BACKGROUND

Traditional and alternative medicine (TAM) is increasingly recognized for its potential to complement conventional medicine. However, its acceptance and perspectives among medical doctors remain underexplored, particularly in Zamboanga City.

To assess the level of acceptance, perspectives, and reasons influencing medical doctors’ willingness or hesitancy to advise TAM.

Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 230 medical doctors from public and private institutions. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.

74.8% of respondents exhibited high acceptance of TAM, 21.3% were neutral, and 3.9% showed low acceptance. Most believed TAM could enhance patient satisfaction (53.48%) and improve quality of life (62.61%). However, 61.3% reported slight-to-moderate comfort in discussing TAM, and 43.91% rarely initiated such conversations. A majority (55.65%) supported TAM services being delivered by physicians trained in TAM alongside Department of Health-registered professionals, preferably integrated in primary care (38.26%) or hospital-based settings (30%). Willingness to advise TAM was driven by professional development opportunities (58.7%) and improved regulation (57.39%), whereas hesitancy stemmed from concerns about insufficient scientific evidence (65.65%) and lack of regulation (61.3%). Interest in TAM training was high (63.48%), particularly in acupuncture and herbal medicine. Thematic analysis identified key barriers (limited evidence, regulatory gaps, and training deficits) and facilitators (education, policy standardization, research, and educational curriculum integration).

Strong interest in TAM integration exists, contingent on training and regulatory improvements. Findings highlight the need for targeted education, policy reforms, and evidence generation to support evidence-based TAM inclusion in Philippine healthcare.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of berberine (BBR) in ameliorating coronary endothelial cell injury in Kawasaki disease (KD) by regulating the complement and coagulation cascade. METHODS: Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were divided into a healthy control group, a KD group, and a BBR treatment group (n=3 for each group). The healthy control group and KD group were supplemented with 15% serum from healthy children and KD patients, respectively, while the BBR treatment group received 15% serum from KD patients followed by the addition of 20 mmol/L BBR. Differential protein expression was analyzed and identified using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation technology and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, followed by GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis of the differential proteins. Western blot was used to detect differential protein expression. RESULTS: A total of 518 differential proteins were identified between the KD group and the healthy control group (300 upregulated proteins and 218 downregulated proteins). A total of 422 differential proteins were identified between the BBR treatment group and the KD group (221 upregulated proteins and 201 downregulated proteins). Bioinformatics analysis showed that compared to the healthy control group, the differential proteins in the KD group were enriched in the complement and coagulation cascade and ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes. Compared to the KD group, the differential proteins in the BBR treatment group were also enriched in the complement and coagulation cascade and ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes. Western blot results indicated that compared to the healthy control group, the expression of complement C1q subcomponent subunit C (C1QC), kininogen-1 (KNG1), complement C1s subcomponent (C1S), and C4b-binding protein alpha chain (C4BPA) was increased in the KD group (P<0.05). Compared to the KD group, the expression of KNG1, C1S, C1QC, and C4BPA was decreased in the BBR treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The complement and coagulation cascade may be involved in the regulation of BBR treatment for coronary injury in KD, and C1QC, KNG1, C1S, and C4BPA may serve as biomarkers for this treatment.
Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome/blood* ; Humans ; Endothelial Cells/pathology* ; Complement System Proteins/physiology* ; Coronary Vessels/drug effects* ; Male ; Blood Coagulation/drug effects* ; Berberine/therapeutic use* ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Infant

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is clinically rare, with high mortality and case fatality rates. In recent years, the research on HUS has been intensified and the pathophysiological mechanism has been continuously improved. At present, the main mechanism of pathogenesis is the excessive activation of complement alternative pathways mediated by complement-related gene mutations or the existence of antibodies. The treatment methods and strategies are also constantly updated, mainly including complement-blocking drugs such as Eculizumab, Lavalizumab, and Ravulizumab. In this review, the new developments in the pathogenesis and treatment of HUS is summarized, and provide references for the clinical treatment of HUS.
Complement System Proteins/therapeutic use* ; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome/therapy* ; Humans ; Mutation

