Needle Method Research Articles

Diverse needling methods for dry eye syndrome: A randomized controlled study

Objective To explore a proper acupuncture treatment protocol for dry eye syndrome (DES), by comparing the therapeutic effects between ordinary acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA).

Intensive and deep needling method of fire-needle for 47 cases of chronic impairment on gluteus medius

ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effect of intensive and deep needling method of fire-needle for chronic gluteus medius impairment. MethodsThe tenderness of anterior superior iliac spine which was the starting point of gluteus medius was taken as the center, 1 cm around it, 4–8 needle insertion points were fixed. Fire-needle with intensive and deep needling method was applied deeply on the surface of the bone then immediately taken out. The treatment was given once every 3 days, 3 times as a course. ResultsAfter 2 courses, 21 cases were fully recovered, 22 cases with remarkable effect, 4 cases without effect, and the total effective rate was 91.5%. ConclusionFire-needle with intensive and deep needling method has remarkable therapeutic effect.

Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis with Chinese Scalp Acupuncture

Chinese scalp acupuncture is a contemporary acupuncture technique with just 40 years of history. It integrates traditional Chinese needling methods with Western medical knowledge of the cerebral cortex and has been proven to be a very effective technique for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and other central nervous system disorders. A 65-year-old male patient who had had MS for 20 years was treated with Chinese scalp acupuncture. The motor area, sensory area, foot motor and sensory area, balance area, hearing and dizziness area, and tremor area were stimulated once a week for 10 weeks, then once a month for six sessions. After the 16 treatments, the patient showed remarkable improvements. He was able to stand and walk without any problems. The numbness and tingling in his limbs did not bother him anymore. He had more energy and had not experienced incontinence of urine or dizziness after the first treatment. He was able to return to work full time. At this writing, the patient has been in remission for 26 months. This case demonstrates that Chinese scalp acupuncture can be a very effective treatment for patients with MS. Chinese scalp acupuncture holds the potential to expand treatment options for MS in both conventional and complementary or integrative therapies. It can not only relieve symptoms, increase the patient's quality of life, and slow and reverse the progression of physical disability but also reduce the number of relapses and help patients with multiple sclerosis to remain in remission.

Cross-Species Amino Acids Sequence Comparison and Computational Docking of Human IL-1Ra and Rat IL-1Ra on Rat Receptor

Nowadays, experimental animals are being widely used to investigate therapeutic potentials of IL-1Ra. This article states cross-species comparison of amino acid sequences of IL-1Ra and computational docking of ligands (IL-1Ra_human and IL-1Ra_rat), on rat receptor (IL-1RI_rat). The purpose of study was to understand relationship between amino acid sequences, structural and binding similarities between both ligands. We utilized molecular modeling for structure determination, sequence alignment, structure refinement and protein docking of concerned proteins. We comparatively verified amino acid sequence of both ligands using Emboss Needle method, to express pairwise sequence. Further, these sequences were used to generate 3D structural model of ligands by Phyre2, that were verified by Ramachandran plot. Docking of ligands to structure of IL-1RI_rat was attempted by using AutoDock program. The similarity and identity of sequences and structures of IL-1Ra_human and IL-1Ra_rat were 85.4% and 73.6%, respectively. Two of three receptor residues, i.e. LYS290 and ASP259, were common in docking of both ligands. This elucidates that binding sites for both ligands are apparently similar, signifying that both ligands will probably possess same therapeutic efficacy. Similarly, functional implication of significant similarity found between two species can be of great importance in future investigations, regarding use of exogenously administered IL-1Ra.

