Application of Quality Evaluation of Blind Method in Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The quality evaluation of the blind method is to evaluate the clinical blind data obtained from clinical trials adopting the blind method and judge the effectiveness of the blind method by investigating the blind effect of different blind objects. A successful blind method can avoid the influence of subjective factors on the test results of subjects and researchers to a certain extent. The quality evaluation of the blind method can reflect not only the effectiveness of the blind method but also the accuracy and credibility of clinical trial results. In recent years， randomized controlled trials have been widely used in the evaluation of the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， but the quality of the implementation of blind methods is uneven， and the evaluation criteria have not yet been formed. In this paper， the data collection methods， calculation principles， advantages， and disadvantages of two quantitative quality evaluation methods of blind methods， namely James Blinding Index （JBI） and Bang Blinding Index （BBI）， were introduced. The two indexes were analyzed in a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture and moxibustion to relieve postoperative oral pain. The calculation process of the results was demonstrated by R software and visualized by forest map. At the same time， a tool table was designed to facilitate the collection of evaluation data of blind methods in TCM clinical trials at different stages. Finally， the necessity and feasibility of quality evaluation of blind method in TCM research were discussed to provide a basis for evaluating and improving the quality of blind method implementation in TCM clinical trials.

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.

Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy with Blood Stasis， Collateral Obstruction， and Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome with Tongluo Mingmu Capsules： A Randomized， Double-blind， and Multi-center Phase Ⅲ Clinical Trial / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tongluo Mingmu capsules in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy with blood stasis， collateral obstruction， and Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome. MethodA randomized， double-blind， positive-control， and multi-center clinical trial design method was used. 416 patients with diabetic retinopathy with blood stasis， collateral obstruction， and Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome in four test centers were included （the ratio of the treatment group to the control group was 3∶1）. On the basis of standardized hypoglycemic treatment， the treatment group was given both four Tongluo Mingmu capsules and two Calcium Dobesilate capsule agents three times a day， while the control group were given both two Calcium Dobesilate capsules and four Tongluo Mingmu capsule agents three times a day. The course of treatment was 12 weeks. The curative effect of Tongluo Mingmu capsules was evaluated by comparing the comprehensive curative effect of diabetic retinopathy， traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndrome score， corrected visual acuity， fundus changes， fundus fluorescence angiography， and other curative effect indexes before and after treatment in the two groups. At the same time， general examination， laboratory examination， and adverse events were performed to evaluate the safety of the drug. ResultThe baseline demographic data and disease characteristics of the treatment group and the control group were balanced and comparable， with the difference not statistically significant. After 12 weeks of treatment， the total effective rate of the comprehensive curative effect of diabetic retinopathy in the treatment group （61.0%， 189/310） was better than that in the control group （44.1%， 45/102）， and the difference was statistically significant （χ2=8.880， P<0.01）. The total effective rate of TCM syndromes in the treatment group （88.4%， 259/293） was better than that in the control group （69.9%， 65/93）， and the difference was statistically significant （χ2=17.927， P<0.01）. The disappearance rate of dry eyes （χ2=8.305）， dull complexion （χ2=4.053）， lassitude （χ2=10.267）， shortness of breath （χ2=8.494）， and dry stool （χ2=8.657） in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group， and the difference between the groups was statistically significant （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In terms of improving corrected visual acuity （χ2=8.382）， fundus changes （χ2=6.026） ， the treatment group was significantly better than the control group （P<0.05）. During the trial， the incidence of adverse events in the treatment group and the control group was 1.3% and 2.9%， respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups. In addition， there were no serious adverse events and adverse events leading to withdrawal in both groups. ConclusionTongluo Mingmu capsules can improve the comprehensive curative effect of diabetic retinopathy and enhance the efficacy of TCM syndromes， visual acuity， fundus changes， and fundus fluorescein angiography， with great safety. Therefore， it can provide a new alternative therapeutic drug for patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Investigation on the causes of visual disability in Yangpu district of Shanghai from 2019 to 2022 / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the causes of blindness and low vision in patients with visual disability in Yangpu District of Shanghai from 2019 to 2022.METHODS:Cross-sectional study. A total of 1 604 patients who participated in the evaluation of visual disability in Shanghai Yangpu District Kongjiang Hospital, from April 2019 to December 2022 were selected for the study. The grade of visual disability and the main causes of blindness and low vision were determined by trained doctors.RESULTS:A total of 804 patients with visual disabilities were identified, with 87.31% aged 60 and above. The causes of visual disability were high myopic retinopathy(30.47%), age-related macular degeneration(23.26%), glaucoma(17.04%), and diabetic retinopathy(11.07%). Glaucoma(36.96%)is the leading cause of blindness.CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with visual disability are aged 60 years and above. More attention should be paid to the elderly population. Comprehensive prevention, treatment and rehabilitation measures should be applied in different diseases based on classification, so as to early reduce the occurrence of visual disability.

