Análisis del desarrollo infantil temprano según el marco de cuidado cariñoso y sensible, por quintiles de riqueza y regiones de Argentina (2019-2020) / Analysis of early childhood development according to the nurturing care framework, by wealth quintiles and regions of Argentina (2019­2020)

Introducción. Uno de los principales desafíos para la primera infancia es brindar cuidados adecuados que reduzcan desigualdades y promuevan desarrollo infantil temprano (DIT). El objetivo del trabajo fue describir relaciones entre los cuidados que reciben niños y niñas de 3 y 4 años, según el marco para el cuidado cariñoso y sensible (NC, por sus siglas en inglés), y sus niveles de DIT en Argentina, considerando región y quintiles de riqueza. Población y métodos. Estudio analítico observacional de corte transversal, a partir de las bases de datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes (MICS) Argentina 2019-2020. Se seleccionaron 11 indicadores de NC y se estimó el nivel de DIT utilizando el Índice de Desarrollo Infantil Temprano (ECDI) para un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Resultados. En 2638 niños y niñas de 3 y 4 años evaluados, el promedio de acceso a indicadores de cuidados fue del 79,1 %; el acceso fue alto en 7 indicadores (entre el 84,2 % y el 97,9 %) y medio en 4 (entre el 46,9 % y el 65,1 %); la mayor frecuencia fue contar con registro de nacimiento (97,9 %) y la menor, la cobertura de seguro de salud (46,9 %). El 87,9 % alcanzó niveles adecuados de ECDI. Los resultados registran diferencias según quintiles de riqueza y regiones. Conclusiones. Los resultados evidencian desigualdades de acceso a cuidados y en DIT adecuado de niños y niñas de 3 y 4 años de áreas urbanas de Argentina según la región donde viven y el nivel de riqueza de sus hogares.

Introduction. One of the main challenges for early childhood is to provide adequate care to reduce inequalities and promote an early childhood development (ECD). The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between the care provided to children aged 3 and 4 years according to the nurturing care (NC) framework and their ECD levels in Argentina, considering the region and wealth quintiles. Population and methods. This was an observational, cross-sectional analytical study based on data from the National Survey of Children and Adolescents (MICS) of Argentina 2019­2020. A total of 11 NC indicators were selected; the level of ECD was estimated using the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) for a descriptive, statistical analysis. Results. In 2638 children aged 3 and 4 years assessed, the average access to care indicators was 79.1%; access was high for 7 indicators (between 84.2% and 97.9%) and middle for 4 indicators (between 46.9% and 65.1%); the highest and lowest frequency corresponded to having a birth certificate (97.9%) and health insurance coverage (46.9%), respectively. Adequate ECDI levels were observed in 87.9%. Results show differences by wealth quintile and region. Conclusions. The results evidence inequalities in terms of access to care and an adequate ECD of children aged 3 and 4 years from urban areas of Argentina, depending on the region where they live and their household wealth level.

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

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

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

Operational nursing managers' experiences of clinical supervision at a Johannesburg Hospital

Background: Clinical supervision is pivotal in supporting nurses in rendering quality, safe patient care. Therefore, it is essential to understand clinical supervision from operational nursing managers' context to define existing challenges and propose suitable recommendations. Objectives: This study aimed to explore and describe operational nursing managers' experiences of clinical supervision within the context of an academic hospital in Gauteng province and propose evidence-based practice recommendations to improve patient safety and the quality of clinical supervision. Method: An exploratory, sequential, mixed-method design was used and implemented over two phases to take advantage of the strengths of both the qualitative and quantitative research designs. Unstructured individual interviews were conducted to collect data in phase one, and an adapted Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MCSS) questionnaire was used to collect data in phase two. Results: Operational nursing managers work in stressful conditions and environments with a gross shortage of staff and tools of the trade while being expected to deliver high-quality and safe nursing care. Of the sampled respondents, 36% (n = 17) were dissatisfied with the supervision they received, while 64% (n = 30) were indifferent in the sense that they did not think it was adequate or inadequate. Conclusion: Clinical supervisors should be trained and supported in clinical supervision, with regular workshops on interpersonal relations. Contribution: A clearer understanding of clinical supervision within the hospital context and evidence-based practice recommendations to improve patient safety and the quality of clinical supervision.

