Percentage of patients shifting to another treatment modality: An experience-guided decision

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to assess the frequency with which orthodontic patients decided to shift to another type of orthodontic appliance, among conventional metal brackets, ceramic brackets, lingual brackets and clear aligner, based on their personal experiences of pain, ulcers, bad breath, hygiene issues and social difficulties. Material and Methods: This study comprises of patients seeking orthodontic treatment. The sample (n = 500; age group = 19-25 years) was divided equally into four groups based on the treatment modality: conventional metal brackets, ceramic brackets, lingual brackets and clear aligner. Patients rated the questionnaire using a visual analogue scale, to assess variables (such as pain, ulcer etc) that impact various treatment modalities. Subsequently, patients from all groups provided feedback regarding their treatment experiences, and expressed their preference for an alternative modality. Intergroup comparison among the four groups was done using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's HSD post-hoc test (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Patients who received lingual brackets reported higher levels of pain and ulceration, as compared to those who received clear aligners. All four groups showed statistically significant differences for ulcers during treatment (p ≤ 0.05). Of the 125 patients who received conventional metal brackets, 28% expressed a preference for clear aligner therapy, while 20% preferred ceramic brackets. In the lingual group, 56% of 125 patients preferred clear aligner therapy, and 8% preferred ceramic brackets to complete their treatment. In the ceramic group, 83% did not want to switch, whereas 17% desired to switch to clear aligner, while in aligner group no patient desired to switch. Conclusions: A higher percentage of patients from lingual brackets group chose to shift to clear aligners, followed by conventional metal brackets group and by ceramic brackets group, in this descending order. The clear aligner group demonstrated fewer issues than the other treatment modalities.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a frequência com que pacientes ortodônticos decidiram mudar para outro tipo de aparelho ortodôntico, entre braquetes convencionais de metal, braquetes cerâmicos, braquetes linguais e alinhadores transparentes, com base em suas experiências pessoais de dor, aftas, mau hálito, problemas de higiene e dificuldades sociais. Material e Métodos: Esse estudo foi composto por pacientes que procuram tratamento ortodôntico. A amostra (n = 500; faixa etária = 19-25 anos) foi dividida igualmente em quatro grupos, com base na modalidade de tratamento: braquetes metálicos convencionais, braquetes cerâmicos, braquetes linguais e alinhadores transparentes. Os pacientes responderam a um questionário, usando uma escala visual analógica, para avaliar variáveis como dor e aftas, que impactam diferentes modalidades de tratamento. Posteriormente, os pacientes de todos os grupos forneceram feedback sobre suas experiências de tratamento e expressaram sua preferência por uma modalidade alternativa. A comparação intergrupos entre os quatro grupos foi feita usando análise de variância unidirecional com teste post-hoc HSD de Tukey (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados: Os pacientes que usaram braquetes linguais relataram níveis mais elevados de dor e aftas, em comparação com aqueles que usaram alinhadores transparentes. Todos os quatro grupos apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas para aftas durante o tratamento (p ≤ 0,05). Dos 125 pacientes que usaram braquetes metálicos convencionais, 28% expressaram preferência pelo tratamento com alinhadores transparentes, enquanto 20% preferiram braquetes cerâmicos. No grupo com braquetes linguais, 56% dos 125 pacientes preferiram o tratamento com alinhadores transparentes e 8% preferiram braquetes cerâmicos para completar o tratamento. No grupo com braquetes cerâmicos, 83% não queriam trocar de tratamento, enquanto 17% desejavam mudar para os alinhadores transparentes; enquanto no grupo de alinhadores nenhum paciente desejou mudar. Conclusões: Uma porcentagem maior de pacientes do grupo com braquetes linguais optou pela mudança para alinhadores transparentes, seguido pelo grupo com braquetes metálicos convencionais e pelo grupo com braquetes cerâmicos, em ordem decrescente. O grupo de alinhadores transparentes demonstrou menos problemas do que as outras modalidades de tratamento.

Perspective of Primigravida Mother’s Experience in Their Birthing Process Utilising HypnoBirthing

@#Introduction: Child birth can be an enjoyable process for all birthing women. Use of HypnoBirthing®Mongan during birthing process induces the women to be relaxed and minimises her fear. The aim of the research is to explore the perspective of primigravida mother’s experience in their birthing process utilising hypnobirthing. Methods: A qualitative study involving 10 participants were carried out in a private hospital in Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used. Women using HypnoBirthing during birthing were interviewed for 40 minutes using semi structured, face to face method. Analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes were identified namely: ‘physical and emotional effect of pain’, ‘behaviour response to pain’ and ‘maternal and newborn wellbeing’. Physical and emotional effect of pain has four subthemes where else the other has two subthemes. Conculsion: Women using Hypnobirthing enjoyed the birthing process and immediate bonding with the newborn.

