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Depression and chronic pain frequent co-occur, exacerbating each other's symptoms and hindering treatment. Emerging studies have highlighted abnormal gut microbiota in both conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of electro-acupuncture (EA) in managing these conditions, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Spared nerve injury (SNI) was employed to induce chronic pain and depression-like behavior. Rats were randomly assigned to sham SNI (SS), SNI, and EA groups. SNI surgery was performed on all rats, except those in SS group, which underwent sham SNI surgery. Then EA group received 5 weeks of EA treatment. Pain and depression-like behavior were assessed through paw withdrawal threshold, sucrose-preference test, and forced swim test. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rDNA sequencing. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and acetylation-related proteins in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were evaluated through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot. EA treatment significantly ameliorated pain and depression-like behavior. The 16S rDNA sequencing showed EA modulated gut microbiota composition, increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, including Akkermansi, Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae family, particularly Akkermansia. Furthermore, EA increased BDNF, AcH3 and decreased HDAC2 in mPFC. Notably, SCFAs-producing bacteria exhibited a negative correlation with HDAC2 levels. This study exclusively investigated microbiota differences resulting from EA stimulation, without delving into the functional variations brought about by these microbial distinctions. The therapeutic effects of EA on the comorbidity of chronic pain and depression may involve the modulation of the gut microbiota, resulting in histone acetylation changes and upregulation of BDNF. • EA ameliorated pain and depression-like behaviors in SNI rats. • EA modulated the gut microbiota, increased the abundance of SCFAs-producing bacteria, particularly Akkermansia- muciniphila. • EA inhibited histone deacetylase in SNI rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to assess how acupoint catgut-embedding therapy influencesTh2-type immune response and the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice. It also conducted an initial examination of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Seventy-two mice were randomly divided intofourgroups: normal control, DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model (AD), AD with acupoint catgut-embedding treatment (ADA), and AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment. After DNCB challenge to induce AD, the ADA group received acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment at Zusanli (ST 36) and Quchi (LI 11) acupoints everyother week from day 8. Mice in the AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment group underwent the same procedure as the ADA group but without catgut implantation. Severity was assessed using SCORAD on treatment days 1, 10, and 20. On day 18, nine miceper group were euthanized, and the remaining on day 28. Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining. TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13 levels were analyzed by ELISA, and GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels by western blot. Results: After 20 days of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment, mice showed reduced dermatitis scores compared to DNCB-induced AD-like mice. Significant decreases occurred in serum IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α levels. Skin analysis revealed marked reductions in CD4+ and CD8+ cell infiltration, as well as GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels. Conclusion: Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy may effectively alleviate atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th2 immune responses via the STAT6-GATA3 pathway and reducing CD4+and CD8+ T cell infiltration in skin lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laser acupuncture is a proven non-invasive treatment with effects comparable to traditional acupuncture in different types of headaches, but there is still insufficient evidence for chronic migraine (CM) in adults. We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of laser acupuncture (LA) as an add-on preventive therapy on CM. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted from January 2022 to November 2023. CM patients with unsatisfactory pharmacological effects were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either LA or sham treatment over a course of 8 sessions spanning 4 weeks. The co-primary outcomes were changes in monthly migraine days (MMD) and acute headache medications usage days per month from baseline. Evaluations were taken at baseline (12 weeks before randomization), at 4th week (treatment completed), 8th week and 12th week from baseline. Results: A total of 60 patients (30 in each group) were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. Baseline headache characteristics between trial groups were similar. Compared with the sham group, the LA group had a significant reduction in MMD (5.2 vs. 1.5 days at 8th week, p = 0.015; 7.3 vs. 1.8 days at 12th week, p = 0.001), and acute headache medications usage days per month (3.1 vs. 0.4 days at 4th week, p = 0.007; 3.2 vs. 0.0 days at 8th week, p = 0.005; 3.9 vs. 0.0 days at 12th week, p < 0.001). No serious adverse event was observed in both groups. Conclusions: Laser acupuncture was effective in reducing MMD and acute headache medications usage with promising safety. Specifically, the efficacy of LA exhibited a progressively more pronounced effect within the follow-up period. We suggested that LA is a promising add-on preventive therapy for CM, and trials focused on investigating the mechanism of LA's effect and its long-term effects on CM prevention are justified. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered at ISRCTN.org Identifier: ISRCTN11208146 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11208146). The registration date: 19, January, 2024. The date of first participant registration: 04, May, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying electro-acupuncture intervention in chronic prostatitis (CP). Rats were randomly divided into five groups: a control group, a model group (suffering from CP), an electro-acupuncture group, an inhibitor group, and an activator group. One day post-modeling, electro-acupuncture intervention was conducted on the electro-acupuncture group, inhibitor group, and activator group at the acupoints “Baihuan Shu” (BL 30) and “Huiyang” (BL 35). Relevant indicators were used to evaluate the efficacy. Compared with models, the electro-acupuncture group showed significantly increased horizontal and vertical movement scores and sugar water intake, and significantly decreased prostate wet weight and prostate index. Compared with the electro-acupuncture group, the inhibitor group showed significantly increased horizontal and vertical movement scores and sugar water consumption. In contrast, for the activator group, these scores and consumption levels significantly decreased, while their prostate wet weight and prostate index increased significantly. Compared with models, the expression of TLR4 and p-NF-κB/NF-κB proteins in the prostate tissue of electro-acupuncture group was significantly lower. In terms of the inhibitor group, they also showed a decrease in TLR4 and p-NF-κB/NF-κB protein expression, whilst the activator group showed an increase. Therefore, electro-acupuncture at “Baihuan Shu” (BL 30) and “Huiyang” (BL 35) can significantly enhance movement scores, vertical movement scores, and sugar water consumption in rats with CP. Moreover, it can decrease the wet weight and index of the prostate, possibly by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the application value of Pelvic Inflammation No. 1 formula of transdermal meridian pointtargeted drug delivery therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (damp-heat stasis type). Methods: All patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (damp-heat stasis type) visited Danzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2017 to March 2021 and were randomly grouped, 57 patients in the control group were treated with simple Western medicine, and 57 patients in the observation group were combined with Pelvic Inflammation No. 1 formula transdermal meridian targeted transdermal medication, and the therapeutic efficacies were compared after 3 months of treatment. Results: After treatment, serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）, D dimer （D-D）, IL-6 and other indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and IL-10 was higher than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant （P<0.05）. After treatment, the carbohydrate antigen CA125 in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, and the CD4+/CD8+ and CD4+ cells in the observation group were higher than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment, the score of summary of health status surveys （SF-36） in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and the total score of TCM symptoms was lower than that in the control group （P<0.05）. The total effective rate in the observation group was 96.49%（ 55/57）, which was higher than 82.46% （46/57） in the control group （P<0.05）. Conclusion: For patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease （damp-heat stagnation type）, combined with Pelvic Inflammation No. 1 formula transdermal via acupoints targeted drug therapy can help to regulate inflammatory factors, regulate immune function, and improve clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at PC6 could reduce hypotension after spinal anesthesia (SA) in parturients and to compare the effect of TEAS at different frequencies. Methods: From February 20, 2023, to August 29, 2023, 90 parturients scheduled for c-section under SA were randomly assigned to receive no treatment (Control), TEAS at high frequency (TEAS-HF), or TEAS at low frequency (TEAS-LF). Treatments started immediately after SA and lasted for 30 min. The primary endpoint was incidence of hypotension by 30 min after SA. Secondary endpoints included lowest systolic blood pressure (SBP) during 30 min after SA, dose of ephedrine, dose of atropine, Apgar score at 1 min, and adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dyspnea, and chest congestion. Results: In the TEAS-HF group, the incidence of hypotension by 30 min after SA was lower (13.3%) than in the Control (53.3%, p = 0.001; OR 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–2.8) and TEAS-LF group (40.0%, p = 0.02, OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0–2.0). The lowest SBP during 30 min after SA was higher in the TEAS-HF group (100.0 ± 9.4 mm Hg) than in the Control group (91.5 ± 16.5 mm Hg) and TEAS-LF group (93.9 ± 16.6 mm Hg). Patients who received TEAS showed a lower score of nausea and vomiting (both p = 0.02). Patients in the group TEAS-HF showed a lower incidence of dizziness, dyspnea, and of chest congestion than those in the other two groups. There was no difference with respect to atropine consumption and neonatal Apgar score. Conclusions: TEAS-HF at PC6 reduced hypotension after SA in parturients, while TEAS-LF did not. