ORCID Profile
0000-0002-1337-0321
Current Organisation
Griffith University Griffith Health
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-04-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2648.2007.04291.X
Abstract: This paper is a report of a literature review to explore the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use amongst people with diabetes to inform nursing practice, education and research. Diabetes mellitus affects the entirety of a person's being and increasingly people use complementary and alternative medicine in conjunction with other medical treatments and lifestyle modifications to manage their condition and improve well-being. The CINAHL, Medline, ProQuest nursing journals and Psych INFO databases were searched for the period 1990-2006 using identified keywords. A total of 18 studies from nine countries were found. The results suggest that the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use among people with diabetes ranges from 17% to 72.8%. The most widely used therapies among diabetic populations are nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, nutritional advice, spiritual healing and relaxation techniques. The characteristics which influence complementary and alternative medicine use are age, duration of diabetes, degree of complications and self-monitoring of blood glucose. Although inconsistency in the definition of complementary and alternative medicine and varying research designs make estimation of usage prevalence difficult, evidence suggests that a high proportion of people with diabetes use these therapies concurrently with conventional healthcare services. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of this issue and may need to incorporate complementary and alternative medicine information into patient assessment and intervention.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-04-2015
DOI: 10.3390/IJMS16047802
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2022
DOI: 10.1002/BRB3.984
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.4172/JAA.1000078
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 24-08-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-06-2021
DOI: 10.1111/AJO.13376
Abstract: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a subtype of vulvovaginal candidiasis, with debilitating effects on physical and emotional well‐being affecting up to 10% of Australian women. Current evidence suggests that the induction and maintenance approach for RVVC is not particularly effective with post‐treatment relapse rates as high as 57%. Frequently accessed Australasian RVVC prescribing resources and guidelines were examined showing a variety of adaptations of current evidence‐based induction and maintenance therapies, making it difficult to select best treatment in clinical practice. The ways to introduce more clarity and consistency into these guidelines are outlined.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-09-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2648.2011.05827.X
Abstract: This paper is a report of a study into factors predicting complementary and alternative medicine use in people with type 2 diabetes. The growing incidence of type 2 diabetes is emerging as a major health issue throughout the world. While the rate of complementary and alternative medicine use in this population is high, it is not clear what predicts its use, in this population. A cross-sectional survey, using a structured interview, was undertaken among people with type 2 diabetes attending diabetic clinics in three census regions in Taiwan, between July 2006 and February 2007. The survey instrument, derived from a review of Taiwanese and international literature, was developed using the Health Belief Model. A total of 326 participants with type 2 diabetes were interviewed (87·4% response rate). In people with type 2 diabetes, complementary and alternative medicine use was associated with a history of its use, a positive attitude towards it, stronger health beliefs about diabetes and the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine in treating diabetes, a higher degree of self-care activities by the in idual and a longer duration of diabetes. The results of this study indicate that complementary and alternative medicine use in people with type 2 diabetes is influenced by people's experience, beliefs, attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine, and their behaviour towards disease management rather than their demographic characteristics. Nurses and healthcare professionals should consider the patient's background, health history, health beliefs and cultural background when planning specific strategies designed to modify lifestyle.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2008
DOI: 10.5688/AJ720474
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1177/17455057231194138
Abstract: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis management primarily entails azole therapy used as required or as an extended daily or weekly maintenance therapy for 6 months or more. Unfortunately, relapse within 3–6 months of ceasing maintenance therapy is experienced for more than half the patients, for whom indefinite treatment is required. To explore the feasibility of trial design examining a prophylaxis treatment to prevent recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis symptomatic episodes and reduce adverse effects. A double-blinded randomized controlled feasibility trial was conducted in Australia. Women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis were enrolled. An intravaginal prophylaxis application of lactic acid and acetic acid (Intravaginal Combination Therapy of Acetic and Lactic Acid) was compared with placebo. Primary outcomes comprised recruitment and retention, compliance to study medications and study assessments. Secondary outcomes included the reduction