Rational Therapy Research Articles

Review of the book “Practical issues of rational antibacterial therapy”

In 2023, the book “Practical Issues of Rational Antibacterial Therapy” under general ed. Yarovoy SK, Khokhlov AL, was published. This monograph is devoted to practical issues of empirical therapy for the most common nonspecific infectious and inflammatory diseases. The monograph presents the main provisions of antimicrobial therapy from the perspective of clinical pharmacology. The general patterns of prescription and distribution of antibacterial agents, the concepts of basic and reserve drugs, selection of hospital strains, natural and acquired resistance are explained. Antibacterial drugs are compared in pairs with each other based on an analysis of their spectra of antimicrobial activity. Combination (multicomponent) antibacterial therapy is being considered. Undesirable regimens of antimicrobial therapy are described, options with insufficient effectiveness and an unsatisfactory safety profile are analyzed.

REBT와 MBCT의 비교 연구

The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) and REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) theories by comparing them, and to provide theoretical basis for counselors dealing with various psychological problems to apply appropriately in the field. For this purpose, this study reviewed previous studies based on REBT and MBCT theories, compared and analyzed the core concepts of the theories and the characteristics of counseling and programs, and examined the domestic research trends of the last 10 years. The conclusions are as follows: First, both theories emphasize self-acceptance and caution against critical judgment. Second, they utilize a cognitive approach that recognizes the influence of personal thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes on emotions and behaviors. Third, they emphasize therapeutic change at a fundamental philosophical level. Fourth, they highlight the importance of presenting tasks to encourage self-therapy and self-help. Fifth, they approach the effectiveness of the therapy process psychologically and educationally. The implications drawn from the research trends of REBT and MBCT are as follows: First, the value of REBT as an integrative theory is proven. Second, programs integrating REBT with other therapies can help students in their academics and school life. Third, the development and efficacy of group counseling programs based on REBT have been demonstrated. Fourth, practical theories, tools, and qualitative analysis of experiences necessary for REBT counseling provide help to counselors. Fifth, research related to REBT supervision helps counselors develop their competencies. Sixth, MBCT not only prevents depression but also has positive effects on reducing anxiety and suicidal thoughts. This study is significant in that it contributes to the clinical application and advancement of cognitive behavioral therapy in Korea by comparing and analyzing REBT and MBCT, clarifying their relationship, and understanding research trends.

REBT와 ACT의 상담이론 비교

The purpose of this study is to present the theoretical basis for the causes of human maladaptive behavior and solutions through an integrated review of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Acceptance & Commitment (ACT). . To this end, a literature study was conducted to compare and analyze the definitions, human views, main concepts, counseling processes, and techniques of the two counseling theories to lay a theoretical foundation for the causes of human maladaptation and countermeasures. As a result of the study, it was discovered that REBT and ACT have a common view that the combination of language and cognitive structure causes maladaptive emotions and behaviors. As a solution to maladaptive emotions and behaviors formed by distorted cognition, REBT focuses on cognitive restructuring, while ACT also proposes cognitive defusion and acceptance of experience. However, ultimately, both theories urge us to break away from maladaptive emotions resulting from distorted cognition and live our lives toward values with an attitude of unconditional acceptance of ourselves, others, and the world. This study is significant in that it is a comparative study between REBT and ACT, which has been rarely studied, but has a limitation in that it has a rather comprehensive topic. By overcoming these limitations and compromising and integrating the theories of REBT and ACT, which have a common goal of accepting life, we propose a more effective treatment plan that can improve maladaptive human behavior and follow-up research to verify effectiveness.

