The Effect of Electroacupuncture Treatment with Different Intensities for Functional Diarrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Electroacupuncture (EA) may have a role in the treatment of diarrhea symptoms. However, the efficacy and safety of EA with different current intensities in improving gastrointestinal function, psychology, and quality of life (QOL) of functional diarrhea (FD) remain unknown. Objective. To investigate the efficacy and safety of EA with different current intensities in improving gastrointestinal function, psychology, and QOL for FD patients. Methods. 73 FD patients were randomly divided into three groups: low current intensity group (LI) of EA, high current intensity group (HI) of EA, and loperamide control group (LC). Four weeks of treatment were provided in the three groups. The primary outcome was the proportion of normal defecation. Additional outcomes included the change from baseline for the weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) and the change from baseline for the mean Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). QOL was assessed by the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess the psychology state. Results. Low current intensity of EA significantly improved the proportion of normal defecation during treatment and follow-up period ( P < 0.01 ). EA significantly improves the mean BSFS scores and weekly SBMs, and this efficacy is equivalent to loperamide ( P < 0.05 ). The SF-36 scores of general health in LI and HI groups and vitality and mental health in LI group were significantly increased compared to baseline ( P < 0.05 ). Low current intensity of EA can significantly improve SAS and SDS scores ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusions. EA significantly improved stool consistency and weekly SBMs in FD patients. Compared with loperamide, low current intensity of EA may have a better sustainable effect in restoring normal defecation in patients with FD, and it can also effectively improve QOL, anxiety, and depression. However, larger sample sizes are needed to determine safety and efficacy. Trial registration number: NCT01274793.

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Efficacy and Safety of Jiawei Suanzaoren Decoction Combined with Lorazepam for Chronic Insomnia: A Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/3450989 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Ming-Fen Song ◽

Li-Qiong Chen ◽

Qiong-Yan Shao ◽

Lin-Lin Hu ◽

Wen-Juan Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Short Form ◽

The Self ◽

Chronic Insomnia ◽

Control Group ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Sleep Onset Latency ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Self Rating ◽

Sf 36

Background. Chronic insomnia is a major public health problem, but there are limited effective therapies. Jiawei Suanzaoren Decoction (JW-SZRD) has been used as an alternative option for treating insomnia. This study aimed to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of JW-SZRD in combination with lorazepam for chronic insomnia. Methods. A total of 207 participants were analyzed in this study. The treatment group (TG) received JW-SZRD and lorazepam orally, and the control group (CG) received lorazepam alone. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Somatic Self-rating Scale (SSS) were evaluated at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12. The MOS 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was assessed at baseline and week 12. Adverse effects (AEs) were evaluated by the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS). Results. Both TG and CG showed obvious improvements in the sleep onset latency (SOL) (P=0.001 and 0.005) and total sleep time (TST) (P=0.0001 and 0.001). However, TG was more effective than CG at weeks 8 (P=0.02 for SOL, P=0.008 for TST) and 12 (P=0.03 for SOL, P=0.04 for TST), especially in shortening SOL (Cohen’s d = 1.28). The ISI reduction rate in TG was higher than that in CG at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P=0.008, 0.001 and 0.001). After treatment, TG had lower SAS scores (P=0.0001, 0.007), less somatic symptoms (P<0.05 or 0.01), higher SF-36 scores (P<0.05 or 0.01), better compliance (P=0.0001), and less adverse effects (P<0.05 or 0.01) than those in CG. Conclusion. The combination of JW-SZRD with lorazepam can significantly improve sleep quality with fewer AEs. It is an effective treatment and superior to lorazepam alone for chronic insomnia.

