Therapeutic Effectiveness of Sesame Preparations and its Bioactive Ingredients in Management of Cardiometabolic Syndrome in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

AIM: This systematic review aimed to appraise and recapitulate all research investigations to elucidate the effects of Sesamum indicum preparations on managing the cardiometabolic syndrome of Diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: A systematic review was carried out in a Cochrane fashion and in compliance with the PRISMA checklist using the published academic works in PubMed/MEDLINE, WOS, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases that were searched up to June 2021. Abstracts that met PICO criteria for qualitative studies were duplicate reviewed for data extraction to assess the quality and details of the study. RESULTS: Sesamum indicum preparations and its bioactive lignans, such as sesamin, sesamol, and pinoresinol, were found to possess anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-hypertensive, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects both in patients with T2DM as well as in experimental animal models with T1DM and MetS. The incorporation of sesame oil as a natural adjuvant can be effective in improving vascular reactivity and aortic permeability, reproductive parameters, and diabetic nephropathy, as well as modification of anthropometry indices. Therefore, sesame oil and bioactive lignans as combination therapy with drugs can exhibit synergistic effects and provide a favorable preference in clinical settings. CONCLUSION: Sesame oil and lignans present in it act in a dose-dependent manner. The best dosage to improve risk biomarkers of patients with T2DM and MetS is 30-35 ml daily of sesame oil or inclusion of sesame oil in daily dietary patterns up to 30% of total energy for 8-12 weeks and/or 200 mg daily of sesamin supplementation for eight weeks.

Can acupuncture enhance therapeutic effectiveness of antidepressants and reduce adverse drug reactions in patients with depression? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Some depressed patients receive acupuncture as an adjunct to their conventional medications. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to provide evidence on whether acupuncture can enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of antidepressants for treating depression, and explore whether acupuncture can reduce the adverse reactions associated with antidepressants. SEARCH STRATEGY: English and Chinese databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until December 1, 2021. INCLUSION CRITERIA: RCTs with a modified Jadad scale score ≥ 4 were included if they compared a group of participants with depression that received acupuncture combined with antidepressants with a control group that received antidepressants alone. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Meta-analysis was performed, and statistical heterogeneity was assessed based on Cochran's Q statistic and its related P-value. Primary outcomes were the reduction in the severity of depression and adverse reactions associated with antidepressants, while secondary outcomes included remission rate, treatment response, social functioning, and change in antidepressant dose. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to evaluate the overall quality of evidence in the included studies. RESULTS: This review included 16 studies (with a total of 1958 participants). Most studies were at high risk of performance bias and at low or unclear risk of selection bias, detection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias, and other bias. Analysis of the 16 RCTs showed that, compared with antidepressants alone, acupuncture along with antidepressants reduced the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD-17) scores (standard mean difference [SMD] -0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.55 to -0.33, P < 0.01; I2 = 14%), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores (SMD -0.53, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.23, P < 0.01; I2 = 79%), and the Side Effect Rating Scale (SERS) scores (SMD -1.11, 95% CI -1.56 to -0.66, P < 0.01; I2 = 89%). Compared with antidepressants alone, acupuncture along with antidepressants improved World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF scores (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.44, P < 0.01; I2 = 15%), decreased the number of participants who increased their antidepressant dosages (relative risk [RR] 0.32, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.48, P < 0.01; I2 = 0%), and resulted in significantly higher remission rates (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.83, P < 0.01; I2 = 0%) and treatment responses (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.47, P < 0.01; I2 = 19%) in terms of HAMD-17 scores. The HAMD-17, SDS and SERS scores were assessed as low quality by GRADE and the other indices as being of moderate quality. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture as an adjunct to antidepressants may enhance the therapeutic effectiveness and reduce the adverse drug reactions in patients receiving antidepressants. These findings must be interpreted with caution, as the evidence was of low or moderate quality and there was a lack of comparative data with a placebo control. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY202150008.