Dance therapy as an alternative for cardiac rehabilitation in women population: autonomic and hemodynamic acute responses - a crossover clinical trial protocol

Abstract Aim: The objective of this study is to 1. Investigate in women with cardiac risk factors the acute responses of cardiac autonomic modulation and hemodynamic parameters during and after a dance-based cardiac rehabilitation session and II. Compare these responses with a conventional exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation session. Methods: This will be a crossover-clinical trial that will enroll women with at least one cardiac risk factor. The interventions consist of one dance-based (DB) and one traditional exercise-based (EB) session of cardiac rehabilitation, both composed of initial rest, warm-up, moderate-intensity physical exercise, fast recovery evaluation in orthostatic position, and slow recovery evaluation. The main outcomes are 1. Autonomic modulation, evaluated through heart rate variability linear and non-linear methods, and II. Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate). All measures will be evaluated in specific moments during the initial rest, physical exercise, and recovery. Conclusion: The results will allow the safe inclusion of dance-based sessions in cardiac rehabilitation programs opening an important field of research to investigate the long-term effects on physical fitness and cardiac risk factors, as well as adherence and motivation to attend cardiac rehabilitation in the women population.

Conteo de carga viral en pacientes con VIH/SIDA usuarios de terapias alternativas o complementarias / Viral load count in patients with HIV/AIDS users of alternative and/or complementary therapies

Introducción: una alternativa para mitigar los efectos del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) es la medicina complementaria, alternativa o integrativa (MCAI); sin embargo, esta puede tener una influencia negativa en los pacientes con VIH. Objetivo: estimar la relación entre la carga viral y el uso de MCAI en pacientes con VIH/SIDA. Metodología: estudio analítico con 232 pacientes de la clínica de VIH/SIDA de una unidad médica de segundo nivel de atención en Cancún, México. Previo consentimiento informado, a cada paciente se le aplicó un cuestionario para identificar el uso de la MCAI y simultáneamente se obtuvo el conteo de carga viral y el CD4 del expediente electrónico. Resultados: el 47.8% utilizaron herbolaria como tratamiento alternativo. No se encontró diferencia estadística entre la utilización de herbolaria y su conteo de carga viral (p > 0.646). La terapia cuerpo-mente, los suplementos vitamínicos, la homeopatía y la acupuntura se usaron del 5 al 24.6%, sin diferencia estadística (p > 0.05) entre los grupos. Por el contrario, el uso de sesiones de manipulación del cuerpo mostró diferencia en relación con quienes no las utilizaban (p < 0.05). Conclusiones: es importante que el profesional de la salud identifique los efectos adversos o benéficos de las terapias alternativas y complementarias, con la finalidad de orientar a sus pacientes y no afectar su tratamiento antirretroviral y, en consecuencia, su conteo de carga viral.

Introduction: An alternative to mitigate the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); however, this could have a negative influence in patients with HIV. Objective: To estimate the relationship between viral load and the use of CAM in patients with HIV/AIDS. Method: Analytical study with 232 patients from the HIV/AIDS Clinic of a second-level healthcare unit in Cancun, Mexico. With prior informed consent, a questionnaire was administered to each patient to identify the use of CAM, and, simultaneously, the viral load and CD4 counts were obtained from their electronic file. Results: 47.8% used herbal medicine as an alternative treatment. No statistical difference was found between the use of herbal products and their viral load (p > 0.646). Body-mind therapy, vitamin supplements, homeopathy and acupuncture were used from 5 to 24.6% without statistical difference (p > 0.05) among groups. However, the use of massage therapy showed a difference in relation to those who did not use it (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It is important that health professionals identify the adverse or beneficial effects of alternative and complementary therapies, so that they can guide their patients and not affect their antiretroviral treatment and, consequently, their viral load.

Efectividad terapéutica de la jalea de caléndula al 1 % en pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente / Therapeutic effectiveness of calendula jelly at 1% in patients with aphthous recurrent stomatitis

