Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Glutamate Optimization As A Treatment For Depression: A Clinical Guideline, Luisa Angeles Collins Villares

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Based on the use of drugs to treat hypertension and tuberculosis for depression, the monoamine hypothesis led to the development of antidepressants in 1952. Serotonin was recognized as a deficiency associated with depression in 1967. As a fine-tuning orchestration of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, the glutamate system became known using Spravato in 2019 and Auvelity in 2022. In this pilot study, mental health experts rated the importance of 24 science-based recommendations to optimize glutamatergic therapy in depression for a proposed guideline on a Likert scale from zero to four. The results were analyzed using a non-parametric predictive modeling method called Chi-Square …

The Unequal Distribution Of Social Risk For Black Men Across The Life-Span. A Novel Framework., Waleed Y. Sami

Adultspan Journal

This conceptual overview offers a comprehensive overview of systemic pathways that negatively impact the mental health of Black Men throughout their lives. Our argument highlights the importance for counselors and mental health professionals to utilize a thorough social risk assessment that considers these pathways in order to effectively address the mental health needs of Black Men while fostering positive working relationships. This overview strongly advocates for the use of context and structural determinants when evaluating mental health symptoms. Without an appropriate understanding of social risk and determinants, counselors may inadvertently perpetuate disparities by decontextualizing symptomology, and reproducing racist discourse.

Identification Of Tectorigenin As A Natural Pro-Hypoxia Compound: Implications In Modulation Of Cellular Differentiation And Senescence, Mallika Khurana, Renu Wadhwa, Sunil Kaul

Research Symposium

Background: Hypoxia, a suboptimal level of oxygen, evokes stress response in cells and activated hypoxia signaling has been largely established as a pro-metastasis and pro-angiogenic factor for tumor cells. On the other hand, age-related neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by hypoxic environment, accumulation of molecular garbage and induction of premature senescence. Several recent studies have reported anti-stress impact of the intermittent induction of hypoxia signaling in these cells.

Methods: Screening of a phytochemical library using Hypoxia Responsive Element (HRE) driven luciferase as a reporter was carried out to identify hypoxia-modulating phytochemicals. Activation of HIF-1a (master regulator of hypoxia signaling) was validated …

Anti-Inflammatory And Antioxidant Effects Of Sea Urchin Spine Extract, Dina Magdy El Gamal

The Undergraduate Research Journal

Diadema savignyi spine extract in an experimental setup using L929 cell line in vitro. The cell metabolic activity of L929 cells is tested through an MTT assay. The sea urchin spine extract is applied to the cells in two concentrations: 100 μg/ml (136% viability) and 200 μg/ml (95% viability). The bioactive components of the sea urchin spine are identified via GC-MS, and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are evaluated using catalase assay (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) tests. Results show that the GC-MS identified bioactive components including the anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant bisabolol oxide and the pro-inflammatory oleic acid. …

Calcium Carbonate As A Potential Intervention To Prevent Labor Dystocia: Narrative Review Of The Literature, Sabahat Raees, Marie Forgie, Rita Mitchell, Emily Malloy

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Anecdotally, there are attestations from clinicians of calcium carbonate being used successfully for laboring people experiencing labor dystocia. The goal of this narrative review was to provide a synopsis of pertinent literature on calcium use in obstetrics to explore the potential benefit of calcium carbonate as a simple and low-cost intervention for prevention or treatment of labor dystocia. To answer how calcium and carbonate physiologically contribute to myometrium contractility, we conducted a literature search of English-language peer-reviewed articles, with no year limitation, consisting of the keywords “calcium,” “calcium carbonate,” “calcium gluconate,” “pregnancy,” “hemorrhage,” and variations of “smooth muscle contractility” and …

Eco-Interoception: What Plants, Fungi And Protista Have Taught My Body, Sara Riley Dotterer

Art Theses and Dissertations

To me, ecology is the relational, full-body awareness that I am made up of and deeply connected to everything around me; and for better or worse, this is reciprocal. I form ecotones, an ecological transitional zone between two ecosystems, with the world around me. I use this ecotonal lens to blur binaries and dissolve boundaries between me and the world “outside my body.” During my Masters of Fine Arts at Southern Methodist University, I have continuously explored and represented the lives of various more-than-human species outside of my body, including plants, fungi and protista through an ecotonal lens. Although these …

Release The Kratom: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome In A 70 Year Old Male, Nardin El-Shammaa, Kyle Street, Narsimha Pinninti

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Centuries in Eastern medicine.. Kratom has been commonly used for chronic pain and opiate withdrawal symptoms with first reported cases in the United States in the early 2000s. It is a plant that consists of psychoactive alkaloids that target opioid receptors with different affinity. Effects from Kratom are dose-dependent, at lower doses, it acts as a stimulant, while at higher doses produces analgesia and euphoria. Although Kratom is legal and easily accessible over the counter, there have been increasing reports of potential for addiction and toxicity. Cessation of Kratom can result in withdrawal symptoms similar to opiate withdrawal. Here we …

Case Report And Review: Hawthorne Root Toxicity, James Espinosa, Darren Finn, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Here we present the case of a patient who purchased a hawthorn root product, Raiz de Tejocote, for weight loss purposes. The side effect profile seen, including a positive digoxin level, are consistent with hawthorn root. This case reinforces the importance of asking a patient about all medications, including over the internet medications.

