The effectiveness of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of monosymptomatic enuresis in children and adolescents: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background: Parasacral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PTENS) is a treatment used in enuresis refractory to first-line treatment. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PTENS in treating monosymptomatic enuresis (MNE) in children and adolescents. Methods: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was carried out in the following databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, SCOPUS, Central Cochrane Library and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The selected studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The "Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials" and the "Risk of Bias VISualization" were used to analyze the risk of bias. Results: Of the 624 studies selected, four RCTs were eligible. Three included 146 children and adolescents aged between six and 16.3 years and used similar PTENS protocols with a frequency of 10 Hz, pulse duration of 700 µs and 20 minutes three times/week. One study enrolled 52 patients aged seven to 14 years used PTENS at home, with a pulse duration of 200 µs and 20 to 60 minutes twice/day. Risk of bias was observed in three studies due to results' randomization and measurement. Two studies showed a partial response with a reduction in wet nights, one a complete response in 27% of patients, and one showed no improvement. Conclusion: PTENS reduces wet nights' frequency but does not cure them, except in 27% of patients in one study. Limited RCTs and data heterogeneity are limitations.

Effects of micro-electric field on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Electrical stimulation is a physical method that can be used to induce various cellular activities such as cell proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis.The induction of osteogenic differentiation of stem cells will be beneficial in the field of bone regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To observe whether micro-current field can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS:The fresh human umbilical cord tissue was cut to obtain umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,which were inoculated into a 6-well plate after cell culture and passage to the third generation.After 24 hours,the cells were cultured under a stimulation of 0,50,and 100 mV/mm micro-electric field,at a frequency of 1 hour per day for 3 continuous days.The growth and morphological changes of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were observed by a microscope.The cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and EdU staining.Alizarin red staining was used to detect the osteogenic differentiation ability of cells.Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of ERK signal pathway proteins. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The optical density value and the number of proliferating cells in 50 and 100 mV/mm groups were significantly higher than those of the unstimulated group(P<0.05).(2)Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells could be induced to differentiate into osteocytes before and after micro-electric field stimulation,but the differentiation rate of 50 and 100 mV/mm groups was faster than that of unstimulated groups.(3)The protein expression of p-ERK1/2 in the 50 and 100 mV/mm groups was higher than that in the unstimulated group,and significant difference was detected between the 100 mV/mm group and the unstimulated group(P<0.05).(4)Micro-electric field can promote the proliferation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,and the mechanism may be achieved by promoting the phosphorylation of ERK.

Effects of biofeedback electrical stimulation on stress urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle strength during postpartum rehabilitation / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To analyze the effect of biofeedback electrical stimulation on the prevention of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle strength during postpartum rehabilitation.Methods:A total of 200 parturients who gave birth in Ningde Municipal Hospital of Ningde Normal University from October 2021 to April 2022 were included as research objects and divided into the control group and the observation group according to different rehabilitation programs, with 100 cases in each group. The control group was given routine rehabilitation, and the observation group was given biofeedback electrical stimulation on the basis of the control group, the parturients in the two groups were treated for 3 months. The occurrence of stress urinary incontinence in the two groups was compared, and the pelvic floor muscle strength before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. The scores of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICI-Q-SF) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7) were compared between the two groups.Results:The total incidence of stress urinary incontinence in the observation group was lower than that in the control group: 4.00%(4/100) vs. 15.00%(15/100), there was statistical difference( χ2 = 9.00, P<0.05). After treatment, the muscle strength grade, class Ⅰ muscle fiber, class Ⅱ muscle fiber and average voltage of pelvic floor muscle in the observation group were higher than those in the control group: (3.85 ± 0.27) grades vs. (3.74 ± 0.32) grades, (10.23 ± 1.17) μV vs. (8.84 ± 1.13) μV, (11.56 ± 0.19) μV vs. (10.98 ± 0.24) μV, (18.12 ± 3.24) μV vs. (14.69 ± 3.01) μV, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of ICI Q-SF and PFIQ-7 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: (7.02 ± 1.26) scores vs. (8.26 ± 1.15) scores, (18.96 ± 4.31) scores vs. (24.17 ± 5.62) scores, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of biofeedback electrical stimulation in postpartum rehabilitation can reduce the incidence of stress urinary incontinence, improve postpartum pelvic floor muscle strength, and reduce the impact of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle disorder on daily life.

Effect of electroacupuncture on P2X4R-p38 MAPK-BDNF signaling pathway in trigeminal ganglion of rats with trigeminal neuralgia / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture on P2X4R-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in trigeminal ganglion of rats with trigeminal neuralgia.Methods:Thirty-six clean-grade healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 190-230 g, aged 2-3 months, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), trigeminal neuralgia group (TN group), and electroacupuncture group (E group). The model was developed by chronic constriction of the infraorbital nerve in anesthetized animals. The infraorbital nerve was only exposed without ligation in group S. Rats received electroacupuncture stimulation at the Baihui and Xiaguan acupoints on the affected side for 20 min after developing the model, with a frequency of 80 Hz, twice a day, for 14 consecutive days in E group. Facial mechanical pain threshold (FMT) was measured at 1 day before developing the model and 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model. The rats were sacrificed after the last behavioral testing, and the trigeminal ganglia were taken for examination of histopathological changes of trigeminal ganglion (by HE staining) and for determination of the expression of P2X4R, p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK) and BDNF (by Western blot) and contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:Compared with group S, the FMT was significantly decreased at each time point after developing the model, the expression of P2X4R, p-p38 MAPK and BDNF in trigeminal ganglion was up-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased ( P<0.05), the pathological changes of the trigeminal ganglion were obvious in group TN. Compared with group TN, the FMT was significantly increased at each time point after developing the model, and the expression of P2X4R, p-p38 MAPK and BDNF in trigeminal ganglion was down-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of the trigeminal ganglion were significantly attenuated in group E. Conclusions:The mechanism by which electroacupuncture alleviates trigeminal neuralgia may be related to inhibiting the activity of P2X4R-p38MAPK-BDNF signaling pathway and reducing neuroinflammation in rats.

