Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

Background: Hot foot bath (HFB), a simple non-pharmacological intervention and a readily available hydrotherapy application, is often recommended in Naturopathy system of Medicine to improve sleep.

Primary study objectives: The current systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to update and provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of HFB on sleep quality.

Method: Electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched from inception until May 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of HFB as an intervention to improve sleep quality.

Intervention: Application of a hot foot bath (defined as immersion of both feet in water of temperature ≥40°C).

Primary outcome measures: The primary outcome measures include sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST), wake after sleep onset latency (WASOL), and sleep efficiency (SE), measured objectively using polysomnography (PSG).

Results: Following appraisal for risk of bias, extracted data were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model for the sleep outcome parameters. The comprehensive literature search yielded six studies of low methodological quality, with 176 patients. The findings reveal that although HFB may improve sleep quality, the results were statistically insignificant. Subgroup analysis was performed with temperature, duration of HFB, and interval of time between HFB and bedtime (more than 1 hour vs less than 1 hour); however, the parameters showed no significant effects of HFB.

Conclusion: HFB may be a safe and cost-effective modality to enhance sleep quality. However, the number of studies available is limited, with a high risk of bias. More high-quality RCTs with larger sample sizes are required before strongly suggesting HFB as an effective intervention for sleep-related problems.

Keywords: Sleep quality; warm water therapy; hydrotherapy; hot foot bath; sleep disturbance; naturopathy.

Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of the Kuntai capsule in improving ovarian function in rats with transplantation of cryopreserved ovary.

Methods: Two mice ovary cell lines were cultured with Kuntai capsule decoction, and cell apoptosis was detected by MTT assay. A total of 90 SPF Sprague Dawley rats were included in this study. Thirty rats were used as the control group (group A), and not treated with any surgical operation. The remaining 60 rats were subjected to surgery to collect ovarian tissues and to construct a premature ovarian failure model. Ovarian tissues were cryopreserved, thawed, and transplanted back to ovaries. Sixty rats with ovary transplantation were randomly divided into group B and group C. Rats in group B were treated with Kuntai capsule at a dose of 0.1 capsule per day while rats in group C were fed with normal food. Serum levels of estradiol (E2) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) were detected. Expressions of several cytokines, including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and apoptotic factors caspase-3 and p53, were also detected.

Results: Kuntai capsule decoction inhibited apoptosis of in vitro cultured mice ovary cells. Furthermore, the Kuntai capsule promoted the recovery of E2 and FSH to normal levels and regulated the abnormal expression of HGF, VEGF, and IGF-1 and apoptotic factors caspase-3 and p53 in rats with premature ovarian failure after homotopic transplantation of ovarian tissue.

Conclusion: The Kuntai capsule can improve ovarian functions by regulating sexual hormones and cell apoptosis in rats with premature ovarian failure after homotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovary tissue.

Keywords: premature ovarian failure, Kuntai capsule, apoptosis, sexual hormones, homotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovary tissue.

Introduction: Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder that often presents with significant discomfort and can negatively impact the quality of life. In some cases, it is associated with dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Pelvic floor dysfunction is a key contributing factor to both chronic constipation and dyspareunia.

Case: This case report explores the role of pelvic floor rehabilitation in managing chronic constipation with concomitant dyspareunia in a 33-year-old female patient. The patient presented with long-standing constipation, along with vaginal pain during intercourse, which had led to significant emotional and physical impairment. A comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation program, including pelvic muscle exercises, biofeedback, and manual therapy, was implemented. The outcomes demonstrated improvement in both constipation symptoms and dyspareunia, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted pelvic floor therapy.

Conclusion: This case suggests the potential of pelvic floor rehabilitation as a non-invasive, integrated treatment approach for individuals experiencing chronic constipation and dyspareunia, particularly when pelvic floor dysfunction is identified as a contributing factor.

Keywords: Constipation, dyspareunia, pelvic floor, biofeedback, case report.

