Category Archives: Alternative Medicine

A new practice has opened that is entirely dedicated to the field of dental sleep medicine.

Dr. Becky Fox opened Pennsylvania Dental Sleep Medicine, an affiliate of Pittsburgh Dental Sleep Medicine in August at Olde Liberty Square at 4813 Jonestown Road, Suite 104 in Lower Paxton Township. Fox provides treatment for snoring, sleep apnea, obstructed airways, and teeth grinding. She treats patients with obstructive sleep apnea and snoring disorders by fitting them with a removable oral appliance, that fits over a persons teeth and is used to open a persons airways during sleep.

She has been a dentist for more than 25 years and is credentialed by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Some people with sleep apnea choose an oral appliance as an alternative treatment to a CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) machine.

Dr. Becky Fox has opened Pennsylvania Dental Sleep Medicine in Lower Paxton Township. (Photo provided)

In June of last year, there was a major product recall regarding CPAP machines impacting millions of people globally. Philips Respironics recalled certain devices due to potential health risks. The company says it has shipped more than 1.8 million replacement machines as of Sept. 28, 2022 but, not all of its customers have received a replacement yet. On Sept. 6 Philips also recalled certain masks used with CPAP machines.

Unfortunately, its the patients who are suffering and who may not be treating their disease because of these continued issues, Fox said.

In light of the recalls that have impacted people with sleep apnea, Fox hopes to be one part of the solution locally.

Fox is the former owner of Fox Dental in Lemoyne.

The practice is accepting new patients. The new office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Information: 717-995-3590

-- Business Buzz

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New practice focuses on dental sleep medicine, providing an alternative for patients who use CPAP machines - PennLive

ProVEDA blends traditional Ayurvedic plant extracts recognized by the FDA with CBD and plant stem cells

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla., Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ProVEDA Corporationtoday announces it has entered into a relationship with Dr. Deepak Chopra,the global authority on natural solutions for health and wellness.

Photo credit: Michael Allen for Deepak Chopra

For over 5,000 years and still serving as the core of healthcare in India today, Ayurvedic medicine has over 250 plant extracts with proven medicinal properties. When formulating its topical pain relief solutions, ProVEDA starts with these traditional extracts and then adds plant stem cells for their antioxidant activities along with CBD for a feeling of overall wellness. The result is professional-grade, THC-free, broad-spectrum CBD-infused, plant-based therapeutics.

"After reviewing the studies on ProVEDA's products, I was impressed with the verified results," says Dr. Chopra. "The profound effect of ProVEDA's Ayurvedic plant-based solution compelled me to get involved with the company."

"TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century, and we are honored to have him involved with ProVEDA's topical pain relief solutions," says Rowland Hanson, cofounder of ProVEDA. "ProVEDA is also proud to be working with DaburResearch Foundation, the research and development resource of India's largest Ayurvedic medicine provider, as ProVEDA's exclusive formulator. Dabur utilizes artificial intelligence to select key Ayurvedic plant-based ingredients to blend with THC-free hemp-derived CBD, which is truly amazing."

Scott Grizzle, cofounder of ProVEDA adds, "In the food industry, we've seen the incredible disruption plant-based alternatives have brought to conventional industries. ProVEDA hopes to become that welcome alternative in plant-based therapeutics."

About Dr.Deepak Chopra

DEEPAK CHOPRA MD, FACP, founder ofThe Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, andChopra Global, a whole health company at the intersection of science and spirituality, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation.Chopra is a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego and serves as a senior scientist with Gallup Organization. He is the author of over 90 books translated into over forty-three languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. His 90th book and national bestseller,Metahuman: Unleashing Your Infinite Potential(Harmony Books), unlocks the secrets to moving beyond our present limitations to access a field of infinite possibilities. For the last thirty years, Chopra has been at the forefront of the meditation revolution and his latest book,Abundance: The Inner Path to Wealth(Harmony Books) offers the keys to a life of success, fulfillment, wholeness and plenty.DeepakChopra.com

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About ProVEDA

Cofounded by Rowland Hanson, originally instrumental in the branding of both Neutrogena and Microsoft, including the naming and global launch of Windows, and Scott Grizzle, ProVEDA offers professional-grade, CBD-infused plant-based therapeutics. ProVEDA's products blend earth-based traditional Ayurvedic plant extracts and the modern scientific discoveries of plant stem cells and broad-spectrum CBD (THC-Free) for an overall feeling of well-being. ProVEDA's therapeutic products were developed in partnership with Dabur Research Foundation the world leader in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world's oldest medical systems and remains the basis of India's healthcare today. All products are manufactured in the U.S. under strict regulatory cGMP compliance to ensure the highest quality control standards. ProVEDA.com

ProVEDA Corporation: professional grade plant-based therapeutics

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SOURCE ProVEDA

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Dr. Deepak Chopra Aligns with Plant-Based Therapeutics Company ProVEDA to Highlight Topical Pain Relief Solutions - Yahoo Finance

For the Eighth Year in a Row, on Nov. 11, True REST Float Spa is Open to Active-Duty Military and Veterans, Exclusively

SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 18, 2022 / This Veterans Day, True REST Float Spa will honor military service members with a complimentary 60-minute floatation therapy session. On Nov. 11, all 43 True REST Float Spa locations will close to the public to invite active-duty and retired military to experience floatation therapy's physical and mental benefits. Veterans Day appointments fill quickly, and those interested are encouraged to visit True REST Float Spa online to reserve an appointment. Since 2014, True REST Float Spa has provided 17,000 complimentary float therapy sessions to active-duty military personnel and U.S. veterans.

Floatation therapy is a holistic, all-natural, scientifically proven complementary and alternative practice commonly used for various medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Floatation REST (reduced environmental stimulus therapy) requires guests to float in a pod filled with 180 gallons of water and over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts. The simple act of floating in a dark room without stimuli enables the brain to enter a state of relaxation typically not experienced. Backed by research, float therapy is an excellent treatment option for active-duty military and veterans who suffer from symptoms realized during or after their military service.

"True REST Float Spa is proud of its commitment to our servicemembers. Year-round, the True REST Float Spa team goes above and beyond to honor our U.S. military and veterans by making flotation therapy accessible," said Jim Rowe, CEO of True REST Float Spa. "The efficacy of floatation therapy's mental and physical respite is documented in more than a dozen scientific studies. Floatation therapy's significant implications among active-duty military and veteran populations and military medicine are profound. As such, every True REST team member takes a personal responsibility to introduce this alternative treatment modality to as many military and veteran communities as possible."

Scientific research over the years has proven flotation therapy is an effective alternative treatment option for often debilitating symptoms for ailments ranked high among military and veteran communities. It's estimated in research by StatPearls that at least 16% of service members deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq have PTSD or depression; the current U.S. Census reports that there are roughly 18 million veterans and 2.1 million active duty and reserve members. Additionally, chronic pain is significant and of greater intensity in veterans than in the rest of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Although these are not the only health concerns that veterans have, these issues substantially impact servicemembers and affect their everyday lives.

Flotation for PTSD and Anxiety

Floatation therapy works on PTSD and anxiety by reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels and by promoting the production of dopamine and endorphins (feel-good hormones). Justin Feinstein, Ph.D., is an expert in the neuroscience of fear and is trailblazing a new path forward for treating anxiety. His scientific studies show that following float sessions, patients experienced a significant increase in mood and relaxation post-float and a significant decrease in muscle tension.

