Decrease In Discomfort Research Articles

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Walking Speed, Discomfort, and Knee Extension in an Acute Stroke Patient: A Case Study

This study investigates the impact of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on improving functional mobility in a stroke patient, with a focus on walking speed, discomfort levels, and knee extension range of motion (ROM). PNF techniques were applied over four weeks to assess their effectiveness. The patient's walking performance was evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and discomfort was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) during walking and knee extension movements in both seated and standing positions. The results revealed a significant reduction in 6MWT time from 16.47 seconds to 14.2 seconds post-intervention. VAS scores showed a marked decrease in discomfort during the 6MWT from 8 to 1 and during knee extension from 7 to 4 in both positions. Additionally, the knee extension ROM increased significantly, with the most pronounced improvement observed in the seated position (from 141.3° to 158.5°). These findings suggest that PNF is an effective therapeutic approach for enhancing walking performance and reducing discomfort related to hamstring stiffness in acute stroke patients. The study's limitations include its single-case design, limiting the generalizability of the results. Future research with a larger sample size and more objective assessment tools is recommended to validate these findings.

Evaluation of biopsychosocial model for pain management in postoral cancer therapy patients

Background. Approximately 50 % of cancer patients have pain in their daily lives, which is multifaceted sensation goes beyond basic biochemical signal of pain. Oral mucositis is one of the negative consequences with intense pain, discomfort, challenges in speaking and eating. These components collectively influence patient's total quality of life across mental, biological, social aspects. Biopsychosocial model (BPS) is an effective technique for understanding and addressing conceptualization and treatment of pain in cancer patients. The aim of this study is to assess efficacy of the BPS in managing post-cancer distress and potential to improve quality of life for individuals with cancer. Material and Methods. This study evaluated 30 cancer patients who completed radiotherapy and were referred from cancer hospital. The examination encompasses three distinct categories: biological, psychological, and social components. The biological aspect was documented based on mucosal lesions and VAS scores for individuals; followed by photo-biomodulation was given. Palliative care was provided in psychological aspect through implementation of exercise, meditation, music therapy. The social component encompasses community engagement, social activities, counseling services for family members. Patients were categorized into 3 groups – A, B, C. All three components were carefully evaluated and one-month follow-up was done. Results. The outcome derived from statistical analysis of the data collected from groups A, B, and C. When group A was compared to group B, there was 46 % increase in quality of life. When group C was compared to group A, 65 % of patients exhibited favorable quality of life. The average VAS score of patients decreased from 9.2 to 4.5 after Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), demonstrating gradual decrease in discomfort. P value showed statistically significant (<0.05). Conclusion. Healthcare providers can enhance their treatment efficiency, addressing root cause of illness, and enhance overall well-being by incorporating BPS into their practice. Addressing the various elements of biological, psychological, and social factors would have beneficial effect on overall quality of life.

Shodhana Karma: A Holistic Approach to Sthana Roga

The strength of a nation is deeply rooted in the health of its women, making it fundamental step towards national prosperity. Apart from undergoing natural processes of menstruation, pregnancy etc. Sthana Roga is a common condition seen in a woman comprising of lump or palpable mass in the breast. It is computed that about 30% of women are suffering from benign tumors of breast at any age and if not addressed on proper time it may have risk of malignancy. Methods: A case report of a female aged 46-years presented with the complaints of lump with tenderness in the breast it was diagnosed as Sthana Roga. Based on Nidana Panchaka, Chikista was planned and Shodhana Karma was done based on Ayurvedic principles to manage the Sthana Roga. Results: Shodhana Karma led to significant improvement in overall patient’s condition by notable decrease in discomfort, pain, tenderness, reduction in the size of the lump pertaining to the disease and was assessed through necessary investigations. Conclusion: As per this case study, the efficacy of age old Ayurvedic treatment modalities has demonstrated its effectiveness in managing symptoms of Sthana Roga which was confirmed by the investigations before and after the treatment.

