Alternative Treatment Method Research Articles

Иммунометаболический статус крыс при моно-КВЧ-терапии отека легких

In pulmonary oedema, the accumulation of tissue fluid in the interstitial spaces of the lungs as well as in the cavities of the alveoli prevents the respiratory system from performing the gas exchange function. The ineffectiveness of various therapeutic approaches proposed to combat SARS-CoV-2 justifies the search for new therapeutic agents. Extremely high frequency (EHF) therapy could be one of the alternative treatment methods. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the immunometabolic status of rats in mono-EHF therapy of pulmonary oedema. Materials and methods. The paper evaluated the concentration of circulating immune complexes in the blood serum and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase in the lung tissue at experimental pulmonary oedema and a course of EHF therapy. The study involved 60 rats divided into 3 groups (intact, control and experimental). In the control and experimental groups, pulmonary oedema was simulated by intraperitoneal administration of adrenaline hydrochloride. A 10-day EHF therapy course was given to the experimental group using the CEMTECH device (40−43 GHz, Russia) by targeting three acupuncture points. Results. Pulmonary oedema was shown to increase the level of circulating immune complexes in the blood and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase in the lung tissue. Exposure to EHF radiation restored the normal values of these parameters. EHF therapy proved to be a promising treatment and rehabilitation method for pulmonary oedema. The selected markers for assessing the immunometabolic status could serve as an addition to the traditional methods of diagnosing this pathology, including in experimental conditions.

A Review: Application of Cold Plasma in Food Processing Industry

Nowadays, demand for minimally processed food has increased globally very rapidly. However, the food preservation and the period of storage is a key challenge in front of the food processing industry.So to overcome this problem,recently widely used cold plasma technology which is an alternative method for heat treatment. It is a novel, non-heat transferable, nature-friendly, and money-saving technology which does not change the organoleptic characteristics of food and enhances the microbiological quality of food.It helps to preserve the natural aroma and flavour. Cold plasma technology is agrowingtechnique and it has significant potential to decrease the undesirable effects on nutritional as well as quality characteristics of food. The review evaluates the recent status of this technique in the food processing sector. As this is a grow ingmethod which is utilized in several food processing sectors they are listed below. Cold plasma technology shows promising results primarily in shelf life extension as well as in microbial inactivation.

A145 UNDERWATER EMR FOR LARGE FLAT DYSPLASTIC COLORECTAL LESIONS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Abstract Background Patients with chronic ulcerative colitis are at increased risk of colorectal cancer, in part due to increased prevalence of dysplastic lesions. To reduce CRC risk, endoscopic resection is preferable to surgery if feasible. However, large flat lesions can be challenging to remove endoscopically. We report our experience with underwater EMR for large, flat ulcerative colitis-associated dysplastic lesions. Aims To evaluate the safety and efficacy of UEMR for treatment of flat/sessile colorectal lesions with dysplasia, without overt signs of invasive cancer. To analyze rates of complications and outcomes for patients undergoing UEMR and compare to alternative methods of treatment for similar lesions. Methods We reviewed our IBD patient database from 2021 to 2023 for ulcerative colitis patients referred for large (≥ 20 mm diameter) flat/sessile colorectal lesions without overt signs of invasive cancer, who subsequently underwent underwater EMR. The procedure was performed by an endoscopist with extensive experience in UEMR for large colorectal lesions. Results Eleven de novo lesions in 8 patients (4 female; age 58 ± 14) were successfully treated with single-session UEMR. Mean lesion size was 42 ± 22 mm (range 20 to 80 mm); all morphologically flat (Paris IIa or IIb). Three cases were resected en bloc; the remainder piecemeal. Pathology showed tubulovillous adenoma, N=4 (36%); tubular adenoma, N=5 (45%); traditional serrated adenoma, N=1 (9%); sessile serrated lesion, N=1, (9%); high-grade dysplasia, N=1 (9%). There were no cases of invasive cancer. Endoscopic follow-up available for 5 patients over 10.4 ± 2 months showed benign diminutive recurrent/residual lesions in 2 cases, both amenable to UEMR. There were no procedural complications. Conclusions In this series of large, flat dysplastic CUC-associated lesions, UEMR was safe and effective, obviating surgery and endoscopic submucosal dissection. Funding Agencies None