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05724095) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hypersensitive acupoints in specific body areas are associated with corresponding internal or visceral disorders. Back-shu points are clinically significant for the diagnosis of visceral organ disease, according to the biomechanical characteristics of the acupoints. In this study, we assessed the biomechanical characteristics and pain sensitivities of five back-shu points linked to five visceral organs in healthy participants. Methods: The study included 48 volunteer participants. A myotonometry was used to assess muscle tone and muscle stiffness at five back-shu points associated with visceral organs. Pressure was monitored using a microcontroller and a force sensor. Pain sensitivity was assessed in response to deep pressure pain produced by a constant force. Results: Substantial differences in muscle tone and stiffness were observed at the five back-shu points; muscle tone was highest at BL15, whereas muscle tone and muscle stiffness were lowest at BL23. Moreover, pain sensitivity was significantly different among the acupoints; pain sensitivity was highest at BL23. There was a significant negative correlation between muscle tone and pain sensitivity. Conclusions: We found significant differences in muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and pain sensitivity among five back-shu points associated with visceral organs, which may be attributable to anatomical variations at each point. Our findings suggest that differences at back-shu points should be considered to ensure the accurate diagnosis of visceral disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychoactive drugs have anticholinergic effects, which might cause constipation; however, probiotics and traditional Chinese medicine can resolve constipation. This study aimed to examine the effect of probiotics combined with traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture point massage, and acupuncture point application on patients with intestinal solid heat constipation. We enrolled 200 patients, randomly divided into three intervention groups and a control group. Group 1 received probiotics combined with acupressure point massage and acupuncture point application; Group 2 received probiotics combined with acupressure point massage; Group 3 received probiotics combined with acupuncture point application, while the control group received routine treatment only. After intervention, the total effective rate of the intervention groups was higher than that of the control group (52%). The constipation symptom score in the intervention groups was lower than that in the control group, and the symptom score, defecation characteristics, and defecation time of group 1 were significantly lower than those of groups 2 and 3. The Bristol defecation trait, difficulty, time, and interval were better in the intervention groups than in the control group. Combining probiotics with traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure massage, and acupuncture point application can resolve intestinal solid heat constipation caused by psychoactive drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients often consider bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to be one of the most painful medical procedures. The effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions to reduce pain during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy remains unclear. Aim: To synthesize existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions in mitigating procedural pain among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Design: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods: Six electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception to July 15, 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool Version 2.0. Meta‐analysis was conducted using STATA 16. The certainty of the evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach. Results: This meta‐analysis included 18 studies derived from 17 articles involving a total of 1017 participants. The pooled results revealed statistically significant pain reduction effects using distraction (SMD: −.845, 95% CI: −1.344 to −.346, p <.001), powered bone marrow biopsy system (SMD: −.266, 95% CI: −.529 to −.003, p =.048), and acupoint stimulation (SMD: −1.016, 95% CI: −1.995 to −.037, p =.042) among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. However, the pooled results on hypnosis (SMD: −1.228, 95% CI: −4.091 to 1.515, p =.368) showed no significant impact on pain reduction. Additionally, the pooled results for distraction did not demonstrate a significant effect on operative anxiety (MD: −2.942, 95% CI: −7.650 to 1.767, p =.221). Conclusions: Distraction, powered bone marrow biopsy system and acupoint stimulation are effective in reducing pain among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Patient or Public Contribution: Not applicable. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This meta‐analysis highlights the effectiveness of distraction, powered bone marrow biopsy system and acupoint stimulation for reducing pain in patients undergoing bone marrow biopsy. Healthcare professionals should consider integrating these interventions into pain management practices for these patients. Registration: (PROSPERO): CRD42023422854. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uremic pruritus, one of the most painful symptoms experienced by patients receiving dialysis, seriously affects patient quality of life and health, causes physical and mental damage, and increases hospitalization and mortality rates. Multi-modal therapies with evidence-based healthcare are needed to provide patients receiving dialysis with more convenient and feasible medical resources. Purpose: Relevant domestic and international research on the effectiveness and methods of non-invasive acupoint therapy in improving uremic pruritus in dialysis patients was reviewed. Discussing related knowledge can facilitate the evidence-based use of non-invasive acupoint therapy in clinical practice by clinical medical personnel. Methods: Based on the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) systematic literature review and integrated analysis method, a keyword search of related articles published before September 2023 was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Airiti Library, Taiwan Master and Doctoral Dissertation System, Chinese Journal Full-text Database and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform. In 2019, the second version of the Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials was used to evaluate research quality, after which RevMan 5.4 and Stata 14.0 suite software were used for meta-analysis. Results: Nine of the 112 articles selected, including 10 sets of data and 597 participants, were included in the metaanalysis. The results indicate non-invasive acupoint therapy significantly reduces the degree of uremic pruritus (synthetic effect size = -1.30, 95% confidence interval [-1.67, -0.93], p < .00001). Because the heterogeneity test I² = 76%, showed a high degree of heterogeneity, a subgroup analysis was performed, showing that acupoint massage combined with traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and washing, a general simple itching assessment scale, and the Chinese region achieved better effect sizes. Conclusions/ Implications for Practice: Non-invasive acupoint therapy is easy to implement, inexpensive, non-invasive, and associated with few side effects. The authors hope these findings may increase the awareness and understanding of patients with dialysis regarding the practical operation techniques of itching acupoints. According to the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis, massage of the lung and endocrine acupoints at ST-6, SP- 10, and LI-11 as well as the relevant points on the ear may be most effective in achieving urinary itching relief. Also, acupoint massage combined with traditional Chinese medicine fumigation, ST-6 far-infrared irradiation, or LI11 transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation can further relieve uremic pruritus in this patient population. Based on the results, acupoint massage combined with traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and washing is a complementary method of treatment for uremic pruritus that may be recommended to patients in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approximately 30% of patients experience postoperative complications after surgery for early-stage lung cancer. However, the relationships among meridian energy during lung cancer surgery, changes in quality of life, and prognosis have not been investigated. Purpose: This study was designed to explore the associations among meridian energy, changes in quality of life, and prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer undergoing surgery. Methods: A longitudinal, repeated-measures design was used. Basic data forms, meridian energy measurements, and a concise 12-item health status questionnaire were administered to the participants at the time of diagnosis, 2 weeks post-surgery, and 12 weeks post-surgery. During this period, changes were analyzed, and their association with postoperative risks was explored. Results: Forty-eight cases were investigated. Both meridian energy and quality of life were found to be significantly decreased 2 weeks after surgery. The high/low ratio of meridian energy, the physical component score of the Short Form 12-Item Health Survey Questionnaire, gender, cancer stage, and body mass index were identified as significantly associated with prognosis. Conclusion/Implications for Practice: The declining trends in meridian energy and quality of life during the 2 weeks after surgery in patients with lung cancer are associated with poor postoperative prognoses. Nurses may use the findings of this study to identify patients at high risk of postoperative complications and develop appropriate strategies to provide comprehensive care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The preference of beauty seekers for noninvasive, convenient, and long‐lasting effective facial cosmetic techniques with minimal downtime and recovery time is obvious nowadays. As a part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has great advantages in solving these problems. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of two distinct acupuncture techniques for facial rejuvenation in treating nasolabial folds (NFs) and marionette lines (MLs). Methods: One hundred beauty seekers who have received facial acupuncture cosmetic treatment in hospitals between June 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, were selected randomly and inquired. Among them, 50 beauty seekers (Group Ⅰ) have received a normal facial traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture therapy, by inserting the needles perpendicularly into the acupoints. Meanwhile, another 50 beauty seekers (Group Ⅱ) were treated by needle knives, which were inserted parallelly under the dermis and basically along the meridians of Chinese medicine linked by the acupoints. The records of pain evaluation and adverse events on cases, subjective satisfactions, and objective evaluations of efficacy were summarized and statistically analyzed. Results: The efficacy of Group Ⅱ is better than Group Ⅰ. The dermatologists' assessments for NF and ML show significant differences between Groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ after one course. The mean value of subjective satisfaction also obeys the rules above. Although Group Ⅱ exhibited the highest value of mean pain intensity, the adverse events were basically mild. Furthermore, Group Ⅱ showed higher willingness for additional treatments. Conclusion: Only in terms of the wrinkle depth of NF and ML, the method of acupuncturing parallelly under the dermis by needle knife is safe and more successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, there are increasing reports on the digitization and visualization system of acupuncture points for adults in traditional Chinese medicine, and the digitization and visualization system of acupuncture points for children in traditional Chinese medicine and the simulation system of acupuncture manipulation for Mongolian medicine training have been reported. However, there are no reports on relevant systems for children in Mongolian medicine. OBJECTIVE: To develop a simulation system of acupuncture points for children in Mongolian medicine, in the hope that it can be used for clinical teaching, manipulation practice and research on acupuncture safety. METHODS: Based on the tomographic anatomical dataset of preschool boys, a three-dimensional (3D) digital virtual anatomical model of children with multiple internal organs and tissues was constructed by using PhotoShop.2021 and Digihuman Reconstruction System software. The relevant annotation information database of 27 acupoints such as Dinghui acupoint of Mongolian medicine was compiled by the Unity database language. The Mongolian gold needle and silver needle were selected to record the acupuncture point teaching video on the 3D printed head and neck resin model of children. In Unity3D software, children’s anatomical model, acupoint annotation information database and acupuncture operation video were integrated and coded, and a 3D digital children’s Mongolian acupuncture acupoint visualization system integrating simulation acupuncture training, clinical teaching and acupuncture safety research was successfully created. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This study was based on real children’s specimens. In order to reduce the error of two-dimensional segmentation, the manual layer-by-layer segmentation section image method was used to ensure the accuracy of the 3D model to the greatest extent. The Digihuman Reconstruction System was used to extract and save the individual segmentation data while maximizing the accuracy of the 3D model. PhotoShop.2021 software was used to complete the 3D reconstruction of the outer skin of the head and neck of children and the internal bony structure, cervical spinal cord, blood vessels and nerves, muscles and ligaments. After 3D reconstruction, the basic morphology of each independent structure and the integrity of the overall contour were verified in MeshLab software and the final fine adjustment and anatomical position confirmation were conducted using 3-matic research 13.0 software. The real anatomical morphology of the head and neck of preschool children was successfully simulated and restored. Unity3D software was used to integrate the 3D model of children, acupuncture operation video and acupoint annotation database, and the 3D digital Mongolian acupuncture acupoint visualization system for children was successfully constructed. Based on the real continuous fault ultra-thin dataset of preschool boys in China, China’s first 3D digitization and visualization system of acupuncture points in the head and neck of children in Mongolian medicine was developed. Compared with the previous acupuncture soft works, this system is more suitable for the anatomical morphological development characteristics of Asian children, and has a high value of application in the fields of research on the safety of acupuncture in Mongolian medicine, clinical teaching and acupuncture simulation training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the effects of key muscle movement points acupuncture on neuroelectrophysiological indexes, lower limb motor function and daily living ability in patients with spinal cord injury(SCI). Methods: 98 SCI patients who were admitted to our hospital from December 2022 to June 2023 were divided into control group(conventional rehabilitation training and traditional acupuncture treatment, n=49) and study group (conventional rehabilitation training and key muscle movement point acupuncture treatment, n=49) according to the random number table method. The nerve electrophysiological indexes [root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF) of rectus femoris and anterior tibial muscle], lower limb motor function [lower limb motor score (LEMS), modified Ashworth scale(MAS)] and activity of daily living[activity of daily living score(MBI)] were compared between two groups. Results: Compared with control group 2 courses after treatment, the MAS score in study group was lower, and the rectus femoris RMS, rectus femoris MF, tibialis anterior RMS, tibialis anterior MF, LEMS score and MBI score were higher(P<0.05). Conclusion: Key muscle movement points acupuncture for SCI patients, which can improve neuroelectrophysiological indexes, promote the recovery of lower limb motor function, improve the daily living ability of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although acupuncture is recommended by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment guidelines owing to its effects on dyspnea, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of these effects remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in patients with stable COPD and explore the possible involvement of specific brain regions. Methods: This is a prospective, multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. A total of 90 participants will be recruited from three centers and will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo acupuncture at acupoints on the disease-affected meridian (DAM) or non-acupoints on the non-affected meridian (NAM), in addition to routine pharmacological treatments. All participants will undergo 30 min of acupuncture three times a week for 8 weeks and will be followed up for 12 months. The primary outcome will be the severity of dyspnea, as measured using the Borg Dyspnea Scale and a visual analog scale at rest and after exercise. The secondary outcomes will include the multidimensional profile of dyspnea using Dyspnea-12, the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale, and the COPD assessment test; quality of life assessments using St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; and additional measurements of exacerbation frequency, pulmonary function, and the 6-min walking distance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be performed before and after exercise to explore the potential neurobiological mechanisms of exertional dyspnea. Anxiety and depression will be measured and analyzed for their correlation with the activation of specific brain areas involved in dyspnea. Discussion: This randomized controlled trial aims to use a multidimensional evaluation of the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving dyspnea in patients with COPD in terms of emotion and quality of life and explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture on dyspnea from an imaging perspective. It is expected to provide strong evidence to support the use of acupuncture in relieving dyspnea in patients with COPD and those with aother diseases involving dyspnea. Additionally, it provides novel insights into the central mechanisms of acupuncture intervention and dyspnea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of buccal acupuncture on postoperative analgesia, perioperative stress response and adverse events in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Methods: It was a prospective, outcome assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial, involving 