Comparison of the efficacy of water jet-assisted dermabrasion versus electric dermabrasion in combination with suction blister epidermal grafting in the treatment of vitiligo / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of water jet-assisted dermabrasion versus electric dermabrasion in combination with suction blister epidermal grafting in the treatment of vitiligo.Methods:A total of 60 vitiligo patients were enrolled from the Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital from March 2020 to March 2022. Thirty patients firstly received water jet-assisted dermabrasion, 30 firstly received electric dermabrasion, and then all were treated with suction blister epidermal grafting. Follow-up visits were conducted once a month, and the repigmentation of skin lesions and efficacy were evaluated and compared between the two groups 6 months after surgery.Results:There were 30 patients with 312 skin lesions in the water jet-assisted dermabrasion group, including 13 males and 17 females, with the ages and disease duration being 24.41 ± 3.12 years and 5.13 ± 2.34 years respectively; there were 30 patients with 301 skin lesions in the electric dermabrasion group, including 11 males and 19 females, with the ages and disease duration being 22.73 ± 5.11 years and 4.88 ± 2.21 years respectively. No significant differences were observed in the age, gender, disease duration, and dermabrasion sites between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Six months after the operation, 187 (59.94%) skin lesions were healed, 103 (33.01%) were markedly improved, and 22 (7.05%) were improved in the water jet-assisted dermabrasion group; in the electric dermabrasion group, 166 (55.15%) lesions were healed, 108 (35.88%) were markedly improved, and 27 (8.97%) were improved; there was no significant difference in the total response rate between the water jet-assisted dermabrasion group (92.95%) and the electric dermabrasion group (91.03%; χ2 = 0.27, P = 0.602). The water jet-assisted dermabrasion group showed significantly higher degree of repigmentation (90.47% ± 2.53%), matching degree of skin color (3.53 ± 0.21 points), and patient satisfaction scores (3.32 ± 0.27 points) compared with the electric dermabrasion group (82.40% ± 5.33%, 2.71 ± 0.32 points, 2.68 ± 0.41 points, t = 5.30, 8.28, 5.09, respectively, all P < 0.05). No adverse reactions/events were seen in either group. Conclusions:The water jet-assisted dermabrasion combined with suction blister epidermal grafting and electric dermabrasion combined with suction blister epidermal grafting showed similar efficacy in the treatment of vitiligo, with good safety profiles. However, the degree of repigmentation, matching degree of skin color, and patient satisfaction rates were all higher in the patients receiving water jet-assisted dermabrasion than those receiving electric dermabrasion.

Effect of an extracorporeal diaphragm pacemaker combined with airway clearance technology on pulmonary infection, diaphragmatic mobility and thickness in older adult patients with dementia / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of an extracorporeal diaphragm pacemaker (EDP) combined with airway clearance technology (ACT) in the treatment of pulmonary infection in older adult patients with dementia and its impact on diaphragmatic mobility and thickness.Methods:A total of 60 patients with dementia and pulmonary infections who received treatment at The Second Hospital of Jinhua from June 2022 to February 2023 were included in this prospective study. These patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received ACT treatment, while the observation group received EDP treatment on the basis of ACT treatment. Two groups were treated for 4 successive weeks. Efficacy was compared between the two groups. Before and after treatment, sputum color score, sputum quality score, diaphragmatic mobility, and diaphragmatic thickness were compared between the two groups.Results:The overall response rate in the observation group was 93.33% (28/30), which was significantly higher than 73.33% (22/30) in the control group ( Z = 2.08, P = 0.038). After treatment, the sputum color score, sputum quality score, and sputum volume in the observation group were (0.46 ± 0.12) points, (0.34 ± 0.10) points, and (8.47 ± 1.23) mL, respectively, which were significantly lower than (0.89 ± 0.17) points, (0.76 ± 0.18) points, and (13.25 ± 2.87) mL, respectively, in the control group ( t = 11.32, 11.17, 8.38, all P < 0.001). After treatment, the diaphragmatic mobility and thickness in the observation group were (13.52 ± 0.51) mm and (0.52 ± 0.06) mm, respectively, which were significantly greater than (12.76 ± 0.41) mm and (0.44 ± 0.04) mm, respectively, in the control group ( t = -6.36, -6.08, both P < 0.001). Conclusion:The combined application of EDP and ACT shows a significant therapeutic effect on patients with dementia and pulmonary infection, effectively improving their pulmonary function, increasing the mobility and thickness of the diaphragm, and alleviating difficulties in breathing.

