Journal articles on the topic 'Influenza - Homeopathic treatment'

Background: The concept of health and Health Care began in India in the middle of 18th Century. National Health Policy 2002 initiated the program – “health for all”. Earlier it was a concept of individual care. New philosophy of Heath Care Service is inter-sector, i.e., indigenous system can be found in public as well as private sector and so on. The sectors of heath care services in India are categorized as: 1.Public sector 2. Private sector 3. Indigenous systems of medicine which include a. Ayurveda and Siddha b. Unani and Tibbiya c. Homeopathy d. unregistered practitioners 4. Voluntary Heath Agencies 5. National Health Programmes. It needs to clarify who is a patient, according to World Health Organization (1948) defined health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” So a person is called healthy if he / she is physically fit, mentally sound and socially well adjusted. To explain further disease is the interruption or break in the state of equilibrium of all the components. Moreover, disease is lack of health, a disorder or illness caused by infection or deficiency with some characteristics or symptoms. The homeopathic doctors look into patient’s symptoms and take the medical history. Objective: The objectives of the study are to find out (i) Disease specificity in homeopathic treatment (ii) Variation of diseases with seasons (iii)Variation of diseases with economic condition (iv) Variation in different socio-economic groups seeking homeopathic treatment (v) Reasons of failure of homeopathic treatment. Methodology: Fifty (50) clinics of Kolkata and its suburbs and two (2) years data have been taken into consideration. Statistical methods like ANOVA are applied to find out the diseases related to homeopathy. Patients were classified according to their acute and chronic diseases. Acute diseases include seasonal ones like influenza, cough and cold, dengue, malaria, pox, common fever, diarrhea. Chronic diseases include arthritis, hepatic disorder, eczema, cardiac disorders, migraine, asthma, autism, epilepsy, tumors, skin diseases, pimples. Number of each chronic and acute cases in each clinic was recorded. All the numbers in 50 clinics were pooled together for each case. Socio – economic conditions of the patients were also recorded. Result: Acute diseases like influenza, diarrhea, common cold, fever dominate over other diseases. Among the chronic diseases rheumatoid arthritis, migraine and asthma are more common than other diseases. Common cold and asthma predominate during autumn while diarrhea is common in monsoon. Discussion: Present paper tries to find out how unhealthy condition or disease is guided by two factors. 1. The climatic condition or the seasonal swing and 2. Economic condition of the patients surveyed. To specify, the paper seeks the variation of disease with seasonal swing and economic status of those who come to the homeopaths. The number of patients also varies with seasons. The number rises during monsoons (July to September) and falls in cold months (December and January). The upper socio-economic group seeks medical help for diseases like coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity etc., where as lower income goes for diseases like bronchitis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, etc. The paper also tries to find out the causes failure of homeopathic treatment in the study area, they are (i) limited number of skilled doctors available in suburbs of Kolkata. In urban areas skilled doctors cannot cope with the growing number of patients. (ii) The improper selection of medicines among the trained doctors, moreover, application of proper potencies often fails. (iii) The poor quality of medicines is a major factor of failure. In homeopathy quality control is difficult. In-process quality control is only possible by engaging a large number of inspectors by the Drug Regulator. At present the number is insufficient. (iv) As the patients have little knowledge or ignorant about the homeopathic medicines, they compare homeopathic medicines with other systems of medicine. Only 3% natural substance present in the medicine which cannot be possible to detect by the patient. As the patients cannot smell the medicine and all medicines appear similar for which they often doubt about it’s effects. Conclusion: The causes for seeking homeopathic treatment are different in different socio-economic groups. The lower socio economic groups are attracted due to the low cost of treatment. The higher socio economic groups are interested because of long lasting effects and permanent cure, no side effect, diagnostic problems due to complexity of diseases and to avoid surgery.

The article presents the literature data on the homeopathic drug Aflubin use for the complex treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in children, the opportunity of its use in the epidemic period of respiratory diseases, as well as in the form of a preventive tool. Summarized data concerning the main properties of the drug. The ingredients that make up the drug, affect the reduction of intoxication and temperature symptoms, contribute to the relief of coughing and pain. Aflubin can be used in children starting from the first year of life

Gripp-Heel® is a homeopathic preparation frequently used in the treatment of respiratory viral infections such as various types of influenza and the common cold. The antiviral activity of Gripp-Heel was studied in vitro on human pathogenic enveloped and nonenveloped RNA and DNA viruses. Before the antiviral assays, in vitro cytotoxicity of Gripp-Heel was determined with cells used for the infection experiments (HeLa, HEp-2, MDCK, BGM) as well as with mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes. A concentration of 0.5 of the commercially available product slightly reduced cell viability and proliferative capacity, and experiments on antiviral activity were determined starting with a dilution of 0.2 of the commercially available product. The antiviral activity was determined against a broad panel of enveloped and nonenveloped DNA and RNA viruses with plaque reduction assay, cytopathogenic assays, virus titrations, analysis of the viral proteins in virus-specific enzyme immunoassays, and haemagglutination tests. Control substances were acyclovir (10 μg/mL), ribavirin (6 μg/mL), and amantadine hydrochloride (5 μg/mL), depending on the virus type. Gripp-Heel demonstrated dose-dependent in vitro activity (significant reductions of infectivity by 20% to 40%) against Human herpesvirus 1, Human adenovirus C serotype 5, Influenza A virus, Human respiratory syncytial virus, Human parainfluenza virus 3, Human rhinovirus B serotype 14, and Human coxsackievirus serotype A9. The mechanisms of this antiviral activity are still unclear, but type I interferon induction might be a possible explanation. Further research on this homeopathic preparation seems warranted.

Homeopathy and its transnational transmission have received significant attention from historians of medicine. But the emergence of homeopathy in modern Chinese society has remained little explored. This article identifies the homeopathic practitioners arriving in nineteenth-century China, and then explores their origins, efforts and sense of professional identity in a transnational context. The history of homeopathy in China is found to begin in the late nineteenth century, during which the growth of the Christian missionary enterprise promoted the arrival of sporadic Euro-American homeopathic practitioners, also missionaries, in coastal regions of China. Almost all of them received professional training in American homeopathic medical institutions; and most of them were females, providing additional opportunities for local women patients to receive treatment. The practitioners recognized homeopathy and their collective homeopathic identity, but their healing services were not necessarily essentially homeopathic. Homeopathy that they learnt also evolved and transacted with exotic knowledge during its globalization. Under the influence of homeopathy, some Euro-Americans claimed to have discovered homeopathic elements in Chinese medical ideas and practice. The early history of homeopathy explored in this article helps deconstruct the popular imagination of a coherent ‘Western medicine’ in modern China.

Acute Nasopharyngitis is a common upper respiratory tract infection caused by adenoviruses, influenza, rhinovirus, parainfluenza or respiratory syncytial viruses. This prospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted at SKHMC, Jaipur for a period of 1 year (April 2018 to March 2019), aiming to ascertain the effectiveness of characteristic keynote prescription of homoeopathic medicines in the cases of Acute Nasopharyngitis in paediatric age group. In this study, 59 cases of Acute Nasopharyngitis were treated with homoeopathic medicines prescribed on the basis of totality of the symptoms along with characteristic keynote symptoms. Treatment outcomes were assessed using Common Cold Questionnaire. Out of 59 patients, 36 patients (61.0%) were improved; 15 patients (25.5%) were at status quo, and 08 patients (13.5%) became worse. Maximum patients were found to be in the age group of School Age children (n=27; 45.8%) and Pre-School children (n=21; 35.6%). Males were observed to be affected more as compared to females. Paired ttest was conducted on the CCQ scores obtained before and after treatment and the result showed that p value was < 0.05 & t = 8.404, which was statistically significant which concluded that characteristic keynote prescription of homoeopathic medicines was effective in cases of Acute Nasopharyngitis. Keywords Homeopathy; Common Cold; School age children; Observational study

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of homeopathic products in diets of quails in the egg quality when submitted to different storage periods. In the trial we used 200 Japanese quails in a completely randomized design with 4 diets: reference diet, vehicle used in homeopathic products and 2 homeopathic products - Fertsigo® and Ovosigo® with ten replicates of three eggs in each. Egg quality parameters were evaluated during 3 storage periods. Data were evaluated as repeated measures in time, the effects of the interactions between treatments and time as well as their isolated effects were verified. There was the interaction between homeopathic products and storage time in the parameters of albumen and yolk height, Haugh unit, and yolk index, in which a reduction was obtained over time. For egg weight, yolk, albumen and shell, percentage of albumen, and percentage of eggshell there was a significant effect only for homeopathy. The inclusion of homeopathic additives increased egg weight. It is indicated the addition of the product with homeopathic basis Ovosigo® and FertSigo® in diets of Japanese quails in the laying phase resulting in better egg and components but did not influence the quality maintenance of eggs of Japanese quails in the periods evaluated.

