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Acupuncture therapy needs to cause enough somatosensory stimulation to achieve therapeutic effect.How to identify the site and depth before acupuncture,assess therapeutic effect after acupuncture and ensure the safety of treatment are the points for clinical application of acupuncture therapy,but no standard objective and quantitative access has been achieved.Under assistance of ultrasound,precise positioning before acupuncture,visualization of anatomical structures and quantification of the depth during acupuncture became feasible.The research progresses of ultrasound for assisting acupuncture therapy were reviewed in this article.
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Objective:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)on gut microbiota and serum inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in Crohn disease(CD)model rats. Methods:Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group with 10 rats and a modeling group with 26 rats.In the modeling group,the CD rat model was prepared with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS)enema.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into a CD model(CD)group,an EA group,and a Western medicine(WM)group.The NC and CD groups received no treatment;the EA group was treated with EA for 20 min each time,with 7 consecutive days'intervention;the WM group received mesalazine enteric-coated tablet solution by gavage once a day for 7 d.The changes in body mass and disease activity index(DAI)were observed.Serum IL-1β and TNF-α were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissues,and 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the structural changes of gut microbiota. Results:Compared with the NC group,the body mass of rats in the CD group decreased(P<0.01),and the DAI score increased(P<0.01);the colon tissue structure was disordered,and many inflammatory cells were present;also,IL-1β and TNF-α increased significantly(P<0.01).As a result,the diversity of gut microbiota decreased,and the abundance of some conditional pathogenic bacteria(such as Prevotella)increased,while the abundance of beneficial bacteria(such as Lactobacillus,Rochella,and Spirillum)decreased.After the intervention,compared with the CD group,the body mass of rats in the EA group and WM group increased(P<0.01);the DAI score decreased(P<0.01),the colon tissue structure improved,and the IL-1β and TNF-α levels decreased(P<0.01);the diversity of gut microbiota increased(P<0.05),and the abundance of some conditional pathogenic bacteria decreased while the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased in the EA group;whereas the diversity of gut microbiota in the WM group was not statistically different(P>0.05). Conclusion:EA can reduce the damage of colon mucosa,regulate the imbalance of gut microbiota,and inhibit the serum inflammatory factor IL-1β and TNF-α expression in CD rats.
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Objective:To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture(EA)combined with exercise therapy on balance function in patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA). Methods:Seventy patients with KOA were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,with 35 cases in each group.The treatment group was treated with EA combined with exercise therapy.EA was applied to Dubi(ST35),Neixiyan(EX-LE4),Xuehai(SP10),Liangqiu(ST34),Yanglingquan(GB34),and Zusanli(ST 36).Exercise therapy(muscle strength training and knee mobility training)was applied after EA.The control group only received the same exercise therapy as the treatment group.The two groups were treated with the same course of treatment,3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks,12 times in total,and followed up for 1 month.The Pro-Kin254P balance test system was used to measure the balance function parameters at 4 time points,including before treatment,after 1 session of treatment,after 12 sessions of treatment,and at 1-month follow-up after treatment.The visual analog scale(VAS)and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index(WOMAC)scores were recorded. Results:The markedly effective rate and total effective rate in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.01).The Romberg area,Romberg length,and VAS scores of the two groups decreased significantly after 1 session of treatment,12 sessions of treatment,and 1 month after treatment,and the differences between different time points in the same group were statistically significant(P<0.01).There were significant differences between the two groups at the same time point(P<0.05).The total WOMAC scores of the two groups after 1 session of treatment,12 sessions of treatment,and 1 month after treatment decreased significantly,and there were significant differences between different time points in the same group(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between the two groups at the same time point(P>0.05). Conclusion:EA combined with exercise therapy or exercise therapy alone can enhance the balance function,relieve joint pain,and improve joint function in patients with KOA.EA combined with exercise therapy is superior to exercise therapy alone in improving balance function and pain,but the two treatment protocols have similar effects in improving joint function.
