Total Effective Rate Research Articles

Application of Endovenous Laser Treatment Combined with Foam Sclerotherapy for the Minimally Invasive Treatment of Great Saphenous Vein Varicosity

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) combined with foam sclerotherapy (FS) in the treatment of great saphenous vein varicosity (GSVV). Methods: A total of 50 patients with GSVV, treated between March 2021 and March 2024, were selected and randomly divided into two groups using a random number table. The combination group (25 cases) underwent EVLT combined with FS, while the conventional group (25 cases) underwent EVLT alone. The total effective rate, complication rate, disease severity score, and serological indicators were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate in the combination group was higher, and the complication rate was lower compared to the conventional group (P < 0.05). One week after surgery, the disease severity score in the combination group was lower, coagulation function indicators were better, and inflammatory factor levels were lower compared to the conventional group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: EVLT combined with FS can improve the clinical efficacy in GSVV patients, prevent postoperative complications, reduce disease severity, protect patients’ coagulation function, and alleviate postoperative inflammatory responses, showing significant advantages in combined surgery.

Clinical Observation of the Therapeutic Effects of Wenzhong Hewei Formula in Treating Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency Syndrome in Internal Medicine Diseases

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Wenzhong Hewei Formula in treating spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome in internal medicine diseases. Methods: Sixty patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome admitted to the hospital from April 2022 to June 2023 were randomly divided into observation and control groups, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received conventional internal medicine treatment, while the observation group was additionally treated with Wenzhong Hewei Formula on the basis of conventional treatment. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Results: The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores of both groups were significantly lower than before treatment, with the observation group showing a more pronounced reduction (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Wenzhong Hewei Formula can effectively improve clinical symptoms in patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome, enhance clinical efficacy, and have a high level of safety, making it worthy of clinical promotion.

Low frequency-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture improves post-stroke cognitive impairment and has better clinical efficacy.

Enhancing post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a key aspect of prognosis for stroke patients. Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) is currently a widely utilised method for treating PSCI. With the increasing promotion of traditional Chinese medicine, Xingnao Kaiqiao (XNKQ) acupuncture has been progressively incorporated into clinical treatment. This paper observes the effect of LF-rTMS with XNKQ acupuncture on patients with PSCI. Totally, 192 patients with PSCI were consecutively recruited and treated either with LF-rTMS and XNKQ acupuncture (observation group) or LF-rTMS only (control group) for 4 weeks. The pre- and post-treatment Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, P300 latency and amplitude, inflammatory factor levels were compared and clinical efficacy was assessed. Both groups exhibited increased MMSE/MoCA scores, and P300 amplitude, and shortened P300 latency, and the observation group had higher scores and P300 amplitude, and shorter P300 latency than the control group. Both groups displayed decreased inflammatory factor levels (Tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1β) after treatment, which were lower in the observation group than the control group. Inflammatory factor levels in PSCI patients were negatively interrelated with MMSE, MoCA score and P300 amplitude, and positively with P300 latency. The observation group showed an increased number of patients showing cured and significantly effective results, a decreased number of patients showing effective and invalid results, and an observably elevated total effective rate. LF-rTMS with XNKQ acupuncture can improve cognitive function and reduce inflammatory immune response, and has better clinical efficacy in PSCI patients.

The impact of early speech and language cognitive training care on the developmental quotient of children with language impairments: A retrospective study.

