Motivating factors for and barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine uptake: A review of social media data in Zambia

The study sought to explore the motivating factors for and barriers to the uptake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine in Zambia and recommend possible ways of addressing the challenges. The study used a qualitative case study approach, employing online media platforms as sources of data. Thematic analysis was to identify topics from posts, with each topic further grouped into themes. Motivating factors to vaccine uptake include an increase in reported cases of COVID-19, accessibility, and availability of vaccines, vaccine certificates required to travel, and credible sources of information. Barriers to uptake include lack of information, concerns about the safety of the vaccine, mistrust in Western medicine, lack of belief in conventional medicine versus belief in God, confusing information about eligibility, and belief that public figures used in the campaigns were not receiving the vaccine. Some of the strategies to encourage vaccination included the involvement of local scientists, demand generation through media platforms, community sensitization, vaccine materials, and creating an enabling environment for community involvement. The social media interactions on the COVID-19 vaccine revealed several factors that impede the uptake of the vaccine and encourage uptake. However, stakeholders' involvement in scaling up vaccination programs was reported to be one of the effective strategies to increase vaccine uptake in Zambia.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.

Ayurvedic and Other Herbal Remedies for Dengue: An Update

Dengue fever is a flu-like ailment propagated by female mosquitos of the Aedes aegypti species. It is also known as dandaka jwara in Ayurveda. It is most common in the world's subtropical and tropical climate zones. Vomiting, severe headache, nausea, rashes, joint pain, pain behind the eyes, muscle pain, and swollen glands are all common dengue symptoms. If not handled promptly, these symptoms can lead to more severe issues such as exhaustion, blood in the vomit, continuous vomiting, bleeding gums, restlessness, severe abdominal pain, and rapid bleeding. Because there is no specific medication for dengue fever, the disease is treated by eliminating and managing the symptoms. Fortunately, there are a variety of ayurvedic remedies (like Carica papaya L., Cissampelos pareira L., etc.) that can help to tackle the same by strengthening the immune system and controlling hyperthermia. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of dengue virus infections, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, mitigation, and treatments, focusing on ayurvedic and herbal remedies.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s)

Integrative Medicine in the Treatment of COVID-19: An Indian Perspective

Background: Over recent years, evidence-based modern medicine has overshadowed the use and efficacy of natural and traditional medicines. However, in the wake of the pandemic, the in-terest in the quest for therapeutic resources linked to traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine has substantially increased. This has further facilitated the research and development of potential therapeutic crude drugs or their formulations in the management of COVID-19 and the symptoms associated with the latter. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the various traditional medicines used as integrative medicines in alleviating symptoms attributed to the COVID-19 infection. Method(s): The literature was thoroughly browsed for recent research articles, systematic reviews, case studies, and review articles on ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords like complementary medicine, alternative medicine, and holistic approach to enlist a few. Subse-quently, they were thoroughly screened to include only recent studies and evidence. Additionally, the official guidelines published by the Government and other regulatory bodies were also sought to be included in the article. Study Design: The review article follows the narrative literature review method. However, the pri-mary data was skimm ed for relevance, and only recent shreds of evidence pertinent to the review were included. Result(s): The review elucidated the pharmacological activity of various treatment regimens in different systems of medicine, with available supportive clinical evidence. Additionally, it also under-scored the importance of holistic health interventions, and how these traditional and integrative systems of medicine cater to the same. Conclusion(s): The recent evidence presents a broad-spectrum effect of these therapeutic interven-tions, primarily in the fields of mental health, mild to moderate, and even severe forms of the infec-tion, employing various pharmacological pathways. These studies primarily include studies and sta-tistics pertaining to the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) but may include supporting evidence from other respiratory viruses. This information may prove imper-ative in guiding new research, and also in designing and supporting an integrative treatment regi-men. Conclusively, any suspicion pertaining to the COVID-19 infection should be sought by follow-ing the protocols recommended by the concerned health authorities of the respective region/country. Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Zooming in on Agoraphobic Behaviors: a Case Study

