Treatment with synchronized radiofrequency and facial muscle stimulation: Histologic analysis of human skin for changes in collagen and elastin fibers.

BACKGROUND: Skin's exposure to intrinsic and extrinsic factors causes age-related changes, leading to a lower amount of dermal collagen and elastin. AIM: This study investigated the effects of a novel facial muscle stimulation technology combined with radiofrequency (RF) heating on dermal collagen and elastin content for the treatment of facial wrinkles and skin laxity. METHODS: The active group subjects (N = 6) received four 20-min facial treatments with simultaneous RF and facial muscle stimulation, once weekly. The control subject (N = 1) was untreated. Skin biopsies obtained at baseline, 1-month and 3-month follow-up were evaluated histologically to determine collagen and elastin fibers content. A group of independent aestheticians evaluated facial skin appearance and wrinkle severity. Patient safety was followed. RESULTS: In the active group, collagen-occupied area reached 11.91 ± 1.80 × 106 µm2 (+25.32%, p < 0.05) and 12.35 ± 1.44 × 105 µm2 (+30.00%, p < 0.05) at 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. Elastin-occupied area at 1-month and 3-month follow-up was 1.64 ± 0.14 × 105 µm2 (+67.23%, p < 0.05), and 1.99 ± 0.21 × 105 µm2 (+102.80%, p < 0.05). In the control group, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in collagen and elastin fibers. Active group wrinkle scores decreased from 5 (moderate, class II) to 3 (mild, class I). All subjects, except the control, improved in appearance posttreatment. No adverse events or side effects occurred. CONCLUSION: Decreased dermal collagen and elastin levels contributes to a gradual decline in skin elasticity, leading to facial wrinkles and unfirm skin. Study results showed noticeable improvement in facial appearance and increased dermal collagen and elastin content subsequent to simultaneous, noninvasive RF, and facial muscle stimulation treatments.

Clinical application of physical therapy in facial paralysis treatment: A review.

This review aims to summarize recent studies regarding the specific modalities of physical therapy as a form of treatment for patients with facial paralysis, analyze the different components of physical therapy, and provide healthcare providers with guidance for their best practice in treating patients with facial paralysis. This paper will discuss the mechanism, indications, and impact factors for facial retraining, evaluate the standards for facial retraining, the creation of a treatment plan, and analyze the combined use of facial retraining with botulinum toxin injections and the application of facial retraining in post facial reanimation patients. Other modes of physical therapy, including electrical stimulation, dry needling, and acupuncture, will be addressed. Lastly, the application of new digital technology will be discussed.

The effects of lingual training: a systematic review with meta-analysis. / Efeitos do treinamento da língua: revisão sistemática com metanálise.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of myotherapy exercises in increasing tongue pressure and strength. A secondary aim was to analyze the exercise types, training parameters, and functional results. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: This systematic literature review was based on the Prisma protocol guidelines. SELECTION CRITERIA: The review included clinical trials that assessed the effects of tongue muscle training, with no restriction on the language or year of publication. DATA ANALYSIS: The steps included eliminating duplicates; reading abstracts and excluding studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria; reading selected articles in full text, extracting important data, and gathering them in a table; and meta-analysis, using the inverse variance method. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute's tool. The quality of evidence was assessed with the Grading System of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. RESULTS: The meta-analysis indicated a significant increase in maximum anterior and posterior pressure as an effect of training. The most performed exercise was tongue pressure against the palate. However, training parameters varied between studies, and whether exercises alone led to functional improvement cannot be stated. The quality of the evidence was considered low. CONCLUSION: Myotherapy exercises increased anterior and posterior tongue pressure in adults, but the quality of this evidence is low. The studies used various exercise types and training parameters. It cannot be stated whether exercises alone led to functional improvement.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia de exercícios mioterápicos no aumento da pressão e da força lingual. Buscou-se, de forma secundária, analisar quais os tipos de exercícios utilizados, os parâmetros de treinamento e os resultados funcionais obtidos. ESTRATÉGIA DE PESQUISA: Revisão sistemática da literatura guiada conforme as diretrizes do protocolo Prisma. CRITÉRIOS DE SELEçÃO: Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos que avaliaram efeitos do treinamento muscular da língua, sem limite quanto ao idioma ou ano de publicação. ANÁLISE DOS DADOS: Incluiu as etapas de eliminação de artigos duplicados; leitura de resumos e exclusão de estudos que não contemplaram os critérios de elegibilidade; leitura na íntegra dos artigos selecionados com extração de informações importantes, reunidas em tabela; e metanálise, realizada por meio do método do inverso da variância. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi realizada pela ferramenta do Joanna Briggs Institute. A qualidade da evidência foi avaliada pelo Sistema Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. RESULTADOS: A metanálise indicou aumento significativo da pressão máxima anterior e posterior como efeito do treinamento. O exercício mais utilizado foi pressão de língua contra o palato, mas os parâmetros de treinamento variaram entre estudos, não sendo possível afirmar que exercícios isolados promovem melhora funcional. A qualidade da evidência foi considerada baixa. CONCLUSÃO: Os exercícios mioterápicos promovem o aumento da pressão anterior e posterior da língua de indivíduos adultos, porém a qualidade dessa evidência é baixa. Há variabilidade quanto aos tipos de exercícios utilizados e parâmetros de treinamento. Não é possível afirmar que os exercícios promovem melhora funcional.