Low-Level Laser and TENS Therapy Assessment for the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

The most prevalent conditions in the population are temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), which are linked to a number of morbidities. A number of treatment options have been proposed, and some of the most successful ones include low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of two therapies-TENS treatment and LLLT-in the management of morbidities related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 50 patients who had been sent to the oral medicine outpatient department and had been pre-diagnosed with TMJ disorders were randomly assigned to two groups, with 25 patients in each: Group I received TENS therapy, while Group II received LLLT. The acquired data was assessed statistically. Both groups showed a substantial decrease in discomfort, an increase in mouth opening, and a decrease in muscular tenderness when compared to within groups. LLT was more effective than TENS for TMD treatment. While TENS and LLLT both had good results, LLLT appeared to outperform TENS therapy in terms of muscle tenderness factors.

Evaluation of photobiomodulation for postoperative discomfort following laser-assisted vital pulp therapy in immature teeth: A preliminary retrospective study.

Minimally invasive endodontics is recommended for young, immature teeth to preserve healthy pulp and dentin tissue. The aim of the study was to examine the cold sensitivity of immature teeth that received photobiomodulation (PBM) after vital pulp therapy (VPT). The study followed the STROBE guidelines and included 123 healthy patients aged 8-13. The immature teeth (incisors, premolars and molars) that qualified for VPT received the bioceramic material - Biodentine. In this experiment, teeth were treated immediately and at 24 h post-VPT with a 635-nm diode laser using a power of 100 mW, a power density of 200 mW/cm2 and a total energy of 4 J (PBM group, n = 43), while those not treated were the control group (n = 43). The tooth sensitivity to cold was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and at 6 h, 1 day, 7, 30, and 90 days after treatment. The predictor variable was PBM skills regarding the ability to decrease cold sensitivity after VPT. The primary endpoint was the time to reverse hypersensitivity to cold, and the secondary endpoint was the occurrence of possible side effects. The Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test along with Dunn's post hoc test, and the χ2 test were used to investigate tooth sensitivity. Eighty-six immature permanent teeth of 86 children were included in the study. It was shown that the difference was significant for sensitivity to a cold stimulus between the groups at 6 h, 24 h, 7 days, and 30 days, but no difference was found preoperatively and at 90 days (6 h, 24 h, 7 days, and 30 days, p < 0.001, and 90 days, p = 0.079). However, patients in both groups reported a decrease in discomfort provoked by cold stimuli throughout the follow-up period. Photobiomodulation decreased postoperative sensitivity and was more acceptable for patients. Further randomized clinical studies with placebo-controlled groups are needed.

P-640 No impact of Progestin Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) on euploid blastocyst rate per cohort of metaphase-II oocytes during PGT-A cycles: a case-control study

