Jianpi Peiyuan acupoint thread embedding therapy for perimenopausal obesity: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Jianpi Peiyuan acupoint thread embedding therapy on perimenopausal obesity (PMO).@*METHODS@#Ninety-six patients of PMO were randomly divided into an observation group (48 cases) and a control group (48 cases). The control group received health education and lifestyle intervention. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the observation group was treated with acupoint thread embedding at the main acupoints of Shangwan (CV 13), Zhongwan (CV 12), Xiawan (CV 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Fenglong (ST 40), etc. as well as the supplementary acupoints in accordance with the syndrome differentiation, once every 2 weeks for 8 weeks (4 times in total). The indexes of obesity (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, hip circumference and body mass), modified Kupperman score, insomnia severity index (ISI) score, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score, and self-rating depression scale (SDS) score of the two groups were observed before and after treatment, and the safety was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and body mass in the two groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, Kupperman, ISI and SAS scores in the observation group were lower than before treatment (P<0.05), and ISI score in the control group was lower than before treatment (P<0.05). Kupperman, ISI and SAS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in SDS between the two groups or within groups (P>0.05). No serious adverse reactions occurred during the experiment.@*CONCLUSION@#Jianpi Peiyuan acupoint thread embedding therapy can reduce the degree of obesity in PMO patients, and improve patients' the perimenopausal symptoms, insomnia and anxiety, with good safety.

Comparison of three methods for establishing rat peri-implantitis model / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the efficiency and effect of establishing rat peri-implantitis model by traditional cotton thread ligation and local injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) around the implant, as well as the combination of the two methods.@*METHODS@#Left side maxillary first molars of 39 male SD rats were extracted, and titanium implants were implanted after four weeks of healing. After 4 weeks of implant osseointegration, 39 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Cotton thread ligation (n=12), local injection of LPS around the implant (n=12), and the two methods combined (n=12) were used to induce peri-implantitis, the rest 3 rats were untreated as control group. All procedures were conducted under 5% isoflurane inhalation anesthesia. The rats were sacrificed 2 weeks and 4 weeks after induction through carbon dioxide asphyxiation method. The maxilla of the rats in the test groups were collected and marginal bone loss was observed by micro-CT. The gingival tissues around the implants were collected for further real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis, specifically the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as well as interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and gingival index (GI) of each rat in the experimental group were recorded before induction of inflammation and before death.@*RESULTS@#After 4 weeks of implantation, the osseointegration of implants were confirmed. All the three test groups showed red and swollen gums, obvious marginal bone loss around implants. After 2 weeks and 4 weeks of inflammation induction, PD, GI and BOP of the three test groups increased compared with those before induction, but only BOP was statistically significant among the three test groups (P < 0.05). At the end of 2 weeks of inflammation induction, marginal bone loss was observed at each site in the cotton thread ligation group and the combined group. At each site, the bone resorption in the combined group was greater than that in the cotton thread ligation group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), bone resorption was observed at some sites of some implants in LPS local injection group. At the end of 4 weeks of inflammation induction, marginal bone loss was observed at all sites in each group. The marginal bone loss in the cotton thread ligation group and the combined group was greater than that in the LPS local injection group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). At the end of 2 weeks and 4 weeks of induction, the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the test groups were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with local injection of LPS around the implant, cotton thread ligature and the two methods combined can induce peri-implantitis in rats better and faster.

