Population Pharmacokinetic Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Caffeine Using Visual Analogue Scales

Caffeine is a commonly ingested psychoactive substance which affects alertness and cognition. A clinical study was conducted to determine the effect of orally ingested caffeine on visual analogue scale (VAS) responses in healthy, moderate caffeine-consuming volunteers through the use of population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling. Twelve subjects were recruited for a three-period cross-over study which utilized caffeine containing beverages. Each visit included 8-hour blood plasma and VAS response collection for PK and PD assessment respectively. The VAS used in the study, also called the caffeine analog scale, has been previously validated for caffeine. Population PK-PD modeling was conducted with NONMEM 7.2. Simultaneous and sequential modeling of PK-PD was attempted. Final model selection was based on parameter estimate precision, diagnostic plots, and visual predictive check (VPC) plots. Results showed that a one-compartment open model with first-order absorption and elimination best described the pharmacokinetics of caffeine. Sequential PK-PD modeling was successful and an effect compartment model with linear slope and baseline parameter best described caffeine pharmacodynamics. Diagnostic plots showed no major bias and VPC plots showed agreement between observations and predictions. The model was able to link VAS responses to caffeine concentration in healthy volunteers and may be useful in clinical trial simulations and design.

Assessment of the Visual Analogue Score in the Evaluation of the Pruritus of Cholestasis

Background and Aims:A visual analogue score (VAS),based on application of a visual analogue scale,has been widely used to assess pruritus in clinical studies of patients with cholestatic liver disease.A VAS is a numerical score of the severity of the perception of pruritus,and,hence,is inherently subjective.The objective of this study was to assessthe reliability of a VAS as an index of pruritus in cholestatic patients.Methods:In 8 patients with chronic pruritus due to primary biliary cholangitis,values for a VAS of pruritus were compared with corresponding measurements of scratching activity,which were generated by a monitoring system specifically designed to quantitate this activity.The relationship between individual values for the VAS and corresponding values for scratching activity during a specific interval immediately preceding the recording of the VAS was examined by determining the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.Results:The mean Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between individual values for the VAS and corresponding mean values for scratching activity was 0.072;the range of these coefficients was-0.04 to 0.26.A VAS of pruritus is an unreliable index of scratching activity,and,hence,of the pathophysiological process responsible for the pruritus of cholestasis.Conclusion:It is concluded that the use of a VAS as a primary quantitative endpoint in trials of the efficacy of potential therapies for the pruritus of cholestasis may be inappropriate.

Pain Efficacy of a Home-Based Low-Intensity Continuous Ultrasound Stimulator for Knee Arthritis: A Single-Arm, Open-Label, Prospective Clinical Trial

1) Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is defined as a degenerative joint disease that mainly affects the bone. This study aims to evaluate the effect of low-intensity continuous ultrasound (LICUS) treatment on the knee of osteoarthritis patients through home-based intervention using the LICUS medical device. 2) Methods: The clinical trials were designed in a single-arm, open-label, and intervention study. Thirty-five participants, including those who dropped out (12%), were screened and enrolled. The patients received LICUS (1.1 MHz, 1.5 W/cm2, collimated beams) on the knee by the instructions of the investigator at home (5 min/session, 3 times/day, for four-weeks). Outcome measures were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) as a primary endpoint and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) as a secondary endpoint to evaluate pain relief and functional recovery of the knee between pre-treatment (baseline) and post-treatment (four-weeks). 3) Results: Knee pain scores measured using the VAS and WOMAC indices were significantly reduced after a four-week treatment with LICUS compared to baseline. Knee stiffness and functional capacity were significantly reduced after the LICUS application. In addition, there were no reports of adverse effects during the study period. 4) Conclusion: Long-term and home-based application of LICUS can be recommended as an alternative option for the treatment of OA patients, as evidenced by the effect of pain relief and knee function recovery.

