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Effects of Fasting on Anxiety: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: While some research studies show that fasting is associated with poor psychological health outcomes, others suggest otherwise. This led to an increasing body of knowledge to resolve this conflict. Despite this, no study has been done to strictly investigate the relationship between fasting and anxiety as a measure of psychological health. Therefore, this present study aims to explore the effect of fasting on anxiety, disregarding other variables.

Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was run. The search strategy involved the following keywords and their synonyms: fasting, intermittent fasting, meal skipping, alternate-day fasting, time-restricted feeding, time-restricted eating, reduced meal frequency, and fasted state for fasting. For anxiety, anxiety, phobia, and panic were used as search terms. Only studies in English were included. Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched between 2000 and 2024. 1652 research articles were retrieved. Articles were screened by two investigators. In the case of a disagreement, a third investigator was sought to resolve the conflict. Following screening, 13 studies were included.

Result: The review indicates a complex relationship between fasting and anxiety levels. The majority of studies found a negative association between fasting and anxiety, where fasting periods were correlated with decreased anxiety levels. On the other hand, two studies found a positive association between stress and fasting. Two studies found no association or varying effects, pointing to possible variability based on individual factors such as age, gender, occupation, and pre-existing health conditions. Overall, the outcomes are not uniform across all fasting types and populations.

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Anti-Fungal Properties of Tea Tree Oil, Oregano Oil, Lavender Oil, Coconut Oil for Nails, and a Survey of Pharmacy Students’ Views

Abstract

Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, involves infection of the nails typically toenails by various types of fungi. The impact of nail fungal infection includes pain and discomfort, cosmetic concerns, risk of spreading, treatment challenges, functional impairment, and medical complications. This report reviews the potential use and effectiveness of tee tree oil, oregano oil, lavender oil, and coconut oil in treating these infections. A survey was conducted during a Drug Informatics class as a homework assignment to P1 (first-year) pharmacy students. The purpose of the survey was to determine the participants’ levels of knowledge and to measure their opinions based on literature review. The survey contained five knowledge-based questions and five opinion-based questions. A total of 39 students participated in this study. The knowledge-based questions showed that a-72.6% correct answer rate. The question that received the highest percentage of correct answers (94%) was the answers regarding tea tree oil. The opinion-based questions showed that respondents had a positive view regarding the use of oils in the treatment of nail fungus infections. The cumulative agreement rate (agree and strongly agree) was 86.6%.

Keywords: Onychomycosis; Dermatophytes; Environment; Antiseptic

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Evaluation of the Level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on HIV/AIDS among Youths in Bonny LGA of Rivers State

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) poses a substantial and pervasive global public health threat, particularly as adolescents engage in risky sexual behaviors that render them susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The prevalence of such precarious sexual activities among in-school youths underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the associated reproductive and health risks. The objective of this study is to delve into the depth of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the youth regarding HIV/AIDS in Bonny LGA, River State. To achieve this, a comprehensive descriptive cross-sectional survey methodology was employed. The research harnessed the efficacy of a meticulously designed self-structured questionnaire, strategically administered to 419 respondents. Rigorous nonparametric analysis, employing statistical tools such as SPSS (V22) and Microsoft Excel, was undertaken to derive meaningful insights from the gathered data. The study’s findings bring to light a commendable 85% level of awareness concerning the current status of HIV among the surveyed population. Furthermore, there exists a noteworthy 78.7% consensus regarding knowledge related to HIV transmission. However, a noticeable gap in knowledge emerges about prevention, where a substantial 69.9% lack adequate awareness.

The attitude towards People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is characterized as fair, accounting for 61.9% of the respondents. Concurrently, the practices related to HIV prevention and management exhibit room for improvement, with a suboptimal performance recorded at 65.4%. There was no statistically significant difference between the level of education and knowledge of HIV/HIDs. A similar trend was reported with attitude and practice. The study advocates for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the youth in Bonny LGA concerning HIV/AIDS. This may encompass educational programs, awareness campaigns, and community-based initiatives designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of HIV while promoting positive attitudes and risk-mitigating practices among the youth population.

