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This case report presents an innovative approach to treating female orgasmic disorder (FOD) in a 28-year-old Asian-Australian female. The patient, undergoing significant academic stress and exhibiting no prior medical or psychological conditions, presented with a 2-year history of inability to achieve orgasm despite normal sexual desire and arousal. Following a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including a physical examination and psychiatric assessment, she was diagnosed with FOD, primarily of a situational type. The treatment implemented was a unique blend of natural therapies: aromatherapy, tantric yoga, mindfulness-based therapies, Yoni massage, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This integrative approach was conducted over 17 weeks, with each treatment of 2 weeks being followed by a 1-week break to prevent tolerance. The patient initially hesitated but consented to this bold treatment regimen. Remarkable progress was observed, with the patient achieving a strong sexual climax by the 7th week and consistent improvement thereafter. As the conclusion of the treatment and a year of follow-up, the patient reported sustained relief from her symptoms. This case illustrates the potential of combining various natural therapies in treating FOD, emphasizing the importance of patient consent and the efficacy of a holistic, intermittent treatment approach.

Background: Cinnamomum camphora is a commercially important tree species in China, and it's also a common native tree in the forests of southern China. However, literature on the impact of Cinnamomum camphora essential oil (CCEO) on human psychophysiological activity is scarce. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of exposure to CCEO on the functioning of the human autonomic nervous system, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and emotional state. Methods: Forty-three healthy university students participated. The data collected included heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and the results of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test. Results: A drop in diastolic pressure (DBP) and pulse rate was also noticed after participants inhaled CCEO. Furthermore, EEG studies have demonstrated notable reductions in absolute beta (AB), absolute gamma (AG), absolute high beta (AHB), and relative gamma (RG) power spectra during exposure to CCEO. Conversely, the relative theta (RT) and power spectra values showed a significant increase. Additionally, the finding from POMS indicated that the fragrance evoked positive emotions and suppressed negative feelings. Conclusion: The results suggest that exposure to CCEO may promote mental and physical relaxation, facilitate cognitive processes such as memory and attention, and enhance mood states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report presents an innovative approach to treating female orgasmic disorder (FOD) in a 28-year-old Asian-Australian female. The patient, undergoing significant academic stress and exhibiting no prior medical or psychological conditions, presented with a 2-year history of inability to achieve orgasm despite normal sexual desire and arousal. Following a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including a physical examination and psychiatric assessment, she was diagnosed with FOD, primarily of a situational type. The treatment implemented was a unique blend of natural therapies: aromatherapy, tantric yoga, mindfulness-based therapies, Yoni massage, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This integrative approach was conducted over 17 weeks, with each treatment of 2 weeks being followed by a 1-week break to prevent tolerance. The patient initially hesitated but consented to this bold treatment regimen. Remarkable progress was observed, with the patient achieving a strong sexual climax by the 7th week and consistent improvement thereafter. As the conclusion of the treatment and a year of follow-up, the patient reported sustained relief from her symptoms. This case illustrates the potential of combining various natural therapies in treating FOD, emphasizing the importance of patient consent and the efficacy of a holistic, intermittent treatment approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: It is important to identify anti-cancer compounds that can inhibit specific molecular targets to eradicate androgen-receptor negative (ARneg), androgen-independent (AI) prostate cancer, which is an aggressive form of prostate cancer with limited treatment options. The goal of this study was to selectively target prostate cancer cells that have high levels of oncogenic protein Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) by using strictinin, a small molecule ROR1 inhibitor. Methods: The methods performed in this study include western blots, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) proliferation assays, phosphatidylserine apoptosis assays, apoptosis flow cytometry (Annexin V, caspase 3/7), migration scratch assays, Boyden chamber invasion assays, and cell cycle flow cytometry. Results: Strictinin was most lethal against PC3 [half-maximal drug inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 277.2 µmol/L], an ARneg-AI cell type that expresses the highest levels of ROR1. Strictinin inhibited ROR1 expression, downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT)-glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3β) pro-survival signaling, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers in PC3 cells. Additionally, strictinin decreased PC3 cell migration and invasion, while increasing S-phase cell cycle arrest. In ARneg-AI DU145 cells, strictinin inhibited ROR1 expression and modulated downstream AKT-GSK3β signaling. Furthermore, strictinin exhibited anti-migratory, anti-invasive, but minimal pro-apoptotic effects in DU145 cells likely due to DU145 having less ROR1 expression in comparison to PC3 cells. Throughout the study, strictinin minimally impacted the phenotype of normal prostatic epithelial cells RWPE-1 (IC50 of 658.5 µmol/L). Strictinin was further identified as synergistic with docetaxel [combination index (CI) = 0.311] and the combination therapy was found to reduce the IC50 of strictinin to 38.71 µmol/L in PC3 cells. Conclusions: ROR1 is an emerging molecular target that can be utilized for treating prostate cancer. The data from this study establishes strictinin as a potential therapeutic agent that targets ARneg-AI prostate cancer with elevated ROR1 expression to reduce the migration, invasion, cell cycle progression, and survival of prostate cancer.

