Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research

Editor-in-Chief & Founder
Yoshiaki Omura, M.D., Sc.D., F.A.C.A., F.I.C.A.E., F.A.A.I.M., F.R.S.M., D.A.B.F., A.B.F.M.
Mailing address: 800 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
Phone (212) 781-6262, Fax (212) 923-2279
icaet@yahoo.com

President, International College of Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics; Director of Medical Research, Heart Disease Foundation; Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Community & Preventive Medicine, New York Medical College; Professor, Dept. of Non-Orthodox Medicine, Ukrainian National Medical University; Executive Board Member & Chairman of the Eastern Medicine Advisory Board of the American Association of Integrative Medicine (A.A.I.M.); Former Visiting Research Professor, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Manhattan College, New York, NY, USA; Former Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL, USA; Former Visiting Professor, Dept. of Psycho-physiology, University of Paris, Paris, France

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES:
Motomu Ohki, M.Sc (Applied Chemistry, Tokyo University), F.I.C.A.E. (Honor) &
Kamila Paluch, M.S. (Bioengineering, Columbia University

Main Editor Representing China
Haifa Qiao, MD, MM
Dean and Distinguished Professor, College of Acupuncture, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xixian Area, Shaanxi, China

EDITORS:

Andersson, Sven, M.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. of Neurophysiology, Dept. of Physiology, Univ. of Goteborg, Gotborg, Sweden
Araujo, M. Sanchez, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Pres., Latin Ameri-can Societies (FLASMA), & Integral Health & Therapeutics Research Inst. (INSIT), Caracas, Venezuela
Atsumi, Kazuhiko, M.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., former Dir.and Prof. Institute of Medical Electronics, Univ. of Tokyo, Hongo Bankyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
Becker, Robert O., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Consultant Biomed.Science, former Prof. Orthopedic Surgery, Upstate Med. Ctr., Starroute, Lowville, NY, USA
Beyens, Francais, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Ex-President, Belgian Assoc. of Med. Acupuncturists, Bruxelles, Belgium
Borrmann, Robert, Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./former Chairman, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Manhattan College, Bronx, NY, USA
Cao, Xiao-Ding, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./Chairwoman, Dept. of Acupuncture Analgesia and former Dean of Basic Med. Science, Shanghai Med. Univ. Shanghai, PRC
Ceccherelli, Francesco, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Research Professor, Institute of Anesthesiology and Reanimation and Regulatory Center on Complementary Medicine, University of Padova, Via C. Battisti, 267-35121 Padova, Italy
Chang, Hsiang-Tung, Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./Director, Shanghai Brain Research Institute Academia Sinica 319, Yo-Yang Road, Shanghai, PRC
Chen, Gong-Bai, M.D., Sc.D., F.I.C.A.E, former Prof. of Neurosurgery and Ex-President of Inst. of Neurology and of Hua Shan Hospital, Shanghai Med. Univ., PRC
Chen, Yemeng, C.M.D., L.A.C., F.I.C.A.E., Academic Dean, New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mineola, NY, USA
Chun, Sae-il, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof & Director, Rehabilitation Hospital, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Cohen, Marc, M.B.B.S. (Hons.), Ph.D., BmedSc (Hons.), F.A.M.A.S., DipAC, F.I.C.A.E., Head of Dept. of Complementary Medicine, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
Crul, Jan, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./Chairman, Dept. of Anesthesiology, Radabout Zickehuls Katholic Univ., Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Cyong, J., M.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Chairman of Lab. Immunopharmacology, Oriental Med. Res. Ctr. of the Kitasato Inst., Tokyo, Japan
de Smul, Andre, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof., Dept. of Surgery, Pain Clinic, Akademisch Ziekenhuis, Vrije Univ., Brussels, Belgium
Doenicke, Alfred, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./Director of the Institute for Anesthesiology, Polyclinic, Munich Univ., Munich, Germany
Farber, Paulo L., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Director/Coordinator, Acupuncture Research Dept., Div. Obstetrics & Gynecology, Univ. of Sao Paulo Med. School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Floter, Thomas, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., President, Schmerz Therapeutisches Kolloquium Pain Treatment Ctr., Frankfurt Main, Germany
Genazzani, Andrea R., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Pres., Intl. Soc. of Gynecological Endocrinology, E.I.C. Gynecological Endocrinology, Prof. Inst. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Univ. of Modena, Modena, Italy
Giron, Giampiero, P., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. and Director, Instituto Di Anesthesiologia E Rianimazione, and Regulatory Center on Complementary Medicine, University of Padova, Via C. Battisti, 267-35121 Padova, Italy
Gleditsch, Jochen, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., former Pres., German Physicians Acupuncture Assoc., Munchen 2, Germany
Greenfield, William, D.D.S., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./Assoc. Dean for Hospital and Extramural Affairs, New York Univ. Dental Ctr., New York, NY, USA
Gunn, C. Chan, M.A., A.B., M.C., Chir., F.I.C.A.E., Prof., University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA & Gunn Pain Clinic, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Hayhoe, Simon, B.S., M.B., M.R.C.S., I.C.R.P., F.I.C.A.E., Ex-Chairman & Treasurer, ICMA, British Med. Acupuncture Society, Dept. of Anesthetics, Essex County Hosp., Colchester, UK
Hegyi, Gabriella, M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc., Head of Dept of CAM, Pecs University, Health Science Faculty, Hungary
Hisamitsu, Tadashi, M.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./Chairman, Dept. of Physiology, School of Med., Showa Univ., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Hui, S. C., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., former Pres., Western Australian Med. Acupuncture Society, Nedlands, Western Australia
Iliev, Emil, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Chairman, Bulgarian Society of Traditional Chinese Med., Sofia, Bulgaria
Jojima, Takashi, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., former Pres., Brazilian Med. Acupuncture Assoc., Ave. Paes de Rarros, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Junnila, Seppo, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Pres., Finnish Med. Acupuncture Soc. and Mgr. of Salo District Health Care Center, Salo, Finland
Kaada, Birger, M.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. of Neurophysiology, Lab. of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rogaland Central Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