Thrombopoietin receptor agonist and rituximab combination therapy in patients with refractory primary immune thrombocytopenia.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of this therapy in patients with refractory primary immune thrombocytopenia. It is crucial to develop alternative treatment methods for this patient group in order to achieve better response. This combination therapy combines two different mechanisms of action, which is promising in terms of targeting pathophysiology of immune thrombocytopenia. We conducted a retrospective study, which included all patients who were diagnosed with refractory primary immune thrombocytopenia and received TPO-RA and rituximab at the General Hematology Department, Copernicus Memorial Hospital in Lodz, Poland. We assessed the response, time to response and treatment-free remission (TFR). After 1 month of treatment, the complete response (CR1, PLT >100 g/l) was achieved in 62.5% patients, and response (R1, PLT >30 g/l) was achieved in 62.5% patients. The median PLT was 175 × 10 9 /l. Within 1 month of treatment, 87.5% of patients achieved TFR. Adequately, after 6 months, CR6 and R6 was 62.5 and 75%. The median PLT was 182 × 10 9 /l. Treatment-free remission 6 months after completion was in 50% of patients. The study group achieved response to treatment, which suggests that combination of TPO-RA and rituximab is effective and relatively well tolerated. Prospective study on larger group of patients is needed to better evaluate the efficiency and safety of this treatment.

Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) and Alternatives in Opioid Use Disorder: Reviewing the latest advancements, outcomes, and challenges in substitutional therapy for opioid addiction - literature review

Introduction and Purpose: Opioid addiction is a serious challenge for public health worldwide, and methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is a key therapeutic approach. This review intends to provide an up-to-date summary of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options for Opioid Use Disorder. Materials and methods: The literature available in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was reviewed using the following keywords: "MMT," "methadone maintenance therapy", “maintenance therapy”, "opioid use disorder", "opioid addiction," "methadone”, ”naloxone” “naltrexone”, and “buprenorphine”. State of Knowledge: This review examines current approaches in maintenance therapy for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). In the study, we focus on treatments using methadone, buprenorphine, naloxone, and naltrexone. It focuses on recent advancements, comparing the effectiveness, safety, and patient outcomes of these therapies. Key challenges in treatment accessibility and implementation are also discussed, providing an updated overview of the field and identifying areas for future research in opioid addiction therapy. Conclusion: There is a series of studies researching the psychological and behavioral problems associated with opioid addiction. This research has given medical practitioners valuable guidance on effective management techniques. According to the authors, compared to other alternative treatment methods, methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is still considered the most effective pharmacotherapeutic method in the treatment of opioid addiction. Nevertheless, ongoing research is essential to improve diagnostic processes, develop innovative therapies, and enhance the overall quality of care for those affected by these challenges.

The effect of mindfulness-based art therapy on psychological symptoms and happiness levels in patients with migraine: a pilot study

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of the Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy Program on the depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, and happiness of participants. This study is a quasi-experimental research with a pretest-posttest design. The independent variable of the study was the Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy Program, which was applied to the study group between the pretest and posttest. The dependent variables of the study were the depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and happiness of the individuals included in the study group. The study group consisted of a total of 10 participants (8 females and 2 males) between the ages of 24 and 46, who met the inclusion criteria. The Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Oxford Happiness Scale Short Form (OHS-SF) were applied to the participants both at the beginning of the study and at the end of 8 weeks. A total of 8 sessions of the Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy Program were applied to the study group. Each session lasted 180 min. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was used to analyze the data obtained to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The analyses showed that the Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy Program was effective in reducing the depression and stress symptoms of the participants and increasing their happiness but was not effective in reducing their anxiety symptoms. In conclusion, although positive clinical findings were observed in this pilot study, more studies are needed to confirm these findings about the Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy Program as an alternative treatment method for patients with migraine.

