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Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing Nov 2023This network meta-analysis aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of various external therapies from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in enhancing sleep quality... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This network meta-analysis aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of various external therapies from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in enhancing sleep quality among patients with cancer.
METHODS
We systematically searched nine electronic databases, encompassing five English and four Chinese databases, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception up to August 10, 2023. The random effects model was utilized for effect size analysis, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) along with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed. Network meta-analysis and comparative effects ranking were executed utilizing STATA 14.0.
RESULTS
We included thirty-four RCTs involving seven distinct external TCM therapies. Among these, Chinese medicine pillow (SMD = -3.27; 95% CI: -6.03 to -0.51), auricular acupressure (SMD = -2.33; 95% CI: -3.36 to -1.29), moxibustion (SMD = -2.28; 95% CI: -3.63 to -0.94), acupressure (SMD = -1.67; 95% CI: -2.64 to -0.70), and acupuncture (SMD = -1.43; 95% CI: -2.65 to -0.21) demonstrated significant effects in improving sleep quality when compared to usual care or waitlist. The cumulative ranking curve values revealed that the Chinese medicine pillow exhibited the highest potential for effectively enhancing sleep quality in patients with cancer, followed by auricular acupressure, moxibustion, acupressure, acupuncture, Tuina, and electroacupuncture.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study highlights the Chinese medicine pillow as an optimal external TCM therapy for ameliorating sleep quality in cancer patients, but more RCTs are needed to validate this conclusion. These findings serve as valuable support for future clinical trials and research endeavors.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
CRD42022381370.
PubMed: 37928412
DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100308 -
Journal of Pain Research 2023The global incidence of primary dysmenorrhea is continuously increasing, and understanding its research trends is crucial for effective pain management and women's...
PURPOSE
The global incidence of primary dysmenorrhea is continuously increasing, and understanding its research trends is crucial for effective pain management and women's health. Therefore, this study aims to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of primary dysmenorrhea research to identify hotspots, explore emerging trends, and provide valuable insights for future research endeavors.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
All of the relevant studies on primary dysmenorrhea in the Web of Science™ Core Collection database were searched for bibliometric analysis. Biclustering analysis using gCLUTO software was performed to identify research hotspots. Social network analysis with Ucinet was employed to reveal knowledge structure. Evolutionary analysis using SciMAT was utilized to predict thematic trends.
RESULTS
A total of 903 papers were analyzed, indicating a gradual increase in research on primary dysmenorrhea in recent years, with the scope of research expanding and diversifying. We identified seven hotspots, three treatment nodes, and four thematic trends. Research hotspots focused on epidemiological studies, adolescent primary dysmenorrhea, drug and non-drug treatments. Within the realm of treatments, we have identified three treatment nodes: acupuncture, acupressure, and ibuprofen. The evolution of research has witnessed a shift from traditional epidemiological studies toward a more diverse research landscape. Adolescent primary dysmenorrhea is expected to remain a prominent research topic while dietary supplements and lifestyle are predicted to gain more attention. An emerging theme is the study of variation and polymorphism of circadian rhythm genes concerning primary dysmenorrhea.
CONCLUSION
This bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into the current state of research on primary dysmenorrhea, offering a clearer understanding of the field's landscape. The identified hotspots, knowledge structure, and thematic trends can serve as valuable references for future investigations in this area. The research holds significant scientific importance and innovative value in elucidating the mechanisms of primary dysmenorrhea and finding more effective treatment approaches.
PubMed: 37915863
DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S435236 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2023Auricular acupressure (AA) has been widely utilized in the management of constipation, with several studies suggesting its efficacy in treating constipation patients....
