Effects of pilates exercises on radiographic lumbo-pelvic alignment and range of motion in non-specific low back pain patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of Pilates exercises on lumbo-pelvic alignment in non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) patients. METHODS: Twenty-two patients (Male:7; Female:15) with NSLBP aged 20-65 years were recruited and classified based on a modified O'Sullivan's classification system into flexion pattern (FP) or active extension pattern (EP) groups. Oswestry Disability index (ODI), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) as well as radiographic lumbar global range of motion (ROM) and lumbo-pelvic alignment were measured Pre- and immediately post-intervention and at 6- and 12-month. The intervention included supervised six-weeks Pilates program with 60 min per session and up to two sessions per week. RESULTS: Lumbar lordosis, sacral slope and sacral inclination were found to be significantly different between the FP and EP groups based on the O'Sullivan's classification system. However, despite the significant changes in RMDQ (p = 0.001), no significant changes were found for any of the alignment parameters (p > 0.05) post intervention for both groups. For lumbar global ROM, a statistically significant change was observed for the EP group (p = 0.028) but not for the FP group (p = 0.249). No significant correlations were identified between any of the self-reported outcomes, radiographic alignment and ROM parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Patients self-perceived long-term functional improvements based on responding to questionnaires after Pilates exercises were not reflected in significant changes in lumbo-pelvic alignment or lumbar ROM. This may be due to the current cohort demonstrating within normal ranges due to the lesser severity of their condition, but further research is needed for clarification.

Assessment of the Performance of Ultrasonography for Detecting Myofascial Trigger Points.

Needle electromyogram (EMG) research has suggested that endplate noise (EPN) is a characteristic of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Although several studies have observed MTrPs through ultrasonography, whether they are hyperechoic or hypoechoic in ultrasound images is still controversial. Therefore, this study determined the echogenicity of MTrP ultrasonography. In stage 1, the MTrP of rat masseter muscle was identified through palpation and marked. Needle EMG was performed to detect the presence of EPN. When EPN was detected, ultrasound scans and indwelling needles were used to identify the nodule with a different grayscale relative to that of its surrounding tissue, and the echogenicity of the identified MTrP was determined. In stage 2, these steps were reversed. An ultrasound scan was performed to detect the nodule at the marked site, and an EMG needle was inserted into the nodule to detect EPN. There were 178 recordings in each stage, obtained from 45 rats. The stage 1 results indicate that the MTrPs in ultrasound images were hypoechoic with a 100% sensitivity of assessment. In stage 2, the accuracy and precision of MTrP detection through ultrasonography were 89.9% and 89.2%, respectively. The results indicate that ultrasonography produces highly accurate and precise MTrP detection results.

Methylcobalamin in Combination with Early Intervention of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Potentiates Nerve Regeneration and Functional Recovery in a Rat Brachial Plexus Injury Model.

This study evaluated and compared the functional recovery and histopathological outcomes of treatment involving low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and methylcobalamin (B12) on brachial plexus injury (BPI) in an experimental rat model. Three days after BPI, the rats were assigned to receive either LIPUS or methylcobalamin alone or in combination consecutively for 12 days. Serial changes in sensory and motor behavioral responses, as well as morphological and immunohistochemical changes for substance P (SP), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (iba1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and S100 were examined 28 days after BPI as the outcome measurements. Early intervention of LIPUS and methylcobalamin, whether alone or in combination, augmented the sensory and motor behavioral recovery as well as modulated SP and iba1 expression in spinal dorsal horns, BDNF, and S100 in the injured nerve. Moreover, the combined therapy with its synergistic effect gave the most beneficial effect in accelerating functional recovery. In view of the effective initiation of early recovery of sensory and motor functions, treatment with LIPUS and methylcobalamin in combination has a potential role in the clinical management of early-phase BPI.

