BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is widely used in modulating brain excitability and motor function, as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. However, there is no existing meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture on corticospinal excitability (CSE), and the credibility of the evidence has yet to be quantified. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture (MA) in enhancing brain excitability, specifically focusing on CSE as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). SEARCH STRATEGY: This study followed a systematic approach, searching 9 databases up to August 2024 and examining grey literature, in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies were included if they compared the clinical efficacy of EA or MA with sham acupuncture, no treatment or usual training. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Three investigators independently conducted literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The primary outcome focused on motor-evoked potentials as measured by TMS, with treatment effects quantified using mean differences or standardized mean differences between pre- and post-treatment. Subgroup analyses were conducted using mixed-effects models, while random-effects or fixed-effects models were used to estimate average treatment differences across studies. RESULTS: Based on 34 studies involving 1031 adults, acupuncture techniques significantly enhanced CSE. EA had a greater impact than MA, with effect sizes of 0.53 mV vs 0.43 mV (95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.30, 0.76], P < 0.00001 vs 95% CI: [0.28, 0.59], P < 0.00001). The 5 most frequently used acupoints were LI4 (Hegu, 32 times), ST36 (Zusanli, 10 times), LI11 (Quchi, 7 times), TE5 (Waiguan, 6 times), and GB34 (Yanglingquan, 5 times). CONCLUSION This systematic review indicates that both EA and MA could effectively and safely enhance CSE, bringing the corticospinal pathway closer to the threshold for firing, which may ultimately improve motor function. LI4, ST36, LI11, TE5 and GB34 are the most commonly used acupoints. Please cite this article as: Liu R, Moe AAK, Liu W, Zoghi M, Jaberzadeh S. Does acupuncture at motor-related acupoints affect corticospinal excitability? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 113-125.
Humans ; Evoked Potentials, Motor/physiology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ; Electroacupuncture ; Pyramidal Tracts/physiology*

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy of the optical surface imaging system (OSI) using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) algorithm in single-center non-coplanar treatment of multiple brain metastases.Methods:Data of phantom and 15 patients with multiple brain metastases who underwent single-center non-coplanar radiotherapy in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from February to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. kV/MV and OSI imaging were used for imaging of the patients and phantoms under the same non-coplanar couch angle, respectively. The accuracy of OSI imaging of the phantoms and patients was evaluated using kV/MV imaging as reference image. The difference between the OSI and kV/MV systems is defined as accuracy, and the percentage of the absolute difference ≤1.00 mm in the translational direction or ≤0.50° in the rotational direction is defined as the threshold pass rate. Origin software was used to draw radar maps and Bland-Altman plots for statistical analysis.Results:When OSI images were used for the phantom imaging, the average differences in six-dimensional directions of lateral, long, vertical, rotational, roll and pitch were 0.03 mm, -0.09 mm, -0.27 mm, 0.04°, 0.17° and -0.19°, respectively. The maximum values were -2.20 mm, -2.30 mm, -1.20 mm, 0.60°, -1.00°, and -1.00°, respectively. When OSI system was utilized for the imaging of 15 patients, the average differences in six-dimensional directions were 0.44 mm, 0.16 mm, -0.20 mm, -0.11°, 0.10°, and -0.12°, respectively. The maximum values were -1.80 mm, 2.00 mm, 0.90 mm, -0.90°, -0.70°, and 0.80°, respectively. The translational errors mainly occurred in the lateral and long directions. The qualified rates of the threshold values of the phantoms and patients were 77% and 75% in the lateral direction, 82% and 89% in the long direction, respectively. In addition, 57% and 56% of patients met the threshold conditions of ±1.00 mm and ±0.50° in the six-dimensional directions, respectively.Conclusions:The OSI system using new SRS algorithm cannot meet the high accuracy requirements of single-center non-coplanar radiotherapy for multiple brain metastasis, especially in the lateral and long directions. It is not recommended for non-coplanar image guidance.