Protective Effect Of Betulinic Acid Administration On Kidney Damage In Acetaminophen-Induced Nephrotoxicity Model, Eda Dokumacioglu, Hatice İskender, Armagan Hayirli, Guler Yenice, Kubra Asena Terim Kapakin, Ismail Bolat, Esra Manavoglu Kirman

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Acetaminophen (APAP) is the most widely used analgesic drug worldwide, but it may induce renal toxicity. Betulinic acid (BA) ameliorates the oxidative stress and inflammatory response to renal damage. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of BA treatment through an experimental kidney damage rat model administered with APAP.

Methods: Sprague–Dawley male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, BA (25 mg/kg for 15 days), APAP (1 g/kg), and APAP + BA groups. BA was administered via oral gavage at a dose of 25 mg/kg for 15 days. APAP was dissolved in hot …

The Effects Of Vitamin B1 Analog, Benfotiamine, On The Prevention Of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Emely Fernandez, Hannah Christensen, Kota A. Ramana

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Carvacrol Regulates Endotoxin -Induced Arachidonic Acid Metabolism., Aliea M. Jalali, Spencer Norton

Annual Research Symposium

Plant-derived essential oil prevents endotoxin-induced inflammatory response

Formulation Of Encapsulated Nanoparticles Of Leek Extract As Antimicrobial And Anticancer Agent, Rawan Hassan Mohamed Elghanam

Theses and Dissertations

Leek extract (LEK) has broad therapeutic activity. However, plant extract use has many drawbacks, which could be resolved using nanocarriers. The purpose of this research work was to prepare chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) encapsulating LEK and investigate their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy was used to determine the LEK components. The CS-LEK NPs were produced by tripolyphosphate (TPP) crosslinking with chitosan (CS) the ionic gelation methodology. The particle size was 331 nm, zeta potential (ZP) was 28.9 mv, polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.4, encapsulation efficiency (EE) was 65.6%, and loading capacity (LC) was 28.8 % of the …

Utilizing The Zebrafish Species, Danio Rerio, To Assess The Effect Of Acute Treatment With St. John’S Wort Supplements On Anxiety As Measured By The Novel Dive Tank Test, Sebastian Woodson, Lori Mcgrew Dr.

Research Projects

Background: The zebrafish species, Danio rerio, is a widely utilized model organism with well-characterized behaviors including anxiety-like behavior when placed into a novel environment. In addition, the fish can be treated with substances by immersion.

St. John’s Wort has been suggested as a plant-based treatment for depression and anxiety because it contains compounds that inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT) among other effects. A number of St. John’s Wort supplements are commercially available.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that about 19% of US adults suffer an anxiety disorder each year and about 31% will experience an anxiety disorder …

Prosaas And Neurodegenerative Diseases, Cydney Battle

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, prion diseases, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease undeniably wreak havoc on the system of the body. The catastrophic effects of neurodegenerative diseases are felt by the reality of being incurable and the resulting effect of the progressive degeneration of the individual’s physical and mental stature. Through continuous research, experimentation, and an understanding of how neurodegenerative diseases develop and function, scientific tactics against the development and progression of these diseases will be uncovered. The abnormal aggregation of proteins is largely attributed to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In the instance of abnormal protein aggregation, the …

Video Game Therapy For Adhd Managment, Wilhelm Alec Sison Beroncal

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stands out as the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder, leading to functional challenges in various aspects of the daily lives of affected young individuals (Bul et al., 2016).

There is no current cure for ADHD, however effective treatments are available through medications. The FDA has authorized two types of medications for managing ADHD in children as young as 6 years old: stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine (e.g. Adderall), and non-stimulant options including Strattera, Intuniv, Kapvay, and Qelbree (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2023).

