Effect of baduanjin on the fall and balance function in middle-aged and elderly people: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The risk of fall seriously affects the health and quality of life of the middle-aged and elderly people, especially the injury and disability caused by fall of the middle-aged and elderly people, which imposes a huge burden on family and social medical care. Baduanjin exercise may be an effective intervention to enhance the muscle strength and stability of lower limbs, improve the balance ability and gait of middle-aged and elderly people, reduce the incidence of falls, improve the quality of life, and promote the health of middle-aged and elderly people. The aim of this study is to summarize evidence and systematically review the efficacy and safety of Baduanjin on the fall and balance function in middle-aged and elderly people. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of English and Chinese RCTs in the following 8 electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, from their respective dates of inception to July 2021. Other resources will be searched if necessary. The primary outcome is the fall rate in middle-aged and elderly people and the secondary outcomes include the Single-Leg Standing (SLS) Test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. The study selection, data extraction, risk of bias, data synthesis and analysis, reporting biases, and the quality of evidence will be independently conducted by 2 reviewers who use the EndNote X9 software, Cochrane handbook assessment tool, RevMan 5.3 software, a funnel plot and GRADE system. RESULTS: This study will evaluate the effect of Baduanjin on falls and balance function of middle-aged and elderly people from multiple outcome evaluation indicators such as fall rate, and provide high-quality evidence. CONCLUSION: This study will provide evidence for whether Baduanjin has an effect on falls and balance function in middle-aged and elderly people. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not required for systematic review, since it does not infringe on personal interests. The results will be submitted to peer-review journals or disseminated at scientific conferences.

Effects of Bedtime Dosing With Suvorexant and Zolpidem on Balance and Psychomotor Performance in Healthy Elderly Participants During the Night and in the Morning.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: This study was designed as an early assessment of the safety of the orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant, but also included exploratory assessments of balance and psychomotor performance that are the focus of this report. METHODS/PROCEDURES: This was a double-blind, randomized, 3-period, crossover, phase 1 study. Balance and psychomotor performance were evaluated during the night in 12 healthy elderly participants after bedtime administration of suvorexant 30 mg (a supratherapeutic dose), the GABAergic agonist zolpidem 5 mg (the recommended dose in the elderly), or placebo. Balance (body sway measured by platform stability) and psychomotor performance (measured by choice reaction time) were assessed predose and at 1.5, 4, and 8 hours postdose in each period. Memory (measured by word recall) was assessed predose and at 4 hours postdose. FINDINGS/RESULTS: At 1.5 hours after nighttime administration of each drug (the approximate time of their anticipated maximal plasma concentrations), both zolpidem and suvorexant increased body sway versus placebo, with a greater increase for zolpidem than suvorexant. Suvorexant increased choice reaction time compared with placebo or zolpidem at 1.5 hours. There were no treatment differences on body sway or choice reaction time at 4 or 8 hours, or on word recall at 4 hours. IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: These exploratory data suggest that a 30-mg dose of suvorexant (supratherapeutic) and a 5-mg dose of zolpidem (recommended dose in the elderly) impaired balance at 1.5 hours in healthy elderly people, with potentially less impairment for suvorexant relative to zolpidem, but no treatment differences on body sway or psychomotor performance at 4 and 8 hours. Because of their exploratory nature, these findings and their clinical relevance, if any, require confirmation in a prospective study.

Isotope-reinforced polyunsaturated fatty acids improve Parkinson's disease-like phenotype in rats overexpressing α-synuclein.

Lipid peroxidation is a key to a portfolio of neurodegenerative diseases and plays a central role in α-synuclein (α-syn) toxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death, all key processes in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important constituents of the synaptic and mitochondrial membranes and are often the first molecular targets attacked by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The rate-limiting step of the chain reaction of ROS-initiated PUFAs autoxidation involves hydrogen abstraction at bis-allylic sites, which can be slowed down if hydrogens are replaced with deuteriums. In this study, we show that targeted overexpression of human A53T α-syn using an AAV vector unilaterally in the rat substantia nigra reproduces some of pathological features seen in PD patients. Chronic dietary supplementation with deuterated PUFAs (D-PUFAs), specifically 0.8% D-linoleic and 0.3% H-linolenic, produced significant disease-modifying beneficial effects against α-syn-induced motor deficits, synaptic pathology, oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, disrupted trafficking along axons, inflammation and DA neuronal loss. These findings support the clinical evaluation of D-PUFAs as a neuroprotective therapy for PD.