Medical and social domains of ageing research in Singapore (2008-2018): a scoping review

INTRODUCTION@#This scoping review examined the number, types and characteristics of journal publications on ageing in Singapore from 2008 to 2018 to determine how ageing research in medical and social domains in Singapore has transformed over time.@*METHODS@#Using relevant search terms, articles were extracted from multiple databases and then screened and reviewed for eligibility and inclusion by independent reviewers. Data such as article title, authors, year of publication, name of journal, type of journal, study design and the kind of data used were charted from the included articles for evidence synthesis.@*RESULTS@#Since 2008, there has been a steady increase in the number of publications on ageing in medical and social domains in Singapore. In the medical domain, publications on Ophthalmology (22%) made up the largest proportion of the existing medical literature on ageing in Singapore, followed by Physical Functioning (17%), which involved physiological measurements of physical well-being, and Geriatrics (16%). Non-medical publications comprised 38% of all the included publications, with publications on the social aspects of ageing (43%) forming the largest group in this cluster, followed by publications on Prevention (19%) and Healthcare services (18%). The study design was mostly observational (82%), with only 3% of interventional studies.@*CONCLUSION@#While ageing research had expanded in Singapore in the last decade, it was predominantly discipline specific and observational in design. As ageing issues are complex, with biology intersecting with psychology and sociology, we call for greater interdisciplinary collaboration, the conduct of more interventional studies, as well as more research in understudied and emerging areas.

De una idea a una publicación original en cirugía: Una guía para futuros cirujanos académicos. Capítulo Futuros Cirujanos, Asociación Colombiana de Cirugía / From an idea to an original publication in surgery: A guide for future academic surgeons. Future Surgeons Chapter, Colombian Surgical Association

Introducción. Recientemente, se ha evidenciado un crecimiento exponencial de artículos de estudiantes y autores jóvenes; sin embargo, la mayoría de esos artículos no han sido citados. El objetivo de este artículo fue presentar un manual de fácil interpretación, aplicable durante el proceso de construcción de un manuscrito académico original en cirugía. Métodos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en las bases de datos académicas, utilizando las palabras clave "manuscrito académico", "cirugía", "investigación" y "how to do it", así como sinónimos. Se incluyeron estudios originales, revisiones y las directrices STROCSS 2021, publicadas hasta marzo de 2023. Resultados. Se logró recopilar una guía empírica, con recomendaciones y directrices útiles para la creación de un manuscrito académico en cirugía, óptima para uso en todos los niveles académicos. Conclusión. Se deben brindar herramientas que sean aplicables en todos los niveles educativos, desde un estudiante hasta cirujano graduado. Con este artículo se buscan dar a conocer un camino para transformar una idea en una publicación científica original de alto impacto, de forma metódica y fácil de entender, actuando como un incentivo y facilitador para la producción científica y académica en cirugía para Colombia y Latinoamérica

Introduction. Recently, there has been an exponential growth of articles by students and young authors; however, most of the articles have not been cited. This review presents an easy-to-interpret manual, applicable during the process of writing an original academic manuscript in surgery. Methods. A systematic literature review was performed in academic databases using the keywords "Academic Manuscript", "Surgery", "Research" and "How to do it", as well as synonyms; the search date was performed until March 2023, where original studies, reviews and STROCSS 2021 guidelines were included. Results. It was possible to compile an empirical guide, with useful recommendations and guidelines for the creation of an academic manuscript in surgery, optimal for use at all academic levels. Conclusion. Tools should be provided that are applicable at all educational levels, from a student to a graduate surgeon. The authors seek to show a way to transform an idea into an original scientific publication of high impact, in a methodical and easy to understand way, so this article acts as an incentive and facilitator for scientific and academic production in surgery in Colombia and Latin America

GRINCIRCAR: una iniciativa para promover la cirugía académica e investigación quirúrgica en el caribe colombiano / GRINCIRCAR: an initiative to promote academic surgery and surgical research in the Colombian Caribbean

