Adhesive Plaster Research Articles

Topical and transdermal botanical formulations of the Chinese pharmacopoeia-A review.

In pharmaceutics, ingredients are classified as active ingredients and excipients. In topical/transdermal phytomedicines, an ingredient may serve both functions. Published information on these dual-purpose ingredients and their pharmacological relevance is limited. An intriguing scenario arises in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations, where active ingredients and excipients are undifferentiated. This study analyzes ingredients in TCM topical/transdermal formulations, aiming at harmonization of understanding of TCMs. The most commonly recorded ingredients from such formulations in the Chinese pharmacopoeia 2020 (ChP 2020) are reviewed, aiming at developing innovative topical/transdermal phytomedicines. Current editions of Chinese historical documents were reviewed to explore the principles underlying the use of these ingredients. TCM formulations containing botanical drugs for topical/transdermal application were selected from the ChP 2020. The use of botanical materials in TCM formulations is guided by the "Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi" principle rooted in Yin-Yang and the five elements' theories. In the ChP 2020, 155 botanical drugs, along with 40 excipients (from the "procedure" section, focusing on processing and technical parameters), were identified from 34 botanical formulations intended for topical/transdermal application. Pungent and aromatic botanical materials were the most frequently recorded. Adhesive plasters were the most commonly recorded TCM dosage form, employing specific matrix blends. This new perspective of study reveals the prevalence of pungent and aromatic botanical materials, the common use of adhesive plasters, multifunctional properties of botanical oils, and formulation adaptability in TCM topical/transdermal products. These insights should inform novel formulation designs for both pharmaceutical and phytopharmacological research.

Rate of skin and nerve complications as a result of cutaneous traction with modern foam boots

IntroductionCutaneous traction is used to temporize lower extremity fractures and relies on friction between the skin and surrounding material to apply a longitudinal force. This circumferential compressive force can lead to pressure sores, skin sloughing, or compressive neuropathies. These complications have been reported in up to 11% of patients when the cutaneous traction relies on adhesive tapes, plaster, and rubber bandages being in immediate contact with the skin. The rates of these complications are not well documented when using modern foam boots. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on all orthopedic trauma patients who suffered pelvic or lower extremity injuries between March 1st, 2020 and April 30th, 2021 at a single Level-1 trauma center. We included all patients with femoral fractures, axially unstable pelvic ring and/or acetabular fractures, and unstable hip dislocations temporized with the use of cutaneous traction. All patients had intact skin and lower extremity nerve function prior to application. ResultsThere were 138 patients identified with 141 lower extremities. The average patient age was 50.7 (6–100) years. Mean traction weight of 9.8 (5–20) pounds. Average traction duration was 20.9 (2.3–243.5) hours. At the time of traction removal, there was 1 (0.7%) new skin wound and 0 nerve palsies. The new skin wound was a stage one heel pressure sore and did not require further treatment. ConclusionCutaneous traction with a modern foam boot was found to have a skin complication rate of 0.7% and a nerve palsy complication rate of 0% for an overall complication rate of 0.7%, which has not been previously established and is lower than historically reported complication rates of 11% when utilizing adhesive and plaster directly on skin. Foam boot Cutaneous traction may be considered a safe option for traction placement.

Molding matrix formulation of hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive plaster of personalized traditional Chinese medicine preparations

This study aims to optimize the matrix formulation for the hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive plaster of personalized traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations and verify the applicability of the formulation. The central composite design in JMP Pro 16.1.0 was employed to optimize the dosages of styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer(SIS), hydrogenated petroleum resin, and lightweight liquid paraffin, with the fine powder of Yipifang as the model drug(drug loading of 10%) and the sensory score and objective evaluation as the comprehensive evaluation indicators. The quality evaluation system of hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive plaster of personalized TCM preparations was established. The applicability of the optimized matrix formulation of hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive plaster was verified with 16 TCM preparations for external application. Furthermore, the applicability of the matrix formulation was investigated with different drug loadings. The general molding matrix formulation was SIS∶hydrogenated petroleum resin∶lightweight liquid paraffin 3∶3∶5. The optimized matrix formulation showed good molding properties and high quality scores for 16 TCM preparations and were suitable for the plastering of finely powdered decoction pieces with a loading capacity of 10% to 30%. The results suggest that the optimized matrix formulation has good applicability and is suitable for TCM preparations. The findings lay a foundation for the application and promotion of the hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive plasters of personalized TCM preparations.

