures admitted to our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The control group (n=60) adopted the conventional diagnosis and treatment mode, while the experimental group (n=60) adopted the multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and treatment mode. The relevant data of the two groups were included in the statistical software, and the differences between the groups were calculated, including the operation time, complications, total effective rate, satisfaction, SASE scores , and HHS scores.

Results: (1) The operation time: the time from admission to operation, fracture healing, postoperative leaving bed, pain relief, and length of stay in the experimental group were significantly shorter than those in the control group, with P < .05; (2) The incidence of complications: the experimental group was 6.67%, and the control group was 20.00%, with P < .05; (3) Total effective rate: it was 95.00% in the experimental group, 78.33% in the control group, with P < .05; (4) Satisfaction with treatment: it was 96.67% in the experimental group, 81.67% in the control group, with P < .05; (5) SASE scores: After operation, there was no significant difference in the scores of the two groups, with P > .05. After 3 months of intervention, the scores of each dimension in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, with P < .05; ( 6 ) HHS scores: After operation, there was no significant difference in the scores of the two groups, with P > .05. After 3 months of intervention, the scores of each dimension in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, with P < .05.

Conclusion: For elderly patients with hip fractures, in the construction of perioperative green channel, the multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and treatment model can be integrated to ensure better diagnosis and treatment effects, improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment, reduce complications, and shorten the operation time after admission, which can also improve the function of the hip joint and promote the early recovery of the body after surgery.

Keywords: patient care team, hip fracture, perioperative period.

Background: In the early-subacute postpartum period, low-back pain is common due to frequent breastfeeding, suboptimal feeding postures, and increasing infant-carrying load, yet it often receives limited clinical attention.

Objective: To examine whether acupressure at postpartum weeks 1 and 4 reduces low-back pain after cesarean delivery.

Design: Prospective, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Participant/provider blinding was not feasible for a manual intervention; data analysis was blinded.

Participants: Post-cesarean women (n=70) attending routine visits at a family health center in northwest Türkiye were randomized 1:1 to acupressure (n=35) or control (n=35).

Intervention: A 10-minute standardized protocol per visit: LI4, HT2, LI11, and ST36 applied bilaterally in sequence (1 minute per side), and GB21 and UB43 applied bilaterally and simultaneously (1 minute per pair). Controls received usual care.

Primary outcome measures: Visual analog scale (VAS) low-back pain at each visit (pre/post within the acupressure arm; a single, visit-matched assessment in controls). Nonparametric analyses were prespecified.

Results: Immediately following the intervention, back pain in the acupressure group was less compared to the control group in the first and fourth weeks postpartum (P < .001). Across the postpartum window, the pattern was clear: in the control group, pre-session VAS increased from week 1 to week 4 (P < .001), reflecting the common trend of worsening back pain over time. In the acupressure group, VAS decreased immediately from pre- to post-session at both visits (P < .001 at week 1 and week 4), indicating consistent, session-linked relief.

Conclusion: A brief, standardized acupressure protocol delivered during routine postpartum care provides immediate relief to low-back pain after cesarean and appears feasible as a nonpharmacologic adjunct to usual care. Key limitations include the absence of a sham control, short follow-up without durability assessment, and no measurement of analgesic use; future trials should address these gaps.

Keywords: acupressure, back pain, cesarean section, postpartum period, women.

Background: Digital media has transformed health communication, with TikTok emerging as a key platform for disseminating herbalism-related content. Reliance on such content, particularly among young adults, necessitates a critical examination of the presentation and engagement of such information online.

Primary study objective: This study investigates the representation of herbal wellness on TikTok, examining the relationship between content typologies, influencer credibility, user engagement metrics, and their implications for public health communication.

Methods/design: A cross-sectional, descriptive analysis was conducted using the first 120 videos under the #herbalism hashtag, captured on January 30, 2025. Two independent reviewers employed a coding scheme adapted from established methodologies to classify content into themes (e.g., personal experiences, spiritual health, and educational). Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman's correlation, were performed to evaluate differences and associations in engagement metrics.

Setting: The study was performed on TikTok, a social media platform characterized by short-form videos and use among young adults.

Sample: 120 videos were analyzed. Although detailed demographic data of viewers was unavailable, the content primarily targeted a young adult audience.

Intervention: This observational study involved no direct intervention; instead, it systematically categorized and analyzed naturally occurring digital content.

Primary outcome measures: Engagement was quantified using metrics such as likes, comments, views, saves, and shares. These were correlated with specific content themes and influencer attributes.

Results and discussion: Videos referencing spiritual health exhibited higher engagement across multiple metrics, while those featuring personal experiences witnessed lower user interaction. The correlation analyses corroborated these trends, highlighting the influential role of thematic content in shaping audience responses.

