Homoeopathy a system of holistic healing as an alternative treatment for PCOS: a review

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder characterized by oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and infertility. Global prevalence of PCOS is estimated to be between 06% and 26%. Homoeopathy, being a system of holistic healing can be accepted as one of the alternative treatments for PCOS. Aim & Objective: The aim of the study is to review clinical data, where the intervention was aimed to treat PCOS through Homoeopathy. The objective of the study is to identify the therapeutic approach, assessment criteria, treatment outcomes through an alternative therapy i.e., Homoeopathy in cases of PCOS. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the month of June2021 following International/National search databases for all clinical studies published in the period from 2000 to 2021. This search was aimed to target the entire literature of randomized trials or controlled trials, observational studies case studies/reports on PCOS in homoeopathy. Result:28 articles related to Homoeopathy on PCOS were identified. Out of these 28studies, 22 studies (01 RCT, 02 NRCT,06 observational studies,04 case series and 09 case reports) were included in this review. All studies were published in peer reviewed journals.Conclusions:To establish the evidence-based efficacy of the homoeopathic treatment in cases of RCT more pragmatic studies need to be planned in the future based on proper diagnostic criteria.

A study on Perceived Threat, Behavior Change, Lockdown Compliance and Coping Strategies among Indian Adults amid COVID-19 outbreak

Introduction: During the current pandemic, threat perception of people during lockdown, any subsequent change in their behaviour , coping mechanisms along with lockdown compliance used to deal with the crisis in the Indian subcontinent have been important. The study aims to explore prevalence of perceived threat, behaviour change, lockdown compliance, and coping strategies amid COVID-19 outbreak in India. Methodology: This cross-sectional study used a semi-structured online questionnaire. Study applied non- probability snowball sampling technique for data collection. The survey questionnaire included four sections on (a) socio-demographic variables (b) perceived threat (c) lockdown compliance and behaviour change (d) coping strategies. Descriptive statistical analysis was done for the evaluation of data. Results: The responses of 1068 participants with a mean age of 32.92±12.88 years were included for analysis. Nearly half (51%) of the participants reported feeling 'very high' anxiety and about 34% reported to have 'high' anxiety about the spread of coronavirus, on the other hand many (41.6%) of them believed that they had very less chances of getting infected with coronavirus. A large population (89.3%) reported complying to the nationwide lockdown. The major coping mechanism being used by the people is distractions, socializing as well as adaptive coping mechanisms. Conclusion: In the current scenario, there is a concern for India, as due to surge in persons infected with COVID 19 and an indication towards 'optimism bias ' prevalent in people there are chances of poor compliance with government guidelines on behaviour change. The findings of the study will be helpful in designing programs and government measures for the people aimed at ensuring compliance with the guidelines related to social distancing and sanitization and using adaptive coping strategies

Obstetric outcome in twin pregnancies complicated with single intrauterine fetal demise

Background: It has been reported that single intrauterine fetal death in twin pregnancy occurs in 3.7-6.8% all twin pregnancies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the maternal and fetal demographic features and feto-maternal outcomes in twin pregnancies complicated with single intrauterine fetal demise and evaluation of available management guidelines.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at obstetrics and gynecology department of SGRRIM and HS, Dehradun, Uttarakhand between January 2015 and December 2019. There was a total of 182 twin deliveries at study hospital during this period and 35 of these cases were complicated with single intrauterine fetal demise. Maternal age, parity, chorionicity of twin gestation, gestational age at single intrauterine fetal demise, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight, Apgar Score at birth, neonatal intensive care unit stay of newborn,  maternal fibrinogen levels during pregnancy and delivery time and associated obstetric complications were analyzed in these cases of single intrauterine fetal demise with twin gestation. All monochorionic twin pregnancies were included in the study Group A and dichorionic twin in Group B.Results: The mean age of 32 patients included in study was 29.7±4.6 years. Twenty (62.5%) of these patients were dichorionic and 12 (37.5%) of these were monochorionic twin gestation. Single intrauterine fetal demise occurred in first trimester in 8 (25%) patients, during the second trimester 20 (62.5%) and 4 (12.5%) patients had third trimester single intrauterine fetal demise. Preterm deliveries occurred in 18 (56.3%) of patients and 8 (44.4%) of patients were of monochorionic and 10 (55.6%) of dichorionic twin patients. Among thirty-two patients, 11 (34.4%) patients had caesarean delivery and 21 (65.6%) patient had vaginal birth. No maternal or fetal mortality noted and none of the patients had maternal coagulation disorder.Conclusions: This study indicates that in cases of twin pregnancies with single fetal intrauterine demise with individualized management plan at higher centre and close maternal and fetal surveillance live fetus can be saved without any maternal risk.

Assessment of Tooth Movement with Piezocision and Its Periodontal Transversal Effects in Class II Malocclusion Patients: A Clinical Study

Background: There are considerable amount of population suffering from malocclusion. An increasing number of patients are demanding orthodontic treatment for improved esthetics and a better mastication system. The present study was conducted to assess tooth movement with piezocision and its periodontal transversal effects in class II malocclusion patients. Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of Orthodontics. It comprised of 120 patients with class II malocclusion. Before canine distalization and after the alignment and leveling phases, piezocision was performed on experimental side (Group I). Tooth mobility and gingival index was assessed on both sides. Results: In group I, there was 3.56± 1. 4 months and in group II there was 5.61± 1.2 months for distalization. There was 1.54± 1.3 mm and 0.80± 1.1 mm distalization in group I and group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mobility score was 1.2 and 1.4 before and after distalization in group I and 1.3 and 1.5 before and after distalization in group II. The difference was non- significant. Gingival index score was 1.4 and 1.3 before and after distalization in group I and 1.5 and 1.6 before and after distalization in group II. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Piezocision-assisted distalization accelerates tooth movement, decreases the anchorage loss for posterior teeth, and does not induce any maxillary transversal change. This technique does not have any adverse effects on periodontal health.