Comparative study on efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in combination with ezetimibe and atorvastatin monotherapy among patients with dyslipidemia – A randomized and double-blind study

Background: Dyslipidemia is defined as the high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A (apo A) levels <10th percentile and/or total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein B, or Lipoprotein (a) levels more than the 90th percentile. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose combination of Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe with Atorvastatin monotherapy among patients with dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized, double-blinded, prospective, and parallel-group study. Ninety-two outpatients of age in between 18 and 70 years from the Department of General Medicine who attended the hospital for the treatment of dyslipidemia were selected as study participants. Among 92 patients, 12 patients did not meet the study criteria. The remaining 80 patients were divided into two treatment groups at random and under double-blind conditions (39 in Group A and 41 in Group B). Each patient in both groups was followed for a period of 4 weeks after initiation of therapy. Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were recorded at day 1, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks of therapy. Results: In this study, by the end of the study period (4 weeks), tablet Atorvastatin + tablet Ezetimibe combination therapy showed statistical significance difference in reducing mean total cholesterol and mean serum LDL levels in dyslipidemia cases than the group receiving Atorvastatin monotherapy. Conclusion: Atorvastatin in combination with Ezetimibe was more efficacious than Atorvastatin monotherapy in reducing total blood cholesterol and serum LDL levels. Atorvastatin plus Ezetimibe is equally safer as Atorvastatin monotherapy and well tolerated with fewer adverse effects.

Need of optical aids for schools for blind students in Pune and Nasik districts and compliance of their use

Purpose: To assess the need for spectacles and low?vision aids (LVA) in students attending schools for the blind and study their compliance with use. Methods: Comprehensive ocular evaluation was performed using a hand?held slit lamp and ophthalmoscope. Vision acuity was measured using a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) chart for distance, as well as for near. Spectacles and LVAs were dispensed after refraction and LVA trial. Follow?up was performed to assess the vision using the LV Prasad Functional Vision Questionnaire (LVP?FVQ) along with compliance with use after 6 months. Results: Of the 456 students examined from six schools, 188 (41.2%) were female; 147 (32.2%) were <10 years of age. In all, 362 (79.4%) were blind since birth. The students dispensed only LVAs were 25 (5.5%), only spectacles were 55 (12.1%), and both spectacle and LVAs were 10 (2.2%). The vision improved using LVAs in 26 (5.7%) and using spectacles in 64 (9.6%). There was a significant improvement in LVP?FVQ scores (P < 0.001). Also, 68/90 students were available for follow?up, of whom 43 (63.2%) were compliant to use. Causes of not wearing spectacles or LVA in 25 were left somewhere or lost 13 (52%), broken 3 (12%), uncomfortable to use 6 (24%), not interested to use 2 (8%), and got operated 1 (4%). Conclusion: Although the dispensing of LVA and spectacles improved the visual acuity and vision function of 90/456 (19.7%) students, nearly a third were not using them after 6 months. Efforts need to be taken to improve the compliance of use

