ObjectiveHistorically documented Zhejiang Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma（Baizhu） possesses premium characteristics such as phoenix-like head and crane-like neck， pronounced sweetness， and fragrant aroma. However， its current market circulation is low， and the processed products with Zhejiang-style characteristics are at the risk of being lost. This study aims to preserve the ancient Zhejiang-style processing techniques and evaluate them using modern scientific methods. MethodsMultidimensional intelligent sensory evaluation was used to digitally characterize the "quality-structure" of the external appearance of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu medicinal materials（intermediate processed products） and the "odor-taste" of the internal quality of its decoction pieces（slices）， and the appearance parameters were digitally characterized by colorimeter， texture analyzer， electronic nose and electronic tongue， the chemical composition was analyzed via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS）. Then， cluster analysis on the differences in odor between the medicinal materials（intermediate processed products） and decoction pieces（slices） of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu was conducted， as well as the differences in taste between water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of the decoction pieces（slices）， and the correlation analysis of chroma value-alcohol-soluble extract content-component response value. ResultsThe nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu had a dark brown to black epidermis， a brownish-yellow to brownish-gray cross-section， a slightly tough texture， a faint odor， and a slightly sweet， bitter and pungent taste. Texture analyzer measurements revealed minimal adhesion and maximum recovery in the middle section of the characteristic processed Baizhu， consistent with the processing endpoint of thorough steaming and cooking. The head section showed the highest internal hardness， elasticity and chewiness， indicating a denser texture in this area. The electronic nose sensor could clearly distinguish the difference between the medicinal materials and its decoction pieces， with a more significant clustering effect at 60 ℃ for 30 minutes compared to ambient temperature headspace for 2 hours， highlighting the significant impact of the baking degree before slicing on the quality. The electronic tongue taste signal map clearly distinguished the differences between water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu decoction pieces， and the addition of auxiliary materials during processing could enhance its alcohol-soluble extract content. A total of 82 chemical components were identified in the characteristic processed Baizhu. After processing， the contents of 58 components increased， while 24 components decreased. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations（P<0.01） between ethanol-soluble extract content and colorimetric values of brightness（L^*）， yellow-bule value（b^*）， and total color difference（E^*_ab）. E^*_ab showed marked negative correlations（P<0.05） with the response values of isochlorogenic acid A and C. ConclusionThis study establishes a modern intelligent sensory evaluation model for multidimensional holographic characterization of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu， clarifying the correlation between increased isochlorogenic acid content and the visual color appearance after different steaming cycles， as well as its intrinsic alcohol-soluble extracts. This provides a reference for quality evaluation and processing standards of the Zhejiang-style characteristic processed products.

Objectives: This study explored the relationship between weight control and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients. Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive 333 overweight and obese patients aged 28 to 87 years old, who underwent catheter ablation for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between October 2015 and February 2016. Data of patients′ characteristics, laboratory examination and treatment were collected at baseline. Each patient was followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months after ablation to collect information on weight, AF recurrence, stroke, major bleeding, hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons and death, etc. Patients were divided into weight controlled group (ΔBMI<-1 kg/m²) and weight uncontrolled group (ΔBMI≥-1 kg/m²), according to the changes in the most recent exposure BMI before AF recurrence in patients with recurrence or the BMI at 12 months′ follow-up in patients without recurrence and the BMI at baseline. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust other known risk factors of AF recurrence and to explore the association between weight control and AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Results: There were 54 patients in weight controlled group and 279 patients in weight uncontrolled group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, education level, left atrial size and history of hypertension between the two groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of patients using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers was higher in the weight controlled group (50.0%(27/54) vs. 34.8%(97/279), P=0.034). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with obesity (33.3% (18/54) vs. 29.7% (83/279)), paroxysmal AF (59.3% (32/54) vs. 56.6% (158/279)) and AF duration less than 5 years (76.9% (40/52) vs. 65.4% (178/272)) between the weight controlled group and the uncontrolled group. During 1-year follow-up after ablation, the recurrence rate of AF was significantly lower in the weight controlled group than that in the weight uncontrolled group (14.8% (8/54) vs. 32.6%(91/279), P=0.009). Multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that weight control is independently associated with a lower postoperative AF recurrence rate (OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.18-0.90, P=0.026). Conclusion Weight control is strongly associated with a lower AF recurrence rate after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients.

