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The analgesic activities of total alkaloids of the ethnic medicine Cynanchum komarovii Al. Iljinski.Journal of Ethnopharmacology Mar 2022Cynanchum komarovii Al. Iljinski is a ethnomedicinal herb and this ethno-medicine is used mainly to treat arthritis, toothache, reducing phlegm, relieving cough. Total...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Cynanchum komarovii Al. Iljinski is a ethnomedicinal herb and this ethno-medicine is used mainly to treat arthritis, toothache, reducing phlegm, relieving cough. Total alkaloids of Cynanchum komarovii Al. Iljinski (TACKI) is the main active compound of Cynanchum komarovii Al. Iljinski. Previous investigations have revealed that TACKI can significantly inhibit rat foot swelling caused by carrageenan; it has a significant inhibitory effect on granulation tissue proliferation. Pharmacology study showed that Cynanchum komarovii Al. Iljinski has analgesia, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-tumor, relieving cough and relieving asthma. However, there is no any investigation on the mechanism of analgesia and anti-inflammation.
AIM OF THE STUDY
To clarify the analgesic effect and material basis of Cynanchum komarovii Al. Iljinski, determine the analgesic effect of TACKI, and provide experimental data support for its traditional application in the treatment of various pains.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
TACKI were prepared by the traditional acid extraction and alkaline precipitation method, and TACKI was analyzed through classic animal models of acute antinociceptive animal models and chronic antinociceptive. Evaluation of analgesic effects, and preliminary discussion of the mechanism of its analgesic effects were performed in this work.
RESULTS
Acute toxicity experiments showed that the LD of TACKI mice was 2960.88 mg/kg, and symptoms of poisoning appeared. Patholog of liver and kidney studies have shown that TACKI reduces eosinophils and increases basophils in kidney glomeruli. In the study of analgesic effects, TACKI had analgesic activity through the PWL, formalin test, and acetic acid writhing test. In the chronic inflammatory antinociceptive study, the latency of the withdrawal reflex in the TACKI group was prolonged, and the mechanical withdrawal reflex threshold was significantly increased. The protein expression of NMDA, GFAP and Iba-1 in rat brain tissue can be reduced significantly byTACKI. Meanwhile, the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in rat brain tissue is reduced.
CONCLUSION
TACKI has a significant analgesic activities. It may be related to inhibiting the activation of astrocytes and reducing the content of inflammatory mediators.
Topics: Alkaloids; Analgesics; Animals; Cynanchum; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Kidney; Lethal Dose 50; Liver; Male; Medicine, Traditional; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Pain; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Plant Roots; Plant Stems; Rats; Time Factors
PubMed: 34822957
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114861 -
Asian Spine Journal Dec 2020Cervical radiculopathy is characterized by neurological dysfunction caused by compression and inflammation of the spinal nerves or nerve roots of the cervical spine. It...
Cervical radiculopathy is characterized by neurological dysfunction caused by compression and inflammation of the spinal nerves or nerve roots of the cervical spine. It mainly presents with neck and arm pain, sensory loss, motor dysfunction, and reflex changes according to the dermatomal distribution. The most common causes of cervical radiculopathy are cervical disc herniation and cervical spondylosis. It is important to find the exact symptomatic segment and distinguish between conditions that may mimic certain cervical radicular compression syndromes through meticulous physical examinations and precise reading of radiographs. Non-surgical treatments are recommended as an initial management. Surgery is applicable to patients with intractable or persistent pain despite sufficient conservative management or with severe or progressive neurological deficits. Cervical radiculopathy is treated surgically by anterior and/or posterior approaches. The appropriate choice of surgical treatment should be individualized, considering the patient's main pathophysiology, specific clinical symptoms and radiographic findings thoroughly.
PubMed: 33373515
DOI: 10.31616/asj.2020.0647 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023The traditional use of L. roots to enhance male sexual performance prompted us to assess the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo aphrodisiac activities of its...