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Five-Animal Frolics Exercise Improves Anxiety and Depression Outcomes in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/6937158 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Jun Jiang ◽

Qingbao Chi ◽

Yuting Wang ◽

Xue Jin ◽

Shui Yu

Keyword(s):

Coronary Heart Disease ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Short Form ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Anxiety Scale ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Control Group ◽

Self Rating ◽

Sf 36

Introduction. The patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) always have emotional implications. As the branch of traditional Chinese medicine, Five-Animal Frolics Exercise (FAE) is a popular mind-body exercise in China and shown to improve emotional wellbeing. Aim. We aimed to explore the effects of FAE on the emotional disorders of CHD patients. Methods. CHD patients were assigned into an experiment group (EG, FAE) and a control group (CG, routine nursing care). We measured serum levels of miR-124 and miR-135 and scores of the Hamilton Depression/Anxiety scale (HAMD/HAMA), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results. After a 3-month FAE intervention, serum levels of miR-124 and miR-135 and the scores of HAMD/HAMA, SAS, SDS, and PSQI in the EG group were lower than those in the CG group, while SF-36 scores in the EG group were higher than those in the CG group (p<0.05). Serum levels of miR-124 and miR-135 had a strong relationship with SAS and SDS scores (p<0.05). Discussion/Implications for Practice. The study suggests that FAE intervention controls anxiety and depression outcomes and improves life quality in CHD patients by affecting serum levels of miR-124 and miR-135.

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Quality of life as an indicator of the effects of concomitant hypertensive disease on the state of health of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Modern Gastroenterology ◽

10.30978/mg-2021-5-46 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

A. O. Rozhdestvenska

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Liver Disease ◽

Short Form ◽

Control Group ◽

Medical Outcomes ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Sf 36 ◽

The Mean ◽

Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire

Objective — to determine the effects of concomitant hypertension on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF‑36) and The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ). Materials and methods. Examinations involved 115 patients with NAFLD at the stage of non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis. The patients were divided into two groups: the main group included 63 patients with NAFLD and hypertension (32 men and 31 women, the mean age 48.4 years) and comparison group consisted of 52 patients with NAFLD (25 men and 27 women, the mean age 48.3 years). The control group consisted of 20 practically healthy people (12 women and 8 men, the mean age 47.1 years). The NAFLD duration did not significantly differ between the groups of comorbid course (6.6 years (95 % confidence interval (CI) — 5.8; 7.3)) and isolated NAFLD (7.8 years (95 % CI 6.7; 8.8)) (p = 0.086). Hypertension duration was 8.4 years (95 % CI 7.3; 9.5). Assessments included body mass index calculation (BMI) and measurements of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) arterial pressure. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF‑36) and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) were used to assess the QOL of NAFLD patients. Results. In comparison with the control group and regardless of the presence of concomitant pathology, the significant decrease in QOL scores of almost all SF‑36 scales was established in NAFLD patients. In NAFLD patients with hypertension, decrease in the QOL indicators was observed for all components of health, except for the results on the scale of physical functioning («PF»). Indicators of the total physical («PCS») and mental («MCS») health components were also significantly lower in the group with NAFLD and hypertension and amounted to 25.00 % (95 % CI 21.20; 29.60) and 44.00 % (95 % CI 42.23; 50.47) out of the maximum possible 100 %. There was a significant decrease in indicators for all domains of the CLDQ questionnaire in patients with NAFLD and hypertension compared to the isolated NAFLD and the control group. Significant inverse correlations were determined between the QOL indicators according to both questionnaires and the diseases duration, SBP, DBP levels and BMI. Conclusions. NAFLD is associated with significant deviant changes in patients’ quality of life indicators according to the SF‑36 and CLDQ questionnaires. The presence of concomitant hypertension, the duration of fatty changes in the liver, the experience of hypertension, the levels of SBP, DBP and BMI significantly worsen the QOL of patients with NAFLD. The quantitative variability of QOL components in patients with NAFLD and hypertension can negatively affect the course of the disease and reduce the effectiveness of therapeutic and rehabilitation measures.

