IMPACTS OF PENETRATION THERAPY WITH HEAD ELECTRICAL ACUPUNCTURE ON PROLIFERATION OF NEURAL STEM CELLS IN SUBSTANTIA NIGRA OF RAT MODEL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Objective To probe into the function mechanism of penetration therapy with head electrical acupuncture on Parkinson＇s disease. Methods Microinjection of 6-hydroxydopamin （6-OHDA） on the left cor- pus striatum was adopted to prepare rotation model of Parkinson^s disease in rat. Penetration therapy with head electrical acupuncture was administered in treatment. Normal group, sham-operation group, model group and penetration therapy group were set up. （1）lmmunohistochemical （IHC） method was used to test the morphology and count of positive cell of tyrosine hydroxylase （TH）. （2）RT-PCR technology was used to detect the expression of nestin mRNA of neural stem cell （NSC）. Results （1）Compared with model group, in pene- tration therapy group, the expressions of TH-positive neurons in immune response were increased in areal density （AD）, numerical density （ND） and integrating optic density （P〈0.05）. （2）Compared with model group, in penetration therapy group, the expression of nestin mRNA was increased （P〈0. 05）. Conclusion Penetration therapy with head electrical acupuncture promotes the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells in substantia nigra of rat model of Parkinson＇s disease.

A randomized trial comparing the Tennant Biomodulator to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and traditional Chinese acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain in military service members

Background:The present investigation tested the efficacy of the Tennant Biomodulator,a novel pain management intervention that uses biofeedback-modulated electrical stimulation,to reduce chronic pain and its psychosocial sequelae in a sample of current and former military service members.The Tennant Biomodulator used on its most basic setting was compared to two commonly used,non-pharmacological pain treatments—traditional Chinese acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)—in a comparative efficacy,randomized,open-label trial.Methods:Participants included 100 active duty and retired service men and women with chronic pain undergoing treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas,USA,randomly assigned to receive six,weekly sessions of either Tennant Biomodulator treatment,traditional Chinese acupuncture,or TENS,in addition to usual care.Recruitment was conducted between May 2010 to September 2013.Outcome measures were collected at intake,before and after each treatment session,and at a 1-month follow-up.Intent-to-treat analyses were used throughout,with mixed models used to investigate main effects of group,time,and group×time interactions with consideration given to quadratic effects.Outcomes measured included ratings of chronic pain,pain-related functional disability,and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)and depression.Results:On average,regardless of their treatment group,participants exhibited a 16%reduction in pain measured by the Brooke Army Medical Center’s Clinic Pain Log[F(1,335)=55.7,P<0.0001]and an 11%reduction in pain-related disability measured by the Million Visual Analog Scale[MVAS:F(1,84)=28.3,P<0.0001]from baseline to the end of treatment,but no one treatment performed better than the other,and the reductions in pain and pain-related disability were largely lost by 1-month follow-up.Symptoms of PTSD and depression did not change significantly as a function of time or group.Conclusions:Findings build on previous work suggesting that traditional Chinese acupuncture and TENS can reduce pain and its functional sequelae without risks associated with pharmacological pain management.The Tennant Biomodulator used on its most basic setting performs as well as these other interventions.Based on the present findings,large,randomized controlled trials on the Tennant Biomodulator are indicated.Future work should test this device using its full range of settings for pain-related psychological health.Trial registration:Clincialtrials.gov(NCT01752010);registered December 14,2012.