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy and stability of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) algorithm in optical surface imaging (OSI) system in non-coplanar radiotherapy.Methods:Three OSI imaging systems were used to measure the phantom repeatedly at different couch rotation angles to analyze the accuracy and stability of OSI system. Seven patients with multiple brain metastases who underwent single-center non-coplanar radiotherapy were randomly selected, and the accuracy and stability of OSI for patient imaging were analyzed. Stability is defined as the difference between the two OSI measurements when the couch is turned from 0° to a non 0° angle, and then back to 0°, using the 0° cone beam CT (CBCT) as the "gold standard". Accuracy is defined as the difference between OSI and CBCT (at 0° couch angle) measurement data. The measurement data with normal distribution were described as Mean ± SD. The data with non-normal distribution were expressed as M (Q). The difference of the former data was compared by one-way ANOVA, and the difference of the latter data was assessed by Kruskal-Wallis H nonparametric test. Results:For non-coplanarity, the translation accuracy of the phantom and the patient was ≤ 1.30 mm and ≤ 1.00 mm, and the rotation accuracy was ≤ 0.50° and ≤ 0.60°, respectively. The translation errors mainly occurred in the left-right and head-foot directions. In terms of stability, the maximum standard deviation of phantom coplanar translation and rotation was 0.06 mm and 0.06°. The maximum standard deviation of patient translation and rotation was 0.17 mm and 0.19°.Conclusions:Although the new SRS algorithm improves the non-coplanar accuracy, it still cannot meet the precise requirements of non-coplanar single isocenter radiotherapy for multiple brain metastases, especially in the left-right and head-foot directions. When the couch rotation angle is large, OSI is not recommended for image-guided radiotherapy. However, its high stability can be used to monitor the intrafractional motion of patients.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Rotarex percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy(PMT) for treatment of lower extremity arterial graft occlusion.Methods:The clinical data of 19 patients with lower extremity arterial bypass occlusion admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with Rotarex-based endovascular therapy. After 12 months follow-up, the clinical features, surgical outcomes and follow-up data were analyzed to identify effectiveness and safety of the therapy. Independent sample t test was used to analyze the measurement data of continuous normal distribution which were expressed as mean±standard deviation( ± s), enumeration data were expressed as number and percentage, and the comparison between groups were analyzed by chi-square test. Results:A technical success rate of 100% was demonstrated. Rotarex combined with catheter directed thrombolysis was performed in 2 cases, Rotarex combined with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in 9 cases. Rotarex combined with stent implantation was performed in 8 patients. The Ankle brachial index significantly increased (0.82±0.14 vs 0.47±0.11, P<0.05). Critical limb ischemia (Rutherford class 4 or higher) improved significantly (0 case vs 9 cases, P<0.05). Distal embolism occurred in 1 patient and acute myocardial infarction occurred in 1 patient. There was no vascular rupture, haemorrhage, infection, pseudoaneurysm, death and amputation. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed 12-month primary patency rate and freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization was 78.9% and 89.5% respectively. Conclusion:Rotarex-based endovascular therapy is a safe and effective treatment for graft occlusion after lower extremity arterial prosthesis bypass with high patency rate and few complications.

The training program of radiation therapists in the United States has been established early, and the mode of training, qualification and continuing education are relatively complete. Literature review was conducted at home and abroad and United States Department of Labor, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Society of Radiologic Technologists as well as Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology websites were reviewed. The training mode, qualification, work content, continuing education and employment situation of American radiotherapists were analyzed, aiming to provide some reference and enlightenment for the establishment of a new model for the training of professional radiologists suitable for the national conditions of China Mainland.

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the setup errors of thermoplastic head and shoulder molds alone or combined with vacuum pad in hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastases.Methods:Fifty-four NSCLC patients with brain metastases who received HFSRT from 2017 to 2019 were enrolled in this study. Twenty-four patients were fixed with thermoplastic head and shoulder molds (group A), and 30 patients were fixed with thermoplastic head and shoulder molds plus vacuum pad (group B). The interfraction and intrafraction setup errors were acquired from cone-beam CT online image registration before and after the HFSRT. Optical surface system was applied in monitoring the intrafraction setup errors. The setup errors in each direction between two groups were analyzed by independent samples t-test. Results:For the interfraction setup errors of the whole group, the proportion of the horizontal setup errors of ≥3mm was 7.0% to 15.4% and 7.0% to 12.6% for the rotation setup errors of ≥2°. In group A, the anteroposterior setup error was (1.035±1.180)mm, significantly less than (1.512±0.955)mm in group B ( P=0.009). In group A, the sagittal rotation setup error was 0.665°±0.582°, significantly less than 0.921°±0.682° in group B ( P=0.021). For the intrafraction setup errors of the whole group, the proportion of horizontal setup errors of ≥1mm was 0% to 0.7%, whereas no rotation setup error of ≥1° were observed. In group B, bilateral, anteroposterior and sagittal rotation setup errors were (0.047±0.212)mm, (0.023±0.152)mm and 0.091°±0.090°, significantly less compared with (0.246±0.474)mm, (0.140±0.350)mm and 0.181°±0.210° in group A ( P=0.004, P=0.020, P=0.001), respectively. Optical surface monitoring data were consistent with the obtained results. Conclusions:Thermoplastic head and shoulder molds (with or without vacuum pad) combined with online image registration and six-dimensional robotic couch correction can be applied in HFSRT for brain metastases from NSCLC. The intrafraction setup errors in group B are smaller than those in group A. Optical surface system has certain value in monitoring the intrafractional movement.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Rotarex debulking combined with paclitaxel drug-coated balloon in the treatment of ischemia of lower limb artery.Method:The clinical data of 34 patients who had lower extremity arterial ischemic disease treated by Rotarex debulking combined with paclitaxel drug-coated balloon from Nov 2016 to Sep 2018 was retrospectively analyzed.Results:There were male 25 cases, with an average age of (69±10) years, the lesion length was (216.7±110.0)mm, and the course of disease was(169.3±303.0) days. Fourteen (41.18%) had primary lesions, 8 (23.53%) had stent occlusion, 11 (32.35%) had primary+ stent occlusion, and 1 (2.94%) had primary+ artificial vascular thrombosis.The technical success rate was 97.06% (33/34), and 100% after catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT). Thirty patients (88.24%) received percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and 6 patients (17.65%) received stent placement. The clinical success rate was 97.06% (33/34). There were 2 cases (5.88%) with distal vascular embolism during the operation, no bleeding or artery rupture. The ankle brachial index (ABI) (0.86±0.13) significantly increased (0.40±0.28) ( t=8.851, P<0.01). All patients were followed up for 12 months. The patency rate was 94.12% (32/34), 87.88% (29/33) and 75.76% (25/33) in 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. There was no death in perioperative period and no amputation above ankle in follow-up period. 93.94% of patients were free from clinical driven target lesions. Conclusion:Rotarex debulking combined with paclitaxel in the treatment of lower extremity arterial ischemic disease is safe and effective.