This study aims to investigate the effects of early speech and language cognitive training on the nursing outcomes of children with language impairments and their impact on developmental quotient. From October 2018 to October 2023, the data of 80 children with language impairments treated at our hospital were selected. They were divided into an observation group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 40) based on the treatment plan. The control group received routine rehabilitation training, while the observation group received early cognitive language rehabilitation training. The treatment efficacy of the 2 groups, as well as differences in Gesell Developmental Schedule scores and serum indicators before and after treatment, were observed and analyzed. The treatment efficacy in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P < .05), with a total effective rate of 92.50% in the observation group. After 6 months of treatment, the scores for adaptability, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, personal-social behavior, and language development quotient in the observation group were (77.41 ± 10.21), (77.15 ± 10.43), (80.43 ± 11.19), (71.14 ± 10.42), and (81.21 ± 12.03), respectively, significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). After 6 months of treatment, the mental development index and psychomotor development index in the observation group were (107.28 ± 10.43) and (96.60 ± 9.03), respectively, which were markedly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). After 6 months of treatment, the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D3], and gamma-aminobutyric acid in the observation group were (52.43 ± 9.44) ng/mL, (31.45 ± 4.82) ng/mL, and (76.65 ± 10.54) µmol/mL, respectively. These levels were not significantly different from those in the control group (P > .05). The blood flow velocities of the middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, basal artery, and vertebral artery in the observation group and control group were compared after 6 months of treatment (P > .05). Early speech and cognitive training have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of language disorders, as it can improve developmental quotient in affected children and increase serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, 25(OH)D3, and gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Analysis of the efficacy of vocal cord botulinum toxin injection for refractory laryngeal contact granuloma

Objective: To observe the efficacy of vocal cord botulinum toxin type A injection in the treatment of refractory laryngeal contact granuloma and to analyze the factors affecting the curative effect. Methods: Fifty-two patients with refractory laryngeal contact granuloma who received vocal cord botulinum toxin type A injection under topical anesthesia from May 2021 to May 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 51 were males and 1 was female, aged 22-66 (48.98±8.87)years old. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. Outcome measures in terms of patient cure rate, total effective rate, complications and recurrence rate were calculated. The median [M (Q1, Q3)] was used to represent non-normally distributed measurement data, and Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors affecting efficacy. Results: The cure rate of 52 patients with refractory laryngeal contact granuloma treated by vocal cord botulinum toxin type A injection was 78.8% (41/52), and the total effective rate (including cure, marked and effective) was 90.4% (47/52). The median number of injections was 1[1,2]. Following a single injection, the cure rate was 69.2% (36/52), and the median treatment duration for cured patients was 3 [3,3] months. Hoarseness occurred in 88.5% (46/52) of patients, with recovery within 3 months in all cases. Additionally, 21.2% (11/52) of the patients experienced cough, sore throat, dyspnea, all of whom recovered within 3 months. One patient among the 41 cured cases was lost to follow-up, and the recurrence rate at the 12th month was 17.5% (7/40). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that age, granuloma size, history of PPI treatment, previous corticosteroid injections, prior surgical excision, pharyngeal reflux, chronic cough, pharyngeal reflux, chronic cough and vocal overuse were not independent risk factors for cure and recurrence. Conclusion: Vocal cord botulinum toxin type A injection is an alternative for the treatment of refractory laryngeal contact granuloma, which offers benefits such ashigh cure rate, short treatment cycle and less injection times.

Efficacy of Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectomy Combined With Choledochoscopic Lithotomy for Complex Intrahepatic Bile Duct Stones and Its Impact on Postoperative Liver Function.

This study was designed to investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy combined with choledochoscopic lithotomy for patients with complex intrahepatic bile duct stones. The clinical data of 97 patients with complex intrahepatic bile duct stones treated in our hospital between February 2019 and April 2022 were retrospectively collected. Patients were allocated into 2 groups based on their surgical approaches. In the control group, 46 patients underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy, while in the combined group, 51 patients underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy combined with choledochoscopic lithotomy. Parameters such as clinical efficacy, surgical indices, stress response markers (CRP, EP, COR), coagulation metrics (FIB, APTT, PT), liver function indicators (GGT, TBIL, ALT), complications, and quality of life were compared between the 2 groups. The combined group exhibited a significantly higher total effective rate compared with the control group (98.04% vs. 82.61%) (P<0.05). The operation duration of the combined group was longer than that of the control group. However, the duration for postoperative anal exhaustion, postoperative bed mobility, postoperative drainage, and hospital stay was shorter in the combined group than in the control group (P<0.05). CRP, EP, and COR concentrations were substantially elevated in both groups on the third postoperative day (P<0.05), but were lower in the combined group. Similarly, levels of FIB, APTT, and PT were markedly increased in both groups on the third postoperative day (P<0.05), but were lower in the combined group. On the seventh postoperative day, GGT, TBIL, and ALT were notably decreased in both groups, with the combined group exhibiting lower levels (P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the combined group was lower than that of the control group (5.88% vs. 19.57%) (P<0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, all GIQLI scores were markedly elevated in both groups, with superior scores observed in the combined group (P<0.05). The combined laparoscopy and choledochoscopy demonstrate a remarkable efficacy for complex intrahepatic bile duct stones, which significantly facilitate liver function recuperation, reduce stress reactions, reduce complications, enhance the quality of life, and exert a minimal impact on coagulation functions.