Can acupuncture enhance therapeutic effectiveness of antidepressants and reduce adverse drug reactions in patients with depression? A systematic review and meta-analysis / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Some depressed patients receive acupuncture as an adjunct to their conventional medications.@*OBJECTIVE@#This review aims to provide evidence on whether acupuncture can enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of antidepressants for treating depression, and explore whether acupuncture can reduce the adverse reactions associated with antidepressants.@*SEARCH STRATEGY@#English and Chinese databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until December 1, 2021.@*INCLUSION CRITERIA@#RCTs with a modified Jadad scale score ≥ 4 were included if they compared a group of participants with depression that received acupuncture combined with antidepressants with a control group that received antidepressants alone.@*DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS@#Meta-analysis was performed, and statistical heterogeneity was assessed based on Cochran's Q statistic and its related P-value. Primary outcomes were the reduction in the severity of depression and adverse reactions associated with antidepressants, while secondary outcomes included remission rate, treatment response, social functioning, and change in antidepressant dose. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to evaluate the overall quality of evidence in the included studies.@*RESULTS@#This review included 16 studies (with a total of 1958 participants). Most studies were at high risk of performance bias and at low or unclear risk of selection bias, detection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias, and other bias. Analysis of the 16 RCTs showed that, compared with antidepressants alone, acupuncture along with antidepressants reduced the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD-17) scores (standard mean difference [SMD] -0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.55 to -0.33, P < 0.01; I2 = 14%), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores (SMD -0.53, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.23, P < 0.01; I2 = 79%), and the Side Effect Rating Scale (SERS) scores (SMD -1.11, 95% CI -1.56 to -0.66, P < 0.01; I2 = 89%). Compared with antidepressants alone, acupuncture along with antidepressants improved World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF scores (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.44, P < 0.01; I2 = 15%), decreased the number of participants who increased their antidepressant dosages (relative risk [RR] 0.32, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.48, P < 0.01; I2 = 0%), and resulted in significantly higher remission rates (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.83, P < 0.01; I2 = 0%) and treatment responses (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.47, P < 0.01; I2 = 19%) in terms of HAMD-17 scores. The HAMD-17, SDS and SERS scores were assessed as low quality by GRADE and the other indices as being of moderate quality.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture as an adjunct to antidepressants may enhance the therapeutic effectiveness and reduce the adverse drug reactions in patients receiving antidepressants. These findings must be interpreted with caution, as the evidence was of low or moderate quality and there was a lack of comparative data with a placebo control.@*SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION@#INPLASY202150008.

Terapias físicas en pacientes con trastornos de la articulación temporomandibular / Physical therapies in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

RESUMEN Introducción: Se denomina trastorno temporomandibular al conjunto de condiciones musculoesqueléticas que afectan la articulación temporomandibular, los músculos de la masticación y las estructuras anatómicas adyacentes. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de las terapias físicas en pacientes con trastornos de la articulación temporomandibular. Métodos: Se efectuó una intervención terapéutica en la Clínica Estomatológica Provincial Docente Mártires del Moncada de Santiago de Cuba, desde junio de 2016 hasta febrero de 2020. La muestra quedó conformada por 264 pacientes distribuidos en 4 grupos con 66 integrantes cada uno, a quienes se les aplicaron diferentes terapias físicas, tales como ultrasonido, laserterapia, magnetoterapia y técnica de estimulación eléctrica transcutánea, respectivamente. Se analizaron las siguientes variables: edad, grado de trastorno de la articulación temporomandibular 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: Predominó el sexo femenino en todas las terapias aplicadas con más de 75,0 % y el grupo etario de 40 - 49 años. Al finalizar el tratamiento se observó que en los grupos donde se empleó ultrasonido, láser y magneto, la respuesta fue efectiva en más de 90,0 % de los pacientes, con primacía del primero (96,6 %); sin embargo, en el grupo donde se utilizó la técnica de estimulación eléctrica transcutánea solo se logró en 89,4 % de los afectados. Conclusiones: La ultrasonoterapia fue más efectiva en pacientes con trastornos de la articulación temporomandibular.