Introducción: Para el tratamiento de pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente suele emplearse el extracto fluido y la tintura de Caléndula officinalis L. como colutorio disuelto en agua. Teniendo en cuenta los inconvenientes que generan estas formulaciones se elaboró una jalea al 1 % contentiva de los principios activos de la referida planta. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad terapéutica de la jalea de caléndula al 1 % en pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente. Métodos: Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 30 pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente, atendidos en el Policlínico Docente 30 de Noviembre de Santiago de Cuba, desde marzo hasta diciembre de 2019. La muestra se dividió en 2 grupos: control y de estudio, que recibieron tratamiento convencional y jalea de caléndula al 1 %, respectivamente. Se tuvieron en cuenta algunas variables de interés, a saber: edad, sexo, tiempo de remisión del dolor y de cicatrización, respuesta al tratamiento y efectividad terapéutica. Se empleó el porcentaje como medida de resumen y el estadígrafo de Ji al cuadrado con un nivel de significación de 0,05. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el grupo etario de 15- 24 años de edad (33,3 %) y el sexo femenino (60,0 %). En los tratados con la jalea de caléndula, la remisión del dolor y la cicatrización de las lesiones ulcerativas se evidenciaron en las primeras 24 y 48 horas, respectivamente, y la mayoría de estos habían mejorado a las 72 horas. Conclusiones: La jalea de caléndula al 1 % es efectiva como analgésico y cicatrizante en pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente.

Introduction: The officinalis L Calendula fluid extract and tincture is usually used as mouthwash dissolved in water for the treatment of patients with aphthous recurrent stomatitis. Taking into account the inconveniences that generate these formulations a jelly at 1 % was elaborated with the active principles of the plant above mention. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the calendula jelly at 1% in patients with aphthous recurrent stomatitis. Methods: A therapeutic intervention in 30 patients with aphthous recurrent stomatitis, assisted in 30 de Noviembre Teaching Polyclinic was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from March to December, 2019. The sample was divided in 2 groups: control and study that received conventional treatment and calendula jelly at 1%, respectively. Some variables of interest were taken into account, such as: age, sex, pain regression and scaring time, response to the treatment and therapeutic effectiveness. The percentage was used as summary measure and the chi-squared test with a significance level of 0.05. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of the 15 - 24 age group (33.3 %) and female sex (60.0 %). In the patients treated with the calendula jelly, pain regression and scaring of the ulcerative lesions were evidenced in the first 24 and 48 hours, respectively, and most of them had improved at 72 hours. Conclusions: The calendula jelly at 1% is effective as analgesic and healing in patients with aphthous recurrent stomatitis.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: Etiology, diagnosis, management and potential alternative therapy

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus belongs to the genus Nairovirus and family Bunyaviridae. CCHF is a tickborne disease that has mostly been reported from Asia, Africa and Europe. Early diagnosis of CCHF is essential for patient care and preventing its spread to normal individuals. Treatment of CCHF is mostly limited to the use of ribavirin and palliative care. The practice of using interferon and vaccines has also been proved to be ineffective and unsafe. A search for an effective alternative treatment of the CCHF still continues. Therefore, the current review focusses on the cause, prevalence, mode of transmission, pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, diagnostic features and treatment options of CCHF. This review also highlights the possible alternative therapy in the form of antiviral medicinal plants which are effective against viral hemorrhagic fever. These medicinal plants have shown convincing evidence for their activities against different viral hemorrhagic fevers and may be used alone or in combination with existing therapies to achieve an optimum therapeutic response.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: Etiology, diagnosis, management and potential alternative therapy

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus belongs to the genus Nairovirus and family Bunyaviridae. CCHF is a tickborne disease that has mostly been reported from Asia, Africa and Europe. Early diagnosis of CCHF is essential for patient care and preventing its spread to normal individuals. Treatment of CCHF is mostly limited to the use of ribavirin and palliative care. The practice of using interferon and vaccines has also been proved to be ineffective and unsafe. A search for an effective alternative treatment of the CCHF still continues. Therefore, the current review focusses on the cause, prevalence, mode of transmission, pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, diagnostic features and treatment options of CCHF. This review also highlights the possible alternative therapy in the form of antiviral medicinal plants which are effective against viral hemorrhagic fever. These medicinal plants have shown convincing evidence for their activities against different viral hemorrhagic fevers and may be used alone or in combination with existing therapies to achieve an optimum therapeutic response.

Queratoacantoma tratado con metotrexato intralesional: una alternativa terapéutica efectiva en casos seleccionados / Keratoacanthoma treated with intralesional methotrexate: an effective therapeutic alternative in selected cases

El Queratoacantoma es un carcinoma de células escamosas de rápido crecimiento, cuyo tratamiento definitivo contempla la resección quirúrgica. El manejo se dificulta cuando las condiciones de la lesión implican cirugías extensas o las condiciones del paciente son riesgosas al plantear manejo invasivo. Se propone el uso de Metotrexato intralesional como estrategia terapéutica alternativa al tratamiento quirúrgico tradicional. Se exponen 2 casos en los cuales se usó este método. Primero es una paciente de 91 años con queratoacantoma en región frontal, de rápido crecimiento. Segundo, un paciente de 76 años, en tratamiento anticoagulante, con lesión en cuero cabelludo. Ambos pacientes reciben inyecciones de Metotrexato, las cuales muestran resultados significativos, en cuanto a reducción de tamaño. La inyección intralesional de Metotrexato demuestra utilidad como alternativa terapéutica o como manejo neoadyuvante previo a la cirugía

Keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing squamous cell carcinoma, which definitive treatment includes surgical resection. Therapy becomes more complex when the lesion requires extensive surgeries or the patient's conditions are risky for invasive management. The use of intralesional methotrexate is proposed as an alternative therapeutic strategy to traditional surgical treatment. Two cases are presented where this method was used. First a 91-year-old patient with rapidly growing keratoacanthoma in the frontal region. Second a 76-year-old patient, undergoing anticoagulant treatment, with a scalp lesion. Methotrexate injections were applied to both patients, with significant lesion size reduction. Intralesional injection of Methotrexate proves useful as a therapeutic alternative or as neoadjuvant management prior to surgery.

A Combination Of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Tui Na And Cupping In Treating Chronic Neck Pain And Stiffness: A Case Report

Background: Neck pain is one of the most frequently reported complaints of the musculoskeletal system. Treatments for neck pain are varied, including physiotherapy, chiropractic, analgesics, and other drugs or steroid injections. Neck pain frequently recurs in 50% to 80% of people. Symptoms of neck pain range from mild discomfort to severe disability and can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Moreover, incidents of neck pain can be associated with headache, arm pain or even neurological deficits. Acupuncture and other traditional Chinese techniques have been widely used as an alternative to more conventional treatments for musculoskeletal pain. This case report investigates the effectiveness of a combination of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and tuina in treating chronic neck pain. Case presentation: An 85-year-old patient diagnosed with cervical spondylosis was suffering from chronic neck pain and muscle spasm for several years. He had undergone all conventional treatments for spondylosis without any long-lasting effects. He was interested in trying out traditional Chinese techniques. He was treated for 8 weeks with Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Tui Na and Cupping. The treatment outcomes were measured on Day1, after 4 weeks and at the end of 8 weeks of treatment. The primary outcome measures used were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). After 8 weeks of treatment, the patient reported full recovery from pain and acute spasms of his neck muscles. VAS score reduced from 5 to 1. Neck Disability Index score reduced from 20 to 08. His quality of life improved as measured by SF-12 score which reduced from 33 to 29. Conclusion: Traditional Chinese therapies can be undoubtedly used as an adjunct to conventional therapies like physiotherapy or chiropractic to treat chronic neck pain. However, long term studies are needed to validate the findings of this study on a larger population.

Tratamento de ferida em Coendou prehensilis (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) com laserterapia e ozonioterapia: relato de caso / Wound treatment of Coendou prehensilis (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) with laser and ozone therapy: case report

O emprego conjunto da laserterapia e da ozonioterapia em feridas apresenta alto potencial benéfico para os pacientes, uma vez que contribui para o manejo da dor, tem ação anti-inflamatória e acelera o processo de cicatrização. Este relato de caso tem como objetivo apresentar o uso de terapias alternativas na cicatrização de ferida em exemplar de Coendou prehensilis. Um ouriço-cacheiro, fêmea, adulto, com peso de 4kg foi encaminhado para atendimento médico veterinário com histórico de ter sido atacado por um cão. Inicialmente o ouriço passou pelo procedimento de higienização e desbridamento da ferida, para a retirada das bordas necróticas. Adicionalmente, foram administrados clindamicina (10mg/kg), por via intramuscular (IM), uma vez por dia (SID), tramadol (4mg/kg, IM, SID), flunixin (0,3mg/kg, SID), por via subcutânea (SC), e ferrodextrano (25mg/kg, IM, SID). Apesar da terapia instituída, observou-se reincidência de crescimento necrótico tecidual, o que levou à eleição do tratamento da ferida com as técnicas de laserterapia e ozonioterapia. O emprego das terapias alternativas como adjuvante promoveu uma cicatrização satisfatória da ferida, com ausência de sinais de sensibilidade local e de infecção, bem como ausência de crescimento de bordas necróticas. O tratamento adjuvante foi eficaz e pode ser empregado em outras situações para cicatrização de ferida em mamíferos silvestres.(AU)

The use of therapy with laser beam and ozone in wounds has a high beneficial potential for patients, since it contributes to the management of pain, has an anti-inflammatory action and accelerates the cicatricial process. Due to this casuistry importance, the case report aims to present alternative therapy use for wound healing on a Coendou prehensilis. Thus, a female of C. prehensilis weighing 4kg, was sent to veterinary care. At first there was a hygiene process and debridement for necrotic edge removal. Furthermore, injected clindamycin (10mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly (IM), once a day (SID), tramadol (4mg/kg, IM, SID), flunixin (0.3mg/kg, SID), administered subcutaneously (SC) and iron dextran (25mg/kg, IM, SID). In spite of the established therapy, tissue necrotic growth was observed, which lead the wound treatment as healing by second intention, initiating an alternative therapy with laser beam and ozone. As a result, the healing was satisfactory due to the elected techniques, without signs of pain and infection. The adjuvant treatment with physiotherapy had advantageous effect and could be applied to wound healing in wild mammal animals.(AU)

