Abstract-Aging decreases the distensibility of large elastic arteries; however, the effects of age on the functional parameters of muscular, medium-sized arteries are not well determined. This study evaluated the consequences of aging on the functional parameters of the carotid and radial arteries in normotensive men. A total of 62 elderly subjects (aged 74Ϯ2 years) were compared with 87 young subjects (aged 35Ϯ3 years). Internal diameter and intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured by a high-resolution echo-tracking system to calculate distensibility and incremental elastic modulus (Einc). Although in the normal range, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were statistically different in the 2 groups at 128Ϯ19 and 74Ϯ13 mm Hg versus 121Ϯ27 and 71Ϯ18 mm Hg in the young and elderly subjects, respectively (PϽ0.05). At the carotid artery level, elderly subjects exhibited a greater IMT (742Ϯ144 versus 469Ϯ132 m; PϽ0.01) and internal diameter (7067Ϯ828 versus 6062Ϯ1026 m; PϽ0.01) than young subjects; elderly subjects also had lower distensibility (12Ϯ2 versus 21Ϯ2 kPa -1 ⅐ 10 -3 ; PϽ0.01) and higher Einc (0.9Ϯ0.2 versus 0.7Ϯ0.3 kPa ⅐ 10 3 ; PϽ0.01). At the radial artery level, both IMT (240Ϯ42 versus 218Ϯ51 m; PϽ0.01) and internal diameter (2685Ϯ432 versus 2491Ϯ444 m; PϽ0.01) were greater in elderly subjects, but no differences in distensibility and Einc were observed between the 2 groups. All differences remained significant, even after adjusting for mean blood pressure. These results indicate that the increase of the internal diameter and IMT observed during the aging process can have opposite effects on the functional parameters of large elastic or medium-sized muscular arteries. Key Words: aging Ⅲ carotid arteries Ⅲ radial artery T he aging process modifies the functional and structural parameters of the arterial tree. 1-3 These changes commonly include widening and elongation of large arteries and vessel-wall thickening. In addition to these geometrical changes, functional modifications are also observed, including a decrease in systemic arterial compliance and the cross-sectional distensibility of large elastic arteries. 4,5 These modifications lead to an increase in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure and result in a wider pulse pressure, which is associated with a higher cardiovascular risk in elderly subjects. 6,7 Recent advances in ultrasound techniques have permitted the noninvasive determination of the internal diameter and wall thickness of medium-sized arteries, such as the radial artery, with high precision. 8 Although several studies have demonstrated that geometrical changes with aging are not homogeneous along the arterial tree, 9 the consequences of aging on functional parameters at the site of peripheral, predominantly muscular, middle-sized arteries are not yet established. Thus, the aim of our study was to compare the structural and functional modifications of the radial artery, a medium-sized muscular artery, and the carotid artery, a large elastic artery...

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN) has a relevant impact on the quality of life of cancer patients. There are no curative conventional treatments, so further options have to be investigated. We conducted a systematic review in English and Chinese language databases to illuminate the role of medical herbs. 26 relevant studies on 5 single herbs, one extract, one receptor-agonist, and 8 combinations of herbs were identified focusing on the single herbs Acorus calamus rhizoma, Cannabis sativa fructus, Chamomilla matricaria, Ginkgo biloba, Salvia officinalis, Sweet bee venom, Fritillaria cirrhosae bulbus, and the herbal combinations Bu Yang Huan Wu, modified Bu Yang Huan Wu plus Liuwei Di Huang, modified Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Wan, Geranii herba plus Aconiti lateralis praeparata radix , Niu Che Sen Qi Wan (Goshajinkigan), Gui Zhi Jia Shu Fu Tang (Keishikajutsubuto), Huang Qi Wu Wu Tang (Ogikeishigomotsuto), and Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (Shakuyakukanzoto). The knowledge of mechanism of action is still limited, the quality of clinical trials needs further improvement, and studies have not yielded enough evidence to establish a standard practice, but a lot of promising substances have been identified. While CIPN has multiple mechanisms of neuronal degeneration, a combination of herbs or substances might deal with multiple targets for the aim of neuroprotection or neuroregeneration in CIPN.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect that can be very disabling and can limit or delay the dose of chemotherapy that can be administered. Acupuncture may be effective for treating peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this study was to review the available literature on the use of acupuncture for CIPN. The systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database, CINHAL, and ISI Proceedings. Hand searching was conducted, and consensus was reached on all extracted data. Only papers in the English language were included, irrespective of study design. From 3989 retrieved papers, 8 relevant papers were identified. One was an experimental study which showed that electroacupuncture suppressed CIPN pain in rats. In addition, there were 7 very heterogeneous clinical studies, 1 controlled randomised study using auricular acupuncture, 2 randomized controlled studies using somatic acupuncture, and 3 case series/case reports which suggested a positive effect of acupuncture in CIPN. Conclusions. Only one controlled randomised study demonstrated that acupuncture may be beneficial for CIPN. All the clinical studies reviewed had important methodological limitations. Further studies with robust methodology are needed to demonstrate the role of acupuncture for treating CIPN resulting from cancer treatment.

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Cardiorespiratory reflex responses during the initial phase of dynamic and static contraction of hindlimb muscles were studied in anesthetized dogs. Muscle contractions were elicited by stimulating the femoral and gastrocnemius nerves at 3 and 100 Hz with the intensity of 2.0-2.5 times the motor threshold for a 20-s period. Rhythmic contractions caused a decrease in arterial pressure (Pa) and heart rate (HR) and increased pulmonary ventilation (VE) by increasing frequency (f) without significantly changing VT. Tetanic contractions provoked an increase in Pa and HR and a hyperpnea resulting from a rise in both f and VT. Similar responses were also obtained in anesthetized dogs with carotid sinuses denervated and cervical vagi cut. The abrupt increase in VE at the start of both types of exercise was not associated with immediate significant decreases in end-tidal CO2 values. These two patterns of cardiocirculatory and respiratory responses were closely similar to those reported in anesthetized rabbits in previous studies. Both patterns of responses were reflexes initiated by activation of muscle receptors verified by interrupting the afferents from the contracting muscles. It is concluded that, during dynamic and static work, two distinct muscular reflex mechanisms might exert their drives, related to the muscular metabolic rate, on the circulatory and respiratory function.