Synthetic ß-hydroxy ketone derivative inhibits cholinesterases, rescues oxidative stress and ameliorates cognitive deficits in 5XFAD mice model of AD.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, chronic and age-related neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people across the world. In pursuit of new anti-AD remedies, 2-[Hydroxy-(4-nitrophenyl)methyl]-cyclopentanone (NMC), a ß hydroxyl ketone derivative was studied to explore its neuroprotective potentials against AD. The in-vitro AChE and BuChE enzymes inhibition were evaluated by Ellman protocol and antioxidant potentials of NMC by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. In-vivo behavioral studies were performed in the transgenic 5xFAD mice model of AD using shallow water maze (SWM), Paddling Y-Maze (PYM), elevated plus maze (EPM) and balance beam (BB) tests. Also, the ex-vivo cholinesterase inhibitory effects of NMC and histopathological analysis of amyloid-ß plaques were determined in the frontal cortex and hippocampal regions of the mice brain. NMC exhibited significant in vitro anti-cholinesterase enzyme potentials with an IC50 value of 67 µg/ml against AChE and 96 µg/ml against BuChE respectively. Interestingly, the activities of AChE and BuChE enzymes were also significantly lower in the cortex and hippocampus of NMC-treated groups. Also, in the DPPH assessment, NMC displayed substantial antioxidant properties with an IC50 value observed as 171 µg/ml. Moreover, histopathological analysis via thioflavin-s staining displayed significantly lower plaques depositions in the cortex and hippocampus region of NMC-treated mice groups. Furthermore, SWM, PYM, EPM, and BB behavioral analysis indicated that NMC enhanced spatial learning, memory consolidation and improved balance performance. Altogether, to the best of our knowledge, we believe that NMC may serve as a potential and promising anti-cholinesterase, antioxidant and neuroprotective agent against AD.

Association of Naturalistic Administration of Cannabis Flower and Concentrates With Intoxication and Impairment.

Importance: The rapidly growing legal cannabis market includes new and highly potent products, the effects of which, to our knowledge, have not previously been examined in biobehavioral research studies because of federal restrictions on cannabis research. Objective: To use federally compatible, observational methods to study high-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) legal market forms of cannabis. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cohort study with a between-groups design that was conducted in a community and university setting, cannabis flower users and concentrate users were randomly assigned to higher- vs lower-THC products within user groups. Participants completed a baseline and an experimental mobile laboratory assessment that included 3 points: before, immediately after, and 1 hour after ad libitum legal market flower and concentrate use. Of the 133 individuals enrolled and assessed, 55 regular flower cannabis users (41.4%) and 66 regular concentrate cannabis users (49.6%) complied with the study's cannabis use instructions and had complete data across primary outcomes. Exposures: Flower users were randomly assigned to use either 16% or 24% THC flower and concentrate users were randomly assigned to use either 70% or 90% THC concentrate that they purchased from a dispensary. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome measures included plasma cannabinoids, subjective drug intoxication, and neurobehavioral tasks testing attention, memory, inhibitory control, and balance. Results: A total of 121 participants completed the study for analysis: 55 flower users (mean [SD] age, 28.8 [8.1] years; 25 women [46%]) and 66 concentrate users (mean [SD] age, 28.3 [10.4] years; 30 women [45%]). Concentrate users compared with flower users exhibited higher plasma THC levels and 11-hydroxyΔ9-THC (THC's active metabolite) across all points. After ad libitum cannabis administration, mean plasma THC levels were 0.32 (SE = 0.43) µg/mL in concentrate users (to convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 3.18) and 0.14 (SE = 0.16) µg/mL in flower users. Most neurobehavioral measures were not altered by short-term cannabis consumption. However, delayed verbal memory (F1,203 = 32.31; P < .001) and balance function (F1,203 = 18.88; P < .001) were impaired after use. Differing outcomes for the type of product (flower vs concentrate) or potency within products were not observed. Conclusions and Relevance: This study provides information about the association of pharmacological and neurobehavioral outcomes with legal market cannabis. Short-term use of concentrates was associated with higher levels of THC exposure. Across forms of cannabis and potencies, users' domains of verbal memory and proprioception-focused postural stability were primarily associated with THC administration.