Utilization of electromyographic biofeedback in speech therapy to attenuate the signs of facial aging: a case report. / Utilização do biofeedback eletromiográfico na terapia fonoaudiológica para atenuar sinais de envelhecimento facial: relato de caso.

Myotherapy intervention in facial aesthetics aims to attenuate wrinkles and signs of facial aging. The relationship between accentuated muscle contraction during chewing, swallowing and speaking and the appearance of facial wrinkles has been suggested by speech-language pathology literature. This study aimed to report the effect of electromyographic biofeedback associated with training of chewing, swallowing, and smiling patterns, during speech therapy intervention aimed at reducing the signs of facial wrinkles and furrows, in a 55-year-old woman. The therapy also included isotonic and isometric exercises and clinical procedures to decrease the contraction of facial mimicry muscles, which were not associated with training using electromyographic biofeedback. Signal collection and training were performed using the Biotrainer software on the New Miotool Face by Miotec, over nine weekly sessions. Two assessments were performed (before and after the nine sessions), using the MBGR Protocol (assessment of chewing, swallowing, and smiling) and validated scales described in the literature (assessment of signs of facial aging). In the reported case, the usefulness of electromyographic biofeedback was verified for learning trained orofacial myofunctional patterns, as well as to improve chewing and swallowing functions and decrease signs of facial aging. However, further research is needed to demonstrate the positive effects of electromyographic biofeedback associated with myofunctional therapy aimed at attenuating the signs of facial aging.

A intervenção mioterápica em estética facial tem como meta atenuar rugas e sinais de envelhecimento facial. A relação entre contração exagerada dos músculos durante a mastigação, deglutição e comunicação oral e aparecimento de rugas faciais é preconizada na literatura fonoaudiológica neste campo de atuação. Este estudo teve por objetivo relatar o efeito da utilização do biofeedback eletromiográfico associado ao treinamento dos padrões de mastigação, deglutição e sorriso, durante intervenção fonoaudiológica direcionada à atenuação de rugas e sulcos faciais, em mulher de 55 anos de idade. O programa terapêutico incluiu exercícios isotônicos, isométricos e procedimentos clínicos para diminuir a contração dos músculos mímicos faciais, que não foram associados ao treinamento com biofeedback eletromiográfico. A coleta de sinais e o treinamento com o software Biotrainer foram realizados com o aparelho New Miotool Face (Miotec) em nove sessões realizadas semanalmente. Foram realizadas duas avaliações (antes e após as nove sessões), por meio do Protocolo MBGR (avaliação da mastigação, deglutição e sorriso) e de escalas validadas descritas na literatura (avaliação dos sinais de envelhecimento facial). No caso descrito, constatou-se o efeito adjuvante do biofeedback eletromiográfico no aprendizado dos padrões miofuncionais orofaciais treinados, como também, a melhoria das funções mastigação e deglutição e a diminuição dos sinais de envelhecimento facial. Porém, são necessárias pesquisas mais robustas que comprovem efeitos positivos do biofeedback eletromiográfico associado à terapia miofuncional direcionada a atenuar os sinais de envelhecimento facial.

