Su Jok therapy by twist and seed method of therapy to reduce the level of fear on COVID-19’s patient: a case series

Patients with COVID-19 not only experience suffering from physiological symptoms but also psychological dimensions such as fear. Fear is part of life and the threat of self-existence will increase the fear level. Increased levels of fear will influence the process of healing by disturbing the immunity function. This case series reports the results of Su Jok therapy using the twist and seed method of therapy in reducing the level of fear of patients with COVID-19. Twenty cases of respondents with the average level of fear toward COVID-19 of ≥4 were included in this case reports. Fear level was measured by using the fear scale measurement (FSM). Su Jok therapy was conducted by twisting (120 times) and putting fenugreek seed on the joint of the patients’ index finger in Triorigin fixed joint correspondent of fear. Posttest of fear scale was measured after intervention in the intervals 5, 10 and 15 minutes. In all three interval measurements, there were significant improvements in the fear scale before and after Su Jok therapy (p=0.0001, p<0.05).

Download Full-text

Acupuncture in the Management of Anxiety Related to Dental Treatment: A Case Series

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/aim.2009.001933 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 3-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Palle Rosted ◽

Mads Bundgaard ◽

Sian Gordon ◽

Anne Marie Lynge Pedersen

Keyword(s):

Acupuncture Treatment ◽

Dental Treatment ◽

Case Reports ◽

Dental Anxiety ◽

Case Series ◽

Randomised Clinical Trial ◽

Common Phenomenon ◽

Inexpensive Method ◽

Before And After ◽

Severe Anxiety

Background Anxiety related to dental treatment is a common phenomenon that has a significant impact on the provision of appropriate dental care. The aim of this case series was to examine the effect of acupuncture given prior to dental treatment on the level of anxiety. Methods Eight dentists submitted 21 case reports regarding the treatment of dental anxiety. The level of anxiety was assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Only patients with moderate to severe anxiety (BAI score ≥16) were included. The remaining 20 patients, 16 women and 4 men, with a mean age of 40.3 years, had a median BAI score of 26.5 at baseline. The BAI score was assessed before and after the acupuncture treatment. All patients received acupuncture treatment for 5 min prior to the planned dental treatment using the points GV20 and EX6. Results There was a significant reduction in median value of BAI scores after treatment with acupuncture (26.5 reduced to 11.5; p<0.01), and it was possible to carry out the planned dental treatment in all 20 cases after acupuncture treatment. Previously this had only been possible in six cases. Conclusion Acupuncture prior to dental treatment has a beneficial effect on the level of anxiety in patients with dental anxiety and may offer a simple and inexpensive method of treatment. However, the present results need to be tested in a larger randomised clinical trial in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment in patients with dental anxiety.

Download Full-text

Congenital, Intrapartum and Postnatal Maternal-Fetal-Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infections: A Narrative Review

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12113570 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 3570

Author(s):

Rafael A. Caparros-Gonzalez ◽

María Angeles Pérez-Morente ◽

Cesar Hueso-Montoro ◽

María Adelaida Álvarez-Serrano ◽

Alejandro de la Torre-Luque

Keyword(s):

Amniotic Fluid ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Umbilical Cord ◽

Case Reports ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Case Series ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Before And After ◽

