IMMUNITY AND TUMOR Immune system has closely relation to the growth and development of tumor. One of its immune functions is to constantly recognize and kill malignant cells which develop from normal cells. The occura...IMMUNITY AND TUMOR Immune system has closely relation to the growth and development of tumor. One of its immune functions is to constantly recognize and kill malignant cells which develop from normal cells. The occurance of tumor indicates to some extent the failure of this "immune serveillance" function. Many studies have shown that the tumor cells of body have some tumor interrelative antigen that dose not exist in normal tissues. Tests in vitro展开更多
Objective:The acceptability of herbal remedies for alleviating discomforts and ill-health has become very popular, on the account of the increasing cost of allopathic medicine for personal health maintenance.The obser...Objective:The acceptability of herbal remedies for alleviating discomforts and ill-health has become very popular, on the account of the increasing cost of allopathic medicine for personal health maintenance.The observable non-adherence of herbalists to the established World Health Organization(WHO) / National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control(NAFDAC) regulations for the quality control of herbal medicines is an issue for concern.In view of this,34 popular and widely consumed crude herbal remedies in southwestern,Nigeria were screened for compliance with standard limits for bacterial contamination,bacteria flora and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern.Methods:Isolates recovered from samples were identified using the cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics.They were also tested for drug sensitivity using standard procedures. Results:A heavy bacteria load ranging from 3.00×10~3-9.58×10~5 CFU/ML and 1.20×10~5- 5.41×10~5 CFU/ML was observed for water and spirit extracted preparations respectively.The bacteria flora cum contaminants were:Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus cereus,Bacillus subtilis,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus luteus,Lactobacillus plantarum,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Escherichia coli,streptococcus,Shigella, Neisseria,Arthrobacter,Kurthia and Clostridium species.All the isolates were multi-drug resistant(MDR) strains.Conclusion:The crude herbal preparations consumed in Nigeria failed to comply with the internationally recognized standards regarding bacteria load and flora.The presence of MDR pathogens is of greatest concern. It poses a great risk to consumers health and could be a source of introducing MDR organisms into the human population.There is the need for the enforcement of established guidelines to ensure the safety of these preparations.展开更多
Turkey contains about 11,000 plant taxa. The study area covers East Mediterranean Region of South Anatolia. It is detected that plant diversity in this area corresponds to 51% of Turkey＇s native flora. In this study,...Turkey contains about 11,000 plant taxa. The study area covers East Mediterranean Region of South Anatolia. It is detected that plant diversity in this area corresponds to 51% of Turkey＇s native flora. In this study, we investigated native plants in point of ethnobotanic usage of some endemic and endangered plants used as folk remedies in Anatolia. Especially collected causes of these plants are executed. A questionnaire form is designed as a tool for gathering information from many villages of different districts within the area. Endemic taxon rate in the study area is 25% and non-endemic taxon rate is 5%. 45% of the plants in the area have ethnobotanical importance. 21% of them are utilized as medicinal, 14% as foods, 10% as agricultural products, 6% as industrial inputs and 3% as ornamental plants. 6% of the endangered plants with ethnobotanical importance are endemic and 2% of them are non-endemic. Due to ethnobotanical usage, endemic plants are endangered. 12 of 13 critically endangered taxa are utilised as medicinal, 5 as foods, 1 as agricultural and industrial input. In research area, some other taxa are also mistakenly collected because of morphological, physiological or aromatical resemblance to those collected plants. This fact creates even more negative impact especially on endemic and endangered taxa population.展开更多
Indigenous peoples are the custodians of traditional knowledge,encompassing their ideas,innovations,and methods.Throughout history,both plants and animals have served as valuable sources for medicinal remedies,capable...Indigenous peoples are the custodians of traditional knowledge,encompassing their ideas,innovations,and methods.Throughout history,both plants and animals have served as valuable sources for medicinal remedies,capable of treating or preventing illnesses.This article aims to offer a concise overview of the traditional medical uses of vertebrates and the derived products in both human and veterinary medicine.Animal species are utilized as raw materials,and the resulting products are employed to cure a wide array of ailments.In different regions of India,indigenous peoples have diverse traditional applications for vertebrates and their by-products,which are utilized to treat human and animal illnesses.In various parts of India,medical practices involve the use of forty percent mammals,seven percent birds,eleven percent reptiles,eight percent fish,and two percent amphibians.Kerala employs around 69 different animal species and their by-products for the treatment of human and veterinary ailments.Similarly,the Theni district of Tamil Nadu utilizes 69 animals,the state of Madhya Pradesh employs 18 animals,the state of Tripura utilizes 25 animals,and the state of Assam employs 44 animals for the treatment of human and veterinary illnesses.Consequently,the main objective of this review is to provide a summary of the traditional therapeutic applications of animals and the resulting products.展开更多
Although the biological system is a combination of different chemical processes,many of the mechanisms can not be explained by general chemical processes.Therefore,as a driving force of biological system,a distinct en...Although the biological system is a combination of different chemical processes,many of the mechanisms can not be explained by general chemical processes.Therefore,as a driving force of biological system,a distinct entity called'vital force'can be imagined.But this is not essential to explain homeopathy.From the analysis of different phenomena it apparent that biological system has a tendency to maintain a balanced state.Such a good example is catch-up growth.A stimulus is required to disrupt the balance.This stimulus must enter the body from outside or in case of disease it must arise from within inside.This is the primary stimulus.Infection,chronic poisoning,etc.help the expression of the internal stimulus.These are secondary stimulus.The active dose of similar drug acts on the terminal site of the disease process.This causes the actual reversal of the disease process.Allopathic dissimilar drugs act on different stages of the disease process and alter the course of the disease process.The effect of allopathic drugs does not destroy the effect of disease and compete with the effect of the disease.Potentized homeopathic remedies neutralize the effect of disease but do not alter the course of the disease.As a result,either symptoms of the disease are neutralized or the disease process is accelerated.Different other phenomena support that the property of the potentized remedy is not similar to the original substance.It is a new property which is negative pharmacological property.展开更多