Comparative study of the clinical efficacy of all-inside and traditional techniques in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BACKGROUND Many studies have focused on the femoral tunnel technique and fixation method,but few studies have involved the tibial tunnel technique and fixation method.The all-inside technique is one of the new techniques that has been described in recent years.All-inside anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)reconstruction is based on a tibial socket instead of a full tunnel.This method has many potential advantages.AIM To compare clinical outcomes of knee ACL autograft reconstruction using allinside quadrupled semitendinosus(AIST)and traditional hamstring tendon(TBT)techniques.METHODS From January 2017 to October 2019,the clinical data of 80 patients with ACL reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed,including 67 males and 13 females.The patients had an average age of 24.3±3.1 years(age range:18-33 years).The AIST technique was used in 42 patients and the TBT technique was used in 38 patients.The time between operation and injury,operative duration,postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS)score and knee functional recovery were recorded and compared between the two groups.The International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC)and Lysholm scoring system were used to comprehensively evaluate clinical efficacy.RESULTS Eighty patients were followed for 24-36 mo,with an average follow-up duration of 27.5±1.8 mo.There were no significant differences in the time between surgery and injury,operative duration,IKDC and Lysholm scores of the affected knee at the last follow-up evaluation between the two groups.There were significant differences in VAS scores 1 d,3 d,7 d,2 wk and 1 mo after surgery(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in VAS score at 3 mo,6 mo and 1 year after operation.CONCLUSION The efficacy of the AIST ACL reconstruction technique was comparable to the TBT technique,but the postoperative pain was less with the AIST technique.Thus,the AIST technique is an ideal treatment choice for ACL reconstruction.

Effects of Chiropractic and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Patients with Acute Postpartum Pubis Symphysis Pelvic Girdle Pain

[Objectives]To analyze and study the effects of chiropractic and traditional Chinese medicine on pain score and functional ambyiation category scale rating in patients with cervical spondylosis.[Methods]41 postpartum patients with acute pubic symphysis pelvic girdle pain were treated by Xiao Huoluodan Granules(orally taking one bag of Xiao Huoluodan Granules 20 g three times daily with 120-150 mL warm water after each meal),and combined with sacroiliac joint manipulation,muscle posture relaxation and muscle energy technique.[Results]After treatment,the pain score(VAS)was decreased and Holden walking function rating was improved(all P<0.001).[Conclusions]Chiropractic and traditional Chinese medicine therapy has a significant effect on the treatment of postpartum acute pubic symphysis pelvic girdle pain,and it can effectively relieve pain,improve postpartum quality of life and prevent postpartum complications.Due to its benefits,it is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

突发性聋伴耳鸣患者治疗前后耳鸣残疾量表和视觉模拟量表比较及相关性

突发性聋伴耳鸣的发病率较高，多数耳呜患者可伴情绪紧张和疲劳，这成为众多临床医师工作中需要解决的问题。耳呜作为一种主观感受，缺乏客观有效的检测手段。国外应用于评价耳呜的最常用量表主要有耳鸣残疾量表（tinnitus handicap inventory，THI）和视觉模拟量表（visual-analoguescale，VAS）。

Effects of nursing care in fast-track surgery on postoperative pain, psychological state, and patient satisfaction with nursing for glioma

BACKGROUND The brain is the most complex organ in the human body.Treatment for a glioma always involves a multi-disciplinary team.Nursing care in fast-track surgery or enhanced recovery after surgery is such kind of work implemented by an interdisciplinary team to provide services to patients to improve their outcomes.AIM To explore the effects of nursing care in fast-track surgery on postoperative pain,psychological state,and patient satisfaction with nursing for glioma.METHODS From June 2018 to June 2020,138 patients who underwent operation for glioma at Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing University were selected.They were categorized into groups according to different nursing care that they received.Of them,69 patients receiving nursing care in fast-track surgery were included in an experimental group,and 69 patients receiving conventional postoperative nursing were included in a control group.Visual analogue scale was used to evaluate postoperative pain in the two groups immediately after the operation and at 3 d after the operation.Self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)and self-rating depression scale(SDS)were used to evaluate the psychological status of patients immediately after operation and on the 3rd postoperative day.A self-made satisfaction scale for patient satisfaction with nursing was used to evaluate and compare patient satisfaction with nursing between the two groups.RESULTS Time to excretion,time to out-of-bed activities,and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in duration of operative time or intraoperative bleeding between the two groups(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in postoperative pain score between the two groups(P>0.05).The pain score was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group at 3 d after the operation(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in postoperative SAS or SDS score between the two groups(P>0.05).SAS and SDS scores were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group at 3 d after operation(P<0.05).The rate of patient satisfaction with nursing was 94.2%in the observation group,which was significantly higher than that(81.2%)of the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Nursing care in fast-track surgery can relieve postoperative pain,anxiety,and depression,and improve patient satisfaction with nursing in patients with glioma,which is worthy of clinical application.