Clinical study on tri-tongue acupuncture combined with lowfrequency electrical stimulation for treating post-stroke dysarthria

BACKGROUND Few studies have investigated low-frequency electrical stimulation combined with tri-tongue acupuncture for the treatment of post-stroke dysarthria.This randomized clinical study assessed the correlation between the clinical efficacy of low-frequency electrical stimulation combined with tri-tongue acupuncture in patients with post-stroke dysarthria.AIM To investigate the clinical effects of tri-tongue acupuncture combined with lowfrequency electrical stimulation for treating post-stroke dysarthria.METHODS Ninety patients with post-stroke dysarthria,who were admitted to our hospital from December 2019 to June 2021,were selected and equally divided into two groups(n=45/group)according to the random number table method.Tri-tongue acupuncture was administered in the control group.The treatment group received both tri-tongue acupuncture and low-frequency electrical stimulation.The clinical efficacy,Western Aphasia Battery(WAB)score,general quality of life inventory(GQOLI-74)score,Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment score,and speech function grades were compared and analyzed between both groups.RESULTS The overall efficacy in the treatment group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).Before treatment,the WAB,Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment,or GQOLI-74 scores(P>0.05)did not differ between the groups.After therapy,the WAB,Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment,and GQOLI-74 scores in both groups increased significantly(P<0.05),and the treatment group exhibited a significantly greater increase than that of the controls(P<0.05).Moreover,the classification of speech function did not differ between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05),whereas significant improvements were observed in both groups after treatment(P<0.05).The degree of improvement in the treatment group was greater than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Low-frequency electrical stimulation,in conjunction with tri-tongue acupuncture,exhibits a good clinical effect on post-stroke dysarthria.

Acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces discomfort associated with barostat-induced rectal distension:A randomized-controlled study

AIM:To explore the effectiveness of acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(Acu-TENS), a non-invasive modality in reduction of rectal discomfort during barostat-induced rectal distension. METHODS:Forty healthy subjects were randomized to receive 45 min of either Acu-TENS or placebo-TENS(no electrical output)over acupuncture points Hegu(largeintestine 4),Neiguan(pericardium 6)and Zusanli(stomach 36).A balloon catheter attached to a dual-drive barostat machine was then inserted into the subjects'rectum.A step-wise(4 mmHg)increase in balloon pressure was induced until maximal tolerable or 48 mmHg.Visual analogue scale and a 5-point subjective discomfort scale(no perception,first per-ception of distension,urge to defecate,discomfort/ pain and extreme pain)were used to assess rectal discomfort at each distension pressure.Blood beta-endorphin levels were measured before,immediately after intervention,at 24 mmHg and at maximal toler- able distension pressure. RESULTS:There was no difference in the demographic data and baseline plasma beta-endorphin levels between the two groups.Perception threshold levels were higher in the Acu-TENS group when compared to the placebo group,but the difference reached statistical significance only at the sensations"urge to defecate"and"pain".The distension pressures recorded at the"urge to defecate"sensation for the Acu-TENS and placebo-TENS groups were 28.0±4.5 mmHg and 24.6±5.7 mmHg,respectively(P=0.043);and the pressures recorded for the"pain"sensation for these two groups were 36.0±4.2 mmHg and 30.5± 4.3 mmHg respectively(P=0.002).Compared to the placebo group,a higher number of participants in the Acu-TENS group tolerated higher distension pressures (>40 mmHg)(65%in Acu-TENS vs 25%in placebo, P=0.02).The plasma beta-endorphin levels of the Acu-TENS group were significantly higher than that of the placebo group at barostat inflation pressure of 24 mmHg(1.31±0.40 ng/mL vs 1.04±0.43 ng/mL,P= 0.044)and at maximal inflation pressure(1.46±0.53 ng/mL vs 0.95±0.38 ng/mL,P=0.003). CONCLUSION:Acu-TENS reduced rectal discomfort during barostat-induced rectal distension and concur-rently associated with a rise in beta-endorphin level.

