Defining an Adequate Dose of Acupuncture Using a Neurophysiological Approach – a Narrative Review of the Literature

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian White ◽  
Mike Cummings ◽  
Panos Barlas ◽  
Francesco Cardini ◽  
Jacqueline Filshie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Strong Argument ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Adequate Dose ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Patient’S Perception

Many different styles of acupuncture practice exist, and lack of agreement on the optimal acupuncture treatment for any particular condition may mean that some patients do not receive the best treatment. This uncertainty also makes the negative results of sham controlled trials difficult to interpret. Unless we can be sure that both adequate acupuncture and an inactive sham were used in a particular trial, then that trial should not be interpreted as dismissing acupuncture for that condition. Acupuncture practice clearly involves much more than needling procedures, but there is a strong argument for elucidating the role of those needling procedure first. The components of acupuncture needling procedures have been described in the STRICTA document, but it is also clear that the patient's perception of needling is relevant for the outcome of treatment. We therefore recommend the concept of ‘dose’ of acupuncture needling, which should include both the stimulus given to the patient, and certain aspects of the patient's perceptions and response that are known to be linked to the subsequent therapeutic response. We propose the following definition of dose: the physical procedures applied in each session, using one or more needles, taking account of the patient's resulting perception (sensory, affective and cognitive) and other responses (including motor). The dose may be affected by the state of the patient (eg nervous, immune and endocrine systems); different doses may be required for different conditions. The constituents of an adequate dose can be established initially by clinical opinion and subsequently by empirical evidence from experimental studies, which may be either clinical or basic research studies. Systematic reviews which do not consider the adequacy of the acupuncture treatment may have unreliable conclusions. Out of 47 recent systematic reviews, only six have applied some criteria for adequacy. Five used a rating system or conducted a subgroup analysis, and one excluded studies from the analysis altogether if they did not meet criteria for adequacy. Research into what constitutes an adequate dose of acupuncture has long been neglected and is now urgent. Clinical studies that compare the effects of different treatment protocols are probably the most reliable source of evidence, and may also demonstrate a dose-response relationship.

Advances and trends in bibliographic research: Examples of new technological applications for the cataloguing of the georeferenced library heritage

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Maggio ◽  
Josef Kuffer ◽  
Maurizio Lazzari
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Additional Element ◽  
Gis Applications ◽  
Coos Bay ◽  
Bibliographic Data ◽  
Online Catalogue ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Global And Local

In the age of digital archives and online data consultation, bibliographic research is considered as a key tool for supporting scientific research and study. The online catalogue allows the achievement of more ambitious aims and global interest thanks to its ability to associate data relating to the geographic contextualization of the catalogued editorial products (deduced from the title and content) with the search for more traditional bibliographic data through the inclusion of a specific and standardized ‘field’. Successively, the locations identified by the cataloguer are georeferenced by using GIS applications, which allows the simultaneous view of the distribution of global and local geographical contexts specific for each item owned by a library, archive or museum. The usefulness of such an application lies in the possibility for the library to have a greater awareness of its collection, thus permitting the acquisition of an additional element of evaluation in the management and planning of purchases and donations. In this way, the ability to filter the information from OPAC search will be combined with the basic research carried out by the user by selecting only the libraries in possession of works related to a specific geographical context, involved in different specific studies (literature, landscape, environment). Although this ability is still limited to a few specific studies, the use of tools that allow an overview of the geographical distribution of places could represent an operating standard through the definition of a special protocol. These tools are now used mostly in experimental studies in which the use of open source software has enabled the creation of maps. This paper shows the state of the art of the applications worldwide presenting experimental case studies (i.e. Coos Bay, Oregon; Basilicata, Italy) and also suggests different applications in the field of national and international protocols of library cataloguing.

scholarly journals Recommendations for Supporting Prospective Study Registration in the Basic Experimental Studies in Humans And Alternative Procedures for Results Dissemination

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Thomas Mellor ◽  
Nicole Pfeiffer
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Alternative Procedures ◽  
Definition Of

Recently, the NIH has modified the definition of clinical trial so that it applies to a much broader range of studies that previously were classified as clinical research but not specifically as trials. This definition, below, specifically includes research where behavioral outcomes are a focus of the study: “A research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include placebo or other control) to evaluate the effects of those interventions on health-related biomedical or behavioral outcomes.”With the addition of behavioral outcomes, many studies that previously would not have been “clinical trials” are now so classified. Research studies that meet both criteria for “clinical trial” and “basic research” are now referred to as basic experimental studies in humans (BESH). The purpose of this whitepaper is to analyze and investigate ways that existing infrastructure could be improved to support these new requirements in ways that benefit all stakeholders.

