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Seagrass meadows are important carbon sinks in the global coastal carbon cycle yet are also among the most rapidly declining marine habitats. Their ability to sequester carbon depends on flow–sediment–vegetation interactions that facilitate net deposition, as well as high rates of primary production. However, the effects of seasonal and episodic variations in seagrass density on net sediment and carbon accumulation have not been well quantified. Understanding these dynamics provides insight into how carbon accumulation in seagrass meadows responds to disturbance events and climate change. Here, we apply a spatially resolved sediment transport model that includes coupling of seagrass effects on flow, waves, and sediment resuspension in a seagrass meadow to quantify seasonal rates of sediment and carbon accumulation in the meadow. Our results show that organic carbon accumulation rates were largely determined by sediment accumulation and that they both changed non‐linearly as a function of seagrass shoot density. While seagrass meadows effectively trapped sediment at meadow edges during spring–summer growth seasons, during winter senescence low‐density meadows (< 160 shoots m−2) were erosional with rates sensitive to density. Small variations in winter densities resulted in large changes in annual sediment and carbon accumulation in the meadow; meadow‐scale (hundreds of square meters) summer seagrass dieback due to marine heatwaves can result in annual erosion and carbon loss. Our findings highlight the strong temporal and spatial variability in sediment accumulation within seagrass meadows and the implications for annual sediment carbon burial rates and the resilience of seagrass carbon stocks under future climate change.

Objective: To analyze the clinical application of manual therapy (MT) to tumor-related adverse reactions via summarizing the research at home and abroad, in order to provide more theoretical evidence for the clinical promotion of MT. Methods: We searched 7 Chinese and English databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Ovid and EBSCO. The publication date was between the establishment date of the database and December 31, 2020. We screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then sorted and analyzed the selected information. Results: A total of 46 papers were analyzed. Most studies focused on the adverse reactions in breast cancer patients. MT interventions demonstrated the best efficacy for fatigue, followed by pain, depression and anxiety. In different MT interventions, Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) was mainly adopted for fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, and limb dysfunctions. Acupoint pressing was mainly adopted for gastrointestinal and psychological problems such as abdominal bloating, insomnia, depression and anxiety. The application of reflexotherapy was similar to that of Tuina. Conclusion: MT can alleviate various adverse reactions by effectively relieving patients’ somatic symptoms and improving their psychological states and overall functions. It can be popularized as a significant non-drug therapy. Currently, however, the clinical application of MT is neither extensive nor has sufficient basic research. Consequently, we should attach importance to this application.

Both submerged aquatic vegetation and salt marsh are important coastal ecosystems known for their effectiveness in sediment trapping and carbon burial. However, their proximity can lead to competition for limited sediment resources, potentially compromising their capacity to facilitate sufficient sediment deposition to withstand sea‐level rise. Here we applied the Delft3D flow and sediment transport model in a shallow coastal bay to assess how seasonal variations in seagrass density and storms modulate sediment retention and connectivity between subtidal flats and intertidal marsh. Results show that submerged seagrass meadows acted as temporary storage for fine sediment and altered the timing of sediment transport to an adjacent marsh through seasonal growth cycles. When seagrass occupied subtidal flats, sediment flux to the marsh was controlled by seasonal seagrass density variations, with peak fluxes during winter senescence. In contrast, wave‐induced sediment resuspension on the flats was the major contributor for marsh sediment input in the simulation with no seagrass, with peak storm‐driven fluxes in summer/autumn. Overall, seagrass meadows significantly increased annual sediment accumulation on the vegetated subtidal flats by tenfold, while reducing annual marsh sediment flux and edge erosion by 20%. Seagrass meadows and marsh were both able to maintain a sediment deposition rate comparable to the rapid sea‐level rise at the study site despite the absence of terrestrial sediment sources. Our findings highlight the strong seasonal control subtidal aquatic vegetation has in the vertical and horizontal dynamics of tidal flat‐marsh systems and provide insights that can inform wetland restoration and management strategies in similar systems. Submerged aquatic vegetation and salt marsh are valuable coastal ecosystems known for their effectiveness in sediment trapping. However, their proximity can lead to competition for limited sediment resources, compromising their capacity to vertically accrete and withstand sea‐level rise. Here we used a well‐tested coastal model in a shallow bay hosting the world’s largest seagrass restoration site to examine the seasonal sediment dynamics between a submerged seagrass meadow and an adjacent intertidal marsh. We find that seagrass changed the timing of sediment transport to the marsh through seasonal growth cycles and acted as a sediment source for the marsh during low‐density periods in winter. On an annual scale, the seagrass meadow significantly increased sediment accumulation on the vegetated subtidal flats by tenfold, while concurrently reducing marsh sediment supply and edge erosion by 20%. Both ecosystems coped well with rapid sea‐level rise at the site, even in the absence of terrestrial sediment sources. Sediment retention in seagrass meadows increased annual deposition on vegetated subtidal flats tenfold compared to bare‐flat conditionsSeagrass meadows were a sediment source for the marsh during winter senescence while limiting transport to the marsh during growing seasonsSeagrass and marsh accumulated sediment at rates comparable to sea‐level rise at the site despite the lack of terrestrial sediment sources Sediment retention in seagrass meadows increased annual deposition on vegetated subtidal flats tenfold compared to bare‐flat conditions Seagrass meadows were a sediment source for the marsh during winter senescence while limiting transport to the marsh during growing seasons Seagrass and marsh accumulated sediment at rates comparable to sea‐level rise at the site despite the lack of terrestrial sediment sources