Abstract Study question Can progestins be used to prevent spontaneous LH surge during ovarian stimulation (OS) without affecting the euploid blastocyst rate (EBR) per metaphase-II (MII) oocytes? Summary answer Progestin Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) (conducted with norethisterone acetate) and conventional-OS with GnRH-antagonist show similar EBR per MII-oocytes What is known already PPOS is a novel OS protocol based exogenous progesterone to inhibit LH surge and spontaneous ovulation as an alternative to GnRH analogues. The rationale of its use is that multiple follicular waves arise during the ovarian cycle and no spontaneous ovulation occurs during the luteal phase. PPOS effectiveness and safety have been supported lately in the literature. A recent study reported similar number of euploid blastocysts after PPOS (conducted with medroxyprogesterone acetate) versus conventional-OS with GnRH-antagonist. Study design, size, duration Case-control study involving advanced-maternal-age women undergoing ICSI with PGT-A at two private IVF centers (May-2017 to February-2020). 80 PPOS women were matched with 160 control based on maternal-age and ovarian reserve markers. Patients with poor-ovarian-reserve (AFC&amp;lt;3), premature-ovarian-failure, III-IV stage endometriosis, ovarian cyst, severe-male-factor, PGT-SR or PGT-M were excluded. EBR per MII-oocytes was the primary outcome. All other embryological and clinical outcomes were reported. Participants/materials, setting, methods Both groups underwent recombinant-FSH OS with GnRH-agonist ovulation trigger; the only difference was that norethisterone acetate 10mg/day was administered orally to PPOS patients starting from the second day of the menstrual cycle until trigger. The control group, instead, underwent conventional antagonist protocol. The laboratory procedures were similar in both groups: ICSI, blastocyst culture, trophectoderm biopsy, comprehensive-chromosome-testing to report non-mosaic aneuploidies and vitrified-warmed euploid single-embryo-transfers (SETs). Main results and the role of chance The mean fertilization rate per MII-oocytes and blastulation rate per 2PN-zygotes were similar among PPOS and control (75.5%±21.8% versus 71.7±20.7%, p = 0.1; and 56.5%±27.7% versus 53.2%±27.5%, p = 0.4, respectively). No difference was reported for the EBR per MII-oocytes among PPOS and control (15.4%±19.8% versus 14.8%±18.2%, p = 0.9). No difference was reported among the biopsied blastocysts in terms of morphological quality and day of development. A total of 47 and 86 SETs were conducted in the two groups. There was no difference in the live-birth-rates (LBR) per SET in the two groups (N = 19/47, 40.4%, 95%CI 26.7-55.7 versus N = 35/86, 40.7%, 95%CI 30.4-51.8, p = 0.9), nor in the miscarriage rate per clinical pregnancy (N = 1/20, 5%, 95%CI 0.3-26.9 versus N = 3/36, 8.3%, 95%CI 2.2-25.6, p = 0.9). At last, the cumulative-LBR among concluded cycles (i.e., LB achieved or no transferable/all transferred euploid blastocysts) was also similar (N = 19/68, 27.9%, 95%CI 18.1-40.3 versus N = 31/132, 22.0%, 95%CI 15.4-30.2, p = 0.4). Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation is the retrospective and non-randomized design. More data are required, especially for follicle recruitment, oocyte yield, gestational and perinatal outcomes. Wider implications of the findings Norethisterone acetate-based PPOS protocol has no impact on oocyte competence when compared to conventional GnRH-antagonist OS. These promising data support further investigation on PPOS, especially in view of its reduced cost, and putative increase in patient compliance and decrease in discomfort. Trial registration number none

Possibilities of allergic reaction therapy in pediatric practice

Introduction. Allergic diseases are a global medical and social problem due to the adverse effect on the physical, psychological and social state of a person. The basic principle of pharmacological therapy of acute allergic diseases is acute urticaria, angioedema (Quincke) – control/elimination of syndromic complexes.Aim. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the antihistamine dimetindene in the treatment of acute allergic reactions in children.Materials and methods. We analyzed 36 patients aged 3 to 17 years with diagnoses of acute urticaria and acute urticaria with angioedema in a state of moderate severity. Patients felt a violation of the general condition – malaise (88.89%), chills/fever (5.56% and 8.34%, respectively), joint pain (2.78%). All patients underwent general clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination with subsequent analysis of the data obtained. To assess the response to treatment, UAS 7, the CU-Q2oL quality of life questionnaire were used.Results and discussion. The article discusses the main aspects of acute urticaria and angioedema, as the most common nosological forms in patients with atopy. The features of antihistamine therapy and its influence on the stages of the inflammation process are analyzed. The level of eosinophilia in the general blood test (median and interquartile range) was 6.5% (1.3%; 19.1%). An increase in total IgE was recorded in 80.56% of patients. The burden of allergic history was revealed in 86.12% of patients. By the end of the 1st day of treatment, symptoms were absent in every tenth patient (χ2 = 1.2461, p = 0.0865), remained in everyfifth child (χ2 = 53.6152, p = 0.0057) and significantly decreased in 2/3 children under study (χ2 = 59.6281, p = 0.0062). By the end of the 3rd day of therapy with dimetindene in the complex of treatment of acute urticaria and angioedema, a statistically significant improvement in clinical dynamics was recorded (χ2 = 102.1364, p = 0.0041) in the combined assessment of symptoms in 4/5 of the subjects and a decrease in discomfort associated with sleep in the overwhelming majority of the subjects (χ2 =51.4627, p = 0.0036).Conclusion. As a result of our own research on the use of dimetindene in patients with acute allergic reactions, it was shown that dimethindene has characteristics that meet the requirements for the exposure of the therapeutic effect, the level of effectiveness and the safety profile.