Introducción. La investigación quirúrgica es uno de los pilares de la cirugía académica, que integra el microambiente para lograr una adecuada práctica basada en la evidencia, realizar planteamientos y conseguir eventuales soluciones a necesidades quirúrgicas de una población. En el caribe colombiano existen brechas significativas en cuanto al aporte en investigación quirúrgica, comparado con otras regiones del país. Por ende, es necesaria una iniciativa que haga frente a estos retos. Métodos. El Grupo Colaborativo de Investigación en Cirugía General y Subespecialidades del Caribe Colombiano (GRINCIRCAR), es una iniciativa fundada por una colectividad de estudiantes de medicina, médicos residentes de cirugía y cirujanos académicos de universidades del caribe colombiano, que buscan impulsar la investigación quirúrgica y aportar a la resolución de problemas de salud en cirugía de la región. Discusión. De acuerdo al programa de investigación con políticas y prioridades en salud establecidos por el Instituto Nacional de Salud, existen por lo menos dos dimensiones donde se involucra directamente la cirugía. A pesar de esto, no existen datos sobre la distribución de recursos para la investigación quirúrgica en la región del Caribe colombiano, pese a que el acceso al cuidado quirúrgico básico y las enfermedades quirúrgicas, hace parte de las prioridades en salud y cirugía global. Conclusiones. Se necesita promover la cirugía académica y la investigación quirúrgica en la región del caribe colombiano. La investigación colaborativa podría ser una solución al integrar la participación de múltiples centros y participantes

Introduction. Surgical research is one of the cornerstones of academic surgery, which integrates the microenvironment to achieve an adequate evidence-based practice, asking the right questions to achieve eventual solutions to the surgical needs of a population. In the Colombian Caribbean, there are significant gaps in the contribution in surgical research, compared to other regions of the country. Therefore, an initiative is needed to address these challenges. Methods. The Collaborative Group for Research in General Surgery and Subspecialties of the Colombian Caribbean (GRINCIRCAR) is an initiative founded by a group of medical students, surgical residents and academic surgeons from Colombian Caribbean universities, who seek to promote surgical research and contribute to solutions of health problems in surgery in the region. Discussion. According to the research program, health policies and priorities established by the National Institute of Health, there are at least two dimensions where surgery is directly involved. Despite this, there are no data on the distribution of resources for surgical research in the Colombian Caribbean region, despite the fact that access to basic surgical care and surgical diseases are part of the priorities in global health and surgery. Conclusions. There is a need to promote academic surgery and surgical research in the Colombian Caribbean region. Collaborative research in the region could be a solution by integrating the participation of multiple centers and participants

Principales dificultades de los proyectos de investigación de la especialidad Medicina General Integral / Main Difficulties of Research Projects of the General Comprehensive Medicine Specialty

Introducción: El residente de Medicina General Integral, una vez graduado, ejecutará investigaciones en correspondencia con las necesidades actuales del Sistema Nacional de Salud y a partir de los problemas de salud predominantes en su comunidad. Objetivo: Describir las principales dificultades en los proyectos de investigación de los residentes de la Especialidad de Medicina General Integral. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Sagua la Grande en el período 2020-2021. La población objeto de análisis quedó constituida por un total de 69 proyectos de investigación provenientes de 5 policlínicos docentes de 3 municipios del territorio (Corralillo, Quemado de Güines y Sagua la Grande). Se revisó el proyecto de investigación, se confeccionó un modelo para la recogida de datos extraídos de los mismos y se elaboró una base de datos para su almacenamiento. Resultados: Las principales dificultades estuvieron dadas en no sustentar adecuadamente la investigación, en la redacción del problema científico, específicamente la relación entre el problema y el tipo de investigación, la conceptualización y/o operacionalización de las variables, la selección y elaboración de los métodos, técnicas e instrumentos para la recogida de la información y la acotación de la bibliografía por normas de Vancouver. Conclusiones: Resulta de vital importancia que los residentes de esta especialidad desarrollen habilidades investigativas desde el primer año de formación, lo que contribuirá a un mejor desempeño profesional a partir de la aplicación del método científico en la solución de los problemas de salud que se presenten en su quehacer diario(AU)