Telehealth and Speech Therapy: usability assessment of an orientation and prevention program of orofacial myofunctional changes, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of an virtual speech-language orientation program, as well as the prevention of orofacial myofunctional alterations. METHODS: Fifty-five volunteer residents aged between 18 and 50 years of age residents of Federal District participated in the study, 14 men and 41 women with an average of 28. The orientation program was divided into five stages (1) The preparation of material to be used in the orientation program, (2) The completion of a semi-structured questionnaire made available through Google Forms, (3) Completion of a pre-orientation program questionnaire, (4) utilization of the speech therapy orientation program, (5) Completion of the post-orientation program questionnaire. To analyze the results the McNemar statistical test was used considering the absolute frequency (N), enabling comparison through a paired sample. The significance level adopted was 5%. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were seen in 10 of the 19 questions asked in the pre and post-orientation program questionnaires, proving the effect of the orientation program and improvement in participants' knowledge. In addition the participants were satisfied with the program and the content. CONCLUSION: The orientation program focused on health promotion and prevention of orofacial myofunctional alterations and combined with telehealth brought significant changes to the reality of the participants, favoring the quality of life of these individuals and changing their reality.

Treatment of postsurgical trigeminal neuralgia with Fu's subcutaneous needling therapy resulted in prompt complete relief: Two case reports.

RATIONALE: Trigeminal neuralgia is a recurrent unilateral transient electroshock-like pain. Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN), used to treat the musculoskeletal problems, has not been reported in this field. PATIENT CONCERNS: The pain extent of case 1 had no reduction after the previous microvascular decompression, the pain of case 2 relapsed 4 years after the microvascular decompression. DIAGNOSES: Postsurgical trigeminal neuralgia. INTERVENTIONS: FSN therapy was applied on the muscles around the neck and face area, which the myofascial trigger points were palpated in these muscles. The FSN needle was inserted into the subcutaneous layer and the needle tip was pointed toward the myofascial trigger point. OUTCOMES: The following outcome measurements were observed before and after treatment, including numerical rating scale, Barrow Neurology Institute Pain Scale scores, Constant Face Pain Questionnaire scores, Brief Pain Inventory-Facial scores, Patient Global Impression of Change scores, and medication dosage. The follow-up surveys were made after 2 and 4 months respectively. The pain of Case 1 was significantly reduced after 7 times FSN treatments and the pain of Case 2 was even disappeared after 6 times FSN treatments. LESSONS: This case report suggested that FSN can relieve postsurgical trigeminal neuralgia safely and effectively. Clinical randomized controlled studies are needed to be further conducted.

A case study on myofunctional therapy and malocclusions created by oral habits.

Purpose: To demonstrate the effect of an orofacial myofunctional therapy intervention by an interdisciplinary team composed of a registered dental hygienist who is also a certified orofacial myologist (COM®), a general dentist, and an orthodontist on the elimination of oral habits and changes in dental malocclusion. Method: This case study describes a 7-year-old female who underwent an individualized myofunctional therapy program and was given supervised education on a series of exercises targeting the muscles of mastication and facial expression over 5 months. Correct oral rest postures of the tongue and the lips were also established through therapy. Results: The intervention enabled the client to eliminate multiple oral habits, which corrected oral rest postures of the lips and tongue. This correction consequently improved the client's malocclusion and further prepared the client for future orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: Myofunctional therapy facilitated the elimination of unfavourable oral habits that led to malocclusion. Eliminating oral habits better prepared the client for orthodontic treatment and retention. Use of an interdisciplinary team facilitates optimal client care.

Objectif: Démontrer l'effet d'une thérapie orofaciale myofonctionnelle par une équipe interdisciplinaire composée d'un hygiéniste dentaire autorisé qui est aussi un myologiste orofacial certifié (COM®), d'un dentiste généraliste et d'un orthodontiste sur l'élimination des habitudes buccales et les changements de la malocclusion dentaire. Méthodologie: La présente étude de cas décrit une fille de 7 ans qui a suivi un programme personnalisé de thérapie myofonctionnelle et a reçu une éducation supervisée sur une série d'exercices ciblant les muscles de la mastication et de l'expression faciale au cours d'une période de 5 mois. La thérapie a aussi permis d'établir des postures appropriées de repos de la langue et des lèvres. Résultats: Grâce à la thérapie, la cliente a pu éliminer de multiples habitudes buccales, ce qui a corrigé les postures de repos buccal des lèvres et de la langue. Cette modification a par conséquent amélioré la malocclusion de la cliente et a permis de la préparer à un futur traitement orthodontique. Conclusion: La thérapie myofonctionnelle a favorisé l'élimination d'habitudes buccales défavorables qui ont mené à la malocclusion. En éliminant les habitudes buccales, la cliente était mieux préparée au traitement orthodontique et à la rétention. L'utilisation d'une équipe interdisciplinaire optimise les soins du client.

