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Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) is an aggressive cystic lesion of the jaws and one of the most common odontogenic cysts, usually affecting the posterior region of the mandible. Recurrences are frequently recorded and may be directly related to the treatment modality adopted. Two patients presenting OKC were treated by combining decompression and intralesional irrigation with the drug Elixir Sanativo® for 8 months before enucleation surgery. In both patients, the association between decompression and irrigation with Elixir Sanativo® represented a safe and effective method to reduce the preoperative lesion dimensions.
El queratoquiste odontogénico (QO) es una lesión quística agresiva de la mandíbula y es uno de los quistes odontogénicos más frecuentes, que suele afectar a la región posterior de la mandíbula. Las recidivas se registran con frecuencia y pueden estar directamente relacionadas con la modalidad de tratamiento adoptada. Presentación del caso: Dos pacientes que presentaban OKC fueron tratados combinando descompresión e irrigación intralesional con el fármaco Elixir Sanativo® durante 8 meses antes de la cirugía de enucleación. En ambos pacientes, la asociación entre descompresión e irrigación con Elixir Sanativo® representó un método seguro y eficaz para reducir las dimensiones de la lesión preoperatoria.
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Desarrollar guías actualizadas para el manejo farmacológico de la artritis reumatoide (AR). Se conformó un grupo de expertos que fueran representativos de las distintas regiones geográficas y los diferentes servicios médicos que atienden a la población mexicana con AR. Se desarrollaron preguntas basadas en Población, Intervención, Comparación y Desenlace [Outcome] (PICO) que fueron consideradas relevantes desde el punto de vista clínico; las preguntas encontraron su respuesta en los resultados de una revisión sistemática de la literatura (RSL) reciente y la validez de la evidencia fue evaluada mediante el sistema GRADE, considerado un estándar para estos fines. Posteriormente, el grupo de expertos desarrollaró un acuerdo en la dirección y fuerza de las recomendaciones mediante un proceso de votación en distintas etapas. Las guías actualizadas para el tratamiento de la AR categorizan en forma estratificada a las distintas opciones terapéuticas incluyendo las distintas familias de fármacos modificadores de la enfermedad (FARME): convencionales, biológicos e inhibidores de JAK), además de AINE, glucocorticoides y analgésicos. Establece por consenso el uso de todos ellos en distintas subpoblaciones de interés de pacientes con AR, y aborda, además, aspectos relacionados con la vacunación, la COVID-19, la cirugía, el embarazo y la lactancia entre otros. La presente actualización de las guías mexicanas para el tratamiento farmacológico de la AR brinda elementos de referencia en la toma de decisiones basados en la evidencia científica más reciente, y recomienda la participación del paciente para la toma de decisiones conjuntas en la búsqueda del mayor beneficio de nuestros pacientes; establece además, recomendaciones para el manejo de una diversidad de condiciones relevantes que afectan a nuestros pacientes.