Introduction: The family medicine resident, once graduated, will do research in correspondence with the current needs of the national health system and considering the predominant health problems in her/his community. Objective: To describe the main difficulties in the research projects of residents in the General Comprehensive Medicine specialty. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study was carried out in the medical school of Sagua la Grande Municipality, in the period 2020-2021. The population under analysis consisted of a total of 69 research projects from five teaching polyclinics in three municipalities of the territory (Corralillo, Quemado de Güines and Sagua la Grande). Each research project was reviewed, a model was prepared for collecting the data extracted from them, and a database was elaborated for their storage. Results: The main difficulties were not supporting the research adequately, as well as in writing the scientific problem, specifically the relation between the problem and the type of research; also, the conceptualization or operationalization of variables, the selection and elaboration of methods, the techniques and instruments for the collection of information, and the bibliographical adjustment by the Vancouver norms. Conclusions: It is of vital importance that residents of this specialty develop research skills from the first year of training, which will contribute to better professional performance from the application of the scientific method in the solution of health problems that appear in their daily work(AU)

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated optic neuritis: an update / Neurite óptica associada com anticorpo contra a glicoproteína oligondendrócita da mielina: uma breve atualização

ABSTRACT Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-immunoglobulin G (IgG)-associated optic neuritis has been established as a new entity of immune-mediated optic neuropathy. Patients usually present with recurrent optic neuritis, often bilaterally with initially severe vision loss and optic disc edema. However, in contrast to aquaporin 4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, visual recovery tends to be more favorable, with good response to steroid treatment. Another important differential diagnosis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG--associated optic neuritis is multiple sclerosis. Close monitoring for signs of relapse and long-term immunosuppression may be considered to maintain optimal visual function. The diagnosis can be made on the basis of the presence of a specific, usually serological, antibody against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (IgG; cell-based assay), and a demyelinating event (optic neuritis, myelitis, brainstem syndrome, or cortical lesions with seizures). The clinical spectrum of this newly recognized inflammatory demyelinating disease is expanding rapidly. We briefly review the epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic considerations, and treatment options of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG-associated optic neuritis.

RESUMO A neurite óptica associada à glicoproteína de oligodendrócito de mielina-IgG foi estabelecida como uma nova entidade de neuropatia óptica imunomediada. Tipicamente os pacientes apresentam neurite óptica recorrente, muitas vezes bilateral, com perda de visão frequentemente severa e alta prevalência de edema do disco óptico na fase aguda. No entanto, em contraste com neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder associada com presença de anticorpo contra aquaporina 4, a recuperação visual tende a ser mais favorável e responde bem ao tratamento com corticoide em altas doses. A esclerose múltipla representa outro importante diagnóstico diferencial de glicoproteína de oligodendrócito de mielina-IgG. O diagnóstico pode ser feito com base na presença de um anticorpo específico, geralmente sorológico contra glicoproteína de oligodendrócito de mielina (IgG, ensaio baseado em células), e presença de evento desmielinizante (neurite óptica, mielite, síndrome do tronco cerebral, lesões corticais com convulsões). O espectro clínico desta doença desmielinizante inflamatória recém-reconhecida está se expandindo rapidamente. Faremos uma breve revisão das características epidemiológicas, manifestações clínicas, considerações diagnósticas e opções de tratamento da neurite óptica associada à glicoproteína de oligodendrócito de mielina-IgG.

Estudios de corte transversal: un diseño de investigación a considerar en ciencias morfológicas / Cross section studies: a research design to consider in morphological sciences

Los estudios de corte transversal (ECT) inician en la década de los 40 en países Europeos. Los ECT corresponden a investigaciones de tipo observacional que permiten estudiar prevalencia de enfermedad, determinar asociación entre variables y el desarrollo de un efecto de interés, conocer propiedades de una prueba diagnóstica, y censar poblaciones; describiendo las características de una población en un momento y lugar determinado. Esto implica, que no se requieren periodos de seguimiento, que no son prospectivos ni retrospectivos; características que permiten que sean más baratos y fáciles de realizar en relación a los estudios longitudinales. Por otro lado, al ser de carácter descriptivo sirven como insumo y evidencia preliminar para estudios de mayor complejidad metodológica, como estudios de cohortes. Sin embargo, tienen limitantes y sesgos que deben ser considerados por los investigadores. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue generar un documento de estudio para revisar características esenciales, fortalezas y debilidades; discutir cuestiones metodológicas de los ECT en ciencias de la salud; y proporcionar algunos ejemplos obtenidos de la literatura, para mejor comprensión del diseño.

