The effectiveness of homeopathy in relieving symptoms and reducing antibiotic use in patients with otitis media: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: This systematic review of clinical trial evidence aims to determine whether homeopathy can effectively relieve symptoms and reduce antibiotic use in patients diagnosed with otitis media (OM).

Methods: Seven databases and four trial registries were searched. Eligible studies included randomised- and non-randomised-controlled-trials in patients diagnosed with OM.

Long-term health effects of antipyretic drug use in the aging population: a systematic review.

It is unclear whether fever suppression in the elderly provides long-term benefits or poses risks due to their distinct immune profiles and body temperature regulation compared to younger individuals. This study aimed to assess the long-term health effects of antipyretic treatment during infections in the elderly. A systematic review was conducted, including studies that compared antipyretic treatment with other drugs, therapies, placebo, or no treatment.

Cancer therapy-related vaginal toxicity: its prevalence and assessment methods-a systematic review.

Purpose: In 2020, almost 9 million women were diagnosed with cancer worldwide. Despite advancements in cancer treatment strategies, patients still suffer from acute and long-term side effects. This systematic review aims to evaluate the most frequently reported adverse effects in the genitourinary system and compare them across cancer types, treatment modalities, and evaluation methods.

HRI London 2023: The Homeopathy Research Community Reunites after a 4-Year Hiatus, Sparking Fresh Collaborations between Researchers 'Old and New'.

The Homeopathy Research Institute's (HRI) 5th international research conference took place in the heart of London, from 16th to 18th June 2023. With 230 attendees from 27 countries, HRI's conferences remain truly international. HRI London 2023 will be remembered for its inspiring blend of 'old and new', with a programme notable for the maturity of the evidence presented by experienced names drawing on decades of work, as well as the enthusiasm and skill of up-and-coming researchers who took the floor to present their new findings.

HRI Online 2022: Leading International Experts Illustrate the Positive Impact of Increased Collaboration in Homeopathy Research.

The Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI) welcomed more than 450 people from 35 countries to their first online event on June 25, 2022. The one-day programme featured an excellent line-up of international speakers and provided a unique interactive platform in keeping with the theme of the event - Key Collaborations in Homeopathy Research. Scientists from a range of different research fields gave an exceptional insight into the current status of homeopathy research.

Effectiveness of herbal medicines to prevent and control symptoms of urinary tract infections and to reduce antibiotic use: A literature review.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a rapidly growing global issue affecting the effective treatment of infectious diseases. This provides a window of opportunity for the use and implementation of well researched effective complementary therapies such as herbal medicines. In this literature review, an overview is provided of the effectiveness of herbal medicine to control symptoms of urinary tract infections and reduce antibiotic use.

Safety and use of complementary and alternative medicine in Norway during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic using an adapted version of the I-CAM-Q; a cross-sectional survey.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has had a profound impact on physical and mental well-being throughout the world. Previous studies have revealed that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used for, and can be potential beneficial for strengthening physical mental resilience. The aims of this study were therefore to determine the prevalence and reasons for use of CAM during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of the Norwegian population, and further determine self-reported effects and adverse effects of the CAM modalities used.

The Effectiveness of a Novel Skin Barrier Protectant in the Management of Acute Radiation Dermatitis: A Case Series.

Objective: Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is a frequent adverse effect in patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy (RT). The aim of this case series is to evaluate the effect of a novel skin barrier protectant in patients with ARD.

Methods: The skin barrier protectant was used in four patients with different cancer types undergoing RT at two clinical sites.

Vaginal mucositis in patients with gynaecological cancer undergoing (chemo-)radiotherapy: a retrospective analysis.

The objective of this retrospective analysis was to determine the incidence and extent of vaginal mucositis (VM) in women with gynaecological cancer undergoing external (chemo)radiation therapy (CRT). A retrospective analysis was set up to collect data on the incidence and severity of VM in women treated with external pelvic RT for gynaecological cancer at the Jessa Hospital, Hasselt and ZOL, Genk, BE between January 2017 and June 2018. At the start and end of their external (C)RT, they rated the frequency and intensity of five common symptoms of VM.

Prevalence and predictive factors of complementary medicine use during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 in the Netherlands.

Introduction: Major life changing events such as the COVID-19 pandemic may have major impact on one's health and general well-being. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictive factors, including gender specific differences, of Complementary Medicine (CM) use (including CM consultations, self-care management and self-help techniques) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 in the Netherlands.

Methods: CM use was studied among a random representative sample (n = 1004) of the adult Dutch population using an online survey conducted from 22-27 May 2020.

Consultations with health care providers and use of self-management strategies for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms. A population based cross-sectional study in Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Objectives: The present study was initiated to determine consultations with health care providers and use of self-management strategies for prevention or treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms in countries with a full lockdown (Norway), a partial lockdown (the Netherlands) and no lockdown (Sweden) during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and if such use correlates with worries of being infected by COVID-19 disease.

Design: Data were collected in collaboration with Ipsos A/S in April-June 2020. An adapted version of the International Questionnaire to measure use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q) was used with the categories "for prevention of COVID-19" and "to treat COVID-19-related symptoms" added.

Photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing hypofractioned whole-breast irradiation (LABRA trial).

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in breast cancer patients post-lumpectomy undergoing hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (HF-WBI) for the prevention and management of acute radiodermatitis (ARD).

