Evaluation of Vitamin D3 metabolite (25-OH Vit D3), Neurotransmitter (ACh), and the Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in Tissue Homogenate after Administration of Biofield Energy Healing-based Novel Proprietary Test Formulation and Biofield Treatment per se to the Animals in Vitamin D3 Deficiency Diet (VDD)-induced Sprague Dawley Rats

A novel proprietary test formulation was designed which included minerals, vitamins, β-carotene, cannabidiol isolate,and Panax ginseng extract. This present study was evaluated the impact of the Trivedi Effect® on novel proprietary test formulation in male Sprague Dawley rats, fed with vitamin D3 deficiency diet (VDD). The novel test formulation was divided into two parts; one part was defined as untreated test formulation, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment by renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The level of 25-OH Vit. D3 was measured in brain homogenate, which was found to be increased by 20.13%, 24.12%, 45.86%, 14.79%, and 29.96% in the G5 group treated with Biofield Treated test formulation, Biofield Energy Treatment per se to the animals (G6), 15 days pre-treatment of Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G7), Biofield Energy Treatment per se plus Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day -15 (G8), and untreated test formulation to the Biofield Energy Treated animals (G9) groups respectively, as compared with the disease control (G2) group. Brain acetylcholine (ACh) level was increased by 61.33% in the G7 group as compared with the untreated test formulation (G4) group. The expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was significantly reduced by 43.44% (p≤0.01), 30.93%, 21.42%, 45.99% (p≤0.01), and 60.85% (p≤0.01), respectively as compared with the G4. Lung pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level was significantly reduced in the G5, G6, G7, and G8 by 24.86%, 32.55% (p≤0.01), 30.12% (p≤0.01), and 42.69% (p≤0.01), respectively, as compared with the G4 group. Altogether, the Biofield Treated test formulation and/or per se treatment to the animals significantly improved the levels of active form of vitamin D3 metabolite (25-OH Vit D3) and neurotransmitter (ACh); consequently significantly lowered the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). Therefore, the energized test formulation or per se treatment could be effectively useful against neuronal damage and inflammation for the management of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementias, brain cancer, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, mental disorders, and Parkinson’s. Thus, the results showed a significant slowdown of disease progression and all other disease-related complications/symptoms in the preventive Biofield Energy Treatment group per se and the Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation groups (viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9) as compared to the disease control group.

Effect of COVID 19 Pandemic on Stroke Care and Admission - Single Centre Study

Background By the start of year 2020, the whole world was attacked by a rapidly spreading epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) which later was classified by WHO as Pandemic. some physicians reported multiple neurological manifestations including cerebrovascular strokes in patients with severe infection. Aim to assess the incidence of admitted stroke cases during 2019 in comparison to 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic in King Fahd Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A record based retrospective comparative study was conducted by reviewing all medical records for patients who admitted with stroke at King Fahd Hospital during March and April 2019 and March and April 2020. All data were extracted from patients’ medical files included personal data, nationality, date of admission, and stroke related data. Results The study included 121 patients whose ages ranged from 33 to 98 years with mean age of 59.9 years. At March 2019, there were 45 cases compared to 26 in March 2020. In April 2019 there were 20 admitted stroke cases compared to 30 in April 2020. Regarding clinical features of admitted stroke cases, Table 3 illustrates that 36.9% of stroke cases in 2019 were small vessel stroke compared to 58.9% of 2020 cases. Conclusions & Recommendations In conclusion, the study revealed there was no recorded significant change in the trend of admitted cases with stroke before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

Favourable Outcome in Pediatric Neurosurgery for Extra Dural Hematoma in Sub Sahara Africa: Report of Parakou University Hospital in the Benin Republic

Introduction The extra dural hematoma is a blood collection between the cranial vault and the dura mater. It is a neurosurgical emergency whose statistical data are poorly known in the Republic of Benin. Objective The aims of this study are to assess epidemiology, therapeutic and outcome of traumatic extra dural hematomas for children admitted to the surgical department of CHUD-B/A from 2012 to 2017. Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective study over a period from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2017. Results One hundred and seventy-eight cases of children aged between 0-15 years were examined for brain traumatic injury. Twenty-seven 27 (15.2%) cases of extra dural hematomas were retained. The most represented age group was between 11-15 years with a frequency of 42.1%. The male sex was more represented (78.9%). Road traffic accidents were the main aetiology (57.9%). 52.6% had a mild head injury, 26.3% had a moderate head injury and 21.1% had a severe head injury. On brain scan the frequently observed location was temporo-parietal (31.6%). Acute anemia was observed in 16 children. Seventeen children were operated on. The operation involved evacuation of extra dural hematoma by cranial bone flap with suspension of the dura mater. There were no deaths. Conclusion The availability of brain CT makes the diagnosis of extra dural hematoma easier. Its management is neurosurgical with a favourable post-operative evolution in all cases in this series.

