Effectiveness of Pilates-based exercises on the diastasis recti abdominis in climacteric women: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Recent studies have related the climacteric period with changes in connective tissue elasticity that may be related to diastasis recti abdominis. Mat Pilates is a method of exercise without impact that currently has more practitioners, due to its satisfactory results. However, there are no studies that evaluate the effectiveness of mat Pilates for women with diastasis recti abdominis. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the mat Pilates program in climacteric women with diastasis recti abdominis. Methods: This randomized single-blinded clinical trial evaluated climacteric women with diastasis recti abdominis. The participants were randomized into the experimental group, which participated in 3 weekly sessions of mat Pilates for 12 weeks for a total of 36 sessions, and the control group (without exercises). The inter-rectus distance was measured with a digital caliper. The G*Power Version 3.1.9.2. software was used for the sample calculation, and the SPSS 20.0 program was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study comprised 21 women, including 10 in the control group and 11 in the experimental group, with mean ages of 54.3 ± 7.1 and 55.3 ± 6.0 years and body mass index values of 28.8 ± 5.5 kg/m2 and 29.9 ± 4.48 kg/m2, respectively. In the experimental group, reductions were observed in all the measures related to diastasis recti abdominis (p<0.05) in the supraumbilical, umbilical, and infra-umbilical regions. Conclusion: The mat Pilates method is effective for reducing diastasis recti abdominis in the climacteric period.

Construcciones identitarias en gendarmes: un enfoque de género / Identity constructions in gendarmes: a gender perspective / Construções de identidade em gendarmes: uma abordagem de gênero

Objetivo: Se presenta un análisis sobre la identidad organizacional y el rol ocupacional de los y las gendarmes pertenecientes al Centro de Detención Preventiva Santiago Sur desde el concepto de "trabajo sucio" y una perspectiva de género. Metodología: Se realizaron diez entrevistas semiestructuradas a gendarmes ­cinco gendarmes hombres y cinco gendarmes mujeres­ en cuanto a su rol e identidad organizacional, ocupacional, profesional y personal. Resultados: Se verificaron diferencias de género en cuanto a la configuración de sus identidades personales y ocupacionales, situación que no es replicada en el plano de sus identidades organizacionales y profesionales, que tienden a compartir. Conclusiones: Existen diferencias significativas en la forma en la que los y las gendarmes desarrollan su identidad personal, y que radican principalmente en la relevancia que atribuyen a los roles e identidades asociadas con la vida familiar. En cuanto a las restantes dimensiones identitarias, se identificaron importantes similitudes en cuanto a valores y creencias que los sujetos expresan y vivencian; estas parecen vincularse a prácticas y a una cultura tradicional y conservadora institucional en materia de género. Alcance: La investigación es de carácter exploratorio y busca aportar antecedentes empíricos sobre los cuales basar futuras investigaciones en este campo.

Objective: An analysis is presented on the organisational identity and occupational role of the gendarmes belonging to the Santiago Sur Preventive Detention Centre from the concept of "dirty work" and a gender perspective. Methodology: Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with gendarmes -five male gendarmes and five female gendarmes- regarding their organisational, occupational, professional and personal roles and identities. Results: Gender differences were found in the configuration of their personal and occupational identities, a situation that is not replicated in their organisational and professional identities, which tend to be shared by both gendarmes and gendarmes. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the way in which gendarmes develop their personal identities, which lie mainly in the relevance they attribute to the roles and identities associated with family life. As for the remaining identity dimensions, important similarities were identified in terms of the values and beliefs that the subjects express and experience; these seem to be linked to traditional and conservative institutional gender practices and culture. Scope: The research is exploratory in nature and seeks to provide empirical background on which to base future research in this field.

Objetivo: Apresenta-se uma análise da identidade organizacional e do papel ocupacional dos gendarmes pertencentes ao Centro de Detenção Preventiva Santiago Sur a partir do conceito de "trabalho sujo" e de uma perspectiva de gênero. Metodologia: Foram realizadas dez entrevistas semiestruturadas com policiais - cinco homens e cinco mulheres - sobre seus papéis e identidades organizacionais, ocupacionais, profissionais e pessoais. Resultados: Foram verificadas diferenças de gênero em termos da configuração de suas identidades pessoais e ocupacionais, uma situação que não se repete no nível de suas identidades organizacionais e profissionais, que elas tendem a compartilhar. Conclusões: Existem diferenças significativas na forma como os gendarmes desenvolvem suas identidades pessoais, que residem principalmente na relevância que atribuem aos papéis e identidades associados à vida familiar. Quanto às demais dimensões da identidade, foram identificadas semelhanças importantes em termos dos valores e crenças que os sujeitos expressam e vivenciam, que parecem estar ligados às práticas e à cultura de gênero institucionais tradicionais e conservadoras. Escopo: A pesquisa é de natureza exploratória e busca fornecer antecedentes empíricos que sirvam de base para futuras pesquisas nesse campo

Efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic field and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on painful shoulder following stroke / Eficiência do campo eletromagnético pulsado e da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular em ombro doloroso após acidente vascular cerebral