Background: Influenza affects thousands of people worldwide every year, motivating the development of new therapies. In this work, the effects of two homeopathic preparations (influenza biotherapies and thymulin) were chosen following two different rationales: isotherapy and endo-isotherapy models. The homeopathic effects were evaluated individually considering the inflammatory and behavioral responses against influenza virus antigen were studied in BALB/c mice.Methods: Male adult mice were treated orally and blindly for 21 days with highly diluted influenza virus or with thymulin, and were divided in two sets of experiments. The first series of experiments aimed to describe their behavior, using an open field (OF) device. In the second series, mice were challenged subcutaneously with influenza hemagglutinin antigen (7 μg/200 μl) at day 21. At day 42, behavior and inflammation response were evaluated.Results: No behavioral changes were seen in OF tests at any time point after treatments. Flow cytometry and morphometry revealed significant changes in T and B cell balance after influenza antigen challenge, varying according to treatment.Conclusion: The results show that both homeopathic treatments induced subtle changes in acquired immune anti-viral response regulation. A deeper understanding of the mechanism could elucidate their possible use in influenza epidemiological situations.

Background: Hemarthrosis is a common clinical presentation of patients with severe and moderately severe hemophilia. Severe pain, swelling, and loss of function involving knee, ankle, elbow, and shoulder joints are commonly seen. In India, except for paracetamol and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opiate analgesics are not easily available even in the mainstay of treatment; i.e., factor concentrates are also not available regularly. Hence, there is an unmet need for exploring alternative management strategies in this condition in India. Objective: To assess the effect of homeopathic medicines on pain and acute hemarthrosis in hemophilia when factor concentrates are not available and paracetamol in adequate doses proves inadequate. Patients: 343 patients with hemophilia (PWH) from Nashik, Mumbai, and Surat presenting with hemarthrosis were prescribed homeopathic medicines in addition to paracetamol and RICE (rest, immobilization, cold application, and elevation). They were assessed using standard techniques. Results: 1,679 episodes of hemarthrosis in major joints were encountered between December 2007 and March 2014, in 343 patients. In 1,580 of the 1,679 hemarthrosis episodes (94.1%), bleeding/inflammation was arrested and pain relieved with homeopathic medication. Additional factor concentrate was required in 99 patients (4.48%). The mean pain score improved from 6.88 ± 2.118 to 1.5 ± 0.34 over 6-24 h following the homeopathic medicines (p < 0.0001). The swellings were also substantially reduced (p < 0.001). The number of joint bleeds per month was reduced significantly under the influence of therapy (p < 0.0001), showing the long-term disease-modifying effect of the treatment. Conclusion: Homeopathic medicines without factor concentrates appeared to reduce bleeding and pain in PWH presenting with hemarthrosis and could have influenced the long-term frequency of bleeding.

Abstract Background. The claims made for the clinical effects of homeopathy are controversial. The results of several meta-analyses of clinical trials are positive, but they fail in general to highlight specific medical conditions that respond well to homeopathy. Aims. This review examines the cumulative research from randomised and/or double-blind clinical trials (RCTs) in homeopathy for individual medical conditions reported since 1975, and asks the question: What is the weight of the original evidence from published RCTs that homeopathy has an effect that is statistically significantly different from that in a comparative group? Method. Analysis of the 93 substantive RCTs that compare homeopathy either with placebo or another treatment. Results. 50 papers report a significant benefit of homeopathy in at least one clinical outcome measure, 41 that fail to discern any inter-group differences, and two that describe an inferior response with homeopathy. Considering the relative number of research articles on the 35 different medical conditions in which such research has been carried out, the weight of evidence currently favours a positive treatment effect in eight: childhood diarrhoea, fibrositis, hayfever, influenza, pain (miscellaneous), side-effects of radio- or chemotherapy, sprains and upper respiratory tract infection. Based on published research to date, it seems unlikely that homeopathy is efficacious for headache, stroke or warts. Insufficient research prevents conclusions from being drawn about any other medical conditions. Conclusions. The available research evidence emphasises the need for much more and better-directed research in homeopathy. A fresh agenda of enquiry should consider beyond (but include) the placebo-controlled trial. Each study should adopt research methods and outcome measurements linked to a question addressing the clinical significance of homeopathy's effects.

This study evaluated the effects of homeopathically potentized Arsenicum album, nosode, and gibberellic acid in a bioassay with arsenic-stressed duckweed (Lemna gibbaL.). The test substances were applied in nine potency levels (17x, 18x, 21x–24x, 28x, 30x, 33x) and compared with controls (unsuccussed and succussed water) regarding their influence on the plant’s growth rate. Duckweed was stressed with arsenic(V) for 48 h. Afterwards, plants grew in either potentized substances or water controls for 6 days. Growth rates of frond (leaf) area and frond number were determined with a computerized image analysis system for different time intervals (days 0–2, 2–6, 0–6). Five independent experiments were evaluated for each test substance. Additionally, five water control experiments were analyzed to investigate the stability of the experimental setup (systematic negative control experiments). All experiments were randomized and blinded. The test system exhibited a low coefficient of variation (≈1%). Unsuccussed and succussed water did not result in any significant differences in duckweed growth rate. Data from the control and treatment groups were pooled to increase statistical power. Growth rates for days 0–2 were not influenced by any homeopathic preparation. Growth rates for days 2–6 increased after application of potentized Arsenicum album regarding both frond area (p< 0.001) and frond number (p< 0.001), and by application of potentized nosode (frond area growth rate only,p< 0.01). Potencies of gibberellic acid did not influence duckweed growth rate. The systematic negative control experiments did not yield any significant effects. Thus, false-positive results can be excluded with high certainty. To conclude, the test system withL. gibbaimpaired by arsenic(V) was stable and reliable. It yielded evidence for specific effects of homeopathic Arsenicum album preparations and it will provide a valuable tool for future experiments that aim at revealing the mode of action of homeopathic preparations. It may also be useful to investigate the influence of external factors (e.g., heat, electromagnetic radiation) on the effects of homeopathic preparations.

Introduction The analysis of the periodic table of elements by Jan Scholten opened the way for a new kind of classification and repertorisation of homeopathic remedies. Thereby, group analysis (resorting to series and stages) makes precise prescriptions possible. This approach appears to yield striking results, even in severe cases. Whereas Hahnemann stressed the emotional state (‘Gemüthssymptome’, Organon § 210) when choosing a remedy, Scholten 200 years later investigated the mental picture that represents a life conflict or even a life theme that may maintain the disease process. The person's environment, emotional traumas or a conflict drives him or her to suppress and dissect painful emotions. Such compensations can become subconscious and so strong that they can no longer be controlled; they then influence the patient with a highly destructive energy. Methods We present five case reports, each dealing with an unusual clinical course of severe cancer associated with homeopathic treatment using the Scholten method. Results By presenting these cases, we consider how the constitution (lifelong signs and symptoms of the patient) and the mental state are interwoven and, as a complex mechanism, might provoke disease. Conclusion The appropriate homeopathic remedy, reflecting the Scholten approach, seemed to have beneficial impact on the disease process of the five individuals presented.

AbstractThe emergence and spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from Wuhan, China, has become a global threat. The high infectivity and drastic outcomes have made this a paramount health concern. Effective therapy or vaccine to arrest the progress has still not been proved. Homeopathy has a long reputation and evidence of intervening in several epidemic situations, notably the recent influenza. Symptoms-based personalised approach makes it more precise to treat patients. The symptom complex presented by several patients suffering from the COVID-19 can help to select the genus epidemicus, one or few medicine/s to treat and prevent the epidemic. A proper hygienic measure and medication are sufficient to manage a large number of cases with mild symptoms. Severe cases with or without complications are an important concern and need critical management. A significant body of literature justifies the consideration of homeopathy in this situation. A conceptual framework may be drawn to integrate homeopathy with standard therapy to find a better treatment plan. Keeping the symptoms and existing evidence in consideration, some medicines may be proposed for further trials, treatment and prevention plan.

AbstractCOVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) may present variable symptoms among infected individuals, with chronic disease patients appearing as the group most susceptible to present severe pulmonary infection, while having a higher risk of developing complications from the disease. This study demonstrates the relationship between the manifestation of COVID-19 and the presence of chronic miasmatic disease, based on the works of Samuel Hahnemann. The reaction of the individual who previously presented chronic miasmatic disease, when in contact with the stimulus of the epidemic disease, depends on the type of response that the organism was generating in the face of the pre-existing situation: if it is an intense reaction and greater than that which the stimulus of COVID-19 can generate, this individual will not develop the severe form of the epidemic disease; if the reaction is less than that generated by COVID-19, more intense symptoms may appear. Understanding that the presence of a chronic miasmatic disease interferes with the manifestation of COVID-19, which may have repercussions on other organs, can change how one must act on the treatment, as this can alter the individual's health status.

The influence of moderately diluted, agitated, i.e., homeopathically prepared, thyroxin solutions (10-11–10-12, final concentration in the basin water 0.6 × 10-15− 0.6 × 10-25parts by weight after the first application) on metamorphosis in highlandRana temporariafrom the two-legged stage was studied. In accordance with the homeopathic idea of effects of specially prepared dilutions being inverse to those of their mother substances, animals were treated either with thyroxin 10-11–10-21or analogously prepared blank solution (water). Development was monitored by documenting the number of animals that had entered the four-legged stage. It has been found that animals treated with the thyroxin solutions metamorphosed more slowly than the control animals, i.e., the effect of the homeopathically prepared thyroxin was opposed to the usual effect of molecular thyroxin. The number of test animals that reached the four-legged stage at defined points in time was smaller (2–13.5%) in the group treated with homeopathically prepared thyroxin at the points in time, compared to control. The results in this study sustain the previous multiresearcher findings that show that diluted homeopathically prepared thyroxin is able to slow down metamorphosis ofR. temporaria.

Aim. To study the influence of different risk factors on complications rate while treating pulpitis. Methods. Retrospective analysis of 130 patients with pulpitis outpatient’s cards, who were treated by vital and devitalized pulp extirpation without additional rehabilitation (63 patients) and with addition of individually selected rehabilitation program (67 patients), was carried out. The presence and rate of risk factors for complications in both study groups were analyzed, the level of their impact in complications formation was assessed. The data were processed by analysis of variance. Results. The most significant risk factors for developing complications while treating pulpitis were low local dental and general recovery potential, multiple foci of dental and periodontal infection, mastication muscles malfunction, malocclusion, mental disorders. 60% of patients had the combination of 3 and more risk factors, which in half of all cases were associated with developing complications, if endodontic treatment of pulpitis was not associated with individually selected rehabilitation. Rehabilitation included physiotherapy (if indicated), e.g. low-frequency alternating magnetic field, intra-channel iodine electrophoresis, individually selected homeopathic drugs, Bach flower essences and kinesiotherapy in addition to full mouth debridement. Conclusion. The impact of a range of risk factors, which can be revealed in conditions of common outpatient dental practice, on pulpitis treatment effectiveness was revealed. The addition of individually selected rehabilitation program, targeted on revealed risk factors elimination, to traditional pulpitis treatment decreases the complications rate.

The influence of a highly diluted agitated, i.e. homeopathically prepared thyroxin solution (10-30, final concentration in the basin water 10-35parts by weight after the first application) on metamorphosis in lowland Rana temporaria from the spawn stage on was studied. The treatment with homeopathically prepared thyroxin solution (10-30) starts at the frogspawn stage. It represents a tool to learn more about the previously standardized amphibian model, where the thyroxin solution was applied from the two- legged stage on only. Lowland frogs were pretreated by immersing spawn in an aqueous molecular thyroxin dilution (10-8parts by weight). In later stages of development (2 to 4 legged), this has been found to speed up metamorphosis by around 15%. In accordance with the homeopathic idea of detoxication or cure, hyperstimulated animals (spawn or, in subsequence, larvae) were treated either with thyroxin that had been highly diluted and agitated in successive steps, i.e. homeopathically prepared (10-30), or analogously prepared blank solution (water). Development was monitored by documenting the number of animals that had entered the four-legged stage. It has been found that animals treated with the test solution metamorphosed more slowly than the control animals, i.e. the effect of the homeopathically prepared thyroxin was opposed to the usual effect of molecular thyroxin. The number of test animals that reached the 4- legged stage at defined points in time was slightly smaller in the group treated with homeopathically prepared thyroxin at some, but not at all points in time, compared to control. The results in this study sustain the previous multi researcher findings that highly diluted homeopathically prepared thyroxin is able to slow down metamorphosis ofRana temporaria.

Prostate Cancer (CaP) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Cameroonian men. Due to inadequate infrastructure, record keeping, and resources, little is known about its true burden on the population. There are rural/urban disparities with regards to awareness, screening, treatment, and survivorship. Furthermore, use of traditional medicine and homeopathic remedies is widespread, and some men delay seeking conventional medical treatment until advanced stages of CaP. This study examined the perceptions, beliefs, and practices of men in Cameroon regarding late stage CaP diagnoses; identified factors that influence screening decision; and ascertained how men decided between traditional or conventional medicine for CaP diagnosis and treatment. Semistructured focus groups were used to collect data from men in Bamenda, Cameroon. Qualitative data analysis was used to analyze transcripts for emerging themes and constructs using a socio-ecological framework. Twenty-five men participated in the study, with an average age of 59. Most of the participants had never received a prostate screening recommendation. Socioeconomic status, local beliefs, knowledge levels, awareness of CaP and screening methods, and stigma were prominent themes. A significant number of Cameroonian men receive late stage CaP diagnosis due to lack of awareness, attitudes, cultural beliefs, self-medication, and economic limitation. To effectively address these contributing factors to late stage CaP diagnosis, a contextually based health education program is warranted and should be tailored to fill knowledge gaps about the disease, dispel misconceptions, and focus on reducing barriers to utilization of health services.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, involves immunomediated processes. Canova (CA) is a homeopathic treatment indicated in the diseases in which the immune system is depressed. This study evaluated the Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profile of T. cruzi under the influence of CA and Benznidazole (BZ). Mice infected with the genetic lineage of T. cruzi II (Y strain) were divided into 4 groups:Infected animals treated with saline solution (control group); treated with CA; treated with BZ; treated with CA and BZ combined.Treatment was given at the 5th–25th days of infection (D5–25). The parasites were isolated by haemoculture in Liver Infusion Tryptose (LIT) medium: at D5 (before treatment), D13, 15 and 25 (during treatment) and D55 and 295 (after treatment). DNA was extracted from the mass of parasites. RAPD was done with the primers λgt11-F, M13F-40 and L15996, the amplified products were eletrophoresed through a 4% polyacrylamide gel. Data were analyzed by the coefficient of similarity using the DNA-POP program.163 markers were identified, 5 of them monomorphic. CA did not act against the parasites when used alone. The RAPD profiles of parasites treated with BZ and CA + BZ were different from those in the control group and in the group treated with CA. The actions of the CA and BZ were different and the action of BZ was different from the action of CA + BZ. These data suggest that CA may interact with BZ. The differences in the RAPD profile of the Y strain of T. cruzi produced by BZ, CA + BZ and the natural course of the infection suggest selection/suppression of populations.

e12509 Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a devastating CNS tumor with an incidence of around 14,000 per year in the USA. Patients often independently adopt complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in addition to the recommended surgery and chemoradiation due to the poor prognosis of the disease despite maximal therapy. We try to document the most frequently used supplement therapies and identify differences in side effect profiles, and survival rates (PFS and OS) between groups of patients taking standard therapy versus standard therapy with CAM Methods: This is a retrospective single institution study. We reviewed charts of 25 GBM patients seen in Neuro-Oncology Clinic at Fox Chase Cancer Center between September 2010 and September 2011. All patients received standard chemoradiation. Information regarding the age, sex, use of CAM, performance status at diagnosis, side effect profile, PFS and OS was obtained. Results: 9/25 (36%) patients reported using CAM. The most frequently used supplement was the homeopathic medication Ruta-6 followed by curcumin, hydroxychloroquine, melatonin and green tea extract. The mean PFS were 14 vs 17 months in the CAM vs non-CAM groups. OS rates were 17 vs 20.5 months in the CAM vs non-CAM groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. In addition, no differences in side effects were noted. Conclusions: Most neuro-oncologists are eventually confronted with questions about CAM in the treatment of GBM.Considering the limited therapeutic options available for GBM and the multiple options that CAM offers, this retrospective study provides insight into the most frequently used supplements and compares the benefits and their side effect profiles. Information regarding the use of CAM was based on voluntary disclosure at the time of documentation. Information about genetic markers was not always available. Larger prospective studies are required to elucidate any meaningful clinical differences between the groups.