Conclusion: Findings underscore the dominance of influencer-driven, spiritually resonant herbalism content on TikTok, and raise concerns about frequent uncredentialed expert input. These insights suggest opportunities for integrating evidence-based messaging into digital health communications to mitigate misinformation and enhance public engagement.

Keywords: herbalism, TikTok, content analysis, social media, digital health communication, public health.

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, cognition, and behavior, often leading to severe functional decline. A 55-year-old male patient came with complaints of confusion in daily activities, forgetting names, misplacing objects, frequent episodes of crying, and loss of communication skills for the past 1 year. He was clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. The patient was treated with an Ayurvedic treatment protocol, involving internal administration of Brahmi ghrit, Saraswatarishta with gold, Ashwagandha powder, and Rasona Ksheerpaka, along with Panchakarma therapies including Nasya with Panchendriya taila, Shirobasti, and Abhyanga with Balashwagandha taila. After the treatment, the patient showed marked improvements in memory retention, orientation, and mood stability. This case showed that Ayurvedic interventions aid in slowing cognitive decline and improving daily functioning in Alzheimer's patients, highlighting the need for integrative and individualized treatment approaches in neurodegenerative disorders.

Keywords: neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, Ayurvedic medicines, Brahmi ghrit, case report.

Background: Yoga-based interventions (YBI) are recognized for their therapeutic benefits, but individual belief in yoga's efficacy may influence outcomes.

Objective: To explore the relationship between belief in YBI and subjective satisfaction in participants undergoing a structured yoga program.

Methods: A total of 41 glaucoma patients recruited from the Glaucoma Clinic of RPC Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, aged 18 to 70 years, were divided into two groups: control group A and intervention group B using the "blind envelope technique". Group A received standard care, while Group B received YBI in addition to standard care. The intervention lasted for four weeks, after which participants completed a feedback form assessing belief in yoga, satisfaction, overall experience, and willingness to continue visiting the site for yoga practice.

Results: A strong belief in YBI correlated with higher satisfaction scores, indicating that belief significantly enhances perceived benefits. No significant association was found between belief and overall experience or willingness to revisit.

Conclusion: Belief in YBI enhances satisfaction, but other factors, such as environment and quality of care, are crucial for the overall experience.

Keywords: belief in yoga, satisfaction, overall experience, likelihood to revisit, efficacy of yoga holistic approach.

Background: Chronic, non-healing ulcers, referred to as dushtavrana in Ayurveda present a challenge in medical care since ancient times. Ayurvedic literature, notably Acharya Susrutha Chikithsa Sthana, dedicated a chapter to the treatment of dushtavrana, encompassing sixty procedures (shashti upakramas). Chronic ulcers, influenced by diverse factors, resist a singular therapeutic approach. The inflammatory stage is critical, and disruptions in the order of stages of healing can lead to chronicity. Despite conventional treatments, many ulcers remain resistant, causing physical, financial, and emotional distress to patients. In the context of wound healing in Ayurveda, Jalaukavcharan or leech application emerges as a unique and effective method, especially in challenging cases involving elderly or frail individuals. In addition, Panchvalkal ointment is also an evidence based ayurvedic formulation, showing notable results in wound healing.

Case study: This case study involves a 78 years old male patient having a chronic non-healing ulcer with maggots on the planter surface of foot since last 3 years with foul smell, pain, and difficulty in walking.

Objective: The integration of leech therapy and Panchvalkal ointment as a holistic and potentially transformative approach to address the complexities of chronic non-healing wound.

Material and method: Leech therapy once a day for 7 days and dressing with Panchvalkal ointment twice a day for 3 months over wound site after wound debridement. Antibiotic and analgesics were given for 7 seven days to prevent infection and pain management.

Result: Wound healing was achieved, along with improved physical and emotional status of patient. Result was assessed using Bates-Jensen wound assessment tool with initial score of 49 which reduced to 14 after 90 days of treatment.

Conclusion: Leech therapy and Panchvalkal ointment offers a promising, holistic solution for chronic non-healing wounds. However, further research is warranted to validate its efficacy.

Keywords: chronic non-healing ulcer, leech therapy, panchvalkal ointment, wound debridement, integrative medicine, case report.

Background: Unāni Medicine, a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), has been part of the healthcare system since antiquity and adopts a gentle and holistic approach to treating diseases. In Unāni Medicine, 'Irq al-Nasā (sciatica) falls under Waja'al-Mafāsil (arthritis), where the pain originates in the hip joint and radiates to the back of the thigh and occasionally to the knee, ankle, and toes.

