{"title":"Editorial Note: Journal of Alternative and Integrative Medicine Reports","authors":"Rajajeyakumar Manivel","doi":"10.37421/AIM.2020.9.299","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37421/AIM.2020.9.299","url":null,"abstract":"The New year promises many exciting developments for Journal of Alternative & Integrative Medicine (AIM). Popularity of the AIM can be ascertained by the reader’s interest, curiosity and support, which is estimated from the response we have been receiving from diverse geographical regions all across the world. This is further ratified by the Google Analytics metrics that analyses and releases our reader’s profile from time to time and the total numbers of page views are 1017. Moreover, the number of citations per year continues its robust rise as articles enjoy increasingly broad dissemination. The journal is now getting indexed in different academic forums. All these are promising signs. Congratulations to all of our Editorial Board members, reviewers, authors and readers for achieving this distinction.","PeriodicalId":90094,"journal":{"name":"Alternative & integrative medicine","volume":"37 1","pages":"1-1"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70053252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effectiveness of Diagnostic Tools and Management of Lung Cancer","authors":"T. Addissouky, A. Khalil, A. Elagroudy","doi":"10.37421/AIM.2020.9.287","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37421/AIM.2020.9.287","url":null,"abstract":"Early detection of lung cancer stages is deeply under consideration of scientists. By day, high rate of mortality might be caused by cancer of lung over the world. Detecting appropriate tools to determine the early stages of lung cancer is urgently needed. Over the years, recent tools such as position emission tomography/computed tomography, Tranbronchial needle aspiration, endobronchial ultrasound, esophageal ultrasound, medical thoracoscopy and Non-invasive biomarkers have been performed and many studies have estimated where they can be effective alternative in lung cancer diagnostic and staging algorithms. By accurate detection, lung cancer can be managed and treated efficiently. Surgery is considered as the only treatment for lung cancer. Consequently, finding out alternative treatment and reliable management are required.","PeriodicalId":90094,"journal":{"name":"Alternative & integrative medicine","volume":"9 1","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70053407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficacy of Fibromyalgia Treatment Using Bach Flower Therapy: Preliminary Results","authors":"J. Carvalho, C. Rocha, N. Queiroz, J. Campos","doi":"10.37421/2327-5162.2020.9.292","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37421/2327-5162.2020.9.292","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent disease and often presents symptoms of anxiety and depression. Bach florals (BF) are widely used to treat such manifestations. No studies on the use of BF in FM were found. Objective: To evaluate the effects of BF (Rescue) in FM patients. Patients and methods: 6 patients and 6 healthy controls were included. They were evaluated at pre-intervention and after 60 days of BF using. Demographic data, anxiety and depression were evaluated by Beck inventories; sleep quality by the Pittsburgh scale and symptoms of dysbiosis by symptoms form. Results: The median age was 60 years old (22-77) in patients and 41 (40-43) years old in controls. The disease duration was 3 years (4 months -10 years old). Caucasian race was 33% in the patient group and 66% in the controls. There was a statistically significant reduction between the Beck Anxiety Questionnaire before and after 60 days [16 (6-42) vs. 10 (2-27), p=0.05), Beck Depression Questionnaire before and after 60 days [16 (8-52) vs. 10 (6-35), p=0.02) and dysbiosis questionnaire before and after 60 days [18 (10-27) vs. 15 .5 (7-27), p=0.03). Regarding the sleep form, no significant differences were observed before and after BF. Conclusion: Treatment with Bach flower in patients with fibromyalgia seems promising, as it reduces tender points, symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improvement of symptoms of dysbiosis.","PeriodicalId":90094,"journal":{"name":"Alternative & integrative medicine","volume":"9 1","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70051194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial Note for Alternative and Integrative Medicine Journal","authors":"R. Lauche","doi":"10.37421/AIM.2020.9.290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37421/AIM.2020.9.290","url":null,"abstract":"Alternative & Integrative Medicine (ISSN: 2167-7182) is a rapid peer reviewed journal which is a valuable source of information for scholars, researchers, professionals, and students, providing in-depth perspectives on intriguing contemporary topics of Psychology. Built on an ethos of openness, we are passionate about working with the global academic community to promote open scholarly research to the world.","PeriodicalId":90094,"journal":{"name":"Alternative & integrative medicine","volume":"9 1","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70053147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hanno: experimental investigation of Gyoki impacting on the human heart rate variability and the autonomic nervous system","authors":"Damljanovic, O. Faehnle","doi":"10.37421/AIM.2020.9.284","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37421/AIM.2020.9.284","url":null,"abstract":"This paper reports on an analysis of body response processes to empty minded gyoki skin contacting by applying methods from experimental physics. To that aim, measuring techniques are being evaluated testing their applicability to eventually enable an in situ, in process monitoring of human body’s response processes to gyoki touch, causing self-healing by bio intelligence. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) testing method of the autonomic nervous system has been tested as a measure of body’s stress level and its ability to recover. It was demonstrated that HRV testing is capable of measuring differences in body response to gyoki and non-gyoki touch.","PeriodicalId":90094,"journal":{"name":"Alternative & integrative medicine","volume":"53 1","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70053371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
