Continuous Peripheral Electrical Nerve Stimulation Improves Cardiac Function via Autonomic Nerve Regulation in MI Rats.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) reportedly improves cardiac function after myocardial ischemia (MI) by rebalancing the cardiac autonomic nervous system. The dynamic and continuous influence of the PENS on autonomic and cardiac functioning based on cardiac self-repair is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the correlations between autonomic nervous balance and functional cardiac repair after MI and to clarify the optimal acupoint selection and time course for PENS. METHODS: The activity of the superior cervical cardiac sympathetic nerve (SN) and vagus nerve (VN) was recorded to reflect the autonomic tone directly. The Millar pressure-volume loop system was used for LV diastolic and systolic functioning. Noninvasive continuous ECG and echocardiography were performed to analyse HR, HRV, and LV function. The effect of continuous PENS (cPENS) or instant PENS (iPENS) on autonomic and cardiac indications was tested. RESULTS: SN activity and VN activity increased as compensatory self-regulation on days 7 and 14 post-MI, followed by an imbalance of autonomic tone and cardiac dysfunction on day 28. cPENS-PC6 maintained autonomic hyperexcitability, improved myocardial systolic and diastolic abilities, and reduced myocardial fibrosis on day 28 post-MI, whereas cPENS-ST36 had a limited effect. Both iPENS-PC6 and iPENS-ST36 improved the autonomic and cardiac function of rats in the cPENS groups. CONCLUSION: Rats showed autonomic fluctuations and cardiac dysfunction 28 days post-MI. cPENS produced sympathomimetic action to sustain cardiac self-compensation, but with acupoint specificity. Based on cPENS, iPENS evoked autonomic regulation and cardiac benefits without acupoint differentiation.

Electroacupuncture Promotes Angiogenesis in Mice with Cerebral Ischemia by Inhibiting miR-7.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the angiogenesis effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Shuigou acupoint (GV 26) in the treatment of cerebral ischemia, and explore the value of miRNA-7 (miR-7) in it. METHODS: First, 48 mice were randomly divided into sham operation, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, and EA treatment groups. Then 9 mice were divided into carrier control group, miR-7 knockout group and miR-7 overexpression group (n=3 each group). Finally, 20 mice were divided into model and carrier control group, model and miR-7 knockout group, EA treatment and carrier control group and EA treatment and miR-7 overexpression group, with 3-6 mice in each group. The MCAO model was established in the MCAO and EA groups. Neurological deficit score and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were used to evaluate the severity of cerebral ischemia. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to describe basic pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify cerebral microvessel density. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miR-7 and its downstream target genes Krüppel-like factor 4/vascular endothelial growth factor (KLF4/VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) in the ischemic cerebral cortex. RESULTS: After EA, neurological deficit scores and infarction volumes decreased, and the density of cerebral microvessels increased. In the MCAO group, miR-7 expression was higher than that in the sham group (P<0.01). After EA at GV 26, miR-7 expression decreased (P<0.01) and the expression of downstream target genes KLF4/VEGF and ANG-2 increased as compared with the MCAO group (P<0.01). After EA combined with overexpression of miR-7, the expression of downstream target genes KLF4/VEGF and ANG-2 decreased compared to the control EA group (P<0.01). After miR-7 knockdown, the expression of KLF4/VEGF and ANG-2 increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EA could promote angiogenesis in MCAO mice likely by inhibiting the expression of miR-7 and relieving inhibition of downstream target genes KLF4/VEGF and ANG-2.