Color vision of people with headaches

The aim of the study is to obtain new data on possible changes in color vision of people with headaches. The object of the study is people who periodically experience primary headaches of different nature. The subject of the study is the specificity of perception of chromatic parameters of the environment and color sensitivity of people with headaches of different nature, quality, intensity and frequency. The data were collected using the Farnsworth-Munsell standard clinical color vision test (FM-100). The study involved 65 people aged 17 to 66 years. The results of the assessment of color vision in the experimental group were compared with the normative indicators and data obtained in the age-matched control group (N=40). Special attention was paid to discussing the possible causes of the identified disorders and analyzing the correlation between various aspects of headache with individual indicators of color sensitivity. The data analysis included calculating the total error (TES), as well as partial errors (PES) along the blue-yellow (B-Y) and red-green (R-G) axes. We also identified partial errors for individual tones. The study revealed a noticeable specificity in the perception of blue-green and blue shades of patients with severe, chronic and non-localized headaches. Since the detected color vision disorders appear to be temporary and are most likely typical of the premonitory phase of headaches, the results of this study may contribute to understanding of headache predictors. Since the identified changes relate to only one group of (blue) shades, the findings of the study can be used in the development of alternative treatment methods. In particular, in choosing the optimal color of tinted lenses, which are offered to patients to relieve headaches and reduce their frequency.

Examination of the Use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Treatment Methods for Covid-19 by Pregnant Women

Objective: Women who want to have a natural and safe pregnancy and birth choose traditional, complementary and alternative treatment methods. Also, during the Covid-19 pandemic, complementary and alternative treatments were recommended and used in many countries for protection against the virus. In this study, an examination was made of the use of traditional, complementary and alternative treatment methods (CAM) in the Covid-19 pandemic by pregnant women coming to a family health center for checkup (monitoring).
 Method: The study is descriptive type. A total of 162 pregnant women who came to the family health center for control were included in the study. A questionnaire form consisting of 43 questions in three sections was used in the research. Questionnaire forms were filled through face-to-face interviews. 
 Results: It was found that the most used complementary and alternative treatment methods were prayer, massage, herbal treatment and vitamin supplements. Also, other behaviors conducted with the aim of protection were not going out of the house, drinking or gargling water with vinegar, and cleaning with chlorine bleach. 
 Conclusion: The women stated that the CAM methods which they used the most were herbal remedies, vitamin supplements, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, cupping, massage, phlebotomy, the use of leeches, hypnosis, meditation and music therapy. It was seen that the pregnant women mostly used prayer, massage, vitamin supplements and herbal remedies during the time of Covid-19.

Emerging Phytochemical Formulations for Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a T-cell-mediated chronic inflammatory disorder affecting 0.5-1% of the global population. The disease with unknown etiology causes slow destruction of joints, advancing to significant deterioration of an individual's quality of life. The present treatment strategy comprises the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) coupled with or without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or glucocorticoids. Additionally, involves co-therapy of injectable biological DMARDs in case of persistent or recurrent arthritis. The availability of biological DMARDs and the implementation of the treat-to-target approach have significantly improved the outcomes for patients suffering from RA. Nevertheless, RA requires continuous attention due to inadequate response of patients, development of tolerance and severe side effects associated with long-term use of available treatment regimens. An estimated 60-90% of patients use alternative methods of treatment, such as herbal therapies, for the management of RA symptoms. Over the past few decades, researchers have exploring natural phytochemicals to alleviate RA and associated symptoms. Enormous plant-origin phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and polyphenols have shown anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity against RA. However, phytochemicals have certain limitations, such as high molecular weight, poor water solubility, poor permeability, poor stability and extensive first-pass metabolism, limiting absorption and bioavailability. The use of nanotechnology has aided to extensively improve the pharmacokinetic profile and stability of encapsulated drugs. The current review provides detailed information on the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals. Furthermore, the review focuses on developed phytochemical formulations for RA, with emphasis on clinical trials, regulatory aspects, present challenges, and future prospects.