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic brought many new challenges that people had to overcome with ingenuity. However, many patients already suffering with psychiatric diseases saw their access to conventional health care limited, aggravating their statuses. E-Medicine is the branch of health care that provides access through the Internet, and it has been growing in the last few years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many health care workers shifted towards E-Medicine, aiming to provide support to patients, especially with the social distance policies that were implemented worldwide. Objective(s): Provide an example of how e-Medicine can be a tool in establishing a therapeutic alliance, and patient follow-up Methods: Case report with a brief literature review on the subject Results: RG is a 19-year-old female that contacts her family doctor through e-mail, expressing concerns over not being able to leave her house for over a year, also manifesting anxiety and depressed humor. This started in April 2020 and was slowly worsening throughout the year, culminating in a panic attack. RG started counselling and follow-up appointments via Internet and started treatment with vortioxetine. Three months later, improvements were stated, namely decreased anxiety, better sleep patterns, and leaving the house for small periods. Conclusion(s): Without E-Medicine, RG wouldn't be as able to reach out to her family doctor, and follow-up would be much more arduous since the patient avoided leaving her house, and telephone appointments lack the visual aspect of the clinical interview. E-Medicine is a valid alternative to conventional Medicine, providing a safe environment for patients concerned with public space.

Effect of Ayurvedic Intervention as an adjunct therapy in Post COVID-19 Mucormycosis (PCM): A non-randomized parallel group study.

Background: The Ayurveda therapy is often used as an adjunct to conventional allopathic treatments for management of chronic disorders including life threatening infections such as post COVID-19 Mucormycosis (PCM). Aims/objectives: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the role of adjunct Ayurveda therapy (AAT + CAT) over conventional Allopathic therapy (CAT) in the prevention of progression of oral/orbital/neural extension of PCM. Material and methods: A non-randomised parallel group interventional study was on a sample of 92 cases of PCM, sorted into two groups i.e. group A (n = 46; AAT + CAT) and group B (n = 46; CAT/controls). The group A received AAT (lab-tested standardised regimen) while simultaneously receiving conventional antifungal measures (or CAT). The outcomes assessed were clinical symptomatic grading score, Nasal endoscopic examination for patency of sinuses, Progression or extension of disease from sinuses to maxilla, orbit and brain, need of additional surgical interventions and antifungal medication after study period, adverse drug reactions and mortality. Results: The group A (AAT + CAT)) had shown extension free PCM in 86.96% (n = 40) as opposed to 41.3% (n = 19) in group B (CAT), No surgical interventions were needed in 89.13% (n = 41) in group A vs. 60.87% (n = 28) in group B. Around 69.5% (n = 32) in group A vs. 4.37% (n = 2) in group B did not need antifungal medication. The safety of both arms of the therapy has been determined by liver function and renal profile which are with in normal range in both groups. Conclusion: Adjunct Ayurveda therapy (given along with routine medical therapy) for PCM showed a better cure and reduced disease progression after a trial period of 45 days and in the extended observational period of three months. AAT + CAT regimen is not only therapeutically effective, but also safe and economical option to consider for PCM.

Frequently Used Allopathic and Traditional Medicine for COVID-19 Treatment and Feasibility of Their Integration.

To date, no satisfactory treatment for COVID-19 is available. This review reported few recent updates regarding the drugs (allopathy/traditional medicines) used for the treatment of COVID-19 concerning clinical studies. Content of the article spotlight the contribution of allopathic and Ayurvedic drugs to the scientific basis for utilization as a potential therapy against COVID-19 infection and provide new insights on the integration of allopathy and traditional medicine. It advocated the combination of these two systems of treatment will ascertain their integrations, and there would be a good possibility and scope for developing a model of integration in the management of COVID-19. Provided discussion may help researchers, physicians, and healthcare policymakers to encourage for effective and integrated use of allopathic and Ayurvedic medicines to control the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively.

A SYSTEMIC REVIEW ON OCULAR DISEASE DUE TO VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT

As the COVID-19 epidemic continues, when it comes to studying at home or working from home, there are no escape devices. They serve as an important link in human life and learning and the working environment. As with any useful tool, certain digital devices can sometimes be "very good." The COVID-19 epidemic has led to increased use of digital devices, which poses a greater risk of developing digital eye symptoms. Eye care professionals should educate patients about screen time limitations and digital eye signage management, leading to the challenge of annual visual programs. The effects of ocular surface health and circadian rhythm abnormalities associated with ocular disease such as computer vision syndrome, dry eyes, astigmatism, near vision, muscle mass etc. are increasing. In this covid epidemic 19 the widespread use of Herbal medicine and the use of Ayurvedic medicine increases when conventional medicine does not work in the treatment of diseases. Ayurveda is considered to be one of the best remedies for disease and lead to a healthy lifestyle in ancient India. Trataka treatments and head rubbing are also a good exercise for eye health. Oncological diseases ayurvedic remedies such as Haritaki, Malaki, Vibhitaki, Alovera are widely used. Triphala is a powerful Ayurvedic tonic containing three traditional fruits that have long been used to treat various health conditions of ocular disease. This is a traditional eye procedure and is very easy to keep the eyes healthy. Ginkgo biloba is used in traditional medicine recommended to enhance vision.

