Exploration of the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at chengshan acupoint on post-hemorrhoidectomy anal pain: Insights from the mAChRs/IP3-Ca2+-CaM signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: In the context of postoperative anal pain, understanding the intricate mechanisms and effective interventions is paramount. This study investigates the role of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors (mAChRs) and the IP3-Ca2+-CaM signaling pathway in a rat model of postoperative anal pain, exploring the potential analgesic effects of electroacupuncture. METHODS: Comprehensive approaches involving mechanical sensitivity assays, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and intracellular calcium concentration measurement were used. RESULTS: The authors found elevated mAChRs expression in the postoperative pain model. Antagonizing mAChRs reduced pain sensitivity and attenuated the IP3-Ca2+-CaM pathway. Remarkably, electroacupuncture treatment further mitigated pain, potentially by suppressing this signaling cascade. INTERPRETATION: These findings reveal a novel connection between mAChRs and the IP3-Ca2+-CaM pathway in postoperative anal pain and suggest electroacupuncture as a promising avenue for pain relief through these mechanisms, offering insights into innovative strategies for postoperative pain management.

Evaluating Dielectric Properties for Assessing Water Content at Acupuncture Points: New Methodology.

Importance: Understanding acupuncture point microenvironments is vital for optimizing treatment efficacy. Evaluating changes in water content at these points can provide further insights into the effects of acupuncture on tissues. Objective: This study aimed to measure tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and assess changes in water content, specifically at stomach 36 (ST36, Zusanli) and spleen 6 (SP6, Sanyinjiao) acupuncture points. Methods: In a controlled, blinded, randomized trial, 113 healthy volunteers were divided into six groups based on TDC sensor diameters (XS, M, and L): three control groups and three acupuncture groups. They were assessed at three time points: T1, baseline; T2, 20 min post-needle withdrawal; and T3, 40 min post-needle withdrawal. Electrical impedance (EI) was also analyzed. Significance level was set at p < 0.001. Results: TDC at ST36 and SP6 significantly decreased with the XS probe at T2 and T3 compared with that at T1 (F8, 452: 54.61). TDC did not significantly vary between T2 and T3 with M and L probes. EI data indicated that the current passage increased in the SP (F2, 226: 39.32) and ST (F2, 226: 37.32) groups during T2 and T3 compared with that during T1 within their respective groups and controls. Conclusions: and Relevance: This study demonstrated the efficacy of TDC measurements in detecting water content fluctuations at acupuncture points and their responses to needles. TDC measurements, which were validated against EI, provide valuable insights into acupuncture point microenvironments and thus help optimize treatments.

Exploring of pyrazinamidase recombinant activity from PZA-sensitive and resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3).

The mutations of pncA gene encoding pyrazinamidase/PZase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis are often associated with pyrazinamide/PZA resistance. The H and R1 isolates showed significant phenotypic differences to PZA. The H isolate was PZA sensitive, but R1 was PZA resistant up to 100 ug/ml. The paper reports the pncA profile for both isolates and the activity of their protein expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The 0.6 kb of each pncA genes have been subcloned successfully into the 5.4 kb pET30a vector and formed the pET30a-pncA recombinant with a size of 6.0 kb. The pncAR1 profile exhibited base mutations, but not for pncAH against to pncA from the PZA-sensitive M. tuberculosis H37RV published in Genbank ID: 888260. Three mutations were found in pncAR1, ie T41C, G419A, and A535G that subsequently changed amino acids of Cys14Arg, Arg140His and Ser179Gly in its protein level. The mutant PZase R1 that expressed as a 21 kDa protein in E. coli Bl21(DE3) lost 32% of its performance in activating PZA drug to pyrazinoic acid/POA compared to the wild-type PZase H. The mutation in the pncAR1 gene that followed by the decreasing of its PZase activity underlies the emergence of pyrazinamide resistance in the clinical isolate. Structural studies for the R1 mutant PZase protein should be further developed to reveal more precise drug resistance mechanisms and design more effective TB drugs.