ABSTRACT Introduction: A temporomandibular disorder is a group of musculoskeletal conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, the mastication muscles and the adjacent anatomical structures. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the physical therapies in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. Methods: A therapeutic intervention was carried out in Mártires del Moncada Teaching Provincial Stomatological Clinic from Santiago de Cuba, from June, 2016 to February, 2020. The sample was formed by 264 patients distributed in 4 groups with 66 members each one, to whom different physical therapies were applied, such as ultrasound, laser therapy, magnetotherapy and technique of transcutaneous electric stimulation, respectively. The following variables were analyzed: age, grade of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint and therapeutic effectiveness. The percentage as summary measure and the chi-squared test were used with a significance level of 0.05. Results: There was a prevalence of the female sex in all the therapies applied with more than 75.0 % and the 40 - 49 age group. When concluding the treatment it was observed that in the groups where ultrasound, laser and magneto was used, the response was effective in more than 90.0 % of the patients, with primacy of the first one (96.6 %); however, in the group where the technique of transcutaneous electric stimulation was used it was just achieved in 89.4 % of the affected patients. Conclusions: The ultrasonotherapy was more effective in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

Efectividad de la magnetoterapia en pacientes con trastornos de la articulación temporomandibular / Effectiveness of magnetotherapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

Introducción: Los trastornos temporomandibulares constituyen un conjunto de condiciones musculoesqueléticas que afectan la articulación temporomandibular, los músculos de la masticación y las estructuras anatómicas adyacentes. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la magnetoterapia en pacientes con trastornos de la articulación temporomandibular. Métodos: Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en la Clínica Estomatológica Provincial Docente Mártires del Moncada de Santiago de Cuba, desde junio de 2016 hasta febrero de 2019. La muestra quedó constituida por 132 pacientes distribuidos en 2 grupos: A (de estudio) y B (de control), quienes recibieron tratamientos con magneto (N=66) y convencional, respectivamente. Se analizaron variables, tales como sexo, edad, grado de trastorno de la articulación temporomandibular 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: Predominaron el sexo femenino (69,7 %) y el grupo etario de 40 - 49 años (51,5 %). Al finalizar el tratamiento se observó que en el grupo A la respuesta fue efectiva en más de 90,0 % de los pacientes; sin embargo, en el grupo B solo se logró en un poco más de 70,0 %. Conclusiones: La magnetoterapia resultó efectiva en pacientes con trastornos de la articulación temporomandibular.

Introduction: The temporomandibular disorders constitute a group of musculo skeletal conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, the masticatory muscles and the adjacent anatomical structures. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the magnetotherapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. Method: A therapeutic intervention was carried out in Mártires del Moncada Teaching Provincial Stomatologic Clinic in Santiago de Cuba, from June, 2016 to February, 2019. The sample was constituted by 132 patients distributed in 2 groups: A (study) and B (control) who received treatments with magneto (N=66) and conventional, respectively. Some variables were analyzed, such as sex, age, degree of the temporomandibular joint disorder and therapeutic effectiveness. The percentage as summary measure and the chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05 were used. Results: There was a prevalence of the female sex (69.7 %) and the 40 - 49 age group (51.5 %). When concluding the treatment it was observed that in group A the response was effective in more than 90.0 % of the patients; however, in group B it was achieved just in a little more than 70.0 %. Conclusions: The magnetotherapy was effective in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