[The effect of basic therapy with calcium and vitamins D3 and B6 on muscle strength, movement and balance functions at patients with osteoporosis undergoing medical rehabilitation]. / Vliianie bazovoi terapii kal'tsiem i vitaminami D3 i V6 na myshechnuiu silu, funktsii dvizheniia i balansa u patsientov s osteoporozom, prokhodivshikh meditsinskuiu reabilitatsiiu.

AIM: Study of the effect of taking a complex biologically active food supplement with calcium and vitamins D3 and B6 to the effectiveness and duration of medical rehabilitation effect at patients with osteoporosis and with a high risk of fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 119 men and women with osteoporosis and (or) with a high risk of fractures, beginning a course of medical rehabilitation. The 1st study group (SG1) included 41 patients who had already received antiresorptive therapy. In SG2 and SG3, 39 patients who did not receive pathogenetic therapy of osteoporosis were included by the randomization method. For patients SG1 and SG2, a complex biologically active food supplement Osteomed forte was prescribed to use within 12 months. The dynamics of tensodynamometry, stabilometry and functional tests were evaluated in 20 days, 6 and 12 months after the start of the study. RESULTS: The muscle strength indicators achieved during the 20-day training session compared to the initial level were maintained for 12 months in extensor and flexor of the back at patients within SG1 and SG2, as well as up to 6 months in the lateral flexor of the back at patients of SG1. At patients within SG3, the effect of medical rehabilitation completely regressed after 6 months. Higher stabilization parameters after 6 and 12 months in comparison with the initial level were observed only in patients within SG1 and SG2. The effect achieved during rehabilitation was supported for 12 months in the 'stand on one leg' test within SG1, comparing in contrast to SG3, where a deterioration in the average value of the test indicator was noted. CONCLUSION: Long-term use of food supplements containing calcium salts with vitamins D3 and B6can be recommended to maintain the effect of rehabilitation measures at patients with osteoporosis and with a high risk of fractures, more preferably in combination with antiresorptive therapy.

Postural Balance Effects Associated with 400, 4000 or 10,000 IU Vitamin D3 Daily for Three Years: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Vitamin D supplementation is proposed as a fall prevention strategy, as it may improve neuromuscular function. We examined whether three years of vitamin D supplementation (400, 4000 or 10,000 IU daily) affects postural sway in older adults. Three hundred and seventy-three non-osteoporotic, vitamin D-sufficient, community-dwelling healthy adults, aged 55-70 years, were randomized to 400 (n = 124), 4000 (n = 125) or 10,000 (n = 124) IU daily vitamin D3 for three years. Sway index was assessed at baseline, 12-, 24- and 36-months using the Biosway machine. We tested participants under four conditions: eyes open or eyes closed with firm (EOFI, ECFI) or foam (EOFO, ECFO) surfaces. Secondary assessments examined sway in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions. Linear mixed effects models compared sway between supplementation groups across time. Postural sway under EOFO and ECFO conditions significantly improved in all supplementation groups over time. Postural sway did not differ between supplementation groups at any time under any testing conditions in normal, AP or ML directions (p > 0.05 for all). Our findings suggest that high dose (4000 or 10,000 IU) vitamin D supplementation neither benefit nor impair balance compared with 400 IU daily in non-osteoporotic, vitamin D-sufficient, healthy older adults.

The Effect of Nordic Walking Training Combined with Vitamin D Supplementation on Postural Control and Muscle Strength in Elderly People-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Nordic Walking (NW) and Vitamin D concentration (Vit D) alone have been shown to contribute to the health and performance of elderly people. However, the interaction between these two factors has yet to be explored. In this study 42 women over 60 years of age (69.02 ± 5.56 years) were recruited and divided in two NW groups: a high-intensity interval training group (HI-NW) and a moderate-intensity continuous training group (MI-NW). Individuals from each group completed a 12-week NW training program (3 times a week/2 hours) combined with randomized Vitamin D supplementation (HD = high dose: 4000 IU/day or LD = low dose: 800 IU/day). Body composition, postural control, muscle strength and Vitamin D serum concentration were measured twice; before and after the intervention. To investigate the interaction between supplementation and training a mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. The HI-NW group, regardless of supplementation dose, increased their Vit D and elbow torque performance. On the other hand, in the MI-NW group the same Vit D outcome was seen only with HD supplementation and was also associated with increased leg muscle mass. In conclusion, beneficial effects of both HI-NW and MI-NW training regimes were seen. The impact of the dose supplementation on Vit D and body composition was related to the type of NW training.