Evidence of the acupuncture points stimulation for the treatment of hypogalactia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a literature review aimed to analyze if acupoint stimulation increases lactation quantity. METHOD: Studies were collected from five electronic databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews. Eligibility criteria were full-text articles in English or Spanish with clinical trial design and observational studies, with no restriction on time of publication, in which the effect of acupoint stimulation on improving the quantity of lactation by conventional acupuncture, electroacupuncture, laser, fire needling, manual stimulation, tuina or catgut had been evaluated. Two authors independently extracted data for the characteristics and main outcomes of the studies selected for inclusion. The risk of bias (RoB 2 and Robins-I) and the quality assessments (GRADE) were performed. For the quantitative synthesis, the standardized mean difference was calculated for each individual study selected and then the data were combined using a random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies were included in the present review. Most of the included studies exhibited some concerns in the risk of bias assessment. The quality of the studies was moderate. The meta-analysis showed that manual acupoint stimulation improves the lactation quantity (SMD 95% CI = 1.63 [1.13-2.13]; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The literature suggests that manual stimulation of acupuncture points improves the amount of milk produced during lactation.

Multimedia Fitosoft: una fuente para el aprendizaje de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional / Multimedia Fitosoft: A Source for Learning about Natural and Traditional Medicine

Introducción: El origen de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional está íntimamente unido al de la humanidad y a la historia del hombre en su lucha por la supervivencia. Las plantas medicinales constituyen, desde épocas remotas, un recurso terapéutico útil y accesible para resolver problemas de salud. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de la multimedia Fitosoft para el conocimiento sobre la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en los estudiantes de tercer año de la carrera de medicina de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Bayamo. Métodos: La multimedia fue realizada en el período 2020-2021, con la aplicación de las herramientas: JClic Author y Gimpshop con licencia GPL/ Linux. Para determinar su efectividad, se realizó un estudio preexperimento sin grupo control mediante encuestas a estudiantes. El universo estuvo constituido por todos los estudiantes de tercer año de la carrera de medicina (231) y la muestra conformada por 60 estudiantes seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio simple. Resultados: Antes de aplicar la multimedia, 21 estudiantes reflejaron un bajo nivel de conocimientos (70 por ciento). Después de utilizar el producto informático, 27 de los encuestados mostraron un alto nivel de conocimientos (90 por ciento). Conclusiones: La multimedia Fitosoft resulta de gran utilidad como medio de enseñanza para los alumnos de tercer año de la carrera de medicina, pues incrementa el nivel de conocimientos sobre la Medicina Natural y Tradicional(AU)

Introduction: The origin of natural and traditional medicine is intimately linked to that of humanity and the history of mankind in his struggle for survival. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been a useful and accessible therapeutic resource to solve health problems. Objective: To assess the usefulness of the multimedia Fitosoft for the knowledge about natural and traditional medicine among third-academic-year students from the Medicine major at Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Bayamo. Methods: The multimedia was created in the period 2020-2021, with the application of the tools JClic Author and Gimpshop under a GPL/Linux license. To determine its effectiveness, a preexperimental study without a control group was carried out by means of student surveys. The study universe consisted of all third-academic-year medical students (231) and the sample consisted of 60 students selected by simple random sampling. Results: Before applying the multimedia, 21 students showed a low level of knowledge (70 percent). After using the computer product, 27 of the respondents showed a high level of knowledge (90 percent). Conclusions: The multimedia Fitosoft is very useful as a teaching medium for third-academic-year medical students because it increases their level of knowledge about natural and traditional medicine(AU)

