Clinical observation of herb-separated moxibustion on segmental conception vessel combined with low-frequency TEAS for asthenospermia and oligospermia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of herb-separated moxibustion on segmental conception vessel combined with low-frequency transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for asthenospermia and oligospermia.@*METHODS@#A total of 105 patients with asthenospermia and oligospermia were randomly divided into a combination group, a TEAS group and a medication group, 35 cases in each one. In the medication group, vitamin E capsules, coenzyme Q10 capsules，@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, except for the sperm morphology 2 months into treatment in the medication group, the semen routine indexes 2, 3 months into treatment were improved in the 3 groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Herb-separated moxibustion on segmental conception vessel combined with low-frequency TEAS can improve semen routine, reduce sperm oxidative stress damage for patients with asthenospermia and oligospermia, and the clinical efficacy is better than the medication and TEAS.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on venous thrombosis after lung cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on venous thrombosis and quality of life after lung cancer surgery, basing on the conventional nursing and early functional exercise.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients diagnosed as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and received radical resection of lung cancer surgery for the first time were randomized into a conventional nursing group, a rehabilitation training group and a TEAS group, 40 cases in each group. Conventional nursing was adopted in the conventional nursing group. Conventional nursing combined with early functional exercise were adopted in the rehabilitation training group, the exercise was taken 20 min each time, once in both morning and afternoon for 5 days. On the basis of the treatment in the rehabilitation training group, TEAS was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Xuehai (SP 10), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. in the TEAS group, with disperse-dense wave in frequency of 30 Hz/100 Hz and tolerable intensity, 30 min each time, once in both morning and afternoon for 5 days. The incidence of venous thrombosis in each group was observed at the 5th day after surgery. Before surgery and at the 5th day after surgery, the Caprini thrombus risk assessment was performed, the Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scale and the functional assessment of cancer therapy-lung (FACT-L) were used to evaluate the quality of life.@*RESULTS@#At the 5th day after surgery, no thrombosis was found in the TEAS group, the incidence of venous thrombosis in the TEAS group was lower than 15.0% (6/40) in the conventional nursing group (@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of the conventional nursing and early functional exercise, TEAS can reduce the incidence of venous thrombosis, effectively prevent thrombosis and improve quality of life.

Prevention effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for chemotherapy-related myelosuppression in non-small cell lung cancer / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the prevention effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for chemotherapy-related myelosuppression in non-small cell lung cancer.@*METHODS@#A total of 102 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received initial chemotherapy were randomly divided into a conventional group, a medication group and a TEAS group, 34 cases in each one. The conventional group was treated with chemotherapy of gemcitabine combined with cisplatin and given routine care. On the basis of conventional group's treatment, the medication group was given tablets before chemotherapy, 2-3 tablets each time, 3 times a day. In the TEAS group, on the basis of conventional group's treatment, TEAS was applied at Dazhui (GV 14), Geshu (BL 17), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on day 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 14, 21 and 28 of chemotherapy. The treatment was given 30 min each time and once a day. In the three groups, the treatment for 28 days was as one course and one course of treatment was required. The changes of leukocytes, platelets, erythrocyte, hemoglobin indexes in patients of the three groups were observed one day before chemotherapy and on day 5, 8, 11, 14, 21 and 28 of chemotherapy. The comfort situation of patients was observed one day before chemotherapy and on the 5th, 11th and 21st day of chemotherapy.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before chemotherapy, the leukocyte counts of three groups were decreased at various time points after chemotherapy (<0.05). Compared with the conventional group, the leukocyte counts were higher on day 8 and 14 in the TEAS group and on day 14 in the medication group (<0.05). Compared with before chemotherapy, the platelet count decreased on the day 5, 8, 11 and 14 of chemotherapy in the conventional group (<0.05), and the platelet counts all decreased at each time point after chemotherapy in the medication group (<0.05). The platelet counts of the TEAS group on day 5, 8, 11 and 14 of chemotherapy were higher than those of the conventional group (<0.05), and the platelet counts of the TEAS group on day 5, 8, 11 and 21 of chemotherapy were higher than those of the medication group (<0.05). Compared with the conventional group, the comfort situation scores of the TEAS group were higher on the 5th and 11th days of chemotherapy (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation can prevent chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (leukocyte, platelets) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and improve patient comfort situation.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on labor analgesia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on labor pain.