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese massage therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) by measuring lower-limb gait parameters. We recruited 20 women with knee OA, who then underwent Chinese massage therapy three times per week for 2 weeks. The patients underwent gait evaluation using a six-camera infrared motion analysis system. They completed Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaires before and after treatment. We calculated the forward speed, step width, step length, total support time percentage, initial double support time percentage, and single support time percentage. We also measured the angles at the knee, hip, and ankle during the stance phase of walking. The results showed statistically significant mean differences in knee pain relief, alleviation of stiffness, and physical function enhancement after therapy (p<0.05). The patients gained significantly faster gait speed, greater step width, and increased total support time percentage after the Chinese massage therapy (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the range of motion or initial contact angles of the knee, hip, or ankle during the stance phase of walking. We concluded that Chinese massage is a beneficial complementary treatment and an alternative therapy choice for patients with knee OA for short-term pain relief. Chinese massage may improve walking ability for these patients.

Spartina alterniflorais a foreign introduced species and has far-reaching effects on salt marsh ecosystems, particularly on the biogeochemical cycle of heavy metals. To ascertain whether the invasive plant Spartina alternifloraLoisel is a source of metals in the environment, we determined the bimonthly concentrations of heavy metals, chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn), in the roots, stems, and leaves of S. alterniflorafrom a typical semidiurnal tidal zone in the coastal area of northern Jiangsu Province, China. Based on the measurements, we calculated annual metal primary accumulation and output. To calculate the annual output of heavy metals from S. alterniflora, a new method that calculates the annual rate of biomass loss and decomposition was developed. The annual primary accumulation of Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Mn was 19.08, 84.19, 63.74, 442.58, and 774.66 mg m−2, respectively, and the annual output from S. alterniflorato the surrounding environment was 4.01, 18.09, 14.00, 97.11, and 164.28 mg m−2, respectively. Spartina alternifloraonly provides temporary storage, and its absorption of heavy metals could be used to remediate contaminated soil and for phytomining. The heavy metals released by S. alterniflorato the environment cannot be ignored; thus, S. alterniflorashould be considered a source of metal contamination. Therefore, when we evaluate the remarkable ability of certain plant species to concentrate metals in their tissues, the balance between heavy metal accumulation and output should be considered.

Although Tai Ji Quan has been shown to relieve pain and improve functional mobility in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), little is known about its potential benefits on gait characteristics among older Chinese women who have a high prevalence of both radiographic and symptomatic knee OA. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a tailored Tai Ji Quan intervention on gait kinematics for older Chinese women with knee OA.

Storm surge has the potential to significantly increase suspended sediment flux to microtidal marshes. However, the overall effects of storm surge on microtidal marsh deposition have not been well quantified, with most modeling studies focusing on regular (astronomical) tidal flooding. Here we applied the Delft3D model to a microtidal bay‐marsh complex in Hog Bay, Virginia to quantify the contributions of storm surge to marsh deposition. We validated the model using spatially distributed hydrodynamic and suspended sediment data collected from the site and ran model simulations under different storm surge conditions with/without storm‐driven water level changes. Our results show that episodic storm surge events occurred 5% of the time at our study site, but contributed 40% of marsh deposition during 2009–2020. Our simulations illustrate that while wind‐driven waves control sediment resuspension on tidal flats, marsh deposition during storms was largely determined by tidal inundation associated with storm‐driven water levels. A moderate storm surge event can double sediment flux to most marshes around the bay and deliver more sediment to the marsh interior compared to simulations that include wind waves but not storm surge variations in water levels. Simulations of bay and marsh response to different storm surge events with varying magnitude of storm surge intensity reveal that total marsh deposition around the bay increased linearly with storm surge intensity, suggesting that future changes to storm magnitude and/or frequency would have significant implications for sediment supply to marshes at our study site. Storm surge is a rise of water level beyond normal tidal levels caused by a storm. It can result in longer and deeper inundation on the marsh platform and potentially provide more sediment for microtidal marshes (tidal range <2 m) to gain elevation at a rate comparable to sea level rise. However, the overall importance of storm surge to sediment deposition on these marshes is not well understood. Here we used a well‐tested coastal model in a shallow microtidal bay fringed by intertidal salt marshes to run model simulations for different storm surge events with varying magnitude of storm surge intensity to determine the contributions of storm surge to marsh deposition. Our simulation results show that infrequently occurring storm surge events contributed ∼40% of marsh deposition at our study site and that total mass of marsh deposition around the bay increased linearly with the magnitude of storm surge events. Our findings have significant implications for predicting marsh change, especially if we experience a stormier future climate. Modeling studies that do not resolve storm surge effects on marsh deposition will likely underestimate rates of marsh elevation change. A numerical model was used to quantify the contributions of storm surge on marsh deposition in a microtidal bay‐marsh complexStorm surge events occurred 5% of the time, but contributed 40% of marsh deposition during 2009–2020Marshes will likely be supplied with more sediment during storms if storm magnitudes and/or frequencies increase in the future A numerical model was used to quantify the contributions of storm surge on marsh deposition in a microtidal bay‐marsh complex Storm surge events occurred 5% of the time, but contributed 40% of marsh deposition during 2009–2020 Marshes will likely be supplied with more sediment during storms if storm magnitudes and/or frequencies increase in the future