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder pain after stroke, a complication with a prevalence of up to 16­84% usually occurs after 2­3 months and leads to patients withdrawing from rehabilitation programs, staying in the hospital longer, having less limb function and having a great negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of PEMF and NMES in reducing shoulder pain in patients with stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled trial included 51 patients with shoulder pain following stroke. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups (17 people in each group): Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF), Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) and Control group. The outcome measures were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Fugl Meyer Assessment­Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Active and Passive Range of Motion (AROM/PROM) assessed at the baseline, six weeks into the intervention, and one week into the follow-up. RESULTS: VAS score for pain showed a mean change of 1.60, 1.60 and 4.94 in PEMF, NMES, and control respectively after 20 sessions. It showed pain was significantly improved in all the groups (p<0.001), but the effectiveness of the PEMF and NMES groups was superior to the control group. CONCLUSION: The current literature showed that PEMF & NMES are effective in improving post-stroke shoulder pain, spasticity, range of motion and motor function and a novel method for stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation.

INTRODUÇÃO: Dor no ombro após acidente vascular cerebral com prevalência de 16­84% geralmente ocorre após 2­3 meses e pode resultar na suspensão de programas de reabilitação, internações hospitalares mais longas e redução da função dos membros, prejudicando qualidade de vida dos pacientes com AVC. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar o efeito da PEMF e da EENM na redução da dor no ombro em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Um estudo prospectivo, randomizado e controlado incluiu 51 pacientes com dor no ombro pós-AVC. Os pacientes foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos (17 pessoas em cada grupo): grupo Campo Eletromagnético Pulsado (PEMF), grupo Estimulação Elétrica Neuromuscular (EENM) e grupo Controle. As medidas de resultados foram na Escala Visual Analógica (VAS), Escala de Ashworth Modificada (MAS) e Avaliação de Fugl Meyer ­ Extremidade Superior (FMA-UE), Amplitude de Movimento (AROM/PROM) foram avaliadas no início do estudo, após seis semanas de tratamento, e após um acompanhamento semanal. RESULTADOS: A pontuação VAS para dor mostrada uma alteração média de 1,60, 1,60 e 4,94 na PEMF, EENM e Controle, respectivamente, após 20 sessões. Mostrou melhora significativa entre os três grupos (p<0,001), mas a eficácia do grupo PEMF e EENM foi superior ao grupo Controle. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostrou que PEMF e EENM são eficazes na melhora da dor no ombro pós-AVC, espasticidade, amplitude de movimento e função motora e um novo método para pacientes com AVC em reabilitação. Nossas descobertas indicam que a eficácia da EENM é claramente superior à do PEMF na manutenção da analgesia a longo prazo.

¿Ensayos clínicos de superioridad, equivalencia o no inferioridad? / ¿Clinical trials of superiority, non-inferiority or equivalence?

La eficacia de una nueva intervención se establece generalmente a través de ensayos clínicos (EC) con asignación aleatoria (AA). Sin embargo, entre otros tantos desafíos metodológicos, el especificar la hipótesis de un EC con AA, sigue siendo un problema complejo de resolver para los investigadores clínicos. En este manuscrito discutimos las características de tres variantes de los EC con AA: EC de superioridad (ECS), EC de no-inferioridad (ECNI), y EC de equivalencia (ECE). Estos tres tipos de EC tienen supuestos diferentes sobre los efectos de una intervención, por lo que plantear hipótesis y definir objetivos requiere conocer algunos supuestos subyacentes a estos EC, incluso hasta elementos relacionados con la estimación del tamaño de muestra para cada cual. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue describir las diferencias metodológicas entre ECS, ECNI y ECE.

Efficacy and effectivity of new interventions are generally established through randomized clinical trials (RCTs). However, among many other methodological challenges, specifying the hypothesis of a RCT remains complex problem for clinical researchers. In this manuscript we discuss the characteristics of three variants of RCTs: superiority RCT (SRCT), non-inferiority RCT (NIRCT), and equivalence RCT (ERCT). These three types of RCT have different assumptions about the effects of an intervention, so setting hypotheses and defining objectives requires knowing some assumptions underlying these RCTs, including elements related to the estimation of the sample size for each one. The aim of this manuscript was to describe methodological differences between SRCT, NIRCT and ERCT.

Acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

During the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a sharp increase in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Acupuncture therapy has the advantages of accurate clinical efficacy, safety and reliability, few adverse reactions, and no dependence, and is gradually becoming one of the emerging therapies for treating GAD. We present a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial with the aim of exploring the mechanism of brain plasticity in patients with GAD and evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of acupuncture treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to assess cortical excitability in GAD patients and healthy people. Sixty-six GAD patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into two groups: TA group, (treatment with acupuncture and basic western medicine treatment) and SA group (sham acupuncture and basic western medicine treatment). Twenty healthy people will be recruited as the control group (HC). The parameters that will be evaluated are amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical resting period (CSP), resting motor threshold (RMT), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score. Secondary results will include blood analysis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), serotonin (5-HT), and brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention (week 8). This study protocol is the first clinical trial designed to detect differences in cerebral cortical excitability between healthy subjects and patients with GAD, and the comparison of clinical efficacy and reliability before and after acupuncture intervention is also one of the main contents of the protocol. We hope to find a suitable non-pharmacological alternative treatment for patients with GAD.