Auricular acupressure (AA) has been widely utilized in the management of constipation, with several studies suggesting its efficacy in treating constipation patients. However, the safety and effectiveness of AA in constipation remain uncertain. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of AA for constipation. A total of eight electronic databases and three clinical trial registration platforms were searched from their inception to April 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of AA for constipation. The included studies were appraised for quality using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Assessment tool. The quality of evidence was assessed by two independent reviewers employing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation System (GRADE) evaluation tool. Meta-analysis of data and assessment of publication bias were performed using RevMan 5.4 and STATA 13.0 software, respectively. This review included 34 randomized controlled trials conducted between 2007 and 2023, involving 2,465 participants. The findings of the study indicate that overall, AA is significantly associated with improved CSBMs (MD = 1.22, 95% CI [0.68, 1.77], < 0.0001, I = 0%), BSF (MD = 0.72, 95%CI: [0.15,1.28], = 0.01, I = 82%), CAS (MD = -3.28, 95%CI: [-5.95, -0.60], = 0.02, I = 80%), responder rate (RR = 1.27, 95%CI: [1.16, 1.38], < 0.00001, I = 79%), cure rate (RR = 1.84, 95% CI [1.56, 2.15], < 0.00001, I = 0%), and PAC-QOL (MD = -2.73, 95% CI: [-3.41, -2.04], < 0.00001, I = 98%) compared to the control group. However, no difference in PAC-SYM (MD = -0.15, 95%CI: [-0.38,0.07], = 0.19, I = 67%) was found between the two groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference in adverse events (RR = 0.53, 95% CI: [0.24, 1.21], = 0.13, I = 38%). Based on the available evidence, auricular acupressure appears to be a potentially safe and effective intervention for managing constipation in adults. Nonetheless, the overall quality of evidence for the identified outcomes was assessed as low to very low, highlighting the need for additional high-quality randomized controlled trials to further validate these findings. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42023425033.
PubMed: 37908337
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1257660 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jan 2024Hyperemesis gravidarum affects 0.3%-3% of pregnant women each year and is the leading cause of hospitalization in early pregnancy. Previous systematic reviews of...
INTRODUCTION
Hyperemesis gravidarum affects 0.3%-3% of pregnant women each year and is the leading cause of hospitalization in early pregnancy. Previous systematic reviews of available treatments have found a lack of consistent evidence, and few studies of high quality. Since 2016, no systematic review has been conducted and an up-to date review is requested. In a recent James Lind Alliance collaboration, it was clear that research on effective treatments is a high priority for both patients and clinicians.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Searches without time limits were performed in the AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases until June 26, 2023. Studies published before October 1, 2014 were identified from the review by O'Donnell et al., 2016. Selection criteria were randomized clinical trials and non-randomized studies of interventions comparing treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum with another treatment or placebo. Outcome variables included were: degree of nausea; vomiting; inability to tolerate oral fluids or food; hospital treatment; health-related quality of life, small-for-gestational-age infant; and preterm birth. Abstracts and full texts were screened, and risk of bias of the studies was assessed independently by two authors. Synthesis without meta-analysis was performed, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. PROSPERO (CRD42022303150).
RESULTS
Twenty treatments were included in 25 studies with low or moderate risk of bias. The certainty of evidence was very low for all treatments except for acupressure in addition to standard care, which showed a possible moderate decrease in nausea and vomiting, with low certainty of evidence.
CONCLUSIONS
Several scientific knowledge gaps were identified. Studies on treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum are few, and the certainty of evidence for different treatments is either low or very low. To establish more robust evidence, it is essential to use validated scoring systems, the recently established diagnostic criteria, clear descriptions and measurements of core outcomes and to perform larger studies.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Hyperemesis Gravidarum; Nausea; Pregnant Women; Premature Birth; Quality of Life
PubMed: 37891710
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14706 -
Iranian Journal of Psychiatry Oct 2023The current study aimed to compare the impact of acupressure and clonazepam tablets on the quality of sleep in hemodialysis patients in light of the rising prevalence...
The current study aimed to compare the impact of acupressure and clonazepam tablets on the quality of sleep in hemodialysis patients in light of the rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the high prevalence of sleep disturbance in these patients, and the side effects of hypnotic drugs. A total of 60 patients were selected for this randomized, controlled clinical trial and randomly assigned to two groups. For two weeks during the researcher's evening shift, one group received acupressure (six spots bilaterally for three minutes each day). The opposing group was administered clonazepam tablets (0.5 mg) for two weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which measures sleep quality, was used to compare sleep in the two groups before and after the intervention. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups prior to the intervention (P = 0.75) in terms of the mean pre-intervention PSQI scores for the acupressure and clonazepam groups, which were 15.83 ± 1.51 and 16.17 ± 0.91, respectively. However, the average PSQI scores after the intervention in the clonazepam and acupressure groups were 13.25 ± 2.88 and 8.97 ± 4.29, respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001). Both the acupressure and the clonazepam groups showed improvements in their post-intervention sleep quality among the patients. However, when the percentage changed in the mean scores of the total score and all of the PSQI components were calculated for each group, it became clear that acupressure was more effective at enhancing sleep than clonazepam tablets. The findings of the present investigation demonstrate that acupressure has a greater impact on patients' sleep quality compared to clonazepam tablets. Depending on the circumstances, acupressure can be used as a simple, safe, and non-drug way to enhance hemodialysis patients' quality of sleep.
