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JMIR Mental Health May 2024This paper explores a significant shift in the field of mental health in general and psychotherapy in particular following generative artificial intelligence's new...
This paper explores a significant shift in the field of mental health in general and psychotherapy in particular following generative artificial intelligence's new capabilities in processing and generating humanlike language. Following Freud, this lingo-technological development is conceptualized as the "fourth narcissistic blow" that science inflicts on humanity. We argue that this narcissistic blow has a potentially dramatic influence on perceptions of human society, interrelationships, and the self. We should, accordingly, expect dramatic changes in perceptions of the therapeutic act following the emergence of what we term the artificial third in the field of psychotherapy. The introduction of an artificial third marks a critical juncture, prompting us to ask the following important core questions that address two basic elements of critical thinking, namely, transparency and autonomy: (1) What is this new artificial presence in therapy relationships? (2) How does it reshape our perception of ourselves and our interpersonal dynamics? and (3) What remains of the irreplaceable human elements at the core of therapy? Given the ethical implications that arise from these questions, this paper proposes that the artificial third can be a valuable asset when applied with insight and ethical consideration, enhancing but not replacing the human touch in therapy.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Humans; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 38787297
DOI: 10.2196/54781 -
Cureus Apr 2024Choriocarcinoma syndrome is a rare form of tumor lysis syndrome that predominantly occurs in patients with metastatic germ cell tumors, particularly those presenting...
Choriocarcinoma syndrome is a rare form of tumor lysis syndrome that predominantly occurs in patients with metastatic germ cell tumors, particularly those presenting with extensive lung metastases. We report a case of a previously healthy 37-year-old male who presented with a painless left-sided neck lump and nipples with an increased sensitivity to light touch. Workup revealed a significantly elevated beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, a testicular mass, and innumerable pulmonary metastases, suggesting metastatic non-seminomatous germ cell tumor. Following the initiation of chemotherapy with etoposide, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (VIP), the patient experienced a rapid decline in respiratory function, culminating in acute respiratory distress syndrome and subsequent death from respiratory failure six weeks after starting treatment. This case emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention in managing non-seminomatous germ cell tumors and highlights the critical need for awareness of choriocarcinoma syndrome's risks, the challenges of treatment delays for fertility preservation, and the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes in this high-risk patient population.
PubMed: 38756265
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58388 -
Journal of Pain Research 2024This study aims to investigate the current evidence for the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in fibromyalgia (FM). A systematic review was conducted... (Review)
Review
This study aims to investigate the current evidence for the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in fibromyalgia (FM). A systematic review was conducted searching for PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials published up to December 2023 in peer-reviewed journals were included. Methodological quality was assessed by the Quality Assessment of Controlled Intervention Studies tool. A total of 216 articles were identified and 15 constituted the final sample. The type of CAM most used was traditional Chinese medicine (60%), and the most common instrument used was the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (60%). Our review was grouped into four themes based on the origin of the therapies: 1) Traditional Chinese Medicine; 2) Japanese natural harmonization (eg, Reiki); 3) Ayurvedic Medicine; and 4) Other non-drug therapies. Our systematic review showed that there is a wide range of CAMs used to treat FM. Most of the clinical trials have shown significant results for the effectiveness of these interventions in both physical and mental health outcomes of FM as compared to control groups. However, the heterogeneity of the interventions and outcomes warrants further studies on this topic.
PubMed: 38746536
DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S450735 -
Cancer Treatment Reviews Jun 2024Neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions are recurrent oncogenic drivers found in a variety of solid tumours, including lung cancer. Several tropomyosin... (Review)
Review
Neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions are recurrent oncogenic drivers found in a variety of solid tumours, including lung cancer. Several tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors have been developed to treat tumours with NTRK gene fusions. Larotrectinib and entrectinib are first-generation TRK inhibitors that have demonstrated efficacy in patients with TRK fusion lung cancers. Genomic testing is recommended for all patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer for optimal drug therapy selection. Multiple testing methods can be employed to identify NTRK gene fusions in the clinic and each has its own advantages and limitations. Among these assays, RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be considered a gold standard for detecting NTRK gene fusions; however, several alternatives with minimally acceptable sensitivity and specificity are also available in areas where widespread access to NGS is unfeasible. This review highlights the importance of testing for NTRK gene fusions in lung cancer, ideally using the gold-standard method of RNA-based NGS, the various assays that are available, and treatment algorithms for patients.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Receptor, trkA; Gene Fusion; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Receptor, trkB
PubMed: 38733648
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102733 -
PloS One 2024Art therapy allows people to express feelings about any subject through creative work. It is beneficial for people who feel out of touch with their emotions. In Ghana,...
