Rational Therapy Research Articles

Conceptual Study of Balgrahas (Microbes) in Kaumarbhritya: A Narrative Review

Ayurveda is a time-tested science that systematically explains its concepts through eight branches. Grahas Chikitsa (Ayurvedic treatment of microbes) is one of these branches, and it is well-explained in the texts. “Graha” refers to a tiny, invisible living organism that may undergo several stages of development and can be pathogenic or antigenic to the body. Microorganisms can cause generalised pathogenic alterations in the body that affect multiple systems, similar to the concept of Grahas. This suggests a deeper understanding of microbes in relation to Grahas. This review paper aims to explore the age-old concept of Balgrahas (microbes) and its relevance in modern times. The review was conducted using published articles on paediatric disorders, electronic databases, textbooks on paediatrics, and traditional Ayurvedic writings related to Kauamarbhritya (Paediatrics). A distinguishing feature of this study is its compilation of information on Balgraha from classical texts, covering clinical characteristics, causal factors, and various internal and external treatments. It also discusses Ayurvedic treatment modalities such as Daiva Vyapashraya Chikitsa (Spiritual therapy) and Yukti Vyapashraya Chikitsa (Rational therapy). In this review, authors discussed several formulations for treating conditions associated with Balgraha (microbes) that have not been detailed in previous studies. Additionally, some Shodhan karma (Detoxification) procedures that are particularly recommended for both children and nursing mothers are also highlighted.

Algorithm of conceptualization in rational-emotional-behavioral therapy by A. Ellis

The object of this research is the practical principles of rational-emotional-behavioral therapy (REBT) by A. Ellis. The subject of the research is the specifics of the formation of the conceptualization of the client within the framework of a rational-emotional-behavioral approach. The aim of this research is to develop an algorithm for compiling client conceptualization in the therapeutic direction under consideration based on the systematization of activating events, irrational beliefs, key contesting counterarguments and rational statements. The conceptualization developed in this research also allows the client to form abstract ideas about problematic areas of life, to discover common cognitive behavioral patterns ("schemes") peculiar to him, to derive abstract irrational beliefs and rational statements (a new effective philosophy) and behaviorally reinforce the latter in order to realize significant (including global) life goals and values. The methodological basis of the work is the research of the founders and representatives of rational-emotional-behavioral and cognitive psychotherapy. The main result of the conducted research is the developed REBT conceptualization, which until now was absent in rational-emotional-behavioral therapy, but is actively used in a related psychotherapeutic approach – A. Beck's cognitive therapy. The presented conceptualization and the described algorithm of its compilation contribute to eliminating the risks associated with an insufficiently systematic understanding by the client of the abstract structure of his emotional and behavioral disorders during the passage of rational-emotional-behavioral therapy, known for its deep philosophical approach to solving specific problems, mainly due to philosophical disputation of specific irrational beliefs of the client. The scientific novelty of the work also lies in the description of cognitive-behavioral patterns ("schemes") characteristic of the majority of clients suffering from affective disorders, formulated on the basis of twelve typical irrational beliefs identified by A. Ellis in 1956.

Implementing Community Antimicrobial Stewardship Model in Nigeria: Lessons Learned from AMS Outpatient Setting among Community Pharmacists/Patent and Proprietary Medicine

