September 2001

Editor's Note: Generally, Acubriefs focuses on bringing you abstracts with commentary of clinical trials with particular relevancy to the practice of acupuncture. In reviewing the trials, the reader will become familiar with research issues pertinent to acupuncture research. Four of the five articles selected to be reviewed this month focus primarily on research methodology. They are particularly intended for practitioners who eventually want to become involved in acupuncture research or who want to develop a greater appreciation of what is involved in clinical research. Although large, randomized control trials will probably continue to be limited to institutional settings, the need for pilot studies (uncontrolled studies) is striking. Myself and others have done these studies in solo private practices. It is wonderful to have the helpful coaching on how to proceed provided in the article below by Drs' White and Ernst.
The fifth article is reviewed by Y.P. Mok MD a former MARF board member who specializes in anesthesiology and has written and spoken widely on the subject of integrating acupuncture into general anesthesiology. I found the results dramatic given the simplicity of the intervention involved.

As President of the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation (MARF), I also ask you to contact us (research@acubriefs.com) if you have suggestions/comments on how better to further research in acupuncture. Also, please visit the MARF home page to inform yourself of how MARF is already promoting acupuncture research.

New references entered into the Acubriefs Database this month: 73

Recent articles reviewed in this edition:

1. The case for uncontrolled clinical trials: a starting point for the evidence base for CAM. White, A., and Ernst, E., Complement Ther Med 2001, Vol.9(2) p. 111-115 Abstract online

Reviewed by James K. Rotchford, MD, MPH

Click here to read the review

2. Protocols for Clinical Trials of Acupuncture. White, A. and Park,J. Acupunct Med 1999, Vol. 17(1) p. 54-58 Full text online

Reviewed by James K. Rotchford, MD, MPH

Click here to read the review

3. Randomized controlled trials: the control group dilemma revisited. Hart,A., Complement Ther Med 2001, Vol. 9(1) p.40-44, Full text online

Reviewed by James K. Rotchford, MD, MPH

Click here to read the review

4. Developing and evaluating complementary therapy services: Part 2. Examining the effects of treatment on health status. Richardson, J., J Altern Complement Med 2001, Vol. 7(4) p.315-328 PubMed Abstract

Reviewed by James K. Rotchford, MD, MPH

Click here to read the review

5. Preoperative intradermal acupuncture reduces postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, analgesic requirement, and sympathoadrenal responses. , Kotani,N.; Hashimoto,H.; Sato,Y.; Sessler,D.I.; Yoshioka,H.; Kitayama,M.; Yasuda,T.; Matsuki,A., Anesthesiology, 2001, Vol.95(2) p. 349-356 Abstract online

Reviewed by Y.P.Mok, MD

Click here to read the review

Acubriefs Newsletter has three objectives:
1. To provide a centralized resource for reviewing new citations on acupuncture in English.
2. To provide annotated abstracts on citations of particular interest to clinicians and researchers.
3. To facilitate access to citations quoted/reviewed.
(Please let us know if you have suggestions on how we might better meet these objectives)

Reviewers for articles are either members of the MARF board or experts chosen by the board to review articles for particular medical subjects.

Sources for citations are the same as the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation's (MARF) online bibliography of acupuncture at www.acubriefs.com The editor for the newsletter is J.K. Rotchford MD MPH, President of the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation

Seirin-America along with Oriental Medical Supplies (OMS) suppliers of acupuncture needles and accessories are financial sponsors of Acubrief's Newsletter.
New references entered into Acubriefs database this month: 73

Prospective Randomized Trial Using Laser Acupuncture versus Desmopressin in the Treatment of Nocturnal Enuresis. Radmayr, C., Schlager, A., Studen, M., and Bartsch, G., Eur Urol , 2001, Vol.40(2) p.201-205 PubMed Abstract

Needle acupuncture in tension-type headache: a randomized, placebo- controlled study. Karst, M., Reinhard, M., Thum, P., Wiese, B., Rollnik, J., and Fink, M., Cephalalgia 2001, Vol.21(6) p. 637-642 PubMed Abstract

The effectiveness of Tsu-San-Li (St-36) and Tai-Chung (Li-3) acupoints for treatment of acute liver damage in rats. Liu, H. J., Hsu, S. F., Hsieh, C. C., Ho, T. Y., Hsieh, C. L., Tsai, C. C., and Lin, J. G. , Am J Chin Med 2001, Vol.29(2) p. 221-226 PubMed Abstract

Objective assessment of the sympatholytic action of the Nei-Kuan acupoint. Abad-Alegria, F., Pomaron, C., Aznar, C., Munoz, C., and Adelantado, S. Am J Chin Med 2001, Vol.29(2) p. 201-210 PubMed Abstract

The analgesic efficacy of bee venom acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: a comparative study with needle acupuncture. Kwon, Y. B., Kim, J. H., Yoon, J. H., Lee, J. D., Han, H. J., Mar, W. C., Beitz, A. J., and Lee, J. H. Am J Chin Med 2001, Vol.29(2) p. 187-199 PubMed Abstract