Before the start of our research, there already was empirically developed experience on the appearance of similar conditions in animals and humans in close contact. However, there was no scientific explanation for this phenomenon, or scientifically grounded recommendations for its application in medical practice. Since 1995 we have been systematically studied cases of humans and animals in close contact exhibited a same pathological condition. The aim of the present study was to establish the features of these interdependent states and the factors that influence them. The experimental and clinical studies described here were performed based on spontaneous procurement by the animals’ owners at Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, St. Petersburg State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and at Research Center of “POLEVET” Veterinary Clinic. Clinical, hematological, biochemical and immunologic parameters describing the condition of the animals during homeopathic treatment preparations were recorded. To assess the reliability of differences at 0.05 significance level was used. Statistical analysis was made of 8,061 episodes of addresses of animals and their owners. Based on these materials and using modern achievements in biology, genetics, physiology and neurophysiology, the main theses providing theoretical substantiation for this phenomenon were formulated, and the mechanisms of development of one and the same disease in both humans and animals according to modern scientific conceptions were revealed. Also a tactic and strategy for treatment of sick animals and humans in close contact are suggested. To correct interdependent conditions, a method of application of the effects of ultra-high dilutions of drugs was developed and proposed for practical use, which might enable veterinary specialists - based on the knowledge of the phenomenon of interdependent conditions - to significantly improve the recovery of their patients. The effectiveness of this approach was confirmed in practice by many specialists who made use of our results. The work performed and the attention paid by specialists to these studies, as well as the possibility to correct the phenomenon of interdependent conditions of animals and humans using ultra-high dilutions of substances, demonstrate the potential for further scientific developments in this field of medical practice.

Corinne Kraus, Ute Knobloch, Scherer Waltraud, Peter Christian Endler Interuniversity College for Health and Development Graz / Castle of Seggau, Austria Background In 1926, an influence of a homeopathically prepared high dilution of silver nitrate on the growth of coleoptiles of wheat seedlings was described (Kolisko 1926). Later, in an extensive series of experiments, wheat was observed under the influence of extremely diluted agitated silver nitrate (10e-23, “24x”). Stalk lengths clearly indicate that development is enhanced by the probe silver nitrate 24x as compared to control (Scherer et al. 2015). A preliminary experiment was performed in early autumn 2015 on stalk growth of wheat seedlings treated with (not potentized) dilutions of silver nitrate 10e-6 to 10e-10 (“6e to 10e”), compared to potentized silver nitrate 6x to 10x (N = 100 per group). A clear, albeit not statistically significant trend was observed of 6x-stalks being longer (23.4 + 16.2 mm) than 6e-stalks (13.0 + 10.9 mm). Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of diluted versus potentized low dilutions of silver nitrate (10e-2 to 10e-10) on wheat germination. Method The experiments were performed in late autumn 2015 on wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L., Capo variety). The grains were observed under the influence of aqueous solutions 10-2 to 10-10 part per weight of silver nitrate, either diluted in steps of 1 : 10 in distilled water by mere pipetting (probes “2e – 10e”), or diluted and agitated in steps of 1:10 (to create potentized probes “2x – 10x”). Untreated distilled water (“w”) served as an additional control. All probes were applied blindly. 100 grains were observed per treatment group in each of the groups resulting a total of 2,000 grains. Grains were placed in glass dishes, probes were added and dishes were covered with lids and placed in drawers . The following endpoint criteria were defined: K1 = visible emergence of sprout material, K2 = lifting of the operculum and emergence of the sprout and W1 = development of three roots.   Result Germination rates K1 of seedlings treated with “w”-probes (blue), with “e”-probes ranging from 2e to 10e (black) and with “x”-probes ranging from 2x to 10x (red) at the measuring points 20h, 24h and 28h (from left to right for each of the probes). In K1, K2 and W, there is an obvious increase of germination rates from the high to the lower concentrations of silver nitrate, both in the “e” and in the “x”-groups and observable at 20h, 24h and 28h (p < 0.01). In contrast, germination rates of the two „w“-probes are practically alike (p > 0,05) When “e” and “x”-data are compared, germination rates are higher under the influence of “x” than under the influence of “e” (p < 0.01 for the pooled “x”-values compared to the pooled “e”-values with regard to K1 as well as K2 as well as W). Conclusion: A significant difference was found between wheat grains treated with mere dilutions compared to grains treated with potentised dilutions. References 1. Endler PC, Belavite P, Bonamin L,Jäger T, Mazon S. Replication of fundamental research models in ultra high dilutions 1994 and 2015 – update on a bibliometric study. Special issue Homeopathy London. 2015 a Oktober;104(4):234-45. 2. Endler PC, Schulte J, Stock-Schroeer B, Stephen S. Ultra high Dilution 1994 revisited 2015 – the state of follow-up research. Special issue Homeopathy London. 2015 b Oktober;104(4):223-6. 3. Kolisko L. Physiologischer Nachweis der Wirksamkeit kleinster Entitäten bei 7 Metallen – Wirkung von Licht und Pflanzen auf das Pflanzenwachstum. Dornach Schweiz: Philosophisch-Anthroposophischer Verlag am Goetheanum; 1926. 4. Kraus C, Knobloch U. Diluted versus diluted and agitated probes of silver nitrate (10-2 to 10-10) and wheat germination, Thesis (MSc); branch campus UCN at Interuniversity College Graz / Schloss Seggau; 2016. 5. Scherer-Pongratz W., Endler P.C., Lothaller H., Stephen S. Wheat and ultra high diluted silver nitrate – further experiments and re-analysis of data. Special issue Homeopathy London. 2015;104(4):246-9.

Background: Mercuric chloride is known to inhibit the activity of enzymes. It is used in homeopathy at ultra low concentration (ULC) and is known as Mercurius corrosivus (Merc cor). ULCs of Merc cor are reported to promote enzyme activity. Objective: To see whether the mother tincture (?) of Merc cor and its ULCs interact with an enzyme invertase at its binding sites and influence enzyme’s action on its substrate sucrose. Methods: Merc cor ? (0.15 M HgCl2) was diluted with deionized and distilled (DD) water 1:100 and succussed 10 times to prepare Merc cor 1 cH or 1st potency. This potency was further diluted and succussed in 200 and 1000 steps to prepare 200cH and 1000cH potencies, respectively. Merc cor 200 cH and 1000cH were prepared in 90% ethanol. The two potencies and blank 90% EtOH were diluted with DD water 1:1000 to minimize ethanol content to a negligible amount 0.09%. The control was DD water (55mM). The drugs, EtOH and water control were mixed separately with 0.037 mM invertase in DD water. Using an isothermal calorimetry (ITC) instrument the substrate sucrose (65mM) was injected at 2 µl every 2 min into 300 µl invertase solution 20 times at 25 0C. Molecular modeling study was done to predict possible binding sites and nature of binding between the enzyme and HgCl2 and between the enzyme and water. Potencies after dilution are virtually water. Fluorescence spectra of invertase (4µM) mixed with drug/control solutions were also obtained to see the effect of drugs on protein folding. Results: Thermodynamic parameters like binding constant, change in enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy showed marked variation in treatment effects on the enzyme. Molecular modeling study also shows variation in binding between invertase and HgCl2 and between invertase and water. Fluorescence spectra show variation in quenching related to different treatments. Conclusion: Merc cor mother tincture and its potencies interact at different binding sites of invertase and modify the enzyme’s action on sucrose. Drug solutions induce conformational changes in the enzyme.

