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At least 973 records · Page 54Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

[The relationship between statokinetic dissociation (SKD) and spatial summation--physiologic SKD in normal persons].

We investigated the relationship between physiologic statokinetic dissociation (SKD) and spatial summation in normal persons. The subjects were 13 eyes of 13 normal persons (average age : 41.9 years) with no past history of ocular disease. The kinetic program and custom program of the Humphrey Field Analyzer were followed for each subject using the targets of III 1b and III 4c to measure SKD. Spatial summation was calculated from the results of the 24 -2 program using size I, III, and V. The SKD of all normal persons for III 1b and III 4c was 18.8 +/- 3.4 and 20.1 +/- 5.4 degrees, respectively. The spatial summation for SS (III-I) and SS (V-III) was 9.8 +/- 0.7 and 4.7 +/- 0.9 (dB), respectively. Although the SKD on lower temporal meridian using the III 4c target was larger than that of the other meridian, this relation was reversed using the III 1b target. This is because the steep slope of the retina sensitivity curve in the periphery field decreases successive lateral spatial summation. Although SKD tends to be larger with the increase in age, the relationship between SKD and spatial summation was not obvious.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Visuotopic organisation and neuronal response selectivity for direction of motion in visual areas of the caudal temporal lobe of the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus): middle temporal area, middle temporal crescent, and surrounding cortex.

On the basis of extracellular recordings in marmoset monkeys, we report on the organisation of the middle temporal area (MT) and the surrounding middle temporal crescent (MTc). Area MT is approximately 5-mm long and 2-mm wide, whereas the MTc forms a crescent-shaped band of cortex 1-mm wide. Neurones in area MT form a first-order representation of the contralateral hemifield, whereas those in the MTc form a second-order representation with a field discontinuity near the horizontal meridian. The representation of the vertical meridian forms the border between area MT and the MTc. In both areas, the fovea is represented ventrocaudally, and the visual field periphery is represented dorsorostrally. Analysis of single units revealed that 86% of cells in area MT show a strong selectivity for the direction of motion of visual stimuli. The proportion of direction-selective cells in the MTc (53%), whereas lower than that in area MT, is much higher than that observed in most other visual areas. Neurones in the cortex immediately rostral to area MT and the MTc are direction selective, with receptive fields predominantly located in the visual field periphery. In contrast, only a minority of the cells in the cortex ventral to the MTc are direction selective, and their receptive fields emphasise central vision. The results suggest that the MTc is functionally closely related to area MT, and distinct from the areas forming the dorsolateral complex. The MTc may have a role in combining information about motion in the visual field, processed by area MT, with information about stimulus shape, processed by the dorsolateral complex.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Refractive change following pterygium surgery.

PURPOSE: We conducted a prospective study of patients with primary pterygia to analyze surgically-induced astigmatic changes following pterygium surgery and their relation to pterygium morphology and size. METHODS: One hundred twenty-three eyes of 123 adult patients with primary pterygia were evaluated. Pterygium was graded according to morphology and the extent of corneal encroachment. Manifest refraction was performed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Patients underwent either the bare sclera technique of pterygium excision or conjunctival grafting. Surgery was performed by one surgeon. Olsen's method of vector decomposition was used to analyze surgically-induced astigmatism. RESULTS: The mean magnitude of preoperative astigmatism was 0.99 D, with vector decomposition revealing a relative flattening of the cornea in the horizontal meridian. Astigmatism of 1.00 D or more was seen when the pterygium exceeded 3.5 mm beyond the limbus. Postoperatively, a steepening of the cornea in the horizontal meridian was demonstrated, the magnitude of which was related to pterygium size (P = 0.0001). ANOVA testing showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) when pterygia were divided according to morphology. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that pterygium excision induces a reversal of pterygium-related corneal flattening. A strong correlation was also found between the horizontal extent of pterygium encroachment and astigmatic change following surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of the capsular tension ring for managing zonular dialysis in cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In vitro evaluation of the capsular tension ring for managing zonular dialysis in cataract surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pig and cadaver eye models were used in this study. Lens material was removed with phacoemulsification, then the zonules were cut in one quadrant of the meridian to induce capsular bag decentration. Posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) were implanted into the bag with or without the tension rings. The IOL and the tension ring positions were viewed using the Miyaki technique. PC IOLs were also implanted into isolated capsular bags with or without tension rings, and bag configuration was examined. RESULTS: The IOL decentration was observed when the IOLs were implanted into the eyes without zonular support in one quadrant of the meridian. No IOL decentration was observed when the tension ring and the IOL were implanted together. When only the IOLs were inserted into the isolated bags they became oval, whereas the circular bags were preserved when both the IOL and the tension ring were placed in-the-bag. CONCLUSION: The authors' in vitro model demonstrated that the capsular tension ring maintained the circular contour of the capsular bag and IOL centration in the eyes with broken zonules. The results suggest that capsular tension rings may provide an alternative means to manage zonular dialysis during phacoemulsification and PC IOL implantation.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[A differentiated approach to laser puncture in facial neuritis by using the methods of acupuncture diagnosis].