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Auricular vagal nerve stimulation in peripheral arterial disease patients

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000660 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 46 (6) ◽

pp. 462-470 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Gerald Hackl ◽

Andreas Prenner ◽

Philipp Jud ◽

Franz Hafner ◽

Peter Rief ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Endpoint ◽

Nerve Stimulation ◽

Short Form ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Arterial Disease ◽

Walking Distance ◽

Control Group ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Peripheral Arterial ◽

Double Blinded

Abstract. Background: Auricular nerve stimulation has been proven effective in different diseases. We investigated if a conservative therapeutic alternative for claudication in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) via electroacupuncture of the outer ear can be established. Patients and methods: In this prospective, double-blinded trial an ear acupuncture using an electroacupuncture device was carried out in 40 PAD patients in Fontaine stage IIb. Twenty patients were randomized to the verum group using a fully functional electroacupuncture device, the other 20 patients received a sham device (control group). Per patient, eight cycles (1 cycle = 1 week) of electroacupuncture were performed. The primary endpoint was defined as a significantly more frequent doubling of the absolute walking distance after eight cycles in the verum group compared to controls in a standardized treadmill testing. Secondary endpoints were a significant improvement of the total score of the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) as well as improvements in health related quality of life using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results: There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The initial walking distance significantly increased in both groups (verum group [means]: 182 [95 % CI 128–236] meters to 345 [95 % CI 227–463] meters [+ 90 %], p < 0.01; control group [means]: 159 [95 % CI 109–210] meters to 268 [95 % CI 182–366] meters [+ 69 %], p = 0.01). Twelve patients (60 %) in the verum group and five patients (25 %) in controls reached the primary endpoint of doubling walking distance (p = 0.05). The total score of WIQ significantly improved in the verum group (+ 22 %, p = 0.01) but not in controls (+ 8 %, p = 0.56). SF-36 showed significantly improvements in six out of eight categories in the verum group and only in one of eight in controls. Conclusions: Electroacupuncture of the outer ear seems to be an easy-to-use therapeutic option in an age of increasingly invasive and mechanically complex treatments for PAD patients.

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Treatment of segmental tibial defects by bone transport with circular external fixation and a locking plate

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060520920407 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (4) ◽

pp. 030006052092040

Author(s):

Yao Lu ◽

Teng Ma ◽

Cheng Ren ◽

Zhong Li ◽

Liang Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

External Fixation ◽

Locking Plate ◽

Short Form ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Bone Transport ◽

Fixation Index ◽

Fixation Time ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Health Related ◽

The Mean

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of bone transport involving circular external fixation and locking plate application for the treatment of segmental tibial defects. Methods A retrospective review of 12 patients with segmental tibial defects who underwent bone transport with circular external fixation and locking plate application. We evaluated external fixation time, external fixation index, time to achieve union, and complications. Clinical results were assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of the Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) score. Generic health-related outcome was assessed using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Results The mean follow-up was 25.8 months, and the mean defect size was 6.7 cm. All of the patients achieved union at the distraction callus and docking site. The average external fixation time was 299.5 days. The mean external fixation index was 16.5 days/cm, and the mean healing index was 44.9 days/cm. The functional outcomes were excellent in eight cases and good in four. The average SF-36 score was 92. Conclusion Bone transport with external fixation and locking plate application may be a promising method for the treatment of segmental tibial defects.

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Effects of Self RehAbilitation Video Exercises (SAVE) on Functional Restorations in Patients with Subacute Stroke

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9050565 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 565

Author(s):