Application of Prolene thread-needle continuous suture method in pancreaticojejunostomy pancreaticoduodenectomy / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of Prolene thread-needle continuous suture method in pancreaticojejunostomy pancreaticoduodenectomy.Methods:The clinical data of 80 patients with preoperative diagnosis of periampullary tumors undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy who were admitted to Shanxian Central Hospital of Heze City from January 2017 to December 2020 were selected. According to the different methods of anastomosis, 80 patients were divided into A group and B group, each group with 40 patients, the patients in A group were performed pancreatic duct-mucosal anastomosis and the patients in B group were performed Prolene thread-needle continuous suture. The preoperative clinical data, operation-related data, postoperative complications in two groups were compared.Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in clinical data such as gender, age, albumin level, pancreatic duct diameter, combined underlying diseases, preoperative bilirubin, admission symptoms, preoperative biliary drainage and tumor location ( P>0.05).The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, operation durationand postoperative hospital stay in B group were lower than those in A group : (353.64 ± 95.28) min vs. (395.38 ± 110.29)min, (330.19 ± 100.27) ml vs. (397.43 ± 105.97) ml, (330.57 ± 110.68) ml vs. (376.18 ± 94.73) ml, (20.74 ± 8.08) min vs. (31.06 ± 7.83) min, (18.72 ± 6.02) d vs. (23.79 ± 7.41) d, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The incidence of complications such as pancreatic leakage, pancreatic fistula, abdominal infection, lung infection, biliary fistula and delayed gastric emptying in B group were lower than those in A group : 10.0%(4/40) vs. 20.0%(8/40), 7.5%(3/40) vs. 20.0%(8/40), 2.5%(1/40) vs. 12.5%(5/40), 0 vs. 7.5%(3/40), 5.0%(2/40)vs. 17.5%(7/40), 7.5%(3/40) vs. 17.5%(7/40), the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Prolene thread-needle continuous suture method in pancreaticojejunostomy pancreaticoduodenectomy has the characteristics of simple operation, effective shortening of operation time, reliable anastomosisand can reduce the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula complications.

Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris with Medicated Thread Moxibustion of Zhuang Medicine: A Multicenter Randomized, Parallel Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the efficacy and safety of Zhuang medicine medicated thread moxibustion (ZMTM) on psoriasis vulgaris.@*METHODS@#A multicenter, randomized, parallel controlled clinical trial was designed. A total of 241 outpatients with psoriasis vulgaris were randomly divided into a control group (120 cases) and a treatment group (121 cases) using a central block randomization from June 2015 to May 2018. The control group was treated with Western medicines alone including pidotimod dispersible tablets, vitamin B compound tablets, and compound cod liver oil-zinc oxide ointment. The treatment group was treated with ZMTM every 2 days combined with Western medicines. The two groups received continuous intervention for 30 days. The primary outcome was Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and the secondary outcomes included Itch Rating Scale, Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), as well as PASI response rate. Meanwhile, adverse events were evaluated during the whole clinical trial. Follow-up was carried out 30 days after treatment.@*RESULTS@#There were 5 cases of shedding in this trial. In intention-to-treat analysis, 236 cases were included and each group contained 118 cases. On the 30th and 60th days, PASI scores of patients in each group were significantly lower than that at baseline (P<0.01) and the PASI score reduction of the treatment group was greater than that of the control group (P<0.01). Itch Rating Scale, DLQI, and HAMA scale were decreased in both groups after treatment, and the treatment group showed a better therapeutic effect (P<0.01). The response rates of PASI 50 and 75 were significantly higher than those in the control group [81.4% (96/118), 43.2% (51/118) vs. 41.5% (49/118), 11.0% (13/118), respectively, P<0.05]. During follow-up, the improvements in scores of PASI, Itch Rating Scale, DLQI, and HAMA of the treatment group were significantly greater than those of the control group (P<0.01). The response rates of PASI 50 and 75 in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group, respectively (both P<0.05). No obvious adverse reaction was found in either group.@*CONCLUSION@#ZMTM combined with Western medicines showed a better therapeutic effect in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris without obvious adverse reaction. (Trial Registration No. ChiCTR-IOR-16008159).

Stability Difference Between Ethibond Thread Suture Fixation and Threaded Anchor Fixation for Inferior Pole Fracture of the Patella Using Finite Element Analysis / 医用生物力学

Objective To compare and analyze biomechanical stability of Ethibond thread suture and threaded anchor for fixing inferior pole fracture of the patella using the finite element method. Methods CT images of the knee joint from a healthy adult volunteer were selected and the inferior patella fracture model was established, then the three-dimensional (3D) models of fracture fixation with Ethibond thread suture and threaded anchor were established. Stress and displacement distributions of each fixiation model at different knee flextion angles were analyzed. Results In the range of 0°-90°, as knee flexion angle increased, the maximum stress and maximum displacement also increased. At the same knee flexion angle, threaded anchor fixation had the highest stress level, and Ethibond thread suture had the lowest stress level and the most uniform stress distributions. The displacement deformation of Ethibond thread suture was the largest, and the displacement deformation of threaded anchor fixation was the smallest. Conclusions The maximum displacement of the seam suture around patellar tendon with Ethibond suture is relatively moderate, and its maximum stress is relatively small, which is a reliable method for fixing inferior pole fracture of the patella in clinic.