SUMMARY: Cross-sectional studies (CSS) began European countries in the 1940s in. The CSSs correspond to observational-type investigations that allow studying the prevalence of disease, determining the association between variables and the development of an effect of interest, discovering the properties of a diagnostic test, and censusing populations, describing the characteristics of a population at a given time and place. This implies that follow-up periods are not required, and that they are neither prospective nor retrospective. These characteristics allow them to be cheaper and easier to perform in relation to longitudinal studies. On the other hand, being descriptive in nature, they serve as input and preliminary evidence for studies of greater methodological complexity, such as cohort studies. However, they have limitations and biases that must be considered by researchers. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a study document to review essential characteristics, strengths and weaknesses; discuss methodological issues of ECT in health sciences; and provide some examples obtained from the literature, for a better understanding of the design.

Comunicación científica para la formación de profesionales de la salud / Scientific communication for the training of health professionals

Introducción: La comunicación científica resulta relevante para la formación de profesionales de la salud, quienes apoyan su ejercicio en la sistemática investigación en sus respectivas áreas y requieren incorporar destrezas para la investigación durante los años de formación, desarrollarlas y mantenerlas una vez graduados, y junto a ello, ser capaces de comunicar sus resultados investigativos a colegas y comunidad en general. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de una estrategia de comunicación para la socialización de los resultados investigativos de profesores e investigadores de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la UCSG, entre 2018 y 2019. Métodos: Se aplicó el método de estudio de caso, con enfoque metodológico mixto, aplicación de encuesta a muestra probabilística y entrevista en profundidad a muestra intencional. Resultados: Se incrementó el nivel de conocimiento sobre resultados investigativos de la universidad estudiada, así como el nivel de audiencia del programa de divulgación científica en convergencia de medios. Se constató además, la necesidad del uso de redes sociales como Instagram, Facebook y Twitter para poder llegar a otro tipo de público y generar ese interés de conocimiento en la sociedad en áreas tan importantes como la salud. Conclusiones: La Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil genera resultados investigativos constantes, es necesario comunicarlos, a fin de contribuir a la democratización de la ciencia mediante espacios divulgativos abiertos al público en general, potenciando así los proyectos en el área de la salud, y las respuestas a las necesidades que la sociedad demanda(AU)

Introduction: Scientific communication is very relevant for the training of health professionals, who support their exercise in systematic research in their respective areas and need to incorporate research skills during the training years, develop and maintain them once they graduate, and together with Therefore, be able to communicate their research results to colleagues and the community in general. Objetive: To evaluate the results of an integrated communication strategy of traditional and digital media for the socialization of the research results of professors and researchers of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the UCSG, between 2018 and 2019. Methods: The case study method was applied, with a mixed methodological approach, with the application of a survey to a probabilistic sample and an in-depth interview to an intentional sample. Results: The level of knowledge about the research results of the studied university increased, as well as the level of audience of the I-100 program, analyzed. It was also verified the need to use social networks such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter in order to reach other types of audiences and generate interest in knowledge in society in areas as important as health. Conclusions: The Faculty of Medical Sciences of the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil generates constant research results, it is necessary to communicate them, in order to contribute to the democratization of science through informative spaces open to the general public, thus promoting projects in the area of health, and the answers to the needs that society demands(AU)

Formación investigativa en profesionales de ciencias médicas y especialidades afines en vínculo docencia-investigación-sociedad / Research training for professionals in medical sciences and related specialties in the teaching-research-society link