국내 우울증 치료에서 REBT와 MBCT기반치료의 현황 고찰

This study focuses on understanding the role and detailed treatment process of RBET (rational emotive behavior therapy), a second-generation theory in cognitive behavior therapy, and MBCT (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy), a third-generation theory in cognitive behavior theory. The research method compared and analyzed the two theories and domestic papers related to depression. The result of the study shows that RBET plays a fundamental role in treating depression by philosophically changing and modifying key beliefs that cause depression. The effectiveness of RBET has already been verified in many previous studies. The result of the study also shows that MBCT is used as maintenance therapy in cases where depression has improved. The process of MBCT is as follows: to notice signs of worsening or recurrence of symptoms; to get past negative emotions by focusing on the present; to learn to relate to the senses, emotions, and thoughts arising from within; and to switch to the “being mode” from cognitive defusion and the “doing mode”. In summary, RBET is effective as a quick and early treatment technique, and MBCT is effective as a maintenance treatment technique to prevent recurrence once depression has improved. This study is meaningful in maximizing the effectiveness of depression treatment by comparing the differences and commonalities between REBT and MBCT theories and clarifying the cooperative relationship.

Раціональна антибіотикотерапія при інфекціях дихальних шляхів у дітей: сучасні рекомендації

Diseases of the respiratory tract remain relevant in pediatrics. Purpose - to provide modern recommendations for the prescription of rational antibiotic therapy for respiratory tract infections in children to improve clinical practice and preserve the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs. The principles of optimal use of antibacterial drugs in the treatment of respiratory diseases in pediatric practice are discussed. The data of the study of the pharmacological profile of azithromycin, its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of respiratory diseases are presented. A detailed analysis of the drug's spectrum of action, its pharmacokinetics, and the possibility of side effects is provided. The study includes the results of clinical trials and meta-analyses, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right dosage and duration of treatment. The presented results contribute to the understanding of optimal approaches to the use of azithromycin in the treatment of respiratory diseases in children, contributing to the improvement of clinical practice and maintaining the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy. No conflict of interests was declared by the author.

When not hitting your sales target is 'the end of the world': Examining the effects of rational emotive behaviour therapy on the irrational beliefs and emotional reactivity of UK-based sales professionals.

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, workplace wellbeing is a key priority for employers. Severe market and health conditions continue to bring inevitable problems that could be reduced with the application of psychological interventions to prevent mental and physical health issues, making this study a highly pertinent and valuable contribution to the field. This paper reports the effects of a rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) programme on the irrational beliefs and emotional reactivity of 56 office-based sales professionals located in the northwest region of the UK. A pre-test, post-test experimental design was utilised, and a mixed model ANOVA (repeated measures) was adopted to assess changes in mean differences concerning irrational beliefs and emotional reactivity at pre and post-test stages for the intervention group, in comparison to a control group. Results indicate that those in the REBT group reported significant reductions in irrational beliefs and emotional reactivity, whilst those in the control group reported no such changes. It is recommended that future research studies consider utilizing a mixed methods design and focus on a strategic collaboration of organisational and individual level interventions for improving the psychological wellbeing and performance of sales personnel.

Reducing mathematics anxiety among deaf learners through relaxation and rational emotive behaviour therapies: A randomised-control study

The effects of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) and Relaxation Therapy (RT) on mathematics anxiety (MA) were examined among Deaf learners (DLs) in Oyo State in Nigeria. The randomized controlled study adopted a purposive sampling procedure to select three schools for the Deaf and Deaf learners (DLs) in Oyo State. A random sampling procedure was employed to select 60 DLs who were assigned to two experimental groups REBT (n = 25; male = 10; female = 15), RT (n = 17; male = 8; female = 9), and a control group (n = 20; male = 11; female = 9). The Mathematics Anxiety Scale (MAS) was used to screen the participants. The data gathered were analysed using the analysis of variance and descriptive charts. The findings revealed the efficacy of the two therapeutic interventions in reducing MA among DLs. The estimated mean difference between the treatment and control groups showed the following: REBT (15.66), RT (11.63), and control group (9.99). This study, therefore, concluded that REBT and RT were effective at drastically reducing Deaf learners’ anxiety regarding mathematics. Appropriate recommendations were made and implications were highlighted for practice, policy, and research, based on the findings