Subject(s)
Humans , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy , Biological Therapy , Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use , MexicoABSTRACT
Watch-and-wait has emerged as a new strategy for the management of rectal cancer when a complete clinical response is achieved after neoadjuvant therapy. In an attempt to standardize this new clinical approach, initiated by the Spanish Cooperative Group for the Treatment of Digestive Tumors (TTD), and with the participation of the Spanish Association of Coloproctology (AECP), the Spanish Society of Pathology (SEAP), the Spanish Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (SEED), the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR), and the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM), we present herein a consensus on a watch-and-wait approach for the management of rectal cancer. We have focused on patient selection, the treatment schemes evaluated, the optimal timing for evaluating the clinical complete response, the oncologic outcomes after the implementation of this strategy, and a protocol for surveillance of these patients.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods , Treatment Outcome , Chemoradiotherapy/methodsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Inadequate trunk function is the underlying cause of many problems such as impaired balance and mobility. Although there have been trunk-based physiotherapy approaches in recent years, almost all of these approaches focus on motor problems. This study aims to investigate the effects of sensory training combined with trunk-centered Bobath exercises on trunk control and proprioception, balance, gait, and the activity of daily living (ADL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial included with twenty-seven stroke patients. Participants were separated into two groups, Group 1; 'sensory training combined with trunk-centered Bobath exercises' and Group 2; 'trunk-centered Bobath exercises'. Trunk-centered Bobath exercises were used for motor training. Sensory training included transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation and a set of exercises that provide tactile and proprioceptive stimulation. Trunk Impairment Scale, Trunk Reposition Error, Berg Balance Scale, 2-minute walk test, and Barthel Index were used to assess trunk control, trunk proprioception, balance, gait, and ADL respectively. RESULTS: Intra-group analysis results showed that trunk control, trunk proprioception, balance, gait, and ADL improved in both groups after treatment (p < 0.05). The changes in the Trunk Reposition Error values of the participants in Group 1 before and after treatment was found to be significantly higher than Group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that the application of trunk-centered motor training is effective in improving trunk proprioception and trunk control, balance, gait, and ADL in stroke patients. Also, sensory training combined with trunk-centered motor training was found more effective in improving trunk proprioception than solely motor training.
Subject(s)
Exercise Therapy , Postural Balance , Proprioception , Stroke Rehabilitation , Stroke , Torso , Humans , Male , Female , Proprioception/physiology , Stroke Rehabilitation/methods , Middle Aged , Single-Blind Method , Stroke/physiopathology , Stroke/therapy , Stroke/complications , Torso/physiopathology , Exercise Therapy/methods , Postural Balance/physiology , Aged , Activities of Daily Living , Adult , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widespread disorder, and the worldwide incidence is rapidly increasing. Acupuncture, an intervention out of the spectrum of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long tradition as treatment for ED. Nonetheless, a best-practice treatment protocol is currently missing. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed a huge diversity of acupuncture treatments for ED and concluded that there is an urgent need to standardise acupuncture treatment for ED. Consequently, the authors conducted a Delphi process with the aim to achieve an expert consensus as a basis for the development of a best-practice protocol. METHODS: The Delphi process consisted of four rounds of questionnaires with closed and open-ended questions. Eleven acupuncture experts participated. The therapeutic aim was defined as "to achieve an erection sufficient for sexual satisfaction." RESULTS: Consensus was achieved on 24 acupoints corresponding to 12 TCM syndromes. The syndromes were KI Yang xu, KI Yin xu, KI Qi xu, Ki and HT not harmonised, LR Qi Stagnation, LR Qi stagnation and Heat, Liver Blood xu, Liver Blood xu and Liver Qi stagnation, Damp-heat sinking to the lower Jiao5, HT and GB Qi xu, SP xu and HT Blood xu, Yin xu. The suggested optimal dose was between 11 and 15 treatments given once or twice a week. CONCLUSION: An expert consensus-based, semi-standardised best-practice treatment protocol for the treatment of ED was developed. Moreover, the Delphi process also revealed inconsistencies as to which signs and symptoms constitute a TCM syndrome. Further Delphi studies including a broader range of experts from various acupuncture traditions are needed to establish further agreement. Nonetheless, the best-practice protocol introduced in this study provides a first point of departure for the implementation of a more standardised treatment approach. Moreover, since a recent meta-analysis concluded that more high-quality clinical studies on the topic are needed, this study provides a first standardised acupuncture treatment protocol for ED.