Retired Navy Seal Credits Float Therapy for his Recovery

John Rhimer, retired Navy Seal from 2002-2006, joined the military in the 1990s and was deployed to Afghanistan several times. In his final deployment, he was shot in the calf, which hit an artery requiring six pints of blood and 15 surgeries over the course of four years. He reports that for years, he only slept three hours a night. The commonly prescribed antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), left him with just a portion of himself. At one point in his recovery, he was taking 160 milligrams and more of Oxycontin every day. He describes it as a "long, dirty road."

He then discovered floatation therapy and its ability to stop the brain from having any control of the body. To help heal his leg, he began to float. Rhimer said, "I started floating to heal my leg, but it helped so much with the mental side of the PTSD. Floating helped me disconnect. I was able to gain balance in my head - almost as if I was meditating. The benefits were huge. Physically, I went to treat pain in my leg, my joints and my muscle fatigue. But then I discovered the mental benefits. I able to completely reconnect with my body."

True REST Float Spa's Commitment to Military and Veteran Populations

True REST Float Spa's pledge to the military is a year-round initiative to ensure that active-duty military, veterans, and reservists have an opportunity to experience the natural benefits of flotation therapy. In addition to its Veterans Day offer, the brand has designated the eleventh day of the month, every month, as U.S. Military Appreciation Day-to provide free float sessions to military members. The float brand also offers franchising discounts to those who have served to support their entrepreneurial endeavors and continues its partnership with Yellow Ribbon Fund to support research on the benefits of float therapy for PTSD. Yellow Ribbon Fund is a veteran support organization for post-9/11 wounded, ill and injured service members, caregivers and families.

Current military members and veterans can find the closest True REST Float Spa location and book their free 60-minute Veterans Day flotation therapy appointment on Nov. 11 by visiting truerest.com/locations. Veterans Day guests must bring a form of military identification to their scheduled appointment, such as a D.D. Form 214.

True REST Float Spa is located nationwide, with 43 open locations across 22 states. Each location has four or more float pods, private float suites, showers, changing rooms, an oxygen bar and an oasis room. The flotation brand goes above and beyond to create a unique but spa-like environment to ensure all participants leave feeling their absolute relaxed best.

Additional information about free floats for veterans on Veterans Day is available at truerest.com/free-floats-for-military-veterans.

# # #

About True REST Float Spa

True REST Float Spa is the world's largest float spa brand. In 2021 True REST ranked No. 139 in Entrepreneur's Top 500. With over 85+ awarded locations, including 43 open locations and another 10 under construction, it is on its way to servicing one million floats. True REST Float Spa has created a luxury float spa experience in 10 inches of water and 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts. Members float effortlessly in their float suite. Each location is dedicated to providing pain relief, relaxation and better sleep through a 60-minute float session. True REST Float Spa offers monthly memberships, programs and packages. For more information, go to TrueRest.com. Or visit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueREST, Twitter: https://twitter.com/truerest or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truerest. For franchising opportunities, go to https://www.truerestfranchising.com/.

Media Contact:

Jo Trizila, TrizCom PR on behalf of True REST Float SpaEmail: [emailprotected] | Office: 972-247-1369 | Cell/Text: 214-230-0078

Noel Hampton, TrizCom PR on behalf of True REST Float SpaEmail: [emailprotected] | Office: 972-247-9316 | Cell/Text: 940-230-9316

SOURCE: True REST Float Spa

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True REST Float Spa Offers Free Floatation Therapy Session to Veterans - AccessWire

Many patients ask me this every day. In almost all of the cases, surgery has been recommended. The problems start once the patient decides against having the surgery. I have rarely, if ever, heard a patient say that they were given a non-invasive option at that point. This is unfair to the patient.

Im actually hearing more and more patients tell me that they have nowhere to turn once they decide against spinal surgery. Many of them come to my office and by that point, they are in tears. I know I have written specific articles on the options, but today I will try and walk you through the process of what to do next.

First of all, once you are told surgery is necessary, do your homework. Read through the papers you will have to sign regarding side effects and outcome. One thing not a single patient has told me, is that the surgeon or the physician recommending the procedure, has not told them the percentage of failed spinal surgeries. That number could go as high as 76%. Of course the patients who have had failed surgeries tell me that no matter what anyone said, they would have had the surgery. They were in so much pain they would have done anything. That is such a sad fact. In this day and age, for any provider of any walk of medicine to not admit that there are other options (other than emergency procedures) than what they offer, is not right. You have to read through the paperwork, and ask your questions. If not that day, take the time and do your research, write down the questions and go back to get your answers. If you are not comfortable with the answers you see or do not even get answers, then its time to move to an alternative method or another surgeon.

Another suggestion I have, is to ask others who have not had the surgery but done something else. In many cases you may find the right direction to turn to by asking others. What you want to be sure not to factor in, is cost. If you are looking for the least expensive route, that may not be the best choice. Some of the most effective treatments are not covered on insurance.

Try not to let this be a factor in your decision. We are human, and also tend to go into the path of least resistance. Choosing a quick option once again, is not always the best. As a matter of fact, in 27 years I have never known an instance where I have prevented someones spinal surgery overnight.

Your condition did not happen in a couple of days or a couple of weeks, and it is certainly not going to be resolved in a couple of days or couple of weeks. In the case of severe degeneration, disc disease and stenosis, the condition may not be entirely resolved, but will be treated so you can enjoy your life without drugs or surgery. This takes time by both the practitioner and the patient. If you choose an alternative route, it is going to take some work on your part as well.A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that surgery involves no work on the patients part. Changing your diet to noninflammatory food choices prior to surgery or an alternative method, is necessary, as well as other things. Ive written articles on that and you can read them on my website. Therapy, downtime, side effects, and outcome must be taken into consideration prior to any decision for spinal surgery. When choosing an alternative therapy, downtime and dangerous side effects are generally not an issue. When choosing an alternative treatment, do the same due diligence. Interview the provider and ask your questions. Be mindful of the time allowed to ask those questions, and if you feel that you need extra time, let them know prior to your appointment.

Any encounter with a medical provider should be a comfortable one. Regardless of the method and provider, be honest with them. Let them know who else you have spoken to, the facts you have received, and any research you have done. This allows the provider to give you their side of the story and either assure you that what you have been told or read about is true or not.

The decision of what to do next is a process. It does not happen in one visit or one day. Take the time to see what is the best for you. And please remember none of us have a magic wand. Whether its surgery or an alternative treatment, no outcomes can be promised 100%. The track record of the provider is very important and must be considered. Promises can never be made in medicine.

I hope this helps with the decision-making process if you have been told you need surgery. If you have or anyone else you know has been told this, please book an appointment for a complimentary consultation in my office. I will be honest with you, and I promise to take the time necessary to help you feel comfortable.

For anyone who would like to read all of my articles, they are on my website found at the bottom of this article.For any questions regarding my articles, please email me at DrLeisa@CaringPainRelief.comLeisa-Marie Grgula. DCChiropractic PhysicianAccurate Care Medical Wellness Center18261 N. Pima Rd. Ste. #115www.CaringPainRelief.com

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Youve been told you need surgery for degenerative disc disease and stenosis of the spine. Now what? - Sonoran News

Among the people most at risk for hospitalization and death from COVID-19 are people with pre-existing cardiovascular issues. To avoid potentially serious consequences from SARS-CoV-2 infections, doctors may choose to prescribe patients Pfizers Paxlovid.

It has become clear, however, that Paxlovid may adversely interact with a range of common heart medications patients may already be taking.

A new study reviews known interactions between Paxlovid and some heart disease medications and offers ways to avoid unwanted outcomes.