Positive Results ◽

Cervical Secretion

Background: There is inconclusive evidence regarding congenital, intrapartum, and postnatal maternal-fetal-neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. A narrative review was conducted with the aim of guiding clinicians on the management of pregnant women with respect to congenital, intrapartum, and postnatal maternal-fetal-neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections and breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Dialnet, CUIDEN, Scielo, and Virtual Health Library to identify observational, case series, case reports, and randomized controlled trial studies assessing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to baby and/or through breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 49 studies was included in this review, comprising 329 pregnant women and 331 neonates (two pregnant women delivered twins). The studies were performed in China (n = 26), USA (n = 7), Italy (n = 3), Iran (n = 2), Switzerland (n = 1), Spain (n = 1), Turkey (n = 1), Australia (n = 1), India (n = 1), Germany (n = 1), France (n = 1), Canada (n = 1), Honduras (n = 1), Brazil (n = 1), and Peru (n = 1). Samples from amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, placenta, cervical secretion, and breastmilk were collected and analyzed. A total of 15 placental swabs gave positive results for SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) on the fetal side of the placenta. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in seven breastmilk samples. One umbilical cord sample was positive for SARS-CoV-2. One amniotic fluid sample tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: This study presents some evidence to support the potential of congenital, intrapartum, and postnatal maternal-fetal-neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mothers should follow recommendations including wearing a facemask and hand washing before and after breastfeeding.

Download Full-text

Ovarian Reserve after Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11080704 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 704

Author(s):

Alessia Romito ◽

Sonia Bove ◽

Ilaria Romito ◽

Drieda Zace ◽

Ivano Raimondo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Publication Bias ◽

Young Women ◽

Ovarian Reserve ◽

Case Reports ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Female Population ◽

Before And After

Background: Worldwide, breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in the female population. In recent years, its diagnosis in young women has increased, together with a growing desire to become pregnant later in life. Although there is evidence about the detrimental effect of chemotherapy (CT) on the menses cycle, a practical tool to measure ovarian reserve is still missing. Recently, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) has been considered a good surrogate for ovarian reserve. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the effect of CT on AMH value. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on the PubMed and Scopus electronic databases on articles retrieved from inception until February 2021. Trials evaluating ovarian reserves before and after CT in BC were included. We excluded case reports, case-series with fewer than ten patients, reviews (narrative or systematic), communications and perspectives. Studies in languages other than English or with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients were also excluded. AMH reduction was the main endpoint. Egger’s and Begg’s tests were used to assess the risk of publication bias. Results: Eighteen trials were included from the 833 examined. A statistically significant decline in serum AMH concentration was found after CT, persisting even after years, with an overall reduction of −1.97 (95% CI: −3.12, −0.82). No significant differences in ovarian reserve loss were found in the BRCA1/2 mutation carriers compared to wild-type patients. Conclusions: Although this study has some limitations, including publication bias, failure to stratify the results by some important factors and low to medium quality of the studies included, this metanalysis demonstrates that the level of AMH markedly falls after CT in BC patients, corresponding to a reduction in ovarian reserve. These findings should be routinely discussed during oncofertility counseling and used to guide fertility preservation choices in young women before starting treatment.

Download Full-text

Intensive Treatment for Persisting Rhotic Distortions: A Case Series

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2017_ajslp-16-0232 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 1066-1079 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jonathan L. Preston ◽

Megan C. Leece

Keyword(s):

Case Reports ◽

Speech Sound ◽

Case Series ◽

Intensive Treatment ◽

Therapy Program ◽

Word Level ◽

Sentence Level ◽

Before And After ◽

Case Presentations ◽

Perception Training

Purpose The study explored changes in accuracy of American English rhotics as a result of an intensive 1-week therapy program for adolescents and young adults with residual speech sound errors that had not resolved with previous therapy. Method Four case reports are presented of individuals aged 13, 17, 21, and 22 years with residual /ɹ/ distortions. Each participant attended a 1-week intensive program consisting of pretreatment assessments, 14 hr of therapy, and posttreatment assessment. Treatment sessions included structured motor-based practice, ultrasound visual feedback of the tongue, and auditory speech perception training. To assess generalization, untreated words and sentences with rhotics were recorded before and after therapy; these were rated by listeners who were blind to when the recordings were taken. Results All participants showed measurable and statistically significant improvement in speech sound accuracy. Averaged across the 4 participants, rhotic accuracy at the word level improved from 35% to 83%. At the sentence level, rhotic accuracy increased from 11% pretreatment to 66% posttreatment in 1 week. Conclusion The promise of an intensive treatment program that includes motor-based practice, biofeedback, and auditory perception training is illustrated by the case presentations in which substantial improvements in speech sound accuracy were observed. Supplemental Materials https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5561254