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation versus functional electrical stimulation on post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) versus functional electrical stimulation (FES) in the treatment of post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome. Methods:The randomized controlled study included 60 patients with post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome who received treatment at the Wenzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from July 2021 to February 2023. These patients were divided into an rTMS group ( n = 30) and an FES group ( n = 30) using a random number table method. Patients in the rTMS group were treated with rTMS, while those in the FES group were treated with FES. All treatments were performed once daily for 8 consecutive weeks. The clinical efficacy, total active movement score of the fingers, Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score, Activity of Daily Living score, modified Barthel Index score, shoulder joint range of motion, and safety were compared between the two groups. Results:The total response rate in the FES group was 86.7% (26/30), which was significantly higher than 83.3% (25/30) in the rTMS group ( Z = 0.09, P = 0.93). After treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of total active movement score of the fingers and Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score ( P = 0.244, 0.262). No significant differences were found between the two groups in MBI score and ADL score (both P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in shoulder joint range of motion between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Both rTMS and FES are highly effective for post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome. They can improve upper limb function, enhance daily living abilities, and remodel neurological functions of the brain.

Research on optimization of preventive maintenance path for electric medical equipment based on multi-criteria decision analysis / 中国医学装备

Objective:To optimize the preventive maintenance path of electric medical equipment by adopting multi-criteria decision analysis(MCDA),and to verify its optimization effect.Methods:The preventive maintenance paths for electric medical equipment were determined through literature research and management group discussions.An expert meeting was organized to discuss,determine,and demonstrate the preventive maintenance path evaluation criteria,and the weight of the criteria was set.Each preventive maintenance path was scored by experts based on criteria,the score of each maintenance path was calculated using the mean and sorted to form the optimal path.767 electric medical equipment of 7 categories in clinical use in the 960th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force from 2021 to 2022 were selected,conventional preventive maintenance management(referred to as conventional management mode)and preventive maintenance path management optimized by MCDA method(referred to as MCDA management mode)were adopted respectively according to different management modes.The changes in indicators such as failure rate,maintenance time,quality inspection pass rate and maintenance cost of electric medical equipment were compared between the two management models.Results:The failure occurrence rate of electric medical equipment of the MCDA management mode was 8.71%(67/767),which was lower than that of the conventional management mode,the difference was statistically significant(x2=3.960,P<0.05).The equipment maintenance time of the MCDA management mode was(2.24±1.17)days,which was lower than that of the conventional management mode,the difference was statistically significant(t=2.360,P<0.05).The quality inspection qualification rate of the MCDA management model was(96.57±2.74)%,which was higher than that of the conventional management mode,the difference was statistically significant(t=4.342,P<0.05).The average maintenance cost of equipment of the MCDA management model accounted for 2.37%of its assets,which was lower than that of the conventional management mode,the difference was statistically significant(x2=4.261,P<0.05).Conclusion:The MCDA method can provide a quantitative structural model for the optimization of preventive maintenance paths for electric medical equipment,and the optimized preventive maintenance paths can achieve efficient management of electric medical equipment,and focusing on the training of maintenance personnel's technical level can increase the self-repair rate and reduce the failure rate of medical equipment.

PIEZO1 Channel is Involved in Electric Field Guided Cell Migration / 生物化学与生物物理进展

ObjectiveDisruption of epithelial layer may instantaneously induce the generation of endogenous electric fields, which was proved to play an important role in guiding the cell migration and promoting wound healing. PIEZO1 is a kind of mechanic sensitive channel, may be regulated by voltage, is proved to involve in chemotactic migration of cells and play an important role in the process of wound healing. In this paper, the role of PIEZO1 and its downstream proteins FAK and integrin β1 in the electric field guided cell migration were investigated by HaCaT cells (human immortalized keratinocyte). MethodsCell migration was tracked by Living Cell Imaging System in directed current (DC) electric field (EF). Inhibitors and RNAi techniques were applied to study the function of PIEZO1 and other related proteins in electric fields. Western blot was used to detect the expression and phosphorylation levels of integrin β1 and FAK in electric field guided migration under EF stimulation. ResultsPiezo1 RNAi as well as Ruthenium red and GsMTx4 treatment all significantly inhibited the electrotaxis of HaCaT cells. Electric field stimulation with GsMTx4 treatment alone increased FAK phosphorylation level and the expression of integrin β1. Electric field promoted the expression level of integrin β1 and the phosphorylation level of FAK. Inhibiting the expression of PIEZO1 by RNAi significantly attenuated the phosphorylation level of FAK under EF stimulation. Inhibition of integrin β1 and FAK by inhibitor significantly decrease the electric field guided cell migration. ConclusionPIEZO1 as well as integrin β1 and FAK are involved in the electric field guided cell migration of HaCaT cells. Electric field signals regulate the expression of integrin β1 and the activation of FAK through PIEZO1-mediated signal pathway to orchestrate cell migration.

