Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Yin-Yang balancing acupuncture plus Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)for post-stroke depression(PSD). Methods:A total of 72 PSD patients were randomized into an acupuncture-Tuina group and a Western medicine group using the random number table method,with 36 cases in each group.The Western medicine group was treated with fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules.The acupuncture-Tuina group was treated with Yin-Yang balancing acupuncture plus Tuina therapy.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks.After treatment,the clinical efficacy was compared,and the changes in Hamilton depression scale(HAMD)score,National Institute of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score,serum neurotransmitter levels,and electroencephalogram(EEG)were observed. Results:The total effective rate of the Western medicine group and the acupuncture-Tuina group was 83.3%and 94.4%,respectively.There was a significant difference in the total effective rate between the two groups(P<0.05).After treatment,the serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),norepinephrine(NE),and dopamine(DA)were higher than those in the same group before treatment,and the intra-group differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05).The serum levels of 5-HT,NE,and DA in the acupuncture-Tuina group were higher than those in the Western medicine group,and the differences between the groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the scores of HAMD and NIHSS in both groups decreased,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The scores in the acupuncture-Tuina group were lower than those in the Western medicine group,and the differences between the two groups were all statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the EEG diffuse wave[(delta+theta)/(alpha+beta)]ratio(DTABR)and delta/beta ratio(DBR)in both groups decreased,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The ratios in the acupuncture-Tuina group were lower than those in the Western medicine group,and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion:Yin-Yang balancing acupuncture plus Tuina therapy has a better efficacy than oral fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules in the treatment of PSD,which can increase the levels of serum 5-HT,DA,and NE,and regulate brain waves.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of herb-insulated moxibustion on the Governor Vessel in dog days of summer for postpartum pantalgia. Methods:A total of 64 patients with postpartum pantalgia were randomized into an observation group and a control group,with 32 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with herb-insulated moxibustion on the Governor Vessel.The control group was treated in non-dog days,and the observation group was treated in dog days of summer.Both groups were treated with moxibustion once every 3 d,3 times as one course of treatment,for a total of 3 courses.The range and degree of pain were evaluated by the 45-region body surface area score and visual analog scale(VAS)score before treatment,after treatment,1 month after treatment,and around the Winter Solstice.The revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire(FIQR)was used to evaluate the quality of life of the patients.The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups after treatment. Results:During the trial,there were 2 dropout cases in the observation group,and 2 cases were eliminated from the control group.After treatment,the total effective rate in the observation group was 93.3%,which was higher than 76.6%in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the number of pain sites and pain areas of the patients in both groups decreased after treatment,1 month after treatment,and around the Winter Solstice(P<0.05),and the FIQR score decreased(P<0.05).The score of each item in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the VAS score in the observation group decreased after treatment,1 month after treatment,and around the Winter Solstice(P<0.01),and was lower than that in the control group at the same time point(P<0.05). Conclusion:Herb-insulated moxibustion on the Governor Vessel can improve the range and degree of pain in patients with postpartum pantalgia and improve their quality of life.The total efficacy of the moxibustion performed in dog days is superior to that in non-dog days,and the effect lasts longer.

