Research hotspots and trends on acupuncture treatment for headache: a bibliometric analysis from 2003 to 2023.

Background: While acupuncture treatment has gained extensive usage in addressing headaches, there remains a notable gap in the literature analysis for this field. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a literature review using Citespace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix, aiming to examine the current status, strengths, and potential future directions in the utilization of acupuncture for headache treatment. Methods: Relevant literature on acupuncture treatment for headaches between 2003 and 2023 was retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) core database. Utilizing CiteSpace 6.1.R6, VOSviewer 1.6.18, and Bibliometrix 4.1.4, we conducted bibliometric analyses across various categories, including countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords. Results: A total of 808 research reports were included. China and the United States have significantly contributed to this field. Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine holds the record for the highest number of published papers. Liu Lu has the highest publication output, while Linde K has the highest citation rate. MEDICINE leads in publication frequency, while CEPHALALGIA holds the highest citation rate. The Long-term Effect of Acupuncture for Migraine Prophylaxis a Randomized Clinical Trial is the most cited reference. Migraine was the most researched type. Filiform needle acupuncture was the most widely used stimulation method. The safety and efficacy of acupuncture have received significant attention. Modern mechanism research shows that depression, brain functional connectivity, and neuroimaging technology have become research hotspots in the acupuncture treatment of headaches. Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment for headaches has established a stable trend with a promising developmental trajectory. Research in this field mainly focuses on different acupuncture prevention and treatment for various types of headaches, the safety and efficacy of acupuncture, etc. Research on the mechanism of action mainly focuses on interpreting bidirectional and holistic regulation between pain and emotion by acupuncture and the regulation of brain function connection and neuroimaging technology by acupuncture. Future research should expand on the advantages and indications of acupuncture treatment for different headaches and their modern mechanisms.

Combined use of a 980­nm diode laser and preoperative intravesical instillation of pirarubicin for the prevention of short­term recurrence of non­muscle invasive bladder cancer: A pilot study.

At present, transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) is the main surgical method for treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), but its postoperative recurrence needs to be prevented. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of a 980-nm diode laser combined with preoperative intravesical instillation of pirarubicin (THP) for the prevention of NMIBC recurrence. The data of 120 patients with NMIBC who underwent transurethral resection between May 2021 and July 2022 were retrospectively collected, and these patients were followed up. The patients were divided into four groups based on the surgical method used and preoperative intravesical instillation of THP as follows: i) 980-nm diode laser with THP (LaT); ii) 980-nm diode laser alone (La); iii) TURBT with THP (TUT); and iv) TURBT alone (TU). Clinicopathological variables, postoperative complications and short-term outcomes among the aforementioned groups were analyzed. The blood loss volume and the incidence of perforation and delayed bleeding were significantly lower in the LaT and La groups compared with those in the TUT and TU groups. The days of bladder irrigation, catheter extubation and postoperative hospitalization were significantly shorter in the LaT and La groups compared with the TUT and TU groups. The detection rate of suspicious lesions was significantly higher in the THP irrigation groups (LaT and TUT) compared with that in the saline irrigation groups (La and TU). Tumor diameter and number, 980-nm laser and THP irrigation were shown to be independent risk factors in the Cox regression analysis. In addition, the recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate of the LaT group was significantly higher than that of the other three groups. In conclusion, a 980-nm diode laser can effectively reduce intraoperative blood loss and the incidence of perforation, and accelerate postoperative recovery. Preoperative intravesical instillation of THP is conducive to identifying suspicious lesions. The combination of a 980-nm laser with preoperative THP intravesical instillation can significantly prolong RFS time.

Warm acupuncture therapy alleviates neuronal apoptosis after spinal cord injury via inhibition of the ERK signaling pathway.