PubMed: 37881413
DOI: 10.18502/ijps.v18i4.13632 -
Medicine Oct 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture or moxibustion therapy in senile insomnia patients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture or moxibustion therapy in senile insomnia patients.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using 7 electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials reported on the use of acupuncture or moxibustion therapy in insomnia. The time frame was set from database establishment to March 11, 2023. The RevMan (version 5.3) and STATA (version 17.0) software were used to evaluate the quality of the included randomized controlled trials and perform a meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Subgroup analysis was performed based on different intervention methods. The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity among studies.
RESULTS
A total of 20 studies conducted between 2007 and 2022 were included, involving 1677 patients with senile insomnia. In terms of efficacy, acupuncture or moxibustion alone was significantly better than western drugs (RR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06-1.20), acupuncture combined with drugs was better than drugs alone (RR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.12-1.29), and acupuncture combined with cognitive behavior therapy intervention (CBT-I) was significantly better than CBT-I alone (RR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.07-2.17). In terms of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, acupuncture or moxibustion alone was more effective than western drugs (MD = -1.82; 95% CI, -2.37 to -1.26), acupuncture combined with drugs was more effective than drugs alone (MD = -3.10; 95% CI, -4.25 to -1.95), and acupuncture was significantly more effective than sham acupuncture (MD = -4.18; 95% CI, -5.85 to -2.51) and psychological intervention (MD = -3.54; 95% CI, -4.33 to -2.75) in improving sleep quality.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture or moxibustion alone or combination with other therapies(drugs, CBT-I or psychological intervention) has high clinical efficacy and can improve the sleep quality of patients with senile insomnia. However, further well-designed studies are warranted to verify these findings.
Topics: Humans; Moxibustion; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Acupuncture Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Acupressure
PubMed: 37861514
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034842 -
Women and Birth : Journal of the... Feb 2024There is no international standard for advanced midwifery scope of practice. (Review)
Review
PROBLEM
There is no international standard for advanced midwifery scope of practice.
BACKGROUND
Globally, there is variance in how scope of midwifery practice is determined and regulated, with no consensus on extended or advanced scope. This can lead to under-utilised staff potential, un-met consumer need, and loss of professional skill.
AIMS
The aim of this scoping review was to synthesise and map what is reported in the international literature on the advanced scope of midwifery practice.
METHODS
A systematic scoping review methodology was adopted utilising Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A full search was conducted of databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Google. Publications from 2019 to August 2022 that met criteria were included. Reported skills were mapped to the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) competencies of pre-conception, antenatal, labour and birth, postnatal plus globally identified areas for midwifery investment.
FINDINGS
28 articles met inclusion criteria. Reported skills included abortion care (n = 6), prescribing (n = 7), ultrasound (n = 2), advanced practice skills (n = 7), midwifery-led skills, primary health, post-graduate education, HIV/AIDS testing, advocacy, and acupressure (all n = 1).
DISCUSSION
This review presents a synopsis of publications describing what has been defined as advanced midwifery scope of practice in international contexts.
CONCLUSION
Establishing evidence of midwives working to the peak of professional scope is important to continue to develop professional capacity and support contemporary practice, regulation, governance, and policy while improving consumer access to equitable care. Findings aid service development, provision, and professional planning.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Midwifery; Professional Role
PubMed: 37845089
DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.10.001 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023The herbal medicine perilla leaf extract (PLE) exhibits various pharmacological properties. We showed that PLE inhibits the viability of oral squamous cell carcinoma...