Antibiotic therapy in pediatric outpatient ENT infections

Inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs are currently the most common pathology in children. Diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses occupy the leading place in the structure of primary morbidity, averaging 55.5%. In the paediatric population, ENT pathology develops more often as a secondary bacterial complication of a previous viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Bacterial otorhinolaryngological complications often require the prescription of antibacterial drugs. In outpatient practice, the choice of rational and safe therapy is of utmost importance. The article presents clinical cases of ENT diseases in children and algorithms for the choice of initial antibacterial therapy. Recommended drugs for the treatment of ENT diseases and the main indications for their administration are presented. Most national and international guidelines recommend amoxicillin as a first-line drug for the treatment of major respiratory pathogens (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, S. pyogenes) and bacterial complications of ENT diseases in children, taking into account its low toxicity, cost and convenient form of administration. In case of ineffective therapy or in the presence of risk factors for drug resistance of pathogens, semi-synthetic penicillins in combination with β-lactamase inhibitors are recommended.

Efficacy and Safety ofAblativeFractionalLaser in Melasma: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.

Melasma is a common acquired skin pigmentation disorder. The treatment is urgent but challenging. Ablative fractional laser (AFL) can improve pigmentation, but the efficacy and potential side effects are still debatable. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ablative fractional lasers in the treatment of melasma. A comprehensive systematic search of literature published before June 20, 2023, was conducted on online databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The data obtained were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Fourteen randomized controlled trials, comprising 527 patients, were included. Compared to the drug alone, the combination of AFL and the drug showed improved therapeutic efficacy in the melasma area and severity index (MASI) (MD = 1.54, 95% CI [0.16, 2.92], P = 0.03) and physician global assessment (RR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.08, 2.41], P = 0.02). However, no statistically significant results were found in patient self-assessment (RR = 1.56, 95% CI [0.88, 2.76], P = 0.12). As an individual therapy, AFL is not superior to any other lasers in terms of MASI (MD = 2.66, 95% CI [-1.32, 6.64], P = 0.19) or melanin index (MD = -7.06, 95% CI [-45.09, 30.97], P = 0.72). Common adverse events included transient erythema, burning, edema, and superficial crusting. Only a few patients experienced reversible post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, herpes labialis, and acne breakouts. These results support the application of AFL as a viable treatment option for melasma, particularly in refractory and severe cases. Rational parameterization or combination therapy may lead to significant clinical improvement with fewer complications.

A Narrative Commentary on the Use of a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy-Informed Group to Address Irrational Beliefs, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Comorbidities.

Irrational beliefs of Demandingness, Catastrophizing, Low Frustration Tolerance, and Depreciation have demonstrated prevalence in disparate areas of life, including psychopathology, the military, politics, religion, and education. Individuals with mental health concerns, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), endorse elevations in such thoughts compared to the general population. This commentary describes the rationale for focusing on irrational beliefs in efforts to address PTSD and presents the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)-Informed Group for PTSD as a potential novel application of a well-established intervention. In support of these suggestions, we present a narrative review of the published work on irrational beliefs and REBT tenets as relevant for PTSD. We then introduce and describe the REBT-Informed Group intervention, summarize the prior preliminary research conducted by our group, and present some novel data from a re-analysis of this prior work. We end with commentary related to future directions of REBT approaches for PTSD to address limitations and expand the impact of the treatment to military and other Veteran or civilian populations.