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Objective:To observe the effects of warming triple needling plus Chinese medication on inflammatory responses and daily functioning ability in patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)due to wind-cold-dampness Bi-impediment. Methods:A total of 101 patients with KOA due to wind-cold-dampness Bi-impediment were divided into an acupuncture-medication group and a Chinese medication group using the random number table method.Fifty cases in the Chinese medication group took oral Fang Feng Xi Bi Tang for treatment,and 51 cases in the acupuncture-medication group received additional warming triple needling therapy.The symptom score of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),inflammatory factor levels,and motor function of the knee joint were compared before and after treatment.The clinical efficacy was also compared between the two groups after treatment. Results:Three cases in the acupuncture-medication group and 2 cases in the Chinese medication group dropped out during the study,and the two groups each had 48 cases being included in statistical analysis ultimately.The total effective rate was 95.8%in the acupuncture-medication group,higher than 79.2%in the Chinese medication group,and the between-group difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the TCM symptom score dropped in both groups(P<0.05)and was lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05).The levels of interleukin(IL)-6,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,and IL-1β dropped after the intervention in both groups(P<0.05)and were lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05).The scores of knee pain intensity,knee joint stiffness,and diurnal functioning decreased after treatment in the two groups(P<0.05)and were lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Warming triple needling plus Fang Feng Xi Bi Tang can reduce inflammatory responses,improve daily functioning ability,and enhance the quality of life in patients with KOA due to wind-cold-dampness Bi-impediment.
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Objective:To observe the effects of kidney-tonifying and mind-calming acupuncture therapy on sleep,mood,sex hormone levels,and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptoms in patients with perimenopausal insomnia(PMI). Methods:A total of 90 patients with PMI were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,with 45 cases in each group.Patients in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture at Shenshu(BL23),Taixi(KI3),Baihui(GV20),and Anmian(Extra).The control group was treated with sham acupuncture.Both groups were treated 3 times a week for 4 weeks.Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)and insomnia severity index(ISI)were used to evaluate the sleep quality of the subjects before treatment,after treatment,and 1 month after treatment(follow-up).Beck depression inventory(BDI)and Beck anxiety inventory(BAI)were used to evaluate the depression and anxiety of the subjects before treatment,after treatment,and at 1-month follow-up.The TCM symptom scale was used to evaluate the TCM symptoms of the subjects before treatment,after treatment,and 1 month after treatment.Serum levels of estradiol(E2),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and luteinizing hormone(LH)were measured before and after treatment. Results:During the study,2 cases dropped out of the treatment group,and no cases dropped out of the control group.The PSQI scores of the treatment group were significantly lower after treatment and at 1-month follow-up compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the difference was statistically significant compared with that of the control group(P<0.05).In the control group,the PSQI score was significantly lower after treatment compared with before treatment(P<0.05),and the difference was not statistically significant at 1-month follow-up compared with before treatment(P>0.05).Compared with the pre-treatment,the ISI,BDI,BAI,and TCM symptom scale scores of the treatment group were lower after treatment and at 1-month follow-up(P<0.05),and the differences with the control group at the same time point were statistically significant(P<0.05).The differences in ISI,BDI,BAI,and TCM symptom scale scores of the control group before treatment,after treatment,and at 1-month follow-up were not statistically significant(P>0.05).After treatment,the serum E2 level in the treatment group was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the difference with the control group was statistically significant(P<0.05).The difference in the serum E2 level before and after treatment in the control group was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The differences in the serum FSH and LH levels between before and after treatment were not statistically significant in either group of subjects(P>0.05). Conclusion:Kidney-tonifying and mind-calming acupuncture therapy can improve sleep quality,relieve anxiety and depression,delay the decrease of serum E2 level,and improve related TCM symptoms in patients with PMI.