Efficacy of equine-assisted psychotherapy in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and debilitating disorder among war veterans. Although complementary and alternative therapies are gaining acceptance in the treatment of PTSD, the efficacy of animal-based therapies in this disorder is unknown. The goal of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is to improve the social, emotional, and/or cognitive functions of individuals with PTSD.@*OBJECTIVE@#This study aims to explore the effects of EAP on PTSD symptoms. We hypothesized that veterans with PTSD who participate in a standardized EAP program for 1 h per week for 6 weeks would experience decreased PTSD symptoms and would demonstrate increased resilience as compared with individuals who do not receive EAP intervention.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS@#We conducted a sequentially assigned, two-arm parallel group trial comparing 6 weeks of EAP with standard, previously established, ongoing PTSD therapy. Therapy was conducted at a community EAP facility in conjunction with an academic University Hospital. Twenty adult veterans with symptomatic PTSD completed the study. Ten adult veterans with previously diagnosed PTSD were assigned to EAP and received directed interaction with trained horses for one hour a week in groups of 3 or 4 individuals, while also continuing their previously established therapies. A certified therapist supervised the sessions, and a professional horse handler was also present. Results were compared with those from 10 adult veterans who only received their standard previously established PTSD care as prescribed by their provider.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Changes in salivary cortisol, scores for the PTSD Check List-Military Version (PCL-M) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) after 6 weeks of study were measured.@*RESULTS@#Of the 20 enrolled patients, 10 served in Afghanistan, 5 served in Iraq, and 3 served in Vietnam. Subjects were (47 ± 14) years old, were predominantly male, and had a body mass index of (29 ± 7) kg/m. They had (9.2 ± 6.1) years of military service and carried 66% ± 37% service-connected disability. PCL-M scores declined significantly in both groups and CD-RISC scores increased significantly in the EAP group. There was no difference between the groups with respect to the magnitude of change.@*CONCLUSION@#As compared to the control group, a 6-week EAP program did not produce a statistically significant difference with respect to PCL-M and CD-RISC scores, or salivary cortisol. However, our results suggest that EAP may work as well as standard therapy with respect to these parameters. This study supports further inquiry into EAP as a potentially efficacious alternative for veterans suffering from PTSD.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#ClinicalTrials.gov NCT #03039361.

Tratamientos alternativos de medicina tradicional para Chlamydia trachomatis, agente causal de una infección asintomática / Alternative Treatments of Traditional Medicine for Chlamydia trachomatis, Causal Agent of an Asympomatic Infection

Resumen En la actualidad, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) es una de las causas más frecuentes de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y morbilidad reproductiva en el mundo, Incluye tanto países desarrollados como en vía de desarrollo, con un reporte alrededor de 92 millones de casos anuales. CT es una bacteria intracelular obligada cuyo inicio de la infección es asintomático, causa infección crónica, puede generar infección persistente y complicaciones como cáncer de ovario. Las infecciones por CT son asintomáticas en el 70% de las mujeres y el 40% de los hombres, lo que dificulta el diagnóstico en las fases tempranas de la infección y el tratamiento oportuno, lo que conlleva a un aumento en los contagios en la población. De acuerdo con la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), el tratamiento para CT incluye la utilización de antibióticos tipo tetraciclinas, macrólidos y fluoroquinolonas. Sin embargo, a pesar de su alta tasa de eficacia, cada vez son más recurrentes las infecciones. Reportes recientes han demostrado resistencia por parte de los cuerpos elementales y se ha podido determinar que los antibióticos disminuyen la población de lactobacillus vaginales beneficiosos, causando mayores complicaciones en los pacientes. Basados en estos hallazgos, las investigaciones actuales se han centrado en terapias alternativas que reduzcan la actividad antichlamydial y que sean de libre acceso, generando el menor daño posible en los pacientes.

Abstract Currently, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is one of the most frequent causes of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive morbidity in the world, including both developed and developing countries, with a report of around 92 million annual cases. CT is an obligate intracellular bacterium whose onset's infection is asymptomatic, causes chronic infection, can generate persistent infection and complications such as ovarian cancer. CT infections are asymptomatic in 70% of women and 40% of men, which makes diagnosis difficult in the early stages of infection and timely treatment, which leads to an increase in infections in the population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), treatment for TC includes the use of antibiotics such as tetracyclines, macrolides and fluoroquinolones. However, despite their high efficacy rate, infections are becoming more frequent. Recent reports have shown resistance on the part of elementary bodies and it has been determined that antibiotics decrease the beneficial vaginal lactobacillus population, causing greater complications in patients. Based on these findings, current research has focused on alternative therapies that reduce antichlamydial activity and that are freely accessible, generating the least possible harm to patients.