Perception on breast cancer influences the help seeking pattern of breast cancer patients. Negative perception causes delay in help seeking. Outcome or survival rate of breast cancer has a relation on perception. A cross sectional study was done during July 2015-June 2016, to assess the perception on breast cancer and to find out the help seeking pattern and extent of help seeking time among breast cancer patients. A total of 200 patients were selected following the convenient method of sampling from National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital. Dhaka. Face to face interviews were taken from the diagnosed breast cancer patients admitted in the hospital. Forty five percent patients were illiterate and 83% were house wife. The mean age was 42 and mean monthly family income was around 9000 taka. Two thirds of the respondents were present with locally advance stage (stage III) and three fourth of the patients identified the lump as 1st symptom. Four of 10 patients first sought help to homeopathy for their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Mean help seeking time was 11 months. Nine out of 10 patients were agreed with the statement, ‘I was healthy’. Maximum respondents (81.0%) agreed with the statement, ‘wait and see what would be happened’. Results showed that there was a relationship between delay help seeking and the statement of perception. There were significant associations between the perception on expensive treatment, perception on ‘I am healthy’, perception on ‘lump related with menstruation’, perception on ‘wait and see what would be happened’, perception on ‘feared to do operation, it may cause death’ and perception on family income and the delay in help seeking. Along with perception on breast cancer use of alternative medicine, lack of social support, health care delivery system, economic factor etc. influence the pattern and delay in help seeking. Further to the existing efforts to correct the perception for early diagnosis and treatment to overcome this problem is suggested.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2018; 44(1):39-44

The human character can be understood as an extension of the life mission or purpose of life, and explained as the primary tool of a person to impact others and express the purpose of life. Repression of the human character makes it impossible for a person to realize his personal mission in life and, therefore, is one of the primary causes of self-repression resulting in poor quality of life, health, and ability. From Hippocrates to Hahnemann, repression of physical, mental, and spiritual character can be seen as the prime cause of disease, while recovery of character has been the primary intention of the treatment. In this paper, human character is explained as an intersubjective aspect of consciousness with the ability to influence the consciousness of another person directly. To understand consciousness, we reintroduce the seven-ray theory of consciousness explaining consciousness in accordance with a fractal ontology with a bifurcation number of seven (the numbers four to ten work almost as well). A case report on a female, aged 35 years, with severe hormonal disturbances, diagnosed with extremely early menopause, is presented and treated according to the theory of holistic existential healing (the holistic process theory of healing). After recovery of her character and purpose of life, her quality of life dramatically improved and hormonal status normalized. We believe that the recovery of human character and purpose of life was the central intention of Hippocrates and thus the original essence of western medicine. Interestingly, there are strong parallels to the peyote medicine of the Native Americans, the African Sangomas, the Australian Aboriginal healers, and the old Nordic medicine. The recovery of human character was also the intention of Hahnemann's homeopathy. We believe that we are at the core of consciousness-based medicine, as recovery of purpose of life and human character has been practiced as medicine in most human cultures throughout time. We believe that such recovery can help some (motivated) patients to survive, even with severe disease.

The aim is to analyze the results of the use of a rehabilitation and prophylactic complex in children with recurrent respiratory pathology (RRP) against the background of stage 2 gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to prevent the risk of developing respiratory diseases. Materials and methods. 120 children of puberty from 10 to 16 years old were examined, the average age was 13.1±2.5 years (90 children with RRP 6–8 times a year and GERD stage 2, 30 practically healthy children). Children with RRP and stage 2 GERD were randomized into three groups: group 1 (30 people) received basic GERD therapy in accordance with the generally accepted protocol by order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated 20.01.2013 No. 59; group 2 (30 people) received basic therapy and rehabilitation and prophylactic complex, which included natural drug «Immunal» (1 pill 3 times/day for 30 days), essential nutrients «Smart-Omega» (1 capsule 2 times/day for 30 days) and fat-soluble preparation of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 8 drops (4000 IU) 1 time/day for 30 days; Group 3 (30 people) received basic therapy and rehabilitation and prophylactic complex, which included homeopathic preparation Mucosa Compositum (1 ampoule 2.2 ml peros 2 times a week for 5 weeks), Smart-Omega and fat-soluble vitamin preparation D3 at the above mentioned dose. Group 4 (control) consisted of 30 practically healthy children. In all children, the total level of 25(OH)D was determined in blood serum by the method of enzyme immunoassay. To examine the state of the immune system, the indicators of the functional activity of peripheral blood neutrophils were determined according to phagocytosis and NBT-test, concentration in serum and saliva of the main classes of immunoglobulins (G, A, M), lysozyme, and additionally in saliva – the level of secretory A (sIgA). The content of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in blood serum was determined separately. All tests were carried out before treatment and in a month after it. Results. According to the results of the study of children of the main group, in 90% of cases (n=90) with RRP against the background of stage 2 GERD, the concentration of 25(OH)D in blood serum was within the limits of vitamin D deficiency, and in the control group (n=30) in 70% corresponded to its insufficiency. Addition of colecalciferol at a dose of 4000 IU/day before rehabilitation and prophylactic complex to children of group 2 and group 3 significantly increased the level of vitamin D (p<0.01), but the concentration of vitamin D did not reach the norm. After treatment, in children of all three groups, the initially decreased indicators of phagocytosis activity significantly increased; but there was a significant increase in the percentage of phagocytic cells in group 2, where this indicator reached the values of children in group 4 (control group). At the same time, the reserve capacities of neutrophils upon stimulation after treatment were restored in children of group 2 and group 3 (p<0.01). In children with RRP against the background of stage 2 GERD, CIC content significantly increased to treatment and the lysozyme concentration decreased (p<0.01). After treatment the concentration of CIC in children of group 2 decreased significantly, and concentration of lysozyme in blood serum of children of all 3 groups reached the values of the control group. The parameters of local immunity in terms of sIgA, IgA, and lysozyme content decreased significantly (p<0.05) against the background of an increase in the level of IgG in saliva (p<0.01). After treatment, there was a positive dynamics in the content of sIgA, the level of which increased in all 3 groups, but in group 1 it was significantly lower (p<0.05) than in children of the control group. IgA concentration also significantly increased after treatment in children of all 3 groups (p<0.01), but did not reach the level of control data (p<0.05). During treatment, IgG concentration significantly decreased in saliva of children of all 3 groups (p<0.01), but in children of group 1 (basic therapy), this indicator was significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05). In the dynamics of treatment lysozyme concentration significantly increased only in children of group 2 and group 3 (p<0.05). At the same time, only in group 2 the lysozyme levels reached the values of the control group, while in group 1 and group 3 this indicator was significantly lower than that of the control group. Conclusions. For the correction of identified vitamin D deficiency, adding colecalciferol at a dose of 4000 IU/day to rehabilitation and prophylactic complex increased the likelihood of reaching an optimal level of vitamin D in serum of the examined children, when followed by the use of vitamin D preparations at a prophylactic dose of 1000 IU/day. The use of rehabilitation and prophylactic complexes effectively influenced restoration of physiological state of phagocytic system in general, the normalization of the lysozyme level and the CIC content in blood serum of the examined children. The use of «Immunal» in children of group 2, and «Mucosa Compositum» in children of group 3 in complex prevention of acute respiratory pathology was more indicative in terms of stimulating the production of specific factors, especially sIgA and non-specific factors of local immunity (lysozyme), in contrast to basic therapy. In the course of prospective observation of children with frequent acute respiratory diseases against the background of stage 2 GERD, there was a positive trend in the incidence of diseases and their course. During two years of observation, the number of episodes of respiratory diseases in group 1 decreased by 1.2 times per year, in group 2 by 2 times, in group 3 by 1.6 times, which contributed to improvement in clinical course of the disease and reduction in duration of treatment. The study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was adopted by the Local Ethics Committee of the institutions indicated in the work. The informed consent of parents and children was obtained for the research. No conflict of interest was declared by the authors. Key words: children, who often get sick, gastroesophageal reflux disease, complex treatment, vitamin D, phagocytosis, NBT-test, class G, A, M immunoglobulins, CIC, sIgA, lysozyme.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the effectiveness and safety of homeopathic medicine Natrum muriaticum (LM2) for mild cases of COVID-19 in Primary Health Care. Trial design A randomized, two-armed (1:1), parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial is being performed to test the following hypotheses: H0: homeopathic medicines = placebo (null hypothesis) vs. H1: homeopathic medicines ≠ placebo (alternative hypothesis) for mild cases of COVID-19 in Primary Care. Participants Setting: Primary Care of São Carlos – São Paulo – Brazil. One hundred participants aged 18 years or older, with Influenza-like symptoms and a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Willingness to give informed consent and to comply with the study procedures is also required. Exclusion criterium: severe acute respiratory syndrome. Intervention and comparator Homeopathy: 1 globule of Natrum muriaticum LM2 diluted in 20 mL of alcohol 30% and dispensed in a 30 ml bottle. Placebo: 20 mL of alcohol 30% dispensed in a 30 ml bottle. Posology: one drop taken orally every 4 hours (6 doses/day) while there is fever, cough, tiredness, or pain (headache, sore throat, muscle aches, chest pain, etc.) followed by one drop every 6 hours (4 doses/day) until the fourteenth day of use. The bottle of study medication should be submitted to 10 vigorous shakes (succussions) before each dose. Posology may be changed by telemedicine, with no break in blinding. Study medication should be maintained during home isolation. According to the Primary Care protocol, the home isolation period lasts until the 10th day after the appearance of the first symptom, or up to 72 hours without symptoms. Main outcomes The primary endpoint will be time to recovery, defined as the number of days elapsed before all COVID-19 Influenza-like symptoms are recorded as mild or absent during home isolation period. Secondary measures are recovery time for each COVID-19 symptom; score of the scale created for the study (COVID-Simile Scale); medicines used during follow-up; number of days of follow-up; number of visits to emergency services; number of hospitalizations; other symptoms and Adverse Events during home isolation period. Randomisation The study Statistician generated a block randomization list, using a 1:1 ratio of the two groups (denoted as A and B) and a web-based tool (http://www.random.org/lists). Blinding (masking) The clinical investigators, the statistician, the Primary Care teams, the study collaborators, and the participants will remain blinded from the identity of the two treatment groups until the end of the study. Numbers to be randomised (sample size) One hundred participants are planned to be randomized (1:1) to placebo (50) or homeopathy (50). Trial Status Protocol version/date May 21, 2020. Recruitment is ongoing. First participant was recruited/included on June 29,2020. Due to recruitment adaptations to Primary Care changes, the authors anticipate the trial will finish recruiting on April 10, 2021. Trial registration COVID-Simile Study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN - https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm) on June 1st, 2020, and the trial start date was June 15, 2020. Unique ID: UMIN000040602. Full protocol The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.

