Social Interaction Research Articles

Exploring Social Interactions in the Context of Justice System Involvement: Perspectives of Patients and Psychiatric Nurses.

Psychiatric nurses who work with people who are involved with the justice system experience ethical and moral tension arising from their dual role (care and control). This is known to significantly affect the development of a therapeutic relationship between nurses and patients. (a) better understand how justice system involvement affects people living with mental disorders and the nurses who work with them; (b) explore the influence of judiciarization on social interactions between these actors. Grounded theory (GT) was used as the qualitative methodology for this research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. The study was carried out in three different units of a psychiatric institution: Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, and Brief Intervention Unit. A sample of 10 patients and 9 psychiatric nurses was recruited (n = 19). Theoretical sampling was used to recruit participants. We followed the iterative steps of qualitative GT analysis (open coding, axial coding, constant comparison, and modelization). Three main themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (a) Experience of Justice System Involvement, (b) Crisis, (c) Relational Aspects and Importance of the Approach. These results will inform nurses and healthcare providers about the impacts of justice system involvement on people living with mental illness and how clinical practices can be better adapted to this population with complex health needs.

A Coordinated Data Analysis of Four Studies Exploring Age Differences in Social Interactions and Loneliness During a Global Pandemic.

Examining loneliness and social isolation during population-wide historical events may shed light on important theoretical questions about age differences, including whether these differences hold across different regions and the timecourse of the unfolding event. We used a systematic, preregistered approach of coordinated data analysis (CDA) of four studies (total N = 1,307; total observations = 18,492) that varied in design (intensive repeated-measures and cross-sectional), region, timing, and timescale during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We harmonized our datasets to a common period within 2020-2021 and created a common set of variables. We used a combination of ordinary least squares regression and multilevel modeling to address the extent to which there was within- and between-person variation in the associations between social isolation and loneliness, and whether these associations varied as a function of age. Within- and between-person effects of social interactions were negatively associated with loneliness in one study; in follow-up sensitivity analyses, these patterns held across early and later pandemic periods. Across all datasets, there was no evidence of age differences in the within-person or between-person associations of social interactions and loneliness. Applying the CDA methodological framework allowed us to detect common and divergent patterns of social interactions and loneliness across samples, ages, regions, periods, and study designs.

Prosocial emotions predict individual differences in economic decision-making during ultimatum game with dynamic reciprocal contexts.

Social decision-making is known to be influenced by predictive emotions or the perceived reciprocity of partners. However, the connection between emotion, decision-making, and contextual reciprocity remains less understood. Moreover, arguments suggest that emotional experiences within a social context can be better conceptualised as prosocial rather than basic emotions, necessitating the inclusion of two social dimensions: focus, the degree of an emotion's relevance to oneself or others, and dominance, the degree to which one feels in control of an emotion. For better representation, these dimensions should be considered alongside the interoceptive dimensions of valence and arousal. In an ultimatum game involving fair, moderate, and unfair offers, this online study measured the emotions of 476 participants using a multidimensional affective rating scale. Using unsupervised classification algorithms, we identified individual differences in decisions and emotional experiences. Certain individuals exhibited consistent levels of acceptance behaviours and emotions, while reciprocal individuals' acceptance behaviours and emotions followed external reward value structures. Furthermore, individuals with distinct emotional responses to partners exhibited unique economic responses to their emotions, with only the reciprocal group exhibiting sensitivity to dominance prediction errors. The study illustrates a context-specific model capable of subtyping populations engaged in social interaction and exhibiting heterogeneous mental states.

Inhibiting proBDNF to mature BDNF conversion leads to ASD-like phenotypes in vivo.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) comprise a range of early age-onset neurodevelopment disorders with genetic heterogeneity. Most ASD related genes are involved in synaptic function, which is regulated by mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor proBDNF in a diametrically opposite manner: proBDNF inhibits while mBDNF potentiates synapses. Here we generated a knock-in mouse line (BDNFmet/leu) in which the conversion of proBDNF to mBDNF is attenuated. Biochemical experiments revealed residual mBDNF but excessive proBDNF in the brain. Similar to other ASD mouse models, the BDNFmet/leu mice showed reduced dendritic arborization, altered spines, and impaired synaptic transmission and plasticity in the hippocampus. They also exhibited ASD-like phenotypes, including stereotypical behaviors and deficits in social interaction. Moreover, the plasma proBDNF/mBDNF ratio was significantly increased in ASD patients compared to normal children in a case-control study. Thus, deficits in proBDNF to mBDNF conversion in the brain may contribute to ASD-like behaviors, and plasma proBDNF/mBDNF ratio may be a potential biomarker for ASD.