The study is published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Scott Roberts, assistant professor and associate medical director of infection prevention at Yale Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, who was not involved in the study, weighed in on the findings.

I imagine patients with cardiovascular conditions will have a harder time taking Paxlovid safely than those with other types of medical problems. The challenge with Paxlovid use in those with cardiovascular disease is the abundance of drug-drug interactions between many medications taken for cardiovascular conditions (such as blood thinners, anti-arrhythmics) and Paxlovid, which can lead to dangerous increases in some of these drugs levels, he told Medical News Today:

Senior author of the study, Dr. Sarju Ganatra, a cardiologist at Beth Israel Lahey Health in Burlington, Massachusets, told MNT that even considering the care that must be taken to avoid conflicts, We believe it [Paxlovid] is a good drug and can be very helpful.

We should not be deterred from considering Paxlovid as a potential treatment for COVID-19. However, co-administration of Paxlovid with medications commonly used to manage cardiovascular conditions can potentially cause significant drug-drug interactions and may lead to severe adverse effects. Dr. Sarju Ganatra

It is crucial to be aware of such interactions and make appropriate adjustments in the medication regimen to avoid any harm, said Dr. Ganatra.

Paxlovid was authorized for emergency use against COVID-19 by the Federal Food and Drug Administration at the end of last year and was reauthorized in September 2022.

The issue of drug interactions is unrelated to Paxlovid rebound.

Dr. Ganatra listed the types of drugs with which negative interactions may occur when taken alongside Paxlovid:

The study includes a detailed listing of specific interactions, as well as alternative treatments to avoid conflicts with Paxlovid.

The researchers have also proposed a multi-level decision algorithm that can help clinicians determine whether Paxlovid is indicated for individual patients based on the cardiovascular medications they are already taking.

Paxlovid may also conflict with some medications prescribed for other conditions.

Many medications can interact with Paxlovid, said Dr. Ganatra, [The] FDA has issued a list very recently, although without much details.

Dr. Roberts mentioned an additional interaction issue with Paxlovid:

Another major one is anti-rejection medications for those with organ transplants.

The levels can go dangerously high when given with Paxlovid unless the dosages are adjusted. I always advise discussing with a pharmacist how to modify the doses of medications a patient is taking when starting Paxlovid, he explained.

The Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir combination known as Paxlovid is used to treat symptomatic, non-hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) who are at high risk of progression to severe disease, explained Dr. Ganatra.

Patients with cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease, he noted, are at a high risk of developing adverse events from COVID-19 and as a result have a higher likelihood of receiving Paxlovid. So, Paxlovid and heart-medication interactions are very important to understand and avoid.

Even so, said Dr. Ganatra, Paxlovid should be considered when indicated, keeping these interactions in mind and making adjustments in the drug regimen to avoid them.

Dr. Ganatra noted his research indicates Paxlovid may be even more valuable than first believed:

Paxlovid was originally shown to be beneficial for unvaccinated patients. However, we did a follow-up real-world study and demonstrated that it is beneficial for high-risk vaccinated patients as well, such as those with heart disease.

Dr. Ganatra said that he hopes his review study will be helpful for clinicians to understand such interactions and also to make point-of-care decisions.

We believe, its important for providers and hospitals to create system-level interventions such as building in these interactions in the EMR [electronic medical records] system to alert the clinicians/prescribers to ensure patients get the right treatment, and we can avoid potentially harmful drug-drug interactions. Dr. Sarju Ganatra

Originally posted here:

Can you take Paxlovid and heart disease medications at the same time? - Medical News Today

KOURTNEY Kardashian's apparent secret has been discovered as fans think they know why rumors are swirling that she is pregnant.

Followers believe they found a clue in some of Kourtney's latest Instagram photos.

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Kourtney recently posted photos showing off a glam pink dress while hinting at season three ofThe Kardashians.

The mom-of-three posted seven snaps and a brief video as she flaunted her incredible figure in the long-sleeved bubblegum pink garment.

The dress featured a thigh-high split as well as cut-out detailing on the back with a silver chain.

Kourtney, 43, decided to show off her attire from all angles and flaunted her bare back as she gazed over her shoulder.

After a fan posted one of the images on Reddit, many flocked to the comments section and praised Kourtney for sharing the unedited pictures.

Some pointed at Kourtney's hand placement in some of the photos, which fans say fuels the rumors of a pregnancy.

One person wrote: I know she isnt pregnant but I hate the way she keeps baiting us by posing in a way where she cradles or holds her stomach in her recent photos..."

"Though she does look great, very healthy and happy," the viewer added.

Most read in Entertainment

Another person agreed: "Yes- first thing I noticed about the first picture. And Ive seen if before as well."

"Whilst wearing an all pink dress, " a third added.

Fans believe they also spotted other clues that Kourtney may be trying to get pregnant.

They spotted cupping marks on on the reality star's back in the new photos.

Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin with the application of heated cups.

Medical research supports that cupping can help withinfertilityand increase the success rates of IVF.

"She's been cupping," one person said, referring to the red circular marks on Kourtney's back.

Someone else commented: "At first I thought she might have a tat or a birthmark but when I zoomed in I realized she had been cupped!"

The Hulu star recentlyshared a photo of herself "drinking matcha"on her Instagram Stories.

In the photo, theKeeping Up With the Kardashiansalum had on loose-fitting denim coveralls with a chunky belt around her stomach.

Many fans believe Kourtney's recent preference for baggy clothing and conveniently placed accessories suggest that the star might be expecting.

Recently, Kourtneysparked further speculationthat she could be pregnant after being spotted running errands inLos Angeles.

Despite recently speaking out about how much she loves her "thicker" body, Kourtney opted for the very loose-fitting garment - fueling speculation that she could beexpecting another child.

Kourtney and Travis have made no secret of the fact that they want to have a child together and the Lemme founderrecently spoke out about the toll that IVF treatment took on her body.

The third episode ofThe Kardashiansseason two sawKourtney talking openly about her bodyand gaining weight due to her IVF journey.

While getting ready for a photo shoot, the TV personality spoke to her assistant and stylist about how the treatment had affected her body.

"So obviously my body's changed, but it was like all of the hormones that the doctors put me on," she said.

Speaking directly to the camera, Kourtney continued: "Eight months of IVF treatment has definitely taken a toll on my body, mentally and physically. And I think it's taken a lot to get me to the place of feeling really comfortable and happy with the changes."

Kourtney shares three kids with ex Scott Disick.

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Kardashian fans think theyve unlocked Kourtneys secret to hiding her pregnancy after spotting key detai... - The US Sun

PHUKET: The Cabinet has approved more than B5.1 billion to build the Andaman International Health Center on the 141-rai site in Mai Khao, at the northern end of Phuket.

The Cabinet approved the funds, precisely B5,116,262,532 in total, at its meeting on Tuesday (Oct 11), reported the official minutes of the Cabinet meeting.

The bulk of the B5.1bn will be spent on building a brand-new international hospital, the Songklanagarind Hospital Phuket, for B4,762,262,532.

A further B212.5 million will be spent on the International Health and Science College, marked as a building renovation project.

The final B141.5mn will be spent creating the International Wellness Center and the Digital Dental Center Songklanagarind, also marked as a building renovation project.

The funds are to be allocated over five years, as follows:2023 B1,291,049,2902024 B1,656,586,9672025 B1,476,662,9402026 B498,152,4582027 B193,810,877

The decision follows the Cabinet approving the project in principle on Sept 19, 2020, amid the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

The decision at that time prompted the Prince of Songkla University to proceed with the preparation of the Andaman International Health Center project details such as work plans, financial plans, operational plans, etc, the Cabinet noted.