BACKGROUND
Art therapy allows people to express feelings about any subject through creative work. It is beneficial for people who feel out of touch with their emotions. In Ghana, little is known about art therapy as a therapeutic tool. Herbal treatment, biomedical and faith healing practices are the most common treatment options for mental health. This research aimed to provide new insights into clinical psychologists on their knowledge and use of art therapy in treating clients and identified the enablers and barriers in this therapeutic intervention.
METHOD
Twenty-one clinical psychologists were sampled using the snowball sampling method. They were interviewed over the phone using a semi-structured interview guide which was developed based on the predefined study objectives. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data resulting in three central thematic areas.
RESULTS
Twelve of the clinical psychologists were females and eight were male, with an age range between twenty-five to fifty years. The major themes identified were knowledge of art therapy, the use of art therapy and enablers and barriers in using art therapy. The study revealed that clinical psychologists had limited knowledge of art therapy mainly due to lack of training. With the use of art therapy, the participants revealed that they had used some form of art therapy before and they perceived art therapy to be effective on their clients however, they demonstrated low confidence in using it. Practitioner training and the availability of art therapy-related resources were identified as both facilitators and hindrances to the use of art therapy.
CONCLUSION
Clinical Psychologists are cognizant of art therapy albeit they have limited knowledge. Therefore, training in how to use art therapy and the availability of resources to facilitate art therapy can be provided for Clinical Psychologists by the Ghana Mental Health Authority.
Topics: Humans; Art Therapy; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Mental Health; Psychology, Clinical; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Ghana; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 38722981
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303246 -
Journal of the International AIDS... May 2024Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), a priority population for HIV prevention in Africa, show high interest but difficulty in sustained effective use of pre-exposure...
Exploring adolescent girls and young women's PrEP-user profiles: qualitative insights into differentiated PrEP delivery platform selection and engagement in Cape Town, South Africa.
INTRODUCTION
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), a priority population for HIV prevention in Africa, show high interest but difficulty in sustained effective use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). With ongoing PrEP scale-up focused on increasing access, it is important to understand what influences AGYW's choice of PrEP delivery platforms.
METHODS
The POWER implementation study in Cape Town provided PrEP between 2017 and 2020 to AGYW (16-25 years) from four differentiated delivery platforms: mobile clinic, government facility, courier delivery or community-based youth club. Healthcare providers at government and mobile clinics provided PrEP (initiation and refills) as part of comprehensive, integrated sexual and reproductive health services. Courier and youth club platforms provided light-touch PrEP refill services incorporating rapid HIV self-testing. We conducted in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of AGYW who had ≥3 months of PrEP-use and accessed ≥2 PrEP delivery platforms. The thematic analysis explored AGYW's preferences, decision-making and habits related to PrEP access to inform market segmentation.
RESULTS
We interviewed 26 AGYW (median age 20) PrEP-users between November 2020 and March 2021. AGYW PrEP-users reported accessing different services with, 24 accessing mobile clinics, 17 courier delivery, 9 government health facilities and 6 youth clubs for their PrEP refills. Qualitative findings highlighted four potential behavioural profiles. The "Social PrEP-user" preferred PrEP delivery in peer spaces, such as youth clubs or adolescent-friendly mobile clinics, seeking affirmation and social support for continued PrEP use. The "Convenient PrEP-user" favoured PrEP delivery at easily accessible locations, providing quick (courier) or integrated contraception-PrEP refill visits (mobile and government clinic). The "Independent PrEP-user" preferred PrEP delivery that offered control over delivery times that fit into their schedule, such as the courier service. The "Discreet PrEP-user" highly valued privacy regarding their PrEP use (courier delivery) and avoided delivery options where unintentional disclosure was evident (youth club). Comfort with HIV self-testing had minimal influence on PrEP delivery choice.