Neurobehavioral perspectives on autistic spectrum disorder

Understanding genetics and environmental influences in autism has been explored in greater depth in recent decades. However, the mechanism by which they converge that leads to autism still needs to be explored further. An autism diagnosis in DSM-5 results from a neurodevelopmental disorder hurting normal brain function, affecting communication and social interaction combined with restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. This paper reviews current work investigating how the underlying mechanism of the brain structure and function relates to the complex and aberrant behavioral manifestations of autism. Mapping this connection can provide us with a better understanding of autism signs and symptoms, making the process of accurate diagnosis more straightforward. As a complex neurobehavioral condition, autistic individuals process the environment and their interactions with others differently from those without autism. So, they make different perceptions and connections between themselves and the environment. Consequently, they will have difficulty communicating, forming relationships, and responding appropriately to their environment. It is this lifelong neurobehavioral dysfunction that prevents autistic individuals from adequately understanding what they perceive and the emotional expression of others. There will be differences in their mental states, how their brains work, and how their thinking processes will be affected by a neurodevelopmental disability.

Urolithin A Inhibits Anterior Basolateral Amygdala to Ventral Hippocampal CA1 Circuit to Ameliorate Amyloid-β-Impaired Social Ability.

Anxiety and social withdrawal are highly prevalent among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the neural circuit mechanisms underlying these symptoms remain elusive, and there is a need for effective prevention strategies. This study aims to elucidate the neural circuitry mechanisms underlying social anxiety in AD. We utilized 5xFAD mice and conducted a series of experiments including optogenetic manipulation, Tandem Mass Tag-labeled proteome analysis, behavioral assessments, and immunofluorescence staining. In 5xFAD mice, we observed significant amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the anterior part of basolateral amygdala (aBLA). Behaviorally, 6-month-old 5xFAD mice displayed excessive social avoidance during social interaction. Concurrently, the pathway from aBLA to ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1) was significantly activated and exhibited a disorganized firing patterns during social interaction. By optogenetically inhibiting the aBLA-vCA1 pathway, we effectively improved the social ability of 5xFAD mice. In the presence of Aβ accumulation, we identified distinct changes in the protein network within the aBLA. Following one month of administration of Urolithin A (UA), we observed significant restoration of the abnormal protein network within the aBLA. UA treatment also attenuated the disorganized firings of the aBLA-vCA1 pathway, leading to an improvement in social ability. The aBLA-vCA1 circuit is a vulnerable pathway in response to Aβ accumulation during the progression of AD and plays a crucial role in Aβ-induced social anxiety. Targeting the aBLA-vCA1 circuit and UA administration are both effective strategies for improving the Aβ-impaired social ability.

Social interactions and olfactory cues are required for contagious itch in mice.

The phenomenon of contagious itch, observed in both humans and rodents, remains a topic of ongoing debate concerning its modulators and underlying pathways. This study delves into the relationship between contagious itch and familiar olfactory cues, a non-visual factor contributing to this intriguing behavior. Our findings showed that contagious itch in observer mice occurs during physical interaction with the cagemate itch-demonstrator but not with a stranger demonstrator or in a non-physical encounter condition. Notably, itch-experienced observer mice displayed an increased contagious itch behavior, highlighting the relevance of itch-associated memory in this phenomenon. Furthermore, anosmic observer mice, whether itch-naïve or itch-experienced, displayed no contagious itch behavior. These results demonstrate that the familiar olfactory cues, specifically cagemate body odors, are required for contagious itch behaviors in mice. In line with these behavioral findings, our study reveals increased activity in brain regions associated with olfaction, emotion, and memory during contagious itch, including the olfactory bulb, theamygdala, thehypothalamus, andthe hippocampus, with this activity diminished in anosmic mice. In conclusion, our study unveils the critical role of familiar olfactory cues in driving contagious itch in mice, shedding light on the interplay between social factors, sensory perception, and memory in this phenomenon.

Nature and human well-being: The olfactory pathway.