Objective:To observe the improvement of facial weakness in patients with peripheral facial palsy treated with needling the muscle regions of meridians plus Da Qin Jiao Tang[decoction of Qin Jiao(Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae)],and the effects on facial paralysis injury function and mimetic muscle atrophy and motor conduction. Methods:A total of 120 patients with peripheral facial palsy were randomized into a Chinese medication group and an acupuncture medication combined group by the random number table method,with 60 cases in each group.The Chinese medication group was treated with Da Qin Jiao Tang,and the acupuncture medication combined group was treated with needling the muscle regions of meridians based on oral Da Qin Jiao Tang.After treatment,the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.The changes in the facial symptom score,facial muscle thickness,facial muscle strength,facial nerve function,and facial disability index were observed. Results:The total effective rate in the acupuncture medication combined group was 98.3%,which was higher than 85.0%in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05).Each facial symptom score in the acupuncture medication combined group was lower than that in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05).The muscle thickness of the depressor anguli oris,frontalis,and depressor labii inferioris in the acupuncture medication combined group was thicker than that in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05).The scores of physical function and social/behavioral function in the acupuncture medication combined group were lower than those in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05),while the scores of manual muscle test(MMT)and Sunnybrook facial nerve were higher than those in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05).The facial nerve motor latency of the upper lip quadrate muscle,frontalis,and orbicularis oculi in the acupuncture medication combined group was lower than that in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05),while the M-wave amplitude was higher than that in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Needling the muscle regions of meridians plus Da Qin Jiao Tang can improve facial muscle strength,mimetic muscle atrophy,facial paralysis function injury,and facial nerve motor conduction in the treatment of peripheral facial palsy and enhance clinical efficacy.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of central post-stroke pain(CPSP). Methods:Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture treatment for CPSP in PubMed,Excerpta Medica Database(EMBASE),Cochrane Library,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform(Wanfang),Chongqing VIP Database(VIP),and China Biology Medicine Disc(CBM)were retrieved by computer.The retrieval time was from each database's inception to July 2023.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software;GRADEprofiler 3.6.1 software was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.Dichotomous variables were analyzed by the risk ratio(RR).Continuous data were analyzed by mean difference(MD)with a confidence interval(CI)of 95%. Results:A total of 14 studies were included,comprising a total of 1 045 patients.The findings of the meta-analysis showed that compared with Western medication in treating CPSP,the acupuncture treatment had a higher clinical effective rate[RR=1.09,95%CI(1.01,1.19),Z=2.08,P<0.05],a lower visual analog scale(VAS)score[MD=-0.75,95%CI(-1.18,-0.32),Z=3.41,P<0.001],a lower pain rating index(PRI)score[MD=-1.72,95%CI(-2.76,-0.68),Z=3.24,P<0.05],a higher plasma β-endorphin(β-EP)level[MD=5.81,95%CI(3.00,8.62),Z=4.05,P<0.001],and a lower adverse reaction rate[RR=0.05,95%CI(0.01,0.18),Z=4.35,P<0.001].There was no statistical difference in the present pain intensity(PPI)score between the two treatments[MD=-0.26,95%CI(-0.54,0.02),Z=1.79,P>0.05].Compared with Western medication in treating CPSP,acupuncture plus Western medication had a higher clinical effective rate[RR=1.18,95%CI(1.05,1.34),Z=2.75,P<0.05],a lower VAS score[MD=-1.04,95%CI(-1.26,-0.82),Z=9.25,P<0.001],and a lower Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score[MD=-2.67,95%CI(-4.80,-0.54),Z=2.46,P<0.05].The results of the evidence quality grade evaluation showed that there was no moderate-or high-quality evidence for acupuncture or acupuncture plus Western medication compared with Western medication in the treatment of CPSP. Conclusion:Acupuncture has certain therapeutic advantages over Western medication in the treatment of CPSP.It can effectively relieve pain and improve sleep,with fewer adverse reactions and better safety.However,high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed for further study and verification.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety state in patients with primary insomnia(PI). Methods:Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture treatment for PI patients with an anxiety state in Web of Science,Cochrane Library,PubMed,Excerpta Medica Database(EMBASE),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform(Wanfang),and Chongqing VIP Database(VIP)were retrieved by computer.The retrieval time was from each database's inception to December 30,2022.Data extraction and evaluation were performed for the included studies.The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias in each article.Meta-analysis of valid data was performed using the RevMan 5.4 software.If the outcome indicator was a categorical variable,relative risk(RR)was used as the effect size.If it was a continuous variable,mean difference(MD)was used to calculate the effect size.Each effect size was expressed as a 