Kim, Ki Ho, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., F.A.A.P.M.R., Director, Kim Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Livingston, NJ, USA
Klaus, Wolfgang, M.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. and Chairman, Dept. of Pharmacology, Univ. of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
Lee, Matthew, M.D., M.P.H., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./Dir. of Rehabilitation Med., Goldwater Memorial Hospital, New York Univ. Med. Center, and Pres., American Academy of Acupuncture, New York, NY, USA
Lisenyuk, Victor, M.D., Sc.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./Chairman, Dept. of Non-Orthodox Med., Ukrainian National Med. Univ., Kiev, Ukraine
Lu, Dominic P., D.D.S., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof of Oral Medicine, Univ. of Pennsylvania; Director of Medical and Dental Externship Education and Chief of Special Care Dentistry, Lehigh Valley Hospital
Lundberg, Thomas, NI.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Physiology II, Karolinska Inst., Stockholm, Sweden
Mamtani, Ravi, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. of Clinical Preventive Med., Dir. of Med. Acupuncture Program, New York Med. College, Valhalla, NY, USA
Marcus, Paul, M.D., former Chairman, British Med. Acupuncture Soc., Admin., Newton House, Warrington, Cheshire, England
Maric-Oehler, Walburg, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Pres. German Med. Acupuncture Assoc., Bad Homburg, Germany
Mayroher, Otto, M.D., Dr. N.C. Mult., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. and Chairman, Inst. of Anesthesiology, Univ. of Vienna, Austria
Melzack, Ronald, Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. of Psychology, McGill Univ., Montreal, Canada
Muteki, Gousuke, M.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. Emeritus & Former Chairman, Dept. of Anesthesiology & Dir. of Emergency Intensive Care Unit, Kurume Univ., Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
Nappi, Giuseppe, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., E.I.C., Functiona Neurology, Prof. & Dir., 1st. Neurologic Ctr. Mondino, Univ. of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Negro, Francesco E., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Pres., 4th World Congress of Scientific Acupuncture of ICMART 90, Pres. of the Italian Acupuncture Soc., Rome, Italy
Needham, Joseph, F.R.S., F.A.B., F.I.C.A.E., Sometime Master of Gonville and Caius College and Dir., East Asian History of Sci. Library, Cambridge Univ., UK
NG, Lorenz, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., former Chairman of Intra-Mural Res. Lab., Natl. Inst. on Drug Abuse, Rockville, MD, USA
Niboyet, J., M.D., Sc.D., F.I.C.A.E., President of Mediterranean Acupuncture Assoc., Marseilles, France
Nissel, H., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Pres., Austrian Soc. of Acupuncture & Auricular Medicine, Ludwig Boltzmann Acupuncture Inst., Vienna, Austria
Nogier, Paul., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Pres. Groupe Lyonnais d’Etudes Medicales, E.I.C., Auriculo-Medecine, Lyon, France
Nordenstrom, Bjorn E. W., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., former Chairman, Nobel Committee, Karolinska Inst., Stockholm, Prof. Emeritus of Diagnostic Radiology, Karolinska Inst., Stockholm, Sweden
Orkin, Louis, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., former Prof./former Chairman, Dept. of Anesthesiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
Otsuka, Yasuo, M.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Dir. Oriental Med., Inst. Kampo Med., Dept., Kitasato Univ., 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Peng, Alfred, M.D,, F.I.C.A.E., former Pres. NY Society of Acupuncture for Physicians & Dentists, St Luke’s Hospital, New York, NY, USA
Pontinen, P. J., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Pres. Nordic Med. Acupuncture Soc. and Assoc. Prof. of Anesthesiology, Univ. of Kuopio, Finland
Procacci, Paolo, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. Univ. degli Studi di Firenze, Cattedra de Terapia Medica Sistematica, Viale G.B. Firenze, Italy
Qiao, Haifa, M.D., Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine College of Acupuncture, China
Rabischong, Pierre, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./Chairman of Dept. of Anatomy and Dean of the Faculty of Med., Univ. of Montpellier, Dir. of Biomechanics, Res. Unit of INSERM at Montpellier, Montpellier, France
Redfearn, Edward, B.A., M.B.B., Chir. (Camb) DRCOG, F.I.C.A.E, Ex-Chairman, British Med. Acupuncture Soc., Birmingham, England
Samosyuk, Ivan A., M.D., Sc.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof., Dept. of Neuropathology & Reflexotherapy, Kiev State Inst. for Post Graduate Studies of Physicians, Doragozhitskaya St. Kiev, Ukraine
Schnorrenberger, Claus C., M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Past Pres. of German Physicians Acupuncture Assoc., Frieburg, Germany
Shibutani, Kinichi, M.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. Anesthesiology & Dir. of Pain Clinic, Westchester County Med. Ctr., New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
Skokijev, Antonije, M.D., Sc.D., F.I.C.A.E., Pres. of the Yugoslavian Med. Acupuncture Society and Prof. and Dir of Clinic for Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Military Med. Academy, Belgrade, Yugoslavia
Soulairac, Andre, M.D., Sc.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. and Chairman, Dept. of Psycho-Physiology, Faculty of Sci., Univ. of Paris VI, Paris, France
Spiegel, Edward, D.D.S., F.I.C.A.E., Former Chairman, CME Courses of American Academy of Head, Neck and Facial Pain, Erie, PA
Studer, Elizabeth, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Pres. Med. Acupuncture Soc. of Switzerland, Lugond, Switzerland
Takeshige, Chifuyu, M.D., Ph.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof. Emeritus and former Dean of Physiology Dept., School of Med., Showa Univ., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tobler, Paul, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Dozent for General Med., Univ. of Zurich & Univ. of Bern Zurich, Switzerland
Travell, Janet, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Emeritus Clinical Prof. of Med., George Washington Univ., Washington, DC, USA
Trachtenberg, Alan I., M.D., M.P.H., Medical Officer, N.I.H. on Drug Abuse, 6120 Executive Blvd., Suite 450, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
Tsuchiya, Mitsuharu, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., President of the Federation of Portugese Acupuncture & Moxibusion Av. Colegio Militar, 20 A-r/c. DT-Loja-1500 Lisboa, Portugal
Xuetai, Wang, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof./Vice Dir., Expert Comm. of China, Academy of Traditional Chinese Med., Former President of China Acupuncture & Moxibustion Society, Bejing, China
Yamamura, Hideo, M.D,. H.D., F.I.C.A.E., Prof Emeritus, former Chairman, Dept. of Anesthesiology; former Dean, School of Med. Tokyo Univ.; Pres., All Japan Acupuncture Society Tokyo, Japan

CO-FOUNDER

Alfred L. Copley, M.D., Dr. Med.h.c. (Heidelberg Univ.) F.I.C.A.E. (deceased)