Impact of autologous whole blood administration upon experimental mouse models of acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Background: Autologous whole blood (AWB) administration is described as alternative/complementary medical practice widely employed in medical and veterinary therapy against infections, chronic pathologies and neoplasias. Our aim is to investigate in vivo biological effect of AWB using healthy murine models under the course of Trypanosoma cruzi acute infection. Methods: The first set of studies consisted of injecting different volumes of AWB and saline (SAL) into the posterior region of quadriceps muscle of healthy male Swiss mice under distinct therapeutic schemes evaluating: animal behavior, body and organ weight, hemogram, plasmatic biochemical markers for tissue damage and inflammatory cytokine levels and profile. To assess the impact on the experimental T. cruzi infection, different schemes (prior and post infection) and periods of AWB administration (from one up to 10 days) were conducted, also employing heterologous whole blood (HWB) and evaluating plasma cytokine profile. Results: No major adverse events were observed in healthy AWB-treated mice, except gait impairment in animals that received three doses of 20 L AWB in the same hind limb. AWB and SAL triggered an immediate polymorphonuclear response followed by mononuclear infiltrate. Although SAL triggered an inflammatory response, the kinetics and intensity of the histological profile and humoral mediator levels were different from AWB, the latter occurring earlier and more intensely with concomitant elevation of plasma IL-6. Inflammatory peak response of SAL, mainly composed of mononuclear cells with IL-10, was increased at 24 h. According to the mouse model of acute T. cruzi infection, only minor decreases ( 30%) in the parasitemia levels were produced by AWB and HWB given before and after infection, without protecting against mortality. Rises in IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and...

Impact of autologous whole blood administration upon experimental mouse models of acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Autologous whole blood (AWB) administration is described as alternative/complementary medical practice widely employed in medical and veterinary therapy against infections, chronic pathologies and neoplasias. Our aim is to investigate in vivo biological effect of AWB using healthy murine models under the course of Trypanosoma cruzi acute infection. Methods: The first set of studies consisted of injecting different volumes of AWB and saline (SAL) into the posterior region of quadriceps muscle of healthy male Swiss mice under distinct therapeutic schemes evaluating: animal behavior, body and organ weight, hemogram, plasmatic biochemical markers for tissue damage and inflammatory cytokine levels and profile. To assess the impact on the experimental T. cruzi infection, different schemes (prior and post infection) and periods of AWB administration (from one up to 10 days) were conducted, also employing heterologous whole blood (HWB) and evaluating plasma cytokine profile. Results: No major adverse events were observed in healthy AWB-treated mice, except gait impairment in animals that received three doses of 20 µL AWB in the same hind limb. AWB and SAL triggered an immediate polymorphonuclear response followed by mononuclear infiltrate. Although SAL triggered an inflammatory response, the kinetics and intensity of the histological profile and humoral mediator levels were different from AWB, the latter occurring earlier and more intensely with concomitant elevation of plasma IL-6. Inflammatory peak response of SAL, mainly composed of mononuclear cells with IL-10, was increased at 24 h. According to the mouse model of acute T. cruzi infection, only minor decreases (< 30%) in the parasitemia levels were produced by AWB and HWB given before and after infection, without protecting against mortality. Rises in IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were detected at 9 dpi in all infected animals as compared to uninfected mice but only Bz displayed a statistically significant diminution (p= 0.02) in TNF-alpha levels than infected and untreated mice. Conclusions: This study revealed that the use of autologous whole blood (AWB) in the acute model employed was unable to reduce the parasitic load of infected mice, providing only a minor decrease in parasitemia levels (up to 30%) but without protecting against animal mortality. Further in vivo studies will be necessary to elucidate the effective impact of this procedure.(AU)

Effect of self-management efficacy on medication compliance of postoperative thyroid cancer replacement therapy / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between self-management efficacy and medication adherence of the postoperative replacement therapy of thyroid cancer.Methods Of all the 230 thyroid cancer cases treated in the Thyroid Surgery Department of Ningbo No.2 Hospital from Jun.2014 to Jun.2016,125 cases were randomly chosen for the investigation by using the Chinese cancer self-management efficacy scale and the Morisky medication adherence questionnaire.Results The total postoperative alternative medication adherence rate was 47.28±11.49,among which the medium and low adherences accounted for 90.18％.The self-management efficacy score was 74.68±22.80 with scoring index of 62.58％ at the relatively medium level.Statistical significance was observed between the self-management efficacy and the postoperative alternative medication adherence (P＜0.01).Conclusion The self-management efficacy exerts significant effects on the postoperative alternative medication adherence of the thyroid cancer patients in promoting the postoperative recovery and improving the life quality.

