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BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH FRONTS AND THEIR WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION OVER THREE DECADES
Get PDFBackground: Considerable research has been conducted on acupuncture worldwide. This study chronologically
examined the changing features and research fronts of acupuncture and elucidated the differences among the six most
productive countries.
Methods: Bibliographic coupling is a powerful tool for identifying the research fronts of a field. Acupuncture-related
publications worldwide and from the six most productive countries during 1983–2012 were retrieved from the Science
Citation Index Expanded and Social Science Citation Index. To form the research fronts, the 100 most highly cited
papers (HCPs) were clustered in terms of references shared.
Results: The United States had the highest proportion of HCPs. The effectiveness of acupuncture in areas such as
relieving neck and back pain, migraines and headaches, and knee osteoarthritis symptoms was a predominant topic.
Initially, the endogenous opioid peptide system was the primary research focus in the acupuncture mechanism research;
however, during 1993–2012, researchers focused more on the functional magnetic resonance imaging of brain activity.
In addition, acupuncture use and prevalence, the attitudes of health practitioners, and the effects of expectancy and
belief were also major topics. Researches from Western countries, including the United States, England, and Germany,
showed more interest in clinical trials and economic- and ethics-related studies, whereas those from East Asian
countries including China, Japan, and South Korea focused more on mechanism research.
Conclusion: Western countries dominated the research fronts of acupuncture. The patterns of the research fronts varied
worldwide, indicating continuity and innovation in research in each country
WHOLE BODY VIBRATION IMPROVES ATTENTION AND MOTOR PERFORMANCE IN MICE DEPENDING ON THE DURATION OF THE WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION SESSION
Get PDFBackground: Whole body vibration (WBV) is a form of physical stimulation via mechanical vibrations transmitted to
a subject. It is assumed that WBV induces sensory stimulation in cortical brain regions through the activation of skin
and muscle receptors responding to the vibration. The effects of WBV on muscle strength are well described. However,
little is known about the impact of WBV on the brain. Recently, it was shown in humans that WBV improves attention
in an acute WBV protocol. Preclinical research is needed to unravel the underlying brain mechanism. As a first step, we
examined whether chronic WBV improves attention in mice.
Material and Methods: A custom made vibrating platform for mice with low intensity vibrations was used. Male CD1
mice (3 months of age) received five weeks WBV (30 Hz; 1.9 G), five days a week with sessions of five (n=12) or 30
(n=10) minutes. Control mice (pseudo-WBV; n=12 and 10 for the five and 30 minute sessions, respectively) were
treated in a similar way, but did not receive the actual vibration. Object recognition tasks were used as an attention test
(novel and spatial object recognition – the primary outcome measure). A Balance beam was used for motor
performance, serving as a secondary outcome measure.
Results: WBV sessions of five (but not WBV sessions of 30 minutes) improved balance beam performance (mice
gained 28% in time needed to cross the beam) and novel object recognition (mice paid significantly more attention to
the novel object) as compared to pseudo WBV, but no change was found for spatial object performance (mice did not
notice the relocation). Although 30 minutes WBV sessions were not beneficial, it did not impair either attention or
motor performance.
Conclusion: These results show that brief sessions of WBV improve, next to motor performance, attention for object
recognition, but not spatial cues of the objects. The selective improvement of attention in mice opens the avenue to
unravel the underlying brain mechanisms
POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION EXERCISES ON BLOOD FLOW KINETICS OF DIFFERENT POPULATIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH A SUITABLE APPROACH
Get PDFBackground: The ability to control skin blood flow decreases with advancing age and some clinical disorders, as in diabetes and in rheumatologic diseases. Feasible clinical strategies such as whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) are being used without a clear understanding of its effects. The aim of the present study is to review the effects of the WBVE on blood flow kinetics and its feasibility in different populations.
Material and Methods: The level of evidence (LE) of selected papers in PubMed and/or PEDRo databases was determined. We selected randomized, controlled trials in English to be evaluated.
Results: Six studies had LE II, one had LE III-2 and one III-3 according to the NHMRC. A great variability among the protocols was observed but also in the assessment devices; therefore, more research about this topic is warranted.
Conclusion: Despite the limitations, it is can be concluded that the use of WBVE has proven to be a safe and useful strategy to improve blood flow. However, more studies with greater methodological quality are needed to clearly define the more suitable protocols
EVALUATION OF THE ANTI-MYCOBACTERIAL, ANTI-OXIDATIVE AND ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITIES OF RUBIA CORDIFOLIA ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT SUB-FRACTIONS IN HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES AND NEUTROPHILS
Get PDFBackground. Rubia cordifolia has been used to treat various diseases and exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
analgesic and antidiarrheal activities. The plant has not been investigated for its anti-mycobacterial activity against
virulent tuberculosis strains as well as cytotoxic and anti-oxidant activities in mononuclear cells and neutrophils.
Methods. Ethanolic and dichloromethane leaf extract fractions of Rubia cordifolia (0.2- 125μg/ml) were screened for
anti-mycobacterial activity using a fluorescent microplate assay. The anti-oxidant activity of the fractions was tested
using the radical scavenging assay, while their cytotoxicity to lymphocytes was measured using the WST-8 assay.