of symptomatic recurrence over the trial period and the acceptability, satisfaction, safety and tolerability of the intervention. The feasibility of quality-of-life measures was also explored. Fifteen participants were enrolled and randomized (active = 9, placebo = 6). Consent rate was 23.4%. Eight participants were lost to follow-up (active = 5, placebo = 3). Forty-seven per cent of participants (n = 7) were 100% compliant with the intervention, six of which completed the trial with good assessment compliance. The blinding process was effective. The study demonstrated a reduction in relapse in both active and placebo groups with only four participants across both groups reporting symptomatic episodes while enrolled. The intervention demonstrated good tolerability. Quality-of-life data showed minimal variance with a high quality-of-life measure. This trial assesses the feasibility of conducting a large-scale study exploring the efficacy of the Intravaginal Combination Therapy of Acetic and Lactic Acid intravaginal intervention and hints on the importance of psychological support through appropriate disease-specific communication and clinical attention. Consideration of the reported recruitment challenges, the inclusion of suitable quality-of-life measures and digital data collection is warranted for adaptation to a fully powered trial.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-09-2011
DOI: 10.1021/NP2004598
Abstract: Two new sesquiterpenes, (2R,3S)-sulfated pterosin C (1) and (2S,3S)-sulfated pterosin C (2), along with two known derivatives, (2S,3S)-pterosin C and (2R)-pterosin P, were isolated from a methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Acrostichum aureum. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by the interpretation of their spectroscopic data. The isolated pterosins were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against the AGS, HT-29, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 human cancer cell lines and the NIH3T3 normal mouse fibroblast cell line, using the MTT assay. Compound 2 showed IC50 values in the range 23.9-68.8 μM. The lowest IC50 value (23.9 μM) was recorded against AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Compound 2 was found to exert an apoptotic effect on AGS cells within 24 h of treatment, which increased with time and was greater than the positive control, cycloheximide. The cytotoxicity of 2 seems to be due in part to the sulfate group on C-14 and the configuration at C-2.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-12-2022
Abstract: The variety of drugs available to treat neurodegenerative diseases is limited. Most of these drug’s efficacy is restricted by in idual genetics and disease stages and usually do not prevent neurodegeneration acting long after irreversible damage has already occurred. Thus, drugs targeting the molecular mechanisms underlying subsequent neurodegeneration have the potential to negate symptom manifestation and subsequent neurodegeneration. Neuroinflammation is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, and is associated with the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which in turn leads to neurodegeneration. Inflammasome activation and oligomerisation is suggested to be a major driver of disease progression occurring in microglia. With several natural products and natural product derivatives currently in clinical trials, mushrooms have been highlighted as a rich and largely untapped source of biologically active compounds in both in vitro and in vivo neurodegenerative disease models, partially supported by successful clinical trial evaluations. Additionally, novel high-throughput methods for the screening of natural product compound libraries are being developed to help accelerate the neurodegenerative disease drug discovery process, targeting neuroinflammation. However, the breadth of research relating to mushroom natural product high-throughput screening is limited, providing an exciting opportunity for further detailed investigations.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-03-2016
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2016.1146887
Abstract: A new diterpenoid glycoside, 6E,10E,14Z-(3S)-17-hydroxygeranyllinalool-17-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) together with the known diterpenoid glycoside (2) and two known flavonoid glycosides (3, 4) were isolated from the methanol extract of Blumea lacera leaves. The structures were determined by the interpretation of their spectroscopic data and comparison with the literature. All compounds were isolated for the first time from B. lacera and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity. Only the new compound (1) showed strong cytotoxic activity with the lowest IC
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-2005
Publisher: Microbiology Society
Date: 12-05-2023
DOI: 10.1099/JMM.0.001705
Abstract: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a microbial, immune and sexual health disorder impacting up to 10 % of the adult female population. Fluconazole is a well-established antifungal drug commonly utilized for acute and long-term RVVC treatment. This insight review provides an overview of known vaginal and gastrointestinal microbiota characteristics in RVVC, presents the potential impacts of fluconazole therapy on multi-microbiome relationships and discusses implications for future research and clinical practice. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and molecular methods to accurately define vaginal microbiota trends in RVVC are not comprehensively available, limiting understanding of microbiota roles in RVVC. Inconsistencies and variances in Lactobacillus profiles in RVVC women suggest poorly understood disease implications on the bacterial and fungal microbiomes. Investigations of environmental conditions like vaginal pH, drug therapy’s impact, especially fluconazole maintenance therapy, and the elucidation of multi-microbiome relationships in RVVC are required to further investigate disease pathogenesis and responsible antimicrobial prescribing.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.BRAT.2014.07.020