Effects of Bacterial Lysates on TLRs/NF-κB Pathway, Immune Function, and Prognosis in Children with Pulmonary Infection Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae

Background: Bacterial lysates, as immunomodulators, may play a role in regulating the host immune response. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of bacterial lysates OM85-BV in treating pulmonary infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in children. Methods: A total of 120 children with S. pneumoniae pulmonary infection were divided into two groups: The control group and the OM85-BV group, with a 1: 1 ratio. The control group received intravenous mezlocillin at 100 mL/kg/d, while the OM85-BV group, in addition to mezlocillin, received OM85-BV orally at 3.5 mg per dose. The improvement of clinical symptoms and pulmonary function indexes—including respiratory rate, tidal volume, volume to peak expiratory flow as a proportion of exhaled volume, and time to peak tidal expiratory flow as a proportion of expiratory time—were compared. Additionally, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), T lymphocyte subsets, and immunoglobulins in serum were analyzed. Results: Compared to the control group, the OM85-BV group showed a significant decrease in respiratory rate and an increase in tidal volume, volume to peak expiratory flow, and time to peak tidal expiratory flow (P &lt; 0.05 for all). The OM85-BV group also had significantly lower levels of serum inflammatory factors such as CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and sIL-2R. In terms of immune function, the OM85-BV group showed increased levels of T lymphocyte subsets CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratios, with a decrease in CD8+, as well as elevated serum IgA and IgG levels. The total effective rate of treatment in the OM85-BV group was significantly higher than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of OM85-BV to the treatment of S. pneumoniae pulmonary infection in children significantly improves clinical symptoms, lung function, and immune function, while reducing the inflammatory response. OM85-BV appears to inhibit the activation of the toll-like receptors (TLRs) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway.

Ferulic Acid in the Treatment of Papulopustular Rosacea: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by flushing, erythema, papules, and pustules on the central face. It affects patient appearance and is noted for its chronicity, recurrence, and resistance to treatment. Effective rosacea treatment requires repairing the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and promoting vasoconstriction. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of topical ferulic acid in treating papulopustular rosacea and its impact on skin barrier function. Sixty patients with mild to moderate papulopustular rosacea were selected from the Department of Dermatology at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University between January 2023 and December 2023. Patients were randomly assigned to either a control group or an observation group, with 30 patients in each group. The observation group applied ferulic acid solution to the affected areas, while the control group used normal saline, both twice daily for 6 weeks. Both groups also received 0.1 g doxycycline hydrochloride tablets orally once daily. Skin lesions and skin barrier function were assessed using VISIA imaging and self-rating scales before and during treatment, and adverse reactions were recorded. After 6 weeks, both skin lesion assessments and self-assessment scores improved significantly from baseline, with greater improvement in the observation group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Indicators of skin barrier function and VISIA imaging results demonstrated the efficacy of ferulic acid in treating rosacea. The total effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group (80.00%) compared to the control group (63.33%) (p < 0.05). In the observation group, nine patients (30.00%) experienced a greasy sensation initially, one patient (3.33%) reported tingling and itching, and no serious adverse reactions were observed. Ferulic acid is effective as an adjuvant treatment for papulopustular rosacea, significantly improving skin lesions and repairing skin barrier function with minimal adverse reactions.

