From 2D to 3D: Automatic measurement of the Cobb angle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with the weight-bearing 3D imaging.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) necessitates accurate spinal curvature assessment for effective clinical management. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) Cobb angle measurements have been the standard, but the emergence of three-dimensional (3D) automatic measurement techniques, such as those using weight-bearing 3D imaging (WR3D), presents an opportunity to enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of AIS evaluation. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare traditional 2D Cobb angle measurements with 3D automatic measurements utilizing the WR3D imaging technique in patients with AIS. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A cohort of 53 AIS patients was recruited, encompassing 88 spinal curves, for comparative analysis. PATIENT SAMPLE: The patient sample consisted of 53 individuals diagnosed with AIS. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cobb angles were calculated using the conventional 2D method and three different 3D methods: the Analytical Method (AM), the Plane Intersecting Method (PIM), and the Plane Projection Method (PPM). METHODS: The 2D cobb angle was manually measured by 3 experienced clinicians with 2D frontal whole-spine radiographs. For 3D cobb angle measurements, the spine and femoral heads were segmented from the WR3D images using a 3D-UNet deep-learning model, and the automatic calculations of the angles were performed with the 3D slicer software. RESULTS: AM and PIM estimates were found to be significantly larger than 2D measurements. Conversely, PPM results showed no statistical difference compared to the 2D method. These findings were consistent in a subgroup analysis based on 2D Cobb angles. CONCLUSION: Each 3D measurement method provides a unique assessment of spinal curvature, with PPM offering values closely resembling 2D measurements, while AM and PIM yield larger estimations. The utilization of WR3D technology alongside deep learning segmentation ensures accuracy and efficiency in comparative analyses. However, additional studies, particularly involving patients with severe curves, are required to validate and expand on these results. This study emphasizes the importance of selecting an appropriate measurement method considering the imaging modality and clinical context when assessing AIS, and it also underlines the need for continuous refinement of these techniques for optimal use in clinical decision-making and patient management.

Safety of non-ionic contrast media in CT examinations for out-patients: retrospective multicenter analysis of 473,482 patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the incidence of and potential risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) after non-ionic iodinated contrast media (NICM) administration for CT exams in out-patient settings in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 473,482 out-patients who underwent intravenous NICM between January 1st, 2017, and Dec 31st, 2021, were retrospectively enrolled from three institutions. The occurrence of ADRs and clinical information were recorded. Chi-square test, Poisson regression, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential ADR risk factors and correlation with demographics, season, and NICM type. RESULTS: Among the 473,482 patients (mean age 55.22 ± 14.85; 253,499 male) who received intravenous NICM, the overall ADR incidence was 0.110% (522 of 473,482), with 0.099% acute-related drug reactions (469 of 473,482) and 0.0004% serious ADRs (two of 473,482). Iopromide was associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more frequently observed with iodixanol 320. Multi-level logistic regression of patients with acute ADRs and a control group (matched 1:1 for age, gender, NICM, prescriber department, and institution) showed that summer (adjusted OR = 1.579; p = 0.035) and autumn (adjusted OR = 1.925; p < 0.001) were risk factors of acute ADRs. However, underlying disease and scanned body area were not related to a higher ADR incidence. CONCLUSION: The use of NICM for out-patients is in general safe with a low ADR incidence. The type of contrast medium (iopromide) and the seasons (summer and autumn) were associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more often observed with iodixanol. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In comparison to in-patients, out-patients may be exposed to higher risk due to a lack of extensive risk screening, less nursing care, and higher throughput pressure. Safety data about NICM from a large population may complement guidelines and avoid ambiguity. KEY POINTS: • The incidence and risk factors for adverse events after using non-ionic iodinated contrast media are complex in out-patients. • Non-ionic iodinated contrast media are safe for out-patients and the overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was 0.110%. • There is a higher risk of acute adverse drug reactions in summer and autumn.

Weight-bearing cone-beam CT with extensive coverage for volumetric imaging in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: system implementation and initial validation.