Based on the English-Chinese contrastive analysis of some famous linguists, this paper employs lots of examples to illustrate the causes and remedies of Chinglish in the writing of college students. The causes come ma...Based on the English-Chinese contrastive analysis of some famous linguists, this paper employs lots of examples to illustrate the causes and remedies of Chinglish in the writing of college students. The causes come mainly from syntactical incompetence, inadequate exposure to authentic English and students＇ adherence to the Chinese thinking mode. The most essential ways to reduce Chinglish are to build students＇ awareness of the distinction between the two languages, to increase the exposure to authentic English and practice writing more often so as to adjust students＇ Chinese thinking mode to that of English.展开更多
Background:Health-related quality of life and sleep are linked for hospital staff on the night shift.In the context of COVID-19 these workers have become a vulnerable group.The World Health Organization(WHO)warns that...Background:Health-related quality of life and sleep are linked for hospital staff on the night shift.In the context of COVID-19 these workers have become a vulnerable group.The World Health Organization(WHO)warns that this pandemic is likely to have short-and long-term impacts on mental health.Despite the importance of this issue,there are few studies that propose strategies and interventions forcoping and adapting to the situation.Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of Bach flower therapy for improving the quality of life and sleep of night shift workers in the hospital setting during COVID-19.Methodology:Mixed methodology.Observational,analytical,longitudinal study,with case and control groups.A total of 150 health professionals who work on the night shift took part in the study,which consisted in participants taking Bach flowers orally.The SF-12v2,Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire,andan ad hoc questionnaire were applied pre and post intervention.Results:The mental health component,insomnia and emotion management,showed significant results in the intervention group(P=0.007,n=26)compared to the control group(P=0.202)in mental health and in insomnia(P=0.490,n=34).Other results show that 82.6%of the sample suffers from insomnia,of which 13.3%have severe symptoms and 38%show risk of depression.Conclusion:Bach Flower Remedies demonstrated to be effective in improving night shift workers’mental health component(measured with SF-12v2),insomnia and emotion management during the COVID-19 lockdown.Bach Flower Remedies could be used as a coping strategy in complex situations within the hospital setting.展开更多
Background:Today,the world is battling COVID-19 which has claimed millions of lives within a short period.As biotechnological research is in progress,it’s expedient to explore alternative sources of medication.Explor...Background:Today,the world is battling COVID-19 which has claimed millions of lives within a short period.As biotechnological research is in progress,it’s expedient to explore alternative sources of medication.Exploring plants that have been used in the management of COVID-19 related symptoms for ages may unveil a potential treatment option for this pestilence.We,therefore,conducted a study in Kole district,Northern Uganda to document the plants that are used in the management of the four key COVID-19 related symptoms including flue,cough,sore throat,and difficulty in breathing.Materials and Methods:We employed a cross-sectional quantitative survey design.We used stratified sampling to select 50 participants from each of the five sub-counties in the district,and convenience sampling to select a total of 250 participants and administered interviewer-administered questionnaires.Results:We identified over 50 herbs that are used in the treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms.However,we were able to report on the fourteen most common ones that belonged to 12 families in this paper.Clematis hirsute Perr.&Guill,(68.0%)and Citrus limon burm.F.(30.8%);Eucalyptus grandis M.,(49.2%)and Zingibar officinalis,(28.0%);Conyza floribunda H.B.K.(26.4%)and Allium sativum A.(23.6%);Capparis tomentosa Lam.(19.4%)and Acacia hockii De Wild,(17.4%):for the treatment of flu,cough,sore throat and breathing difficulties respectively.Different plant parts of the diverse plant species were used in treating the symptoms.For Clematis hirsute Perr.&Guill,all plant parts were used differently to treat each of the 4 symptoms.Conclusion:Kole district possesses a multitude of herbs with the potential of treating COVID-19 symptoms.There is a need for further pharmacological investigations to validate their activity and possible development for clinical use in the management of COVID-19.展开更多
FOR Samson Soyoye, 2016 was a year of twolandmarks. He says his son got married, exiting from the ＂Bachelors＇ Association,＂ and two batches of students graduated from＇the African College of Traditional Medicine ...FOR Samson Soyoye, 2016 was a year of twolandmarks. He says his son got married, exiting from the ＂Bachelors＇ Association,＂ and two batches of students graduated from＇the African College of Traditional Medicine （TM）, the organization he founded in Nigeria＇s Ogun State almost two years ago.展开更多
With the permission of the RomanianGovernment, I had used Shoyaku, aJapanese term for crude herbalprescriptions, to treat infantile AIDS pa-tients at Constanta Municipal Hospital,Constanta, Romania, for a period of th...With the permission of the RomanianGovernment, I had used Shoyaku, aJapanese term for crude herbalprescriptions, to treat infantile AIDS pa-tients at Constanta Municipal Hospital,Constanta, Romania, for a period of thirtymonths (beginning from March, 1992),cooperated with Dr. Rodica Matusa, Chiefof the AIDS Section of Constanta Munici-展开更多