Setting Time Comparison of Four Antimicrobial Laden Calcium Sulfate Plasters

ABSTRACT Background The surgeon may implant calcium sulfate pellets (aka gypsum) as a resorbable antimicrobial vehicle at the surgical site in severe cases of osteomyelitis. Gypsum setting times with or without antibiotic additives are found scattered throughout the literature, but often factors known to alter setting time are either not disclosed or not held constant between experiments. To our knowledge, no prior study compares the setting time of calcium sulfate plaster mixed with the four commonly used antibiotics under constant conditions as presented here. Purpose To compare the setting times of calcium sulfate hemihydrate mixtures containing vancomycin, cefazolin, tobramycin, or amphotericin B. Materials and methods Groups consisted of samples comprised of 6.3 gm calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) mixed with approximately 1/4th a vial of lyophilized antimicrobial (vancomycin, cefazolin, tobramycin or amphotericin B) with CSH powder to normal saline ratio of 1.7 gm/ml and mixed for 30 seconds at controlled speed and humidity. Each sample initial setting time (Ti) and final setting time (Tf) were established by Gillmore needles method according to ASTM standard C266- 08 apparatus specifications. Results Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance by ranks revealed that antibiotic type affected the initial and final setting times of gypsum (p < 0.05). Post hoc analysis using Dunn's multiple comparisons indicated that there was no difference between control Ti (7.2 ± 1.1 min) and that of vancomycin or cefazolin group (9.8 ± 1.7 or 14.2 ± 1.3 min, respectively, p > 0.05), but the Ti of the tobramycin and amphotericin B groups (31.8 ± 5.7 and 140.4 ± 18.0 min) differed from the control Ti (p < 0.05). Likewise, there was no difference of control Tf (p > 0.05, 12.2 ± 1.1 min) when compared to vancomycin or cefazolin groups (22.2 ± 6.9 or 25.7 ± 4.1 min), but that the Tf of tobramycin and amphotericin B groups (76.3 ± 5.9 and 200.0 ± 21.1 min) each differed from the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion This experiment is aimed to help surgeons plan when they should begin preparing their calcium sulfate antibiotic beads during surgery. As a general guideline, allow 15 minutes to set when adding a 1 gm vial of vancomycin or cefazolin, 30 minutes for adding a 1.2 gm vial tobramycin, and 2.5 hours for adding a 50 mg vial of amphotericin B. Kroger J, Beaufond P, Inceoglu S, Maskiewicz V, Cheng W, Brier-Jones JE. Setting Time Comparison of Four Antimicrobial Laden Calcium Sulfate Plasters. The Duke Orthop J 2013;3(1):36-40.

Preparation and tribological properties of C fibre reinforced C/SiC dual matrix composites fabrication by liquid silicon infiltration

Three-dimensional needle carbon fibre reinforced carbon and silicon carbide dual matrix composite (C/C–SiC) is one of a new type of high performance brake material. The carbon fibre preform prepared by three-dimensional needling method was first densified by chemical vapour infiltration (CVI) to form porous carbon/carbon (C/C) composites. Then, the porous C/C composites were converted into C/C–SiC by liquid silicon infiltration (LSI), in which silicon carbide matrix was formed by reaction of carbon and melting silicon. The microstructure, mechanical properties and friction behaviour of C/C–SiC have been investigated. The results indicated that the composite was composed of 55 wt% C, 39 wt% SiC and 6 wt% Si. The density of C/C–SiC was 2.2 g cm−3 with 6.4% open porosity. The C/C–SiC exhibited good mechanical properties, especially excellent toughness which can help to avoid catastrophic brittle fracture. The flexural and compressive strength can reach to 214.6 MPa and 271.0 MPa, respectively. In addition, C/C–SiC had excellent impact damage tolerance of 25.2 kJ m−2. Compared to the self-friction, the C/C–SiC with steel opposing material shown higher static coefficient of friction (0.74) and better stability coefficient (0.28), while exhibited lower dynamic coefficient of friction (0.25), higher temperature of friction subsurface (444 °C), higher wear rate (2.88 μm cycle−1). The main wear mechanism of the C/C–SiC composites with different opposing material both includes adhesion and oxidation abrasion.

Modified Time of Setting Test for Fly Ash Paste and Fly Ash–Soil Mixtures

A survey of current literature has revealed that the testing protocol for determining the time of setting of fly ash-soil mixtures is not available. Although the current ASTM standard recommends using the Vicat needle method with a water-to-fly ash weight ratio of 0.35, it was originally proposed for testing the time of setting of cement. The current study showed that the Vicat needle method yielded poor test results for some common fly ashes. Moreover, the water-to-fly ash weight ratio of 0.35 may not be appropriate for some fly ashes because the chemical components are varied in different fly ashes. Therefore, a British fall cone was adopted to determine the time of setting of fly ash paste and fly ash-soil mixtures. It suggests that the best starting water-to-fly ash weight ratio should be at its liquid limit. As the water content increases, the initial and final times of setting of fly ash paste increase accordingly. For the fly ash-soil mixture, the initial and final times of setting decrease as the ash-to-soil weight ratio increases. Finally, a linear correlation was established based upon the water content, ash-to-soil weight ratio, and the ratio of calcium oxide to silicon dioxide present in the fly ash. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE) MT.1943-5533.0000604. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Fly ash; Soils; Mixtures; Time factors. Author keywords: Time of setting; Fly ash-soil mixture; British fall cone method.

Induction of potent CD8+ T cell responses through the delivery of subunit protein vaccines to skin antigen-presenting cells using densely packed microprojection arrays

The generation of both antibody and CD8+ T cell responses against pathogens is considered important for many advanced vaccines for diseases including tuberculosis, HIV and malaria. However, most current vaccines are delivered into muscle by the needle and syringe method and induce protection via humoral (antibody) immune responses. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that delivering a model subunit protein antigen (ovalbumin) to the skin's abundant immune cell population using a densely packed microprojection array (Nanopatch) enhances CD8+ T cell responses. We found that the Nanopatch significantly enhanced the CD8+ T cell responses when compared to intramuscular delivery of both antigen-only and adjuvanted cases (Quil-A and CpG; separately). To our knowledge, this is the first published study demonstrating significantly improved CD8+ T cell responses achieved by delivering subunit vaccines to the skin's abundant immune cell population. Successfully replicating these findings in humans could significantly advance the reach of vaccines.

