Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Exploring Cucurbitacin D'S Protective Mechanism Against Benzo[A]Pyrene-Induced Liver Injury Through Nrf2 Activation, Shabnam Malik, Mohammed Sikander, Anyssa Rodriguiez, Daniel Zubieta, Debanhi Esparaza, Fathi T. Halaweish, Sheema Khan, Murali M. Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: Numerous studies have established a strong association between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and various co-morbidity factors, including smoking. Tobacco smoke is a significant source of benzo[a]pyrene, a highly carcinogenic compound known to cause liver damage. Cucurbitacin, a triterpene with diverse biological activities, exhibits antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, its hepatoprotective properties have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of cucurbitacin D, a novel analog of cucurbitacin, against liver injury induced by benzo[a]pyrene in human HepG2 cells.

Method: To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of cucurbitacin D against benzo[a]pyreneinduced liver damage, proliferation, clonogenicity, …

Evaluating The Potential Of Herbal Extracts As Treatment In Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Review Of Evidence And Limitations, Russell Wiggins, Jihoo Woo, John Cauba, Shizue Mito

Research Symposium

Immune thrombocytopenia, formerly idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP), is an autoimmune disease characterized by the depletion of platelets below 100,000/µl when other causes of thrombocytopenia have been ruled out. It is associated with several infectious pathologies, disease states, and as a known side effect and complication of several drugs and chemotherapies. Standard treatment calls for glucocorticoid mediated immunosuppression, intravenous immunoglobin transfusion, platelet stimulation, platelet transfusion, and splenectomy in instances of chronic and severe disease. While standard treatments are often effective, some cases prove resistant, and more commonly, some patients are unable to tolerate standard treatment protocols or opt out of surgical …

Ormeloxifene-Mediated Attenuation Of Β-Catenin Signaling In Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression, Mohammed Sikander, Shabnam Malik, Daniel Zubieta, Anyssa Rodriguez, Molly Vela, Sheema Khan, Fathi T. Halaweish, Murali M. Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, with approximately 41,000 new cases and 29,000 deaths annually in the U.S. The management of HCC poses significant challenges due to severe toxicity and inadequate responses to existing chemotherapeutic agents. Aberrant β-catenin signaling is recognized as a crucial factor influencing the differentiation grades of HCC patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify more effective and non-toxic β-catenin inhibitors for cancer treatment. Notably, ormeloxifene (ORM), a clinically approved selective estrogen receptor modulator with a favorable therapeutic index, has demonstrated remarkable anticancer activity, making it a promising …

Cardiometabolic Benefits Of A Non-Industrialized-Type Diet Are Linked To Gut Microbiome Modulation, Fuyong Li, Anissa M. Armet, Katri Korpela, Junhong Liu, Rodrigo Margain Quevedo, Francesco Asnicar, Benjamin Seethaler, Tianna B. S. Rusnak, Janis L. Cole, Zhihong Zhang, Shuang Zhao, Adele Gagnon, Edward C. Deehan, Joao F. Mota, Jeffrey A. Bakal, Russell Greiner, Dan Knights, Nicola Segata, Stephan C. Bischoff, Laurie Mereu, Andrea M. Haqq, Catherine J. Field, Liang Li, Carla M. Prado, Jens Walter

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Industrialization adversely affects the gut microbiome and predisposes individuals to chronic non-communicable diseases. We tested a microbiome restoration strategy comprising a diet that recapitulated key characteristics of non-industrialized dietary patterns (restore diet) and a bacterium rarely found in industrialized microbiomes (Limosilactobacillus reuteri) in a randomized controlled feeding trial in healthy Canadian adults. The restore diet, despite reducing gut microbiome diversity, enhanced the persistence of L. reuteri strain from rural Papua New Guinea (PB-W1) and redressed several microbiome features altered by industrialization. The diet also beneficially altered microbiota-derived plasma metabolites implicated in the etiology of chronic non-communicable diseases. Considerable …

The Science Behind Alternative Medicine: Using Natural Compounds To Battle Cancer, Amanda Focht

Osmosis Magazine

In the middle ages essential oils were valued for their various Medicinal properties as well as their potent fragrances. Recent years have demonstrated a renewed interest in these compounds and their potential uses in modern medecine.