[Randomized controlled trial of internal heat-type acupuncture needle therapy in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of internal heat-type acupuncture needle (IHTAN) the-rapy in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain in apopletic patients. METHODS: According to the random number table, 96 patients with post-stroke shoulder pain were divided into IHTAN group and warm needle moxibustion group (n＝48 in each one). Jianyu (LI15), Jianliao (TE14), Jianzhen (SI9), Binao (LI14) and Ashi points (Extra) on the affected side were selected in the two groups. For patients of the IHTAN group, internal warmth controllable acupuncture needles were inserted into the above-mentioned acupoints, and then connected to an internal heat acupuncture apparatus for stimulating the acupoints at 42 ℃， 20 min every time, once a week, for 4 weeks. For patients of the warm needle moxibustion group, the above mentioned acupoints were stimulated with filiform needles attached with an ignited moxa-stick, once every other day, for 4 weeks. If the shoulder pain disappeared or basically disappeared, it was considered to be healed, if the pain was relieved, it was considered to be effective, ot-herwise, it was considered to be ineffective. The incidence of local skin injury including burn, empyrosis, silt blue, hematoma and infection, the heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, oxyhemoglobin saturation, blood routine (hemoglobin level, white blood cell [WBC] count, platelet count), creatase and dipolymer levels were recorded or detected. Additionally, the patients' satisfaction rate about the treatment environment was recorded. RESULTS: Following the treatment, of the 45 and 47 cases in the warm needle moxibustion and IHTAN groups, 5 (11.11%) and 20 (42.55%) were cured, 26(57.78%) and 21(44.68%) experienced marked improvement, and 14 (31.11%) and 6 (12.77%) had no apparent changes in their shoulder pain severity, with the total effective rates being 68.89% and 87.23%, respectively. The curative rate and total effective rate of the IHTAN group were significantly higher than those of the warm needle moxibustion group (P<0.01，P<0.05). The incidence of skin injury of the IHTAN group was evidently lower than that of the warm needle moxibustion group (P<0.01), and the patients' therapeutic environment satisfaction rate was remarkably higher in the IHTNA group than in the warm needle moxibustion group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups and between pre- and post-treatment in each group in the heart rate, respiration frequency, systolic and diastolic pressures, oxyhemoglobin saturation, hemoglobin content, WBC count, platelet count, and plasma dipolymer, creatine kinase, lactic dehydrogenase, and beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase levels (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The IHTAN therapy is effective, safe and reliable in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain. In terms of the incidence of skin injury and the satisfaction degree of therapeutic environment, the internal heat-type acupuncture needle therapy is obviously superior to the warm needle moxibustion therapy.

Randomized controlled trial of internal heat-type acupuncture needle therapy in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of internal heat-type acupuncture needle (IHTAN) the-rapy in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain in apopletic patients. METHODS: According to the random number table, 96 patients with post-stroke shoulder pain were divided into IHTAN group and warm needle moxibustion group (n＝48 in each one). Jianyu (LI15), Jianliao (TE14), Jianzhen (SI9), Binao (LI14) and Ashi points (Extra) on the affected side were selected in the two groups. For patients of the IHTAN group, internal warmth controllable acupuncture needles were inserted into the above-mentioned acupoints, and then connected to an internal heat acupuncture apparatus for stimulating the acupoints at 42 ℃， 20 min every time, once a week, for 4 weeks. For patients of the warm needle moxibustion group, the above mentioned acupoints were stimulated with filiform needles attached with an ignited moxa-stick, once every other day, for 4 weeks. If the shoulder pain disappeared or basically disappeared, it was considered to be healed, if the pain was relieved, it was considered to be effective, ot-herwise, it was considered to be ineffective. The incidence of local skin injury including burn, empyrosis, silt blue, hematoma and infection, the heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, oxyhemoglobin saturation, blood routine (hemoglobin level, white blood cell [WBC] count, platelet count), creatase and dipolymer levels were recorded or detected. Additionally, the patients' satisfaction rate about the treatment environment was recorded. RESULTS: Following the treatment, of the 45 and 47 cases in the warm needle moxibustion and IHTAN groups, 5 (11.11%) and 20 (42.55%) were cured, 26(57.78%) and 21(44.68%) experienced marked improvement, and 14 (31.11%) and 6 (12.77%) had no apparent changes in their shoulder pain severity, with the total effective rates being 68.89% and 87.23%, respectively. The curative rate and total effective rate of the IHTAN group were significantly higher than those of the warm needle moxibustion group (P0.05). CONCLUSION: The IHTAN therapy is effective, safe and reliable in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain. In terms of the incidence of skin injury and the satisfaction degree of therapeutic environment, the internal heat-type acupuncture needle therapy is obviously superior to the warm needle moxibustion therapy.