Background: As a mixed state of depressive and manic syndrome, the concept of bipolar disorder has remained unclear to date. Treatment of mixed states is difficult due to clinical recognition and poor therapeutic ideas. Based on expert consensus, it is important to establish a new definition of bipolar disorder, understand the concept of its mixed state within the field of clinical psychiatry, and explore its diagnosis and treatment using Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine.

Methods: The Chinese Biomedical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG Database, Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index, and PubMed were used to retrieve relevant studies according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The retrieved studies were analyzed through the lens of evidence-based medicine, and the primary conclusion was obtained after quality control of 11 items listed in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). An expert consultation, evaluation of conflict of interest, and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research < Evaluation II (AGREE II) assessment were completed one after another. The expert consensus was established.

Results: It was defined in expert consensus that bipolar disorder mixed state includes three aspects: mixed episode in ICD-10/11, mixed feature in DSM-5, and mixed unit in Tongde criteria. The syndrome and its therapeutic methods of bipolar disorder mixed state were classified and described in the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach, which was combined with Western medicine for diagnosis and therapeutics.

Conclusion: The expert consensus of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine for diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder with mixed states has been established, to help clinical practice.

Keywords: integrative medicine, bipolar disorder, mixed state, mixed unit, Traditional Chinese Medicine, western medicine, expert consensus.

Abstract: A 60-year-old male with lifestyle factors including excessive cigarette smoking, high intake of sugared energy drinks, high processed Standard American Diet (SAD), moderate alcohol intake, and lack of exercise presented symptoms of fatigue, frequent urination, poor wound healing, lethargy, insomnia, excessive snoring, and dizziness. A diagnosis of sleep apnea, polyurea, metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia was made by the treating physician. The patient was advised a personalized high-quality supplement regimen and diet intervention for six months. The supplement regimen consisted of Designs for Health Red Yeast Rice, Arterosil® HP, Metabolic Synergy™, Berberine-Evail™, GlucoSupreme™ Herbal, and Mito-NR™. The protocol resulted in complete reversal of hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipidemia, significant weight loss, and positive changes in hyperglycemia. This case report investigated the scientific basis of the intervention (nutraceuticals and their constituents and the dietary protocol), rationale, and outcome.

Keywords: case report, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, poses significant management challenges due to its persistent nature, recurrences, and side effects associated with conventional therapies. Ayurveda correlates psoriasis with Ekakushtha (a type of skin disorder), primarily involving Vata-Kapha dosha imbalance.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic therapies, including Shodhana (Vamana, Raktamokshana) and Shamana (pacification medications), in managing scalp psoriasis.

Methodology: A 35-year-old male with chronic scalp psoriasis underwent Panchakarma, including Vamana (therapeutic emesis). Post-Shodhana, conservative management included 777 oil, Psora soap, Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu, and Sut Shekhar Ras, along with Leech therapy (Raktamokshana) weekly for one month. Lifestyle and dietary modifications were also advised.

Results: The patient experienced significant relief from itching, scaling, erythema, and lesion thickness. Follow-up revealed improved scalp texture, reduced scaling, and absence of flare-ups. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion: Ayurvedic interventions combining detoxification (Shodhana) and pacification (Shamana) therapies demonstrated a safe and effective approach for managing scalp psoriasis, addressing systemic pathology while minimizing side effects. Further clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings.

Keywords: Ayurvedic treatment, therapeutic emesis, Vaman, Panchatikta Ghrita, Leech Therapy, Psora soap, scalp psoriasis, case report.

Background: Although epidemiological and preclinical research suggests that the polyamine spermidine improves the efficiency of autophagy, human clinical research demonstrating a specific dose of any source of spermidine capable of increasing biomarkers of autophagy is lacking.

Primary study objective: The study aimed to examine the effects of spermidine from Miricell™ rice germ extract (Nutraland USA) on biomarkers/indices of autophagy, neuroprotection, and cardiometabolic health, as well as safety and adverse events.