CORRESPONDING EDITORS

Beckman, Sandra, M.A. (Speech Pathology), M.A. (Educational Computer Science), Campus Coordinator for Distance Learning in Communicative Disorders, Dept. of Human Services, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, USA; Former Adjunct Assistant Prof., Dept. of Communication Disorders & Sciences, Adelphi University, Manhattan Center
Camp, Virginia, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Wycombe General Hosp., High Wycombe Bucks, England
Glennie-Smith, Keith, M.B., B.S., F.F.A.R.C.S., F.I.C.A.E., Consultant Anesthesist, Dept. of Anesthesiology, Poole General Hosp., Dorset, England
Grant, Alan, M.B., F.I.C.A.E., c/o Prof. Andre Soulairac, Dept. of Psychophysiology, Faculty of Science, Univ. of Paris VI, France
Jungck, Dietrich, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Vice-Pres., Schmerz-Theraputisches Kolloquium, Clinic for Pain Treatement, 2000 Hamburg I, Germany
Merrick, Pipsisewa, M.Sc., Ph.D., Dept. of Biology, Univ. of North Carolina, NC, USA
Nakajima, Hiroaki, M.D., Ph.D., Dir. of Pulmonary Div. & Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Med., School of Med., Showa Univ., Tokyo, Japan
Nihrane, Abdallah, Ph.D., F.IC.A.E. Visiting Associate Prof. Integrative Medicine, ICAET, Adjunct Associate Prof., Microbiology, New York City College of Technology, CUNY, New York, Former Assistant Prof., Dept. of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, Former Visiting Scientist, NIH, NIAID, Bethesda, MD, USA
Omura, Alexander K., M.D., Dir., Dept. of Anesthesiology, Benefis Hosp., 4631 Fox Farm Road, Great Falls, MT, USA
Shimotsuura, Tasuhiro, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Exec. Secretary, Japan Bi-Digital O-Ring Test Assoc., Dir., Dept. of Med., St. Maria Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
Sola, Anders, M.D., F.I.C.A.E., Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Anesthesiology, School of Med., Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA (former Pain Specialist, U.S. Air Force)

Due to Covid-19 and reorganization of the Editorial Office of the journal, any papers submitted as of September 27, 2021 will have an unusually long delay before it can be considered as a submission. 

We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Submission Requirements

Authors are requested to submit the original manuscript (and revised manuscript if needed) electronically via email to inquiries@cognizantcommunication.com. The manuscript, including text, figures, tables and figure legends, should be prepared in Microsoft Word format.

Please view this sample of an article published in Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research, Volume 45, #1, pp. 3-14 before sending in your submission: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/cog/aetr/2020/00000045/00000001/art00002

The paper should have the following sections:

1. Title of Article

2. Names of authors with academic degrees followed by institutional affiliation

3. Contact information of person to contact (name, academic degree, address, telephone #, fax #, and email)

4. Tentative date of manuscript received by editor’s office and tentative date of acceptance in parentheses

5. Abstract (preferably less than 250 words)

6. Keywords (6 pertinent keywords)

7. Introduction

8. Materials & Methods

9. Results

10. Discussion

11. Conclusion

12. Acknowledgment

13. References

Every paper must have this basic format. Any paper without experimental or clinical research setup shown by good schematic diagrams or actual photographs with captions that are easy to understand and that provide information about how the research was carried out will not be accepted. Materials & Methods should have enough information to reproduce the research by other scientists. For these materials and methods, if electrical or electromagnetic field stimulation is used, they should provide electrical parameters as well as electromagnetic field parameters and wave forms of the stimulating electrical pulses or electromagnetic field pulses.

After suggested revisions for improvement, once the paper is going to be officially accepted for publication, please adhere to the guidelines below:

Submission Requirements: Authors are requested to submit the original manuscript (and revised manuscript if needed) electronically via email to  inquiries@cognizantcommunication.com  The manuscript, including text, figures, tables and figure legends, should be prepared in Microsoft Word format.

Include a cover letter, and insert “Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research Submission” in the subject line of the email. The cover letter should contain the name, address, telephone #, fax # and email address of the author responsible for correspondence. Follow the General Manuscript Form guidelines below to prepare the manuscript, figures, and tables.

When the manuscript is accepted for publication, the author(s) will be required to provide a high-resolution PDF file. Manuscripts are accepted for consideration with the understanding that they have not been published elsewhere except in abstract form and are not concurrently under review elsewhere. Material accepted for publication will not be released publicly prior to its appearance in the journal.

General Manuscript Form: Papers should be typed in English with at least 3-cm (1 1/8 in.) margins on paper approximately 22 × 28 cm (8 1/2 × 11 in.) in size. Please consult the most recent issue of the journal for style and format. Number all pages consecutively, beginning with the title page. Use metric units of measure; other units may be given in parentheses. Typically, only three levels of headings are recognized. The paper should be organized as follows:

Title Page: First, before the title of the article, leave a 2-inch margin from the top of the page (for publisher reference information). The title should be brief and specific. The title page should contain in the following order: title (centered in bold, size 14, font Times New Roman), a space, the name(s), academic degree(s) (in bold) and affiliation(s) of author(s) including city, state, postal code, and country should appear (not in bold, centered in size 12 font Times New Roman). Following this, each co-author should be listed in the same way with a space between each author. Also indicate the author to whom correspondence should be addressed, with complete mailing address, telephone #,
fax # and e-mail address. Please include “Date Received” (approximate date the manuscript is to arrive at the editorial office) & “Date Accepted” (approximately 3 months after the date received) in parentheses. These dates will be tentative and subject to change. Leave an empty space before the abstract.

Abstract: The subtitle “ABSTRACT:” should be bold and written starting in the left margin. An abstract of 300 words or less should follow below (as a separate line) and be lined up with the colon from “ABSTRACT:”. It should contain a concise summary of the methods, results, conclusions, and other significant points. Any unfamiliar abbreviated word should not be used without giving corresponding original word in parenthesis.

Key Words: For the purpose of proper covering of indexing periodicals, provide 6-8 key words immediately following the abstract, with a space in between, and margins lined up with the text of the abstract. Use a semi-colon in between the key words and the first letter of each key word should be capitalized.

Text: Arrange the text with main headings of Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, list of Conclusions, Acknowledgments (and source of funding), References, Tables, and Figures. Pages should always reach full margins. Place figures/tables as close to the text reference as possible, however they can be moved to the next page in order to avoid a page being too short. Use generic names of drugs. Give name, City, State, and Country of the manufacturer of any chemicals, equipment or software mentioned in the text. Define all nonstandard abbreviations the first time they appear in the text.