The traditional use of L. roots to enhance male sexual performance prompted us to assess the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo aphrodisiac activities of its hydroethanolic extract using normal male rats. Spectroscopic characterization indicated the presence of ß-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-1,9-benzyl-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine, and Bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate; these compounds have a significant inhibitory effect on the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) enzyme in silico evaluation and minerals (including zinc, cadmium, and magnesium). Other phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These phytochemicals and minerals may contribute to the aphrodisiac activities of the extract. Additionally, the in vivo study revealed that the administration of root extract (300 mg/kg) significantly enhanced ( < 0.01, < 0.03) mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies while significantly ( < 0.05) decreasing the mount and intromission latencies, as well as the post-ejaculatory interval time, in comparison with the standard drugs sildenafil and ginseng, resulting in enhanced erection and sexual performance in the rats. Furthermore, the extract significantly ( < 0.05) increased penile reflexes and also elevated the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormones. Extract (300 mg/kg) significantly ( < 0.05) inhibited the PDE-5 enzyme in an in vitro study. Concludingly, the comprehensive findings of this study suggest that a standardized herbal extract derived from roots alleviates erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in male rats. root extract proved to be an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
Topics: Male; Animals; Rats; Humans; Aphrodisiacs; Mirabilis; Erectile Dysfunction; Premature Ejaculation; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 37687143
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176314 -
Ethnicity & Disease 2022To explore factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine decision-making among Black adults at high-risk for COVID-19 infection. Despite effective treatment and vaccination...
OBJECTIVE
To explore factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine decision-making among Black adults at high-risk for COVID-19 infection. Despite effective treatment and vaccination availability, Black Americans continue to be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
Using community-engaged qualitative methods, we conducted virtual, semi-structured focus groups with Black residents in Los Angeles County before widespread vaccine rollout. Recruitment occurred through local community partners.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Themes and subthemes on factors for vaccine confidence and accessibility.
METHODS
As part of a larger study exploring COVID-19 vaccine decision-making factors among multiethnic groups, two-hour virtual focus groups were conducted between December 15, 2020 and January 27, 2021. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Three focus groups were conducted with 17 Black participants, who were primarily female (n=15), residents of high-poverty zip codes (n=11) and employed full-time (n=6). Black-specific considerations for vaccine confidence and accessibility include: 1) reduced confidence in COVID-19 vaccines due to historical government inaction and racism (existing health inequities and disparities are rooted in racism; historical unethical research practices); 2) misunderstanding of Black communities' vaccine concerns ("vaccine hesitancy" as an inaccurate label to describe vaccine skepticism; ignorance to root causes of vaccine skepticism); and 3) recognizing and building on resources (community agency to address COVID-19 vaccine needs adequately).
CONCLUSIONS
Vaccination campaigns should improve understanding of underlying vaccination concerns to improve vaccine outreach effectiveness and should partner with, provide resources to, and invest in local, trusted Black community entities to improve COVID-19 vaccination disparities.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Vaccination; Vaccines
PubMed: 36388857
DOI: 10.18865/ed.32.4.341 -
Archives of Iranian Medicine Aug 2021Pain control methods after cesarean section may interfere with infant breast-feeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pethidine on breast feeding of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Pain control methods after cesarean section may interfere with infant breast-feeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pethidine on breast feeding of infants born via cesarean section with spinal anesthesia.
METHODS
In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, we evaluated 116 infants born via cesarean section in Gerash Amiralmomenin hospital (Southern Iran) in 2017. The subjects were selected through purposive sampling and randomly by permuted block randomization and assigned to intervention and control groups. The test group received 100 mg of pethidine as intravenous infusion and the control group received only routine cares. Infants' breast feeding behavior in both groups was recorded within 48 hours of hospitalization, using the standard tool for rapid assessment of infant feeding behavior, which consists of 4 main components of breastfeeding, including readiness to feed, rooting, latching, and sucking with a score range of 0 to 3 for each component evaluated at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours postnatally. Data were analyzed using independent t tests and chi-square test.