Reactive oxygen species production by neutrophils exposed to fractions was tested using Cell Meter™ Fluorimetric
ROS Assay kit.
Results. The ethanolic leaf fractions exhibited overall superior anti-mycobacterial activity than the dichloromethane
group and were further screened for anti-oxidant and cytotoxic activities. Ethanolic sub-fractions K2F-3.2, K2F-3.3 and
K2F-3.4 showed significant antioxidant activities at concentration of 50 μg/ml to 200 μg/ml and higher in both the cell
free-based radical scavenging activity and total reactive oxygen species production assays. For lymphocytes, the test
agents showed anti-proliferative activity at 25 μg/ml to 200 μg/ml for sub-fraction K2F-3.3B and 50 μg/ml to 200
μg/ml for agents K2F-3.2 and K2F-3.4.
Conclusion. The current study is the first to record the in vitro anti-mycobacterial, anti-oxidant and cytotoxic activities
of Rubia cordifolia plant leaf extract sub-fractions using the given experimental setups and further research activities to
identify the bioactive components are to be pursued
NOVEL APPLICATION OF CULTURED ROOTS OF MOUNTAIN GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG MEYER) AND GINSENOSIDE RE AS SAFE ANTIMELANOGENIC COSMECEUTICAL COMPONENTS
Get PDFBackground: Mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer), which belongs to Araliaceae family, grows naturally in the
mountains of Korea. It is highly valued owing to its enhanced pharmacology effects such as immunostimulating,
antioxidant, anti-cancer and antiaging activity. An alternative to accessing the sparse mountain ginseng therapy benefits is
by tissue-cultured roots of mountain ginseng. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of water extract of cultured
roots of mountain ginseng (CRMG) and specifically its major compound ginsenoside Re (Re) on melanin synthesis in α-
MSH-stimulated mouse melanoma B16BL6 cells (B16).
Materials and Methods: Cell cytotoxicity was evaluated trough a comparative study using normal human dermal
fibroblast (HDF) and B16. Then, α-MSH-stimulated B16 cells were analyzed, using melanin and tyrosinase activity assay.
Tyrosinase gene expression was evaluated trough reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and quantitative
PCR analysis. Finally, an in silico docking study was performed.
Results: The study demonstrated that CRMG and Re were non-toxic compounds and significantly reduced tyrosinase
activity and melanin content in B16 cells. Re decreased the mRNA expression of tyrosinase and other melanin synthesisrelated
genes in B16 cells. In addition, in silico docking studies showed that Re had stronger interaction with tyrosinase
compared to control drug arbutin due to its higher binding affinity.
Conclusion: Taken together, our results suggest that CRMG and Re possess potential anti-melanogenic activities and may
be used as antimelanogenic cosmeceutical agents
OSTEOPROTECTIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS - PART 1 (A HUMAN CLINICAL EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW)
Get PDFBackground. Osteoporosis is a bone metabolic disease affecting a large percentage of aging population, which leads to an increased risk of fractures and has a negative impact on life quality. The available treatments for osteoporosis are effective, but are associated with several severe adverse reactions, hence the interest for alternative treatments devoid of such redoubtable side effects. Medicinal plants represent a viable resource for new therapeutic agents.
The purpose of this review is to provide an overview about the medicinal plants that have been reported to have anti-osteoporotic effects in human clinical studies.
Materials and Methods. Relevant studies found in PubMed database, pertaining to efficacy in humans, mechanism of action, osteoactive phytochemicals and safety, were selected. For the inquiry, keywords such as “medicinal plant”, “osteoporosis”, “bone”, “fracture”, “osteoclast” and “osteoblast” were used in various combinations. The information extracted was integrated with the traditional knowledge on the correspondent medicinal plants. Results. Eight medicinal plants (Cimicifuga racemosa, Cissus quadrangularis, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Epimedium spp., Glycine max, Pueraria spp., Panax notoginseng, Salvia milthiorriza) were selected. Mechanisms involved include the activation of osteoblasts, inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, estrogen-like activity, anti-inflammatory activity, inhibition of collagen degradation by cathepsin K.
Conclusion. Several medicinal plants have been included in clinical studies successfully targeting osteoporosis, thus showing the potential to modulate bone resorption and bone formation
SEROLOGICAL SURVEY OF TOXOPLASMOSIS, NEOSPOROSIS AND BRUCELLOSIS AMONG CATTLE HERDS IN OYO STATE, SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA
Get PDFBackground: Several zoonotic diseases are known to constitute great impediment to livestock management and
production worldwide, especially in developing countries where control measures are largely non-existent. This study
sets out to investigate the occurrence of toxoplasmosis, neosporosis and brucellosis among cattle herds in Oyo State,
southwest Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey to screen for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum
and Brucella abortus was conducted among 174 cattle in 17 herds. Sera obtained from the cattle were screened for
antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for
Brucella abortus antibodies using Rose Bengal test and Competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA).