Hidden blind spot and pseudofixation loss

Background: Correct mapping of the blind spot is important, as it serves as an estimate of fixation reliability. When the blind spot is not seen in the expected location in Humphrey visual field (HVF) printout, the clinician should give a thought to why this might be the case. Purpose: This video describes a series of cases, in which due to different reasons the blind spot could not be seen in the presumed expected location in the grayscale and numeric data of the HVF printout and the possible explanation behind this. Synopsis: When interpreting perimetry results, it is important to know whether the field test is reliable or not. A stimulus presented at the location of physiologic blind spot should not be seen by a patient with a steady fixation in Heijl– Krakau method. Responses will also occur, however, if the patient has a tendency for false?positive responses, or when the blind spot of the properly fixing eye is not in the location where the test stimulus is presented, because of anatomic variation, or if the patient's head is tilted while performing the test. Highlights: Perimetrist should recognize these potential artifact, during the test and relocate the blind spot. In case, such results are seen after finishing the test, it is recommended for the clinician to repeat the test

Every eye needs a best chance to see: Just give it

Background: Anterior staphyloma is defined as a localized defect in the anterior eye wall with protrusion of the uveal tissue due to alterations in scleral thickness and structure. The causes could be congenital, trauma, or following infection. Surgical options include staphylectomy with graft (corneal/ corneoscleral), biosynthetic graft, enucleation or evisceration in a painful blind eye). Purpose: To demonstrate staphylectomy with careful preservation of ocular structures followed by optical keratoplasty in a single setting. Synopsis: A 39?year?old Asian Indian lady presented with complaints of blurring of vision and whitish opacity in both eyes since childhood, associated with progressive enlargement and protrusion of the black part of the left eye with severe pain at the time of presentation. Her clinical examination revealed leucomatous corneal opacity in both the eyes and anterior staphyloma and keratinization in the left eye. Visual acuity was counting fingers close to face in the right eye and hand movements close to face in the left eye with projection of rays being accurate in both eyes. Ultrasound B scan showed posterior staphyloma in the right eye with sub?Tenon’s fluid and increased retinochoroidal thickness. The left eye posterior segment with B scan was normal. The available surgical options were evisceration with secondary orbital implant and ocular prosthesis or staphylectomy with corneal transplantation. To provide the best option for the patient in her eye with better visual potential, staphylectomy with corneal transplantation was done. Highlights: Painful blind eye is usually dealt with evisceration. This video demonstrates the technique of staphylectomy with corneal graft and restoration of structural integrity. Evisceration is a destructive procedure that involves removal of the intraocular contents. The patient will have to deal with the hassles of prosthesis maintenance and stigma of the artificial eye

Improving assistive technology access to students with low vision and blindness in Delhi: A school-based model

Purpose: Assistive technology (AT) has recently received considerable attention around the world. Studies have shown poor access to assistive technology for visual impairment (ATVI) in schools for the blind in India. The present article aimed at designing a school?based model to improve AT access in schools and provide hands?on training, and identify types of ocular morbidities present among students. Methods: The vision rehabilitation (VR) team of a tertiary eye?care center visited schools for the blind as a part of community? based VR services. The team conducted a basic eye examination and assessed best?corrected vision acuity (BCVA) and provided VR services. Furthermore, two schools were selected to establish an ATVI learning center as a pilot model. Results: In total, 1887 students were registered for VR and obtained their disability certificates in 2019?20. Retina problems (25.7%), globe abnormalities (25.5%), optic nerve atrophy (13.6%), and squint (12.0%) were common ocular problems identified in students. Around 50.3% of students had BCVA ³ 1/60 in the better eye who would be benefited from visual?based AT, and the remaining students with visual substitution AT. Further, 20.8% of them who had near vision between N18 to N24 would be benefitted from large print books. Two schools were provided ATVI with support from the WHO. Familiarization, demonstration, and initial training for ATVI were carried out. Conclusion: A sizable number of the students would be benefitted from visual?based AT apart from visual substitutions AT. Students were interested to have such ATVI centers in the school for academic and non?academic skills development.