Efectividad del tratamiento homeopático en pacientes con trastorno del sueño / Effectiveness of the homeopathic treatment in patients with sleeping disorder

Se realizó un estudio experimental, de tipo intervención terapéutica, en 48 pacientes con trastorno del sueño, atendidos en el Centro de Salud Mental del municipio de Contramaestre, de la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero hasta junio de 2015, con vistas evaluar la respuesta al tratamiento con homeopatía. Se conformaron 2 grupos de 24 integrantes cada uno: el primero recibió los beneficios de los remedios homeopáticos y el segundo, tratamiento convencional. Entre los resultados principales predominaron el trastorno ansioso (50,0 %) y el uso de la pasiflora (45,0 %). El tratamiento homeopático resultó ser tan efectivo como el convencional, la evolución clínica fue más rápida y no produjo reacciones adversas.

An experimental, of therapeutic intervention study type was carried out, in 48 patients with sleeping disorder, assisted in the Mental Health Center of Contramaestre, in Santiago de Cuba, from January to June, 2015, aimed at evaluating the response to the treatment with homeopathy. Two groups of 24 members each were formed: the first one received the benefits of the homeopathic remedies and the second, conventional treatment. Among the main results the anxious disorder (50.0%) and the use of passiflora (45.0%) prevailed. The homeopathic treatment was as effective as the conventional one, the clinical course was faster and it didn't produce adverse reactions.

Trainee-therapists are not all equal: Examination of therapeutic efficiency, effectiveness and early client dropout after 12 months of clinical training.

OBJECTIVE: Contemporary research demonstrates the feasibility of assessing therapeutic performance of trainee-therapists through the use of objective measures of client treatment outcome. Further, significant variation between individual therapists based on their client treatment outcomes has been demonstrated. This study sets out to determine whether a reliable composite measure of therapeutic efficiency, effectiveness and early dropout can be developed and used to objectively compare trainee-therapists against each other. DESIGN AND METHODS: Treatment outcomes of 611 clients receiving treatment from 58 trainee-therapists enrolled in a professional training programme were tracked with the OQ-45.2 over a 6-year period to assess therapeutic efficiency, therapeutic effectiveness and early client dropout. RESULTS: Significant variation between trainee-therapists was observed for each index. Findings of a moderately strong correlation between therapeutic efficiency and effectiveness enabled the ranking of trainee-therapists based upon a composite measure of these indexes. A non-significant correlation was found between early client dropout and measures of therapeutic effectiveness and efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The findings stress the importance of utilizing objective measures to track the treatment outcomes. Despite all trainee-therapists being enrolled in the same training programme, significant variation between trainee-therapists' therapeutic efficiency and effectiveness was found to exist. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Developing of potential benchmarking tools that enable trainee-therapists, supervisors and educational institutions to quickly assess therapeutic performance can become part of a holistic assessment of a trainee-therapist's clinical development. Despite an inherent optimistic belief that therapists do not cause harm, there appears to be a small and significant proportion of trainee-therapists who consistently evidence little therapeutic change. Considerable variability in trainee-therapists' therapeutic efficiency and effectiveness can exist in the one training programme. Early client dropout may not be associated with therapists' therapeutic effectiveness and efficiency.

Eficacia del tratamiento acupuntural en pacientes con epicondilitis humeral externa / Effectiveness of the acupunctural treatment in patients with external humeral epicondylitis

Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 100 pacientes de 20-59 años, con epicondilitis humeral externa, atendidos en la Sala de Rehabilitación del Policlínico Comunitario Docente “Eduardo Mesa Llull”, del municipio de II Frente, de la provincia Santiago de Cuba, desde septiembre de 2013 hasta marzo de 2014, para evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento acupuntural en ellos. La muestra fue dividida en 2 grupos de 50 integrantes cada uno, seleccionados de forma aleatoria. Los del grupo de estudio fueron tratados con acupuntura más corriente Trabert y los del control con corriente Trabert solamente. Como principales resultados predominaron: el grupo etario de 40-49 años (64,0 %), el sexo femenino (66,0 %) y los obreros de servicio (56,0 %). Se obtuvo que los tratados con acupuntura tuvieron una mejor evolución, de donde se infiere que la terapia empleada resultó efectiva para aliviar el dolor en quienes se aplicó.