References/Reference List: Within the text references should be cited with sequential numbers in parentheses. The reference list should be numbered sequentially by order of appearance in the text. Follow the style samples given below. Journal citations in the reference list should contain the following: (a) surnames and initials of all authors (surnames precede initials); (b) title of article; (c) journal title should not be abbreviated; (d) volume, inclusive pages and year. Journal’s name and Book’s title should be underlined.

Journal Article:

1. Omura, Y., Pathophysiology of acupuncture treatment: Effects of Acupuncture on Cardiovascular and Nervous systems. Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research,
The International Journal. Vol 1, pp. 55-141, 1975.

Book:

1. Sambrook, J.; Fritsch, E. F.; Maniatis, T. Molecular cloning: A laboratory manual,
2nd ed. Cold Spring Harbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 1989.

Chapter in Edited Book:

1. Den Otter, E.; Dullens Hub, F. J.; Van Govern, H.; Pels, E. Antitumor effects of macrophages injected into animals: A review. In: MacBride, J. K.; Stuart, A., eds.
The macrophage and cancer. Edinburgh: Econoprint; 1987:119–141.

Tables: Tables should be numbered and cited sequentially in the text. Avoid very wide or long tables that would not fit a printed page. Each table should have a title, and each column in the table should have a brief heading. Define all abbreviations in the table footnote at the bottom of the table. (Text within tables and figures should be font size 12; font size smaller than 11 will not be accepted.)

Figures: Figures should be numbered and cited sequentially in the text. Use figures/photos which are high-quality. Avoid light lettering and shading that will not reproduce well. Complex formulas should be prepared as illustrations. Care must be taken that letters and other symbols do not become so small that they are illegible when the figure is reduced (by 25%). All figures/photos will be printed in black & white unless otherwise noted by author. The author is required to bear the costs for the publication of color figures. An “Author Option” form will be provided upon acceptance for open access, color figures and offprint options. If no color will be used for the final print of the publication, there will be no cost to the author; as long as the figures are in black & white, the publisher will not charge any fees even if there are many figures (more than 10). However, please make sure that if there are more than 2 curves in a figure, you are able to differentiate between the 2 without color.

Figure Legends: The figure legend should be as clear as possible and should fully describe the contents of the figure. If the figure is from a previously published article, indicate that permission has been obtained from the original publisher.  Center figure legend under figures.

Permissions: If data from any other source is used in tables or figures it is the responsibility of the author(s) to obtain permission to reproduce such material. Provide proof that permission has been granted from the original publisher and indicate the source.

Final Accepted Manuscript/Disk: The final manuscript file must be submitted to the Editorial office in a high-resolution pdf file. Ensure that the hard copy and electronic file match exactly.

Copyright: Publications are copyrighted for the protection of the authors and the publisher. A Transfer of Copyright Agreement will be sent to the author whose manuscript is accepted for publication. This form must be completed and returned to the Editor before the article can be published. Although every effort is made by the publisher and editorial board to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement appears in this Journal, they wish to make it clear that the data and opinions appearing in the articles and advertisments herein are the sole responsibility of the contributor or advertiser concerned. Accordingly, the publisher, the editorial board, editors, and their respective employees, officers, and agents accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the consequences of any such inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement.All authors are encouraged to subscribe to our journal (for 2 years, including the year the author’s article will appear). For authors & co-authors, the subscription is a special reduced price of $150 for a 2-year subscription.

Acupuncture & Electro-therapeutics Research (ACUP) Peer Review Policy

To maintain high peer reviewing standards, ACUPUNCTURE & ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS RESEARCH (ACUP) uses an open review process, whereby the identity of the reviewers is known to the authors and authors identities are known to the reviewers. Peer review is defined as the evaluation of scientific, academic, or professional work by others working in the same field to ensure the publication of high-quality scientific research.

The ACUP peer review process is as follows:

An article is first examined by the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) and 2-3 Editorial Board members to ensure the submission meets the Aims of the journal and formatting, etc. is in order.

The EIC selects at least 3 reviewers based on key words, article content and peer review track record. to provide a detailed assessment of the paper. The reviewers are always experts in their field and may be members of the ACUP Editorial Board. Reviewers will have no history of conflict with the authors of the paper and are in good standing, based on their scholarly track record.

The comments from the reviewers will be received within 2-3 weeks. They are delivered to the EIC who draws upon these comments to assess the merit of the manuscript, along with their own assessment. Special attention is given to declarations of potential conflict of interest. Where applicable, the EIC will verify statements about appropriate approvals received in the case of research using human subjects. Likewise, claims about the use of appropriate statistical testing are ensured.

On receipt of relevant and sufficient reviewer comments, the EIC will reach a decision based on a close examination and a determination is then conveyed to the authors. The authors receive detailed comments along with the final decision: accept, accept with minor revision, accept with major revision, or rejection.

Prospective ACUP reviewers have the opportunity to read and evaluate current research in their area of expertise when it is at an early stage, thereby contributing to the integrity of scientific exploration. Anyone interested in becoming a reviewer for ACUP is invited to contact Yoshiaki Omura, M.D., Sc.D., F.A.C.A., F.I.C.A.E., F.A.A.I.M., F.R.S.M., D.A.B.F., A.B.F.M.
Mailing address: 800 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
Phone (212) 781-6262, Fax (212) 923-2279
icaet@yahoo.com

ETHICS STATEMENT

The publishers and editorial board of Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research have adopted the publication ethics and malpractice statements of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) https://publicationethics.org/core-practices. These guidelines highlight what is expected of authors and what they can expect from the reviewers and editorial board in return. They also provide details of how problems will be handled. Briefly:

Author Responsibilities: Authors listed on a manuscript must have made a significant contribution to the study and/or writing of the manuscript. During revisions, authors cannot be removed without their permission and that of the other authors. All authors must also agree to the addition of new authors.  It is the responsibility of the corresponding author to ensure that this occurs.

Financial support and conflicts of interest for all authors must be declared.  Further information on this can be obtained from the International Committee for Medical Journal Editors (http://www.icmje.org/).

The reported research must be novel and authentic and the authors should confirm that the same data has not been and is not going to be submitted to another journal (unless already rejected).  Statements made in the introduction and discussion should be supported by appropriate references and sufficient experimental detail should be provided to allow for repetition of the study by another group. Plagiarism of the text/data will not be tolerated and could result in retraction of an accepted article. Any text or figures reproduced for another source require the permission of the original copyright holders (normally the publishers).

Any manipulation of figures should be equally applied and described in the text including pseudo coloring and must not change the meaning of the figure.

