Experience of Western Herbal Medicine practitioners in supporting brain health in mid-life and older patients: a qualitative research study

Introduction and Aims Dementia is a public health and social care priority, necessitating multi-domain preventative healthcare strategies in at-risk populations The evidence on the use of herbs in addressing neurological, psychological, metabolic and cardiovascular conditions implicated in dementia pathology, and the holistic therapeutic and philosophical attributes of its clinical practice suggest a role for Western herbal medicine (WHM) in primary prevention and healthy brain ageing. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the current real-life application of WHM in supporting cognitive and vascular brain health in mid-life and older patients. Methods Three WHM practitioners were recruited using purposive sampling and a set of inclusion criteria. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore their herbal and therapeutic management approach; and gauge their views on the preventative role of WHM in the assay group. Data from taped interview transcripts, providing a total of 110 minutes, were analysed using simple thematic analysis to identify main themes in the practitioners’ narratives. Results Four themes emerged from the practitioners’ narratives of their experience of working with the assay group: the memory loss and cognitive function issues, as well as other conditions implicated in dementia pathology their patients presented with; their use of herbs as well as dietary and lifestyle recommendations in the individualised therapeutic management of those presentations; patient compliance and other issues of working with the target patient group; and the potential role for WHM in managing brain health in an aging population within the wider healthcare ecosystem. Discussion The small exploratory study is the first of its kind attempting to capture the experience of WMH practitioners working with brain health in mid-life and elderly patients. It provides some important insights into the current WHM therapeutic practice and professional competency and some indicators for its future role: WMH’s unique attributes of individualisation and plurality of practice, patient-responsive treatment and the collaborative patient-practitioner therapeutic relationship. Although its findings cannot be generalised, the study provides a reference for future deductive qualitative research. In particular, it warrants further investigation into the role that WHM can play alongside conventional medicine in managing brain health in an aging population

Effect of chlorpyrifos on survival, growth and reproductive performance of Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg)

The present laboratory study was conducted to determine the effect of chlorpyrifos on growth and reproduction of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. Chlorpyrifos was mixed with soil substrate at four different dose formulations i.e. D1 (2.5ml/1000ml); D2 (5.0ml/1000ml); D3 (7.5ml/1000ml); D4 (10.0ml/1000ml). Soil substrate withoutchlorpyrifos served as control. Growth and survival rates were determined till four weeks and effects on reproduction are assessed after eight weeks of exposure. A non significant decrease (p > 0.05) was observed in body weight of earthworms which was recorded on day 1, 2, 3, 7, 10 and 14. A dose dependent effect on cocoon production and survivability of hatchlings was observed in all treated groups. The effect of chlorpyrifos on life cycle of earthworm was more in dose D3 (54.25 days) when compared to control (28.75 days) while no worm survived in D4 dose. The present study revealed that chlorpyrifos at high dose levels(7.5ml/1000ml and 10.0ml/1000ml) affect the reproduction and growth of earthworms, primary bioindicators of soil fauna, whereas the base dose (5.0ml/1000ml) may be considered as safe for soil applications

THE ABC OF COUNTERFEITING VIS-À-VIS LUXURY BRAND MARKET

Everything that can be produced can be counterfeited right from a soap to something of paramount value like an airplane yet the overarching effects of counterfeits in each industry is dismissed away by corporates. This paper attempts to shed light on the counterfeit industry, elucidate the concept of counterfeits, its presence in ever industry, its overarching effects and the need to address the problem on immediate basis. Herein the steps that a corporate can take to combat the problem at its end have also been duly specified. The paper has specifically gone beyond the general addressal of the menace to specifically address the problem in the luxury fashion industry wherein the effect might not be fatal yet is paramount in nature

SHMS-E+ portable platform design analyses

Problem: Design the portable Standard Hydrogen Monitoring System (SHMS-E+) Platform with installed Bottle Racks, Pump Stand, Transformer, Chiller, and SHMS-E test cabinet. This equipment is mounted on the platform. Both Gas Bottle Racks should be designed to withstand seismic loads with adequate anchorage to the platform and the platform itself should be capable of withstanding the applicable wind and seismic loads. The platform with mounted equipment should have lifting lugs to be transported to different test sites within the tank farms. Assumptions: All equipment other than the Gas Bottle Racks, mounted on the platform will not fail or collapse when subjected to seismic and wind forces and due to transportation loads. Conclusions and recommendations: Use platform details shown on page 3 and as shown on Drawing H-14-102407, SHMS(E+) Platform Assembly

Double-shell tank waste transfer facilities integrity assessment plan

This document presents the integrity assessment plan for the existing double-shell tank waste transfer facilities system in the 200 East and 200 West Areas of Hanford Site. This plan identifies and proposes the integrity assessment elements and techniques to be performed for each facility. The integrity assessments of existing tank systems that stores or treats dangerous waste is required to be performed to be in compliance with the Washington State Department of Ecology Dangerous Waste Regulations, Washington Administrative Code WAC-173-303-640 requirements