The world is undergoing massive atmospheric and ecological change, driving unprecedented challenges to human well-being. Olfaction is a key sensory system through which these impacts occur. The sense of smell influences quality of and satisfaction with life, emotion, emotion regulation, cognitive function, social interactions, dietary choices, stress, and depressive symptoms. Exposures via the olfactory pathway can also lead to (anti-)inflammatory outcomes. Increased understanding is needed regarding the ways in which odorants generated by nature (i.e., natural olfactory environments) affect human well-being. With perspectives from a range of health, social, and natural sciences, we provide an overview of this unique sensory system, four consensus statements regarding olfaction and the environment, and a conceptual framework that integrates the olfactory pathway into an understanding of the effects of natural environments on human well-being. We then discuss how this framework can contribute to better accounting of the impacts of policy and land-use decision-making on natural olfactory environments and, in turn, on planetary health.

Cognitive Processing Speed and Loneliness in Stroke Survivors: Insights from a Large-Scale Cohort Study.

Loneliness, when prolonged, is associated with many deleterious effects and has been shown to be highly prevalent in those with a history of stroke, yet the cognitive mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon remain unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the extent to which cognitive factors, with specific focus on processing speed, are associated with loneliness in those with a history of stroke. Utilizing data from the British Cohort Study, a nationally representative dataset, we conducted secondary data analysis. A total of 7,752 participants completed relevant questions related to health, social interactions, demographics, loneliness, and cognitive assessments. Among them, 47 had experienced a stroke ("stroke," n = 47), 5,545 reported other health conditions ("ill," n = 5,545), and 2,857 were deemed healthy ("healthy," n = 2,857). Consistent with previous research, our findings confirmed a positive correlation between stroke history and heightened loneliness. However, inferential analysis revealed that processing speed, alongside other cognitive factors, had a minimal impact on loneliness, with correlations too small to draw definitive conclusions. This study suggests that cognitive processing speed alone is not a robust predictor of loneliness in stroke survivors. Consequently, when developing interventions to combat loneliness in this population, it is crucial to consider a broader spectrum of factors, such as social engagement, emotional wellbeing, and interpersonal relationships. This underscores the imperative need for comprehensive assessments to better comprehend the multifaceted nature of loneliness and inform more effective intervention strategies.

A survey on the short to medium-term satisfaction of neurological patients treated by functional surgery for the correction of limb deformities.

Functional surgery (FS) is often used to correct congenital or acquired deformities in neurological patients. Along with functional results, short- and medium-term patient satisfaction should always be considered a key goal of surgery and rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to assess the short to medium-term satisfaction of patients who underwent FS and its correlation with perceived improvements. Invitation to an anonymous online survey was sent via e-mail to all neurological adult patients or caregivers of children who underwent lower or upper limb FS over the 2018 - 2020 period. The survey investigated patients' satisfaction with the surgery and the variation in pain, ADLs, level of independence, body image, self-esteem, social interaction skills, participation in social events, leisure activities and sports, and use of orthoses or walking aids. Descriptive data analysis was performed. Correlations were assessed using Kendall's tau. 122 out of 324 adults and 53 out of 163 children's caregivers filled out the questionnaire, with a response rate approaching 40%. Eighty-three percent of adult respondents and 87% of the children's caregivers were satisfied or very satisfied in the short and medium terms and reported their expectations had been met. Satisfaction was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with improvements in functional abilities, social participation, self-esteem, and pain reduction. Half of the adults and 40% of children stopped using their orthoses or replaced them with lighter ones. Dissatisfaction and worsened conditions were reported by <10% of the respondents. According to patients and caregivers, FS was satisfactory in the short and medium terms, following improvements in all the ICF domains for most patients.

Usability and Utility of a Mobile App to Deliver Health-Related Content to an Older Adult Population: Pilot Noncontrolled Quasi-Experimental Study.