O. Mahamat, T. Christopher, Guessom Oulianovie, Kamanyi Albert
{"title":"Stimulation of Phagocytosis in Alveolar Macrophages and Resistance against Infection in Mice by the Aqueous Extract of Rhizomes of Aframomum danielli, Schum (zingiberaceae)","authors":"O. Mahamat, T. Christopher, Guessom Oulianovie, Kamanyi Albert","doi":"10.37421/2327-5162.2020.9.294","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37421/2327-5162.2020.9.294","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Alveolar Macrophages (AMs) play important role in preservation of lungs from infectious diseases development through a series of activities including phagocytosis. The present study examined the effects of aqueous extract of Aframomum danielli rhizomes on the AMs functions. Methods: Extract was investigated for microbe’s ingestion, bacteria killing and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production in alveolar macrophages. Extract was investigated for repository, suppressive and curative treatments of S. aureus infection in mice. Results: The extract of Aframomum danielli augmented (approximately threefold) the ingestion of Candida albicans by phagocytes. Furthermore, extract concentration dependently increased the killing ability of S. aureus of mice AMs. Moreover, the extract significantly stimulated the production of O2, H2O2 and nitric oxide (NO) by mice AMs. In addition, extract make mice to become more resistant to S. aureus infection. Finally, aqueous extract of A. danielli dose dependently increased reduced the bacteremia density in Dex-mice in suppressive, curative and repository treatments. Conclusion: Together the results showed that aqueous extract of A. dalnielli promotes the phagocytosis of microbes by alveolar macrophages and thereby may contribute to respiratory tract prevention from bacterial colonization.","PeriodicalId":90094,"journal":{"name":"Alternative & integrative medicine","volume":"109 1","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70051173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Virus or Visha? Anti-Toxins/Detoxification Solution of SARS-CoV-2","authors":"D. Kajaria, T. Nesari","doi":"10.37421/AIM.2020.9.296","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37421/AIM.2020.9.296","url":null,"abstract":"The article explores the concept of developing pathogenesis specific medicines for the management of SARS-CoV-2. This is high time to shift the paradigm from pathogen specific (vaccine) treatment to pathogenesis specific treatment for the permanent solution of such pandemics. The article gives an empherical outlook about the fact that immune system gives a sequential response to any invading matter and augmenting the immune response at first step prevents the development of disease. During evolution, immune responses for invading proteins are specified and categorize based on their lethality. Those proteins which are encounter during envenomation are recognized by the immune cell as toxin. The core concept that the human body has stored memory for venomous protein response conclude possibility that envelop proteins of coronavirus belongs to venom group of protein. The article introduces the concept that human immune system recognizes novel coronavirus envelop protein and nucleocapsid as toxin and therefore giving hyper-immune response like cytokines storm. Potential of this concept and its utility in the management of COVID-19 is discussed under two headings (1) Use of anti-toxin herbs and (2) Detoxification therapies. Herbs described as Anti-toxin can be extracted and use as natural source of neutralizing antibodies for passive immunity. The article gives the details of natural ways described in Ayurveda for creating HERD immunity and also explains the concept of cosmic immunity, its role in the outbreak of epidemics and utility in prevention of spread of disease. Novel concept of neuro-endocrine-immune response (using thought modulation as immune-stimulant) and the possibility of pseudo-illness due to infodemic is also converse in the article. The Ayurvedic measures described in the article can be used for asymptomatic patients, quarantine people and high risk health workers. These are simple, safe measures that can be easily followed to maintain physical as well as mental health during pandemic.","PeriodicalId":90094,"journal":{"name":"Alternative & integrative medicine","volume":"1 1","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70053155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Challenges of Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescription in Dentistry and Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance in Developing Countries - Medicinal Plants to the Rescue","authors":"O. Oyiborhoro","doi":"10.37421/2327-5162.2020.9.293","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37421/2327-5162.2020.9.293","url":null,"abstract":"Studies have revealed that Dentists across the globe are widely involved in the inappropriate prescription of broad spectrum antibiotics, a practice that is believed to contribute significantly to the current problem of antimicrobial resistance. The factors responsible for the inappropriate prescription of antibiotics by Dentists vary from country to country but the aim of such prescriptions appears to be universal-prevention of possible post-operative infections and complications. In developing countries, Dentists face some unique challenges that make such inappropriate prescription of antibiotics almost inevitable. Some of such challenges include an epileptic power supply and lack of potable water, both of which facilitate the poor infection control practices prevalent in these countries. The