Biodegradability and bioavailability of dissolved substances in aquaculture effluent: Performance of indigenous bacteria, cyanobacteria, and green microalgae

Aquaculture is a controlled aquatic farming sector and one of the most important human food sources. Fish farming is one of the predominant, fast-growing sectors that supply seafood products worldwide. Along with its benefits, aquaculture practices can discharge large quantities of nutrients into the environment through non-treated or poorly treated wastewater. This study aims to understand the nutrient composition of fish wastewater and the use of indigenous bacteria, cyanobacteria, and microalgae as an alternative biological treatment method. Wastewater samples from a local fish farming facility were collected and treated using six different species of cyanobacteria and microalgae include Chroococcus minutus, Porphyridium cruentum, Chlorella vulgaris, Microcystis aeruginosa, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Fischerella muscicola. All the samples were incubated for 21 days, and the following parameters were measured weekly: Chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphate, total dissolved nitrogen, and dissolved inorganic nitrogen. In addition, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), bioavailable DON (ABDON), and biodegradable DON (BDON) were calculated from the mass-balance equations. Colorimetric and digestive methods were used for the parameter measurements. The results showed that C. reinhardtii reduced the soluble COD concentration by 74.6 %, DON by 94.3 %, and phosphorous by more than 99 %. Moreover, M. aeruginosa, and C. minutus significantly reduced inorganic nitrogen species (>99 %). This alternative fish wastewater treatment method was explored to gain insight into fish wastewater nutrient composition and to create a sustainable alternative to conventional fish wastewater treatment methods.

Correlation between remnant thyroid gland I-131 uptake and serum thyroglobulin levels: can we rely on I-131 whole body scans?

BackgroundI-131 treatment (RAI) decision relies heavily on serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels, as higher Tg levels are assumed to be correlated with higher I-131 uptake. Tg elevation, negative iodine scintigraphy (TENIS) definition is becoming more clinically relevant as alternative treatment methods are available. This study examined the correlation between Tg levels with I-131 uptake in remnant thyroid gland to evaluate the reliability of serum Tg levels in predicting I-131 uptake.MethodsFrom March 2012 to July 2019, 281 papillary thyroid cancer patients treated with 150 mCi RAI were retrospectively enrolled. Early (2nd day) and Delayed (7th day) post-RAI whole-body scan (WBS) neck counts were correlated with clinical and pathologic findings. Patients with normal neck ultrasound and undetectable level of serum Tg (< 0.2 ng/mL) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) (< 10 IU/mL) were defined as ablation success within 2 years after I-131 ablation.ResultsThyroid gland weight, tumor size and thyroiditis were independent factors of preoperative serum Tg levels. Serum off-Tg levels correlated with Early and Delayed WBS neck counts, and thyroiditis pathology contributed to lower neck counts in both Early and Delayed WBSs. In multivariable analysis, Delayed WBS neck count, serum off-Tg and off-TgAb were significant factors for predicting ablation success.ConclusionI-131 uptake and retention in remnant thyroid gland correlates with serum off-Tg levels, thyroiditis, and ablation success in thyroid cancer patients receiving high-dose I-131 therapy. Semi-quantitative I-131 analysis with Early and Delayed WBSs provides additional information in evaluating ablation success, with the potential application for metastasis treatment response evaluation.