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Volume 46, Number 4

Visualized Analysis of Research Hotspots in Acupuncture-Neuro Immunoregulation Based on Bibliometrics – 259
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16281724938078

Tian-Qi Wang, PhD,* Li-Ming Sun, PhD,† Le-Xin Hao, PhD Candidate,‡ Yuan Guo, PhD Candidate,§ Yue Zhang, PhD Candidate,§ and Xin Feng, PhD¶

*Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 100053
†School of Languages and Culture, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China 050031
‡Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China 050000
§Hebei University of Geosciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China 050000
¶Associate Professor, School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China 066004

Objective: To review the development of acupuncture and moxibustion-neural network regulation research systematically and comprehensively in China. Method: This study adopted co-word analysis, cluster analysis and other bibliometric methods such as SATI3.2, Citespace and Gephi to visually demonstrate the annual publication volume, cooperation between institutions and co-authorship in the field of acupuncture-neuro immunoregulation research based on the data of more than 70 papers on related topics covering a period of 24 years from 1997 to 2020 in China. Results: The results show that there are three major research institutions in the field of acupuncture-neuro immunoregulation, namely Shanghai, Zhejiang and Heilongjiang Universities of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as 7 clusters, including immune function, acupuncture therapy and endogenous opioid peptide. In the future research, a more comprehensive system will be constructed based on the gradually clear relationship between meridians and nerve regulation, humoral regulation, and immune regulation. Application practice will combine traditional acupuncture with modern medicine to create a variety of new therapies, such as electroacupuncture, electric acupuncture, and acupoint injection. Conclusion: The research focus will be expanded on how to improve the clinical efficacy of multiple combined therapies such as acupuncture for the prevention and treatment of diseases through the regulation of immune cells and immune molecules as well as the regulation of the “acupuncture-meridianneuroendocrine-immune” network.

Key words: acupuncture; neuro immunoregulation; bibliometric analysis

Influence of Electroacupuncture on Acupoints of Yanglingquan (GB34) on Gallbladder Volume and Gallbladder Arterial Hemodynamics in Patients With Chronic Cholecystitis – 271
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16281724938122

Hong-Chun Zhang, Yi-Tong Wang, Zi-Yang Cao

Department of Ultrasound, The Second People’s Hospital of Liaocheng, Linqing 252600 China

Introduction: In China, patients with chronic cholecystitis account for approximately 10% of the total population, in which over 90% of cholecystitis is caused by cholelithiasis. This study aimed to discuss the possible mechanism of electroacupuncture on the Yanglingquan acupoint promoting gallbladder contractibility of patients with chronic cholecystitis. Methods: 60 patients were randomly divided into a trial group and a control group. Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler blood flow imaging was applied. The trial group adopted the BT701-1B electroanesthesia apparatus to perform electroacupuncture on the bilateral acupoints of Yanglingquan, while electroacupuncture was made on sham acupoints in the control group. Results: Before the electroacupuncture, gallbladder volume was 49.6 ± 5.66 ml, after 15 min and 30 min of electroacupuncture, the gallbladder volume was then 32.9 ± 5.66 ml and 23.0 ± 2.83 ml respectively. The comparison before and after electroacupuncture was obviously and statistically different (P < 0.01). The comparison between after 15 min and 30 min is obviously statistically different (P < 0.01). Before the electroacupuncture, the gallbladder artery Vmax, Vmin, and RI were 18.4 ± 2.69 cm/s, 9.7 ± 0.07 cm/s, and 0.47 ± 0.06, respectively; the cystic artery Vmax, Vmin, and RI after 30 min were 8.1 ± 0.92 cm/s, 3.1 ± 0.57 cm/s, and 0.61 ± 0.02. The comparison in gallbladder artery Vmax and Vmin and the drag index (RI) before and after electroacupuncture was obviously and statistically different (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Electroacupuncture on the acupoints of Yanglingquan has the potential to promote the emptying of the gallbladder. The mechanism may be related to that the smooth muscle of the gallbladder contracts after electroacupuncture and the gallbladder empties.

Keywords: randomized clinical trial; electroacupuncture; acupoints of Yanglingquan (GB34); chronic cholecystitis; gallbladder volume; gallbladder arterial hemodynamics

Discussion on the Theoretical Basis for Acupuncture to Improve Knee Osteoarthritis from “Intestinal Microecology” – 295
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16281724938195

Tian-Qi Wang, PhD,* Ya-Jie Wang, Nurse practitioner,† and Si-Tong Xu, PhD‡

*Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 100053
†Nurse practitioner, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijianzhuang, China 050051
‡Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575

The balance of the intestinal microecosystem is essentially consistent with the theory of “Yin Ping Yang Mi” in Chinese medicine. The imbalance of the intestinal microenvironment’s homeostasis is closely related to the occurrence of diseases. Acupuncture and moxibustion can improve the disease state by regulating the stability of the intestinal microecology, which has a certain theoretical basis. By exploring the law of the body’s meridian circulation, it provides a theoretical basis for studying the regulation of acupuncture on the intestinal microecology of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Key words: theoretical basis; knee osteoarthritis; intestinal microecology

Effect of Acupoint Catgut Embedding on Intestinal Flora in Rats with Ovariectomized Osteoporosis – 307
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16281724938230

Na Shi, M.D., Associate Chief Physician,*† Chu-qiong Zhang, M.D.,‡ Long Han, Postgraduate Student,§ and Gang Ouyang, M.D. Professor¶

*Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China 210023
†Rehabilitation Department of Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, CHN 276003
‡Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department of Huai ‘an TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Huai ‘an, CHN 223001
§First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, CHN 210023
¶Traditional Medicine Department of Jiangsu Province Geriatric Hospital, Nanjing, CHN 210024

Objectives: By observing the effect of acupoint catgut embedding on the intestinal flora of ovariectomized osteoporotic rats, the correlation between the regulation of intestinal flora and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis was discussed preliminarily. Methods: By observing the effect of acupoint catgut embedding on the intestinal flora of ovariectomized osteoporotic rats, the correlation between the regulation of intestinal flora and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis was discussed preliminarily. Result: Compared with Group A and Group B, bone mineral density (BMD) of femur and tibia in Group C decreased significantly (p<0.05), indicating successful modeling. Compared with Group C, BMD of femur and tibia in Group D was significantly increased (p<0.05). Compared with Group A and Group B, content of serum estrogens, calcium, and PTHrP in Group C were significantly decreased (p<0.05 or p<0.01). Content of serum estrogen, calcium, and PTHrP in Group D were significantly higher than those in Group C (p<0.05 or p<0.01). Compared with Group A and B, the abundance of mollicutes, actinobacteria, acidobacteria, chloroflexi and fusobacteria in group C was significantly increased. The abundance of probiotics in Group D such as lactobacillales (lactobacillaceae, lactobacillus), bacillales, and streptococcus was significantly higher than that in Group C (p<0.05). The content of SCFAs such as acetic acid, butyric acid, iso-valeric acid, valeric acid and caproic acid in Group D were significantly higher than those in Group C, with statistical significance (p<0.05). Conclusions: Acupoint catgut embedding can effectively improve BMD, increase content of estrogen, calcium, PTHrP and SCFAs. Furthermore, embedding can also improve the abundance of probiotics and reduce the abundance of pathogenic bacteria. The changes of intestinal flora were correlated with the changes of estrogen and calcium, which may be one of the mechanisms of acupoint catgut embedding in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Key Words: Acupoint Catgut Embedding; Bone Mineral Density (BMD); Intestinal Flora; Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (PMOP); Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