Overall 87 patients with neuritis of the facial nerve were studied by making use of methods of acupuncture diagnosis as recommended by Nakatani and Akabane. The parameters under investigation included the level of physiologic corridor, left-right asymmetry, the Yang and the Yin meridians sum ratio, maximum deviation from the physiological corridor in certain meridians. The results obtained permitted the identification of three groups of patients depending on the duration of their illness. This permitted the differentiated approach to the use of laser puncture in these patients securing good results of treatment which were confirmed by both the positive dynamics of acupuncture methods of investigation and data supplied by the electrophysiological techniques (EMG, EEG). With the purpose of performing laser puncture, the infrared laser puncture apparatus Biomed-001 (wavelength 0.89, average laser emissive power 20 mw) was employed.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2001

Thought Field Therapy clinical applications: utilization in an HMO in behavioral medicine and behavioral health services.

Thought Field Therapy (TFT) is a self-administered treatment developed by psychologist Roger Callahan. TFT uses energy meridian treatment points and bilateral optical-cortical stimulation while focusing on the targeted symptoms or problem being addressed. The clinical applications of TFT summarized included anxiety, adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, anxiety due to medical condition, anger, acute stress, bereavement, chronic pain, cravings, depression, fatigue, nausea, neurodermatitis, obsessive traits, panic disorder without agoraphobia, parent-child stress, phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, relationship stress, trichotillomania, tremor, and work stress. This uncontrolled study reports on changes in self-reported Subjective Units of Distress (SUD; Wolpe, 1969) in 1,594 applications of TFT, treating 714 patients. Paired t-tests of pre- and posttreatment SUD were statistically significant in 31 categories reviewed. These within-session decreases of SUD are preliminary data that call for controlled studies to examine validity, reliability, and maintenance of effects over time. Illustrative case and heart rate variability data are presented.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ice massage for the reduction of labor pain.

The current study investigated the use of ice massage of the acupressure energy meridian point large intestine 4 (LI4) to reduce labor pain during contractions. LI4 is located on the medial midpoint of the first metacarpal, within 3 to 4 mm of the web of skin between the thumb and forefinger. A one-group, pretest, posttest design was chosen, which used 100-mm Visual Analog Scales (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) ranked numerically and verbally to measure pain levels; the pretest served as the control. Study participants were Hispanic and white Medicaid recipients who received prenatal care at a women's clinic staffed by certified nurse-midwives and obstetricians. Participants noted a pain reduction mean on the VAS of 28.22 mm on the left hand and 11.93 mm on the right hand. The postdelivery ranked MPQ dropped from number 3 (distressing) to number 2 (discomforting). The study results suggest that ice massage is a safe, noninvasive, nonpharmacological method of reducing labor pain.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Thought field therapy. Interview by Denise Rankin-Box.

Thought field therapy (TFT), one of the new 'power therapies' uses the body's meridian system to facilitate emotional and psychological change. Developed by clinical psychologist Dr Roger Callahan over the last 22 years,TFT is now used internationally. Recent developments indicate that TFT has the potential to be used more widely in the field of health care. The editor recently interviewed Jo Cooper to find out more about this therapy,

Affective Symptoms↗
PubMed2005

Dynamic change in energy metabolism by electroacupuncture stimulation in rats.

The electrical stimulation of meridian points in rats inhibits the withdrawal reflex of the nociceptive tail. Its pain mechanisms are well-documented. Moreover, electroacupuncture (EA) at special abdominal acupoints has been shown to induce a short-term hypoglycemia effect in streptozotocin diabetic rats. The Zusanli and Zhongwan acupoints have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve symptoms of diabetes mellitus. It is still unclear whether they can affect extracellular glucose and lactate metabolites at the cellular level. The aim of this study is to evaluate these effects using a rat model for the analysis of extracellular neurochemicals. First, electrical stimulus of 2 ms 2 Hz square pulses (30 minutes) was applied to anesthetized intact rats (n = 7) at the Zusanli points. One and a half hours later, a second electrical stimulus (2 Hz pulses, 30 minutes) was delivered to two of the rats at the same spot. Another two rats received a different stimulation (100 Hz pulses, 30 minutes) at the same location. In the final three rats, a second electrical stimulus of 2 Hz pulses was delivered to non-acupoints. An automated micro-blood sample collector was used to examine the glucose, pyruvate and lactate concentrations. The EA signal has an influence on the biologic process of energy metabolism by mediating dynamic extracellular neurochemical changes. The EA at limb acupoints of the lower limbs induces a decrease in glucose, an increase in lactate metabolites and a decrease in the lactate/glucose ratio. Moreover, the increased lactate/glucose ratio suggests that the cell has an increased anaerobic glucose metabolism.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2003

Umbilical diagnosis as a non-invasive visual diagnostic aide.