Fundamento: la formación investigativa es fundamental en el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje. Tiene como finalidad generar científicos que respondan a las necesidades sociales del siglo XXI. Objetivo: caracterizar la formación investigativa en profesionales de las ciencias médicas y especialidades afines incorporados a proyectos sobre la temática diabetes y embarazo en la línea de investigación "Estudios en biomodelos experimentales de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles" y en estrecho vínculo docencia-universidad-sociedad. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal del proceso de formación investigativa de los estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado vinculados a proyectos sobre diabetes y embarazo, desde la Unidad de Investigaciones Biomédicas de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara, en el periodo comprendido entre los años 2012 y 2022. Se emplearon métodos del nivel teórico y empírico. La información resultante del análisis documental se procesó cualitativamente y se presentó como explicación descriptiva. Resultados: a través de la incorporación de 16 estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado a nueve proyectos de investigación, se estableció un equipo de trabajo con una adecuada pirámide investigativa. Los resultados científicos generaron dos trabajos de diploma, 10 tesis de especialidades médicas, dos maestrías y dos doctorados que fueron difundidos en 14 revistas arbitradas. Se desarrollaron competencias y valores durante el proceso de formación investigativa. Conclusiones: la formación investigativa del equipo de investigación sobre diabetes y embarazo se caracterizó por la integración de sus miembros a proyectos, obtención y divulgación de resultados científicos, y formación de competencias y valores que han permitido consolidar la relación docencia-investigación-sociedad.

Background: research training is essential in the teaching-learning process. Its purpose is to generate scientists who respond to the social needs of the 21st century. Objective: to characterize the research training of professionals in the medical sciences and related specialties incorporated into projects on the subject of diabetes and pregnancy in the research line "Studies in experimental bio-models of chronic non-transmissible diseases" and in a close relationship among teaching-university-society. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study of the research training process of undergraduate and postgraduate students linked to projects on diabetes and pregnancy was carried out, from the Biomedical Research Unit of Villa Clara University of Medical Sciences, from 2012 to 2022. Methods of the theoretical and empirical level were used. The information resulting from the documentary analysis was qualitatively processed and presented as a descriptive explanation. Results: through the incorporation of 16 undergraduate and graduate students to nine research projects, a working team was established with an adequate research pyramid. The scientific results generated two diploma papers, 10 medical specialty theses, two master's degrees, and two doctorates that were published in 14 peer-reviewed journals. Competences and values were developed during the investigative training process. Conclusions: the investigative training of the research team on diabetes and pregnancy was characterized by the integration of its members into projects, the obtaining and dissemination of scientific results, and the formation of skills and values that have allowed the consolidation of the teaching-research-society relationship.

Blinding assessment in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine: Exploratory principles and protocol / 中西医结合学报

As one of the key components of clinical trials, blinding, if successfully implemented, can help to mitigate the risks of implementation bias and measurement bias, consequently improving the validity and reliability of the trial results. However, successful blinding in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is hard to achieve, and the evaluation of blinding success through blinding assessment lacks established guidelines. Taking into account the challenges associated with blinding in the TCM field, here we present a framework for assessing blinding. Further, this study proposes a blinding assessment protocol for TCM clinical trials, building upon the framework and the existing methods. An assessment report checklist and an approach for evaluating the assessment results are presented based on the proposed protocol. It is anticipated that these improvements to blinding assessment will generate greater awareness among researchers, facilitate the standardization of blinding, and augment the blinding effectiveness. The use of this blinding assessment may further advance the quality and precision of TCM clinical trials and improve the accuracy of the trial results. The blinding assessment protocol will undergo continued optimization and refinement, drawing upon expert consensus and experience derived from clinical trials. Please cite this article as: Wang XC, Liu XY, Shi KL, Meng QG, Yu YF, Wang SY, Wang J, Qu C, Lei C, Yu XP. Blinding assessment in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine: Exploratory principles and protocol. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 528-536.

Research progress of Mendelian randomization analysis in intensive care medicine / 中华危重病急救医学

The condition of critically ill patients changes rapidly, involving pathological changes in multiple systems and organs throughout the body. Exploring the causal relationship of mechanisms can further reveal etiology, treatment, and prognosis of diseases. However, traditional prospective studies in the field of critical care are still subject to numerous limitations. As an emerging research method, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis uses genetic variation to provide causal evidence for instrumental variables, which is expected to provide clues in critical diseases. This article systematically describes the research progresson the application of MR analysis in critical care medicine from four aspects: the principle of MR analysis, the difference between MR analysis and randomized controlled trial (RCT), the use of MR analysis in the field of critical illness, and the possible methods of application, aiming to provide possible directions for the research in this field.