Effects of low-level laser therapy on acupuncture points on knee pain and function in knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Knee osteoarthritis is a common and disabling disease. We aimed to examine the effect of low-level laser therapy in addition to routine physical therapy modalities (transcutaneous electrical stimulation, superficial heating modality of infrared, ultrasound, and exercise) on the functional status and pain in knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Patients with knee osteoarthritis (n=71) who underwent physical therapy (transcutaneous electrical stimulation, infrared, ultrasound, exercise therapy, and low-level laser therapy) were retrospectively screened. Patients who received low-level laser therapy on acupuncture points, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, infrared, ultrasound, and exercise were included in the low-level laser therapy (+) (n=35), and patients who received only transcutaneous electrical stimulation, ultrasound, infrared, and exercise were included in the low-level laser therapy (-) group (n=36). The Visual Analog Scale for activity pain, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and walking and stair climbing tests were used before and after treatment obtained from patient files. RESULTS: The post-treatment Visual Analog Scale activity score and walking and stair climbing test results were statistically significantly lower in the low-level laser therapy (+) group than in the low-level laser therapy (-) group. There was no significant difference in post-treatment Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale scores between the two groups. In both groups, the Visual Analog Scale activity, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and walking and stair climbing test scores statistically significantly decreased after treatment. CONCLUSION: Knee osteoarthritis increases with aging and creates significant functional limitations. low-level laser therapy with routine physiotherapy contributed to the improvement in the pain and functional status of the patients with knee osteoarthritis. Low-level laser therapy can be recommended in osteoarthritis treatment guidelines with the support of further studies, which is an easy-to-apply, effective, and reliable method.

Time - sensitive effects of Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion on estrogen level in female perimenopausal model rats / Efectos sensibles al tiempo de la moxibustión con hilo medicado de Zhuang sobre el nivel de estrógeno en ratas modelo perimenopáusicas hembras

The present study was conducted to ascertain the estrogenic effect of Zhuang Medicated Thread Moxibustion (ZMTM) and explore its time - sensitive impact on estradiol (E2) in female perimenopausal rats. 40 female rats were randomized into four gr oups: the control, model, ZMTM, and acupuncture groups. The perimenopausal syndrome was induced in the last three groups with a daily subcutaneous dose of 80 mg/kg of 4 - vinylcyclohexene diepoxide for 15 days. Afterward, rats in the model and control group s were fed routinely, while rats in the ZMTM and acupuncture groups were treated with six ZMTM and acupuncture courses, respectively. Results of the study suggested that following the six courses of treatment, the E2 level in the model group was significan tly the lowest, while the regular group was the highest (P < 0.05). There was also a gradual increase in the E2 level of the ZMTM group compared to the model and acupuncture groups, e.g. after the 5th and 6th courses of treatment, their E2 level was signif icantly higher than the model and acupuncture groups. The ZMTM group was better than the model and acupuncture groups. In summary, ZMTM can improve perimenopausal induced rats' estrogen level.

El presen te estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar el efecto estrogénico de la moxibustión con hilo medicado Zhuang (ZMTM) y explorar su impacto sensible al tiempo en el estradiol (E2) en ratas hembras perimenopáusicas. Se dividió al azar una muestra de 40 ratas h embras en cuatro grupos: control, modelo, ZMTM y acupuntura. El síndrome perimenopáusico se indujo en los últimos tres grupos con una dosis subcutánea diaria de 80 mg/kg de diepóxido de 4 - vinilciclohexeno durante 15 días. Después, las ratas en los grupos m odelo y control fueron alimentadas rutinariamente, mientras que las ratas en los grupos ZMTM y acupuntura recibieron seis cursos de ZMTM y acupuntura, respectivamente. Los resultados del estudio sugieren que después de los seis cursos de tratamiento, el ni vel de E2 en el grupo modelo fue significativamente más bajo, mientras que el grupo regular fue más alto ( p < 0,05). También hubo un aumento gradual en el nivel de E2 del grupo ZMTM en comparación con los grupos modelo y acupuntura, por ejemplo, desp ués del quinto y sexto cursos de tratamiento, su nivel de E2 fue significativamente más alto que los grupos modelo y acupuntura. El grupo ZMTM fue mejor que los grupos modelo y acupuntura. En resumen, el ZMTM puede mejorar el nivel de estrógeno de las rata s inducidas por la perimenopausia.