Laparoskopik sleeve gastrektomi sonrası kaçak tedavisinde konik ışınlı bilgisayarlı tomografi floroskopi kılavuzluğunda perkütan drenaj

Aim: This study aimed to review the technical and clinical results of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) fluoroscopy-guided drainage of anastomosis or staple line leakage, which is the most important complication after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy due to obesity.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of the demographic findings, clinical manifestations, leakage location, and medical data of 30 cases who underwent CBCT fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous drainage due to anastomosis or staple line leakage after sleeve gastrectomy due to obesity in the interventional unit of our hospital between February 2015 and September 2020.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: A total of 48 drainage catheters were inserted in 30 patients (8 females and 22 males), aged 19–71 years (mean 51.24), under the guidance of CBCT fluoroscopy. Drainage was completed in a single session with one catheter in 13 (43.3%) patients. In 17 (56.7%) patients, the procedure was completed with two or more catheterizations in more than one session due to different leakage locations and subsequent occlusion or dislocation of the catheter. Inflammatory parameters and symptoms related to leakage regressed in 29 (94%) patients within 48–72 hours with clinical improvement. The success rate of percutaneous drainage was 100% without any complications.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Anastomosis, or staple line leakage, is one of the most serious life-threatening complications that can be seen following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. CBCT fluoroscopy-guided drainage is a safe, highly effective, and minimally invasive treatment option that has a low risk of complications. This technique can facilitate the treatment of postoperative collections with alternative treatment methods.

Alternative approaches for treating canine otitis externa caused by Malassezia pachydermatis

Malassezia pachydermatis is a fungal pathogen that often leads to dog dermatitis and ear infections. The current treatment for otitis externa, which involves antifungal, antibiotic, and glucocorticoid drugs, faces challenges due to drug resistance and pet owners' compliance with prolonged treatment. This review delves into alternative treatment methods beyond conventional antifungal drugs and provides recommendations for their practical use. These methods include phytotherapies, chemical substances, drug repositioning, ear cleaners, alternative administration methods, and therapeutic diets. Further research, clinical trials, and comparative studies are needed to validate the efficacy of these alternative treatments and incorporate them into clinical practice. By implementing these methods, traditional treatment protocols can be optimized, drug resistance can be minimized, and the management of M. pachydermatis otitis externa in dogs can be improved, following the One Health approach that promotes prudent antimicrobial use.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy in the treatment of androgenic alopecia – review

Hair loss is a problem that affects many people around the world. Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss affecting up to 50% of men and 40% of women over the age of 50. This type of hair loss is mediated by androgens, the strongest of which is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone influences the weakening hair follicles. The problem of excess DHT and the associated androgenic hair loss may concern people practicing sports, especially aerobic disciplines of moderate and high intensity. In the recent decades, many topical and oral therapies have been introduced to delay and stop hair loss. However, commonly used medications have only a partial and temporary effect, therefore alternative treatment methods are needed. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known, among other things, for its use in orthopedics. The use of PRP may benefit athletes in the treatment of injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles and cartilage. Many publications indicate good results with the use of PRP in the treatment of hair loss.&#x0D; The aim of this study is to summarise the published reports on the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on hair loss prevention in people with androgenic alopecia (AGA) and to analyse the papers discussing androgen levels in physically active people.

In silico identification of quorum sensing inhibitors against LasR protein in a clinical isolate of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa DMC-27b

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that uses quorum-sensing (QS) and biofilm formation to subvert antibiotic therapy. Antibiotic resistance has led to a demand for alternative methods of treatment, and destabilizing the LasR-OdDHL binding with inhibitors offers a potential solution. Methods: This study aimed to construct a homology model of the LasR protein using the genetic sequence of the P. aeruginosa DMC-27b strain (GenBank: SMRY00000000.2). Molecular docking, molecular mechanics-based binding free energy calculation, and pharmacokinetic analysis were performed on 1900 3D structures collected from synthetic and natural compound databases to identify three potential lead molecules. These compounds were evaluated using ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) analysis, and molecular dynamics protocols were used to refine the results. Results: The three lead compounds showed higher binding capability with the LasR receptor than the native ligand and passed the ADMET evaluation stage. In total, 44 properties remained within the range of 95% of known drugs, indicating their potential efficacy as drugs against P. aeruginosa and other bacteria that use a similar QS system. Conclusions: This study provides insights into potential drug designing and development against clinical isolates of emerging P. aeruginosa strains and other bacteria that use a similar QS system.