Effect of modified incision drainage combined with thread-drawing and precise minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of anal fistula on anal defecation function and complications / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To compare the effects of modified incision drainage combined with thread-drawing and precise minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of anal fistula on anal defecation function and complications.Methods:A total of 105 patients with anal fistula who were diagnosed and treated in Xin′an International Hospital from December 2018 to December 2020 were collected. The patients were divided into the observation group (58 cases) and the control group (47 cases) according to surgical methods. The observation group received modified incision drainage combined with thread-drawing surgery. The control group received precise minimally invasive anal fistula surgery. The treatment outcome, anal defecation function and complications were compared between the two groups.Results:The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, first defecation time after operation, normal eating time after operation in the two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05). The hospital stay in the observation group was significantly longer than that in the control group: (5.29 ± 1.53) d vs. (4.02 ± 1.16) d, there was statistical differences ( P<0.05). After operation, the resting pressure of the anal canal, resting rectal pressure, length of the tube high pressure belt, the maximum systolic pressure of the anal canal between the two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05). The excellent and good rate of anal defecation function and complication rate between the two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Modified incision drainage combined with thread-hanging surgery in the treatment of anal fistula is equivalent with precision minimally invasive surgery. Both can effectively improve the anal defecation function. The postoperative safety is good and there is no recurrence. However, the hospital stay of patients with precision minimally invasive surgery for anal fistula is relatively shorter.

Simple obesity of stomach heat and damp obstruction treated with acupoint thread embedding therapy: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the therapeutic effect and safety of acupoint thread embedding therapy in treatment of simple obesity of stomach heat and damp obstruction.@*METHODS@#A total of 144 patients with simple obesity of stomach heat and damp obstruction were randomized into an acupoint thread embedding group (72 cases, 3 cases dropped off and 1 case removed) and a sham-embedding group (72 cases, 6 cases dropped off and 3 cases removed). On the base of the lifestyle adjustment, the acupoint thread embedding therapy with PGLA thread was applied to Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Ganshu (BL 18), Shuidao (ST 28), etc. in the acupoint thread embedding group, while in the sham-embedding group, the acupoint selection and operation were all same as the acupoint thread embedding group, but without PGLA thread embedded. In either group, the treatment was given once every 2 weeks, consecutively for 12 weeks and the follow-up was conducted for 3 months after treatment. Separately, before and after treatment as well as in follow-up, the obesity indices (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], waist-to-hip ratio [WHR] and fat percentage [F%]) were observed in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the indices of blood glucose and insulin (fasting blood glucose [FBG], fasting insulin [FINS] and insulin resistance index [HOMA-IR]), adipocyte factor indices (adiponectin, leptin [LP] and serine protease inhibitor [Vaspin]) and inflammatory factor indices (tumor nercosis factor [TNF-α], interleukin-1β [IL-1β] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) were observed separately in the two groups. The therapeutic effect and safety were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment and in follow-up, except WC and WHR in the sham-embedding group, BMI, WC, WHR and F% were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the values in the acupoint thread embedding group were lower than the sham-embedding group (P<0.01). After treatment, except FBG, LP and Vaspin in the sham-embedding group, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, LP and Vaspin were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), and adiponectin was increased as compared with that before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05); the improvements in the acupoint thread embedding group were more significant than the sham-embedding group (P<0.01). After treatment, the levels of serum TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the acupoint thread embedding group were reduced as compared with the values before treatment and those in the sham-embedding group separately (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 89.7% (61/68) in the acupoint thread embedding group, higher than 19.0% (12/63) in the sham-embedding group (P<0.01). There was no severe adverse reaction reported in the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint thread embedding therapy with PGLA thread can alleviate obesity, regulate glucose metabolism and adipocyte factors activity, improve insulin resistance and inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in the patients with simple obesity with stomach heat and damp obstruction, and this therapy presents a satisfactory safety in treatment.