A randomized control trial employing infraorbital nerve stimulation as a neural distractor during nasopharyngeal swab.

With the global COVID-19 pandemic, nasopharyngeal swabbing has become commonplace and can occasionally cause discomfort, tearing, and anxiety. To evaluate whether using a neural distraction device during nasopharyngeal swabbing can mitigate patient discomfort. Participants were randomized into nasal swab with vibration first (treatment-control or Tc) or nasal swab without vibration first (control-treatment or Ct). Then the swab was repeated with the opposite technique. The vibration device was used to stimulate the infraorbital nerve at the midpupillary line, while a nasopharyngeal swab was performed according to CDC protocol. After each swab, participants filled out a survey to assess pain, discomfort, and tearing. This procedure was replicated on the contralateral nostril for a total of 4 swabs and 4 surveys. Thirty-four subjects were included in the analysis. In the Ct group, there was a median 1.0-point decrease in pain with the use of vibration (95% CI [-1.8, -0.3], P = 0.0117), 2.5-point decrease (95% CI [-3.0, -0.8], P = 00039) in discomfort, and a 1.0-point decrease (95% CI [-2.6, -0.2] P = 0.0303) in tearing when the vibratory device was used. In the Tc group, there was a median 2.0-point decrease in pain with vibration (95% CI [ -2.7, -1.1], P < 0.0001), 2.3-point decrease in discomfort (95% CI [-3.1, -1.5], P < 0.0001), and a 1.5-point decrease in tearing (95% CI [-2.5, -0.5], P = 0.0037) when vibration was used. Vibratory stimulation of the infraorbital nerve is safe and effectively reduced pain, discomfort, and tearing during nasopharyngeal swab. Vibration is a reasonable option to minimize patient discomfort during COVID-19 or other microbiological testing.

Protective role of naringin loaded solid nanoparticles against aflatoxin B1 induced hepatocellular carcinoma

This study examines the hepatoprotective activity of naringin loaded solid nanoparticles (NRG-SLNs) and compared with free naringin (FNRG) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver's self-healing ability was studied using a self-recovery group that received no therapy. Following AFB1 therapy, rats were given NRG-SLNs produced using the ion-gelation technique. Histology, serum injury indicators, oxidative stress biomarkers, a pro-inflammatory response biomarker, and tumor indicators were used to evaluate the liver tumor and its responsiveness to therapy. At a dosage of 6.18 mg/kg BW, NRG-SLNs (128 ± 4 nm) provided substantially greater hepatoprotection than free NRG. The actions of NRG-SLNs were equivalent to those of silymarin (SILY), which was given at a dosage of 20 mg/kg BW. The lack of regeneration potential of liver tissue after the damage was verified by the self-recovery group. NRG's efficiency in treating hepatic cancer was increased by using SLN's approach. The increased impact is most likely due to: a) enhanced oral bioavailability, b) the regulated and sustained action of enclosed NRG, and c) a decrease in discomfort and toxicity if any after orally administered. NRG-SLNs may be considered as a therapeutic option for hepatic ailments as effectiveness post-induction of liver carcinoma, is demonstrated presently.

Topical lignocaine anaesthesia for oropharyngeal sampling for COVID-19.

ObjectivesTo ascertain if topical lignocaine application in oropharynx prior to swab sampling to test for COVID-19 improves a patient’s comfort and to assess its effect on the swab sample taken to conduct the RT-PCR.MethodsAdult patients testing positive on the RT-PCR COVID-19 test were sampled again within 48 h after administering topical oropharyngeal anaesthesia. Patients were asked to rate their discomfort on a visual analog scale (VAS) for both sample A and B. A qualitative real-time RT-PCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, was performed, and the cycle threshold value (Ct), used as a surrogate marker for the viral load, was measured for the sample taken without lignocaine (sample A) and the sample taken post-lignocaine application (sample B). The difference in Ct values of both the groups was checked for any statistical significance using paired t-test. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used on VAS scores to determine any significant decrease in discomfort.ResultsForty patients were included in the study. Twenty-nine patients (72.5%) reported the procedure to be more comfortable post-lignocaine application. Median (IQR) discomfort on VAS decreased from 7 (1) to 5 (2) after lignocaine use, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Mean Ct value for sample A was 17.21 ± 5.25 and for sample B was 18.44 ± 4.8 (p > 0.05), indicating a non-significant effect of lignocaine on SARS-CoV-2 concentration in the sample.ConclusionTopical lignocaine, while improving the comfort of the procedure of oropharyngeal sampling for patient did not alter the SARS-CoV-2 viral load that was detected in nasal and oropharyngeal samples taken together.