The effect of tongue elevation muscle training in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal myofunctional therapy is a multi-component therapy effective to reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, existing protocols are difficult to replicate in the clinical setting. There is a need to isolate the specific effectiveness of each component of the therapy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a 6 weeks tongue elevation training programme in patients with OSA. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were adults diagnosed with moderate OSA who presented low adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy (mean use <4 h per night). The intervention group completed a 6 weeks tongue elevation training protocol that consisted in anterior tongue elevation strength and endurance tasks with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. The control group completed a 6 weeks sham training protocol that involved expiratory muscle training at very low intensity. Polygraphy data, tongue force and endurance, and OSA symptoms were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. The primary outcome was apneoa-hypopnea index (AHI). RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (55 ± 11 years) were recruited. According to modified intention-to-treat analysis (n = 25), changes in AHI and c did not significantly differ between groups. Daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and tongue endurance significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = .015 and .022, respectively). In the intervention group, 75% of participants had a decrease in daytime sleepiness that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference. CONCLUSION: Six weeks of tongue elevation muscle training had no effect on OSA severity.

[Acupuncture combined with western medication for ocular myasthenia gravis: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy between acupuncture combined with western medication and simple western medication for ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG), and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: A total of 60 patients of ocular myasthenia gravis were randomized into an acupuncture combined with western medication group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a western medication group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off). Oral pyridostigmine bromide tablet and prednisone acetate tablet were given in the western medication group. On the basis of the treatment in the western medication group, Tongdu Tiaoqi acupuncture (acupuncture for unblocking the governor vessel and regulating qi ) was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. in the acupuncture combined with western medication group, once a day, 6 days a week. The treatment was given 8 weeks in both groups. Before and after treatment, the OMG clinical absolute score was observed, electrophysiological indexes of orbicularis oculi (value of mean jitter, percentage of jitter >55 µs and percentage of blocks) were measured by single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG), serum levels of acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were detected by ELISA method. RESULTS: After treatment, the OMG clinical absolute scores, values of mean jitter, percentages of jitter >55 µs, percentages of blocks and serum levels of AChR-Ab, IFN-γ and IL-4 were decreased compared before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and those in the acupuncture combined with western medication group were lower than the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with western medication can effectively improve ptosis, palpebra superior fatigability, eye movement disorder and neuromuscular junction dysfunction in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis, the therapeutic effect is superior to simple western medication. Its mechanism may be related to down-regulating serum levels of AChR-Ab, IFN-γ and IL-4 and promoting the recovery of orbicularis oculi function.

Immediate effects of photobiomodulation on maximum lip pressure. / Efeitos imediatos da fotobiomodulação sobre a pressão máxima dos lábios.

PURPOSE: To verify the immediate effects of different doses of photobiomodulation on maximum lip pressure. METHODS: Experimental, randomized and triple-blind study. The sample consisted of 23 women and 17 men, age between 18 and 33 years old (average 23.18 years old, SD=2.1), distributed in four groups: CG (control group), G1, G4 and G7. The maximum pressure was assessed with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). The bulb was placed between the lips and the participants were instructed to press it as strong as possible. Infrared LASER (808 nm), manufactured by DMC, Therapy EC model, 100 mW of power output, was applied. The doses tested were 1 J (G1), 4 J (G4) and 7 J (G7), applied at six points of the orbicularis oris muscle. In the CG there was no intervention. The evaluation procedures were repeated after the LASER application. The results were analyzed with a significance level of 95%. RESULTS: The maximum lip pressure increased significantly only in the group irradiated with 7 J. CONCLUSION: Low level LASER therapy with 7 J dose promoted changes in the performance of the orbicularis oris muscle in the maximum pressure task.

OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos imediatos da fotobiomodulação sobre a pressão máxima dos lábios para diferentes doses. MÉTODO: Estudo experimental, randomizado e triplo cego. A amostra foi composta por 23 mulheres e 17 homens com idade entre 18 e 33 anos (média 23,18 anos, DP=2,1), divididos em quatro grupos: GC (grupo controle), G1, G4 e G7. A pressão máxima foi avaliada com o Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). O bulbo foi posicionado entre os lábios e os participantes foram orientados a pressioná-lo com a maior força possível. Aplicou-se o LASER infravermelho (808 nm) da marca DMC, modelo Therapy EC, 100 mW de potência. As doses testadas foram 1 J (G1), 4 J (G4) e 7 J (G7) aplicadas em seis pontos do músculo orbicular da boca. No GC não houve intervenção. Após a aplicação do LASER, foram repetidos os procedimentos de avaliação. Os resultados foram analisados com nível de significância de 95%. RESULTADOS: A pressão máxima de lábios aumentou significativamente apenas no grupo irradiado com 7 joules. CONCLUSÃO: O LASER de baixa intensidade na dose de 7 J promoveu mudanças no desempenho do músculo orbicular da boca em tarefa de pressão máxima.

Selective Facial Muscle Activation with Acute and Chronic Multichannel Cuff Electrode Implantation in a Feline Model.

OBJECTIVES: Facial paralysis is a debilitating condition with substantial functional and psychological consequences. This feline-model study evaluates whether facial muscles can be selectively activated in acute and chronic implantation of 16-channel multichannel cuff electrodes (MCE). METHODS: Two cats underwent acute terminal MCE implantation experiments, 2 underwent chronic MCE implantation in uninjured facial nerves (FN) and tested for 6 months, and 2 underwent chronic MCE implantation experiments after FN transection injury and tested for 3 months. The MCE were wrapped around the main trunk of the skeletonized FN, and data collection consisted of EMG thresholds, amplitudes, and selectivity of muscle activation. RESULTS: In acute experimentation, activation of specific channels (ie, channels 1-3 and 6-8) resulted in selective activation of orbicularis oculi, whereas activation of other channels (ie, channels 4, 5, or 8) led to selective activation of levator auris longus with higher EMG amplitudes. MCE implantation yielded stable and selective facial muscle activation EMG thresholds and amplitudes up to a 5-month period. Modest selective muscle activation was furthermore obtained after a complete transection-reapproximating nerve injury after a 3-month recovery period and implantation reoperation. Chronic implantation of MCE did not lead to fibrosis on histology. Field steering was achieved to activate distinct facial muscles by sending simultaneous subthreshold currents to multiple channels, thus theoretically protecting against nerve damage from chronic electrical stimulation. CONCLUSION: Our proof-of-concept results show the ability of an MCE, supplemented with field steering, to provide a degree of selective facial muscle stimulation in a feline model, even following nerve regeneration after FN injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Decoding of the coupling between the brain and facial muscle reactions in auditory stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of the reactions of different organs to external stimuli is an important area of research in physiological science. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we investigated the correlation between the brain and facial muscle activities by information-based analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and electromyogram (EMG) signals using Shannon entropy. METHOD: The EEG and EMG signals of thirteen subjects were recorded during rest and auditory stimulations using relaxing, pop, and rock music. Accordingly, we calculated the Shannon entropy of these signals. RESULTS: The results showed that rock music has a greater effect on the information of EEG and EMG signals than pop music, which itself has a greater effect than relaxing music. Furthermore, a strong correlation (r= 0.9980) was found between the variations of the information of EEG and EMG signals. CONCLUSION: The activities of the facial muscle and brain are correlated in different conditions. This technique can be utilized to investigate the correlation between the activities of different organs versus brain activity in different situations.