Seagrass growth and senescence exert a strong influence on flow structure and sediment transport processes in coastal environments. However, most previous studies of seasonal seagrass effects either focused on small‐scale field measurements or did not fully resolve the synergistic effects of flow‐wave‐vegetation‐sediment interaction at a meadow scale. In this study, we applied a coupled Delft3D‐FLOW and SWAN model that included effects of seagrass on flow, waves, and sediment resuspension in a shallow coastal bay to quantify seasonal seagrass impacts on bay dynamics. The model was extensively validated using seasonal field hydrodynamic and suspended sediment data within a seagrass meadow and a nearby unvegetated site. Our results show that seagrass meadows significantly attenuated flow (60%) and waves (20%) and reduced suspended sediment concentration (85%) during summer when its density reached a maximum. Probability density distributions of combined wave‐current bed shear stress within the seagrass meadow indicate that significant reductions in sediment resuspension during summer were mainly caused by flow retardation rather than wave attenuation. Although low‐density seagrass in winter resulted in much smaller reductions in flow and waves compared with summer meadows, small changes in winter seagrass density resulted in large differences in the magnitude of attenuation of flow and shear stress. Similarly, while high seagrass densities effectively trapped sediment during summer, small changes in winter density resulted in strong changes in net sediment flux into/out of the meadow. At our study site, low seagrass densities provided significant reductions in wintertime sediment loss compared to losses associated with completely unvegetated conditions. Seagrasses are valuable ecosystems that inhabit shallow coastal waters. In summertime, their dense canopies can significantly slow tidal currents and lower wave energy, thereby reducing sediment resuspension and improving light environments for seagrass growth. This strong seagrass control on bay dynamics diminishes during winter, however, when seagrass density is low. In order to better understand seasonal seagrass impacts on shallow coastal environments, we ran a coastal model that includes effects of seagrass on flow, waves, and sediment resuspension under both summer and winter conditions in a shallow coastal bay. We found that dense seagrass during summer can considerably lower the energy levels of the bay and effectively trap fine particles. The strong reductions in sediment resuspension are mainly due to flow reduction caused by seagrass rather than wave attenuation. During winter, although low densities of seagrass had relatively limited effects on flow and waves, vegetation was still very important to protect the seabed from erosion. Our model predicts a small change of seagrass density in winter could result in strong changes in sediment input/output of the meadows. This effect had not been well characterized before, and it is important to understand because it has a significant impact on seagrass ecosystems. A coupled flow‐wave‐vegetation‐sediment interaction model was used to investigate spatial and seasonal seagrass impacts in a coastal bayLarge reductions in sediment resuspension in dense meadows were mainly caused by flow retardation rather than wave attenuationSmall changes in winter seagrass density resulted in strong changes in net sediment flux into/out of the meadow A coupled flow‐wave‐vegetation‐sediment interaction model was used to investigate spatial and seasonal seagrass impacts in a coastal bay Large reductions in sediment resuspension in dense meadows were mainly caused by flow retardation rather than wave attenuation Small changes in winter seagrass density resulted in strong changes in net sediment flux into/out of the meadow

The article discusses a study published in the June 2016 issue of the "Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine" about the effects of Chinese massage Tui Na on isokinetic muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Topics covered include improvement in knee pain after Chinese massage therapy, an increase in average power in the flexor muscle of the right knee after the Tui Na intervention, and how the intensity of knee pain was measured.