Curcumin has been ascribed with countless therapeutic effects, but its impact on testicular function has been scarcely researched. Leydig cells comprise the androgen-secreting population of the testis and may give rise to Leydig cell tumours (LCTs). Due to their steroid-secreting nature, LCTs entail endocrine, reproductive, and psychological disorders. Approximately 10% are malignant and do not respond to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess curcumin’s impact on Leydig cells’ functions and its potential effect on LCT growth. In vitro assays on MA-10 Leydig cells showed that curcumin (20–80 μmol/L) stimulates acute steroidogenesis, both in the presence and absence of db-cAMP. This effect is accompanied by an increase in StAR expression. Regarding curcumin’s in vitro cytostatic capacity, we show that 40–80 μmol/L curcumin reduces MA-10 Leydig cells’ proliferative capacity, which could be explained by the arrest in G2/M and the reduced viability due to the activation of the apoptotic pathway. Finally, CB6F1 mice were inoculated with MA-10 cells to generate ectopic LCT in both flanks. They received i.p. injections of 20 mg/kg curcumin or vehicle every other day for 15 days. We unveiled curcumin’s capacity to inhibit LCT growth as evidenced by reduced tumour volume, weight, and area under the growth curves. No detrimental effects on general health parameters or testicular integrity were observed. These results provide novel evidence of curcumin’s effects on the endocrine cell population of the testis and propose this natural compound as a therapeutic agent for LCT.

Introduction: Irrigation is a major part of successful root canal treatment due to the fulfilment carried out of various essential mechanical, chemical and miro-biological functions that include the healing of periapical tissues. This way, they reach areas of the root canal wall easier, which are not touched by any mechanical instrumentation. The important factor is to go for the initial and primary endodontic treatment, otherwise known as root canal treatment. The focus should be on using root canal disinfection to prevent infection. The widely used endodontic irrigant is sodium hypochlorite. It has many limitations; therefore, there has been a study going on for many years to replace to get an ideal root canal irrigant! Various studies are being conducted in an attempt to replace sodium chloride with newer root canal irrigants. There has been wide research conducted for several years to use new endodontic irrigant materials in place of sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Many solutions are available in the new age practice of endodontic practice with plenty of advantages. Hence the objective of this study is to conduct an in depth research of such available literature in lieu of usage of natural based products in endodontics. Materials and Methods: By making use of the Google Scholar, MEDLINE and PubMed databases, this study has been conducted. Large data covering the relevant and potential literature, along with review articles in the English language were looked upon. Results: The extensive research of literature resulted in the varied examples of the usage of herbal products in the field of endodontics are pulp–dentine repair, cleaning, disinfection, removal of smear layer, sealer cement for lubricating, removal of obturation material by dissolving it, etc. This signifies that there is a strong possibility for establishing the fact that herbal based products can be effectively be used in endodontics with further detailed studies being conducted. Conclusion: As per the research conducted, “Naturodontics” does have a good potential although there is an extensive need for elaborative in-vitro and in-vivo studies, confirming the same.