Download Full-text

Management of cytomegalovirus corneal endotheliitis

Eye and Vision ◽

10.1186/s40662-020-00226-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Angela H. Y. Wong ◽

Wee Nie Kua ◽

Alvin L. Young ◽

Kelvin H. Wan

Keyword(s):

Clinical Evidence ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Corneal Edema ◽

Cell Loss ◽

Topical Steroids ◽

Before And After ◽

Prospective Comparative Study ◽

Variable Success ◽

Corneal Endotheliitis

Abstract Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can manifest as corneal endotheliitis in immunocompetent individuals. Early diagnosis is prudent to prevent endothelial cell loss, which could ultimately lead to corneal decompensation. CMV DNA was first detected in an eye with corneal endotheliitis in 2006; since then, clinical evidence from numerous case reports and case series have accumulated. Main text In this narrative review, we identified several drugs, including ganciclovir, valganciclovir, and their combination in oral, intravenous, intravitreal, and topical forms in different concentrations, together with the judicious use of topical steroids, have reported variable success. There has yet to be any prospective comparative study evaluating the efficacy and safety of these assorted forms of treatment; clinical evidence is based on case reports and case series. CMV endotheliitis presenting with corneal edema can masquerade as other corneal diseases and thus poses a great challenge especially in post-keratoplasty eyes. Heightened awareness is needed before and after keratoplasty to start prompt prophylaxis and treatment. Conclusion There is no consensus on the management of CMV endotheliitis. Further studies are much needed to elucidate the optimal treatment modality, regime, and duration in the treatment and prophylaxis of CMV endotheliitis.

Download Full-text

Differential diagnosis and intervention for braid-like coronary artery – case series analysis based on intracoronary artery imaging

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.2465 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

W.X Leng ◽

L.J Gao

Keyword(s):

Coronary Artery ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

The Other ◽

Anterior Myocardial Infarction ◽

Inducible Ischemia ◽

Major Cardiovascular Events ◽

Before And After ◽

Drug Eluting

Abstract Background Case reports on braid-like coronary arteries, often diagnosed as Woven Coronary Artery, are accumulating. However, the diversity of manifestation of such lesions has caused great confusion. Methods Consecutive patients admitted to Fuwai hospital with braid-like lesions on coronary angiography (CAG) were included. Intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed to verify the lesion nature. Major cardiovascular events were recorded in 12 months when a control CAG was recommended. Results From January 2018 to June 2019, braid-like lesions were identified in 6 patients (5 male) with average age of 45.3 years. All patients were transferred from lower-level hospitals. Five patients were current heavy smokers, and 4 patients had an old anterior myocardial infarction history. The braid-like segments were found in right coronary artery of 4 patients and in left anterior descending artery of the other 2 patients. Of these 6 braid-like lesions, 3 were culprit of coronary adverse events, and the other 3 lacked relevant history or documented inducible ischemia. The OCT images of all lesions were consistent with recanalization of organized thrombi, which consisted of septa that divided the lumen into multiple small cavities communicating with each other with significant stenosis. These structures had smooth inner borders with traces of intraluminal thrombi, but no separate 3-layered structure could be defined. Drug eluting stents were successfully implanted in all braid-like lesions. All patients were event free for 12 months, and 3 patients received control CAGs which showed stents patent. Conclusions Most cases of braid-like coronary artery may be recanalization of organized thrombi rather than Woven Coronary Artery. Smoking may be a potential risk factor. Percutaneous stent implantation may be challenging but benificial in selected patients. The underlying cause of the forming of such thrombotic lesions remained unclear. Imagings before and after intervention Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Download Full-text