PURPOSE: Warm acupuncture (WA) therapy has been applied to treat spinal cord injury (SCI), but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The current study attempted to explore the WA therapy on neuronal apoptosis of SCI and the relationship with the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. METHODS: The rat SCI models were established by the impact method. SCI rat models were subjected to WA treatment at Dazhui (GV14) and Jiaji points (T10), Yaoyangguan (GV3), Zusanli (ST36), and Ciliao (BL32). The rat SCI models were established by the impact method. WA and U0126 treatments were performed on the SCI rats. Motor function and neuronal apoptosis were detected. The relative mRNA of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), the phosphorylation level of ERK 1/2 and levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), BCL2-Associated X (Bax), and caspase-3 in spinal cord tissue were tested. RESULTS: After WA treatment, the Basso, Beattie & Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB scale) of SCI rats in the WA treatment was significantly raised from 7 to 14 days after SCI. WA and U0126 treatment significantly diminished apoptotic cells and preserved the neurons in the injured spinal cord. WA and U0126 treatment alleviated the production of inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord. The distinct increase of p-ERK 1/2 induced by SCI was reversed in WA and U0126 treatment groups. WA and U0126 treatment augmented the level of Bcl-2 and reversed the elevated cleaved caspase-3 protein level after SCI. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that WA might be associated with the downregulation of the ERK signaling pathway. In summary, our findings indicated that WA promotes the recovery of SCI via the protection of nerve cells and the prevention of apoptosis. Meanwhile, the anti-apoptotic effect of WA might be associated with the downregulation of the ERK signaling pathway, which could be one of the mechanisms of WA in the treatment of SCI.

Acupuncture combined with moxibustion promote the recovery of spinal cord injury in correlation with Shh/Gli-1 signaling pathway.

Objective: Acupuncture combined with moxibustion (AM) therapy has been applied to treat spinal cord injury (SCI), but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The present study aimed to confirm the effect and mechanism of AM treatment on the recovery of SCI.Design: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish the SCI model by impact method. SCI rat models were subjected to AM treatment at Dazhui (GV14) and Jiaji points (T7-T12), Yaoyangguan (GV3), Zusanli (ST36) and Ciliao (BL32).Outcome measures: Motor function and cell apoptosis in rats after SCI. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Shh and Gli-1 were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot and immunohistochemistry.Results: After AM treatment, the hindlimb motor function of SCI rats was significantly increased than the SCI group at 7, 9, 11, 14 days (P < 0.05). AM treatment 7 d and 14 d significantly preserved the nissl-stained positive neurons and significantly decreased number of apoptotic cells, compared to that of SCI 7 and 14 d groups (P < 0.05). AM treatment improved the mRNA protein levels of Shh and Gli-1 after 7 and 14 days treatment compared to the SCI group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: AM could improve the expression of Shh and Gli-1 in injured spinal cord of rats. That could be part of underlying mechanisms of AM treatment including recover motor function and preserve the neuron cells and alleviate the apoptosis of nerve cells in rats after SCI.

Automatic Assessment of Mitral Regurgitation Severity Using the Mask R-CNN Algorithm with Color Doppler Echocardiography Images.

Accurate assessment of mitral regurgitation (MR) severity is critical in clinical diagnosis and treatment. No single echocardiographic method has been recommended for MR quantification thus far. We sought to define the feasibility and accuracy of the mask regions with a convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN) algorithm in the automatic qualitative evaluation of MR using color Doppler echocardiography images. The authors collected 1132 cases of MR from hospital A and 295 cases of MR from hospital B and divided them into the following four types according to the 2017 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines: grade I (mild), grade II (moderate), grade III (moderate), and grade IV (severe). Both grade II and grade III are moderate. After image marking with the LabelMe software, a method using the Mask R-CNN algorithm based on deep learning (DL) was used to evaluate MR severity. We used the data from hospital A to build the artificial intelligence (AI) model and conduct internal verification, and we used the data from hospital B for external verification. According to severity, the accuracy of classification was 0.90, 0.89, and 0.91 for mild, moderate, and severe MR, respectively. The Macro F1 and Micro F1 coefficients were 0.91 and 0.92, respectively. According to grading, the accuracy of classification was 0.90, 0.87, 0.81, and 0.91 for grade I, grade II, grade III, and grade IV, respectively. The Macro F1 and Micro F1 coefficients were 0.89 and 0.89, respectively. Automatic assessment of MR severity is feasible with the Mask R-CNN algorithm and color Doppler electrocardiography images collected in accordance with the 2017 ASE guidelines, and the model demonstrates reasonable performance and provides reliable qualitative results for MR severity.