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Objective:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)on sleep electroencephalogram(EEG)and event-related potential(ERP)in patients with somatoform disorders(SFD). Methods:Seventy-five SFD patients were recruited as an EA group to receive EA at Shenting(GV24)and Baihui(GV20)once daily,30 min each time,with 6 straight days as a treatment course,and 4 courses were conducted at 1-day intervals.Before treatment,patients underwent a survey using a physical symptom checklist on their primary symptoms.Before and after treatment,their sleep EEG was monitored using Quisi,and the ERP mismatch negativity(MMN)and P300 were detected.The Quisi sleep EEG and ERP were also examined among 40 normal volunteers as the normal group data. Results:During the trial,13 cases were removed from the EA group due to incomplete data,and 62 cases were finally included for statistical analyses.Of the 62 SFD patients,the main disturbing symptoms were cognitive impairments,sleep disorders,respiratory symptoms,digestive symptoms,five-sense organ problems,and cardiovascular symptoms in order.Before treatment,the EA group had increased MMN and P300 latencies and decreased amplitudes compared with the normal control group(P<0.01 or P<0.05);according to Quisi,the EA group also had reduced total sleep time(TST),shorter rapid eye movement sleep(REM)latency(RL)and REM time(RT),smaller number of REM period(NRP),extended sleep latency(SL),longer awaking time(AT),lower sleep efficiency(SE),larger percent of non-rapid eye movement sleep(NREM)stage 1(S1)and smaller percent of NREM stage 2(S2),and the percent of slow wave sleep(SWS),i.e.NREM stage 3(S3)plus stage 4(S4),also went down,all presenting significant differences between groups(P<0.01 or P<0.05).After 4 courses of treatment,the MMN and P300 latencies were reduced,and their amplitudes became larger in the EA group compared with the baseline(P<0.05);they had insignificant differences compared with the normal control group(P>0.05).Quisi showed that the TST and RL increased,and the SL and AT decreased in the EA group,and the predominant change in sleep architecture was reduced S1 percent,increased S2,and improved SE,all showing significant intra-group differences(P<0.01 or P<0.05);however,the intra-group difference in the NRP was statistically insignificant(P>0.05).Except the TST,RT,S1 percent,and SWS,there was no statistical significance in comparing the other Quisi parameters(including RL,NRP,SL,AT,SE,and S2 percent)between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:SFD patients have a variety of clinical symptoms,and most of them show abnormal sleep EEG and ERP;EA can correct abnormal sleep EEG parameters and the MMN and P300 of ERP in SFD patients.
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Objective:To observe the clinical curative effect of long-time needle retaining at Baihui(GV20)combined with multidirectional point-toward-point needle insertion with needle shaking at Fengchi(GB20)for the treatment of cervical vertigo(CV)and its influence on the blood flow velocity of vertebrobasilar arteries. Methods:Seventy patients with CV were randomly divided into a treatment group(35 cases,1 dropout)and a control group(35 cases,2 dropouts)according to the random number table method.Those in the treatment group were treated with long-time needle retaining at Baihui(GV20)combined with multidirectional point-toward-point needle insertion with needle shaking at Fengchi(GB20),and those in the control group were treated with conventional acupuncture.The treatment was performed every other day,7 sessions as a treatment course,for a total of 2 courses.The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups by observing changes in the evaluation scale for symptoms and functions of cervical vertigo(ESCV)and the mean blood flow velocity(Vm)of vertebrobasilar arteries. Results:The total effective rate and the cured plus markedly effective rate were 91.2%and 79.4%,respectively,in the treatment group,versus 78.8%and 54.5%in the control group,respectively,with a statistically significant difference in the cured plus markedly effective rate between the two groups(P<0.05).The ESCV score and the Vm of vertebrobasilar arteries in the two groups improved significantly after treatment.The Vm of the left vertebral artery(LVA),right vertebral artery(RVA),and basilar artery(BA)increased in patients with low and normal flow velocities(P<0.05),and the Vm of the LVA,RVA,and BA decreased in patients with a high flow velocity(P<0.05);the results in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Long-time needle retaining at Baihui(GV20)combined with multidirectional point-toward-point needle insertion with needle shaking at Fengchi(GB20)can significantly reduce the clinical symptoms of CV and regulate the blood flow rate of vertebrobasilar arteries bidirectionally,and thus is an effective therapy for CV.