Psychological impact of chronic hepatitis C:Comparison with other stressful life events and chronic diseases

AIM： To examine the psychological impact of chronic hepatitis C （CHC） diagnosis in a large cohort of CHC patients as compared with other stressful life events and chronic diseases carrying a risk of life-threatening complications. METHODS： One hundred and eighty-five outpatients with compensated CHC were asked to self-grade, using a 100-mm visual analogue scale （VAS）, the degree of stress caused by the learning of CHC diagnosis and the perceived severity of their disease. Diagnosis-related stress was compared to four other stressful life events and perceived CHC severity was compared to four other common chronic diseases. RESULTS： Learning of CHC diagnosis was considered a major stressful event （mean ± SD scores： 72±25）, significantly less than death of a loved-one （89±13, P〈0.0001） and divorce （78 ± 23, P〈0.007）, but more than job dismissal （68 ± 30, P〈 0.04） and home removal （26±24, P〈 0.0001）. CHC was considered a severe disease （74± 19）, after AIDS （94±08, P〈 0.001） and cancer （91± 11, P〈 0.001）, but before diabetes （66±23, P〈0.001） and hypertension （62±20, P〈0.001）. Perceived CHC severity was not related to the actual severity of liver disease, assessed according to Metavir fibrosis score. In multivariate analysis, diagnosisrelated stress was related to perceived disease severity （P〈0.001）, trait anxiety （P〈 0.001） and infection through blood transfusion （P〈 0.001）. CONCLUSION： Our results show the considerable psychological and emotional burden that a diagnosis of CHC represents, even in the absence of significant liver disease. They should be taken into account when announcing a diagnosis of CHC in order to reduce its negative effects.

Analgesic effect of paracetamol combined with low- dose morphine versus morphine alone on patients with biliary colic： a double blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND:Numerous drugs have been proposed to alleviate pain in patients with biliary colic,especially opioids,but still there is a tendency to use less narcotics because of their side effects and the unwillingness of some patients.The present study aimed to compare the analgesic effect of paracetamol combined with low-dose morphine versus morphine alone in patients with biliary colic.METHODS:A randomized double-blind controlled trial was performed in 98 patients with biliary colic,recruited from two emergency departments from August 2012 to August 2013.Eleven patients were excluded and the remaining were randomized into two groups:group A received 0.05mg/kg morphine+1 000 mg paracetamol in 100 m L normal saline and group B received 0.1 mg/kg morphine+normal saline(100 m L)as placebo.Pain scores were recorded using visual analogue scale(VAS)at baseline and 15 and 30 minutes after drug administration.Adverse effects and the need for rescue medication(0.75 g/kg intravenous fentanyl)were also reported within 60 minutes of drug administration.RESULTS:Before the infusion,the mean±SD VAS scores were 8.73±1.57 in group A and8.53±1.99 in group B.At 15 minutes after drug administration,the mean±SD VAS scores were2.16±1.90 in group A vs.2.51±1.86 in group B;mean difference was–0.35,and 95%CI–1.15 to 0.45(P=0.38).At 30 minutes the mean±SD VAS scores were 1.66±1.59 in group A vs.2.14±1.79 in group B;mean difference was–0.48,and 95%CI–1.20 to 0.24(P=0.19).The mean pain scores in the two groups at 15 and 30 minutes demonstrated no significant difference.CONCLUSION:Paracetamol combined with low-dose morphine may be effective for pain management in patients with biliary colic.