Evidencia de la estimulación de puntos de acupuntura en el tratamiento de la hipogalactia: revisión sistemática con metaanálisis / Evidence of the acupuncture points stimulation for the treatment of hypogalactia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura para analizar si la estimulación de puntos de acupuntura aumenta la cantidad de leche producida durante la lactancia. Método: Se recopilaron estudios de cinco bases de datos electrónicas siguiendo las recomendaciones internacionales para la elaboración de revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis. Los criterios de elegibilidad fueron artículos de texto completo en inglés o español con diseño de ensayos clínicos y estudios observacionales, sin restricción en el tiempo de publicación, en los cuales se hubiera evaluado el efecto de la estimulación de puntos de acupuntura en la mejora de la cantidad de lactancia mediante acupuntura convencional, electroacupuntura, láser, agujas de fuego, estimulación manual, Tui Na o catgut. Dos autores extrajeron de forma independiente los datos de las características y los resultados principales de los estudios seleccionados para su inclusión. Se realizaron las evaluaciones de riesgo de sesgo y de calidad (GRADE). Para la síntesis cuantitativa se calculó la diferencia de medias estandarizada para cada estudio individual seleccionado y luego se combinaron los datos mediante un metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios. Resultados: En la presente revisión se incluyeron un total de 14 estudios, la mayoría de ellos mostraron riesgo de sesgo y una calidad moderada. El metaanálisis mostró que la estimulación manual del punto de acupuntura aumenta la cantidad de leche materna (DME 95% IC=1,63 [1,13-2,13]; p<0,0001). Conclusión: La literatura sugiere que la estimulación manual de puntos de acupuntura mejora la cantidad de leche producida durante de lactancia.(AU)

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.(AU)

Laser acupuncture to reduce temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to acupuncture points may produce effects similar to that of needle stimulation in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and aimed to address clinical questions using the following strategy: Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO). A comprehensive literature search was performed upto April 26, 2023, across nine electronic databases (BVS, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Google Scholar) supplemented with gray literature. The risk of bias in randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials was assessed using two tools: risk-of-bias (RoB) 2 and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Meta-analysis involved the extraction of mean and standard deviation values for spontaneous pain and mouth opening levels. Seven studies were included in this review, all of which used LLLT. The applied wavelengths ranged from 690 to 810 nm without significant variations in light emission patterns. LLLT demonstrated a significant reduction in instantaneous pain levels (standard mean difference [SMD] = 3.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.09, 5.62; p < 0.003) and an improvement in instantaneous mouth opening ability (mean difference [SMD] = -7.15; 95% CI = -11.73, -2.58; p < 0.002), with low certainty of evidence. LLLT may alleviate symptoms in patients with TMD; however, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results because of protocol variations among studies and the limited number of studies included in the meta-analysis.

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.

Stimuli-induced NOergic Molecules and Neuropeptides Mediated Axon Reflexes Contribute to Tracers along Meridian Pathways.

An abundance of studies from different international groups have demonstrated tracers along linear pathways resembling meridians over the body surface of humans. All experiments of the studies have been conducted by injection of a radiotracer solution or tracer dyes in a volume of solution into acupuncture points (acupoints). The solution injected into acupoints produces much stronger mechanical stimuli than acupuncture, which causes axon reflex. Anatomical studies have demonstrated that acupoints/meridians exist higher number of small nerve fibers and blood vessels with rich nitric oxide (NO) and neuropeptides in the cutaneous tissues as structures for the biomolecules mediated axon reflexes. Recent advances have determined that NO and calcitonin generelated peptides play crucial roles in the comprehension of the axon reflex. The stimuli-evoked axon reflex and NOergic biomolecules/neuropeptides increase local blood flow with higher levels in acupoints/meridians, which move radioactive substances or tracer dyes in the skin and subcutaneous tissue under a linear path resembling acupoints and meridians, the important phenomena of meridians induced by the stimuli. The evidence and understanding of the biomolecular processes of the tracers along linear pathways resembling meridians have been summarized with an emphasis on recent developments of NO and neuropeptides mediating stimuli-evoked axon reflexes to increase local blood flow with higher levels in acupoints/meridians, which move radioactive substances or tracer dyes in the skin and subcutaneous tissue contributing to tracers along linear pathways resembling meridians in this mini-review.

Perforating cutaneous vessels: A key feature of acupoints - Anatomical evidence from five-Shu acupoints in the upper limbs.