The official objectives of the project were given as:

The official budget request proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus.

The Cabinet marked that the project was approved following the Ministry of Public Health signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prince of Songkla University, which operates Songklanagarind Hospital in Hat Yai, Songkhla province.

Songklanagarind Hospital is a university teaching hospital affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine of Prince of Songkla University in Hat Yai.

It is not to be confused with Songkhla Hospital, also in Hat Yai, which is operated by the Ministry of Public Health.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Prof Dr Anek Laothamatas, has praised the approval for the project, touting it as a medical teaching centre providing cost-effective services to people living in the Andaman provinces.

The goal is to produce health science personnel such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, medical technicians, to develop and provide alternative medicine, and be a place for academic research in medicine and public health, he said.

The hospital will be a 300-bed tertiary and specialised medical facility focusing on precision medical services, telemedicine and treating complex diseases, Dr Anek added.

There is a referral system between the hospitals in the Andaman area, together capable of providing services to at least 12,500 tertiary complex patients per year and in terms of outpatients not less than 300,000 people per year, which can help reduce the cost [of treatment] for people in the area, he said.

This will build confidence among people and tourists in coming to travel to the Andaman [region] and to Thailand, he added.

It will also help generate income from health tourism. It will also offer premium international tourist services and become the first modern dental center in the South, in addition to taking care of the health of Thai people, he continued.

The project will be able to generate direct income from medical treatment for foreigners of not less than B1.6bn a year and not less than B300mn a year from dental services, Dr Anek added.

In total, the project is expected to boost the value of tourism in the Andaman area with an increase of approximately B62 billion a year, Dr Anek said.

MHESI Permanent Secretary Sirirurg Songsivilai, M.D., Ph.D, who also serves as Secretary-General of National Research Council of Thailand, explained the project as a way of producing enough medical and public health personnel to meet the needs of the Andaman area.

This will close the gap in the medical treatment problems of the Andaman area in the past, as well as promote the service industry and tourism for both Thai and foreign tourists, he said.

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Cabinet approves B5bn for 'Andaman International Health Center' - The Phuket News

This year, World Sight Day was observed on October 13 to draw our attention to the reality of vision impairments and blindness globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) stated this a special day to recognize the good work done by thousands of research and practice optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, and orthoptists all over the world working towards protecting and improving human sight, and treatment of eye diseases and visual impairments.

Globally, according to WHO, at least 1 billion people live with near or distance vision impairment that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed. Also, 90 percent of people with blindness live in low income countries.

The theme for the World Sight Day this year is Love your Eyes. This is a timely recommendation, as modern lifestyles, nutrition, climate and technology pose a lot of danger to human eye health globally. Eye health is crucial for the overall socioeconomic progress as it is not only about sight; but about the vision of the future. That is why it is an important aspect of holistic health and wellbeing as specified in the global Sustainable Development Goals.

A society without good eye health is in a lot of danger, as chances are that efficiency will be reduced in its productive activities, triggering an impact in its quality of life. Severe vision impairments in children can result in low achievements in school. It can also be a cause of depression in adults. Good eye health impacts directly our survival and quality of life. This is the reason in most cases blindness is linked with poverty and inequality existing especially in low-income countries.

Affordability and inclusion

As we commemorate this day, there are two questions that are relevant to the reality of our country Tanzania. First, is eye health accessible, inclusive and affordable for all? Second, are average Tanzanians, in towns and in villages, educated on appropriate eye care especially in relation to visual technologies, work environments and climate change?

Regarding the first question, many people shun from eye clinics because of the cost of treatment, they rather choose to bear the pain and trust the natural healing process. Concerning the latter, it is not news that most people go to eye clinics when they have complicated issues already, while such escalations could have been prevented had they been sensitized to attend eye clinics regularly or promptly upon noticing anything unusual with their eyes.

According to WHO access to quality eye care globally is still an issue as many governments have not yet prioritized it in their integral human empowerment and development schemes. Research by Thomas Bisika et al. (and others) published in African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative medicine (AJTCAM) found out that unsupervised traditional therapeutic and medical eye care is common in African cultures, giving specific examples from Malawi. Despite the sensitivity of eyes to the external environment, and the hazards involved, it is a hard truth that people still risk putting herbs in their eyes just from hearsay

Oftentimes eye tests and treatments cost a fortune, making many people from low-income countries unaware of their vision impairments and reluctant to seek medical care. Sensitization programs are mostly undertaken in urban areas, leaving rural populations unaware of the treatable and preventable eye problems.

Locally, we were able to speak with Dr Barnabas Mshangila, an ophthalmologist and head of eye department at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital. According to him most young patients in Tanzania, aging 18 and below, are diagnosed with refractive error conditions, that is, short-sightedness (myopia) and long-sightedness (hypermetropia). These can be corrected by use of glasses. There are also many cases of eye injuries which children sustain while playing or when exposed to hazardous environments.

The middle age group tends to be affected mostly by injuries and trauma caused by road and workplace accidents and diabetic retinopathy. Above the age of fifty, two most common problems are cataract, whereby ones lens is covered with fog, which is highly influenced by age, and glaucoma which comes with an accumulation of pressure within the eyeball which can later result in total blindness.

Dr Barnabas highlights that communicable eye diseases have remained on a very low scale over a few years, while eye allergies have been on the rise. While allergies on their own cannot impact one's vision, responding to irritation by rubbing has been a notable cause of micro-scratches on the cornea which may result in eye redness, eye-watering, light sensitivity and impaired eyesight.

Dr Barnabas points out that in a decade down the line, Tanzania has seen substantial improvements in eye health care. Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, which covers for the southern highlands zone, together with Bugando Medical Center, a referral hospital for Lake Zone regions have been markedly equipped to diagnose and treat cataracts as well as diabetic related eye problems, by use of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as laser pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP), among others. This has greatly reduced referral travels to Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Kilimanjaro.

Speaking about the departments community engagements, Dr Barnabas said: Here in the Southern Highlands Zone, we organize outreach missions every week, visiting periphery hospitals and health centres where we do screening and raise awareness of general eye health. Observing World Sight Day we had an awareness programme via radio, and from 10 - 13 October we have free eye screening here at the Mbeya referral hospital eye clinic. My advice to the public is that they make an effort to utilize our services, to get their eyes checked at least once a year. This will help to prevent dead-end situations, he advised.

The outplay of visual technologies

Vision impairment affects people of all ages but concern has been rising on how the youth and young adults age groups utilize and interact with these advancements of technology. It is estimated that people who have smartphones spend a screen time of 3-5 hours every day. This is just on the digital gadgets like smartphones but when we add time spent on big screens like televisions, gaming screens, desktop screens, tablets and laptops, the impact is huge and horrifying.

Constant staring at digital screens has been the reason for eye stresses, blurred vision and long-term vision problems like short-sightedness. With these effects, while allowing huge sales of these electronic gadgets, our government needs to devote its human resources in reviewing health and safety standards of these visual technology devices as well as sensitizing the society about eye problems associated with prolonged screen time.

Eye health needs to be indiscriminately prioritized such that it amasses beneficiaries from all over the country. It is a global concern, especially as the world recovers from the shackles of Covid-19 pandemic, which escalated screen time globally. UNICEF researchers apportion pandemic screen time largely to social media and video games. While such were good for that time, prolonging and normalizing such lifestyles, especially for young people, does not do their eyes any good. Love your Eyes is a message for everyone.