Introduction: Irrigation is a major part of successful root canal treatment due to the fulfilment carried out of various essential mechanical, chemical and miro-biological functions that include the healing of periapical tissues. This way, they reach areas of the root canal wall easier, which are not touched by any mechanical instrumentation. The important factor is to go for the initial and primary endodontic treatment, otherwise known as root canal treatment. The focus should be on using root canal disinfection to prevent infection. The widely used endodontic irrigant is sodium hypochlorite. It has many limitations; therefore, there has been a study going on for many years to replace to get an ideal root canal irrigant! Various studies are being conducted in an attempt to replace sodium chloride with newer root canal irrigants. There has been wide research conducted for several years to use new endodontic irrigant materials in place of sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Many solutions are available in the new age practice of endodontic practice with plenty of advantages. Hence the objective of this study is to conduct an in depth research of such available literature in lieu of usage of natural based products in endodontics. Materials and Methods: By making use of the Google Scholar, MEDLINE and PubMed databases, this study has been conducted. Large data covering the relevant and potential literature, along with review articles in the English language were looked upon. Results: The extensive research of literature resulted in the varied examples of the usage of herbal products in the field of endodontics are pulp–dentine repair, cleaning, disinfection, removal of smear layer, sealer cement for lubricating, removal of obturation material by dissolving it, etc. This signifies that there is a strong possibility for establishing the fact that herbal based products can be effectively be used in endodontics with further detailed studies being conducted. Conclusion: As per the research conducted, “Naturodontics” does have a good potential although there is an extensive need for elaborative in-vitro and in-vivo studies, confirming the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of using “natural therapy” technology in the process of social and psychological rehabilitation of the elderly. The article analyzes the relevance of the problem of social isolation, maladaptation and loneliness of elderly people in different countries of the world, and in Ukraine in particular, leading to sustainable social and psychological dysfunctions and substantiates the need to overcome them. The author's methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of socio-psychological rehabilitation sessions with the elderly using the rehabilitation implements of natural therapy is proposed. The mechanisms and technologies of social and psychological rehabilitation of the elderly using the rehabilitation concept of natural therapy are proposed and have been tested. As part of the research, an experiment was conducted among 100 people, half of whom were engaged in an individual rehabilitation course using the technology of the ecological rehabilitation concept of natural therapy. The article describes the results of the proposed classes for the participants of the experimental group and presents proposals in the field of improving rehabilitation measures based on natural therapy in the framework of the social and psychological rehabilitation of the elderly.

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of using "natural therapy" technology in the process of social and psychological rehabilitation of the elderly. The article analyzes the relevance of the problem of social isolation, maladaptation and loneliness of elderly people in different countries of the world, and in Ukraine in particular, leading to sustainable social and psychological dysfunctions and substantiates the need to overcome them. The author's methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of socio-psychological rehabilitation sessions with the elderly using the rehabilitation implements of natural therapy is proposed. The mechanisms and technologies of social and psychological rehabilitation of the elderly using the rehabilitation concept of natural therapy are proposed and have been tested. As part of the research, an experiment was conducted among 100 people, half of whom were engaged in an individual rehabilitation course using the technology of the ecological rehabilitation concept of natural therapy. The article describes the results of the proposed classes for the participants of the experimental group and presents proposals in the field of improving rehabilitation measures based on natural therapy in the framework of the social and psychological rehabilitation of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida auris is a recently found Candida species, mainly associated with nosocomial outbreaks in intensive care hospital settings, and unlike other Candida species, it can be transmitted through person-to-person or by contact with surfaces. C. auris is described as resistant to first-line antifungals and, consequently, associated with high mortality. Nowadays, essential oils (EOs) are known to be effective against fungal and bacterial infections. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of four EOs (tea tree, niaouli, white thyme and cajeput) against C. auris. The EO's effect on C. auris planktonic growth was evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration determination and by the agar disc diffusion method. Then, the same effect was evaluated on biofilm by colony-forming units' enumeration. The results showed that EOs were able to inhibit the C. auris planktonic growth, with an MIC50 between 0.78 and 1.56% and halos of 20–21 mm for white thyme and tea tree and 13–14 mm for cajeput and niaouli. In addition, the EOs were also able to completely inhibit biofilm formation. Moreover, white thyme and cajeput completely eradicate pre-formed biofilms, while tea tree and niaouli significantly reduce it. Thus, this work demonstrates that EOs are a possible therapeutic alternative and a future perspective for the hard fight against C. auris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plants have diverse phytochemicals with different solubility levels and medicinal efficacy. This study aimed to determine the presence of phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanol root extract of Anthocleista nobilis. Objectives: Determining the bioactive principles and free radical scavenging properties of A. nobilis root. Methods: The preliminary phytochemical investigations were performed using standard analytical procedures. The in vitro antioxidant properties were assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity. Results: The phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of several compounds: saponins, reducing sugar, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and mucilages. The concentrations of these compounds were different. A considerable quantity of phytochemicals was found in the methanol extract. The impact of the extract on DPPH, NO, FRAP, TAC, H2O2 radicals were dependently and ascendingly concentrated. Solvent extract demonstrated better antioxidant activity, with DPPH and NO showing maximum antioxidant capability in conjunction with IC50 values of 5.45 µg/mL. Conclusion: The study results prove that A. nobilis is a possible source of natural antioxidants, justifying its use in indigenous medicine.