Lifting facial não cirúrgico com fios de polidioxanona: revisão de literatura / Non-surgical facelift with polydiaxanone threads: literature review

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura acerca do lifting facial não cirúrgico com fios de PDO, abordando os diferentes tipos, suas indicações, a degradação no organismo, pla no de inserção, contraindicações, vantagens e possíveis complicações. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados Pubmed, Bireme, Scielo, Sumários de Revistas Brasileiras e BVS, selecionan do-se artigos relevantes disponibilizados entre 2005 e 2020. Sendo os descritores utilizados em português e inglês para busca: "Harmonização Facial", "Fios de Sustentação", "Lifting Facial". Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, dos 44 artigos encontrados, foram selecionados 16 para esse estudo. O uso dos fios de sustentação facial consiste em um método minimamente inva sivo, indolor, de caráter ambulatorial, anestesia local e efeito imediato. Diante dos possíveis riscos que acompanham o lifting cirúrgico, as pessoas estão buscando por alternativas menos invasivas, como os fios de sustentação. Apesar de não poderem ser considerados como alternativa a cirurgia reparadora convencional, os pacientes muitas vezes acabam optando pelo lifting com fios por se sentirem mais seguros, mesmo com resultados mais modestos. Observou-se que a utilização dos fios de PDO tem demostrado eficácia no rejuvenescimento facial quando bem indicados, apesar da possibilidade de ocorrência de efeitos adversos, normalmente pequenos e passageiros... (AU)

The aim of this study is to perform a literature review about non-surgical facial lifting with PDS threads, addressing its variety of types, indications, organism degradation, insertion plan, contrain dications, advantages and possible complications.The researches were conducted in the Pubmed, Bi reme, Scielo, Sumários de Revistas Brasileiras and BVS data bases, selecting relevant articles available between 2005 and 2020. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of the 44 articles found, 16 were selected for this study. Being used the following descriptors in Portuguese and English for research purposes: "Facial Harmonization", "Supporti Threads", "Face Lift". The use of facial support threads consists in a minimally invasive, painless, outpatient method, local anesthesia and imme diate effect. Faced with the possible risks that accompany the surgical facelift, people are looking for less invasive alternatives, such as the support wires. Although they cannot be considered as an alternative to conventional reparative surgery, patients often end up opting for a facelift because they feel safer, even with more modest results. It was observed that the use of PDO threads has been shown to be effective in facial rejuvenation when well indicated, despite the possibility of adverse effects, usually small and transient... (AU)

Effects of acupoint thread-embedding therapy on serum apelin and GLP-1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with obesity due to dampness-heat encumbering spleen / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of acupoint thread-embedding therapy on serum apelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with obesity due to dampness-heat encumbering spleen.Methods: Sixty-six patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table method, with 33 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with exenatide and metformin, while patients in the observation group were treated with additional acupoint thread-embedding. After 12-week treatment, the obesity-related indicators, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and body fat rate, the glycometabolism indicators, including fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, and the lipid metabolism indicators, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as serum apelin and GLP-1 levels were observed in patients of the two groups. Results: After treatment, the BMI, waist circumference and body fat rate of patients in the two groups were all reduced (all P<0.05), and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05); the fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels of patients in both groups were all decreased (all P<0.05), and were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05); the TC level was decreased (P<0.05), while the TG and LDL-C levels did not change significantly in the control group (both P>0.05); the TC, TG and LDL-C levels were all significantly reduced in the observation group (all P<0.05), lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05); the serum apelin level was decreased (P<0.05) and the serum GLP-1 level was increased (P<0.05) in the observation group, statistically different from those in the control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Combined with the conventional medication, acupoint thread-embedding therapy can significantly improve the obesity-related indicators, glycometabolism and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with obesity due to dampness-heat encumbering spleen. This may be achieved by regulating the serum apelin and GLP-1 levels.

Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy as promising treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To investigate the effect of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Twenty-three participants were subjected to acupoint catgut-embedding therapy for 3 sessions. The second session was performed one month after the first session and the third session two months after the second session. Three months after the third session of catgut-embedding therapy, the patients were subjected to fibroscan analysis. A total of 20 acupoints were selected in three sessions. Same acupoints were selected for all the patients at the same session but different points were selected at different sessions.Results: Of the 23 participants, 5 cases showed significant improvement and 8 cases showed moderate improvement as the steatosis stage was reduced by 1 or 2 degrees. The whole group showed significant improvements in terms of patient score, fat percentage, NAFLD steatosis stage, weight loss and abdominal circumference reduction after acupoint catgut-embedding therapy (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The acupoint catgut-embedding therapy can significantly improve the important factors in patients with NAFLD.