Objectives This study explored the relationship between weight control and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients. Methods We prospectively enrolled consecutive 333 overweight and obese patients aged 28 to 87 years old, who underwent catheter ablation for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between October 2015 and February 2016. Data of patients′ characteristics, laboratory examination and treatment were collected at baseline. Each patient was followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months after ablation to collect information on weight, AF recurrence, stroke, major bleeding, hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons and death, etc. Patients were divided into weight controlled group (ΔBMI<-1 kg/m2) and weight uncontrolled group (ΔBMI≥-1 kg/m2), according to the changes in the most recent exposure BMI before AF recurrence in patients with recurrence or the BMI at 12 months′ follow?up in patients without recurrence and the BMI at baseline. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust other known risk factors of AF recurrence and to explore the association between weight control and AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Results There were 54 patients in weight controlled group and 279 patients in weight uncontrolled group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, education level, left atrial size and history of hypertension between the two groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of patients using angiotensin?converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers was higher in the weight controlled group (50.0%(27/54) vs. 34.8%(97/279), P=0.034). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with obesity (33.3% (18/54) vs. 29.7% (83/279)), paroxysmal AF (59.3% (32/54) vs. 56.6% (158/279)) and AF duration less than 5 years (76.9% (40/52) vs. 65.4% (178/272)) between the weight controlled group and the uncontrolled group. During 1?year follow?up after ablation, the recurrence rate of AF was significantly lower in the weight controlled group than that in the weight uncontrolled group (14.8% (8/54) vs. 32.6%(91/279), P=0.009). Multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that weight control is independently associated with a lower postoperative AF recurrence rate ( OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.18-0.90, P=0.026). Conclusion Weight control is strongly associated with a lower AF recurrence rate after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients.

Objective To compare the clinical effects of different doses of methylprednisolone therapy for children with severe hand,foot and mouth disease (HFMD).Methods According to different dosage methods, 240 children with severe HFMD were divided into large dose group,medium dose group and small dose group,80 cases in each group.The three groups were given different doses of methylprednisolone infusion on the basis of conventional treatment:large dose group(5 ~10mg·kg· -1 d -1 ),medium dose group(3 ~5 mg·kg· -1 d -1 ),small dose group (1 ~2mg · kg · -1 d -1 ).Results The time of fever sustaining,panic ease,mechanical ventilation,duration of hypertension and heart rate recovery of the medium -dose group were (47.93 ±4.72)h,(45.54 ±2.42)h,(51.43 ± 6.85)h,(53.66 ±7.62)h,(52.45 ±7.84)h,which were significantly shorter than those of the small -dose and large -dose group(all P <0.05).The incidence of turning to critically ill and the rate of ventilator use of the medium-dose group were significantly lower than those of the small -dose and large -dose group (all P <0.05 ).The incidence of pulmonary edema and pulmonary hemorrhage of the medium -dose group were significantly lower than those of the small -dose and large -dose group(all P <0.05).The differences among three groups were not statistically significant in the complications such as hypokalemia,hypocalcemia and gastrointestinal bleeding (all P >0.05 ). Conclusion Medium dose of methylprednisolone in the treatment of children with severe HFMD has significant effect and less adverse reactions,which is worthy of promotion.

Objective Cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary vein (PV) ostia often induces a vagal response.This prospective study was designed to assess the effectiveness of prophylactic intravenous administration of atropine on hemodynamic impairment induced by cryoballoon ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.Methods Twenty-five patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing cryoballoon ablation were prospectively enrolled and assigned to either the trial group on the control group.First twelve patients (the trial group) were administered 1 mg of atropine before deflation of the cryoballoon,while the following 13 patients (the control group) were given atropine only after the onset of the hemodynamic variation (decrease in heart rate and/or blood pressure).Treatment was considered effective when the hemodynamic variations were restored.Results In the trial group,three patients with transient hypotension did not require further supportive care throughout the procedures and one patient with hypotension required supportive management.In the control group,hypotension,bradycardia and mixed bradycardia with hypotension requiring supportive care occurred in six,three,and three patients,respectively.Overall,the rate of marked vagal responses was significantly lower when prophylactic atropine was administrated (4/12 vs.12/13 patients,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Atropine is effective in the prevention of all types of vasovagal responses induced by cryoballoon ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Objective To investigate ablation characteristics of PVC/VT originating from left ventricle anterior papillary muscles.Methods This study included 10 patients of PVC/VT originating from left ventricle anterior papillary muscles from January 2015 to June 2016 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital.Electrophysiological mapping and radiofrequency ablation were completed using three-dimensional anatomical mapping system combined with three-dimensional intracardiac ultrasound technology.ECG and abaltion target diagram characteristics as well as the special anatomy were explored.Results All the 10 patients were successfully ablated and followed up for 12 months.One patient had recurrence within 12 months and no complications were recorded.The target sites localized at the tip (n =1),middle portion(n =4)or the base (n =5) of the LV-APM.Among 7 patients,the target sites were located at the anterior septal papillary muscle and in 3 patients were located in the free papillary muscle.9 patients were successfully ablated via anterograde trans-septal catheterization after the failure of retrograde approach.Premature QRS wave time were 152.80 ± 11.72 ms and 6 patients presented sharp potential at the targets during PVC/VT.Conclusions PVC/VT originating from left ventricle anterior papillary muscles have similar ECG and diagram characteristics that is different from which originating from left anterior fascicle.It is recommended to get the target via transseptalpuncure approach.Ablation target could be clearly positioned by three-dimensional intracardiac ultrasound technology.