Radiofrequency ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma with a trachea-adjacent versus trachea-distant location

Objective To evaluate the outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) adjacent to the trachea and compare them with those of PTMC distant from the trachea. Methods Patients who received RFA for solitary low-risk PTMC between June 2014 and July 2020 were reviewed and classified into adjacent and distant groups. To balance between-group confounders, the propensity score matching approach was employed. Volume, volume reduction ratio (VRR), tumor disappearance, complications, and disease progression were assessed and compared between the groups. Furthermore, factors affecting disease progression were evaluated. Results A total of 122 and 470 patients were included in the adjacent and distant groups, respectively. Overall VRR was 99.5% ± 3.1 and cumulative tumor disappearance rate was 99.4% after a mean follow-up time of 40.1 months ± 16.2. Overall disease progression and complications incidence were 3.7% and 1.0%, respectively. No substantial differences were observed between the two groups in the latest volume (0.8 mm3 ± 4.1 vs. 0.9 mm3 ± 4.2, p = .77), VRR (99.7% ± 1.6 vs. 99.5% ± 2.7, p = .75), cumulative tumor disappearance rate (92.6% vs. 94.2%, p = .58), and incidence of disease progression (4.1% vs. 4.5%, p = .70) and complication (1.7% vs. 0.8%, p = .86) after 1:2 matching. Additionally, tracheal adjacency exhibited no association with disease progression in multivariate Cox regression analysis (p = .73). Conclusion For eligible patients with PTMC located adjacent to or distant from the trachea, RFA may offer a safe and effective alternative treatment method.

Gut Microbiome Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria (GM-d-LAB) from Dwarf Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) Inhibit the Resident Multiple Antibiotics Resistance Bacterial pathogens

Background: The global health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has created an urgent need for developing alternative treatment methods. Probiotics, especially Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), are gaining interest in this context, as they demonstrate health-enhancing effects and potent antimicrobial activities. The intestines of goats could be a potential origin for developing new probiotics applications in animal feed and human health. Hence this study was carried out to determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of LAB and pathogens within the intestines of Nigerian dwarf goats (Capra aegagrus hircus), the antimicrobial activity of LAB against resident MDR pathogens, and subsequent identification of bioactive LAB isolated from goat faeces in Nigeria as potential probiotics in animal feed and human health.&#x0D; Method: Selective isolation of the LAB was carried out using de Mann Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar while enteric pathogens were isolated on MacConkey agar. Preliminary identification was carried out based on Gram reaction, and morphological, colonial, and biochemical characteristics of each isolate. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of all isolates were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The agar overlay method was used to test the most resistant LAB isolates for antimicrobial activity against enteric pathogens. Selected LAB isolates were identified by 16SrRNA sequencing. &#x0D; Results: The antibiotics susceptibility profile showed that a majority (77%) of LAB isolates and minimal (҇≤10%) of enteric pathogens demonstrated resistance to at least three classes of antibiotics, indicating a pattern of multi-drug resistance. Over half (62%) of these LAB isolates displayed significant antimicrobial activity against at least five of the resident-resistant pathogens, illustrating their potential role in controlling these pathogens. The sequencing results identified the most active LAB isolates, revealing a mix of strains including Pediococcus lolli (46%), Pediococcus pentosaceus (23%), Weissella confusa (8%), Enterococcus faecium (8%), Enterococcus hirae (8%), and Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis (8%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The discovery of a diverse range of LAB strains in goat intestines with significant antimicrobial activity against resident enteric pathogens is valuable. This finding suggests the potential use of these bacteria as natural alternatives to traditional antibiotics, especially in the context of growing AMR in animal husbandry.