Importancia del laboratorio en los ensayos clínicos

Los resultados de los exámenes que se realizan en el laboratorio clínico deben constituir una parte esencial en la evaluación de los sujetos incluidos en los ensayos clínicos para la introducción de nuevos medicamentos. En este artículo se describen los aspectos más importantes del trabajo en el laboratorio durante el desarrollo de un ensayo donde se emplean nuevas tecnologías. Los ensayos clínicos no solo mejoran los indicadores de salud de la población, sino que, además, exigen los mejores estándares de diagnóstico y evaluación del tratamiento, a través de nuevas tecnologías, donde se incluye el laboratorio clínico.

The results of the exams that are carried out in the clinical laboratory should constitute an essential part in the evaluation of people included in clinical trials for the introduction of new medications. In this article the most important aspects of work in the laboratory are described, during the development of a trial where new technologies are used. Clinical trials not only improve health indicators of the population, but also, demand the best diagnosis standards and evaluation of the treatment, through new technologies, where clinical laboratory is included.

Oropharyngeal colostrum immunotherapy and risk reduction of mortality in very low birth weight premature newborns: a clinical trial

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of oropharyngeal colostrum immunotherapy (OCI) on the mortality of preterm newborns (PTNB) with very low birth weight (VLBW). Method Non-randomized clinical trial, carried out with 138 mother-child pairs attended at a public maternity hospital. The treatment group used raw colostrum, dripping 4 drops (0.2 ml) into the oropharyngeal mucosa, totaling 8 administrations in 24 h, up to the 7th complete day of life (OCI). The control group was composed of newborns admitted to the same maternity hospital before the implementation of the OCI. Analyzes were performed: descriptive, bivariate, multiple logistic regression, and survival analysis, with a significance level of 5% and 95% CI. Results The treatment group had an RR of death of 0.26 (95% CI = 0.07-0.67; p= 0.00), adjusted for maternal age, marital status, gestational hypertension, type of delivery, number of prenatal visits, and birth weight. Number Needed to Treat (NNT) demonstrated that for every 5 individuals treated with OCI, one death was prevented NNT = 4.9 (95% CI = 1.84-5.20); however, for PTNB with VLBW who remained hospitalized for 50, 100 and 150 days, the NNT reduces to 4, 4 and 3, respectively. Conclusion The OCI proved to be a beneficial intervention, since it reduced the risk of mortality in PTNB with VLBW when compared to the control group.

The effect of music on menopausal symptoms, sleep quality,and depression: a randomized controlled trial

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of music on menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, and depression levels in menopausal women. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was carried out between August and December 2022. The study sample consisted of 61 menopausal women (intervention: 30 and control: 31). The intervention group listened to music twice a day for 5 weeks, with a total of 70 sessions. The control group received only routine care. Menopause symptoms, depression levels, and sleep quality were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study using the Menopausal Symptoms Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS: The post-test Menopausal Symptoms Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index scores of the menopausal women were found to be lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p=0.011, p=0.001, and p=0.006, respectively). When the pre-test and post-test mean scores were compared, the mean menopausal symptoms and depression levels decreased, and sleep quality increased significantly in the intervention group. No significant difference was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that music may have an effect on reducing the level of menopausal symptoms and depression levels and also increasing the sleep quality of menopausal women.

In-office dental bleaching in adolescents using 6% hydrogen peroxide with and without gingival barrier: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Abstract At low concentrations used for in-office bleaching gels, such as 6% HP, gingival barrier continues to be performed. If we take into account that, in the at-home bleaching technique, no barrier is indicated, it seems that the use of a gingival barrier fails to make much sense when bleaching gel in low concentration is used for in-office bleaching. Objective This double-blind, split-mouth, randomized clinical trial evaluated the gingival irritation (GI) of in-office bleaching using 6% hydrogen peroxide (HP) with and without a gingival barrier in adolescents, as well as color change and the impact of oral condition on quality of life. Methodology Overall, 60 participants were randomized into which side would or would not receive the gingival barrier. In-office bleaching was performed for 50 minutes with 6% HP in three sessions. The absolute risk and intensity of GI were assessed with a visual analogue scale. Color change was assessed using a digital spectrophotometer and color guides. The impact of oral condition on quality of life was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (α=0.05). Results The proportion of patients who presented GI for the "with barrier" group was 31.6% and for the "without barrier" group, 30% (p=1.0). There is an equivalence for the evaluated groups regarding GI intensity (p<0.01). Color change was detected with no statistical differences (p>0.29). There was a significant impact of oral condition on quality of life after bleaching (p<0.001). Conclusions The use or not of the gingival barrier for in-office bleaching with 6% HP was equivalent for GI, as well as for bleaching efficacy, with improvement in the impact of oral condition on quality of life.