Seung-Hwan Jung ◽

Eunhee Park ◽

Ju-Hyun Kim ◽

Bi-Ang Park ◽

Ja-Won Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Stroke ◽

Short Form ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Control Group ◽

Early Recovery ◽

Subacute Stroke ◽

Sf 36 ◽

State Examination

Background: Additional exercise therapy has been shown to positively affect acute stroke rehabilitation, which requires an effective method to deliver increased exercise. In this study, we designed a 4-week caregiver-supervised self-exercise program with videos, named “Self rehAbilitation Video Exercises (SAVE)”, to improve the functional outcomes and facilitate early recovery by increasing the continuity of rehabilitation therapy after acute stroke. Methods: This study is a non-randomized trial. Eighty-eight patients were included in an intervention group (SAVE group), who received conventional rehabilitation therapies and an additional self-rehabilitation session by watching bedside exercise videos and continued their own exercises in their rooms for 60 min every day for 4 weeks. Ninety-six patients were included in a control group, who received only conventional rehabilitation therapies. After 4 weeks of hospitalization, both groups assessed several outcome measurements, including the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary of the Short-Form Survey 36 (SF-36), Mini-Mental State Examination, and Beck Depression Inventory. Results: Differences in BBS, MBI, and PCS components in SF-36 were more statistically significant in the SAVE group than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Patients in the SAVE group showed more significant improvement in BBS, MBI, and PCS components in SF-36 as compared to that in the control group. Conclusions: This evidence-based SAVE intervention can optimize patient recovery after a subacute stroke while keeping the available resources in mind.

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Quality of life in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20130045 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 71 (6) ◽

pp. 392-396 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Juliana B. Taniguchi ◽

Valeria M.C. Elui ◽

Flavia L. Osorio ◽

Jaime E.C. Hallak ◽

Jose A.S. Crippa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Short Form ◽

Control Group ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Charcot Marie Tooth ◽

Social And Emotional ◽

Charcot Marie Tooth Disease ◽

Sf 36 ◽

And Gender

We assessed the functional impairment in Charcot-Marie-Tooth resulting from 17p11.2-p12 duplication (CMT1A) patients using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), which is a quality of life questionnaire. Twenty-five patients of both genders aged ≥10 years with a positive molecular diagnosis of CMT1A were selected. Age- and gender-matched Control Group (without family history of neuropathy), and the sociodemographic and professional conditions similar to the patients' group were selected to compare the SF-36 results between them. The results showed that the majority quality of life impairments in CMT1A patients occurred in the social and emotional domains. Functional capacity also tended to be significantly affected; other indicators of physical impairment were preserved. In conclusion, social and emotional aspects are mostly neglected in the assistance provided to CMT1A Brazilian patients, and they should be better understood in order to offer global health assistance with adequate quality of life as a result.

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Quality of Sleep and Quality of Life during Pregnancy

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association ◽

10.17340/jkna.2020.3.4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 188-193

Author(s):

Keun Tae Kim ◽

Hyoeun Bae ◽

Jin Gon Bae ◽

Yong Won Cho

Keyword(s):

Sleep Quality ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Short Form ◽

Life Quality ◽

Control Group ◽

Quality Of Sleep ◽

Third Trimester ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sf 36

Background: The prevalence of sleep disorders increases as pregnancy progresses, which affects the health of pregnant women, fetal health, and the outcomes of pregnancy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of sleep and life in pregnant women in Korea.Methods: This study is a prospective cross-sectional, case-control study of pregnant women and age-matched controls. From July to September 2019, all participants completed Korean-language versions of the sleep questionnaires including Pittsburgh sleep quality index (K-PSQI), Insomnia severity index, Epworth sleepiness scale, Back’s depression inventory-2(K-BDI), STOP (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apneas, and high blood Pressure), and short-form 36 (K-SF-36).Results: A total of 422 participants consisted of 385 pregnant women and 137 controls. Second and third trimester were 200 and 185, respectively. K-PSQI scores were higher in pregnant women compared with the controls (7.87±3.49 and 8.50±3.55 vs. 5.79±2.76, <i>p</i><0.001). Total score of K-SF-36 was lowest in third trimester (62.07±17.72) and highest in the control group(79.41±13.36). There was no statistical difference between groups in K-BDI.Conclusions: This study demonstrated worsening of sleep quality as well as life quality during pregnancy. More attention to sleep of pregnant women is needed.