A comparative study on efficacy and safety of tablet duloxetine 60 mg and tablet gabapentin 300 mg among patients with diabetic polyneuropathy – A randomized double-blind study

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is defined as the presence of symptoms and signs of peripheral nerve damage among patients with diabetes, after ruling out other potential causes. Diabetic neuropathies are one among the most common long-term complications of diabetes. About 60% of diabetic patients are affected by neuropathy. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to study the efficacy and safety of tablet duloxetine 60 mg and tablet gabapentin 300 mg among patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. Materials and Methods: This study was randomized, comparative, double-blind parallel group study which was conducted for a period of 6 months. Sixty patients with diabetic polyneuropathic pain were randomly allocated into two groups. One group received duloxetine 60 mg and other group received gabapentin 300 mg. Efficacy was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS), short form of McGill pain questionnaire, and patients global impression of change score. Safety was assessed using adverse drug reaction profile. Results: In the duloxetine group, the mean VAS score at the baseline was 54.97 ± 6.75, and at 3 months, it was 20.07 ± 5.32 which was statistically significant. In the gabapentin group, the mean score at baseline was 53.57 ± 7.85, and at 3 months, it was 26.57 ± 4.39 which was also statistically significant. The difference between the baseline and 3rd month mean McGill score in both groups was statistically significant. Conclusions: We found that both duloxetine 60 mg once daily and gabapentin 300 mg once daily are effective in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathic pain. However, duloxetine 60 mg once daily is more efficacious than gabapentin 300 mg once daily in the treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain. Both the drugs are well tolerated but gabapentin is better tolerated than duloxetine.

A Phase Ⅲ Clinical Observation of Yishen Yangxin Anshen Tablets in Treatment of Insomnia with Deficiency of Heart Blood and Insufficiency of Kidney Essence / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo confirm the clinical efficacy and safety of Yishen Yangxin Anshen tablets in the treatment of insomnia （heart-blood deficiency and kidney-essence insufficiency syndrome）. MethodA randomized block， double-blind， placebo-controlled， multi-center clinical trial design method was adopted， and a total of 480 patients with insomnia due to deficiency of heart blood and insufficiency of kidney essence （treatment group-control group 3∶1） from seven hospitals （Guang'anmen Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， The First Clinical Hospital， Jilin Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine（TCM）， The Second Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of TCM， The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine， Henan Province Hospital of TCM， Hebei General Hospital， The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine） were enrolled. The treatment group was given Yishen Yangxin Anshen tablets and the control group received placebo tablets （4 tablets/time， 3 times/day， 4 weeks of administration， 4 weeks of follow-up after drug withdrawal）. The sleep dysfunction rating scale （SDRS） score， pittsburgh sleep quality index （PSQI） score， TCM， polysomnography （PSG） indicators from four hospital （Guang'anmen Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， Henan Province Hospital of TCM， Hebei General Hospital， The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine）， and other efficacy indicators were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Through general physical examination， laboratory examination， and observation of adverse events， the safety of the drugs was evaluated. ResultThe baseline indexes of the two groups showed no significant difference and thus the two groups were comparable. After treatment， the total score of SDRS in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group （P<0.01）. After drug withdrawal for 4 weeks， the total score of SDRS demonstrated no significant change in the treatment group as compared with that at the end of treatment， indicating that the rebound change of curative effect was not obvious. After treatment， the total score of PSQI in the treatment group decreased as compared with that in the control group （P<0.01）， and the change of total score of PSQI in the treatment group was statistically significant （P<0.05） after drug withdrawal for 4 weeks but small， indicating that the rebound change of curative effect was not obvious. After treatment， the total effective rate about the TCM symptoms in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group （χ2=137.521，P<0.01）. After treatment， the disappearance rates of single indexes in the treatment group， such as difficulty in falling asleep， easily waking up after sleeping， early awakening， short sleep time， dreamfulness， palpitation， forgetfulness， dizziness， mental fatigue， and weakness of waist and knee， increased compared with those in the control group （P<0.01）. After treatment， the treatment group demonstrated fewer awaking times （AT）， longer total sleep time （TST）， lower ATA/TST ratio， and higher sleep efficiency （%） than the control group （P<0.05）. No abnormal value or aggravation related to drugs was observed in either group. The incidence of adverse events in the treatment group and the control group was 5.57% and 8.40% respectively. No serious adverse events or adverse events leading to withdrawal happened in either group. ConclusionYishen Yangxin Anshen tablets is effective and safe for patients with insomnia of deficiency of heart-blood and insufficiency of kidney-essence.