RESULTS
The highest score of breast-feeding behavior pertained to sucking reflexes in the control group and the lowest score to breast feeding readiness in the pethidine group. Readiness for feeding in the control group (2.09±0.53) was significantly higher than the pethidine group (1.81±0.61) (95% CI: 0.0552, 0.5092 and =0.015). Sucking reflex (95% CI: -0.1461, 0.2208 and =0.687), latching (95% CI: -0.3012, 0.0345 and =0.118) and rooting reflexes (95% CI: -0.1685, 0.2342 and =0.747) were almost equal in the control group (2.54±0.49, 2.52±0.38, 2.5±0.48, respectively) and pethidine groups (2.51±0.43, 2.65±0.45, 2.46±0.53, respectively). The total score of feeding behavior in the control group (9.66±1.04) was higher than that of the pethidine group (9.44 ±.69) (95% CI: -0.2032, 0.6412 and =0.306). There was no significant difference between the infants' feeding frequency (95% CI: -0.269, 1.930 and =0.137) and duration of feeding (95% CI: -3.2067, 0.4597 and =0.14).
CONCLUSION
Evaluation of infants in the first 48 hours after birth showed that those babies whose mothers received pethidine were less willing to start breast-feeding. However, other components of breast-feeding behaviors were similar.
Topics: Anesthesia, Spinal; Breast Feeding; Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Infant; Meperidine; Mothers; Pregnancy
PubMed: 34488326
DOI: 10.34172/aim.2021.84 -
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Aug 2023Clinician bias contributes to health disparities; therefore, educational standards and professional expectations incorporate cultural humility. Vague standards and...
BACKGROUND
Clinician bias contributes to health disparities; therefore, educational standards and professional expectations incorporate cultural humility. Vague standards and numerous pedagogical methods make implementing an effective and uniform curriculum challenging. Classroom and clinical faculty's attitudes and behaviors are pivotal; however, evidence on roles beyond instruction is lacking.
PURPOSE
This study explored physical therapy (PT) students' perceptions of faculty's role in improving their cultural humility.
METHODS
This study was rooted in a phenomenological approach that incorporated elements of both descriptive and interpretive phenomenology. Thirteen first-year PT students participated in one-on-one interviews which underwent reflexive thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Reflexive thematic analysis generated two hundred-ninety codes, six categories, and one overarching theme. Dissonance emerged between students' perceptions of faculty's role and the explicit and implicit curriculum.
CONCLUSION
Explicit messaging from classroom instruction and implicit messaging from clinical encounters and unspoken attitudes, values, and behaviors were disparate. Faculty role modeling, diversity, cultural awareness, and perceived comfort interacting with a diverse patient population improved students' self-confidence and cultural humility. Professional development including field experience with a cognitive apprenticeship approach, and standardized, discipline-specific cultural humility competencies may provide uniform and clear guidelines.
PubMed: 37647271
DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2252053 -
Journal of Comparative Pathology Apr 2022A 7-year-old female goat developed progressive ataxia, which progressed to sternal recumbency. Clinical examination revealed a slight elevation in the sacral spine...
