Nanoscale myelinogenesis image in developing brain via super-resolution nanoscopy by near-infrared emissive curcumin-BODIPY derivatives.

Understanding the intricate nanoscale architecture of neuronal myelin during central nervous system development is of utmost importance. However, current visualization methods heavily rely on electron microscopy or indirect fluorescent method, lacking direct and real-time imaging capabilities. Here, we introduce a breakthrough near-infrared emissive curcumin-BODIPY derivative (MyL-1) that enables direct visualization of myelin structure in brain tissues. The remarkable compatibility of MyL-1 with stimulated emission depletion nanoscopy allows for unprecedented super-resolution imaging of myelin ultrastructure. Through this innovative approach, we comprehensively characterize the nanoscale myelinogenesis in three dimensions over the course of brain development, spanning from infancy to adulthood in mouse models. Moreover, we investigate the correlation between myelin substances and Myelin Basic Protein (MBP), shedding light on the essential role of MBP in facilitating myelinogenesis during vertebral development. This novel material, MyL-1, opens up new avenues for studying and understanding the intricate process of myelinogenesis in a direct and non-invasive manner, paving the way for further advancements in the field of nanoscale neuroimaging.

[Clinical observation on electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" on moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical therapeutic effect between electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" and transurethral Erbium laser in treatment of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: A total of 68 patients of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy were divided into an electroacupuncture group (34 cases) and an Erbium laser group (34 cases, 3 cases dropped off) according to the settings. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at "four points of sacral region", i.e. points of 0.5 cun beside bilateral sacrococcygeal joints and bilateral Huiyang (BL 35), with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 60 min each time, once every other day, 3 times a week, 12 times as one course of treatment. In the Erbium laser group, transurethral Erbium laser technology was given, once every 4 weeks as one course of treatment. Both groups were treated for 5 courses. The scores of the International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICI-Q-SF) and the incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL) were observed before treatment, after each course of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, respectively, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with those before treatment, the ICI-Q-SF scores were decreased while the I-QOL scores were increased after 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1, 2 months of treatment completion in the two groups (P<0.01). The ICI-Q-SF score in follow-up after 2 months of treatment completion were higher than that after 5 courses of treatment in the Erbium laser group (P<0.05). After 3, 4, 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, the ICI-Q-SF scores in the electroacupuncture group were lower than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.05, P<0.01); after 2, 3, 4, 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, the I-QOL scores in the electroacupuncture group were higher than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01). The change ranges of ICI-Q-SF score and I-QOL score between before treatment and after each course of treatment in the electroacupuncture group were lager than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate was 61.8% (21/34) in the electroacupuncture group, which was superior to 19.4 (6/31) in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Both electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" and transurethral Erbium laser can improve the clinical symptoms and the quality of life in patients of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. The short-term efficacy and long-term efficacy of electroacupuncture are superior to the Erbium laser technology.

Efficacy of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation versus pelvic floor muscle training in treating postradical prostatectomy urinary incontinence: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the main complications of radical prostatectomy. Electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) has been used to treat stress UI based on its mechanism of passive pelvic floor muscle contraction reported in the previous research. However, there are no studies comparing the effects of EPNS and active pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in the treatment of postradical prostatectomy UI (PPUI). Here, we describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of EPNS in treating PPUI compared with PFMT. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is designed as an open-label randomised controlled trial with blinded assessment and analysis. A total of 90 eligible men will be randomly allocated to two groups. The treatment group (n=45) will receive EPNS while the control group will perform PFMT by doing the Kegel exercise. Forty EPNS treatment sessions will occur over a period of 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be improvement rate, and the secondary outcome measures, the number of pads used, 24-hour pad test, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form will be compared between baseline and the study endpoint. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life and care compared as the quality of life and satisfaction outcomes between groups. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (approval no. 2021 KL-040-02). Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2200055461.