Comparison of Simple Penile Dressings following Hypospadias Repair: does it really matter?

Background: Hypospadias repair requires an appropriate wound dressing to prevent complications, but there is a lack of studies comparing the efficacy of different dressings. Aim: To compare the clinical outcomes of occlusive hydrocolloid dressing and petroleum-impregnated gauze with zinc oxide adhesive plaster, and recommend an appropriate dressing based on efficacy, availability, and cost-effectiveness. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study on paediatric patients who had undergone hypospadias repair between August 2017 and November 2020 at Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. All the patients receiving one of the two wound dressings, occlusive hydrocolloid dressing (group A) or petroleum-impregnated gauze with zinc oxide adhesive plaster (group B) during primary or secondary hypospadias repair, operated by the same paediatric surgeon were included in this study. Patients with missing data were excluded. There was only one patient lost to follow up in this study. Results: A total of 64 male hypospadias patients with a mean age of 6.0 ± 3.4 years were included in this study. Group A patients (n=37) received a thick 10 x 10 cm occlusive hydrocolloid dressing whereas, in Group B patients (n=27), a 2.5 x 10 cm petroleum-impregnated gauze with zinc oxide adhesive plaster was applied over the wound. In group A, five patients (13.5%) suffered post-operative fistula and wound dehiscence. Whereas, in group B, the post-operative fistula was seen in three patients (11.1%). This study provides evidence-based information to clinicians and healthcare providers regarding the use of wound dressings for hypospadias repair. By demonstrating the efficacy of a cheaper and more accessible dressing, this study could help improve access to care and reduce costs for patients, especially in resource-limited settings. Conclusion: Occlusive hydrocolloid dressing and petroleum-impregnated gauze are equally effective in the healing of hypospadias repair wounds. The simpler and cheaper petroleum-impregnated gauze may be preferable in resource-limited settings. Keywords: Hydrocolloid dressing; Petroleum impregnated gauze; Paraffin gauze; Hypospadias

A Flexible Capacitive Electromyography Biomedical Sensor for Wearable Healthcare Applications

Musculoskeletal diseases and disorders (MSDs) have a significant negative impact on personal health and the worldwide economy. Leveraging the advancement of wearable sensing technology to provide electromyography (EMG) measurement capability can improve the efficiency of the public healthcare strategy to combat MSDs. Integrating conventional EMG contact electrodes into a wearable device is proven to be a challenge because it requires direct electrical contact with the body and has a dependency on the conductive gel. Existing prototypes of capacitive electromyography (cEMG) sensors are typically large and designed with a hybrid printed circuit board. This research paper presents a fully flexible cEMG biomedical sensor with integrated front-end analog circuitry in only a medical plaster size. An efficient moving average squared (MASq) technique is presented to effectively suppress the noise floor and improve the signal quality. The experimental results of measuring EMG signals from flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi radialis, and biceps brachii using the flexible cEMG biomedical sensor are presented. The post-process data recorded signal-to-noise ratios ranging from 1.8 – 5.7 while achieving practically 100% sensitivity in measuring muscle contractions. Its miniature, rugged, and flexible characteristics allow it to operate as a standalone adhesive plaster sensor or integrate into wearable applications.