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global concern primarily driven by the overuse and inappropriate utilization of antimicrobials. In Nigeria, AMR is exacerbated by the routine sale of prescription-only medicines, including antimicrobials, without proper monitoring. The National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (2017-2022) highlighted widespread inappropriate antibiotic use, with significant proportions obtained without prescriptions. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in outpatient settings is a novel concept in Nigeria. This interventional study sought to contribute to the reduction of inappropriate antibiotic dispensing and use in community/outpatient settings in Nigeria, focusing on enhancing the skills and capacity of improved rational antibiotic therapy among community pharmacists and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs), with the sole aim of improving patient health outcomes. The CAMS interventional study involves education, quality improvement capacity building, patient empowerment, and a multifaceted AMS strategy. Results from the CFID’s CAMS model indicated a significant improvement in the rational dispensing and use of antimicrobials within the intervention group, emphasizing the effectiveness of CAMS. Notable variations in post-visit actions between the intervention and monitoring groups further support the positive impact of the intervention. Variation in attitudes towards sharing of antibiotic to friends and relatives was reduced among the intervention group, offering clear understanding into the potential impact of CFID AMS outpatient setting (CAMS) intervention. The study’s conclusion underscores the pivotal role of implementing AMS in outpatient and community settings such as the CAMS interventional model in improving antibiotic-related practices in both urban and rural communities in Nigeria, emphasizing its relevance and impact.

Rational and Gentle Therapy of Onychomycosis

Diseases caused by microscopic organisms - fungi (incorrectly “molds”) - belong among the most common skin infections and studies show an increasing trend in their occurrence. Dermatomycoses are fungal infections which affect the skin, nails, or hair. Even though the best practices state that naming an infection should be based on identified trigger, the Latin word “tinea” followed by the area of the body (e.g. tinea unguium, tinea pedis) is used more frequently.

Effectiveness of rational emotive behaviour therapy on stress and impulsivity among suicide attempters

Effectiveness of rational emotive behaviour therapy on stress and impulsivity among suicide attempters

Acquaintance of medical students with the National List of Essential Medicines

Background: Undergraduate medical students are future prescribers of medicines, and they must understand the concept of essential medicines and their importance in healthcare. Regulations on Graduate Medical Education Amendment 2019, has revolutionized Indian medical education by introducing competency-based medical education which states that the major goals for an Indian medical graduate are to acquire the competency of a “clinician who understands and provides preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and holistic care with compassion.” The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) has been included as a core topic in the curriculum of undergraduate medical students. This research attempted to understand the level of knowledge regarding the NLEM among undergraduate medical students. Aim and Objective: To assess the baseline level of knowledge regarding the NLEM among undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based study was done among medical students of a government tertiary care teaching hospital in India. 1st year students were excluded as they were not taught about Essential Medicines and NLEM. A pre-validated multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed to medical students and information was collected related to knowledge regarding NLEM significance, criteria for inclusion in NLEM, terminologies, and drugs in NLEM that are used for common conditions. Results: Out of 600 students 237 (39.50%) students responded. 98 (41.35%) students were aware of recent NLEM-2022, 91 (38.40%) students were aware of terminologies used in NLEM, and 71 (29.96%) students were aware of the criteria for inclusion of any drug in NLEM. 175 (73.84%) students were unaware of updates in NLEM-2022. 165 (69.62%) students were unaware of the number of medicines added and deleted in NLEM-2022.155 (65.40%) students were not able to answer the questions regarding drugs for anaphylaxis and new antihypertensive drugs included in recent NLEM-2022. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding NLEM is limited among undergraduate medical students. To sensitize medical students to rational drug therapy, there is an urgent need to improve their knowledge related to NLEM via educational interventions.

The variable histogenesis and biology of selected bland fibroblastic lesions of the breast - pitfalls in the differential diagnostics and optimal therapeutic approach (three case reports).

Presented are three casuistics of seemingly identical breast lesions which even by adopting advanced laboratory techniques may represent diagnostic challenge. Microscopic features of some bland spindle cell lesions of different histogenesis (epithelial or mesenchymal) are misleading and a potential source of unaware errors, which might affect optimal therapeutic strategy. In the setting of three diverse entities (low-grade spindle cell metaplastic carcinoma, desmoid fibromatosis and phyllodes tumor) is documented both demanding diagnostic algorithm and revealing molecular landscape on one side as well as evolving predictive/prognostic parameters on the other one. Close interdisciplinary cooperation is inevitable for accurate interpretation/understanding of revealed diagnostic facts which is required for adjustment of competent rational and individualized therapy.

