Organotherapy is a field of medical practice that uses animal-origin organ-specific extracts to treat the same organs in humans. This therapeutic modality has a long history, spanning from the empirical use of organ extracts in antiquity to the current application of nano-sized proteins and peptides. The main features of organotherapy are: (1) the use of a mixture of organ-specific proteins and peptides; (2) all active and inactive ingredients are derived from a natural source; (3) the concentration and combination of the ingredients correspond to the natural concentration and combination of these substances in a healthy organ. Although today the majority of the ingredients in organ-specific extracts can be identified, and their therapeutic effects can be explained, this information does not have a significant impact on the theory and practice of organotherapy. Since the effectiveness of any treatment depends not so much on the drug itself as on the treatment protocol, a theoretical comparison of the classical treatment approach, based on the physician's knowledge and experience, with a new one, which is termed the "evidence-based" approach, has been done. It is assumed that the more knowledgeable and experienced the physician practicing organotherapy, the higher the expected therapeutic effect and the greater the likelihood that the treatment can be classified as "precision medicine."
Background: Monitoring hematological parameters in anemic pregnant women is of paramount importance to provide appropriate treatment, avoiding adverse effects. Some hematological parameters as erythrocyte indices can establish some type of anemia. The objective of this work is to evaluate the hematological profile of pregnant women with nutritional anemia during pregnancy. 100 women aged 18 to 45 years, including 50 women who presented anemia during pregnancy and 50 other non-anemic pregnant women (as controls), were followed in prenatal consultations at the mother and child hospital in Bingerville (Abidjan). Material and methods: Blood samples taken during routine prenatal visits from the antenatal vein of the elbow crease in these women were used to determine hematological parameters (erythrocyte lines and indices, platelet). Then, complete blood count was performed by "Sysmex XN-1000", an automated hematology and the values of erythrocyte parameters were determined. The data were analyzed by R 4.2.1 and R Studio software. In addition, pregnant women were subjected to an anonymous questionnaire mainly including the taking of iron supplements and the educational level. Results: The presence of anemia in patients has led to a significant decrease in red blood cells (3.67± 0.06.103 /mm3), hemoglobin (10.04 ± 0.09g/dL), hematocrit (29.86 ± 0.29%), mean corpuscular volume (MCV, 80.02 ± 0.74fL) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH, 27.69 ± 0.33pg) noticed only to anemic women. The platelet count of anemic and non-anemic mothers did not undergo any significant variation (245.32 ± 8.07.103 mm3 vs 236.02 ± 7.43.103 mm3; p = 0.399) with a slight increase in this rate in few anemic pregnant women. In the latter group, almost all women did not present thrombocytopenia (96% vs 4%). The erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH) in anemic pregnant women allowed to affirm that 25 patients (50%) were designated normochromic normocytic and 25 patients (50%) hypochromic microcytic. The deterioration of erythrocyte parameters in anemic pregnant women (hypochromic microcytic) for nutritional anemia could be explained by iron deficiency. There’s then the question of a low level of education. Conclusion: These changes essentially require economic and educational empowerment and then prenatal monitoring with iron supplementation of anemic pregnant women to achieve encouraging results in thrombopenia tests in this same group.
Introduction: In the context of SARS-CoV-2 infections, the significance of NO production in the nasal mucosa as an endogenous activator of immune function is in discussion, especially how the endogenous metabolism can be empowered. E.g., humming is been discovered to increase NO release. From another point of view, forest bathing seen as a source of relaxation for body and soul, may have an influence on nasal NO levels, due to the aerosols produced by the trees. In this trial interested, whether the exposition to a fresh felled pine induces endogenous NOx production. As control condition, humming having a verifiable emission of NO was chosen. Methods: In a RCT 16 volunteers in a randomized cross over design either inhaled fresh pine scent or were humming each for 5 min. Nasal fractional exhaled nitric oxide was measured before and after the exposition respectively the control procedure. A simply subjective relaxation test was taken in parallel. Results: Before-after comparison revealed an impressing increase of NO concentrations, but were not significant, just as intra-individual differences (pre-post) between the two groups (Wilcoxon Test). Positive changes with the scent of the felled tree were observed in 44% of the subjects, with humming 48%. Almost 70% of the study participants could profit at least from one of the both stimuli, only 25% showed no increase. Discussion: The old Germanic/Celtic tradition to put trees in the living rooms and light candles which was transferred to Christian customs could have a more serious background than only a pleasant scent and lights to modulate moods in a positive manner. Unconscious knowledge about the immunomodulatory effects could be another important aspect. Conclusion: Perhaps this may be the reason why singing/humming nearby the Christmas tree is so common: So there's something for everyone! Happy holidays!
Controlled Ankle Motion walkers (CAMs) are prefabricated ankle-foot interventions commonly used to address a broad range of orthopedic and vascular diagnoses. Variants from this intervention types appear to have differing kinematic features despite being described by the same billing codes and regarded as belonging to the same intervention strategy. The relatively low application complexity, cost, and profit margins of these devices can place barriers to the detailed evaluation and device selection that would lead to optimal healthcare outcomes. Technical analysis of 4 commercially available and established CAM walkers revealed differing magnitudes of forefoot and heel rockers as well as a range of non-kinematic features that impact user acceptance and healthcare outcomes.