The concept of natural therapy is a product of the evolution of social work theories. The ecological model of social work was formed in the 60s of the twentieth century and assumed the inclusion of an ecological context in the social sphere and social work as a practical activity. In the 21st century, environmental methods of social work have changed the focus and social rehabilitation has become a priority using such environmental technologies as animal therapy, garden therapy, agrotherapy, aesthetic therapy, and so on. The article examines the Ukrainian national experience in the development of social and physical rehabilitation of various categories of the population using environmental technologies. One of the main features of the formation of national experience in the implementation of the concept of natural therapy is that today the use of its components is at the initial level. The technologies for animal-assisted therapy are somewhat better developed in comparison with agrotherapy and garden therapy. The combination of these technologies into a single rehabilitation complex makes it possible to use the advantages of each of these technologies (animal therapy, agrotherapy and garden therapy) to achieve the maximum rehabilitation effect for each client, which requires social and physical rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cinnamomum camphora is a commercially important tree species in China, and it's also a common native tree in the forests of southern China. However, literature on the impact of Cinnamomum camphora essential oil (CCEO) on human psychophysiological activity is scarce. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of exposure to CCEO on the functioning of the human autonomic nervous system, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and emotional state., Methods: Forty-three healthy university students participated. The data collected included heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ), electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and the results of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test., Results: A drop in diastolic pressure (DBP) and pulse rate was also noticed after participants inhaled CCEO. Furthermore, EEG studies have demonstrated notable reductions in absolute beta (AB), absolute gamma (AG), absolute high beta (AHB), and relative gamma (RG) power spectra during exposure to CCEO. Conversely, the relative theta (RT) and power spectra values showed a significant increase. Additionally, the finding from POMS indicated that the fragrance evoked positive emotions and suppressed negative feelings., Conclusion: The results suggest that exposure to CCEO may promote mental and physical relaxation, facilitate cognitive processes such as memory and attention, and enhance mood states., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Gong, Yang, Xu, Yao, Lin and Chang.)

Candida auris is a recently found Candida species, mainly associated with nosocomial outbreaks in intensive care hospital settings, and unlike other Candida species, it can be transmitted through person-to-person or by contact with surfaces. C. auris is described as resistant to first-line antifungals and, consequently, associated with high mortality. Nowadays, essential oils (EOs) are known to be effective against fungal and bacterial infections. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of four EOs (tea tree, niaouli, white thyme and cajeput) against C. auris. The EO’s effect on C. auris planktonic growth was evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration determination and by the agar disc diffusion method. Then, the same effect was evaluated on biofilm by colony-forming units’ enumeration. The results showed that EOs were able to inhibit the C. auris planktonic growth, with an MIC50 between 0.78 and 1.56% and halos of 20–21 mm for white thyme and tea tree and 13–14 mm for cajeput and niaouli. In addition, the EOs were also able to completely inhibit biofilm formation. Moreover, white thyme and cajeput completely eradicate pre-formed biofilms, while tea tree and niaouli significantly reduce it. Thus, this work demonstrates that EOs are a possible therapeutic alternative and a future perspective for the hard fight against C. auris.