Effects of Different Pedaling Positions on Muscle Usage and Energy Expenditure in Amateur Cyclists.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate cycling positions may affect muscle usage strategy and raise the level of fatigue or risk of sport injury. Dynamic bike fitting is a growing trend meant to help cyclists select proper bikes and adjust them to fit their ergometry. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the "knee forward of foot" (KFOF) distance, an important dynamic bike fitting variable, influences the muscle activation, muscle usage strategy, and rate of energy expenditure during cycling. METHODS: Six amateur cyclists were recruited to perform the short-distance ride test (SRT) and the graded exercise tests (GXT) with pedaling positions at four different KFOF distances (+20, 0, -20, and -40 mm). The surface electromyographic (EMG) and portable energy metabolism systems were used to monitor the muscle activation and energy expenditure. The outcome measures included the EMG root-mean-square (RMS) amplitudes of eight muscles in the lower extremity during the SRT, the regression line of the changes in the EMG RMS amplitude and median frequency (MF), and the heart rate and oxygen consumption during the GXT. RESULTS: Our results revealed significant differences in the muscle activation of vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and semitendinosus among four different pedaling positions during the SRT. During GXT, no statistically significant differences in muscle usage strategy and energy expenditure were found among different KFOF. However, most cyclists had the highest rate of energy expenditure with either KFOF at -40 mm or 20 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The KFOF distance altered muscle activation in the SRT; however, no significant influence on the muscle usage strategy was found in the GXT. A higher rate of energy expenditure in the extreme pedaling positions of KFOF was observed in most amateur cyclists, so professional assistance for proper bike fitting was recommended.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Physical Therapy on the Improvement of Balance and Gait in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The present study aims to determine the potential benefits of PNF on balance and gait function in patients with chronic stroke by using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic review in the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Studies up to September 2020 are included. A systematic database search was conducted for randomized control trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of PNF intervention in patients with chronic stroke using balance and gait parameters as outcome measures. The primary outcomes of interest were Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT). Nineteen studies with 532 participants were included, of which twelve studies with 327 participants were included for meta-analysis. When the data were pooled, PNF made statistically significant improvements in balance with BBS, FRT and TUG (p < 0.05) or gait velocity with 10MWT (p < 0.001) when compared to the control. This review indicates that PNF is a potential treatment strategy in chronic stroke rehabilitation on balance and gait speed. Further high-quality research is required for concluding a consensus of intervention and research on PNF.

Early Intervention of Cold-Water Swimming on Functional Recovery and Spinal Pain Modulation Following Brachial Plexus Avulsion in Rats.

Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) causes peripheral nerve injury complications with motor and sensory dysfunction of the upper limb. Growing evidence has shown an active role played by cold-water swimming (CWS) in alleviating peripheral neuropathic pain and functional recovery. This study examined whether CWS could promote functional recovery and pain modulation through the reduction of neuroinflammation and microglial overactivation in dorsal horn neurons at the early-stage of BPA. After BPA surgery was performed on rats, they were assigned to CWS or sham training for 5 min twice a day for two weeks. Functional behavioral responses were tested before and after BPA surgery, and each week during training. Results after the two-week training program showed significant improvements in BPA-induced motor and sensory loss (p < 0.05), lower inflammatory cell infiltration, and vacuole formation in injured nerves among the BPA-CWS group. Moreover, BPA significantly increased the expression of SP and IBA1 in dorsal horn neurons (p < 0.05), whereas CWS prevented their overexpression in the BPA-CWS group. The present findings evidenced beneficial rehabilitative effects of CWS on functional recovery and pain modulation at early-stage BPA. The beneficial effects are partially related to inflammatory suppression and spinal modulation. The synergistic role of CWS combined with other management approaches merits further investigation.

Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain Modulation in a Rat Model with Myogenous Temporomandibular Dysfunction.