Pengaruh Konseling Individual Teknik REBT Terhadap Kemampuan Memecahkan Masalah pada Siswa Korban Bullying di Kelas VIII Mesra Pematangsiantar

This study aims to use the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) technique with the aim that it can help students to be able to live more productively by thinking rationally. The research approach used is a quantitative approach with the type of quasi-experimental research (Quasi Experiment) using a design one group pretest and posttest. The type of research used is descriptive research. The sampling technique in this study was purposive sampling technique. The data collection instrument used in the research is using a psychological scale about problem solving skills. By using questioner and interviews to collect data in this study. Based on the results of the Wilcoxon test, the results of changes in the ability to solve problems of students who were victims of bullying can be proven from the results of data analysis, namely the value of J_count = 16.4, α = 0.05, and N = 5 obtained J_table = 0 . So, J_count>J_table where 16.4 > 0, which means the hypothesis can be accepted. With the influence of individual counseling services, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) techniques can help students solve problems and increase the level of ability to solve problems for victims of bullying. Through this research, it is hoped that it can teach students how to solve the problem of victims of bullying supported by positive thoughts and attitudes.

Gamified Assessment of the Emotion-Regulation Abilities in Youths: Validation of the REThink Online Game-Based Assessment System.

Objective: Emotional problems in the youth population are a major issue that can have a significant negative impact for their future development as adults. Their emotion regulation (ER) abilities represent a preventive measure for those emotional problems. REThink is an online therapeutic game that was proved to be effective in rigorous studies, and is based on the rational emotive behavioral therapy, with seven levels built to train various emotional regulation skills. Each level has a section that can be used for the assessment of the targeted skills within the level. The present study aimed at investigating the reliability and validity of the evaluation modules from the REThink game regarding the assessment of ER abilities in children/adolescents. Methods: In accordance with established guidelines, 110 children and adolescents aged 8-14 years old were recruited. Following parental informed consent, the participants filled out the standard questionnaires and, subsequently, they played the evaluation module of the REThink game. The reliability aspect was investigated by evaluating internal consistency, while validity was evaluated by using concurrent and predictive validity analyses. Results: The results revealed statistically significant positive associations between the game scores obtained by the participants and the emotion regulation scale. In terms of predictive validity, there were significant negative associations between game scores and the presence of emotional and behavioral problems. Moreover, in terms of the reliability of the REThink game, an acceptable value for the internal consistency was observed. Conclusion: In conclusion, the REThink therapeutic game was proved to be a valid measure for assessing emotion regulation abilities in children and adolescents. Clinical Trial Registration No. NCT04788901.

Review of the monograph by Yarovoy S.K., Khokhlov A.L. “Practical issues of rational antibacterial therapy”

Review of the monograph by Yarovoy S.K., Khokhlov A.L. “Practical issues of rational antibacterial therapy”

SynergyX: a multi-modality mutual attention network for interpretable drug synergy prediction.

Discovering effective anti-tumor drug combinations is crucial for advancing cancer therapy. Taking full account of intricate biological interactions is highly important in accurately predicting drug synergy. However, the extremely limited prior knowledge poses great challenges in developing current computational methods. To address this, we introduce SynergyX, a multi-modality mutual attention network to improve anti-tumor drug synergy prediction. It dynamically captures cross-modal interactions, allowing for the modeling of complex biological networks and drug interactions. A convolution-augmented attention structure is adopted to integrate multi-omic data in this framework effectively. Compared with other state-of-the-art models, SynergyX demonstrates superior predictive accuracy in both the General Test and Blind Test and cross-dataset validation. By exhaustively screening combinations of approved drugs, SynergyX reveals its ability to identify promising drug combination candidates for potential lung cancer treatment. Another notable advantage lies in its multidimensional interpretability. Taking Sorafenib and Vorinostat as an example, SynergyX serves as a powerful tool for uncovering drug-gene interactions and deciphering cell selectivity mechanisms. In summary, SynergyX provides an illuminating and interpretable framework, poised to catalyze the expedition of drug synergy discovery and deepen our comprehension of rational combination therapy.

Perceptions of organizational value and unethical/deviant behaviors among lecturers in Archeology and Religion and Cultural Studies: An intervention study.