A Review Of Key Music Therapy Approaches To Unlocking Recovery From Stroke And Traumatic Brain Injury, Bethany Woolman, Nina Mourao, Joshua K. Elliott, Shizue Mito, Ney Alliey-Rodriguez

Research Symposium

Background: Strokes and traumatic brain injuries are neuronal injuries that can impact the motor, sensory, and cognitive abilities of an affected individual, and may necessitate therapy of multiple forms to regain back total or partial functionality and independence in their daily lives. Music assists in stimulating multiple brain regions, and when incorporated into rehabilitation, it has the potential to impact stroke and traumatic brain injury recovery. This literature review focuses on the efficacy of two novel music therapy approaches, melodic intonation therapy (MIT) and rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), on recovery from aphasia and restoration of gait, respectively, to assess whether …

The Use Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy In The Setting Of Acute Limb Ischemia, Josue Fonseca, Andrew B. Callan

Research Symposium

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a long-used yet understudied intervention for a wide array of conditions. In the case of our patient with acute limb ischemia secondary to cholesterol emboli, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy after attempted thrombectomy and thrombolysis was utilized to promote tissue oxygenation and wound healing with the goal of preserving the patient’s limb. What makes this case novel is that an understudied treatment method was used to preserve the patient’s limb after the recommended treatment options been exhausted. This case highlights the need for more studies on the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the …

Reducing Burnout Among Physiatry Trainees During The Pandemic: Instituting A Wellness Retreat, Edwin Amirianfar, Oliver Acosta, Eduard Tiozzo, Joslyn Gober, Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Burnout has been described as “a state of mental and physical exhaustion related to work or caregiving activities.” Among resident physicians, burnout is a serious concern that can lead to medical errors and negative patient outcomes. To combat burnout among physiatry trainees during the COVID-19 pandemic, an innovative wellness retreat was created and implemented at the University of Miami’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency Program in March 2021 and February 2022.

Methods: The retreat curriculum was designed by the PM&R Residency Wellness Committee and supported by departmental funding. The retreat(s) consisted of three strategies: education and discussion on …

Role Of Urolithin A In Cancer Therapy, Aanya S. Chauhan, Vinita Karumuru, Mahi P. Yallapu, Anupam Dhasmana

Research Symposium

Background: Cancer is a big health problem around the world, causing many deaths even though there have been improvements in treatments. Some of the main challenges in treating cancer include side effects, resistance to treatments, cancer spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis), and the disease coming back (recurrence). Scientists are looking for safer and better ways to treat cancer. One promising option is using natural substances that come from plants, which are less toxic and have a lot of potential for fighting diseases. One of these substances is Urolithin A (UA), a compound made in the body when …

Exploring The Therapeutic Potential Of Barbaloin: A Wonder Constituent From Aloe Vera Plant, Akanksha Andhare, Kranti Satpute, Shoaeb Mohammad Syed

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

The aim of current study was to explore chemistry and therapeutic potential of barbaloin. A detailed literature review was carried out at various data bases such as PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, etc. The healing plant aloe emodin's main compound is barbaloin (C21H22O9), anthrone's C-glucoside. The Liliace family includes perennial succulent aloe vera. Barbaloin, a pale-yellow aloe vera powder, is a first-group glucoside of the alove emodin anthrone molecule. Barbaloin has anti-inflammatory, cathartic, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities that prevent cancer. Barbaloin also improves cardiovascular health, test perception, enzyme metabolism, and bioavailability. Barbaloin may help treat eczema, psoriasis, …

Synergistic Effects Of Bacillus Coagulans And Β-Glucans: Potential Benefits Of Probiotic And Prebiotic Use On The Gastrointestinal Tract And Microbiome In Humans, Jennifer Bermudez

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions And Stress, Jacqueline Parker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: Stress within the nursing profession is a substantial issue. Staff shortages, poor leadership, and even COVID-19 have contributed to an increase in nursing stress. Stress can negatively impact a nurse’s ability to perform at an optimal level while at work. The purpose of this project is to reduce perceived stress by implementing mindfulness-based interventions (MBI).

Background: The project was implemented in a twenty-three-bed unit that cares for the post operative pediatric population in Houston, Texas.

Methodology: A series of in-person and virtual educational lessons (eight total) on MBIs (with flyers) were implemented throughout this project. The Perceived Stress Scale …

Holistic Management Of Glucose Dysregulation Mimicking Autoimmune Disease: Case Investigation, Jacob Warner-Palacio, Hannah Hunsaker, Julian Warner-Palacio, Amanda Mckenna-Larson, Brigita Budginas, Alexander Tam, Levi Fridricksson, David Sant, Kyle Bills

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Poor Birth Outcomes Related To Cannabis Use In Pregnancy, Reese Weissenfluh, Madison Hall, Branden Kadlubowski, Makayla Eversole, Elizabeth Clary, Layla Dials, Brenna Hissong, Brianna Lu, Joshua Honaker, Manoranjan D'Souza

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Pregnancy, a period of dynamic physiological changes, necessitates careful consideration of external influences on maternal and fetal health. Despite increasing legalization and prevalence, the impact of cannabis use during gestation remains a topic of significant concern and investigation.