Masticatory myofascial pain (MMP) is one of the most common causes of chronic orofacial pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders. To explore the antinociceptive effects of ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS) on alterations of pain-related biochemicals, electrophysiology and jaw-opening movement in an animal model with MMP, a total of 40 rats were randomly and equally assigned to four groups; i.e., animals with MMP receiving either ULF-TENS or sham treatment, as well as those with sham-MMP receiving either ULF-TENS or sham treatment. MMP was induced by electrically stimulated repetitive tetanic contraction of masticatory muscle for 14 days. ULF-TENS was then performed at myofascial trigger points of masticatory muscles for seven days. Measurable outcomes included maximum jaw-opening distance, prevalence of endplate noise (EPN), and immunohistochemistry for substance P (SP) and µ-opiate receptors (MOR) in parabrachial nucleus and c-Fos in rostral ventromedial medulla. There were significant improvements in maximum jaw-opening distance and EPN prevalence after ULF-TENS in animals with MMP. ULF-TENS also significantly reduced SP overexpression, increased MOR expression in parabrachial nucleus, and increased c-Fos expression in rostral ventromedial medulla. ULF-TENS may represent a novel and applicable therapeutic approach for improvement of orofacial pain induced by MMP.

Ultrasound Acupuncture for Oxaliplatin-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin is frequently used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, peripheral neuropathy is a severe adverse effect of oxaliplatin that may persist and impact quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential effects of ultrasound acupuncture for the alleviation of symptoms related to oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. DESIGN: Prospective cohort pilot study. SETTING: Education and research hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with a diagnosis of stage II-IV colorectal cancer undergoing oxaliplatin-based treatment regimens who experienced OIPN symptoms (n = 17). INTERVENTIONS: Pulsed therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz) at bilateral acupuncture points of PC6, PC7, BL60, and KI1 was administered for 5 minutes per point daily for 12 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS), Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (CINQ), quantitative touch-detection threshold, cold-trigger pain withdrawal latency, and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) were measured at baseline (day 0), pre-intervention (day 12, post wash-out period), post-intervention (day 24), and final follow-up (day 54). A P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Scores of PQAS and CINQ significantly improved after ultrasound acupuncture at post-intervention and follow-up compared to both baseline and pre-intervention. Similar trends were also observed for the quantitative sensory testing, where touch-detection threshold significantly decreased and cold-trigger pain withdrawal latency significantly increased after ultrasound acupuncture. Patients also showed an improvement on quality of life outcomes as measured by QLQ-C30 post-intervention and at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound acupuncture could be an effective intervention for OIPN symptoms for patients with colorectal cancer. However, larger and randomized clinical trials with placebo controls are needed to confirm such effects.

Increased substance P-like immunoreactivities in parabrachial and amygdaloid nuclei in a rat model with masticatory myofascial pain.

This study explores the involvement of substance P (SP) in the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) and central amygdaloid nucleus (CeA) in the nociception-emotion link and of rats with masticatory myofascial pain (MMP) induced by chronic tetanic eccentric muscle contraction. A total of 18 rats were randomly and equally assigned for MMP (MMP group) and sham-MMP induction (sMMP group). MMP was induced by electrical-stimulated repetitive tetanic eccentric contraction of the masseter muscle for 14 consecutive days. Myofascial trigger points in the masseter muscle were identified by palpable taut bands, increased prevalence of endplate noise (EPN), focal hypoechoic nodules on ultrasound and restricted jaw opening. All animals were killed for morphological and SP immunohistochemical analyses. Chronic tetanic eccentric contraction induced significantly thicker masseter muscle confirmed by hypoechogenicity, increased prevalence and amplitudes of EPN, and limited jaw opening. Immunohistochemically, the SP-like positive neurons increased significantly in PBN and CeA of the MMP group. Our results suggested that MMP increases the SP protein levels in PBN and CeA, which play important roles in MMP-mediated chronic pain processing as well as MMP-related emotional processes.