Új módszerek a sebkezelésben

The treatment of chronic wounds changed significantly in the last few decades. While in the past the availability of simple, traditional wound treatment materials, sterile mull sheets, gauze bandages, adhesive plasters, and melbromine wound disinfectants was often limited, nowadays these tools have been replaced by modern (often called intelligent) wound dressings and advanced technologies. The progress experienced in many fields of medicine can also be clearly seen in wound treatment. New materials, tools and methods have been developed, intensive research has been achieved to detect the development of chronic wounds, to get to know local and systemic processes, and to investigate the molecular background of wound healing. Large-scale developments can also be seen by the wound dressing manufacturing companies, industrial partners have carried out significant innovation - for the purpose of developing new products and their practical application.

Contact dermatitis in hemodialysis patients at Al Wakra hospital.

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis are exposed to various potential allergens from medication, dialysis catheters, topical antiseptics, and different adhesive dressings. Many patients develop a local allergic reaction and get itchy rashes, which may get infected, leading to significant morbidity and preventable health cost. In this study, we aimed to report the incidence of contact dermatitis (CD) and its potential complications in hemodialysis (HD) patients at the Al Wakra Hospital Dialysis unit.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of documented local allergic reactions at vascular access sites for the HD patients at the Al Wakra Hospital.Results: Currently, 102 patients are getting maintenance HD through catheters or arteriovenous (AV) fistula. Twelve (14.4%) patients developed CD (7 [58%] had cuffed jugular dialysis catheter, and 5 [42%] had an AV fistula). Most patients (75%) developed CD in the early period of dialysis initiation, and 25% developed it later in the course. Most patients responded to removing adhesive plasters and dressing the vascular access site using gauze only and topical steroids (hydrocortisone 1% cream/mometasone 0.1% cream). Two (16.6%) of the 12 patients developed vascular access site infection, of whom 1 had an AV fistula and developed a severe rash with cellulitis leading to sepsis and 2 admissions, although blood cultures remained negative. The patient responded to IV antibiotics and local mometasone 0.1% cream. Complete removal of all adhesive tapes helped prevent recurrence of the rash. Later, dressing of the AV fistula site was performed only with a cotton gauze. The second patient had a jugular catheter and developed an allergic rash leading to cellulitis and tunnel infection. Swab culture showed Staphylococcus aureus from the exit site sensitive to cloxacillin/cefazolin. The patient improved after local and oral antibiotics and removal of adhesive tapes. The catheter was not removed, and the patient did well.Conclusion: The incidence of CD at our dialysis unit is 14.4%. Previously published reports from other dialysis units showed a lower incidence of 1.25%. Early identification and diagnosis of allergic rash at the vascular access site and avoidance of adhesive plasters and other potential allergens prevent complications like infection and loss of precious vascular accesses in these patients.

ОПТИМИЗАЦИЯ УХОДА ЗА ХИРУРГИЧЕСКОЙ РАНОЙ ПОСЛЕ УРЕТРОПЛАСТИКИ У ДЕТЕЙ С ГИПОСПАДИЕЙ

Objectives. To develop optimal postoperative wound care tactics for boys with hypospadias. Methods. The patients (128) with hypospadias aged from 11 months to 7 years were examined. The main group A consisted of 83 (64.8%) patients in whom we used a special bandage. It includes layer by layer of soft polyamide net two-sided onlay coated with soft silicone and adhesive properties, abundantly treated with an antimicrobial ointment containing an osmotic agent, sterile absorbent wipes with non-woven material, a circularly applied elastic bandage and an adhesive plaster with porous non-woven material. The dressing usually held up to 5 days. Group B included 45 (35.2%) patients with hypospadias, in whom we used a conventional sterile circular gauze bandage with antimicrobial ointment. The gauze bandage changed daily. For all clinical symptoms the groups were comparable in age. Postoperative wound healing had been monitored for 10 days after urethroplasty. The emphasis was made on such criteria as bleeding with hematoma formation, copious exudate excretion, penis skin hyperemia, «soft» and «dense» edema, drying crust (scab), skin sutures dehiscence, hypergranulation and necrosis. Results. In group A, problems with the skin flap and postoperative wound were detected only in 17 (20.5%) boys on the second or third day after removal of the special bandage. In the postoperative period, 41 (91.1%) patients in group B had «painful» skin changes in the area of the postoperative wound, which appeared almost the next day after surgery. Conclusion. The use of special bandage delays in time the contact of microbiota penis tissues compromised by surgery and the external environment, which, no doubt, improves the healing of skin grafts in the early postoperative period, and therefore reduces the number of urethroplasty complications. What this paper adds For the first time in patients with hypospadias, the process of postoperative wound healing was analyzed depending on the type of dressing. It was established that the use of a long-term bandage with a soft polyamide mesh doublesided pad with a silicone contact layer and adhesive properties compared to a traditional gauze bandage, which was changed daily, optimized the tactics of postoperative wound care in boys with hypospadias and minimized the number of urethroplasty complications.