Abstract: This study examined the efficacy of combining two promising approaches to treating children's specific phobias, namely attention training and one 3-h session of exposure therapy ('one-session treatment', OST). Attention training towards positive stimuli (ATP) and OST (ATP+OST) was expected to have more positive effects on implicit and explicit cognitive mechanisms and clinical outcome measures than an attention training control (ATC) condition plus OST (ATC+OST). Thirty-seven children (6-17 years) with a specific phobia were randomly assigned to ATP+OST or ATC+OST. In ATP+OST, children completed 160 trials of attention training responding to a probe that always followed the happy face in happy-angry face pairs. In ATC+OST, the probe appeared equally often after angry and happy faces. In the same session, children completed OST targeting their phobic situation/object. Clinical outcomes included clinician, parent and child report measures. Cognitive outcomes were assessed in terms of change in attention bias to happy and angry faces and in danger and coping expectancies. Assessments were completed before and after treatment and three-months later. Compared to ATC+OST, the ATP+OST condition produced (a) significantly greater reductions in children's danger expectancies about their feared situations/object during the OST and at three-month follow-up, and (b) significantly improved attention bias towards positive stimuli at post-treatment, which in turn, predicted a lower level of clinician-rated phobia diagnostic severity three-months after treatment. There were no significant differences between ATP+OST and ATC+OST conditions in clinician, parent, or child-rated clinical outcomes. Training children with phobias to focus on positive stimuli is effective in increasing attention towards positive stimuli and reducing danger expectancy biases. Studies with larger s le sizes and a stronger 'dose' of ATP prior to the OST may reveal promising outcomes on clinical measures for training attention towards positive stimuli.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 20-11-2020
Abstract: To investigate treatment burden and impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and their carers. An Australian cross-sectional online survey of carers of children aged 18 years and under with EoE between September 2018 to February 2019. Of 181 complete responses, more than half of carers experienced reduced HRQoL since their child’s diagnosis. Reported mean out-of-pocket expenditure for healthcare utilization (practitioner visits and treatment) was AUD$3064.3 annually. Backwards stepwise linear regression models showed that reduced ability to manage on income and missing more than one workday in the previous 30 days were significant predictors of lower carer HRQoL. Ability to manage on the current income described as “difficult some of the time,” “difficult all of the time,” and “impossible” were associated with lower child HRQoL. When compared with EoE diagnosis between 13 and 23 months of age, diagnosis between 2 and 4 years was a significant predictor of lowered child HRQoL. Pediatric EoE in Australia leads to high treatment burden for carers. Changes in carer employment and income manageability can negatively impact carer psychosocial wellbeing. Carers of children with EoE need to be informed about available financial and social support to reduce treatment-related burden and improve the quality of life of both the carer and child.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-09-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S10719-013-9502-X
Abstract: A new N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) specific lectin was identified and purified from the fruiting body of the Australian indigenous mushroom Psathyrella asperospora. The functional lectin, named PAL, showed hemagglutination activity against neuraminidase treated rabbit and human blood types A, B and O, and exhibited high binding specificity towards GlcNAc, as well as mucin and fetuin, but not against asialofetuin. PAL purified to homogeneity by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, chitin affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography, was monomeric with a molecular mass of 41.8 kDa, was stable at temperatures up to 55 °C and between pH 6-10, and did not require alent cations for optimal activity. De novo sequencing of PAL using LC-MS/MS, identified 10 tryptic peptides that revealed substantial sequence similarity to the GlcNAc recognizing lectins from Psathyrella velutina (PVL) and Agrocybe aegerita (AAL-II) in both the carbohydrate binding and calcium binding sites. Significantly, PAL was also found to exert a potent anti-proliferative effect on HT29 cells (IC50 0.48 μM) that was approximately 3-fold greater than that observed on VERO cells a difference found to be due to the differential expression of cell surface GlcNAc on HT29 and VERO cells. Further characterization of this activity using propidium iodine staining revealed that PAL induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in a manner dependent on its ability to bind GlcNAc.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 24-08-2010
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-03-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-08-2012
DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2012.673628