OBSERVATION ON THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL HEAT ACUPUNCTURE TREATING 68 CASES OF CHRONIC SUPERFICIAL GASTRITIS WITH INSUFFICIENCY OF SPLEEN YANG

In the present experiments,68 cases of chronic superficial gastritis with insufficieney of Spleen Yang were randomly divided into electrical heat acupuncture group（EHAG,n=32）,filiform needling group（FNG,n=19）and medication group（MG,n=17）.Bilateral Zusanli（ST 36）,Neiguan（PC 6）,Sanyinjiao（SP 6）and Hegu（LI 4）were selected for both EHAG andFNG.The needles applied at Zusanli and Neiguan in EHAG were connected to a DR 2-1 electricalheat acupuncture apparatus.The main drug administered in MG was Weimeisu.Thirty treatmentsmade a course,and the treatment was given once daily.The therapeutic effects were evaluated after 3courses of treatment.The results were as follows:The total effective rate was 90.63％ in EHAG,63.16％ in FNG and 29.41％ in MG.There was a remarkable difference in therapeutic effects amongthe three groups（X^2=19.20,P【0.01）.

E®ect of laser acupuncture combined with electrical stimulation on recovery from exercise fatigue in mice

In sports events,the rapid recovery after high-intensity training or sport competition performance is very important for athletes'performance and health.The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of laser acupuncture and electrical stimulation on the recovery from exercise fatigue,using mice with swimming fatigue as experimental model and the electromyography(EMG)and the Raman spectroscopy of blood as evaluation indicators.Root mean square(RMS)and mean power frequency(MPF)of EMG were analyzed after laser acupuncture and electrical stimulation.The amplitude frequency combined analysis(JASA)showed that the proportion of muscles in the fatigue recovery area of the control group,the laser acupuncture group,the multi-channel laser acupuncture group and the laser combined with electrical stimulation group were 34.78%,39.13%,39.13%and 43.48%,respectively.Raman spectroscopy of the mice blood during fatigue recovery showed there is a significant difference between the multi-channel laser acupuncture group and the laser combined with electric stimulation group compared with the recovery period and fatigue period(P<0:05)at the peak of 997 cm^(-1) and the laser combined electrical stimulation group had a statistical difference in the recovery period compared with the fatigue period(P<0.05)at the peak of 1561 cm^(-1).The results showed that laser acupuncture combined with electrical stimulation was beneficial to fatigue recovery in mice,and had the potential value in sports fatigue recovery.

COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS BETWEEN THE CONVENTIONAL AND ELECTRICAL ACUPUNCTURE ON SOME CYTOCHEMICAL COMPONENTS OF MEDIAN EMINENTIA AND SUPRAOPTIC NUCLEUS

Owing to the significant effectiveness onmany indications treated by puncturing,acupunc-ture has been widely adopted as a medical treat-ment in Europe,American and Japan etc.Electro-acupuncture(E.A.)was applied for su-

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT MANIPULATIONS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY OF STOMACH IN HUMANS

The author observed effects of 4 different acupuncture manipulations (lifting-thrusting, twisting-twirling, uniform reinforcing-reducing, and needling with sensation propagating along channels) on electrical activity of the stomach, using amplitude and frequency of human electrogastrogram (EGG) as the indexes. The experiment proved that both the twisting-twirling and the uniform reinforcing-reducing methods inhibited electrical activity of the stomach to reduce the frequency of EGG (P

Treating acute low back pain with acupuncture:A randomized controlled study protocol to compare the effectiveness between distal and local acupoints

Objective:To compare the efficacy of using“distal acupoints only”vs.“local acupoints mainly combined with distal acupoints”in cases of acute low back pain(ALBP).Methods: A total of 102 eligible patients aged 18–65 years with ALBP lasting less than 6 weeks will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the distal acupoints only group(DPOG)and the local acupoints mainly combined with the distal acupoints group(LPMG).During a 4-week treatment period,patients in the DPOG will receive acupuncture at distal acupoints only(Houxi[SI 3]and Yaotongxue[EX-UE 7])twice a week,while those in the LPMG group will receive acupuncture at local acupoints(mainly Shenshu[BL 23]and Dachangshu[BL 25])combined with distal points(Weizhong[BL 40]).The patients in both groups will be evaluated at every session of treatment,and the follow-up will be performed for 3 months.The primary outcome measure will be the change in ALBP intensity,assessed using visual analogue scale scores before and after treatment.The secondary outcome measure will be the evaluation of functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index.Discussion: This study compares the DPOG and LPMG to explore the feasibility of the DPOG in the treatment of ALBP.