Abstract Description of the result achieved by homeopathy in a pilot project in the treatment of schoolchildren with bruxism in public health in Blumenau, SC (Santa Catarina - Brazil). In parallel with the treatment of the main complaint of the dental patient, we sought to list other benefits obtained during the course of this project. The children were selected through a questionnaire addressed to the parents of students at the Adelaide Starke Municipal School, verifying cases of tightening and / or involuntary grinding of their children's teeth. Thereafter, their treatment started and lasted four months. It was a process of monthly consultations accompanied by homeopathic prescriptions according to the needs verified at the time. At the end of the period proposed in this study, favorable results were found in all children involved in the process, in addition to a remarkable influence of treatment on the quality of life of these patients. The data showed that homeopathy in school dentistry, in addition to solving or minimizing cases of bruxism, improved the relationship of children with their environment: school, social and domestic. Most respondents reported additional benefits such as improved sleep quality, the elimination of phobic crises, improved self-esteem and students' school report cards. Key messages Description of research carried out with children and adolescents attending a dental practice at a Brazilian public school submitted for four months to homeopathic treatment for bruxism. Benefits that homeopathic therapy.

Abstract Background There is a current trend to reassess the adequacy of care. Establishing top five lists by involving patients is one way to address medical overuse. The objective of this study was to establish a patients’ top five list in general practice in France. The secondary objective was to identify selection criteria. Method Patients from the web-based cohort GrippeNet.fr were invited to establish their top five list from 15 care procedures previously selected by general practitioners on the basis of medical overuse. The care procedures were presented on a web-interface with guides written with the help of a patient association. A questionnaire was used to explore factors that may have influenced the choices of the participants. Results In total, 691 patients established the following top five list: 1/ Prescription of antibiotics for acute bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, otitis media with effusion, or uncomplicated influenza; 2/ Prescription of benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine-like agents for insomnia, generalised anxiety and all indications for older patients; 3/ Prescription of a homeopathic treatment (Influenzinum) for flu prevention; 4/ Prescription of antitussive or expectorant agents for acute cough or acute bronchitis care; 5/ Prescription of statins for the primary prevention of cardio-vascular risk in older patients. More than 70% of participants gave importance to the recommendations, effectiveness, and tolerance of the care procedures, whereas only half considered the cost. Conclusion This study is the first to establish a patient’s top-five list in general practice. This list provides direction for deciding the main targets in limiting medical overuse.

Background: The present study was initiated to investigate the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of complex homeopathic CalSuli-4-02 tablets on prevention of recurrent acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children, in comparison to another complex homeopathic product. Methods: The study was designed as a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open, clinical trial with two parallel treatment groups at four outpatient pediatric clinics in Russia. Children aged ≤ 6 years with susceptibility to acute URTIs (≥ three occasions during the last 6 months) were randomized to receive either CalSuli-4-02 or a comparator homeopathic product (control group) for 3 weeks. Primary outcome was the frequency of acute URTIs after 3 and 6 months post-treatment follow-up. Secondary endpoints were changes in complaints and symptoms (total and individual scores), treatment satisfaction, antibiotic use, safety and tolerability. Results: The intention-to-treat analysis involved 200 children (CalSuli-4-02: N = 99, Control: N = 101). In both treatment groups, the median number of acute URTIs was one for 3 months and two, respectively, for the full 6 months post-treatment (Relative Risk: 0.86 (95 %-CI: 0.72–1.03), p = 0.1099). Seasons had no influence on the outcome. At the end of study, CalSuli-4-02 had overall higher odds of getting lower complaints severity total score (Odds ratio: 1.99 (95 %-CI: 1.31–3.02), p = 0.0012) and showing symptom improvement (Odds ratio: 1.93 (95 %-CI: 1.25–3.00), p = 0.0033). Specifically, the complaint “appetite disorder” and the symptom “child’s activities” significantly improved more in the CalSuli-4-02 group (p = 0.0135 and p = 0.0063, respectively). Antibiotic use was decreased in both treatment groups at the study end. Overall assessment for satisfaction with and tolerability of treatment was higher with CalSuli-4-02. A low number of non-serious adverse drug reactions was reported (CalSuli-4-02: N = 4, Control: N = 1). Conclusions: Both complex homeopathic products led to a comparable reduction of URTIs. In the CalSuli-4-02 group, significantly less URTI-related complaints and symptoms and higher treatment satisfaction and tolerability were detected. The observation that the use of antibiotics was reduced upon treatment with the complex homeopathic medications, without the occurrence of complications, is interesting and warrants further investigations on the potential of CalSuli-4-02 as an antibiotic sparing option. Clinical trial registration number: Roszdravnadzor: Study No 164–563

The novel coronavirus or SARS CoV-2 infection or COVID 19, which originated in Wuhan, China is an infection with a new coronavirus. Since there was no previous human exposure to this virus, there was no herd immunity. Despite this universal absence of herd and adaptive immunity, there are considerable gender differences in mortality among men and women. In addition, mortality in children is considerably low as compared to adults (https://www.worldometers.info/coconavirus/Coronavirus-age-sex-demographics/ Coronavirus Age, Sex, Demographics (COVID 19) – Worldometer). This implies stronger innate and adaptive immunity are at play in children and women as compared to that in adult men. Less severe affliction of women may be due to higher levels of estradiol in pre-menopausal women that in men. Estradiol has a favorable influence on innate and adaptive immunity (Carmen Giefing-Kröll et al. Aging Cell. 2015 Jun; 14(3): 309–321). Arsenicum Album 30, a homeopathic medicine, recommended by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, (https://www.ayush.gov.in/docs/homeopathy-guidelines.pdf) has arsenic, which is a metalloestrogen (P D Darbre J Appl Toxicol. May-Jun 2006; 26(3):191-7); which appears to be the reason for its effectiveness in the treatment of COVID 19 or SARS Cov-2. Estradiol has thromboembolic effects when administered orally. However, transdermal estradiol is safer, without thromboembolic effects and is already in use in some countries (Archer DF et al. Climacteric. 2012 Jun;15(3):235-40.; Marianne Canonico et al Circulation. 2007;115:840–845). Estrogen therapy is given in some forms of prostatic cancer in men. In view of these potential benefits of estrogen, estradiol transdermal therapy should be tried as a repurposed or investigational drug along with routine treatment of COVID 19 in men and post-menopausal women and in similar infections with new microbes in the absence of specific treatment.