Acupuncture techniques and acupoints used in individuals under chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment of cancer: A systematic review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the main acupuncture techniques and parameters that have been used in the most varied symptoms of different types of cancer. BACKGROUND: Clinical evidence about the potential effectiveness of acupuncture and related therapies to control signs and symptoms associated with cancer or its treatment has been in several studies. Currently, there is already evidence of the use of acupuncture for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety, depression, insomnia and pain. However, many studies lack firm rights or reproducible guidelines for treatment. DESIGN: This study performs a systematic review of clinical trials related to the topic, based on the PRISMA protocol. Thus, a search was carried out in the Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science databases, covering studies since January 2007. METHODS: Structured and organised according to PICO standards, using keywords ("cancer" OR "malignant tumour" OR "chemotherapy" OR "radiotherapy") AND ("acupuncture" OR "electroacupuncture") AND ("pain" OR "nausea" OR "vomit" OR "fatigue" OR "xerostomia" OR "insomnia" OR "depression" OR "neuropathy"). RESULTS: After the selection and evaluation phase, 23 studies were included and analysed. CONCLUSION: Based on this analysis, it is concluded that acupuncture is safe and there is evidence of the reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, pain, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, and improvement of cognitive capacity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Acupuncture treatments could act by minimising the side effects of conventional treatments and reducing symptoms induced by tumours. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The patients had no direct involvement with the study in question.

Acupuncture in the Anesthetic Recovery of Bitches Submitted to Ovariohysterectomy.

Background: Cardiorespiratory depression caused by anesthesia decreases the quality and increases the time of postoperative recovery. The acupoint Governor Vessel 26 (GV26) is a resuscitation point that can reverse this depression and can be safely used without side effects. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the stimulation and anesthetic recovery time of GV26 in bitches submitted to ovariohysterectomy (OH) under dissociative anesthesia. Methods: As pre-anesthetic protocol, acepromazine 0.2% (0.1 mg/kg) and tramadol hydrochloride (2 mg/kg) was used, and induction was performed using midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) and ketamine (10 mg/kg). For the control group, standard procedure was performed for OH, with anesthetic recovery and post-surgical procedures. For the acupuncture group (AP), the stimulation of acupoint GV26 was performed 20 minutes after the anesthetic induction and maintained for 5 minutes. Respiratory rate, amplitude (superficial, normal or deep), type of respiratory movement (abdominal, abdominocostal or thoracoabdominal), heart rate, capillary filling time, temperature, presence or absence of laryngotracheal reflex, presence or absence of interdigital reflexes were assessed immediately before PAM application, and 2 (T1), 5 (T2), 10 (T3), 15 (T4), 20 (T5), 25 (T6) and 30 (T7) minutes after treatment. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: When comparing the AP group with the control group, an improvement in amplitude of the chest cage was observed at all times, where the animals remained in normal or deep respiratory amplitude. The heart rate was significantly higher for the AP group (155.5 ± 34.4 bpm) than the control group at T1 (105.1 ± 15.4 bpm), while recovery time was lower for the AP group (54.1 ± 14.9 min) when compared to control group (79.9 ± 17.9 min). Conclusion: The present paper demonstrated the efficacy of GV26 in maintaining adequate respiratory amplitude and decreasing the anesthetic recovery time.

Effect of low-level laser stimulation of acupuncture points in pediatric dentistry: a systematic review.

The biomodulatory potential of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has prompted investigations of different outcomes in health. One line of research is the stimulation of acupuncture points for the relief of different signs and symptoms related to the stomatognathic system. In dentistry, some studies in pediatric dentistry have demonstrated the benefit of LLLT therapies in the management of dental anxiety in children. This systematic review aimed to analyze previous clinical studies on the application of LLLT at acupoints among pediatric dental patients. This systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome strategy. A broad literature search up to June 17, 2022, was performed using four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar). The risk of bias in randomized clinical trials was assessed using the RoB 2 tool. A total of four studies using LLLT for photobiomodulation were included (n = 4). The most common wavelengths used were in the infrared range (variation between 716 nm and 980 nm). There were little variations in the application time (14 s to 1 min) and exposure dose (1 to 5 joules). LLLT acted positively on different acupuncture points. LLLT provided various benefits and optimized dental practice by reducing the gag reflex during radiography and impression taking, preanesthetic pain, and symptoms of sleep bruxism in the pediatric dental population. Only one of the evaluated studies had a high risk of bias. The LLLT at acupuncture points is associated with positive results on sleep bruxism, preanesthetic pain, and gag reflex in pediatric dentistry. Future research studies should prioritize standardization of the study design and the methods of analysis.