Using Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (Omura, Y. 1977-2002; BDORT), we have researched the abnormal shapes of the umbilicus and the surrounding areas of the umbilicus, and the relationship between diseased internal organs and abnormal shape and direction of the radial sulcus of the umbilicus for several years. In this report we have mapped the organ representation area of the umbilicus and its surrounding areas of a healthy person by using BDORT. Then the abnormal organs around the umbilicus of the patients with certain diseases were mapped by using BDORT. Also Oncogene C-fos Ab2 positive response network (specially relation between the radial sulcus and the disease) of the cancer response (Oncogene C-fos Ab2) positive person were examined all over the body. In many cases, the radial sulcus from the umbilicus and the organ representation area of abnormal organs at the umbilicus of diseased person mapped using BDORT were highly correlated. Abnormality observed in a specific organ with strong resonance by BDORT meridian network was connected to the umbilicus. Mapped chart of the organ representation area surrounding the umbilicus is clinically very useful for non-invasive visual umbilical diagnosis.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed2003

[Acupuncture for nausea: how does it work?].

Nausea, the unpleasant feeling that one is going to vomit, results from the stimulation of the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ) and Vomiting Center in the brain. Conventional medical therapy is not always effective, and medications often have severe adverse effects. Acupuncture is a treatment in which thin needles (diameter of 0.20-0.30 mm) are inserted into various points along the skin, according to energy channels (meridians) established thousands of years ago. The anti-emetic effects of acupuncture apparently stem from the resultant increase in hypophyseal secretion of beta-endorphins and ACTH, with subsequent inhibition of the CTZ and vomiting center. Acupuncture also affects the upper GI tract, decreasing acid secretion and repressing gastric arrhythmias. Clinical research has found this treatment modality to be effective for nausea, whether it be due to morning sickness in pregnant women, motion sickness in travellers, postoperative nausea or chemotherapy-induced nausea in cancer patients.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The control of somesthesia caused by neuroreflex stimulation: quantification of stimulus response as opposed to energy].

INTRODUCTION: In the reflexotherapy of classical acupuncture it is usually claimed that below a certain level of stimulation, which is determined by the appearance of a peculiar sensation known as De-Qi, no appreciable therapeutic effect is obtained. The control exerted by the afferences over the central nervous system, however, do not work in this way, but instead adjust themselves, albeit with certain peculiarities, to a classical pattern of proportionality between stimulus and response. Our aim is, therefore, to evaluate the extent to which increasingly intense acupuncture stimuli can modify neurophysiological parameters in a way that also grows. We will focus on the quantification on a metametic level, through the study of the F-wave, and in the telencephalon, through somatosensory evoked potentials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total number of 21 healthy volunteers were studied and we collected the values corresponding to the parameters indicated in the basal situation, when needling an extra-acupunctural point and following needling of the classical point IG4 until the sensation of De-Qi was felt, and electrostimulation was added after detecting the abovementioned sensation. RESULTS: We observed a clear progression in the modifications of both the F values and the somesthetic potential, with growing stimuli. Basic inflection does indeed occur after obtaining De-Qi, but on overstimulating from then onwards greater variations are produced. This is especially obvious in the case of the latency of the somesthetic potential. Needling a point that is not on a meridian guarantees that merely piercing the skin does not exert any of the effects mentioned above. DISCUSSION: In spite of the classical postulates, it can be observed that the more intense the acupuncture stimulus is, the greater the modifications to the neurophysiological parameters being studied are. The control of the somesthetic afference by acupuncture is something that has already been demonstrated and quantified. What is now seen, in addition, is the direct relation between the intensity of that effect and that of the stimulus used to produce it, which is quite different from the classical conceptions of energy. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of acupuncture stimulation is closely related to the intensity of the stimulus applied; the sensation of De-Qi is not necessary to obtain neurofunctional modifications and stimulations that go beyond it cause greater effects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Oriental concepts of acupuncture.

This chapter introduces veterinarians to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM has its own unique approach to describing medical conditions. The Chinese have been able to describe naturally occurring medical phenomena accurately for thousands of years. Ancient theories and concepts allowed them to treat conditions without the knowledge we currently have of neurophysiology. The terminology used in the study of TCM will help show the difference between TCM and medicine as it is practiced in the west. TCM encompasses Qi and its functions, the Meridians, and the Five Phases. It will be shown how knowledge and application of these concepts can be used to diagnose and treat disease.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed2005

[A case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) successfully treated by acupuncture].