Warm acupuncture therapy for Primary sciatica: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of warm acupuncture therapy for treating Primary sciatica. METHODS: The following 9 databases will be search from their inception to December 6, 2020: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), the Chinese Medical Current Content (CMCC), the Wan-Fang Database and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of warm acupuncture for treating Primary sciatica, Chinese or Japanese without restriction of publication status will be included. Two researchers will independently undertake study selection, extraction of data and assessment of study quality. Meta-analysis will be conducted after screening of studies. Data will be analyzed using risk ratio for dichotomous data, and standardized mean difference or weighted mean difference for continuous data. DISSEMINATION: This meta-analysis will be disseminated electronically through a peer-reviewed publication or conference presentations. CONCLUSION: This study will provide evidence to judge whether warm acupuncture. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2020120109.

Efficacy and safety of massage in the treatment of post-stroke insomnia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: : Post-stroke insomnia (PSI) is a serious problem which has significant adverse effects on the subsequent recovery of patients and the quality of their daily life. Massage is effective in improving the quality of sleep for stroke patients displaying no significant adverse reactions. Up to now, however, there are still no systematic studies conducted to provide compelling evidence for its effectiveness in treating PSI. Allowing for this, this project is purposed to make a thorough summary of the efficacy of massage therapy in treating PSI and the safety of this practice. METHODS: : Without considering the status of publication and language, a meticulous search will be conducted, covering the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library search, PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese biomedical literature database, Chongqing VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang. All randomized controlled trials of PSI will be retrieved. The deadline is set as October 23, 2020. The team will be comprised of 2 experienced researchers who will apply RevMan V.5.3 software to conduct literature selection, data collection, data analysis, and data synthesis, respectively. In addition, the Cochrane risk Assessment tool will be taken as the top choice to evaluate the quality of the trials involved in this study. RESULTS: : The effectiveness and safety of massage therapy intended for PSI will be subject to a systematic evaluation under this program. CONCLUSION: : It will be substantiated in this review whether massage therapy is a reliable intervention for PSI by examining the evidence collected.

Effectiveness and safety of massage in the treatment of restless legs syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS), known as a kind of neurological disease, is prevalent but easy to be ignored. Studies have demonstrated that massage therapy can effectively reduce the symptoms of patients with RLS and improve their quality of life. However, the efficacy of massage therapy for RLS is still controversial. Therefore, this protocol aims to evaluate the reliability of massage therapy in treating RLS in a thorough way. METHODS: We will search relevant randomized controlled trials from Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chongqing VIP, CNKI, Wanfang, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE, when publication status and language are not considered and the time limit ends with September 6, 2020. Two experienced researchers will use RevMan V.5.3 software to perform the selection of literature, data collection, data analysis and synthesis separately. Besides, the quality of trials involved in this study will be measured with the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool. RESULTS: This protocol will be applied to carry out a systematic evaluation of the massage therapy purposed to treat RLS for its effectiveness and safety. CONCLUSION: The review will provide a credible evidence suggesting whether massage therapy is a reliable intervention for RLS. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202090038.

MoS2 quantum dots@TiO2 nanotube composites with enhanced photoexcited charge separation and high-efficiency visible-light driven photocatalysis.

MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) that are 5 nm in size were deposited on the surface of ultrathin TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) with 5 nm wall thickness by using an improved hydrothermal method to form a MoS2 QDs@TNT visible-light photocatalyst. The ultrathin TNTs with high percentage of photocatalytic reactive facets were fabricated by the commercially available TiO2 nanoparticles (P25) through an improved hydrothermal method, and the MoS2 QDs were acquired by using a surfactant-assisted technique. The novel MoS2 QDs@TNT photocatalysts showed excellent photocatalytic activity with a decolorization rate of 92% or approximately 3.5 times more than that of pure TNTs for the high initial concentration of methylene blue solution (20 mg l-1) within 40 min under visible-light irradiation. MoS2 as the co-catalysts favored the broadening of TNTs into the visible-light absorption scope. The quantum confinement and edge effects of the MoS2 QDs and the heterojunction formed between the MoS2 QDs and TNTs efficiently extended the lifetime of photoinduced charges, impeded the recombination of photoexcited electron-hole pairs, and improved the visible-light-driven high-efficiency photocatalysis.

Production and partial purification of tannase from Aspergillus ficuum Gim 3.6.