Correlation Between the Sinew Channels with the Myofascial System, Pathology, and Treatment.

The sinew channels are a tendon and muscle network, and their description is based on the observation presented on the Huangdi Neijing Ling Shu. However, the myofascial system is an uninterrupted series of connective tissue that is comprised of layers that run in different directions. The similarities on these pathways are compared, such as a brief description on the myofascial pain syndrome and its similitude with the Impediment disorder from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Furthermore, we discuss the treatment of these conditions from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective.

Effects of Lidocaine Injection at Acupuncture Points on Perioperative Analgesia in Cats Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy.

Background: Pharmacopuncture is an acupuncture-related technique that has been used to amplify the therapeutic effects of different medications. Objectives: To investigate the analgesic efficacy of a lidocaine injection at acupoints in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Methods: Thirty cats were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 15, per group). The experimental group received a bilateral administration of lidocaine at the following acupoints: Stomach 36 (ST-36) and Spleen 6 (SP-6) (Lido group). The control group did not receive lidocaine (Control group). All cats were sedated with dexmedetomidine and anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Intraoperatively, fentanyl was given to control cardiovascular responses to surgical stimulation. Postoperative pain was assessed at various time points, up to 24 hours after extubation, using the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale (MCPS) and Glasgow feline composite measure pain scale (CMPS-Feline). Sedation scores were measured at the same time points. Morphine/meloxicam was administered as rescue analgesia. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Fisher´s exact test, the Mann-Whitney test, and the Friedman test (p < 0.05). Results: Intraoperatively, more cats in the Control group required analgesic supplementation than those in the Lido group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.65). Postoperative pain, sedation scores, and analgesic requirements did not differ between groups. Rescue analgesia was given to 67% (10/15) of the cats in each group. Conclusion: The administration of lidocaine at ST-36 and SP-6 acupuncture points did not provide significant perioperative analgesic benefits in healthy cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Sedative Effect of Ketamin-Midazolam Administered at Acupoint GV20 Compared to Intramuscular Route in Blue-Fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva): a Pilot Study.

Background: The growth of exotic pet medicine is leading to fast developments in clinical investigations on birds. Acupuncture, specifically pharmacopuncture, offers safe chemical restraint options. Objectives: To investigate pharmacopuncture at acupoint GV20 in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) using ketamine and midazolam. Methods: Sixteen healthy birds were distributed into four groups (C: intramuscular control; 1/2 C: 1/2 dose intramuscular control; 1/2 GV20: 1/2 dose at acupoint GV20; 1/5 GV20: 1/5 dose at acupoint GV20). Degree of sedation, latency, recuperation time, heart and respiratory rate, and body temperature were measured. Quantitative data were analyzed by a Student's t-test. Results: The C, 1/2 C, and 1/2 GV20 groups showed the same degree of sedation. The 1/2 GV20 group showed longer latency times (6 ± 2.1) than the 1/2 C (2.5 ± 0.5) group. Sedation time did not differ between the C (28 ± 9.8), 1/2 C (30.5 ± 8.6), and 1/2 GV20 (41 ± 22.24) groups. The 1/2 GV20 group recuperated faster (13.7 ± 3.7) than the C group (64.2 ± 3.5). The C and 1/2 C groups showed tremors and slow and unstable recovery. Two animals in the C group showed mild hypothermia (38°C). Conclusion: The use of 1/2 GV20 was effective and safe to sedate blue-fronted Amazon parrots without side effects, providing easy, stable, and fast recovery. The use of 1/5 GV20 had a shorter sedation time. These findings show that the combination of acupuncture and drugs provides new possibilities for efficient anesthetic protocols with fewer side effects in birds.