Drug utilization patterns for peripheral neuropathy in a neurology outpatient department at a tertiary care center: A cross-sectional observational study

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a broad term encompassing any condition that impacts the peripheral nerves. It encompasses a wide range of conditions, presenting with a variety of abnormalities that affect different aspects of both the voluntary (somatic) and involuntary nervous systems (autonomic nervous system). The manifestations of peripheral neuropathy can vary significantly based on the specific nerves affected. This disorder can induce numbness, tingling, or pins and needles sensations along with sharp and pulsating pain. Commonly employed medications for treating peripheral neuropathy encompass analgesics such as opioids and over-the-counter pain relievers, as well as anti-epileptic drugs such as topiramate, gabapentin, and pregabalin. For enhancing the management of peripheral neuropathy, it is imperative to gather data regarding the prevailing utilization trends of medications prescribed for neuropathic pain. Drug utilization studies constitute continuous activity for evidence based therapeutic practices; it implies rational therapy with focus on the prime parameters. This study aims to assess the drug utilization pattern for peripheral neuropathy under various prescriptions which provides the scope for various etiologies and severity requiring judicious choice of drug use. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the pattern of medications dispensed to patients diagnosed with various types of peripheral neuropathy at a tertiary care center and to evaluate the drug regimen given for particular type of peripheral neuropathy. Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a neurology outpatient department at a tertiary care center. Patients diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy due to various disease conditions were included in the study. Patients were selected through convenient sampling. Prescriptions were reviewed to evaluate the medication profile, comprehensiveness, and concordance with the diagnosed condition. Drug details were analyzed utilizing the descriptive statistics within Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 29.0. Results: Our study included a cohort of 110 patients diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy due to various disease conditions. The mean age of the study participants were 43.4 years, 58 were males, and 52 were females. Out of 110 patients 58 (52.7%) patients were prescribed pregabalin + methylcobalamin, 38 (34.5%) patients received methylcobalamin alone, 8 (7.2%) patients received duloxetine, 5 (4.5%) patients received the combination of pregabalin and amitriptyline, and 1 patient with peripheral neuropathy due to hypothyroidism received levothyroxine. Conclusion: In our study, the predominant medication utilized for peripheral neuropathy treatment is the combination of pregabalin and methylcobalamin, with methylcobalamin monotherapy being the subsequent choice.

A STRESS MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION FOR SECONDARY TEACHERS

Several studies have reported the prevalence of stressors and work- related conditions among educators in Nigerian school environments, but there are limited reports on the coping mechanisms of physics teachers. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on stress management among secondary school physics teachers. A randomized controlled group trial design was used, and the sample population comprised 64 physics teachers who served as participants. Pretest, posttest, and follow-up data were collected using the Job Stress Questionnaire (α=.73). The results showed that participants undergoing REBT experienced a significantly greater reduction in work- related stress compared to those in the control group. The findings of this study were expected to contribute to the knowledge base in measurement, counseling, and physics education. In addition, the incorporation of REBT programs was recommended to assist physics teachers in effectively managing their work-related stress.

Profiling Preferences of the Counseling Paradigm by School Counselors in Indonesia

This study aims to obtain an overview of the paradigm tendencies owned and practiced by school counselors in Indonesia. The study involved 233 school counselors in Indonesia on Sumatra, Java, and Bali islands. The research instrument reveals the counseling model that respondents use in providing counseling services (individual/group) and the reasons for its use. Statistics such as frequencies and percentages are used for quantitative data analysis. Qualitative data for reasons for specific counseling models were analyzed using Miles and Huberman data analysis. The results of this study show that school counselors most widely use behavior counseling models because they are effective in overcoming student behavior problems. This approach suits general needs and concerns and is easily understood with its techniques. The rational-emotive behavior therapy counseling model was chosen because it helps change mindsets to be more realistic and mature. This technique follows the needs and problems that arise and the development of adolescents who often act without consideration. Referring to Cotton's opinion, both models are counseling models that fall into the psychological paradigm. The tendency of school counselors to use psychological paradigms may be due to the psychology-focused counselor education curriculum, lack of resources or knowledge of other paradigms, and limitations of the school environment that encourage the use of traditional psychological approaches. School counselors must work with other school staff to integrate counseling approaches into the school program, which is essential. Professional organizations are expected to encourage training in behavioral counseling and REBT, supporting students' holistic education that includes academic, social, and emotional aspects.