@*METHODS@#A total of 151 primiparas who were vaginal delivery were randomized into a TEAS group (76 cases) and a peridural group (75 cases). In the peridural group, peridural blockage was applied to analgesia. In the TEAS group, TEAS was applied at Hegu (LI 4)，Neiguan (PC 6), Jiaji T~L (EX-B 2) and Ciliao (BL 32), disperse-dense wave (2 Hz/100 Hz), 15-50 mA in current intensity. The analgesic time was from 3 cm to completely opening of cervix. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were observed before analgesia, after 30, 60, 120 min of analgesia in the two groups. The time of different stages of labor, usage rate of oxytocin, incidence rate of adverse reaction and amount of postpartum hemorrhage were recorded. The newborn's 1 and 5 min Apgar scores were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#The VAS scores showed a downward trend in the two groups after analgesia (0.05). The usage rate of oxytocin and incidence rate of adverse reaction in the TEAS group were 9.2% (7/76) and 2.6% (2/76), which were lower than 34.7% (26/75) and 18.7% (14/75) in the peridural group (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The analgesic effect of TEAS is inferior to peridural blockage, but TEAS could relieve labor pain to the tolerance, shorten the time of active phase on the first stage and second stage of labor and reduce the use of oxytocin, has mild adverse reaction.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on catheter related bladder discomfort after ureteroscopic lithotripsy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To verify the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on catheter related bladder discomfort after ureteroscopic lithotripsy.@*METHODS@#Sixty male patients with selective ureteroscopic lithotripsy under general anesthesia were randomly divided into a TEAS group (30 cases, one case dropped off) and a sham TEAS group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off). Before anesthesia induction, the patients in the TEAS group were treated with TEAS at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) for 30 min, with disperse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/ 15 Hz and current intensity of 6 to 10 mA. The patients in the sham TEAS group were treated with the same TEAS device at the same acupoints, but no electrical stimulation was given. After 30 min, anesthesia induction started. The total dosages of propofol and remifentanil in the two groups were recorded, and the time of operation and anesthesia, the time of wake-up and the time of stay in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) were recorded. The postoperative recovery was evaluated 5 min (T) after wake-up, 1 h (T), 2 h (T) and 6 h (T) after the operation, including the severity of urinary tract irritation and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The occurrence of adverse reactions was observed, such as nausea and vomiting, dizziness and headache.@*RESULTS@#The dosage of remifentanil in the TEAS group was significantly lower than that in the sham TEAS group (0.05). Compared with the sham TEAS group, the incidence of more-than-moderate urinary tract irritation symptoms in the TEAS group was reduced (<0.05), and the VAS scores 1 and 2 h after operation were reduced (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The 30-min TEAS at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) before anesthesia induction could significantly control the severity of postoperative urinary tract irritation in patients with ureteroscopic lithotripsy, reduce the dosage of anesthetic drugs and relieve postoperative pain.

The curative effect observation of different frequency of TEAS combined with wristband pressing on Neiguan (PC 6) for nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effects of different frequency of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with wristband pressing on Neiguan (PC 6) for nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and optimize the TEAS frequency selection for treatment of PONV.@*METHODS@#Eighty patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into a postoperative routine care group, a 2 Hz TEAS combined with wristband pressing group (2 Hz TEAS group), a 100 Hz TEAS combined with combined with wristband pressing group (100 Hz TEAS group) and a 2 Hz/100 Hz TEAS wristband pressing group (2 Hz/100 Hz TEAS group), 20 cases in each group (1 patient dropped off in the postoperative routine care group). All the four groups underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and routine nursing was given after the operation. In the postoperative routine nursing group，only routine nursing was received. In the other three groups, 2 Hz TEAS combined with wristband pressing, 100 Hz TEAS combined with wristband pressing, 2 Hz/100 Hz TEAS combined with wristband pressing to simulate Neiguan (PC 6) were treated on the basis of postoperative routine care after surgery. The treatment was given for 30 min each time for a total of 4 treatments. The incidence of PONV in each group was observed at 0-2 h, 2-8 h, 8-24 h and 24-48 h after operation, and the severity of PONV and postoperative pain were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the postoperative routine care group, the incidence and severity of PONV in the four time periods after surgery were significantly reduced in the 2 Hz/100 Hz TEAS group (all <0.05), the incidence and severity of PONV in patients at 2 h and 2-8 h after surgery were significantly reduced in the 2Hz TEAS group and the 100 Hz TEAS group (all <0.05), the postoperative pain at 8 h and 24 h after surgery was alleviated in the 100 Hz TEAS group and the 2 Hz/100 Hz TEAS group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Different frequency of TEAS combined with wristband pressing to stimulating Neiguan (PC 6) have certain therapeutic effects on PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 2 Hz/100 Hz TEAS combined with wristband pressing at Neiguan (PC 6) is more effective in PONV. 2 Hz/100 Hz TEAS and 100 Hz TEAS combined with wristband pressing at Neiguan (PC 6) have postoperative analgesic effect, and 2 Hz/100 Hz TEAS has the better analgesic effect.