The study aimed to introduce a novel imaging method that generates large-coverage, weight-bearing, and 3D images of the whole spine. The proposed system comprises an X-ray tube, a flat panel detector, and a standing platform. The standing platform rotates the imaged subject, allowing for the acquisition of serial fluoroscopic images from different angles which can be used to create 3D images. To increase the longitudinal coverage, we apply a segmental scanning pattern in which the imaged region is scanned in segments and stitched. To address the issue of data inaccuracy between the segments, redundant areas are set at margins of the segmental images, and registration and stitching algorithms are applied. We conducted validation experiments to evaluate radiation dose and image quality. The dose was evaluated using the volume CT dose index (CTDIvol). For image quality evaluation, we measured the low-contrast and spatial resolution. Additionally, we conducted a clinical study consisting of 30 volunteers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who were imaged by our method, and the images were subjectively assessed based on image noise, artifacts, anatomical coverage, diagnostic confidence, and overall quality. The CTDIvol was 1.23 mGy, and the low-contrast resolution was 0.6% at 4 mm and the spatial resolution was 8 lp/cm. The clinical images were generally of good quality, with high scores for all factors evaluated. Our method successfully generates large-coverage, weight-bearing, and 3D images of the whole spine with high image quality and low radiation dose. It shows potential for wider clinical applications for various musculoskeletal conditions.

Image feature index: A novel metric for quantifying chest radiographic image quality.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic X-ray imaging is a common clinical examination. Current objective methods for quantifying image quality for radiographs struggle to capture the combined impact of factors throughout the imaging chain on the perceived image quality. Therefore, there is a need to further develop metrics that correlate with image quality as perceived by the observer. OBJECTIVES: We proposed the image feature index (IFI) to comprehensively quantify radiographic X-ray image quality. We also aimed to study the correlation between IFI and observer-perceived image quality for chest radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The IFI algorithm was developed, which measured the amount of information, textural features, and noise in the image. A total of 70 chest phantom radiographs were generated under 60-120 kV and 0.2-80 mAs. A vendor-proprietary exposure index (EI) and dose area product (DAP) were extracted from the DICOM header in addition to calculating IFI for each image to investigate the relationships between IFI, EI and DAP. The quality of the images was rated by three observers, and the correlation between IFI and subjective score of image quality was tested. Next, a retrospective study using a random sample of 50 clinical chest radiographs was performed, and the correlation between IFI and subjective score was tested. The correlation was determined by the Spearman test. RESULTS: The curves of IFI versus DAP and IFI versus EI both demonstrated a similar three-stage form where IFI is above zero: in the first stage, IFI increases rapidly with increased DAP or EI, whereas in the second stage, the slope of the curves decreased towards an asymptote, that is, minimal gain in IFI with increased DAP or EI-until they hit the inflection point and then descended sharply in the third stage. For both phantom and clinical chest images, IFI demonstrated good correlation with subjective score (r = 0.9084 for phantom images, r = 0.8153 for clinical images). CONCLUSIONS: IFI is a feasible and efficient descriptor for image quality for chest radiographs. Future studies with larger sample sizes and sample types are needed to confirm the feasibility of IFI for other exam types and anatomical views, thus fulfilling and extending the potential applications of IFI in quality control and radiation dose reduction.