Application of Cut-and-Sew Technique in Thoracoscopic Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery and Concomitant Maze Procedure

ABSTRACT Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is one of the common complications of mitral valve disease. Currently, in the absence of freezing equipment, it's still impossible to fully conduct a minimally invasive Cox-maze IV procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. Methods: We analyzed the clinical data of 28 patients who underwent thoracoscopic minimally invasive mitral valve full maze surgery in our hospital from October 2021 to September 2022; 13 patients were male and 15 were female, three suffered from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and 25 suffered from permanent atrial fibrillation; average age was 61.88±8.30 years, and mean preoperative left atrial diameter was 47.12±8.34 mm. Isolation of left atrial posterior wall (box lesion) was completed in all patients by cut-and-sew technique and bipolar clamp ablation. Results: For these subjects, the median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 169 (109.75-202.75) minutes, aortic cross-clamping time was 106 (77.75-125.50) minutes, and ventilator assistance time was 6.5 (0-10) hours. Among them, eight subjects had the endotracheal tubes removed immediately after surgical operation. Three subjects were in the blanking period; two subjects still had atrial fibrillation at three months after operation, one of whom resumed sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion therapy; and all the remaining 23 subjects had sinus rhythm. Conclusion: The minimally invasive cut-and-sew technique for electrical isolation of left pulmonary veins can improve sinus conversion rate of patients suffering from both mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation. In selected subjects, it is safe and has good results in the short-term postoperative period.

Sacral neuromodulation therapy for urinary and defecatory disorders: experience in a Latin American public hospital

Abstract Objective: To show the experience of a Latin American public hospital, with SNM in the management of either OAB, NOUR or FI, reporting feasibility, short to medium-term success rates, and complications. Methods: A retrospective cohort was conducted using data collected prospectively from patients with urogynecological conditions and referred from colorectal surgery and urology services between 2015 and 2022. Results: Advanced or basic trial phases were performed on 35 patients, 33 (94%) of which were successful and opted to move on Implantable Pulse Generator (GG) implantation. The average follow-up time after definitive implantation was 82 months (SD 59). Of the 33 patients undergoing, 27 (81%)reported an improvement of 50% or more in their symptoms at last follow-up. Moreover, 30 patients (90%) with a definitive implant reported subjective improvement, with an average PGI-I "much better" and 9 of them reporting to be "excellent" on PGI-I. Conclusion: SNM is a feasible and effective treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Its implementation requires highly trained groups and innovative leadership. At a nation-wide level, greater diffusion of this therapy among professionals is needed to achieve timely referral of patients who require it.

Clinical effect and prognostic factor of electric stimulation and biofeedback therapy on postpartum pelvic organ prolapse / Efeito clínico e fator prognóstico da estimulação elétrica e terapia de biofeedback no prolapso de órgãos pélvicos pós-parto / Efecto clínico y factor pronóstico de la estimulación eléctrica y la terapia de biorretroalimentación en el prolapso posparto de órganos pélvicos

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the effects of electric stimulation and biofeedback therapy in patients with postpartum pelvic organ prolapse and to identify factors that can affect therapeutic efficacy outcomes. Method: This retrospective study analysed clinical data about patients with postpartum pelvic organ prolapse. A total of 328 women with pelvic organ prolapse at 6 weeks postpartum were recruited from one tertiary hospitals in Sichuan province in China, between March 2019 and March 2022. The prognostic factors of therapeutic efficacy were analysed using logistic regression and decision tree model. Results: Overall, 259 women showed clinical benefits from the treatment. The logistic regression model showed that parity, pelvic floor muscle training at home, and the pelvic organ prolapse quantitation stage before treatment were independent prognostic factors. The decision tree model showed that the pelvic organ prolapse quantitation stage before treatment was the main prognostic factor, followed by parity. There was no significant difference in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve between the two models. Conclusion: Parity, pelvic floor muscle training at home, and the pelvic organ prolapse quantitation stage before treatment were important prognostic factors of electric stimulation and biofeedback therapy on postpartum pelvic organ prolapse.

RESUMO Objetivo: Explorar o efeito da estimulação elétrica e da terapia de biofeedback em pacientes com prolapso de órgãos pélvicos pós-parto e identificar fatores que podem afetar os resultados da eficácia terapêutica. Método: Este estudo é uma análise retrospectiva de dados clínicos de pacientes com prolapso de órgãos pélvicos pós-parto. Um total de 328 mulheres com prolapso de órgãos pélvicos nas seis semanas pós-parto foram recrutadas em um hospital terciário na província de Sichuan, na China, entre março de 2019 e março de 2022. Os fatores prognósticos de eficácia terapêutica foram analisados por meio de regressão logística e modelo de árvore de decisão. Resultados: No geral, 259 mulheres apresentaram benefícios clínicos com o tratamento. O modelo de regressão logística mostrou que a paridade, o treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico em casa e o estágio de quantificação do prolapso de órgãos pélvicos antes do tratamento foram fatores prognósticos independentes. O modelo de árvore de decisão mostrou que o estágio de quantificação do prolapso de órgãos pélvicos antes do tratamento foi o principal fator prognóstico, seguido pela paridade. Não houve diferença significativa na área sob a curva ROC entre os dois modelos. Conclusão: A paridade, o treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico em casa e o estágio de quantificação do prolapso de órgãos pélvicos antes do tratamento foram importantes fatores prognósticos da estimulação elétrica e da terapia de biofeedback no prolapso de órgãos pélvicos pós-parto.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Explorar el efecto de la estimulación eléctrica y la terapia de biorretroalimentación en pacientes con prolapso posparto de órganos pélvicos e identificar los factores que pueden afectar los resultados de la eficacia terapéutica. Método: Este estudio es un análisis retrospectivo de los datos clínicos de pacientes con prolapso posparto de órganos pélvicos. Entre marzo de 2019 y marzo de 2022, se reclutaron un total de 328 mujeres con prolapso de órganos pélvicos en las seis semanas posteriores al parto en un hospital terciario de la provincia de Sichuan, China. Los factores pronósticos de eficacia terapéutica se analizaron mediante regresión logística y el modelo de árbol de decisión. Resultados: En total, 259 mujeres mostraron beneficios clínicos relacionados con el tratamiento. El modelo de regresión logística mostró que la paridad, el entrenamiento en casa de la musculatura del suelo pélvico y la etapa de cuantificación del prolapso de órganos pélvicos antes del tratamiento fueron factores pronósticos independientes. El modelo de árbol de decisión mostró que la etapa de cuantificación del prolapso de órganos pélvicos previa al tratamiento fue el principal factor pronóstico, seguido de la paridad. No hubo diferencias significativas en el área bajo la curva ROC entre los dos modelos. Conclusión: La paridad, el entrenamiento en casa de la musculatura del suelo pélvico y la etapa de cuantificación del prolapso de órganos pélvicos previa al tratamiento fueron factores pronósticos importantes de la estimulación eléctrica y la terapia de biorretroalimentación en el prolapso posparto de órganos pélvicos.

