B cell experiments explore the role of CD24, CD38, and energy metabolism in ME/CFS.

Introduction: Disturbances of energy metabolism contribute to the clinical manifestations of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Previously, we found that B cells from ME/CFS patients have an increased expression of CD24, a modulator of many cellular functions including those of cell stress. The relative ability of B cells from ME/CFS patients and healthy controls (HC) to respond to rapid changes in energy demand was compared.

'It's helped me to learn to deal with it': a mixed methods service evaluation of a multicomponent fibromyalgia service.

Objectives: To evaluate the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM) multicomponent fibromyalgia service.

Methods: Mixed methods approach consisting of the completion of validated quantitative outcome measures (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7; Pain Catastrophising Scale; Patient Self-Efficacy Questionnaire) pre- and post-treatment to explore the impact of treatment; and qualitative focus groups with patients at their follow-up appointments to explore patients' experiences and perspectives on the service.

Results: 138 fibromyalgia patients attended the RLHIM group fibromyalgia service during the period of the evaluation.

CD24 Expression and B Cell Maturation Shows a Novel Link With Energy Metabolism: Potential Implications for Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

CD24 expression on pro-B cells plays a role in B cell selection and development in the bone marrow. We previously detected higher CD24 expression and frequency within IgD+ naïve and memory B cells in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) compared with age-matched healthy controls (HC). Here, we investigated the relationship between CD24 expression and B cell maturation.

A double-blind, randomised trial of a polyphenolic-rich nail bed balm for chemotherapy-induced onycholysis: the UK polybalm study.

Purpose: Nail damage is common amongst patients receiving chemotherapy causing disfigurement and pain. This investigation evaluated whether a topical balm containing steam-extracted, bioactive polyphenolic-rich herbal oils blended with organic waxes could protect the nails via their reported anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties.

Methods: 60 patients (23M, 37F) were randomised to apply (2-3/day) either the plant balm (PB) or a petroleum control (PC) to their nail beds.

Extended B cell phenotype in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a heterogeneous condition of unknown aetiology characterized by multiple symptoms including fatigue, post-exertional malaise and cognitive impairment, lasting for at least 6 months. Recently, two clinical trials of B cell depletion therapy with rituximab (anti-CD20) reported convincing improvement in symptoms. A possible but undefined role for B cells has therefore been proposed.

A randomised double-blind comparability study of a placebo for Individualised Western Herbal Medicine.

Objectives: To determine the non-inferiority of placebo Individualised Western Herbal Medicine (IWHM) tinctures compared with true IWHM tinctures.

Design: Randomised double blind comparability study.

Setting: Pharmacy department of an NHS integrated medicine hospital.

A randomised, double-blind pilot study of enzyme-potentiated desensitisation for prophylaxis of large local reactions to mosquito bites.

Primary Objective. To test the hypothesis that two injections of enzyme-potentiated mosquito antigen significantly reduce the size of experimental mosquito bites in participants with LLR-MB. Design.

Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in chronic fatigue syndrome: a retrospective survey.

Introduction: Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may be at risk of osteoporosis due to their relative lack of physical activity and excessive time spent indoors, leading to reduced vitamin D synthesis. We hypothesized that serum 25-OH vitamin D levels are lower in CFS patients than in the general British population.

Subjects And Methods: We performed a retrospective survey of serum 25-OH vitamin D levels in 221 CFS patients.

Homeopathic medicines for adverse effects of cancer treatments.

Background: Homeopathic medicines are used by patients with cancer, often alongside conventional treatment. Cancer treatments can cause considerable morbidity and one of the reasons patients use homeopathic medicines is to help with adverse effects.

Objectives: Evaluate effectiveness and safety of homeopathic medicines used to prevent or treat adverse effects of cancer treatments.

Towards standard setting for patient-reported outcomes in the NHS homeopathic hospitals.

Introduction: We report findings from a pilot data collection study within a programme of quality assurance, improvement and development across all five homeopathic hospitals in the UK National Health Service (NHS).

Aims: (1) To pilot the collection of clinical data in the homeopathic hospital outpatient setting, recording patient-reported outcome since first appointment; (2) to sample the range of medical complaints that secondary-care doctors treat using homeopathy, and thus identify the nature and complexity of complaints most frequently treated nationally; (3) to present a cross section of outcome scores by appointment number, including that for the most frequently treated medical complaints; (4) to explore approaches to standard setting for homeopathic practice outcome in patients treated at the homeopathic hospitals.

Methods: A total of 51 medical practitioners took part in data collection over a 4-week period.

High volume acupuncture clinic (HVAC) for chronic knee pain--audit of a possible model for delivery of acupuncture in the National Health Service.

Recent research has established the efficacy, effectiveness and cost effectiveness of acupuncture for some forms of chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, there are practical problems with delivery which currently prevent its large scale implementation in the National Health Service. We have developed a delivery model at our hospital, a 'high volume' acupuncture clinic (HVAC) in which patients are treated in a group setting for single conditions using standardised or semi-standardised electroacupuncture protocols by practitioners with basic training.

Sequence variant in the laminin gamma1 (LAMC1) gene associated with familial pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition, affecting up to a third of women throughout their lifetime. Genetic factors are believed to account for about 30% of the incidence, and are the least understood component of the disorder. Familial cases, particularly those in which prolapse manifests in young women, are especially valuable in the effort to find the genes involved.

Effectiveness gaps: a new concept for evaluating health service and research needs applied to complementary and alternative medicine.

Background: An effectiveness gap (EG) is an area of clinical practice in which available treatments are not fully effective. EGs have not been previously researched. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions, by definition, are not generally available through normal health care channels.

Inter-rater reliability of symptom repertorisation: a pragmatic empirical study.

Objective: To determine the extent to which two homeopaths agree on whether symptoms reported by patients in a proving are possibly associated with Mercurius solubilis.

Design: Blinded, inter-rater reliability study.

Participants: 104 subjects in a randomised, double-blind mercury proving.

Childhood myasthenia gravis.

A boy aged five and a girl aged one year suffering from myasthenia gravis are described. Both cases had respiratory complications and were treated erroneously until their ptosis was noticed and the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis confirmed. The etiology, types, symptomatology, and treatment of the diseases are described.