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves a decrease in respiratory function and limits daily activities. We report a COPD patient whose respiratory symptoms were improved by acupuncture treatment. A 66-year-old man visited Gifu University Hospital with breathlessness on exercise. Despite medication, his general condition worsened. A series of acupuncture treatments was subsequently started on October 27, 2001. He had level III breathlessness on JRS classification prior to acupuncture treatment, and his respiratory function parameters were VC: 3.54 L, FEV1: 1.19 L, FEV1% (G): 33.6% and %FEV1: 45%. The basic meridian points used were KI 3 (Fuliu), LU 9 (Taiyuan), LU 1 (Zhongfu), CV 12 (Zhongwan), CV 4 (Guanyuan), BL 13 (Feishu), and BL 23 (Shenshu). The acupuncture needles were retained for ten minutes in each session. This research design was used to detect the specific efficacy of acupuncture treatment After ten acupuncture treatments over two months, his walking distance, Borg scale and respiratory function were improved compared with before treatment. These findings suggest that acupuncture treatment may be efficacious for advanced cases of COPD.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2005

[Clinical study on treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with penetration needling at the back].

OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic effects of penetration needling at the back and western medicine on fibromyalgia syndrome (FS). METHODS: Thirty-eight cases were randomly divided into the observation group treated with penetration needling at the first and second lines of The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang and Governor Vessel, and the control group treated mainly with oral administration of amitriptyline, 19 cases in each group. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the cured-markedly effective rate and the results of follow-up for 6 months for the cured-markedly effective cases between the observation group and the control group (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Penetration needling therapy in the therapeutic effect on fibromyalgia syndrome is better than the medical treatment.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2005

[Clinical experience of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of chronic cholecystitis].

OBJECTIVE: To sum up clinical experience of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of chronic cholecystitis and study on the factors of influencing the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion treating chronic cholecystitis. METHODS: The factors of influencing the therapeutic effect were summarized from the indications of acupuncture and moxibustion, meridians, acupoint selection, selection of needling and moxibustion methods, time law of attack, treating the principal aspects and the secondary aspects of a disease, arrival of qi, combined treatment of acupuncture and medicine, lasting time and frequency of treatment, assessment of therapeutic effects, and so on. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of chronic cholecystitis fully reflects the characteristics and complex nature of the acup-moxibustion therapy. Only when concretely analyze practical condition of the patient and adopt acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, can good therapeutic effect be achieved.

Acupuncture↗
PubMed2005

[Are there imported components for channels and collaterals?].

The medical papyri in ancient Egypt written before 1500 B. C, recorded the metu system which could not be explained by modern anatomic location and was difficultly expounded by biological functions. Most of diseases were treated by dredging the metu, regulating the metu, balancing the metu, removing noxious substances from the metu, restoring the normal functions of the metu. The ancient Egyptian held that the metu forms mutual connecting channel network to carry out flowing of energy and information, with the functions of linking up external and internal organs, which is similar to linking functions of meridians-zang- and fu- organs. In the works of Hippocrates, the father of ancient Greece medicine, 2nd century B. C, also described the linking channels "phleps" on human surface. And in other country with an ancient civilization, India, had a similar channel system. About 15th century B. C, Charaka Samitha of ancient India described human "nadis" channel system. The system carried "rasas" (life liquid) connected with the whole body from the navel. Therefore, it can be held that at the embryonic stage of medicine development, the linking tube similar to channel or vessel was described, but it is interested that met and Chinese "mai" (vessel) have similar pronunciation. And mai in China was created after met.

China↗
PubMed2005

[Effect of opening point method of ziwu liuzhu on myocardial ischemia in the patient of stroke].

OBJECTIVE: To observe effect of opening point method of ziwu liuzhu on myocardial ischemia in the patient of stroke. METHODS: Thirty cases of stroke with myocardial ischemia were treated with opening acupoint according to time of the combination of reinforcing mother point and reducing son point of the heart channel in nazi method of ziwu liuzhu, and 30 cases in the control group were treated with acupuncture at Guangming (GB 37). Changes of electrocardiogram before and after treatment were recorded. RESULTS: ST-T segment raised significantly 30 min after treatment with ziwu liuzhu needling method as compared with the control group (P < 0.05), the treatment group being better than the control group. CONCLUSION: Excessive and deficient changes of the qi and blood in the meridians and collaterals are correlated with time rhythm, and ziwu liuzhu needling method can increase clinical therapeutic effect.

Acupuncture Points↗