Effects of perioperative transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe and evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at different time points on postoperative analgesia in perioperative period in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery, and to explore the optimal time to use TEAS for shoulder arthroscopic surgery.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients undergoing unilateral shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia, graded withⅠtoⅡaccording to ASA criteria were randomly divided into 3 groups, 40 patients in each one. The patients in the group A were treated with preoperative TEAS at sham acupoints combined with postoperative TEAS at Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6); the patients in the group B were treated with preoperative TEAS at Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) combined with postoperative TEAS at sham acupoints; the patients in the group C were treated with TEAS at sham acupoints before and after operation. The parameters of TEAS were dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 30 min. When the resting-state visual analogue scale (VAS) of incision was more than 3 points, the patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) pump of sufentanil was administered to maintain the VAS no more than 3 points. The time point when PCIA pump was firstly used, the used dose of sufentanil and effective pressing number of PCIA pump within 24 hours after surgery were recorded. Intraoperative anesthetic doses were recorded in the three groups. The resting-state and task-state VAS were evaluated at 0, 6, 12, 24 hours after surgery; the patient's satisfaction rate and adverse effects were recorded.@*RESULTS@#The time when PCIA pump was firstly used in the group A and the group B was significantly longer than that in the group C, and the used dose of sufentanil and effective pressing number of PCIA pump within 24 hours after surgery in the group A and group B were significantly less than those in the group C (all 0.05). There were no statistically significant difference in VAS score at different postoperative time points and postoperative analgesia satisfaction rate between the two groups (all >0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Perioperative TEAS could improve the postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery, delay the time when PCIA pump is firstly used, reduce the dosage of postoperative analgesics and adverse events. Compared before surgery, postoperative TEAS has better analgesia.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section treated with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) on the basis of routine treatment.@*METHODS@#A total of 110 primiparas after cesarean section were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 55 cases in each one. The conventional treatment was applied in the two groups, after operation, transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) was used immediately in the observation group, the skin electrode of disposable anti-magnetic buckle was attached to Zusanli (ST 36) and the corresponding part of the inner lower leg, with disperse-dense wave, 30 Hz/60 Hz and 15-20 mA. The treatment was given for 30 min every time, once every 8 h, until the end of the first bowel movement. The recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section (the restoring time of borborygmus, the time of first anal exsufflation and the first defecation time), the time of secretion of foremilk, complications (abdominal distension, abdominal pain, nausea etc.), hospital stays after operation and the satisfaction of primiparas after bowel movement were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The observation group was superior to the control group in the restoring time of borborygmus, the time of first anal exsufflation, the first defecation time and the time of secretion of foremilk (<0.01, <0.05). In the observation group, the incidence of postoperative complications such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension and nausea was 3.6% (2/55), which was lower than 16.4% (9/55) in the control group (<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had shorter hospital stays (<0.01). The satisfaction of effect was 89.1% (49/55) in the observation group, which was superior to 72.7% (40/55) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) can speed up the recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section, reduce complications such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, shorten hospital stays, promote patient nutrition intake and lactation, and improve comfort level and satisfaction of primiparas.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on inflammatory response and intestinal permeability in perioperative period of laparoscopic intestinal surgery / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the inflammatory response and intestinal permeability after laparoscopic radical surgery for colon cancer, so as to explore the protective mechanism for perioperative organs.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with laparoscopic intestinal resection were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. TEAS at Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6) and Hegu (LI 4) was used in the observation group on the day of operation and within 3 days after surgery, 2 Hz, within 2 mA. The interventions in the control group were the same as those in the observation group, except opening the current source. Central venous blood was collected before TEAS and 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after surgery. The level of the inflammatory indexes of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and intestinal mucosal barrier response indexes of endotoxin (LPS) and D-lactate were detected.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased in the observation group 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after surgery (all 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#TEAS can reduce the inflammatory reaction after laparoscopic radical surgery for colon cancer, but has no effect on the intestinal permeability.