90 patients aged 65-80 years who were treated with an elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. They were randomly assigned to buccal acupuncture group (Group B) and control group (Group C). Buccal acupuncture was applied to patients of Group B before the induction of general anesthesia, while no additional application was given to those in Group C. Patientcontrolled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with sufentanil was postoperatively performed in both groups. Sufentanil consumption and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score within 48 h postoperatively were assessed as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included peripheral levels of stress markers, intraoperative consumptions of anesthetic drugs and postoperative recovery. Results: Patients in Group B presented significantly lower VAS scores within 24 h and less consumption of sufentanil within 48 h postoperatively (both p < 0.01). The awaking time, time to extubation and length of stay were significantly shorter in Group B than in Group C (p = 0.005, 0.001 and 0.028, respectively). Compared with Group C, stress response and inflammatory response within 24 h postoperatively were also significantly milder in Group B. Conclusion: The use of buccal acupuncture before general anesthesia induction favors the postoperative analgesic effect and recovery in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, the mechanism of which involves relieving postoperative stress response and inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses reported varying degrees of cognitive failure. To prioritize patient safety in clinical settings, it is important and necessary to address and mitigate the symptoms of cognitive failure among nurses. Aim: This study was conducted in Iran to evaluate the impact of ear acupressure on occupational cognitive failure in nurses. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 54 nurses who experienced cognitive failure in 2022. Sampling was performed by convenience. Fifty-six nurses who scored 40 or higher on the occupational cognitive failure questionnaire were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (28 subjects) or the sham group (28 subjects). In the intervention group, pressure was applied to the shen-men point, zero point, hippocampus, master cerebral, brain, and memory 1 and 2 of the earlobes for six weeks using Vaccaria seeds. In the sham group, a sticker without seeds was applied at the same points as in the intervention group, and no pressure was applied. Cognitive failure was assessed at the beginning of the study (T0), at the end of the intervention (sixth week of study, T1), and four weeks after the end of the intervention (tenth week of study, T2). The data were collected using contextual data questionnaires and the Occupational Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (OCFQ). The data obtained from 54 nurses (28 in the sham group and 26 in the intervention group) were analyzed by SPSS v16 using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: The two groups had no significant differences regarding background variables. The between-group analysis revealed a significant interaction effect of time and intervention on cognitive failure (F = 60.320, p < 0.001, effect size = 0.537). The cognitive failure score in the intervention group was significantly lower at the end of the intervention and one month later than that in the sham group (p < 0.001). Within-group analysis revealed a significant difference in the cognitive failure scores of the intervention group at T0, T1, and T2 (61.231 ± 14.230, 34.000 ± 14.659, and 29.808 ± 14.266, respectively; F = 52.331, p < 0.001, effect size = 0.677). However, in the sham group, the cognitive failure score exhibited a brief but significant increase at T0, T1, and T2 (54.786 ± 11.239, 56.250 ± 10.950, and 56.000 ± 11.337, respectively; F = 6.369, p = 0.006, effect size = 0.191). Conclusion: Auriculotherapy has shown promise in improving occupational cognitive failure in nurses. It is recommended that nurses consider incorporating auriculotherapy as a complementary treatment modality, particularly through self-treatment programs, when experiencing symptoms of cognitive impairment. Trial Registration Number (TRN): IRCT20100211003329N10 Date of registration: 04/11/2022 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Normal labor is stressful, and the intense pain and anxiety can have an adverse effect on the mother, the fetus, and the delivery procedure. This study aimed to determine how acupressure applied to multiple acupoints during normal labor affected labor pain and anxiety in primiparous women. Method: This study was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial that involved 43 primiparous women aging 20–30 years who were referred for normal labor. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of two groups: acupressure or control. Acupressure was administered to the Large Intestine 4 (LI4), Heart 7 (He-7), and Spleen 6 (SP6) acupoints in the acupressure group, whereas sham acupressure was administered to the control group. The study assessed the mothers' anxiety levels using the Spielberger Inventory questionnaire and measured their pain levels using the visual analog scale before and after the intervention. In addition, pulse rate and blood pressure were also measured. Result: In the acupressure group, both the anxiety score and pain level showed a substantial improvement (p < 0.001), but in the control group, only the anxiety score showed a significant improvement (p < 0.001). After the intervention, the difference in anxiety and pain scores between the two groups is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, neither group's blood pressure nor pulse rate showed any significant changes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the study's findings, acupressure targeting LI4, He-7, and SP6 acupoints was effective in relieving anxiety and pain during labor. Compared with the sham acupressure group, the acupressure group showed a greater decrease in both anxiety and pain levels. As such, acupressure may be recommended as an effective, affordable, and accessible technique for managing pain and anxiety during labor. This study has been registered in the database of clinical trials under the identifier Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05411289. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture combined with modern rehabilitation therapy on cognitive dysfunction after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: Totally 140 patients with cognitive impairment after AIS admitted to Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital from September 2016 to May 2021 were included in this prospective randomized controlled trial. After admission, patients were randomly divided into the trial group and the control group based on a computer-generated random number table. Patients in the trial group were treated with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture combined with modern rehabilitation therapy, and those in the control group were treated with modern rehabilitation therapy alone. Before and after treatment, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Barthel index (BI) were used to evaluate the cognitive function and daily living activities, and event-related potentials (ERP) were also measured in both groups. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the results between the two groups. Results: Finally 135 patients were included, 67 in the trial group and 68 in the control group. After treatment, the MMSE score and BI were significantly improved in both groups as compared with those before treatment (both P < .001). In the trial group, the BI and the MMSE subscores in the domains of orientation, registration, recall, and language were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). The global MMSE score of the trial group was higher than that of the control group both after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P = 0.000/0.001). In the analysis of time effect alone, time had significant effects on the MMSE score in both groups (P < 0.001). After treatment, the latencies of P3 waves were significantly shorter and the amplitudes of P3 waves were significantly higher in the trial group as compared with the control group (both P < 0.05). Conclusion: Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture combined with modern rehabilitation therapy may be associated with a better efficacy in treating cognitive dysfunction after AIS. The effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture on ERP may play a role in the mechanism underlying such a therapeutic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of FME Transactions is the property of University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to investigate the features and underlying principles of acupuncture points used in the treatment of headaches associated with blood stasis syndrome. Methods: Literature on the treatment of blood stasis headache with acupuncture and moxibustion was searched across three Chinese databases and one English database from January 1st, 2000, to January 1st, 2024. Relevant data including titles, journals, authors, keywords, interventions, main acupoints, and outcomes were extracted for further analysis. Results: A total of 112 papers with 102 complete prescriptions were analyzed. Of the 77 acupoints examined, 72 were meridian points, and 5 were extraordinary points, used 699 times in total. The top ten acupoints by frequency were Fengchi (GB20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Baihui (GV20), Hegu (LI4), Shuaigu (GB8), Taichong (LR3), Xuehai (SP10), Touwei (ST8), Geshu (BL17), and Waiguan (TE5). Yang meridian points were used more frequently than Yin meridian points (82.8% vs 17.2%), with the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang being the most common. Nearly half of the acupoints (49.9%) were on the head and neck, and 23.1% on the lower limbs. Specific acupoints accounted for 53.5% of the total frequency. Fengchi (GB20) and Taiyang (EX-HN5) showed the highest correlation. Association rule mining highlighted combinations like Fengchi (GB20) with Taiyang (EX-HN5) and Baihui (GV20). Cluster analysis yielded five clusters. Conclusion: The study provides insights into selecting effective acupoints and combinations for clinical acupuncture practice and experimental studies in treating blood stasis headaches. Acupoints like Fengchi (GB20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Baihui (GV20) may be effective for clinical treatment, but further studies are needed to validate their efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acupuncture involves stimulating points with lower electrical impedance (EI). Understanding EI changes with needle and exercise stimuli can elucidate acupuncture mechanisms. This study included 60 subjects, divided into control (C) and acupuncture (A) groups. EI was assessed at four points: 0 (before procedures), I (after handgrip protocol [HGP]), II (after 20 minutes of rest), and III (after 20 minutes of rest in C or stimulation in A, followed by HGP in both groups). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. In the A group, EI was significantly reduced at HT3, shown by increased % microampere when comparing assessments I, II, and III with assessment 0 (p < 0.005). Intergroup comparisons revealed a reduced % microampere when comparing assessments II (p < 0.02) and III (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the stimulation of an acupoint over a motor nerve branch changes the EI.