Safety and Efficacy of a Proprietary Undenatured Beta-Glucan on Different Human Populations

After proving safety in animal and human models, a series of clinical trials were conducted to examine the administration of 1 mg/mL bid of an undenatured beta-glucan on the immune system;and on self-perceived effects on subjects’ quality of life (QoL) using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In one study, a subject population that was self-perceived to be fatigued was administered an undetaured beta-glucan, to determine if this supplementation affected their quality-of-life as a result of an increased immune system response. 44 subjects were administered 1 mg/mL bid of the undenatured beta-glucan (Lentinex®) for four weeks. Prior to the beginning of the administration, and following the four-week administration period, the subjects were asked to fill out a quality-of-life VAS questionnaire. The changes in the two questionnaires revealed differences that occurred as a result of the beta-glucan administration. More than 75% of the subjects scored “better” (more than 1 cm on the VAS) with regard to feeling in a good mood, and feeling rested. More than 60% increased their energy and reduced their tiredness and exhaustion, and 70% felt less stressed. In a second study, subjects aged 40 years and older, believed to be in good general health, seeking therapy for tiredness/exhaustion/fatigue or similar conditions (neurasthenia) which were administered 1 mg/mL bid Lentinex®. The overall results indicated that the subjects felt significantly better (mean VAS = 5.91) after the last week of the study compared to how they felt initially (VAS = 4.73) (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant (p < 0.0001) change in distribution favoring a better situation after 4 weeks intake of supplement, with a remarkable fall in number of subjects scoring below normal (from 61.4% to 18.2%) accompanied by a significant shift in subjects feeling above normal, from 9.2% to 50.0%. These clinical studies, and others, showed that Lentinex® administration improved the perceived quality-of-life of subjects whose immune system was probably not functioning at optimal levels.

Efficacy of gabapentin for low back pain at a tertiary hospital: A prospective observational study

Objective:To assess the efficacy of gabapentin in the treatment of low back pain patients.Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted over 6 months to assess the efficacy of gabapentin in patients suffering from low back pain.Past medical history,pain severity by Visual Analogue scale(VAS)and sleep quality by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PQSI)were collected.VAS scores and PQSI scores before and after gabapentin treatment were compared,and gabapentin satisfaction post treatment were recorded.Results:This study included 100 low back pain patients with 65 males and 35 females,and the mean age was(39.0±10.5)years.The commonest presentation was non-radiating low back pain(40%).The mean VAS score and the mean PQSI score in the study before treatment were 7.70±1.91 and 10.95±5.02,respectively.After treatment with gabapentin,the mean VAS score and the mean PQSI score decreased to 2.75±1.79 and 4.90±2.20,respectively,and the differences before and after the treatment were significantly different(both P=0.001).Overall,62%of the patients were extremely satisfied with gabapentin because they reported no adverse drug reaction.Besides,31%of the patients were satisfied and 7%were strongly dissatisfied with the therapy.Conclusion:Gabapentin can improve sleep quality and reduce lower back pain as measured by the VAS and PQSI.The efficacy of this drug is relatively good,but further improvement is required.

Clinical effectiveness of adding probiotics to a low FODMAP diet:Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND There are various studies showing the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)and diet,and some dietary adjustments are recommended to reduce symptoms.In recent years,there is a growing number of studies that show a 4-8 wk low fermentable oligo,di-and mono-saccharides and polyols(FODMAP)diet has a 50%-80%significant effect on symptoms in IBS patients.There is strong evidence suggesting that changes in fecal microbiota have an impact on IBS pathogenesis.Based on this argument,probiotics have been used in IBS treatment for a long time.As is seen,the FODMAP diet and probiotics are used separately in IBS treatment.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of adding probiotics to a low FODMAP diet to control the symptoms in patients with IBS.METHODS The patients who were admitted to the Gastroenterology Clinic of Dokuz Eylul University Hospital and diagnosed with IBS according to Rome IV criteria were enrolled into the study.They were randomized into 2 groups each of which consisted of 50 patients.All patients were referred to a dietitian to receive dietary recommendations for the low FODMAP diet with a daily intake of 9 g.The patients were asked to keep a diary of foods and beverages they consumed.The patients in Group 1 were given supplementary food containing probiotics(2 g)once a day in addition to their low FODMAP diet,while the patients in Group 2 were given a placebo once a day in addition to their low FODMAP diet.Visual analogue scale(VAS),the Bristol Stool Scale and IBS Symptom Severity Scale(IBSSSS)scores were evaluated before and after the 21 d treatment.RESULTS The rate of adherence of 85 patients,who completed the study,to the FODMAP restricted diet was 92%,being 90%in Group 1 and 94%in Group 2.The mean scores of VAS and IBS-SSS of the patients in Group 1 before treatment were 4.6±2.7 and 310.0±78.4,respectively,and these scores decreased to 2.0±1.9 and 172.0±93.0 after treatment(both P<0.001).The mean VAS and IBS-SSS scores of the patients in Group 2 before treatment were 4.7±2.7 and 317.0±87.5,respectively,and these scores decreased to 1.8±2.0 and 175.0±97.7 after treatment(both P<0.001).The IBS-SSS score of 37 patients(86.04%)in Group 1 and 36 patients(85.71%)in Group 2 decreased by more than 50 points.Group 1 and Group 2 were similar in terms of differences in VAS and IBS-SSS scores before and after treatment.When changes in stool shape after treatment were compared using the Bristol Stool Scale,both groups showed significant change.CONCLUSION This study is the randomized controlled study to examine the efficiency of probiotic supplementation to a low FODMAP diet in all subtypes of IBS.The low FODMAP diet has highly positive effects on symptoms of all subtypes of IBS.It was seen that adding probiotics to a low FODMAP diet does not make an additional contribution to symptom response and adherence to the diet.