Acupuncture Legislation in the United States: Minnesota as a Case Study

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of legal regulation of acupuncture in the United States,as the first acupuncture law was enacted in Nevada.Acupuncture,like any other medical modality,is regulated at the state level,with each state formulating and enforcing its own laws and statutes over time.This article narrates the legislative process and major developments of the acupuncture profession in Minnesota,in the context of legislative developments across the country.It tells how this midsize,Midwest state’s acupuncture profession became regulated,and examines the challenges faced by the profession before and after state statutes were enacted.Minnesota stands as a representative example of the legislative process in other states.

SOLIDWORKS Electrical在通过式脚踏封口机自动化改造设计中的应用

小型企业塑封工艺中通过式脚踏封口机应用广泛,但在塑封重型工件时,工人操作非常费力且次品率高,无法保障塑封质量,为此对其进行机构优化与软硬件设计自动化改造。利用SOLIDWORKS Electrical快速建立3D虚拟电气配盘与生成各类BOM清单,大大缩短了研发周期,安装人员还可以根据虚拟电气装配路径进行准确安装。最终设计出结构合理,满足生产工艺要求的自动化装置,企业以极少改造成本提质增效,为机电一体化装置自动化设计提供了一个高效开发途径。

Clinical research progress on acupuncture for the treatment of otogenic vertigo

Otogenic vertigo is a common disorder that affects the vestibular system,which often results in considerable discomfort and impaired daily functioning.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),including acupuncture and moxibustion,has been historically utilized to manage the symptoms of vertigo.However,the effectiveness and methodology of these treatments have rarely been investigated in the medical literature.This study reviews the existing literature on the point selection,method,and therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion to provide a reference for the TCM treatment of otogenic vertigo.A literature search was performed using the PubMed search engine.The terms used included otogenic vertigo,acupuncture treatment,and acupuncture point selection.A total of 34 relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed.These suggest that the clinical treatment of otogenic vertigo should consider the functions of zang-fu organs and meridians and select different acupuncture treatment methods according to syndrome differentiation based on the difference between deficiency and excess.Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy should be based on acupoint selection,considering the syndrome differentiation,supplemented with experience.The treatment of otogenic vertigo with acupuncture and moxibustion refers to the selection of appropriate acupuncture methods under the guidance of TCM theory and following the principles of syndrome,disease,and meridian differentiation.Common acupuncture methods include body acupuncture,auricular acupuncture,scalp acupuncture,acupoint injection,electroacupuncture,and moxibustion.There are many acupuncture and moxibustion acupoints selected for the treatment of otogenic vertigo.Individualized treatment according to the patient’s specific condition is effective and safe,which can help to improve the patient’s vertigo symptoms and cerebral blood perfusion.

Mechanism of acupuncture for limb spasm of post-stroke spasticity based on GABA and BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway

Background:To investigate the effects of acupuncture on post-stroke limb spasm model rats and the underlying mechanism.Methods:A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups,Control group(10),Model group(20)and Zhishen Tiaoxing(ZSTX)acupuncture group(20).Middle cerebral artery occlusion was conducted in SD rats to establish post-stroke limb spasm rats,which were treated with ZSTX acupuncture.Behavioral assays were determined by the Narrow ally test,the limb muscle tension was detected by the BL-420S test system,and infarct volume was assessed after the cerebral infarction by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.Heterogeneous neurotransmitterγ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)and its receptors GABAA and GABAB in the cerebral cortex of the infarct area were determined by immunofluorescence assay.The release of Trkb and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2 was detected by an immunofluorescence double labeling study.Western Blot was utilized to measure the expression of BDNF and Trkb.Results:The results showed that the behavioral assays in post-stroke limb spasm rats were significantly improved by the treatment of ZSTX acupuncture.14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can effectively inhibit muscle tone and decrease Infarct volume,which was measured with BL-420S biological function experiment system and triphenyltetrazolium chloride.Meanwhile,the results of Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays showed that ZSTX acupuncture improved the expression of GABA,GABAA,GABAB,BDNF,and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2.Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays and WB results showed that 14 days ZSTX acupuncture declined the expression of Trkb.Conclusions:Our results suggest that 14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can significantly improve post-stroke limb spasm.Meanwhile,the pathogenesis of post-stroke limb spasm and the efficacy of ZSTX acupuncture involve metabolic pathways of neurotransmitters,and electro-acupuncture can treat post-stroke limb spasm by regulating BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway.