Acupuncture at stellate ganglion combined with western medication for orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the effect of acupuncture at stellate ganglion on orthostatic hypotension (OH) in Parkinson's disease (PD), and explore its action mechanism. A total of 68 patients with OH in PD were randomly divided into a combination group (34 cases, 2 cases dropped out, 1 case was eliminated) and a western medication group (34 cases, 1 case was eliminated). Both groups received stable dose anti-PD western medication, the western medication group received oral midodrine hydrochloride tablets, 2.5 mg each time, 2 times a day. The combination group was treated with acupuncture at bilateral stellate ganglion on the basis of the western medication group, without retaining needles, once a day, 5 times a week. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Supine and orthostatic blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension questionnaire (OHQ) score, TCM syndrome score, unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) score before and after treatment in the two groups were observed, the level of serum norepinephrine (NE) was detected, and the clinical effect was evaluated. After treatment, orthostatic systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the combination group were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), OHQ score, TCM syndrome score, UPDRS score were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01); supine SBP in the western medication group was increased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05), OHQ score was decreased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05); the levels of serum NE in both groups were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01). After treatment, orthostatic SBP, orthostatic DBP and the level of serum NE in the combination group were higher than those in the western medication group (P<0.01, P<0.05), the OHQ score, TCM syndrome score, UPDRS score were lower than those in the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total effective rate was 87.1% (27/31) in the combination group, which was higher than 63.6% (21/32) in the western medication group (P<0.05). Acupuncture at stellate ganglion can increase the orthostatic blood pressure in patients with OH in PD , improve clinical symptoms, and the mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of NE.

Treatment of post-stroke fatigue with point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle and Tongdu Tiaoshen therapy of acupuncture: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the effect of point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle on post-stroke fatigue and explore its underlying mechanism. Sixty-four patients with post-stroke fatigue were randomly divided into an observation group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped out) and a control group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped out). In addition to the conventional treatment of western medicine and rehabilitation exercises, Tongdu Tiaoshen (regulating the governor vessel and the spirit) therapy of acupuncture was used in the control group, and acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Fengfu (GV 16) and bilateral Fengchi (GB 20) and the needles were retained for 30 min in one treatment. In the observation group, besides the interventions as the control group, point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle was adopted. The needle was inserted from Zhiyang (GV 9) toward Dazhui (GV 14), from Shendao (GV 11) toward Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and from Yaoqi (EX-B 9) toward Yaoyangguan (GV 3); and the needles were retained for 30 min in one treatment. In the two groups, the acupuncture was delivered once daily, 6 times a week, consecutively for 4 weeks. The scores of the fatigue severity scale (FSS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) were observed before and after treatment completion in the two groups. Using ELISA, the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) were detected before and after treatment completion; and clinical effect was evaluated. The scores of FSS, PSQI, HAMA and HAMD, as well as the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6, hs-CRP and Hcy were reduced (P<0.05), and the scores of FMA and the levels of serum IL-10 were increased (P<0.05) after treatment in comparison with those before treatment in the two groups. Compared with the control group, in the observation group, the scores of FSS, PSQI, HAMA and HAMD, and the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6, hs-CRP and Hcy were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the score of FMA and the level of serum IL-10 were increased (P<0.05). The total clinical effective rate was 83.3% (25/30) in the observation group, which was higher than 73.3% (22/30) of the control group (P<0.05). The point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle alleviates fatigue, anxiety and depression, and ameliorates sleep and motor function in the patients with post-stroke fatigue. It may be related to the attenuation of inflammatory responses.

Clinical Efficacy of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Patients with Refractory Cirrhotic Ascites

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation for the treatment of cirrhotic ascites (refractory). Methods: 64 patients with cirrhosis ascites (refractory) who were admitted to the hospital between May 2022 and April 2024 were selected and divided equally by random number table, the observation group was treated with BMSC autologous transplantation, and the reference group was treated with conventional medication, and the total effective rate, therapeutic indexes, liver and renal function indexes, and the change of urine volume were compared. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). Before treatment, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of therapeutic indexes such as depth of ascites, liver and kidney function indexes and 24-hour urine volume (P &gt; 0.05). After treatment, the observation group’s ascites depth and other indicators were better than that of the reference group, liver and kidney function indicators were better than that of the reference group, and 24h urine volume was more than that of the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: BMSC autotransplantation can improve the clinical efficacy of patients with cirrhosis ascites (refractory), accelerate the absorption of ascites, reduce the values of body mass and abdominal circumference, and protect the liver and kidney functions and increase the amount of urination.