Subject(s)
Acupuncture Therapy , Delphi Technique , Erectile Dysfunction , Humans , Erectile Dysfunction/therapy , Male , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Surveys and Questionnaires , Acupuncture Points , ConsensusABSTRACT
This systematic review evaluates the scientific literature on pediatric periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), adhering to PRISMA guidelines and utilizing PICOS criteria. The search across PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus yielded 331 articles, with 17 meeting inclusion criteria. Diagnostic criteria evolved, with polysomnography and PLMS index ≥5 required since 2003. Also, PLMD diagnosis mandates clinical consequences like insomnia, hypersomnia, and fatigue, excluding comorbidities causing sleep disruption. Prevalence in children is low (0.3%), emphasizing the need for meticulous investigation. Comorbidities, particularly the bidirectional relationship with ADHD, were explored. Challenges in diagnosis and understanding arise from overlapping conditions such as sleep disordered breathing, psychotropic medication, and criteria non-adherence. Despite generally good study quality, weaknesses include sample size justification and biases. The periodic leg movement index shows high sensitivity but low specificity, underscoring strict diagnostic criteria adherence. Diverse metrics for symptoms necessitate standardized approaches. Family history of RLS in children with PLMD suggests unexplored aspects. Treatment, mainly iron supplementation, lacks standardized assessment metrics. The review emphasizes diagnostic and treatment challenges, recommending unbiased studies with precise techniques. Comprehensive research, quantifying PLMS and objectively assessing sleep parameters, is crucial for advancing understanding in pediatric PLMD. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021251406.
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Nocturnal Myoclonus Syndrome , Polysomnography , Humans , Nocturnal Myoclonus Syndrome/diagnosis , Child , ComorbidityABSTRACT
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition caused by an autoimmune response that results in the progressive loss of melanocytes and recent studies have suggested that Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are emerging as a promising new treatment modality. Therefore, to assess and understand the extent of knowledge in the emerging field of JAKi use in vitiligo, a scoping review of the literature was undertaken. The reviewed articles explored a wide variety of JAKi administered either orally or topically for vitiligo. There were no injectable JAKi studied. Tofacitinib was the most commonly studied oral JAKi in 16 of the 35 studies selected for review, followed by baricitinib (n = 3), and one study each with ritlecitinib, ruxolitinib, and upadacitinib. Ruxolitinib (n = 6) and tofacitinib (n = 6) were the most often studied topical JAKi, followed by delgocitinib (n = 1). Potential benefits may vary between JAKi based on their receptor selectivity profile and coexistent autoimmune diseases. A topical JAKi would be advantageous in limited body area involvement and in adolescents. Concurrent use of JAKi with phototherapy or sun exposure appears beneficial. Most studies permitted the use of other topical agents. Acne-related events, though frequent yet mild, were reported with both oral and topical JAKi. Nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and headaches were the most common adverse effects seen in the larger trials with JAKi. No serious or clinically meaningful hematology or thromboembolic events were detected. Treatment of vitiligo with oral or topical JAKi seems to be promising and the growing evidence shows a favorable risk-benefit profile.
Subject(s)
Janus Kinase Inhibitors , Piperidines , Pyrimidines , Vitiligo , Humans , Vitiligo/drug therapy , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Pyrimidines/administration & dosage , Pyrimidines/adverse effects , Piperidines/administration & dosage , Piperidines/therapeutic use , Piperidines/adverse effects , Azetidines/administration & dosage , Azetidines/therapeutic use , Pyrazoles/administration & dosage , Pyrazoles/adverse effects , Administration, Oral , Nitriles/administration & dosage , Sulfonamides/administration & dosage , Sulfonamides/therapeutic use , Purines/administration & dosage , Administration, Cutaneous , Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring/administration & dosage , Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring/therapeutic use , Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring/adverse effects , Pyrroles/administration & dosage , Pyrroles/adverse effects , PhototherapyABSTRACT
Background: Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) therapy opens up the possibility for individuals with Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) to receive a home-based, patient-controlled approach to pain management. The aim of this study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of patient-controlled TEAS (PC-TEAS) for relieving CIBP in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods/Design: This is a study protocol for a prospective, triple-blind, randomized controlled trial. We anticipate enrolling 188 participants with NSCLC bone metastases who are also using potent opioid analgesics from 4 Chinese medical centers. These participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the true PC-TEAS or the sham PC-TEAS group. All participants will receive standard adjuvant oncology therapy. The true group will undergo patient-controlled TEAS intervention as needed, while the sham group will follow the same treatment schedule but with non-conductive gel patches. Each treatment course will span 7 days, with a total of 4 courses administered. There will be 4 assessment time points: baseline, the conclusion of weeks 4, 8, and 12. The primary outcome of this investigation is the response rate of the average pain on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) scale at week 4 after treatment. Secondary outcomes include pain related indicators, quality of life scale, mood scales, and routine blood counts on the assessment days. Any adverse events will be promptly addressed and reported if they occur. We will manage trial data using the EDC platform, with a data monitoring committee providing regular quality oversight. Discussion: PC-TEAS interventions offer an attempt to achieve home-based acupuncture treatment and the feasibility of achieving triple blinding in acupuncture research. This study is designed to provide more rigorous trial evidence for the adjuvant treatment of cancer-related pain by acupuncture and to explore a safe and effective integrative medicine scheme for CIBP. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05730972, registered February 16, 2023.