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Contaminated Waters and Depleted Soils: Impact in Nutrition

Abstract

Toxic elements can contaminate edible crops either from water (rainfall, wastewater…), air (atmospheric dust, aerial delivery of pesticides, industrial and mine activities, heavy traTic ways, chemtrails…), and soil (contaminated site, industrial and mine activities…). Many transition metals are essential to many enzymatic and proteomic biochemistry, these metal ions being susceptible of being replaced by the toxic ones that bear similar chemical properties. They all end up in human bodies with various nefarious consequences. Metal uptake by roots of the edible crops is dependent on the metal chemistry and its speciation according to redox and pH conditions of the soil, the plants in question and the soil geology. Some chemistry theory concerning acids and bases, very easy to grasp, are presented in order to understand how some metal ions and metalloids can be more tenacious to be detoxified in our body than others, that are excreted easier. These considerations are stated in the Pearson’s Hard and Soft Acids and Bases Theory (HSAB), where soft Lewis acids and bases are relatively large, polarizable atoms, ions, and molecules and hard Lewis acids and bases are relatively small and less polarizable, explaining the synthetic and natural molecules structure acting as antidotes for intoxication chelation treatment and prevention. Some chemical antidotes for heavy metal intoxication are discussed, synthetic and natural ones, the latest present in medicinal herbs and other edible plants.

Keywords: Essential metal ions; Toxic metal ions; Natural and synthetic chelating agents; Synthetic pesticides; Metalloenzymes; Radioactive elements; HSAB theory; Periodic Table; Medicinal herbs

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Local Solutions Towards Rabies-Related Human Mortality Elimination by 2030 in the Menabe Region (Madagascar)

Abstract

In Madagascar, rabies is a significant public health challenge. However, due to the underreporting of many cases and a lack of awareness about post-exposure prophylaxis, the number of rabies cases is likely underestimated. To address this issue, focus groups were conducted following successive awarenessraising sessions about rabies. The main aim of this study was to gain insight into how communities perceive the global goal of eliminating rabies-related human fatalities by 2030. This understanding would help identify effective strategies for addressing the problem. As part of these focus groups, a video in the local language (Malagasy) was presented to all participants, explaining key information about rabies, including its symptoms and what to do in case of animal bites. This video allowed participants to share their own experiences, express their perspectives on rabies surveillance, and suggest practical actions to achieve zero human deaths from rabies by 2030, within their communities.

The suggested actions can be summarized into themes (topics), which include improving access to medical care, educating relevant stakeholders, managing the local dog population, fostering collaboration among different stakeholders, reducing the number of stray dogs, implementing vaccination programs, enacting and enforcing relevant laws and regulations, managing dog bites and rabies cases, allocating and utilizing financial resources effectively, and examining local customs. The discussions typically framed these themes in terms of existing deficiencies or inadequacies. According to the insights gathered from these community-driven discussions, activities such as stakeholder education, awareness campaigns, and training should start promptly and continue over a long-term period. In this perspective on tackling rabies, issues related to financial resources were viewed as having a cross-cutting nature, offering potential solutions for short, medium, and long-term challenges. This study demonstrates that when people are well informed, they can recommend solutions that consider the specific realities of their municipalities and territories.

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Electric Plum-Blossom Acupuncture Therapy:An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective

Abstract

Electric plum-blossom acupuncture therapy, which combines skin stimulation, meridians, and acupoints, has been very effective in some diseases. An overview of electric plum-blossom acupuncture therapy is provided in this article. Further, this article summarizes the mechanism of action, the method of adding electricity, clinical treatment, indications, contraindications, and adverse events reports of electric plumblossom acupuncture.