Materials And Methods: A randomized, multicentric clinical trial (LABRA trial, NCT03924011) was set up at the Limburg Oncology Center, including the Jessa Hospital (Hasselt, BE) and Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (Genk, BE). A total of 71 breast cancer patients planned to undergo HF-WBI were randomized to one of the two study arms: the control group (n = 32) or the PBM group (n = 39).

Prevalence of nocturia among community-dwelling adults: a population-based study in Malaysia.

Background: Nocturia is widely prevalent condition with detrimental effects on quality of life and general health. In Malaysia, there is a lack of up-to-date prevalence study on nocturia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of nocturia and awareness pertaining to nocturia among Malaysian adults.

Lifestyle changes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey in the Netherlands.

Background: During the Covid-19 pandemic the Dutch government implemented its so-called 'intelligent lockdown' in which people were urged to leave their homes as little as possible and work from home. This life changing event may have caused changes in lifestyle behaviour, an important factor in the onset and course of diseases. The overarching aim of this study is to determine life-style related changes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of the adult population in the Netherlands.

Complementary Medicine and Self-Care Strategies in Women with (Recurrent) Urinary Tract and Vaginal Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study on Use and Perceived Effectiveness in The Netherlands.

Due to the excessive use of antibiotic and antimycotic treatments, the risk of resistant microbes and fungi is rapidly emerging. Previous studies have demonstrated that many women with (recurrent) urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or vaginal infections (VIs) welcome alternative management approaches to reduce the use of antibiotics and antifungals and avoid short- and long-term adverse effects. This study aims to determine which complementary medicine (CM) and self-care strategies are being used by women suffering from (recurrent) UTI and VI in The Netherlands and how they perceive their effectiveness in order to define directions for future research on safety, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of best practices.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Novel Skin Barrier Protectant in a Patient with Acute Radiodermatitis of the Vulva: A Case Report.

Objective: To evaluate the use of a novel skin barrier protectant in a patient treated with radiotherapy for vulvar cancer.

Methods: This case report was conducted in a radiotherapy department with two women undergoing radiotherapy for vulvar carcinoma. A novel skin barrier protectant was evaluated in one patient; the other underwent the institutional standard skin care protocol.

Long-term health effects of antipyretic drug use in the ageing population: protocol for a systematic review.

Fever is suppressed with drugs due to discomfort and risk of organ damage. However, there is some compelling evidence for the benefits of fever. The elderly are a special population in this regard as they have a blunted fever response.

Corrigendum to "The Contribution of Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Reduce Antibiotic Use: A Narrative Review of Health Concepts, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2019/5365608.].

Antibiotic-induced changes in the human gut microbiota for the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in primary care in the UK: a systematic review.

Objective: The gut microbiota influences many aspects of human health. We investigated the magnitude and duration of changes in gut microbiota in response to antibiotics commonly prescribed in UK primary care.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and AMED, all years up to May 2020 including all study designs, collecting and analysing data on the effect of antibiotics prescribed for respiratory and urinary tract infections.

Use of antibiotics and asthma medication for acute lower respiratory tract infections in people with and without asthma: retrospective cohort study.

Background: Antibiotics are overused in patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs), but less is known about their use in patients with asthma, or the use of asthma medication for ALRTI in patients without asthma. Our aim was to describe the frequency, variation and drivers in antibiotic and asthma medication prescribing for ALRTI in adults with and without asthma in primary care.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged ≥12 years, diagnosed with an ALRTI in primary care in 2014-15 was conducted using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Sweet Relief: Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Medical Grade Honey Against Vaginal Isolates of .

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is predicted to increase to almost 158 million cases annually by 2030. Extensive self-diagnosis and easily accessible over-the-counter (OTC) fungistatic drugs contribute to antifungal-resistance, illustrating the need for novel therapies. Honey possesses multiple antimicrobial mechanisms, and there is no antimicrobial resistance towards honey reported.

Parental and clinician agreement of illness severity in children with RTIs: secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study.

Background: Severity assessments of respiratory tract infection (RTI) in children are known to differ between parents and clinicians, but determinants of perceived severity are unknown.

Aim: To investigate the (dis)agreement between, and compare the determinants of, parent and clinician severity scores.

Design And Setting: Secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study of 8394 children presenting to primary care with acute (≤28 days) cough and RTI.

The Contribution of Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Reduce Antibiotic Use: A Narrative Review of Health Concepts, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies.

Aim: The aim of this narrative review was to explore the potential contributions of CAM to reduce antibiotic use.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews with a specific, limited set of search terms and collected input from a group of expert CAM researchers to answer the question: What is known about the contribution of CAM health and health promotion concepts, infection prevention, and infection treatment strategies to reduce antibiotic use? The worldview-related CAM health concepts enable health promotion oriented infection prevention and treatment aimed at strengthening or supporting the self-regulating ability of the human organism to cope with diseases. There is some evidence that the CAM concepts of health (promotion) are in agreement with current conceptualization of health and that doctors who practice both CAM and conventional medicine prescribe less antibiotics, although selection bias of the presented studies cannot be ruled out.

Uva-ursi extract and ibuprofen as alternative treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women (ATAFUTI): a factorial randomized trial.

Objectives: The aim was to investigate if offering symptomatic therapy (Uva-ursi or ibuprofen) alongside a delayed prescription would relieve symptoms and reduce the consumption of antibiotics for adult women presenting with acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).

Methods: A 2 × 2 factorial placebo controlled randomized trial in primary care. The participants were 382 women aged 18-70 years with symptoms of dysuria, urgency, or frequency of urination and suspected by a clinician to have a lower UTI.