The Effect of Music on Discomfort During Lumbar Spine SPECT Scintigraphy

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging forms part of the bone scintigraphy examination to significantly improve the detection of skeletal lesions. It has been observed that patients undergoing lumbar spine SPECT scintigraphy frequently complain of general discomfort in the shoulder girdle. Music has been used as an intervention during medical procedures or imaging examinations in an attempt to relieve discomfort and anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of music, as an intervention, on the perceived discomfort in the shoulder girdle during lumbar spine SPECT scintigraphy. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design with two groups was used to conduct this study. Ninety-six consecutive patients routinely referred for lumbar spine SPECT scintigraphy were recruited from two private nuclear medicine practices in Gauteng. Patients were systematically assigned to the control or experimental group. Patients were asked to rate their discomfort at various time points. The results indicate that the group exposed to music as an intervention more frequently reported a decrease in discomfort as compared with the control group. The experimental group also reported less percentage increase in discomfort. There were statistically significant differences in discomfort scores 10 min into the SPECT and after the SPECT between the control and intervention groups. Discomfort scores of the control group had a noticeable increase after the SPECT had started. Music as an intervention during SPECT imaging is more of a distraction than an analgesic and can be used to increase patient comfort and the patients’ experience.

A study of the Repeated Actions Diary in patients suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder.

The structured Repeated Action Diary (RAD) collects in vivo data on compulsions and their various characteristics. Certain compulsions (i.e., those ending because the patient feels certain that it is safe to stop) are then compared with uncertain compulsions. The compulsion profile in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) was assessed by using the RAD. Thirty-two patients from two sources participated in the study. Before pooling the two subgroups, we checked that they did not differ significantly with regard to demographic and clinical variables. Patients reported several categories of compulsion. The most frequently reported compulsions were washing and checking. In a given person, checking compulsions (in contrast to washing compulsions) were often produced by several different obsessions. Almost all the patients reported repeating the compulsions because of a need to feel sure. There were far more "certain" compulsions than "uncertain" compulsions. The number of repetitions was significantly lower for certain compulsions than for uncertain compulsions. The person felt greater relief from guilt and responsibility and a greater decrease in discomfort at the end of a compulsive episode for certain compulsions than for uncertain compulsions. In conclusion, the need to ritualize (prompted by uncertainty, i.e., potential danger) might explain the maintenance (or posttreatment recurrence) of OCD in many patients. The need for certainty in the completion of a compulsion may be worth considering as a therapeutic tool. The development of an approach based on the need for certainty might help to improve treatment outcomes.

Dog-Assisted Therapy and Dental Anxiety: A Pilot Study.

Simple SummaryThe participation of animals, specifically dogs, in therapeutic activities has been demonstrated to improve individuals’ physical and mental health. However, few investigations have been carried out in the area of dentistry. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dog-assisted therapy for individuals with a history of anxiety related to dental visits. During preventative dental procedures (cleaning), a therapy dog accompanied the participant. After this intervention, people reported lower perceived discomfort at dental visits. The participation of therapy dogs in this area of health could help improve people’s experiences in dental offices.Animal-assisted therapy aimed at improving individuals’ mental or physical health has been widely reported. However, the data on how a therapy dog could help control anxiety during dental procedures is scarce. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of dog-assisted therapy on people with a history of dental anxiety while receiving preventive dental treatment. Twelve adults participated (women: n = 11 (91.7%) and men: n = 1 (8.3%), mean age = 31.25 years, D.E. = 5.78). The Corah Dental Anxiety Scale was applied, the patient’s mood was assessed with a Likert scale before and after receiving the dental treatment, and their blood pressure was recorded for each of the three stages of treatment. A therapy dog accompanied the participants during the dental procedure. The main results indicated that a decrease in discomfort was perceived during the intervention, and there was also an improvement in the patient’s evaluation of the experience. The results are based on the decrease in patients’ blood pressure when taken in the middle of the dental treatment.