[Effects of acupuncture therapy on low back pain and/or knee pain in elderly patients] (in Japanese). Washio, M., Takasugi, S., and Arai, Y., Japanese Pain 2001, Vol. 38(4) p. 523 527 PubMed Abstract

The use of alternative therapies by patients with Parkinson's disease. Rajendran, P. R., Thompson, R. E., and Reich, S. G., Neurology 2001, Vol.57(5) p. 790-794 PubMed Abstract

Acupuncture in an outpatient clinic in China: a comparison with the use of acupuncture in North America. Xu, X., South.Med J, 2001, vol.94(8) p. 813-816 PubMed Abstract

[Observation on acupoint electric potential in pilots under vestibular stimulation](in Chinese). Yu, Y., Tian, G., Gai, Y., Hu, S., and Bai, G., Space Med Med Eng (Beijing) 1997, Vol.10(1) p. 14-17 PubMed Abstract

Acupuncture for the treatment of migraine. , Journal of Clinical Excellence 2001, Vol.3(2) p. 104-106

Alternative Approaches to the Medical Management of Angina Pectoris: Acupuncture, Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and Spinal Cord Stimulation. Bueno, E. A., Mamtani, R., and Frishman, W. H., Heart Disease 2001, Vol.3(4) p.236-241

Role of Acupuncture in superior aperture syndrome. Tariq, M., Zahir, J., and Saleem, Journal- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan 2001, Vol. 11(3) p. 170-171 Full Text online

The Incorporation of a Complementary Therapy by Australian General Practitioners: The Case of Acupuncture. Easthope, G., Tranter, B., and Gill, G., Australian Journal of Primary Health 2001, Vol.7(1) p. 76-81 Abstract online

Veterinary Acupuncture, 2nd Edition (book review) Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 2001, Vol.28(3) p. 176

Acupuncture in Dentistry. Thayer, T., SAAD Dig 2001, Vol.18(1) p. 3-8

Acupuncture: What's the point? Spielman, F. J., American Journal of Anesthesiology 2001, Vol.28(6) p. 306-309 Abstract online

Incidence Rate of Gallbladder-cardiac Reflex during Cholecystectomy under Acupuncture Combined with Epidural Administration of Small Dose of Anesthetic. Lanying, Z., Li, P., and Biguang, Q., Acup Res 2001, Vol.26(2) p. 156-160

Clinical Observation on the Therapeutic Effect of Acupuncture of Hand-Shaoyang Meridian Acupoints for Treatment of Upper-limb Spasm in Stroke Patients. Minghe, S., Acup Res 2001, Vol.26(2) p. 131-133

Effect of Acupuncture on the Striatum of Obesity Rats. Zhicheng, L., Fengmin, S., and Miaohua, Z., Acup Res 2001, Vol.26(2) p. 122-126

Anti-asthma Effects of Serum Derived from Adrenalectomized Asthma Rats Treated with Acupuncture. Yongqing, Y., Longping, C., and Shulan, M. Acup Res 2001, Vol.26(2)

Effect of Acupuncture on NO, MDA and SOD levels in cerebral tissues of sub-acutely aging mice. Chenxia, G., Xiyan, G., and Jie, L., Acup Res 2001, Vol.26(2) p. 111-113

Correlation between Auricular Acupuncture-induced Improvement of Memory and bcl-2 Expression in Vascular Dementia Rats. Xuezhao, Z., Maolei, X., and Guojie, S., Acup Res 2001, Vol.26(2) p. 106-110

Effect of Acupuncture on Cerebral Apotosis in Rats with Local Cerebral Ischemia. Chunhong, Z., Shu, W., and Haoyong, Z., Acup Res 2001, Vol.26(2) p. 111102-105

Aucpuncture for female stress urinary incontinence: SEAPI, AAUAQOL and video-urodynamic assessment. Herschorn, S., Preiner, J., Chen, R., and Tahan, S., Neurol & Urodyn ,2001, Vol.20(4) p. 100 (Conference Abstract)

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for women with symptomatic voiding difficulties: A preliminary report. Chou, T., Nieh, L. S., and Chen, K. H., Neurol & Urodyn 2001, Vol.20(4) p. 25 (Conference Abstract)

Tibial shin splint treated with a single acupuncture session: Case report and review of the literature. Schulman, R. A., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.7-9

Self-related pain and functional status with acupuncture. Annaswamy, T. M., Satwicz, P. E., Borg-Stein J, and Eisenhardt, E., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.13-15

Medical acupuncture for non-radicular low back pain: a preliminary investigation of a treatment protocol and outcome measures. Fredericson, M. and Guisto, J., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.16-19

Acupuncture treatment of lateral epicondylitis in an occupational medicine clinic. Deigman, C. C., Med Acup 2001, Vol 13(1) p. 21-22

Psychosomatic compartmentalization: the root of Qi and blood stagnation. Greenwood M.T., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.23-28

Male sexual impotence, sildenafil citrate, and acupuncture. Wong, J., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.33-36

Acupuncture for recuduction of post-trauma medication. Richard, P. A., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.38-39

Electrophysiology and the acupuncture systems. Starwynn, D., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.41-45