Efficacy of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy for checkrein deformity: A case report

BACKGROUND In clinical practice, checkrein deformity is usually found in patients with calf injuries after ankle fracture or distal tibial fracture. The patients with checkrein deformity mainly report distending pain in toe tips, pain when walking or wearing shoes, and gait instability. Previous studies have mainly reported surgical treatments for checkrein deformity, while few studies have reported using comprehensive rehabilitation alone to improve the checkrein deformity.CASE SUMMARY A 28-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital due to unstable gait caused by pain in the right hallux, for which she was unable to stretch for over three months. The patient had undergone "resection of ameloblastoma at the right mandible, mandibulectomy, and autogenous right fibula grafting". The patient’s hallux toe, as well as the second and third toes of the right foot could not be stretched, with pain in all the toes during walking. Based on the medical records of the patient, as well as the results of physical and auxiliary examinations, the main diagnosis was checkrein deformity in the right foot. Since the patient refused surgical treatment, rehabilitation was the only treatment option. At discharge, the patient reported evident improvement in the pain in the toes, gait stability, as well as increased ability to climb up and downstairs.CONCLUSION Comprehensive rehabilitation therapy could effectively alleviate the manifestations of checkrein deformity and improve the walking ability of the patients.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Motor Control Exercises versus Mckenzie Exercises for Work Related Back Pain

Background: Work related low back pain has been identified as a one of the most costly disorders among the worldwide working population. This condition was highly prevalent that approximately 85% patients having back pain were brought on by prolonged sitting. With the rapid development of modern technology, sitting has now become the most common posture in today’s work- place. Idea of using motor control learning approach provides the optimal control and coordination of the spine. The McKenzie evaluation was received using repeated movements and sustained positions. Therefore high quality randomized clinical trial was required to compare the effectiveness of these treatments for work related low back pain. Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of motor control exercises and McKenzie exercises in reducing pain and disability in work related low back pain. Method: The study included 40 subjects with work related low back pain due to prolonged sitting. They were randomly allocated into two groups (Group A and Group B). Group A was treated with motor control exercises and group B was treated with McKenzie exercises for 4 weeks. Results: Both the groups have shown statically significant improvement in vas with p < 0.0001 and ODI with p < 0.0001. When the comparison was done after the 4 weeks, the percentage of improvement in group A was much higher than Group B. Conclusion: The study concluded that motor control exercises have shown statically and clinically significant improvement in reducing pain and disability when compared to McKenzie exercises among work related low back pain subjects.