Neurophysiological profiles of responders and nonresponders to hypoglossal nerve stimulation: a single-institution study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an effective alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that acts by opening the airway via selective stimulation of nerve fibers that innervate tongue muscles that protrude (genioglossus) and stiffen the tongue (transverse and vertical) while avoiding nerve fibers that innervate tongue muscles that retract the tongue (styloglossus and hyoglossus). There remains a subset of postoperative patients who fail to adequately respond to HGNS, in some cases due to mixed activation of muscles that simultaneously protrude and retract the tongue. This study aims to characterize the relationship between neurophysiological data from individual tongue muscle activation during intraoperative electromyographic recordings and postoperative apnea-hypopnea index responses to HGNS. METHODS: A single-institution review of 46 patients undergoing unilateral HGNS implantation for obstructive sleep apnea. Patients were separated into responders and nonresponders through comparison of pre and postoperative apnea-hypopnea index. Neurophysiological data included electromyographic responses of the genioglossus, styloglossus/hyoglossus, intrinsic/vertical, and hyoglossus (neck) muscles to intraoperative stimulation using unipolar (- to - and o to o) and bipolar (+ to +) settings. RESULTS: The overall treatment success rate was 61% as determined by a postoperative apnea-hypopnea index < 20 events/h with a greater than 50% AHI reduction. We observed no statistically significant relationships between treatment response and individual muscle responses. However, we did note that increasing body mass index was correlated with worse postoperative responses. CONCLUSIONS: Although we noted a significant subgroup of clinical nonresponders to HGNS postoperatively, these patients were not found to exhibit significant inclusion of tongue retractors intraoperatively on neurophysiological analysis. Further research is needed to delineate additional phenotypic factors that may contribute to HGNS treatment responses. CITATION: Wang D, Modik O, Sturm JJ, et al. Neurophysiological profiles of responders and nonresponders to hypoglossal nerve stimulation: a single-institution study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(5):1327-1333.

Acupuncture combined with western medication for ocular myasthenia gravis: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy between acupuncture combined with western medication and simple western medication for ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG), and to explore its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients of ocular myasthenia gravis were randomized into an acupuncture combined with western medication group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a western medication group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off). Oral pyridostigmine bromide tablet and prednisone acetate tablet were given in the western medication group. On the basis of the treatment in the western medication group, Tongdu Tiaoqi acupuncture (acupuncture for unblocking the governor vessel and regulating qi ) was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. in the acupuncture combined with western medication group, once a day, 6 days a week. The treatment was given 8 weeks in both groups. Before and after treatment, the OMG clinical absolute score was observed, electrophysiological indexes of orbicularis oculi (value of mean jitter, percentage of jitter >55 μs and percentage of blocks) were measured by single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG), serum levels of acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were detected by ELISA method.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the OMG clinical absolute scores, values of mean jitter, percentages of jitter >55 μs, percentages of blocks and serum levels of AChR-Ab, IFN-γ and IL-4 were decreased compared before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and those in the acupuncture combined with western medication group were lower than the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with western medication can effectively improve ptosis, palpebra superior fatigability, eye movement disorder and neuromuscular junction dysfunction in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis, the therapeutic effect is superior to simple western medication. Its mechanism may be related to down-regulating serum levels of AChR-Ab, IFN-γ and IL-4 and promoting the recovery of orbicularis oculi function.

Synchrony in the periphery: inter-subject correlation of physiological responses during live music concerts.

While there is an increasing shift in cognitive science to study perception of naturalistic stimuli, this study extends this goal to naturalistic contexts by assessing physiological synchrony across audience members in a concert setting. Cardiorespiratory, skin conductance, and facial muscle responses were measured from participants attending live string quintet performances of full-length works from Viennese Classical, Contemporary, and Romantic styles. The concert was repeated on three consecutive days with different audiences. Using inter-subject correlation (ISC) to identify reliable responses to music, we found that highly correlated responses depicted typical signatures of physiological arousal. By relating physiological ISC to quantitative values of music features, logistic regressions revealed that high physiological synchrony was consistently predicted by faster tempi (which had higher ratings of arousing emotions and engagement), but only in Classical and Romantic styles (rated as familiar) and not the Contemporary style (rated as unfamiliar). Additionally, highly synchronised responses across all three concert audiences occurred during important structural moments in the music-identified using music theoretical analysis-namely at transitional passages, boundaries, and phrase repetitions. Overall, our results show that specific music features induce similar physiological responses across audience members in a concert context, which are linked to arousal, engagement, and familiarity.

Substituting facial movements in singers changes the sounds of musical intervals.