Objective To investigate the effect of thyroxine replacement therapy with residual subclinical hypothyroidism on the success rate of catheter ablation in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods Among the consecutive patients with AF who underwent a first AF ablation in our center between 2009 and 2012,we identified 56 patients(41 paroxysmal AF,15 persistent AF)with subclinical clinical hypothyroidism after receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy as study group.The control group consisted of 56 patients with euthyroidism and no history of thyroid dysfunction.All patients underwent catheter ablation.Results At the end of follow up,37.5%(21/56)patients were AF free after the first procedure in the study group,in comparison to 64.3%(36/56)in control group(χ2=8.655,P=0.003).Last procedure was performed in 27 patients of study group and in 15 patients of control group.After the last performed ablation,62.5%(35/56)study group patients and 80.4%(45/56)controls group patients had no recurrence(χ2=4.653,P=0.031).The major complications rate did not differ between two groups(P=0.642).Conclusions Thyroid hormone replacement therapy with residual subclinical hypothyroidism reduces catheter ablation success rate in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

Objective The recurrence of perimitral atrial tachycardia is common after initial ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the study is to explore a preferable ablation approach for perimitral atrial tachycardia in the redo ablation of persistent AF. Methods Seventy-four patients with perimitral atrial tachycardia after initial ablation for persistent AF were included in our study. Patients were distinguished into either the group of having ablation during tachycardia (Group A) or the group having ablation after cardioversion to sinus rhythm (Group B) according to the different ablation strategies. The procedural endpoints were pulmonary vein isolation and bidirectional conduction block of all the ablated lines. The primary endpoint of the study was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence during the follow-up period. Results There were statistical differences in baseline clinical data between the 2 groups. During the redo procedure, conduction recovery rate across the mitral isthmus (MI),cavotricuspid isthmus and left atial roofline were 100％, 40.5％ and 48.6％ respectively. The procedural time, fluoroscopy time, mapping time were longer in the patients of group A. During a mean follow-up of (16.9±6.3) months, 31 (72.1％) patients in group A and 21(67.7％) patients in group B maintained in sinus rhythm in the absence of antiarrhythmic durgs (P =0.771) . Conclusion In patients with perimitral atrial tachycardia after initial ablation for persistent AF,ablation in sinus rhythm is a more simplified method and as effective as ablation during tachycardia.

Objective To observe the management and outcome of the cardiac tamponade patients during the ablation procedure using two different anticoagulation strategies. Methods All the patients developed tamponade during the ablation procedure were enrolled from January 2007 to December 2013 in our center. In group 1, warfarin was discontinued 3 to 5 days before the procedure and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was administered subcutaneously until ablation procedure day. In group 2, warfarin was not discontinued and the international normalized ratio INR was to maintained between 2 and 3. Results There were 27 patients (0.6%) developed cardiac tamponade out of a total 4487 patients received ablation in our center. The baseline clinical characteristics including age, left atrium, the heparin dose and ACT during the procedure had no signiifcant difference between the groups, except that the INR was higher in the group 2 (0.9±0.1 vs. 2.3±0.5, P<0.001). There was no signiifcant difference in the amount of pericardiac drainage between the two groups (365±222 ml vs. 506±300 ml, P=0.137). Two patients in group 1 patient (11.1%) and 1 in group 2 (11.1%) needed emergency surgical repair (P>0.999). The median hospital day was similar in the 2 groups [(9.6±3.3) d vs. (12.1±4.5) d, P=0.167]. There were no other serious complications and no hospital death. Conclusions Non-discontinuation of warfarin during peri-procedural catheter ablation of AF is not signiifcantly different to bridging with LMWH in the management and outcome of acute cardiac tamponade.

Objective Identify the mechanism of induced atrial arrhythmias after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal atrial ifbrillation(PAF), and investigate its long-term prognosis. Methods All patients with PAF undergoing PVI and induction test afterwards between Feburary 2010 and October 2010 were included. The induction protocol was rapid pacing initiated at cycle length of 250 ms with progressive shortening in a decrement of 10 ms down to 180 ms or refractoriness. Isoproterenol of 2-4μg/min was administrated as well. Inducibility was deifned as induction of atrial arrhythmia lasting >1 min. The mechanism of induced tachycardia was identiifed by activation mapping and entrainment mapping under the guidance of CARTO system. All patients were followed up by 36 months. Results Forty-nine atrial tachycardia were induced in 39 (19.7%) patients, including 35 organized atrial tachycardia (OAT) and 14 atrial ifbrillation (AF). The LA diameter was signiifcantly larger in inducible group than non-inducible group (39.5±6.6 mm vs. 36.7±5.2 mm, P=0.004). Macroreentry was the most common mechanism in induced OATs (28, 80.0%), and mitral isthmus was the most common critical site (20, 40.8%), followed by cavo-tricuspid isthmus (12, 24.5%), PV (6, 12.2%), LA septum (4, 8.2%), superior vena cava (3, 6.1%) and LA roof (1, 2.0%). Conclusions The most common mechanism of induced tachycardia by IV isoproterenol and rapid pacing is MI and CTI dependent after PVI in PAF patients, which can be succssefully eliminated by liner ablation, not increasing long-term recurrence rate.