Loss of Sam50 in hepatocytes induces cardiolipin-dependent mitochondrial membrane remodeling to trigger mtDNA release and liver injury.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sam50, a key component of the sorting and assembly machinery (SAM) complex, is also involved in bridging mitochondrial outer-membrane and inner-membrane contacts. However, the physiological and pathological functions of Sam50 remain largely unknown. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Here we show that Sam50 interacts with MICOS (mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system) and ATAD3 (ATPase family AAA domain-containing protein 3) to form the Sam50-MICOS-ATAD3-mtDNA axis, which maintains mtDNA stability. Loss of Sam50 causes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) aggregation. Furthermore, Sam50 cooperates with Mic60 to bind to cardiolipin, maintaining the integrity of mitochondrial membranes. Sam50 depletion leads to cardiolipin externalization, which causes mitochondrial outer-membrane and inner-membrane (including crista membrane) remodeling, triggering Bax mitochondrial recruitment, mtDNA aggregation, and release. Physiologically, acetaminophen (an effective antipyretic and analgesic)-caused Sam50 reduction or Sam50 liver-specific knockout induces mtDNA release, leading to activation of the cGAS-STING pathway and liver inflammation in mice. Moreover, exogenous expression of Sam50 remarkably attenuates APAP-induced liver hepatoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings uncover the critical role of Sam50 in maintaining mitochondrial membrane integrity and mtDNA stability in hepatocytes and reveal that Sam50 depletion-induced cardiolipin externalization is a signal of mtDNA release and controls mtDNA-dependent innate immunity.

Short-term Efficacy and Mechanism of Electrical Pudendal Nerve Stimulation Versus Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Plus Transanal Electrical Stimulation in Treating Post-radical Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the short-term efficacy of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) versus pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) plus transanal electrical stimulation (TES) for the early treatment of post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PRPUI) and explore its mechanism of action. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A parallel designed randomized controlled trial was conducted at a research institute and a university hospital. Ninety-six PRPUI patients were allocated to EPNS group (64 cases) and PFMT+TES group (32 cases) and treated by EPNS and biofeedback-assisted PFMT plus TES, 3 times a week for 8 weeks, respectively. Outcome measurements were improvement rate, scores of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and the number of used diapers. RESULTS: After 24 treatments, the efficacy rate of 68.7% in EPNS group was significantly higher than that of 34.4% in PFMT+TES group (P=0.005). The ICIQ-UI SF score, and urine leakage amount score, diaper score, symptom and quality of life improved significantly in both groups and showed Therapy x Treatment interaction, and the above scores in EPNS group were significantly lower than these in PFMT+TES group. Perineal ultrasonographic recordings showed that PFM movement amplitude during EPNS (≥1- <3 mm) was similar to that during PFMT, however, PFM movement EMG amplitude was significantly higher during EPNS than during PFMT (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: EPNS is more effective than PFMT+TES in short-term (8 weeks) treatments of early urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. Its mechanism of action is that EPNS can excite the pudendal nerve and simulate PFMT.

Bilateral electrical pudendal nerve stimulation as additional therapy for lower urinary tract dysfunction when stage II sacral neuromodulator fails: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has become an effective therapy for patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) who do not respond to conservative treatment. However, an effective treatment strategy for patients who fail SNM has not yet been identified. An option for LUTD is needed when the clinical response to the SNM diminishes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old Chinese man presented to an outpatient clinic complaining of difficulty in urination for > 3 years. The patient also complained of urinary frequency and urgency, accompanied by perineal discomfort. He was diagnosed with LUTD based on his symptoms and previous examinations. The patient underwent sacral neuromodulation with a permanent implantable pulse generator (IPG) (provided free of charge by Chengnuo Medical Technology Co., Ltd.; General Stim, Hangzhou, China) in the left buttock, as he participated in the company's clinical trial to test the long-term effects of IPG. He reported loss of efficacy of the device 3 months after the implantation. We performed bilateral electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) therapy for him. After 2 weeks of treatment, he began to report smooth voiding within 2 h after EPNS, and a moderate improvement in urinary frequency, urgency, and perineal discomfort. After 4 weeks of EPNS, the patient reported > 50% improvement in his urination, evaluated with the short form of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. He reported smooth voiding, moderate improvements in urinary frequency and urgency, and the disappearance of the perineal discomfort. He also reported improved sleep and erections. The patient was discharged after 8 weeks of EPNS treatment. CONCLUSION: EPNS could be an option as an additional therapy for patients with LUTD who have failed SNM.