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Objectives: This study assesses tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes in Haiti. Methods: Data from drug-susceptible patients with TB (2018-2019) were analyzed using the Fine & Gray model with multiple imputation. Results: Of the 16,545 patients, 14.7% had concurrent HIV coinfection, with a 66.2% success rate. The median treatment duration was 5 months, with patients averaging 30 years (with an interquartile range of 22-42 years). The estimated hazard of achieving a successful treatment outcome decreased by 2.5% and 8.1% for patients aged 45 and 60 years, respectively, compared with patients aged 30 years. Male patients had a 6.5% lower estimated hazard of success than their female counterparts. In addition, patients coinfected with HIV experienced a 35.3% reduction in the estimated hazard of achieving a successful treatment outcome compared with those with a negative HIV serologic status. Conclusions: Integrated health care approaches should be implemented, incorporating innovative solutions, such as machine learning algorithms combined with geographic information systems and non-conventional data sources (including social media), to identify TB hotspots and high-burden households.
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Prostate cancer is a prevalent and debilitating disease that necessitates effective prevention and treatment strategies. Green tea, a well-known beverage derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, contains bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including catechins and polyphenols. This comprehensive review aims to explore the potential benefits of green tea in prostate cancer prevention and treatment by examining existing literature. Green tea possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties attributed to its catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate. Epidemiological studies have reported an inverse association between green tea consumption and prostate cancer risk, with potential protection against aggressive forms of the disease. Laboratory studies demonstrate that green tea components inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis, and modulate signaling pathways critical to prostate cancer development and progression. Clinical trials and human studies further support the potential benefits of green tea. Green tea consumption has been found to be associated with a reduction in prostate-specific antigen levels, tumor markers, and played a potential role in slowing disease progression. However, challenges remain, including optimal dosage determination, formulation standardization, and conducting large-scale, long-term clinical trials. The review suggests future research should focus on combinatorial approaches with conventional therapies and personalized medicine strategies to identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit from green tea interventions.
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BACKGROUND: Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare group of non-Hodgkin lymphoma originating from the skin, which is characterized by T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Chidamide, a Chinese original antineoplastic agent with independent intellectual property rights, and matrine, an extract of Chinese herbal medicine, both have been reported to exert effects on the treatment of tumors individually. However, chidamide combined with matrine has not been tested for the treatment of CTCL. METHODS: Both HH and Hut78 CTCL cell lines were treated with chidamide (0.4 µmol/L), matrine (0.6 g/L), or chidamide combined with matrine for 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell viability was estimated by MTS assay at each time point. Flow cytometry was then conducted to detect cell apoptosis. The exact mechanism of chidamide combined with matrine on CTCL cells was detected by Western blotting and further validated in xenograft models of NOD/SCID mice. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Compared to the single drug, chidamide combined with matrine showed a more significant effect on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction on CTCL cells both in vitro and in vivo. The results from the in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that matrine could enhance the anti-tumor effect of chidamide by increasing the protein expression of cleaved caspase- 3 and decreasing the expression of E-cadherin, NF-κB, p-Bad, and Bcl-2 to activate apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Our data have demonstrated chidamide combined with matrine to exhibit elevated antitumor activity in both CTCL cells and xenograft models of NOD/SCID mice, which may be a potential treatment option for CTCL.
