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The foot core system is essential for upright stability. However, aging‐induced changes in the foot core function remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to examine age‐related differences in postural stability from the perspective of foot core capacity and neuromuscular control during quiet standing. Thirty‐six older and 25 young adults completed foot core capacity tests including toe flexion strength, muscle ultrasonography, and plantar cutaneous sensitivity. The center of pressure (COP) and electromyography (EMG) of abductor hallucis (ABH), peroneus longus (PL), tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (GM) were simultaneously recorded during double‐leg and single‐leg standing (SLS). EMG data were used to calculate muscle synergy and intermuscular coherence across three frequency bands. Compared to young adults, older adults exhibited thinner hallucis flexors, weaker toe strength, and lower plantar cutaneous sensitivity. The ABH thickness and plantar cutaneous sensitivity were negatively associated with the COP mean peak velocity in older adults, but not in young adults. Besides, older adults had higher cocontraction of muscles spanning the arch (ABH‐PL) and ankle (TA‐GM), and had lower beta‐ and gamma‐band coherence of the ABH‐PL and TA‐PL during SLS. Foot core capacities became compromised with advancing age, and the balance control of older adults was susceptible to foot core than young adults in balance tasks. To compensate for the weakened foot core, older adults may adopt arch and ankle stiffening strategies via increasing muscle cocontraction. Furthermore, coherence analysis indicated that aging may increase the demand for cortical brain resources during SLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gegen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae), the root of Pueraria lobata, is an edible and medicinal herb which has been used in treating diabetic symptoms in the orient for thousands of years. We present an evidence map of the efficacy and safety of Gegen and Gegen formulas (GGFs) that use Gegen as an essential herb for diabetes, and also its mechanism of actions. We comprehensively searched the ancient medical records to identify empirical evidence; conducted a systematic review (SR) based on moderate- to high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to synthesize the clinical evidence; and reviewed the possible mechanisms of its antidiabetic effects. Empirical application of Gegen in treating diabetic symptoms dated back to more than 2000 years ago. Common herbs used in RCTs that accompany with Gegen included Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Poria, and Radix Ophiopogonis. The combinations used today are consistent with their usage in ancient times. Results of the SR showed that GGFs could benefit patients with type 2 diabetes for blood glucose control. When in combination with hypoglycemic agents or insulin, GGFs enhanced the glucose-lowering effect as well as the lipid-lowering effects. Also, the incidence and the risk of adverse events (AE), especially the hypoglycemic episodes, were lower in the combination group. No serious or life-threatening AE was reported. The experimental evidence presented that Gegen and GGFs might exert and enhance the anti-diabetic effects through activation of multiple mechanisms, such as reducing insulin resistance, increasing insulin release, inhibiting glucose absorption and reabsorption, and improving insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular complications are a primary focus in the clinical management of type 2 diabetes, as they are the leading causes of disability and mortality in individuals with diabetes. Insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction commonly coexist in diabetic patients. An increasing body of research indicates a reciprocal and interconnected association between endothelial function and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can manifest in two distinct forms: endothelial and metabolic, with the former predominantly affecting vascular endothelial cells and the latter primarily impacting peripheral cells. The understanding of endothelial insulin resistance is crucial in comprehending the pathophysiology of cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes. Hence, the objective of this study is to examine the correlations, interplays, and molecular pathways linking endothelial insulin resistance and metabolic insulin resistance, with the aim of offering novel insights and scholarly resources for the prevention and management of diabetic vascular complications., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)