Keywords: Electric plum-blossom acupuncture therapy; Electro-acupuncture; The method of adding electricity

Introduction and Brief History Plum-blossom acupuncture therapy prevents and treats diseases by tapping a particular part of the body surface, acupoint, or meridian circulation route with a needle, a bundle of short needles combining multiple stainless, also known as a dermal needle [1]. Developed from ancient methods such as ‘ Semi-acupuncture ‘ and ‘ Central-square needling ‘, plum-blossom acupuncture therapy is a superficial method of acupuncture that has been used since ancient times. As one end of the needle handle is equipped with seven short needles, resembling a plum blossom shape, it is referred to as a ‘Plum-blossom needle’.

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A Comparative Study of Liver Size (CranioCaudal Length of Liver) by Ultrasonography in Females of Bilious (Choleric) and Phlegmatic Temperament- A Part of HaiyatAl-Aza (Morphology)

Abstract

Background & objective: Every person is supposed to have a unique humoral constitution that creates an equilibrium status which represents the temperament of the body. This includes his physical characteristics and physiological, psychological as well as an emotional state. The humoral compositions play an important role in the formation of the temperament. The objective of this study is to assess the maximum length (cranio-caudal) of liver in choleric (Billious) and phlegmatic temperament through ultrasonography, because liver is an important organ for formation of temperament as it is said to be the seat of the production of akhlat (humors). In Unani medicine it is believed that humours play an important and deciding role in the creation of human temperament. Thus liver being an important metabolic organ plays an important role in the formation of temperament.

Research hypothesis: Maximum (cranio-caudal) length would be relatively higher in Bilious (Safravi) than phlegmatic temperaments because as per Unani literature, the Bilious (Safravi) individuals are energetic and hyperactive than phlegmatic individuals. They have excellent metabolism; hence they have physiologically greater size of liver because liver plays an important role in metabolism. The metabolic rate of Safravi (billious) individuals are rapid than Balghami (phlegmatic), therefore the size (length) should be greater in billious than phlegmatic individuals. In comparison to billious, phlegmatic individuals have flaccid and obese body structure with soft and flabby muscles and possess more fat in their body. Fat always denotes coldness. But billious individuals are lean and thin and possess very little fat which is suggestive of the temperament being hot and dry.

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Evaluation of the Yin or Yang Character of Some Medicinal Mineral Waters with Biocrystallization

Abstract

The classification of substances in terms of yin or yang predominance has a major importance in TCM therapy and is often carried out according to the effect produced after their use, i.e., heating or cooling of the body, but there is still no specific method of analysis. Biocrystallization is a method of qualitative informational analysis of food that we propose it through this work as a possible tool for highlighting the predominance of yin / yang. This is the first work to find a method of analysis for determining yin/ yang. We started from the results obtained in the period 2017-2020 in which a series of 55 sources of medicinal mineral waters from Romania were analyzed by biocrystallization, harvesting 93 samples and performing 991 biocrystallization plates. These data were correlated with the information in the literature concerning physico-chemical parameters and pharmacodynamic properties, on the basis of which the waters were framed in mineral waters predominantly yin or yang. It is known that biocrystallization was developed primarily as a method of analyzing the morphogenetic forces associated with the analyzed substrate, which from the point of view of the TCM specific terminology includes the yin/yang concept. The visual sensory analysis of biocrystallization tests for food, according to ISO 17025, 11035 and 8587 allows an evaluation of their overall quality, translatable also in terms of vitality, movement, dynamism.

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A Case of Complementary Treatment for Idiopatic Polymyositis

Abstract

A case of idiopatic polymyositis treated both with conventional and homeopathic complementary treatment is presented, pointing out the main characteristics of the case and showing the advantages in associating both methods; the combination of conventional and complementary therapies made possible the avoidance of tracheostomy for a severe esophageal dysmotility.