Impact of Epidural Analgesia in Labour on Neonatal and Maternal Outcomes

Aim: To evaluate the effect of epidural analgesia during labour on neonatal-maternal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of nulliparous parturients who gave birth in Vasternorrland County, Sweden, over a 2-year period between 2015 and 2016. Neonatal outcomes (Apgar score at 5 min and umbilical cord arterial blood gases), maternal outcomes (perineal injury, total bleeding volume and maternal satisfaction with birth) and labour parameters (mode of delivery and the durations of labour and postpartum hospital stay) were evaluated. Results: The study cohort consisted of 1449 women with singleton pregnancies. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether during labour they were administered epidural analgesia using bupivacaine and sufentanil (EDA group, n = 615) or not (non-EDA group, n = 834). The rate of assisted vaginal delivery was significantly higher in the EDA group than in the non-EDA group (15.6% and 11.3%, respectively, p < 0.05), whereas the rates of caesarean section were similar. The duration of the active phase of labour was significantly longer in the EDA group than in the non-EDA group (489 ± 217 min versus 371 ± 210 min, respectively, p < 0.001). The Apgar score at 5 min and umbilical cord blood pH were lower and the base deficit greater in the EDA group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Bleeding volume was similar between the groups after adjusting for gestational age. Women in the EDA group were more satisfied with their labour experience, as measured by the visual analogue scale (p Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that EDA affects delivery and neonatal-maternal outcomes negatively, but increases the mother’s satisfaction with labour.

Effectiveness of bee venom acupuncture for patients suffering from periarthritis humeroscapularis

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of bee venom acupuncture in humeroscapularis(PHS)patients.METHODS:One hundred and twenty patients diagnosed with PHS were assigned into four groups:BV1(0.01 mg/kg),BV2(0.005 mg/kg),BV3(0.0025 mg/kg),and control group(vitamin B1 plus novocain 3%injection)with 15 d of treatment.The outcomes of the study including visual analogue scale(VAS)score andβ-endorphin,inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-10(IL-10),IL-1βand tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α)and shoulder function score were assessed at baseline,after 10 and 15 d of treatment.RESULTS:All four groups reported statistically significant improvement in VAS score,motion range,and shoulder function score(P<0.01),only the BV3 group showed significant increase of anti-inflammatory(IL-10)and decrease of pro-inflammatory(IL-1β,TNF-α)cytokines after treatment(P<0.05).The BV3 group presented a significant difference between all outcomes compared to the control and other groups.CONCLUSION:BV3 groups showed better recovery including reduced pain,improved motor function and normalized inflammatory cytokines than current therapy used in Vietnam and other groups.

Therapeutic observation of Fu's subcutaneous needling for scapulohumeral periarthritis

Objective： To observe the therapeutic efficacy of Fu＇s subcutaneous needling（FSN） in treating scapulohumeral periarthritis（SP）.Methods： Eighty patients with SP were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. Patients in the observation group received FSN treatment while those in the control group received conventional acupuncture treatment. Visual analogue scale（VAS） and range of motion（ROM） were observed before and after the treatment, and the therapeutic efficacy was also evaluated.Results： After the treatment, the VAS scores decreased significantly in the two groups, and the VAS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group（P〈0.01）. After the treatment, the ROM increased significantly in both groups（both P〈0.01）, and the ROM in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group（P〈0.01）. The recovery rate and the total effective rate in the observation group were respectively 40.0% and 95.0%,significantly higher than 12.5% and 77.5% in the control group（P〈0.01, P〈0.05）.Conclusion： FSN can effectively relieve pain and improve the joint motion in treating SP, thus offering a novel option to the treatment of this kind of musculoskeletal disorder.

Effect of Yi Jin Jing(Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) plus tuina on scapulohumeral periarthritis

Objective： To investigate the effect of Yi Jin Jing（Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises） plus tuina on scapulohumeral periarthritis（SP）.Methods： A total of 30 cases with SP were randomized into an observation group and a control group. Those in the observation group practiced Yi Jin Jing（Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises） plus tuina therapy; whereas those in the control group received only tuina therapy. Tuina therapy was conducted every other day, 20 min every time for 1 month and Yi Jin Jing（Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises） was conducted once a day for 1 month. The therapeutic effects were assessed by visual analogue scale（VAS） and Constant-Murley scale.Results： After treatment, the VAS score and Constant-Murley scale were substantially improved, showing statistical significances（P〈0.01）; the Constant-Murley scale in the observation group was better than that in the control group,showing a statistical significance（P〈0.01）; the effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, between-group comparison showed a statistical significance（P〈0.01）.Conclusion： Yi Jin Jing（Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises） plus tuina and tuina alone have a verified effect in treating SP,and the former can achieve a better effect than the later.