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a world wide distribution. Use of herbal remedies has been on increase with World Health Organization estimating that 80 percent of the world’s population presently uses so...Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a world wide distribution. Use of herbal remedies has been on increase with World Health Organization estimating that 80 percent of the world’s population presently uses some form of herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Objectives of this study were therefore to determine the perceptions people with diabetes mellitus have towards herbal remedies, to determine the extent to which they use herbal remedies and also to establish whether there is any association between the perceptions people have on herbal remedies and use of herbal remedies. The study was carried out in Murang’a District, in Mathioya and Kangema Constituencies where five community health units were purposively selected to participate in the study based on their level of establishment in community health strategy. Data was collected using interview schedules. SPSS was used for data analysis. Significant findings from this study were: a significant number of the respondents (15%) were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus when already admitted in the wards prior to which period they had no idea that they were diabetic, over 86% of those interviewed were given information on diabetes management on diagnosis and they attend hospital clinics for follow-up regularly and therefore this means that the reason for seeking alternative modes of treatment is not due to lack of information on diabetes but due to other reasons, 12.4% of those interviewed admitted using herbal remedies as part of their management of diabetes. Recommendations made following the study were: the government of Kenya through Ministry of Health should encourage rigorous screening of clients and population in general for diabetes to ensure diabetes is diagnosed early and put under appropriate management and that the government of Kenya through Ministry of Health should put up a campaign educating diabetic patients on the potential dangers associated with combining herbal remedies with contemporary medicines due to their interactions.展开更多
Objective: Complementary and alternative medicine use and type of use may be influenced by sociodemographic and economic determinants through which we could identify characteristics of patients with greater trend to u...Objective: Complementary and alternative medicine use and type of use may be influenced by sociodemographic and economic determinants through which we could identify characteristics of patients with greater trend to use it. This paper aims to describe the changes in the consumption of homeopathic and natural remedies in Spain for three time points in order to discern changes in rate of consumption, associated factors and whether their use has been affected by a period of economic recession.Methods: This study utilized 2006, 2011 and 2017 cross-sectional data from the Spanish National Health Survey, a nationally representative survey of the population aged more than 15 years old and resident in Spain. Independent bivariate and multivariate descriptive analyses for each of the 3 years studied were performed.Results: The rate of consumption of both homeopathic and natural remedies has decreased over the periods studied. In spite of this decrease, the consumer profile appears to remain stable over the three periods. The sociodemographic factors associated with their consumption were being female, being 30–64 years old, being separated/divorced, having higher education qualifications, being employed and belonging to a higher social class. Psychiatric morbidity, chronic health problems such as pain, mental health problems or malignant tumors, and absence of major cardiovascular events were the clinical factors associated.Conclusion: It can be concluded that beyond the economic situation, the use of homeopathic and natural remedies obeys to the needs of the patients related to their state of health and the response they receive from the health system. It may be that women have different needs and expectations of the healthcare system and, given this breach of expectations, seek remedy to alleviate their needs outside the system and conventional medicine.展开更多
Background:Burn first aid awareness has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality.We present a report on the knowledge and practices of the Saudi population with regard to burn first aid and the application of trad...Background:Burn first aid awareness has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality.We present a report on the knowledge and practices of the Saudi population with regard to burn first aid and the application of traditional remedies.Methods:An internet-based survey was conducted to assess the public’s knowledge on first aid practices and home remedies applied for burn injuries among Saudi adults.Results:A total of 2758 individuals responded to the survey.There were 1178(42.7%)respondents who had previously received burn first aid information.One thousand five hundred fifty respondents had a history of burn exposure in which burn injury first aid was applied as follows:1118(72.1%)removed clothing and accessories from the injured area;water was applied by 990(63.9%);among those who applied water,877(88.6%)applied cold water;and only 57(5.8%)did so for more than 15 min.Wrapping the burn area was performed by 526(33.9%),and 985(63.5%)sought medical assistance.When it comes to traditional remedies,2134(77.4%)knew of and/or implemented these remedies as first aid or to treat burns.Honey and toothpaste were the commonest among these remedies with 1491(69.9%)and 1147(53.7%),respectively.This was associated with female gender(r=0.87,P<0.001),younger age group(19–25 years)(r=0.077,P<0.001),from central region(r=0.012,P<0.001),and university graduate(r=0.05,P=0.002).Nearly half of those who knew of traditional remedies did not have previous knowledge of burn first aid.Conclusions:Proper burn first aid is a simple,cheap,and accessible means of managing burns initially.Although the majority of the respondents were university graduates(51.1%),knowledge and implementation of burn first aid was very poor.Major healthcare agencies should review and promote a consistent guideline for burn first aid in an effort to tackle and minimize the effect of this grave injury.展开更多
S and Co co-doped carbon catalysts were prepared via pyrolysis of MOF-71 and thiourea mixtures at 800℃at a mass ratio of MOF-71 to thiourea of 1:0.1 to effectively activate peroxymonosulfate(PMS)for methylene blue(MB...S and Co co-doped carbon catalysts were prepared via pyrolysis of MOF-71 and thiourea mixtures at 800℃at a mass ratio of MOF-71 to thiourea of 1:0.1 to effectively activate peroxymonosulfate(PMS)for methylene blue(MB)degradation.The effects of two different mixing routes were identified on the MB degradation performance.Particularly,the catalyst obtained by the alcohol solvent evaporation(MOF-AEP)mixing route could degrade 95.60%MB(50 mg/L)within 4 min(degradation rate:K=0.78 min^(-1)),which was faster than that derived from the direct grinding method(MOF-DGP,80.97%,K=0.39 min^(-1)).X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the Co-S content of MOF-AEP(43.39at%)was less than that of MOF-DGP(54.73at%),and the proportion of C-S-C in MOF-AEP(13.56at%)was higher than that of MOF-DGP(10.67at%).Density functional theory calculations revealed that the adsorption energy of Co for PMS was -2.94 eV when sulfur was doped as C-S-C on the carbon skeleton,which was higher than that when sulfur was doped next to cobalt in the form of Co-S bond(-2.86 eV).Thus,the C-S-C sites might provide more contributions to activate PMS compared with Co-S.Furthermore,the degradation parameters,including pH and MOF-AEP dosage,were investigated.Finally,radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR)measurements revealed that ^(1)O_(2)might be the primary catalytic species,whereas·O~(2-)might be the secondary one in degrading MB.展开更多