Rapid 3D breath-hold MR cholangiopancreatography using deep learning-constrained compressed sensing reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the image quality of three-dimensional breath-hold magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with deep learning-based compressed sensing reconstruction (3D DL-CS-MRCP) to those of 3D breath-hold MRCP with compressed sensing (3D CS-MRCP), 3D breath-hold MRCP with gradient and spin-echo (3D GRASE-MRCP) and conventional 2D single-shot breath-hold MRCP (2D MRCP). METHODS: In total, 102 consecutive patients who underwent MRCP at 3.0 T, including 2D MRCP, 3D GRASE-MRCP, 3D CS-MRCP, and 3D DL-CS-MRCP, were prospectively included. Two radiologists independently analyzed the overall image quality, background suppression, artifacts, and visualization of pancreaticobiliary ducts using a five-point scale. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the common bile duct (CBD), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the CBD and liver, and contrast ratio between the periductal tissue and CBD were measured. The Friedman test was performed to compare the four protocols. RESULTS: 3D DL-CS-MRCP resulted in improved SNR and CNR values compared with those in the other three protocols, and better contrast ratio compared with that in 3D CS-MRCP and 3D GRASE-MRCP (all, p < 0.05). Qualitative image analysis showed that 3D DL-CS-MRCP had better performance for second-level intrahepatic ducts and distal main pancreatic ducts compared with 3D CS-MRCP (all, p < 0.05). Compared with 2D MRCP, 3D DL-CS-MRCP demonstrated better performance for the second-order left intrahepatic duct but was inferior in assessing the main pancreatic duct (all, p < 0.05). Moreover, the image quality was significantly higher in 3D DL-CS-MRCP than in 3D GRASE-MRCP. CONCLUSION: 3D DL-CS-MRCP has superior performance compared with that of 3D CS-MRCP or 3D GRASE-MRCP. Deep learning reconstruction also provides a comparable image quality but with inferior main pancreatic duct compared with that revealed by 2D MRCP. KEY POINTS: • 3D breath-hold MRCP with deep learning reconstruction (3D DL-CS-MRCP) demonstrated improved image quality compared with that of 3D MRCP with compressed sensing or GRASE. • Compared with 2D MRCP, 3D DL-CS-MRCP had superior performance in SNR and CNR, better visualization of the left second-level intrahepatic bile ducts, and comparable overall image quality, but an inferior main pancreatic duct.

Inflammaging: The ground for sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is a progressive skeletal muscle disease that occurs most commonly in the elderly population, contributing to increased costs and hospitalization. Exercise and nutritional therapy have been proven to be effective for sarcopenia, and some drugs can also alleviate declines in muscle mass and function due to sarcopenia. However, there is no specific pharmacological treatment for sarcopenia at present. This review will mainly discuss the relationship between inflammaging and sarcopenia. The increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines with aging may be because of cellular senescence, immunosenescence, alterations in adipose tissue, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and gut microbes due to aging. These sources of inflammaging can impact the sarcopenia process through direct or indirect pathways. Conversely, sarcopenia can also aggravate the process of inflammaging, creating a vicious cycle. Targeting sources of inflammaging can influence muscle function, which could be considered a therapeutic target for sarcopenia. Moreover, not only proinflammatory cytokines but also anti-inflammatory cytokines can influence muscle and inflammation and participate in the progression of sarcopenia. This review focuses on the effects of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10, which can be detected in plasma. Therefore, clearing chronic inflammation by targeting proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6) and the inflammatory pathway (JAK/STAT, autophagy, NF-κB) may be effective in treating sarcopenia.

Enhanced effect of combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) to promote recovery after spinal cord injury in mice.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive traumatic disease of the central nervous system without satisfying therapy efficiency. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) therapy promotes the neurotrophic factors' secretion and axonal regeneration, thereby promoting recovery of SCI. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) therapy has been proven to promote neural growth and regeneration. Both BMMSCs and PEMF have shown curative effects for SCI; PEMF can further promote stem cell differentiation. Thus, we explored the combined effects of BMMSCs and PEMF and the potential interaction between these two therapies in SCI. Compared with the SCI control, BMMSCs, and PEMF groups, the combinational therapy displayed the best therapeutic effect. Combinational therapy increased the expression levels of nutritional factors including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factors (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), enhanced neuron preservation (NeuN and NF-200), and increased axonal growth (MBP and myelin sheath). Additionally, PEMF promoted the expression levels of BDNF and VEGF in BMMSCs via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. In summary, the combined therapy of BMMSCs and PEMF displayed a more satisfactory effect than BMMSCs and PEMF therapy alone, indicating a promising application of combined therapy for the therapy of SCI.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields attenuate glucocorticoid-induced bone loss by targeting senescent LepR+ bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