Objective To analyze the precision and stability of optical surface imaging system for patients who received radiotherapy with active breath control. Methods Eighteen radiotherapy patients with lung metastasis were managed by active breath control (ABC).The difference error detected by optical surface imaging system and CBCT were defined as the precision of optical surface imaging system. The variation among the error of optical surface imaging positioning the value of correction of treatment position and the error detected by optical surface imaging again were defined as the stability of optical surface imaging system. Intrafractional errors were analyzed by optical surface imaging system through whole treatment process (including breath hold and free breath). Results The optical surface imaging system had precision (systematic (Σ) and random errors (σ)) of 1.78/3.42 mm 2.54/6.57 mm and 2.79/3.22 mm respectively and stability of2.12/2.54 mm 3. 09/4.02 mm and 1.37/3.55 mm respectively in lateral-medial superior-inferior and anterior-posterior directions. The intrafractional errors (Σ and σ) were 0.42/0.85 mm 0.41/1.47 mm and 0.41/1.47 mm respectively for breath hold duration and 4.76/4.16 mm 6.54/7.78 mm and 3.13/5.92 mm for free breath duration in lateral-medial superior-inferior and anterior-posterior directions. Conclusions As an effective method for validate breath hold;Optical surface imaging system can improve the precision and safety of active breath control. However,the factors that affect the accuracy and stability of the optical surface imaging system in patients undergoing radiotherapy with ABC are not clear;it cannot replace the CBCT for positioning verification.

BACKGROUND: Integrin α5β1 has been shown to be related to acetabular cartilage degeneration due to developmental dysplasia of the hip.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of integrin α5β1 in differently degenerated cartilage tissues of the knee after knee osteoarthritis.METHODS: Seventy-five degenerated articular cartilage specimens at the weight-bearing surface of femoral lateral and medial condyles were removed from patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent total knee replacement, and were then allotted to four groups based on Mankin's grading system: normal (n=6), mild degeneration (n=24), moderate degeneration (n=26) and severe degeneration (n=19) groups. The expression of integrin α5β1 in each group was detected using real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The detected results were consistent in the three kinds of assays, and the expression level of integrin α5β1 was ranked as follows: severe degeneration group > moderate degeneration group > mild degeneration group > normal group (P < 0.05). To conclude, differential expression levels of integrin α5β1 are found in different degenerative degrees of articular cartilage in knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the expression level of integrin α5β1 is increased with the degenerative severity.

Objective Metabolites produced by metabolic imbalance such as free fatty acids and lipopolysaccharides can result in a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, or metabolic inflammation, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and obesity. The above metabolic disorders are closely related with the metabolic inflammation, which always coexist. Therefore, we proposed the concept ofmetabolic inflammatory syndrome ( MIS). According to our study, patients with two or more metabolic disorders above could be diagnosed as MIS. The current research is aimed to investigate the prevalence of MIS and its components, and to compare the clinical values of MIS and metabolic syndrome ( MS) . Methods 2 001 in patients with type 2 diabetes from 6 hospitals in Shanghai were recruited in the current multi-center cross-sectional study. The diagnostic rates of MIS and MS and their components of both syndromes were compared. Results In the patients with type 2 diabetes, the detective rate of MIS was 96. 2%, which was higher than that of MS (71. 3%). Among 4 components of MIS, atherosclerosis showed the highest detective rate (75.6%). MIS[OR=2.252(95%CI1.026-4.942),P=0.043],atherosclerosis[OR=2.726(95% CI1.953-3. 804),P<0. 001], and MS[OR=1. 915 (95%CI 1. 444-2. 540),P<0. 01] were the risk factors of coronary heart disease. Conclusion With atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and obesity as its 4 components, MIS has a high detective rate in patients with metabolic disorders, and seems to be more sensitive than MS to distinguish inflammation-related metabolic diseases. The concept of MIS will promote the screening and prevention of atherosclerosis in its early stage.