Eficacia y seguridad del supositorio Proctokinasa® en el tratamiento de la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica aguda

Introducción: La enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica aguda es una entidad frecuente en mujeres jóvenes en edad reproductiva, y constituye la causa principal de infertilidad. La búsqueda de un tratamiento antiinflamatorio eficaz y seguro que alivie el dolor, evite complicaciones y secuelas, es una prioridad para su tratamiento. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento con Proctokinasa® en la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica aguda grados I y II. Materiales y métodos: Se desarrolló un ensayo clínico, controlado, abierto, de enero de 2017 a enero de 2018, que incluyó 76 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica aguda en la atención primaria de salud, quienes fueron asignadas aleatoriamente a dos grupos de tratamiento: grupo principal Proctokinasa®, que recibió una unidad/8 h por 2 días, y el grupo Piroxicam, un supositorio de 20 mg/24 h por 7 días. La antibioticoterapia oral recomendada se inició simultáneamente. Se evaluó la respuesta clínica y ecográfica al tratamiento. Los eventos adversos fueron evaluados. Resultados: Se constató respuesta clínica a partir de las 72 horas de tratamiento en más del 50 % de las pacientes en ambos grupos, y fue del 100 % de los casos para el grupo Proctokinasa® en las dos últimas evaluaciones realizadas (días 10 y 15). Se evidenció la remisión de las alteraciones ecográficas en el 96,9 % del grupo Proctokinasa®. Los eventos adversos fueron escasos y leves. Conclusiones: El empleo de Proctokinasa® resultó eficaz y seguro en el tratamiento de la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica aguda grados I y II.

Introduction: Acute pelvic inflammatory disease is a common entity in young women of reproductive age and it is a leading cause of infertility. The search for an effective and safe anti-inflammatory treatment that relieves pain, avoids complications and sequels, it is priority for its treatment. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the treatment with Proctokinasa® in acute pelvic inflammatory disease grades I and II. Materials and methods: An open, controlled clinical trial was carried out from January 2017 to January 2018 which included 76 patients diagnosed with acute pelvic inflammatory disease in primary health care; they were randomize assigned to two treatment groups: Proctokinasa® main group, who received one unity/8h for 2 days, and the Piroxican group, 1 suppository of 20 mg/24h per 7 days. The recommended oral antibiotic therapy was started simultaneously. Clinical and ultrasound response to treatment were evaluated. Adverse events were evaluated. Results: Clinical response was stated after 72 hours of treatment inmore than 50% of the patients in both groups, and it was 100% for the Proctokinasa® group in the last two evaluations (days 10 and 15). Remission of ultrasound alterations was evident in 96.9% of the Proctokinasa® group. Adverse events were few and mild. Conclusions: The use of Proctokinasa® was effective and safe in the treatment of acute pelvic inflammatory disease grades I and II.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol-rich cannabis extract in children with autism spectrum disorder: randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract Objective Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Some studies have shown that substances derived from Cannabis sativa improve the quality of life of children with ASD without causing serious adverse effects, thus providing an alternative therapeutic option. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a cannabis extract rich in cannabidiol (CBD) in children with ASD. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 60 children, aged from 5 to 11 years, were selected and divided into two groups: the treatment group, which received the CBD-rich cannabis extract, and the control group, which received the placebo. They both used their respective products for a period of 12 weeks. Statistical analysis was done by two-factor mixed analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA). Results Significant results were found for social interaction (F1,116 = 14.13, p = 0.0002), anxiety (F1,116 = 5.99, p = 0.016), psychomotor agitation (F1,116 = 9.22, p = 0.003), number of meals a day (F1,116 = 4.11, p = 0.04), and concentration (F1,48 = 6.75, p = 0.01), the last of which was only significant in mild ASD cases. Regarding safety, it was found that only three children in the treatment group (9.7%) had adverse effects, namely dizziness, insomnia, colic, and weight gain. Conclusion CBD-rich cannabis extract was found to improve one of the diagnostic criteria for ASD (social interaction), as well as features that often co-exist with ASD, and to have few serious adverse effects.

Randomized crossover clinical trial of a Mindfulness-based intervention for nurse leaders: A pilot study / Ensayo clínico aleatorizado cruzado de una intervención basada en mindfulness con enfermeros líderes: estudio piloto / Ensaio clínico randomizado cruzado de uma intervenção baseada em mindfulness em enfermeiros líderes: estudo-piloto