A Discovery of Resonance Frequencies on Twelve Meridians of Human Body by Bioimpedance Spectroscopy Method – 319
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16237619666058

Feifei Gu, MS,* Pengna Zhao, MSMT,* Yanping Wang, MD;PHD,† Chaozheng Li, MSMT,‡ Minyi Zhao1, MD; PHD,* and Weibo Zhang, PHD§

*ENNOVA Institute of Life Science and Technology, ENN Group, Langfang 065001, China
†School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
‡ChangChun University of Chinese Medicine, ChangChun 130117, China
§Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China

Objective: The resonance frequency (Fr) of twelve meridians was observed by means of sweep frequency of weak constant current, and a method of evaluating Fr was explored. Method: Four-electrode bioimpedance spectroscopy was used in the study. Constant current of 1~100Hz was applied from a phase-locked amplifier through the excitation electrode to the twelve meridians of 30 healthy subjects. Data were collected by the test electrode and the Fr of the twelve meridians was obtained by data fitting in Matlab. Result: Among the twelve meridians, the Fr of the small intestine meridian is the lowest, and the gallbladder meridian is the highest, which are 23.18±0.99Hz and 28.27±1.39 Hz, respectively. The mean resonance frequencies of meridians of the same name on hand and foot are 24.80±1.34Hz and 26.22±1.17Hz, respectively. The Fr of the Shao Yin meridian of the hands and feet is basically equal, the other five pairs of foot meridians are all higher than the hand meridian, and the difference of the Yang meridian of the same name is greater than the Yin meridian of the same name, the Fr of hand Shao Yang meridian, hand Tai Yang meridian and hand Yang Ming meridian were lower than those of foot meridians. The mean value of 6 pairs of yin and yang meridians are 25.59 ± 1.97Hz and 25.42 ± 0.70Hz, respectively. Conclusion: The resonance frequencies of the twelve meridians ranged from 23 to 28Hz approximately.

Key words: resonance frequency (Fr); biological impedance spectroscopy; the twelve meridians; the human body

The Affection of Temporal Factors on Acupuncture for Insomnia after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – 331
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16237619666021

Chao-qin Gou,* Li-xia Guo,* Chong Zhang,† Li-ying Xie,* Xiao-xia Li,* and Li-han Sun*

*Department of Neurology, Ward 1, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No.32, west section 2, first ring road, qingyang District, Chengdu , Sichuan 610072, China
†Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation

Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the affection of temporal factors on acupuncture for insomnia after stroke. Methods: Eight databases were searched from inception through September 2019 without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTS) were included if pure acupuncture was compared to Western medicine for the treatment of insomnia after stroke. Results: Thirty-two studies involving a total of 2347 participants were included. Comparing to Western medicine, the subgroup analysis showed there was no statistical significance among 9-12 am, 3-6 pm, and 2 hours before sleep to start the acupuncture for post-stroke insomnia on improving the effective rate (P=0.66) or the sleep quality (P=0.95). The cumulative meta-analysis showed that with the amount of treatment increased, the confidence interval was narrowed and the accuracy of the effect value was improved gradually. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that acupuncture therapy was performed 2 hours before sleep, the insomnia could be improved by calming the mind and inducing the Yang into the Yin based on the theory of midnight-midday ebb flow. The most commonly used needle retention time of 30 minutes was effective the amount of stimulation increases, the therapeutic effect of acupuncture could be sustained and stable. Since the overall risk of bias was evaluated as unclear, application of these conclusions needs to be cautious.

Key Words: acupuncture; temporal factors; stroke; insomnia; systematic review; meta-analysis

The Effect of Pre-Incisional and Post-Incisional Acupuncture on Hyperalgesia in Rat Incision Model – 345
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16237619666030

Gülay Ülger, M.D.,* H. Volkan Acar, M.D.,† Ramazan Baldemir, M.D.,* Esma Tezer, M.D.,‡ Ahmet Yilmaz, M.D.,§ S. Aysegul Ertaskin, M.D.,¶ and Bayazit Dikmen, M.D.#

*Ankara Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Kecioren, Ankara
†Associate Professor, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Altindag, Ankara
‡Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Altindag, Ankara
§Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Yuregir, Adana
¶Professor, Aksaray University School of Medicine, Merkez, Aksaray
#Associate Professor, Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine, Adapazari, Sakarya

Postoperative pain cannot be treated adequately in all patients, even though there are new developments in analgesic agents and treatment techniques. This study investigates the effect of pre-incisional and post-incisional electroacupuncture on mechanical hyperalgesia in rat incisional pain model. This study was carried out with 40 healthy Sprague-Dawley male rats. The rats were divided into 5 groups: Group 1; first electro-acupuncture, then incision. Group 2; first incision, then electro-acupuncture. Group 3; first sham electroacupuncture, then incision. Group 4; first incision, then sham electroacupuncture. Group 5; control (incision only). Electro-acupuncture was applied to the ST36 and SP6 acupuncture points on the right hind paw. Sham electroacupuncture was applied to the right thigh. Von Frey filaments were used to measure hyperalgesia at baseline and at 4th, 6th, 24th and 48th hours. Shapiro Wilk test was used to determine whether the distribution of continuous variables was close to normal. Levene’s test was used for homogeneity of variances. Bonferroni Correction Wilcoxon Sign test was used to determine whether the differences between follow-up times were statistically significant or not. Bonferroni Correction on Kruskal Wallis test was used to determine whether there was any difference between groups. If the Kruskal Wallis test statistics were significant, analysis was performed using Conover’s multiple comparison test. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. This study found that electro-acupuncture decreases hyperalgesia, and there was no significant difference between pre-incisional and post-incisional application in terms of the anti-hyperalgesic effectiveness of electroacupuncture, except for the duration of action. Pre-incisional applications are more effective than post-incisional applications. Pre-incisional sham electroacupuncture has also been found to have anti-hyperalgesic effect. Our findings support the studies that electro-acupuncture can be used for preemptive purposes in surgical patients. We think that researches should be continued in order to provide alternative methods for pain treatment. Key Words: Electro-acupuncture; Hyperalgesia; Postoperative Pain; Rat