Abstract: Acrostichum aureumL. (Pteridaceae), a mangrove fern, has been used as a Bangladeshi traditional medicine for a variety of diseases including peptic ulcer. Isolation and structural elucidation of cytotoxic secondary metabolites from the methanol extract of the aerial parts of A. aureum. Compounds were isolated using HPLC. The compound structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, MS and other spectroscopic methods using published data. The compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activity against healthy and cancer cells using the MTT assay. Active compounds were further evaluated for apoptosis-and necrosis-inducing potential against gastric cancer cells (AGS) using the FITC Annexin V apoptosis assay. Seven known compounds, patriscabratine, tetracosane and 5 flavonoids (quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucosyl-(6→1)-α-l-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnosyl-7-O-β-d-glucoside and kaempferol) were isolated. Patriscabratine was found moderately cytotoxic against AGS, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells with IC(50) values ranging from 69.8 to 197.3 μM. Tetracosane showed some cytotoxic activity against AGS, MDA-MB-231, HT-29 and NIH 3T3 cells with IC(50) values ranging from 128.7 to >250 μM. Patriscabratine and tetracosane displayed an apoptotic effect (10%) on AGS cells within 24 h which was increased (20%) after 48 h, and was comparable to, if not greater, than the positive control, cycloheximide. Except for quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside and kaempferol compounds were isolated for the first time from this plant and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity. The results highlight the potential of this plant as a source of bioactive compounds and provide a rationale for its traditional use in peptic ulcer treatment.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 20-01-2003
DOI: 10.1515/BC.2003.133
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-01-2005
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-03-2016
DOI: 10.3390/NU8040182
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2000
DOI: 10.1071/CH99144
Abstract: The naturally occurring tetrahydroanthraquinones (1S,3R)- and (1R,3S)-austrocortilutein (1b) and (1d), respectively, are synthesized for the first time in enantiomerically pure form by Diels–Alder cycloaddition between the functionalized butadiene derivative (4) and the corresponding monochiral trans-1,3-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4- tetrahydro-5,8-naphthoquinone (5a) or (5b), themselves derived from citramalic acid. Separation of the four stereoisomeric austrocortiluteins by using h.p.l.c. over a chiral stationary phase reveals that the enantiomeric purity of the (1S,3S)- and (1R,3R)-quinones (1a) and (1c) varies from species to species whereas the (1S,3R)-isomer (1b) is, in the five cases examined, enantiomerically pure.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-03-2017
DOI: 10.1002/PROT.25265
Abstract: A lectin with strong cytotoxic effect on human colon cancer HT29 and monkey kidney VERO cells was recently identified from the Australian indigenous mushroom Psathyrella asperospora and named PAL. We herein present its biochemical and structural analysis using a multidisciplinary approach. Glycan arrays revealed binding preference towards N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and, to a lesser extent, towards sialic acid (Neu5Ac). Submicromolar and millimolar affinity was measured by surface plasmon resonance for GlcNAc and NeuAc, respectively. The structure of PAL was resolved by X-ray crystallography, elucidating both the protein's amino acid sequence as well as the molecular basis rationalizing its binding specificity. Proteins 2017 85:969-975. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 20-07-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.2042-7174.2010.00036.X
Abstract: The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of adverse reactions to over-the-counter complementary medicines and their severity, as described by consumers. Secondary aims were to identify consumers' reporting behaviours and understanding of the AUST L designation on product labels. An anonymous, self-administered survey was completed by randomly selected pharmacy customers at 60 community pharmacy locations between August 2008 and February 2009. Of the 1121 survey participants (response rate 62%), 72% had used a complementary medicine product in the previous 12 months, and 7% of this group (n = 55) reported having experienced an adverse reaction at some time. Of these, 71% described the reaction as mild and not requiring treatment, 22% as moderate and/or requiring advice from a healthcare professional and 7% (n = 4) described it as severe and requiring hospitalisation. If they were to report the reaction, it was most commonly to a medical practitioner. Most (88%) of complementary medicine consumers had never noticed the term ‘AUST L’. Complementary medicines are widely used by pharmacy customers. Adverse reactions to these products are under-reported to healthcare authorities. Most adverse reactions are mild and serious reactions are rare. Customers have little awareness of the designation AUST L.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 19-09-2010
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1155/2012/417267
Abstract: Objective . To identify whether a standardised Echinacea formulation is effective in the prevention of respiratory and other symptoms associated with long-haul flights. Methods . 175 adults participated in a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial travelling back from Australia to America, Europe, or Africa for a period of 1–5 weeks on commercial flights via economy class. Participants took Echinacea (root extract, standardised to 4.4 mg alkylamides) or placebo tablets. Participants were surveyed before, immediately after travel, and at 4 weeks after travel regarding upper respiratory symptoms and travel-related quality of life. Results . Respiratory symptoms for both groups increased significantly during travel ( P 0.0005 ). However, the Echinacea group had borderline significantly lower respiratory symptom scores compared to placebo ( P = 0.05 ) during travel. Conclusions . Supplementation with standardised Echinacea tablets, if taken before and during travel, may have preventive effects against the development of respiratory symptoms during travel involving long-haul flights.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 27-01-2022