Acupoint thread-embedding as adjuvant therapy for bronchial asthma in children and its effect on pulmonary function, serum IgA and IgE levels / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the efficacy of acupoint thread-embedding combined with fluticasone propionate aerosol for chronic persistent bronchial asthma of lung-spleen @*METHODS@#A total of 120 children with chronic persistent bronchial asthma were randomly divided into an observation group (60 cases, 9 cases dropped off) and a control group (60 cases, 7 cases dropped off). The control group was treated with fluticasone propionate aerosol (125 μg per inhalation), twice a day; based on the control group treatment, the observation group was treated with acupoint thread-embedding at Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Feishu (BL 13), Zusanli (ST 36) and Danzhong (CV 17), once half a month. Both groups were treated for 3 months. The pulmonary function, serum IgA, IgE levels and TCM symptom score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the large airway function (peak expiratory flow [PEF], forced expiratory volume at the first second [FEV1]) and small airway function (maximal expiratory flow at 25% of the forced capacity [MEF25%], maximal expiratory flow at 50% of the forced capacity [MEF50%], maximal expiratory flow at 75% of the forced capacity [MEF75%] and midexpiratory flow 25%-75% [MEF25%-75%]) were higher than those before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint thread-embedding combined with fluticasone propionate aerosol could improve the pulmonary function, TCM symptoms and serum IgA and IgE levels in children with chronic persistent bronchial asthma of lung-spleen

Effects of Different Implant Design Parameters on Mandibular Tooth Implantation / 医用生物力学

Objective To establish the implant-mandible model with different design parameters, observe stress distributions on the implant and surrounding bone, and analyze the influence of different design parameters on dental implant of the mandible. Methods Eight implant models were designed based on structural characteristic parameters (implant diameter, thread depth, height of abutment through gingiva, thread shape), and assembly of the mandibular model was performed respectively. The models were applied with static 150 N vertical and oblique 45° loads, so as to analyze peak von Mises stress of the implant and bone tissues and explore the structural parameter variables of implant most sensitive to peak von Mises stress. Results The peak stress of the mandible was larger under inclined load than that under vertical load. Implant diameter was the key factor affecting the peak von Mises stress of cortical bone, while thread depth was the key factor affecting the peak von Mises stress of cancellous bone. The peak von Mises stress was also affected by the height of abutment through gingiva, but the effect was not as significant as thread depth and implant diameter. Thread shape had little effect on the peak von Mises stress of the mandible. Conclusions Different implant design parameters can affect the peak stress of different tissues of the mandible, so it is necessary to carefully consider the selection of implant parameters for personalized implants. This study can provide theoretical guidance for structural parameter design of oral implants and provide references for accurate prediction of oral implants.

Effect of acupoint thread-embedding on tight junction of intestinal mucosa epithelium in rats with ulcerative colitis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupoint thread-embedding on tight junction of intestinal mucosal epithelial barrier in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) under the state of "deficiency and stasis", and to explore its mechanism.@*METHODS@#Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, in the model group the body weight was decreased (@*CONCLUSION@#The thread-embedding could repair the tight junction of intestinal mucosa epithelium and reduce the permeability of intestinal mucosa epithelium, which may be related to the decrease of the expression of CaMKⅡ, MLCK and other protein kinases.