Cannabis-associated arteritis

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000004 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 39 (1) ◽

pp. 43-53 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Grotenhermen

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Cardiovascular Effects ◽

Causative Factor ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Thromboangiitis Obliterans ◽

Pathological Features ◽

Scientific Support ◽

Clinical And Pathological Features

Background: To investigate the hypothesis that cases of arteritis similar to thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) and associated with the use of cannabis were caused by cannabis or THC (dronabinol), or that cannabis use is a co-factor of TAO. Patients and methods: A systematic review on case reports and the literature on so-called cannabis arteritis, TAO, and cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids was conducted. Results: Fifteen reports with 57 cases of an arteritis associated with the use of cannabis and two additional case series of TAO, in which some patients also used cannabis, were identified. Clinical and pathological features of cannabis-associated arteritis do not differ from TAO and the major risk factor of TAO, tobacco use, was present in most, if not in all of these cases. The proposed pathophysiological mechanisms for the development of an arteritis by cannabis use are not substantiated. Conclusions: The hypothesis of cannabis being a causative factor or co-factor of TAO or an arteritis similar to TAO is not supported by the available evidence. The use of the term cannabis arteritis should be avoided until or unless more convincing scientific support is forthcoming.

Download Full-text

Thrombosis in Cancer Patients Treated with Hematopoietic Growth Factors - A Meta-Analysis

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1650276 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 75 (02) ◽

pp. 368-371 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

T Barbul ◽

G Finazzi ◽

A Grassi ◽

R Marchioli

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Case Reports ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Hematopoietic Growth Factors ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Cytotoxic Treatment ◽

Pertinent Data ◽

Thrombotic Complications ◽

Vascular Occlusions

SummaryHematopoietic colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are largely used in patients with cancer undergoing cytotoxic treatment to accelerate neutrophil recovery and decrease the incidence of febrile neutropenia. Clinical practice guidelines for their use have been recently established (1), taking into account clinical benefit, but also cost and toxicity. Vascular occlusions have been recently reported among the severe reactions associated with the use of CSFs, in anedoctal case reports (2, 3), consecutive case series (4) and randomized clinical trial (5, 6). However, the role of CSFs in the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications is difficult to ascertain, because pertinent data are scanty and widely distributed over a number of heterogenous investigations. We report here a systematic review of relevant articles, with the aims to estimate the prevalence of thrombosis associated with the use of CSFs and to assess if this rate is significantly higher than that observed in cancer patients not receiving CSFs.

Download Full-text

Herpetic Whitlow of the Hand in Infants

Journal of Hand and Microsurgery ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1710199 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad M. Al-Qattan ◽

Nada G. AlQadri ◽

Ghada AlHayaza

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Infection ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Individual Case ◽

Senior Author ◽

Secondary Bacterial Infection ◽

Clinical Appearance ◽

History Of ◽

Mode Of Transmission ◽

Time Of Presentation

Abstract Introduction Herpetic whitlows in infants are rare. Previous authors only reported individual case reports. We present a case series of six infants. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study of six cases of herpetic whitlows in infants seen by the senior author (MMA) over the past 23 years (1995–2017 inclusive). The following data were collected: age, sex, digit involved in the hand, mode of transmission, time of presentation to the author, clinical appearance, presence of secondary bacterial infection, presence of other lesions outside the hand, method of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Results All six infants initially presented with classic multiple vesicles of the digital pulp. In all cases, there was a history of active herpes labialis in the mother. Incision and drainage or deroofing of the vesicles (for diagnostic purposes) resulted in secondary bacterial infection. Conclusion The current report is the first series in the literature on herpetic whitlows in infants. We stress on the mode of transmission (from the mother) and establishing the diagnosis clinically. In these cases, no need for obtaining viral cultures or polymerase chain reaction; and no medications are required. Once the vesicles are disrupted, secondary bacterial infection is frequent and a combination of oral acyclovir and intravenous antibiotics will be required.

Download Full-text