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The study explored the plasma-activated water (PAW)-assisted heat-moisture treatment (HMT) on the structural, physico-chemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of extrusion-recrystallized starch. Native starch of hausa potatoes underwent modification through a dual process involving PAW-assisted HMT (PHMT) followed by extrusion-recrystallization (PERH) using a twin-screw extruder. The PHMT sample showed surface roughness and etching with a significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) RC (20.12 %) and ΔH (5.86 J/g) compared to DHMT. In contrast, PERH-induced structural damage, resulting in an irregular block structure, and altered the crystalline pattern from A to B + V-type characterized by peaks at 17.04°, 19.74°, 22°, and 23.94°. DSC analysis showed two endothermic peaks in all the extrusion-recrystallized samples, having the initial peak attributed to the melting of structured amylopectin chains and the second one linked to the melting of complexes formed during retrogradation. Dual-modified samples displayed notably increased transition temperatures (To1 74.54 and 74.17 °C, To2 122.65 and 121.49 °C), along with increased RS content (43.76 %-45.30 %). This study envisages a novel approach for RS preparation and broadens the utilization of PAW in starch modification synergistically with environmentally friendly techniques.
Subject(s)
Hyperthermia, Induced , Solanum tuberosum , Hot Temperature , Starch , WaterABSTRACT
Development of nanomedicines that can collaboratively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibit inflammatory cytokines, along with osteogenesis promotion, is essential for efficient osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Herein, we report the design of a ROS-responsive nanomedicine formulation based on fibronectin (FN)-coated polymer nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with azabisdimethylphoaphonate-terminated phosphorus dendrimers (G4-TBP). The constructed G4-TBP NPs-FN with a size of 268 nm are stable under physiological conditions, can be specifically taken up by macrophages through the FN-mediated targeting, and can be dissociated in the oxidative inflammatory microenvironment. The G4-TBP NPs-FN loaded with G4-TBP dendrimer having intrinsic anti-inflammatory property and FN having both anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties display integrated functions of ROS scavenging, hypoxia attenuation, and macrophage M2 polarization, thus protecting macrophages from apoptosis and creating designed bone immune microenvironment for stem cell osteogenic differentiation. These characteristics of the G4-TBP NPs-FN lead to their effective treatment of an OA model in vivo to reduce pathological changes of joints including synovitis inhibition and cartilage matrix degradation and simultaneously promote osteogenic differentiation for bone repair. The developed nanomedicine formulation combining the advantages of both bioactive phosphorus dendrimers and FN to treat OA may be developed for immunomodulatory therapy of different inflammatory diseases.
Subject(s)
Dendrimers , Nanoparticles , Osteoarthritis , Humans , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Osteogenesis , Dendrimers/therapeutic use , Osteoarthritis/drug therapy , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Phosphorus/therapeutic useABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is still undertreated in most patients, as evidence for pharmacological treatments is limited and conflicting. Also, the efficacy of the pharmacological agents relative to each other is still unclear. Therefore, medications that may potentially contribute to improving CRF will be investigated in this head-to-head trial. Our main objective is to compare the efficacy of methylphenidate vs. bupropion vs. ginseng vs. amantadine vs. placebo in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: The 5-EPIFAT study is a 5-arm, randomized, multi-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial that will use a parallel-group design with an equal allocation ratio comparing the efficacy and safety of four medications (Methylphenidate vs. Bupropion vs. Ginseng vs. Amantadine) versus placebo for management of CRF. We will recruit 255 adult patients with advanced cancer who experience fatigue intensity ≥ 4 based on a 0-10 scale. The study period includes a 4-week intervention and a 4-week follow-up with repeated measurements over time. The primary outcome is the cancer-related fatigue level over time, which will be measured by the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-fatigue (FACIT-F) scale. To evaluate safety, the secondary outcome is the symptomatic adverse events, which will be assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events in cancer clinical trials (PRO-CTCAE). Also, a subgroup analysis based on a decision tree-based machine learning algorithm will be employed for the clinical prediction of different agents in homogeneous subgroups. DISCUSSION: The findings of the 5-EPIFAT trial could be helpful to guide clinical decision-making, personalization treatment approach, design of future trials, as well as the development of CRF management guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT.ir IRCT20150302021307N6. Registered on 13 May 2023.