Incidental finding of cardiac hydatid cyst during autopsy

ABSTRACT Hydatidosis or echinococcosis is an endemic parasitic disease caused by the ingestion of eggs of echinococcal species worldwide. In India, the annual incidence varies from 1 to 200 per one 100,000 hab., with the highest prevalence reported in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The dog is the definitive host, while humans, sheep, and cattle are intermediate hosts. The disease usually involves the liver and lungs, with the kidney and other organs rare involvement. Cardiac hydatidosis is still further rare, seen in 0.2% to 2% of the patients who remain asymptomatic until the development of its complications. Sudden deaths in cardiac echinococcosis are mostly attributed to cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery diseases, valvular diseases, cardiomyopathies, pericarditis, and cardiac tamponade. We, herein, report a rare case of cardiac hydatid cyst incidentally found during the autopsy of a 26-year-old male who died due to electrical injuries. A single greyish-white cystic mass measuring 1.5cm X 1.2cm was detected on the left anterior ventricular wall 4 cm above the apex and was confirmed microscopically as a hydatid cyst. The cause of death was attributed to external injury.

An electric field modeling study with meta-analysis to understand the antidepressant effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Objective: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has mixed effects for major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms, partially owing to large inter-experimental variability in tDCS protocols and their correlated induced electric fields (E-fields). We investigated whether the E-field strength of distinct tDCS parameters was associated with antidepressant effect. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed with placebo-controlled clinical trials of tDCS enrolling MDD patients. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 10, 2023. Effect sizes of tDCS protocols were correlated with E-field simulations (SimNIBS) of brain regions of interest (bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC] and bilateral subgenual anterior cingulate cortex [sgACC]). Moderators of tDCS responses were also investigated. Results: A total of 20 studies were included (21 datasets, 1,008 patients), using 11 distinct tDCS protocols. Results revealed a moderate effect for MDD (g = 0.41, 95%CI 0.18-0.64), while cathode position and treatment strategy were found to be moderators of response. A negative association between effect size and tDCS-induced E-field magnitude was seen, with stronger E-fields in the right frontal and medial parts of the DLPFC (targeted by the cathode) leading to smaller effects. No association was found for the left DLPFC and the bilateral sgACC. An optimized tDCS protocol is proposed. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for a standardized tDCS protocol in MDD clinical trials. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42022296246.

Combined ultrasound and electric field stimulations improve pain and functional capacity in immediate cesarean delivery: a randomized clinical trial, double-blind, and placebo-controlled / Terapia combinada de estimulação elétrica por meio do ultrassom melhora a dor e a capacidade funcional no pós-parto imediato de cesariana: ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego e placebo

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Wound complications and pharmacological pain relief methods used at the skin surgical site after cesarean delivery may result in women's physical and emotional burden. Thus, nonpharmacological treatments must be explored to avoid these complications and side effects on maternal health. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Combined Ultrasound and Electric Field Stimulation (CUSEFS) on cicatricial pain and functional capacity in immediate cesarean delivery. METHODS: This study has a randomized clinical trial, double-blind, and placebo-controlled design. Thirty women (25.7±5.0 years) in immediate postpartum were randomly assigned to three groups: Control (CG, n:9), CUSEFS (TG, n:11), and Placebo (PG, n:10). CUSEFS was performed once for 20 minutes. Cicatricial pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire) and functional capacity (Functional Capacity Check) was assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and after 30 minutes. Cohen's (d) and Mixed-design analysis of variance were used to compare groups. RESULTS: Immediately after the intervention, TG showed a decrease in cicatricial pain compared with CG in sensory (d:3.8 to 4.0), affective (d:4.0), and total categories (d:3.9). In functional capacity, TG had less difficulty than CG at walking (d:0.6) and lying down (d:1.1), and PG at rest (d: 0.9). CONCLUSION: CUSEFS might be a resource for managing cicatricial pain and functional capacity in immediate cesarean delivery. Further studies with longer duration and different CUSEFS doses/parameters are required.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As complicações na ferida e o uso de métodos farmacológicos de alívio da dor no local cirúrgico após a cesariana podem resultar em sobrecarga física e emocional para a mulher. Assim, tratamentos não farmacológicos devem ser explorados para evitar essas complicações e efeitos adversos à saúde materna. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos da terapia combinada de estimulação elétrica por meio do ultrassom (CUSEFS) na dor cicatricial e na capacidade funcional no pós-parto imediato de cesariana. MÉTODOS: Este estudo possui um desenho de ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego e controlado por placebo. Trinta mulheres (25,7±5,0 anos) em pós-parto imediato de cesariana foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em três grupos: Controle (CG, n:9), CUSEFS (TG:11) e Placebo (PG, n:10). O CUSEFS foi realizado uma vez por 20 minutos. A dor cicatricial (Questionário de Dor McGill) e a capacidade funcional (Functional Capacity Check) foram avaliadas no início, após a intervenção e após 30 minutos. As análises de variância de design misto e Cohen (d) foram usadas para comparar os grupos. RESULTADOS: Imediatamente após a intervenção, o TG apresentou diminuição na dor cicatricial em relação ao CG nas categorias sensorial (d:3,8 a 4,0), afetiva (d:4,0) e total (d:3,9). Na capacidade funcional, o TG apresentou menor dificuldade que o CG na marcha (d:0,6) e deitado (d:1,1), e que o PG em repouso (d:0,9). CONCLUSÃO: O CUSEFS pode ser um recurso para o manejo da dor cicatricial e da capacidade funcional imediatamente após a cesariana. Além disso, são necessários mais estudos com maior duração e diferentes doses/parâmetros de CUSEFS.