CONCLUSIONS
Market segmentation of AGYW characterizes different types of PrEP-users and has the potential to enhance tailored messaging and campaigns to reach specific segments, with the aim of improving sustained PrEP use and HIV prevention benefits.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Female; South Africa; HIV Infections; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Young Adult; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Interviews as Topic; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38695101
DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26254 -
Korean Journal of Radiology May 2024To evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of no-touch radiofrequency ablation (NT-RFA) using twin cooled wet (TCW) electrodes in patients experiencing recurrent...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of no-touch radiofrequency ablation (NT-RFA) using twin cooled wet (TCW) electrodes in patients experiencing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after undergoing locoregional treatments.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a prospective, single-arm study of NT-RFA involving 102 patients, with a total of 112 recurrent HCCs (each ≤ 3 cm). NT-RFA with TCW electrodes was implemented under the guidance of ultrasonography (US)-MR/CT fusion imaging. If NT-RFA application proved technically challenging, conversion to conventional tumor puncture RFA was permitted. The primary metric for evaluation was the mid-term cumulative incidence of local tumor progression (LTP) observed post-RFA. Cumulative LTP rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to explore factors associated with LTP. Considering conversion cases from NT-RFA to conventional RFA, intention-to-treat (ITT; including all patients) and per-protocol (PP; including patients not requiring conversion to conventional RFA alone) analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Conversion from NT-RFA to conventional RFA was necessary for 24 (21.4%) out of 112 tumors. Successful treatment was noted in 111 (99.1%) out of them. No major complications were reported among the patients. According to ITT analysis, the estimated cumulative incidences of LTP were 1.9%, 6.0%, and 6.0% at 1, 2, and 3 years post-RFA, respectively. In PP analysis, the cumulative incidence of LTP was 0.0%, 1.3%, and 1.3% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The number of previous locoregional HCC treatments (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.265 per 1 treatment increase; = 0.004), total bilirubin (aHR, 7.477 per 1 mg/dL increase; = 0.012), and safety margin ≤ 5 mm (aHR, 9.029; = 0.016) were independently associated with LTP in ITT analysis.
CONCLUSION
NT-RFA using TCW electrodes is a safe and effective treatment for recurrent HCC, with 6.0% (ITT analysis) and 1.3% (PP analysis) cumulative incidence of LTP at 2 and 3-year follow-ups.
Topics: Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Prospective Studies; Radiofrequency Ablation; Electrodes; Aged; Treatment Outcome; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 38685734
DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2023.1225 -
BMC Oral Health Apr 2024Dentin hypersensitivity, often occurring after dental treatments or from erosive lesions, is a prevalent patient complaint. This study introduces a paste combining 8%... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Evaluation and comparison of the effects of a new paste containing 8% L-Arginine and CaCO3 plus KNO3 on dentinal tubules occlusion and dental sensitivity: a randomized, triple blinded clinical trial study.
BACKGROUND
Dentin hypersensitivity, often occurring after dental treatments or from erosive lesions, is a prevalent patient complaint. This study introduces a paste combining 8% L-arginine, calcium carbonate, and potassium nitrate to evaluate its impact on dentinal tubules occlusion, dentin permeability, and tooth sensitivity.
METHODS
Dentin surfaces from 24 third molars (thickness: 2 mm) were divided into two groups of 12. One received the experimental paste, while the other received a placebo without desensitizer. Permeability and sealing ability were assessed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dentin permeability measurement. The pastes' effects on hypersensitivity were then examined in a triple-blind, randomized parallel-armed clinical trial with 16 eligible patients. Sensitivity to cold, touch, and spontaneous stimuli was recorded using the VAS scale at various intervals post-treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted using Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05).
RESULTS
The permeability test demonstrated a significant reduction in dentin permeability in the experimental group (P = 0.002) compared to the control (P = 0.178). SEM images revealed most dentinal tubules in the intervention samples to be occluded. Clinically, both groups showed a significant decrease in the three types of evaluated sensitivity throughout the study. However, no significant difference in sensitivities between the two groups was observed, with the exception of cold sensitivity at three months post-treatment (P = 0.054).
CONCLUSION
The innovative desensitizing paste featuring 8% L-arginine, calcium carbonate, and potassium nitrate effectively occluded dentinal tubules and reduced dentin permeability. It mitigated immediate and prolonged dentin hypersensitivity to various stimuli, supporting its potential role in managing dentin hypersensitivity.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
http://irct.ir : IRCT20220829055822N1, September 9th, 2022.