Acupuntura para xerostomia e hipofluxo salivar: revisão de literatura / Acupuncture for xerostomia and low salivary flow rate: a literature review

Objetivo: o objetivo deste artigo foi revisar a literatura sobre a prática da acupuntura no tratamento da xerostomia e do hipofluxo salivar. Material e Métodos: foi realizada busca no PUBMED, SCIELO e GOOGLE ACADÊMICO. Os critérios de inclusão foram artigos em português e inglês. Resultados: a literatura revela uma grande falta de padronização entre trabalhos, fato que dificulta a comparação entre eles. Conclusão: mesmo com consideráveis estudos demostrando eficácia a curto e longo prazo, questões importantes ainda permanecem incertas, exigindo novas pesquisas para uma completa definição sobre o assunto.

Objective: the aim of this article was to review the literature about the practice of acupuncture for treatment of xerostomia and low salivary flow rate. Material and Methods: a search was performed using PUBMED, SCIELO, and GOOGLE ACADÊMICO. Full articles written in Portuguese and English were included in this study. Results: there is a lack of standardization among the studies, which makes comparisons between their results extremely difficult. Conclusion: even with considerable studies demonstrating short and long-term efficacy, important issues remain uncertain and require further research to provide a complete definition on the subject.

Levantamento de informações etnobotânicas, etnofarmacológicas e farmacológicas registradas na literatura sobre Tropaeolum majus l. (CHAGUINHA) / Survey of ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological and pharmacological information recorded in literature on Tropaeolum majus l. (garden nasturtium)

O uso popular de plantas é uma arte muito antiga fundamentada no acúmulo de informações repassadas por meio de sucessivas gerações. A etnobotânica e a etnofarmacologia são considerados ferramentas importantes no resgate de saberes tradicionais das sociedades humanas, passadas e presentes, e suas interações com as plantas e a geração de conhecimento científico e tecnológico voltados para o uso sustentável dos recursos naturais, e estão diretamente ligados com o mercado fitoterápico. A Tropaeolum majus L. conhecida popularmente como capuchinha, chaguinha ou nastúrcio pertence à família Tropaeolaceae é uma espécie amplamente cultivada no Brasil, tanto para fins ornamentais, medicinais e alimentícios. A Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA) orienta e recomenda o cultivo desta espécie para fins alimentares e medicinais. Diante dessa realidade, inúmeros estudos foram realizados com essa espécie no intuito de comprovar sua eficácia, segurança e qualidade. A partir do levantamento bibliográfico sobre a etnobotânica, etnofarmacologia, farmacologia e toxicologia da espécie em questão, observou-se que existem vários trabalhos publicados que justificam a utilização desta espécie, tanto no uso medicinal quanto alimentício, podendo-se lançar no mercado de produtos naturais um novo fitoterápico promissor, cujos estudos encontram-se bem definidos e justificados.

The popular use of plants is an ancient art based on the accumulation of information passed on through successive generations. Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology are considered important tools in the recovery of traditional human society knowledge, both past and present, their interactions with plants and the generation of scientific and technological knowledge for sustainable use of natural resources, directly linked with the herbal medicine market. The Tropaeolum majus L. (popularly known as garden nasturtium, Indian cress or monks cress) belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family, and is widely cultivated in Brazil, for ornamental, medicinal and food purposes. The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) provides guidance and recommendation on the cultivation of this species for food and medicinal purposes. Thus, many studies have been carried out with this species in order to prove its efficacy, safety and quality. From the literature on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, pharmacology and toxicology of the studied species, it could be observed that there are several published works justifying the use of this species, both for its medical and food use, thus allowing the launching of natural products on the market with a promising new herbal medicine, with well-defined and justified studies.

Homeopatia aplicada à reprodução animal / Homeopathy applied to animal reproduction / Homeopatía aplicada a la reproducción animal

A homeopatia é um sistema terapêutico que propõe abordagem clínica e terapêutica para o tratamento do indivíduo doente, desenvolvida por Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann no final do século XVIII. No Brasil, a homeopatia foi introduzida por Benoit Mure, em 1840, tornando-se uma nova opção de tratamento. Como princípio básico tem-se a utilização de medicamentos dinamizados, ou seja, preparados a partir de substâncias animais, vegetais, minerais ou tecidos doentes. Existem duas leis que sustentam a homeopatia como parte da medicina. A primeira é a Lei dos Semelhantes - ?Similia simili buscurentur?- (os semelhantes que se curem pelos semelhantes) e, a segunda, a Lei do Vitalismo. O uso da homeopatia na reprodução se faz importante na busca de melhorias da fertilidade animal, tanto no diz respeito ao tratamento de patologias quanto na eficiência reprodutiva. Contudo, novos estudos devem ser desenvolvidos, uma vez que há divergências nos resultados encontrados na literatura.