Background: Given the disadvantages and limitations of current endometriosis therapy, there is a progressive increase in studies focusing on plant-derived agents as a natural treatment option with the intention of achieving high efficiency, avoiding adverse effects and preserving the chance for successful pregnancy. The heterogeneity of these studies in terms of evaluated agents, applied approaches and outcomes illustrates the need for an up-to-date summary and critical view on this rapidly growing field in endometriosis research.Objective and Rationale: This review provides a comprehensive overview of plant-derived agents and natural treatment strategies that are under preclinical or clinical investigation and critically evaluates their potential for future endometriosis therapy.Search Methods: An English language PubMed literature search was performed using variations of the terms 'endometriosis', 'natural therapy', 'herb/herbal', 'plant', 'flavonoid', 'polyphenol', 'phytochemical', 'bioactive', 'Kampo' and 'Chinese medicine'. It included both animal and human studies. Moreover, the Clinicaltrials.gov database was searched with the term 'endometriosis' for clinical trials on plant-derived agents. No restriction was set for the publication date.Outcomes: Natural therapies can be assigned to three categories: (i) herbal extracts, (ii) specific plant-derived bioactive compounds and (iii) Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). Agents of the first category have been shown to exert anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-oxidant effects on endometrial cells and endometriotic lesions. However, the existing evidence supporting their use in endometriosis therapy is quite limited. The most studied specific plant-derived bioactive compounds are resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, curcumin, puerarin, ginsenosides, xanthohumol, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, quercetin, apigenin, carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, wogonin, baicalein, parthenolide, andrographolide and cannabinoids, with solid evidence about their inhibitory activity in experimental endometriosis models. Their mechanisms of action include pleiotropic effects on known signalling effectors: oestrogen receptor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-1 and -6, tumour necrosis factor-α, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, nuclear factor-kappa B, matrix metalloproteinases as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis-related proteins. Numerous studies suggest that treatment with CHM is a good choice for endometriosis management. Even under clinical conditions, this approach has already been shown to decrease the size of endometriotic lesions, alleviate chronic pelvic pain and reduce postoperative recurrence rates.Wider Implications: The necessity to manage endometriosis as a chronic disease highlights the importance of identifying novel and affordable long-term safety therapeutics. For this purpose, natural plant-derived agents represent promising candidates. Many of these agents exhibit a pleiotropic action profile, which simultaneously inhibits fundamental processes in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, such as proliferation, inflammation, ROS formation and angiogenesis. Hence, their inclusion into multimodal treatment concepts may essentially contribute to increase the therapeutic efficiency and reduce the side effects of future endometriosis therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to respiratory symptoms as the most common manifestations of COVID-19, GI tract symptoms may occur in some patients, as well. These symptoms could be disabling and annoying and supportive treatments are required to control them. Some natural remedies based on Persian medicine could be effective to fast control of GI manifestations of COVID-19 disease through Food modification and using some medicinal plants and Life style correction. This paper reports a case of COVID-19 patient with GI complications which has been treated by using Persian Medicine recommendations.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by persistently elevated blood glucose concentration that lead to multisystem complications. There are about 400 medicinal plants cited to have a beneficial effect on DM. We must choose products wisely based on data derived from scientific studies. However, a major obstacle in the amalgamation of herbal medicine in modern medical practices is the lack of clinical data on its safety, efficacy and drug interaction. Trials of these herbal products often underreport the side effects and other crucial intervention steps deviating from the standards set by Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials. Due to a lack of knowledge of the active compounds present in most herbal medicines, product standardization is difficult. Cost-effectiveness is another issue that needs to be kept in mind. In this mini-review, we focus on the anti-hyperglycemic effect of herbal products that are commonly used, along with the concerns stated above., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2023. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Curcumin has been ascribed with countless therapeutic effects, but its impact on testicular function has been scarcely researched. Leydig cells comprise the androgen-secreting population of the testis and may give rise to Leydig cell tumours (LCTs). Due to their steroid-secreting nature, LCTs entail endocrine, reproductive, and psychological disorders. Approximately 10% are malignant and do not respond to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess curcumin's impact on Leydig cells' functions and its potential effect on LCT growth. In vitro assays on MA-10 Leydig cells showed that curcumin (20-80 µmol/L) stimulates acute steroidogenesis, both in the presence and absence of db-cAMP. This effect is accompanied by an increase in StAR expression. Regarding curcumin's in vitro cytostatic capacity, we show that 40-80 µmol/L curcumin reduces MA-10 Leydig cells' proliferative capacity, which could be explained by the arrest in G2/M and the reduced viability due to the activation of the apoptotic pathway. Finally, CB6F1 mice were inoculated with MA-10 cells to generate ectopic LCT in both flanks. They received i.p. injections of 20 mg/kg curcumin or vehicle every other day for 15 days. We unveiled curcumin's capacity to inhibit LCT growth as evidenced by reduced tumour volume, weight, and area under the growth curves. No detrimental effects on general health parameters or testicular integrity were observed. These results provide novel evidence of curcumin's effects on the endocrine cell population of the testis and propose this natural compound as a therapeutic agent for LCT., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported., (© the author(s).)