Exploration of the establishment of manganese poisoning rat model and analysis of discriminant methods.

OBJECTIVE: We explored methods to establish an animal model of manganese poisoning and evaluate the feasibility of the determination method. METHODS: Twenty-four specific pathogen-free male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, low-dose (15.0 mg/kg), middle-dose (25.0 mg/kg), and high-dose (50.0 mg/kg). Intraperitoneal injection of MnCl2·H2O was administered every 48 h for three months. Rats were tested for behavior, muscle tension, and with a balance beam experiment at the end of each month. Three months later, the rats were sacrificed and brain tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression levels were measured. RESULTS: Rats in each group exhibited changes in behavior, muscle tone, and balance after exposure to manganese, and the scores of each test for the high-dose and middle-dose groups were statistically different from the low-dose and control groups. Finally, a rat model of manganese poisoning was identified with the TH expression less than 30% of the normal value. We find that the modeling success rate of the middle-dose and high-dose groups were 66.67% and 100%, respectively. In addition, there were negative correlations between the three assessment methods such as behavioral tests and TH expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal injection of MnCl2·H2O (25 mg/kg) can successfully establish a manganese poisoning rat model with low mortality rate. Muscle tension, balance beam, and behavioral tests can be used as preliminary determination methods for modeling.

Behavioral and neuroanatomical outcomes in a rat model of preterm hypoxic-ischemic brain Injury: Effects of caffeine and hypothermia.

The current study investigated behavioral and post mortem neuroanatomical outcomes in Wistar rats with a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury induced on postnatal day 6 (P6; Rice-Vannucci HI method; Rice et al., 1981). This preparation models brain injury seen in premature infants (gestational age (GA) 32-35 weeks) based on shared neurodevelopmental markers at time of insult, coupled with similar neuropathologic sequelae (Rice et al., 1981; Workman et al., 2013). Clinically, HI insult during this window is associated with poor outcomes that include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), motor coordination deficits, spatial memory deficits, and language/learning disabilities. To assess therapies that might offer translational potential for improved outcomes, we used a P6 HI rat model to measure the behavioral and neuroanatomical effects of two prospective preterm neuroprotective treatments - hypothermia and caffeine. Hypothermia (aka "cooling") is an approved and moderately efficacious intervention therapy for fullterm infants with perinatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury, but is not currently approved for preterm use. Caffeine is a respiratory stimulant used during removal of infants from ventilation but has shown surprising long-term benefits, leading to consideration as a therapy for HI of prematurity. Current findings support caffeine as a preterm neuroprotectant; treatment significantly improved some behavioral outcomes in a P6 HI rat model and partially rescued neuropathology. Hypothermia treatment (involving core temperature reduction by 4 °C for 5 h), conversely, was found to be largely ineffective and even deleterious for some measures in both HI and sham rats. These results have important implications for therapeutic intervention in at-risk preterm populations, and promote caution in the application of hypothermia protocols to at-risk premature infants without further research.

Effects of a water extract of Lepidium meyenii root in different models of persistent pain in rats.

Lepidium meyenii (Walp.), commonly called maca, is an Andean crop belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Maca hypocotils are habitually consumed as customary food as well as traditional remedies for pathological conditions such as infertility. Moreover, the characterization of maca extracts revealed the presence of compounds that are able to modulate the nervous system. Aimed to evaluate the efficacy of L. meyenii in persistent pain, the present study analyzed the effects of a commercial root extract from maca in different animal models reproducing the most common causes of chronic painful pathologies. A qualitative characterization of this commercial extract by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry analyses allowed us to confirm the presence of some macamides known as bioactive constituents of this root and the absence of the main aromatic glucosinolates. The acute oral administration of maca extract is able to reduce mechanical hypersensitivity and postural unbalance induced by the intra-articular injection of monoiodoacetate and the chronic-constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. Furthermore, L. meyenii extract reverts pain threshold alterations evoked by oxaliplatin and paclitaxel. A good safety profile in mice and rats was shown. In conclusion, the present maca extract could be considered as a therapeutic opportunity to relieve articular and neuropathic pain.