Qualitative Research Methodology and its Scope in Health Services Research

Health services research is a multidisciplinary field which involves policy makers, health care providers, as well as quality outcomes professionals of the health services provided in an organizational setting to name some. Using qualitative research methodology to get insights of both the provider and patient experience down the pipeline can help strengthen what is lacking. Bridging the gap of translation research by not just surveys 1 might be an appropriate research methodology, however, inclusion of case studies, ethnographies might help stakeholders in the field, to visualize in depth phenomenon occurring in health services research field. Telly medicine, commercial digital health status trackr might be some of the inetrventions to improvise health care services, however, knowing what are the actual needs at individual level might efficiently help in redistribution of resources or policy laws. Recruiting for clinical trials through story telling communication technology2,3, might help in recruitment for novel drug therapies to explore possibilities, however, exploring the barriers to enroll for the clinical trials, or why the drug might work effectively in some cultural population and why not on others, can only be efficiently explored through qualitative research methodologies.

A Review The use of Cerebrolysin in Pediatric Charcot Marie Tooth Disease

Charcot Marie Tooth disease is a is a very chronic progressive hereditarymotor and sensory neuropathy characterized by progressive weakness andloss of touch sensation across various parts of the body. There are no curative or effective medical therapies that can ameliorate the disability associated with Charcot Marie Tooth disease. The aim of this paper is to describe the safe novel use of cerebrolysin in an Iraqi patient with Charcot Marie Tooth disease. Patients and Methods A boy who was born on the seventh of November, 2009, and was first seen on 29th of January, 2018 at the Children Teaching Hospital of Baghdad Medical City and had Charcot Marie Tooth disease was observed. He had difficulty in walking and abnormal gait that made him left first grade primary school. The nerve conduction study and electromyography study supported the clinical diagnosis of chronic symmetric sensori-motor polyneuropathy of moderated severity. The boy was treated with a safe novel therapy for one month. He receivedten doses of 3 ml intra-muscular cerebrolysin every three days. Results The short term effect of the therapy was dramatic with noticeable improvement that has never been reported before with this condition. Conclusion Further studies enrolling more patients are highly recommended.

Neuroscience Theories, Hypothesis and Approaches to ASD Physiopathology. A Review

According to the results of our laboratory the theory of immune dysfunction, the theory on the genetic architecture of ASD, the disrupted cortical connectivity theory and the theory on the contribution of cerebellum to ASD have shown fundamental experimental evidences to support the core symptoms of the complex and enigmatic physiopathology of autism spectrum disorder. The additional hypothesis about the neurogenesis in the amygdala, the contribution of oxytocin, vasopressin, the mirror neuron network, and mitochondrial dysfunction described are stimulating and interesting approaches that deserve further systematic basic and clinical neuroscience research.

A Meningeal Syndrome Revealing A Tetanus in A Togolese: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Although it is a vaccine-preventable disease, tetanus is frequently found in sub-Saharan Africa. Because of its rarity, this disease poses two problems for doctors of the 21st century: to make early diagnosis in order to refer patients to appropriate care structures, and to continue to ensure correct prevention of an affection that few current doctors have met. In it generalized form, the diagnosis of tetanus is easy, but when the beginning is localized, tetanus can be change with other diseases leading to a diagnostic wandering and a delay of adequate management. We report a case of tetanus in an 18-year-old male, who was received for neck pain and stiffness of the neck with a positive Kernig sign associated to fever since 48 hours. Initially treated for meningitis, the patient will develop at day 3 of hospitalization, the signs of generalized tetanus which led to evoked the diagnosis of tetanus. This diagnosis was reinforced by the notion of a rusty nail injury to the soles of the right foot 3 weeks before hospitalization and the absence of anti-tetanus vaccination. After using tetanus serum and vaccination with antibiotics (Metronidazole and Penicillin) and Diazepam in association with stripping of the wound under the foot, the patient was improved. This case illustrates that any neurological sign with the first trismus must evoke until proof of the contrary, a tetanus especially in case of association with a wound even if the immunization schedule is up to date.