Acupoint compatibility effect: increasing "effect value" and expanding "effect domain" / 中国针灸

By summarizing and exploring the theoretic connotation, key of functions and effect mechanism of acupoint compatibility, the effect of acupoint compatibility is concluded as the increase of "effect value" and the expansion of "effect domain". The increase of "effect value" is the concrete embodiment by the value of medical assessment scale, the value of objective index detection in clinical trial and the value of index detection in experiment research. The expansion of "effect domain" is the increase of effect target and the extension of effect scope. The paper interprets the scientific connotation of acupoint compatibility therapy from a new perspective, and emphasizes the innovative approaches to research while bringing forth new ideas on the research method. It is anticipated that a novel breakthrough can be achieved in the study of acupoint compatibility and the improvement of acupuncture-moxibustion efficacy.

Basic research of meridian-tendon based on fascia: review and prospects / 中国针灸

Meridian-tendon is a central concept in meridian theory of TCM, and its basic research has been increasingly emphasized. While there is no unified understanding of the essence of meridian-tendon, the concept that function of fascia could partially reflect the functions of meridian-tendons has reached consensus in the academic community. This article suggests that under the guidance of meridian-tendon theory, based on previous research foundation of fascia, focusing on adopting fascia research methods, the mechanisms of tender point hyperalgesia and abnormal proliferation related to meridian lesions should be adopted to explain yitong weishu (taking the worst painful sites of muscle spasm as the points), and the mechanisms of meridian intervention efficacy should be adopted to explain yizhi weishu (feelings from patients and acupuncture operators). Furthermore, this article provides an analysis of the future trends in basic research of meridian tendons.

Clinical prospects and research strategies of long non-coding RNA encoding micropeptides / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which are usually thought to have no protein coding ability, are widely involved in cell proliferation, signal transduction and other biological activities. However, recent studies have suggested that short open reading frames (sORFs) of some lncRNAs can encode small functional peptides (micropeptides). These micropeptides appear to play important roles in calcium homeostasis, embryonic development and tumorigenesis, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Currently, bioinformatic tools as well as experimental methods such as ribosome mapping and in vitro translation are applied to predict the coding potential of lncRNAs. Furthermore, mass spectrometry, specific antibodies and epitope tags are used for validating the expression of micropeptides. Here, we review the physiological and pathological functions of recently identified micropeptides as well as research strategies for predicting the coding potential of lncRNAs to facilitate the further research of lncRNA encoded micropeptides.

Research and development practice of traditional Chinese medicine based on network target theory and technology / 中国中药杂志

Network targets theory and technology have transcended the limitations of the "single gene, single target" model, aiming to decipher the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) based on biological network from the perspective of informatics and system. As the core of TCM network pharmacology, with the development of computer science and high-throughput experimental techniques, the network target theory and technology are beginning to exhibit a trend of organic integration with artificial intelligence technology and high-throughput multi-modal multi-omics experimental techniques. Taking the network target analysis of TCM like Yinqiao Qingre Tablets as a typical case, network target theory and technology have achieved the systematic construction, in-depth analysis, and high-throughput multi-modal multi-omics validation of multi-level biological networks spanning from traditional Chinese and Western phenotypes to tissues, cells, molecules, and traditional Chinese and Western medicines. This development helps to address critical issues in the analysis of mechanisms of TCM, including the discovery of key targets, identification of functional components, discovery of synergistic effects among compound ingredients, and elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms of formulae. It provides powerful theoretical and technological support for advancing clinical precision diagnosis and treatment, precise positioning of TCM, and precise research and development of TCM. Thus, a new paradigm of TCM research gradually emerges, combining big data and artificial intelligence(AI) with the integration of human experience and scientific evidence.

Statistical methods of unmeasured confounder control based on negative control theory / 中华流行病学杂志

Controlling unmeasured confounders in non-randomized controlled studies is challenging. Negative control theory is based on the theoretical concept that the test result of negative controls must be negative. Setting appropriate negative control incorporates the specificity of association into population studies for the identification and control of unmeasured confounders. This paper explains the principles to control unmeasured confounders using negative control theory from a statistical perspective. A detailed introduction of derived methods based on negative control theory is also introduced, including adjusted standardized mortality ratio method, calibrating P-value method, generalized difference-in-difference model and double negative control method. The reasonable application of those derived methods is also comprehensively summarized based on representative case studies. Negative control is an important statistical design to identify, revise and control unmeasured confounders and a valuable method for comparative effectiveness research based on real-world data.