Influence of clove oil and eugenol on muscle contraction of silkworm (Bombyx mori).

Clove oil is used in fish anesthesia and expected to have a mechanism via glutamic receptor. The present study explores the activities of clove oil and its major compound, eugenol, in comparison with L-glutamic acid on glutamic receptor of silkworm muscle and fish anesthesia. It was found that clove oil and eugenol had similar effects to L-glutamic acid on inhibition of silkworm muscle contraction after treated with D-glutamic acid and kainic acid. Anesthetic activity of the test samples was investigated in goldfish. The results demonstrated that L-glutamic acid at 20 and 40 mM could induce the fish to stage 3 of anesthesia that the fish exhibited total loss of equilibrium and muscle tone, whereas clove oil and eugenol at 60 ppm could induce the fish to stage 4 of anesthesia that the reflex activity of the fish was lost. These results suggest that clove oil and eugenol have similar functional activities and mechanism to L-glutamic acid on muscle contraction and fish anesthesia.

The effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on muscular function and quality of life in postmenopausal women-A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Observational studies have suggested positive associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and muscular strength, balance and quality of life. Our aim was to examine whether high-dose vitamin D supplementation would improve these measures as compared to standard-dose vitamin D, as well as the possible muscular effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding vitamin D-related enzymes. DESIGN: A 12-month randomized, double-blind, controlled trial where the participants received daily elemental calcium (1000 mg) plus vitamin D3 (800 IU). In addition, the participants were randomized to receive either capsules with vitamin D3 (20 000 IU) or matching placebos to be taken twice a week. PATIENTS: A total of 297 postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis. MEASUREMENTS: Muscle strength (handgrip and knee extensor strength), balance (tandem test) and quality of life (EQ-5D) were measured at baseline and after 12 months. The subjects were genotyped for SNPs related to vitamin D metabolism. RESULTS: Of the 297 included women, 275 completed the study. Mean serum 25(OH)D levels dramatically increased in the high-dose group (from 64.7 to 164.1 nmol/L; P<.01), while a more moderate increased was observed in the standard-dose group (from 64.1 to 81.8 nmol/L; P<.01). There was no significant difference between the groups in change in muscular strength, balance or quality of life over the intervention period. Polymorphisms in rs3829251 (located in the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase gene) were associated with muscle strength and treatment effects. CONCLUSION: One-year treatment with high-dose vitamin D had no effect on muscular strength, balance or quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis as compared to standard dose. The association between rs3829251 and muscle strength needs confirmation in other populations.

Anticonvulsant activity and acute neurotoxic profile of Achyranthes aspera Linn.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Root powder of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (A. aspera) belongs to family Amaranthaceae is used in Indian traditional medicine for the management of epilepsy and its efficacy is widely acclaimed among the different rural communities. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was aimed to establish the possible anticonvulsant effect of A. aspera methanolic root extract using acute anticonvulsant models and to evaluate the acute toxicity and neurotoxic potential A. aspera extract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A. aspera methanolic extract was standardized with respect to betaine using HPTLC. The maximal electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), picrotoxin and bicuculline induced seizure models were used to evaluate the anticonvulsant potential of standardized A. aspera root extract. The GABA content in cortex and hippocampus of extract treated mice was evaluated using HPLC. Moreover, the animals were also evaluated for acute toxicity study and neurotoxicity test. RESULTS: A significant enhancement in the seizure threshold was observed by A. aspera extract (5 and 10mg/kg) treated mice in PTZ, picrotoxin and bicuculline models as compared to saline treated mice respectively, whereas the extract failed to show protection in MES induced seizures. Moreover, A. aspera treatment (5 and 10mg/kg) significantly enhances the GABA levels in hippocampus and cortex as compared to saline treated group. A. aspera root extract was devoid of any sign of acute toxicity as well as neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: A. aspera root extract exhibits significant anticonvulsant effect by facilitation of GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain.