The Clinical Effect of Pretreatment with Heat-sensitive Moxibustion on Primary Dysmenorrhea and Its Influence on Uterine Artery Blood Flow： A Randomized， Blinded Controlled Trial / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion before menstruation and since the first day of menstruation on primary dysmenorrhoea （PD）， thereby optimizing the clinical treatment plan. MethodsSixty patients with PD were randomly divided into pretreatment group （treated before menstruation） and conventional treatment group （treated since the first day of menstruation） of 30 cases each. For all patients， the area surrounded by bilateral Zigong （EX-CA1） and bilateral Guilai （ST 29） in the supine position， and that formed by bilateral Shenshu （BL 23） and Ciliao （BL 32） in the prone position were selected for circling moxibustion （2 min）， sparrow-pecking moxibustion （1 min）， and then moxibustion along the channels to stimulate the moxibustion sensation and obtain two heat-sensitive points with the best sensation for treatment. In the pretreatment group， moxibustion was applied 3-7 days before the onset of menstruation， and in the conventional treatment group， moxibustion was applied on the day of menstruation. Both groups were treated once daily for 7 days per menstrual cycle for 3 consecutive cycles. The clinical outcomes of the two groups were measured before and after treatment in terms of the COX menstrual pain symptom scale （CMSS） scores， visual analogue scale for pain （VAS） scores， and uterine artery hemodynamic indicators including blood pulsation index （PI） and resistance index （RI）， and the clinical effect was compared. ResultsAfter treatment， the CMSS scores， VAS scores， PI and RI in the two groups decreased， and lower scores were found in the pretreatment group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The total effective rate after treatment was 93.3% （28/30） in the pretreatment group， which was better than 73.3% （22/30） in the conventional treatment group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionThe clinical effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion before the menstruation for PD was better than that implemented since the first day of menstruation， by significantly improving the patients' dysmenorrhoea symptoms and uterine artery blood flow index.

A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Study of Freeze-Dried Saffron Tablets in the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of saffron freeze-dried effervescent tablets in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea of qi stagnation and blood stasis,and to provide reference for its clinical application.Methods A prospective,randomized,double-blind,placebo parallel controlled clinical trial was designed.60 patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group.After 3 months of elution,the patients were treated with saffron freeze-dried effervescent tablets and placebo respectively for 2 menstrual cycles and were followed up for 2 months.Results There was no significant change in the control group before and after treatment,while the symptoms in the treatment group were significantly relieved after treatment,which were significantly different from those before treatment,and no adverse reactions occurred in all subjects.Conclusion Saffron freeze-dried effervescent tablets can effectively treat primary dysmenorrhea of qi stagnation and blood stasis with good long-term efficacy and safety,which is worthy of further clinical study.

