Sustained ameliorating effects and autonomic mechanisms of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation at ST36 in patients with chronic constipation.

Background And Aims: The treatment of chronic constipation is still a great challenge in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and sustained effects of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) at acupoint ST36 on the treatment of chronic constipation and explore possible underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Forty-four patients with chronic constipation were recruited and randomly assigned to a TEA group or sham-TEA group.

Prevalence and relevant factors of micronutrient deficiencies in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Objectives: Micronutrient deficiencies are common in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, and explore relevant factors in hospitalized patients with IBD.

Methods: A total of 52 hospitalized patients with IBD were included.

Integrative Effects and Vagal Mechanisms of Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation on Gastroesophageal Motility in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Introduction: Impaired esophageal and gastric motilities are known to contribute to symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there is a lack of GERD therapy, targeting both gastric and esophageal functions. This study was designed to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) on symptoms of GERD and gastroesophageal functions and possible mechanisms in patients with GERD.

Ameliorating effects and mechanisms of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation on abdominal pain and constipation.

BackgroundAbdominal pain and constipation are 2 main symptoms in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). This study aimed to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) in patients with IBS-C.MethodsForty-two patients with IBS-C were randomized into a 4-week sham-taVNS or taVNS treatment.

Ameliorating Effects and Autonomic Mechanisms of Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Background/aim: Gastric dysmotility is one of pathophysiologies of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) on gastric accommodation and gastric slow waves, and evaluate possible mechanisms in patients with GERD.

Methods: Thirty patients were studied in two randomized sessions of sham-TEA and TEA with the measurements of esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM), gastric accommodation assessed by a nutrient-drinking test, electrogastrogram (EGG), electrocardiogram (ECG), and postprandial dyspeptic symptoms.

STK31 as novel biomarker of metastatic potential and tumorigenicity of colorectal cancer.

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in China and fourth worldwide. Metastatic dissemination of primary tumors is considered main cause for CRC related mortality. The serine-threonine kinase 31 (STK31) gene is a novel cancer testis (CT) antigen.