Digital patient-centered interventions may be important tools for improving and promoting social interaction, health, and well-being among older adults. In this regard, we developed a mobile app called DigiAdherence for an older adult population, which consisted of easy-to-access short videos and messages, to improve health-related knowledge among them and prevent common health conditions, such as falls, polypharmacy, treatment adherence, nutritional problems, and physical inactivity. This study aimed to assess the usability and utility of the DigiAdherence app among Portuguese older adults 65 years or older. In this pilot noncontrolled quasi-experimental study, older adults who were patients at the primary health care center in Portimão, Portugal, and owned a smartphone or tablet were recruited. Participants were assessed at baseline, given access to the DigiAdherence app for 1 month, and assessed again immediately after 30 days (first assessment) and 60 days after stopping the use of the app (second assessment). App usability and utility (primary outcomes) were analyzed in the first follow-up assessment using a structured questionnaire with 8 items. In the second follow-up assessment, our focus was on knowledge acquired through the app. Secondary outcomes such as treatment adherence and health-related quality of life were also assessed. The study included 26 older adults. Most participants rated the different functionalities of the app positively and perceived the app as useful, attractive, and user-friendly (median score of 6 on a 7-point Likert scale). In addition, after follow-up, participants reported having a sense of security and greater knowledge in preventing falls (16/24, 67%) and managing therapies and polypharmacy (16/26, 62%). The DigiAdherence mobile app was useful and highly accepted by older adults, who developed more confidence regarding health-related knowledge. RR2-10.2196/29675.

A domain specific health-related quality of life of omani patients living with chronic wounds.

Chronic wounds, defined as wounds that do not heal in a logical set of stages, impact patients' quality of life by disrupting their self-esteem, sleep, social interaction, work capacity, and psychological well-being. Chronic wounds are a prevalent problem in Oman due to the high number of patients with diabetes, sickle cell disease, road traffic accidents, and decubitus ulcer. Therefore, it is paramount to analyse the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of these patients with chronic wounds. An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach was conducted among 275 adult patients with chronic wounds in three tertiary hospitals of Muscat from June to December 2021 using a self-reported Cardiff life wound impact questionnaire and the Bates-Jensen wound assessment tool. Data were analysed with IBM SPSS version 23 using inferential statistics and chi-square test. We found that the majority of participants were men (178; 64.7%), aged between 41 and 60 years (107; 38.9%), predominantly with diabetic wounds (80; 29.1%). Respondents reported poor HRQOL across all domains: well-being (63.24±18.092), physical (53.24±18.387), and social (59.54±19.025). Statistically significant poorer HRQOL was observed among the elderly above 60 years, illiterates, those with traumatic wounds, and those receiving medication and dressing as treatment. Our findings indicate that Omani patients with chronic wounds experience low HRQOL. It is imperative for healthcare providers to offer comprehensive care to these patients. To enhance their quality of life and alleviate suffering, evaluating both the wounds and HRQOL is essential. Such assessments will enable the optimisation of treatment and coping strategies for patients.

Home-based motorised cycling in Non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy: a feasibility study.

The primary aim was to establish feasibility of a home-based motorised cycling intervention in non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy (CP). The secondary aim was to investigate perceived outcomes on pain, sleep, fatigue, and muscle stiffness. Non-ambulant adults with CP were recruited from a specialist clinic. Feasibility encompassing recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, practicality, and safety, was the primary outcome., Cycling frequency and duration data were downloaded from the device and augmented by a usage diary and participant survey. Participant satisfaction was rated using a 5-point Likert scale where 1 = very satisfied. Quantitative data and open-ended survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis, respectively. Ten non-ambulant adults with CP (5 female), 18 to 32 years, participated. The median (IQR) days cycled per week was 4 (3,5) with no serious adverse events recorded. The median (IQR) time cycled per session was 13.9 min, (10.2,19.8), per day. Participant satisfaction was high, median (IQR) 2 (1,2.5). Perceived benefits in pain, sleep, fatigue, stiffness, leg function, mood, behaviour, and social interactions were reported alongside occasional problems with spasms and foot placement. This study provides preliminary data to support the feasibility of motorised cycling for non-ambulant adults with CP.

The Clinical Sequelae of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Loneliness, Depression, Excessive Alcohol Use, Social Media Addiction, and Risk for Suicide Ideation.