Additional report by Johnson Mwamasangula

Read more here:

Eye health and dynamics of the modern world - The Citizen

Various concepts of the most recent research in oral squamous cell carcinoma are presented in Figure 1. The Global Burden of Disease Studyin the 10 most populated countries suggests trends and gender differences in the mortality rate of oral cancer [1]. The following review provides a systematic picture of the research undertaken in the fundamental concepts, which are segregated into four key sections. The first section introduces this critical issue and delves into the occurrence of OSCC and its risk influenced by age. This is followed by the biology section that gives a peek into the role of viruses and understanding the aspects of the microbiome and the bacteriome. The penultimate section deals with the current research on diagnosing OSCC via a wide range of biomarkers. The last section surmises the various treatments prescribed and the areas of interest pursued.

The most common head and neck malignancy worldwide is oral cavity squamous cellcarcinoma(OCSCC) [2]. It accounts for approximately 1% of cancer cases that are newly diagnosed every year in theUnited States [3]. On a global scale, they rank sixth among the most observed type of cancers. Roughly 90% of these cancers are histologically squamous cell carcinomas, referred to as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) [4,5]. To get a perspective on the enormity of this domain, after removing duplicates, 5247, 2167, and 153 articles were found across three databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase.

Panda et al. used SPSS's chi-square test to compare the variations in OPSCC staging and grading between two age groups. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of 0.05. The number or percentage of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), recurrence, distant metastasis (DM), and second primary (SP) events in both cohorts were combined to create the odds ratio (OR), which was then used to conduct the meta-analysis. Trials were further divided into matched and mismatched studies for one or more criteria, such as age, gender, site, tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) staging, and treatments offered, in order to do subgroup analysis. The funnel plot in RevMan version 5.3 (Copenhagen, Denmark: Cochrane Collaboration) was used to evaluate publication bias. In young patients, there were 49% higher odds of recurrence in unmatched subgroup analysis and 90% higher risks of metastasis in matched subgroup analysis. Young age may be taken into account as a separate determinant of recurrence and distant metastasis (DM), according to the results, albeit additional matched studies are needed to confirm this link.

A significantly better overall survival (OS) was observed in younger patients compared to adults. The heterogeneity ranged from moderate to severe.The Surveillance,Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database analysis noted an increase in the average annual percentage of the incidence oforal tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC)to be more significant in men at 1.2% than in women at 0.5%, and in patients below 45 years vs. above (1.6% vs. 0.9%, respectively) from 1973 to 2010[5]. Young patients had a non-significant tendency toward lower recurrence-free survival. Also, no appreciable difference was observed in relapse-free survival byage. According to this study, young patients with OTSCC may have a higher risk of recurrence than older patients [6]. Another important study to support this finding was the report of Garavello et al., who found the five-yearDFSrates to be 34% for the young compared to 58% amongthe old cohorts with a p=0.003 [7].

Numerous probable causes of OTSCC's poor prognosis have been uncovered through molecular investigations. However, the study's sample size restrictions and design make it impossible to draw any definitive conclusions about age-related differences [8]. Younger patients did not have worse survival outcomes than older patients, according to a meta-analysis of nine trials (HR: 0.97; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.66-1.41). This study revealed that among the OCSCC patients receiving final therapy, young age is not a poor predictive survival factor due to the benefit of integrating the existing information in the systematic meta-analysis. These studies were the subject of a meta-analysis of overall survival hazard ratios, which revealed a pooled hazard ratio of 0.95. These data also imply that young individuals have comparable oncologic outcomes to older patients with a little higher age barrier. Against this backdrop, it is vital to understand the biology of the disease to probe further diagnosis and treatment.

Role of the Virus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and OCC: Although the link between the human papillomavirus (HPV) and uterine cervix and anogenital carcinomas is well known, its role in the emergence of oral squamous cell carcinomas is still debatable. In this sense, reference lists were manually screened in the citation tracking process [9]. Studies performed on people were cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional, evaluated the HPV oncogenic activity by the E6 and E7 mRNA, contained primary oral SCC (OSCC), and/or included a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis were all considered eligible. Because none of the included research was longitudinal and none of the cross-sectional studies had a control group, it could not determine if HPV infection was related to OSCC [10].

Seventeen instances (4.4%) tested positive for HPV/mRNA. Two examples of HPV-18 and 14 cases of HPV-16 were both positive [11]. Because none of the five studies considered were longitudinal or cross-sectional and lacked a control group, it could not determine if HPV infection was related to OSCC [10]. Hence, further studies on the role of HPV infection and its relation to OSCC are paramount and could be scope for other research groups.

Role of smoking and HPV: Skoulakis et al. explored the synergistic role of smoking and the human papillomavirus (HPV) in developing cancer of the head and neck [12]. Smoking was less common in the HPV-positive group than in the HPV-negative group. So probably, there is no significant role of smoking in the pathogenesis of "head and neck squamous cell carcinoma" (HNSCC).

Maxwell et al. evaluated the role of tobacco on recurrence among HPV-positive patients who had oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) [13]. They noted a statistically significant higher risk of recurrence in current smokers than those who had never smoked. Skoulakis et al. determined that smoking is statistically more observed in HPV-negative than positive groups of HNSCC patients [12]. To fully explain the pathophysiology of HNSCC and the likely carcinogenetic pathways that are brought on by smoking and HPV, more research is, however, required.

Relationship Between Epstein-Barr Virus and OSCC

Apart from both quantitative and qualitative assessments of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) association with OSCC, the meta-analysis by Sivakumar et al. affirmed the association between EBV and OSCC [14]. Polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry were among the diagnostic techniques performed. Latent membrane protein (LMP)-1, EBV-determined nuclear antigen-1, and EBV-encoded small non-polyadenylated RNA-2 were among the diagnostic targets. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a connection between OSCC and EBV. However, given the several crucial limitations of the studies undertaken, there is a need for further validation of the association for any conclusive inference.

High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing for Bacteriome Studies

Cancer is a significant disease in modern times. Given their favorable economic and social structures and the evident aging of their populations, it is the leading cause of mortality in developed countries, particularly [15-17]. The chosen studies diverged slightly from the main goals of this review in that they used next-generation sequencing for the microbial analysis and addressed the broad topic of the connection between oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) and microbiota.

Several articles focused primarily on comparing the oral microbiota in OSCC versus typical tissue samples [18]. Three of them had additional objectives - to make a correlation between oral cancer and certain life habits as proposed by Lee et al. [19], to analyze the genomics and metabolic pathways in microbes that are associated with OSCC [20], and to evaluate the potential growth of the bacteria's pro-inflammatory factors in their OSCC samples, chiefly by Perera et al. [20].

Most studies detected microorganisms related to inflammatory responses in the OSCC samples, like Fusobacterium nucleatum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While the former is linked to the OSCC of the tongue, the latter is associated with the OSCC of gingiva in addition to the tongue, for at least one study. Additionally, numerous bacteria that metabolize ethanol to create acetaldehyde, including Neisseria spp., Rothia mucilaginosa, and Streptococcus mitis, were discovered in the OSCC samples. However, the studies yielded no consensus on the hypothesis, given that often, they were found in a larger quantity within the non-tumor controls.

Association of Microbiome

The significance of microorganisms in the etiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma has garnered particular attention because periodontal disease is a microbial condition. Sami et al. offer one comprehensive review [21]. Several bacterial species have been identified in the oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) samples [22]. These include relatively rare species that inhabit theoral cavity like Bacteroides fragilis [23], and bacteria earlier unnamed like Actinomyces and Streptococcus [24,25]. In addition, the environmental species were observed like Dietzia psychralcaliphila and Gordonia sputi. More thorough studies have been conducted on a few of these species, including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Most haven't, nevertheless, been thought about in terms of both their singleton and polymicrobial functions in the OSCC-associated microbiome. The precise processes by which the oral microbiome may contribute to the development of OSCC are yet not fully understood [26].