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on quality of recovery during early period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the quality of recovery during the early period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the dosage of anesthetic and analgesic.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy with gradeⅠand Ⅱ of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) criteria were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group according to random number table, 50 cases in each group. The patients in the two groups were treated with conventional endotracheal intubation anesthesia, anesthesia induction and maintenance. The patients in the observation group were treated with TEAS (2 Hz/100 Hz, 8 to 12 mA) at bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6), as well as Zusanli (ST 36) and the non-acupoint 2 outboard from Zusanli (ST 36) from 30 min before anesthesia induction to the end of operation. The patients in the control group were applied by stimulation electrode in the corresponding points without electrical stimulation. The dosage of intraoperative remifentanil and the analgesic dosage of dezocine for postoperation were recorded. The recovery time, extubation time, the changes of heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during extubation were recorded. The quality of recovery was assessed by the quality of recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40) 1 day before surgery (T)，and 4 h (T), 8 h (T), 24 h (T), 48 h (T) after surgery. The patient's cognitive function was assessed by mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scale at the 5 time points. The incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting were recorded at T through T.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The dosages of intraoperative remifentanil and dezocine in the observation group were less than those in the control group; the recovery time and extubation time were shorter than those in the control group; the HR of extubation was lower than that in the control group (all <0.05). There was no statistic difference about MAP between the two groups (>0.05). Compared with T, the total scores of QoR-40 decreased in the two groups at T, T, T (all <0.05), and the total scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (all <0.05). The emotional state, physical comfort, psychological support, self-care ability, pain scores at T in the observation group and at T, T, T in the control group were lower than those at T (all <0.05). The emotional state, physical comfort, psychological support, self-care ability, pain scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group at T, T, T (all <0.05). Compared with T, the MMSE scores in the two groups decreased at T and T (all <0.05). At T, T, T, the MMSE scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (all <0.05). At T and T, the incidence rates of nausea and vomiting were 22.0% (11/50), 12.0% (6/50) respectively in the observation group, which were lower than 32.0% (16/50) and 24.0% (12/50) in the control group (both <0.05). At T and T, the incidence rates of nausea and vomiting were 6.0% (3/50), 2.0% (1/50) respectively in the observation group, which were not significantly different from 8.0% (4/50) and 4.0% (2/50) in the control group (both >0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TEAS can improve the quality of recovery during the early period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and reduce the dosage of anesthetic and analgesic.</p>

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on postoperative analgesia of ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on postoperative analgesia of ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty adult patients, American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled to ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy, were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 60 cases in each one. The patients in the observation group were treated with TEAS for postoperative analgesia. TEAS was implemented at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) at the time of back ward and postoperative 4 h, 8 h, 12 h. TEAS at 7:00, 11:00 and 15:00 at the above acupoints were used on the second and third days; while placebo (twice a day, 100 mg a time) was used. Tramadol hydrochloride tablets for postoperative analgesia were applied in the contnol group, twice a day, 100 mg a time, and electrode sheets without stimulation were put on Shenshu (BL 23) and Yinlingquan (SP 9). When analgesia was insufficient with the score of visual analogue scale (VAS)≥3, the patients were treated with tramadol tablets for remedy analgesia. The VAS score, the concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) and substance P (SP) in 3 mL venous blood at the time of back ward (T), postoperative 4 h (T), 12 h (T), 24 h (T), and 48 h (T) were detected respectively. The total amount of medication for remedy analgesia and the incidence of adverse reactions, such as nausea and vomiting within postoperative 48 h were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The VAS scores at T through T were lower than those at T in the two groups (all <0.05). Compared with the control group, the VAS scores at T through T in the observation group were lower (all <0.05). The total dose of remedy analgesic medicine within 48 h after operation in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (<0.05). Compared with the control group, the concentrations of 5-HT at T, T, T and SP at T through T were lower (all <0.05). The numbers of constipation, nausea and vomiting in the observation group were less than those in the control group (both <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TEAS can relieve the pain and reduce the total amount of analgesic medicine, the levels of substance causing pain and the incidence of adverse reactions after ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy.</p>