Effect of methanol extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seeds on anxiety, sedation and motor coordination.

Currently available anxiolytics cause numerous adverse effects and show craving and tolerance during long term treatment. Currently traditional medicines have been re-evaluated widely through work on various plant species. Numerous plants in traditional system show pharmacological activity with unlimited prospective for therapeutic use. Hence we planned to evaluate the effect of methanol extract of T. foenum-graecum L. seeds on anxiety, sedation and motor coordination in mice at different doses following 15 days of oral feeding. Effect on anxiety was assessed by Hole board test and Light and Dark transition models.Phenobarbitone induced sleeping time and Rota rod test were performed to assess effect on sedation and motor coordination. In Hole board test, T. foenum-graecum L. seeds decreased the number of head dips in mice at all the three doses. In Light and Dark transition model, T. foenum-graecum L. seeds increased the period spent in the light box and the number of moves among the two compartments at 100 and 200 mg/kg as compared to control animals. In phenobarbitone induced sleeping time, T. foenum-graecum L. seeds did not reveal any sedative effect. In Rota rod test, extract exhibited significant skeletal muscle relaxant effect at 200 mg/kg (at 90 min) as compared to the control animals. Results of our study shows significant antianxiety effects of T. foenum-graecum L. seeds and may also recommend improved adverse effect profile as compared to diazepam.

Report: Protective effects of rice bran oil in haloperidol-induced tardive dyskinesia and serotonergic responses in rats.

Effect of administration of Rice bran oil (RBO) was evaluated on haloperidol elicited tardive dyskinesia in rats. Albino Wistar rats treated with haloperidol in drinking water at a dose of 0.2mg/kg/day and RBO by oral tubes at a dose of 0.4 mL/day for 5 weeks. Motor coordination, VCMs and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetraline)[8-OH-DPAT] _syndrome were monitored. Striatal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-EC). Rats treated with haloperidol orally at a dose of for a period of 5 weeks developed VCMs, which increased progressively as the treatment continued for 5 weeks. Motor coordination impairment started after the 1st week and was maximally impaired after 3 weeks and gradually returned to the 1st week value. Co-administration of RBO prevented haloperidol_induced VCMs as well impairment of motor coordination. The intensity of 8-OH-DPAT_induced syndrome and decreased 5-HT metabolism were greater in water + haloperidol treated animals than RBO + haloperidol treated animals. The present study suggested that involvement of free radical in the development of TD and point to RBO as a possible therapeutic option to treat this hyperkinetic motor disorder.

[Influence of Peridural Infiltration Therapy on Postural Control in Chronic Pain of the Lower Lumbar Spine - A Prospective Clinical Study]. / Einfluss der periduralen Infiltrationstherapie auf die posturale Kontrolle bei chronischem Schmerz der unteren Lendenwirbelsäule ­ eine prospektive klinische Untersuchung.

Background: Postural control, balance stability, is reduced in patients with chronic low back pain, due to pain. Epidural injection therapy (EI) is an established treatment of low back pain. The objective of our study was to investigate whether EI-induced pain relief also leads to improvement in postural control, as detected by computerised dynamic posturography (CDP). Patients and Methods: In a prospective study, 32 patients underwent CDP during and after the EI series of three injections. The main objective was to measure changes in overall stability index (OSI) in a pre- and post-intervention comparison. Results: The pain, measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), decreased by 62.8 %, from 4.3 ± 2.5 points to 1.6 ± 1.9 points (p < 0.001). Likewise, the OSI improved by 21.6 %, from 3.7 ± 1.7° to 2.9 ± 1.4° (day 5) (p = 0.019). Conclusion: Pain relief induced by EI results in improved postural control, which is of importance for supportive physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Anticonvulsant activity of ß-caryophyllene against pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures.