Cross-modal integration is ubiquitous within perception and, in humans, the McGurk effect demonstrates that seeing a person articulating speech can change what we hear into a new auditory percept. It remains unclear whether cross-modal integration of sight and sound generalizes to other visible vocal articulations like those made by singers. We surmise that perceptual integrative effects should involve music deeply, since there is ample indeterminacy and variability in its auditory signals. We show that switching videos of sung musical intervals changes systematically the estimated distance between two notes of a musical interval so that pairing the video of a smaller sung interval to a relatively larger auditory led to compression effects on rated intervals, whereas the reverse led to a stretching effect. In addition, after seeing a visually switched video of an equally-tempered sung interval and then hearing the same interval played on the piano, the two intervals were judged often different though they differed only in instrument. These findings reveal spontaneous, cross-modal, integration of vocal sounds and clearly indicate that strong integration of sound and sight can occur beyond the articulations of natural speech.

Immediate effects of red (660 nm) and infrared (808 nm) photobiomodulation therapy on fatigue of the orbicularis oris muscle: a randomized clinical study. / Efeitos imediatos da fotobiomodulação com laser de baixa intensidade e comprimentos de onda vermelho (660 nm) e infravermelho (808 nm) na fadiga eletromiográfica do músculo orbicular da boca: estudo clínico randomizado.

PURPOSE: To compare the immediate effects of laser photobiomodulation at wavelengths of 660 nm and 808 nm on fatigue of the orbicularis oris. METHODS: This is a randomized study with 60 women aged between 19 and 43 years. The participants were divided into four groups. Group RG received photobiomodulation with a laser wavelength of 660 nm at four points of the orbicularis oris; group IRG received photobiomodulation with a laser wavelength of 808 nm at the same points; the control group did not receive light treatment; and the placebo group underwent the same procedures as RG and IRG but with the equipment switched off. The irradiation was performed with a laser of 100 mW of power, 4 J of energy per point and 133.3 J/cm2 of fluency. An electromyography evaluation was performed before and after the irradiation, concomitantly with the exercise of lip protrusion maintained until the sensation of fatigue. Fatigue was evaluated by a median frequency using the electromyographic fatigue index. The amplitude of the signal was evaluated, examining the root mean square, and the values were normalized by the peak. The difference in amplitude between the upper and lower lips was also analyzed. All variables were compared before and after irradiation. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the measures taken before and after irradiation. CONCLUSION: Photobiomodulation with the parameters investigated in this study had no immediate effect on orbicular oris fatigue.

OBJETIVO: comparar os efeitos imediatos da fotobiomodulação com laser nos comprimentos de onda 660 nm e 808 nm na fadiga do músculo orbicular da boca. MÉTODOS: trata-se de um estudo experimental randomizado, com 60 mulheres, com idade entre 19 e 43 anos. As participantes foram divididas em quatro grupos. O grupo GV recebeu irradiação com laser de comprimento de onda de 660 nm em quatro pontos do orbicular da boca; o grupo GIV recebeu irradiação com laser de comprimento de onda de 808 nm nos mesmos pontos; o grupo controle não recebeu irradiação e o grupo placebo passou pelos mesmos procedimentos dos grupos GV e GIV, porém o equipamento não foi acionado. A irradiação foi realizada com laser de 100 mW de potência, 4 J de energia por ponto e 133,3 J/cm2 de fluência. Avaliação eletromiográfica foi realizada antes e após a irradiação, concomitantemente ao exercício de protrusão labial sustentada até a sensação de fadiga. O índice de fadiga eletromiográfica foi calculado a partir da frequência mediana. A amplitude do sinal foi avaliada, examinando o RMS, e os valores normalizados pelo pico. A diferença na amplitude entre lábios superiores e inferiores também foi analisada. Todas as variáveis foram comparadas antes e após a irradiação. RESULTADOS: não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas medidas antes e após a irradiação. CONCLUSÃO: a fotobiomodulação, com os parâmetros investigados neste estudo, não resultou em efeitos imediatos sobre a fadiga do músculo orbicular da boca.