Acupuncture has been proven an effective clinical treatment for numerous pathological conditions and malfunctions. However, substantial anatomical evidence for acupuncture points (APs) and meridians is still lacking, so the location of APs is relatively subjective and understanding of the biological mechanisms of acupuncture is limited. All these problems hinder the clinical applications and worldwide acceptance of acupuncture. Our long-term microsurgery experience has indicated that Perforating Cutaneous Vessels (PCVs) are highly relevant to APs but the anatomical evidence is insufficient. To address this lack, two specimens of fresh adult human upper limbs were dissected using an advanced vascular perfusion-fixation method and then examined. The results show that all 30 five-Shu APs in the upper limbs have corresponding PCVs. Both specimens showed a 100% coincidence rate between APs and PCVs, indicating that PCVs could be critical anatomical features of APs. This study also provides an anatomical basis for locating APs objectively via preliminary detection of PCVs. The findings could lead to a better theoretical understanding of mechanisms of acupuncture and the essence of meridians.

Skin Temperature of Acupoints in Health and Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Dysmenorrhea is a common clinical condition and some studies shown that the skin temperature of some acupoints changes in primary dysmenorrhea (PD) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in skin temperature at specific acupoints in PD patients and healthy subjects. Methods: The literature for assessing skin temperature at acupoints in PD patients and healthy subjects was searched in eight databases. The literatures obtained from the search was independently screened by two authors, and the quality of the included articles was evaluated using the consensus checklist of the Thermographic Imaging in Sports and Exercise Medicine (TISEM) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scale. The skin temperature of the relevant acupoints or the difference between the left and right acupoints of the same name was used as the outcome during any period of menstruation. Finally, the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software to evaluate the changes in skin temperature in the related acupoints. Results: Seven eligible studies were included, which included 328 patients with PD and 279 healthy subjects. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a significant difference in skin temperature around the Sanyinjiao (SP6)(MD: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.08), Xuehai (SP 10)(MD: -0.07, 95% CI:-0.11, -0.02) and Taixi (KI 3)(MD: 0.06, 95% CI:0.01, 0.11) acupoints between PD and healthy subjects. PD patients also showed a difference in skin temperature at the Taixi (KI 3)(MD: 0.14, 95% CI:0.04, 0.24), Shuiquan (KI 5)(MD: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03,0.19), Taichong (LR 3)(MD: -0.10, 95% CI: -0.19,-0.01), Diji (SP 8)(MD: -0.09, 95% CI: -0.16, -0.01), and Xuehai (SP 10)(MD: -0.14, 95% CI: -0.23, -0.06) acupoint areas at different times of menstruation compared to that of healthy subjects, as revealed by the subgroup analysis. Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea patients showed some differences in the skin temperature of the special acupoints are as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Diji (SP 8), Xuehai (SP 10), Shuiquan (KI 5), Taichong (LR 3), and Taixi (KI 3) compared with healthy subjects. Registration Number: CRD42022381387.

Electroacupuncture at Baliao point alleviates post-operative pain and anal distension after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (stapled hemorrhoidopexy): a prospective randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Baliao point on short-term complications, such as anal pain and swelling, after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) in patients with mixed hemorrhoids. METHODS: A total of 124 eligible patients undergoing PPH surgery were included in this study and randomly divided into a control group (n = 67) and an EA group (n = 57), with patients in the control group receiving only PPH surgery and patients in the EA group receiving PPH surgery and EA at Baliao point. RESULTS: The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of EA group at 8, 24, 48, and 72 h after operation were significantly lower than those of control group. The anal distension scores at 8, 48, and 72 h after operation were also significantly lower than those of control group. The number of postoperative analgesic drug administration per patient was also significantly lower in the EA group. The incidence of urinary retention and tenesmus in EA group was significantly lower than that in control group within the first day after surgery. CONCLUSION: EA treatment at the Baliao point can alleviate short-term anal pain and anal swelling after the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids, reduce the incidence of urinary retention, and decrease the use of postoperative analgesic drugs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved and registered by the Chinese Clinical Trial Center, Registration number: ChiCTR2100043519, Registration time: February 21, 2021 ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/ ).