New pollutants have become a significant concern in China's efforts toward ecological and environmental protection.Trichloromethane(TCM,CHCl_3),one of these new pollutants,is primarily released into soil and groun...New pollutants have become a significant concern in China's efforts toward ecological and environmental protection.Trichloromethane(TCM,CHCl_3),one of these new pollutants,is primarily released into soil and groundwater through various industrial activities.Over the past four decades,researchers have consistently focused on the remediation of TCM-contaminated soil and groundwater using microorganisms and iron-based materials,which hold significant potential for practical application.Understanding the remediation process and the factors influencing TCM degradation through these two methods is crucial for advancing both theoretical research and practical implementation.This review focuses on the degradation mechanisms of TCM in soil and groundwater by microorganisms and iron-based materials.It summarizes the active microorganisms and modified iron-based materials with high TCM degradation capabilities,discusses enhancement measures for both methods in the remediation process,and finally,outlines the challenges faced by these methods.The goal is to provide theoretical references for efficient remediation of TCM-contaminated soil and groundwater.展开更多
Biochar has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing vineyard sustainability by improving soil properties and mitigating climate change impacts.This review highlights key findings on biochar’s role in viticulture,fo...Biochar has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing vineyard sustainability by improving soil properties and mitigating climate change impacts.This review highlights key findings on biochar’s role in viticulture,focusing on its effects on soil fertility,water retention,and plant physiology.Field and pot studies demonstrate that biochar amendments enhance soil structure,increase cation exchange capacity(CEC),and promote water availability,leading to improved drought resistance in grapevines.However,the impacts on grape yield,physiology,and quality remain inconclusive,with some studies reporting benefits while others show neutral effects.Future research should focus on optimizing biochar application rates,understanding its interactions with soil microbiota,and assessing long-term impacts on grape production and wine quality.Additionally,addressing potential risks,such as heavy metal contamination and changes in microbial communities,is crucial for its safe and effective use.This review aims to supply a comprehensive assessment of our knowledge about the incidence and consequences of biochar on soil,including its potential use in soil remediation and concerns regarding its possible negative impacts,with a focus on its effects on vine physiology and grape production.展开更多
Rationale: The contamination of soil with crude oil poses significant environmental and ecological threats. Bioremediation, particularly through the use of organisms like Pleurotus ostreatus (mushroom) and Eisenia fet...Rationale: The contamination of soil with crude oil poses significant environmental and ecological threats. Bioremediation, particularly through the use of organisms like Pleurotus ostreatus (mushroom) and Eisenia fetida (earthworm), has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate crude oil pollution. Understanding the effectiveness of these organisms in reducing hydrocarbon levels in contaminated soil is crucial for devising sustainable remediation strategies. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Pleurotus ostreatus and Eisenia fetida in remediating crude oil-polluted soil. Specifically, it sought to assess the hydrocarbon profiles in soil treated with these organisms across varying concentrations of crude oil pollution. Method: Crude oil concentration levels ranging from 0% to 10% were applied to soil samples alongside control treatments, including soil only, soil with earthworms, and soil with mushrooms. Each treatment was replicated five times using a randomized complete block design. Standard methods were employed to determine the hydrocarbon contents of the soil. Results: The results indicated a significant increase (P Pleurotus ostreatus and Eisenia fetida exhibited noteworthy reductions in these hydrocarbon levels. At the three-month mark, mushrooms demonstrated a remarkable ability to reduce hydrocarbon content by 70% - 90% compared to the pollution treatment. In contrast, earthworms exhibited minimal potential for hydrocarbon reduction, particularly at both three and six-month intervals. For instance, TOC reduction reached a maximum of 96% with mushroom treatment and 85% with earthworm treatment at 5% crude oil pollution over six months. Conclusion: The findings highlight the effectiveness of Pleurotus ostreatus in significantly reducing hydrocarbon levels in crude oil-polluted soil compared to Eisenia fetida. Mushroom-treated soils consistently exhibited substantial reductions in TOC, TPH, TOG, PAH, and THC over the study period, suggesting their potential as a viable bioremediation agent. In contrast, while earthworms showed some capability in reducing hydrocarbon content, their effectiveness was comparatively limited. Recommendation: Based on the results, it is recommended to utilize Pleurotus ostreatus for the bioremediation of crude oil-polluted soils. Further research could explore optimizing remediation protocols involving mushroom-based treatments for enhanced efficiency. Statement of Significance: This study contributes valuable insights into the application of bioremediation techniques for mitigating crude oil contamination in soil. The demonstrated efficacy of Pleurotus ostreatus underscores its potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for remediating hydrocarbon-polluted environments, offering a promising avenue for environmental restoration and conservation efforts.展开更多
Rationale: Endotoxin contamination in conventionally purified water poses serious risks to hemodialysis patients, leading to complications such as inflammation and sepsis. Addressing these risks is essential for enhan...Rationale: Endotoxin contamination in conventionally purified water poses serious risks to hemodialysis patients, leading to complications such as inflammation and sepsis. Addressing these risks is essential for enhancing patient safety and meeting global dialysis water quality standards. Advanced filtration technologies, such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based nanoparticle filters, offer a promising approach to improve water purification processes in renal care. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a TiO₂-based nanoparticle microporous filtration system for hemodialysis water purification. The objectives included analyzing the system’s performance in reducing chemical contaminants (calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and lead) and microbiological contaminants (total viable count [TVC] and endotoxin units [EU]) across multiple renal centers. Methods: Water samples from three renal centers (RC1, RC2, and RC3) were analyzed pre- and post-filtration. TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method and characterized via Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX). The microporous filter, fabricated with TiO₂ nanoparticles, silicon dioxide, and polyethylene glycol (PEG), was tested for its ability to remove contaminants. Analytical techniques included spectroscopy for chemical analysis and microbiological assays for contaminant quantification. Results: Post-treatment analysis revealed significant reductions in chemical contaminants, with removal efficiencies averaging 78% for calcium, 80% for magnesium, 81% for aluminum, and 76.6% for lead across all centers. Microbiological contamination was also substantially reduced, with 78–80% removal of TVC and 76–84.6% reduction in EU levels. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl groups critical for adsorption, while SEM/EDX characterization revealed a crystalline structure with a particle size of 1.45 nm, pore size of 4.11 μm, filter height of 2.56 mm, and bulk density of 0.58 g/cm³. Conclusion: The TiO₂-based nanoparticle filtration system demonstrated high efficacy in removing chemical and microbiological contaminants, significantly improving water quality for hemodialysis. These results highlight its potential as a practical solution for renal centers, especially in resource-constrained settings. Further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term performance and feasibility for widespread adoption. Recommendation: Renal centers should consider adopting TiO2-based nanoparticle filters to address persistent water quality challenges. Pilot implementations across diverse settings can provide insights into operational feasibility. Additional research should explore scalability, maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness to optimize integration into healthcare systems. Significance Statement: This study introduces a practical and innovative solution to improve hemodialysis water purification. By effectively reducing both chemical and microbiological contaminants, the TiO2-based filtration system has the potential to enhance patient safety and outcomes, particularly in settings where maintaining high water quality standards remains challenging.展开更多
文摘IMMUNITY AND TUMOR Immune system has closely relation to the growth and development of tumor. One of its immune functions is to constantly recognize and kill malignant cells which develop from normal cells. The occurance of tumor indicates to some extent the failure of this "immune serveillance" function. Many studies have shown that the tumor cells of body have some tumor interrelative antigen that dose not exist in normal tissues. Tests in vitro
文摘Objective:The acceptability of herbal remedies for alleviating discomforts and ill-health has become very popular, on the account of the increasing cost of allopathic medicine for personal health maintenance.The observable non-adherence of herbalists to the established World Health Organization(WHO) / National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control(NAFDAC) regulations for the quality control of herbal medicines is an issue for concern.In view of this,34 popular and widely consumed crude herbal remedies in southwestern,Nigeria were screened for compliance with standard limits for bacterial contamination,bacteria flora and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern.Methods:Isolates recovered from samples were identified using the cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics.They were also tested for drug sensitivity using standard procedures. Results:A heavy bacteria load ranging from 3.00×10~3-9.58×10~5 CFU/ML and 1.20×10~5- 5.41×10~5 CFU/ML was observed for water and spirit extracted preparations respectively.The bacteria flora cum contaminants were:Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus cereus,Bacillus subtilis,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus luteus,Lactobacillus plantarum,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Escherichia coli,streptococcus,Shigella, Neisseria,Arthrobacter,Kurthia and Clostridium species.All the isolates were multi-drug resistant(MDR) strains.Conclusion:The crude herbal preparations consumed in Nigeria failed to comply with the internationally recognized standards regarding bacteria load and flora.The presence of MDR pathogens is of greatest concern. It poses a great risk to consumers health and could be a source of introducing MDR organisms into the human population.There is the need for the enforcement of established guidelines to ensure the safety of these preparations.
文摘Turkey contains about 11,000 plant taxa. The study area covers East Mediterranean Region of South Anatolia. It is detected that plant diversity in this area corresponds to 51% of Turkey＇s native flora. In this study, we investigated native plants in point of ethnobotanic usage of some endemic and endangered plants used as folk remedies in Anatolia. Especially collected causes of these plants are executed. A questionnaire form is designed as a tool for gathering information from many villages of different districts within the area. Endemic taxon rate in the study area is 25% and non-endemic taxon rate is 5%. 45% of the plants in the area have ethnobotanical importance. 21% of them are utilized as medicinal, 14% as foods, 10% as agricultural products, 6% as industrial inputs and 3% as ornamental plants. 6% of the endangered plants with ethnobotanical importance are endemic and 2% of them are non-endemic. Due to ethnobotanical usage, endemic plants are endangered. 12 of 13 critically endangered taxa are utilised as medicinal, 5 as foods, 1 as agricultural and industrial input. In research area, some other taxa are also mistakenly collected because of morphological, physiological or aromatical resemblance to those collected plants. This fact creates even more negative impact especially on endemic and endangered taxa population.
文摘Indigenous peoples are the custodians of traditional knowledge,encompassing their ideas,innovations,and methods.Throughout history,both plants and animals have served as valuable sources for medicinal remedies,capable of treating or preventing illnesses.This article aims to offer a concise overview of the traditional medical uses of vertebrates and the derived products in both human and veterinary medicine.Animal species are utilized as raw materials,and the resulting products are employed to cure a wide array of ailments.In different regions of India,indigenous peoples have diverse traditional applications for vertebrates and their by-products,which are utilized to treat human and animal illnesses.In various parts of India,medical practices involve the use of forty percent mammals,seven percent birds,eleven percent reptiles,eight percent fish,and two percent amphibians.Kerala employs around 69 different animal species and their by-products for the treatment of human and veterinary ailments.Similarly,the Theni district of Tamil Nadu utilizes 69 animals,the state of Madhya Pradesh employs 18 animals,the state of Tripura utilizes 25 animals,and the state of Assam employs 44 animals for the treatment of human and veterinary illnesses.Consequently,the main objective of this review is to provide a summary of the traditional therapeutic applications of animals and the resulting products.