Factors associated with upstaging from ductal carcinoma in situ following core needle biopsy to invasive cancer in subsequent surgical excision

ObjectivesThe present study tried to identify factors predictive of upstaging from ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (CNB)-diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive cancer after surgical excision. Materials and methodsWe enrolled 506 female CNB-diagnosed DCIS patients who underwent subsequent surgical excision between January 2000 and February 2011. A retrospective analysis of patients undergone core needle biopsy and subsequent surgical excision was performed. Ultrasonography guided CNB was performed using either an 8-, 11-gauge vacuum-assisted method, or a 14-gauge needle automated gun method. ResultsThe overall upstaging rate was 42.7% (216/506). Multivariate analysis found that a palpable lesion, a lesion size >20 mm, a high grade lesion, and use of the 14-gauge needle method were independently associated with upstaging (p < 0.05 for all variables). We designed a scoring system to predict lymph node positivity in these patients, and the subsequent ROC curve showed an AUC value of 0.746 (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.66–0.82). Patient with a non-high grade lesion that was ≤20 mm in size carried no risk of lymph node positivity. ConclusionUpstaging was associated with lesions that were large, palpable or high grade. It was also associated with use of the 14-gauge needle method. Our scoring system might be helpful to identify patients who do not require sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Effect of different needling methods on the subcutaneous injection pain of patients

Objective By comparing the pain reactions of different needling methods for subcutaneous injection among patients,to explore a reasonable needling method to alleviate the pain of subcutaneous injections.Methods Totals of 90 cases who received subcutaneous needling were recruited,and they received the traditional needling method of the side grip-type in odd day(200 times) and received the improved needling method of write type in even day ( 200 times ).Changhai pain scale was used to assess patients' pain.Results Among 200 times of needling of the improved needling cases,the times of moderate pain were 72 (32.7％),and the times of the traditional needling cases were 150 ( 68.2％ ),and the difference was statistically significant( x2 =55.31,P ＜ 0.01 ).Conclusions Write-type method can be used as a reasonable method of subcutaneous injection,which can alleviate the pain of patients. Key words: Pain; Subcutaneous injection; Needle method

Dilator method and needle method for atrial transseptal puncture: a retrospective study from a cohort of 4443 patients

To compare the safety and efficacy of a new dilator method vs the traditional needle method for transseptal puncture (TSP) in a large cohort study. From February 1995 to December 2010, 4443 consecutive patients undergoing TSP done either by a needle method or by a new dilator method were reviewed retrospectively. Data as procedure-related time and complications were evaluated. For the standard needle method, TSP was performed by extending out the needle. In comparison, for the new dilator technique, TSP was performed without an outer sheath and with the needle kept within the dilator; the blunt tip of the dilator was used to help locating the position of the fossa ovalis on purpose. Transseptal puncture was performed by the new dilator method in 2151 patients (48.4%) and by the traditional needle method in 2292 patients (51.6%). The average TSP time needed by the dilator method was longer than that needed by the needle method (5.6 ± 3.9 vs. 3.8 ± 2.9 min, P< 0.05). Additional left atrial angiography was required in seven (0.33%) patients for the dilator and in 39 patients (1.70%) for the needle method (P< 0.05). The total rate of severe complications and obvious TSP-related complications was significantly lower in patients who underwent the dilator method than in those who underwent the needle method (0.33 vs. 1.18%, and 0.20 vs. 1.00%, respectively, P < 0.05). Our data suggest that the new dilator technique is much safer than that of the standard needle method. It needs relatively longer procedure time but results in significantly fewer episodes of severe complications. Particularly, the blunt tip of the dilator can be used to help locate the fossa ovalis. Therefore, the new dilator technique might be a better choice for relatively less-experienced operators.

Review of Clinical Applications of Scalp Acupuncture for Paralysis: An Excerpt from Chinese Scalp Acupuncture

Chinese scalp acupuncture is a contemporary acupuncture technique integrating traditional Chinese needling methods with Western medical knowledge of representative areas of the cerebral cortex. It has been proven to be a most effective technique for treating acute and chronic central nervous system disorders. Scalp acupuncture often produces remarkable results with just a few needles and usually brings about immediate improvement, sometimes taking only several seconds to a minute.Acupuncture, a therapeutic technique of Oriental Medicine, can be traced back more than 2500 years. Throughout its long history, acupuncture has evolved as its own unique traditional medicine. By embracing newly developed knowledge and technology, the profession continues to create additional methods of treatment. Techniques such as electrical and laser acupuncture and even new acupuncture points are currently being developed. We believe scalp acupuncture, which integrates Western medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine, to be the most significant development that Chinese acupuncture has made in the past 60 years.