Efficacy of the application of surface gastrointestinal pacing treatment in bedside blind placement of gastrointestinal intubation in patients with severe nervous system diseases / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the efficacy of the application of surface gastrointestinal pacing treatment in bedside blind placement of gastrointestinal intubation in patients with severe nervous system diseases and ultimately help clinical nursing staff optimize the intubation process and increase the success rate of post-pyloric placement.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled study. A total of 70 patients with severe nervous system diseases who were admitted to ICU of Jinhu People ′s Hospital from February 2022 to January 2023 were selected by successive sampling method and numbered according to the time sequence of admission, and were divided into The control group with 35 cases and observation group with 35 cases according to the random number table method. The control group used the routine bedside blind placement of gastrointestinal intubation and received metoclopramide intramuscular injection and gastric air injection to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, while the observation group received surface gastrointestinal pacing treatment to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis. The differences in success rate, incubation time and pain degree of post-pyloric placement of gastrointestinal intubation were compared between the two groups. Results:The success rate of post-pyloric placement was 51.42% (18/35) in the control group and 82.85% (29/35) in the observation group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=7.83, P<0.01). The incubation time of the control group was (15.83 ± 3.93) min, and the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) scored (3.32 ± 0.63) points, while the incubation time of the observation group was (3.78 ± 0.81) min, and the CPOT scored (1.03 ± 0.22) points, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t=13.16, 14.65, both P<0.01). Conclusions:The application of surface gastrointestinal pacing treatment in bedside blind placement of gastrointestinal intubation to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis in patients with severe nervous system diseases can increase the success rate of post-pyloric placement of gastrointestinal intubation, reduce incubation time, alleviate pain. All in all, it is worthy of clinical application.

Efficacy of Curcumin on Cognitive Function Scores in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea: A Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the efficacy of a curcumin supplementation on cognitive abilities in women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea.@*METHODS@#A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted from December 2019 to March 2020. A total of 124 women who had both PMS and dysmenorrhea were enrolled, and were equally and randomly assigned to the curcumin group or placebo group, 62 cases in each. Each subject received either a capsule containing 500 mg of curcuminoid, or a placebo daily, for 10 days (7 days before and until 3 days after the onset of menstrual bleeding) over 3 menstrual cycles. The cognitive abilities questionnaire was used to measures cognitive functions in 7 specific areas. Adverse reactions were monitored during and after the trial in both groups.@*RESULTS@#Administration of curcumin was associated with a significant increase in memory score (P=0.002), inhibitory control and selective attention (P=0.020), and total cognitive ability task (P=0.024). In addition, significant increments were found in scores of memory (3.5±3.1 vs. 0.4±3.8 in the curcumin and placebo groups, respectively; P=0.035), inhibitory control and selective attention (3.0±3.7 vs. 0.4±3.7; P=0.027) and total cognitive abilities (8.3±12.3 vs. 2.2±12.4; P=0.025) in the curcumin group versus placebo groups. Curcumin was safe and well-tolerable in current clinical trial.@*CONCLUSION@#Curcumin has a beneficial efficacy on cognitive function scores in women with PMS and dysmenorrhea, with improvements in memory, inhibitory control and selective attention. (Registration No. IRCT20191112045424N1, available at: https://www.irct.ir ).

Effects of food for specific medical purposes on muscle status, exercise capacity and nutrient metabolism in patients at nutritional risk / 中华临床营养杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effects of foods for special medical purposes (FSMP) on physical performance, body composition, nutritional metabolic indicator levels, and inflammatory factor levels in patients at nutritional risk.Methods:A single-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted. Patients at nutritional risk were randomized to two groups. Both groups received the nutritional management for 8 weeks, including 30 gram of nutritional preparations thrice a day, standard meals, and nutritional education. The intervention group was given full nutritional FSMP while the control group was given isocaloric placebo. The primary outcomes were the changes in timed up and go (TUG) test score, grip strength and muscle mass measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis after the intervention. The secondary outcomes were the walking speed as measured by 4-meter walk test, calf circumference, blood 25 hydroxyvitamin D 3 (25-OH-VD 3), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Other indicators examined included serum albumin and prealbumin and inflammatory factors, and T cell and B cell subsets. Results:Forty-five patients were enrolled and 25 completed the intervention and follow-up period. There were no significant differences between groups in sex, age, height, and weight. Muscle mass ( P=0.042), upper limb muscle mass ( P=0.035), and grip strength ( P=0.032) were significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group, while TUG score was significantly reduced ( P=0.047). Four-meter walk test time, calf circumference, inflammatory indicators, and serum indicators did not change significantly after the intervention( P>0.05). TUG score was positively correlated with 4-meter walk time, interleukin-8, while negatively correlated with grip strength, 25-OH-VD 3 and serum albumin. Conclusions:The full nutritional FSMP was safe and effective for long term use in patients at nutritional risk, improving physical performance and muscle mass. However, no significant effect of full nutritional FSMP were observed on serum nutritional indicators and inflammatory factors.