Sacral electroacupuncture as a treatment for urge urinary incontinence: a prospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of electroacupuncture (EA) at the 'four sacral points' on urge urinary incontinence (UUI). METHODS: Twenty-five patients diagnosed with UUI or urgency-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) were treated by EA at the 'four sacral points'. EA was performed in the sacrococcygeal region using disposable sterile 0.40-mm-diameter acupuncture needles that were either 100 or 125 mm in length. Treatments were delivered once every other day. Before and after treatment, a questionnaire measuring symptom severity and quality of life associated with UUI was administered. RESULTS: The median total score (interquartile range) from the severity of symptoms and the quality of life questionnaire (Q-score) of the participants was significantly reduced from 12 (7.5, 15) before treatment to 3 (0, 6) after 6 (6, 12) EA treatments. The Q-score of urgency-predominant MUI and UUI was 8 (5, 14.5) and 12.5 (11, 15), respectively, before treatment; after treatment these were reduced to 2 (0, 7.5) and 4.5 (2, 6), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the Q-score between urgency-predominant MUI and UUI before and after treatment. Upon treatment completion, seven patients (28%) were 'cured' (improvement rate 100%). Treatments were considered 'markedly effective' (improvement rate 75% to <100%) in four patients (16%), 'effective' (improvement rate 50% to <75%) in eight patients (32%), 'minimally effective' (improvement rate 25% to <50%) in three patients (12%), and 'ineffective' (improvement rate <25%) in three patients (12%). The overall success rate (comprising 'cured', 'markedly effective' and 'effective' categories) was 76%, and no adverse effects associated with acupuncture treatment were reported. CONCLUSION: EA at the 'four sacral points' was associated with statistically significant improvements in UUI.

Revealing lipid droplets evolution at nanoscale under proteohormone stimulation by a BODIPY- hexylcarbazole derivative.

Lipid droplets (LDs) ultrastructure progression under proteohormone stimulation provide valuable clues for understanding conditions associated with obesity and diabetes. Current available LDs probes either alter intra-LDs environments or lack photo-resistance; thus, this research domain is poorly understood. In this work, a N-B-O type BODIPY- hexylcarbazole derivative named BoCz-Lip was rationally designed while achieving specific LDs live-cell targeting. BoCz-Lip showed minimal impact on cell viability as well as internal LDs' protein, triglyceride and cholesterol level. Along with its good photostability, it can be used to monitor LDs evolution under super-resolution nanoscopy. More importantly, we concluded how proteohormone could influence LDs ultrastructure, offering a better understanding for correlating diseases at the nanoscale.

Modification of side chain of conjugated molecule for enhanced charge transfer and two-photon activity.

Amounts of strategies implemented to obtain improved two-photon absorption responses but remains challenging. Herein, a serials zwitterionic chromophores, TSEO1-3, with D-π-A configuration were rational designed and synthesized. Notably, by minor modification of the side chain, the obtained TSEO3 exhibited enhanced two-photon activity and considerable two-photon imaging in vitro and in vivo. It manifested that appropriate modifications of side chains that are linked to conjugated frameworks can improve the intermolecular packing order and boost charge transfer favoring two-photon activity.

Effective Efficiency Advantage Assessment of Information Filter for Conventional Kalman Filter in GNSS Scenarios.

