scholarly journals Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine Approaches to COVID-19: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (03) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Joseph V. Pergolizzi ◽  
◽  
Jo Ann LeQuang ◽  
Peter Magnusson ◽  
Giustino Varrassi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
Western Medicine ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Immune Nutrition ◽  
Complementary And Integrative Medicine ◽  
Energy Therapies

Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) approaches to COVID-19 represent a paradigm shift from Western medicine, in that TCIM emphasizes prevention, encouraging wellness, and supporting health and recovery. A wide range of TCIM approaches exist: whole medical systems (such as traditional Chinese medicine), mind-body approaches, biological therapies, body-based treatments, and energy therapies. TCIM is used to help people resist infection, but people with moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms often relied on integrative approaches using both traditional and Western medicine. It is estimated that over 90% of the infected population in Hubei China had used some form of traditional medicine to treat COVID. Ayurvedic medicine promotes immune-boosting strategies. Among biologically based therapies, there are vitamin therapies and “immune-nutrition” as well as traditional botanical treatments. Energy therapies have been promoted by the Chinese government to treat COVID-19 which may cause a loss of qi energy and an imbalance with too much yang energy in relation to yin. In many ways, it is difficult to apply Western approaches of clinical trials to TCIM, where most treatments are preventive, restorative, and highly individualized. However, the role of TCIM in COVID-19 was significant and underscores the value of TCIM approaches not just in this pandemic but for other infectious diseases as well. This is a narrative review rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis.

Chinese Herbal Medicines for Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis in Preventing Deep Venous Thrombosis after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hetao Huang ◽  
Jianke Pan ◽  
Yanhong Han ◽  
Lingfeng Zeng ◽  
Guihong Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Hip Arthroplasty ◽  
Hip Arthroplasty ◽  
Western Medicine ◽  
Blood Circulation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Blood Stasis ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Chinese Herbal

Aim and Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicines for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis (PBCRBSM) in preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Materials and Methods: The Databases were searched for studies comparing the preventive abilities of PBCRBSM and Western medicine, such as low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), rivaroxaban, and aspirin, as well as for randomized controlled trials on DVT after THA. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 3254 randomized controlled trials were included, including 1630 cases in the experimental group and 1624 cases in the control group. Meta-analysis showed that compared with Western medicine, PBCRBSM reduced the incidence of DVT (OR=0.38, 95% CI [0.30, 0.48], P < 0.001); prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (SMD=0.44, 95% CI [0.35, 0.53], P < 0.001); reduced D-dimer (SMD=-0.75, 95% CI [-0.84，-0.65], P < 0.001), FIB (SMD=-0.61, 95% CI [-0.72, -0.50], P < 0.001), blood viscosity (P<0.01), circumference difference in lower extremities (P<0.01), venous blood flow velocity (SMD=0.97, 95% CI [0.77, 1.16], P < 0.001), and drainage volume (SMD=-1.53, 95% CI [-1.71, -1.35], P < 0.001); and reduced adverse reactions (OR = 0.32, 95% CI [0.19, 0.56], P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in prolonging prothrombin time (PT) between traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.0.01). 3, 0.16], P > 0.05. Conclusion: PBCRBSM is an effective method for preventing DVT after THA and has fewer adverse effects.

scholarly journals Ineffective Feeding Practices and Their Effect on Malocclusion: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratima R. Mokashi ◽  
Srikala Bhandary
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Normal Growth ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Bottle Feeding ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
World Health ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Nutritive Sucking