文摘Although the biological system is a combination of different chemical processes,many of the mechanisms can not be explained by general chemical processes.Therefore,as a driving force of biological system,a distinct entity called'vital force'can be imagined.But this is not essential to explain homeopathy.From the analysis of different phenomena it apparent that biological system has a tendency to maintain a balanced state.Such a good example is catch-up growth.A stimulus is required to disrupt the balance.This stimulus must enter the body from outside or in case of disease it must arise from within inside.This is the primary stimulus.Infection,chronic poisoning,etc.help the expression of the internal stimulus.These are secondary stimulus.The active dose of similar drug acts on the terminal site of the disease process.This causes the actual reversal of the disease process.Allopathic dissimilar drugs act on different stages of the disease process and alter the course of the disease process.The effect of allopathic drugs does not destroy the effect of disease and compete with the effect of the disease.Potentized homeopathic remedies neutralize the effect of disease but do not alter the course of the disease.As a result,either symptoms of the disease are neutralized or the disease process is accelerated.Different other phenomena support that the property of the potentized remedy is not similar to the original substance.It is a new property which is negative pharmacological property.
文摘Based on the English-Chinese contrastive analysis of some famous linguists, this paper employs lots of examples to illustrate the causes and remedies of Chinglish in the writing of college students. The causes come mainly from syntactical incompetence, inadequate exposure to authentic English and students＇ adherence to the Chinese thinking mode. The most essential ways to reduce Chinglish are to build students＇ awareness of the distinction between the two languages, to increase the exposure to authentic English and practice writing more often so as to adjust students＇ Chinese thinking mode to that of English.
文摘Background:Health-related quality of life and sleep are linked for hospital staff on the night shift.In the context of COVID-19 these workers have become a vulnerable group.The World Health Organization(WHO)warns that this pandemic is likely to have short-and long-term impacts on mental health.Despite the importance of this issue,there are few studies that propose strategies and interventions forcoping and adapting to the situation.Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of Bach flower therapy for improving the quality of life and sleep of night shift workers in the hospital setting during COVID-19.Methodology:Mixed methodology.Observational,analytical,longitudinal study,with case and control groups.A total of 150 health professionals who work on the night shift took part in the study,which consisted in participants taking Bach flowers orally.The SF-12v2,Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire,andan ad hoc questionnaire were applied pre and post intervention.Results:The mental health component,insomnia and emotion management,showed significant results in the intervention group(P=0.007,n=26)compared to the control group(P=0.202)in mental health and in insomnia(P=0.490,n=34).Other results show that 82.6%of the sample suffers from insomnia,of which 13.3%have severe symptoms and 38%show risk of depression.Conclusion:Bach Flower Remedies demonstrated to be effective in improving night shift workers’mental health component(measured with SF-12v2),insomnia and emotion management during the COVID-19 lockdown.Bach Flower Remedies could be used as a coping strategy in complex situations within the hospital setting.
基金Sincere acknowledgment to the study research assistants:Mr.Awio Justine,Mr.Onapa Victor,and the entire Kole district community for being generous with this precious information.
文摘Background:Today,the world is battling COVID-19 which has claimed millions of lives within a short period.As biotechnological research is in progress,it’s expedient to explore alternative sources of medication.Exploring plants that have been used in the management of COVID-19 related symptoms for ages may unveil a potential treatment option for this pestilence.We,therefore,conducted a study in Kole district,Northern Uganda to document the plants that are used in the management of the four key COVID-19 related symptoms including flue,cough,sore throat,and difficulty in breathing.Materials and Methods:We employed a cross-sectional quantitative survey design.We used stratified sampling to select 50 participants from each of the five sub-counties in the district,and convenience sampling to select a total of 250 participants and administered interviewer-administered questionnaires.Results:We identified over 50 herbs that are used in the treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms.However,we were able to report on the fourteen most common ones that belonged to 12 families in this paper.Clematis hirsute Perr.&Guill,(68.0%)and Citrus limon burm.F.(30.8%);Eucalyptus grandis M.,(49.2%)and Zingibar officinalis,(28.0%);Conyza floribunda H.B.K.(26.4%)and Allium sativum A.(23.6%);Capparis tomentosa Lam.(19.4%)and Acacia hockii De Wild,(17.4%):for the treatment of flu,cough,sore throat and breathing difficulties respectively.Different plant parts of the diverse plant species were used in treating the symptoms.For Clematis hirsute Perr.&Guill,all plant parts were used differently to treat each of the 4 symptoms.Conclusion:Kole district possesses a multitude of herbs with the potential of treating COVID-19 symptoms.There is a need for further pharmacological investigations to validate their activity and possible development for clinical use in the management of COVID-19.
文摘FOR Samson Soyoye, 2016 was a year of twolandmarks. He says his son got married, exiting from the ＂Bachelors＇ Association,＂ and two batches of students graduated from＇the African College of Traditional Medicine （TM）, the organization he founded in Nigeria＇s Ogun State almost two years ago.
文摘With the permission of the RomanianGovernment, I had used Shoyaku, aJapanese term for crude herbalprescriptions, to treat infantile AIDS pa-tients at Constanta Municipal Hospital,Constanta, Romania, for a period of thirtymonths (beginning from March, 1992),cooperated with Dr. Rodica Matusa, Chiefof the AIDS Section of Constanta Munici-
文摘Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a world wide distribution. Use of herbal remedies has been on increase with World Health Organization estimating that 80 percent of the world’s population presently uses some form of herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Objectives of this study were therefore to determine the perceptions people with diabetes mellitus have towards herbal remedies, to determine the extent to which they use herbal remedies and also to establish whether there is any association between the perceptions people have on herbal remedies and use of herbal remedies. The study was carried out in Murang’a District, in Mathioya and Kangema Constituencies where five community health units were purposively selected to participate in the study based on their level of establishment in community health strategy. Data was collected using interview schedules. SPSS was used for data analysis. Significant findings from this study were: a significant number of the respondents (15%) were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus when already admitted in the wards prior to which period they had no idea that they were diabetic, over 86% of those interviewed were given information on diabetes management on diagnosis and they attend hospital clinics for follow-up regularly and therefore this means that the reason for seeking alternative modes of treatment is not due to lack of information on diabetes but due to other reasons, 12.4% of those interviewed admitted using herbal remedies as part of their management of diabetes. Recommendations made following the study were: the government of Kenya through Ministry of Health should encourage rigorous screening of clients and population in general for diabetes to ensure diabetes is diagnosed early and put under appropriate management and that the government of Kenya through Ministry of Health should put up a campaign educating diabetic patients on the potential dangers associated with combining herbal remedies with contemporary medicines due to their interactions.