Investigating Different Dimensions of Nomophobia among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND:Today, mobile phones are recognised as an inseparable part of our daily lives, facilitating communication between users. Based on the studies, addiction to cell phones can lead to several complications including depression, anxiety, anger, and aggression.AIM:This study aimed to investigate nomophobia (no mobile phone phobia) among medical students of Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch.METHODS:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 students studying in different majors of medical sciences in Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch, from 2016 to 2017. Demographic data of all participants were recorded in a data sheet. In the next stage, a questionnaire was designed by the researcher to evaluate the effect of age, gender, education, and the duration of using cell phone variables on discomfort, anxiety, and insecurity due to lack of access to cell phone or other related issues. Raw data were analysed using SPSS statistical software version 21. The significance level was considered P < 0.05.RESULTS:The results of the study showed that participants with lower mean age felt more discomfort, anger, anxiety, and insecurity due to lack of access to mobile phones and other related issues compared to other people. However, no variable was statistically significant (P-value > 0.05). Except anxiety, results showed that longer duration of mobile phone use might lead to a significant decrease in discomfort, anger, and insensibility variables among users (P-value > 0.05). The incidence of nomophobia (with its different aspects) was significantly lower in females (P-value > 0.05). Also, in participants with higher educational status, the nomophobia was recorded to be more frequent (P-Value > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Understanding the pattern of nomophobia occurrence among cell phone users can facilitate our path to prevent its harms including discomfort, anger, anxiety, and feeling of insecurity among users of technology.

Functional behaviour analysis guided interventions might improve transfer-related behaviour in dementia care dyads: a single case study

Background: Impaired mobility in people with severe dementia is well known. Physical therapists play a key role in guiding professional caregivers on how to handle mobility and transfer-related problems; however, it is unknown how to handle the complexity of dementia-related impaired endurance, joint dysfunction, balance, and gait dysfunction and at the same time, take into consideration the person's decreased cognition, communication deficits, and behaviour problems.Aims and methods: The aim was to explore the effectiveness and efficiency of functional behaviour analysis (FBA) guided interventions of dyadic transfer-related behaviour in dementia care dyads. An experimental single-case research design was used. Two care dyads participated. Different methods of assessment were performed to gather the dyadic transfer-related behavioural problems. Transfers were recorded by video uptakes and to generate a hypothesis about dyadic transfer-related behavioural problems, the Dyadic Interaction in Dementia Transfer Assessment Scale (DIDTAS) was used.Results: The problematic transfer-related behaviour in care dyad 1 changed positively, as reflected by a decrease in discomfort verbally expressed by the person with dementia. A trend towards increased cooperation was observed among caregivers assisting in the transfer situation. In care dyad 2, a trend towards increased caregiver self-efficacy (SE) was observed between the baseline and completed intervention phases. The decreased resistiveness to care (RTC) exhibited by the person with dementia paralleled the increase in caregiver SE.Conclusion: Considering the findings of this explorative study, physical therapists could consider the development of tailored interventions guided by an FBA for complex dyadic transfer-related behavioural problems in dementia care dyads.