Реабілітація хворих з переломами дистального метаепіфіза променевої кістки

Переломи дистального метаепіфіза променевої кістки (ПДМЕПК, переломи променя в типовому місці) зустрічаються досить часто, особливо у людей похилого віку. Незадовільні результати лікування у пацієнтів віком понад 70 років відмічаються у 44 % випадків. Робота присвячена поліпшенню результатів лікування хворих із переломами дистального метаепіфіза променевої кістки. Реабілітаційне лікування включало мультимодальне знеболювання, диференційовано і обґрунтовано застосовану медикаментозну терапію, щадну репозицію із застосуванням запропонованого пристрою, ранню кінезитерапію, масаж і фізіотерапію. Функціональні результати реабілітації хворих із переломами ДМЕПК за шкалою DASH свідчили про її високу ефективність.

Synthesis, physico-mechanical properties, material processing, and math models of novel superior materials doped flake of carbon and colloid flake of carbon

High performance colloid flake of carbon is gaining interest due importance in meeting the challenges of the globe. To make novel superior materials, the pulverized fuel ash-green adhesive based construction materials modified with the flake of carbon and the colloid flake of carbon were evaluated in view of synthesis, physico-mechanical properties, and material processing and models. For better understanding, such experimental samples as green adhesive plaster and green adhesive grout were made of the pulverized fuel ash of class C, the common adhesive, the flake of carbon, the colloid flake of carbon, fine sand, and the distilled water to compare with the structural material properties each other. The results of the adsorption spectra of optical atomic spectroscopy of the colloid flake carbon, the thickening-period of plaster, the spread and the consolidating level, the apparent unit volume mass, the apparent porosity, the apparent compacity, and the compressive stress of green grouts were reported in the research. It was concluded that the flake of carbon and the colloid flake of carbon led to important progress in the novel superior materials, e.g., accelerating of the thickening-period of plasters and increasing of the compressive stress of grouts.