Objective: to analyze the effects of a Mindfulness-based intervention on nurse leaders' emotional intelligence and resilience. Method: a pilot study of a randomized crossover clinical trial. The sample (n=32) was randomized into Group A (n=18) and Group B (n=14) and evaluated at the pre-test, post-test and follow-up moments. The outcomes were assessed using the Emotional Intelligence Measure, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models. Results: a total of 32 nurses with a mean age of 42.6 years old were evaluated. The analyses showed significant interactions between the effects of the group x moment factors on the Self-motivation (p=0.005), Sociability (p<0.001), Self-control (p=0.013), and Total (p=0.002) emotional intelligence skill scores; as well as on the Observe (p=0.042), Describe (p=0.008), Non-judgment (p<0.001), Act with awareness (p=0.004) and Total (p<0.001) mindfulness facets. Post-test: there was a statistically significant increase in the Sociability (p=0.009) and Self-control (p=0.015) emotional intelligence skills; as well as in the Non-judgment (p=0.022) and Total (p=0.002) mindfulness facets. Follow-up: a significant increase was observed in the Non-judgment (p=0.024) and Total (p=0.026) mindfulness facets. The "resilience" variable did not present statistical significance in the "group x moment" factor, both in the post-test and during follow-up. Conclusion: the Mindfulness-based intervention used proved to be effective in increasing nurse leaders' emotional intelligence and dispositional mindfulness skills. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-3c62gy), registered on March 4 th , 2020, updated on September 16 th , 2022.

Objetivo: analizar los efectos de una intervención basada en mindfulness sobre la inteligencia emocional y la resiliencia de enfermeros líderes. Método: estudio piloto de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado cruzado. Muestra (n=32) aleatorizada en el grupo A (n=18) y grupo B (n=14), se los evaluó en el pretest, postest y seguimiento. Los resultados fueron evaluados mediante la Medida de Inteligencia Emocional, el Cuestionario de Resiliencia de Connor-Davidson y el Cuestionario Mindfulness de Cinco Facetas, y analizados por el Generalized Linear Mixed Models . Resultados: fueron evaluadas 32 enfermeras con una edad promedio de 42,6 años. Los análisis mostraron interacciones significativas de los efectos de los factores grupo vs. momento en los puntajes de las habilidades de automotivación (p=0,005), sociabilidad (p<0,001), autocontrol (p=0,013) y total (p=0,002) de inteligencia emocional; de las facetas observar (p=0,042), describir (p=0,008), no juzgar (p<0,001), actuar con conciencia (p=0,004) y total (p<0,001) de mindfulness. Postest: hubo un aumento estadísticamente significativo de las habilidades de sociabilidad (p=0,009) y autocontrol (p=0,015) de inteligencia emocional; de las facetas no juzgar (p=0,022) y total (p=0,002) de mindfulness . Seguimiento: se observó un aumento significativo en las facetas no juzgar (p=0,024) y total (p=0,026) de mindfulness . La variable resiliencia no presentó significación estadística en el factor grupo vs. momento en el postest y seguimiento. Conclusión: la intervención basada en mindfulness utilizada demostró ser eficaz para aumentar la inteligencia emocional y las habilidades de mindfulness disposicional de los enfermeros líderes. Registro Brasileño de Ensayos Clínicos (RBR-3c62gy), registrado el 4 de marzo de 2020, actualizado el 16 de septiembre de 2022.

Objetivo: analisar os efeitos de uma intervenção baseada em mindfulness na inteligência emocional e resiliência de enfermeiros líderes. Método: estudo-piloto de ensaio clínico randomizado cruzado. Amostra (n=32) randomizada em grupo A (n=18) e grupo B (n=14), avaliados nos momentos pré-teste, pós-teste e seguimento. Os desfechos foram avaliados pela Medida de Inteligência Emocional, pelo Questionário de Resiliência Connor-Davidson e pelo Questionário das Cinco Facetas de Mindfulness , e analisados pelo Generalized Linear Mixed Model . Resultados: foram avaliadas 32 enfermeiras com idade média de 42,6 anos. As análises mostraram interações significativas dos efeitos dos fatores Grupo x Momento nos escores das habilidades de automotivação (p=0,005), sociabilidade (p<0,001), autocontrole (p=0,013) e total (p=0,002) de inteligência emocional; das facetas observar (p=0,042), descrever (p=0,008), não julgar (p<0,001), agir com consciência (p=0,004) e total (p<0,001) de mindfulness . Pós-teste: houve aumento estatisticamente significante das habilidades de sociabilidade (p=0,009) e autocontrole (p=0,015) de inteligência emocional; das facetas não julgar (p=0,022) e total (p=0,002) de mindfulness . Seguimento: observou-se aumento significativo das facetas não julgar (p=0,024) e total (p=0,026) de mindfulness . A variável resiliência não apresentou significância estatística no fator Grupo x Momento, no pós-teste e seguimento. Conclusão: a intervenção baseada em mindfulness utilizada mostrou-se efetiva no aumento das habilidades de inteligência emocional e mindfulness disposicional de enfermeiros líderes. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (RBR-3c62gy), registrado em 04 de março de 2020, atualizado em 16 de setembro de 2022.