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a widely used positioning technique. Computational efficiency is crucial to applications such as real-time GNSS positioning and GNSS network data processing. Many researchers have made great efforts to address this problem by means such as parameter elimination or satellite selection. However, parameter estimation is rarely discussed when analyzing GNSS algorithm efficiency. In addition, most studies on Kalman filter (KF) efficiency commonly have defects, such as neglecting application-specified optimization and limiting specific hardware platforms in the conclusion. The former reduces the practicality of the solution, because applications that need such analyses on filters are often optimized, and the latter reduces its generality because of differences between platforms. In this paper, the computational cost enhancement of replacing the conventional KF with the information filter (IF) is tested considering GNSS application-oriented optimization conditions and hardware platform differences. First, optimization conditions are abstracted from GNSS data-processing scenarios. Then, a thorough analysis is carried out on the computational cost of the filters, considering hardware-platform differences. Finally, a case of GNSS dynamic differencing positioning is studied. The simulation shows that the IF is slightly faster for precise point positioning and much faster for the code-based single-difference GNSS (SDGNSS) with the constant velocity (CV) model than the conventional KF, but is not a good substitute for the conventional KF in the other algorithms mentioned. The real test shows that the IF is about 50% faster than the conventional KF handling code-based SDGNSS with the CV model. Also, the information filter is theoretically equivalent to and can produce results that are consistent with the Kalman filter. Our conclusions can be used as a reference for GNSS applications that need high process speed or real-time capability.

[Efficacy of electroacupuncture nerve stimulation therapy for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture nerve stimulation therapy (ENST) for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). METHODS: A total of 68 patients with IC/PBS were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 34 cases in each one. The patients in the observation group were treated with ENST; abdominal four acupoints and sacral four acupoints were connected with a pair of electrodes and treated alternately every other day. The ENST was given 50 min per times, three times a week for 3 months. The patients in the control group were treated with perfusion therapy of four-medication combination (heparin sodinm, lidocaine, sodium bicarbonate, gentamicin sulfate), twice a week for the first 6-8 weeks, followed by twice per month for 3 months. The infusion fluid remained for 1 h before discharging. The O' Leary-Sant score, including interstitial cystitis symptom index (ICSI) and interstitial cystitis problem index (ICPI), 24 h urination frequency, visual analogue scale (VAS) and maximum bladder volume were observed before treatment and treatment of 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment respectively; the adverse events during the treatment were also recorded. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the O'Leary-Sant score (ICSI, ICPI), 24 h urination frequency, VAS and maximum bladder volume in the two groups were improved after 1, 3 months treatment and 6 months after treatment (all P<0.05). The scores of ICSI, ICPI, VAS and 24 h urination frequency in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The maximum bladder volume in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Six months after treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was 87.5% (28/32), which was higher than 69.7% (23/33) in the control group (P<0.01). No significant adverse events occurred during the treatment. CONCLUSION: ENST could effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of IC/PBS, but its long-term efficacy needs further observation.

A small molecule emitting in the near infrared region with pH sensitivity for visualization mitochondria under super-resolution microscopy.

Small molecules emitting in the NIR for tracking mitochondrial pH alteration with super-resolution are expected to play an essential role in biomedical applications. Herein, two small molecules based on pyridinium salt (P1 and P2) have been synthesized and systematically investigated. It was found that pyridinium salts P1 and P2 emitted in the NIR (about 610 nm), which could detect pH changes from 2.0 to 11.0 with good linearity and high sensitivity. Importantly, P2 could precisely target cellular mitochondria in a real-time manner under stimulated emission depletion (STED). These results implied a chemical strategy with a potential application in super-resolution imaging and mitochondrial pH determination.

