Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

12 pages, 1683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epicatechin-Enriched Cacao Subproducts Improve Cognition in Older Subjects: Proof of Concept

by Nayelli Nájera, Levy Munguía, Miguel Ortiz, Francisco Villarreal, Yuridia Martínez-Meza, Amalia Gómez-Cotero and Guillermo Ceballos

J. Mind Med. Sci. 2025, 12(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmms12020041 - 22 Aug 2025

Abstract

Cognitive decline among older people is a growing concern worldwide since it impacts quality of life and independence. Recently, we reported that an epicatechin-enriched product improves cardiometabolic status, physical performance/mobility, and quality of life (QoL) in over-60-year-old subjects. Here, we explored the effects of an (−)-epicatechin-enriched cacao supplement on the cognitive conditions of older and sedentary individuals residing in a community center. Twelve persons with the inclusion criteria were included in this proof-of-concept study. We evaluated reasoning, memory, attention, coordination, and perception using CogniFit software, version 4.6.18. Patients received a mixture of cacao flour and 15 mg of free (−)-epicatechin twice daily for 3 months. The main results from the trial suggested a positive and significant improvement in perception, coordination, reasoning, attention, and memory. Full article

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12 pages, 2097 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

The Clinical Management and Outcomes of Two Cases of Vulvar Neoplasms: A Two-Case Study of VIN 3 and Stage IA Vulvar Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma

by Oana Denisa Balalau, Fernanda Ecaterina Augustin, Cristian Balalau, Romina Marina Sima and Liana Ples

J. Mind Med. Sci. 2025, 12(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmms12020040 - 29 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Vulvar carcinoma is the fourth most common gynecological cancer, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most frequent type. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a precursor lesion and is strongly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This paper presents two patients in their sixth decade of life, the first diagnosed with VIN 3 (carcinoma in situ) and the second with stage IA keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. Both patients had HPV infection; immunohistochemistry confirmed HPV-dependent VIN3 in the first case, while the second patient had a pre-existing HPV high-risk 53 infection. Both patients underwent partial vulvectomy, with the second also having bilateral inguinal–femoral lymph node dissection, which showed no lymph node invasion. The first patient had a histopathological result of VIN 3 with clear margins. The second patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy following restaging pathology. Both are showing favorable postoperative progress. Conclusions. The early diagnosis of vulvar neoplasms enables less radical but effective surgeries, balancing oncologic control with quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for adjusting treatments, improving both clinical outcomes and patient well-being. Full article

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19 pages, 920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Alternatives for Pain Relief: A Study on Morus alba, Angelica archangelica, Valeriana officinalis, and Passiflora incarnata

by Felicia Suciu, Oana Cristina Șeremet, Emil Ștefănescu, Ciprian Pușcașu, Cristina Isabel Viorica Ghiță, Cerasela Elena Gîrd, Robert Viorel Ancuceanu and Simona Negreș

J. Mind Med. Sci. 2025, 12(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmms12020039 - 19 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background: Chronic pain poses a major global health burden, often inadequately managed by conventional analgesics due to limited efficacy and side effects. In this context, plant-based therapies offer a promising alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and analgesic potential of four medicinal plants traditionally used for pain relief: Morus alba, Angelica archangelica, Valeriana officinalis, and Passiflora incarnata. Methods: Phytochemical analyses quantified total phenolic acid, flavonoid, and polyphenolic acid contents in the extracts. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the ABTS radical scavenging assay. Analgesic effects were evaluated in vivo using the hot-plate and tail-flick tests in mice treated for 14 days with plant extracts or paracetamol. Results: Morus alba showed the highest polyphenolic content and strongest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.0695 mg/mL). In analgesic tests, Angelica archangelica demonstrated the most significant effect in the hot-plate test (72.2% increase in latency), while Valeriana officinalis had the highest efficacy in the tail-flick test (41.81%), exceeding paracetamol’s performance in that model. Conclusions: While antioxidant activity correlated with polyphenol content, analgesic effects appeared to involve additional mechanisms. These findings support the potential of Angelica archangelica and Valeriana officinalis as effective natural alternatives for pain relief. Full article

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10 pages, 229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Incidence of Oncocytoma and Angiomyolipoma in Patients Undergoing Nephron-Sparing Surgery for Small Renal Masses

by Stelian Ianiotescu, Constantin Gingu, Irina Balescu, Nicolae Bacalbasa, Cristian Balalau and Ioanel Sinescu

J. Mind Med. Sci. 2025, 12(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmms12020038 - 16 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background: Oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma (AML) are benign renal tumors that may mimic malignant lesions on imaging. With the increasing use of partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal masses, accurate preoperative characterization of these lesions is essential. This study highlights the role of partial nephrectomy as a valuable diagnostic tool in situations where imaging is inconclusive or raises concern for malignancy without definitive confirmation. In the absence of a reliable preoperative diagnosis, partial nephrectomy provides direct histologic verification with minimal perioperative morbidity. Moreover, it offers curative potential when malignancy is present. By achieving both diagnostic certainty and renal preservation, this approach is well-suited for clinical scenarios in which imaging ambiguity might otherwise result in overtreatment through radical surgery or undertreatment Material and methods: in this retrospective study, we reviewed our 5-year experience (2019–2024), 188 partial nephrectomies—including bilateral procedures and operations on solitary kidneys—using robotic and open approaches. All of these 30 tumors were solid renal masses with indeterminate imaging features or suspicious characteristics suggestive of malignancy, further underscoring the limitations of current preoperative diagnostic modalities. Results: Histopathological evaluation confirmed benign renal tumors in 30 cases, with oncocytoma diagnosed in 18 cases (16 robotic, 2 open) and AML in 12 cases (9 robotic, 3 open). Conclusions: Even when imaging raises suspicion of malignancy or remains inconclusive, many small renal masses are ultimately confirmed as benign upon histopathological examination. This study underscores the diagnostic uncertainty associated with small renal tumors and highlights the value of partial nephrectomy as a decisive diagnostic intervention. In situations where non-invasive modalities fail to provide definitive answers, partial nephrectomy offers tissue confirmation with minimal morbidity. Furthermore, when malignancy is present, this approach ensures appropriate oncologic management while preserving renal function. Our findings support the integration of this strategy into routine clinical practice, particularly when diagnostic clarity is essential for guiding safe and effective treatment. Full article

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J. Mind Med. Sci., Volume 12, Issue 2 (December 2025) – 4 articles

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