Ultraviolet B Phototherapy Intervention in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective, Randomized Pilot Trial

Background There is substantial evidence, from well-conducted epidemiological studies, that low vitamin D levels are correlated with increased risk for MS, and multiple case control studies have implicated the involvement of vitamin D deficiency in MS etiology. Narrow-band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB; 300nm - 311 nm) induced vitamin D production has not previously been studied in a multiple sclerosis (MS) randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT). Objectives To investigate NB-UVB induced vitamin D production, immunomodulation and MS symptomology following NB-UVB phototherapy in a MS cohort. Methods Using a blinded RCT study design, twelve individuals 18 years or older with MS were enrolled and assigned (1:1) into individualized NB-UVB dose (10-30kJ/m) phototherapy, or into placebo treatment, delivered 3 times per week, for 8-weeks. Serum vitamin D levels, walking performance, strength, cognitive function, mood and circulating progenitor cells (CPCs: CD34+CD45dim), monocyte populations (Intermediate CD14+CD16+, Classical CD14+CD16-), and T regulatory cell (CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+Tregs) count were assesed. The data were analyzed by 2 x 3 mixed factor ANOVA. Results A statistically significant condition by time interaction on vitamin D levels (F=7.14, p<.005, partial η2=.42) was identified. NB-UVB phototherapy may provide immunomodulation in a select group of MS individuals. Conclusion UVB phototherapy corrects vitamin D deficiency. This study adds to the growing research investigating UVB treatment in MS.

Reduction of Side Effects by Segmented Electrodes in Case of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson Disease: A Case Report.

Patients suffering treatment resistant Parkinson´s disease (PD) are potential candidates for deep brain stimulation (DBS). Commonly most implanted electrodes have a cylindrical shape with quadripolar electrode contacts and generate a symmetrical stimulation field around the lead. To reduce side effects through activation of neighboring fibers a new electrode design with segmented contacts was developed and enables a better adaption of the field of stimulation as well as a multi-target stimulation to improve therapeutic benefits. We report about a 51-year-old male patient with a 15-year history of treatment-refractory PD, who was implanted with bilateral segmented electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) with St. Jude Medical Infinity™ DBS System (Abbott/St. Jude Medical, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA). Despite a clear mood-enhancing effect, stimulation with ring electrodes caused motor side effects including rigor and speech disorder. With segmented electrodes an effective and gentle stimulation was achieved. The stimulation of the anterior segments in the central position of the electrode in the STN showed no side-effects and allowed a reduction of initial symptoms in an low stimulation amplitude. Despite precise preoperatively planning and intraoperative trial stimulation, side effects of STN stimulation are very common. The application of segmented electrodes permits more options to reduce side effects rather than using ring electrodes. Studies with larger samples sizes are needed to establish the optional DBS electrode.

Why New Drugs, Treatments, and Medical Devices Still Needs to be Tested Clinically Before Making it Available in the Market? A Systematic Review

Objective Testing a new drug, treatment, and medical device clinically is critically important before prescribing it to patient. Not determining the drug’s safety and efficacy through clinical trials might impose life threatening outcomes on its consumers. The research paper describes the critical factors associated for testing any new drugs clinically, as limited research is performed in this field of public health. Study Design A qualitative systematic literature review was performed by mining relevant original peer reviewed research papers as well as some online resources like MedlinePlus due to limited availability of studies on such critical topic. Methods The databases used were Web of Sciences core collection, PubMed, Google scholar. The keywords used to search research papers were “clinical trials”, “testing new drugs”, “history of testing drugs”, “evidence-based medicine”. Conclusion Drugs which are prescribed to critical target population like pregnant women and children should be more often clinically tested if possible as majority of them are available in the market without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The abusive potential of any new drug could end up taking lives of innocent individuals. More evidence-based medicine can help translate research results on a heterogeneous population efficiently.