Analysis of the application of two kinds of nasointestinal feeding tube intubation techniques in patients with ICU brain dysfunction / 中国现代医生

Objective To observe the effect of different Nasointestinal feeding tube catheterization techniques on patients with ICU brain dysfunction.Methods Totally 51 patients were divided into the traditional blind intubation group(26 cases)and the ultrasound guided group(25 cases)according to the random number table.The efficacy of catheterization was evaluated using first catheterization success rate,final catheterization success rate,catheterization time,and complications.Results The ultrasound guided catheterization group has a higher success rate for the first catheterization compared to the traditional blind insertion group;There was no statistically significant difference in general information,final catheterization success rate,catheterization time,and incidence of complications between the two groups.Conclusion The two kinds of nasogastric tube placement techniques are safe and effective in patients with ICU brain dysfunction,ultrasound guided catheterization can improve the success rate of first catheterization and have better efficiency.

Os desafios enfrentados na amamentação para a mulher cega: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / The challenges faced in breastfeeding by blind women: an integrative literature review / Los retos de la lactancia materna en mujeres ciegas: una revisión bibliográfica integradora

Introdução: A maternidade para mulheres cegas é um processo de modificação descrito como um evento crítico, marcado por inseguranças e preocupações. Essas mulheres sofrem preconceito e além de lidarem com uma limitação física, também precisam vivenciar limitações impostas pela sociedade. Objetivo: Esse estudo teve como objetivo destacar a prática da amamentação e os desafios para as mulheres cegas. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica integrativa, elaborada a partir de trabalhos científicos acerca dos desafios enfrentados na amamentação para a mulher cega. Foram considerados artigos originais e completos publicados em português, espanhol e inglês nos últimos dez anos, de 2013 até 2023, obtidos nas plataformas SCIELO, PUBMED, LILACS e BVS. Resultados: Os estudos atuais mostram que os desafios enfrentados pelas mulheres cegas durante a amamentação são pouco discutidos e podem levar ao distanciamento das recém-mães dessa prática. Deve-se sempre ser alertado sobre a importância da amamentação, pois está associada não apenas à saúde da criança, mas também à saúde materna e ao maior vínculo entre mãe e filho. Conclusão: Fica nítido a necessidade de desenvolver ações de educação em saúde, orientações, informações no pré-natal sobre as mudanças que ocorrerão no período gestacional, cuidados de enfermagem no parto e pós-parto direcionados às especificidades da mulher cega, além de orientações sobre cuidados iniciais do bebê, como banho, amamentação e prevenção de acidentes.

Introduction: Motherhood for blind women is a process of change described as a critical event, marked by insecurities and concerns. These women suffer prejudice and besides dealing with a physical limitation, they also need to experience limitations imposed by society. Objective: This study aimed to highlight the practice of breastfeeding and the challenges for blind women. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, based on scientific papers about the challenges faced by blind women in breastfeeding. Original and complete articles published in Portuguese, Spanish and English in the last ten years, from 2013 to 2023, obtained from the SCIELO, PUBMED, LILACS and BVS platforms were considered. Results: The current studies show that the challenges faced by blind women during breastfeeding are little discussed and may lead to the distancing of new mothers from this practice. One should always be alerted about the importance of breastfeeding, since it is associated not only with the child's health, but also with maternal health and the greater bond between mother and child. Conclusion: It is clear the need to develop health education actions, guidelines, information in prenatal care about the changes that will occur during pregnancy, nursing care during delivery and postpartum directed to the specificities of blind women, as well as guidelines on initial care of the baby, such as bathing, breastfeeding and accident prevention.