Aim: It is important to identify anti-cancer compounds that can inhibit specific molecular targets to eradicate androgen-receptor negative (AR neg ), androgen-independent (AI) prostate cancer, which is an aggressive form of prostate cancer with limited treatment options. The goal of this study was to selectively target prostate cancer cells that have high levels of oncogenic protein Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) by using strictinin, a small molecule ROR1 inhibitor., Methods: The methods performed in this study include western blots, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) proliferation assays, phosphatidylserine apoptosis assays, apoptosis flow cytometry (Annexin V, caspase 3/7), migration scratch assays, Boyden chamber invasion assays, and cell cycle flow cytometry., Results: Strictinin was most lethal against PC3 [half-maximal drug inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of 277.2 µmol/L], an AR neg -AI cell type that expresses the highest levels of ROR1. Strictinin inhibited ROR1 expression, downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT)-glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3β) pro-survival signaling, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers in PC3 cells. Additionally, strictinin decreased PC3 cell migration and invasion, while increasing S-phase cell cycle arrest. In AR neg -AI DU145 cells, strictinin inhibited ROR1 expression and modulated downstream AKT-GSK3β signaling. Furthermore, strictinin exhibited anti-migratory, anti-invasive, but minimal pro-apoptotic effects in DU145 cells likely due to DU145 having less ROR1 expression in comparison to PC3 cells. Throughout the study, strictinin minimally impacted the phenotype of normal prostatic epithelial cells RWPE-1 (IC 50 of 658.5 µmol/L). Strictinin was further identified as synergistic with docetaxel [combination index (CI) = 0.311] and the combination therapy was found to reduce the IC 50 of strictinin to 38.71 µmol/L in PC3 cells., Conclusions: ROR1 is an emerging molecular target that can be utilized for treating prostate cancer. The data from this study establishes strictinin as a potential therapeutic agent that targets AR neg -AI prostate cancer with elevated ROR1 expression to reduce the migration, invasion, cell cycle progression, and survival of prostate cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the specific mechanisms underlying the human health-promoting effects of the forest environment at Huangguoshu Falls, Guizhou, China., Methods: Ninety-five participants were recruited and an eye tracker was used to record fixation and sweep indices. A questionnaire was also used to evaluate the effects of different subject environments on human emotions, perceived recovery and preferences. Thereafter, 24 participants with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were recruited and the participants' fatigue and stress-related scale indices and inflammatory factor levels were examined. Serum metabolites of the participants under different time waterfall forest interventions were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS)., Results: Eye tracking paradigm analysis showed that the "waterfall" element was the most interesting element for participants and that the "charm" of the waterfall forest environment could be well perceived by participants. Scores on the Fatigue Scale, Anxiety Scale and Depression Scale decreased as the duration of treatment in the waterfall forest environment increased. Levels of inflammatory factors decreased after treatment in the waterfall forest environment. At the same time the level of antioxidants, represented by L-ascorbic acid, increased significantly., Conclusions: The charm of the Huangguoshu waterfall scenery could be perceived by the participants and have a positive modulating effect on mood and cognitive function. In addition, the unique mixture of negative oxygen ions in this environment can increase the content of endogenous antioxidants and balance the metabolism of choline and amino acids., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://atm.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/atm-22-3787/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2022 Annals of Translational Medicine. All rights reserved.)