The herbal medicine perilla leaf extract (PLE) exhibits various pharmacological properties. We showed that PLE inhibits the viability of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. HPLC analysis revealed that caffeic acid (CA) and rosmarinic acid (RA) are the two main phenols in PLE, and reduced OSCC cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal CA/RA combination ratio was 1:2 at concentrations of 300-500 μM but had no synergistic inhibitory effect on the viability of OSCC cells. CA, RA, or their combination effectively suppressed interleukin (IL)-1β secretion by OSCC OC3 cells. Long-term treatment with CA and CA/RA mixtures, respectively, induced EGFR activation, which might cause OC3 cells to become EGFR-dependent and consequently increased the sensitivity of OC3 cells to a low dose (5 μM) of the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Chronic treatment with CA, RA, or their combination exhibited an inhibitory effect more potent than that of low-dose (1 μM) cisplatin on the colony formation ability of OSCC cells; this may be attributed to the induction of apoptosis by these treatments. These findings suggest that perilla phenols, particularly CA and RA, can be used as adjuvant therapies to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and EGFR-targeted therapy in OSCC.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Mouth Neoplasms; ErbB Receptors; Perilla; Apoptosis; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 37834377
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914931 -
Medicine Oct 2023To compare the effect of different noninvasive external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on the prevention of postpartum urinary retention (PUR) using a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To compare the effect of different noninvasive external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on the prevention of postpartum urinary retention (PUR) using a network meta-analysis (NMA).
METHODS
A search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFangDate, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases were reviewed for related randomized controlled trials dated between database inception and December 31, 2022, on the prevention of PUR by noninvasive TCM. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies; then, a NMA was performed using Revman5.3 software, State13.1 software, and frequency methodology.
RESULTS
In total, 16 studies involving 3637 cases of parturients and 9 types of noninvasive TCM external treatments were incorporated into the NMA. The NMA results show that based on routine nursing, in terms of reducing the incidence of urinary retention, acupoint compressing combined with auricular acupressure is ranked first, followed by acupoint hot compress, acupoint massage combined with auricular acupressure, Yin-Yang therapy, acupoint massage, auricular acupressure, acupoint compressing, and routine nursing. In terms of urination time, acupoint compressing combined with auricular acupressure ranked first, followed by acupoint massage combined with auricular acupressure, acupoint electrical stimulation, acupoint compressing, TCM heating therapy, acupoint massage, auricular acupressure, and routine nursing. In terms of reducing residual urine volume after the first urination, acupoint compressing combined with auricular acupressure was ranked first, followed by auricular acupressure, acupoint compressing, acupoint massage, TCM heating therapy, and routine nursing.
CONCLUSION
Current evidence shows that acupoint compressing combined with auricular acupressure may be the best noninvasive TCM treatment for preventing PUR based on routine nursing; however, further high-quality clinical randomized controlled trials are needed for validation and support.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Network Meta-Analysis; Urinary Retention; Acupuncture Therapy; Acupressure; Delivery, Obstetric
PubMed: 37832117
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035399 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2023A concomitant increase in pregnancy complications has accompanied the growing global trend of excessive weight gain during pregnancy. This study evaluates the effect of...
BACKGROUND
A concomitant increase in pregnancy complications has accompanied the growing global trend of excessive weight gain during pregnancy. This study evaluates the effect of ear acupressure (auriculotherapy) on the weight-gaining pattern of overweight women during pregnancy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial conducted between January and September 2022. This study took place in health centers of Qom University of Medical Sciences in Iran. One-hundred thirty overweight pregnant women were selected by a purposeful sampling method and then divided into two groups by block randomization method. In the intervention group, two seeds were placed in the left ear on the metabolism and stomach points, while two seeds were placed in the right ear on the mouth and appetite points. Participants in the intervention group must press the seeds six times a day, 20 minutes before a meal for five weeks. For the placebo group, the seedless label was placed at the same points as the intervention group. A digital scale with an accuracy of 0.1 kg was used to weigh the pregnant women during each visit. Descriptive statistics, independent -test, chi-square, and repeated measure ANOVA (analysis of variance) test were used to check the research objectives.
RESULTS
There was a statistically significant difference between the auriculotherapy and placebo groups immediately after completing the study (1120.68 ± 425.83 vs. 2704.09 ± 344.96 (g); = 0.018), respectively. Also, there was a substantial difference in the weight gain of women two weeks (793.10 ± 278.38 vs. 1090.32 ± 330.31 (g); < 0.001) and four weeks after the intervention (729.31 ± 241.52 vs. 964.51 ± 348.35 (g); < 0.001) between the auriculotherapy and placebo groups. . The results of the present study indicated the effectiveness of auriculotherapy in controlling the weight gain of overweight pregnant women. This treatment could be used as a safe method, with easy access, and low cost in low-risk pregnancies. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with IRCT20200104046002N1.
PubMed: 37808138
DOI: 10.1155/2023/7192142