Clinical effects of nonconvulsive electrotherapy combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction and changes of serum inflammatory factors in depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common and serious psychological condition,which seriously affects individual well-being and functional ability.Traditional treatment methods include drug therapy and psychological counseling;however,these methods have different degrees of side effects and limitations.In recent years,nonconvulsive electrotherapy(NET)has attracted increasing attention as a noninvasive treatment method.However,the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of NET on depression are still unclear.We hypothesized that NET has a positive clinical effect in the treatment of depression,and may have a regulatory effect on serum inflammatory factors during treatment.AIM To assess the effects of NET on depression and analyze changes in serum inflammatory factors.METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 140 patients undergoing treatment for depression between May 2017 and June 2022,the observation group that received a combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction(MBSR)and NET treatment(n=70)and the control group that only received MBSR therapy(n=70).The clinical effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by assessing various factors,including the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)-17,self-rating idea of suicide scale(SSIOS),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and levels of serum inflammatory factors before and after 8 wk of treatment.The quality of life scores between the two groups were compared.Comparisons were made using t and χ^(2) tests.RESULTS After 8 wk of treatment,the observation group exhibited a 91.43%overall effectiveness rate which was higher than that of the control group which was 74.29%(64 vs 52,χ^(2)=7.241;P<0.05).The HAMD,SSIOS,and PSQI scores showed a significant decrease in both groups.Moreover,the observation group had lower scores than the control group(10.37±2.04 vs 14.02±2.16,t=10.280;1.67±0.28 vs 0.87±0.12,t=21.970;5.29±1.33 vs 7.94±1.35,t=11.700;P both<0.001).Additionally,there was a notable decrease in the IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6 in both groups after treatment.Furthermore,the observation group exhibited superior serum inflammatory factors compared to the control group(70.12±10.32 vs 102.24±20.21,t=11.840;19.35±2.46 vs 22.27±2.13,t=7.508;32.25±4.6 vs 39.42±4.23,t=9.565;P both<0.001).Moreover,the observation group exhibited significantly improved quality of life scores compared to the control group(Social function:19.25±2.76 vs 16.23±2.34;Emotions:18.54±2.83 vs 12.28±2.16;Environment:18.49±2.48 vs 16.56±3.44;Physical health:19.53±2.39 vs 16.62±3.46;P both<0.001)after treatment.CONCLUSION MBSR combined with NET effectively alleviates depression,lowers inflammation(IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6),reduces suicidal thoughts,enhances sleep,and improves the quality of life of individuals with depression.

Effective Observation of 518 Cases with Arthralgia－Syndrome treated by High Voltage－Low Frequency Electrotherapy on Acupoints

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Alpha-Stim Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) for Anxiety Treatment: Outcomes in a United Kingdom (UK) Primary Care Practice

Background: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders, typically treated with psychotherapy and medication. These treatments are not suitable for, acceptable to, or effective for everyone. Alpha-Stim AID is a Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) treatment with evidence of effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. Objective: The aim of this paper is to present outcomes on anxiety, depression, and quality of life of Alpha-Stim use in primary care patients in the United Kingdom’s (UK) National Health Service (NHS) who reported symptoms of anxiety. Methods: Open label patient cohort design. Self-report measures: PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety) and EQ-5D-5L (health related quality of life). Twenty-three patients with symptoms of anxiety completed a six-week course of Alpha-Stim intervention. Results: Reliable improvement and remission rates respectively were 60.9% and 17.4% for the GAD-7;42.9% and 22.7% for the PHQ-9. Significant improvement and medium/large effect sizes (n2 = 0.59 and 0.56 respectively). EQ-5D-5L results showed significant improvements in quality of life. Perceived quality of life doubled with an improvement of 0.36 on the health index score, this intervention adds 3.64 Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). Limitations: The study was not an RCT, there was no control group. Conclusions: Alpha-Stim AID CES can be delivered through a UK primary care practice, and can have a significant impact on symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve quality of life in primary care patients with anxiety symptoms. Further feasibility studies in primary care and sufficiently powered RCT are required.

Implantable and biodegradable closed‐loop devices for autonomous electrotherapy

Implantable electronic devices as a valuable biomedical tool are used to treat chronic diseases.However,traditional pacemakers exist a serious risk of complications.A biodegradable,closed‐loop sensor‐actuator system is developed for cardiac rhythm monitoring.This system could achieve autonomous electrotherapy.