DOI: 10.1002/DA.23242
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-09-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12905-022-01973-X
Abstract: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is experienced by up to 10% of pre-menopausal women globally, yet there is limited research exploring the perspective of women living with this challenging condition. Semi-structured interviews with Australian women experiencing RVVC were conducted between April–July 2021. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was conducted. Ten RVVC patients were interviewed. IPA revealed an uncertain journey living with RVVC for all participants ranging from initial symptoms and difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis, the trial and error of symptom management, to the overall debilitating impact of living with a personal and intimate health condition. Four key themes were identified: Theme 1 outlined challenges and delays in diagnosis and clinically appropriate management. Theme 2 found that health care professional (HCP) knowledge limitations impacted RVVC management. Theme 3 illustrated the consequences of a lack of HCP support leading to self-referral and self-education. Theme 4 details the significant emotional and psycho-social repercussions of RVVC. This debilitating, life-long disease has a prolonged effect on women both physically and psychologically. Living with RVVC seems an uncertain journey that, to a large degree, women feel they must navigate alone. While resilience and self-empowerment were noted, better support through evidence-based treatment options, educated and evidence-informed HCPs and a sympathetic social support network is needed to decrease the disease burden. Future clinical management guidelines and patient support need to consider the findings of this study.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-07-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S11418-013-0789-5
Abstract: The cytotoxic activity of 23 crude methanol extracts from 19 Bangladeshi medicinal plants was investigated against healthy mouse fibroblasts (NIH3T3), healthy monkey kidney (VERO) and four human cancer cell lines (gastric, AGS colon, HT-29 and breast, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) using MTT assay. High cytotoxicity across all cell lines tested was exhibited by Aegiceras corniculatum (fruit) and Hymenodictyon excelsum (bark) extracts (IC50 values ranging from 0.0005 to 0.9980 and 0.08 to 0.44 mg/mL, respectively). Fourteen extracts from 11 plant species, namely Clitoria ternatea (flower and leaf), Dillenia indica (leaf), Diospyros peregrina (leaf), Dipterocarpus turbinatus (bark and leaf), Ecbolium viride (leaf), Glinus oppositifolius (whole plant), Gnaphalium luteoalbum (leaf), Jasminum sambac (leaf), Lannea coromandelica (bark and leaf), Mussaenda glabrata (leaf) and Saraca asoca (leaf), were also significantly cytotoxic (IC50 < 1.0 mg/mL) against at least one of the cancer cell lines tested. More selectively, Avicennia alba (leaf), C. ternatea (flower and leaf), Caesalpinia pulcherrima (leaf), E. viride (leaf) and G. oppositifolius (whole plant) showed cytotoxicity only against both of the breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). In contrast, C. ternatea (flower and leaf) exhibited high cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231 (IC50 values of 0.11 and 0.49 mg/mL, respectively), whereas E. viride and G. oppositifolius whole plant extracts exhibited high activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 values of 0.06 and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively). The cytotoxic activity test results for 9 of the plant species correlate with their traditional use as anticancer agents, thus making them interesting sources for further drug development.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-01-2011
DOI: 10.1002/PTR.3384
Abstract: C ylobacter jejuni is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrhoea in the industrialized world, being associated with the occurrence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and inducing diseases partially through intestinal adherence. With increasing reports of C. jejuni drug resistance against standard antibiotics, investigations into antiadhesive agents for the prevention of bacterial infection are highly significant. Given the consumer-driven development towards holistic and integrative healthcare, research into additional anti-C ylobacter effects of herbal medicines that are already used for their beneficial effects on bowel and digestive functions is important. Twenty-one herbal extracts were screened for antiadhesive activity against C. jejuni using modifications of previously published antiadhesion assays. Antiadhesion effects with IC(50) values <3 mg/mL were obtained for seven ethanol plant extracts, with Zingiber officinale (ginger), Capsicum annum (cayenne) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) displaying the highest antiadhesion activity against C. jejuni (IC(50) : 35 mg/mL) was found for Agrimonia eupatoria (agrimony), Andrographis paniculata (andrographis), Matricaria recutita (chamomile), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), Filipendula ulmaria (meadowsweet) and Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) extracts. This study provides evidence for additional beneficial effects of marketed herbal medicines in gastrointestinal disorders.