Glucocorticoids induce cellular senescence, including of stem/progenitor cells in the bone marrow of growing long bone, which leads to bone loss in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. There is no specific drug available to treat this disease. Clearance of senescent cells has been reported to be an effective therapy for osteoporosis. LepR+ cells in the bone marrow are the key kind of stem/progenitor cells conducive to bone remodeling in adulthood. Here, we show that glucocorticoids induce cellular senescence, demonstrated by increased activity of senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ßGal+) cells and simultaneous upregulation of coimmunofluorescence staining of p16INK4a with LepR in longitudinal femoral sections. We applied pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), which alleviated bone loss in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis mice. We found the increased accumulation of senescent LepR+ cells in the bone marrow of adult mice after glucocorticoid treatment, and this could be counteracted by PEMFs. Moreover, PEMFs maintained type H vessel formation and osteogenesis. This process was modulated by the polycomb histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and its trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3). These results provide evidence that PEMFs alleviate bone loss induced by glucocorticoids by eliminating senescent cells, maintaining angiogenesis-osteogenesis coupling, and shedding light on the mechanisms, providing a potential method to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

What conservative interventions can improve the long-term quality of life, depression, and anxiety of individuals with stable COPD? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Many conservative interventions are used in the management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It could be helpful for the prescribers to know what the evidence suggests about the effects of these interventions on the long-term quality of life (QoL), depression, and anxiety. This study aimed to summarize the rationale for the use of conservative interventions to improve the long-term QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with stable COPD. METHODS: The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched from database inception to December 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the long-term effects of conservative interventions on three parameters, including QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with COPD were eligible for further analysis. To improve methodological rigor, only RCTs examining these parameters as primary outcomes were included. The standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models. Quality of evidence was rated using the updated version of Van Tulder's criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-eight RCTs were identified. Regarding long-term depression, there was moderate evidence supporting cognitive behavioral therapy compared with usual care in patients with COPD; regarding the long-term QoL of patients with COPD, there was limited evidence supporting walking programs, supplementary sugarcane bagasse dietary fiber, roflumilast, and tiotropium. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in alleviating the long-term depression of patients with COPD. Evidence for other interventions was insufficient, making it difficult to draw conclusions in terms of their effectiveness on the long-term QoL, depression, and anxiety.

Combination of Electroacupuncture and Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Enhances Functional Recovery After Ischemic Stroke in Rats.

Both electroacupuncture and constraint-induced movement therapy have been reported to produce therapeutic effects on the recovery of ischemic stroke. The combined use of these two therapies is not rare clinically, although its effectiveness is not yet clear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of electroacupuncture and constraint-induced movement therapy in ischemic stroke rats, and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. Ischemic stroke rat models were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Then, the rats were assigned to receive one of the following interventions: sole electroacupuncture, sole constraint-induced movement therapy, the combination of both therapies, and no treatment. Functional recovery was assessed with the beam balance test and rotarod test. The infarct volume of the brain and the expression of the molecules Nogo-A, P75NTR, NGF, BDNF, and VEGF in the brain tissue were investigated. The results demonstrated that the combination of the two therapies significantly improved neurological functional recovery in ischemic stroke rats compared to each therapy alone (P < 0.01). We also observed a significant decrease in infarct volume in rats receiving the combined treatment. Nogo-A and P75NTR were downregulated and NGF, BDNF, and VEGF were upregulated in the combined treatment rats compared to the control rats. In conclusion, the combination of electroacupuncture and constraint-induced movement therapy enhanced functional recovery after ischemic stroke in rats, and it is a promising treatment strategy in the rehabilitation of stroke. The anti-Nogo-A effect of electroacupuncture may explain its good compatibility with CIMT in ischemic stroke rats.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on patients with spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) for spinal cord injury (SCI) are controversial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of HBO therapy on motor function, sensory function, and psychology after SCI. METHOD: We searched the following databases: Medline, Embase, PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, and VIP up to May 2020. We included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) which investigated patients with SCI received HBO during hospitalization. Motor function, sensory function, and psychology status were measured by commonly used scales including American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score, Modified Barthel Index (MBI), ASIA sensory score, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). We performed a meta-analysis by calculating mean difference (MD) to determine the effect of HBO on three levels of function on patients with SCI. We evaluated heterogeneity by I2 test, and I2> 50% was significant. RESULTS: A total of 1746 studies were identified initially, and 11 studies were included, involving 875 participants. HBO therapy significantly improved the ASIA motor score (MD 15.84, 95% CI 9.04 to 22.64, I2= 87%). Six trails suggested that HBO therapy statistically promoted ASIA sensory score (MD 66.30, 95% CI 53.44 to 79.16, I2= 95%). The other four trails suggested that HBO therapy statistically increased the light touch score (MD 9.27, 95% CI 3.89 to 14.65, I2= 91%) and needling score (MD 10.01, 95% CI 8.60 to 11.43, I2= 95%), respectively. HBO therapy was implicated in the significant improvement of MBI (MD 13.80, 95% CI 10.65 to 16.94, I2= 0%). HBO therapy also decreased the HAMA (MD -2.37, 95% CI -2.72 to -2.02, I2= 0%) and HAMD (MD -3.74, 95% CI -5.82 to -1.65, I2= 90%). CONCLUSIONS: HBO therapy may improve motor function, sensory function and psychology after SCI compared to conventional treatments. More high-quality, large sample size RCTs are needed to support these perspectives.

The Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Angiogenesis.

A pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has been used to treat inflammation-based diseases such as osteoporosis, neurological injury, and osteoarthritis. Numerous animal experiments and in vitro studies have shown that PEMF may affect angiogenesis. For ischemic diseases, in theory, blood flow may be richer by increasing the number of blood vessels which supply blood to ischemic tissue. PEMF plays a role in enhancing angiogenesis, and their clinical application may go far beyond the current scope. In this review, we analyzed and summarized the effects and possible mechanisms of PEMF on angiogenesis. Most studies have shown that PEMF with specific parameters can promote angiogenesis, which is manifested by an increased vascular growth rate and increased capillary density. The potential mechanisms consist of promoting vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, and increasing the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and other angiogenic growth factors. Additionally, PEMF has an impact on the activation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC). Bioelectromagnetics. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Effects of Abdominal Binders on Postoperative Pain and Functional Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of abdominal binders (ABs) on postoperative pain and functional recovery in patients receiving abdominal surgery. METHODS: The Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases were searched for clinical trials published up to November 30, 2019. Randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of wearing an AB to not wearing an AB in participants after abdominal surgery were included. The primary outcomes were pain, pulmonary function, and physical function, as assessed by the visual analog scale score, a spirometry device, and the 6-minute walk test, respectively. The registration number of this review in PROSPERO is CRD42020165303. RESULTS: Fourteen trials involving 1,317 participants were included. Pooled estimates for the visual analog scale score and the 6-minute walk test showed significant differences between the AB group and the control group, especially on the fourth day following surgery (mean difference [MD] = -2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -3.41 to -2.22; P < 0.00001; MD = 50.97 meters, 95% CI = 39.99-61.95 m; P < 0.00001). However, no significant differences were found in pulmonary function (forced vital capacity [FVC]: MD = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.29 to -0.32; P = 0.94; forced expiratory volume during the first second [FEV1]: MD = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.24 to 0.14; P = 0.63; FEV1/FVC: MD = 3.14, 95% CI = -2.78 to 9.06; P = 0.30). CONCLUSION: ABs probably improve postoperative pain and physical function, especially on the fourth day or more following abdominal surgery, but they have no effects on pulmonary function.

Effects of water therapy on disease activity, functional capacity, spinal mobility and severity of pain in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of water therapy for disease activity, functional capacity, spinal mobility, and pain in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: PubMed, Ovid, web of science, Cochrane library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang, and Open Grey were searched for randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of water therapy on patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Two researchers independently screened the literature databases and then assessed methodological qualities using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and extracted data. Outcomes included were disease activity, functional capacity, spinal mobility, and pain. RESULTS: A total of eight studies (n = 383) met the inclusion criteria. Analysis demonstrated that water therapy had a significant effect on disease activity and pain, but not on spinal mobility, or functional capacity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. CONCLUSION: Water therapy can benefit patients with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing disease activity and alleviating pain. More well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWater therapy can reduce disease activity and pain in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, but cannot improve functional capacity or spinal mobility.Due to its analgesic effect both during and after treatment, water therapy remains an alternative for patients with ankylosing spondylitis when land-based therapy is not well tolerated.