Homeopathy is a therapeutic system proposing both clinical and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of the patient, developed by Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann in the late eighteenth century. In Brazil, homeopathy was introduced by Benoit Mure in 1840, becoming a new treatment option. The use of dynamized medication, or prepared from animal, vegetable or mineral substances, or from diseased tissue is at the core of homeopathy. There are two laws that support homeopathy as part of medicine. The first one is the Law of Similars - ?Similia simili buscurentur? - (like cures like). The second law is the Law of Vitalism. The use of homeopathy in reproduction is important in the search for improvement in animal fertility, both regarding the treatment of diseases and as in reproductive efficiency. However, further studies still need to be developed, since there are differences in the results found in literature.

La homeopatía es un sistema terapéutico que ofrece enfoque clínico y terapéutico para el tratamiento de la persona enferma, desarrollado por Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann a finales del siglo XVIII. En Brasil, la homeopatía fue introducida por Benoit Mure en 1840, convirtiéndose en una nueva opción de tratamiento. Como principio básico se ha utilizado drogas energizadas, es decir, sustancias preparadas a partir de animales, vegetales, minerales o tejidos enfermos. Hay dos leyes que apoyan la homeopatía como parte de la medicina. La primera es la ley de los semejantes - ?Similia simili buscurentur? - (los semejantes que se curen por los semejantes) y, la segunda, la Ley del Vitalismo. El uso de la homeopatía en la reproducción llega a ser importante en la búsqueda de la mejora de la fertilidad de los animales, tanto en lo que respecta al tratamiento de patologías como la eficiencia reproductiva. Sin embargo, nuevos estudios deben ser desarrollados, ya que hay divergencias en los resultados encontrados en la literatura.

Mercurius solubilis en el tratamiento de pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente / Mercurius solubilis in the treatment of patients with recurrent aphthous estomatitis

Se realizó ensayo clinicoterapéutico controlado, de fase II B, de 112 pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente, atendidos en la Clínica Estomatológica "José Luis Tassende" de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero hasta diciembre de 2013, para evaluar la eficacia del Mercurius solubilis en el tratamiento de estos. La muestra fue distribuida de forma aleatoria, mediante orden de llegada, en 2 grupos (uno de estudio y uno control), con 56 integrantes cada uno. Los primeros fueron tratados con Mercurius solubilis y los segundos con los remedios homeopáticos habituales. Para la validación estadística de la información obtenida se emplearon el porcentaje, el test de Ji al cuadrado, con 95 % de confiabilidad, y la probabilidad exacta de Fisher. Entre los grupos estudiados no existieron diferencias significativas en relación con la remisión de la intensidad del dolor, la recuperación de la integridad epitelial y la curación al tercer, quinto y séptimo días de tratamiento. Se demostró que esta terapia alternativa fue tan eficaz como el bórax.

A controlled clinical and therapeutical trial, of phase II B, was carried out on 112 patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis, assisted in "José Luis Tassende" Stomatological Clinic in Santiago de Cuba from January to December, 2013, to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mercurius solubilis in their treatment. The sample was randomly distributed, through arrival order, in 2 groups (a study group and a control group), with 56 members each. The first ones were treated with Mercurius solubilis and the seconds with the habitual homeopathic remedies. For the statistical validation of the obtained information, the percentage, the chi square test, with 95% of confidence, and the exact probability of Fisher were used. There were no significant differences among the studied groups in relation to the remission of the pain intensity, the recovery of the epithelial integrity and the cure at the third, fifth and seventh days of treatment. It was demonstrated that this alternative therapy was as effective as borax.

<b>Two Cases where Kampo Medicines Successfully Replaced Psychotropic D</b><b>rugs</b> / 日本東洋医学雑誌

Psychotropic drug dependence, especially with benzodiazepines, is recognized as a growing problem. Several alternative agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been suggested as benzodiazepine replacements. The author here reports two cases with neurosis in which psychotropic drugs were successfully replaced with Kampo medicines such as saikokeishito, saikokeishikankyoto, kihito, kamishoyosan, and saikokaryukotsuboreito. As two patients discontinued benzodiazepines, rebound symptoms arose in one, and the other exhibited withdrawal symptoms and relapsed. These symptoms gradually improved, however, and Kampo medicines were able to contribute toward their complete alleviation. This suggests that Kampo therapy can be an alternative to psychotropic drugs, especially benzodiazepines.