A 7-year-old female goat developed progressive ataxia, which progressed to sternal recumbency. Clinical examination revealed a slight elevation in the sacral spine (S1-S2), tetraparesis, perineal hypoaesthesia and absent tail and anal reflexes. Due to unresponsiveness to treatment with corticosteroids, the goat was euthanized. At necropsy, a 4.0 × 5.7 × 2.5 cm tumour mass was found in the uterine body and right uterine horn. In the cauda equina (L6‒S2), a 3 cm tumour associated with a 2 cm ventral intraosseous sacral haematoma was also found. The tumours were characterized by neoplastic proliferation of columnar epithelial cells with a predominant tubular pattern. Neoplastic cells with glandular cytoplasm stained with acid Alcian blue and periodic acid‒Schiff. Other metastases were found in the lungs, right ovary, dura mater and nerve roots of the medullary cone. Neoplastic cells were immunolabelled for cytokeratin but were negative for vimentin, and the tumour was diagnosed as metastatic endometrial tubular adenocarcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of intramedullary metastasis to the spinal cord of this tumour in any species except humans.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Animals; Carcinoma; Cauda Equina; Female; Goat Diseases; Goats; Humans; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 35305710
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2022.01.004 -
Omics : a Journal of Integrative Biology May 2022Lies and disinformation have always existed throughout human history. However, disinformation has become a "pandemic within a pandemic" with convergence of COVID-19 and... (Review)
Review
Lies and disinformation have always existed throughout human history. However, disinformation has become a "pandemic within a pandemic" with convergence of COVID-19 and digital transformation of health care, climate emergency, and pervasive human-computer interaction in all facets of life. We are living through an era of post-truth. New approaches to fight disinformation are urgently needed and of paramount importance for systems science and planetary health. In this study, we discuss the ways in which extractive and entrenched epistemologies such as technocracy and neoliberalism co-produce disinformation. We draw from the works of David Collingridge in technology entrenchment and the literature on digital health, international affairs, climate emergency, degrowth, and decolonializing methodologies. We expand the vocabulary on and interventions against disinformation, and propose the following: (1) as a critical governance tool to resist the cultural hegemony of neoliberalism and its master narrative infinite growth that is damaging the planetary ecosystems, while creating echo chambers overflowing with disinformation, and (2) a , a state of self-cognizance by knowledge actors, for example, scientists, engineers, and physicians (type 1 reflexivity), as well as by chroniclers of former actors, for example, civil society organizations, journalists, social sciences, and humanities scholars (type 2 reflexivity). This article takes seriously the role of master narratives in quotidian life in production of disinformation and ecological breakdown. The infinite growth narrative does not ask critical questions such as "growth in what, at what costs to society and environment?," and is a dangerous game of brinkmanship that has been testing the planetary ecological boundaries and putting at risk the veracity of knowledge. There is a need for scholars and systems scientists who break ranks with entrenched narratives that pose existential threats to planetary sustainability and are harmful to knowledge veracity. Scholars who resist the obvious recklessness and juggernaut of the pursuit of neoliberal infinite growth would be rooting for living responsibly and in solidarity on a planet with finite resources. The interventions proposed in this study, rapid epistemic disobedience and the expanded reflexivity taxonomy, can advance progressive policies for a good life for all within planetary boundaries, and decolonize knowledge from disinformation in ways that are necessarily upstream, radical, rapid, and emancipatory.
Topics: COVID-19; Disinformation; Ecosystem; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35544326
DOI: 10.1089/omi.2022.0041 -
Postepy W Kardiologii Interwencyjnej =... Sep 2020The foundation of wisdom is rooted in experience, and thus we reflexively call upon our senior leaders, mentors, coaches, and family members for guidance in our personal... (Review)
Review
The foundation of wisdom is rooted in experience, and thus we reflexively call upon our senior leaders, mentors, coaches, and family members for guidance in our personal and professional lives. Witnessing the weathered perspectives of others allows for an internal audit of one's own strengths and deficiencies, which ultimately inspires personal growth. This experience is heightened when both the mentor and the mentee, for example, share a common goal. The field of congenital interventional cardiology, with its constant evolution and diverse technical approaches, requires a lifetime of learning, as well as safe passage of knowledge to the next generation. While there are published recommendations for what to consider when completing this task, hearing the sentiments of those with experience may be more profitable for future fellows and current interventionalists. In part one of a series, we hope to accomplish this goal by presenting an opportunity to learn from our experienced colleagues on the topic of congenital interventional cardiology training. Specifically, we aim to share expert opinions on how to succeed as a congenital interventional fellow, illustrate the diversity of teaching styles and expectations in various healthcare systems, and for the mid-career interventionalists, provide insight into the character traits of a successful mentor of interventional fellows.
PubMed: 33597989
DOI: 10.5114/aic.2020.99258