Radiofrequency ablation for capsular-located versus noncapsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a propensity score matching study of 1095 patients.

To assess the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for capsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) in a large cohort and to compare its outcomes with those of noncapsular-located PTMC. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent RFA for solitary capsular-located and noncapsular-located low-risk PTMC (n = 1095) from June 2014 to October 2020. To balance confounding variables between capsular and noncapsular groups, we employed the 1:1 propensity score matching approach. We evaluated and compared tumor changes, disease progression, and complications in both groups. Furthermore, we analyzed the association between capsular location and disease progression using multivariable Cox regression. During a mean follow-up time of 29.86 ± 16.14months and 29.73 ± 15.69months, no substantial difference was observed between capsular and noncapsular groups in the latest volume (0.83 ± 3.66 mm3 vs. 0.85 ± 3.67 mm3, p = 0.44) and volume reduction ratio (99.29 ± 4.04% vs. 99.43 ± 3.03%, p = 0.43), and cumulative disappearance rate (87.87% vs. 86.07%, p = 0.31). In addition, no significant differences were observed in complication incidence (1.35% vs. 1.12%, p = 0.76) and progression-free survival (p = 0.53). Based on adjusted multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, the association between capsular location and disease progression was nonsignificant (all p > 0.05). This study demonstrates that the short-term outcomes of RFA for capsular-located PTMCs are comparable to those of noncapsular-located PTMCs. These findings indicate that RFA may be a viable and effective alternative for eligible patients with solitary capsular-located PTMC. Radiofrequency ablation may serve as a safe and effective alternative treatment method for eligible patients with capsular-located and noncapsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. • The safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for capsular-located and noncapsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinomas were comparable. • Disease progression did not differ significantly between capsular-located and noncapsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinomas. • The incidence of complications for capsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinoma was low.

A 10-year retrospective review of 197 Multiple Sclerosis patients living in Çorum, Turkey

Objective: To analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics, treatments, and comorbidities of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients followed in Çorum province. Methodology: This study analyzed 197 patients with MS who were followed by the Department of Neurology and diagnosed with definite MS from January 2014 to January 2024. Demographic data and case information were obtained from the hospital database. Results: Out of the 197 patients, 120 (60.9%) were female, and 77 (39.1%) were male. Mean age was 35.30 ±9.3years, and the average disease duration 10±7.8 years. Comorbid diseases included diabetes mellitus in four patients, irritable bowel syndrome in two, and ulcerative colitis in three, hypertension in four and epilepsy in only one patient. 36 (18.3%) patients were diagnosed with tension-type headaches and 44 (22.3%) received treatment for migraine headaches. The number of patients who started neuropathic pain treatment was 24 and 35 were seen in psychiatry outpatient clinics during the follow-up. The number of patients with sleep problems was 62 (31.5%) and 14 (7.1%) had been treated for restless legs syndrome. The pre-MS smoking was present in 31 patients (15.7%). The number of patients who used alternative methods for treatment was 63 (31.9%). Conclusion: Comorbidities affect the prognosis, treatment, frequency of health care utilization, ability to work, and quality of life in MS. Polypharmacy and comorbidities increase the complexity of MS management.

Այլընտրանքային բուժման եղանակները և ավանդական բժշկական զբոսաշրջության զարգացումը / ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL APPROACHES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRADITIONAL MEDICAL TOURISM

Alternative traditional medicine refers to a variety of healing practices and therapeutic approaches that differ from Western medicine approaches. Alternative healing approaches usually have cultural or historical roots. The article presents a number of alternative treatment methods, such as Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy, reflexotherapy, apitherapy, leech therapy, color therapy, cupping therapy, etc., as well as alternative treatment methods in Armenia. Psychosomatics, esotericism and emotion-focused therapy were also discussed. The main directions of alternative medical tourism in the world and the main development challenges were presented.