Publisher: Microbiology Society
Date: 09-2009
Abstract: Infection by Aspergillus fumigatus , which causes the life-threatening disease invasive aspergillosis, begins with the inhalation of conidia that adhere to and germinate in the lung. Previous studies have shown that A. fumigatus conidia express high levels of the negatively charged 9-carbon sugar sialic acid, and that sialic acid appears to mediate the binding of A. fumigatus conidia to basal lamina proteins. However, despite the ability of sialic acid to inhibit adherence of A. fumigatus conidia, the exact mechanism by which this binding occurs remains unresolved. Utilizing various free sialic acids and other carbohydrates, sialic acid derivatives, sialoglycoconjugates, glycoproteins, α -keto acid related compounds and amino acids we have found that the binding of A. fumigatus conidia to type IV collagen and fibrinogen was inhibited by (i) glycoproteins (in a sialic acid-independent manner), and (ii) free sialic acids, glucuronic acid and α -keto acid related compounds. However, inhibition by the latter was found to be the result of a shift in pH from neutral (pH 7.4) to acidic (less than pH 4.6) induced by the relatively high concentrations of free sialic acids, glucuronic acid and α -keto acid related compounds used in the binding assays. This suggests that previous reports describing inhibition of A. fumigatus conidia binding by free sialic acid may actually be due to a pH shift similar to that shown here. As previously reported, we found that A. fumigatus conidia express only N -acetylneuraminic acid, the most common sialic acid found in nature. However, A. fumigatus appears to do so by an alternative mechanism to that seen in other organisms. We report here that A. fumigatus (i) does not incorporate sialic acid obtained from the environment, (ii) does not synthesize and incorporate sialic acid from exogenous N -acetylmannosamine, and (iii) lacks homologues of known sialic acid biosynthesizing enzymes.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1093/ECAM/NEP111
Abstract: To investigate the cytotoxic effect of some Bangladeshi medicinal plant extracts, 16 Bangladeshi medicinal plants were successively extracted with n -hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water. The methanolic and aqueous extracts were screened for cytotoxic activity against healthy mouse fibroblasts (NIH3T3) and three human cancer-cell lines (gastric: AGS colon: HT-29 and breast: MDA-MB-435S) using the MTT assay. Two methanolic extracts ( Hygrophila auriculata and Hibiscus tiliaceous ) and one aqueous extract ( Limnophila indica ) showed no toxicity against healthy mouse fibroblasts, but selective cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (IC 50 1.1–1.6 mg mL −1 ). Seven methanolic extracts from L. indica , Clerodendron inerme , Cynometra ramiflora , Xylocarpus moluccensis , Argemone mexicana , Ammannia baccifera and Acrostichum aureum and four aqueous extracts from Hygrophila auriculata , Bruguiera gymnorrhiza , X. moluccensis and Aegiceras corniculatum showed low toxicity (IC 50 2.5 mg mL −1 ) against mouse fibroblasts but selective cytotoxicity (IC 50 0.2–2.3 mg mL −1 ) against different cancer cell lines. The methanolic extract of Blumea lacera showed the highest cytotoxicity (IC 50 0.01–0.08 mg mL −1 ) against all tested cell lines among all extracts tested in this study. For some of the plants their traditional use as anticancer treatments correlates with the cytotoxic results, whereas for others so far unknown cytotoxic activities were identified.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 17-04-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JANXDIS.2016.06.005
Abstract: Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), incorporating exposure and response prevention (ERP), has received strong empirical support for the treatment of paediatric OCD, and moreover, is considered the first line treatment of choice (Geller & March, 2012). However, despite the availability of effective treatments for this chronic and debilitating disorder, only a small proportion of youth receive these evidence-based approaches. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an intensive ERP-based treatment for youth OCD, using a multiple baseline controlled design. Children and youth (N=10 aged 11-16 years) with a primary diagnosis of OCD were randomly assigned to a 1- or 2-week baseline monitoring condition followed by the intervention. The efficacy of the intensive treatment, involving 1 session psychoeducation, 2-sessions ERP plus e-therapy maintenance was examined across parent- child- and clinician-rated measures at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up. Overall, there were significant reductions across time on almost all measures (except self-report anxiety), and moreover, the majority of the s le (80%) were considered reliably improved, and meeting clinically significant change. At post-treatment, 60% were in remission of symptoms, and at 6-month follow-up this increased to 70%. These findings provide strong support for intensive, time-limited approaches to ERP-based CBT for children and youth with OCD.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 24-08-2010
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 24-08-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-05-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2010.03.016
Abstract: In this study, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions from 117 collections of Australian macrofungi belonging to the mushroom genus Cortinarius were screened for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Overall, the lipophilic fractions were more active than the aqueous fractions. The ethyl acetate fractions of most or all collections of 13 species, namely Cortinarius ardesiacus, C. archeri, C. austrosaginus, C. austrovenetus, C. austroviolaceus, C. coelopus, C. [Dermocybe canaria](2), C. clelandii, C. [D. kula], C. memoria-annae, C. persplendidus, C. sinapicolor, C. vinosipes and forty seven collections of un-described Cortinarius species exhibited IC(50) values of 0.09 mg/mL against S. aureus. In contrast, most or all collections of only four species, namely C. abnormis, C. austroalbidus, C. [D. kula], C. persplendidus, and eleven un-described Cortinarius collections exhibited similar effects against P. aeruginosa (IC(50) <or= 0.09 mg/mL). Anthraquinonoid pigments isolated from C. basirubescens together with emodin physcion and erythrogluacin were assessed for their antimicrobial activity. The fungal octaketides austrocortilutein, austrocortirubin, torosachrysone, physcion and emodin were found to strongly inhibit the growth of S. aureus (IC(50) 0.7-12 microg/mL) whereas only physcion and emodin exhibited potency against P. aeruginosa (IC(50) 1.5 and 2.0 microg/mL, respectively).