Bioimpedanciometry in nutritional and hydration assessments in a single dialysis center / Bioimpedanciometria em avaliações nutricionais e de hidratação em um único centro de diálise

ABSTRACT Background: Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) has been demonstrated to add accuracy to nutritional and volume status assessments in dialysis (HD) patients. Aim: to describe a sample of dialysis patients from a single center on their demographics and BIA of volume distribution and nutritional status, and mortality during 12-month follow-up. Methods: prospective observational cohort study to evaluate vintage HD patients with single-frequency BIA. Results: we evaluated 82 patients, 29% over 65 years old. Elderly patients had higher ECW/TBW (0.51 vs. 0.44, p < 0.0001), and narrower phase angle (PhA) (4.9 vs. 6.4º, p < 0.0001). Fifteen patients (18.2%) died during follow-up, eight (53%) were elderly. Death was associated with age (62.6 vs. 50.2 years, p = 0.012), post-HD PhA (4.8 vs. 6.2º, p = 0.0001), and post-HD ECW/TBW (0.50 vs. 0.45, p = 0.015). The ROC curve analysis to predict mortality found ECW/TBW ≥ 0.47 and PhA ≤ 5.5º to have the best sensitivity and specificity. One-year patient survival was lower with post-HD ECW/TBW ≥ 0.47 (69.5% vs. 90.6%, p = 0.019), age ≥ 65 years (64.2%, vs. 86.2%, p = 0.029), and PhA ≤ 5.5º (68.2 vs. 91.0%, p = 0.002). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that PhA [HR 5.04 (95%CI 1.60-15.86), p = 0.006] remained associated with death after adjusting for age and ECW/TBW. Conclusion: BIA is useful in assessing volume distribution and nutrition in HD patients, and combined with clinical judgement, may help determine dry weight, especially in elderly patients. Narrower PhA and higher ECW/TBW after HD were associated with poorer one-year survival.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Análise de bioimpedância (BIA) demonstrou adicionar acurácia às avaliações de estado nutricional e de volume em pacientes em diálise (HD). Objetivo: descrever amostra de pacientes em diálise de um único centro quanto aos aspectos demográficos e BIA na distribuição de volume e no estado nutricional, e a mortalidade em 12 meses de acompanhamento. Métodos: estudo de coorte observacional prospectivo para avaliar pacientes prevalentes em HD com BIA de frequência única. Resultados: avaliamos 82 pacientes, 29% acima de 65 anos. Pacientes idosos apresentaram maior AEC/ACT (0,51 vs. 0,44; p < 0,0001), e ângulo de fase mais estreito (PhA) (4,9 vs. 6,4º; p < 0,0001). Quinze pacientes (18,2%) foram a óbito durante acompanhamento, oito (53%) eram idosos. Óbito foi associado à idade (62,6 vs. 50,2 anos, p = 0,012), PhA pós-HD (4,8 vs. 6,2º; p = 0,0001), e AEC/ACT pós-HD (0,50 vs. 0,45, p = 0,015). A análise da curva ROC para prever mortalidade constatou que AEC/ACT ≥ 0,47 e PhA ≤ 5,5º apresentam melhor sensibilidade e especificidade. Sobrevida do paciente em um ano foi menor com AEC/ACT pós-HD ≥ 0,47 (69,5% vs. 90,6%; p = 0,019), idade ≥ 65 anos (64,2% vs. 86,2%; p = 0,029), e PhA ≤ 5,5º (68,2 vs. 91,0%; p = 0,002). A análise de regressão de Cox demonstrou que PhA [HR 5,04 (IC 95% 1,60-15,86); p = 0,006] permaneceu associado ao óbito após ajuste para idade e AEC/ACT. Conclusão: BIA é útil ao avaliar distribuição de volume e nutrição em pacientes em HD, e juntamente com julgamento clínico, pode ajudar a determinar o peso seco, principalmente em pacientes idosos. PhA mais estreito e maior AEC/ACT pós-HD foram associados a pior sobrevida em um ano.