MODEL PENGEMBANGAN TEKNIK ASSERTIVE TRAINING DENGAN RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (SIGNATORY) TERHADAP PENINGKATAN KEPERCAYAAN DIRI ANAK DI PSAA NUGRAHA KOTA BANDUNG

Technique Development with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is the result of psychosocial therapy technology engineering in the form of combining Assertive Training techniques with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to increase children's self- confidence. The addition of the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) model aims to reduce client cognitive distortions so that there is an increase in self-confidence due to positive thinking and attitude. This study aims to explain the results of the implementation of the development of Assertive Training techniques with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to increase children's self-confidence. This research uses a quantitative approach with Single Subject Design (SSD) type of A-B-A reversal. The subjects in the study were FT and IM. The target behaviors observed in this study are resilient in facing difficulties, doing tasks, expressing opinions or questions and maintaining concentration. The validity test of the measuring instrument uses face validity, while the reliability test uses percent agreement. The data analysis used is a visual analysis consisting of analysis within conditions and between conditions. The interim research results show that during the intervention or treatment has an influence in increasing children's self-confidence. The number of frequencies and durations shows an increase, then the direction of the graph goes up and the level changes between conditions which shows the meaning of improving. Researchers are currently still measuring the second baseline condition (A2) as a control for intervention conditions. Keywords: Development of Assertive Training Techniques with REBT, Children with Low Self- Confidence.

Effects of Kegel exercise combined with rational emotive behavior therapy on pelvic floor muscle function and sexual life quality in patients with total hysterectomy: A retrospective study

To explore the clinical effects of Kegel exercise combined with rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on the pelvic floor muscle function, medical coping style, and sexual life quality after total hysterectomy. This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 91 patients were collected in this study: 39 patients in Kegel group (received Kegel exercise alone) and 52 patients in combination group (received Kegel exercise combined with REBT). Propensity score matching (PSM) with 1:1 ratio was conducted to avoid the selection bias. The female sexual function index (FSFI) was used to evaluate and compare sexual life quality. After PSM, 35 patients were in each group (combination vs Kegel). The normal rate of pelvic floor muscle in combination group was significantly higher than that in Kegel group (88.57% vs 54.29%, P = .041). After surgery, the score of confrontation was higher, while the scores of avoidance and acceptance-resignation were lower in combination group compared with those in Kegel group. The postoperative total FSFI score and the scores of all dimensions were higher in combination group than those in Kegel group. In patients with total hysterectomy, Kegel exercise combined with REBT can significantly improve pelvic floor muscle function, medical coping style and sexual life quality. Therefore, it is worthy of clinical application.

The Effect of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy on Work-irrational Beliefs Among Electrical and Electronic Educators in Nigeria

This study delved into a critical concern in academic and professional settings: the impact of irrational work-related beliefs among individuals within the Electrical/Electronic Technology Education domain in Nigeria. The prevalence of detrimental work-related beliefs and their potential adverse effects on performance, mental health, and overall well-being necessitated an investigation into effective therapeutic interventions to mitigate these beliefs. The research adopted a quasi-experimental design spanning eight weeks and involving 16 sessions to examine the effects of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) on these work-related irrational beliefs. The study encompassed a cohort of 330 participants, comprising Electrical/Electronic Technology Education technologists and instructors within Nigerian universities. To ensure a robust study design, the participants were randomly allocated to the REBT group (165 participants) or the control group (165 participants). The study uncovered notable findings using an intervention package and structured psycho-educational strategies for data collection. The analysis revealed a significant mean difference between the experimental (REBT) group and the control group, demonstrating the efficacy of REBT in significantly reducing work-related belief scores among Electrical and Electronic Technologists compared to those not exposed to the therapy. Furthermore, the study explored potential variations based on gender in response to the treatment, finding that the interaction effect of therapies and gender was not statistically significant. This suggests that the benefits of REBT in alleviating work-related irrational beliefs were consistent across genders. These findings underscore the potential of REBT as an effective intervention to address work-related irrational beliefs. The study recommends the integration of REBT into the academic curriculum, emphasising its value in mitigating detrimental work-related beliefs among educational staff and students in the field of Electrical/Electronic Technology Education.

Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and their cross talks in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging malignancy with limited treatment options beyond surgery and chemotherapy. Recent advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy, including PD-1 and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, have shown promise, but their efficacy has not met expectations. Biomarker testing and personalized medicine based on genetic mutations and other biomarkers represent the future direction for HCC treatment. To address these challenges and opportunities, this comprehensive review discusses the progress made in targeted therapies and immunotherapies for HCC, focusing on dissecting the rationales, opportunities, and challenges for combining these modalities. The liver's unique physiology and the presence of fibrosis in many HCC patients pose additional challenges to drug delivery and efficacy. Ongoing efforts in biomarker development and combination therapy design, especially in the context of immunotherapies, hold promise for improving outcomes in advanced HCC. Through exploring the advancements in biomarkers and targeted therapies, this review provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field and proposes strategies for rational combination therapy design.

The effectiveness of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) and mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on psychological, physiological and executive functions as a proxy for sports performance

BackgroundIn the current study, we conducted a comparative analysis involving three distinct groups: one receiving group-based rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), another undergoing a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), and a third group serving as the control. The aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness of the two interventions on specific psychological (competitive anxiety, perfectionism, irrational beliefs), physiological (salivary cortisol levels), and neurocognitive (executive functions: working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility) functions in Hungarian junior ice hockey players.MethodsThe participants consisted of 10 females and 36 males (NREBT=12, NMINDFULNESS=14, NCONTROL=20). We used questionnaires to assess competitive anxiety, perfectionism, and irrational beliefs. The components of executive functions were measured using a computerized testing system, while cortisol levels were examined through salivary samples. Prior to and after the interventions, each participant underwent all measurements, after which we conducted repeated measures ANOVA on our data.ResultsWe found REBT to be an effective intervention for the regulation of competitive anxiety, perfectionism, and irrational beliefs as well as for improving some components of executive functions (inhibition and cognitive flexibility). Mindfulness was found to improve athletes’ processing speed and set-shifting abilities, which are related to cognitive flexibility and metacognitive processes.ConclusionIn conclusion, we explore implications of these findings regarding how each approach is posited to enhance sports performance, using neurocognitive functions as a proxy. These findings are useful for further research and practical implications.

Topical issues of antibiotic resistance: modern methods of identification of bacterial pathogens and determination of their qualities