Bacterial Dysbiosis - Culture-Independent Studies

According to data collected from 731 cases and 809 controls, there was no steady amelioration of any unique taxon in the oropharyngeal or oral malignancies, albeit common taxa could be distinguished between investigations. While several studies found a link between dysbiosis and oral/oropharyngeal cancer, the analytical and methodological differences made it impossible to produce a consistent summary. This emphasizes the need and scope for greater quality research with standardized methodology and reporting.

More than 30% of the non-tumor tissue included the bacteria Granulicatella adiacens, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Sphingomonas spp. PC5, and Streptococcus mitis/oralis [27]. One study reported using reagent controls to establish the lack of bacterial contamination. However, this influences the data interpretation [28]. Initial microbiome research on oral cancer has shown altered bacterial populations, including pathogens of known importance. This may indicate that bacterial genome-associated inflammatory alterations play a role in mouth cancer as a contributing factor. Identification of the specific changes in a microbe is indeed a positive step towards the development of salivary-based biomarkers of microbes in the clinical evaluation of the progress of oral cancer.

Role of Porphyromonas Gingivalis

OSCC is the widely observed malignant neoplasm of the oral region [29]. This study focused on the mechanisms that P. gingivalis plays in the development, upkeep, and/or maintenance of OSCC. In a murine model, Gallimidi et al. showed that P. gingivalis-infected OSCC tumors that were 4NQO-induced were noticeably more widespread and invasive, with strong expression of IL-6[30]. The PAR4 receptor-induced over-expression of the MMP9 via kinasedependent signaling pathways of p38MAPK and ERK1/2. PAR2 and PAR4 were both found to be required for increasing the OSCC cell invasion potential.

Streptococcus gordonii and P. gingivalis can interact to create communities, which then colonize the tooth plaque. Because of its damaging effects on periodontal tissues, P. gingivalis gains from its interaction and coaggregation in the subgingival plaque [31]. The bacterium's effect in the oral epithelial cells could vary based on the phase development of OSCC, as such alterations were absent in the non-diseased gingival keratinocytes. This is further attested by the study of Liu et al. who demonstrated a novel mechanism of how P. gingivalisstimulates the immune evasion of OSCC via the protection of cancer from any viable macrophage attack [32]. The most recent research highlight the simplicity of managing periodontal disease (PD) as the necessary means of preventing OSCC. However, more research on human subjects is required to estimate the actual oncogenic risks from the infection of P. gingivalis in oral malignancy. This could also expand the scope of OSCC development, including determining the tumor's location and stage.

Proteomic Markers

The neck and head squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is a highly prevalent malignancy linked to chewing tobacco. Over the last two decades, researchers have discovered an increasing number of HNSCC patients with positive human papillomavirus (HPV) tumors that appear in younger people and those who consume less or no alcohol or tobacco. The relationship in the oropharynx is more vital than that in the oral cavity [33]. These articles were divided into subsections listed below, followed by a list of all detected protein biomarkers and a brief explanation of their significance. Clinical applications of biomarkers include detecting, diagnosing, and monitoring disease activity and evaluating therapy efficacy. Tung et al. reported the reduction of vitamin D-binding protein in OSCC plasma, suggesting differential regulation across different species [34].

Role of Glucose Transporters

The solute carriers' major facilitator superfamily has approximately 400 members, including glucose transporters (GLUTs) [35]. The distribution of glucose and other hexoses to metabolically active cells depends critically on the control of the expression of glucose transporter proteins. Two significant proteins in this class are glucose transporters 1 (GLUT-1) and glucose transporters 3 (GLUT-3) [36]. GLUT-1 expression in the Tca8113 and CAL27 cell lines was significantly higher than that in the normal oral keratinocytes (NOK) cell line, natural killer (NK). No matter if the tumor was in an early or late stage or whether it had a low or high tumor grade, GLUT-3 expression was always excessive in the deep invasive front [37]. Accordingly, there seemed no link between GLUT-3 and tumor grade [38].

GLUT-3 is the second largest researched transporter, albeit with limited research. Mixed results were found from mRNA investigations when cell lines expressed GLUT-3 [39], and frequently overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumors than the adjoining healthy tissues [40,41], with occasional exceptions [42]. GLUT-1 and maybe GLUT-3 are the only two glucose transporters extensively examined in OSCC and healthy oral keratinocytes. In a different investigation by Kunkel et al., the positive cell proportion was more accurate at predicting the prognosis than the intensity of GLUT-1 staining [43]. Compared to those with cell positivity of >50%, those with cell positivity at 50% demonstrated a median survival of 138 months (p=0.0034). Clinical decision-making may benefit significantly from a greater understanding of these proteins' connections to illness development, resistance to treatment, and prognosis.

Prognostic Biomarkers

It is crucial to find accurate prognostic biomarkers for detecting oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) to predict the tumor's behavior more accurately and direct the subsequent therapy decisions. There were 174 investigations carried out during the previous three decades, and 184 biomarkers were assessed for the prognostication of OTSCC. Numerous biomarkers have been proposed as helpful prognosticators for OTSCC, but the methodology and reporting quality of the original studies is generally subpar, making it impossible to draw definitive conclusions. OTSCC is increasing in incidence and has an aggressive clinical behavior with a relatively poor prognosis [44,45]. When a biomarker proved to be statistically "non-significant" in an unadjusted analysis, it was typical to reject it from an adjusted analysis using Cox regression. In contrast, biomarkers that were "significant" in an unadjusted study were frequently included in an adjusted analysis. Numerous immunohistological indicators examined in OTSCC and buccal cancer samples did not predict survival in OTSCC, although some did in buccal carcinoma [45-47].

Malondialdehyde - Oxidative Stress Marker

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an oral malignancy widely observed. The endogenous formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) during lipid peroxidation is an appropriate biomarker for endogenous DNA damage [48]. The degree of tissue damage caused by oxidative stress may be determined by estimating the lipid peroxidation by-products in the OSCC group. The research typically revealed a prominent increase of malondialdehyde in OSCC-positive cohorts than in the control healthy group. Nevertheless, to ascertain that MDA is a potential biomarker for oxidative stress and a valid prognostic marker of OSCC,this calls for a study of a grander scale with controls more evenly-balanced and equidistribution samples between the various histological grades and clinical stages of OSCC.

CircRNAs

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs), a newly discovered non-coding RNA, have been linked to carcinogenesis, metastasis, and cancer progression. They may be potential biomarkers for detecting OSCC. The post-test probability of the circRNAs was calculated using Fagan's nomogram [42]. The post-test probability increased to 47% from 20% with a positive likelihood ratio of 4 and decreased to 8% with a negative likelihood ratio of 0.33. Accordingly, it can be suggested that circRNAs are an effective and reliable diagnostic biomarker. Multiple studies have shown that dysregulated circRNAs are crucial for cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and incidence. Compared to those who used tissue samples to diagnose OSCC patients, the use of plasma and saliva specimens demonstrated a better efficacy, with no heterogeneity.