Understanding an organization's ethical standards assists employees in abiding by stipulated rules and regulations and reduces the prevalent rate of inappropriate behaviors. Unfortunately, some workers do not know and as a result, they become dysfunctional, affecting their professional identities. Given this, scholars have called for psychoeducational strategies that coach workers to improve their perceptions. With this in mind, we investigated the impact of psychoeducational coaching on workplace ethical perceptions and deviant behaviors among lecturers in Archeology and Religion and Cultural Studies. A group randomized control design was adopted, and a sample of lecturers was assigned to intervention and control groups using a simple allocation sequence method. Three dependent measures were used to assess the participants' irrational beliefs, work values, and deviant behaviors before the intervention, after, and 2 months later as a follow-up test. Data collected were cued into SPSS version 28. A multivariate analysis was performed to test postulated hypotheses at .05 probability level. The results showed that rational-emotive behavior occupational coaching has a significant impact on reducing unethical work values and work-deviant behaviors among lecturers in Archeology and Religion and Cultural Studies. The finding of this study justified the effectiveness of rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) approaches in treating irrational beliefs that occasioned work-deviant behaviors among the employees. It is concluded in this study that rational-emotive behavior occupational coaching is beneficial and effective in decreasing unethical work values and work-deviant behaviors among lecturers in Archeology and Religion and Cultural Studies. Therefore, REBT practitioners should liaise with lecturers in Archeology and Religion and Cultural Studies to advance the practice of REBT in workplaces.

Predictors and patterns of empirical antibiotic therapy and associated outcomes in COVID-19 patients: a retrospective study in a tertiary care facility in South India

ABSTRACT Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) led to a global health crisis. Inappropriate use of antibiotics in COVID-19 patients has been a concern, leading to antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the patterns and predictors of empirical antibiotic therapy in COVID-19 patients and associated outcomes. Methods A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted with 525 patients admitted to Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, India, with moderate and severe COVID-19 from 1 March to 1 August 2021. They were divided based on empirical therapy, and predictors of antibiotic usage were assessed by logistic regression. Results Four hundred and eighty (91.4%) COVID-19 patients received at least one course of antibiotics, with 440 (83.8%) initiating empirical therapy. Patients with severe COVID-19 manifestations were more likely to be prescribed empirical antibiotics. Multivariable analysis showed that patients initiated on empirical antibiotics had significantly elevated levels of procalcitonin [OR: 3.91 (95% CI: 1.66–9.16) (p = 0.001)], invasive ventilation [OR: 3.93 (95% CI: 1.70–9.09) (p = 0.001)], shortness of breath [OR: 2.25 (95% CI: 1.30–3.89) (p = 0.003)] and higher CRP levels [OR: 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00–1.01) (p = 0.005)]. Most antibiotics (65.9%) were prescribed from the ‘Watch’ group, the highest being ceftriaxone. Only 23.8% of the patients had microbiologically confirmed infections. Conclusion The study identified predictors for initiating empirical antibacterial therapy in our setting.

Diagnosis and Pharmacological Management of Microscopic Colitis in Geriatric Care.

Microscopic colitis, a diagnosis under the umbrella term of inflammatory bowel disease, is a prevalent cause of watery diarrhea, often with symptoms of urgency and bloating, typically observed in older adults aged ≥60years. Its incidence has been reported to exceed those of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in some geographical areas. Although nonpathognomonic endoscopic abnormalities, including changes of the vascular mucosal pattern; mucosal erythema; edema; nodularity; or mucosal defects, e.g., "cat scratches" have been reported, a colonoscopy is typically macroscopically normal. As reliable biomarkers are unavailable, colonoscopy using random biopsies from various parts of the colon is compulsory. Based on the histological examination under a microscope, the disease is divided into collagenous (with a thickened subepithelial collagenous band) and lymphocytic (with intraepithelial lymphocytosis) colitis, although incomplete forms exist. In routine clinical settings, the disease has a high risk of being misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or even overlooked. Therefore, healthcare providers should be familiar with clinical features and rational management strategies. A 6-8-week oral budesonide treatment course (9 mg/day) is considered the first-line therapy, but patients often experience relapse when discontinued, or might become intolerant, dependent, or even fail to respond. Consequently, other therapeutic options (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate, biologics, loperamide, bile acid sequestrants, and thiopurines) recommended by available guidelines may be prescribed. Herein, clinically meaningful data is provided based on the latest evidence that may aid in reaching a diagnosis and establishing rational therapy in geriatric care to control symptoms and enhance the quality of life for those affected.