THE POWER OF BREATH - HISTORICAL ASPECTS OF PRANAYAM AND ITS RELEVANCE TO MODERN OBSTETRICS AND PEDIATRICS

Purpose of Study Today's mechanical ventilators require adjustments of respiratory rate, inspiratory time, expiratory time and tidal volume to maximize O2 delivery and CO2 removal. Pranayam was first recorded about 7000 years ago, and shows similar results to ventilation. Involving conscious inhalation, exhalation and holding of breath, Pranayam is held prominent in the Yoga Sutra (historical authoritative text on Yoga). Pranayam includes three primary principles: Puraka, Rechaka and Kumbhaka, and the techniques of Kapalbhati and Bhastrika. Slow breathing stimulates the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system, easing inhibition of the sympathetic 'fight or flight' response. Pranayam also enhances nitric oxide (NO) production. Recent studies using NO for COVID-19 treatment via inhaler show promising results in shortening the course, symptom severity and resulting damage. When practiced regularly, Pranayam enhances cellular gas exchange, increasing O2 levels and enhancing detox. This study draws parallels between Pranayam and modern ventilation in management of obstetric and pediatric conditions. Methods Used Literature search of ancient Indian texts (Upanishads and Yoga Vasishta, Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutras) and recent publications on modern ventilation and its clinical applications. Summary of Results Several therapies in allopathic medicine show similar principles to Pranayam in prevention and management of ailments. Maximizing O2 delivery and CO2 removal is accomplished through low tidal volumes and high rates in conventional mechanical ventilators, and extremely low tidal volumes in high frequency oscillators and jet ventilators. These can be compared to high frequency breaths in Pranayam with air exchange improvement and positive alteration of acid/base balance, aiming to avoid lung injury from high distending pressures, especially for infants. Ventilatory strategies such as high pressure and low rate also have their equivalent in Pranayam. Conclusions Breath manipulations in modern medicine and the ancient technique of Pranayam have a positive impact on preventing many human ailments, especially in the fields of perinatology and pediatrics. Breathing exercises can prevent anxiety episodes, mountain sickness and asthma exacerbations. They are also taught to expectant mothers to reduce labor pain during contractions. Human trials show increased pulmonary function and endogenous NO by regular practice of these techniques, which have been used as an adjuvant in COVID-19 patient care. These parallels between Pranayam and ventilatory techniques show a synthesis of ancient and modern therapy. (Figure Presented).

Effect of an Ayurvedic Intervention (Ayush-64) as a Stand-Alone Treatment in Mild to Moderate COVID-19: An Exploratory Prospective Single-Arm Clinical Trial

An Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation (Ayush-64) was repurposed for use in mild to moderate COVID-19 cases based on the supportive evidence obtained from a pilot study on its effect on Influenza like illness (ILI) and molecular docking study which revealed that several compounds isolated from Ayush-64 demonstrated antiviral activity. The study aims at evaluating the effect of an Ayurvedic intervention (Ayush-64) in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. A prospective single arm, pilot study in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. The study was conducted at Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan (CBPACS), New Delhi, India. A total of 37 COVID-19 participants confirmed through RT-PCR were included in the study. The proportion of participants with negative SARS-CoV-2 on nasal or throat swab in a 2-day consecutive real-time RT-PCR test was evaluated as the secondary outcome. In the study, 86.1% of participants demonstrated clinical recovery with 14 days of use of Ayush-64 as stand-alone treatment without any other conventional medicines, out of which 75% clinically recovered within 8 days. Further, 69.4% of participants turned negative by the 15th day, out of which 50% became COVID-19 negative on the 8th day. No AE/ ADR was observed during the study. Ayush-64 may significantly facilitate clinical improvement in terms of duration for clinical recovery and attaining negative conversion in mild to moderate COVID-19 cases.