MANAGEMENT OF CENTRAL VENOUS ACCESS IN UKRAINE. SURVEY RESULTS AND REVIEW OF CURRENT GUIDELINES

Central vein catheterization is one of the most frequently performed invasive interventions in intensive care patients. There are many recommendations to minimize the risks of a vein puncture and avoid various complications during the operation of a central venous catheter. These recommendations are adjusted when new evidence of the effectiveness or harm of certain approaches appears. Comparing current activities with current evidence-based guidelines is the way to improve the practice of central venous access management.Objective. Evaluate clinical practice of central venous access in intensive care unit for adults, children and newborns in order to identify specific disadvantage, and based on the results and taking into account international recommendations to propose steps to improve management of central venous catheters.Methods. Free anonymous online survey of anesthesiologists and pediatric anesthesiologists about their practice of management central venous access.Results. We conducted a survey in which 766 intensive care physicians took part. When working with both adults and children, the majority prefers catheterization of the subclavian vein (69,9% and 69,8%, respectively). In neonatal intensive care units, 57,3% of doctors perform umbilical vein catheterization and 50,6% - central vein catheterization from peripheral access. 44,6% of the respondents do not have a central venous access protocol, 54,7% are guided by local, national or international recommendations. 28,2% of doctors use ultrasound navigation to provide central venous access, 54,6% – do not have the opportunity to use ultrasound. After catheterization of the central vein, control of the position of the catheter tip is always performed by 29,9%, 14,4% of respondents never control, 38% – sometimes, when they are in doubt, 9,9% – when it is possible, and 7,8% of respondents have no opportunity to control. For skin preparation before catheterization of the central vein, the majority, 45,6% use iodine-containing solutions and alcohol, 38,1% - only alcohol, 15,8% - a solution with chlorhexidine and alcohol. In the absence of blood sampling from the catheter, or its thrombosis, 34,8% remove the catheter and provide catheterization from another access, 14,7% change the catheter using a guidwire, and 47,9% try to restore patency using a guidewire or rinsing the catheter with a solution of 0,9% NaCl or heparin. The majority of respondents, 88,9%, do not use in their practice special solutions for the prevention of catheter-associated sepsis. With long-term use of the catheter for the prevention of thrombotic occlusion, the majority, 56,4%, use in their practice the routine administration of heparin, 36,7% consider this tactic ineffective. The majority, 55%, believe that the local use of antimicrobial agents at the site of the catheter entry into the skin contributes to the development of fungal infection and resistance to antimicrobial drugs, 19,9% of respondents use such tactics for the prevention of catheter-associated infection, 21,3% – sometimes use. To cover the catheter entry site into the skin, 42,9% use transparent stickers with or without chlorhexidine, 40,9% use the material that is available, 10,4% use ordinary adhesive plaster. 13,6% of the respondents use checklists when working with a central venous catheter, while 63,6% do not use it, but consider this tactic expedient.Conclusions. The survey results found heterogeneity in management of central venous access in patients of different age groups. Most of the answers that correspond to the current standards of central venous access management have been received from neonatal intensive care units’ doctors. Uncorrected management ofcentral venous access in some approaches is due to poor logistic of intensive care units. The practice of central venous access management should be standardized according current evidence-based guidelines.

Selected Morbidities among Workers of an Adhesive Plaster Industry in Goa

Background: The toxic nature of chemicals & pollutants associated with an adhesive plaster industry is well established. A disastrous health sequel would occur among workers of these industries due to exposure to pollution, created & stored wastes, and constant noise & bright light. Objective:To describe selected morbidities among workers in an ad-hesive plaster industry in Goa. Methodology:The study was conducted over a period of two months during which, the data of 135 workers was obtained from an Occupa-tional Health and Safety (OHS) Centre catering to an adhesive plaster industry in North Goa which conducted periodic medical check-ups of these workers. The data included socio-demographic characteristics and details regarding selected morbidities among the workers of the adhesive plaster industry. Result: Among 135 workers, the mean age was 40.96 ± 11.1 years. Majority of the participants were males. It was observed that 5 (3.7 %) had a known history of diabetes and 48 (35.6 %) were hypertensive. Near-vision abnormalities were seen among 66 (48.9 %), whereas 60 (44.4 %) had uncorrected far-vision abnormalities. Obesity was detected among 6 (4.4 %) whereas 40 (29.6 %) were overweight. Obstructive & restrictive respiratory diseases were seen in 3 (2.2 %) & 40 (29.6 %) persons respectively. Audiometry reports revealed 4 (3%) workers had mild to moderate hearing loss. Conclusion: Workers in the adhesive plaster industry suffered from several lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, as well as occupational diseases like audio-visual impairment and lung diseases. This study emphasizes the importance of periodic medical examinations for timely detection & appropriate treatment of the health conditions among such workers.