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Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture(EA)in enhancing the recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC). Methods:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of EA treatment in the postoperative period of patients undergoing LC were searched.Studies were obtained from Excerpta Medica Database(EMBASE),PubMed,Cochrane Library,Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database(Wanfang),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Biology Medicine Disc(CBM),and Chongqing VIP Database(CQVIP)from inception to December 10th,2022.RevMan 5.4.1 was used to perform the meta-analysis.The Cochrane tool was used to assess the risk of bias.Mean difference(MD)and confidence interval(CI)were used for statistical descriptions. Results:A total of 7 studies were included in the meta-analysis.The meta-analysis found that the EA group had a shorter time to the first flatus[P<0.001,MD=-5.32,95%CI(-6.42,-4.21)],bowel movement recovery[P<0.001,MD=-6.22,95%CI(-8.11,-4.34)],and the first defecation(P<0.001,MD=-11.08,95%CI(-15.78,-6.39)]than the control group. Conclusion:EA treatments can promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function after LC.
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Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on interleukin(IL)-9/IL-9 receptor(IL-9R)in the colon tissue of rats with ulcerative colitis(UC)and investigate the protective mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion on the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC rats. Methods:Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group and a modeling group.UC models were prepared by giving 4%dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)water for 7 d.After the successful construction of the UC rat model,the modeling group was randomly divided into a UC group,a herb-insulated moxibustion(HM)group,and an electroacupuncture(EA)group.HM and EA interventions at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)were performed once a day for 7 d.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the colon.The serum concentrations of IL-9,IL-6,IL-1β,and hemoglobin-H(HbH)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The protein expression levels of IL-9,IL-9R,claudin-2,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),and occludin in the colon tissue were measured by Western blotting or immuno-histochemistry.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-expression of PU.1 and CD4 with the IL-9 protein. Results:Compared with the NC group,the colon tissue of UC rats was severely damaged and ulcerated with congestion and edema,and the colonic histopathological score increased significantly(P<0.01).The serum HbH concentration decreased significantly(P<0.01),while the serum concentrations of IL-9,IL-6,and IL-1β increased(P<0.01).The protein expression of colonic ZO-1 and occludin decreased significantly(P<0.01),while the protein expression of colonic IL-9 and IL-9R increased(P<0.05).The positive co-expression levels of IL-9/PU.1 and IL-9/CD4 increased in the colon tissue(P<0.05).Compared with the UC group,the colonic mucosal structures were gradually repaired in both HM group and EA group,and healed ulcers could be observed,the colonic histopathological score decreased significantly(P<0.05).The serum concentration of HbH increased(P<0.01),while the serum concentrations of IL-9,IL-6,and IL-1β decreased(P<0.05).The protein expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin increased(P<0.05),while the protein expression levels of IL-9 and IL-9R decreased(P<0.01).The positive co-expression levels of IL-9/PU.1 and IL-9/CD4 decreased in the colon tissue(P<0.05). Conclusion:Both HM and EA can inhibit the protein expression levels of IL-9 and IL-9R in the UC colon by regulating the transcription factor PU.1,promote the repair of intestinal mucosal barrier,and down-regulate protein contents of proinflammatory factors IL-9,IL-6,and IL-1β in the serum,which may be one of the key mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion in reducing the inflammation of UC colonic mucosa and protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier.