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1155/2011/983792
Abstract: Research into CAM use by people with diabetes is limited. This study explored CAM use among patients who attend diabetic clinics for followup treatment. Special attention was paid to patients' changing patterns of CAM use before and after diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes, their experience of CAM use, and their management of CAM use with conventional medicines. A retrospective cross-sectional survey () was undertaken in three census regions in Taiwan, including metropolitan, urban, and rural areas in 2006-7 (87.4% response rate). Participants reported extensive use of CAM with conventional medicines. The prevalence of CAM use was 22.7% before and 61.0% after diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes with nutritional supplements being the most commonly used CAM before and after diagnosis. However, the disclosure rate of CAM use to healthcare professionals remained low (24.6%), and lack of knowledge about CAM ingredients was common (63.4%). Awareness of the widespread use of CAM by people with Type 2 diabetes is crucial for healthcare professionals. The self-administration of both conventional medicines and CAM without disclosure of CAM use to healthcare professionals may result in ineffective diabetes management and adverse effects. CAM information needs to be incorporated into clinical practice and patient and professional education.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-07-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-08-2009
DOI: 10.1002/PTR.2933
Abstract: The prevalence of gastric diseases is increasing with H. pylori, the causative agent of acute and chronic gastritis, being a major predisposing factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma. C. jejuni is the most common cause of enteric infections, particularly among children, resulting in severe diarrhoea. Increasing drug resistance of these bacteria against standard antibiotics, and the more widespread use of herbal medicines, favours investigations into additional anti-Helicobacter and anti-C ylobacter effects of phytotherapeutics that are already used for their beneficial effects on bowel and digestive functions. Twenty-one hydroethanol herbal extracts and four essential oils were screened for antibacterial activity using a modification of a previously described micro-dilution assay and compared with the inhibitory effects of antibiotics. The herbal extracts showing the highest growth inhibition of C. jejuni were Calendula officinalis, Matricaria recutita, Zingiber officinale, Salvia officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare and Silybum marianum. Agrimonia eupatoria, Hydrastis canadensis, Filipendula ulmaria and Salvia officinalis were the most active herbal extracts in inhibiting the growth of H. pylori. This study provides evidence for additional beneficial effects of phytotherapeutics marketed for their gastrointestinal effects and identifies new beneficial antibacterial effects for some herbal medicines not currently recommended for gastrointestinal problems.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTIM.2012.11.008
Abstract: The practice of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine (WHM) was built on traditional evidence but may be undergoing change with the advent of scientific evidence. The aims of this research were to provide a better understanding of practitioners' attitudes towards evidence, information sources, professional regulation and their knowledge about the evidence of commonly used complementary medicines (CMs). Naturopaths and WHM practitioners were invited to participate in an anonymous, self-administered, on-line survey. Participants were recruited using the mailing lists and websites of CM manufacturers and professional associations. Four hundred and seventy nine practitioners participated 95% currently in practice. The majority (99%) thought well documented traditional evidence was essential or important, 97% patient reports and feedback, 97% personal experience, 94% controlled randomised trials and 89% published case reports. Significantly more recent graduates (less than 5 years) rated randomised trials as essential compared to others. Most (82%) respondents want information sources containing both traditional and scientific evidence. They currently use several resources 74% CM textbooks, 67% conferences/seminars, 57% CM journals, 48% databases and 40% manufacturers' information. The mean knowledge score was 61.5% with no significant differences between respondents with diploma or degree level education or by graduating year. Eighty-five percent of practitioners strongly agreed or agreed that practitioners should be formally registered to safeguard the public, 8% were unsure and 8% disagreed or strongly disagreed. Naturopaths and WHM practitioners accept the importance of scientific evidence whilst maintaining the importance and use of traditional evidence. The majority are in favour of professional registration.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 07-05-2020
Publisher: Begell House
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1615/INTJMEDMUSHR.V13.I6.10
Abstract: Fifteen Australian mushroom species (higher Basidiomycetes) were assessed for hemagglutination and lectin activity. Hemagglutination activity was evaluated using both neuraminidase treated and untreated rabbit and human A, B, and O erythrocytes. Lectin activity was determined by the ability of various mono- and oligosaccharides to inhibit hemagglutination activity. Of the mushrooms evaluated, seven contained lectin activity. However, five (Agaricus bitorquis, Chlorophyllum brunneum, Coprinus comatus, Cortinarius sp. TWM 1710, and Omphalotus nidiformis) expressed lectin activity in only one of two collections tested. The two remaining lectin active mushroom species (Phlebopus marginatus and Psathyrella asperospora) possessed lectin activity with the same sugar specificity in both collections. Although lectins were identified with erse specificity, lactose-specific lectin activity was most frequently identified, being present in Agaricus bitorquis, Copronus comatus, Omphalotus nidiformis, and Phlebopus marginatus. In contrast, Psathyrella asperospora, Cortinarius sp. TWM 1710, and Chlorophyllum brunneum were found to possess lectin activity specific for N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, galactose, and N-acetyl-neurammic acid, respectively. Significantly, the galactose-specific lectin activity identified in Cortinarius sp. TWM 1710 and the lactose-specific lectin activity in Phlebopus marginatus have not been previously reported.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2004
