Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

Objective: This study aimed to examine the health literacy levels and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices among patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) as well as to explore the relationship between these variables.

Methods: This descriptive and correlational study involved 150 patients diagnosed with DFUs who were receiving treatment at the endocrinology clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, the health literacy scale (HLS), and the complementary, alternative, and conventional medicine attitude scale (CACMAS).

Results: The mean age of participants was 58.7 ± 9.6 years, with 58.7% being male. Approximately 11.5% had been living with diabetes for approximately 10 years, 88.7% had heard of CAM methods, and 40% had tried these methods for their feet. Among those who tried CAM methods, 66.7% reported them as ineffective. Significant differences in both HLS and CACMAS scores were found based on age, sex, education level, income, place of residence, duration of diabetes diagnosis, previous nonmedical treatments for the foot, and the perceived benefits or side effects of these treatments (P < .05). Higher health literacy levels were associated with a lower tendency to use CAM.

Conclusion: This study highlights significant variations in HLS and CACMAS scores among DFU patients based on specific demographic factors. As health literacy levels increased, the propensity to use CAM decreased. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance patients' access to reliable and current information about CAM practices. Communication with patients should be open and empathetic, addressing their concerns and preferences.

Background: For years, the peptide Body Protection Compound 157 (BPC-157) has been used to treat partial muscle or tendon tears. Few studies on humans have been published, with none on the intravenous use of BPC-157 in humans.

Objective: This IRB-approved study was conducted to assess whether intravenous BPC-157 is safe in humans.

Methods: Baseline blood work and vital signs were obtained from 2 participants before and after each infusion. On day 1, 10 mg of BPC-157 in 250 cc of normal saline was infused over one hour. On day 2, fasting blood work was repeated, vital signs were recorded, and 20 mg of BPC-157 in 250 cc of normal saline was infused over one hour. On day 3, fasting blood work and vital signs were repeated. Patients were questioned about any side effects at each appointment.

Setting: This study was performed at a private clinic in Florida.

Participants: Two patients participated: a 58-year-old Asian male and a 68-year-old Caucasian female, each of whom had received intravenous BPC-157 before this trial.

Results: The infusions of BPC-157 resulted in no measurable effects on the tested biomarkers of the heart, liver, kidneys, thyroid, or blood glucose levels. The BPC-157 peptide infusion was tolerated, with no side effects reported.

Conclusion: Intravenous infusion of up to 20 mg of BPC-157 in 2 healthy adults showed no adverse effects and was well-tolerated. The results of this pilot study showed the safety of BPC-157 in humans. Future studies are also needed to confirm the safety of intravenous BPC-157 in humans.

Background: The psycho-physiological processes of pregnancy and labor can bring happiness to many families, yet unexpected anguish and suffering to some. Abnormal first trimester ultrasound is reported in a significant number of pregnancies, and it is associated with increased risk of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Yoga is a traditional mind-body intervention that has a positive role in pregnancy. To our knowledge, no study has assessed yoga therapy's role in pregnant women with first trimester abnormal uterine artery doppler ultrasound.

Methodology: In this randomized controlled trial, 80 pregnant women with first trimester Abnormal uterine artery doppler ultrasound will be randomly assigned to a yoga or a control group. Women in the control group will receive standard antenatal care yoga and the yoga group will receive a 60-minute yoga session every alternate day in a week, in addition to standard antenatal care, for consecutive 3 months. Both groups will be assessed for mental health measures (stress, depression, and quality of life), sleep quality, and biochemical measures (pregnancy associated plasma protein-A and placental growth factor), at the baseline and after 3 months. Data will be analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 21.

Results: Data will be presented as mean and standard deviation. Pre-post changes within the group and between the group will be assessed.

Conclusion: This study offers a protocol to study the impact of yoga on mental health measures, sleep quality, and biochemical measures among women with first trimester abnormal uterine artery doppler ultrasound.