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation for Depression in Late Pregnancy and Impacts on Inflammatory Cytokines / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for depression in late pregnancy and impacts on inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: A total of 150 pregnant women with depression in late pregnancy were randomized into a high intensity group (n＝52), a low intensity group (n＝49) and a control group (n＝49). TEAS was applied at bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and Shenmen (HT 7) for 6 weeks. The intensities of TEAS in the high intensity group, the low intensity group and the control group were 10, 5 and 0 mA, respectively. During the process of TEAS, the blood pressure, pulse, uterine contraction and the fetal heart rate were recorded. Depression was evaluated by 24-item Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) before TEAS and after 2-week, 4-week, 6-week treatment. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) and IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after 6-week treatment. Delivery outcomes were observed. The correlation was analyzed between HAMD difference value and the diffe-rence values of TNF-α， IL-1 β and IL-6, respectively. RESULTS: The blood pressure, pulse and fetal heart rate had no statistical significance before and after treatment in the three groups (P>0.05). The HAMD scores at all the time points were lower than that before treatment in the high intensity group (P0.05). The variation of HAMD score did not have significant correlation with those of TNF-α， IL-1 β and IL-6 (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: TEAS is safe and effective for depression in late pregnancy and can regulate the serum levels of IL-1 β and IL-6 without influencing on delivery outcome.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for pregnancy of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the impact of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) before and after embryo transfer for the pregnancy of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 1761 IVF-ET patients of natural cycle or hormone replacement cycle were randomly assigned into an observation group (735 cases) and a control group (1026 cases). IVF-ET was applied in the two groups. TEAS was used for 30 min separately in the observation group on 24 h before transfer and within 2 h after transfer. The acupoints were Zigong (EX-CA 1), Xuehai (SP 10) and Diji (SP 8); Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taixi (KI 3). TEAS was not used in the control group. Biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate were observed 14 d and 4-5 weeks after transfer in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The biochemical pregnancy rate in the observation group was 62.0% (456/735), which was better than 57.3% (588/1026) in the control group (<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate in the observation group was 51.2% (376/735), and it was better than 44.9% (461/1026) in the control group (<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TEAS could improve the pregnancy rate of IVF-ET patients, and it may be a safe and new assisted method for reproduction without pain.</p>

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on treatment and prevention of postoperative sore throat after tracheal intubation under general anesthesia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) on treatment and prevention of postoperative sore throat (POST) after tracheal intubation under general anesthesia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred patients who received elective thyroid gland lobectomy with gradeⅠand Ⅱ of American Society of Anesthesiologists criteria were randomly assigned into a TEAS group and an anesthesia group according to random number table method, 50 cases in each group. All the patients were treated with tracheal intubation under general anesthesia. Patients in the TEAS group were treated with TEAS (2 Hz/100 Hz, 8 to 12 mA) at Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) from 30 min before anesthesia induction to the end of operation. Patients in the anesthesia group were treated with TEAS at the same acupoints but no electrical stimulation was given. The incidence rate, severity and visual analogue scale (VAS) of POST were recorded 1h, 6h, 12h and 24h after tracheal extubation, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence rate of POST was 12.0% (6/50), 22.0% (11/50) and 18.0% (9/50) 1h, 6h, 12h after tracheal extubation respectively in the TEAS group, which was significantly lower than 30.0% (15/50), 42.0% (21/50) and 36.0% (18/50) in the anesthesia group (all<0.05). However, the incidence rate was not significantly different between the two groups 24h after extubation[14.0% (7/50) vs 28.0% (14/50),>0.05]. Moreover, the VAS scores of the patients with POST in the TEAS group at each time point were lower than those in the anesthesia group (all<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TEAS at Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) can effectively reduce the incidence rate and severity of POST induced by tracheal intubation under general anesthesia.</p>

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on gastric emptying in patients undergoing surgery / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on gastric emptying in patients undergoing selective surgery based on velocity of gastric emptying by ultrasonography.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 75 patients with selective operation of subarachnoid block at lower limb in the afternoon were randomly assigned to a TEAS group, a sham group and a control group, 25 patients in each one. All the patients were provided with semi-fluid diet at 8 a.m. The TEAS group was treated with TEAS 5 min after semi-fluid diets at bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiguan (PC 6) for 30 min, with frequency of 5 Hz and intensity which was 1 mA lower than the tolerance threshold. The sham group patients were stimulated at the same acupoints with current intensity which was 1 mA lower than the sensory threshold. The control group received no treatment. On the day of operation, and ultrasonography was given at time of empty stomach (T0), immediately after the semi-fluid diets (T1), and every 30 min after diets (T2-T6), respectively, to measure the gastric content and emptying time at semire-clining position and right lateral position.