The effects of laser acupuncture on the modulation of cartilage extracellular matrix macromolecules in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Articular cartilage damage related to irreversible physical disability affects most patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Strategies targeting the preservation of cartilage function are needed. Laser acupuncture (LA) can be an emerging alternative therapy for RA; however, its molecular mechanism underlying the beneficial effect on cartilage has not been elucidated. This study aimed to examine the potential chondroprotective effects of LA on extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules and proinflammatory cytokines in the articular cartilage of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats and explore its related mechanisms. DESIGN: Monoarthritis was induced in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) via intraarticular injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the tibiotarsal joint. Animals were treated with LA at BL60 and KI3 acupoints three days after CFA administration with a 780 nm GaAlAs laser at 15 J/cm2 daily for ten days. The main outcome measures including paw circumference, paw withdrawal threshold, histopathology and immunoassays of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), collagen type II (CoII), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were analyzed. RESULTS: LA significantly reduced ankle edema and inflammation-induced hyperalgesia in AIA rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, the TNF-α levels were significantly decreased while CoII, COMP and proteoglycans proteins were significantly enhanced following LA stimulation of the AIA cartilage compared to those treated with sham-LA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LA attenuates cartilage degradation in AIA rat by suppressing TNF-α activation and up-regulating ECM macromolecules, suggesting LA might be of potential clinical interest in RA treatment.

Percutaneous soft tissue release performed using a blunt cannula in rabbits with chronic collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of percutaneous soft tissue release (PSTR) performed using a blunt cannula on (1) the inflammatory cells-count, (2) expressions of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and (3) substance P (SP) in rabbits with chronic phase of collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: Thirty-two adult male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: (1) collagenase and PSTR treatment; (2) collagenase and sham-operated PSTR treatment; (3) vehicle-only injection and PSTR treatment; and (4) vehicle-only injection and sham-operated PSTR treatment. Achilles tendon of adult male rabbits was injected with 10µl of collagenase under ultrasonography localization. After 30 days, PSTR was performed using an 18G beauty cosmetic blunt tip micro cannula needle to release the soft tissue and paratenon above the inflamed Achilles tendon. The treated tendons and spinal cords of L5-S2 were harvested 5days after treatment for histological assessment and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Histopathological examination revealed that PSTR achieved significant reduction in hypercellularity with pronounced infiltration of immune cells at the site of paratenon in tendons injected with collagenase compared with sham operation (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis also showed marked decrease in expression of CGRP in tendon and SP in dorsal horns after PSTR (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed positive effects in an animal model of chronic tendinopathy, and can be considered a treatment option, but that further research is necessary to determine its role in clinical practice.

Early intervention of swimming exercises attenuate articular cartilage destruction in a rat model of anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus knee injuries.

AIM: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injuries often cause post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA), which can place great limitations on patients. But to date there is no effective therapy to delay the progression of cartilage destruction in PTOA. This study aimed to compare the effects of early versus delayed swimming exercise on the chondroprotective effects in a rat PTOA model with ACL and meniscus injuries. MAIN METHODS: Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received unilateral ACL transection and medial meniscectomy (ACLMT). These were randomly allocated to four groups: early swimming (eSW), delayed swimming (dSW), sham-operated early swimming (sham-eSW) and sham-operated delayed swimming (sham-dSW). Swimming (30 min per session) continuing for 28 days was started three days and three months after ACLMT surgery as a protocol for eSW and dSW intervention. Cartilage quality was assessed by Mankin HHGS examination (H&E, Safranin-O stain) and collagen type II (CoII) and matrix metalloproteases-13 (MMP13) immunohistochemistry. KEY FINDINGS: ACLMT induced the PTOA histopathological changes, inhibited CoII and enhanced MMP13 expressions in cartilage for both sham-eSW and sham-dSW groups. eSW intervention significantly enhanced CoII expression and suppressed MMP13 overexpression in superficial and transitional zones of cartilage, as well as better Mankin scores, corresponding to sham-swimming controls (P < 0.05). dSW intervention provided less enhancement of CoII expression and improvement of histopathological scoring, but significantly reduced MMP13 overexpression compared to animals in eSW (P < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Early intervention by swimming at very early stages of cartilage damage provides greater benefits than delayed intervention when PTOA has already developed.

