A Very Long-term Longitudinal Study on the Evolution and Clinical Outcomes of Persistent Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defect After Cryoballoon Ablation

Background

Persistent iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) is a common but poorly characterized complication after cryoballoon (CB) pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures. We therefore investigate its prevalence, evolution, risk factors, and clinical outcomes in a prospective longitudinal study.

Individual analysis of dynamic stability for twenty-four Tai Chi forms among persons with knee osteoarthritis: A pilot study

BackgroundTai Chi (TC) training has been increasingly used to prevent falls. However, the underlying biomechanical mechanisms of TC training which influence fall risk remain unknown. As a result, the selection of TC forms differs among studies, leading to inconsistent results.Research questionIs dynamic stability different between the simplified 24 Yang-style TC forms among adults with knee osteoarthritis?MethodsTen participants with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis were recruited. Under one-on-one instruction by an experienced TC master, each participant learned how to correctly perform the 24-form TC movements. Participants’ full-body kinematic and kinetic data was collected during walking trials and performance of the respective TC forms. Their dynamic stability was calculated in both sagittal and frontal planes and compared between each TC form and regular walking.ResultsThe results indicate that dynamic stability in both planes significantly varies among forms. Moreover, some forms pose a greater challenge to dynamic stability in comparison to others. The most challenging TC forms are Form 8 for stability in the sagittal plane and Form 10 in the frontal plane. Among all forms, Form 1 appears to be the least challenging.SignificanceOur findings could provide foundational information to identify the best TC forms for optimizing the effectiveness of TC-based fall prevention interventions.     

金花茶叶中冲山茶苷的筛查、制备及抗肿瘤活性考察

[目的] 通过近红外光谱技术对不同产地金花茶叶中冲山茶苷（okicamelliaside）的含量进行考察，并对其进行制备与抗肿瘤活性考察。[方法] 采用高效液相色谱法（HPLC）测定金花茶中冲山茶苷的含量，获取其近红外光谱并建立其近红外定量模型。根据所建立的模型对不同产地的金花茶品质进行评价，选择高含量的样品进行冲山茶苷的提取制备及活性评价。[结果] 所建立的近红外检测方法快速方便，可直接采用金花茶叶进行含量测定，从而筛选出高含量样本。进一步通过大孔吸附树脂分离和高效液相制备得到高纯度的冲山茶苷。细胞毒性分析表明，所制备的冲山茶苷具有一定的抑制癌细胞生长的活性。[结论] 为金花茶的质量评价提供了可借鉴的质量标志物，并且为金花茶的开发利用提供了科学依据。     

Effects of 24-week Tai Chi exercise on the knee and ankle proprioception of older women

This study examined the effects of regular Tai Chi (TC) exercise on the kinaesthesia of the knee and ankle joints of older women. A total of 43 women aged 55–68 years participated in this study. In a 24-week study period, the TC group (n = 22) underwent an organized TC exercise, whereas the control group (n = 21) maintained a sedentary lifestyle. Customized instruments were used to measure the threshold for the detection of the passive motion of the knee and ankle joints. After 24 weeks, the TC group showed a significantly smaller threshold for the detection of passive motion of knee extension (31.4%, p = 0.009), knee flexion (27.0%, p = 0.044), and ankle dorsal flexion (28.9%, p = 0.014) than the control group. Other comparisons showed no significant differences. The 24-week TC exercise benefited the lower-limb kinaesthesia of the knee joint flexion and extension and ankle dorsal flexion.     

Effects of Tai Chi exercise on improving walking function and posture control in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:It remains unclear whether Tai Chi is effective for walking function and posture control improvements in aged populations with knee osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on improving walking function and posture control in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis by updating the latest trial evidence.Methods:Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, PEDro, and Cochrane library were searched up to October 1, 2020 to identify RCTs evaluating Tai Chi for improving walking function and posture control in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The primary outcomes were walking function and posture control. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan Version 5.3 software.Results:A total of 603 participants with knee osteoarthritis in the 11 trials were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: The Tai Chi group was associated with better performance in 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), time up and go test (TUG) and “Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index” Physical Function Score than the control group ([MD: 46.67, 95% CI 36.91–56.43, P < .001]), ([MD: −0.89, 95% CI −1.16 to −0.61, P < .001]), ([MD: −11.28, 95% CI −13.33 to −9.24, P < .001]).Conclusion:This meta-analysis provided evidence from 11 RCTs that Tai Chi could be an excellent physical training strategy for improving walking function and posture control in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Assuming that Tai Chi is at least effective and safe in most areas, it can be used as an adjuvant and reliable physical training strategy for walking function upgrading and balance control improvements for older patients with knee osteoarthritis.     

Seasonal Variation of Phyto-Constituents of Tea Leaves Affects Antiproliferative Potential

Objective: Tea (Camellia sinensis Linn.; family: Theaceae) is popular as a stimulant beverage across the globe and is also utilized as a functional antioxidant in alternative medicine. This study has evaluated the impact of seasonal variation on phyto-constituents of tea.

Method: The antiproliferative potential of methanolic extracts of tea leaves collected in the rainy season (MECR) was compared with the extract of tea leaves collected in the autumn season (MECA) of the same mother plant. Evaluation of in vivo antitumor activity was carried out in adult female Swiss albino mice groups inoculated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to compare efficacy of MECR with that of MECA in the EAC cell line. Both qualitative and quantitative tests for phytochemical constituents present in MECA and MECR were performed. Antitumor efficacy of both the extracts was determined by evaluating different tumor markers showing dose-dependent cytotoxicity.