文摘Objective: Complementary and alternative medicine use and type of use may be influenced by sociodemographic and economic determinants through which we could identify characteristics of patients with greater trend to use it. This paper aims to describe the changes in the consumption of homeopathic and natural remedies in Spain for three time points in order to discern changes in rate of consumption, associated factors and whether their use has been affected by a period of economic recession.Methods: This study utilized 2006, 2011 and 2017 cross-sectional data from the Spanish National Health Survey, a nationally representative survey of the population aged more than 15 years old and resident in Spain. Independent bivariate and multivariate descriptive analyses for each of the 3 years studied were performed.Results: The rate of consumption of both homeopathic and natural remedies has decreased over the periods studied. In spite of this decrease, the consumer profile appears to remain stable over the three periods. The sociodemographic factors associated with their consumption were being female, being 30–64 years old, being separated/divorced, having higher education qualifications, being employed and belonging to a higher social class. Psychiatric morbidity, chronic health problems such as pain, mental health problems or malignant tumors, and absence of major cardiovascular events were the clinical factors associated.Conclusion: It can be concluded that beyond the economic situation, the use of homeopathic and natural remedies obeys to the needs of the patients related to their state of health and the response they receive from the health system. It may be that women have different needs and expectations of the healthcare system and, given this breach of expectations, seek remedy to alleviate their needs outside the system and conventional medicine.
文摘Background:Burn first aid awareness has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality.We present a report on the knowledge and practices of the Saudi population with regard to burn first aid and the application of traditional remedies.Methods:An internet-based survey was conducted to assess the public’s knowledge on first aid practices and home remedies applied for burn injuries among Saudi adults.Results:A total of 2758 individuals responded to the survey.There were 1178(42.7%)respondents who had previously received burn first aid information.One thousand five hundred fifty respondents had a history of burn exposure in which burn injury first aid was applied as follows:1118(72.1%)removed clothing and accessories from the injured area;water was applied by 990(63.9%);among those who applied water,877(88.6%)applied cold water;and only 57(5.8%)did so for more than 15 min.Wrapping the burn area was performed by 526(33.9%),and 985(63.5%)sought medical assistance.When it comes to traditional remedies,2134(77.4%)knew of and/or implemented these remedies as first aid or to treat burns.Honey and toothpaste were the commonest among these remedies with 1491(69.9%)and 1147(53.7%),respectively.This was associated with female gender(r=0.87,P<0.001),younger age group(19–25 years)(r=0.077,P<0.001),from central region(r=0.012,P<0.001),and university graduate(r=0.05,P=0.002).Nearly half of those who knew of traditional remedies did not have previous knowledge of burn first aid.Conclusions:Proper burn first aid is a simple,cheap,and accessible means of managing burns initially.Although the majority of the respondents were university graduates(51.1%),knowledge and implementation of burn first aid was very poor.Major healthcare agencies should review and promote a consistent guideline for burn first aid in an effort to tackle and minimize the effect of this grave injury.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51602018 and 51902018)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality(No.2154052)+3 种基金the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2014M560044)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.FRF-MP-20-22)USTB Research Center for International People-to-people Exchange in Science,Technology and Civilization(No.2022KFYB007)Education and Teaching Reform Foundation at University of Science and Technology Beijing(Nos.2023JGC027,KC2022QYW06,and KC2022TS09)。
文摘S and Co co-doped carbon catalysts were prepared via pyrolysis of MOF-71 and thiourea mixtures at 800℃at a mass ratio of MOF-71 to thiourea of 1:0.1 to effectively activate peroxymonosulfate(PMS)for methylene blue(MB)degradation.The effects of two different mixing routes were identified on the MB degradation performance.Particularly,the catalyst obtained by the alcohol solvent evaporation(MOF-AEP)mixing route could degrade 95.60%MB(50 mg/L)within 4 min(degradation rate:K=0.78 min^(-1)),which was faster than that derived from the direct grinding method(MOF-DGP,80.97%,K=0.39 min^(-1)).X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the Co-S content of MOF-AEP(43.39at%)was less than that of MOF-DGP(54.73at%),and the proportion of C-S-C in MOF-AEP(13.56at%)was higher than that of MOF-DGP(10.67at%).Density functional theory calculations revealed that the adsorption energy of Co for PMS was -2.94 eV when sulfur was doped as C-S-C on the carbon skeleton,which was higher than that when sulfur was doped next to cobalt in the form of Co-S bond(-2.86 eV).Thus,the C-S-C sites might provide more contributions to activate PMS compared with Co-S.Furthermore,the degradation parameters,including pH and MOF-AEP dosage,were investigated.Finally,radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR)measurements revealed that ^(1)O_(2)might be the primary catalytic species,whereas·O~(2-)might be the secondary one in degrading MB.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42177239 and 41991330)the“14th Five Year Plan”of Independent Deployment Project of Nanjing Institute of Soil Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.ISSASIP2213)。
文摘New pollutants have become a significant concern in China's efforts toward ecological and environmental protection.Trichloromethane(TCM,CHCl_3),one of these new pollutants,is primarily released into soil and groundwater through various industrial activities.Over the past four decades,researchers have consistently focused on the remediation of TCM-contaminated soil and groundwater using microorganisms and iron-based materials,which hold significant potential for practical application.Understanding the remediation process and the factors influencing TCM degradation through these two methods is crucial for advancing both theoretical research and practical implementation.This review focuses on the degradation mechanisms of TCM in soil and groundwater by microorganisms and iron-based materials.It summarizes the active microorganisms and modified iron-based materials with high TCM degradation capabilities,discusses enhancement measures for both methods in the remediation process,and finally,outlines the challenges faced by these methods.The goal is to provide theoretical references for efficient remediation of TCM-contaminated soil and groundwater.