Factors and Their Impact on Treatment Effect of Acupuncture in Different Outcomes: A Meta-Regression of Acupuncture Randomized Controlled Trials / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#The effects of acupuncture have varied in different randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and there are many factors that influence treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes, with conflicting results.@*OBJECTIVE@#To identify factors and their impact on the treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes.@*METHODS@#Acupuncture RCTs were searched from 7 databases including Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine disc between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2019. Eligible studies must compare acupuncture to no acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waiting lists, and report at least 1 patient-important outcome. A multi-level meta-regression was conducted using a 3-level robust mixed model and univariate analyses were performed for all independent variables, even those excluded from the multivariable model due to collinearities. We used thresholds of 0.2 and 0.4 for the difference of standardized mean differences (SMDs), categorising them as small (<0.2), moderate (0.2-0.4), or large (>0.4) effects.@*RESULTS@#The pain construct analysis involved 211 effect estimates from 153 studies and 14 independent variables. High-frequency acupuncture treatment sessions produced larger effects compared to low-frequency sessions [large magnitude, the difference of adjusted SMDs 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07 to 0.84; P=0.02]. The non-pain symptoms construct analysis comprised 323 effect estimates from 231 studies and 15 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture showed moderately larger effects when compared to non-penetrating acupuncture (0.30, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01). The function construct analysis included 495 effect estimates from 274 studies and 14 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture and the flexible acupuncture regimen showed moderately larger effects, compared to non-penetrating acupuncture and fixed regimen, respectively (0.40, 95% CI 0 to 0.80; P=0.05; 0.29, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#High-frequency acupuncture sessions appear to be a more effective approach to managing painful symptoms. Penetrating acupuncture demonstrated greater effect in relieving non-painful symptoms. Both penetrating acupuncture type and flexible acupuncture regimen were linked to significant treatment effects in function outcomes. Future studies should consider the factors that are significantly associated with the effects of acupuncture in patient-important outcomes.

Effect of Acupuncture on Endometrial Blood Flow in Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer: A Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture on endometrial blood flow parameters by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in women undergoing in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET).@*METHODS@#Seventy patients undergoing IVF-ET were equally randomized into traditional or sham acupuncture treatment group for totally 4 days (from the day of oocyte aspiration to the day of embryo transfer) of treatment by random envelope method at the Reproductive Medicine Center and Outpatient Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medicine College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2013 to December 2015. Patients in the traditional acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with manual acupuncture, and Zhongji (CV3), Qihai (CV 6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR 3), Tianshu (ST 25), Guilai (ST 29) and Zusanli (ST 36) were chosen. Patients at the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods at 4 non-meridian points at each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included endometrial ultrasonic indices such as vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI), endometrial thickness and volume, subendometrial VI (sVI), subendometrial FI (sFI), subendometrial VFI (sVFI), implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births.@*RESULTS@#Finally, 34 patients in the traditional acupuncture group and 35 in the sham acupuncture group completed this trial. VI, FI and VFI of the traditional acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, sVI, sFI, sVFI, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Manual acupuncture performed after oocyte aspiration and before transplantation improved the endometrial blood flow parameters VI, RI and VFI in women who underwent IVF-ET, instead of sVI, sFI and sVFI. Therefore, acupuncture might be beneficial in women undergoing IVF-ET by increasing endometrial blood flow and endometrial receptivity. (Registration No. ChiCTR2100053354).

Intravenous tocilizumab versus standard of care in the treatment of severe and critical COVID-19-related pneumonia: A single center, double-blind, placebo controlled, phase 3 trial

Background@#Severe and critical COVID-19 disease is characterized by hyperinflammation involving pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6. Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-6 receptors. @*Objectives@#This study evaluated the efficacy of tocilizumab in Filipino patients with severe to critical COVID-19 disease. @*Methods@#This phase 3 randomized double-blind trial, included patients hospitalized for severe or critical COVID-19 in a 1:1 ratio to receive either tocilizumab plus local standard of care or placebo plus standard of care. Patients were eligible for a repeat IV infusion within 24-48 hours if they deteriorated or did not improve. Treatment success or clinical improvement was defined as at least two categories of improvement from baseline in the WHO 7-point Ordinal Scale of patient status, in an intention-to-treat manner. @*Results@#Forty-nine (49) patients were randomized in the tocilizumab arm and 49 in the placebo arm. There was no significant difference in age, comorbidities, COVID-19 severity, need for mechanical ventilation, presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome, or biomarker levels between groups. Use of adjunctive therapy was similar between groups, with corticosteroid used in 91.8% in tocilizumab group and 81.6% in the placebo group, while remdesivir was used in 98% of participants in both groups. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of treatment success in both the intention-to-treat analysis (relative risk=1.05, 95% CI: 0.85-1.30) and per-protocol analysis (relative risk=0.98, 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.21). There was no significant difference in time to improvement of at least two categories relative to baseline on the 7-point Ordinal Scale of clinical status. @*Conclusion@#The use of tocilizumab on top of standard of care in the management of patients with severe to critical COVID-19 did not result in significant improvement as defined by the WHO 7-point Ordinal Scale of patient status, nor in significant improvement in incidence of mechanical ventilation, incidence of ICU admission, length of ICU stay, and mortality rate.