Acupuncture treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: an overview of systematic reviews based on evidence mapping.

The study attempted to evaluate the meta-analyses (MAs) of the acupuncture treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) to provide a basis for clinical decision-making. Eight databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, CQVIP, and CBM, were searched from database creation to December 22, 2023. The MAs of DPN treatment using acupuncture or acupuncture combined with conventional Western medicine were included. AMSTAR-2 and PRISMA 2020 helped evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of the included studies. The GRADE methodology helped assess the evidence quality of outcome indicators. Evidence mapping was performed to display evaluation results. A total of 18 MAs involving 23,240 DPN patients were included. Based on the methodological quality evaluation, four MAs were of "moderate" quality, seven had a quality grade of "low," and another seven were of "critically low" quality. The evidence quality evaluation showed that among studies of acupuncture vs. conventional Western medicine, four had an evidence quality of "moderate," 18 had an evidence quality of "low," and 17 had an evidence quality of "critically low" and that among studies of acupuncture + conventional Western medicine vs. conventional Western medicine, 12 had an evidence quality of "moderate," 29 had an evidence quality of "low," and 33 had an evidence quality of "critically low." Compared with conventional Western medicine, simple acupuncture and acupuncture + conventional Western medicine significantly improved total effective rate (TER) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV). Acupuncture treatment of DPN significantly improves TER and NCV with proven safety. However, the MAs of the acupuncture treatment of DPN must strictly refer to relevant standards and specifications regarding methodological and reporting quality, along with the design, execution, and reporting of primary randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Fluoxetine promotes the recovery of dysphagia and improves nutritional status and neurotrophic status in dysphagia patients after acute ischemic stroke.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fluoxetine on swallowing function, neurotrophic factors, and psychological status in patients with dysphagia after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A total of 118 patients with dysphagia after AIS who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital from July 2020 to March 2022 were selected as the study objects with 59 cases in each group. Patients in the control group underwent routine treatment and swallowing rehabilitation without fluoxetine. Patients in the study group received routine treatment, swallowing rehabilitation, and fluoxetine treatment. The quality of life was compared according to the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (CQOLI-74). Patients were followed for 90 days, and the grades were compared with the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The total effective rate of the study group was 84.75%, which was higher than that of the control group with 62.71% (χ2 = 7.394, P < 0.05). The life quality scores of the two groups were both dramatically elevated compared to those before the treatment, and the study group had a sensibly higher life quality score than the control group (P < 0.05). The proportion of grade 4~5 in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (χ2 = 492, P < 0.05). The total incidence of adverse reactions in the control group was 5.08% (3/59), which was significantly lower than that in the study group with 11.86% (7/59) (χ2 = 1.748, P = 0.186). Fluoxetine has a significant effect on the treatment of dysphagia after AIS by enhancing the recovery of dysphagia and promoting the recovery of neurological function.

Clinical efficacy of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in Parkinson's disease with cognitive impairment.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), is a new technique for invasive brain stimulation and modulation that has emerged recently, but the effects in Parkinson's disease with cognitive impairment (PD-CI) have been less observed. In this study, we collected 56 patients with PD-CI who were continuously treated with LIPUS for 8 weeks, and observed the clinical efficacy of LIPUS on PD-CI patients by comparing with the Sham stimulation continuous treatment. Fifty-six PD-CI patients were divided into the Sham group (given Sham stimulation on top of conventional medication, n = 28) and the LIPUS group (given LIPUS stimulation on top of conventional medication, n = 28), and both groups continued treatment for 8 weeks. Post-treatment efficacy and pre- and post-treatment cognitive function [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)], emotional state [Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)], quality of life [Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39)], and serologic indices [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA)] were compared. The total effective rate of the LIPUS group was higher versus that of the Sham group. In both groups, MMSE and MoCA scores increased; BDI and BAI scores decreased; UPDRS and PDQ-39 scores were reduced; the levels of 5-HT, NE, and DA were elevated. The above changes were more pronounced in the LIPUS group (all P < 0.05). The application of LIPUS on PD-CI could ameliorate patients' cognitive function, emotional state and quality of life, and regulate and optimize neurotransmitter expression levels.