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Efficacy and Safety of Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla) in Women With Blood Deficient Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.718154 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Li Zhang ◽

Zhongju Xu ◽

Tao Jiang ◽

Jialu Zhang ◽

Pinxian Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Blood Cell ◽

Control Group ◽

Placebo Control ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Double Blind ◽

Placebo Control Group ◽

Sf 36

Equus asinus L [Equidae; Asini Corii Colla] (donkey-hide gelatin, Ejiao), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to nourish the blood, especially for women. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Ejiao in blood-deficient patients. A total of 210 participants were recruited and randomly allocated into the placebo control group and Ejiao-treated group (6 g/day). The primary outcomes on the efficacy of Ejiao included traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, blood indicators, and SF-36. The secondary outcomes were changes in fireness and safety evaluation. Results showed that Ejiao treatment for 8 weeks had significantly improved dizziness symptoms. Among the tested 24 blood biochemical parameters, the hematocrit and red blood cell numbers decreased in the placebo control group, but decreased significantly less in the Ejiao treatment group. The white blood cell and neutrophil counts increased in the Ejiao group but were within the normal range. In addition, the quality of life improved as the scores in SF-36 domains were significantly higher in the Ejiao group. At the same time, there was no significant change in the fire–heat symptoms score or other safety parameters. Considering all these, our study showed that Ejiao has a promising effect in women suffering from blood deficiency without obvious adverse effects.

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Early Outcomes Following Dorsal Denervation of the Midfoot for Management of Arthritic Pain

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011419s00383 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011419S0038

Author(s):

Glenn G. Shi ◽

Arun Kumar ◽

Meredith A. Williams ◽

Benjamin K. Wilke ◽

Joseph L. Whalen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pain Relief ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Nonoperative Management ◽

Short Form ◽

Safe Alternative ◽

Sf 36 ◽

The Mean ◽

Protective Sensation ◽

And Function ◽

Complications Rate

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Debilitating midfoot arthritic pain is reported to affect up to 12% of adults over 50 years. After failure of nonoperative management, midfoot arthrodesis has been favored as the primary operative treatment producing acceptable outcomes with associated potentially long postoperative immobilization and 17% major complications rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pain and functional outcomes of dorsal midfoot surgical denervation by deep peroneal neurectomy as a safe alternative for management of dorsal midfoot pain. Methods: In this retrospective study, 18 patients (21 feet) who underwent dorsal denervation of the midfoot by deep peroneal neurectomy by a single surgeon were evaluated. There were 13 women and 5 men with mean age 70.4 (range, 47 to 88) at the time of surgery. Indications for the procedure include painful midfoot arthritis, lack of radiographic collapse, intact plantar protective sensation, failed nonoperative management for 6 months, and greater than 75% transient pain relief from preoperative diagnostic block of deep peroneal nerve. Preoperative and postoperative (3 months, 6 months) Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Short- Form 36 (SF-36), and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were reviewed. Complications were recorded. Results: The mean VAS score improved from 7.4 +/-1.9 to 1.9 +/-1.9 at 3 months and 1.4 +/-1.9 at 6 months (p<0.001). Six patients reported being pain free (VAS=0) at 3 months. All subscales of FAOS showed significant improvement at both 3 and 6 months (Table 1). The mean SF-36 total score improved from 51.4 +/-17.9 to 72.5 +/-7.6 and 74.5 +/-7.5 at 3 and 6 months respectively (p<0.001). Available radiographs at 6 months showed no further collapse. Complications include one patient with delayed wound healing and another patient with inadequate pain relief. No patients reported symptomatic paresthesia. Conclusion: Deep peroneal neurectomy for dorsal midfoot denervation is a safe and effective alternative to arthrodesis for management of dorsal arthritic midfoot pain showing significant improvements in both pain and functional outcomes at early follow up. Our study demonstrated clinical and function outcomes similar to those previously reported for arthrodesis yet with the advantages of earlier postoperative weightbearing and lower complication rate.

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