Efficacy of biofeedback, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training for female neurogenic bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic bladder dysfunction is prevalent in female patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), and previous guidelines have recommended pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for first-line conservative treatment. However, the actual regimen of PFMT varies widely and the single treatment does not satisfy the need of some patients. Therefore, this study aims to provide a detailed rationale and methodology for comparing the effectiveness of PFMT, biofeedback and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as adjunct treatments for neurogenic bladder dysfunction. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This trial is a single-centre randomised controlled trial for female patients with urinary incontinence (UI) in phase of chronic SCI. Eligible participants will be randomised to one of four arms: (1) PFMT, (2) PFMT with biofeedback, (3) PFMT and rTMS and (4) PFMT with biofeedback and rTMS. There will be 44 participants in each arm and all the subjects will undergo 20 treatment sessions, five times a week for 4 weeks. The outcomes will be evaluated at 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after randomisation. The primary outcome is the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, and the secondary outcomes include bladder diary, pelvic floor muscle function and the International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Clinical Research and Biomedical Ethics Committee of the West China Hospital, Sichuan University has approved this trial and the approval number is 2019-885. All participants will be provided written informed consent after verification of the eligibility criteria. The results of this study will be accessible in peer-reviewed publications and be presented at academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900026126).

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on depression symptoms and cognitive function in treating patients with postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used to treat postpartum depression (PPD), but its effectiveness is still uncertain. To evaluate the effect of rTMS on depression symptoms and recognition function in patients with PPD, we systematically searched CNKI, WanFang, VIP, EMbase, PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database from inception to June 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) in English or Chinese concerning PPD in women treated with rTMS. Reference lists were also searched. RCT were included if they compared rTMS with no intervention or sham in patients with PPD. Related data was extracted and risk of bias was assessed by two investigators independently. Of 81 identified studies, 14 met our inclusion criteria (n=884 participants). Compared with control group, rTMS treatment yielded a reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score, and improved the cognitive function of patients with PPD. Current evidence of RCT showed that rTMS could improve depression symptoms and cognitive function in patients with PPD.

Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Bone Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on bone healing is still uncertain and it has not been established as a standardized treatment. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of PEMF on bone healing in patients with fracture. We searched CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP, EMbase, PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Open Grey websites for randomized controlled trials (published before July 2019 in English or Chinese) comparing any form of PEMF to sham. Reference lists were also searched. Related data were extracted by two investigators independently. The bias risk of the articles and the evidence strength of the outcomes were evaluated. Twenty-two studies were eligible and included in our analysis (n = 1,468 participants). The pooled results of 14 studies (n = 1,131 participants) demonstrated that healing rate in PEMF group was 79.7% (443/556), and that in the control group was 64.3% (370/575). PEMF increased healing rate (RR = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10-1.35; I2 = 48%) by the Mantel-Haenszel analysis, relieved pain (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.49; 95% CI = -0.88 to -0.10; I2 = 60%) by the inverse variance analysis, and accelerated healing time (SMD = -1.01; 95% CI = -2.01 to -0.00; I2 = 90%) by the inverse variance analysis. Moderate quality evidence suggested that PEMF increased healing rate and relieved pain of fracture, and very low-quality evidence showed that PEMF accelerated healing time. Larger and higher quality randomized controlled trials and pre-clinical studies of optimal frequency, amplitude, and duration parameters are needed. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Pain and Function in Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Trapezius: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on pain and function in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the trapezius. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched from the time of their inception to September 2019. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of ESWT on MPS of the trapezius were included in this review. DATA EXTRACTION: Data related to study participants, intervention, follow-up period, measure time, and outcomes were extracted. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and the Cochrane Collaboration Tool for Assessing Risk of Bias were used to assess study quality and risk of bias. DATA SYNTHESIS: In total, 10 articles (n=477 patients) met our criteria and were included in this study. The overall effectiveness was calculated using a meta-analysis method. The meta-analysis revealed that ESWT exhibited significant improvement in pain reduction compared with sham ESWT or ultrasound treatment, but no significant effect when compared with conventional treatments (dry needling, trigger point injection, laser therapy) as for pain intensity and neck disability index. CONCLUSIONS: ESWT appears to benefit patients with MPS of the trapezius by alleviating pain. ESWT may not be an ideal therapeutic method to replace conventional therapies but could serve as an adjunct therapeutic method to those treatments.