The research for the function evaluation of facial nerve and the mechanisms of rehabilitation training.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) is a common peripheral neural disease. Acupuncture treatment combined with PFP rehabilitation exercises is a routine method of PFP treatment. This article is to provide a new visual and objective evaluation method for exploring the mechanism and efficacy of acupuncture treatment on PFP, and develop an interactive augmented facial nerve function rehabilitation training system with multiple training models. METHODS: This prospective and observational trial will recruit 200 eligible participants for the following study. In the trial, the laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) technology will be applied to monitor the microcirculation of facial blood flow during acupuncture, and real-time monitoring algorithms, data sampling, and digital imaging methods will be conducted by machine learning and image segmentation. Then, a database of patient facial expressions will be built, the correlation between surface blood flow perfusion volume and facial structure symmetry will be analyzed, combined with scale assessment and electrophysiological detection. In addition, we will also explore the objectivity and effectiveness of LASCA in the evaluation of facial paralysis (FP), and the changes in blood flow microcirculation before and after acupuncture treatment will be analyzed. RESULTS: The standard image of the facial target area with facial nerve injury will be manually segmented by the convolutional neural network method. The blood flow images of the eyelid, cheek, and mandible of the patients' affected and healthy side will be compared and evaluated. Laser speckle blood flow symmetry Pr and its changes in FP condition evolution and prognosis outcome will be measured, and relevant characteristic signals values will be extracted. Finally, COX regression analysis method is conducted to establish a higher accuracy prediction model of FP with cross-validation based on laser speckle blood flow imaging technology. CONCLUSIONS: We use modern interdisciplinary high-tech technologies to explore the mechanism of acupuncture rehabilitation training in PFP. And we will provide evidence for the feasibility of using the LASCA technique as a typing diagnosis of FP in the acupuncture rehabilitation treatment of PFP. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR1800019463.

Review of the Current Medical and Surgical Treatment Options for Microstomia in Patients With Scleroderma.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with scleroderma suffer from microstomia, which can have debilitating consequences on their quality of life. Unfortunately, treatment options remain limited. No specific guidelines exist; hence, microstomia remains a challenge to treat in this patient population. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to evaluate the different medical and surgical treatment modalities currently available for microstomia in patients with scleroderma and make recommendations for future research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid Embase was conducted to identify articles discussing the treatment of microstomia in scleroderma. Twenty articles discussing surgical therapy and one article discussing medical therapy were reviewed. RESULTS: Mostly because of a scarcity of high-level evidence, no individual therapy has documented long-term efficacy. Some treatments demonstrate positive results and warrant further research. CONCLUSION: Given the variability of results, specific recommendations for the treatment of microstomia in patients with scleroderma are difficult to establish. A multifaceted approach that includes surgical and medical therapy is likely the best option to improve oral aperture in this patient population. Surgical treatments such as neurotoxins, autologous fat grafting, and ultraviolet A1 phototherapy may hold the most potential for improvement.

Optimizing Location of Subdermal Recording Electrodes for Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine if different facial muscle groups demonstrate different responses to facial nerve stimulation, the results of which could potentially improve intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IOFNM). METHODS: IOFNM data were prospectively collected from patients undergoing cochlear implantation. At different stages of nerve exposure, three sites were stimulated using a monopolar pulse. Peak electromyography (EMG) amplitude (µV) in four muscle groups innervated by four different branches of the facial nerve (frontalis-temporal, inferior orbicularis oculi-zygomatic, superior oribularis oris-buccal, and mentalis-marginal mandibular) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 279 peak EMG amplitudes were recorded in 93 patients. At all three stimulating sites, the zygomatic branch mean peak EMG amplitudes were statistically greater than those of the temporal, buccal, and marginal mandibular branches (P < .05). At stimulating Site C, the marginal mandibular branch mean peak EMG was stronger than the temporal or buccal branches (P < .05). Of the 279 stimulations, the zygomatic branch demonstrated the highest amplitude in 128 (45.9%) trials, followed by the marginal mandibular branch (22.2%). CONCLUSIONS: When utilized, IOFNM should be performed with at least two electrodes, one of which is placed in the orbicularis oculi muscles and the other in the mentalis muscle. However, there is wide variability between patients. As such, in cases of suspected variant nerve anatomy or increased risk of injury (intradural procedures), surgeons should consider using more than two recording electrodes, with at least one in the orbicularis oculi muscle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2329-E2334, 2021.