Patient care after surgery: suture care and wound care process

Background. A wound is a defect of skin and underlying tissues that can be caused by many factors. Wound care is more than just changing dressings. Different wounds require different approaches and care. Optimal wound care supports the natural healing process in an effective but gentle way. Wounds are classified into acute and chronic, as well as cut, scalped, chopped, stabbed, bruised, torn, bitten, gunshot, and surgical. Surgical wounds are distinguished by the fact that they are applied specifically, for medical or diagnostic purposes, in special aseptic conditions, with minimal tissue trauma, in conditions of anesthesia, with thorough hemostasis and joining of separated anatomical structures with sutures.
 Objective. To describe the modern approach to wound care.
 Materials and methods. Analysis of literature data on this topic.
 Results and discussion. Types of wound healing include primary tension healing, delayed primary tension healing, secondary tension healing, and scab healing. When caring for surgical wounds, primary protection against microorganisms is important. In this case, sterile dressings play an important role, for example, a medical surgical patch with an absorbent pad (Yu-Fix, “Yuria-Pharm”). The pad is characterized by high hygroscopicity, does not stick to the wound and does not leave fibers in the wound. The frequency of dressings changing depends on the healing process and the amount of exudate released from the wound. For festering wounds, the dressing should be changed daily and sometimes more often. Hands and gloves should be worn before bandaging. After removing the gloves, the hands are also treated with an antiseptic (Gorosten, “Yuria-Pharm”, a decamethoxine-based antiseptic). The use of Gorosten in medical institutions for prophylactic purposes is indicated for disinfection of staff hands in order to prevent the spread of transient microflora. Sutures from the surgical wound are removed after the onset of epithelialization, when the wound is covered with a thin protective film. However, in this period there are still wound channels from the threads, so after that it is necessary to treat the wound several times with antiseptic (Dekasan, “Yuria-Pharm”). Signs of local infection of the wound are redness, excess exudate, sometimes – with the addition of pus, odor, pain in the area of injury, fever, edema. Sometimes postsurgical wound suppuration occurs even with proper care due to weak immunity or rejection of surgical suture material. If there is suppuration, it is advisable to switch to dressings with Dekasan and hyperosmolar antibacterial ointments. Unlike 2 % povidone-iodine, which causes severe inhibition of granulation in an open wound, Dekasan does not damage granulation tissue. Surgical treatment, lavage, drainage, antibiotics, laser or ultrasound may also be required. After removing the signs of local inflammation, secondary sutures are applied to the wound or the edges of the wound are connected with the help of adhesive plaster. Before starting the wound care procedure, it is necessary to assess the condition of the wound bed, the nature of the exudate, the condition of the tissues around the wound, pain, wound size. Wound management should involve a multidisciplinary approach. For example, an endocrinologist, a diabetic foot specialist, a purulent surgery surgeon, a vascular surgeon, and a nurse are involved in the treatment of ulcerative defects in patients with diabetes. In the treatment of wounds it is necessary to maintain a humid environment in the wound, maintain a constant temperature without hypothermia, provide adequate drainage and not too tight tamponade, use additional means of healing (eg, unloading the foot in the treatment of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes).
 Conclusions. 1. Optimal wound care supports the natural healing process in an effective but gentle way. 2. When caring for surgical wounds, primary protection against the effects of microorganisms is important. 3. Sutures from the surgical wound are removed after the onset of epithelialization, when the wound is covered with a thin protective film. 4. If there is suppuration, it is advisable to switch to dressings with Dekasan and hyperosmolar antibacterial ointments. 5. Wound management should involve a multidisciplinary approach.