Investigation and analysis of the current status of clinical research nurses / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate and analyze the current situation and needs of clinical research nurses in China, in order to provide scientific basis for constructing a training system for research nurses, promoting standardized training, and achieving standardized management for them. METHODS:A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate 102 research nurses from nearly 70 well-known clinical trial institutions in China. The contents of the questionnaire mainly included the general information, professional experience and work content of the research nurses, the sense of accomplishment and training needs of clinical trial work. RESULTS: Among the 102 research nurses surveyed, 92.15% have a bachelor's degree or above; 53.92% of those have intermediate or higher professional titles; 74.51% of them are part-time research nurse. Among professional experiences, 19.61% have more than 10 years of clinical trial experience; 47.06%, 40.20%, and 21.17% of surveyed research nurses were authorized to participate in clinical trial drug management, sample management, and quality control; 70.59% of research nurses have a high sense of achievement in their daily work. In terms of education and training needs, clinical trial related laws and regulations, standardized training for clinical trial protocol implementation, and good clinical practice (GCP) are the three most important aspects. CONCLUSION: Clinical research nurses in China have a relatively high level of education and nursing experience, but there is still a large gap in the amount of professional full-time clinical research nurses in China. Due to the rapid development of innovative drugs and devices, as well as the urgent need to improve the clinical research system, it is necessary to establish a training, assessment, and evaluation system for research nurses that is in line with China's national conditions in order to improve the professional level of research nurses, and improve the quantity and quality of clinical trial research on innovative drugs and devices in China.

A Randomized，Double-blind，Multi-center Clinical Trial of Tengfu Jiangya Tablets Combined with Valsartan/Amlodipine in Treatment of Grade 2 Hypertension with Hyperactivity of Liver Yang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tengfu Jiangya tablets combined with valsartan/amlodipine in the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity syndrome. MethodAccording to a randomized，double-blind，and placebo parallel control method，288 patients with grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity from 7 subcenters were included. They were randomly divided into an observation group （144 cases） and a control group （144 cases），and then treated with Tengfu Jiangya tablets combined with valsartan/amlodipine and placebo combined with valsartan/amlodipine，respectively. The efficacy was evaluated after four weeks of intervention. During the experiment，the safety indicators and adverse reaction events of the subjects were recorded for safety evaluation，and the efficacy indicators and TCM syndrome scores were recorded for effectiveness evaluation. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted on the statistical results of the main efficacy indicators such as blood pressure （BP） compliance rate to ensure the accuracy of the analysis results. 88 groups of blood samples from each of the treatment and control groups were included as test subjects. Fasting blood samples were collected from the patients in the clinical trial on the day before and after medication，and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed on the treated serum. The levels of arachidonic acid （AA），thromboxane B2 （TXB2），and prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） in the serum of the patients before and after treatment were measured to explore the regulation of inflammatory factors in the body by Tengfu Jiangya tablets. ResultA total of 271 patients （133 in the observation group and 138 in the control group） completed the trial. There was no statistically significant difference before and after treatment in such safety indicators as the blood routine （white blood cells，red blood cells，and platelets），urine routine （urinary protein and urinary red blood cells），alanine aminotransferase，aspartate aminotransferase，creatinine，urea，and abnormal electrocardiogram，and no serious adverse reactions were observed. After four weeks，the systolic blood pressure （SBP） difference and diastolic blood pressure （DBP） difference of patients in the observation group were greater than those in the control group（P<0.01）. According to the criteria for determining the antihypertensive effect，the overall response rate in the observation group［89.47%（119/133）］ was higher than that in the control group［57.97%（80/138）］ （Z=2.593，P<0.01）. The SBP compliance rate was 61.65%（82/133） and 37.68%（52/138） in the observation group and control group， respectively. The DBP compliance rate in the observation group was 78.20%（104/133），while in the control group it was 55.07%（76/138）. The overall BP compliance rate in the observation group was 48.12%（64/133），while in the control group it was 23.19%（32/138）. The BP compliance rates in the observation group were all significantly higher than those in the control group（χ2=15.571，16.236，18.404，P<0.01）. According to the criteria for evaluating the therapeutic effect of TCM syndrome integration，the overall response rate of the observation group［57.89%（77/133）］ was higher than that of the control group［38.41%（53/133）］ （Z=-3.172，P<0.01）.Compared with those before treatment， the levels of serum AA and TXB2 in the two groups were significantly decreased after treatment （P<0.01）， and the level of PGE2 in the observation group was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with those of the control group after treatment， the levels of AA and TXB2 in the observation group were significantly decreased， while the level of PGE2 was significantly increased （P<0.01）. The results suggest that Tengfu Jiangya tablets can effectively reduce inflammatory factors，reduce the production of inflammatory mediators，and thus prevent the occurrence of inflammatory reactions in the treatment of patients with grade 2 hypertension. ConclusionTengfu Jiangya tablets can more effectively reduce patients' SBP and DBP，improve their BP compliance rates，and improve their TCM syndromes in the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity. Its clinical application is safe. Tengfu Jiangya tablets has outstanding clinical efficacy and can be used as an effective intervention method for the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity syndrome.