Observation of acupoint thread-embedding on refractive amblyopia in children / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupoint thread@*METHODS@#A total of 60 children with refractive amblyopia were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the control group, comprehensive therapy of eye covering of intact side and family refined performance was adopted. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, acupoint thread@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the corrected vision was increased compared before treatment in the both groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint thread

Preliminary research of / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the impacts on weight reduction effect treated with acupoint thread embedding therapy at different tissue levels under ultrasonic guidance.@*METHODS@#A total of 70 patients with overweight or obesity were randomized into a shallow-tissue thread embedding group (35 cases, 5 cases dropped off) and a deep-tissue thread embedding group (35 cases, 4 cases dropped off). Under ultrasonic guidance, the thread was embedded in the shallow tissue level and the deep tissue level respectively. The acupoints were Zhongwan (CV 12), Xiawan (CV 10), Shuifen (CV 9), Zhongji (CV 3), etc. The thread embedding therapy was exerted once every 2 weeks, totally for 3 times. Before and 2 weeks after treatment, body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and hip circumference were recorded in the patients of the two groups separately. After each treatment, the number and the property of blood vessels under each acupoint were detected by ultrasound. Besides, the needling sensation and the intensity were scored and the adverse events were observed after thread embedding therapy.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the reduction range of body mass, BMI and waist circumference in the deep-tissue thread embedding group were larger than those in the shallow-tissue thread embedding group successively (@*CONCLUSION@#The deep-tissue thread embedding therapy achieves the stronger

Effect of acupoint thread-embedding on macrophage polarization of epididymis adipose tissue in obese mice / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupoint thread-embedding at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Fenglong" (ST 40) on the macrophage polarization of epididymis adipose tissue in obese mice, and to explore the action mechanism of acupoint thread-embedding on weight control.@*METHODS@#Among 30 male C57BL/6 mice, 10 mice were randomly selected and fed with normal diet, and the remaining 20 mice were fed with high-fat diet to establish the obesity model. Sixteen mice with successful obesity model were randomly divided into a model group and an acupoint thread-embedding group, 8 mice in each group. Eight mice were selected from mice which were fed with normal diet as the normal group. On the next day of successful modeling, acupoint thread-embedding was performed at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Fenglong" (ST 40) in the acupoint thread-embedding group, once every 10 days for 4 times. The body weight was recorded at 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 days into intervention; the level of glucose metabolism was compared after intervention; the level of lipid metabolism and weight of epididymal adipose tissue were compared at the end of the intervention; the mRNA expression of M1 and M2 macrophage-related cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by real-time PCR; the mRNA and protein expression of M1 macrophage labeled inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and M2 macrophage labeled arginase-1 (Arg-1) were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, the body weight at 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 days into intervention in the model group was increased (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint thread-embedding at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Fenglong" (ST 40) may play a role in weight control by regulating the polarization of macrophages.

Safety of Thread Embedding Acupuncture Therapy: A Systematic Review / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the safety of thread embedding acupuncture therapy (TEAT) and discuss the prevention and treatment of some adverse events (AEs).@*METHODS@#Review of databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), CBMdisc, Wanfang, VIP databases and English literature published in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science, were searched from their inception to January 2020, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case reports in which AEs with TEAT were included. Cochrane Collaboration's tool and RevMan V.5.3.3 software were used to evaluate the quality of the studies.@*RESULTS@#A total of 61 studies (45 RCTs and 16 case reports) with 620 cases of AEs were included in this review. These studies were published in two countries: China and South Korea. Twenty eight kinds of AEs were summarized. The most common AEs were induration, bleeding and ecchymosis, redness and swelling, fever, and pain. They were accounted for 75.35% (425/564) in the review, and most of them were mild. The rarest AEs were epilepsy, irregular menstruation, skin ulcer, thread malabsorption, and fat liquefaction, with 1 case each. But not all of them had clear causal relationship with TEAT. Most of the AEs were local reactions [with incidence of 9.83% (480/4,882)] and systemic reactions accounted for only 1.27% (62/4,882). Although the included studies showed that AEs were very commonly encountered (11.09%), only 5 cases of severe AEs reported from 2013 to 2017 (0.1%) by using catgut thread, which are rarely seen nowdays with the wide use of new absorbable surgical suture. All of the severe AEs were recovered after symptomatic treatment with no sequelae.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The evidence showed that TEAT is a relatively safe and convenient therapy especially since application of new absorbable surgical suture. Improving practitioner skills, regulating operations, and paying attention to the patients' conditions may reduce the incidence of AEs and improve safety of TEAT.