Early Intervention with Therapeutic Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound in Halting the Progression of Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis in a Rat Model.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injuries are highly correlated with post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA). The aim of this study was to examine whether early intervention with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) at an intensity of 0.1 W/cm2 helps delay PTOA progression. A PTOA model was established by ACL transection and meniscectomy in male Sprague-Dawley rats. LIPUS intervention (1.0 MHz, 0.1 W/cm2) started on the third day after surgery and continued for 4 consecutive wk. Histopathological analyses and immunoassays of collagen type II and matrix metallopeptidase 13 in joints were conducted. Results indicated that compared with the sham treatment, LIPUS significantly reduced Mankin scores, inflammatory cells and matrix metallopeptidase 13 expression and increased collagen type II expression in rats with PTOA (p < 0.05). Early intervention with LIPUS has beneficial effects on delaying cartilage degradation by reducing synovial inflammation and matrix metallopeptidase 13 expression, as well as enhancing collagen type II expression in cartilage.

Low-level laser therapy prevents endothelial cells from TNF-α/cycloheximide-induced apoptosis.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), widely used in physiotherapy, has been known to enhance wound healing and stimulate cell proliferation, including fibroblast and endothelial cells. Applying LLLT can increase cell proliferation in many kinds of cells including fibroblasts and endothelial cells. However, the protective mechanisms of LLLT on endothelial apoptosis remain unclear. We hypothesized LLLT can protect endothelial cells from inflammation-induced apoptosis. Human endothelial cell line, EA.hy926 cells, and TNF-α/cycloheximide (TNF/CHX) were used to explore the protective effects of LLLT (660 nm) on inflammation-induced endothelial apoptosis. Cell viability, apoptosis, caspase-3/7/8/9 activity, MAPKs signaling, NF-κB activity, and inducible/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (iNOS/eNOS) expression were measured. Our results showed that LLLT increased EA.hy926 cell proliferation, attenuated the TNF/CHX-induced apoptosis, and reduced the TNF/CHX-mediated caspase-3/7/8/9 activation. In addition, LLLT increased ERK MAPK phosphorylation and suppressed the TNF/CHX-increased p38 MAPK, JNK, IKK phosphorylation, NF-κB translocation, and iNOS expression. The caspases-3 cleavage and cell death were not increased in cells treating with ERK inhibitor U0126, which implicated that ERK is not to be responsible for the protective effects of LLLT. After treating with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activator, the protection of LLLT in cell apoptosis was no longer existed, showing that LLLT protected the endothelial cells by suppressing p38 MAPK signaling. Our results provide a new insight into the possible molecular mechanisms in which LLLT protects against inflammatory-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Analgesic Effects of Transcutaneous Ultrasound Nerve Stimulation in a Rat Model of Oxaliplatin-Induced Mechanical Hyperalgesia and Cold Allodynia.

This study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) in a rat model of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. Animals received a total of eight injections with oxaliplatin (4 mg/kg), administered at 3-d intervals. TUS intervention (1 MHz, 0.5 W/cm2) started on the fifth oxaliplatin administration and continued for 10 consecutive d. Sensory behavioral examinations, protein levels of transient receptor potential channels (TRPM8 and TRPV1) in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and substance P (SP) in spinal dorsal horn were examined. Results indicated that TUS can reduce mechanical and cold hyper-responsive behaviors caused by repeated administration of oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin-related increases in protein levels of TRPM8 in DRG and SP in the dorsal horn were also reduced after TUS. Taken together, the results revealed beneficial effects of TUS on oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and cold allodynia and suggested involvement of TUS biochemicals in suppressing TRPM8 in DRG and SP in spinal cords.