A therapeutic intervention in 100 patients with 20-59 years, presenting external humeral epicondylitis, assisted in the Rehabilitation Department of "Eduardo Mesa Llull" Community Polyclinic, in II Frente municipality, Santiago de Cuba province was carried out from September, 2013 to March, 2014, to evaluate the effectiveness of the acupunctural treatment in them. The sample was divided into 2 groups of 50 members each, randomly selected. Those of the study group were treated with acupuncture and Trabert current and those of the control group received Trabert current only. The age group 40-49 years (64.0%), the female sex (66.0%) and the service workers (56.0%) prevailed as main results. It was obtained that those treated with acupuncture had a better clinical course, from where it is inferred that the used therapy was effective to decrease pain in those who received it.

Efectividad del tratamiento acupuntural en pacientes con hipertensión arterial leve / Effectiveness of the acupunctural treatment in patients with mild hypertension

Se realizó un estudio de intervención terapéutica en 66 pacientes de 20 a 59 años edad con hipertensión arterial leve, que acudieron a la Sala de Rehabilitación del municipio de Segundo Frente en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, desde agosto del 2013 hasta igual mes del 2014, con vistas a determinar la efectividad del tratamiento acupuntural en ellos, para lo cual se conformaron 2 grupos: uno de estudio, al que se le aplicó la acupuntura, y otro de control, que recibió tratamiento convencional; ambos grupos fueron evaluados a los 5, 10 y 15 días de iniciada la terapia. Como principales resultados se obtuvo que todos los pacientes tratados con acupuntura disminuyeran las cifras de tensión arterial elevadas en un corto periodo de tiempo y sin necesidad de recurrir a otro tipo de terapia, lo cual demostró que esta alternativa terapéutica es efectiva para tratar la hipertensión arterial leve, por lo cual se recomendó su uso a tal efecto.

A study of therapeutic intervention in 66 patients from 20 to 59 years with mild hypertension who went to the Rehabilitation Room in Segundo Frente municipality in Santiago de Cuba province was carried out from August, 2013 to the same month of 2014, aimed at determining the effectiveness of the acupunctural treatment in them, for which 2 groups were formed: a study group, to which the acupuncture was applied, and a control group who received conventional treatment; both groups were evaluated at 5, 10 and 15 days of initiating the therapy. As main results it was obtained that all the patients treated with acupuncture decreased the values of high blood pressure in a short period of time and without necessity of appealing to another therapy type, which demonstrated that this therapeutic alternative is effective to treat the mild hypertension, reason why its use was recommended to this disorder.

Efectividad de remedios homeopáticos en niños operados de estrabismo / Effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in children operated for strabismus

Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 100 pacientes operados de estrabismo, atendidos en la consulta oftalmológica del Hospital Infantil Sur de Santiago de Cuba, desde octubre del 2006 hasta igual periodo del 2013, a fin de evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento homeopático en ellos. Los afectados fueron divididos en 2 grupos de 50 integrantes cada uno: el de estudio, que recibió tratamiento homeopático, y el de control, tratado convencionalmente. No existió diferencia significativa en cuanto a la edad y el sexo en ambos grupos (p>0,5). Luego de aplicadas las terapias se obtuvo una efectividad marcada del tratamiento homeopático (96,0 %) en relación con el convencional, con una diferencia significativa entre ambos grupos p<0,5.

A therapeutical intervention in 100 patients operated of strabismus, assisted in the Ophthalmology Department of the Southern Children Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from October, 2006 to the same period of 2013, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the homeopathic treatment in them. The affected ones were divided in 2 groups of 50 members each: the study group which received homeopathic treatment, and the control group, treated conventionally. There was no significant difference as for age and sex in both groups (p>0.5). After applying the therapies a marked effectiveness of the homeopathic treatment was obtained (96.0%) in relation to the conventional one, with a significant difference between both groups p <0.5.