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Tourette Syndrome in Children: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Despite the widespread use of acupuncture, its effectiveness and safety in treating Tourette syndrome (TS) remain controversial. Our research seeks to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture as a replacement therapy approach for children with TS. We conducted a comprehensive search for studies published from their inception to October 2023. The statistical analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted by software. Conduct a meta-analysis on the extracted data using the appropriate effect models. The meta-analysis was conducted on 26 studies consisting 1862 pediatric patients, which were selected from 976 identified articles. Acupuncture group demonstrated a significantly lower risk with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19, 0.44, P < .0001), with only 5% of participants experiencing adverse reactions. Acupuncture treatment resulted in an 18% improvement in total effectiveness rates (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = [1.12, 1.25], P < .00001). The pooled data demonstrated that acupuncture therapy had a significant advantage in reducing the total score with the weighted mean difference (WMD) -4.92 (95% CI = [-6.38, -3.45], P < .00001) of the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), the motor tic scores (WMD = -2.24, 95% CI = [-3.14, -1.35], P < .00001), the vocal tic scores (WMD: -2.34, 95% CI = [-3.31, -1.37], P < .00001), and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Scores (TCMSS) (WMD: -2.47, 95% CI = [-2.87, -2.07], P < .0001). This meta-analysis reveals that acupuncture is more effective than most existing treatments in mitigating the symptoms of motor and vocal tics in children with TS, while also reducing the incidence of adverse reactions.

Effect of easy cupping combined with pelvic floor electrical stimulation and Kegel exercise and pelvic floor muscle surface electromyography on symptoms improvement in women with stress urinary incontinence.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of easy cupping combined with pelvic floor electrical stimulation and Kegel exercises in treating female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Ninety SUI patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group (pelvic floor electrical stimulation + Kegel exercises) and the experimental group (easy cupping + pelvic floor electrical stimulation + Kegel exercises). Outcomes assessed included pelvic floor muscle strength, urinary incontinence, urinary leakage, pelvic floor muscle surface electromyography, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction before and after treatment. Results showed significant improvements in pelvic floor muscle strength, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICI-Q-SF) scores, and urinary leakage in both groups, with the experimental group showing greater improvements (P < 0.05). The experimental group also had higher pelvic floor muscle potential values and a greater total effective rate (P < 0.05). No significant differences in adverse effects were noted between groups, and patient satisfaction was higher in the experimental group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of easy cupping with pelvic floor electrical stimulation and Kegel exercises effectively enhances pelvic floor muscle strength, reduces urinary leakage, and improves patient satisfaction in women with stress urinary incontinence.

Clinical effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in the treatment of heart failure in elderly patients

BackgroundHeart failure in elderly individuals poses significant challenges due to the decline in cardiac function associated with aging. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) for the treatment of heart failure, especially in elderly patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective case control study of the medical records of 60 elderly patients with heart failure admitted to our hospital between December 2020 and December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on treatment. The control group (n = 30) received diuretics, digitalis, and β receptor blockers, while the observation group (n = 30) received lyophilized rhBNP in addition to the control group treatment. Changes in BNP levels and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsPosttreatment BNP levels were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (p < 0.05), and the total clinical effective rate was greater in the observation group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the left ventricular diameter, left atrial diameter, left ventricular shortening fraction, diastolic flow signal and cardiac output in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05), while the thickness of the aortic root diameter in the observation group was greater than that in the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionRhBNP demonstrated ideal clinical efficacy in elderly patients with heart failure, improving symptoms and indicating potential for widespread use in the future.