Results: Statistically significant reduction in EAC-induced tumor was observed in MECR treated mice compared to MECA treated ones. Cell decimation was significantly higher with MECR treatment, where restoration of different parameters including tissue structures returned to normal. Moreover, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) study revealed the presence of cyclobarbital and benzazulene derivative in MECR, which is thought to be a novel source of these chemicals.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, there is no report that has attempted to reveal nutritional changes in terms of efficacy and variation in anticancer constituents in tea leaves, plucked in two seasons. This study revealed a novel source of barbital and benzazulene derivative. The unique presence of cyclobarbital and benzazulene, as revealed from GC-MS data, in methanolic extract of tea leaves collected during the rainy season (MECR) may have contributed to its enhanced in vitro (adopting MTT assay) and in vivo (on EAC-infected Swiss albino mice) cytotoxicity vis-à-vis antiproliferative properties compared to methanolic extract of tea leaves collected during the autumn season (MECA). The nature of plucking leaves in the two selected seasons is different.     

固齿膏对牙周炎组织中PGs的影响

目的研究固齿合对牙龈和牙槽骨中PGE2的抑制作用，探讨固齿膏治疗牙周炎的机理。方法用丝线缝扎和给豚鼠喂养高糖形成牙周炎，分别给豚鼠喂固齿育和吲哚美辛，放射免疫测定法分析牙龈和牙槽骨中PGE2含量。结果牙周炎组的牙龈指数和牙周袋深度增加，牙槽骨吸收明显．牙龈和牙槽骨中的PGE2明显升高；固齿膏组牙龈指数和牙周袋深度明显低于牙周炎组，牙槽骨吸收减轻，牙龈和牙槽骨中PGE2含量明显降低，牙槽骨中的PGE2含量与吲哚美辛组有显著性差异，而牙龈组织中的PGE2含量与吲哚美辛组无显著性差异。结论固齿膏对实验性牙周炎的形成有抑制作用．能明显降低牙龈和牙槽骨中的PGE2含量。     

柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤加减联合太极拳运动治疗抑郁症40例临床观察

目的:观察柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤加减联合太极拳运动治疗肝气阻滞兼痰热型抑郁症的临床疗效。方法:将80例肝气阻滞兼痰热型抑郁症患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组各40例。治疗组给予柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤加减联合太极拳运动治疗,对照组给予盐酸帕罗西汀治疗。2组疗程均为6周。观察患者的综合疗效及抑郁自评量表(SDS)评分、汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)评分、中医证候评分、不良反应量表(TESS)评分。结果:治疗组脱落1例,对照组脱落2例。综合疗效总有效率治疗组为94.87%(37/39),对照组为81.58%(31/38),2组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);2组治疗2、4、6周后SDS、HAMD及中医证候评分均低于治疗前(P<0.01),且治疗组治疗后各时间节点的SDS、HAMD、TESS及中医证候评分均低于对照组(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤加减联合太极拳运动治疗肝气阻滞兼痰热型抑郁症疗效确切,且无明显不良反应,值得临床推广应用。     

Well-being of institutionalized elders after Yang-style Tai Chi practice

Aims and objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Tai Chi on the physical and psychological well‐being of elders who resided in long‐term care facilities. Background. The beneficial effects of Tai Chi on elders’ well‐being have been well‐documented; however, most of the studies focused on community‐dwelling or healthier elders. Design and methods. In this longitudinal, time‐series, quasi‐experimental study, a convenience sample of 28 institutionalized elders was recruited. A six‐month Yang‐style Tai Chi intervention was administered twice a week for 60 minutes per practice. The well‐being outcome variables, including physical and mental health status, blood pressure, quality of sleep, occurrence of falls and fear of falling, were measured before the intervention and then at one‐month, two‐month, three‐month and six‐month intervals. Results. Results indicated that the physical health status and social functioning of frail elders were significantly improved after Tai Chi practice [F(4,24) = 3·42, p = 0·038; F(4,24) = 9·66, p = 0·001 respectively]. Conclusions. Tai Chi practice is beneficial for frail older people. Relevance to clinical practice. The findings provide a basis for using Yang‐style Tai Chi as a floor activity in long‐term care facilities to promote the well‐being of the older residents.     

长柱金花茶叶的化学成分研究(Ⅱ)

目的研究长柱金花茶Camellia nitidissima var.longistyla叶的化学成分。方法采用硅胶柱色谱、Sephadex LH-20、制备液相等多种手段进行分离纯化,根据理化性质和波谱数据鉴定化合物的结构。结果从长柱金花茶叶95%乙醇提取物中分离得到16个化合物,分别鉴定为山柰酚(1)、3,5,6,7,4′-五羟基二氢黄酮(2)、6-羟基山柰酚(3)、(-)-表阿福豆素(4)、(-)-表儿茶素(5)、山柰酚-3-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(6)、α-菠菜甾醇(7)、β-胡萝卜苷(8)、5,7,3′,4′-四甲氧基黄酮(9)、7,3′,4′-三甲氧基-5-羟基黄酮(10)、5,7,3′,4′,5′-五甲氧基黄酮(11)、3-O-乙酰齐墩果酸(12)、正三十四烷醇(13)、β-香树脂醇(14)、α-菠菜甾醇-3-O-β-D-吡喃半乳糖苷(15)、芦丁(16)。结论所有化合物均为首次从该植物中分离得到,其中化合物2、3、9~11为首次从该属植物中分离得到。