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The volume of gastric content in the three groups at T3-T6 was significantly less than that at T1 (all<0.05). The volume of gastric content at T4-T6 at semire-clining position in the TEAS group was significantly less than that in the control group and sham group (all<0.05). The volume of gastric content at T5-T6 at right lateral position in the TEAS group was significantly less than that in the control group and sham group (all<0.05). The gastric emptying time in the TEAS group was significantly less than that in the control group and sham group (both<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The gastric emptying velocity could be evaluated by ultrasonography. TEAS could improve the velocity of gastric emptying and reduce the gastric emptying time.</p>

Chronic fatigue syndrome treated with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical therapeutic effects and safety of chronic fatigue syndrome treated with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the conception vessel and the governor vessel.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-nine patients of chronic fatigue syndrome were randomized into an observation group (46 cases) and a control group (43 cases). In the observation group, TEAS was applied at Dazhui (GV 14) and Mingmen (GV 4), Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4) [the current intensity: (14±2) mA]. In the control group, the simulated TEAS was applied at the same acupoints as the observation group (the current intensity: 1 mA). The treatment was given for 30 min, once a day, 5 times a week and the treatment of 4 weeks was as 1 session in the two groups. One session of treatment was required. Before treatment and at the end of 1 session of treatment, the fatigue severity scale (FSS) was adopted to evaluate the fatigue symptoms and the somatic and psychological health report (SPHERE) was adopted to evaluate the potential symptoms and observe the safety of TEAS therapy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At the end of treatment, FSS score and SPHERE score in the control group were not different significantly as compared with those before treatment (both>0.05). FSS score and SPHERE score in the observation group were reduced significantly as compared with those before treatment (both<0.01). FSS score and SPHERE score in the observation group were reduced apparently as compared with those in the control group (both<0.001). In the entire process of treatment with TEAS, no any adverse reaction occurred.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TEAS on the conception vessel and the governor vessel relieves fatigue symptoms and the potential symptoms in the patients of chronic fatigue syndrome. It is a safe therapy.</p>

Preventive and therapeutic effects of TEAS on rabbits with orthodontic toothache / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the action mechanisms of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on prevention and treatment of orthodontic toothache.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a blank group, an orthodontic group and a TEAS group, 8 rabbits in each one. The orthodontic model of rabbit was made in orthodontic group and TEAS group by bonding brackets and fixing NI-TI screw with ligature wire. After model establishment, the TEAS group was treated with TEAS atpoints (skin surface corresponding points to the bilateral upper 1st molars) and "Hegu" (LI 4) with dilatational wave, 20 min per treatment, twice a day, totally 2-day consecutive treatment (4 treatments) was provided. The rabbit general behavior, total food intake and threshold of pain were observed; the contents of serum prostaglandin E(PGE), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as well as endorphin (β-EP) fluid and cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the orthodontic group, the rabbit general behavior, total food intake and threshold of pain in the TEAS group were significantly improved (<0.05,<0.01). The serum PGEwere significantly reduced (<0.05), while GM-CSF presented reducing trend without statistical significance (>0.05). The β-EP in the CSF were increased (<0.05), while CCK-8 in CSF presented reducing trend without statistical significance (>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The preventive and therapeutic effects of TEAS on rabbits with orthodontic toothache are achieved by reducing algogenic substance PGEin peripheral nervous system selectively, increasing β-EP in CSF in central nervous system and keeping the level of anti-opioid pain maintaining substance CCK-8.Both the central and peripheral nervous systems participate in the analgesic effect of TEAS.</p>

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Brain Function Explored with Independent Component Analysis / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To explore fMRI data with independent component analysis (ICA) in order to investigate effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on brain function. Methods The experiment was performed on a whole-body 1.5 T GE Signa Excite MRI scanner with which the brain oxygenation level dependent (BOLD)/EPI images were acquired from a female traumatic brain injury patient. A block designed protocol was used. Both durations of rest and TEAS were 30 seconds. The data processing was performed with GIFT, Statistical Parametric Mapping 5 (SPM5) and MRIcro. Results from ICA and SPM were compared. Results Extended Infomax algorithm provided by GIFT found thirteen independent components (ICs), each of which contained a spatial map and a corresponding time course. The spatial maps associated with task-related ICs resembled the activation maps from SPM5 but were not totally identical. In addition, the time courses of these ICs differed from the shape of canonical HRF model used by SPM. Conclusion ICA is a good choice to investigate data and obtain prior knowledge before using model-based methods such as SPM.