Auto-hemoterapia em orquiectomia de cães / Autohemotherapy in dogs' orchiectomy

A orquiectomia consiste na remoção dos testículos e, em animais, pode ser realizada por motivo eletivo ou terapêutico. A cirurgia eletiva faz parte da guarda responsável de cães e gatos e é um dos procedimentos mais realizados na medicina veterinária, incluindo mutirões de castração onde a redução de custos é importante. A auto-hemoterapia (AHT) vem sendo aplicada em animais, inclusive em acupontos, com o intuito de produzir efeitos imunoestimulantes. Neste contexto, este estudo utilizou AHT, durante o período pós-operatório imediato, em acupontos de cães submetidos à orquiectomia eletiva sem a aplicação de antibióticos. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com dados referentes a outro grupo de animais, os quais foram orquiectomizados e previamente tratados com antibiótico sistêmico. Todos os animais foram acompanhados clinicamente e foram feitos hemogramas nos períodos pré e pós-operatório, assim como o registro de infecções e outras intercorrências relacionadas ao procedimento cirúrgico. Considerando os 20 cães usados no estudo, não houve ocorrência de infecção ou processo inflamatório nos animais após o procedimento cirúrgico. Além disso, alterações hematológicas significativas não foram observadas entre os grupos e entre os períodos pré e pós-operatório de ambos os grupos. Desta forma, conclui-se que a auto-hemoterapia associada à acupuntura pode representar uma alternativa para um protocolo cirúrgico sem antibióticos em cirurgia eletiva de orquiectomia em animais hígidos.

The orchiectomy is the removal of the testicles and, in animals, can be performed due to by elective or therapeutic reasons. Elective surgery is part of the responsible ownership of dogs and cats and is one of the most performed procedures in veterinary medicine, including castration efforts where cost reduction is important. Autohemotherapy (AHT) has been applied in animals, including acupoints, to produce immunostimulatory effects. In this context, this study used AHT, during the immediate postoperative period, in acupoints of dogs submitted to elective orchiectomy without the use of antibiotics. The results obtained were compared to data from another group of animals, which were orchiectomized and previously treated with a systemic antibiotic. All animals were clinically monitored and hemograms were performed during the pre and post-operatory period, as well as the registration of infections and other complications related to the surgical procedure. Regarding the 20 dogs used in the study, there was no occurrence of infection or inflammation in the animals after the surgical procedure. In addition, significant hematologic alterations were not observed between groups and between pre- and post-operatory periods in both groups. Therefore, it is concluded that autohemotherapy associated with acupuncture may represent an alternative for a surgical protocol without antibiotics in elective orchiectomy surgery in healthy animals.

Influence of acupuncture needle physical-chemical properties on needling quality.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the physical-chemical properties of three different brands of acupuncture needle, classified by acupuncturists as high (A), medium (B) and low (C) quality. METHODS: Experienced acupuncturists, rated, in terms of perceived needling quality, three acupuncture needle brands as high (A), medium (B) and low (C) quality. Next, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the tip and surface finish of the needles of each brand were analyzed. A mechanical test was developed and performed to evaluate the compressive force required to insert the needles through a smooth surface (silicon). In addition, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and dispersive energy spectroscopy (DES) were conducted to analyze the material composition of the needles and presence of oxidation. RESULTS: SEM images revealed that needle brands A and B presented a sharper tip and a more regular surface finish in comparison to brand C. In the insertion test, needle brands A and B had similar performance characteristics, with A requiring less force to penetrate the silicon device when compared to B, while C failed to penetrate the silicon and complete the test. The XRF analysis did not reveal any differences in material composition between the three brands. However, brand C exhibited particles embedded on the needle surface and DES confirmed oxidation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that perceived needling quality by acupuncturists can be correlated with physical-chemical properties of the needles, especially those related to finishing quality of the tip and the surface of the needles.