Topics: Humans; Dentin Sensitivity; Arginine; Calcium Carbonate; Nitrates; Male; Female; Potassium Compounds; Dentin Desensitizing Agents; Adult; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Dentin Permeability; Dentin; Toothpastes; Young Adult; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38685035
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04298-3 -
Medicine Apr 2024Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by idiopathic persistent chronic pain in the ligaments or musculoskeletal system, and more than half of the patients with FM might...
RATIONALE
Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by idiopathic persistent chronic pain in the ligaments or musculoskeletal system, and more than half of the patients with FM might have migraine headaches. Direct musculoskeletal intervention could be a non-pharmacological management to relieve symptoms. However, patients with severe FM often have intense pain from only a soft touch, thereby rendering musculoskeletal intervention challenging.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 47-year-old man had progressing intense pain, and this affected his everyday life. There were no abnormal physical findings on laboratory examination such as levels of complement, antinuclear antibodies, and C-reactive protein, which were within normal limits. Magnetic resonance imaging did not indicate abnormalities.
DIAGNOSES, INTERVENTIONS, AND OUTCOMES
The patient satisfied the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Finally, we made a final diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The therapeutic intervention of Kanshoho, the unique muscle relaxation technique with low force, relieved his pain.
LESSONS
If Kanshoho is carefully applied in a state of hospitalization under surveillance by an experienced physician, it could be a promising muscle relaxation method. Relaxing the trapezius muscle and reducing its intramuscular pressure might be key in treating patients with severe FM. However, it needs elucidation of its mechanism.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Fibromyalgia; Relaxation Therapy; Chronic Pain; Ligaments; Muscles; Muscle Relaxation
PubMed: 38640262
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037929 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Apr 2024Total pelvic exenteration is the ultimate solution for rectovesicovaginal fistula caused by radiation therapy, yet total pelvic exenteration frequently causes...
The effect of physical therapy and mechanical stimulation on dysfunction of lower extremities after total pelvic exenteration in cervical carcinoma patient with rectovesicovaginal fistula induced by radiotherapy: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Total pelvic exenteration is the ultimate solution for rectovesicovaginal fistula caused by radiation therapy, yet total pelvic exenteration frequently causes intraoperative complications and postoperative complications. These complications are responsible for the dysfunction of lower extremities, impaired quality of life, and even the high long-term morbidity rate, thus multidisciplinary cooperation and early intervention for prevention of complications are necessary. Physical therapy was found to reduce the postoperative complications and promote rehabilitation, yet the effect on how physiotherapy prevents and treats complications after total pelvic exenteration and pelvic lymphadenectomy remains unclear.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 50-year-old Chinese woman gradually developed perianal and pelvic floor pain and discomfort, right lower limb numbness, and involuntary vaginal discharge owing to recurrence and metastasis of cervical cancer more than half a year ago. Diagnosed as rectovesicovaginal fistula caused by radiation, she received total pelvic exenteration and subsequently developed severe lower limb edema, swelling pain, obturator nerve injury, and motor dysfunction. The patient was referred to a physiotherapist who performed rehabilitation evaluation and found edema in both lower extremities, right inguinal region pain (numeric pain rate scale 5/10), decreased temperature sensation and light touch in the medial thigh of the right lower limb, decreased right hip adductor muscle strength (manual muscle test 1/5) and right hip flexor muscle strength (manual muscle test 1/5), inability actively to adduct and flex the right hip with knee extension, low de Morton mobility Index score (0/100), and low Modified Barthel Index score (35/100). Routine physiotherapy was performed in 2 weeks, including therapeutic exercises, mechanical stimulation and electrical stimulation as well as manual therapy. The outcomes showed that physiotherapy significantly reduced lower limb pain and swelling, and improved hip range of motion, motor function, and activities of daily living, but still did not prevent thrombosis.
CONCLUSION
Standardized physical therapy demonstrates the effect on postoperative complications after total pelvic exenteration and pelvic lymphadenectomy. This supports the necessity of multidisciplinary cooperation and early physiotherapy intervention. Further research is needed to determine the causes of thrombosis after standardized intervention, and more randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the efficacy of physical therapy after total pelvic exenteration.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Activities of Daily Living; Pelvic Exenteration; Quality of Life; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Lower Extremity; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pelvic Pain; Edema; Postoperative Complications; Thrombosis
PubMed: 38610054
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04516-0