A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Contrast Baths

Study DesignSystematic review.IntroductionContrast baths are used as an intervention in hand therapy, yet it is unclear which patients, if any, benefit from this intervention.Purpose of the StudyTo examine the nature and quality of the evidence regarding the use of contrast baths using a systematic review process.MethodsOf a total of 28 clinical research articles on contrast baths, from 1938 forward, ten met the inclusion criteria set by the authors.ResultsThese studies addressed the physiological changes of hot and cold on blood flow, intramuscular temperature, subcutaneous temperature, and the influence of room temperature and age. The subjects included normal/healthy volunteers and patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or foot/ankle injuries. The diversity of conditions, protocols, and outcomes limited the ability to make definitive conclusions on efficacy.ConclusionsThe contrast bath procedure may increase superficial blood flow and skin temperature, though the evidence on the impact on edema is conflicting. No relationship between physiologic effects and functional outcomes has been established.Level of Evidence: 2A     

Serum cholesterol, fat intake, and breakfast consumption in the United States adult population

Morgan et al demonstrated that adults who consumed ready-to-eat cereals had significantly lower fat and cholesterol intakes than those who ate other foods at breakfast. Not discussed in that study was the effect of breakfast consumption habits on serum cholesterol levels. The NHANES II study of 11,864 adults was used to both verify the Morgan et al results with a different sample and to extend that research by including serum cholesterol. The analysis disclosed that serum cholesterol levels are lowest among adults eating a breakfast that includes ready-to-eat cereal and highest among breakfast skippers.     

Hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis in neurogenetic syndromes

There are conflicting reports on the relationship between cerebellar vermal lobule hypoplasia and autism. Using quantitative magnetic resonance image analysis, we measured the cerebellar vermis in 125 normal individuals with a broad age range and 102 patients with a variety of neurogenetic abnormalities. We conclude that hypoplasia of cerebellar vermal lobules VI and VII is a nonspecific finding that even occurs in several conditions without autistic behavior. This suggests that it is not a specific neuroanatomical marker for autism, nor is cerebellar dys- genesis likely to be solely responsible for clinical autistic behaviors.     

表小檗碱对α受体的作用

表小檗碱(epiberberine,EB)是从湖北产黄连(Coptis chinensis Franch)中提取的一种生物碱,属苯喹嗪类原小檗碱,对其药理作用的研究资料甚少,未见其对α肾上腺素体作用的报道。资料表明,许多原小檗碱类化合物有α受体阻滞作用,为从该类化合物中选择     

Pain and faulty breathing: a pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study was to observe both relaxed and deep breathing patterns in a convenience sample to determine the incidence of normal versus faulty patterns of respiration. These observations were then combined with respondent answers to a survey on pain history to determine if there is any correlation between faulty breathing and musculo-skeletal pain patterns. If such a correlation can be made, then we propose that clinicians working with chronic pain patients may have improved outcomes if they address and correct faulty breathing patterns. Based on this study, it is suggested to include the evaluation and treatment of faulty respiration in the rehabilitation of chronic musculo-skeletal conditions, most notably cervical pain.