Keywords: Idiopatic polymyositis; Esophageal dysmotility; Complementary treatment

Abbreviation: Polymyositis PM

Introduction

Polymyositis (PM) is a systemic disease and one of several idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, together with dermatomyositis and sporadic inclusion body myositis. [1,2] Dysphagia secondary to oropharyngeal and esophageal involvement occurs in about one third of patients and may lead to aspiration pneumonia.

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Acupuncture (Needle Only) Versus Neural Therapy by Huneke (Therapeutic Local Anesthesia) in the Treatment of the Painful Shoulder: Immediate and Long-Term Results (4 Years)

Abstract

Background: Acupuncture, consisting of the insertion of needles in the specific acupuncture points, and neural therapy by Huneke (NT), which is the subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of a local anesthetic in trigger/tender points almost always on acupuncture points, are two potentially effective therapeutic techniques in the treatment of the painful shoulder. The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the short and long-term results of these two reflexology techniques in the treatment of the painful shoulder.

Methods: Pain related results obtained from 1982 to 2007 from two groups, one treated with acupuncture (N=47), the other treated with Neural Therapy (NT) by Huneke (N=228), have been compared assessing two indexes of analgesic effectiveness, the Subjective Pain Relief Percentage (SPRP) every 3 months for 4 years, and the Time of average persistence of the result, in cases successfully treated and with follow-up of at least 2 years (TAPR≥2y).

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Diabetic Patients at Risk from Herb-Drug Interactions

Abstract

Background: It is well known that diabetic patients use Herbal Medicines (HMs) and antidiabetic drugs concurrently. Therefore, there is always the possibility of Herb-Drug Interactions (HDIs). This study attempted to find an appropriate path to accurately assess the risk of HM usage by diabetic patients.

Methods: The natural medicines comprehensive database and other resources were used to assess the risk of HDIs for about 130 herb-drug combinations used by 38 patients.

Result: Most of these interactions were assessed as “moderate interactions”, with only one assessed as a “major interaction”. No adverse events or harm were reported as the assessments were carried out retrospectively. The vast majority of the evidence on HDIs was based upon the pharmacological activities of the herbal and conventional medicines rather than the clinical outcomes.

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Current Uses of Cowries in Traditional Medicine After their Disuse as Currency-A Cross-Sectional Study in Ghana

Abstract

Cowries were imported into West Africa to serve as money, but this role had been replaced by modern currencies. This study, therefore, investigated what roles cowries that are still being sold in markets continue to play. A cross-sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from fourteen Traditional Medicine Vendors (TMV) in the two major markets in the Tamale metropolis. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25. Although the knowledge of the TMV on cowries can be considered as good (67.1%), only 42.9% knew cowries are animals. Cowries according to TMVs are used by their clients for spiritual/magical purposes (29.4%), decorations (23.5%), treatment of physical diseases (23.5%), and payment of dowries (11.8%). Protection against evil forces was their main spiritual use while medically, they are commonly used to treat skin disorders. Further studies to confirm their medicinal uses are required.

Keywords: Cowries; Disuse; Currency; Ghana

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Acute Effects of Alpinia galanga Extract on Mental Alertness, Accuracy and Fatigue in Human Subjects: A Randomized, DoubleBlind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study

Abstract

Background: Nootropics are products that improve cognitive function and offer consumers solutions to optimise performance at work and play. Alpinia galanga Extract (AGE) has been shown to increase mental alertness in clinical settings.

Aim: We evaluated the acute effect of AGE on mental alertness, accuracy, and fatigue through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical study in healthy human subjects.

Methods: Sixty-two adults were randomized to receive either 300mg of AGE or placebo 30 minutes after lunch on Day 1 followed by cross-over treatments on Day 7. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of AGE on mental alertness and accuracy, as assessed by Symbol Digit Coding test, Shifting Attention test, Stroop Test and Alertness Rating Scale of CNS Vital Signs at baseline, 0.5, 1-, 2- and 5-hours post dose. Further, fatigue and energy levels were measured by Visual Analogue Scale and daytime sleepiness by Epworth Sleepiness Scale as secondary outcomes. Adverse events were monitored for safety assessment.