Comparison of efficacy and safety between electroacupuncture at 'four sacral points' and conventional electroacupuncture for the treatment of urinary incontinence after stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Electroacupuncture at 'four sacral points', also known as electrical pudendal nerve stimulation therapy, combines the advantages of pudendal nerve neuromodulation and the technique of deep insertion of long acupuncture needles. It has been used to treat stress urinary incontinence, female urgency-frequency syndrome, idiopathic urgency urinary incontinence and neurological bladders in previous studies. Here, we describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial for evaluation of the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture at 'four sacral points' for the management of urinary incontinence after stroke. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is an open-label randomised controlled trial with blinded assessments and analyses. A total of 140 eligible patients will be randomly allocated to two groups. The treatment group (n=70) will receive electroacupuncture at 'four sacral points' along with routine medical care, while the control group will receive conventional electroacupuncture along with routine medical care. Twenty treatment sessions will occur over a period of 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures will be the self-recorded findings in an incontinent episode diary at baseline and at 4 weeks after baseline. The secondary outcome measures will be the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence-Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score and the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index (Barthel ADL Index) score at baseline and at 4 and 28 weeks after baseline. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (approval No. 2018-K-059-01). Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-IOR-17012847; Pre-result.

Short-term Clinical Efficacy of Electric Pudendal Nerve Stimulation on Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Disease: A Pilot Research.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term efficacy of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) vs anogenital electrical stimulation (AES) for neurogenic lower urinary tract disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty eligible participants were randomized at a ratio of 2:1 to the test group of 40 patients and the control group of 20. The test group was treated with EPNS and the control group was treated with AES. After 12 sessions of treatment, therapeutic effects were evaluated based on self-assessed questionnaire scores. All patients with a residual urine volume >50 mL were also assessed by the post-treatment residual urine volume. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, the median symptom score and the quality of life score were 11 (range 3-23) and 4.26 (range 1.00-5.81) in the test group, and the median post-treatment residual urine volume was 46 (range 0-223) mL. By contrast, the median severity of symptoms and quality of life scores were 15 (range 8-33) and 3.84 (range 0.89-5.84) in the control group, and the median post-treatment residual urine volume was 105 (range 28-340) mL. Significant differences between the test group and the control group could be observed in the post-treatment symptom score, the quality of life score, and the residual urine volume (with P = .005, P <.001, P = .02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Compared with AES, EPNS is more effective in treating neurogenic lower urinary tract disease in the short term.

Efficacy of Electrical Pudendal Nerve Stimulation versus Transvaginal Electrical Stimulation in Treating Female Idiopathic Urgency Urinary Incontinence.

PURPOSE: We compared the efficacy of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation vs transvaginal electrical stimulation to treat female idiopathic urgency urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 female patients with idiopathic urgency urinary incontinence refractory to medication were randomized at a ratio of 2:1 to group 1 of 80 patients and group 2 of 40. Groups 1 and 2 were treated with electrical pudendal nerve stimulation and transvaginal electrical stimulation, respectively. To perform electrical pudendal nerve stimulation long acupuncture needles were deeply inserted into 4 sacrococcygeal points and electrified to stimulate pudendal nerves. Outcome measures were the 24-hour pad test and a questionnaire to measure the severity of symptoms and quality of life in women with urgency urinary incontinence. RESULTS: The median severity of symptoms and quality of life score on the urgency urinary incontinence questionnaire (urgency urinary incontinence total score) was 13 (range 7 to 18.75) in group 1 and 11 (range 8 to 16) in group 2 before treatment, which decreased to 2 (range 0 to 6.75) in group 1 and 6.5 (range 3.25 to 10.75) in group 2 (both p <0.01) after the completion of treatment. At the end of treatment in group 1 complete symptom resolution was noted in 34 patients (42.5%), with a 50% or greater symptom improvement rate in 70.1%. In group 2 complete symptom resolution was noted in 1 patient (2.5%) with a 50% or greater symptom improvement rate in 45.0%. The posttreatment urgency urinary incontinence total score was lower and the therapeutic effect was better in group 1 than in group 2 (both p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Electrical pudendal nerve stimulation is more effective than transvaginal electrical stimulation in treating drug refractory, female idiopathic urgency urinary incontinence.