Effect of acupoint stimulation on the quality of recovery in patients with radical thyroidectomy under the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the effect of acupoint stimulation on the quality of recovery in patients with radical thyroidectomy under the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). A total of 62 patients with radical thyroidectomy were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 31 cases in each one. In both of the two groups, general anesthesia with tracheal intubation was applied, the same anesthesia induction and maintenance medication were given. In the observation group, auricular point pressing with magnetic beads was adopted at bilateral shenmen (TF4) and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 6 to 12 mA) was performed at bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) from 30 min before anesthesia induction to the end of the anesthesia. In the control group, medical adhesive plaster was pasted at bilateral shenmen (TF4) and the electrodes were plastered at bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) with no corresponding stimulation. In both of the two groups, visual analogue scale for anxiety (VAS-A) score was observed to evaluate the anxiety severity before anesthesia induction; the total intraoperative dosages of sufentanil, remifentanil and propofol were recorded; the numerical rating scale (NRS) score was used to assess the pain severity of instant time (T0) and 30 min (T1) of entering post-anesthesia recovery room (PACU), motor and static mode at 2 h (T2), 6 h (T3), 12 h (T4), 24 h (T5) after surgery; time of first anal exhaust, time of getting out of bed after surgery, total hospitalization time and the incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting were observed; the quality of recovery was assessed by the 40-item quality of recovery score (QoR-40). The VAS-A score and the total intraoperative dosage of remifentanil in the observation group were reduced compared with the control group (P<0.05). The NRS scores at T0-T4 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the difference between the two groups in NRS score at T5 was not significant (P>0.05). The time of first anal exhaust and getting out of bed after surgery in the observation group were advanced than those in the control group (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between the two groups in total hospitalization time and incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the QoR-40 score was increased in the observation group (P<0.05). Acupoint stimulation can improve the preoperative anxiety in patients with radical thyroidectomy, reduce the intraoperative anesthetic dosage and postoperative pain, advance the time of anal exhaust and getting out of bed, improve the quality of postoperative recovery and enhance the recovery process.

Study on efficacy and safety of Tong-luo Qu-tong plaster treatment for knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, parallel positive controlled, multi-center clinical trial

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic musculoskeletal disorder that seriously affects quality of life. Patients with KOA frequently develop one or more of the following typical symptoms: joint pain, stiffness, joint friction noise and impaired functionality. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown to have a superior effect and a particular advantage in the treatment of KOA; among TCM, the Tong-luo Qu-tong plaster is the convenient and most commonly used method in China to improve symptoms including pain, stiffness and limited mobility in patients with KOA, as it causes few adverse effects. But there is a lack of high-quality clinical evidences to support the therapeutic effect that Chinese adhesive plaster can have in relieving pain and stiffness. The purpose of this study will be to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tong-luo Qu-tong plaster in patients with KOA.Methods/designThis study will be a randomized, double-blind, parallel positive controlled, multi-center clinical trial, a non-inferiority trial design was adopted. A total of 2000 participants older than 40 years, with KOA, will be randomly allocated into an experimental group (n = 1500) and a control group (n = 500). All participants will receive a conventional conservative treatment lasting for 14 days as two courses, once daily. Tong-luo Qu-tong plaster will be administered externally to participants in the experimental group, while the control group will receive a Qi-zheng Xiao-tong plaster. The outcome of the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index scores, TCM syndrome quantitative score and visual analog scale scores will be measured during the assessment visits (baseline and 1-week and 2-week follow up). In addition, adverse events related to clinical symptoms and signs and results of laboratory tests will be documented during the clinical trials.DiscussionThis study will provide reliable evidence of the effectiveness and safety of Tong-luo Qutong plaster in patients with KOA. If the results are favorable, it is expected that the patients with KOA will benefit from this study, many patients may have a good alternative treatment for KOA.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03309501. Registered on 8 November 2017.

Performance and testing of adhesive bandage tape

The adhesive plaster or bandage is used to cover non-serious wound or cut in the skin. It is formed by a basic layer of plain fabric coated with the adhesive material. There are several factors that affect the performance of the produced adhesive bandage. One of the frequent reported problems is the strong engagement with the skin that causes severe pain to the patient when it is removed from the skin. The peel test is used to determine the force required to remove the bandage from the skin, tissue or other adhesive tape. The aim of research is to study the factors that affect the performance of adhesive bandage—starting from the raw fabric used and some of the manufacturing machine settings (speed, slit knife height). An attachment was made to test the peeling force of adhesive tape on an ordinary tensile testing device. Results show that the storage of the adhesive bandage tape is the most significant factor that affects the mechanical properties of the adhesive tape.

Severe Burn Injury in a Swine Model for Clinical Dressing Assessment.

