Association of extra-pulmonary vein triggers with low-voltage area and clinical recurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation.

Background and Objectives: Although extra-pulmonary vein (PV) triggers (ExPVTs) play a role in atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation (AFCA), the mechanism is unknown. We explored whether the locations of ExPVTs were associated with low-voltage scar areas (LVAs). Methods: Among 2255 consecutive patients who underwent a de novo AFCA, 1696 (male 72.1%, median 60 years old, paroxysmal 64.7%) were included who underwent isoproterenol provocation and voltage mapping of the left atrium (LA) during their procedures. We investigated the associations between ExPVTs and their mean LA voltage and colocalization of ExPVTs within LVAs (<0.2 mV). Results: We observed ExPVTs in 181 (10.7%) patients (60 in the LA, 99 in the right atrium [RA], 16 biatrial, and 6 unmappable). A lower mean LA voltage was independently associated with the existence of ExPVTs (OR 0.77 per 1 SD mV increase, 95% CI 0.60-0.99, p = .039). Among 76 patients who had ExPVTs[LA], 43 (56.6%) had ExPVTs within LVAs. During a median of a 42-month follow-up, patients with ExPVTs had a higher AF recurrence than those without (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.48-2.37, Log-rank p < .001), but colocalization of ExPVTs and LVAs (Log-rank p = .544) and the anatomical location of ExPVTs (Log-rank p = .084) did not affect the rhythm outcome. Conclusions: The presence of ExPVTs was associated with low LA voltage and poor rhythm outcome post-AFCA, but the colocalization of ExPVTs and LVA in LA did not affect rhythm outcome.

Opuntia ficus-indica Alleviates Particulate Matter 10 Plus Diesel Exhaust Particles (PM10D)-Induced Airway Inflammation by Suppressing the Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines.

Particulate matter (PM) exposure may cause adverse health effects such as respiratory disorders. We evaluated the protective effects of various Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) extracts on airway inflammation associated with exposure to PM10D with an aerodynamic diameter <10 µm (PM10) and diesel exhaust particles (DEP). BALB/c mice were exposed to PM10D via intranasal tracheal injection three times over a period of 12 days and various OFI extracts (water, 30% ethanolic, or 50% ethanolic extracts) were administered orally for 12 days. All OFI extracts suppressed neutrophil infiltration and the number of immune cells (CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, and Gr-1+/CD11b) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs. OFI extracts decreased the expression of cytokines and chemokines, including chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)-1, interleukin (IL)-17, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cyclooxygenase-2, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-5, IL-6, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1, and mucin 5AC, and inhibited IRAK-1, TNF-α, and CXCL-1 localization in BALF and lungs of mice with PM10D-induced airway inflammation. Serum asymmetric and symmetric dimethyl arginine levels were also decreased by OFI extracts treatment. Moreover, all OFI extracts restored histopathological damage in the trachea and lungs of mice with PM10D-induced airway inflammation. These results indicate that OFI extracts may be used to prevent and treat airway inflammation and respiratory diseases.

Antidiabetic effect of an extract of nutricultured Brassica napus containing vanadium from a Jeju water concentrate.

The purpose of this study was to determine the antidiabetic effect of an extract of nutricultured Brassica napus containing vanadium (BECV). The BECV was prepared following nutriculture of B. napus with a Jeju water vanadium concentrate for 7 day. The BECV was administered to db/db mice for 8 weeks at different dosages (0.028, 0.14, and 0.7 µg/kg; as vanadium concentration in BECV). After 8 weeks, the BECV results showed mouse blood glucose concentrations to significantly decrease, in a dose-dependent manner, compared with the results for control mice. In addition, the concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin were significantly lower after 8 weeks of administration of 0.7 µg/kg BECV. Therefore, the BECV may have protective effects against type 2 diabetes.

Comparative Effects of Different Assistance Force During Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Locomotor Functions in Patients With Subacute Stroke: An Assessor-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of progressive reducing assistance force versus full assistance force controlled robot-assisted gait training combined with conventional physiotherapy on locomotor functions in patients with subacute stroke. DESIGN: Inpatients with subacute stroke (N = 29; 16 men; Functional Ambulation Category score = 1 ± 0.9) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a progressive reducing assistance force group (n = 15) or a full assistance force group (n = 14). The progressive reducing assistance force group performed robot-assisted gait training sessions from 100% assistance force at the outset to 60% assistance force at the end of the robot-assisted gait training, whereas the full assistance force group received 100% assistance force throughout the robot-assisted gait training sessions. Both groups performed robot-assisted gait training combined with conventional physiotherapy 5 days a week for 4 wks. After intervention, all patients then underwent only conventional physiotherapy 5 days a week for 4 wks of follow-up. RESULTS: The Mann-Whitney U test between-group comparisons showed that improvements were significantly greater in the progressive reducing assistance force group for the Functional Ambulation Category, knee extensors torque, and Berg Balance Scale relative to the full assistance force group, both at postintervention and at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive reducing assistance force control during robot-assisted gait training combined with conventional physiotherapy may be more beneficial for improving locomotor functions in patients with subacute stroke.

Toxicological Evaluation of Brassica napus Extract Containing Vanadium, Nutricultured in Jeju Water.