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Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion at Feishu(BL13)on inflammatory responses and intestinal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in rats with asthma. Methods:Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group(16 rats)and a modeling group(40 rats).Rats in the modeling group were subjected to establishing asthma models using ovalbumin(OVA).Model evaluation was conducted using 4 rats from each group.The remaining rats that successfully developed asthma were then randomly divided into a model group,an acupuncture group,and a moxibustion group,with 12 rats in each group.Rats in the acupuncture group received acupuncture treatments,and those in the moxibustion group received moxibustion treatments,both at Feishu(BL13)for 30 min.Following the treatments,the rats were exposed to atomization excitation with a 1%OVA solution for 20 min daily for 14 consecutive days.At the end of the experiment,inflammatory markers in the rats'peripheral blood were analyzed using a biochemical method.In addition,inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were counted using Wright-Giemsa staining.The lung tissue of rats was examined under a light microscope after staining with hematoxylin-eosin to observe morphological or pathological changes.Furthermore,real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized to measure the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in the lung tissue.Lastly,the concentration of SCFAs in the rat's feces was determined using gas chromatography-hydrogen flame ionization. Results:The levels of eosinophils(Eos),neutrophils(Neu),and lymphocytes(Lym)in the peripheral blood,as well as Eos and Neu in the BALF,and the expression of interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13,IL-33,and thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP)mRNAs in the lung tissue were all found to be significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);the lung tissue structure displayed severe injuries;the levels of acetic acid,propionic acid,isobutyric acid,butyric acid,and valeric acid in the feces decreased significantly in the model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the peripheral blood levels of Eos,Neu,and Lym,as well as Eos in the BALF,and the mRNA expression levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in the lung tissue decreased significantly in both the acupuncture group and the moxibustion group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).This reduction was accompanied by alleviated pathological damage in the lung tissue.Additionally,there were significant increases in the levels of acetic acid,propionic acid,isobutyric acid,and butyric acid in the feces in both the acupuncture group and the moxibustion group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In the acupuncture group,the expression levels of Lym in the BALF and IL-13 mRNA in the lung tissue decreased significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In the moxibustion group,the mRNA expression levels of IL-33 and TSLP in the lung tissue also reduced significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Furthermore,the level of valeric acid in the feces increased notably in the moxibustion group(P<0.01).Compared with the acupuncture group,it was found that the mRNA levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in the lung tissue,as well as the acetic acid level in the feces,were significantly higher in the moxibustion group(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:Both acupuncture and moxibustion were effective in reducing abnormal inflammation and regulating intestinal SCFAs in asthma model rats.Acupuncture demonstrated superiority in inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors,particularly IL-5 and IL-13,while moxibustion exhibited better regulation on intestinal metabolites SCFAs,especially acetic acid.
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Objective:To observe the effect of Tongguan Liqiao(opening orifices)needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training in treating post-stroke deglutition disorders. Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted.A total of 120 patients with post-stroke deglutition disorders were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method,with 60 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with routine treatments.The control group was treated with additional tongue pressure resistance feedback training,and the observation group was treated with additional Tongguan Liqiao needling based on the same intervention in the control group.After 4 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy was evaluated,and the complications that occurred during treatment were summarized.The FUJISHIMA Ichiro food intake level scale(FILS)and the swallowing quality of life questionnaire(SWAL-QOL)were scored before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the FILS and SWAL-QOL scores in both groups were higher than those before treatment,and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in the complication occurrence between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:On the basis of routine treatments,Tongguan Liqiao needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training has a better effect in the treatment of post-stroke deglutition disorders.This method can effectively improve the swallowing function of patients,improve the quality of life,and is safe.
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Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)combined with routine language and motor training on limb and language function,depression,and serum brain injury markers in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods:A total of 86 patients with ischemic stroke were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group using the random drawing method,with 43 cases in each group.Both groups received routine stroke treatments.The control group was additionally treated with routine language and motor training,and the observation group was additionally treated with EA treatment on the basis of the intervention of the control group.Changes in the limb function score,language function score,depression score,and brain injury marker protein were compared between the two groups,and the treatment safety of the two groups was evaluated. Results:The Fugl-Meyer assessment scale scores of both groups were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score of limb function of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The language function score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group after treatment(P<0.05).The Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale(MADRS)scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group after treatment(P<0.05).The levels of brain injury markers heart-type fatty acid-binding protein(H-FABP),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),and annexin a7(ANXA7)of the observation group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The incidence rate of adverse reactions in the two groups was 14.0%and 9.3%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference between the groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:EA combined with language and motor training is effective in the treatment of ischemic stroke.It can promote the recovery of limb motor function and language function,inhibit the occurrence of depression,and reduce the levels of brain injury markers,with good safety.