Effectiveness of breathing exercises during the second stage of labor on labor pain and duration： a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND： Some research exists on the effect of non-pharmacological approaches for labor pain relief However, there is limited information about effectiveness of breathing exercises in pregnant women to reduce maternal pain during labor. OBJECTIVE： To determine whether breathing exercises for pregnant women during the second stage of labor have beneficial effects on maternal pain, duration of labor, and the first-minute Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration （APGAR） scores. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS： This randomized clinical trial involved 250 pregnant women, who were randomly divided into two groups： intervention group （IG; n = 125） and control group （CG; n = 125）. IG received one session breathing exercise training and performed breathing exercises during the second stage of labor versus the CG that did not receive any breathing exercise training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The effects of breathing exercises on maternal pain were determined by Visual Analogue Scale （VAS）, duration of the second stage of labor, and the first-minute APGAR scores. RESULTS： The mean age of the participants was （23.2 _＋ 4.2） （range： 18 to 42） years. Both IG and CG had similar baseline characteristics in terms of age, education level, occupation, and smoking （P 〉 0.05）. The mean VAS scores of IG and CG were （88.2 ＋_ 6.3） and （90.5 ＋_ 7.0）, respectively （P 〈 0.001）. The duration of the second stage of labor was （369.6 ＋ 92.0） s for IG and （440.7 ＋ 142.5） s for CG （P 〈 0.001 ）. The mean first-minute APGAR scores were （8.84 ＋ 0.50） for IG and （8.73 ＋ 0.89） for CG （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Based on this study, breathing exercises with deep inhalation and exhalation in pregnant women are effective in reducing the perception of labor pain and shortening the duration of the second stage of delivery. Therefore, we recommend breathing exercises as an effective modality for labor pain management and shortening the duration of labor. TRIAL REGISTRATION： This study is registered on the website of ClinicalTrials.gov （www.clinicaltrials.gov） with the number of NCT03066973.

Therapeutic effect observation on thumb-tack needling for knee osteoarthritis in elderly patients:A radom control trial

Objective:To observe the effects of the thumb-tack needling therapy on knee joint pain and joint function in the elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)and compared with medication.Methods:A total of 60 patients were randomized into a thumb-tack needling group and a medication group,30 cases in each one.In the thumb-tack needling group,the therapy with the thumb-tack needle retaining and waiting for qi was adopted.The acupoints were Hèdǐng(EX-LE2鹤顶),Nèixīyǎn(内膝眼EX-LE4),Dúbí(犊鼻ST35),Xuèhái(血海SP10),Liángqiū(梁丘ST34)and Ashi points on the affected side.The needles were retained for 24 h.This therapy was given once every two days,3 times a week.The treatment for 2 weeks was as one course and consecutive 2 courses of treatment were required.In the medication group,diclofenac sodium sustained release tablets were taken orally,75 mg each time,once daily,consecutively for 4 weeks.Successively,the score of visual analogue scale(VAS)at the affected knee before treatment,after treatment and 3 months after treatment as well as Lequesne indicator before and after treatment were evaluated.The clinical therapeutic effect was observed in the patients of the two groups after treatment.Results:(1)After treatment,VAS scores were reduced as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups(both P<0.05).After treatment,VAS score in the thumb-tack needling group was lower than that in the medication group(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the scores of all the items of Lequesne indices reduced as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the both groups,indicating significance differences(all P<0.05).After treatment,compared with the medication group,the score of pain,morning stiffness and walking ability as well as the total score were all lower in the thumb-tack needling group,indicating significant differences(all P<0.05).(3)The curative and remarkably effective rate and the total effective rate were 66.7%and 93.3%in the thumb-tack needling group,higher than 56.7%and 86.7%in the medication group respectively(both P<0.05).Conclusion:The thumb-tack needling therapy effectively relieves knee joint pain and improves joint function in the patients and the therapeutic effect is better than medication group.Hence,this therapy deserves to be promoted in clinical practice.