EFFICIENT IMPROVEMENTS OF HERPEX SIMPLEX LABIALIS TREATMENT USING DIODE LASER AND “TEBODONT” GEL

The introduction of laser systems into the dental practice takes an important place in the development of methods for accelerated and effective treatment of viral diseases. As a matter of fact, laser radiation blocks the inflammatory process, suppresses the pathogenicity of the virus, improves the processes of microcirculation. The use of tea tree oil-based preparations promotes regeneration and restoration of the tunica mucosa of mouth.&#x0D; The aim of this study is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of combined use of laser radiation with “Tebodont” gel based on tea tree oil in the treatment of recurrent Herpes simplex Labialis. Clinical observation of 44 patients was conducted on the basis of Pyrohov Memorial Vinnytsia National Medical University at the age from 17 to 22 years old. Among them there were 26 women and 18 men with a prolonged history of the disease within 6 years or more: light severity. Diagnosis of the disease was performed on the basis of complaints of patients, results of objective examination and molecular-biological method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR).&#x0D; To assess the treatment efficiency, patients were divided into three levels according to the number of group: I, II and control. All patients were prescribed a commonly agreed treatment regimen, which included the local application of antiviral “Herpevir” ointment for the first 3 days, anaesthetic gel “Kamistad”, and keratoplastic agents to stimulate the epithelization. Patients of I group, with the exception of “Herpevir” ointment, during the first 3 days of the disease received a daily two-time application of “Tebodont” gel on the affected lip area until the final epithelization.&#x0D; Patients of II main group underwent laser contactless irradiation of the affected lip area with diode laser Picasso made by the company “AMD Lasers” (USA) in a continuous mode with the power range of 0.5 Watt using non-activated fibre and “Program 4”. Exposition – 2 minutes on the area, number – 5 procedures and daily two-time application of “Tebodont” gel on the affected lip area until the final epithelization.&#x0D; The efficiency was being assessed within two weeks from the starting date of treatment based on subjective data and clinical examination results. Patients of I main group began to recover on 3-4 days of examination. Full epithelization of the affected area occurred on the 5-6 days of treatment. All patients of II main group showed an improvement in the clinical picture already on the second day after the treatment. They noted a decrease in pain, edema, and hyperaemia. Complete epithelization of erosive defects in patients was observed on the 3-4 days of the examination. Patients of the control group noted an improvement in the clinical picture of the disease – decrease of discomfort, pain, only on the fifth day of treatment. Initial manifestations of epithelization of the affected area were observed in the patients of this group only on the 7-8 days. High efficiency of treatment in the main groups was observed already on the 5th day of treatment and constituted 100% in II and 79% in the I group. In the control group, complete healing occurred only on the 10-12 days of treatment.&#x0D; Obtained results of the study certify that the use of laser radiation in combination with tea tree oil-based “Tebodont” gel in the treatment of recurrent Herpes simplex Labialis, in terms of therapeutic efficiency, exceeds conventional medical treatment.&#x0D; The prospect of further research is to develop and introduce modern methods for the treatment of diseases of the tunica mucosa of mouth into the dental practice with the usage of laser radiation and preparations based on tea tree oil.

The Optimal Pad Material for Fat Suppression of Breast MRI.

Although fat suppression technique is used in breast MRI, artifacts often appear owing to susceptibility and defective fat suppression effect after breast surgery. This is due to the abundance of adipose tissue in the breast as well as the region of air around the circumference of the excision site. Therefore, we have evaluated the optimal pad material for achieving fat suppression in breast MRI to reduce image artifacts and patient discomfort while maintaining breast shape. Oil of the solidity was used as the breast phantom material after segmental resection surgery. Five pad materials, including rice, ball bullets, glass beads, acrylic beads, and bath salts were used to fill the defects. Fat-suppressed, T1-weighted, three-dimensional imaging was performed using a breast array coil. Images with and without the five pad materials, were evaluated physically, visually, and by contact. Physical evaluation consisted of measuring the maximum signal and standard deviation in the regions of interest (ROIs). Discomfort and the amount of perceived resistance were evaluated during contact evaluation by inserting a finger into each pad material. In results, glass beads and bath salts produced a significantly larger fat suppression effect in the ROIs. Visual and contact evaluation also highlighted the benefits of glass beads, the latter demonstrating a significant decrease in discomfort and perceived resistance. In conclusion, we consider glass beads as the optimal pad material for fat suppression in breast MRI after surgery.

The influence of activities and duration on comfort and discomfort development in time of aircraft passengers.