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Objective:To observe the efficacy of using electroacupuncture(EA)plus stuck-needle lifting method to treat intractable facial paralysis based on the myofascial theory. Methods:Ninety patients with intractable facial paralysis were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method,with 45 cases in each group.The control group was given conventional EA treatment,and the observation group received EA plus the stuck-needle lifting method based on the myofascial theory for 4 consecutive weeks,6 sessions each week.The electromyographic results,modified Portmann scale(MPS)score,facial nerve function index(FNFI),and total effective rate were compared. Results:There were no significant differences in the MPS and FNFI scores between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).After treatment,the total effective rate and FNFI and MPS scores were notably higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the electromyographic readings between the two groups before the intervention(P>0.05).After the intervention,the observation group had a shorter blink reflex R1 latency and a higher facial nerve compound muscle action potential compared with the control group,and the between-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion:EA plus stuck-needle lifting method based on the myofascial theory can enhance treatment efficacy for intractable facial paralysis.
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Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of filiform needle combined with fire needles for cervical radiculopathy(CR)due to wind-cold obstructing the meridians. Methods:A total of 60 patients with CR due to wind-cold obstructing the meridians were randomized into an observation group and a control group,with 30 cases in each group.The control group was treated with filiform needle treatment,and the observation group was treated with additional fire needle point-pricking treatment.The visual analog scale(VAS)and 20-point scale of CR developed by Yasuhisa TANAKA(YT-20)were scored before treatment and after 1,2,3,and 4 weeks of treatments.The tenderness threshold was measured.The local skin temperature was measured by an infrared thermal imager.A safety evaluation was performed after treatment. Results:After treatment,the VAS score in the observation group at each time point was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The YT-20 score,tenderness threshold,and local skin temperature in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The VAS score in the observation group at each time point after treatment was lower than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the YT-20 score,tenderness threshold,and local skin temperature at each time point were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05).After 3 and 4 weeks of treatments,the VAS score in the control group was lower than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the YT-20 score,tenderness threshold,and local skin temperature were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05).The group factor effects of VAS and YT-20 scores,tenderness threshold,and local skin temperature between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the time effect and the interaction effect between time and group(P>0.05). Conclusion:Filiform needle combined with fire needle or applied alone both can relieve neck pain in patients with CR due to wind-cold obstructing the meridians,and improve the temperature of the neck.The combination of filiform needle and fire needle works more quickly and has better efficacy.
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The article summarizes the clinical experience of Professor JIA Chunsheng in treating cubital tunnel syndrome with various traditional Chinese medicine therapies,including superficial point-toward-point auricular acupuncture,ordinary acupuncture,fire-needle therapy,and oral Chinese medication,to inherit his academic characteristics,such as meridian-identified and stage-identified treatments,stressing the patient's body constitution and state,and emphasizing the holistic treatment,and to provide references for the popular science education and clinical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.
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[Objective]Using CiteSpace software to visualize and analyse the literature related to acupuncture treatment of post-stroke dysphagia in China,to reveal the dynamics of frontiers and the evolution of hotspots in this field,as well as provide suggestions and references for future research.[Methods]By searching the three major Chinese databases,China National Knowledge Internet(CNKI),Wanfang Data and China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP),the literature related to acupuncture treatment of post-stroke dysphagia was retrieved between the establishment of these databases and June 2023.Then the data issuance,authors,institutions,keywords clustering and keywords emergence were analyzed and presented in a visualization map or chart with CiteSpace 6.1.R6 software.[Results]After searching and screening,a total of 1 585 relevant literatures were included,and the overall trend of the number of studies within the field showed a steady increase in terms of the number of publications.However,links among study authors are scattered and mostly intra-institutional.At the same time,the connection among institutions for cross-regional collaboration is not close enough.Keywords clustering analysis showed that the type of research in the literature mainly consists overviews and clinical randomized controlled trial(RCT).In terms of treatment approaches,the use of combination of multiple therapies is common.The time zone map reflects the continuous process of refinement of acupuncture therapies,from which the creation of a series of new types of acupuncture therapies could be observed.[Conclusion]The field of acupuncture for the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia is becoming increasingly sophisticated.It is predicted that the combination of acupuncture with other common therapies for the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia will remain a hot research topic in the coming years.Meanwhile,there will be a new trend towards integrating resources and conducting high-quality clinical studies with multi-centre collaboration.