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform the validity and reliability analysis of the Turkish-language version of the Mechanical and Inflammatory Low Back Pain Index (MILBPI), which is used to determine mechanical and inflammatory components in chronic low back pain (CLBP). The effects of mechanical and inflammatory components on disability and physical performance in patients with CLBP were investigated.

Material and method: In the first phase of the study, 120 CLBP patients aged 18-65 years were included in the Turkish-language version validity and reliability analysis of MILBPI. In the second phase of the study, the mechanical and inflammatory components of CLBP were determined in 50 patients using the Turkish-language version valid and reliable MILBPI and the effects of these components on disability and physical performance were investigated. Tests for walking, timed get-up and go, sitting and standing and trunk flexion were used to assess physical performance. Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) was used to assess disability.

Results: Factor loadings of the index items were above 0.30 which explained 83.237% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found 0.735. Test-retest analysis of the index was highly correlated. LBP score of the components was significantly associated with disability (P1 < .05). Inflammatory component had a statistically significant relationship with trunk flexion (P1 < .05), while the mechanical component had no significant effect on walking (P1 > .05).

Conclusion: According to the analyses in the first phase of our study, MILBPI is a valid and reliable scale in Turkish-language version. Additionally, the mechanical and inflammatory components of pain determined using MILBPI have an impact on some physical performance parameters and disability.

Background: Reflux of stomach contents via the lower esophageal sphincter into the esophagus or oropharynx that produces symptoms, causes damage to the esophagus, or both, is what defines gastroesophageal reflux disease, a distinct clinical entity.

Objective: In light of past advancements, this review aims to present a detailed overview of the mechanisms causing reflux, risk factors, and clinical manifestations.

Methods: A comprehensive exploration of medical literature was conducted to extract pertinent information regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, were systematically searched to gather information on gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Findings: Gastroesophageal reflux disease pathogenesis is intricate and poorly understood. Key etiologic variables likely include enhanced reflux during transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, abnormal lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and prolonged exposure of the esophagus to gastric acid. While pathologic reflux can produce a wide range of clinical signs, heartburn and acid regurgitation are the most typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Moreover, although gastroesophageal reflux disease is often a chronic condition that does not progress, some cases are linked to the emergence of serious complications such as esophageal cancer. Currently, gastroesophageal reflux disease is a prevalent ailment. Our understanding of the upper gastrointestinal tract's pathophysiology and functioning, which contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and consequences, has advanced significantly.

Conclusion: Over the past few decades, our understanding of the pathophysiology of GERD has evolved significantly. The multifactorial nature of gastroesophageal reflux disease is now widely acknowledged. Despite recent improvements in our understanding of the pathophysiology of GERD, further research is still required to improve treatment.

Context: Phlebitis, or vein inflammation, is a prevalent in peripheral intravenous cannula consequence that can have mechanical, chemical or bacterial causes. Phlebitis results in a series of unfavorable consequences, including severe discomfort, pain, failure of the PIVC, stoppage of the recommended therapy and need for the insertion of a new PIVC, which is linked with higher equipment costs and staff time and patient discomfort. Conventional treatment generally includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, compression therapy, and anticoagulants, but alternative therapies like Leech Therapy have been underexplored. In this case study, a 40 years old female patient, post-operative case of fibroadenosis. She was also hepatitis-B positive, have complains of severe pain and swelling at site of cannula insertion. She also had difficulty in movement of hand and had very less movement with severe pain. She was successfully treated by Leech therapy. Due to the mechanical and biochemical properties of the leech, Jalaukavcharan (leech therapy) is one of the most effective and natural ways of management. Medicinal leech therapy has a promising potential in pain management and have anti-inflammatory action as saliva of these small bio- creature have thousands of bio-active compounds that are injected in host during blood sucking.

Objective: The aim is to reduce the swelling and pain at IV cannula site by using Leech therapy.

Material and methods: Leech therapy done at the site of swelling (Phlebitis).