Efectividad de la acupuntura en pacientes con epicondilitis humeral / Effectiveness of acupunture in patients with humeral epicondyltis

Se realizó un estudio de intervención terapéutica con 32 pacientes seleccionados aleatoriamente de 36 que asistieron a consultas de ortopedia y traumatología en el Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico "Saturnino Lora Torres" de Santiago de Cuba desde octubre de 2010 hasta junio de 2011 por presentar epicondilitis humeral, a fin de evaluar la efectividad de la terapia acupuntural en ellos. Se asignaron números pares para el grupo control e impares para el de estudio. La evaluación final de los pacientes tratados permitió afirmar que estos respondieron mejor al tratamiento acupuntural (en 14 de 16, para 88,0 %) y que aunque se presentaron algunas complicaciones, su eficacia supera con creces los procedimientos occidentales para alivio del dolor.

A therapeutical intervention study was carried out on 32 patients randomly selected of 36 who attended the orthopedics and traumatology departments in "Saturnino Lora Torres" Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba from October, 2010 to June, 2011 for presenting humeral epicondylitis, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the acupunture therapy in them. Pair numbers were assigned for the control group and odd numbers for the study. The final evaluation of patients treated allowed to affirm that they responded better to the acupuntural treatment (in 14 of 16, for 88.0%) and that although some complications were presented, their effectiveness overcomes the western procedures for the relief of pain.

Efectividad de la acupuntura con tachuela en afectados por epicondilitis / Effectiveness of acupuncture with tacks in affected patients with epicondilytis

Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 20 pacientes con epicondilitis, remitidos de la consulta de Ortopedia al Departamento de Medicina Natural Tradicional del Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico "Saturnino Lora Torres" de Santiago de Cuba, de septiembre a diciembre de 2012, con vistas a determinar la efectividad de la acupuntura con tachuela en ellos. Los afectados fueron valorados y, de forma aleatoria, se les distribuyó en 2 grupos de 10 integrantes cada uno: el de estudio, que recibió acupuntura (agujas de 0,2 mm) de forma permanente en los puntos Ashi y en el IG-11, y el de control, tratado convencionalmente con antiinflamatorios y analgésicos. Luego de aplicadas las terapias, los pacientes fueron valorados a los 5, 10 y 15 días, teniendo en cuenta el cuadro clínico dado por dolor, inflamación e impotencia funcional. La regresión de los síntomas se evaluó por la escala visual analógica, y se obtuvo una efectividad marcada del tratamiento con acupuntura en relación con el medicamentoso.

A therapeutic intervention in 20 patients with epicondilytis, transferred from the Orthopedics Department to the Traditional Natural Medicine Department from "Saturnino Lora Torres" Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from September to December of 2012, aimed at determining the effectiveness of the acupuncture with tacks in them. Those affected were evaluated and, were randomly distributed into 2 groups of 10 members each: the study group which received acupuncture (needles of 0.2 mm) in a permanent way in the points Ashi and in the IG-11, and the control group, conventionally treated with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. After the therapies were applied, patients were evaluated after 5, 10 and 15 days, keeping in mind the clinical pattern manifested by pain, inflammation and functional impotence. The regression of the symptoms was evaluated by the analogical visual scale, and a marked effectiveness of the treatment was obtained with acupuncture in relation to the drug treatment.

Eficacia del tratamiento acupuntural en pacientes con sacrolumbalgia de causa no neurológica / Effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment in patients with non neurological low back pain

Se realizó un ensayo clinicoterapéutico de fase II de 120 pacientes con sacrolumbalgia no neurológica, atendidos en el cuerpo de guardia y en la consulta ambulatoria del Instituto Superior de Medicina Militar "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto" y del Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay", desde enero de 2009 hasta junio de 2010, con vistas a evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento acupuntural. Se conformaron 2 grupos de 60 integrantes cada uno, los cuales fueron comparados con un grupo control con la misma cantidad de pacientes, pero con tratamiento farmacológico. Se obtuvo que los tratados con acupuntura mejoraron en menor tiempo, en particular los del grupo 2, de donde se infiere que esta técnica resultó eficaz para aliviar el dolor lumbar en quienes se aplicó, a la vez que permitió a los enfermos reducir el período de tratamiento, ahorrar medicamentos y lograr una rápida reincorporación a la vida laboral y social.