Electroacupuncture Pre-treatment Exerts an Anti-apoptotic Effect in Cerebral Ischaemia and Reperfusion Injury in Rats – 357
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16237619666067

Luwen, Zhu,* Tao, Ye,† Qiang, Tang,* Wang, Yan,* Hongyu, Li,* Biying, Liang,‡ Jiyao, Zhang,‡ Runyu, Liang‡

*The Second Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 411 Guogeli Street, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
†The First Hospital, Guiyang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 71 Baoshan North Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
‡Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) pre-treatment can play a significant neuroprotective role in rats with cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion (CIR) injury, but the specific mechanism needs to be further elucidated. Objective: To investigate the effects of EA pre-treatment on apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, Cytochrome c (cyt c), cleaved caspase-9 and -3 in rats with CIR injury. Methods: CIR injury was induced using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) ischaemia-reperfusion. Thirty-six male Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham (n=12), MCAO (n=12), and the EA+MCAO group (n=12). EA+MCAO group rats received electroacupuncture at DU20 for 2 consecutive weeks before MCAO model preparation. After 24 h of reperfusion, neurological deficits were evaluated by modified neurological severity scores. Brain infarct volumes were examined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Expression of Bax, Bcl-2, cyt c, cleaved caspase-9 and -3 in the ischaemic penumbra were detected by Western blotting, and apoptosis evaluated by TUNEL staining. Results: After perfusion for 24 h, compared with the MCAO group, the neurological deficit scores and brain infarct volumes in the EA+MCAO group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), as was the level of Bax (P<0.05) or the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (P<0.05), levels of cyt c, cleaved caspase-9 and -3 also decreased (P<0.05), like the number of TUNEL-positive cells (P<0.05), in contrast, the level of Bcl-2 increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: EA pre-treatment exerts an antiapoptotic effect through Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio downregulation, blockage of mitochondrial cyt c release to the cytosol, and reduction of caspase-9 and -3 expression in rats with CIR injury. Keywords: Electroacupuncture; CIR; apoptosis; Bax; Bcl-2; cyt c; caspase-9; caspase-3

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture with Western Medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis – 371
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16237619666076

Xinhui Huo, M.D., PhD., Lili Liang, B.S.Med., Xia Ding, B.S.Med., Angshaer Bihazi, B.S.Med., and Haiyan Xu, M.M.

Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, 830011, China

Objectives: In the present study, we assessed the therapeutic qualities of the combination of acupuncture with Western medicine to determine further lines of clinical research. Methods: We searched English-language databases and Chinese-language databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to February 2020. Two reviewers performed a meta-analysis of the efficacy and toxicity of the use of acupuncture with Western medicine for RA measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS), rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: In total, 9 RCTs involving 698 patients were included for analysis. VAS, ESR, CRP, and RF were all shown to favor the combination of acupuncture with Western medicine compared to Western medicine alone. ST36 (Zusanli), EX-UE9 (Baxie), Ll11 (Quchi), GB34 (Yanglingquan), TE14 (Jianliao) and TE4(Yangchi) were frequently used in 9 clinical trials. Conclusion: Treatment using acupuncture with Western medicine was associated with higher efficacy and lower risks than treatment with Western medicine alone. ST36 (Zusanli), EX-UE9 (Baxie), Ll11 (Quchi), GB34 (Yanglingquan), TE14 (Jianliao) and TE4 (Yangchi) were frequently used in treatment of RA and had been verified with effect in clinical practice.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, acupuncture, meta-analysis, efficacy, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, acupuncture points

Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Constipation: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – 383
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16237619666049

Jing Xu, PhD.,* Yupei Chen, PhD.,† Yuzhuo Bai, PhD.,‡ Jie Chen, PhD.,* Li Zhang, PhD.,* Zejun Huo, PhD.,§ and Tong Liu, PhD.¶

*School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese medicine, No.11, North 3rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
†Department of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanyuan hospital, No.3, Gongsuo Hutong, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
‡Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Anshan Hospital of traditional Chinese medicine, No.15 Xinying Road,Tiedong District, Anshan City, China
§Department of Acupuncture, the Third Hospital of Peking University, NO.49, Huayuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
¶Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, the Second Hospital of traditional Chinese medicine of Guangdong Province, China

Objective: By evaluating the clinical effectiveness and safety, we can better understand the role of acupuncture for cancer-related constipation treatment and provide guidance for clinicians. Methods: We searched some academic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Elsevier SD journal, Springer journal, Chinese Biomedicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Wanfang Data, Chinese VIP Data, etc.). All documents were loaded into Endnote X8 for classification management. After extracting the data, two reviewers assessed the risk bias of each original study using the tool Cochrane manual v.5.1.0. Cochrane Review Manager 5.3 will be used to conduct this meta-analysis. Results: With the data, we can better evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for cancer-related constipation treatment. Conclusion: This study aimed to identify the best acupuncture therapy for cancer-related constipation to guide clinicians and patients.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Cancer-related constipation; Meta-analysis; Protocol

Comparison of Acupuncture and NSAID Efficacy in Patients with Chronic Pelvic Pain Using Pain Disability Index and Visual Analogue Scale – 395
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16237619666102

Raziye Desdicioğlu, MD,* Dilek Oztas, MD,† Fatma Tamara Köroğlu, MD,‡ Salih Mollahaliloğlu, MD,§ Mehmet Uğurlu, MD,¶ and Ayşe Filiz Yavuz, MD#

*Associate Professor, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
†Associate Professor, Public Health Specialist, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
‡Family Physician, Ankara Bala Primary Care Center, Ankara, Turkey
§Professor, Public Health Specialist, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
¶Professor, Family Physician, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
#Professor, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is continuous, noncyclical, and present for more than six months. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are widely used. Complementary medicine is considered when pain treatment is insufficient. There are studies available investigating the effect of acupuncture. In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of acupuncture with NSAIDs. Patients admitted to Ankara Atatürk Research hospital in a one-year period and diagnosed with CPP were included. Patients with organic pathology were excluded. Acupuncture was applied to 38 patients and 30 patients received NSAIDs according to their choice. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Pain Disability Index (PDI) were applied. Pre-treatment PDI in the acupuncture group was 47.15±11.84 and it was 24.95±14.16 after treatment. Pre-treatment VAS score in the acupuncture group was 6.89±1.57 and it was 3.78±1.91 after treatment. Pre-treatment PDI in the NSAID group was 25.7 and it was 15.5 after treatment. VAS in the NSAID group pre-treatment was 4.40±2.44 and it was 2.63±2.20 after treatment. Both of the groups had significant decreases in their scores. The pre-treatment scores in the acupuncture group were higher than the NSAID group. This finding may indicate that patients in the acupuncture group were NSAID resistant. Hence, acupuncture could be a choice for NSAID resistant patients.