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether various immune-related plasma proteins, alone or in combination with conventional clinical risk factors, can predict spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) and intra-amniotic infection in women with premature cervical dilation or a short cervix (≤ 25 mm).METHODS: This retrospective study included 80 asymptomatic women with premature cervical dilation (n = 50) or a short cervix (n = 30), who underwent amniocentesis at 17–29 weeks. Amniotic fluid (AF) was cultured, and maternal plasma was assayed for interleukin (IL)-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and complements C3a and C5a, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The primary outcome measures were SPTD at < 32 weeks and positive AF cultures.RESULTS: The plasma levels of IL-6, C3a, and C5a, but not of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, were significantly higher in women with SPTD at < 32 weeks than in those who delivered at ≥ 32 weeks. The women who delivered at < 32 weeks had more advanced cervical dilatation, and higher rates of antibiotic and tocolytic administration and were less likely to be given vaginal progesterone than those who delivered at ≥ 32 weeks. Using a stepwise regression analysis, a combined prediction model was developed, which included the plasma IL-6 and C3a levels, and cervical dilatation (area under the curve [AUC], 0.901). The AUC for this model was significantly greater than that for any single variable included in the predictive model. In the univariate analysis, plasma IL-6 level was the only significant predictor of intra-amniotic infection.CONCLUSION: In women with premature cervical dilation or a short cervix, maternal plasma IL-6, C3a, and C5a levels could be useful non-invasive predictors of SPTD at < 32 weeks. A combination of these biomarkers and conventional clinical factors may clearly improve the predictability for SPTD, as compared with the biomarkers alone. An increased plasma level of IL-6 predicted intra-amniotic infection.
Amniocentesis ; Amniotic Fluid ; Area Under Curve ; Biomarkers ; Blood Proteins ; Cervix Uteri ; Complement System Proteins ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukins ; Labor Stage, First ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Plasma ; Pregnancy ; Progesterone ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have examined the structure-function relationship of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This study aimed to identify and rank HDL-associated proteins involved in several biological function of HDL.METHODS: HDLs isolated from 48 participants were analyzed. Cholesterol efflux capacity, effect of HDL on nitric oxide production, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression were assessed. The relative abundance of identified proteins in the highest vs. lowest quartile was expressed using the normalized spectral abundance factor ratio.RESULTS: After adjustment by multiple testing, six proteins, thyroxine-binding globulin, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, plasma serine protease inhibitor, vitronectin, angiotensinogen, and serum amyloid A-4, were more abundant (relative abundance ratio ≥2) in HDLs with the highest cholesterol efflux capacity. In contrast, three proteins, complement C4-A, alpha-2-macroglobulin, and immunoglobulin mu chain C region, were less abundant (relative abundance ratio <0.5). In terms of nitric oxide production and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression, no proteins showed abundance ratios ≥2 or <0.5 after adjustment. Proteins correlated with the functional parameters of HDL belonged to diverse biological categories.CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study ranked proteins showing higher or lower abundance in HDLs with high functional capacities and newly identified multiple proteins linked to cholesterol efflux capacity.
Amyloid ; Angiotensinogen ; Atherosclerosis ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cholesterol ; Complement System Proteins ; Immunoglobulin mu-Chains ; Lipoproteins ; Nitric Oxide ; Plasma ; Proteomics ; Serine Proteases ; Thyroxine-Binding Globulin ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Vitronectin

Myasthenia gravis(MG)is a B cell-mediated,T cell-dependent,complements-involved autoimmune disease.Ocular myasthenia gravis(OMG)is a typical MG,with its symptoms limited to the extraocular muscles.The occurrence and development of a variety of autoimmune diseases including OMG are closely associated with the imbalanced expression of follicular regulatory T cells(Tfr cells).Therefore,Tfr cells may be a new research topic for OMG.
Complement System Proteins ; Humans ; Myasthenia Gravis ; Oculomotor Muscles ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

Recently, deep learning methods have shown great potential in various tasks that involve handling large amounts of digital data. In the field of MR imaging research, deep learning methods are also rapidly being applied in a wide range of areas to complement or replace traditional model-based methods. Deep learning methods have shown remarkable improvements in several MR image processing areas such as image reconstruction, image quality improvement, parameter mapping, image contrast conversion, and image segmentation. With the current rapid development of deep learning technologies, the importance of the role of deep learning in MR imaging research appears to be growing. In this article, we introduce the basic concepts of deep learning and review recent studies on various MR image processing applications.
Complement System Proteins ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Learning ; Machine Learning ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Quality Improvement