Effects of acupuncture on functional gastrointestinal disorders: special effects, coeffects, synergistic effects in terms of single or compatible acupoints.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how the "special effect"/ "coeffect"/"synergistic effect" can achieve a positive result using an "acupuncture prescription" for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in clinical practice, based on the characteristics of single/compatible acupoints and acupuncture techniques. METHODS: According to the search strategy, we searched six electronic bibliographic databases and provided a summary for this overview. RESULTS: A large body of evidence has shown that acupuncture has positive effects in the treatment of FGIDs. However, the "prescription" intervention involved different single acupoints, compatible acupoints and acupoints based on expert consensus. CONCLUSIONS: The core acupoints, including Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), and Shangjuxu (ST37), emphasize the application of special acupoints, meridian points and nerve segments, and the two-way regulatory effect found in this study is often used as the basis of acupoint selection and acupoint prescription for acupuncture treatment of FGIDs.

West meets east: Taking a stab at acupuncture point names.

Acupuncture point names written in Chinese Han characters often provide clinically useful information in both their literal and figurative meanings about location and therapeutic use. The World Health Organization (WHO) standard acupuncture nomenclature includes these names in Han characters in an unusual array that includes both "original" forms and, in parentheses, simplified forms. Construction of a multilingual table of acupuncture point names during development of a database revealed that the assumption that the "original" form in the WHO nomenclature was the traditional Chinese character was frequently false. The Han character forms in the pdf of the 2009 reprint of WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations were carefully compared with Han characters used in traditional and simplified Chinese, Japanese and Korean writing systems. This work utilized three online tools: UnicodePlus, Unihan Database Lookup, and Wiktionary. Only 48% of the "original" character forms were traditional Chinese characters. The Unicode number was correct in 99%, but in most cases the East Asian font used was not a traditional Chinese one. The issue about Han character forms was also found in all earlier versions of the WHO standard acupuncture nomenclature. Other detected problems included the use of wrong characters for an "original" character form in one name and for a simplified character form in another name. The WHO standard acupuncture nomenclature should be revised with a focus on accuracy in the usage of Han characters.

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.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on upper-limb impairment after stroke: A randomized, controlled, single-blind trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on upper limb motor recovery during post-stroke rehabilitation. DESIGN: Single-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Four inpatient rehabilitation facilities. SUBJECTS: A total of 204 stroke patients with unilateral upper limb motor impairment were randomly 1:1 allocated to TEAS or sham TEAS group. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. INTERVENTIONS: Both groups received conventional physical and occupational therapies. TEAS and sham TEAS therapy were administered to two acupoints (LI10 and TE5) with a pulse duration of 300 µs at 2 Hz on the affected forearm for 30 times over 6 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: The upper-extremity Fugl-Meyer score (primary outcome), manual muscle testing, modified Ashworth scale, Lindmark hand function score, and Barthel index were evaluated by blinded assessors at baseline, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 18 weeks. RESULTS: The number of patients who completed the treatment was 99 and 97 in the TEAS and the sham group. No significant between-group difference was found in the Upper-Extremity Fugl-Meyer score, Modified Ashworth Scale, Lindmark hand function score, and Barthel Index after intervention and during follow-up. However, the TEAS group exhibited 0.29 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.55) greater improvements in Manual Muscle Testing of wrist extension than the sham group (p = 0.037) at 18 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of TEAS therapy to hemiplegic forearm could not improve the upper extremity motor recovery. However, TEAS on the forearm might provide potential benefits for strength improvement of the wrist.