Key words: Chronic pelvic pain, Acupuncture, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Analgesia

Clinical Efficacy of Electroacupuncture Dilatational Wave Treatment of Acute-Stage Facial Paralysis – 405
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16237619666085

Qiong Chen MB., Fan Chen MB., Ya-nan Li, MB., Wan-ting Bao, MM., and Hao Zhang, MB.

Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People’s Hospital of Dongxihu District, Wuhan, Hubei 430040, China

Objective: To discuss and analyze the clinical efficacy and prognostic effect of an electroacupuncture dilatational wave in acute-stage facial paralysis. Method: Sixty patients with acute facial paralysis who received treatment in the inpatient department of our hospital from April 2018 to January 2019 were randomly divided into two groups: a treatment group and a control group. Both groups were treated with the same procedures, such as antivirus, nerve nutrition, circulation improvement, anti-inflammatory, infrared radiation on the affected side, electroacupuncture in quiescent period and Chinese herbal decoction. Dilatational wave treatment was also performed in the treatment group in the acute stage, and the clinical efficacy and effective rate of the treatment goup was 96.7%, and the total effective rate of the control group was 70%. The difference in the level of efficacy between the two groups was statistically different (P < 0.05). Conclusions: For the acute stage of facial paralysis, patients who underwent conventional treatment using an electroacupuncture dilatational wave showed a significantly improved efficacy rate, as well as other clear advantages. The treatment is, therefore, worthy of further investigation.

Keywords: Facial Paralysis; Acute Stage; Electroacupuncture; Dilatational Wave; Efficacy

Electro-Acupuncture Combined Methadone for Withdrawal Symptoms of Opioid Addiction: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – 419
https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16237619666094

Tianyao Zhang, MD,* Tianyao Zhang, MD,* Xiaoyan He, MD,* Lijuan Wu MD,* Xianrong Feng, MM,† Yu Yang, MD,* and Lu Deng MD*

*Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan
†Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan
‡Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi

Background: Opioid addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterized by a series of withdrawal symptoms in behavioral, psychological, and neurobiological manifestations. Withdrawal symptoms are the main cause of relapse after periods of abstinence; thus, the treatment is focused on abstinence symptoms. Due to most of all types of opioid agonist drugs carry a potential for addiction and exacerbation of withdrawal symptoms, nondrug methods have great potentials in clinical applications. Electro-acupuncture (EA), as a novel nonpharmacological approach, combined with methadone has a long-term positive efficacy on treating addiction. Therefore, we designed a protocol to evaluate the adjuvant effect of EA for treating withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction. Method: To review reports of relevant clinical trials, we will search English language databases (EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Chinese databases (Chinese Biomedical Literatures, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP). We will collect documents from the earliest possible date up to May 2020. We will also search online trial registries such as ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov/), the European Medicine Agency (www.ema.europa.eu/ema/), and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (www.who.int/ictrp). We will select randomized controlled trials (RCT) for withdrawal from opioid addiction involving EA-methadone and methadone alone treatment. We will use psychological assessment scales to evaluate treatment major outcomes which include numerous components such as OWS, VAS, HAMD, HAMA; then urinalysis and methadone dosage also will be measure as the additional outcomes. Finally, RevMan5 software will be used for literature quality evaluation and data analysis. Result: To evaluate the efficacy of EA in combination therapy by observing the outcomes of corresponding scale, urinalysis and decreasing methadone. Conclusion: This protocol will be used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EA in combination with methadone in treatment of opioid addiction withdrawal symptoms.

Keywords: EA; Methadone; withdrawal symptoms; opioid addiction; Meta-analysis

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Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research, The International Journal, now in its 30th year, bridges the gap between orthodox Western basic and clinical medicine and various aspects of alternative medicine. It also leads the field in reporting new and innovative science through documentation of research. As a quarterly multidisciplinary journal encompassing physics, electrical engineering, Western medicine, Oriental medicine, and newly developing diagnostic and therapeutic methods in both traditional Western medicine and non-orthodox medicine, it is indexed and abstracted in all major international reference sources (see list below). The journal is noted for its rapid handling of editorial contribution and short publication turn around time.

INDEX AND ABSTRACTING SERVICES that cover Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research: Current contents/Clinical Medicine, Excerpta Medica, Index Medicus, Index Vetenerius, CINAHL, Biological Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts, Psychological Abstracts, Bioengineering Abstracts, Index to Dental Literature, Engineering Index Monthly and Author Index, Science Citation Index-Expanded (also known as SciSearch), Research Alert, PsycINFO, COMPENDEX, Current Advances in Life Sciences, SOFTLINE INFORMATION.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. By submitting a manuscript, the author(s) agree that the copyright for the article is transferred to the publisher, if and when the article is accepted for publication. The copyright covers the exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute the article, including reprints, photographic reproductions, microform, or any other reproductions of similar nature and translations. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without permission in writing from the copyright holder.

PHOTOCOPYING INFORMATION FOR USERS IN THE USA: The Item Fee Code for this publication indicates that authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use is granted by the copyright holder for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) Transactional Reporting Service provided the stated fee for copying beyond that permitted by Section 107 or 108 of the United States Copyright Law is paid. The appropriate remittance of $60.00 per copy per article is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danver, MA 01923. The copyright owner’s consent does not extend to copying for general distribution, for promotion, for creating new works, or for resale. Specific written permission must be obtained from the publisher for such copying. In case of doubt please contact Cognizant Communication Corporation.

The Item Fee Code for this publication is: 0360-1293/10 $60.00

Copyright © 2021 Cognizant, LLC

Printed in the USA. ISSN 0360-1293

DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made by the publisher, editor(s), and editorial board to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinions, or statements appear in Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research, they wish to make it clear that the data and opinions appearing in the articles and advertisements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the contributor or advertiser concerned. Therefore, the publisher, the editor(s) and editorial board, and their respective employees, officers, and agents accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the effect of any such inaccurate or misleading opinions, data, or statements.