文摘Biochar has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing vineyard sustainability by improving soil properties and mitigating climate change impacts.This review highlights key findings on biochar’s role in viticulture,focusing on its effects on soil fertility,water retention,and plant physiology.Field and pot studies demonstrate that biochar amendments enhance soil structure,increase cation exchange capacity(CEC),and promote water availability,leading to improved drought resistance in grapevines.However,the impacts on grape yield,physiology,and quality remain inconclusive,with some studies reporting benefits while others show neutral effects.Future research should focus on optimizing biochar application rates,understanding its interactions with soil microbiota,and assessing long-term impacts on grape production and wine quality.Additionally,addressing potential risks,such as heavy metal contamination and changes in microbial communities,is crucial for its safe and effective use.This review aims to supply a comprehensive assessment of our knowledge about the incidence and consequences of biochar on soil,including its potential use in soil remediation and concerns regarding its possible negative impacts,with a focus on its effects on vine physiology and grape production.
文摘Rationale: The contamination of soil with crude oil poses significant environmental and ecological threats. Bioremediation, particularly through the use of organisms like Pleurotus ostreatus (mushroom) and Eisenia fetida (earthworm), has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate crude oil pollution. Understanding the effectiveness of these organisms in reducing hydrocarbon levels in contaminated soil is crucial for devising sustainable remediation strategies. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Pleurotus ostreatus and Eisenia fetida in remediating crude oil-polluted soil. Specifically, it sought to assess the hydrocarbon profiles in soil treated with these organisms across varying concentrations of crude oil pollution. Method: Crude oil concentration levels ranging from 0% to 10% were applied to soil samples alongside control treatments, including soil only, soil with earthworms, and soil with mushrooms. Each treatment was replicated five times using a randomized complete block design. Standard methods were employed to determine the hydrocarbon contents of the soil. Results: The results indicated a significant increase (P Pleurotus ostreatus and Eisenia fetida exhibited noteworthy reductions in these hydrocarbon levels. At the three-month mark, mushrooms demonstrated a remarkable ability to reduce hydrocarbon content by 70% - 90% compared to the pollution treatment. In contrast, earthworms exhibited minimal potential for hydrocarbon reduction, particularly at both three and six-month intervals. For instance, TOC reduction reached a maximum of 96% with mushroom treatment and 85% with earthworm treatment at 5% crude oil pollution over six months. Conclusion: The findings highlight the effectiveness of Pleurotus ostreatus in significantly reducing hydrocarbon levels in crude oil-polluted soil compared to Eisenia fetida. Mushroom-treated soils consistently exhibited substantial reductions in TOC, TPH, TOG, PAH, and THC over the study period, suggesting their potential as a viable bioremediation agent. In contrast, while earthworms showed some capability in reducing hydrocarbon content, their effectiveness was comparatively limited. Recommendation: Based on the results, it is recommended to utilize Pleurotus ostreatus for the bioremediation of crude oil-polluted soils. Further research could explore optimizing remediation protocols involving mushroom-based treatments for enhanced efficiency. Statement of Significance: This study contributes valuable insights into the application of bioremediation techniques for mitigating crude oil contamination in soil. The demonstrated efficacy of Pleurotus ostreatus underscores its potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for remediating hydrocarbon-polluted environments, offering a promising avenue for environmental restoration and conservation efforts.
文摘Rationale: Endotoxin contamination in conventionally purified water poses serious risks to hemodialysis patients, leading to complications such as inflammation and sepsis. Addressing these risks is essential for enhancing patient safety and meeting global dialysis water quality standards. Advanced filtration technologies, such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based nanoparticle filters, offer a promising approach to improve water purification processes in renal care. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a TiO₂-based nanoparticle microporous filtration system for hemodialysis water purification. The objectives included analyzing the system’s performance in reducing chemical contaminants (calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and lead) and microbiological contaminants (total viable count [TVC] and endotoxin units [EU]) across multiple renal centers. Methods: Water samples from three renal centers (RC1, RC2, and RC3) were analyzed pre- and post-filtration. TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method and characterized via Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX). The microporous filter, fabricated with TiO₂ nanoparticles, silicon dioxide, and polyethylene glycol (PEG), was tested for its ability to remove contaminants. Analytical techniques included spectroscopy for chemical analysis and microbiological assays for contaminant quantification. Results: Post-treatment analysis revealed significant reductions in chemical contaminants, with removal efficiencies averaging 78% for calcium, 80% for magnesium, 81% for aluminum, and 76.6% for lead across all centers. Microbiological contamination was also substantially reduced, with 78–80% removal of TVC and 76–84.6% reduction in EU levels. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl groups critical for adsorption, while SEM/EDX characterization revealed a crystalline structure with a particle size of 1.45 nm, pore size of 4.11 μm, filter height of 2.56 mm, and bulk density of 0.58 g/cm³. Conclusion: The TiO₂-based nanoparticle filtration system demonstrated high efficacy in removing chemical and microbiological contaminants, significantly improving water quality for hemodialysis. These results highlight its potential as a practical solution for renal centers, especially in resource-constrained settings. Further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term performance and feasibility for widespread adoption. Recommendation: Renal centers should consider adopting TiO2-based nanoparticle filters to address persistent water quality challenges. Pilot implementations across diverse settings can provide insights into operational feasibility. Additional research should explore scalability, maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness to optimize integration into healthcare systems. Significance Statement: This study introduces a practical and innovative solution to improve hemodialysis water purification. By effectively reducing both chemical and microbiological contaminants, the TiO2-based filtration system has the potential to enhance patient safety and outcomes, particularly in settings where maintaining high water quality standards remains challenging.