Comparative analysis of two laser wavelengths in the stimulation of acupuncture points for analgesic effects in an animal model.

This study compares the effectiveness of two laser wavelengths for stimulating acupoints in an experimental model of acute postoperative pain. Forty-five Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive treatment on their left hind paw, contralateral to a surgical procedure. Laser treatments were performed with Green Laser-GL (532 nm, 70 mW and 7 J/cm2 of energy), Red Laser-RL (660 nm, 100 mW and 7 J/cm2 of energy), or with Laser Off-LO. After each application, the animals were evaluated with a Von Frey analgesiometer to check for painful sensitivity on their right (with surgery) and left (without surgery) hind paws. Neuropeptides and cytokine levels in the incision site tissue of the right paw were measured by ELISA after 1, 6 and 24 hours. It was possible to observe that, in this pain model, both lasers promoted analgesia and that the GL altered the levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß.

Thermal and behavioral response of horses submitted to functional exercises and acupuncture / Resposta térmica e comportamental de equinos submetidos a exercícios funcionais e acupuntura

The present research evaluated muscle activation degrees and relaxation of patrolling horses submitted to dynamic mobilization exercises, associated or not with acupuncture. Twelve mixed breed gelding, aged 10 ± 2.0 years, were distributed in three treatments. Treatment with a single session of dynamic mobilization exercises (longitudinal cervical flexion of head between hooves, between carpus and to up to chest); treatment with a single acupuncture session during 20 minutes, and treatment with a single session of dynamic mobilization exercises with acupuncture. Thermographic images were analyzed before and after applying treatments to the cervical, thoracic, dorsal, abdominal and pelvic regions. Animal behavior was assessed through five minutes filming, before and ten minutes after the end of each treatment application, in an uninterrupted way. Increase in animals body temperature at the end of the single session of functional exercises (P < 0.0001) at all animal regions were reported, being cervical and thoracic areas with highest final temperature values. There was no temperature variation for other treatments (P > 0.05). All treatments stimulated higher expression frequency (P < 0.05) of relaxation behaviors. A single dynamic mobilization exercises session is enough to promote intense muscular response in entire horse body; and with acupuncture, individually or associated, promoted muscle and mental relaxation, interfering positively in animal welfare.

Objetivou-se avaliar o grau de ativação e relaxamento muscular de equinos de patrulhamento submetidos à exercícios de mobilização dinâmica associados ou não à acupuntura. Doze cavalos castrados, sem raça definida, com idade de 10 ± 2,0 anos, foram distribuídos em três tratamentos: tratamento com uma sessão única de exercícios de mobilização dinâmica (flexão cervical longitudinal da cabeça entre os cascos, entre os carpos e até o peito); tratamento com sessão única de acupuntura (20 minutos); e tratamento com sessão única composta por exercícios de mobilização dinâmica associados a acupuntura. Foram analisadas imagens termográficas antes e após a aplicação dos tratamentos das regiões cervical, torácica, dorsal, abdominal e pélvica. A avaliação comportamental foi obtida por meio de filmagens 5 minutos antes e 10 minutos após o término da aplicação dos tratamentos, de maneira ininterrupta. Houve aumento (P < 0,0001) na temperatura corporal dos animais ao final da sessão única de exercícios funcionais para todas as regiões estudadas, sendo a cervical e torácica aquelas com maior valor de temperatura final. Não houve variação da temperatura nos demais tratamentos (P > 0,05). Todos os tratamentos geraram maior frequência (P < 0,05) na expressão de comportamentos relacionados ao relaxamento. A realização de uma sessão única de exercícios de mobilização dinâmica é suficiente para promover uma intensa resposta muscular em todo o corpo do equino, e tanto os exercícios funcionais quanto a acupuntura, de maneira individual ou associada, foram capazes de promover relaxamento muscular e mental, interferindo de maneira positiva no bem-estar dos animais.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation of PC5 and PC6 Acupoints Increases Sympathovagal Balance but Not Oxidative Stress in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) improves autonomic balance and reduces oxidative stress in subjects with chronic diseases, that decreases the risk of low-grade chronic inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. However, these beneficial effects have never been demonstrated in healthy subjects. Objectives: To evaluate the acute effects of TEAS on autonomic balance and oxidative stress of healthy subjects. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with male healthy subjects (18-30 years old), randomly allocated to control (no intervention; n = 14), placebo (placebo intervention; n = 14) and TEAS group (at PC5 and PC6 acupoints; n = 13). The protocol consisted of accommodation (20 min), intervention (40 min), and recovery (30 min) periods. The acute effects of TEAS on hemodynamics were studied through measurements of heart rate, blood pressure and double product; on the autonomic nervous system by assessing heart rate variability; and on oxidative stress by quantifying reactive oxygen species in saliva samples, collected at the end of each period. Results: TEAS increased heart rate and double-product compared to control and placebo groups (p < 0.01). Moreover, TEAS increased sympathetic and reduced parasympathetic tonus, increasing the sympathovagal balance compared to the control and placebo groups. However, TEAS exerted no effect on oxidative stress in saliva samples. Conclusion: In healthy subjects, TEAS at PC5 and PC6 acupoints acutely improved autonomic balance, increasing sympathetic and reducing parasympathetic tonus, reflecting little improvement on hemodynamic responses. Whether it could be used as a cardioprotective strategy remains uncertain since it exerted no effect on oxidative stress.