Hemophobia fear of blood, is a type of specific phobia. The present study was aimed to know the Hemophobia among 8th to 10th studying students in rural and urban Government schools. The response was taken from 3399 students (8th:1175, 9th:1095, 10th:1129). The study found that the phobia was more in Namburu school students (21.31%). In the urban schools the highest percentage was noticed in SJRR school (28.96). Homeopathy, Exposure based therapy, Cognitive therapy are some of the useful treatment methods. Parents shall not neglect any specific phobia, which can influence the future.

Background: Influenza and influenza-like syndromes (I-LSs) are infectious diseases occurring on a seasonal basis which can lead to upper (URTI) and lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) of different severity. The approach to these disorders is unfortunately not uniform. Aim of the study was to investigate real-life people beliefs, the attitude to their prevention and treatment, and their impact in general population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey via Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) was carried out using a specific questionnaire investigating influenza episode rates, subjects behavior in case of influenza and I-LSs, and prescribed therapy. Results: 1,202 subjects completed the questionnaire: median age was 46, 49% male, 20% active smokers. 57% of respondents experienced at least one episode of influenza or I-LS in the previous 12 months; episodes were usually homemanaged, shorter than 2 weeks and more frequent in fall and winter (73% of the total). GP resulted the first health-care option (56%); almost 3% of respondents referred to the emergency room, and hospitalization occurred in 1%. Mucolytics resulted the most prescribed drugs (55%) followed by antibiotics and aerosol therapy (37–38%). Even if more than 70% of subjects considered vaccination essential, only 14% received influenza vaccination yearly and almost 60% had never received vaccination. Approximately 36% of respondents regarded homeopathy (namely Oscillococcinum) as an helpful alternative because of perceived as safer. Conclusions: Seasonal prevalence of I-LSs and influenza partially overlap. As virus identification is not a common procedure in daily practice, only a clinical discrimination is possible. Antibiotic prescription is still too high and largely inappropriate. Influenza vaccination is strongly encouraged, but different strategies are also used. Other approaches are receiving increasing attention in general population, and subjects’ willingness to spend out-of-pocket for effective remedies is also increasing. The discrepancy between subjects’ beliefs and health care actions likely reflects the insufficiency of institutional preventive strategies. In general, the approach to influenza and I-LSs appear variable and highly dependent of subjects’ and their GPs’ cultural beliefs.

Abstract Background Artesunate (ATS) is a semi-synthetic compound derived from artemisinin, which is widely accepted in the treatment of malaria. However, there is evidence that ATS, under certain in vitro conditions, induces several impairments to normal cell functions. Canova (CA) is a Brazilian homeopathic formulation indicated for patients with depressed immune system. CA shows both in vitro and in vivo protective effects against mutagenic/carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, we aimed to assess in vitro the cytoprotective effects of CA against the cytotoxicity of ATS in Vero cells. Methods Viability of Vero cells exposed to ATS was assessed by MTT assay, whereas the anti-cytotoxic effect of CA was evaluated by apoptosis and necrosis quantification with fluorescent dyes. Results After 24 hours of ATS treatment, a reduction in cell viability was observed at 32 and 64 µg/mL, the latter being statistically significant (p < 0.05) in relation to the negative control. The concentration of 64 µg/mL was chosen for the subsequent experiments. ATS significantly induced both apoptosis and necrosis in Vero cells in relation to controls (p < 0.01). We also observed a statistically significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells observed in the CA 16% + ATS co-treatment compared with ATS treatment (p < 0.01). Treatment with CA alone also had no influence on either type of cell death. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that ATS is cytotoxic in the assessed conditions. However, such cytotoxicity was attenuated when the cells were treated simultaneously with ATS and CA.

Abstract Background Individual illness perception is known to influence a range of outcome variables. However, little is known regarding illness perception in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its relation to the use of the health care system. This study hypothesised a relationship between illness perception and inappropriate health care use (under-, over- and misuse). Methods An internet-based, cross-sectional study in participants affected by IBS symptoms was carried out (April – October 2019) using open questions as well as validated standardized instruments, e.g. the illness perception questionnaire revised (IPQ-R) and its subscales. Sub-group comparisons were done non-parametrically and effect sizes were reported. Potential predictors of (1) conventional health care utilisation and (2) utilisation of treatment approaches with lacking or weak evidence regarding effectiveness in IBS were examined with logistic regression analyses and reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. Results Data from 513 individuals were available. More than one-third (35.7%) of participants were classified as high utilisers (> 5 doctor visits during the last year). Several indicators of inappropriate health care use were detected, such as a low proportion of state-of-the-art gynaecological evaluation of symptoms (35.0% of women) and a high proportion of individuals taking ineffective and not recommended non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs for IBS (29.4%). A majority (57.7%) used treatment approaches with lacking or weak evidence regarding the effectiveness in IBS (e.g. homeopathy). Being a high utiliser as defined above was predicted by the perceived daily life consequences of IBS (IPQ-R subscale “consequences”, OR = 1.189 [1.100–1.284], p ≤ 0.001) and age (OR = 0.980 [0.962–0.998], p = 0.027). The use of treatment approaches with lacking or weak evidence was forecasted by the perceived daily life consequences (OR = 1.155 [1.091–1.223], p ≤ 0.001) and gender (reference category male: OR = 0.537 [0.327–0.881], p = 0.014), however effect sizes were small. Conclusions Daily life consequences, perceived cure and personal control as aspects of individual disease perception seem to be related to individuals’ health care use. These aspects should be a standard part of the medical interview and actively explored. To face inappropriate health care use patients and professionals need to be trained. Interdisciplinary collaborative care may contribute to enhanced quality of medical supply in IBS.