Results: Overall, herd level prevalence of 52.9%, 23.5% and 23.5% as well as individual prevalence of 7.5%, 3.4%
and 3.4% was obtained for toxoplasmosis, neosporosis and brucellosis, respectively. Antibodies to T. gondii, N.
caninum and B. abortus were detected in 2 of the 17 herds, T. gondii and N. caninum in 4 herds, and T. gondii and B.
abortus in 4 herds. Statistically significant association was only found between seropositivity to T. gondii antibodies
and sex (
INCIDENCE OF MALARIA/TYPHOID CO-INFECTION AMONG ADULT POPULATION IN UNWANA COMMUNITY, AFIKPO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EBONYI STATE, SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA
Get PDFBackground: Malaria and typhoid fever are two leading infections of poverty with serious health and socioeconomic impacts, and due to their geographical overlap, co-infections are very common. Their mimicking symptomatology often present with gross misdiagnosis and mistreatment. This study was carried out to determine the incidence of malaria and typhoid co-infections among adult population in Unwana Community, Afikpo-North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Materials and Methods: Three hundred and fifty (350) individuals were examined, their blood samples subjected to microscopic examination and widal agglutination tests, for identification of Plasmodium parasites and antibodies to Salmonella enterica serovar typhi respectively. Questionnaire was administered to obtain information on malaria/typhoid management practices.
Results: Out of the 350 blood samples analysed, 190 (54.2%) were positive for malaria, 173 (49.4%) were positive for Salmonella enterica serovar typhi, while 127(36.2%) were positive for both typhoid and malaria. However, prevalence of malaria parasite was statistically significant in relation to sex (p0.05); while males had 57% prevalence for Salmonella enteric serovar typhi, females had 42%. Sex was statistically significant (
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIMICROBIAL AND CYTOTOXICITY STUDIES OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF APHANIA SENEGALENSIS (SAPINDACEAE)
Get PDFBackground: Aphania senegalensis (Sapindaceae) is commonly used in Senegalese traditional medicine to treat pain,
inflammation, asthenia, bacterial and fungal infections.
The aim of this study was to determine the type of phytochemical constituents present in the ethanol leaf extract and its
antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Materials and Methods: The ethanol leaf extract of A. senegalensis was evaluated for its cytotoxic effect in the MTT
assay against Vero cells. Flavonoids and tannins were the main constituents of the ethanol leaf extract.
Results: The extract inhibited the growth of the three fungal strains used in this study moderately with the lowest MIC
obtained for Candida albicans (0.16 mg/mL). The extract also inhibited the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and
Cryptococcus neoformans with an MIC of 0.62 mg/mL. For bacterial pathogens, strong inhibition was obtained against
Enterococcus faecalis (ATTC 29212) (MIC 0.08 mg/mL), while moderate inhibition was obtained for Escherichia coli
(ATTC 25922) (MIC 0.16 mg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATTC 29213) (MIC 0.31mg/mL). The extract however
did not inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATTC 27853) at the highest concentration (2.5 mg/ml) tested.
The ethanol leaf extract of A. senegalensis had a higher cytotoxicity than berberine used as the positive control (LC50
2.67±0.04 μg/mL and 9.99±0.54 μg/mL respectively). The best selectivity index values was obtained for Enterococcus
faecalis (SI = 1.24), followed by Escherichia coli (SI = 0.62) for bacterial pathogens and C. albicans (SI = 0.62) for
fungal pathogens.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the extracts may not be safe for use in animals infected by some
pathogens.Enterococcus faecalis (ATTC 29212) (MIC 0.08 mg/mL), while moderate inhibition was obtained for Escherichia coli (ATTC 25922) (MIC 0.16 mg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATTC 29213) (MIC 0.31mg/mL). The extract however did not inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATTC 27853) at the highest concentration (2.5 mg/ml) tested. The ethanol leaf extract of A. senegalensis had a higher cytotoxicity than berberine used as the positive control (LC50 2.67±0.04 µg/mL and 9.99±0.54 µg/mL respectively). The best selectivity index values was obtained for Enterococcus faecalis (SI = 1.24), followed by Escherichia coli (SI = 0.62) for bacterial pathogens and C. albicans (SI = 0.62) for fungal pathogens. This indicatives that the extracts may not be safe to use on animals infected by some pathogens
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND Α -AMYLASE INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF ROSA CANINA L
Get PDFBackground: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrinal disorders and medicinal plants continue to play an important role in the management of this disease. In this study, Rosa canina was investigated for the antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition activities.
Materials and Methods: Methanolic extract of Rosa canina was investigated for its potential antioxidant activity. The extracts' total phenolic and flavonoid contents and scavenging capacity for free radicals were evaluated. The α-amylase inhibition assay was also carried.
Results: Rosa canina extract exhibits a total Phenolic and flavonoid levels respectively (21.918 mg GAE/g and 2.647mg ER/g). The free radical scavenging activity was found to be prominent against DPPH with an IC50 of 0.668 mg/ml and against ABTS with an IC50 of 0.467 mg/ml. Extract showed a significant ferric ion reducing activities with an IC50 of4.962 mg/ml.
Conclusion: Rosa canina exerted a higher inhibitory activity against α-amylase. The obtained results support the antidiabetic use of rosa canina