Conductive Biomaterials as Bioactive Wound Dressing for Wound Healing and Skin Tissue Engineering

Conductive biomaterials based on conductive polymers,carbon nanomaterials,or conductive inorganic nanomaterials demonstrate great potential in wound healing and skin tissue engineering,owing to the similar conductivity to human skin,good antioxidant and antibacterial activities,electrically controlled drug delivery,and photothermal effect.However,a review highlights the design and application of conductive biomaterials for wound healing and skin tissue engineering is lacking.In this review,the design and fabrication methods of conductive biomaterials with various structural forms including film,nanofiber,membrane,hydrogel,sponge,foam,and acellular dermal matrix for applications in wound healing and skin tissue engineering and the corresponding mechanism in promoting the healing process were summarized.The approaches that conductive biomaterials realize their great value in healing wounds via three main strategies(electrotherapy,wound dressing,and wound assessment)were reviewed.The application of conductive biomaterials as wound dressing when facing different wounds including acute wound and chronic wound(infected wound and diabetic wound)and for wound monitoring is discussed in detail.The challenges and perspectives in designing and developing multifunctional conductive biomaterials are proposed as well.

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.

Exercise for tendinopathy

Tendinopathies are one of the most common sports/musculoskeletal injury in modern western societies.Many physiotherapy approaches have been recommended in the literature for the management of tendinopathy.The most effective treatment in the management of tendinopathy is the eccentric training.Load,speed and frequency of contractions are the three principles of eccentric exercises,discussed in this report.However,eccentric training is not effective for all patients withtendinopathy and the effectiveness of this approach when applied as monotherapy is lower than it is applied as part of the rehabilitation process.For this reason,clinicians combine eccentric training with other physiotherapy techniques such as stretching,isometric and lumbar stability exercises,electrotherapy,manual therapy,soft tissue manipulation techniques,taping and acupuncture in the management of tendinopathies.Further research is needed to find out which treatment strategy combined with eccentric training will provide the best results in the rehabilitation of tendinopathy.

Hypothesizing “Reward” Gene Polymorphisms May Predict High Rates of Injury and Addiction in the Workforce: A Nutrient and Electrotherapeutic Based Solution

We hypothesize that individuals with genetic predisposition to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) may have greater likelihood of experiencing work related accidents. We further hypothesize that high risk populations will carry single or multiple polymorphisms associated with brain reward circuitry and/or brain reward cascade, including: Dopaminergic (i.e. DRD2 receptor genes);Serotonergic (i.e. 5-HTT2 receptor genes);Endorphinergic (i.e. pre-enkephalin genes);Gabergic (i.e. GABAA receptor genes);Neurotransmitter Metabolizing genes (i.e. MAO and COMT genes) among others (GARSRXTM). Analgesic addiction as well as “pseudoaddiction” must be treated to improve pain control and its management. We propose that non-pharmacological alternatives to pain relief, in high risk, addiction-prone individuals, are Electrotherapeutic Device(s) and Programs. We further propose patented KB220Z, a nutraceutical designed to release dopamine at the nucleus accumbens, will reduce craving behavior, in genetically programmed individuals. By utilizing both alternatives in DNA analyzed injured workers, a reduction in analgesic addiction (genuine or pseudo) leads to improved health and quicker return to work. We also hypothesize that this novel approach will impact costs related to injuries in the workforce. Effective management of chronic pain, especially in high addiction-prone workforce populations, is possible in spite of being particularly elusive. A series of factors encumber pain assessment and management, including analgesia addiction, pharmacogenomic response to pain medications, and genetically inherited factors involving gene polymorphisms. Additional research is required to test these stipulated hypotheses related to genetic proneness to addiction, but also proneness to accidents in the workplace and reduction of craving behavior. Our hypothesis that genotyping coupled with both KB220ZTM and the pharmaceutical-free Electrotherapy, will reduce iatrogenic induced analgesia addiction. This approach will achieve attainable effective pain management and quicker return to work. We propose outcomes such as the Reward Deficiency System SolutionTM may become an adjunct in the war against iatrogenic pain medication addiction.