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Edema is one of the typical symptoms of nephrotic syndrome， and symptomatic diuretics is mainly used in clinical practice but with unstable effect. This paper reported a case of refractory edema of nephrotic syndrome treated by acupuncture. The patient was mainly manifested as edema in both lower limbs， which were sunken when pressed and difficult to recover. After symptomatic treatment with western medicine， the effect was not obvious. In traditional Chinese medicine， this patient was diagnosed as spleen-kidney depletion and water-dampness internal accumulation syndrome. Based on the principle of “when swelling is below the waist， urination should be induced” in ZHANG Zhongjing's Essentials from the Golden Cabinet （《金匮要略》）， it is recommended to puncture at Shuidao （ST 28） and Shuifen （CV 9） to promote urination， at Sanyinjiao （SP 6）， Lougu （SP 7）， Yinlingquan （SP 9） and Zusanli （ST 36） to fortify the spleen and boost the kidneys and treat the root and branch simultaneously. After 3-day treatment， urine becomes smooth， and the edema of both lower limbs disappeared.
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Objective:To observe the effects of Zhulian stimulant type Ⅰ acupuncture on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB and tissue homogenate cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP) in rats with diabetic bladder (DCP); To explore the mechanism of Zhulian stimulant type Ⅰacupuncture on DCP.Methods:Totally 50 SD rats were divided into control group, model group, Western medicine group, ordinary acupuncture group, Zhulian stimulant type Ⅰ acupuncture treatment group (acupuncture treatment group) according to random number table method, with 10 rats in each group. DCP rat model was prepared by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), except for the control group. The Western medicine group was given mecobalamine for gavage; acupoints of "Zhongji", "Sanyinjiao", "Liechou" and "Taichong" were selected. The ordinary acupuncture group was treated with ordinary acupuncture technique, and the acupuncture treatment group was treated with Zhulian stimulant type Ⅰ acupuncture, 1 time/d, 30 minutes/time. Samples were taken after 4 weeks of treatment. The maximum bladder volume, residual urine volume and wet weight of the bladder were detected. The morphology of rat bladder was observed by HE staining. The expression level of BDNF was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of cAMP was detected by Western blot. The level of TrkB was determined by ELISA. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expressions of BDNF and cAMP.Results:Compared with model group, maximum bladder volume, residual urine volume and wet weight of bladder in Western medicine group, ordinary acupuncture group and acupuncture treatment group decreased ( P<0.01), and those in Western medicine group and acupuncture treatment group were lower than those in ordinary acupuncture group ( P<0.01). The expressions of BDNF mRNA and protein, cAMP mRNA and protein in Western medicine group, ordinary acupuncture group and acupuncture treatment group increased ( P<0.05), and the level of TrkB increased, and the Western medicine group and acupuncture treatment group were higher than that in ordinary acupuncture group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Zhuliping stimulant type Ⅰ acupuncture has a protective effect on the bladder function of diabetic rats. The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of BDNF and mRNA, TrkB, cAMP and mRNA expressions.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint pain,swelling,and dysfunction.Acupuncture,as a traditional medical treatment,has proved its effectiveness and safety in many diseases.However,the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis remains controversial.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to evaluate and explore the effect of Tiaodu Tongmai acupuncture in the treatment of preclinical rheumatoid arthritis of different ages through the generalized estimating equation,and to provide a basis for the application of acupuncture in rheumatoid arthritis. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Tiaodu Tongmai acupuncture therapy on preclinical rheumatoid arthritis(pre-RA)patients at different ages based on generalized estimating equation. METHODS:A total of 123 patients with preclinical rheumatoid arthritis treated from January to September 2023 were selected as the study objects and divided into study group(n=64)and control group(n=59)according to different treatment methods.The study group was given Tiaodu Tongmai acupuncture treatment,and the control group was given acetaminophen tablets.The baseline balance was adjusted by propensity score matching method.The clinical efficacy and cytokine levels before and after treatment between the two groups were compared.The generalized estimating equation model was established to evaluate the efficacy of Tiaodu Tongmai acupuncture therapy on preclinical rheumatoid arthritis patients at different ages. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After 0 days of treatment,there were significant differences in joint pain and C-reactive protein expression between study and control groups(P＜0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,there were significant differences in visual analogue scale scores,joint pain,C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate between the two groups(P＜0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,there were significant differences in visual analogue scale scores,C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate between the two groups(P＜0.05).After 12 weeks of treatment,there were significant differences in visual analogue scale scores,C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate between the two groups(P＜0.05).(2)The total effective rate of the study group was 93.75%,while that of the control group was 79.17%.The clinical efficacy of the study group was significantly better than that of the control group(P＜0.05).(3)There were significant differences in interleukin-6,interferon-γ,macrophage migration inhibitory factor,rheumatoid factor IgA,rheumatoid factor IgM,metallomatrix proteinase 3,metallomatrix proteinase 9,and anti-cyclic citrulline antibody in the study group before and after treatment(P＜0.05).The levels of interleukin-6,interferon-γ,rheumatoid factor IgA,rheumatoid factor IgM,metallomatrix proteinase 3,metallomatrix proteinase 9,and anti-cyclic citrulline antibody in the control group after treatment were significantly different from those before treatment(P＜0.05).There were significant differences in interleukin-6,interferon-γ,macrophage migration inhibitory factor,rheumatoid factor IgA,rheumatoid factor IgM,metallomatrix proteinase 3,and anti-cyclic citrulline antibody between the two groups after treatment(P＜0.05).(4)After 12 weeks of treatment,the comprehensive efficacy of patients of all ages in the study group was better than that of the control group(P＜0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,the comprehensive efficacy of patients aged 23-35,36-50,and 51-60 years old in the study group was better than that of the control group(P＜0.05),and the comprehensive efficacy of patients aged 18-22 years old was comparable between the two groups.After 4 weeks of treatment,the comprehensive efficacy of patients aged 36-50 and 51-60 years old in the study group was better than that of the control group(P＜0.05),and the comprehensive efficacy was comparable between the two groups of patients aged 18-22 and 23-35 years.Overall,Tiaodu Tongmai acupuncture therapy has advantages in treating preclinical rheumatoid arthritis patients aged 36-50 and 51-60 years.
ABSTRACT
Fundamento: la psoriasis afecta aproximadamente al 2 % de la población mundial, con amplias repercusiones biopsicosociales. Objetivo: determinar la efectividad del tratamiento combinado catgutpuntura-ozonoterapia en los pacientes con psoriasis vulgar. Métodos: estudio cuasiexperimental de intervención del tipo antes y después sin grupo de control realizado en el Hospital Lucia Íñiguez Landín, en el período abril 2019 a 2021. La población estuvo constituida por 55 pacientes; la muestra quedó conformada por 29 que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se realizó un análisis multivariado de frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Para evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento se utilizó la prueba estadística de diferencia de proporciones con un nivel de confianza de 95 %, considerándose estadísticamente significativa. Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino y el grupo de edad de 40 a 49 años. Los síndromes de insuficiencia del Yin de riñón y Xue de hígado constituyeron los más representativos. Se logró disminuir la severidad de la enfermedad en casi la totalidad de estos. Las reacciones adversas a las terapias empleadas fueron mínimas. Conclusiones: el tratamiento combinado fue considerado parcialmente efectivo.
Background: psoriasis affects approximately 2 % of the world population, with extensive biopsychosocial repercussions. Objective: to determine the effectiveness of the combined catgutpuncture-ozone therapy treatment in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Methods: quasi-experimental intervention study of the type before and after without a control group carried out at the Lucia Íñiguez Landín Hospital, from April 2019 to 2021. 55 patients were the population; 29 patients were the sample who met the inclusion criteria. A multivariate analysis of absolute and relative frequencies was performed. To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, the statistical test of proportions' difference was used with a confidence level of 95%, being considered statistically significant. Results: the female sex and the age group of 40 to 49 years old predominated. Kidney Yin and liver Xue insufficiency syndromes was the most representative. It was possible to reduce the severity of the disease in almost all of them. Adverse reactions to the therapies used were minimal. Conclusions: the combined treatment was considered partially effective.