An elderly man of my acquaintance once told me that there was nothing much to recommend living beyond 90. Things have changed over the past two decades, however. These days all he'd need is a touch of Viagra, an attitude reorientation, a little bit of manifesting and he'd be feeling as fit as, as, well … as a man in his 60s. Had he been around now, as a knowledgeable nonagenarian, he need not have mourned the passing of the years. Instead, he could have concentrated on becoming daily younger. As Second Youth so blithely trumpets: "In your youth, your mind, body and spirit are capable of great recuperative powers but, as you get older, you believe that those powers diminish. Not true! As long as you have a will -- and a method -- to improve your life, you will find the power to make it happen." Lacking the method? Look no longer… Books entitled RealAge: Are You as Young as You Can Be? (Roizen 1999) appear at the top of the New York Times best seller list, arguing that some 70-year olds can have the health profile of average 44-year olds within three years of making the right choices. (www.RealAge.com) This is the book's manifesto: The whole point of RealAge is to promote old age. Healthy, vibrant and young old age. RealAge shows you how you can live at eighty with all the energy and vigor of a fifty-five year old, how you can be the ninety year old who still lives on your own, travels and forcefully expresses feisty opinions -- the person who leaves the 'kids' marveling, 'How does she do it?' Having respect for old age means wanting to end the suffering that so often goes along with it. No one wants to be bedridden, afflicted with heart disease, or undergoing cancer treatment. Everyone wants to be able to do all the things he or she has always done and more. [Italics, gendered language, original] (Roizen 1999, p. 10) This website-supported best seller is part of a burgeoning industry which includes Cassel and Vallasi (1999) The Practical Guide to Aging: What Everyone Needs to Know, and Perls and Silver (1999) Living to 100: Lessons in Living to Your Maximum Potential at Any Age. "‘People have gotten old before, but never this many people and never this many people with such a high level of education … [boomers] will become obsessed with health and prevention of all the infirmities that accompany aging’ predicts Russell." (Wetzstein 1999, citing Russell.) The hypothesis put forward by Russell, by Wetzstein (1999) and by others, is that this is an 'age and stage' issue. It represents a new generational perspective reflective of the mindset and the life experience of the post mid-1940s 'baby boomer'. This website-supported best seller is part of a burgeoning industry which includes Cassel and Vallasi (1999) The Practical Guide to Aging: What Everyone Needs to Know, and Perls and Silver (1999) Living to 100: Lessons in Living to Your Maximum Potential at Any Age. "‘People have gotten old before, but never this many people and never this many people with such a high level of education … [boomers] will become obsessed with health and prevention of all the infirmities that accompany aging’ predicts Russell." (Wetzstein 1999, citing Russell.) The hypothesis put forward by Russell, by Wetzstein (1999) and by others, is that this is an 'age and stage' issue. It represents a new generational perspective reflective of the mindset and the life experience of the post mid-1940s 'baby boomer'. Boomers refuse to see 40 as middle aged (Wetzstein 1999), and would perish the thought that the Rolling Stones would ever retire. They define 50s as ‘Second youth’. (Gabriel & Molli 1995) They continue to participate in adventure and encounter holidays and subscribe to complementary health care regimes and new age approaches to daily life. They sign up for www.lovinguniversity.net and marvel at how much younger 43-yr old founder Susan Bradley looks on her website than in a recent Who Weekly (2001, p. 71). This baby boomer refusal to age has manifested itself widely in general and specialist consumer magazines, in broadcast TV and radio shows concentrating on good health and super-fitness, and in other elements of popular culture. Even given the hype, however, this new perspective might have long-term beneficial health/medical effects. The aging of the boomer generation may not be accurately predictable from the data collected from other generations with other mindsets. The back cover of Second Youth proclaims: "Desperate and aging far too fast she staked everything on discovering a natural source of Young Women's Hormones. Now, her triumph gives you thirty extra years of Second Youth. Age moved backwards for this woman. Just as it can -- this very month -- for you". (Gabriel & Molli 1995, back cover) Did someone mention snake oil? Or Bluebeard? Coupled with an optimism that allows them to forecast health and happiness into double-digit decades, however, boomers have a demonstrable suspicion of conventional medical ‘authority’ and a willingness to do their own research on health topics of interest. According to Mycek (1999) "In 1998, the [US] bill for homeopathic remedies (chiropractic and massage therapy, vitamins, yoga, herbal remedies, hypnosis, acupuncture) exceeded the total gross domestic product of all [US] hospitals put together." For boomers, a greater emphasis on health is not going to mean more of the same health care products, delivered in the same way. It is going to mean doing things differently. But is this a healthy way for us to look at aging and (shall we mention the word) death? Is our desire/burning commitment to remain indefinitely young and healthy in some way 'sick'? It is eminently reasonable to hypothesise -- as many people approaching their 'middle years' do -- that baby boomers are aiming to reinvent the aging process. (Dychtwald, 1999) The past quarter century has seen the burgeoning growth of preventative/health promotion and complementary health promoting services including nutritionists, naturopaths, chiropractors, rebalancers, meditation teachers, physiotherapists, counsellors and life coaches. The oldest members of the richest, best informed, most numerous generation in history are turning 55. The boomers (born from 1946--1960) can't put off for any longer the fact that -- chronologically -- they are approaching middle age. But what does this mean to a generation with many members who would rather be dead than old? Does the denial of chronological age, and the espousal of 'physiological age' (the premise upon which the RealAge philosophy and empire is built) represent a sick fantasy to avoid accepting our mortality? Baby boomers are a specific, much researched, sociocultural phenomenon. Their aim is to move beyond actuarial projections to re-write expectations of aging. From the self-help movement to the success of the potency drug Viagra, there is ample evidence that boomers have plans and expectations for their own aging processes that differ radically from those adopted by their parents. People born into the prosperity and plenty of the early post-WWII years often police their health attitudes and behaviours in proactive ways. These patterns are likely to impact upon their health profiles in the future and to influence the creation of services tailored to meet different hopes, fears and expectations. Who says Cher can't look young forever? Most health care planning is based on actuarial data that examines past events and extrapolates from these events into the future. However, this is not likely to result in a valid prediction of the health and aging patterns of the boomer generation. Graham May is a futurologist. He suggests that (May 2000), in anticipating the future, we are attempting either to foresee it, to manage it, or to create it. The philosophical distinctions between these perspectives provide different rationales for those who wish to influence the future. Attempts to foresee, or predict, the future – for example by extrapolating trends – presuppose that in some very particular ways the future already exists and/or is closely related to the forces evident in the present and the past. Managing the present with the future in mind accepts that present actions and decisions influence the future, and suggests that the future does not exist and is capable of being influenced by our current choices. The creation of the future – through techniques such as ‘creative visioning’ – works on the basis that once situations that do not exist have been imagined they can be brought into existence. These three approaches, separately and in parallel, offer ways of negotiating the uncertainty and essential unpredictability of the future, and of longevity and fitness. The longevity and second youth approach combines the idea of managing the future and envisioning it: 'the manifestation' approach. Baby boomers have already created a different future for our society. They are credited with re-writing the institutions of marriage (via de factos, divorce, blended families, single parents, older pregnancies); marketing (psychodemographics rather than age, sex, socioeconomic status); religion (the decline of the Church and the rise of new age philosophies, faith healing, angels on demand); education (just-in-time learning, lifelong learning); work practices -- and health. The boomers are also rewriting what aging means for them, and to them. Using popular culture starting points, such as Second Youth and RealAge, it seems that a major boomer project of the next twenty years is working to defy/turn back the aging clock. This project is invested with the hopes, fears, dreams and expectations of millions of citizens in western societies. Boomers are practical, however, as well as ‘just in time’ and they know that a belief that they can do it is half the battle. Let's assume that although many boomers are already fitter and healthier than any generation before them at their age, others may be intending to ‘make a break’ for fitness as an early priority of their retirement. Boomers may also expect their retirement years to be years of health and plenty, and they seem to indicate that they're prepared actively to work with these goals in mind. However, not all will be successful in beating their biology. How do boomers expect to manage their own chronic ailments in the future: arthritis, failing hearing and sight, late onset diabetes, heart disease, incontinence, dementia etc? Will the stem cell implants solve all foreseeable problems? Excluding alternative and complementary medical strategies, the health care industry is one of the biggest sectors of the economy representing 8% GDP (and rising). As indicated by its growing place in popular culture, health is also a hobby, pastime and pleasure – and the contemporary obsession with health is … sick. Although the social advantage to be conferred by living as healthily as possible, and as well as possible, is self-evident, it may require a level of selfishness and self-absorption unparalleled in human history. More to the point, however, this approach to getting older brings problems of its own. Firstly, it is built on a fear of aging, and a wish to deny the aging process which may become more desperate as the years (and they will) take their toll. Far from increasing the pleasure and satisfaction of 'a good age' this dynamic, operating over the decades, is as likely to build frustration, depression and a sense of powerlessness. As a (breast) cancer patient once told me: 'It's bad enough having cancer without everyone else thinking it's my fault for not having a positive enough attitude!' Aging is going to happen -- will we go with the flow - or end up like King Canute, with wet feet, trying to turn back the tide? Secondly, this perspective is counter-productive in fetishising a numerical age. When we're so focused on chronological age, biological age and the celebrating of our first, second and third 'year younger' parties (with fruit and water, please) we're not coming to terms with what's real for us in our ecological niche. Humanity is comprised of sentient, vertebrate, mammals. Far better to know our life cycle, and plan our lives to fit within it, than to pretend it can be revered. Much better to accept that we can be a very fit seventy year old (or a very unfit seventy year old) than to persuade ourselves that 'That's just my chronology, my real age is 44.' I'm sure we'll all be able to tell the difference… If anyone seriously believed the hype of living 26 years younger, you'd have to feel more than sorry for them. You'd have to suspect that maybe, even if they were blissfully unaware of it, they're a little bit sick. I gather that there's a Centre for Positive Aging recently started up in Perth: that's something altogether healthier References Cassel, C. and Vallasi, G. The Practical Guide to Aging: What Everyone Needs to Know. New York: New York University Press, 1999. Dychtwald, K. 'Age power': how the new-old will transform medicine in the 21st century, Geriatrics, vol. 54, no. 12, 1999, 22—7. Gabriel, V. and Molli, J. Second Youth, Melbourne: Bookman Press, 1995. May, G. Worldviews, assumptions and typologies of the future, Journal of Future Studies, vol. 5, no. 2, November, 2000, 37—51 Mycek, S. We’re not in Kansas anymore, Trustee, vol. 52, no. 8, 1999, 20—4 Perls, T. and Silver, M. Living to 100: Lessons in Living to Your Maximum Potential at Any Age, New York: Basic Books, 1999. Roizen, M. RealAge: Are You as Young as You Can Be? London: Thorsons, 1999 Wetzstein, C. Boomers’ new quest: to be forever young, Insight on the News, vol. 15, no. 24, 28th June, 1999, 40 Who Weekly Love is in the air, no. 474, 2 April, 2001, 71