Subject(s)
Methylphenidate , Neoplasms , Panax , Adult , Humans , Amantadine/therapeutic use , Bupropion/therapeutic use , Fatigue/diagnosis , Fatigue/drug therapy , Fatigue/etiology , Methylphenidate/therapeutic use , Multicenter Studies as Topic , Neoplasms/therapy , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To observe the efficacy of napex acupoint thread-embedding combined with metoprolol tartrate tablet for prophylactic treatment of migraine without aura, and to compare its efficacy with simple napex acupoint thread-embedding and simple metoprolol tartrate tablet. METHODS: A total of 105 patients with migraine without aura were randomized into a combination group (35 cases, 5 cases dropped out), a thread-embedding group (35 cases, 4 cases dropped out) and a western medication group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped out). In the thread-embedding group, napex acupoint thread-embedding was applied at bilateral Fengchi (GB 20) and points of 1.5 cun nearby to the lower edge of spinous process of cervical 2. In the western medication group, metoprolol tartrate tablet was given orally, 12.5 mg a time, twice a day. In the combination group, napex acupoint thread-embedding combined with oral metoprolol tartrate tablet was delivered. The treatment of 8 weeks was required in the 3 groups. The days of headache attacks, frequency of headache attacks, headache severity (visual analogue scale [VAS] score) and the migraine specific quality of life questionnaire version 2.1 (MSQ) score were observed during baseline period (4 weeks before treatment to before treatment), observation period (1-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks in treatment) and follow-up period (1-4 weeks after treatment completion) respectively, the proportions of the days of headache attacks/frequency of headache attacks relieved by 50% were calculated, and the safety was evaluated in the 3 groups. RESULTS: During the observation period and the follow-up period, the days of headache attacks, frequency of headache attacks and headache VAS scores in the 3 groups were reduced compared with those of the baseline period (P<0.05). During the observation period and the follow-up period, the days of headache attacks and the frequency of headache attacks in the combination group were lower than those in the thread-embedding group and the western medication group (P<0.05); during the observation period (1-4 weeks in treatment), the headache VAS scores in the combination group and the thread-embedding group were lower than that in the western medication group (P<0.05); during the observation period (5-8 weeks in treatment) and the follow-up period, the headache VAS scores in the combination group were lower than those in the thread-embedding group and the western medication group (P<0.05). During the observation period and the follow-up period, the scores of role restriction, role prevention and emotion function of MSQ in the combination group were increased compared with those of the baseline period (P<0.05); during the observation period (5-8 weeks in treatment) and the follow-up period, the role prevention scores of MSQ in the thread-embedding group and the western medication group were increased compared with those of the baseline period (P<0.05); during the follow-up period, the emotion function scores of MSQ in the thread-embedding group and the western medication group were increased compared with those of the baseline period (P<0.05). During the observation period and the follow-up period, the scores of role restriction, role prevention and emotion function of MSQ in the combination group were higher than those in the thread-embedding group and the western medication group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the proportions of the days of headache attacks/frequency of headache attacks relieved by 50% among the 3 groups (P>0.05), and there were no serious adverse reactions in the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Napex acupoint thread-embedding combined with metoprolol tartrate tablet, simple napex acupoint thread-embedding and simple metoprolol tartrate tablet all can reduce the days of headache attacks and the frequency of headache attacks, relieve headache severity and improve the quality of life in patients with migraine without aura. Napex acupoint thread-embedding combined with metoprolol tartrate tablet has a better effect.