The choice of treatment is highly individualized to meet the specific …

Therapies For Mitochondrial Disorders, Kayli Sousa Smyth, Anne Mulvihill

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Mitochondria are cytoplasmic, double-membrane organelles that synthesise adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Mitochondria contain their own genome, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is maternally inherited from the oocyte. Mitochondrial proteins are encoded by either nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mtDNA, and both code for proteins forming the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes of the respiratory chain. These complexes form a chain that allows the passage of electrons down the electron transport chain (ETC) through a proton motive force, creating ATP from adenosine diphosphate (ADP). This study aims to explore current and prospective therapies for mitochondrial disorders (MTDS). MTDS are clinical syndromes coupled with abnormalities …

Exploring Alternative Treatment Options For A Patient With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding And Mistrust Of The Healthcare System, Rachel A. O'Dell

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Tinelli A, Gustapane S, D’Oria O, Licchelli M, Panese G. Nutraceuticals in fibroid management after ulipristal acetate administration: An observational study on patients’ compliance. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics; 2022;156(1):133-138. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13692

for a patient with chronic, symptomatic anemia with menorrhagia and uterine fibroid.

The Synthesis And Characterization Of Ionic Liquids Using Nitrogen-Based Cations For Transdermal Delivery, Jo Galloway

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research was to explore the synthesis mechanisms of water-soluble ionic liquids with nitrogen-containing cationic bases for future use in transdermal drug delivery and forensic science applications. Ionic liquids are salts with an organic cation and either an organic or inorganic anion. They have asymmetric structures, which means that the molecules don’t pack together as neatly as other salts do, therefore, they don’t crystallize as easily, and their melting points are lower. Ionic liquids have melting points below 100°C, and many are liquid at room temperature. Mechanistic studies reveal that the potency of ILs in enhancing transdermal …

Improvement Of Memory Loss Through Dietary Intervention In The Assisted Living And Rehabilitative Settings, Alexander Swartz, Martin Forsberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

• The ketogenic diet is a popular, controversial diet that fuels the brain through beta-oxidation of fatty acids and production of ketone bodies, the most populous of which is betahydroxybutyrate (BHB).

• The ketogenic diet consists of 70-80% fats, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates.

• Medically, the ketogenic diet is utilized in patients with epilepsy and recommended by some physicians to improve general health through weight loss and insulin sensitivity.

• Key factors of neurodegeneration include glucose hypometabolism, oxidative damage, and neuroinflammation.

• Studies have shown that with ingestion of exogenous ketones alone, or endogenous ketonemia through a ketogenic diet, there is: …

Cytotoxic Activity Of Non-Specific Lipid Transfer Protein (Nsltp1) And Proteomic Evaluation Of Heparin-Binding Proteins From Ajwain (Trachyspermum Ammi) Seeds, Saud Alshammari

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

Trachyspermum ammi, commonly known as ajwain, is a member of the Apiaceae family. It is a therapeutic herbal spice with diverse pharmacological properties, used in traditional medicine for various ailments. However, all previous studies were conducted using small molecule extracts, leaving the protein’s bioactivity undiscovered. The present study demonstrated the antiproliferative activity of ajwain nsLTP1 in MCF-7, AsPC-1, and MCF10A cell lines and its structural stability in human serum and high-temperature conditions. The antiproliferative activity of ajwain nsLTP1 was evaluated in MCF-7 and AsPC-1 cell lines using an MTT assay. Annexin V-FITC and PI staining were used to detect the …

Integration Of Medicinal Fungi Into The Heber W. Youngken Jr. Medicinal Garden, Anthony Makashov

Senior Honors Projects

The Heber W. Youngken Jr. Medicinal Garden is a one-of-a-kind resource that houses close to 300 medicinal plants and is filled to the brim with educational opportunities. For the College of Pharmacy, this garden has been the centerpiece of many classes taught here at the University of Rhode Island and has roots as a physical teaching space. While the garden contains a plethora of plant species, medicinal fungi have yet to have been included in the garden, despite their relevance as both sources of pharmaceutical drug discovery and as natural products with inherent physiological benefits themselves. The purpose of my …

Cannabis And Opioids In Chronic Pain Management, Estefan Tsegaye, Clara Kathryn Pollard, Emilie Tate, Justin White, Raphaela Woods

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Many adults suffer from chronic pain. Opioids are commonly prescribed to treat chronic pain, though they can produce adverse side effects and carry the potential for abuse and addiction. The introduction of cannabis in medicine has provided a possible alternative to opioids in chronic pain management. Objective: This systematic literature review aims to synthesize evidence from published studies to answer the following research question in the PICOT format: In adults over the age of 18 with chronic pain (P), how does prescribed cannabis therapy (I) compare with prescribed opioid therapy (C) in affecting perceived pain levels and quality of …

Jnk And Nf-Κb Cell Signaling Pathways In Cardiovascular Disease Present Potential Targets For Curcumin Therapy, Mary Richfield

Senior Honors Theses

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a compound derived from the rhizomes of Curcumin longa that has been long used for medicinal purposes. Curcumin alleviates the pathology of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, aneurysm, and cardiomyopathy. The mechanism of curcumin therapy is under active research. The NF-κB and JNK pathways are two that curcumin interacts with to block inflammatory processes, apoptosis, and fibrotic tissue remodeling to prevent the pathologies of cardiovascular disease. While curcumin has demonstrated powerful mediation of cardiovascular disease, its bioavailability in body tissues is limited due to the instability and hydrophobicity of its structure. Further work is underway to stabilize …

A Quantitative Analysis Of The Efficacy Of Various Essential Oils Against The Sars Cov-2 Virus, Elizabeth Wagstaff, Chandrelyn Kraczek, Jack Brandon Lopez

Annual Research Symposium

A poster presentation and abstract for the Roseman Symposium. The project focuses on testing 3 essential oil blends and two disinfectants containing an essential oil blend against SARS CoV-2 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project procedure involves plaque assays, disinfection, and neutralization techniques.