Queimadura elétrica: Análise epidemiológica dos pacientes da Unidade de Queimados do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia / Electrical burns: Epidemiological analysis of patients at the Burns Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Uberlândia

Introdução: O uso da corrente elétrica é imprescindível nas nossas atividades do cotidiano, porém, seu contato com tecidos vivos pode provocar queimaduras desde leves até graves ou fatais. Por se tratar de um problema de saúde pública, o conhecimento de sua epidemiologia é essencial para o desenvolvimento de programas em saúde. Método: Estudo transversal de dados registrados nos prontuários dos pacientes atendidos por queimadura elétrica na Unidade de Queimados do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia entre os anos de 2013 e 2019. Resultados: Foram admitidos 26 pacientes, a maioria de sexo masculino (76,9%) e adultos (30,7%), vítimas de corrente de alta voltagem (65,4%) no trabalho (57,7%), que mais afetou as extremidades superiores (80,7%), sendo as crianças todas do sexo feminino (15,3%). O percentual médio de área queimada foi de 14,5% e o percentual de tratados com autoenxerto de pele foi de 53,8%. A média de permanência hospitalar foi de 40 dias e 3,8% deles foram para a Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Não se registraram óbitos durante o período. Conclusão: A incidência de pacientes atendidos por queimadura elétrica é baixa, acometendo vítimas em todas as faixas etárias e com predomínio em indivíduos adultos do sexo masculino em seu local de trabalho. O tratamento cirúrgico mais realizado foi o autoenxerto de pele. As políticas de promoção, prevenção e proteção em saúde no que diz respeito aos perigos da corrente elétricas não estariam sendo praticadas e difundidas em nossa população doméstica, laboral ou empregadora, diferentemente como ocorre em grande parte dos países desenvolvidos.

Introduction: Using electric current is essential in our daily activities; however, its contact with living tissue can cause mild to severe or fatal burns. As it is a public health problem, knowledge of its epidemiology is essential for the development of health programs. Method: Cross-sectional study of data recorded in the medical records of patients treated for electrical burns at the Burns Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia between 2013 and 2019. Results: 26 patients were admitted, the majority of whom were male (76 .9%) and adults (30.7%), victims of high voltage current (65.4%) at work (57.7%), which most affected the upper extremities (80.7%), with children all female (15.3%). The average percentage of burned area was 14. 5% and the % of those treated with skin autograft was 53.8%. The average hospital stay was 40 days, and 3.8% went to the Intensive Care Unit. No deaths were recorded during the period. Conclusion: The incidence of patients treated for electrical burns is low, affecting victims in all age groups and with a predominance of adult males in their workplace. The most common surgical treatment was skin autograft. Health promotion, prevention, and protection policies regarding the dangers of electrical currents would not be practiced and disseminated among our domestic, working, or employing population, unlike what occurs in most developed countries.

Neuroestimulación del nervio vago, hipocampal y de núcleos anteriores y centromedianos del tálamo en epilepsia temporal: revisión de la literatura / Neurostimulation of the vagus nerve, hippocampal and anterior and centromedian nuclei of the thalamus in temporal epilepsy: literature review

Introducción: En pacientes con epilepsia del lóbulo temporal refractarios que no son candidatos a cirugía, se debe considerar la estimulación eléctrica cerebral como una opción. Contenido: La estimulación eléctrica cerebral es la administración directa de pulsos eléctricos al tejido nervioso que permite modular un sustrato patológico, interrumpir la manifestación clínica de las crisis y reducir la gravedad de estas. Así, dada la importancia de estos tratamientos para los pacientes con epilepsia del lóbulo temporal refractaria, se hace una revisión de cuatro tipos de estimulación eléctrica. La primera, la del nervio vago, es una buena opción en crisis focales y crisis generalizadas o multifocales. La segunda, la del hipocampo, es más útil en pacientes no candidatos a lobectomía por riesgo de pérdida de memoria, con resonancia magnética normal o sin esclerosis mesial temporal. La tercera, la del núcleo anterior, es pertinente principalmente en pacientes con crisis focales, pero debe realizarse con precaución en pacientes con alto riesgo de cambios cognitivos, como los ancianos, o en los que presentan alteración del estado de ánimo basal, y, por último, la del núcleo centromediano se recomienda para el tratamiento crisis focales en el síndrome de Rasmussen y crisis tónico-clónicas en el síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut. Conclusiones: El interés por la estimulación eléctrica cerebral ha venido aumentando, al igual que las estructuras diana en las cuales se puede aplicar, debido a que es un tratamiento seguro y eficaz en pacientes con epilepsia del lóbulo temporal para controlar las crisis, pues disminuye la morbimortalidad y aumenta la calidad de vida.