Subject(s)
Acupuncture Points , Migraine without Aura , Humans , Metoprolol/therapeutic use , Quality of Life , Headache , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The paper presents the summary of the spectrum of encephalopathy treated with acupuncture and moxibustion and the analysis on the existing questions in its clinical research, and proposes the potential strategies on treatment of encephalopathy with acupuncture and moxibustion. The spectrum of encephalopathy includes 23 diseases of central nervous system (superspinal center) and 33 kinds of mental and behavioral disorders. There are three problems in clinical research of acupuncture and moxibustion for encephalopathy, i.e. lack of high-quality clinical evidences, inadequate support from theoretic study of TCM and limited study on the rules of treatment. Hence, the author proposes five strategies on the treatment of encephalopathy with acupuncture and moxibustion, i.e. â stimulating the peripheral nerve trunk associated with brain dysfunction, triggering the interaction between peripheral and central nerves and emphasizing the autonomic rehabilitation training to promote the reorganization of brain function; â¡ improving the cerebral circulation and metabolism by stimulating the trigeminal nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion; ⢠stimulating the sites with high-dense distribution of peripheral nerve endings and the large projection area in the somatosensory region of the brain to induce strong brain responses, which may adjust the abnormal operation of the default mode network in the resting state; ⣠stimulating the vagus nerve to improve the mood, suppressing the abnormal firing of brain neurons and stimulating the sites with the stellate ganglion distributed to modulate the hypothalamic function; ⤠delivering the therapeutic regimens in association with the specific conditions and symptoms, and the classification of the physical signs on the base of the treatment of encephalopathy.
Subject(s)
Acupuncture Therapy , Acupuncture , Brain Diseases , Moxibustion , Humans , Brain Diseases/therapy , BrainABSTRACT
Focusing on the syndrome/pattern differentiation to determine treatment, the approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion for adenomyosis are explored by identifying the etiology, location, nature and development of disease. The syndromes/patterns of adenomyosis are differentiated in view of both zangfu and meridian theories. The treatment is delivered complying with the menstrual cycle and the basic rule of treatment, "treating the symptoms in the acute stage, while the root causes in the recovery stage". During menstrual period, stopping pain and eliminating stasis are dominant; while during the other days of menstrual cycle, regulating zangfu dysfunction (excess or deficiency) is emphasized. In general, the functions of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel should be specially considered and adjusted, and the principles of treatment include strengthening the spleen, regulating the kidney and soothing the liver. Acupoints are selected mainly from the spleen meridian of foot-taiyin, the kidney meridian of foot-shaoyin and the conception vessel. Ciliao (BL 32), Shiqizhui (EX-B 8), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Diji (SP 8) and four-gate points (bilateral Hegu [LI 4] and Taichong [LR 3]) are used in menstrual period; Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taixi (KI 3) in postmenstrual phase; Guanyuan (CV 4), Luanchao (Ovary, Extra) and Qihai (CV 6) in intermenstrual phase; while, Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6) and Shenque (CV 8), combined with Gongsun (SP 4), Neiguan (PC 6) and Jianshi (PC 5) in premenstrual phase. According to the dynamic development of patient's conditions, the reinforcing or reducing techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion are feasibly applied in treatment of adenomyosis.
Subject(s)
Acupuncture Therapy , Adenomyosis , Meridians , Moxibustion , Female , Humans , Adenomyosis/therapy , Acupuncture PointsABSTRACT
Chronic wounds remain a significant clinical challenge both for those affected and for healthcare systems. The treatment is often comprised and complex. All patients should receive wound care that is integrated into a holistic approach involving local management that addresses the underlying etiology and provides for gold standard therapy to support healing, avoid complications and be more cost effective. There have been significant advances in medicine over the last few decades. The development of new technologies and therapeutics for the local treatment of wounds is also constantly increasing. To help standardize clinical practice with regard to the multitude of wound products, the M.O.I.S.T. concept was developed by a multidisciplinary expert group. The M stands for moisture balance, O for oxygen balance, I for infection control, S for supporting strategies, and T for tissue management. Since the M.O.I.S.T. concept, which originated in the German-speaking countries, is now intended to provide healthcare professionals with an adapted instrument to be used in clinical practice, and a recent update to the concept has been undertaken by a group of interdisciplinary experts to align it with international standards. The M.O.I.S.T. concept can now be used internationally both as an educational tool and for the practical implementation of modern local treatment concepts for patients with chronic wounds and can also be used in routine clinical practice.