Efficacy of Electrical Pudendal Nerve Stimulation in Treating Female Stress Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacies of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) vs electromyogram biofeedback (BF)-assisted pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) plus transvaginal electrical stimulation (TES) in treating female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and to evaluate the posttreatment and long-term efficacies of EPNS for female SUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two female SUI patients were randomized into groups I and II, 21 in each group. The two groups were treated by EPNS and BF-assisted PFMT plus TES, respectively, for comparison of their effects. Group III (196 patients) were treated by EPNS for evaluation of its effects. To perform EPNS, long acupuncture needles were deeply inserted into four sacrococcygeal points and electrified to stimulate pudendal nerves. Outcome measures were stress test, 24-hour pad test, and a questionnaire to measure the severity of symptoms and quality of life in women with SUI. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of treatment, the questionnaire score was lower and the therapeutic effect was better in group I (questionnaire score 0 [0, 6] and a ≥ 50% symptom improvement rate of 85.7%, respectively) than in group II (questionnaire score 9 [5.5, 15.5] and a ≥ 50% symptom improvement rate of 28.6%) (both P < .01). In group III, complete resolution occurred in 94 cases (48.0%), with a ≥ 50% symptom improvement rate of 85.7%, after 20.3 ± 16.8 sessions of treatment. At the mean follow-up of 52.9 months, complete resolution occurred in 32 (47.1%) of the 68 patients in group III who attained ≥50% posttreatment improvement. CONCLUSION: EPNS is more effective than BF-assisted PFMT plus TES in treating female SUI. It has good posttreatment and long-term effects on female SUI.

Long-term efficacy of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation for urgency-frequency syndrome in women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) was developed by combining the advantages of pudendal neuromodulation (PNM) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and incorporating the technique of deep insertion of long acupuncture needles. The purpose of this study is to show the long-term efficacy of EPNS in treating urgency-frequency syndrome (UFS) in women. METHODS: One hundred and six consecutive female UFS patients were enrolled and treated with EPNS. Long acupuncture needles were deeply inserted into four sacral points and electrified to stimulate the pudendal nerves. Evaluation of therapeutic effects was based on a questionnaire (including questions on storage, voiding, and postmicturition symptoms). Patients with ≥50 % posttreatment symptom improvement were followed up for at least 60 months. RESULTS: Complete resolution and ≥50 % improvement rate were 42.5 % and 85.8 %, respectively, in the 106 patients after a mean of 21.2 sessions of EPNS treatment. Of the 91 patients with ≥50 % posttreatment improvement, 62 (29 with complete resolution, 15 with marked improvement, and 18 with moderate improvement) were available for follow-up at 60-126 (mean 99.5; median 98) months after the end of EPNS treatment. Of these 62 patients, 35 maintained the posttreatment effect, 18 changed from better to complete resolution, and seven changed back to <50 % improvement; only four of whom changed to <25 % improvement. CONCLUSIONS: EPNS combines the advantages of PNM (better effect) and PTNS (minimally invasive, easily applicable, and well tolerated) in treating UFS. It has a good long-term therapeutic effect on UFS in women.

[Efficacy impacts of the different treatment frequencies on female stress urinary incontinence].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect on female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treated with the pudendal nerve stimulation of electroacupuncture therapy at different frequencies. METHODS: Sixty patients were divided into a group treated three times every week (group A) and a group treated twice every week (group B), 30 cases in each one. The pudendal nerve stimulation of electroacupuncture therapy was adopted at Disixue (four acupoints on sacral region), 60 min in each time in the two groups, treated three times a week or twice a week respectively. SUI severity and the score of life quality were observed before and after 12 treatments separately. The efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, SUI severity was relieved and the score of life quality was improved in the two groups (all P<0.01). The results in group A were superior to group B [0 (0-4.3) vs 4 (0-5), P<0.01]. At the end of treatment, the total effective rate in group A was 90.0% (27/30) and was 76.7% (23/30) in group B; the efficacy in group A was better than that in group B (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The pudendal nerve stimulation of electroacupuncture therapy achieves the definite efficacy on female SUI and the results in the treatment of three times a week are superior to those in the treatment of twice a week.