Objective. To determine whether and how longitudinal acupuncture modulates the impaired default mode network (DMN) in chronic migraine (CM) patients without aura. Methods. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 14 CM patients treated with longitudinal pre- and postacupuncture treatment (PPAT) and data of 18 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) were analyzed using independent component analysis (ICA) and seed-based correlation analysis (SCA) to investigate connectivity within the DMN. Correlation analyses were performed to identify associations between changes in functional connectivity (FC) and in clinical pain based on PPAT observations. The monthly mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores, monthly mean headache attacks, monthly headache days, monthly amount of acute headache medications, and immediate VAS scores were assessed for evaluation of pain. Results. The decreased FC within the DMN found in the left superior prefrontal gyrus (L_SPFG) and left precuneus (L_PRECUN) of CM patients was returned to the healthy control level after acupuncture treatments. Furthermore, the diminished pairwise FC strengths in some regions of interest (ROIs) within the DMN were also increased, mainly distributed between the right temporal lobe (R_TPL) and left anterior cingulate cortex, between the R_TPL and bilateral superior medial gyrus, and between the R_TPL and right precuneus. Increased z-scores within the DMN (L_SPFG and L_PRECUN) were associated with reduced immediate VAS scores, and increases in z-scores of the L_PRECUN were negatively correlated with reductions in the monthly amount of acute headache medications. However, no association existed between the increased DMN connectivity and reduced monthly mean VAS scores, monthly mean headache attacks, and monthly headache days. Conclusion. Altered DMN connectivity and its normalization postacupuncture can be employed to monitor CM and its modulating effects. The DMN is useful for understanding the therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture in CM.

To evaluate the effects of mild moxibustion (MM) for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) through comparisons with those of placebo moxibustion. Patients and Methods:This was a single-site, randomized controlled trial was conducted at Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian in China and enrolled 76 participants who met the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for IBS-D between May 2017 and December 2019. 76 participants were randomized to either mild moxibustion (MM) or placebo moxibustion group (PM) in a 1:1 ratio. 18 sessions of MM or PM were implemented over the course of 6 weeks (3 times per week). The primary outcome was adequate relief after 6 weeks of treatment. ResultsOf 76 patients with IBS-D who were randomized (38 in the MM group and 38 in the PM group) were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis set. After treatment at week 6, the response rate was signi cantly higher in the MM group than the PM group (81.58% vs. 36.84%,) with an estimated difference of 44.74 (95% CI, 23.46 to 66.02, P < 0.001). No participant reported severe adverse effects. ConclusionThe ndings suggest that mild moxibustion may be more effective than placebo moxibustion for the treatment of IBS-D, with effects lasting up to 12 weeks.

Objective: To compare the effects of continuous energy restriction (CER) and intermittent energy restriction (IER) in bodyweight loss plan in sedentary individuals with normal bodyweight and explore the influence factors of effect and individual retention. Methods: 26 participants were recruited in this randomized controlled and double-blinded trial and allocated to CER and IER groups. Bodyweight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and resting metabolic rate (RMR) would be collected before and after a 4-week (28 days) plan which included energy restriction (CER or IER) and moderate-intensity exercise. Daily intake of three major nutrients (protein, carbohydrate, fat) and calories were recorded. Results: A significant decrease in BW and BMI were reported within each group. No statistically significant difference in the change of RMR in CERG. No statistically significant difference was reported in the effect between groups, neither as well the intake of total calories, three major nutrients, and individual plan retention. The influence factors of IER and CER are different. Conclusion: Both CER and IER are effective and safe energy restriction strategies in the short term. Daily energy intake and physical exercise are important to both IER and CER.