Effect of Dry Cupping Therapy on Pain and Functional Disability in Persistent Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Cupping therapy is used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain. Objectives: The study assessed the effects of dry cupping on pain and functional disability from persistent nonspecific low back pain. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial, where participants were allocated to a cupping therapy (n = 19) or sham (n = 18) group, for five 10-minute sessions of cupping therapy, twice a week, to stimulate the acupoints related to low back pain (GV4, BL23, BL24, BL25, and BL30, BL40 and BL58) and emotional aspects (HT3 and ST36). All participants were assessed at baseline, post-treatment and follow up (a finalization period of four weeks) using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Groups were compared using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and the effect size was calculated using Cohen̓s d. Results: The cupping therapy group presented a lower mean VAS when compared to the sham, at post-treatment (mean difference: -2.36; standard error [SE]: 0.58; p < 0.001; "large" effect size: -0.94) and follow up (mean difference: -1.71; SE: 0.81; p < 0.042; 'large' effect size: -0.83). The cupping therapy group presented a lower mean ODI when compared to the sham post-treatment (mean difference: -4.68; SE: 1.85; p: 0.017; 'large' effect size: -0.87), although in follow-up, there was no difference between the groups (mean difference: 4.16; SE: 2.97; p: 0.17; "medium" effect size: -0.70). Conclusion: Dry cupping was more effective in improving pain and functional disability in people with persistent nonspecific low back pain when compared to the sham.

Case reports: Electroacupuncture decreases the climacteric symptoms by calcitonin gene-related peptide modulation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the modulation of Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) associated to the efficacy of Electroacupuncture (EA) in the reduction of climacteric symptoms. METHODS: Nine women between 51 and 59 years old with climacteric syndrome in menopause or perimenopause were included. Patients with hormone replacement therapy, psychiatric treatment with antidepressants, or acupuncture treatment in the last 3 months were excluded. A 4 Hz EA treatment was performed at acupoints Shenshu (BL-23), Pishu (BL-20), Guanyuan (REN-4), Taixi (KID-3), Fuliu (KID-7), Sanyinjiao (SP-6) and Neiguan (P-6) points. Women were treated two times a week for five consecutive weeks for a total treatment of 10 sessions. The menopause rating scale (MRS) was used to evaluate symptoms reduction and CGRP gene expression was measured before and after 10 EA session. RESULTS: The results shown that climacteric symptoms diminish significantly after EA therapy. CGRP gene expression was down-regulated, evidencing a decrease of 5-fold after EA therapy respect to the initial condition. CONCLUSION: EA treatment was associated with improvement in patients with climacteric syndrome and may be related to modulation of CGRP levels.