Increasing evidence suggests that plant-derived extracts and their isolated components are useful for treatment of seizures and, hence, constitute a valuable source of new antiepileptic drugs with improved efficacy and better adverse effect profile. ß-Caryophyllene is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene that occurs in a wide range of plant species and displays a number of biological actions, including neuroprotective activity. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ß-caryophyllene displays anticonvulsant effects. In addition, we investigated the effect of ß-caryophyllene on behavioral parameters and on seizure-induced oxidative stress. Adult C57BL/6 mice received increasing doses of ß-caryophyllene (0, 10, 30, or 100mg/kg). After 60 min, we measured the latencies to myoclonic and generalized seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 60 mg/kg). We found that ß-caryophyllene increased the latency to myoclonic jerks induced by PTZ. This result was confirmed by electroencephalographic analysis. In a separate set of experiments, we found that mice treated with an anticonvulsant dose of ß-caryophyllene (100mg/kg) displayed an improved recognition index in the object recognition test. This effect was not accompanied by behavioral changes in the open-field, rotarod, or forced swim tests. Administration of an anticonvulsant dose of ß-caryophyllene (100mg/kg) did not prevent PTZ-induced oxidative stress (i.e., increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances or the decrease in nonprotein thiols content). Altogether, the present data suggest that ß-caryophyllene displays anticonvulsant activity against seizures induced by PTZ in mice. Since no adverse effects were observed in the same dose range of the anticonvulsant effect, ß-caryophyllene should be further evaluated in future development of new anticonvulsant drugs.

The Vitamin D Assessment (ViDA) Study: design of a randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, acute respiratory infection, falls and non-vertebral fractures.

Observational studies have shown that low vitamin D status is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, acute respiratory infection, falls and non-vertebral fractures. We recruited 5110 Auckland adults, aged 50-84 years, into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test whether vitamin D supplementation protects against these four major outcomes. The intervention is a monthly cholecalciferol dose of 100,000IU (2.5mg) for an estimated median 3.3 years (range 2.5-4.2) during 2011-2015. Participants were recruited primarily from family practices, plus community groups with a high proportion of Maori, Pacific, or South Asian individuals. The baseline evaluation included medical history, lifestyle, physical measurements (e.g. blood pressure, arterial waveform, lung function, muscle function), and a blood sample (stored at -80°C for later testing). Capsules are being mailed to home addresses with a questionnaire to collect data on non-hospitalized outcomes and to monitor adherence and potential adverse effects. Other data sources include New Zealand Ministry of Health data on mortality, hospitalization, cancer registrations and dispensed pharmaceuticals. A random sample of 438 participants returned for annual collection of blood samples to monitor adherence and safety (hypercalcemia), including repeat physical measurements at 12 months follow-up. The trial will allow testing of a priori hypotheses on several other endpoints including: weight, blood pressure, arterial waveform parameters, heart rate variability, lung function, muscle strength, gait and balance, mood, psoriasis, bone density, and chronic pain.

Effect of isolated vitamin D supplementation on the rate of falls and postural balance in postmenopausal women fallers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of isolated vitamin D supplementation (VITD) on the rate of falls and postural balance in postmenopausal women fallers. METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 160 Brazilian younger postmenopausal women were randomized into two groups: VITD group, vitamin D3 supplementation 1,000 IU/day/orally (n = 80) and placebo group (n = 80). Women with amenorrhea at least 12 months, age 50 to 65 years, and a history of falls (previous 12 months) were included. Those with neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, vestibulopathies, drugs use that could affect balance and osteoporosis were excluded. The intervention time was 9 months. Postural balance was assessed by stabilometry (computerized force platform) and investigation on the occurrence/recurrence of falls was performed by interviews. The plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis was achieved by intention-to-treat, using analysis of variance, Student's t test, Tukey test, chi-square, and logistic regression. RESULTS: After 9 months, mean values of 25(OH)D increased from 15.0 ±â€Š7.5 ng/mL to 27.5 ±â€Š10.4 ng/mL (+45.4%) in the VITD group, and decreased from 16.9 ±â€Š6.7 ng/mL to 13.8 ±â€Š6.0 ng/mL (-18.5%) in the placebo group (P < 0.001). The occurrence of falls was higher in the placebo group (+46.3%) with an adjusted risk of 1.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-3.08) times more likely to fall and 2.80 (95% CI 1.43-5.50) times higher for recurrent falls compared to the VITD group (P < 0.001). There was reduction in body sway by stabilometry, with lower amplitude of antero-posterior (-35.5%) and latero-lateral (-37.0%) oscillation, only in the VITD group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In Brazilian postmenopausal women fallers, isolated vitamin D supplementation for 9 months resulted in a lower incidence of falls and improvement in postural balance.