Low-frequency electroacupuncture in the management of refractory plantar fasciitis: a case series. Perez-Millan, R. and Foster, L., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.47-49

Seduced by De Qi. Johnstone, P. A. S., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.56

The necessity of Qi sensation (De Qi.) Wilk, A. I., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.57

Electronic Instruments and acupuncture points (editorial). Niemtzow, R.C., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.3

Review of Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture, YNSA (Yamamoto,T. and Yamamoto,H). Sniezek D.P., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.59

Review of Chinese Medicine and Psychiatry: A Textbook and Clinical Manual (Flaws,B. And Lake,J.) Greenwood M.T., Med Acup 2001, Vol.13(1) p.59-60

Review of Clinical Acupuncture: Scientific Basis (Stux,G. and Hammerschlag,R, ed.). Given, S , J Altern Complement Med 2001, Vol.7(4) p. 381-382

The science of the Placebo: Toward an interdisciplinary and research agenda, November 2000. Wade, C. M., Jacobson, J. S., Mindes, J., and Coleton, M. I., J Altern Complement Med 2001, Vol.7(4) p. 383-387

Interventional approaches to the management of myofascial pain syndrome. Criscuolo, C. M., Curr.Pain Headache Rep 2001, Vol. 5(5) p. 407-411 PubMed Abstract

Acupuncture mycobacteriosis (letter). Woo, P. C., Li, J. H., Tang, W., and Yuen, K., N Engl.J Med 9-13-2001, Vol.345(11) p. 842-843 PubMed citation

Back to basics? How important is basic research in CAM? (commentary). Ernst, E., Altern Ther Health Med 2001, Vol.7(5) p. 30-31

Low-amplitude, extremely low-frequency magnetic fields for the treatment of osteoarthritic knees: a double-blind clinical study. Jacobson, J. I., Gorman, R., Yamanashi, W. S., and et al, Altern Ther Health Med 2001, Vol.7(5) p. 54-69

Nonlocal and subtle energetic aspects of chronc pain. Leskowitz, E., Altern Ther Health Med 2001, Vol.7(5) p. 144, 140,141

Subjectivity and the placebo effect in medicine. Kaptchuk, T. J., Altern Ther Health Med 2001, Vol.7(5) p. 100-108

Comparison of evidence of treatment effects in randomized and nonrandomized studies. Ioannidis, J. P. A., Haidich, A-B., Pappa, M., and et al, JAMA 2001, Vol.286(7) p.821-830
Abstract online

Integration of Chinese medicine into supportive cancer care: a modern role for an ancient tradition. Wong, R., Sagar, C. M., and Sagar, S. M., Cancer Treat.Rev 2001, Vol.27(4) p.235-246 PubMed Abstract

[In Process Citation] (Article in Russian)., Vopr.Kurortol.Fizioter.Lech.Fiz Kult 2001, Vol.1, p. 23-25 PubMed Abstract

Message to complementary amd alternative medicine: evidence is a better friend than power. Vickers, A., BMC.Complement Altern Med 2001, Vol.1(1) Full text online

Systematic reviews of complementary therapies - an annotated bibliography. Part 1: Acupuncture. Linde, K, Vickers, A., Hondras, M., Ter Riet, G., Thormahlen, J., Berman, B., and Melchart, D., BMC.Complement Altern Med 2001, Vol.1(3) Full Text online

Out of the laboratory and into the clinic: acupuncture research in the real world . MacPherson, H., Clin Acupunct Orient Med 2000 , Vol.1(2) p. 97-100

Treatment of multiple sclerosis-specific fatigue with traditional Chinese medicine:development of a randomized controlled pilot study. Hammerschlag, R., Kaneko, R., and Bourdette, D., Altern Ther Health Med 2001, Vol7(3) p. S14

Chinese values, health and nursing. Chen, Yc., J Adv.Nurs 2001, Vol 36(2) p. 270-273 PubMed Abstract

Acupuncture. Procedure is gaining acceptance. , Mayo Clin Health Lett 2001, Vol 19(10) p. 7 PubMed citation

Bloodletting acupuncture for the prevention of stridor in children after tracheal extubation: a randomised, controlled study. Saghaei, M. and Razavi, S., Anaesthesia 2001, Vol. 56(10) p.961-964 PubMed Abstract

Acupuncture versus ondansetron in the prevention of postoperative vomiting A study of children undergoing dental surgery. Somri, M., Vaida, S. J., Sabo, E., Yassain, G., Gankin, I., and Gaitini, L. A., Anaesthesia 2001, Vol. 56(10) p. 927-932 PubMed Abstract

[In Process Citation](FR) Boutouyrie, P., Corvisier, R., Serreau, R., Azizi, M., Lemoine, D., Laloux, B., Hallouin, M. C., and Laurent, S. , Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss 2001, Vol.94(8) p. 913-917 PubMed Abstract

Acupressure treatment of morning sickness in pregnancy: a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Norheim, A. J., Pedersen, E. J., Fonnebo, V., and Berge, L., Scand J Prim Health Care 2001, Vol.19(1) p. 43-47 Abstract online