BackgroundThe use of multimodal pharmacological prophylactic regimes has decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in general but it still occurs in over 60% of female patients after bariatric surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ST36 acupoint injection with anisodamine in prevention of PONV among female patients after bariatric surgery.MethodsNinety patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were randomly allocated to anisodamine or control group at the ratio of 2:1. Anisodamine or normal saline was injected into Zusanli (ST36) bilaterally after induction of general anesthesia. The incidence and severity of PONV were assessed during the first 3 postoperative days and at 3 months. The quality of early recovery of anesthesia, gastrointestinal function, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and complications were also evaluated.ResultsBaseline and perioperative characteristics were comparable between two groups. In the anisodamine group, 25 patients (42.4%) experienced vomiting within postoperative 24 h compared with 21 (72.4%) in the control group (relative risk 0.59; 95% confidence interval 0.40-0.85). Time to first rescue antiemetic was 6.5 h in anisodamine group, and 1.7 h in the control group (P = 0.011). Less rescue antiemetic was required during the first 24 h in the anisodamine group (P = 0.024). There were no differences in either postoperative nausea or other recovery characteristics.ConclusionsThe addition of ST36 acupoint injection with anisodamine significantly reduced postoperative vomiting without affecting nausea in female patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Objective To investigate the application effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with propofol in painless gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods A total of 105 patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy were randomly divided into propofol+fentanyl group (P+F group), propofol+TEAS group (P+T group), and propofol+placebo-TEAS group (P+P group), with 35 patients in each group. All patients were induced to deep sedation by the anesthesiologist using propofol before gastroscopy; the patients in the P+F group were given intravenously injected fentanyl 50 μg before gastroscopy, those in the P+T group received placement of electrodes at the acupoints at 30 minutes before examination and were given electrical stimulation till the end of the examination, and those in the P+P group received placement of electrodes at the acupoints alone without electrical stimulation. The patients were recorded in terms of pain score and the amount of propofol used du-ring examination, the time to recovery from anesthesia after examination, and the incidence rate of adverse reactions during or after examination, as well as the degree of satisfaction among patients and physicians. Results Compared with the P+P group, the P+F and P+T groups had a significant reduction in pain score (H=23.16,P0.05), while the P+F group had significantly higher degrees of vertigo, nausea, and vomiting than the other two groups (H=40.97-44.79,P

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.Conclusion : s 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.

Objective: There is currently a lack of evidence in evidence-based medicine regarding acupuncture treatment for experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for experimental ICH based on neurological function scores and brain water content (BWC). Methods: Eight mainstream Chinese and English databases were searched. Outcome measures included neurological function scores and BWC, and subgroup analysis was conducted based on study characteristics. Results: A total of 32 studies were included. Meta-analysis results indicated that compared to the control group, the acupuncture group showed significant reductions in mNSS (MD = -3.16, p < 0.00001), Bederson score (MD = -0.99, p < 0.00001), Longa score (MD = -0.54, p < 0.0001), and brain water content (MD = -5.39, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis revealed that for mNSS, the autologous blood model (MD = -3.36) yielded better results than the collagenase model (MD = -0.92, p < 0.00001), and simple fixation (MD = -3.38) or no fixation (MD = -3.39) was superior to sham acupuncture (MD = -0.92, p < 0.00001). For BWC, the autologous blood model (MD = -7.73) outperformed the collagenase model (MD = -2.76, p < 0.00001), and GV20-GB7 (MD = -7.27) was more effective than other acupuncture points (MD = -2.92, p = 0.0006). Conclusion: Acupuncture significantly improves neurological deficits and brain edema in experimental ICH. Acupuncture at GV20 - GB7 is more effective than at other points. These findings support further studies to translate acupuncture into clinical treatment for human ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common chronic neurological complication of diabetes mellitus. Medications are often used to relieve pain, but with significant side effects. Acupuncture is now a component of pragmatic and integrative treatment for PDN. An increasing number of relevant randomized controlled trials have been published in recent years, but a comprehensive meta-analysis has not yet been performed. The aim of this paper is to verify the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for PDN by metaanalysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). Methods: All participants in this study should have had a PDN diagnosis and the trial group was treated with acupuncture. Eight databases, including EMbase, PubMed, Web of science, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and Chongqing VIP (CQVIP) were retrieved from inception to 5 April 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted utilizing RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0. TSA was performed to assess the adequacy of sample size for the outcomes. Results: A total of 36 studies, comprising 2,739 PDN patients, were included. Among them, 1,393 patients were assigned to the trial group and 1,346 patients were treated in the control group. Outcomes covers the primary indicator Total effective rate (RR = 1.42, 95%CI [1.34, 1.52], p < 0.00001), with 21 studies reported, Pain intensity (SMD = -1.27, 95%CI [-1.58, -0.95], p < 0.00001), with 23 studies reported, and other outcomes, including motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV; MD = 3.58, 95%CI [2.77, 4.38], p < 0.00001), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV; MD = 3.62, 95%CI [2.75, 4.49], p < 0.00001), Depression score (SMD = -1.02, 95%CI [1.58, 0.46]), Toronto clinical scoring system (TCSS; MD = -2.41, 95%CI [-3.37, -1.45], p < 0.00001), Quality of life (SMD = 1.06, 95%CI [0.66, 1.46]), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score (MD = -4.99, 95%CI [-6.79, -3.18], p < 0.00001), suggesting that acupuncture have an ameliorating effect on PDN in various respect. Egger's test revealed publication bias for four outcomes. TSA showed that as for Total effective rate, Pain Intensity, MCV and SCV, the number of included studies was sufficient to support the conclusions. Conclusion: Acupuncture demonstrates significant effectiveness in improving PDN outcomes, including Total effective rate, Pain intensity, MCV, SCV, Depression score, TCSS, Quality of life, TCM syndrome score. But the Adverse events rate is no different in trail group and control group. The publication bias presented in Total effective rate, Pain intensity, MCV and SCV can be remedied by Trim and filling method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) affects the efficacy and safety of swallowing, causing serious complications. Acupuncture is a promising and cost-effective treatment for PSD; however, as the number of randomized controlled trials increases, scientific analysis of the parameters and acupoint prescription is required. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of acupuncture on parameters related to post-stroke dysphagia (PSD). Methods: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Chongqing VIP Database for randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for PSD in the last 15 years and relevant parameters were analyzed using data mining techniques. Results: In total, 3,205 records were identified, of which 3,507 patients with PSD were included in 39 studies. The comprehensive analysis demonstrated that the closest parameter combinations of acupuncture on PSD were 0.25 mm × 40 mm needle size, 30 min retention time, five treatments per week, and a 4-week total course of treatment. Additionally, the gallbladder and nontraditional meridians, crossing points, and head and neck sites are the most commonly used acupoint parameters. The core acupoints identified were GB20, RN23, EX-HN14, Gongxue, MS6, SJ17, EX-HN12, EX-HN13, and the commonly used combination of EX-HN12, EX-HN13, GB20, and RN23. Conclusion: This study analyzed the patterns of PSD-related needling and acupoint parameters to provide evidence-based guidelines for clinical acupuncturists in treating PSD, potentially benefitting affected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms among breast cancer patients, which can be present throughout all stages of breast cancer. As a non-pharmacological alternative treatment, acupuncture has been suggested to improve sleep situations in patients with cancer suffering from insomnia. However, there is a lack of well-designed, high-quality clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of breast cancer-related insomnia. This study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for breast cancer-related insomnia. Methods: This study was designed as a multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. A total of 264 eligible patients with breast cancer-related insomnia will be randomized into an acupuncture group and a sham acupuncture group in a 1:1 ratio. In the trial, patients in the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups will receive 12 sessions over a consecutive 4-week period. The primary outcome will be the treatment response rate of Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at week 4; secondary outcomes include treatment remission rate of ISI, Sleep Efficiency (SE) obtained by the use of Sleep diary, treatment response rate of ISI at 8th and 16th weeks of follow-up, the mean changes of ISI, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core 30 (QLQ-C30), sleep parameters recorded in Actigraphy and weekly usage of remedial drugs. Adverse events will be recorded throughout the study. All analyses will be based on the ITT principle and performed with SAS 9.4 statistical software. Discussion: This trial will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture for breast cancer-related insomnia. If proven effective, acupuncture will provide an effective option for patients with breast cancer-related insomnia, which will play a positive role in helping patients reduce their use of sleeping medications [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postoperative pain control is a challenge in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). The current study reviewed the efficacy and safety of incorporating acupoint stimulation for postoperative pain control in ERAS. Methods: Ten databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English or Mandarin Chinese were searched from 1997 to 2022. The quality of each article was appraised using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Criteria and the modified Jadad Scale. The primary outcome was pain control, measured using the visual analog scale 24 h after surgery. Results: Eleven trials met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Acupoint stimulation was found more effective than control treatments in terms of pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.35 to −0.53), analgesic drug consumption (SMD −1.87; 95% CI −2.98 to −0.75), postoperative nausea (PON; SMD 0.31; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.73), postoperative vomiting (POV; SMD 0.57; 95% CI 0.11 to 2.92), and PON and POV (PONV; SMD 0.29; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.53). The Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) were the most-used acupoints in the included trials (8/11). The reported adverse reaction was only one case of bruising. Discussion: Acupoint stimulation improved pain control in patients undergoing ERAS more than control treatments. The findings provide an evidence-based premise for incorporating acupoint stimulation into ERAS strategies. More rigorous RCTs are needed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the advantages of adding acupuncture to standard postoperative pain management for open radical prostatectomy (RP). Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial (1:1:1) comparing routine postoperative analgesic care (control [CON]) vs the addition of press tack needle acupuncture (ACU) or press tack placebo acupressure (SHAM) for pain management after open RP was performed. A total of 126 patients were enrolled between February 2020 and April 2021. After open RP, the CON group received standard postoperative analgesia, the ACU group received long‐term acupuncture with press tacks at specific points (P‐6, Shenmen and SP‐6) along with standard analgesia, and the SHAM group received placebo press tacks at the same acupuncture points alongside standard analgesia. The primary endpoint was postoperative pain measured on a numeric rating scale, the NRS‐11, calculated as the area under the curve. The cumulative use of routine postoperative analgesics, time to first defaecation, and quality of life were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test, Fisher's exact test, and Pearson's chi‐squared test. Results: The ACU group reported significantly less postoperative pain compared to the SHAM (P = 0.007) and CON groups (P = 0.02). There were no significant difference in median (interquartile range) cumulative pain medication usage, time to first defaecation (CON: 37 [33, 44] h; SHAM: 37 [33, 42] h; ACU: 37 [33, 41] h; P > 0.9), or health status at discharge (EuroQol five‐dimension, five‐level general health assessment questionnaire: CON: 70 [65–83]; SHAM: 70 [60–80]; ACU: 70 [50–80]). Conclusion: Incorporating acupuncture into postoperative pain management can improve patient postoperative outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) is the most common diagnostic procedure for upper gastrointestinal diseases. It often causes discomfort and anxiety, which are only mitigated by systemic sedation. However, sedation poses additional risks of adverse cardiopulmonary events, increased medical costs, and prolonged recovery. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of acupuncture points (Acu-TENS) is a non-invasive and innovative approach that induces analgesic effect during endoscopy. This trial is the first to be reported in English that explores the potential of Acu-TENS to increase patient tolerance during non-sedated elective diagnostic OGDS. Methods: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 348 subjects was conducted at a tertiary hospital to evaluate the success rate of OGDS with Acu-TENS. Subjects aged 18–75 years scheduled for their first elective diagnostic OGDS were randomized into the intervention (Acu-TENS) and placebo arms. OGDS success was assessed based on subjects' satisfaction ratings on a Likert scale and procedure's technical adequacy. Secondary measures included subjects' willingness to undergo future OGDS under similar conditions, procedure duration, and the endoscopist's perceived ease of the procedure. Results: OGDS success rates were significantly higher with Acu-TENS (77.8%) than with the placebo (68.0%; odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–2.66, p = 0.043). Subjects who received Acu-TENS expressed higher willingness for future OGDS (78.9%) than those who received the placebo (68.6%; OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.04–2.79, p = 0.031). Procedure duration were significantly shorter in the intervention arm (6.0 min) than in the placebo arm (10.0 min; p = 0.002). No adverse effects were reported, and endoscopists perceived similar procedure ease in both arms. Conclusions: Acu-TENS improved OGDS success and enhanced patients' experiences during non-sedated OGDS. It demonstrated safety with no side effects and reduced the procedure completion time. It could be used as an adjunct in non-sedated diagnostic OGDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): This study assessed the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at different frequencies at the Dazhui and Baihui acupoints in the subacute phase after transient global cerebral ischemia (GCI). Materials and Methods: Rats were subjected to GCI for 25 min, followed by reperfusion for 7 days. EA at acupoints was performed at 10, 30, or 50 Hz, 1 day after reperfusion and then once daily for 6 consecutive days. Results: EA at acupoints at 10 and 50 Hz effectively down-regulated apoptosis in the hippocampal cornu ammonis 1(CA1) area and ameliorated memory deficits. Moreover, EA treatment at 10 and 50 Hz markedly increased phospho (p)-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p-ERK1/2/neuronal nuclei (NeuN), p-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)/p-ERK1/2, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/p-CREB, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein/NeuN expression levels and decreased Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer, second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase/direct inhibitor of apoptosis-binding protein with low pI, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3, and apoptosis-inducing factor expression levels. Furthermore, 10-Hz EA treatment effectively increased p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p-p38 MAPK/NeuN, and p-CREB/p-p38 MAPK expression levels. Pretreatment with U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) completely abrogated the effects of 10- and 50-Hz EA treatments on the aforementioned protein expression levels. Similarly, pretreatment with SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) completely abrogated the effects of 10-Hz treatment on the aforementioned protein expression levels. Conclusion: The effects of 10- and 50-Hz EA treatments on mitochondria-related apoptosis can be attributed to the activation of ERK1/2/p38 MAPK/CREB/Bcl-2- and ERK1/2/CREB/Bcl-2-mediated signaling, respectively, in the hippocampal CA1 area at 7 days after transient GCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine examines the efficacy of acupuncture for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The study suggests that acupuncture may have a superior effect compared to sham acupuncture and a control intervention for CSU. However, the study's protocol may have been biased against traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which views urticaria as caused by excess heat or accumulation of wind-damp or wind-heat. The lack of individualization in the treatment and the failure to use specific acupuncture points recommended in TCM may have affected the effectiveness of the therapy. The study also did not provide information on serum IgE levels or the response of the waitlist group. Overall, the study provides valuable data supporting the use of TCM for CSU, but some protocol changes aligned with TCM principles could have strengthened the results. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Fatigue, a major health concern among patients receiving hemodialysis, is associatedwith poor quality of life, negative emotions, and cognitive dysfunction. Acupressure is a lowcost and noninvasive traditional Chinese therapy that has been widely used in community and clinic settings. However, the beneficial effects of acupressure on various aspects of fatigue among these patients have not been systematically investigated. Purpose: This study was designed to determine the effects of acupressure on fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis. The moderating influences of bio-sociodemographic characteristics and methodology on the association between acupressure and posthemodialysis fatigue were also examined. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched for qualified articles published between database inception and November 2, 2022. Only randomized controlled trials designed to investigate the effects of acupressure on fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis were qualified for consideration. A random-effects model was used for data analysis. Results: Eight randomized controlled trials with 11 effect sizes and 725 participants were included in this study. In these studies, acupressure was found to have a significantly higher alleviation effect on general fatigue (g = -0.78; 95% confidence interval [-1.09, -0.48]) and the behavioral, emotional, sensory, and cognitive domains of fatigue (g = -0.51, -0.51, -0.72, and -0.41, respectively) among patients receiving hemodialysis than those in the control groups. Furthermore, the stimulation of the Shenmen acupoint was found to increase the effects ( p < .01) of acupressure on fatigue reduction significantly. Notably, the use of special equipment to perform the acupressure was not found to significantly improve outcomes ( p = .99). Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Acupressure is effective in alleviating fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis, particularly when the Shenmen acupoint is used together with other acupoints, and is effective without the application of special equipment. Acupressuremay be adopted as a complementary therapy for fatigue alleviation in patients receiving hemodialysis. Based on the findings, healthcare providers should coach patients receiving hemodialysis with fatigue on how to use acupressure therapy appropriately to alleviate this health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Post-stroke sialorrhea (PSS) refers to excessive saliva flowing out the lip border after a stroke. PSS negatively affects patient self-image and social communication and may lead to depression. Limited evidence supports the link between excessive salivation and PSS. No large-scale, strictly controlled randomized controlled trials have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating PSS patients. Objective: We aim to compare the effects of intraoral and sham acupuncture in PSS patients and explore relationships among salivation and drooling severity and frequency and swallowing function in stroke patients. Design: Clinical study protocol, SPIRIT compliant. Setting: Prospective, single-center, randomized, and sham-controlled trial. Population: We will recruit 106 PSS patients to receive 4-week intraoral or sham acupuncture. Additionally, 53 stroke patients without PSS will undergo a conventional 4-week treatment program to compare salivation between PSS and non-PSS patients. Exposures: Intraoral or sham acupuncture. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main evaluation index will be the 3-minute saliva weight (3MSW), comparing changes in 3MSW from baseline to weeks 4 and 8. Secondary assessment indices will include the "Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale" and "Functional Oral Intake Scale." Results: The results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Conclusion: Comparing effects of intraoral and sham acupuncture in PSS patients, this study may contribute important evidence for future PSS treatment and provide valuable insights into whether salivation issues in stroke patients are attributed to heightened salivary secretion or dysphagia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the impact of acupuncture (ACUP) in conjunction with a quantum lipid-lowering device (Quantum) on the blood lipids and gut microbiota in hyperlipidemic rats, focusing on the adenosine monophosphate- (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into five groups: Normal, Model, Acup + Quantum, Acup, and Quantum. Hyperlipidemic models were established in all groups except Normal. The Model group did not receive any intervention after modeling. The Acup + Quantum group received both treatments, the Acup group received only acupuncture, and the Quantum group received only the quantum lipid-lowering device. We used ELISA to measure serum lipid and liver enzyme levels, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining for liver pathology, Western blot for protein expression, and 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze intestinal microbiota diversity in rats. Elisa results showed that compared with the model group, Acup + Quantum group could reduce the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate transaminase (AST) and aspartate transaminase (ALT) in rats with hyperlipidemia (P<0.01), and increase the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (P<0.01). HE staining results showed that compared with the model group, the hepatocytes of rats in the Acup + Quantum group looked round and full, the liver plates were arranged regularly and neatly, and there was no obvious abnormality in the liver sinusoids. Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, the Acup + Quantum group inhibited AMPK activation, increased P-AMPK/AMPK protein expression (P<0.05), and decreased phospho-acetyl-CoA carboxylases (P-ACC/ACC), Sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1C (SREBP-1C), and FAS protein expression (P<0.05; P<0.01; P<0.01), which resulted in lipid-lowering effect. The results of intestinal flora showed that Acup + Quantum group improved the intestinal microbial microenvironment of hyperlipidemic rats by regulating the structure of intestinal microflora, increasing the abundance of Firmicutes flora, and decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Acupuncture combined with quantum lipid-lowering device can improve the blood lipid and liver function levels and regulate the intestinal microbial microenvironment of hyperlipidemic rats. This therapeutic outcome is likely achieved through the activation of the AMPK pathway and the beneficial modulation of the intestinal microbiota of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deqi is an important prerequisite for acupuncture to achieve optimal efficacy. Chinese medicine has long been concerned with the relationship between Deqi and the clinical efficacy of acupuncture. However, the underlying mechanisms of Deqi are complex and there is a lack of systematic summaries of objective quantitative studies of Deqi. Acupuncture Deqi can achieve the purpose of treating diseases by regulating the interaction of local and neighboring acupoints, brain centers, and target organs. At local and neighboring acupoints, Deqi can change their tissue structure, temperature, blood perfusion, energy metabolism, and electrophysiological indicators. At the central brain level, Deqi can activate the brain regions of the thalamus, parahippocampal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, insular, middle temporal gyrus, cingulate gyrus, etc. It also has extensive e ects on the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical-network and default mode network. The brain mechanisms of Deqi vary depending on the acupuncture techniques and points chosen. In addition, Deqi's mechanism of action involves correcting abnormalities in target organs. The mechanisms of acupuncture Deqi are multi-targeted and multi-layered. The biological mechanisms of Deqi are closely related to brain centers. This study will help to explore the mechanism of Deqi from a local-central-target-organ perspective and provide information for future clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Depression is a pervasive mental health challenge with substantial global ramifications. Contemporary therapeutic strategies predominantly consist of psychological interventions and pharmacological treatments. Acupuncture, deeply rooted in ancient traditions and bolstered by a plethora of clinical trials, demonstrates considerable efficacy in depression. This study aims to elucidate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as a standalone therapy for depression patients by reviewing randomized controlled trials that compare acupuncture treatment with conventional drug therapy. Methods: Comprehensive searches were conducted across six databases in both Chinese and English: CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Embase, Medline, and CENTRAL. The literature search spanned from 1 July 2013, to 1 July 2023. Two researchers independently carried out literature screening and data extraction. Review Manager 5.4 was utilized for data analysis and bias risk assessment. A total of 20 randomized controlled trials were included in the qualitative synthesis, involving 1,376 participants and 43 relevant acupoints. Results: The Meta-analysis results, based on the HAMD scale scores, revealed that acupuncture regimens (RR: -1.63; 95% CI: -2.49 to -0.76; P = 0.0002; I2 = 86%; n = 1,668) were significantly more effective compared to standalone medication. Moreover, efficacy metrics from the HAMD highlighted a substantial advantage of acupuncture (RR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6 to 4.23; P = 0.0001; I2 = 0; n = 614). Further assessments utilizing SERS and TESS demonstrated a lower incidence of side effects and adverse outcomes in the acupuncture group. Conclusions: Acupuncture, when compared to conventional pharmacotherapy, exhibits significant