95%confidence interval(CI).P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Results:A total of 18 studies were included,comprising a total of 1198 patients.The findings of the meta-analysis showed that electroacupuncture had a significant advantage in improving the Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)score than benzodiazepines[MD=-1.61,95%CI(-2.17,-1.06),P<0.001].Acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture[MD=-14.90,95%CI(-20.39,-9.41),P<0.001]and benzodiazepines[MD=-3.39,95%CI(-4.67,-2.12),P<0.001]in reducing the self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score.Acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture in reducing the insomnia severity index(ISI)score[MD=-5.61,95%CI(-6.63,-4.89),P<0.001].Acupuncture was superior to benzodiazepines[MD=0.84,95%CI(-1.42,-0.25),P=0.005]and sham acupuncture[MD=-8.39,95%CI(-8.39,-7.86),P<0.001]in improving the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score.Acupuncture had a better effective rate than benzodiazepines[RR=1.16,95%CI(1.08,1.25),P<0.001]and sham acupuncture[RR=8.94,95%CI(4.63,17.25),P<0.001]in treating PI. Conclusion:Acupuncture or electroacupuncture has certain therapeutic advantages over benzodiazepines and sham acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety in PI patients.However,more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed for further verification.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling on balance and walking function in patients after stroke and its mechanism. Methods:A total of 79 patients with post-stroke balance and walking dysfunction were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group.Both groups received conventional treatments such as dietary guidance and oral medications as well as rehabilitation training.On this basis,the control group was treated with additional conventional acupuncture,and the observation group was treated with additional back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling.Both groups were treated for 4 consecutive weeks.The thickness of abdominal muscle group(transverse abdominal muscle,rectus abdominis,obliquus internus abdominis,and obliquus externus abdominis),the scores of Berg balance scale(BBS),Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA),and functional ambulation categories(FAC),and walking velocity and stride were compared between the two groups. Results:During the trial,there was 1 dropout case in the control group and 4 dropout cases in the observation group.Before treatment,there were no statistical differences in the abdominal muscle group thickness,scores of BBS,FMA,and FAC,and walking velocity and stride between the two groups(P>0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the thickness of abdominal muscle groups,scores of BBS,FMA,and FAC,and walking velocity and stride in both groups were improved(P<0.01),and the observation group was superior to the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Both conventional acupuncture and back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling are conducive to the improvement of balance and walking function in patients after stroke.The back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling method has better curative efficacy.Strengthening the core muscle group strength may be one of the mechanisms of back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling treatment.

Objective:To observe the effects of rolling manipulation with different durations on erector spinae muscle tonus and low back pain in patients with lumbar muscle strain and to explore the best duration for rolling manipulation in treating lumbar muscle strain. Methods:A total of 75 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into a 5-minute rolling manipulation group,a 10-minute rolling manipulation group,and a 15-minute rolling manipulation group using the random number table method,with 25 cases in each group.All three groups were treated with the same rolling manipulation,while the treatment time was 5 min,10 min,and 15 min,respectively.The treatment was performed 3 times a week for 2 consecutive weeks.The muscle tonus of bilateral erector spinae and visual analog scale(VAS)score for low back pain were compared among the three groups before and after treatment. Results:A total of 63 patients completed the study.Before treatment and after the last treatment,there were no statistical differences in the muscle tonus of the left erector spinae and right erector spinae among the three groups(P>0.05).After the last treatment,bilateral erector spinae muscle tonus dropped compared with the baseline in all three groups(P<0.01).Before treatment and after the last treatment,there were no significant differences in comparing the low back pain VAS score among the three groups(P>0.05).After the last treatment,the VAS score for low back pain in all three groups decreased(P<0.01). Conclusion:Under the condition that the forward swing force is 50-70 N,the backward swing force is 20-40 N,and the frequency is 138 times/min,the 5-minute rolling manipulation can significantly reduce the muscle tonus of erector spinae and relieve low back pain.

This paper introduces chief physician LIU Huilin's empirical characteristics in treating cluster headache based on holism and pattern-identification-based treatment,with spirit-regulating filiform needling,filiform fire needle pricking,and collateral-pricking for bloodletting sequential therapy,which inherits the academic thoughts of"acupuncture-moxibustion for treating spirit"from Professor ZHOU De'an and"three-unblocking acupuncture therapy"from HE Puren,thus providing a reference for treating cluster headache with acupuncture-moxibustion therapy.