Depression, loneliness, and alcohol use disorder are associated with suicide ideation. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our social structures with social distancing and isolation policies implemented worldwide, severely restricting social interactions. Studies regarding the effects of the pandemic are starting to shed light on the harmful psychological effects of these policies. This study aims to identify whether the increase in suicidal ideation among college students (mostly young adults) during the pandemic was due to the known risk factors of loneliness, depression, alcohol use disorder, social media addiction, and other background variables. Nine hundred and eleven college students completed self-report questionnaires assessing suicidal risk, depressive symptoms, loneliness, excessive alcohol use, and social media use. During the pandemic suicidal ideation was associated with loneliness (χ2 = 54.65, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (χ2 = 110.82, p < 0.001), alcohol use disorder (χ2 = 10.02, P < 0.01) and social media addiction (χ2 = 13.73, P < 0.001). Being single [OR = 2.55; p < 0.01], and self-identifying as a non-heterosexual [OR = 2.55; p < 0.01] were found to constitute additional risk factors. The structural nature of quantitative self-report scales does not offer the flexibility of gaining a deeper understanding of causes, specific to particular circumstances that may lead participants to ideate on suicide, even briefly. Social distancing and isolation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic constitute an additional factor in the risk for suicide ideation.

Understanding the link between different types of maternal diabetes and the onset of autism spectrum disorders.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders that exhibit impaired social interactions and repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Although the exact cause of these disorders remains unknown, it is widely accepted that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to their onset and progression. Recent studies have highlighted the potential negative impact of maternal diabetes on embryonic neurodevelopment, suggesting that intrauterine hyperglycemia could pose an additional risk to early brain development and contribute to the development of ASD. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the current research on the relationship between various forms of maternal diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes mellitus, and the likelihood of ASD in offspring. The study elucidates the potential mechanisms through which maternal hyperglycemia affects fetal development, involving metabolic hormones, immune dysregulation, heightened oxidative stress, and epigenetic alterations. The findings of this review offer valuable insights for potential preventive measures and evidence-based interventions targeting ASD.

Speech and language therapy intervention through stimulation of mirror neurons in children with autism spectrum disordertion in social interaction skills in children aged 4-6 years with autism spectrum disorder

Speech and language therapy intervention through stimulation of mirror neurons in children with autism spectrum disordertion in social interaction skills in children aged 4-6 years with autism spectrum disorder

Recognizing the opponent: The consolidation of long-term social memory in zebrafish males.

Recognizing and remembering another individual in a social context could be beneficial for individual fitness. Especially in agonistic encounters, remembering an opponent and the previous fight could allow for avoiding new conflicts. Considering this, we hypothesized that this type of social interaction forms a long-term recognition memory lasting several days. It has been shown that a second encounter 24 h later between the same pair of zebrafish males is resolved with lower levels of aggression. Here, we evaluated if this behavioral change could last for longer intervals and a putative mechanism associated with memory storage: the recruitment of NMDA receptors. We found that if a pair of zebrafish males fight and fight again 48 or 72 h later, they resolve the second encounter with lower levels of aggression. However, if opponents were exposed to MK-801 (NMDA receptor antagonist) immediately after the first encounter, they solved the second one with the same levels of aggression: that is, no reduction in aggressive behaviors was observed. These amnesic effect suggest the formation of a long-term social memory related to recognizing a particular opponent and/or the outcome and features of a previous fight.

Enhancing Dementia Nursing Homes in South Korea: Lessons from German Building Standards

South Korea is an aging society with a rapidly increasing number of people with dementia. In that context, this study aimed to compare dementia nursing home building standards in South Korea and Germany, based on the minimum physical and architectural requirements specified by both countries’ relevant laws, to gain insights into improving South Korean building standards. I examined South Korea’s Welfare of Senior Citizens Act and its Enforcement Regulations, and Germany’s Federal Nursing Home Act (HeimG), Regulation on Minimum Standards for Nursing Homes (HeimMindBauV), and the corresponding state regulations. The analysis revealed differences regarding the basic requirements, facility sizes, composition of necessary rooms, and detailed regulations pertaining to these rooms. South Korea emphasized autonomy, including barrier-free and compensatory environments, as well as safety and security. Meanwhile, Germany enhanced similar aspects of autonomy to those in South Korea, including the barrier-free standard DIN 18040-2. Additionally, Germany incorporated features such as familiarity, sensory stimulation, legibility, and social interaction, reflecting aspects that offer orientational cues for autonomy. Improving South Korean building standards requires stronger regulations on the autonomy of individuals with dementia. Further, additional regulations on familiarity, sensory stimulation, legibility, and social interactions should be considered. The results provide foundational data for cross-national comparisons to establish building standards for dementia-friendly built spaces in dementia nursing homes in South Korea. Further surveys on spatial utilization, discussions, and the application of proposed improvements in Korea would contribute to enhancing the dementia-friendly nursing home design in the country.