A novel fungal strain, Aspergillus ficuum Gim 3.6, was evaluated for its tannase-producing capability in a wheat bran-based solid-state fermentation. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis revealed that the strain was able to degrade tannic acid to gallic acid and pyrogallol during the fermentation process. Quantitation of enzyme activity demonstrated that this strain was capable of producing a relatively high yield of extracellular tannase. Single-factor optimization of process parameters resulted in high yield of tannase after 60 hr of incubation at a pH of 5.0 at 30°C, 1 mL of inoculum size, and 1:1 solid-liquid ratio in the presence of 2.0% (w/v) tannic acid as inducer. The potential of aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) for the purification of tannase was investigated. Influence of various parameters such as phase-forming salt, molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (PEG), pH, and stability ratio on tannase partition and purification was studied. In all the systems, the target enzyme was observed to preferentially partition to the PEG-rich top phase, and the best result of purification (2.74-fold) with an enzyme activity recovery of 77.17% was obtained in the system containing 17% (w/w) sodium citrate and 18.18% (w/w) PEG1000, at pH 7.0.

Prevalence and risk factors for isolated untreated systolic hypertension in rural Mongolian and Han populations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlative risk factors of isolated untreated systolic hypertension and other hypertension subtypes among Mongolians and Han rural adults of China. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was conducted in 2004-2006 and used a multistage cluster sampling method to select a representative sample. A total of 41,356 people who did not take antihypertensive drugs during the last 2 weeks and aged 35 years or older were examined. A survey on blood pressure and associated risk factors was carried out. Overall, 10.2% of rural adults had isolated systolic hypertension, 6.3% had isolated diastolic hypertension and 15.3% had systolo-diastolic hypertension (Han: 9.8%, 6.2%, 14.7%; Mongolians: 11.6%, 6.4%, 17.6%, respectively). The prevalence of ISH and SDH increased with age. Mongolians had a higher prevalence of ISH and SDH than Han people. Age, gender, BMI, and salt intake were risk factors of ISH and SDH both for Han people and Mongolians. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was very common in rural people of China, and it was associated with many risk factors. These results place great emphasis on the urgent need for a public health programme to improve the detection, prevention and treatment of hypertension in the rural population of China.

Prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity in a Chinese rural population.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are now considered as a serious health problem, and a very important risk factor for many diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the epidemiologic features of overweight and obesity among rural adults in China. METHOD AND PROCEDURES: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during 2004-2005, using a multistage cluster sampling method to select a representative sample in Fuxin county, Liaoning province, China. A total of 29,970 adults, aged > or =35 years, were examined. At baseline, lifestyle and other factors were obtained. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the classification by the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of overweight was 18.6%; 15.1% in men and 22.1% in women. The prevalence of obesity was 1.7%; 1.2% in men and 2.2% in women. Multivariable logistic regression revealed certain risk factors of obesity that included being a women, Mongolian nationality and education status of over junior high school level. Moderate physical activity alone was shown as protective factor. DISCUSSION: Although the prevalence of obesity was low, overweight was relatively high in the Chinese rural population, especially in adult women. Gender, diet, physical activity, education levels, and ethnicity were associated with the prevalence of these health conditions.

Gender differences in blood lipids and the risk of ischemic stroke among the hypertensive adults in rural China.