Study on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Tumor Subjects in Clinical Trials in the Prevention and Control of the COVID -19 / 中国医学伦理学

The outbreak of the COVID -19 has had a big impact on the implementation of clinical trials of tumor drugs and the prevention and control measures such as traffic control and home isolation has caused clinical trials couldn’t proceed normally, so the protection of tumor subjects in clinical trials faces many new challenges. Based on Western and Chinese policies and guidelines on the management of clinical trials during the COVID -19, this paper expounded the impacts of the COVID -19 on tumor patients and tumor clinical trials, analyzed the challenges faced by the protection of tumor subjects in the prevention and control of the COVID -19, and then protected tumor subjects from aspects of optimizing the allocation of health resources, improving non-face-to-face informed consent procedures, strengthening subject visit management, and enhancing clinical trial safety evaluation. It is hoped that these optimization measures can face the future and continue to protect subjects after the end of the epidemic or in new public health emergencies.

Effect of the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the clinical effect on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage between the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion and western medication.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were administered orally with prednisone acetate tablets and methylcobalamin tablets until the 28th day of illness. In the observation group, the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion was adopted. On the affected side, Qianzheng (EX-HN 16), Yifeng (TE 17), Sibai (ST 2), Yangbai (GB 14), Jiache (ST 6), Dicang (ST 4) and Touwei (ST 8), etc. were stimulated. In the acute stage (Day 1 to 7 of illness), the routine acupuncture and the point-toward-point needle insertion were delivered, no any manipulation was exerted at acupoints, and the needles were retained for 30 min. In the subacute stage (Day 8 to 14 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the acute stage, the depth of needle insertion was adjusted at a part of acupoints and the even needling technique was operated by twisting needle. Besides, electroacupuncture (EA) was attached to Qianzheng (EX-HN 16) and Dicang (ST 4), with continuous wave of low intensity and high frequency, 100 Hz, for 20 min. In the recovery stage (Day 15 to 28 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the subacute stage, the heavy stimulation of acupuncture was given, in which, the sticking and lifting needle techniques were delivered after the needles were inserted from Sibai (ST 2) toward Dicang (ST 4), and from Dicang (ST 4) toward Jiache (ST 6), separately; warm needling was operated at Yifeng (TE 17), and EA changed to stimulate the acupoints with the intermittent wave of high intensity and low frequency, 2 Hz, for 30 min. Acupuncture-moxibustion was given once every other day until the end of the 28th day of illness. The level of House-Brackmann facial nerve function rating scale (H-B grade),the score of Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system (Sunnybrook), the score of facial disability index (FDI), the temperature difference in the infrared thermal imaging facial area and electromyogram (EMG) situation of the affected muscle group were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. Using musculoskeletal ultrasound,the facial nerve diameter was detected and the clinical effect was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the level of H-B grade, Sunnybrook score, the scores of physical function and social life function in FDI were improved when compared with those before treatment in the patients of either group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the results of these evaluations in the observation group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the temperature difference of the frontal area, the eye area, the zygomatic area and the mouth corner was declined in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the temperature difference in each area in the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05).The root mean square (RMS) of the frontal muscle group, the zygomatic muscle group and the orbicularis muscle group on the affected side increased in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and RMS of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) after treatment. Before treatment, the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side was larger than that on the healthy side (P<0.01), and after treatment, the diameter on the affected side was reduced when compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01); the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side in the observation group was smaller than that of the control group (P<0.05), while, the diameter on the affected side was larger when compared with the healthy side in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), higher than that of the control group (83.3% [25/30], P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion is clearly effective on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage, which affirms the effectiveness of acupuncture-moxibustion for the acute stage of Bell's facial palsy in comparison with conventional western medication.

Effect size varies based on calculation method and may affect interpretation of treatment effect: an illustration using randomised clinical trials in osteoarthritis

Abstract Background To illustrate how (standardised) effect sizes (ES) vary based on calculation method and to provide considerations for improved reporting. Methods Data from three trials of tanezumab in subjects with osteoarthritis were analyzed. ES of tanezumab versus comparator for WOMAC Pain (outcome) was defined as least squares difference between means (mixed model for repeated measures analysis) divided by a pooled standard deviation (SD) of outcome scores. Three approaches to computing the SD were evaluated: Baseline (the pooled SD of WOMAC Pain values at baseline [pooled across treatments]); Endpoint (the pooled SD of these values at the time primary endpoints were assessed); and Median (the median pooled SD of these values based on the pooled SDs across available timepoints). Bootstrap analyses were used to compute 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results ES (95% CI) of tanezumab 2.5 mg based on Baseline, Endpoint, and Median SDs in one study were - 0.416 (- 0.796, - 0.060), - 0.195 (- 0.371, - 0.028), and - 0.196 (- 0.373, - 0.028), respectively; negative values indicate pain improvement. This pattern of ES differences (largest with Baseline SD, smallest with Endpoint SD, Median SD similar to Endpoint SD) was consistent across all studies and doses of tanezumab. Conclusion Differences in ES affect interpretation of treatment effect. Therefore, we advocate clearly reporting individual elements of ES in addition to its overall calculation. This is particularly important when ES estimates are used to determine sample sizes for clinical trials, as larger ES will lead to smaller sample sizes and potentially underpowered studies. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02697773, NCT02709486, and NCT02528188.