Development and Validation of Instruments for Assessing the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Students in Higher Education

&lt;p style="text-align:justify"&gt;The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education remains incompletely understood, demanding further evaluation and the creation of robust assessment tools. Despite previous attempts to measure AI's impact in education, existing studies have limitations. This research aimed to develop and validate an assessment instrument for gauging AI effects in higher education. Employing various analytical methods, including Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Rasch Analysis, the initial 70-item instrument covered seven constructs. Administered to 635 students at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology – Gabaldon campus, content validity was assessed using the Lawshe method. After eliminating 19 items through EFA and CFA, Rasch analysis confirmed the construct validity and led to the removal of three more items. The final 48-item instrument, categorized into learning experiences, academic performance, career guidance, motivation, self-reliance, social interactions, and AI dependency, emerged as a valid and reliable tool for assessing AI's impact on higher education, especially among college students.&lt;/p&gt;

Validation of Medicinal Plant Use Needs More Support

The COVID-19 pandemic was both a curse and a gift. As a curse, it brought immense suffering and death. All aspects of our daily lives were affected, including healthcare, the economy, and social interactions.1 It was a gift because of the enormity of the problem, the same pandemic has fueled national and international initiatives to produce anti-COVID vaccines and therapies in record time.2 In the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology was at the forefront of providing technical and financial support for local research on COVID-19, specifically for three plant-based therapies or supplements.3 Our paper was one of the research studies that the DOST supported. It was a two-stage multicenter parallel, randomized clinical trial using the NIRPROMP-IHM formulation of Lagundi (Vitex negundo) for patients with mild COVID-19.4 Stage 1 compared high and regular Lagundi doses. Stage 2 was an efficacy trial comparing the best dose found in Stage 1 to placebo. Compared to the placebo, the Lagundi group had statistically significantly lower total symptom and anosmia scores, indicating beneficial effects. There was a trend for lower symptom scores (cough, colds, fever, fatigue, body malaise, ageusia) in the Lagundi group but not statistically significant. Physician and patient-rated global evaluation ratings were higher for Lagundi than placebo, suggesting better alleviation, but were not statistically significant. Recovery times were similar for both groups, with few adverse events overall. The second study, published in this issue, is on using virgin coconut oil (VCO) as an adjunctive treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (pages 31 to 41). Further reading of the paper also showed similar recovery times and duration of hospital stay for both VCO and placebo groups. A positive outcome was that the inflammatory marker CRP was seen to normalize in more patients in the VCO group compared to the placebo. Other positive outcomes for the VCO group included a trend for lower mortality rate and lower ICU admission. The third study involving Tawa tawa (Euphorbia hirta) for COVID-19 patients has yet to be published. Positive effects were seen for both Lagundi and VCO, as stated above. In a review article by Dayrit, he recommended studies on several Philippine medicinal plants with immunomodulatory activity, including VCO and lagundi.5 More extensive trials may further elucidate their full potential. I would also suggest exploring their use in long COVID. It is only appropriate to endorse using Philippine medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes after conducting adequate human studies to establish their efficacy and safety profile. Randomized clinical trials are the gold standard; the study should have internal and external validity. More funding should be invested in such studies so that we can fully and correctly utilize our bountiful natural resources. Herbal medicines can potentially address issues in our healthcare system, such as the need for economical, effective, and safe treatments for many primary care illnesses. These were seen with the development of the NIRPROMP-IHM formulations of Lagundi and Sambong (Blumea balsamifera), which are being prescribed by Filipino physicians and included in the Philippine National Formulary.6 Developing more herbal medicines will benefit the patients, the farmers who plant these crops, the local pharmaceutical industry, and the Philippine economy. This would further lead to increased self-sufficiency for the nation as a whole. There are many more medicinal plants to explore and use for various acute and chronic diseases. Sadly, many entrepreneurs peddle their so-called wonder drugs (herbal or otherwise) on the internet or other channels as safe and effective just because they are natural and with minimal studies claiming to cure everything under the sun. Social media should not be our sole source of information, but looking into the evidence, such as those reported by the article on VCO, can help us understand their actual place in therapy.