BACKGROUND: Though large epidemiological studies have not established associations between blood lipids and ischemic stroke, increasing evidences have suggested that lipid-modifying agents may reduce cerebrovascular events. AIMS: To determine whether blood lipids are risk factors for ischemic stroke among hypertensive rural adults in China. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during 2004-2006, which underwent cluster multistage sampling to a hypertensive resident group in the countryside of China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6,412 individuals (2,805 men, 3,607 women) with age>or=35 years were included. At baseline, lifestyle and other factors were obtained and blood lipids were assessed at a central study laboratory. Ischemic stroke was defined according to the criteria established by the National Survey of Stroke and all cases were further classified into lacunar infarction and other ischemic strokes. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used. RESULTS: In the univariable logistic regression model, LDL cholesterol (LDLc) in men and total cholesterol (TC), LDLc and TC-to-HDL cholesterol (TC: HDLc ratio) in women were risk factors for other ischemic strokes, with OR 1.42 (95% CI, 1.16-1.75), 1.31 (95% CI, 1.11-1.55), 1.47 (95% CI, 1.16-1.88) and 1.67 (95% CI, 1.28-2.14), respectively. After adjusting for independent variables, an increase in non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDLc) was associated with a significant increased risk of other ischemic strokes in women, with adjusted OR 1.45 (95% CI, 1.08-1.93). CONCLUSIONS: LDLc was the common risk factor for ischemic stroke in men and women, whereas Non-HDLc, TC and TC: HDLc ratio levels were related to ischemic stroke as risk factors only in women.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia and associated factors among the hypertensive rural chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia plays a crucial rule in the development of cardiovascular disease, which has become the leading cause of death in most developed countries as well as in developing countries. This study was designed to investigate the epidemiological features of dyslipidemia in rural adults with hypertension in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during 2004-2006 through a cluster multistage sampling to a resident group of 6,412 individuals (2,805 men, 3,607 women) with hypertension, aged >/=35 years, in the countryside of Liaoning, China. Serum lipids levels were proposed by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. RESULTS: Of the study population 34.4% had borderline high total cholesterol (TC), 16.9% had high TC, and 8.8% had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The population with borderline high, high, and very high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was 15.7, 3.5, and 0.9%, respectively. In addition, 15.9% had borderline high triglycerides (TG), 17.8% had high TG and 2.0% had very high TG. After adjusting for independent variables, TC and TG had the same risk with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and body mass index. Risk factors of TC and LDL-C were women, age and FPG. Mongolia nationality as a protective factor positively correlated with TC, LDL-C, and TG. Women, age, drinking, and classification of blood pressure were protective factors but Mongolia nationality was a risk factor for HDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the prevalence of dyslipidemia was relatively high among rural hypertensive patients in China and there were many modifiable risk factors for dyslipidemia such as hypertension, weight, and impaired glucose metabolism. To prevent dyslipidemia and to reduce the increasing burden of cardiovascular disease in rural areas with the undeveloped economy of China, the first aim for us is to reduce these risk factors.

The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among rural adults in Liaoning province of China.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension in the rural adults of Liaoning province of China. METHODS: The study was conducted in 2004-2006, using a multistage cluster sampling method to select a representative sample. A total of 45925 adults, 35 years or older, were examined. Two blood pressure measurements were obtained by trained observers by use of a standardized electric sphygmomanometer after a 5-min sitting rest. Information on the history of hypertension was obtained by use of a standard questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of prehypertension was 44.1%; for men 48.7 and women 39.6%. The prevalence of hypertension was 37.8%; for men 37.0 and women 38.6%. Among hypertensive patients, only 29.5% patients were aware of their high blood pressure, 23.6% patients were taking antihypertensive medication, and 1.1% patients achieved blood pressure control. CONCLUSIONS: Prehypertension and hypertension are highly prevalent in rural areas of China. The percentage of those with hypertension who are aware, treated, and controlled are unacceptably low. These results underscore the urgent need to develop strategies to improve prevention, detection, and treatment of hypertension in rural areas of China.

Prevalence and risk factors of the rural adult people prehypertension status in Liaoning Province of China.

BACKGROUND: Prehypertension is a new category of blood pressure (BP) classification according to the Seventh Report of The Joint National Committee. Little is known about the epidemiology of prehypertension in rural China. The purpose of the present study is to determine the prevalence of prehypertension and associated risk factors in rural adult people of China. METHODS AND RESULTS: Through cluster multistage and random sampling method, a resident group of 29,970 people aged > or =35 years old in Liaoning Province was selected from 2004 to 2005. The survey on BP and associated risk factors was carried out. Prehypertension was defined as systolic BP between 120 and 139 mmHg or diastolic BP 80 and 89 mmHg. Overall, the prevalence of prehypertension was 47.0%, males 51.2% and females 42.6%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 36.2%. Multivariable logistic regression showed overweightness, obesity and drinking were risk factors of prehypertension. Female and greater than high school education status were shown as protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of prehypertension of rural adult people in China is dramatically high and it was associated with many risk factors. Comprehensive lifestyle modifications are needed to be taken to decrease the incidence of prehypertension and to prevent prehypertension people from hypertension and cardiovascular disease.