Insights into the intracellular mechanisms of citronellal in Candida albicans: implications for reactive oxygen species-mediated necrosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage

Abstract INTRODUCTION Citronellal (Cit) possesses antifungal activity and has possible implications for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in Candida albicans. In this study, the effects of Cit on ROS generation and the mechanisms by which Cit exerts anti-Candida effects were examined. METHODS A 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay was used to assess oxidative damage. Cell necrosis was determined by flow cytometry after FITC-Annexin V staining. Mitochondrial function was studied based on mitochondrial potential, metabolic activity (MTT assay), and phenotypic susceptibility on a non-fermentable carbon source. Membrane intactness and DNA damage were estimated by a propidium iodide (PI) uptake assay and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. RESULTS ROS generation was enhanced in response to Cit, leading to necrosis (2%). Additional hallmarks of cell death in response to Cit, such as mitochondrial membrane depolarization and DNA damage, were also observed. Cit treatment resulted in dysfunctional mitochondria, as evidenced by poor labeling with the mitochondrial membrane potential-sensitive probe rhodamine B, reduced metabolic activity (61.5%), and inhibited growth on a non-fermentable carbon source. Furthermore, Cit induced DNA damage based on DAPI staining. These phenotypes were reinforced by RT-PCR showing differences in gene expression (30-60%) between control and Cit-treated cells. Finally, PI uptake in the presence of sodium azide confirmed non-intact membranes and suggested that Cit activity is independent of the energy status of the cell. CONCLUSIONS Cit possesses dual anticandidal mechanisms, including membrane-disruptive and oxidative damage. Taken together, our data demonstrated that cit could be used as a prominent antifungal drug.

Citronellal-induced disruption of membrane homeostasis in candida albicans and attenuation of its virulence attributes

Abstract: INTRODUCTION There is an increasing burden of multidrug resistance. As a result, deciphering the mechanisms of action of natural compounds with antifungal activity has gained considerable prominence. We aimed to elucidate the probable mechanism of action of citronellal, a monoterpenoid found in the essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon plants, against Candida albicans. METHODS Drug susceptibility was measured by broth microdilution and spot assays. Ergosterol levels were estimated using the alcoholic potassium hydroxide method and H+ extrusion was assessed by monitoring the glucose-induced acidification of the external medium. Virulence traits were studied by hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation, along with fungal cell adherence to polystyrene surface and human oral epithelial cells. RESULTS Citronellal showed anticandidal activity against C. albicans and non-albicans species of Candida at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 mg/ml. Citronellal interfered with membrane homeostasis, which is the major target of known antifungal drugs, by increasing the hypersensitivity of the fungi to membrane-perturbing agents, reducing ergosterol levels, and diminishing glucose-induced H+ extrusion. In addition, oxidative and genotoxic stresses were induced via an increased production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, citronellal inhibited the virulent attributes of yeast-to-hypha transition and biofilm formation. It also reduced cell adherence to polystyrene surface and the human oral epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to propose the cell membrane, morphogenetic switching, biofilm formation, and cell adherence of Candida albicans as potential targets for the anticandidal activity of citronellal. However, clinical investigations on the therapeutic applications of citronellal are required.

A Prospective Analysis of Lipid Profile in Children with Type 1 Diabetes in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Dyslipidaemia is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease which may lead to an increased risk of atherosclerosis in Type I diabetes mellitus at a younger age. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry and Paediatrics at Gold Field Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Faridabad. Twenty children with type 1 diabetes mellitus were enrolled on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and were assessed for the levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, High Density Lipoprotein, Very Low Density Lipoprotein, Low Density Lipoprotein and cholesterol to HDL ratio and were compared with same number of matched healthy controls of similar age. Results: The result of the present study showed that all the above mentioned parameters were significantly (P<0.001) higher in type 1 diabetes mellitus as compared to the control group with glucose levels of 207.6 mg/dl, triglycerides levels of 210 mg/dl, cholesterol levels of 250 mg/dl, VLDL levels of 45 mg/dl, LDL levels of 172 mg/dl and cholesterol to HDL ratio of 7.8 whereas HDL levels were significantly lower i.e. 31.2 mg/dl in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Conclusions: The patients are at a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis and dyslipidaemia at an early age.

A report on pharmacognostical evaluation of four Adiantum species, Pteridophyta, for their authentication and quality control

Genus Adiantum L., Pteridaceae, is an important fern used in traditional systems of medicine. Different species of Adiantum are known as avenca in Brazil; hansraj/hanmspadi in India; maiden hair fern in English. The present study aims to develop the quality control parameters of four similar looking Adiantum species viz. A. capillus-veneris L., A. lunulatum Burm. f., A. peruvianum Klotzsch, and A. venustum D. Don. Standard methods for macro-microscopic evaluation, physico-chemical parameters and HPTLC were used for authentication and identification. The salient distinctive characters under the microscope are the presence of slightly wavy elongated epidermal cells in A. capillus-veneris; epidermal cells strongly wavy in A. lunulatum; star shaped epidermal cells and mixed spores of regular and irregular shaped in A. peruvianum; stomata on both the surfaces of pinnule, absence of spinulus spores only in A. venustum. In addition, rachis anatomy showed different cellular and stellar characteristics as identifying characters of aforesaid four Adiantum species. Physico-chemical parameters and HPTLC finger print profiles along with stigmasterol and lupeol play significant role for the quality evaluation of raw drugs. The above finding will serve the purpose of quality control and assurance for the future studies.