efficacy as a standalone treatment after four weeks of intervention, with fewer side effects and adverse reactions. However, further investigation is needed to determine the most effective acupoints and appropriate types of acupuncture techniques for treating depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged and over-excessive interaction with cyberspace poses a threat to people's health and leads to the occurrence of Cyber-Syndrome, which covers not only physiological but also psychological disorders. This paper aims to create a tree-shaped gold-standard corpus that annotates the Cyber-Syndrome, clinical manifestations, and acupoints that can alleviate their symptoms or signs, designating this corpus as CS-A. In the CS-A corpus, this paper defines six entities and relations subject to annotation. There are 448 texts to annotate in total manually. After three rounds of updating the annotation guidelines, the inter-annotator agreement (IAA) improved significantly, resulting in a higher IAA score of 86.05%. The purpose of constructing CS-A corpus is to increase the popularity of Cyber-Syndrome and draw attention to its subtle impact on people's health. Meanwhile, annotated corpus promotes the development of natural language processing technology. Some model experiments can be implemented based on this corpus, such as optimizing and improving models for discontinuous entity recognition, nested entity recognition, etc. The CS-A corpus has been uploaded to figshare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problems of poor accuracy and narrow applicability of the existing key acupoint mining algorithms, a high specificity acupoint mining algorithm based on a 3‐node motif is proposed by introducing higher‐order interactions between multiple acupoints in the acupoint‐disease network. Comparing this algorithm with five other acupoint importance assessment algorithms in terms of resolution, network loss, and accuracy, the results show that the key acupoints identified by this algorithm have obvious destructive effects on the connectivity of the network, which indicates that the key acupoints are the core of the topology of acupoint‐disease network and have high synergistic co‑operation with other acupoints. The stability of this algorithm ensures the reliability of the key acupoints. From the perspective of the network topology and the high synergy between acupoints, the key acupoints found by the algorithm can be used as the core acupoints in the acupoint network, helping researchers to explore targeted and highly effective combinations of acupoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Chronic lower back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common disorders worldwide. Flash cupping has the ability to relieve CLBP; nevertheless, its impact on CLBP and the likely mechanism of action have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of a single, brief cupping session on CLBP and low back muscle activity using multichannel surface electromyography (sEMG). METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 24 patients with CLBP were enrolled and randomly assigned to the control group (treated by acupuncture) and cupping group (treated by acupuncture and flash cupping). Acupuncture was applied on the shen shu (BL23), dachang shu (BL25), and wei zhong (BL40) acupoints in both the groups. A brief cupping treatment was applied to the shen shu (BL23), qihai shu (BL24), dachang shu (BL25), guanyuan shu (BL26), and xiaochang shu (BL27) acupoints on both sides of the lower back in the cupping group. The numeric rating scale (NRS) was used to assess therapy efficacy for lower back pain (LBP) before and after treatment. Surface EMG data collected during symmetrical trunk flexion-extension movements were utilized to measure lower back muscle activity and the effectiveness of LBP therapy. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.63) in pain intensity between the two groups before and after treatment. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.04) between the control group and the cupping group in the sEMG topographic map parameter CoGx-To-Midline. CONCLUSION: This study established a connection between the action mechanism of flash cupping and enhanced horizontal synchronization of lower back muscular activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few reviews have addressed delirium prevention among intermediate to high‐risk older surgical patients. Aims: To map preoperative delirium prevention interventions for older surgical patients at intermediate to high risk of developing delirium, assess outcomes and identify gaps in knowledge. Design: Systematic narrative review of randomised controlled trials reported following the PRISMA checklist. Methods: A systematic search was conducted of the literature published from 1990 to October 2022 in Medline, CINAHL and Ageline and of the grey literature in Google Scholar. Randomised controlled trials were retrieved that assessed the effectiveness of preoperative delirium prevention interventions for older surgical patients at intermediate to high risk of delirium. Data were extracted using a data extraction tool, and results were tabulated. Studies were assessed for bias using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool. Results: Twenty‐one studies met the selection criteria including N = 5096 participants. Two studies tested cognitive training, two studies tested fascia iliaca compartment block and one study assessed femoral nerve block. Ten studies tested prophylactic medications including methylprednisolone. Five studies investigated geriatric assessment and management. One study assessed transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation. In the two studies testing fascia iliaca compartment block, there was a reduction in postoperative delirium for orthopaedic patients. Methylprednisolone reduced postoperative delirium in orthopaedic patients and in those undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Results of all other interventions on the occurrence of postoperative delirium and additional outcomes including the severity and duration of delirium were inconclusive. Conclusions: Despite the promising results for fascia iliaca compartment block and methylprednisolone, there is limited knowledge regarding evidence‐based delirium prevention interventions. Most studies had small sample sizes indicating that the current evidence is exploratory. There is an urgent need for the funding and conduct of trials to test preventative interventions for older surgical patients at intermediate to high risk of developing delirium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Anxious depression (AD) is a common, distinct depression subtype. This exploratory subgroup analysis aimed to explore the effects of acupuncture as an add-on therapy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for patients with AD or non-anxious depression (NAD). Patients and Methods: Four hundred and sixty-five patients with moderate-to-severe depression from the AcuSDep pragmatic trial were included in analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive MA+SSRIs, EA+SSRIs, or SSRIs alone (1:1:1) for six weeks. AD was defined by using dimensional criteria. The measurement instruments included 17-items Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Rating Scale for Side Effects (SERS), and WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Comparison between AD and NAD subgroups and comparisons between groups within either AD or NAD subgroups were conducted. Results: Eighty percent of the patients met the criteria for AD. The AD subgroup had poorer clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes compared to those of the NAD subgroup. For AD patients, the HAMD response rate, remission rate, early onset rate, and the score changes on each scale at most measurement points on the two acupuncture groups were significantly better than the SSRIs group. For NAD patients, the HAMD early onset rates of the two acupuncture groups were significantly better than the SSRIs group. Conclusion: For AD subtype patients, either MA or EA add-on SSRIs showed comprehensive improvements, with small-to-medium effect sizes. For NAD subtype patients, both the add-on acupuncture could accelerate the response to SSRIs treatment. The study contributed to the existing literature by providing insights into the potential benefits of acupuncture in combination with SSRIs, especially for patients with AD subtypes. Due to its limited nature as a post hoc subgroup analysis, prospectively designed, high-quality trials are warranted. Clinical Trials Registration: ChiCTR-TRC-08000297. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the practical outcomes of traditional Chinese medicine specialty nursing clinics in the clinical setting. Outpatient services have become increasingly popular for seeking medical care. Establishing traditional Chinese medicine specialty nursing clinics can meet the medical needs of the general public, and provide patients with convenient and efficient medical services. This study employed a retrospective crosssectional observational design to analyze the medical service status of all patients who attended the clinic since its opening. Five qualified traditional Chinese medicine nursing experts identified and implemented 5 categories of traditional Chinese medicine characteristic nursing techniques, including cupping, moxibustion, needle acupuncture, and massage. Nurses and patients evaluated the treatment outcomes for various diseases. Since the establishment of the nursing outpatient department 2 years ago, there have been over 7046 visits, with a satisfaction rate of 97.1%. Currently, 5 nursing experts are nurturing a total of 11 graduate students, conducting 5 free clinics in the nursing outpatient department, and organizing 3 visits by overseas experts. The traditional Chinese medicine specialty nursing outpatient service effectively meets the diverse medical needs of patients, alleviates the outpatient pressure on hospitals, enhances the specialized development of nurses, increases the prominence of traditional Chinese medicine specialty nursing techniques, and promotes traditional Chinese medicine culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)