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste On Caries Prevention In Children, Samantha Richardson, Kelly Vaughan

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Are Hydroxyapatite Toothpastes The Answer To Fluoride Free Patients?

Richardson, Samantha 1 and Vaughan, Kelly 2

Dental Hygiene Program, Virginia Commonwealth University

Abstract:

Objectives/Aims: With the rising trend to become more clean with our ingredient lists, we are facing more patients refusing fluoride treatments and fluoridated toothpastes. This trend has been prevalent in our younger generations due to parents only wanting the purest natural ingredients for their children and now declining fluoride application. The goal of this literature is to find a safe alternative toothpaste that will be just as effective as fluoride.

Methods: This review of literature has been …

Botanicals As Prospective Agents Against Sars-Cov-2 Virus, Vyacheslav Dushenkov, Anna Dushenkov

Publications and Research

The COVID-19 high morbidity and mortality resulted in a worldwide healthcare emergency that triggered accelerated and amplified efforts in the relevant areas of health sciences research and practice. Purpose: To assess the potential role of botanicals as therapeutic agents against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods: This narrative review examined the potential role of botanicals as therapeutic agents against the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on the references limited to the English language and published up to February 2022 and retrieved from common academic search engines using multiple keywords and their combinations. The scientific names of plant species were confirmed using World Flora Online …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Novel Tyrosinase Inhibitors, Virginia Bailey

Honors Program Theses

Melanin is responsible for the protection against ultraviolet light and the pigmentation of mammalian skin, hair, and eyes.1–3 This indolic polymer is located in the epidermis of mammals and is produced through melanogenesis in specialized cells called melanocytes. Over production of melanin in humans can produce unwanted aesthetic products such as dark spots, freckles, solar lentigo (age spots), melasma, and even cancer.2,4,5 The overproduction of melanin during post-harvest handling causes enzymatic browning of produce resulting in a loss of nutritional value, a decrease in shelf life, and a decline flavor.2,6–8 Tyrosinase is an oxidoreductase, type-3, copper-containing glycoprotein located in the …

The Benefits Of Astaxanthin To Improve Pain Relief In Patients With Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: An Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial, Rizaldy Taslim Pinzon, Mary Rose Angelina Budi Harsana

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Treatment of diabetic neuropathy is still carried out by providing symptomatic therapy, which only improves ± 50% of the total symptoms felt by patients, but does not tackle the underlying causes of the disease. Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic carotenoid that could be an additional treatment option. We aimed to measure the effectiveness of administering astaxanthin as an additional therapy to improve the impact of pain and discomfort experienced daily by diabetes mellitus patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. We conducted a randomized experimental study with an open label design of 36 patients who had been diagnosed with …

Exploration Of Patient Variables And Characteristics Best Suited For Medical Marijuana Treatment For Anxiety And Depressive Disorders, Corey Gazoo

Dissertations

Individuals with posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depressive disorders are currently being prescribed medical marijuana as a treatment in many states across the United States. However, marijuana is still considered a schedule one narcotic by the Drug Enforcement Administration and federal government, which provides several barriers and challenges to conduct research such as approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and following guidelines from the National Institute on Drug Abuse issued by the DEA. Additionally, individuals prescribed medical marijuana for mental health disorders are not always thoroughly instructed on the type of medical marijuana, the dosage, and how frequently to …

Complexation Of Glycoalkaloid Α- Tomatine With Sterols And Its Potential Application As An Anti-Cancer Drug, Bishal Nepal

Dissertations

Glycoalkaloids (GAs) are secondary metabolites found mostly in higher plant species and some marine invertebrates. They are known to form complexes with 3β-hydroxy sterols such as cholesterol causing membrane disruption. So far the visual evidence showcasing the complexes formed between glycoalkaloids and sterols has been mainly restricted to some earlier studies using Brewster angle microscopy. This study aimed to develop a method for topographic and morphological analysis of sterol-glycoalkaloid complexes. Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) transfer of monolayers comprising of glycoalkaloid tomatine, sterols, and lipids in varying molar ratios onto mica followed by AFM examination was performed. The AFM method used required minimal …