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) VIII is an autosomal dominant inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by intractable periodontal inflammation, absence of gingiva, pretibial plaques, skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and tissue fragility with onset in the childhood or adolescence. In a recent report, heterozygous variants of the C1R or C1S related to the classical complement pathway were identified in families with history of EDS VIII. The current report describes a Korean 34-year-old female carrying a novel missense variant of C1R c.925T>G (p.Cys309Gly) and exhibiting early severe periodontitis, skin fragility, and joint hypermobility. The patient also had frontal, parietal, and temporal white matter brain lesions without definite vascular abnormalities on brain magnetic resonance imaging, which have not been surveyed meticulously in EDS VIII. Considering the genetic alteration of classic complement pathways in this condition, it is necessary to carefully observe multisystemic inflammation processes such as changes in brain white matter.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain ; Complement C1r ; Complement Pathway, Classical ; Complement System Proteins ; Connective Tissue ; Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome ; Female ; Gingiva ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Joint Instability ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Periodontitis ; Rabeprazole ; Skin ; White Matter

PURPOSE: The purpose of this was to compare effects of application of the skin stimulation method and topical anesthetic cream on pain, heart rate variability and satisfaction according to nursing intervention methods during arteriovenous fistula puncture in chronic renal failure hemodialysis patients. METHODS: This study was a crossover design. Participants were 36 patients with chronic renal failure receiving hemodialysis treatment. Two forms of intervention were applied to participants, and then pain and heart rate variability were measured during the puncture. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences according to each treatment in vein pain and artery pain. Also, there were no statistically significant differences according to each treatment in stress index, sympathetic activity (LF), parasympathetic activity (HF) and sympathetic activity/parasympathetic activity (LF/HF ratio). Satisfaction with application of skin stimulation method was statistically higher than that of topical anesthetic cream application. CONCLUSION: This suggests that application of the skin stimulation method complements disadvantages of topical anesthetic cream application and demonstrates possibility of application as a nursing intervention method which can be conveniently used by nurses in clinical practice.
Arteries ; Arteriovenous Fistula ; Complement System Proteins ; Cross-Over Studies ; Heart Rate ; Heart ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Methods ; Nursing ; Punctures ; Renal Dialysis ; Skin ; Veins

To assess the value of immunohistochemical analysis for expressions of C3d, C4d, IgG, IgG4, and CD123 in the diagnosis of autoimmune skin diseases.
 Methods: We investigated the expressions of C3d, C4d, IgG, IgG4, and CD123 in paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissues from 27 lupus erythematosus cases, including 8 discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) cases, 4 subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) cases, and 15 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases. Tissues from 15 dermatomyositis (DM) cases, 15 bullous pemphigoid (BP) cases, and 15 pemphigus cases were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. The differences in expression rates of C3d, C4d, IgG, IgG4, and CD123 between immunohistochemical staining and direct immunofluorescence were compared in the diagnosis of these diseases.
 Results: In the lupus erythematosus group, the positive rates of C3d and C4d deposited along the dermoepidermal junction were 85.2% and 51.9%, respectively. In the dermatomyositis group, the positive rates of C3d and C4d deposited along the dermoepidermal junction were 40% and 0, respectively. The expressions of C3d and C4d in lupus erythematosus tissues were significantly higher than those in DM tissues (P<0.05). The expression of CD123 protein in skin lesions of the lupus group was significantly higher than that in the DM group (P<0.05). In the BP group, the positive rates of C3d and C4d deposited along the dermoepidermal junction were 100% and 86.7%, respectively. In the pemphigus group, the positive rates of C3d and C4d deposited in the intercellular space of keratinocytes were 100% and 60%, respectively. The expressions of IgG and IgG4 in pemphigus tissues were higher than those in BP tissues (P<0.05). And the ratios of IgG4 to IgG in the pemphigus group was significantly higher than that in the BP group (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: The assays of C3d and C4d define an important diagnostic adjunct in evaluation of lupus erythematosus, BP and pemphigus. In some cases, it may even replace the direct immunofluorescence as a diagnostic adjunct. The expression of CD123 possesses certain clinical significance for the differential diagnosis of lupus erythematosus, and IgG4 and IgG expressions have adjunctive diagnostic significance for pemphigus.
Autoimmune Diseases ; Complement C3d ; Complement System Proteins ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; Pemphigus