Discomfort increases when duration of sitting is longer. Aircraft passengers are subjected to prolonged sitting in restricted postures, which can cause discomfort. To examine the relationship between duration of sitting and development of discomfort, as well as the influence of different passenger activities. Participants (n = 18) performed four different activities in three conditions during an aircraft seat test. Discomfort was measured every 15 min on an 11-point scale. A short online survey asked passengers (n = 114) when they felt most refreshed during their last flight. Discomfort was significantly lower during the 'food' activity for condition 2 (hot meal), compared to conditions 1 and 3 (drinks, snack). The largest decrease in discomfort was during the 15 min break between two conditions, in which participants could walk around. Respondents from the online survey indicated they felt most refreshed after food (34.8%), sleeping (27.0%) and walking through the plane (25.2%). Walking was mentioned more often as most refreshing activity by long-haul passengers (>6 h) compared to short-haul passengers (<2 h). Passengers can be distracted from feeling discomfort by providing food and drinks. Airlines and seat manufacturers can increase comfort by stimulating passengers to move in their seat.

The use of thermal imaging to assess the effectiveness of ice massage and cold-water immersion as methods for supporting post-exercise recovery

Cold water immersion (CWI) and ice massage (IM) are commonly used treatments to prevent the delay onset of muscle soreness (DOMS); however, little is known on their relative benefits and effectiveness to lower tissue temperature. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of IM and CMI on tissue temperature and potential benefit to preventing DOMS. The research encompassed 36 subjects divided into three groups of twelve depending on the form of recovery: ice massage (IM), cold-water immersion (CWI), or passive recovery (PAS). All the participants were asked to jump as high as possible from a full squat for one minute. Thermal imaging was conducted at rest, immediately following the exercise, immediately after the trial, following the recovery treatment, and after 30min of rest. Their pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). After applying the selected method for supporting recovery, the LA level decreased by 4.25mmol/L in the IM group, and by 4.96mmol/L in the CWI group (IM vs. CWI p>0.05). The 2.75mmol/L decrease in lactate concentration in the PAS group was significantly lower than in the other groups (IM vs. PAS p<0.05/ CWI vs. PAS p<0.01). In both groups, Tsk after 30min was significantly lower (ΔTsk~0.5°C) than at rest (p<0.05). In turn, Tsk in the PAS group returned to the resting values (p>0.05). Seventy-two hours after the exercise, a clear decrease in discomfort was observed in the IM and CWI groups compared to the PAS group. The two applied treatments have proven to be effective both in utilizing lactate and preventing DOMS. Depending on training requirements, we recommend the use of IM when athletes experience localized muscle fatigue. One the other hand, CWI is recommended in situations of global or generalized muscle injury or fatigue.

Exposure to unwanted intrusions, neutralizing and their effects on self-worth and obsessive-compulsive phenomena

BackgroundAlthough there is a growing body of literature to support the importance of understanding self processes in the experience of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), no experimental research has directly examined the relationship between self-construals and phenomena central to OCD. The current study examined the effect that unwanted intrusions and neutralizing responses have on self-worth, distress and urge to neutralize. MethodsAfter listening to repeated audio recordings of idiosyncratic unwanted intrusions, a combined nonclinical and clinical OCD sample were asked to respond with either their chosen neutralizing strategy (experimental) or a refocus counting strategy (control). Each condition comprised of a 12-min responding period (respond) followed by an equivalent non-response period (listen). Participants completed each condition, and were randomly allocated into the condition completed first. Ratings of discomfort, urge to neutralize, and self-worth were measured throughout. ResultsNeutralizing and refocussing responses were both associated with decreases in discomfort and higher self-worth. The expected rebound effect for discomfort and urge to neutralize for the listen period after neutralizing was found. LimitationsMethodological problems lead to missing data, although this was corrected with the use of Multi Level Modelling (MLM) analysis on a combined sample. The small clinical sample meant that comparison between the two populations was not possible. ConclusionsFindings support cognitive accounts that neutralizing is involved in the development and maintenance of OCD, and suggest that neutralizing is a purposeful response aimed to help reinstate self-worth. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.