One of the most urgent problems in medicine today is the problem of antibiotic resistance. Why this problem? After all, scientists around the world proclaimed victory over microorganisms in the 50-60s of the last century? And since the 70s already began to appear information about resistant strains. Everything turned out to be not so simple. Due to uncontrolled and irrational use of antibiotics, mankind is rapidly approaching the so-called "post-antibiotic era". How to stop this "approach"? It is necessary to clearly follow the principles of rational antibiotic therapy.
 Rational antibiotic therapy requires identifying the bacterial nature of the disease, determining the sensitivity of the microorganisms to the antibiotic and starting treatment as soon as possible. To comply with these principles, rapid and accurate methods of identification of microorganisms are necessary, because it is on the basis of these methods that the most effective antimicrobial agent is selected.
 There are standard methods of identification, which include the disk-diffusion method and the serial dilution method. The main disadvantage of these methods is the length of time it takes to obtain results.
 So what are the alternative methods available? There are many methods of microbial identification, but not all of them are suitable for widespread use due to the high cost, the need for expensive equipment.
 Of all the current methods, three methods are emphasized in this review: 16S rRNA gene sequencing, MALDI-TOF MS and EUCAST RAST. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene is based on decoding the region of the gene, which in bacteria carries information on resistance mechanisms and structure features. MALDI-TOF MS is a desorption method of "soft" ionization caused by exposure of the matrix with the analyzed substance to pulses of laser radiation. The EUCAST RAST method is an accelerated disk-diffusion method.
 This review describes the problem of antibiotic resistance, mechanisms of bacterial resistance, as well as modern and standard methods of bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivity.
 The aim of this review was to compare routine methods of identification of species and qualitative properties of microorganisms, causative agents of nosocomial infections, with modern technologies of microbiological testing as an important step in solving the problem of priority selection of effective antimicrobial agents.
 So, the main question of this review is: can modern methods displace standard methods of microorganism identification?

The effectiveness of a rational-emotive intervention on teachers' unconditional self-acceptance, perfectionism, and pupil control ideology.

The present research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) intervention on in-service teachers. A quasi-experimental 2-group (intervention vs. control) × 3-time (pre, post-test, follow-up) design was applied to explore to what extent the REBT interventions help teachers increase their level of unconditional self-acceptance as the primary outcome and decrease their perfectionism tendencies and pupil control ideology as secondary outcomes. The sample consisted of 100 in-service teachers assigned to either the intervention group (n = 50) or the control group (n = 50). The experimental group received a 6-week intervention program. Every session was held weekly and lasted 90-120 min. The Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ), Pupil Control Ideology Scale (PCI), and Perfectionism Inventory Scale (PI) were used to collect data. This study used a mixed model ANOVA 2 × 3 for data analysis. The results indicated that in the experimental group, there was a statistically significant increase in unconditional self-acceptance level from pre-test to post-test, which remains significant at the 6-month follow-up. Likewise, there were no statistically significant differences in unconditional self-acceptance levels between the post-test and 6-month follow-up in the intervention group. These findings prove that REBT interventions are effective in increasing teachers' unconditional self-acceptance.

Effect of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy on Physics Teachers’ Stress Management in Nigeria

Purpose: This study investigated how rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) helped secondary school physics teachers manage work-related stress. Design/methods/approach: 86 secondary school physics teachers participated in this study using a randomised control trial group design as the study population. An appropriately validated and trial-tested job stress questionnaire was used to gather data for the study (α=.84). Prior to receiving a 12-week REBT intervention treatment, the participants underwent a pretest. After the intervention ended, the subjects underwent a posttest and were also given a follow-up test two months later. Data generated for this research was analysed analysis of variance (specifically repeated analysis of variance). Findings/Results: The outcome of the research revealed that the work stress of the physics teachers exposed to REBT was reduced significantly more than those of the control group.Implications: The research implication is that the work stress of physics teachers can be better managed using the REBT program. The study contributes to advancing the therapeutic space and concern that REBT treatment can be applied.

Kolerasi antara Pemahaman Diri terhadap Kesehatan Mental Siswa dalam Pendidikan

Kolerasi antara Pemahaman Diri terhadap Kesehatan Mental Siswa dalam Pendidikan

REBT: Reducing Tyranny and War Through Community Feeling and Social Interest

ABSTRACT: This article proposes that rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), including some potentially helpful innovations in it, when employed as part of psychotherapeutic and educational efforts, has the potential to reduce oppressive tendencies on the part of human beings, thus fostering community feeling and Social Interest (the constituent elements of Adlerian Gemeinschaftsgefühl ). In this way, REBT can help rob both tyranny and war making of much of their possible psychological underpinnings. The article discusses REBT principles and methods relevant to efforts to reduce tyranny and war, describes how REBT can promote Gemeinschaftsgefühl and related horizontal striving for perfection, and closes with suggestions for future directions based on the discussions.