Histopathological Features

In a crucial study, the criteria for exclusion of studies included - alternative tumors other than OSCC [49], samples that contained biopsies [50,51], immunohistochemistry-based investigations [51], histological grading systems used for analysis [52], reports of univariate survival analysis [53], studies based solely on association analysis [54], omitted the hazardsfor OS (HR) and/or its 95% confidence interval (CI), and reviews of associated literature [55], conference abstracts and letters [56]. During the title and abstract screening, 2490 research were included. Of these, 2074 studies were eliminated, leaving 416 studies that satisfied the requirements for full-text screening. A promising biomarker should be precise, quantifiable, relevant, accessible, and affordable. Even though this is a rapidly evolving field with standard practice for some cancers, the therapeutic approach to OSCC and its prognosis still rely on tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) clinical staging. It was useful to probe the review of the impact of histopathological traits on hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained slides as prognostic indicators for OSCC patients.

Perineural invasion (PNI) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were significantly correlated in a meta-analysis of 7523 individuals from 26 studies. Depth of invasion (DOI) in OSCC has only been the subject of one previous meta-analysis. Regardless of the cutoff point, this research found substantial risks of the metastasis of the lymph node during diagnosis with recurrence in tumors possessing high DOI [57].

CAIX Expression

One of the most challenging situations for the cellular and extracellular matrix to maintain homeostasis is hypoxia. Much research has investigated the prognostic value of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) in varying cancer types, including OSCC [58]. The PECO framework-based investigation into the predictive significance of tumoral CAIX immunohistochemistry expression in patients with OSCC is a significant article in this field.

The analysis returned the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) doubly higher for the Asian group (HR: 14 2.01, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.42-2.86) than the non-Asian group. Here, the correlation between CAIX overexpression to worsen OS and disease-free survival (DFS) in OSCC patients was confirmed, indicating a positive test implied the overall risk of mortality growing by around 50%.

S100 Proteins

Oral cancer is a significant health issue among the general public [59]. To review the literature in this domain, a detailed search was strategized for every database with free text words and the MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) combinations. The findings showed that significant increase in the levels of S100A7 in three studies [60-62].

In comparison, overexpression was reported for S100A2 [60,62], A9 [63,64], and A12 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients compared to the control of healthy cohorts [65,66]. In contrast, the quantitative analysis demonstrated under expression of S100A8 [62,67], A9 [62,67], and A14 in two studies each in OSCC patients as againsthealthy subjects [62,66]. It is noteworthy that all studies report the overexpression of S100A7 in OSCC patients, unlike healthy individuals [61-63]. Accordingly, it is postulated that increased S100A7 protein expression is linked to the onset of oral cancer, making the protein secreted a potential OSCC biomarker.

Unfortunately, the sample size overall for the studies was small and held a significant influence on the interpretation of the findings. It is yet unclear whether certain S100 protein members' up- or down-regulation acts as a diagnostic sign in OSCC.

CYFRA 21-1 and MMP-9 as Salivary Biomarkers

Numerous techniques and tests can identify OSCC. In patients presenting with clinically obvious lesions, the diagnostic accuracy of several methods, including oral cytology, vital staining, oral spectroscopy, and light-based detection, has been assessed by a Cochrane systematic review in a dental environment [68]. When the techniques of participant recruitment are ignored, studies that compare changed expressions of a particular salivary biomarker between healthy "control" participants and "cases" with OSCC may produce false results [68].

Only six studies reported the diagnostic accuracy of detecting OSCC using salivary biomarkers cytokeratin 19 fragments (CYFRA 21-1) [69,70] and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were included [71-73]. Also, one group was recruited for its study, a sample of OSCC patients and healthy or low-risk potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) cases [73].

CD68 and CD163 Tumor-Associated Macrophages

One common neoplasm in humans is squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN)[74]. An important study based on the following criteria for the qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted: (i) prospective/retrospective cohort studies that analyzed the cluster of differentiation (CD)68+ and/or CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) expressed in clinical dissections of SCCHN; (ii) minimum population of 20 patients in each study; (iii) semiquantitative determination using immunohistochemistry (IHC); (iv) studies that determined the TAM correlation to patients' prognosis on at least one of these parameters - disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

While CD68+ TAMs were assessed in 12 studies, eight studies were analyzed for their CD163+ TAMs. Notably, four of these studies evaluated both TAM subpopulations [75-77]. The meta-analysis demonstrated the excess CD163+ TAM and negligible CD68+ TAM, correlating to the poor survival of HNSCC patients. In accordance with previous observations of other immunological indicators, including the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1), both TAMs were more frequently expressed in females than in males [78,79]. Here, it was shown that stromal CD163+ TAMs are associated with a worse prognosis in SCCHN patients.

The disease stage, location, and the patient's general health status affect how OSCC is treated. An extensive evaluation of the various treatment techniques is given by Gharat et al. [80]. Inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, photodynamic therapy, chemoprevention, nanocarrier-based drug delivery technology, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsion, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanolipid carriers, carbon nanotubes, nanoliposomes, metallic theranostic nanoparticles, hydrogels, cyclodextrin based system, liquid crystals, and surface-engineered particulate system are among them.

The majority of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cancers overexpress the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB1/HER1), and links have been made between higher expression levels and an aggressive phenotype, a poor prognosis, and resistance to anticancer therapy [81]. In OSCC, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release is promoted byCOX-2 overexpression. This stimulates the cell surface receptors (EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4) to encourage OSCC development [82]. Accordingly, EGFR and COX-2 inhibitors have been probed as potential therapeutics.

The existing treatment modalities have brought about the main issues relating to non-specific cell death for OSCC, such as chemotherapy, radiation, invasive surgery, and photodynamic therapy. As a result, surface engineering has recently made it possible for scientists to create a variety of nanoparticles with the necessary targeting, programmed-release, and imaging properties, thus advancing the field of nano-theranostics.

Despite all these benefits, additional research is required to determine nanotechnology's practical application and efficacy for OSCC management. There aren't many studies on the direct site for treating OSCC using the nanoparticulate method via the oral cavity or the buccal mucosa. Researchers in this sector have the chance to investigate nanoparticulate systems further to enhance medicine delivery and patient quality of life.

Originally posted here:

The Holistic Review on Occurrence, Biology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Cureus

Ear ringing is no fun. Ear ringing, or tinnitus medically, is hearing sounds that come from inside your body instead of from external sources.

Although it is often called ear ringing, some patients may hear other sounds, such as buzzing, humming, whistling, and hissing.

According to NHS Inform, some patients may hear noises that beat in time with their pulse, which is Pulsatile Tinnitus. The sounds can come from one or both ears. Tinnitus sounds can be constant, intermittent, or steady.

In an article published by the Harvard University of Medicine, pulsating tinnitus is more likely to occur in older people. Older peoples blood circulation tends to be more turbulent in arteries. The walls of arteries may have hardened over aging. Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Dr. Wu Kuo-pin, mentioned that tinnitus and loss of hearing are most common, and studies have found that people begin losing their hearing at age 50.

Twenty-five percent of the worlds population aged 50-65 have a hearing impairment. Over half of the 85-year-olds have hearing issues.

Loud noises also contribute to ear ringing. Attending loud concerts is one of the perfect examples, which may trigger short-term tinnitus.

In the Western medicine world, the American Tinnitus Association and British Tinnitus Association both confirmed there is currently no cure for ear ringing.

Harvard Medicine stated that evaluating the underlying problems for treating tinnitus is vital Tinnitus can be a side effect of many medications, especially when taken at higher doses.

The study also showed that musculoskeletal factors, such as jaw clenching and tightening, tooth grinding, or muscle tension in the neck, could aggravate tinnitus symptoms.

Healthline discussed several ways of treatment for tinnitus, including lifestyle changes, noise reduction machines, prescribed medication, mindfulness practice, and alternative medicine such as nutritional supplements and acupuncture.