Clinical efficacy of acupoint application therapy combined with pressing needle in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupoint application therapy combined with pressing needle therapy in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods:Eighty-six patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who received treatment at Lishui Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2022 to August 2022 were retrospectively included in this study. They were randomly divided into Group A ( n = 29), group B ( n = 29), and the combined treatment group ( n = 28) according to different treatment methods. All three groups were treated with conventional Western medicine. Based on this, group A was treated with acupoint application therapy, group B was treated with pressing needle therapy and the combined treatment group with treated with acupoint application therapy and pressing needle therapy. Clinical efficacy was compared among the three groups. Traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, pulmonary function index, blood gas index, and quality of life score pre- and post-treatment were compared among the three groups. Results:There was a significant difference in total response rate among group A [75.86% (22/29)], group B [79.31% (23/29)], and the combined treatment group [96.43% (27/28), H = 6.15, P < 0.05]. After treatment, the scores of cough, expectoration, and dyspnea in the three groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, the scores of cough, expectoration, and dyspnea in the combined treatment group were (1.79 ± 0.48) points, (2.30 ± 0.32) points, and (1.96 ± 0.43) points, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in (2.32 ± 0.41) points, (2.68 ± 0.42) points, and (2.27 ± 0.36) points in group A and (2.17 ± 0.50) points, (2.91 ± 0.43) points, and (2.33 ± 0.43) points in group B ( F = 9.81, 17.38, 6.72, all P < 0.05). After treatment, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1), and FEV 1/FVC were increased in each group compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, FVC, FEV 1, and FEV 1/FVC in the combined treatment group were (3.95 ± 0.47) L, (2.01 ± 0.36) L, and (82.91 ± 13.35)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (3.63 ± 0.59) L, (1.76 ± 0.21) L, and (73.23 ± 10.85)% in group A and (3.89 ± 0.38) L, (1.64 ± 0.37) L and (73.91 ± 7.62)% in group B ( F = 3.49, 9.80, 7.05, all P < 0.05). After treatment, blood gas indicators in each group were significantly increased compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, blood oxygen partial pressure in the combined treatment group, group A and group B was (85.76 ± 3.21) mmHg, (81.05 ± 4.23) mmHg, and (80.62 ± 4.03) mmHg, respectively. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the three groups was (37.74 ± 5.88) mmHg, (44.32 ± 5.59) mmHg, and (43.22 ± 6.41) mmHg, respectively. There were significant differences in blood oxygen partial pressure and partial pressure of carbon dioxide among the three groups ( F = 15.50, 9.88, all P < 0.05). After treatment, the quality of life score in each group was significantly increased compared with that before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, the quality of life score in the combined treatment group, group B, and group A was (43.97 ± 6.34) points, (39.16 ± 4.45) points, and (40.19 ± 4.67) points, respectively, and there was significant difference among the three groups ( F = 4.12, P < 0.001). Conclusion:In the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acupoint application therapy combined with pressing needle therapy is highly effective than monotherapy. The combined therapy can better improve traditional Chinese medicine symptoms and blood gas indicators, effectively enhance pulmonary function, and improve quality of life than monotherapy.

Effects of acupoint application therapy with Chinese medicine combined with tiotropium bromide inhalation on quality of life in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of acupoint application therapy with Chinese medicine combined with tiotropium bromide inhalation on quality of life in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods:A total of 109 patients with stable COPD admitted to People's Hospital of Gaomi from March 2019 to May 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group ( n = 54) and an observation group ( n = 55). Both groups were given tiotropium bromide powder inhalation and acupoint application therapy ( Dazhui, Shenque, Feishu, Pishu, Shenshu and Zusanli). Chinese medicine ointment was applied in the observation group, but not in the control group. All patients were treated for 6 consecutive months. Before and after treatment, pulmonary function indicators [forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1), the percentage of expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1%), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV 1/FVC], modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale score, and the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and quality of life. Results:Before and after treatment, there were no significant differences in FEV 1, FEV 1% and FEV 1/FVC between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After treatment, mMRC score and SGRQ total score in the observation group were (1.91 ± 0.27) points and (38.54 ± 8.18) points, respectively, which were significantly lower than (2.43 ± 0.33) points and (43.12 ± 7.86) points in the control group ( t = 4.93, 4.47, both P < 0.05). The number of exacerbations and the number of hospitalizations were (0.42 ± 0.09) times/6 months and (0.27 ± 0.05) times/6 months in the observation group and they were (0.69 ± 0.17) times/6 months and (0.47 ± 0.13) times/6 months in the control group. There were significant differences in these indices between the two groups ( t = 3.90, 3.85, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Acupoint application therapy with Chinese medicine combined with tiotropium bromide inhalation has a good therapeutic effect on stable COPD. The combined therapy can reduce the number of acute attacks and improve patient's quality of life. This study is scientific and innovative.