BACKGROUND:Poor incision healing and infection often occur in elderly patients with lateral malleolar fractures after traditional lateral plate fixation.With the application of engineering software in medicine,a new type of plate placed posterolateral can be designed to solve the above-described problems. OBJECTIVE:To design a new type of posterior lateral low-profile steel plate with the aid of medical bioengineering software,based on the 3D CT data of the distance between the top of the lateral ankle fracture line to the anterior starting point(ACD),the distance between the top of the fracture line to the tip of the lateral ankle(CTD),the distance between the top of the fracture line to the posterior edge of the fracture line(PCD)and the angle between the anterior and posterior lateral sides of the distal fibula(CA). METHODS:Thirty cases of unstable lateral malleolar fracture and normal ankle were taken for CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction.The ACD,CTD,and PCD values in patients with lateral malleolar fracture were measured by 3-matic software,and the characteristics of lateral malleolar fracture line were plotted and described.The mimics software was used to measure the value of CA in the normal ankle joint.Based on the data measured above,3-matic software and solidworks software were used to design the low-profile steel plate and the thickness of the steel plate and the direction of the nail path were constructed.In Geomagic Studio software,fine surface,automatic surface,and fitting surface were used to generate the prototype of the low-profile steel plate,and then 3D printing was performed.After making a posterolateral incision of the lateral malleolus,the peroneus longus and brevis tendons were removed,and the prototype of the 3D-printed steel plate was placed behind the fibula to test its size and fit to the bone surface. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The mean of ACD was(2.97±0.03)cm,and the variation was 5.23.The mean of PCD was(3.17±0.11)cm,and the variation was 17.60.The mean of CTD was(4.52±0.07)cm,and the variation was 8.60.(2)The fracture line of the lateral malleolus was drawn with an inverted"V"shape.The mean of CA between anterior and posterior lateral surfaces of the distal fibula was(103.20±1.94)°.At the midpoint section of the upper and lower vertices of the anterior edge of the distal fibula,the angle of the anterior and posterior lateral sides(CA)of the distal fibula was(78.50±1.78)°.(3)By using 3-matic,Solidworks,and Geomagic Studio software,a new type of posterior lateral low-profile steel could be successfully designed.Three to four holes were reserved for the screw holes at the proximal end of the plate with screw directions from back to front,and three screw holes were reserved on the inner and outer sides at the far end.The direction of the inner three holes could be from back to front,and the outer three screw holes needed to be biased towards the inner side,with an angle of 9.72°-13.28°.(4)It is indicated that the variability of the ACD position on the anterior lateral fracture line of the lateral malleolus is relatively small,while the variability of the posterior lateral PCD position is relatively large.The angle between the anterolateral and posterolateral sides of the lateral ankle fracture block shows a decreasing trend,with a smaller variation in the proximal angle and a larger variation in the distal angle.Based on three-dimensional CT reconstruction data of the external ankle,with the help of computer bioengineering software and the use of reverse design concept,a new type of low-profile lateral malleolus steel plate with a good fit can be quickly and conveniently designed to provide a valuable reference for the design of internal fixation devices.

Objective:To observe the effect of Tongguan Liqiao(opening orifices)needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training in treating post-stroke deglutition disorders. Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted.A total of 120 patients with post-stroke deglutition disorders were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method,with 60 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with routine treatments.The control group was treated with additional tongue pressure resistance feedback training,and the observation group was treated with additional Tongguan Liqiao needling based on the same intervention in the control group.After 4 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy was evaluated,and the complications that occurred during treatment were summarized.The FUJISHIMA Ichiro food intake level scale(FILS)and the swallowing quality of life questionnaire(SWAL-QOL)were scored before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the FILS and SWAL-QOL scores in both groups were higher than those before treatment,and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in the complication occurrence between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:On the basis of routine treatments,Tongguan Liqiao needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training has a better effect in the treatment of post-stroke deglutition disorders.This method can effectively improve the swallowing function of patients,improve the quality of life,and is safe.