Role Of Alternative Therapies Research Articles

Alternative Therapies for Ankyloglossia-Associated Breastfeeding Challenges: A Systematic Review.

Background: Ankyloglossia (AG) diagnoses are increasingly common, and management is not standardized. Nonsurgical alternative therapies are frequently recommended in conjunction with or instead of frenotomy, with uncertain evidence. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of nonsurgical alternative therapies (chiropractic care, myofunctional therapy, and osteopathy) in improving breastfeeding for infants diagnosed with AG. Methods: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar were searched (September-October 2023). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A librarian-designed search included the terms "Ankyloglossia," "Non-surgical," "myofunctional therapy," "chiropractic," "osteopathy," and related therapies, with no date restrictions. English language studies of infants <24 months with AG and alternative therapy were included. Risk-of-bias evaluation used Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: Of 1,304 identified articles, four studies (2016-2022) met inclusion criteria (two cross-sectional, one case report, and one case series). All studies reported frenotomy in combination with alternative therapy yielded favorable outcomes for maternal pain, weight gain, feeding duration, and maintenance of latch. The risk of bias was moderate for two studies, low for the case series, and not calculated for the case report, which has an inherent high risk of bias. All studies lacked control or comparator groups preventing definitive conclusions about the role of alternative therapies in AG. Conclusion: Although some studies suggest the potential benefits of combining alternative therapies with surgery for AG-related breastfeeding issues, the lack of control groups renders the evidence inconclusive. Nonsurgical approaches alone currently lack sufficient evidence. As these alternative therapies gain popularity, rigorous research is crucial to determine their cost-effectiveness and role in managing AG.

A National Cancer Database Analysis of the Patterns of Care for Meningeal Melanocytoma

Meningeal melanocytomas are rare central nervous system lesions that appear in the craniospinal neuroaxis and have the potential to transform into malignant melanoma. The primary line of treatment is surgical resection. The role of alternative therapies, such as radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy, in the management of this disease warrant further exploration. The aim of this study is to evaluate current patterns of care and their impact on patient survival. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients diagnosed with spinal and meningeal melanocytomas between 2002 and 2016. Of the qualifying 122 patients, 92.6% (n = 113) had known overall survival (OS) with median of 57.46 months and a 5-year OS rate of 48%. Although a Cox regression analysis suggested that age had a 1.01 hazard ratio (95% CI = 0.995-1.027), age was not statistically significant factor for survival via regression and log-rank analyses. Patients with incomes ≥ $48K showed improved survival (p=0.0319). Deceased patients usually did not receive RT (n = 30, 55.5%); when administered, external beam RT was frequently utilized (83.3%). Chemotherapy was not commonly used to manage this disease (8.2%). Data analyses was encumbered by the scarce occurrence of meningeal melanocytoma, limited surgical and chemotherapy information, and the putative diagnosis of this disease in the NCDB. Additional multi-institution research is needed to standardize treatment protocols. Due to the high recurrence rate and potential transformation of this disease to melanoma, complete total resection and close monitoring should remain the cornerstone of therapy.

Disease Burden, Mechanism and Management of Obesity – Where Do We Stand?

Abstract The role of increased body mass index in general morbidity and mortality is well documented. This global public health issue continues to represent a major burden and threat to health systems and the population’s wellbeing. Global statistics show that the prevalence of obesity has increased about three times since the mid-1970s, and an upward trend is still observed, not only in developed but also in developing countries. We used several databases, including PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, to perform a literature search and review on obesity. Keywords such as “obesity”, “overweight”, and “BMI” were used in combination with multiple keywords such as “mechanism”, “factors”, “socio-economic”, “environmental”, “social determinants”, “management”, “treatment”, “non-traditional treatment”, “alternative therapies”, “non-pharmaceutical treatment” etc. and related phrases. According to the literature, the management of obesity is difficult due to the complex nature of this problem in terms of its course, complications, risks, and etiological factors. The role of alternative therapies in obesity management is still unclear, and further research is needed in this area. Recently introduced weight-loss and -management devices can also help in losing excess bodyweight. The present article summarizes relevant information related to obesity, collected from different regions of the world, and discusses diverse interventional approaches to treat obesity.