Study on acupoint selection law of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder based on data mining / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To analyze the acupoint selection law of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using data mining techniques.Methods:Literature related to acupuncture for ASD was retrieved from the CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, Wanfang, and PubMed databases from the establishment of the databases to April 1, 2022, and then a database of acupuncture prescriptions was established. The frequency analysis of acupoint use was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019; the Apriori algorithm was used to analyze the association law of acupoints/acupoint areas; SPSS 26.0 was used to perform intergroup cluster analysis.Results:A total of 97 relevant articles with 97 acupuncture prescriptions and 98 acupoints/acupoint areas were included. The most frequently used acupoint was Shenmen (HT 7). The acupoint area of Jin's three-needle therapy and the Governor Vessel acupoints are commonly used. The most frequently occurring part of the acupoint/acupoint area was the head, and the most commonly used specific acupoint was the rendezvous acupoint. Association rule analysis yielded 40 groups of acupoints/acupoint areas, and the most commonly used combination was Laogong (PC 8) and Shenmen (HT 7). Four categories were extracted among high-frequency acupoints/acupoint areas by cluster analysis.Conclusion:Acupuncture treatment for ASD mainly selects the head acupoints, mainly selecting the acupoint area of Jin's three-needle therapy and the Governor Vessel acupoints, and paying attention to the use of specific acupoints.

Letrozole + Ziwu Liuzhu Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Improves Ovulation-Induced Pregnancy Rate in Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objective: This study investigated the effect of letrozole with/without meridian-infusion percutaneous electrical stimulation on the rates of ovulation-induced pregnancy in patients with obese polycystic ovary syndrome (obPCOS). Materials and Methods: Patients with obPCOS, ages 20-40, each with a body mass index (BMI) ≥24 kg/m2, and/or waist circumference ≥80 cm, and at least 1 side tubal patency were enrolled at the Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China. They were divided into 2 groups: ZLT [Ziwu Liuzhu + transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation] and control. Baseline conditions and pregnancy status were collected for all patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and sensitivity analysis of propensity score matching (PSM) were performed for the groups after multiple interpolations. Results: From July 2021 to September 2022, 345 patients with obPCOS were recruited: 53 cases/69 cycles in the ZLT group and 292 cases/396 cycles in the control group. The 2 sets of baselines were flush. The anovulatory cycle rates were: ZLT, 2.89% (2/69); and control, 1.77% (7/396); P > 0.05. Multifollicle growth-cycle rates were: ZLT, 0% (0/69); and control, 0.76% (3/396); P > 0.05. Multivariate COX regression analysis showed adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.11 (1.19, 3.73); P = 0.011. Multivariate Cox regression analysis with multiple imputation showed aHR 95% CI: 2.11 (1.19, 3.73); P = 0.013. In the overweight group (24-28 kg/m2), the pregnancy rate of the control and ZLT groups were 20.2% and 32.3%, respectively, aHR 95% CI: 1.76 (0.87,3.55); P = 0.113. In the obese cohort (≥ 28 kg/m2), the control and ZLT groups, pregnancy rates were 10.7% and 27.3%, respectively, aHR 95% CI: 3.46 (1.21, 9.92); P = 0.021; (Pfor interaction = 0.369). The caliper value was set as 0.2 for BMI and antral-follicle count, and PSM was performed at 1:1, aHR 95%CI: 2.45 (1.01, 5.96); P = 0.048. Conclusions: Letrazole + ZLT had a positive effect on ovulation-induced pregnancy rates in patients with obPCOS.

Comparison of the efficacy of acupuncture at the TUNG's extra points and the traditional Chinese medicine points for elderly patients with chronic low back pain in Thailand / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To compare the efficacy of acupuncture at TUNG's extra points and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) points for elderly patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) in Thailand. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 84 elderly volunteers with CLBP was designed. The patients were randomly assigned either to the group getting acupuncture at TUNG's extra points or to the group getting acupuncture at TCM points. The treatment period was 30 min per session for seven consecutive days. Before and after treatment, the score of the numeric rating scale (NRS), the back range of motion (BROM), and the back strength were measured and compared. Results: After treatment, both groups were found with decreased NRS scores and increased BROM (P<0.05), but with no statistical difference in their back strength in comparison with that before treatment in the same group (P>0.05). Regarding the between-group comparisons, no significant differences were found in the NRS score or BROM in the direction of forward flexion and right lateral flexion or the back strength after treatment (P>0.05). However, statistical differences were found in the BROM in directions of back extension (P<0.01) and left lateral flexion (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture at TUNG's extra points can decrease the low back pain NRS score and increase the back strength and the BROM in directions of forward flexion and right lateral flexion, equivalent to acupuncture at TCM points. Acupuncture at TCM points has a better effect in increasing the BROM in directions of back extension and left lateral flexion; acupuncture at TUNG's extra points is suitable for elderly CLBP patients, and it should be supported and promoted.