Analysis of the therapeutic effect of pestle needle and EEG biofeedback and methylphenidate in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

This research aimed to analyze the therapeutic effect of the pestle needle combined with electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback and methylphenidate in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Seventy-eight children with ADHD were selected and randomized into a control group and an observation group (n = 39 each). The control group received EEG biofeedback and methylphenidate treatment, whereas the observation group received pestle needle therapy on this basis. Both groups received continuous treatment for 3 mo. The clinical efficacy, scores of Conners Parents Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ), Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), EEG θ/β changes in values, serum indicators such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (CORT), and incidence of adverse reactions were compared in the two groups. The total effective rate of the observation group was 92.31% (36/39), which was higher than the control group's 69.23% (27/39) (P < 0.05). After treatment, reduced PSQ scores, PSQI scores, EEG θ/β values, and ACTH levels and elevated IVA-CPT and CORT levels were observed in both groups; the observation group had the best improvement effect after treatment (P < 0.05). Pestle needle combined with EEG biofeedback and methylphenidate in the treatment of ADHD children can elevate the IVA-CPT score, improve EEG waves and sleep quality, regulate serum indicators such as ACTH and CORT, reduce behavioral problem scores, and have high efficacy and safety.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The pestle needle combined with EEG biofeedback and methylphenidate in ADHD children can elevate the IVA-CPT score. The pestle needle combined with EEG biofeedback and methylphenidate in ADHD children can improve EEG waves. The pestle needle combined with EEG biofeedback and methylphenidate in ADHD children can improve sleep quality. The pestle needle combined with EEG biofeedback and methylphenidate in ADHD children can regulate serum indicators.

A Prospective Study on Different Doses of Gammaglobulin Plus Aspirin in the Pediatric Kawasaki Disease and the Impacts on CRP and WBC Levels

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of different doses of gammaglobulin combined with aspirin in treating pediatric Kawasaki disease and its impact on C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) levels. Methods A prospective study was conducted with 150 children (3groups) diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Group A received a higher dose of intravenous gammaglobulin (2.5 g/kg) combined with aspirin, Group B received a standard dose of intravenous gammaglobulin (2 g/kg) combined with aspirin, and Group C received a lower dose of intravenous gammaglobulin (1 g/kg) combined with aspirin. All groups received oral aspirin therapy (30 mg/kg/day) for a standard duration. The time to symptom improvement, treatment efficacy, laboratory parameters, and adverse reactions were monitored and analyzed. Results Group B showed a shorter time to symptom relief compared to Groups A and C, particularly in fever reduction, mucosal congestion, cervical lymph node enlargement, and limb symptoms. The total effective rate was higher in Group B compared to Groups A and C. Group B showed improvements in WBC, CRP, ESR, and PLT levels. Conclusion Standard-dose intravenous gammaglobulin combined with aspirin was more effective in treating pediatric Kawasaki disease compared to higher and lower doses. The treatment regimen in Group B resulted in shorter time to symptom relief, higher total effective rate, improved biochemical markers. Incidence of adverse reactions was similar among the three groups, demonstrating the safety of standard dosage.

Safety and effectiveness of dual channels vancomycin administration in the treatment of intracranial infection after severe brain injury surgery.

To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of vancomycin intravenous drip combined with vancomycin intrathecal injection in the treatment of intracranial infection after severe brain injury surgery. From January 2020 to June 2022, 80 patients with intracranial infection after severe brain injury surgery were selected and randomly divided into 2 subgroups; there were 40 patients in each subgroup. All patients were treated with vancomycin. The control subgroup was medicated with intravenous drip, and the observation subgroup was treated through 2 channels (intravenous drip + intrathecal injection), with a course of 7 days. The clinical efficacy, intracranial pressure, infection control time, routine indexes of cerebrospinal fluid (white blood cell count [WBC], glucose content [Glu], and total protein content [Pro]) and the incidence of adverse reactions were contrasted between the 2 subgroups. Versus the control subgroup, the total effective rate in the observation subgroup was notably higher (95.00% vs 77.50%). After treatment, aiming at the intracranial pressure and infection control time, versus the control subgroup (146.20 ± 22.37) mmH2O and (9.86 ± 1.62) days, the observation subgroup were (125.43 ± 18.5) mmH2O and (7.35 ± 1.57) days respectively, which were notably lower. After treatment, versus the control subgroup, the concentrations of WBC and Pro in cerebrospinal fluid in the observation subgroup were lower, and the content of Glu was higher. There was no statistical distinction in the incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 subgroups (17.50% vs 10.00%). Two-channel administration of vancomycin can improve the clinical efficacy of internal infection after severe craniocerebral injury, reduce intracranial pressure, and cerebrospinal fluid WBC and Pro levels, and has high safety.