Effects of hippotherapy on body functions, activities and participation in children with cerebral palsy based on ICF-CY assessments.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hippotherapy on body functions, activities, and participation in children with CP of various functional levels by using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth (ICF-CY) checklist. METHODS: Fourteen children with cerebral palsy (CP) (3-8 years of age) were recruited for a 36-week study composed of baseline, intervention, and withdrawal phases (12 weeks for each phase, ABA design). Hippotherapy was implemented for 30 min once weekly for 12 consecutive weeks during the intervention phase. Body Functions (b) and Activities and Participation (d) components of the ICF-CY checklist were used as outcome measures at the initial interview and at the end of each phase. RESULTS: Over the 12 weeks of hippotherapy, significant improvements in ICF-CY qualifiers were found in neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions (b7), mobility (d4) and major life areas (d8) and, in particular, mobility of joint functions (b710), muscle tone functions (b735), involuntary movement reaction functions (b755), involuntary movement functions (b765), and play (d811) (all p < 0.05) when compared with baseline. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the beneficial effects of hippotherapy on body functions, activities, and participation in children with CP. Implications for Rehabilitation ICF-CY provides a comprehensive overview of functioning and disability and constitutes a universal language for identifying the benefits of hippotherapy in areas of functioning and disability in children with CP. In children with CP, hippotherapy encourages a more complementary approach that extends beyond their impairments and limitations in body functions, activities, and participation. The effect of hippotherapy was distinct from GMFCS levels and the majority of improvements were present in children with GMFCS levels I-III.

Laser acupuncture attenuates oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: a pilot prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin is a platinum compound that is widely used in the treatment of some solid tumours. Oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) in the upper and lower extremities is the major adverse side effect and represents the main dose-limiting factor of this drug. The aim of this single-arm study was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of laser acupuncture (LA) in the treatment of OIPN in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancers. METHODS: 17 gastrointestinal cancer survivors (14 colorectal and 3 gastric cancers), who had been treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapies, were recruited. Low-level laser stimulation (50 mW) bilaterally at PC6, PC7, PC8, P9, LU11, SP6, KI3, BL60, KI1, and KI2 was administered for 20 min/point for 12 sessions over 4 weeks. The pain quality assessment scale (PQAS), chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity questionnaire (CINQ), oxaliplatin-specific neurotoxicity scale (OSNS), quantitative touch-detection threshold (using von Frey filaments), and cold-triggered pain withdrawal latency (using the cold-water immersion test) were measured before and after completion of the 12 treatment sessions. RESULTS: PQAS, CINQ, and OSNS scores, as well as touch-detection threshold and cold-trigger pain withdrawal latency all improved significantly after LA in the cancer patients with OIPN (p<0.05). LA significantly relieved both oxaliplatin-induced cold and mechanical allodynia and also decreased the incidence and severity of neurotoxicity symptoms in the patients' upper and lower extremities and impact on their daily activities (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Following treatment with LA, neurotoxicity symptoms were significantly improved in cancer patients with OIPN. Further randomised controlled trials are needed to evaluate the role of LA as a therapeutic option in the management of OIPN.

Acupuncture at distant myofascial trigger spots enhances endogenous opioids in rabbits: a possible mechanism for managing myofascial pain.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Acupuncture applied at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) of distant anatomical regions, to reduce pain in a patient's area of primary complaint, is one strategy that is available to manage myofascial pain. However, the endogenous opioid-mediated analgesic mechanism of distant acupuncture associated with pain control is still unclear. This aims of this study were to evaluate the changes in enkephalin and ß-endorphin in serum, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and muscle induced by acupuncture at distant myofascial trigger spots (MTrSs, similar to human MTrPs) in rabbits, to explore its underlying remote analgesic mechanism. METHODS: Acupuncture at MTrSs of a distant muscle (gastrocnemius) was performed either for one session or five daily sessions in rabbits. The levels of enkephalin and ß-endorphin in proximal muscle (biceps femoris), serum, DRGs and spinal cords (L5-S2) were then determined by immunoassay immediately and 5 days after treatment. RESULTS: Immediately after treatment, acupuncture comprising both one dose and five doses significantly enhanced spinal enkephalin expression and serum ß-endorphin levels (p<0.05). However, only five-dose acupuncture significantly enhanced the ß-endorphin levels in the biceps femoris and DRGs (p<0.05), while 1-dose acupuncture did not (p>0.05). Furthermore, 5 days after treatment, significantly increased levels of spinal enkephalin and serum ß-endorphin persisted in animals that received 5-dose acupuncture (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that interactions within the endogenous opioid system may be involved in the remote effects of acupuncture treatment and could be a potential analgesic mechanism underlying MTrP pain management.