This study evaluated the mutagenicity and acute toxicity of the juice extract of nutricultured Brassica napus containing vanadium (BECV). The BECV was prepared by nutriculture for 7 days in Jeju water containing vanadium. The mutagenic effects of BECV were investigated using the bacterial reverse mutation test, chromosome aberration test, and micronucleus test. Based on the results of the mutagenicity test, we propose that BECV is not a mutagenicity-inducing agent. In the acute oral toxicity study, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single limiting dose of 0.014, 0.14, or 1.4 µg BECV/kg body weight; the rats were then observed for 7 days. No acute lethal effect was observed at the maximal dose of 1.4 µg BECV/kg body weight. In the subacute study, male and female rats were administered once daily, by oral gavage, a dose of 0.028, 0.14, and 0.7 µg/kg body weight of BECV for 28 days. No significant toxicity was observed not only hematological, biochemical, and pathological parameters but also the body and organ weights when compared to controls. The level of BECV with no observed adverse effects in male and female rats was 0.7 µg/kg body weight (concentration of vanadium in BECV) in the subacute toxicity study.

Suppressive Effect of the n-Hexane Extract of Litsea japonica Fruit Flesh on Monosodium-Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats.

We examined the antiosteoarthritic effect of the n-hexane extract of Litsea japonica fruit flesh (LJF-HE) in a rat model of monosodium-iodoacetate- (MIA-) induced osteoarthritis. LJF-HE significantly reduced the difference in weight-bearing capabilities of the hind paws between healthy and MIA-treated rats. Histological examination of the knee joints indicated that LJF-HE suppressed cartilage and bone destruction. Additionally, there were decreases in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 and cyclooxygenase-2 in the joints. The serum levels of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and osteocalcin, which are markers of bone metabolism, also decreased. Furthermore, LJF-HE significantly suppressed infiltration of inflammatory cells into the synovium and inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin- (IL-) 1, and IL-6 in the joints and serum. The serum levels of leukotriene B4 and lipoxygenase were also significantly lowered by LJF-HE. Finally, LJF-HE inhibited the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, IL-6, and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages, which might be associated with inhibited phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Our data suggest that LJF-HE has an anti-inflammatory effect and may have potential as an antiosteoarthritic agent.

Antioxidant and anti-ageing activities of citrus-based juice mixture.

The production of excessive reactive oxygen species by exposure to oxidative stress and solar radiation are primary factors in skin damage. We examined the effects of a citrus-based juice mixture and its bioactive compounds on antioxidant and anti-ageing activities in human dermal fibroblasts and hairless mice via the regulation of antioxidant enzymes and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. The citrus-based juice mixture reduced H2O2-induced cell damage and intracellular reactive oxygen species production in human dermal fibroblasts. Citrus-based juice mixture pretreatment suppressed the activation of the H2O2-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by activating the expression of activator protein 1 and matrix metalloproteinases. Moreover, it increased the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase, catalase and manganese superoxide dismutase. In addition, oral administration of the citrus-based juice mixture decreased skin thickness and wrinkle formation and increased collagen content on an ultraviolet light B-exposed hairless mouse. These results indicate that the citrus-based juice mixture is a potentially healthy beverage for the prevention of oxidative stress-induced premature skin ageing.

Effects of Innovative WALKBOT Robotic-Assisted Locomotor Training on Balance and Gait Recovery in Hemiparetic Stroke: A Prospective, Randomized, Experimenter Blinded Case Control Study With a Four-Week Follow-Up.

The present clinical investigation was to ascertain whether the effects of WALKBOT-assisted locomotor training (WLT) on balance, gait, and motor recovery were superior or similar to the conventional locomotor training (CLT) in patients with hemiparetic stroke. Thirty individuals with hemiparetic stroke were randomly assigned to either WLT or CLT. WLT emphasized on a progressive, conventional locomotor retraining practice (40 min) combined with the WALKBOT-assisted, haptic guidance and random variable locomotor training (40 min) whereas CLT involved conventional physical therapy alone (80 min). Both intervention dosages were standardized and provided for 80 min, five days/week for four weeks. Clinical outcomes included function ambulation category (FAC), Berg balance scale (BBS), Korean modified Barthel index (K-MBI), modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) before and after the four-week program as well as at follow-up four weeks after the intervention. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA showed significant interaction effect (time × group) for FAC (p=0.02), BBS (p=0.03) , and K-MBI (p=0.00) across the pre-training, post-training, and follow-up tests, indicating that WLT was more beneficial for balance, gait and daily activity function than CLT alone. However, no significant difference in other variables was observed. This is the first clinical trial that highlights the superior, augmented effects of the WALKBOT-assisted locomotor training on balance, gait and motor recovery when compared to the conventional locomotor training alone in patients with hemiparetic stroke.

Immunomodulatory effect of a proanthocyanidin-rich extract from Pinus radiata bark by dosing period in chickens.

We evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of a proanthocyanidin-rich extract (PAE) from Pinus radiata bark in Korean native chickens. In experiment 1, proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly enhanced in chickens administered 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg of PAE for 2 wk once daily by oral gavage compared with no administration of PAE in vitro. Proliferation of splenocyte and thymocyte cells was also significantly enhanced in chickens administered 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg of PAE for 5 wk. In experiment 2, proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, splenocytes, and thymocytes in chickens administered PAE for 6 wk was continuously higher than that in other groups. Additionally, increasing cell populations for which CD4(+)CD8(-)(Th cells) and Bu-1(+) (B cells) protein was expressed on the cell surface were significantly different after 4 wk of PAE administration in chickens. Thus, the immunomodulatory effects of a PAE from P. radiata bark differed by dosing period in chickens.