Wound healing is a dynamic repair process and is the most complex biological process in human life. In response to burn injury, alterations in biological pathways impair the inflammation response, resulting in delayed wound healing. Impaired wound healing frequently occurs in patients with diabetes leading to unfavorable outcomes such as amputation. Hence, dressings having beneficial effect in promoting burn wound repair are needed. However, studies on burn wound treatment are limited due to lack of proper animal models. Our previous study demonstrated wound-healing performance in rat and swine models using a minimally invasive surgical technique. This study aimed to demonstrate a swine model of severe burn injury that eliminates wound contraction and more closely approximates the human processes of re-epithelialization and new tissue formation. This protocol provides a detailed procedure for creating consistent burn wounds and examining the wound-healing performance under the treatment of an experimental dressing in a swine model. Six burn wounds were created symmetrically on the dorsum, which were covered with a clinical dressing composed of four layers: an inner contact layer of experimental materials, an inner intermediate layer of waterproof film, an outer intermediate layer of gauze, and an outer layer of adhesive plaster. Upon the completion of experiments, wound closure, wound area, and Vancouver Scar Scale score were examined. The samples of skin resected from each animal post-sacrifice were histologically prepared and stained using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Antibacterial activity of each dressing in the context of wound healing was also examined. The application of the clinical dressing to the wounds in swine model mimics the biological processes of human wound healing with respect to the processes of epithelialization, cellular proliferation, and angiogenesis. Therefore, this swine model provides an easy-to-learn, cost-effective, and robust method to assess the effect of clinical dressings in severe burn injury.

An inexpensive method of negative pressure wound therapy for extremities.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an established method for the faster wound healing of chronic non-healing wounds. It is also used for laparostomy wounds and healing of split skin grafts. The commercially available machine and the consumables for NPWT are very expensive and economically not feasible in developing and underdeveloped countries. So, we devised a NPWT system for wounds of the extremity using inexpensive, readily available materials in any hospital. The materials used are sterile glove, autoclaved sponge, Foley catheter, and a wall suction unit. The sponge was placed over the wound, and a sterile glove was pulled over it. A Foley catheter was placed over the sponge and taken out through one of the fingers of the glove. Adhesive plaster was used to air-seal the glove. The Foley catheter was fixed with silk ties and connected to wall suction. Granulation and wound healing was faster in this system. This system was safe and inexpensive for the treatment of wounds of the extremity.

Spiral Folded Adhesive Plaster Optimization for Laparoscopic Surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery has the advantage of the minimally invasive for patients. However, the surgery is technically difficult for surgeon because high dexterity is required for suturing in the narrow patient's body. This paper presents a sealing method to locate the adhesive plaster at the incision instead of suturing. The objective is to optimize the plaster material and structure. We made the plaster with the thermally cross-linked gelatin film in a spiral fold because thermally cross-linked gelatin film has the high biocompatibility and tackiness, and a spiral fold has great storage efficiency. In 3 experiments, we measured expansion rate, expansion tension, peeling force, and sealing pressure in a variety of gelatin volume and concentration, and the films diameter. From these experimental results, we optimized the films using response surface method. As a result, the plaster is optimal at gelatin volume 10 mL, gelatin concentration 4 wt %, and films diameters 75 mm. We concluded that the optimized spiral folded adhesive plaster is sufficient in terms of the expansion, tackiness, and sealing properties.

Rapid Detection of Cracks in Turbine Blades Using Ultrasonic Infrared Thermography

Ultrasonic infrared thermography was used to detect the crack in the turbine blades in this work. In order to explore the effect of couplant on the detection results, three groups of comparative test were carried out respectively by using no couplant, sheet metal and medical adhesive plaster as couplant. On this basis, infrared image sequences and temperature data were analyzed. The results obtained show that couplant is the key factor to the detection efficiency of ultrasonic infrared thermography, and the medical adhesive plaster is a type of better couplant compared to the sheet metal. Additionally, ultrasonic infrared thermography can effectively detect the crack in the blade with the detection time of 1s, which demonstrates that the ultrasonic infrared thermography is very suitable for the situation of rapid detection.