scholarly journals Use of plant bioassays in homeopathic basic research - a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (40) ◽  
pp. 140-141
Author(s):  
Stephan Baumgartner ◽  
Lucietta Betti ◽  
Peter Heusser ◽  
Tim Jäger ◽  
Claudia Scherr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
False Negative ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Proper Interpretation ◽  
Plant Bioassays

Background: Experimental research on the effects of treatments with homeopathic preparations on plants was last reviewed in 1990. Aims: The objective was to compile a systematic literature review on plant bioassays in homeopathic basic research using predefined criteria. Methods: Literature search was carried out on publications that reported experiments with homeopathic preparations on whole plants, seeds, plant parts or cells from 1920 to 2010, in healthy, abiotically or biotically stressed conditions. Outcomes had to be measured by established state-of-the-art procedures and statistically evaluated. Using a Manuscript Information Score (MIS) those publications were identified that provided sufficient information for proper interpretation (MIS > 5). Further evaluation focused on the use of adequate controls to investigate specific effects of homeopathic preparations and on the use of systematic negative control experiments to ensure proper system performance. Results: A total of 157 publications with plants were identified [1–3]. The 157 publications described a total of 167 experimental studies. 84 studies included statistics and 48 had a MIS > 5 allowing proper interpretation. 29 studies were identified with adequate controls to identify specific effects of homeopathic preparations, reporting significant effects of decimal and centesimal homeopathic potencies, including dilution levels beyond Avogadro’s number. Studies that tested series of consecutive potency levels reported a non-linear and discontinuous relation between effect and potency level. There were many individual studies with diverse methods and very few replication trials. 10 studies reported use of systematic negative control experiments, yielding evidence for the stability of the experimental set-up. Conclusions: Plant models appear to be a useful approach to investigate basic research questions on homeopathic preparations, but more independent replication trials and systematic research are needed. Systematic negative control experiments should be implemented on a routine basis to exclude false-positive and false-negative results.

The methodology of experimental research of the feed components extrusion process in order to improve its energy performance

2020 ◽  
pp. 147-152
Author(s):  
E. M. Ratnikov ◽  
D. O. Milko
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Extrusion Process ◽  
Mathematical Methods ◽  
Screw Extruder ◽  
Mathematical Planning ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Extrusion Processing ◽  
Definition Of

Annotation Purpose. Development of a program and methods for conducting experimental studies of the extrusion process with the definition of parameters and modes of operation of the extruder to improve its energy performance. Methods. Methods of mathematical statistics, synthesis, analysis, description and modeling were used. Results. The application of mathematical methods, in particular mathematical planning, reduces the number of experiments several times, and allows to evaluate the role of influencing factors, obtain a mathematical model of the process and determine the optimal conditions for its parameters and modes, etc. Conclusions. The methodology for experimental studies of a screw extruder is presented with the necessary equipment and methodology for processing the obtained experimental data. A mathematical method of planning, which reduces the number of experiments several times, allows us to evaluate the role of factors affecting productivity and energy intensity is presented. Keywords: extruder, auger, nutrients, research methodology, extrusion, processing, feed.

scholarly journals AB0677 REVISING THE DEFINITION OF REACTIVE ARTHRITIS AND DIFFERENTIATION FROM UNDIFFERENTIATED SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1633.2-1634
Author(s):  
F. Cosan ◽  
O. M. Gedar
Keyword(s):  
Causative Agent ◽  
Reactive Arthritis ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Classification Criteria ◽  
General Definition ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis ◽  
Classical Definition ◽  
Definition Of