HARNESSING THE HEALING POWER OF WESTERN AND NON-WESTERN HEALERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

Non Western therapies have played a vital role in dealing with a variety of crisis such as physical, emotional and existential over the last few centuries (Ejaz, 2000). Since the introduction of Western medicine in India as early as the eighteenth century, the two systems of medicine have coexisted and influenced each other. Mutual recognition of the therapeutic values of the two systems was further bolstered when American medicine recognized the role of alternative therapies as viable option for healing in the early eighties. The purpose of this paper is to examine the roles two kinds of healers (western and non- western) play in the Asian Indian Hindu context. For this qualitative study, 30 physicians (trained in Western medicine) and 5 sadhus (holy men) were interviewed in the city of Allahabad, during the Kumbh Mela. Open ended questions ranged from: a) field of practice (physicians), sadhus (mystics), b) years of practice, c) number of patients/followers, d) treatment offered (physician –surgery or medications), sadhus (prayers, fasts, charitable donations), e) adverse reactions. In-depth interviews were recorded and transcribed by two researchers from Hindi to English and coded into themes. Results indicate that about a quarter of Western trained physicians not only sought assistance from the sadhus for their emotional/spiritual issues, but also referred patients with terminal disease. Besides individual consults, the mystics conduct lectures on climate change, on holistic diet, meditation, yoga practices, and healing. Social workers need to assess the value Hindu immigrant families in United States attach to Non-Western therapies.

An Overview of Disease Burden, Mechanism, Traditional and Non-traditional Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Diabetes is a major global health problem leading to high morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Diabetes is connected to complex social, environmental, and behavioral factors and requires multisectoral evidence-based strategies to reduce its incidence and prevalence. Here we attempt to connect existing diabetes data with the underlying mechanism of the disease, while touching disease processes and traditional management approaches for diabetes and its complications. The major objective of this manuscript is to examine the effect of nontraditional treatment modalities, e.g. non-pharmaceutical interventions, supplements, alternative and integrative therapies etc., on diabetes. We performed an extensive literature search and review using electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) to examine recent and historical diabetes statistics, the underlying mechanism of the disease, traditional treatments, remission possibility, and finally, the role of alternative therapies and supplements in its management. We found that there is no sufficient evidence to make most of the alternative therapies the first line of management and prevention approach for diabetes. Long-term and large-scale studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of alternative medicine. We feel that this review could urge other health researchers to plan comprehensive studies to examine the role of alternative or newly-identified therapies in diabetes. Also, this information can be useful for diverse health professionals and policymakers in developing and implementing evidence-based strategies.

Treatment Preferences of Depressed Primary Care Patients

Assessment of patients'preferencesregarding depression treatment using a ranking approach. 641 primary care patients (mean age 43.9 years) ranked their primary preference for depression treatment out of 9 options. Logistic Regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with the most prioritized treatment options. The most frequently prioritized treatment options were psychotherapy (30 %), combination treatment of psychotherapy and drug treatment (18.4 %) and sole drug treatment (15.4 %). 12.3 % of women prioritized alternative therapy options. Patients with depression report individually different treatment preferences. These findings underline the importance of elucidating patients'preferenceswithin a shared decision making process as recommended by treatment guidelines. There is a need of evidence-based information on the role of alternative therapies in the context of depression treatment.

ICUD-SIU International Consultation on Bladder Cancer 2017: management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

To provide a summary of the Third International Consultation on Bladder Cancer recommendations for the management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). A detailed review of the literature was performed focusing on original articles for the management of NMIBC. An international committee assessed and graded the articles based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine system. The entire spectrum of NMIBC was covered such as prognostic factors of recurrence and progression, risk stratification, staging, management of positive urine cytology with negative white light cystoscopy, indications of bladder and prostatic urethral biopsies, management of Ta low grade (LG) and high risk tumors (Ta high grade [HG], T1, carcinoma in situ [CIS]), impact of BCG strain and host on outcomes, management of complications of intravesical therapy, role of alternative therapies, indications for early cystectomy, surveillance strategies, and new treatments. The working group provides several recommendations on the management of NMIBC. Recommendations were summarized with regard to staging; management of primary and recurrent LG Ta and high risk disease, positive urine cytology with negative white light cystoscopy and prostatic urethral involvement; indications for timely cystectomy; and surveillance strategies. NMIBC remains a common and challenging malignancy to manage. Accurate staging, grading, and risk stratification are critical determinants of the management and outcomes of these patients. Current tools for risk stratification are limited but informative, and should be used in clinical practice when determining diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment of NMIBC.