Acupuncture for ischemic stroke:where are we now?

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for ischemic stroke(IS)and plays a key role in neurological rehabilitation after IS.Acupuncture can improve the clinical symptoms of various complications after IS,including motor dysfunction,swallowing disorders,speech disorders,cognitive impairment,depression,insomnia,and fatigue.However,the mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture in IS remain unclear.Available evidence suggests that acupuncture may exert neuroprotective effects through neuroplasticity(neurogenesis and synaptogenesis),angiogenesis,cell proliferation and apoptosis,and regulation of oxidative stress,inflammation,and immunity.Further studies should be conducted to improve the high-quality evidence-based system of acupuncture intervention for IS,by focusing on the clinical and basic research design,increasing the sample size,standardizing and quantifying the standards of acupuncture operations,using multidisciplinary techniques and methods to systematically explore the key targets of acupuncture intervention for IS,and reveal the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of IS.

Effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture analgesia in controlling intraoperative pain and hemodynamics during total thyroidectomy:A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture in conjunction with additional medications in providing analgesia and stabilizing hemodynamic parameters during total thyroidectomy.Methods:This randomized controlled trial included 100 patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy between October 2022 and October 2023 at the Vietnam National Hospital of Acupuncture.The patients were randomized into two groups.The electroacupuncture analgesia(EA)group received EA stimulation at five acupuncture points:Hegu(LI 4),Neiguan(PC 6),Shuitu(ST 10),Quepen(ST 12),and Yifeng(SJ 17),while the control group received a bilateral superficial cervical plexus block.Primary outcomes included the level of analgesia and perioperative vital signs in both groups.Additionally,pain thresholds and serum b-endorphin levels were measured before and after electroacupuncture in the EA group.Results:Complete analgesia(Level A)was attained in 86%and 76%of the patients in the EA and control groups,respectively,with no significant difference between the two groups(P=1.00).In the EA group,the mean pain threshold after receiving EA doubled(648.7(77.4)g/s vs.305.3(45.3)g/s,P<.001),and the mean serum b-endorphin level increased by approximately 13.5 pg/mL(P<.001).All patients remained hemodynamically stable throughout the surgery.Conclusion:EA,in conjunction with additional medications that stimulate five acupuncture points,LI 4,PC 6,ST 10,ST 12,and SJ 17,was well tolerated and effectively maintained a suitable level of analgesia and hemodynamic stability during total thyroidectomy.

Research progress on insomnia treated by traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture based on microbial-gut-brain axis theory

Insomnia,as one of the emotional diseases,has been increasing in recent years,which has a great impact on people's life and work.Therefore,researchers are eager to find a more perfect treatment.The microbiome-gut-brain axis is a new theory that has gradually become popular abroad in recent years and has a profound impact in the field of insomnia.In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has played an increasingly important role in the treatment of insomnia,especially acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.It is the main method of TCM in the treatment of insomnia.This paper mainly reviews the combination degree of"microorganism-gut-brain axis"theory with TCM and acupuncture under the system of TCM.To explore the mechanism of TCM and acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia under the guidance of"microorganismgut-brain axis"theory,in order to provide a new idea for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia.

