School of Health Science http://mfuir.mfu.ac.th:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/129 2026-04-19T15:44:39Z 2026-04-19T15:44:39Z Jozélio de Carvalho http://mfuir.mfu.ac.th:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/1505 2026-01-27T04:08:42Z 2026-01-27T00:00:00Z

Vitamin K supplementation in rheumatological diseases, except osteoporosis: a narrative review with systematic search Jozélio de Carvalho Introduction: Vitamin K (VK) supplementation has been studied extensively in osteoporosis; however, its potential role in other rheumatic disorders remains underexplored. This systematic search strategy reviewed the evidence on VK supplementation in rheumatic diseases beyond osteoporosis. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and SciELO databases was conducted for studies published between 1966 and May 2024 evaluating VK supplementation in rheumatic diseases. Eligible studies included clinical trials and observational studies in adult patients diagnosed with rheumatic disorders, excluding osteoporosis. Results: Ten studies comprising a total of 1,058 participants were included, including eight on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and two on osteoarthritis (OA). Participants’ mean age ranged from 37.9 ± 8.2 to 68 ± 5.5 years, with female predominance (57.5–100%). VK dosages ranged from 20 µg to 45 mg/day, and follow-up periods ranged from two to 36 months. In RA, supplementation was associated with reductions in inflammatory and disease activity markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), interleukin-6, and matrix metalloproteinase levels in several studies, although neutral results were also reported. In OA, improvements in pain, CRP, and joint space narrowing were reported mainly in patients who achieved adequate VK status or in studies using multi-ingredient supplements containing VK. Adverse events were rare and mild, including one case (1.5%) of heartburn. Conclusion: VK supplementation may exert modest anti-inflammatory effects in RA and potential structural benefits in OA, but the available evidence is heterogeneous and limited by small sample sizes, short follow-up, confounding interventions, and the absence of recent large-scale randomized controlled trials. บทความ (Article)

2026-01-27T00:00:00Z Oche Joseph Otorkpa Chinenye Oche Otorkpa Faith Obuye http://mfuir.mfu.ac.th:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/1504 2026-01-27T04:00:11Z 2026-01-27T00:00:00Z

Growing Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Mainstream Healthcare: A Review of Case Reports Oche Joseph Otorkpa; Chinenye Oche Otorkpa; Faith Obuye Introduction: The integration of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) into mainstream healthcare systems has been growing, reflecting a shift towards more holistic and patient-centered care. This study explores the integration of CAM into mainstream healthcare by analyzing case reports. The aim was to elucidate the trends in CAM utilization, identify associated challenges, and explore potential opportunities for enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search covered case reports published between January 2004 and April 2024, using both Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and free-text searches. The quality of the case reports was assessed using criteria adapted from the CARE guidelines, which emphasized the clarity of reporting, the appropriateness of study design, documentation of clinical outcomes, and potential biases. Results: The review identified a wide variety of CAM modalities used within mainstream healthcare, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, and mind-body practices. These modalities demonstrated efficacy in managing a range of health conditions and often complemented conventional treatments, enhancing patient outcomes. However, the review also highlighted several challenges, including adverse events linked to certain CAM interventions and disparities in access to CAM services among different patient populations. Conclusion: CAM integration enhances patient-centered care but presents challenges like adverse events and unequal access. Research, education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice are vital for safe, ethical integration, improving patient care. บทความ (Article)

2026-01-27T00:00:00Z Claire Roberts Laura Rozek Rachaneekorn Mingkhwan Nuttapohn Kiangkoo Peerawit Janta Suntorn Sudsandee http://mfuir.mfu.ac.th:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/1116 2025-09-26T12:55:12Z 2025-09-26T00:00:00Z

Water Supply Quality and Health Impacts on Hill Tribe People: A Case Study of the Akha Hill Tribe Village, Chiang Rai, Thailand Claire Roberts; Laura Rozek; Rachaneekorn Mingkhwan; Nuttapohn Kiangkoo; Peerawit Janta; Suntorn Sudsandee Introduction: The hill tribes in northern Thailand, including the Akha village, live in mountainous and remote areas without access to safe water from the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) service. The main water supply in Akha village is mountain water, and it is without any treatment process. This study aimed to assess the quality of mountain water supply and evaluate the health risk from dermal and oral exposures in the Akha hill tribe village. Methods: Fifteen water samples were collected from water storage tanks using grab sampling techniques. The water supply quality was analyzed for turbidity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, total coliform bacteria (TCB), fecal coliform bacteria (FCB), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb). All parameters were compared with PWA tap water standards. The U.S. EPA model was applied to assess health risks from the four heavy metals for adults and children in the Akha village. Results: The analysis revealed that 80% of samples exceeded the PWA standard for turbidity, 13% for pH, and 87% for Fe. TCB and FCB were detected in all mountain water samples. The hazard indices (HIs) for Cd, Fe, Hg, and Pb exposures via dermal and oral routes were below 1. Conclusion: Despite the poor water supply quality, the HIs for heavy metal exposure were below the risk threshold. Nonetheless, it is crucial for local and national policy-makers to support initiatives that provide knowledge and financial subsidies for water treatment in these remote areas to ensure safe drinking water for the hill tribe communities. บทความ (Article)

2025-09-26T00:00:00Z Kamil K. Hozyasz http://mfuir.mfu.ac.th:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/1115 2025-09-26T12:27:14Z 2025-09-26T00:00:00Z

Exploration of the Use of Traditional Healers Among Nursing Students in Podlasie, Poland Kamil K. Hozyasz Complementary and alternative medicine includes a broad set of health practices that are not part of conventional medicine. An interesting example of such a practice is the activity of folk healers called whisperers in Poland. Unfortunately, whisperer practices have not been studied from a biomedical perspective. In my own cross-sectional study, conducted in 2022 with the participation of nursing students from southern Podlasie, Poland, it was documented that the memory of whisperers is still alive. Of the 58 respondents, 27 (46.6%) had friends who used the help of whisperers, and seven nursing students (12.1%) personally benefited from such help in childhood. In Eastern Europe activity of traditional folk healers has not completely disappeared. บทความ (Article)

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