Background:Reactive arthritis (ReA) is defined by 1999 ACR criteria as arthritis preceding a bacterial genitourinary (GUS) or gastrointestinal (GIS) infection in 3 days-6 weeks and evidence of triggering infection. Recently, ReA is classified as SpA and patients who do not fulfill SpA criteria are classified as undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (USpA) according to ASAS/EULAR SpA classification criteria.Objectives:In several case reports which are associated with other infective agents are reported and the definition is extended for some clinicians so that SpA which is occurred after any infection is called as ReA. On the other hand, some researchers still accept the classical definition of ReA. The problem with the heterogeneity of opinions and unstandardized definition of ReA hinders studies about pathogenesis and standardization of treatments. In this study, we aimed to determine the spectrum of the use of the definition of reactive arthritis in publications in PubMed between 2009-2019.Methods:The ReA keyword is searched in PubMed for the years between 2009-2019. 248 different publications have been identified and included in this research. 89 articles, 47 reviews, 108 case reports, 2 guidelines, and 2 editorials reviewed for the definition of ReA.Results:Only 42.7% (106 patients) of these publications meet the classical definition which suggests ReA after only GIS and GUS infections. In 4 (1.6%) of the publications ReA was defined after GIS, GUS and oropharyngeal infections; in 3 (1,2%) of the publications after any bacterial infection; in 9 (3.6%) of the publications after any infection. In 8 (3.2%) of the publications, ReA and USPA was used correspondingly. In 39 (15,7%) of the publications the term agent related, ReA was used without making a general definition for ReA. 79 publications (31,9%) have not defined ReA.According to causative agent and ReA relationship, in 64 (24,6%) general infective agents, in 75 (30,2%) classical agents, in 22 (8,9%) other bacterial agents, in 23 (9,3%) streptococcus, in 10(4%) intravesical BCG, in 6 (2.4%) HIV, in 6 (2.4%) tuberculosis, in 12 (4,8%) clostrudium difficle, in 2 (0.8%) parasites were reported. In 31 (12,5%) of the publications the causative agent for the ReA was unknown, the diagnosis was made clinically.Conclusion:In this study, it is aimed to draw attention terminology intricacy and the need for the standardization of the definition of ReA and USpA. It is clear that to standardize the definition of Rea and USpA is necessary. Between 2009-2019 there are reported cases diagnosed as ReA associated with bacterial infections (especially with Clostridium difficile, streptococcus and tuberculosis infections), and viral infections (by a majority with HIV), and parasitic infections. It is not clear if we need to define them classically or define them as USPA. Another important consideration is the necessity of extended laboratory investigations to find out the real causative agent even if the patient is clinically diagnosed with ReA. The requirement of the differentiation between ReA and USpA must be revealed for therapeutic researches.References:[1]A proposal for the classification of patients for clinical and experimental studies on reactive arthritis. Pacheco-Tena C, Burgos-Vargas R, Vázquez-Mellado J, Cazarín J, Pérez-Díaz JA. J Rheumatol. 1999 Jun;26(6):1338-46.[2]The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society classification criteria for peripheral spondyloarthritis and for spondyloarthritis in general. Rudwaleit M, van der Heijde D, Landewé R, Akkoc N, Brandt J, Chou CT, Dougados M, Huang F, Gu J, Kirazli Y, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011;70:25–31.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Embryoid research calls for reassessment of legal regulations

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Hengstschläger ◽  
Margit Rosner
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem Cells ◽  
Human Embryonic Stem Cells ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Human Embryos ◽  
Human Being ◽  
Legal Regulations ◽  
Definition Of

AbstractIt is known that in countries, in which basic research on human embryos is in fact prohibited by law, working with imported human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can still be permitted. As long as hESCs are not capable of development into a complete human being, it might be the case that they do not fulfill all criteria of the local definition of an embryo. Recent research demonstrates that hESCs can be developed into entities, called embryoids, which increasingly could come closer to actual human embryos in future. By discussing the Austrian situation, we want to highlight that current embryoid research could affect the prevailing opinion on the legal status of work with hESCs and therefore calls for reassessment of the regulations in all countries with comparable definitions of the embryo.

scholarly journals Review of Experimental Studies to Improve Radiotherapy Response in Bladder Cancer: Comments and Perspectives

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Linda Silina ◽  
Fatlinda Maksut ◽  
Isabelle Bernard-Pierrot ◽  
François Radvanyi ◽  
Gilles Créhange ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Bladder Tumour ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Tumour Response ◽  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
Therapeutic Index ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Bladder Preservation

Bladder cancer is among the top ten most common cancer types in the world. Around 25% of all cases are muscle-invasive bladder cancer, for which the gold standard treatment in the absence of metastasis is the cystectomy. In recent years, trimodality treatment associating maximal transurethral resection and radiotherapy combined with concurrent chemotherapy is increasingly used as an organ-preserving alternative. However, the use of this treatment is still limited by the lack of biomarkers predicting tumour response and by a lack of targeted radiosensitising drugs that can improve the therapeutic index, especially by limiting side effects such as bladder fibrosis. In order to improve the bladder-preserving treatment, experimental studies addressing these main issues ought to be considered (both in vitro and in vivo studies). Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews, we conducted a literature search in PubMed on experimental studies investigating how to improve bladder cancer radiotherapy with different radiosensitising agents using a comprehensive search string. We made comments on experimental model selection, experimental design and results, formulating the gaps of knowledge still existing: such as the lack of reliable predictive biomarkers of tumour response to chemoradiation according to the molecular tumour subtype and lack of efficient radiosensitising agents specifically targeting bladder tumour cells. We provided guidance to improve forthcoming studies, such as taking into account molecular characteristics of the preclinical models and highlighted the value of using patient-derived xenografts as well as syngeneic models. Finally, this review could be a useful tool to set up new radiation-based combined treatments with an improved therapeutic index that is needed for bladder preservation.