Safety and effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in cardiac surgery:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Lack of mobilization and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit(ICU)are major factors resulting in the development of ICU-acquired muscle weakness(ICUAW).ICUAW is a type of skeletal muscle dysfunction and a common complication of patients after cardiac surgery,and may be a risk factor for prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation,associated with a higher risk of readmission and higher mortality.Early mobilization in the ICU after cardiac surgery has been found to be low with a significant trend to increase over ICU stay and is also associated with a reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is an alternative modality of exercise in patients with muscle weakness.A major advantage of NMES is that it can be applied even in sedated patients in the ICU,a fact that might enhance early mobilization in these patients.AIM To evaluate safety,feasibility and effectiveness of NMES on functional capacity and muscle strength in patients before and after cardiac surgery.METHODS We performed a search on Pubmed,Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro),Embase and CINAHL databases,selecting papers published between December 2012 and April 2023 and identified published randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that included implementation of NMES in patients before after cardiac surgery.RCTs were assessed for methodological rigor and risk of bias via the PEDro.The primary outcomes were safety and functional capacity and the secondary outcomes were muscle strength and function.RESULTS Ten studies were included in our systematic review,resulting in 703 participants.Almost half of them performed NMES and the other half were included in the control group,treated with usual care.Nine studies investigated patients after cardiac surgery and 1 study before cardiac surgery.Functional capacity was assessed in 8 studies via 6MWT or other indices,and improved only in 1 study before and in 1 after cardiac surgery.Nine studies explored the effects of NMES on muscle strength and function and,most of them,found increase of muscle strength and improvement in muscle function after NMES.NMES was safe in all studies without any significant complication.CONCLUSION NMES is safe,feasible and has beneficial effects on muscle strength and function in patients after cardiac surgery,but has no significant effect on functional capacity.

Saturation Estimation with Complex Electrical Conductivity for Hydrate-Bearing Clayey Sediments:An Experimental Study

Clays have considerable influence on the electrical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments.It is desirable to understand the electrical properties of hydrate-bearing clayey sediments and to build hydrate saturation(S_(h))models for reservoir evaluation and monitoring.The electrical properties of tetrahydrofuran-hydrate-bearing sediments with montmorillonite are characterized by complex conductivity at frequencies from 0.01 Hz to 1 kHz.The effects of clay and Sh on the complex conductivity were analyzed.A decrease and increase in electrical conductance result from the clay-swelling-induced blockage and ion migration in the electrical double layer(EDL),respectively.The quadrature conductivity increases with the clay content up to 10%because of the increased surface site density of counterions in EDL.Both the in-phase conductivity and quadrature conductivity decrease consistently with increasing Sh from 0.50 to 0.90.Three sets of models for Sh evaluation were developed.The model based on the Simandoux equation outperforms Archie’s formula,with a root-mean-square error(E_(RMS))of 1.8%and 3.9%,respectively,highlighting the clay effects on the in-phase conductivity.The fre-quency effect correlations based on in-phase and quadrature conductivities exhibit inferior performance(E_(RMS)=11.6%and 13.2%,re-spectively)due to the challenge of choosing an appropriate pair of frequencies and intrinsic uncertainties from two measurements.The second-order Cole-Cole formula can be used to fit the complex-conductivity spectra.One pair of inverted Cole-Cole parameters,i.e.,characteristic time and chargeability,is employed to predict S_(h) with an E_(RMS) of 5.05%and 9.05%,respectively.