Dr. Wu expressed that there are challenges in treating hearing damage clinically. There are no blood tests or developed equipment available yet to give a proper diagnosis.

The other reason is that tinnitus is a complex topic, as other illnesses usually trigger it. To treat ear ringing, we must find the root cause of it.

Dr. Wu said physicians must tend to other symptoms within each patients body to treat tinnitus effectively.

While many symptoms might look as if they are irrelevant, they can be the key to the treatment. The following 10 medical case studies show how Dr. Wu treats his patients and improves tinnitus, partial deafness, difficulty hearing, or ear blockage, using acupuncture over time.

Dr. Wu shared his case studies of patients symptoms, acupuncture treatment methods, and acupuncture therapy results.

1. Auditory Convergence (acupoint GB2)

A 45-year-old female, Patient A, had tinnitus, and she mentioned a painful spoton her ear just above her earlobe, where the acupoint Auditory Convergence is. Dr. Wu focused on the pain point and treated it with local acupuncture. Her tinnitus disappeared after the treatment.

2. Valley Lead (acupoint GB8)

A 57-year-old male, Patient B, had tinnitus for 3 years. Acupuncture in the head, hands, and feet was ineffective.But when the Dr. pointed at Valley Lead at 45 degrees before pinning the needle, the ringing stopped immediately.

The biliary meridian is the most important meridian for the treatment of tinnitus. The Auditory Convergence Point and the Valley Lead Point happen to be on the path of the biliary meridian and are close to the ear, so they are more effective in treating tinnitus.

The study of Caspian J Intern Med in 2018 also found that acupuncture is effective in reducing the loudness and severity of tinnitus and can be a useful treatment for non-pulsatile chronic tinnitus, and recently in 2022, a piece of research from Original Research provided the neurophysiological evidence for acupuncture treatment of tinnitus clinically.

3. Completion Bone (acupoint GB12)

Patient C wanted some relief from her ear ringing so she looked for a hot pack to apply to her ear. She ended up using a warm hard-boiled egg. To her surprise, it worked. Dr. Wu said that one can use other ways of hot compressing, but the advantage of using an egg is that it keeps the heat in, and the heat time is longer.

4. Nervous system imbalance

Seventy percent of tinnitus patients suffer from chronic anxiety, tension, panic, and difficulty sleeping. Insomnia is the most common symptom of all tinnitus patients. The worse the sleep quality, the worse the ear ringing. It becomes a vicious cycle.

People who often have insomnia will find the muscle ligament strained behind their neck. When treating Patient I, Dr. Wu targeted the bones under the skull, Completion Bone (GB12), Peaceful Sleep (EX-HN22), Wind Pool on both sides (GB20), Celestial Pillar (BL10), and Hair Clip (EX-B2) on both sides of the cervical spine.

The acupuncture treatment improved Patient Is insomnia.

Some patients with similar issues found that acupuncture therapy reduced their tinnitus or double hearing.

Double hearing is a form of hearing loss that usually causes the patient to receive echoing sounds due to the sound traveling from one ear faster than the other.

5. Ear blockage

Ears feeling stuffy comes from occiput blockage as well as poor blood circulation of the posterior mastoid process (a pressing pain on acupoint completion bone, GB12)

Eustachian or auditory tube obstruction can cause the pressure in the middle ear to unbalance, resulting in ear ringing or stuffiness.

Patients usually describe their symptoms as unsound, hollow, muffled, or separated. Additionally, if the surrounding is loud or in a confined space, patients ears might feel exceptionally swollen or painful.

Dilated nasal inflammatory substances (sputum) are typical for patients with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux, and colds. Delay in treatment causes stuffiness, a symptom of auditory tube obstruction.

To effectively treat ear blockage, target the nasal acupoints on both sides of the upper nose wing, white bone hole (DU25), Hall of Seal (EX-HN3), Valley Lead (GB8), Auditory Convergence (GB2), Wind Pool on both sides (GB20) and Hundred Convergences (DU20).

The combination of these acupoints will quickly unblock the Eustachian tube and subside ear and nasal congestion.

6. Improper curvature of the cervical spine

A 58-year-old, patient, E, has lived with double hearing for 40 years. His Western medical physician had diagnosed him with congenital double hearing. When he first arrived for a consultation, the primary complaints were stiffness, soreness behind his neck, headache, bloating, eye tiredness, and poor sleep. And double hearing in both ears. Dr. Wus diagnosis showed that the Patients cervical spine was too straight and had lost its natural curvature.

Patient E had five acupuncture treatments, taking the prescribed traditional Chinese medicine for blood circulation, and diligently practicing his neck therapy at home. Five treatments later, the Patient reported that the double hearing dissipated, and other symptoms also improved drastically.

Cervical dislocation

Patient F has been suffering from ringing in his ears for three years. However, the tension in his neck started to loosen through neck workouts and muscle relaxation created by Dr. Wu. One day, as he was exercising his neck, he felt a click. A misaligned joint from the cervical spine corrected itself, lessening his ringing by 80 percent.

7. Allergies and nasal congestion

A 65-year-old, Patient G visited Dr. Wu, who has been suffering from tinnitus for many years. He had previously had acupuncture around the ears, hands, and feet, but it was ineffective.

Since the Patient often has a stuffy nose due to severe allergies, Dr. Wu added needling on Upper Welcome Fragrance (HN8) in addition to the previous acupuncture points. The Patient finally found relief from his ear ringing.

8. Liver and gallbladder deficit

Dr. Wu found that patients who suffer from prolonged insomnia or rage are prone to liver and gallbladder inflammation.

Ear ringing in this type of patient tends to be much louder and roars like a machine. Dr. Wu aimed to treat Patient Hs acupoints of Great Surge (LR3), Hill Ruins (GB40) and Suspended Bell (GB39) to remove the heat (inflammation), resulting in significant improvement.

9. Spleen and Qi deficiency

For those with palpitation, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, or poor digestive system, Dr. Wu gave treatment on the hands and feet to repair energy and blood circulation and restore the balance of the internal design of the heart, spleen, and lungs.

Healthline stated that Qi deficiency is the root cause of many common illnesses also in the West, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, indigestion, and menstrual pain.

10. Kidney deficiency

An 80-year-old woman lost her hearing entirely in both ears after the flu. In the first week of her visit, Dr. Wu began from her head, around the ears and the limbs, with no success.

So after thorough consideration of her old age and deficiency in her kidney and brain marrow, the practitioner added food therapy to her acupuncture treatment plan. He prescribed a therapy food formula for the 80-year-old. After consuming a stew with two Chinese herbs of anemone altaica and davallia mariesii and pig kidney for a week, the patient could hear the doorbell ring.

Patients with tinnitus may sometimes have both stuffiness and double hearing since the symptoms of stuffiness result in double hearing.

Other than the above acupuncture method, Dr. Wu suggested addressing additional acupoints on Peaceful Sleep (EX-HN22), Celestial Pillar (BL10), and Hair Clip (EX-B2) on both sides of the cervical spine.

Based on the severity of the Patients symptoms, pinpointing additional acupoints for patients physical wellness, such as spleen, kidney, or liver, enhances the efficacy of their treatment plans.

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Wu Kuo-pin is the superintendent of Taiwan Xinyitang Heart Clinic. In 2008, he started to study traditional Chinese medicine and obtained a bachelors degree from China Medical University in Taiwan.

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Read more here:

10 Deeper Causes of Tinnitus, and How to Treat It - The Epoch Times