Abstract Objective The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the association of ineffective feeding practices with the development of malocclusion in children and the role of a pediatric dentist in identifying the cues and signs of improper feeds, and encourage effective breastfeeding practices. Introduction There has been an ongoing debate on the role of effective breastfeeding in the prevention of malocclusion. Although no specific claim supports the positive impact of the same, a detailed reviewing of the literature helps to identify the method of feeding to be chosen considering health benefits and personal preference. Materials and Methods A broad search of all resources linked to the topic was performed in PubMed, Medline, World Health Organization web site, government web sites, and Google Scholar search engine. Keywords used in the search included breastfeeding, ineffective breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pacifier, and malocclusion. A total of 60 articles published in the period from 2000 to 2019 were segregated. Selected articles comprised original research, meta-analysis, and systematic reviews. Results Parameters such as duration, posture, and non-nutritive sucking habits had an impact on effective breastfeeding. Discussion Effective breastfeeding and maintaining appropriate posture and duration helps to positively impact the normal growth and development of the jaws, muscular functioning, and speech. Thereby, the risk of developing malocclusion in primary dentition can be prevented. Conclusion An understanding of the role of breastfeeding and malocclusion will help in the early intervention and prevention of malocclusion and deviated muscular function. Highlighting the role of counseling and effective feeding practices is also an area that should be focused upon by budding clinicians.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in People Living with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3554
Author(s):  
Kai Wei Lee ◽  
Sook Fan Yap ◽  
Yun Fong Ngeow ◽  
Munn Sann Lye
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Chest Imaging ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

COVID-19 is a global health emergency. People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) have concerns about whether they have a higher risk of getting the infection and suffer worse COVID-19 outcomes. Findings from studies on these questions have largely been inconsistent. We aimed to determine the epidemiological characteristics, clinical signs and symptoms, blood parameters, and clinical outcomes among PLHIV who contracted COVID-19. Relevant studies were identified through Medline, Cinahl, and PubMed databases. A random-effects model was used in meta-analyses with a 95% confidence interval. Eighty-two studies were included in the systematic review and sixty-seven studies for the meta-analysis. The pooled incidence proportion of COVID-19 among PLHIV was 0.9% (95% CI 0.6%, 1.1%) based on the data from seven cohort studies. Overall, 28.4% were hospitalised, of whom, 2.5% was severe-critical cases and 3.5% needed intensive care. The overall mortality rate was 5.3%. Hypertension was the most commonly reported comorbidity (24.0%). Fever (71.1%) was the most common symptom. Chest imaging demonstrated a wide range of abnormal findings encompassing common changes such as ground glass opacities and consolidation as well as a spectrum of less common abnormalities. Laboratory testing of inflammation markers showed that C-reactive protein, ferritin, and interleukin-6 were frequently elevated, albeit to different extents. Clinical features as well as the results of chest imaging and laboratory testing were similar in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-treated and non-treated patients. PLHIV were not found to be at higher risk for adverse outcomes of COVID-19. Hence, in COVID-19 management, it appears that they can be treated the same way as HIV negative individuals. Nevertheless, as the pandemic situation is rapidly evolving, more evidence may be needed to arrive at definitive recommendations.

scholarly journals SGLT2 inhibitors: a narrative review of efficacy and safety

2021 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-239
Author(s):  
Donald S. Nelinson ◽  
Jose M. Sosa ◽  
Robert J. Chilton
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Sglt2 Inhibitor ◽  
Sglt2 Inhibitors ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Comorbid Conditions ◽  
Postprandial Plasma Glucose ◽  
Renal Outcomes ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a cardio-renal-metabolic condition that is frequently associated with multiple comorbidities, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which lower glycated hemoglobin, fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels, body weight, and blood pressure, as well as reduce the risk of a range of cardiovascular and renal outcomes without increasing hypoglycaemic risk, have heralded a paradigm shift in the management of T2DM. These drugs are compatible with most other glucose-lowering agents and can be used in patients with a wide range of comorbid conditions, including ASCVD, HF, and CKD, and in those with estimated glomerular filtration rates as low as 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. However, there are misunderstandings surrounding the clinical implications of SGLT2 inhibitors’ mechanism of action and concerns about the key adverse events with which this class of drugs has been associated. This narrative review summarizes the data that support the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in reducing the risks of cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with T2DM and comorbid conditions and clarifies information relating to SGLT2 inhibitor-related adverse events.

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