Therapeutic evaluation of different needling methods for tension-type headache

Objective To observe and compare the therapeutic effect of two different needling methods, liver-soothing and mind-regulating needling method versus conventional needling method, in treating anxiety and depression in tension-type headache.

Contralateral needling method and its applications in treating upper-limb pain

Contralateral needling method and its applications in treating upper-limb pain

Evaluation of Bovine Embryo Biopsy Techniques according to Their Ability to Preserve Embryo Viability

The purpose of this research was to evaluate three embryo biopsy techniques used for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in cattle and to recommend the least invasive one for current use, especially when PGD is followed by embryo cryopreservation. Three hundred bovine embryos were biopsied by either one of the needle, aspiration or microblade method, and then checked for viability by freezing/thawing and transplantation to recipient cows. The number of pregnancies obtained after the transfer of biopsied frozen/thawed embryos was assessed 30 days later using ultrasounds. The results were significantly different between the three biopsy methods: the pregnancy rate was of 57% in cows that received embryos biopsied by needle, 43% in cows that received embryos biopsied by aspiration, and 31% in cows that received embryos biopsied by microblade. Choosing an adequate biopsy method is therefore of great importance in embryos that will undergo subsequent cryopreservation, as it significantly influences their viability after thawing.

Buttonhole Technique in Hemodialysis

Recently, dialysis population with arteriovenous fistula may have some problems about the cannulation due to aged, incompetent vessels. Thus alternative needling method, buttonhole technique has been suggested for the complicated cannulation route. In spite of various benefits, this technique is difficult to apply in Korean hemodialysis unit because it requires much time to form the buttonhole track or tunnel. Meanwhile, Choi et al. reported the superiority of buttonhole technique using the polycarbonate peg, Biohole. Here, we review the buttonhole technique in hemodialysis including new buttonhole technique using the Biohole. (Korean J Med 2012;82:304-306)

E43 Comparison of two percutaneous renal access techniques: “Eye of the needle method” versus “triangulation technique”: A prospective randomized clinical trial

E43 Comparison of two percutaneous renal access techniques: “Eye of the needle method” versus “triangulation technique”: A prospective randomized clinical trial

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 3D Needled Carbon Fibre Reinforced Carbon and Silicon Carbide Composites

Three-dimensional needle carbon fibre reinforced carbon and silicon carbide dual matrix composite (C/C-SiC) was a new type of high performance brake materials, and exhibited a series of outstanding advantages such as low density, good echanical properties, especially excellent toughness, to avoid catastrophic brittle fracture. In the present study, the C/C-SiC composites were fabricated by the combination of chemical vapor infiltration with liquid silicon infiltration. The preform was prepared by three dimension needling method. The preform was densified by chemical vapor infiltration to form porous carbon/carbon (C/C) composites. Then, the porous C/C composites were converted into C/C-SiC during LSI, in which silicon carbide matrix was formed by the reaction of carbon and melt silicon. The microstructure and mechanical properties of C/C-SiC has been investigated. The results indicated that the composites were composed of 55 wt%C, 39 wt%SiC and 6 wt%Si. The density of C/C-SiC was 2.2 g•cm-3and the open porosity was 6.4%, respectively. The C/C-SiC exhibited good echanical properties, especially excellent toughness, to avoid catastrophic brittle fracture. The flexural and compressive strength can reach to 214.6 MPa and 271.0 MPa, respectively. C/C-SiC had excellent impact damage tolerance of 25.2 kJ•m-2.

Java Applet Technology for Design Interference Optical Coating

Java is a high-level , third generation programming language were introduced Javaoptics Open Source Physics (OSP) as a new simulation for design one of the most important interference optical coating called antireflection coating. It is recent developments in deign thin-film coatings. (OSP) shows multiple beam interferences from a parallel dielectric thin film and the evolution of reflection factors. It is simple to use and efficiently also can serve educational purposes. The obtained results have been compared with needle method

Java Applet Technology for Design Interference Optical Coating

Java is a high-level , third generation programming language were introduced Javaoptics Open Source Physics (OSP) as a new simulation for design one of the most important interference optical coating called antireflection coating. It is recent developments in deign thin-film coatings. (OSP) shows multiple beam interferences from a parallel dielectric thin film and the evolution of reflection factors. It is simple to use and efficiently also can serve educational purposes. The obtained results have been compared with needle method