Maryland University of Integrative Health

Abstract Use of fungal mycelium as a vaccination adjunct may constitute a novel antiviral strategy to address newly emerging viruses. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we evaluated safety and feasibility of fungal mycelium (Fomitopsis officinalisandTrametes versicolor,FoTv) as an adjunct to human COVID-19 vaccination, as well as its impact on vaccine side-effects and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (Abs). We evaluated safety, feasibility, vaccine side-effects (across 5 days), and anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ab levels (across 6 months). Safety metrics were similar for the FoTv (N=52) and Placebo (N=38) groups and the approach was feasible. Participants with detectable Abs (from prior COVID antigen exposure) were classified as “COVID-Exposed” and those with undetectable Abs as “COVID-Naive.” FoTv, versus Placebo, significantly reduced side-effects in COVID-Naive, but not in COVID-Exposed individuals. In the COVID-Naive FoTv group, Ab responses were preserved across 6 months, an effect not observed among other groups. Adjunctive FoTv was safe, feasible, and reduced vaccine side-effects without compromising (and possibly increasing) Ab levels up to 6 months in participants without previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Use of fungal mycelia was successfully tested as an approach to prevent a novel pandemic virus (SARS-CoV-2), with potential application to H5N1/Bird Flu and other emerging viruses.

While acupuncture use and research publications are growing in the United States, we know little about acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine (ACHM) students' beliefs and behaviors regarding acupuncture research. This project aims to identify barriers to teaching acupuncture research and opportunities to engage and excite students to study acupuncture research. To our knowledge, a national survey of acupuncture students' research interests has not been completed previously. A cross-sectional survey of 32 closed and 6 open-ended questions was administered once through SurveyMonkey© to ACHM students in the United States. Analysis techniques include simple tabulations with confidence intervals for central tendency, along with selected correlations between variables. We received responses from students at 36 different schools, with 16 schools not represented. The total number of student respondents recorded was 467. We found heterogeneity in many of the attitude and behavior response sets, highlighting the diversity of students' viewpoints. Many students were comfortable with their level of research skills. Attitudes toward the importance of research for the ACHM profession were often correlated with each other, with demographics suggesting that the background and demographics of the students may be related to their attitudes towards research education. These relationships can help tailor ways to address specific subpopulations of acupuncture students and students interested in studying acupuncture research. The authors are ACHM educators and researchers who offer data-based suggestions to potentially improve students' appreciation of the importance of research to ACHM.

Postdate pregnancy is characterized by a heightened risk for both maternal and perinatal complications. Owing to the risks, clinicians frequently turn to elective labor induction as a management strategy for postdate pregnancies. However, patients are increasingly informed and apprehensive about this approach and its associated risks. This has prompted a search for alternative management methods that may encourage spontaneous labor in pregnant women. One such approach is the use of fetal membrane sweeping, a method known to increase the likelihood of spontaneous labor onset. Yet, it remains unclear whether a single fetal membrane sweeping procedure can effectively reduce the need for elective labor induction in postdate pregnancies while minimizing risks to both the mother and fetus. The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a single fetal membrane sweeping procedure conducted between 38+0 and 40+6 weeks of gestation in reducing the rate of elective labor induction among postdate pregnancies at Central Hospital Benin City, Nigeria. Secondary objectives included evaluating the impact of membrane sweeping on maternal and perinatal outcomes. This open-label superiority randomized controlled study was carried out from June 2020 to March 2021, following ethical approval from the Hospital Management Board (HMB). One hundred and forty eligible participants, without contraindications to vaginal delivery, were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group received a single fetal membrane sweeping procedure between 38+0 and 40+6 weeks of gestation, while the control group underwent vaginal examination only to assess the Bishop score. Participants weremonitored until delivery.Data analysis was performed. Results were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. The implementation of a single fetal membrane sweeping procedure effectively reduced the incidence of elective labor induction. Specifically, the membrane sweep group exhibited a significantly lower rate of elective labor induction compared to the control group (9.0% vs. 27.1%; p=0.0083). Moreover, a substantial proportion of the treatment group (91.4%) experienced spontaneous labor, while the control group reported a rate of 72.9%. Thedifference was statistically significant (p=0.0054). Notably, the control group exhibited a significantly longer mean time interval from recruitment to delivery (10.67±3.51 days) than the membrane sweeping group (3.64±4.123 days; p<0.05). Also, postdate women in the membrane sweep group were less likely to require cervical ripening with Foley's catheter than those in the control group (33.3% vs. 100%; RR: 0.33 (0.11-1.03); p=0.0057). Still, maternal satisfaction was significantly higher in the membrane-sweeping group (p<0.01). No significant differences were noted across the groups in maternal and neonatal outcomes. In low-risk term pregnancies, a single fetal membrane sweeping procedure is a superior alternative to no membrane sweeping in reducing the rate of elective labor induction for postdate pregnancies and in shortening the duration of term pregnancy.

Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) is a condition that, if left untreated, has severe consequences. In this case we report the resolution of hypothyroidism in a newborn with nutritional and alternative treatments. In evidence-based medicine, clinical expertise, research, and patient preference are an important triad used to make clinical decisions; in this case the patient's parents preferred to begin with nutritional and alternative treatments.

Alemi, Farrokh PhD; Carmack, Suzanne PhD; Gustafson, David PhD; Jacobson, Judith; Kreps, Gary L.; Nambisan, Priya PhD; Remezani, Niloofar PhD; Simons, Jack PhD; Xiao, Yunyu PhD Author Information

Abstract Background and objective Since 1997 several meta-analyses (MA) of placebo-controlled randomised efficacy trials of homoeopathy for any indication (PRETHAI) have been published, with different methods, results, and conclusions. To date, a formal assessment of these MA has not been undertaken. Main research objective for this systematic review was efficacy of homoeopathic treatment in MA of PRETHAI. Methods Inclusion criteria: MA of PRETHAI in humans; all ages, countries, settings, publication languages; published 1.1.1990-31.10.2020. Exclusion criteria: systematic reviews without MA; MA restricted to age or gender groups, specific indications, or specific homoeopathic treatments; MA not including efficacy. We searched 8 online databases (completed 14.12.2020). Primary outcome was the effect estimate for all included trials in each MA and after sample restriction to trials of higher methodological quality, according to predefined criteria. Risk of bias of MA was assessed by ROBIS. Quality of evidence was assessed by GRADE. Data synthesis was the proportion of MA showing a significant positive effect of homoeopathy vs. no significant difference. Results Six MA were included, covering individualised homoeopathy (I-HOM, n = 2), non-individualised homoeopathy (NI-HOM, n = 1) and all homoeopathy types (ALL-HOM = I-HOM + NI-HOM, n = 3), respectively. The MA comprised between 16 and 110 trials, published 1943-2014, with a median trial sample size of 45 to 97 patients. Risk of bias (low/unclear/high) was rated as low for three MA and high for three. Effect estimates for all trials in each MA showed a significant positive effect of homoeopathy, compared to placebo (5 of 5 MA, no data in 1 MA). Sample restriction to high-quality trials was available from 4 trials, the effect remained significant in 3 MA (thereof 2x ALL-HOM, 1x I-HOM) and was no longer significant in 1 MA of NI-HOM. Discussion The quality of evidence for positive effects of homoeopathy beyond placebo (high / moderate / low / very low) was high for I-HOM and moderate for ALL-HOM as well as for NI-HOM. There was no support for the alternative hypothesis of no outcome difference between homoeopathy and placebo. The available MA of PRETHAI show significant positive effects of homoeopathy beyond placebo. This is in accordance with laboratory experiments showing effects, in part reproducible, of homoeopathically potentised preparations in physico-chemical, in-vitro, plant-based and animal-based test systems. Other Primary funding sources: Christophorus-Stiftung, Stuttgart, DE; Stiftung Marion Meyenburg, Hamburg, DE; Dr. Hauschka-Stiftung, Bad Boll/Eckwälden, DE. Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42020209661

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the benefits and harms of yoga for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, compared to other interventions or no intervention.