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-04-2006
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2011
DOI: 10.3852/10-121
Abstract: Fifteen Australian macrofungi were investigated for cytotoxic activity. Ethanol, cold and hot water extracts of each species were screened for cytotoxic activity against normal mouse fibroblast cells (NIH/3T3), healthy human epithelial kidney cells (HEK-293), four cancer cell lines, gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS), two mammary gland adenocarcinoma cells (MDA-MB-231, MCF7) and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29) with a validated MTT assay. Most extracts derived from Omphalotus nidiformis, Cordyceps cranstounii and Cordyceps gunnii demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity toward a variety of cancer cell lines. In contrast only some extracts from Coprinus comatus, Cordyceps hawkesii, Hypholoma fasciculare, Lepista nuda, Leratiomyces ceres and Ophiocordyceps robertsii displayed significant cytotoxic activity, which was usually selective for only one or two cancer cell lines tested. The least cytotoxic species evaluated in this study were Agaricus bitorquis, Coprinopsis atrametaria, Psathyrella asperospora, Russula clelandii, Tricholoma sp. AU2 and Xerula mundroola.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-10-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2012.04339.X
Abstract: To explore how complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) users make decisions about CAM use. Specifically, an exploration of the processes used by people with Type 2 diabetes, related to the assessment of information sources, factors influencing decision-making and the role of other key in iduals, was undertaken. Patients with chronic illnesses increasingly seek to use CAM to improve their well-being. Currently, however, the decision-making processes related to CAM use among people with Type 2 diabetes are poorly understood. An exploratory study using a naturalistic design, with in-depth semi-structured interviews, was undertaken. Purposive s ling was used to recruit participants with Type 2 diabetes who used CAM alongside conventional medicine. The data were analysed in a three-step coding process. Ethical approval was gained from a human research ethics committee. Evidence about CAM use from interview data was consistent with a multi-dimensional decision-making processes used by participants. Four major categories emerged: recognising the need for using CAM assessing the potential CAM before use matching CAM use to personal philosophy and ongoing evaluation of CAM. As diabetes affects the entirety of a person's being self-management, incorporating CAMs has become a way of controlling the condition and improving well-being. It is important for health professionals to consider clients' CAM use and to incorporate this information, where appropriate, into management plans. Health care professionals should be aware of patients who use CAM while under conventional medical care and should discuss CAM use at various points in the client journey to facilitate better communication.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-01-2008
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 30-10-2015
DOI: 10.18433/J3161Q
Abstract: PURPOSE: Blumea lacera (B. lacera) (Asteraceae) is a well-known Bangladeshi medicinal plant. This study aimed to identify and characterize constituents associated with the significant cytotoxic activity of this plant that we reported previously. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of a new steroidal glycoalkaloid (SGA) 1, the evaluation of its cytotoxic activity, apoptotic potential, and effect on cell cycle in comparison to analogous steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs). METHODS: SGA 1 was isolated using C18 SPE and HPLC, and subsequently structurally characterized using 1D and 2D NMR, MS and other spectroscopic methods, along with a comparative inspection of the literature. Cytotoxic activity of 1 and seven SGA analogues and steroidal alkaloids (SAs), (β-solamarine, α-solanine, β-solamargine, α-solasonine, khasianine, solasodine, tomatidine HCl) were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against two healthy (NIH3T3 and VERO) and four human cancer (AGS, HT-29, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) cell lines using the MTT assay. Cytotoxic SGAs were further evaluated for apoptosis-inducing potential and cell cycle arresting ability against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) using the FITC Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) assay. RESULTS: Bioactivity guided fractionation of the methanol extract of B. lacera led to isolation of compound 1: (25R)-3β-{O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-[O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl}-22αN-spirosol-5-ene. SGA 1 was the most cytotoxic compound against a number of human cancer cell lines with an IC50 of 2.62 µM against MCF-7 cells. It displayed the highest apoptotic potential (32% AV+/PI-) on MCF-7 cells compared to other cytotoxic SGA analogues and a slight, but significant cell cycle arresting effect. CONCLUSIONS: A new SGA 1 was isolated from B. lacera and its cytotoxic activity, as well as that of other SAGs, was evaluated. SAR investigations on SGA 1, in relation to SGA analogues, show that the number and nature of sugar moieties along with the linkages of the sugar to the aglycone are crucial for cytotoxic and apoptotic activity. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2022
No related grants have been discovered for Evelin Tiralongo.