A phase II clinical and therapeutical trial was conducted in 120 patients with non neurological low back pain, attended at the emergency ward and the outpatient department of "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto" Higher Institute of Military Medicine and "Dr. Carlos J Finlay" Central Military Hospital, from January 2009 to June 2010, with the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment. Two groups of 60 patients each were divided, which were compared with a control group with the same number of patients, but with drug treatment. It was found that patients treated with acupuncture improved in less time, particularly those in group 2, so that this technique was effective in relieving back pain in those patients it was applied, while allowing to reduce the time of treatment, save medications and achieve rapid return to work and social life.

Eficacia del microsistema auricular asociado a la quinesiología como coadyuvante en la terapia antihipertensiva / Effectiveness of the auricular microsystem associated with the kinesiology as an adjuvant therapy in the antihypertensive treatment

Se realizó un estudio experimental, de tipo intervención terapéutica, con la aplicación de auriculoterapia y quinesioterapia a 60 pacientes adultos hipertensos que asistían al área terapéutica del Centro Provincial de Medicina Deportiva en Santiago de Cuba durante el primer semestre de 2011. Evolutivamente se pudo demostrar la mayor eficacia de la combinación de ambas terapias en comparación con el uso de la segunda sola como coadyuvantes del tratamiento convencional, pues no se presentaron complicaciones con su empleo. Entre otras ventajas figuró la disminución del consumo de fármacos antihipertensivos en la mayoría de los integrantes de la casuística, con lo cual redujeron sus gastos por ese concepto.

An experimental study of therapeutic intervention type was carried out, with the auriculotherapy and kinesiotherapy application to 60 adult hypertensive patients who attended the therapeutic area of the Provincial Centre of Sport Medicine in Santiago de Cuba during the first semester of 2011. The higher evolutive effectiveness with the combination of both therapies could be demonstrated in comparison with the use of the second one alone, as adjuvant therapies of the conventional treatment, as complications were not present with their use. Among other advantages there was the decrease in the use of antihypertensive drugs in most of the members of the case material, which reduced their expenses due to it.

Evaluation of the effect of lime fruit juice on the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

AIM: Citrus aurantifolia (Family Rutaceae) is commonly known as a familiar food and medicine, and s therapeutic effectiveness in a variety of diseases has been suggested in traditional medicine. Various complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) have been shown to interact with orthodox medicines. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate such a phenomenon particularly the interaction of lime fruit juice with warfarin. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Wistar strain albino rats of both sexes weighing between 190 and 230g were administered with oral doses of the respective drugs used depending on the groups of animals. Effects on the anticoagulant activity of warfarin were determined by standard laboratory methods. RESULT: Lime fruit juice caused a reduction in the anticoagulant activity of warfarin. CONCLUSION: This finding has shown that CAM can interact with orthodox medicines hence, warfarin prescribers need to be aware of the usage of CAM and monitor the international normalized ratio (INR) of their patients more frequently.

Acupunctural Treatment for Hypertension / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

We have twice previously reported the results of our preliminary investigation regarding patients with hypertension. Recently, the focus of our interest has been on the blood pressure levels at the time of the third sound of korotkoff. We reported our findings regarding this topic in an oral presentation titled “Evaluation of acupunctural treatment in hypertensive patients” at the 9th Annual Central Japan Block Meeting of the Japanese Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy.<br>Since then, we have accumulated further clinical experience regarding hypertensive patients. In this study, we investigated the third sound of korotkoff in patients diagnosed as borderline hypertension according to the WHO criteria for hypertension. The blood pressure during the third sound of korotkoff ranged from 100mmHg to 110mmHg in our patients. This difference in blood pressure noted during the decreasing phase of the blood pressure cycle may serve as a useful prognostic indicator in hypertensive patients.