Introduction: In patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy who are not candidates for surgery, electrical brain stimulation should be considered as another option. Contents: Electrical brain stimulation is the direct administration of electrical pulses to nerve tissue that modulates a pathological substrate, interrupts the clinical manifestation of seizures, and reduces their severity. Thus, given the importance of these treatments for patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy, four types of electrical stimulation are reviewed. The first, vagus nerve stimulation, is a good option in focal seizures and generalized or multifocal seizures. The second, hippocampal stimulation, is more useful in patients who are not candidates for lobectomy due to the risk of memory loss, with normal MRI or without mesial temporal sclerosis. The third, the anterior nucleus, is mainly in patients with focal seizures, but with caution in patients at high risk of cognitive changes such as the elderly, or in those with baseline mood disturbance and, finally, the centromedian nucleus is recommended for the treatment of focal seizures in Rasmussen's syndrome and tonic-clonic seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Conclusions: the interest in brain electrical stimulation has been increasing as well as the target structures in which it can be applied because it is a safe and effective treatment in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy to control seizures, decreasing morbidity and mortality and increasing quality of life

Interferential Current Electrotherapy is More Effective Thanthan TENS VIF in Cancer Pain Management / Corrente Interferencial é Mais Efetiva para Alívio da Dor Oncológica que a TENS VIF

Cancer diagnosis is increasing rapidly worldwide and pain is a common feature reported by cancer patients. Therapeutical approach on cancer pain is complex where less invasive methods with little side effects have been sought. The aim of this study was to compare transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current (IC) therapies effects on cancer pain. Double blind study with 81 cancer pain patients. Subjects were set up into two groups: one treated with TENS VIF (n=42) and other with IC (n=39). Age, gender, duration of pain, tumor site and histology, medications, treatments, Karnofsky score and clinical state were evaluated. Pain was measured by EMADOR and McGill scores. Electroanalgesia was performed for 30 minutes, the equipments used were Neurodyn III Ibramed® and Neurovector generation 2000 Ibramed®. Electrodes were placed where there was higher intensity of pain according to what was shown by the patient through EMADOR, and each one got only one electrotherapy session. Pain intensity was significantly reduced in both groups (p<0.001) soon after and until 6th hour post electrotherapy. IC group had better results at 4th, 5th (p<0.001) and 6th hour (p=0.022). McGill score in TENS VIF group was significant until 4th hour and in the IC group was highly significant in all evaluated times (p<0.001). Analgesic effect of TENS VIF and IC electrotherapy was clinically effective, however, IC did cause better results regarding analgesia duration.(AU)

O diagnóstico de câncer está aumentando rapidamente em todo o mundo e a dor é uma característica comum relatada por pacientes com câncer. A abordagem terapêutica da dor oncológica é complexa onde métodos menos invasivos e com poucos efeitos colaterais têm sido buscados. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos das terapias de estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) e corrente interferencial (IC) na dor oncológica. Estudo duplo-cego com 81 pacientes com dor oncológica. Os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos: um tratado com TENS VIF (n=42) e outro com IC (n=39). Idade, sexo, duração da dor, local do tumor e histologia, medicamentos, tratamentos, pontuação de Karnofsky e estado clínico foram avaliados. A dor foi mensurada pelos escores EMADOR e McGill. A eletroanalgesia foi realizada por 30 minutos, os equipamentos utilizados foram Neurodyn III Ibramed® e Neurovector geração 2000 Ibramed®. Os eletrodos foram colocados onde havia maior intensidade de dor de acordo com o apresentado pelo paciente através da EMADOR. A intensidade da dor foi significativamente reduzida em ambos os grupos (p<0,001) logo após e até a 6ª hora pós-eletroterapia. O grupo CI teve melhores resultados na 4ª, 5ª (p<0,001) e 6ª hora (p=0,022). O escore de McGill no grupo TENS VIF foi significativo até a 4ª hora e no grupo IC foi altamente significativo em todos os tempos avaliados (p<0,001). O efeito analgésico da TENS VIF e da eletroterapia com IC foi clinicamente eficaz, porém a IC trouxe melhores resultados quanto à duração da analgesia.(AU)

Transnasal endoscopy-guided percutaneous access to the sphenopalatine ganglion for neurostimulation in the treatment of primary headache: operative technique and feasibility

Abstract Objectives: Cluster headache is considered a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia and may present with characteristic symptoms of sympathetic/parasympathetic activation on the affected side of the face, such as nasal discharge, tearing, and conjunctival injection. Invasive therapies targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion have been performed in these headache syndromes and can have a medication-sparing effect, especially in refractory, difficult-to-manage cases. The gate control theory of pain suggests that electric pulses delivered to nerve tissues can modulate neuronal activity, thus aiding in management of nociceptive or neuropathic pain, and studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of sphenopalatine ganglion neurostimulation. Within this context, we sought to assess the feasibility of a new surgical technique for neurostimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion in a cadaver dissection model. Methods: The technique was developed through dissection of two cadaver heads. We divided the procedure into two stages: an endonasal endoscopic approach to expose the sphenopalatine ganglion and confirm electrode placement, and a cervicofacial approach to introduce the electrode array and position the internal pulse-generator unit. Computed tomography was performed to confirm implant placement at the end of the procedure. Results: The pulse-generator unit was successfully placed through a retroauricular incision, as is already standard for cochlear implant placement. This should reduce the incidence of perioperative sequelae, especially pain and swelling in the oral region, which are a common complication of previous approaches used for this purpose. Control imaging confirmed proper electrode placement. The device used in this study allows the patient to modulate the intensity of the stimulus, reducing or even obviating the need for drug therapy. Conclusion: The novel technique described herein, based on percutaneous access guided by transmaxillary endoscopy, can provide great precision in electrode array positioning and decreased perioperative morbidity, combining the advantages of endoscopic approaches with those of the retroauricular route. Level of evidence: 3.