Background: Apitherapy is the medical use of honey bee products, "honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee wax, and bee venom to relieve human ailments. Propolis is one of the most well-documented products derived from the honeybee and has always played an important role in traditional folk medicine., Aim: The aim was to justify the consideration of Aloe Vera as an effective remedy for the treatment of psoriasis., Methods: The study follows (857) patients (354 females, 503 males) with a mean age range from (9 - 62) years, affected with moderate to severe psoriasis in palms and foot soles treated by a combination mixture of propolis and Aloe in the form of an ointment (Aloreed) and Beauty reed cream. The treatment duration was for 12 weeks. Results were evaluated by using clinical, histological and statistical parameters., Results: After the 12 - week treatment, we observed an 86% overall response rate from which 62% showed excellent results and 24% showed good results, therefore proving the efficiency in the use of the mixture of propolis 50% and aloe vera 3% as topically applied ointment in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis., Conclusion: Patients who have palmoplantar psoriasis, who were treated with a topically applied mixture of propolis (50%) and aloe vera (3%), have shown noteworthy improvement thus proving the efficiency of propolis and aloe vera in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.

Background: Apitherapy is the medical use of honey bee products (honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee wax, and bee venom) to relieve human ailments, propolis in particularly, rich in essential oils such as flavonoid. Propolis is derived from tree buds and plants. It is considered as one of the most well-documented products from the honeybee and has always played an important role in traditional folk medicine. Another renowned plant is Aloe vera appertaining to the Liliaceae family. Its mucilaginous gel has been extensively used in many cultures for its apparent effectiveness in treating wounds, burns, itchiness and hair loss., Aim: The aim was to assess the efficacy of a mixture in an ointment form of propolis (50%) and aloe vera (3%), in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis., Methods: In this double-blind control study, 2248 patients with both mild to moderate cases of psoriasis were evaluated from 2012 to 2015., Results: In Group 1 the overall response at the end of 12 weeks was as follows: Cleared in 64.4% (excellent response), good response in 22.2%, and weak response in 5.6% and no response in 7.7%. In Group 2 (placebo group) no significant improvement was observed after 12 weeks of treatment. Also, histology also demonstrated a marked reduction in hyperkeratosis and acanthosis., Conclusion: In comparison with Group 2 (placebo group) patients in Group 1, treated with a mixture of propolis (50%) and aloe vera (3%), in the form of an ointment have shown noteworthy improvement thus substantiating the therapeutic value of propolis and aloe vera in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related degenerative joint disease. To date, its management is focused on symptoms (pain and inflammation). Studies suggest that fatty acids can reduce the expression of inflammatory and catalytic mediators, and improve in vivo joint function. Free fatty acid receptors (FFARs) such as G-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) are proposed as attractive therapeutic targets to counteract inflammation and cartilage degradation observed in OA. This study aims to elucidate the involvement of GPR40 in OA. In this study, we used an in vitro model of OA, and surgically induced OA by ligament transection and partial meniscectomy in wild-type and GPR40 deficient mice. OA phenotype was investigated in vivo by histology and genes expression. We demonstrate that IL-1β-treated GPR40(-/-) chondrocytes secret more inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, interleukin-6, prostaglandin E2) and active catabolic enzymes (metalloproteinase-2, -9 [MMP-2, MMP-9]), and show decreased anabolism (glycoaminoglycan) compared to GPR40(+/+) cells. In accordance with these results, we show that GPR40(-/-) mice exhibit an aggravated OA-induced phenotype characterized by higher tidemark exposure, frequency of osteophyte formation and subchondral bone sclerosis. Altogether our results demonstrate that GPR40 deficiency leads to an extended OA phenotype, providing evidence that increasing GPR40 activity, by natural or synthetic ligands, could be a new strategy in the management of OA., (© 2015 by the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.)