ABSTRACT
Background Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) refers to the occurrence of painful menstrual cramps without pathological involvement of the pelvic organs, with considerable morbidity and high prevalence among females of reproductive age. Objective The objective of this study is to present and test the efficacy of an innovative method of interactive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (iTENS) for PD. Methods and materials This study is a single-blind controlled clinical trial. This was conducted at the outpatient clinic of the faculty of physical therapy. Females with PD (n=124) were divided into the treated group (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation {TENS} group {TG}, n=62) and the placebo group (PG, n=62). A single session of either iTENS or placebo intervention was used for 35 minutes. Pain, the duration of analgesia, and the use of pain medication were assessed before and after the intervention. Data from before and after the treatment were compared between groups (Student's t-test). The level of significance was set at 5%. Results A significant decrease in pain (p<0.001) was observed after the intervention for the TG, with a more long-lasting analgesia (p<0.001) and decreased need for pain medication (p<0.001). Conclusions The proposed method of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) application showed positive results for pain management on females with PD, with no reported adverse effects. The new proposed TENS application takes into account the preferences of the patient regarding positioning and the number of channels needed to cause analgesia. This application was able to promote almost complete analgesia in females with primary dysmenorrhea, and the analgesia persisted for more than one menstrual cycle.
ABSTRACT
Background Brazil has the most extensive plant genetic biodiversity in the world. Knowledge regarding the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants obtained through popular medicine has been accrued over centuries. Such empirical knowledge often symbolizes the only therapeutic resource for various ethnic communities and groups. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hydroalcoholic extracts of medicinal plants in controlling isolated fungi found in bathrooms and nurseries of a daycare center in the northwestern region of São Paulo state. Methodology This is an in vitro study carried out in the microbiology laboratory. The analyzed fungi were Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum, and Candida albicans. These fungi were exposed to the hydroalcoholic extracts of rosemary, citronella, rue, neem, and lemon. Results Rue extract was more effective against Candida albicans at a concentration of 12.5%. Citronella was effective against Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton mentagrophytes at a concentration of 6.25%. Lemon was effective against Fusarium spp. at a concentration of 6.25%. Conclusions The hydroalcoholic extracts showed antifungal activity. The in vitro evaluation of medicinal plants showed that the extracts of rue, citronella, and lemon showed a fungicide effect.
ABSTRACT
Background Thoracic duct (TD) anomaly can be quite variable and dangerous in surgical interventions in the neck region as there are numerous variations in its formation and topography. This highlights the importance of full knowledge about the TD and its anatomical variations. Thus, it is important to emphasize that the lack of anatomical-clinical knowledge or surgical skill during an intervention can significantly hamper successful results. The present study aimed to perform radiopaque contrast infusion into the TD of intact cadavers, either formalinized or refrigerated, to evaluate possible lymphatic architecture patterns via reverse lymphography. Methodology TD dissection was performed on 13 cadaveric specimens. After isolating the lymphatic vessel, it was cannulated with an nº 4 urethral probe fixed with cordonnet cotton. Then, a 10 mL syringe was attached to the urethral probe and the radiopaque iodinated contrast was injected into the TD under constant and gradual manual pressure. Results TD outflow was detected on the posterior surface of the junction between the internal jugular and the left subclavian veins, either as direct outflow (in 10 cases) or as an arc (in three cases). Reverse contrast progression was impossible in each of the attempts, probably due to valvular resistance and lumen obliteration, which completely prevented pressure infusion into the thoracic and abdominal parts of the TD. Conclusions We emphasize the impracticality of obtaining postmortem radiopaque images via retrograde contrast injection into the TD in formalinized or refrigerated bodies.