Effects of Preoperative Acupuncture on Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting and Plasma Serotonin Values in the Hysterectomy Postoperative Period: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Nausea and vomiting are frequent complications of anesthesia in the postoperative period. Acupuncture at the pericardium point 6 (PC6) is known to be effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Objectives: The objective of the present study is to investigate the effects of acupuncture performed at the PC6 point in the prevention of PONV in women undergoing elective open hysterectomy under general inhalational anesthesia and to assess its association with plasma serotonin levels. Methods: 97 patients undergoing elective open hysterectomy were randomly divided into two groups: acupuncture group (bilateral acupuncture at PC6, n = 49), and a control group (no acupuncture, n = 48). All patients prophylactically received ondansetron and dexamethasone and, as rescue medication, metoclopramide in case of occurrence of PONV. The primary outcome evaluated was occurrence of nausea and vomiting within 24 hours after surgery. Serotonin plasma levels were measured before and after acupuncture prior to anesthesia induction. For the control group, the repeat measurement was performed 30 minutes after admission to the preoperative unit. Results: Acupuncture at PC6 significantly reduced the incidence of nausea (29.2% vs. 6.1%; p > 0.003), and the need of rescue medication (metoclopramide) (33.3% vs. 10.2%; p > 0.006), but not vomiting (4.2 vs. 4.1; p > 0.98). The plasma serotonin levels between control and acupuncture groups did not differ. Conclusion: This study shows that acupuncture at PC6 resulted in a lower incidence of postoperative nausea in patients undergoing hysterectomy.

Effect of intradermal needle therapy at combined acupoints on patients' gastrointestinal function following surgery for gastrointestinal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery is critical for rapid rehabilitation of patients with gastrointestinal tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine offers considerable advantages for gastrointestinal disease treatment. However, no study has reported the clinical efficacy of intradermal needle therapy (INT) at the Yuan-source, Luo-connecting, and He-sea points of the corresponding meridian for gastrointestinal function in patients following surgery for gastrointestinal tumors. AIM: To investigate the effect of INT at combined acupoints on patients' gastrointestinal function following surgery for gastrointestinal tumors. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University on patients with diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer, no distant metastases or organ failure, and hospitalized for elective radical tumor resection, who did not receive preoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention (n = 32) or the control (n = 32) group. Participants in the control group received enhanced recovery care, while those in the intervention group received enhanced recovery care combined with INT at the Yuan-source, Luo-connecting, and He-sea points. After surgery, INT was performed immediately upon the patient's return to the ward, and continued for seven consecutive days. The independent samples t-test, chi-square test, and generalized estimating equations were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The participants' ages ranged from 40 to 80 years (average 63 ± 10.1 years). Most participants underwent surgery for either gastric (43.8%) or colon cancer (39.1%) and had adenocarcinoma (87.5%). Significant differences were noted in time to first postoperative flatus passage (66 ± 27 h vs 103 ± 41 h, P < 0.001), time to first defecation (106 ± 44 h vs 153 ± 50 h, P < 0.001), and time to first oral feeding (73 ± 30 h vs 115 ± 38 h, P < 0.001) between the intervention and control groups. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal distension, nausea, and fatigue 48 h and 72 h after surgery, were significantly alleviated in the intervention group compared with that observed in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: INT at the Yuan-source, Luo-connecting, and He-sea points can promote recovery of gastrointestinal function and ease gastrointestinal symptoms in patients following surgical resection of gastrointestinal tumors.