Abstract P5-19-07: Defining priorities for research: Interim results of the Canadian metastatic breast cancer priority setting partnership

Abstract Background: Research priorities are generally determined by funders and researchers without direct involvement and input from patients and caregivers. Certain disease areas have incorporated the patient voice to determine patient driven priorities. In this study, this approach was employed to better understand the needs and priorities of metastatic breast cancer patients and their caregivers. Methods: This study was conducted using methodology outlined by the James Lind Alliance. A steering committee of patients, physicians, patient advocates, and allied health care professionals was assembled to oversee the research study. The initial survey collected unanswered research questions from patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Responses were collected and categorized by consensus of the steering committee. Here we present the results from the national survey. Results: Between November 2016 and April 2017, 733 responses from 311 individuals were collected (62% patients, 11% physicians, 9% caregivers or relatives, 5% nurses/allied health professionals, 2% patient organization representatives, and 10% other). The main themes for key patient priorities are: 136 (19%) related to treatment and monitoring, 78 (11%) linked lifestyle and alternative therapy, 58 (8%) regarded tumour biology, 53 (7%) regarded psychosocial aspects, 46 (6%) to diagnosis, 35 (5%) to toxicity, 24 (3%) to prevention, and 17 (2%) to young or pre-menopausal population. Two hundred and eighty-six (39%) were considered out of scope. The most frequently identified priorities included the role of alternative therapies for improving survival, the role of immune therapy for treating metastatic breast cancer, and the potential for improving outcomes with early detection/surveillance with modern treatment and diagnostic modalities. Conclusion: Patient derived research priorities in advanced breast cancer point to an improved understanding of alternative therapies, integration of immune therapy and a focus on early detection of relapse. These priorities should be addressed by the research community to meet the needs of our patients with advanced breast cancer. Citation Format: Nixon N, Simmons C, Lemieux J, Verma S. Defining priorities for research: Interim results of the Canadian metastatic breast cancer priority setting partnership [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-19-07.

The Role of Alternative Therapies in the Treatment of Allergic Disease

The Role of Alternative Therapies in the Treatment of Allergic Disease

The Role of Alternative Therapies in the Treatment of Allergic Disease

The Role of Alternative Therapies in the Treatment of Allergic Disease

The role of alternative therapies in the treatment of allergic disease.

The role of alternative therapies in the treatment of allergic disease.

Transaortic Resection of the Subaortic Membrane: Treatment for Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

In an attempt to better understand congenital subaortic stenosis, we reviewed 19 consecutive pediatric patients undergoing surgery for this problem between 1973 and 1984. Preoperative cardiac catheterization demonstrated subvalvular stenosis in all patients and associated anomalies in 11 patients. All patients underwent transaortic resection of the subaortic membrane. Five patients underwent concurrent additional cardiac procedures. An 8-month-old infant with multiple cardiac anomalies was the only operative mortality. Follow-up extended to 16 years, with a mean of 6.9 years. In five symptomatic patients, cardiac catheterization revealed a mean systolic pressure gradient of 33.0 +/- 31.94 mm Hg 24.7 months (mean) after surgery. Two of these patients (11.1 percent of survivors) required reoperation. Twelve of the remaining 13 asymptomatic patients underwent echocardiographic follow-up, and 4 were found to have recurrent stenosis with 1 requiring surgery (5.6 percent of survivors). Our experience shows that transaortic resection of the subaortic membrane is an acceptable treatment for subvalvular aortic stenosis, but is associated with a high incidence of recurrence requiring reoperation (3 of 18 or 16.7 percent). Consequently, it is reasonable to consider the role of alternative therapies which may help prevent recurrence in selected cases.