scholarly journals Diabetic Cataract—Pathogenesis, Epidemiology and Treatment

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Pollreisz ◽  
Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Polyol Pathway ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Diabetic Cataract ◽  
Cataract Development

Cataract in diabetic patients is a major cause of blindness in developed and developing countries. The pathogenesis of diabetic cataract development is still not fully understood. Recent basic research studies have emphasized the role of the polyol pathway in the initiation of the disease process. Population-based studies have greatly increased our knowledge concerning the association between diabetes and cataract formation and have defined risk factors for the development of cataract. Diabetic patients also have a higher risk of complications after phacoemulsification cataract surgery compared to nondiabetics. Aldose-reductase inhibitors and antioxidants have been proven beneficial in the prevention or treatment of this sightthreatening condition in in vitro and in vivo experimental studies. This paper provides an overview of the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract, clinical studies investigating the association between diabetes and cataract development, and current treatment of cataract in diabetics.

scholarly journals Personal protective equipment for reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers involved in emergency trauma surgery during the pandemic: an umbrella review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e045598
Author(s):  
Dylan P Griswold ◽  
Andres Gempeler ◽  
Angelos G Kolias ◽  
Peter J Hutchinson ◽  
Andres M Rubiano
Keyword(s):  
Health Systems ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Trauma Surgery ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cochrane Central Register

IntroductionMany healthcare facilities in low-income and middle-income countries are inadequately resourced and may lack optimal organisation and governance, especially concerning surgical health systems. COVID-19 has the potential to decimate these already strained surgical healthcare services unless health systems take stringent measures to protect healthcare workers (HCWs) from viral exposure and ensure the continuity of specialised care for patients. The objective of this broad evidence synthesis is to identify and summarise the available literature regarding the efficacy of different personal protective equipment (PPE) in reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection in health personnel caring for patients undergoing trauma surgery in low-resource environments.MethodsWe will conduct several searches in the L·OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence) platform for COVID-19, a system that performs automated regular searches in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and over 30 other sources. The search results will be presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram. This review will preferentially consider systematic reviews of experimental and quasi-experimental studies, as well as individual studies of such designs, evaluating the effect of different PPE on the risk of COVID-19 infection in HCWs involved in emergency trauma surgery. Critical appraisal of eligible studies for methodological quality will be conducted. Data will be extracted using the standardised data extraction tool in Covidence. Studies will, when possible, be pooled in a statistical meta-analysis using JBI SUMARI. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach for grading the certainty of evidence will be followed and a summary of findings will be created.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this review. The plan for dissemination is to publish review findings in a peer-reviewed journal and present findings at high-level conferences that engage the most pertinent stakeholders.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020198267.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Knowledge and Practices in the Management of Congenital Syphilis by Pediatricians in Public Maternity Hospitals in Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 322-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Rodrigues dos Santos ◽  
Roberta Pereira Niquini ◽  
Francisco Inácio Bastos ◽  
Rosa Maria Soares Madeira Domingues
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Syphilis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Educational Work ◽  
Correct Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Maternity Hospitals ◽  
Definition Of

The study aimed to assess conformity with Brazil’s standard protocol for diagnostic and therapeutic practices in the management of congenital syphilis by pediatricians in public maternity hospitals. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 with 41 pediatricians working in all the public maternity hospitals in Teresina, the capital of Piauí State, Northeast Brazil, through self-completed questionnaires. The study assessed the conformity of knowledge and practices according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health protocols. The study has made evident low access to training courses (54%) and insufficient knowledge of the case definition of congenital syphilis (42%) and rapid tests for syphilis (39%). Flaws were observed in the diagnostic workup and treatment of newborns. Requesting VDRL (88%) and correct treatment of neurosyphilis (88%) were the practices that showed the highest conformity with standard protocols. Low conformity with protocols leads to missed opportunities for identifying and adequately treating congenital syphilis. Based on the barriers identified in the study, better access to diagnostic and treatment protocols, improved recording on prenatal cards and hospital patient charts, availability of tests and medicines, and educational work with pregnant women should be urgently implemented, aiming to reverse the currently inadequate management of congenital syphilis and to curb its spread.

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