Objective: This study aims to explore the interpretation of sciatica in Unāni classical literature, with a focus on its management.

Methodology: This study employed a comprehensive review approach, analysing Unāni classical texts to gather data on sciatica. Additionally, electronic databases, namely PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were explored for data collection.

Results: The findings of the literature search revealed that four different treatment modalities are detailed in the traditional textbook of Unāni medicine, namely, 'Ilāj bi'l Tadbīr (Regimenal therapy), 'Ilāj bi'l Taghdhiya (Dietotherapy), 'Ilāj bi'l Dawā' (Pharmacotherapy), and 'Ilāj bi'l Yad (Surgery). Sciatica is commonly caused by derangement in the quality and quantity of Akhlāt (humours). Unāni physicians recommend specific diets, regimenal therapies, and medications based on the patient's temperament, humour causing the ailment, the faculty of the implicated organ, and the severity of the condition to promote health, prevent illness, and treat existing conditions.

Conclusion: The review of literature indicates that ancient Unāni physicians had a thorough understanding of sciatica, including its history, risk factors, etiopathogenesis, and management. Further research is required to enhance the therapeutic approaches for sciatica across traditional medical domains.

Keywords: Unāni Medicine; 'Irq al-Nasā; Sciatica; 'Ilāj bi'l Tadbīr; Waja 'al-Mafāsil.

Background: There is a lack of studies investigating the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on chronic low back pain, and the level of evidence is low.

Objective: This study aimed to examine and compare the time-dependent effects of two different instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization protocols in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Methods: This was a comparative study.

Setting: University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation department in Cyprus.

Participants: Seventy-four patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomized into two groups (Group 1 (n = 37) and Group 2 (n = 37)).

Intervention: 6 sessions were implemented with the participants, twice weekly for 3 weeks. The same instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization protocol (7-step) was applied to both groups, but in different positions (fixed prone vs. extended child pose and knee flexion-extension).

Outcome measures: Pain levels (visual analogue scale), spinal mobility (Modified Schober Test), flexibility (Sit and Reach Test, Maximal Hip Flexion Active Knee Extension Test, Active Knee Extension Test, Thoracolumbar Fascia Flexibility Test), muscle endurance of trunk extensors (The Biering-Sorenson Test), and disability (Oswestry Disability Index) were assessed.

Results: The pain and disability values of both groups decreased, and their spinal mobility, spinal flexibility, hamstring flexibility, thoracolumbar fascia flexibility, and endurance values increased after the 1st and 6th interventions (P < .05). Intra-group comparisons revealed a significant improvement only in pain levels at rest in the group in which instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization was applied during functional exercises (P < .05).

Conclusion: Both instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization methods instantly reduced levels of pain and disability and improved spinal mobility, flexibility, and trunk extensor endurance. Applying instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization with functional exercises to individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain is more effective in reducing pain levels at rest.

Keywords: Low back pain, fascia, spine, soft tissue therapy, comparative study.

Background: Thymic carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy characterized by high invasiveness, poor prognosis, and limited treatment options post-chemotherapy failure. Anlotinib, a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has shown promise in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis, suggesting potential as an adjunctive therapy in this challenging clinical setting.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Anlotinib as a potential treatment option for thymic carcinoma post-chemotherapy failure, assessing its impact on tumor progression and patient survival outcomes.

Case presentation: A 46-year-old female presented with a left supraclavicular mass persisting for one month. Percutaneous needle biopsy of the left mediastinal mass confirmed thymic carcinoma, specifically lowly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

Management: The patient underwent sequential treatment modalities, including first-line therapy, comprising four cycles of cisplatin + paclitaxel, followed by subsequent radiotherapy to the chest and neck. It was followed by second-line therapy involving six cycles of cyclophosphamide + pirarubicin + nedaplatin and third-line therapy consisting of four cycles of gemcitabine and nedaplatin. Notably, fourth-line therapy with Anlotinib monotherapy resulted in a progression-free survival of 10 months.

Outcome: Anlotinib emerges as a potential therapeutic option for thymic carcinoma post-chemotherapy failure. However, further validation through preclinical investigations and clinical trials is warranted.

Conclusion: Despite its limited ability to rapidly reduce tumor size, Anlotinib demonstrates efficacy in inhibiting neovascularization and impeding tumor progression and metastasis, thereby maintaining long-term tumor stability. It highlights its potential as a valuable adjunctive therapy in the management of thymic carcinoma.

Keywords: thymic carcinoma, anti-angiogenic drugs, Anlotinib, progression-free survival, neovascularization inhibition, metastasis suppression.