Therapeutic efficacy of swallowing neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with acupuncture for post-stroke dysphagia

Objective To seek a better therapy for treating post-stroke dysphagia. Methods Patients with stroke and swallowing disorders were randomly divided into ordinary acupuncture group （group A, 58 cases） and swallowing neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with acupuncture group （group B, 62 cases）. Two-group patients were given the same basic internal medical treatment. In addition, group A was given normal acupuncture treatment with the choice of local points： Junjin （金津 EX-HN 12）, Yuye（玉液 EX-HN 23）, Fengchi （风池 GB 20）, Yifeng （翳风 TE 17）, Lianquan （廉泉 CV 23）, Wangu （完骨 GB 12）. Group B was given swallowing neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with acupuncture： GB 20, Fengfu （风夜 GV 16）, TE 17, Yiming （翳明 EX-HN 14）, Yamen （哑门 GV 15）, Tianrong（天容 SI 17）, Tianchuang （天窗 SI 16）, CV 23, the uniform reinforcing-reducing manipulation was used; EX- HN 12, EX-HN 13, the piercing and blood-letting method （1-2 mL blood） was used; at the same time, the swallowing neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy device was used to electrically stimulate the nerves and muscles in the throat and neck at specific output pulse current （50-100 Hz）. Treatment was made twice a day, 30 minutes each time. Two weeks after the treatment, the patients were assessed in symptoms improvement and clinical efficacy. Results The total effective rate in group B was 91.4% and 75.8% in group A; in the total efficiency comparison in both groups, χ^2=5.232, P〈0.05. The difference in improvement of symptoms with post-stroke dysphagia treated with above mentioned combination treatment was statistically significant between both groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion The above mentioned swallowing neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with acupuncture treatment has a better clinical effect when compared with ordinary acupuncture.

Optimal transcorneal electrical stimulation parameters for preserving photoreceptors in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary retinal disease that affects rod and cone photoreceptors,leading to progressive photoreceptor loss.Previous research supports the beneficial effect of electrical stimulation on photoreceptor survival.This study aims to identify the most effective electrical stimulation parameters and functional advantages of transcorneal electrical stimulation(tcES)in mice affected by inherited retinal degeneration.Additionally,the study seeked to analyze the electric field that reaches the retina in both eyes in mice and post-mortem humans.In this study,we recorded waveforms and voltages directed to the retina during transcorneal electrical stimulation in C57BL/6J mice using an intraocular needle probe with rectangular,sine,and ramp waveforms.To investigate the functional effects of electrical stimulation on photoreceptors,we used human retinal explant cultures and rhodopsin knockout(Rho^(-/-))mice,demonstrating progressive photoreceptor degeneration with age.Human retinal explants isolated from the donors’eyes were then subjected to electrical stimulation and cultured for 48 hours to simulate the neurodegenerative environment in vitro.Photoreceptor density was evaluated by rhodopsin immunolabeling.In vivo Rho^(-/-)mice were subjected to two 5-day series of daily transcorneal electrical stimulation using rectangular and ramp waveforms.Retinal function and visual perception of mice were evaluated by electroretinography and optomotor response(OMR),respectively.Immunolabeling was used to assess the morphological and biochemical changes of the photoreceptor and bipolar cells in mouse retinas.Oscilloscope recordings indicated effective delivery of rectangular,sine,and ramp waveforms to the retina by transcorneal electrical stimulation,of which the ramp waveform required the lowest voltage.Evaluation of the total conductive resistance of the post-mortem human compared to the mouse eyes indicated higher cornea-to-retina resistance in human eyes.The temperature recordings during and after electrical stimulation indicated no significant temperature change in vivo and only a subtle temperature increase in vitro(~0.5-1.5°C).Electrical stimulation increased photoreceptor survival in human retinal explant cultures,particularly at the ramp waveform.Transcorneal electrical stimulation(rectangular+ramp)waveforms significantly improved the survival and function of S and M-cones and enhanced visual acuity based on the optomotor response results.Histology and immunolabeling demonstrated increased photoreceptor survival,improved outer nuclear layer thickness,and increased bipolar cell sprouting in Rho^(-/-)mice.These results indicate that transcorneal electrical stimulation effectively delivers the electrical field to the retina,improves photoreceptor survival in both human and mouse retinas,and increases visual function in Rho^(-/-)mice.Combined rectangular and ramp waveform stimulation can promote photoreceptor survival in a minimally invasive fashion.