ASSESSMENT OF ANTIBIOTICS PRESCRIPTION PATTERN BY USING WHO PRESCRIBING INDICATORS IN GENERAL MEDICINE WARD OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: Antibiotics encompass a great extent of the important cornerstone in clinical medicine. Antibiotics are being used more often for treatment, prophylaxis, and diagnosis as the diversity of infectious illnesses grows. Irrational prescribing of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance, ineffective treatment, polypharmacy, and an increase in treatment cost. This study is to assess prescribing pattern of antibiotics in the general medicine ward of a tertiary care hospital, Chitradurga.
 Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for a period of six months. A self-designed data collection form was used to collect the data from the prescriptions. The collected data was entered and analysed using Microsoft Excel.
 Results: In 300 prescriptions, a total of 2,468 drugs were prescribed, with an average of 8.2 drugs per prescription. A total of 719 antibiotics were prescribed, with an average of 2.3 per prescription. Percentage of antibiotics prescribed by generic name was 6% and prescribed according to EDL was 74%. About 96% of prescriptions containing antibiotics are in injection form. Ceftriaxone (30.32%) was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic. Cephalosporins (44.51%) were the most frequently prescribed class of antibiotics.
 Conclusion: This study indicate that prescription pattern was not optimal compared to the recommended values of the WHO core prescribing indicators. The prescribing practices were not appropriate as they consisted of polypharmacy, lesser prescription by generic name, and parenteral route of administration more than the oral route. Hence, there is a need to implement the standards of antibiotic guidelines prescribed rational therapy.

PENERAPAN TEKNIK KONSELING RET UNTUK MEMINIMALISIR PERILAKU BULLYING DI SMP X

This research was motivated by the large number of students who committed disciplinary violations at school. So it is an interesting problem for the author to use as a research title because it is related to the smoothness of the teaching and learning process and the success of students' learning. One of the disciplinary violations often committed by SMP X students is bullying friends, both individually and in groups, and there are many other violations. Therefore, special assistance is needed, namely group counseling services so that students' problems can be resolved. One of the techniques used to change the behavior of undisciplined students at school is the Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) technique with the hope of changing inappropriate behavior into behavior that is in accordance with school rules and regulations. The aim of this research is to find out how to apply group counseling using the Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) technique in dealing with student disciplinary violations at SMP X. The method used in this research is a literature study. The object of research is students who violate school rules and regulations. The samples that will be used as research are students in grades VII, VIII and IX.

Rational Emotive Therapy and Anxiety in Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Quasi-Experiment Pre-Post Control Study

During the process of hospitalization of the illness, patients can experience various incidents or treatments which according to various studies are very traumatic and stressful. This study aimed to explain the effect of Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) on the level of anxiety in chronic disease patients. The research design used a quasi-experiment pre-post control group design. The sample of this study was 10 patients with chronic diseases in the age range of 30–50 years using purposive sampling techniques in taking the subject of the study. The results of the experiment showed that there was no real difference in anxiety before and after RET. The experimental group showed Asymp (asymptotic significance). A significance of 0,046 (p < 0.05) means there was a real difference in anxieties before and after RET. The Mann-Whitney test results obtained an asymp (asymptotic significance) of 0.042 (p< 0.05). This indicates that there were real differences in both groups (control and experiment) after treatment. While the Mann-Whitney trial results received an asymptotic significance of 0,549 (p > 0.05), that means there were no significant differences between the two groups (control and experimental) before treatment. It can be concluded that rational-emotional therapy can lower the level of anxiety of chronic disease patients.