Evaluation of stability of three different mini-implants, based on thread shape factor and numerical analysis of stress around mini-implants with different insertion angle, with relation to en-masse retraction force

ABSTRACT Objectives: Assess the stability of three different mini-implants, based on thread shape factor (TSF), and evaluate stresses at the mini-implant site and surrounding cortical bone on application of retraction force, at two different insertion angles. Methods: Mini-implants of three different diameters (M1 - Orthoimplant, 1.8mm), (M2 - Tomas, 1.6mm) and (M3 - Vector TAS, 1.4mm) and length of 8mm were used. Using scanning electronic microscopy, the mean thread depth, pitch and relationship between the two (TSF) were calculated. The mini-implants were loaded into a synthetic bone block and the pull-out strength was tested. One way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests were used to compare the pull-out strength of mini-implants. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Finite element models (FEM) were constructed with insertion angulation at 90° and 60°, with retraction force of 150 g. The results were analyzed using ANSYS software. Results: Statistically significant difference was found among all the three mini-implants for thread depth and pitch (< 0.001). Statistically significant higher pull-out force value was seen for Orthoimplant. The stress distribution level in mini-implant and surrounding bone was observed to be smaller for Orthoimplant. Conclusion: Orthoimplant mini-implants have more favorable geometric characteristics among the three types, and less stress with 90°angulation.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a estabilidade de três diferentes tipos de mini-implantes, com base no fator formato da rosca (thread shape factor, TSF), e avaliar a tensão no local de inserção e no osso cortical ao redor dos mini-implantes inseridos com dois ângulos diferentes, durante a aplicação de força para retração. Métodos: Foram usados três diferentes diâmetros de mini-implantes, sendo eles 1,8 mm (M1, ORTHO Implant), 1,6 mm (M2, Tomas) e 1,4 mm (M3, Vector TAS), todos com comprimento de 8 mm. Por meio da microscopia eletrônica de varredura, foram calculados a profundidade da rosca, o passo da rosca (distância entre os filetes da rosca) e a relação entre os dois (TSF). Para realização do teste de tração (pull-out), os mini-implantes foram inseridos em um bloco de osso sintético. Os testes ANOVA de uma via e post-hoc de Tukey foram usados para comparar as forças de resistência à tração dos mini-implantes, considerando-se estatisticamente significativos valores de p< 0,05. Modelos de elementos finitos (MEF) foram gerados com ângulos de inserção dos mini-implantes a 90° e 60°, com força de retração em 150g. Os resultados foram analisados usando-se o software ANSYS. Resultados: Diferenças estatisticamente significativas foram encontradas entre os três mini-implantes quanto à profundidade da rosca e o passo da rosca (p< 0,001). O ORTHO Implant apresentou a maior força de resistência à tração, com significância estatística. O nível de distribuição das tensões no mini-implante e no osso circundante também foi menor para o ORTHO Implant. Resultados: Entre os diferentes tipos de mini-implantes analisados, o ORTHO Implant apresentou as características geométricas mais favoráveis e a menor tensão com o ângulo de inserção de 90°.

Stings of the missing string: missing Copper T thread

Background: Missing CuT thread is a worrisome complaint for a woman. The string may be curled in or the Cu T might have expelled or migrated.Methods: It was a retrospective study. Authors collected the data between January 2017 to December 2017. Data was collected from OPD, OT register and Indoor patient record file. The objective was to ascertain the symptomatology, type of insertion, investigations and mode of retrieval of CuT.Results: There were 63 cases of missing CuT thread, out of which, 42 were postpartum. 33 patients were asymptomatic. Irregular vaginal bleeding (19 patients) was commonest complaint, followed by abdominal pain (10 patients). Pregnancy was detected in one patient. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) detected intrauterine location of CuT in 60 cases. X-ray abdomen erect was needed in 3 cases, which detected intra-abdominal migration of CuT in two cases. CuT was expelled in third case. In 31 patients, CuT was removed by artery forceps in OPD. In 17 cases, hysteroscopic Copper T removal was needed. Two cases with migrated CuT underwent laparoscopy for retrieval of CuT. One patient had to be converted to laparotomy to rule out bowel injury.Conclusions: Missing CuT thread is commonest with postpartum IUCD. TVS should be first investigation in missing CuT thread. X-ray abdomen is needed only if CuT is not visualized on TVS. Hysteroscopy can be used in patients where CuT retrieval with artery forceps fails. Laparoscopy and laparotomy may be required in migrated CuT cases.