Introducción: La maternidad para las mujeres ciegas es un proceso de cambio descrito como un acontecimiento crítico, marcado por inseguridades y preocupaciones. Estas mujeres sufren prejuicios y, además de lidiar con una limitación física, también tienen que experimentar las limitaciones impuestas por la sociedad. Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo destacar la práctica de la lactancia materna y los desafíos para las mujeres ciegas. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica integrativa, elaborada a partir de trabalhos científicos acerca dos desafios enfrentados na amamentação para a mulher cega. Se consideraron artículos originales y completos publicados en portugués, español e inglés en los últimos diez años, de 2013 a 2023, obtenidos de las plataformas SCIELO, PUBMED, LILACS y BVS. Resultados: Los estudios actuales muestran que los desafíos enfrentados por las mujeres ciegas durante la lactancia materna son poco discutidos y pueden llevar al distanciamiento de las nuevas madres de esta práctica. Se debe alertar siempre sobre la importancia de la lactancia materna, pues está asociada no sólo a la salud del niño, sino también a la salud materna y al mayor vínculo entre madre e hijo. Conclusão: Fica nítida a necessidade de desenvolver ações de educação em saúde, orientações, informações no pré-natal sobre as mudanças que ocorrerão no período gestacional, cuidados de enfermagem no parto e pós-parto direcionados às especificidades da mulher cega, além de orientações sobre cuidados iniciais do bebê, como banho, amamentação e prevenção de acidentes.

Exploiting Genetic Counseling as a Tool for the Analysis of Dissociative Behavior and Sub-normality from Conception to Birth among Maladjusted Blind, Deaf and Dumb Infants

This paper analyzes the dissociation behavior of children from pregnancy to birth and resultant sub-normality using genetic counseling in an attempt to mainstream children with birth disabilities and the challenges of the genetic counselor. Genetic counseling is a process of communication to provide information about a genetic condition, or inheritance, and support decision making and adjustment in families with the inheritance gene. It uses children that need special needs, the blind, deaf and dumb. Genetic counseling approach, re-affirmation, care and integration, and confidence-building institutionalized in school and family life remains some of the vital tools needed to support these children using genetic guidance and counseling as the best approach to adjusting the different maladaptive behavior of children. The genetic counseling approach includes information about the implications of testing positive for the genetic disorder, including the psychological impact and other consequences, whether to inform relatives of your intention to test, or not to test and the usual pattern of progression of the sub-normality identified tested for and its potential treatments. Thus, the paper seems to analyze sub-normality as classified within the adequacy of social adaptation. Analysis of dissociation behavior associated with sub mentality shows discouragement, contempt, and neglect from an early age, emotionally and maladjusted social growth. Therefore, the counselor must experience sub-normality by getting involved and clarifying their feeling toward the children with these disabilities.

A comparative study of tactile perception in blind and sighted subjects

Background: Blind people are underprivileged from visual experience and visual imaginary that result them to become more dependent on haptic system for the job of tactile perception. Thus, the self-guided tactile investigation in blind individuals enables them to recognize the shapes more rapidly than the sighted counterparts. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to see the increased tactile perception among the blind than the blind folded sighted subjects. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 150 blind and 181 blindfolded sighted subjects. In this, each subject was instructed to arrange the aluminum oxide abrasive sand papers of different grit size having grade 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 200, 240, 360, 400, and 600 from rough to smooth as fast and accurate as possible in seconds to express the functions of haptic sense. Results: The present study showed that the blind subjects had outperformed in terms of speed and accuracy of tactile perception. Conclusions: Lack of vision among blind individuals enables their brain to enhance the sense of vision and the previous tactile exposure and memories along with their regular practice enhance the touch perception in terms of speed and accuracy.