Recent studies have shed light on the consequences of in utero cannabis exposure, encompassing both fetal and maternal outcomes. Notably, several studies have identified associations between cannabis exposure during pregnancy and adverse fetal outcomes, including small-for-gestational-age birth, altered neurodevelopment, preterm birth, and increased risk of neonatal morbidity. Evidence to date underscores the urgent need for education, intervention, and regulatory oversight regarding cannabis …

Antidiabetic Properties Of Prickly Pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica) Fruit Extract, Kenzy Aidan Joseph Mckay

The Undergraduate Research Journal

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that claims 1.5 million lives annually. Opuntia ficus-indica, commonly known as the prickly pear, has been commonly used in traditional folk medicine for its hypoglycemic properties. It has been claimed that it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties as well. The plant is native to Mexico and is commonly found in the middle east and India and folk medicine from all of these areas have been using prickly pear medicinally for years. To test these claims an extract of locally sourced Opuntia ficus-indica was prepared using the flesh and seeds of the fruit. The …

Educating Medical Students In Sleep, Diet, And Exercise To Determine Effects On Their Treatment Plan Development For Future Patients, Paul Jackson, Wyatt Edgekoski, Kaleb Gustavsen, Andrew Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Local Tissue Damage Treatment Of Snake Venom, Suchitra Khunsap

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Local tissue damage caused by snake envenomation was a medical problem that caused morbidity and mortality for more than a decade, with no defined treatment guidelines. Nowadays, antivenom is the primary treatment for snakebite, which substantially reduces systemic venom but not significantly reducing local symptoms. We compiled a list of local damage therapies, including antivenom medication, surgery and skin grafting, small molecule medicines, and alternative therapies. Although each was not approved as a standard treatment, it may be a treatment option for tissue damage caused by snake venom. However, antivenoms and most resistant compounds may not be the best strategy …

In Silico Analysis Of Cd40 Mutations And Their Implications For Quinoline-Benzoic Acid Derivatives Based Therapy In Graves' Disease, Luluk Yunaini, Diyah Kristanty, Puji Sari, Surya Dwira, Dwi Anita Suryandari, Arleni Bustami

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the CD40-CD154 interaction plays a critical role in T-cell activation. In this study, in silico methods were employed to analyze the binding interactions of quinoline-benzoic acid derivatives (NSB, FSB, and NQB) with the CD40 receptor and to investigate the implications of specific CD40 mutations for drug efficacy. In this reseach conducted by molecular simulation approach with molecular docking Results Mutation analysis of CD40 identified alterations in key residues, such as R203C, which may impact ligand-independent activation and downstream TRAF binding, crucial for signal transduction. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of quinoline-benzoic …

Successful Application Of Craniosacral Therapy In A Case Of Self-Harming And Low Mood In A 13-Year-Old Female., Caro O’Neill, Angie Butterfield

Journal of Transformative Touch

This case reports on the effectiveness of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) for a 13-year-old female presenting with self-harming by cutting, self-starving and poor sleep. Seven treatments of 45 minutes each, over a period of 9 months between September 2023 and June 2024 took place and monthly treatments are still ongoing. An improvement in symptoms was recorded after the first treatment and over the period of the treatments the client did not self-harm or self-starve and her sleep improved. At the first session the client scored 24 with the Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 (PHQ-9); at the seventh session her score was …

Effectiveness Of Abdominal Breathing Exercise To Control Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, A Randomized Controlled Trial, Maryam Sadiq, M Shazan Raza, Noman Sadiq, Anum Sadiq, Muniba Zafar, Syed Muhammad Baqir Zaidi, Saima Ambreen

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Objectives; To determine the effect of actively training the crura of diaphragm which is a part of lower esophageal sphincter using abdominal breathing exercises to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Methodology; With a randomized controlled study design, a total of 22 (11 in each group) clinically diagnosed patients of GERD presenting to the gastroenterology outpatient department at Holy Family Hospital in Pakistan were assessed using GERD related “quality of life index (QoLI)” questionnaire and their on-demand proton pump inhibitors (PPI) usage. Single blinding technique will be used. Patients ages 18 to 60 years with GERD were included. However, those with hiatal …