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ABSTRACTBackground: Prior research has shown PTSD treatment leads to reductions in cardiovascular reactivity during trauma recall, but the extent to which such reductions are associated with changes in PTSD symptoms is less clear. Moreover, such relationships have not been investigated in a cognitively focused PTSD treatment.Objective: To examine changes in cardiovascular reactivity to the trauma memory in patients receiving cognitive processing therapy (CPT), CPT with a written trauma account, and a written account only condition. We also examined the association of such changes with symptom improvement.Method: 118 women with PTSD secondary to interpersonal violence completed pre- and post-treatment assessments of PTSD symptoms and cardiovascular reactivity during a script-driven imagery task.Results: Results indicated a significant but modest reduction in cardiovascular reactivity in CPT conditions. Changes in cardiovascular reactivity and reexperiencing symptoms were significantly associated among the whole sample. Among individuals with the greatest reactivity to the trauma memory at pretreatment, associations were also seen with changes in total PTSD, numbing, and trauma-related guilt.Conclusions: Results indicate that previous findings on the effect of PTSD treatment on cardiovascular reactivity during trauma recall extend to cognitively oriented treatment. Baseline cardiovascular reactivity may influence the extent to which reductions in PTSD symptoms and reactivity during trauma recall are related.
Cognitive Processing Therapy leads to reduced heart rate reactivity when recalling a trauma memory.Decreases in heart rate reactivity are associated with reduced reexperiencing symptoms.Changes in heart rate reactivity and PTSD symptoms are more closely related among patients with greater pretreatment reactivity.
Subject(s)
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Humans , Female , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology , Mental Recall , Imagery, Psychotherapy , Life Change Events , Violence/psychologyABSTRACT
Search of new rational ways to increase the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation measures for patients with psoriasis vulgaris continues to be one of the urgent problems in modern clinical dermatology. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a comparative analysis of the impact of different variants of sanatorium-resort treatment (SRT) - pelotherapy and pelotherapy in combination with intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILBI) - on the level of IL-17 and TNF-a, dermatological status, psychoemotional state and quality of life (QL) assessment of patients with psoriasis vulgaris. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A naturalistic comparative study included 120 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, who were undergoing SRT: 57 patients in the pelotherapy group and 63 in the group of pelotherapy in combination with ILBI. The SRT effectiveness was assessed using the PASI index, the HARS and HDRS scales and the DLQI questionnaire. The dynamics of IL-17 and TNF-a plasma levels in blood plasma was studied. The study duration was 6 months 14 days. RESULTS: After 14 days of SRT, a decrease in IL-17 and TNF-a levels in blood plasma was statistically significant both in the pelotherapy group and in the group of pelotherapy in combination with ILBI, no statistically significant differences between the groups were found. Furthermore, the comprehensive use of pelotherapy in combination with ILBI has contributed to a more pronounced statistically significant decrease in the PASI index, the HARS and HDRS scales' total scores and an increase in the level of QL. The number of patients with clinical remission was statistically higher in the group of pelotherapy combined with ILBI compared to the pelotherapy group (87.3% versus 42.1%) six months after SRT. CONCLUSION: The advantage of comprehensive application of pelotherapy and ILBI in comparison with pelotherapy in patients with psoriasis vulgaris in SRT has been shown. The comprehensive application of pelotherapy and ILBI reduces the level of inflammatory biomarkers, improves dermatological and psychoemotional status, improves QL and is well tolerated by patients.