Synergistic effects of low-level laser and mesenchymal stem cells on functional recovery in rats with crushed sciatic nerves.

Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed to exert beneficial effects on peripheral nerve regeneration after a peripheral nerve injury, but the functional recovery in the denervated limb is still limited. In this study, we used low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct therapy for MSC transplantation on the functional recovery of crushed sciatic nerve in rats. Peripheral nerve injury was induced in 48 Sprague-Dawley rats by crushing the unilateral sciatic nerve, using a vessel clamp. The animals with crushed injury were randomly divided into four groups: control group, with no treatment; MSC group, treated with MSC alone; LLLT group, treated with LLLT alone; and MSCLLLT group, treated with a combination of MSC and LLLT. The sciatic function index (SFI), vertical activity of locomotion (VA) and ankle angle (AA) of rats were examined for functional assessments after treatment. Electrophysiological, morphological and S100 immunohistochemical studies were also conducted. The MSCLLLT group showed a greater recovery in SFI, VA and AA, with significant difference from MSC, LLLT and control groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, markedly enhanced electrophysiological function and expression of S100 immunoreactivity, as well as fewer inflammatory cells and less vacuole formation were also demonstrated after nerve crush injury in the MSCLLLT group when compared with the groups receiving a single treatment (p < 0.05). MSC transplantation combined with LLLT could achieve better results in functional recovery than a conventional treatment of MSC or LLLT alone. LLLT has a synergistic effect in providing greater functional recovery with MSC transplantation after nerve crush injury.

Comparisons of two types of teleostean pseudobranchs, silver moony (Monodactylus argenteus) and tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), with salinity-dependent morphology and ion transporter expression.

There are essentially four different morphological types of pseudobranchs in teleosts, including lamellae-free, lamellae semi-free, covered, and embedded types. In the euryhaline silver moony (Monodactylus argenteus), the pseudobranch belongs to the lamellae semi-free type, which is characterized by one row of filaments on the opercular membrane and fusion on the buccal edge. The pseudobranchial epithelium of the moony contains two types of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase (NKA)-rich cells: chloride cells (CCs) and pseudobranch-type cells (PSCs). Our results revealed increased expression of NKA, the Na(+), K(+), 2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC), and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) for Cl(-) secretion and CCs profiles in the pseudobranchs of seawater (SW)-acclimated silver moonies, which indicates the potential role of pseudobranchs containing CCs in hypo-osmoregulation. In contrast, the pseudobranch of the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) belongs to the embedded type, which is covered by the connective tissues and only contains PSCs but not CCs. No sign of NKCC and CFTR-immunoreactivity (IR) was found in the pseudobranchs of SW and freshwater (FW) tilapia. However, higher NKA protein expression and larger sizes of NKA-IR PSCs were found in the pseudobranchs of FW-acclimated tilapia. Moreover, in the FW-acclimated moony, NKA-IR PSCs also exhibited higher numbers and larger sizes than in the SW individuals. Taken together, similar responses in low-salinity environments in different types of pseudobranchs indicated that the salinity-dependent morphologies of PSCs might be involved in critical functions for FW teleosts.