invasive nature of minor procedures such as simple tooth extractions and frequent use of poorly sterilized metal-based reusable equipment contribute to an increased risk of transmission of infections in dental practice. In the search for alternative antimicrobial drugs, medicinal plants have been observed to be potential sources of safer and cheaper agents, when compared to synthetic antibiotics. Interestingly, extracts from medicinal plants have long been applied for the treatment of oral infections and maintenance of oral health in many parts of the world, including developing countries, where they are widely distributed. Surprisingly, a very limited number of these extracts, if any, have found their way into the clinics as refined agents such as tablets, for the prophylactic control of post-operative infections in dentistry, especially in developing countries. This is largely due to lack of confidence on the part of Dentists and poor co-ordination among research institutions, pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies in these nations. This review therefore seeks to reawaken the interest of all parties concerned, on the need to harness the potentials of medicinal plants in solving the problem of inappropriate antibiotics prescription in dentistry.","PeriodicalId":90094,"journal":{"name":"Alternative & integrative medicine","volume":"9 1","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70051467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. deBoer, Yau Ehy, A. Andriianova, Bérénos Im, Van Dommelen Jem, A. Visser
{"title":"Treatment of Dementia Symptoms: Scoping Review of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches","authors":"M. deBoer, Yau Ehy, A. Andriianova, Bérénos Im, Van Dommelen Jem, A. Visser","doi":"10.37421/AIM.2020.9.288","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37421/AIM.2020.9.288","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: This article presents an overview of complementary and alternative medicine approaches (CAM) to treat symptoms of dementia. Method: Retrieving of studies from several bibliographic databases (January 1998 to March 2020) applying prespecified selection criteria and methodological quality assessment. Results: CAM approaches reduce symptoms of dementia, slow down the progression, and create relief for patients, while not intending to prevent and cure dementia. Psychological interventions are helpful for families to establish more and better interactions with patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine) is promising strategies to treat memory loss. Homeopathy might be effective in treating symptoms of dementia. Light therapy reduces sleep deprivation, depression and agitation. Aroma & music therapy improve quality of life and recalling thoughts and feelings. Nutrition shows variant effects on dementia symptoms and development of AD, such as with folate-rich foods, low-fat dairy products, and intake of fish or omega-3 fats. Red grapes show a protective effect on AD and VaD. Exercises enhance memory. Controlled Multisensory Therapy (Snoezel therapy) shows short-term effects on mood and behaviour. Conclusion: CAM is an alternative for conventional treatments, like medicines to relieve symptoms, however good CAM trials are lacking. Analysed studies were of low quality, having no control groups, small samples, and only case and animal studies. Research on a combination of conventional and CAM is needed to show the additional effects on conventional treatments.","PeriodicalId":90094,"journal":{"name":"Alternative & integrative medicine","volume":"9 1","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70053107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Comparative Analysis between Nanomembrane-Based Therapeutic Plasmapheresis and Other Plasmapheresis Methods and Their Potential Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"D. Delgado, E. Romero","doi":"10.37421/AIM.2020.9.298","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37421/AIM.2020.9.298","url":null,"abstract":"During a plasmapheresis session, a centrifugation device or membrane-based replacement equipment removes a portion of blood plasma, and separates pathologic macro-molecules from the patient´s blood for therapeutic purposes. The removed substances include alloantibodies, autoantibodies, cytokines, toxins, monoclonal proteins, lipoproteins and other plasma components. The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) reviews its clinical indications for various medical fields, such as hematology, oncology, neurology, rheumatology and nephrology. In addition, a relevant aspect about plasmapheresis is that it is an effective adjuvant treatment for acute liver failure, peripheral vascular disease, Guillain- Barre syndrome, sepsis, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), which are all possible complications of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Different organizations around the world have made much progress in plasmapheresis´ biomedical engineering. One of such advances is the creation of more practical equipment and of a filter for nanomembrane-based therapeutic plasmapheresis. The nanopores of this multi-membrane filter allow for a more specific and less traumatic blood filtration. This process requires a single needle insertion and functions with an extracorporeal volume of only 70 mL, thus reducing risks and allowing its use even for pediatric patients. Other advantages include its relative lower cost, the short duration of treatment and the fact that donor plasma as a replacement fluid is optional, reducing in that way the risk of infection and allergic reactions. This comparative review will focus on these advantages and also on the aforementioned potential applications of nanomembrane-based therapeutic plasmapheresis for some of the complications of COVID-19.","PeriodicalId":90094,"journal":{"name":"Alternative & integrative medicine","volume":"1 1","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70053211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}