Clinical observation of sinew-regulating and bone-setting manipulation combined with Xiaoyu Jiegu Powder in treating knee osteoarthritis

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of sinew-regulating and bone-setting manipulation(SRBSM)combined with Xiaoyu Jiegu Powder(XYJGP)in treating knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods:Sixty patients were randomly divided into treatment group(30 cases)and control group(30 cases).The treatment group was treated with SRBSM combined with XYJGP and the control group was given intermediate frequency electrotherapy and XYJGP.Visual Analogue Scale(VAS).The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC),Flexion range of motion of the knee joint,and surface electromyography(sEMG)were used to evaluate and compare the patients'knee function before and after treatment.The efficacy was observed with diagnosis and efficacy standards of TCM.Results:After treatment,compared with the same group before treatment,muscle fatigue and muscle tension decreased,pain was reduced,range of motion of the knee joint was increased,and motor function was improved(P<0.05).The improvement degree of the treatment group was better than that of the control group(P<0.05).The total effective rate of the treatment group was 96.6%(29/30),higher than that of the control group(80.0%),P<0.05.Conclusion:SRBSM combined with XYJGP can effectively reduce the pain of KOA patients,improve the range of motion of the joints,and improve the quality of life of the patients,and its curative effect is better than that of intermediate frequency electrotherapy combined with XYJGP.

Can extracorporeal shock-wave therapy be used for the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy?

Lateral elbow tendinopathy(LET) is one of the two most common tendinopathies of the upper limb. The most effective treatment in the management of LET is the exercise program. Clinicians combine exercise program with other physiotherapy, electrotherapeutic and no, techniques. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT) is one of the most common recommended electrotherapeutic modalities for the management of LET. Further research is needed to find out the optimal treatment protocol of ESWT in the management of

Stimulation Therapies and the Relevance of Fractal Dynamics to the Treatment of Diseases

This paper provides an overview of the conventional therapeutic stimulation methodologies and proposes a more effective stimulation approach based on a consideration of the inherently fractal nature of normal biological dynamics. There are varying forms of physiological stimulations including the use of electrical currents, electromagnetic fields, temperature change, ultrasound, light and so forth. These stimulation therapies can be categorized into three main modalities: electrical stimulation modalities, thermal modalities, and non-thermal modalities. Electrical stimulation modalities include therapeutic techniques where electrical current is directly applied to the body of treated subject. Direct application of electrical current to the brain also falls under this category. Thermal modalities consist of stimulations that induce temperature change on the body for therapeutic effects without the direct transfer of electrical current. Non-thermal modalities functions through energy transfer without directly applying electrical current and without the effects of temperature change. A fourth miscellaneous category for stimulation techniques consists of the stimulation effects of music along with physical stimulation as in massage therapy. Common to most of these therapeutic strategies is that the stimulation is delivered at certain fixed periods or frequencies. We introduce some rudiments of fractal dynamics, and the notions of self-similarity, scale-invariance, and long-range correlation or memory in the dynamics of a system. We present evidence that fractal dynamics is commonly observed in healthy physiological systems while unhealthy systems are shown to veer away from fractal dynamics towards periodic or random motion. This difference in dynamics can be observed in many biological signals such as in neural activity, heart rate variations, and breathing patterns. We propose that an optimal stimulation technique should thus be one that encourages an unhealthy, non-fractal pathological system towards a healthy, fractal dynamic. Given the ubiquity of fractality in healthy biological dynamics, we argue that a fractal pattern of stimulation is a more optimal approach to functional restoration than the widely used conventional periodic stimulation, which may further consolidate the existing pathological dynamics.

Microenvironment-responsive electrocution of tumor and bacteria by implants modified with degenerate semiconductor film

Implantable biomaterials are widely used in the curative resection and palliative treatment of various types of cancers.However,cancer residue around the implants usually leads to treatment failure with cancer reoccurrence.Postoperation chemotherapy and radiation therapy are widely applied to clear the residual cancer cells but induce serious side effects.It is urgent to develop advanced therapy to minimize systemic toxicity while maintaining efficient cancer-killing ability.Herein,we report a degenerate layered double hydroxide(LDH)film modified implant,which realizes microenvironment-responsive electrotherapy.The film can gradually transform into a nondegenerate state and release holes.When in contact with tumor cells or bacteria,the film quickly transforms into a nondegenerate state and releases holes at a high rate,rendering the“electrocution”of tumor cells and bacteria.However,when placed in normal tissue,the hole release rate of the film is much slower,thus,causing little harm to normal cells.Therefore,the constructed film can intelligently identify and meet the physiological requirements promptly.In addition,the transformation between degenerate and nondegenerate states of LDH films can be cycled by electrical charging,so their selective and dynamic physiological functions can be artificially adjusted according to demand.