Result: After leech therapy, result was asses on VIP scale and there was relief in pain and swelling at cannula insertion site also redness decreases and patient have improved painless hand movements with in 24 hours.

Background: Although several studies have explored the effects of various caffeine dosages on balance, the impact of low-dose caffeine intake from Turkish coffee on postural control and hand-eye coordination remains unclear.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of Turkish coffee (60 mg/65 mL) on postural control and hand-eye coordination.

Design: This study was a quasi-experimental research with a one-group pretest-posttest design.

Setting: Cardiac Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory.

Participants: The study recruited 20 healthy young adults (13 females, 7 males) who were low habitual coffee consumers.

Intervention: The participants were given 65 mL of Turkish coffee for oral caffeine intake.

Outcome measures: Postural control was assessed using the Biodex Balance System, and hand-eye coordination was evaluated with the Alternate Hand-Wall Toss Test, before and after 30 minutes following coffee ingestion.

Results: The 'eyes open firm surface' condition of the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (P = .006) and the Alternate Hand-Wall Toss Test (P = .002) scores showed a statistically significant difference between the first and second measurements. No significant differences were observed in the postural stability and limits of stability parameters measured by the Biodex Balance System (P > .05). However, male participants exhibited better hand-eye coordination on the Alternate Hand-Wall Toss Test upon caffeine intake (P = .017).

Conclusions: This study is likely the first to evaluate the acute effects of a cup of Turkish coffee (60 mg caffeine/65 mL) on postural control and hand-eye coordination. While no changes were found in balance conditions, improvement in postural sway on the firm surface with eyes open was noted. A significant improvement in hand-eye coordination was observed, warranting further research with objective tools.

Objective: This case report discusses the effective management of a full-thickness rotator cuff injury using Ayurvedic treatment modalities in a 65-year-old patient who declined surgical intervention.

Background: After sustaining an injury from an external impact, the patient experienced severe shoulder pain and reduced mobility. Clinical and radiological assessments confirmed a full-thickness supraspinatus tear.

Intervention: Opting for a non-surgical approach, the treatment plan included a series of Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations and topical applications along with a set of guided physical rehabilitation.

Results: Remarkably, the patient achieved complete symptomatic relief and regained full shoulder function within five months. This case underscores the potential of Ayurvedic medicine as an alternative and adjunct therapeutic strategy for managing rotator cuff injuries, advocating for broader research into its clinical applications and underlying therapeutic mechanisms in orthopedic ailments.

Conclusion: This case report demonstrates improved quality of care by integrating Ayurvedic therapies with rehabilitative exercise. This suggests a potential change in practice by incorporating complementary therapies like Ayurveda to manage rotator cuff injury.

Background: Fatigue, a common and serious symptom in multiple sclerosis patients, negatively affects patients' activities of daily living and their quality of life. While foot reflexology has been widely used in fatigue management in recent years, its effect on multiple sclerosis-related fatigue patients remains unclear.

Primary study objective: This systematic review aimed to examine the effect of foot reflexology on multiple sclerosis-associated fatigue.

Methods/design: The protocol of the systematic review and the article writing were based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols criteria. In this systematic review, the literature search was conducted in September 2022, in the databases "Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library," without any year limitation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established according to the PICOS criteria. Two independent researchers selected the studies and assessed their quality. The reviewed articles were analyzed using the data extraction form developed by the researchers.

Setting: Systematic review.

Results: Seven studies, including six randomized controlled trials and one quasi-experimental study with a total of 434 participants, were included in this systematic review. In six studies, it was found that foot reflexology significantly reduced multiple sclerosis-associated fatigue, while in one study there was a decrease in fatigue level, but the difference was insignificant.

Conclusıon: The reviewed studies showed that foot reflexology positively impacts the management of multiple sclerosis-related fatigue. It is suggested to perform further studies on foot reflexology's usefulness in multiple sclerosis patients, utilizing blinding and randomization techniques, with larger sample sizes and excellent methodological quality.