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Music Therapy Group with Institutionalized Psychiatric Adults: The Third Way. A Pilot Study

Abstract

Creative Music Therapy with psychiatric inpatients encourages self-growth, well-being, socialization and social inclusion leading to the functioning state of FA-fonie.

Aim

A pilot study was conducted to investigate the overall contribution of Music Therapy interventions in the psychosocial growth of institutionalized psychiatric patients.

Method: Qualitative study

25 open music therapy sessions with 20 adults, psychiatric institutionalized residents, in a period of 8 months, were conducted. 5 questionnaires with open-ended questions were given and answered by the staff of the psychiatric institution. Phenomenological hermeneutic design was adopted. Data analysis was undertaken by three independent researchers (triangulation) and guided by Diekelmann, et al. [1] phenomenological technique, which includes a seven-stage process.

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Full-Spectrum Phytocannabinoids: A WholePlant Holistic Approach for Maintaining Optimal Endocannabinoid Tone and Potentially Attenuating the Effects of Acute and Post-Acute Coronavirus-Induced Disease

Summary

More than a century after the 1918 influenza pandemic, the emergence of the Coronavirus-Induced Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) viral pandemic is shining a light on the complexities of our immune systems. Over the past 100 years, we have learned that it was not just influenza alone that killed more than 50 million people. The virus often triggered a corresponding overreaction of the immune system [1]. Similarly, with COVID-19, the severity and outcomes are believed to be related to the characteristics of the host’s immune response [2] which is regulated by the host’s endocannabinoid system. Some healthcare experts have postulated that balancing viral-induced inflammation and resulting pathological levels of inflammatory cytokines may positively influence outcomes. A study of the pathogenesis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia found that lung damage was induced by an acute severe systemic inflammatory response (a cytokine storm) with the release of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), leading to elevated immune cell infiltration and macrophagic polarization shifts [3-5].

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From the Aphonic Voice of Autism to the FA-fonie (FA-voice) in Music Therapy-Case Study

Abstract

Music consists of norms, structures, and laws as well as of creative elements that allow for freedom of expression and aesthetic beauty. Music may affect one’s temporary moods and behaviors, influencing one’s conscious and unconscious states of being. Music is a form of art where the three orders of the Real, the Imaginary, and the Symbolic are interconnected. These three orders of music are also qualities of the healthy functioning human being’s inner structure of the psyche Music therapy may lead the person to feelings of transcendence, to a meaningful life. In a music therapy setting, the psyche’s inner structure may be affected deeply. In the psyche’s structure of children and adults in the autistic spectrum or in psychosis the symbolic order is excluded. Therefore, the entry into language is not possible and there is an aphonic Voice that may be the autistic voice. It’s a voice that starts with a cry that is not addressing the other; it is an aphonic cry. The trained music therapist can be aware of and respond to the “aphonic” cry of a client in autistic or psychotic states to help the client move to the healthy state of FA-fonie (FA-voice). In this article a case study follows one autistic adolescent’s journey in individual music therapy sessions for three years and, later, in Community music therapy performances for one year.

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Beta-Endorphins - A Novel Treatment of Choice for Diseases

Opinion

Endorphins are endogenous morphine, neuropeptide, synthesized and stored in the anterior pituitary gland in response to physical stress and pain. Beta endorphins are an abundant endorphin, precursor of Proopiomelanocortin in response to corticotropic releasing hormone from anterior pituitary gland. Beta endorphin binds with its µ receptors situated on the nervous system and immune cells. Beta endorphins involved in immune stimulatory activity by binding to its µ receptors situated on the innate and adaptive immune cells results in activation of innate and adaptive immune cells such as NK cells, neutrophils, T cells, DCs leads to production of opsonin, granzyme B, and IFN-ϒ, and antibodies involved in anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immune stimulatory activity, and anti-tumor activity.

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