Methods/design: This 56-day study was conducted as a single-blinded, interventional, parallel-group, pilot trial. Vitals, diet records, and protocol compliance were recorded at weeks 0 and 8. Blood draws for cardiometabolic markers and adverse event monitoring took place at screening and weeks 0 and 8.

Setting: Conducted at a clinical research laboratory in Ohio.

Participants: Twelve (N=12) healthy men and women (age: 54.5 ± 7.9 years).

Intervention: Random assignment to 1.5 mg or 3.3 mg of spermidine daily from Miricell™ rice germ extract (Nutraland USA).

Primary outcome measures: Biomarkers of autophagy [Beclin-1 and Unc-51-like kinase 1(ULK1)], and biomarkers/indices of neuroprotection, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), homocysteine, and cardiometabolic health (high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lipid panel).

Results: Compared to baseline, only the 3.3 mg dose of spermidine from Miricell® increased Beclin-1 by 7.3%, ULK-1 by 13.4%, and BDNF by 12.1%. Compared to baseline, the same dose resulted in a 20.8% decrease in hs-CRP, a 20.1% decrease in VLDL, and a 26.9% decrease in triglycerides. Secondary outcomes, including clinical chemistry panel, CBC, vital signs, and adverse events, reflect a good safety profile for the use of 3.3 mg/day of spermidine from Miricell®.

Conclusion: This pilot study found that 3.3 mg/day of spermidine from Miricell® rice germ extract tends to improve biomarkers of autophagy, neuroprotection, and cardiometabolic health. Appropriate follow-up studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Keywords: spermidine, autophagy, beclin-1, ULK1, rice germ extract, neuroprotection, BDNF, homocysteine, cardiometabolic, CRP, C-reactive protein, VLDL, triglycerides, aging.

No Abstract Available.

Context: Pediatric purulent tonsillitis is a common infectious disease in children and can be difficult to cure and can recur with irritation of the throat. To improve treatment outcomes, alleviate symptoms, and promote recovery, an effective clinical-nursing intervention is often necessary.

Objective: The study aimed to explore the specific measures of the comprehensive nursing model for pediatric patients with purulent tonsillitis and to analyze its practical value in improving patients' treatment outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in clinical application, to provide feasible references and guidance for medical practice.

Design: The research team conducted a randomized controlled trial.

Setting: The study took place at Mengcheng County First People's Hospital.

Participants: Participants were 80 pediatric patients who had received a diagnosis of purulent tonsillitis at the hospital between December 2020 and March 2022.

Interventions: The research team randomly divided participants into two groups, with 40 participants in each group: (1) the intervention group, who received comprehensive nursing care in addition to routine nursing care, and (2) the control group, who received routine nursing care only.

Outcome measures: The research team: (1) evaluated times to relief of throat pain and to improvement of hoarseness, (2) assessed times to recovery of body temperature, white blood cells, and tonsillar signs, (3) measured treatment compliance, and (4) conducted a health knowledge survey with the children' family members at baseline and postintervention using a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results: Compared to control group, the intervention group's (1) times to relief of throat pain and improvement time of hoarseness were significantly shorter (both P < .05); (2) times to recovery of temperature (P = .002), white blood cells (P = .006), and tonsillar signs (P = .024) were significantly shorter; (3) treatment compliance was significantly higher (P = .021); and (4) level of health knowledge of family members was significantly higher (P < .001).

Conclusions: The comprehensive nursing model for pediatric purulent tonsillitis can effectively improve pediatric patients' treatment outcomes, shorten their recovery times, enhance the health knowledge of family members, and provide a better focus on the overall health of pediatric patients. The model has a positive significance for pediatric patients' rehabilitation and is worth promoting.

Keywords: pediatric purulent tonsillitis, clinical, comprehensive nursing model, measures, application value.