Evaluation of Head and Cervical Spine Posture after Therapy with Maxillary Protraction Appliances / Evaluación de la Postura de la Cabeza y la Columna Cervical Después de la Terapia con Aparatos de Protracción Maxilar

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes of head and cervical spine posture of skeletal class malocclusion in adolescent with maxillary protraction. Thirty cases of skeletal class malocclusion were randomly selected from the Stomatological Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. High-quality lateral cephalograms were collected including pre- and posttreatment to compare the changes of head and cervical spine posture. Data were processed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. The paired-t test was used to compare pre- and posttreatment mean angular measurements.A significant difference in the SNA(p<0.001), SNB(p<0.01), and ANB(p<0.001) between T1 and T2 showed an improvement in the sagittal relationships. A significant change was observed in middle cervical spine posture, while upper cervical spine posture variables showed no significant difference after treatment. Skeletal class with maxillary protraction appliance not only led to the improvement of sagittal relationship, but also changed the middle cervical spine posture.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios en la postura de la cabeza y la columna cervical debido a la maloclusión clase esquelética en adolescentes con protracción maxilar. Treinta casos de maloclusión de clase esquelética fueron seleccionados al azar del Hospital Estomatológico de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi. Se recogieron cefalogramas laterales de alta calidad, incluidos el tratamiento previo y posterior, para comparar los cambios en la postura de la cabeza y la columna cervical. Los datos se procesaron con el software estadístico SPSS 26.0. Se utilizó la prueba t pareada para comparar las medidas angulares medias antes y después del tratamiento. Una diferencia significativa en SNA (p <0,001), SNB (p <0,01) y ANB (p <0,001) entre T1 y T2 mostró una mejora en las relaciones sagitales. Se observó un cambio significativo en la postura de la columna cervical media, mientras que las variables de postura de la columna cervical superior no mostraron diferencias significativas después del tratamiento. La clase esquelética con aparato de protracción maxilar no solo condujo a la mejora de la relación sagital, sino que también cambió la postura de la columna cervical media.

Morphology changes of maxillary molar distalization by clear aligner therapy / Cambios de la morfología en la distalización de molares maxilares mediante terapia con alineadores transparentes

SUMMARY: To evaluate the skeletal, dento-alveolar and soft tissue morphology changes after maxillary molar distalization by clear aligner therapy and identify the significant efficacy of molar distalization,18 patients in conformity with the inclusion criteria were selected. Pre- and post-treatment Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) were examined to measure the angular and linear parameters. All subjects were completed non-extraction clear aligner treatment by distalizing molars. A paired-t test and independent-samples t-test were performed to observe the difference between before and after treatment and the difference between the first molar and second molar respectively. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Predicted movement rate was calculated by the formula: (actual movement(mm)/planned movement(mm)) x100%. Most variables of pre- and post-treatment showed no statistical difference(P<0.05), excepting SNA angle (P<0.05) and Upper lip/E-line linear (P<0.01) due to incisor retraction. The first and second molar revealed a translation movement without significant tipping and vertical movement. Clear aligners provided a high predictability (83.44 %) of distalization the maxillary first molar, and 85.14 % of the maxillary second molar. Clear aligners can effectively achieve distal displacement of molars.

RESUMEN: Se seleccionaron 18 pacientes, de acuerdo con los criterios de inclusión, para evaluar los cambios en la morfología esquelética, dentoalveolar y de los tejidos blandos después de la distalización de los molares maxilares, mediante la terapia con alineadores transparentes e así identificar la significativa eficacia de la distalización de los molares. Se examinó a través de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) antes y después del tratamiento para medir los parámetros angulares y lineales. Todos los sujetos completaron el tratamiento con alineadores transparentes sin extracción mediante la distalización de los molares. Se realizó una prueba t pareada y una prueba t de muestras independientes para observar la diferencia entre antes y después del tratamiento y la diferencia entre el primer molar y el segundo molar, respectivamente. Los valores de p<0,05 se consideraron estadísticamente significativos. La tasa de movimiento prevista se calculó mediante la fórmula: (movimiento real (mm)/movimiento planificado (mm)) x 100 %. La mayoría de las variables de pre y postratamiento no mostraron diferencia estadística (P<0,05), excepto el ángulo SNA (P<0,05) y el labio superior/línea E lineal (P<0,01) debido a la retracción del incisivo. El primer y segundo molar revelaron un movimiento de traslación sin inclinación significativa y movimiento vertical. Los alineadores transparentes proporcionaron una alta previsibilidad (83,44 %) de la distalización del primer molar superior y del 85,14 % del segundo molar superior. Los alineadores transparentes pueden lograr efectivamente el desplazamiento distal de los molares.

Efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharide capsules for depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharide (MOO) capsules for depressive disorder. Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched for relevant studies from inception to April 19, 2020. Randomized controlled trials comparing MOO capsules with antidepressants were included. Data analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 software. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and the quality of the studies was evaluated by two researchers using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) software. Results: Seven studies involving 1,384 participants were included in this study. The effect of MOO capsules for moderate depressive disorder was not different from that of antidepressants (risk ratio [RR] = 0.99, 95%CI 0.92-1.06). Regarding adverse events, no significant difference was found between MOO capsules and antidepressants (RR = 0.84, 95%CI 0.65-1.07). In addition, the quality of evidence related to these adverse events was rated as low. Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that the efficacy of MOO capsules in the treatment of mild to moderate depression is not inferior to that of conventional antidepressants, which may provide a new direction for clinical alternative selection of antidepressants. However, more high-quality research and detailed assessments are needed.

A duplex probe-directed recombinase amplification assay for detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms on 8q24 associated with prostate cancer

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have important application value in the research of population genetics, hereditary diseases, tumors, and drug development. Conventional methods for detecting SNPs are typically based on PCR or DNA sequencing, which is time-consuming, costly, and requires complex instrumentation. In this study, we present a duplex probe-directed recombinase amplification (duplex-PDRA) assay that can perform real-time detection of two SNPs (rs6983267 and rs1447295) in four reactions in two tubes at 39°C within 30 min. The sensitivity of duplex-PDRA was 2×103-104 copies per reaction and no cross-reactivity was observed. A total of 382 clinical samples (179 prostate cancer patients and 203 controls) from northern China were collected and tested by duplex-PDRA assay and direct sequencing. The genotyping results were completely identical. In addition, the association analysis of two SNPs with prostate cancer risk and bone metastasis was conducted. We found that the TT genotype of rs6983267 (OR: 0.42; 95%CI: 0.23-0.78; P=0.005) decreased the risk of prostate cancer, while the CA genotype of rs1447295 (OR: 1.89; 95%CI: 1.20-2.96; P=0.005) increased the risk of prostate cancer. However, no association between the two SNPs (rs6983267 and rs1447295) and bone metastasis in prostate cancer was found in this study (P>0.05). In conclusion, the duplex-PDRA assay is an effective method for the simultaneous detection of two SNPs and shows great potential for widespread use in research and clinical settings.

Predictive value of inflammation-based Glasgow prognostic score for the prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To analyze prognostic ability of inflammation-based Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods    We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 289 patients with STEMI admitted to the Department of Emergency in West China Hospital from April 2015 to January 2016. All study subjects were divided into three groups: a group of GPS 0 (190 patients including 150 males and 40 females aged 62.63±12.98 years), a group of GPS 1 (78 patients including 58 males and 20 females aged 66.57±15.25 years), and a group of GPS 2 (21 patients including 16 males and 5 females aged 70.95±9.58 years). Cox regression analysis was conducted to analyze the independent risk factors of predicting long-term mortality of patients with STEMI. Results    There was a statistical difference in long-term mortality (9.5% vs. 23.1% vs. 61.9%, P<0.001) and in-hospital mortality (3.7% vs. 7.7% vs. 23.8%, P<0.001) among the three groups. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scores and Gensini scores increased in patients with higher GPS scores, and the differences were statistically different (P<0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the GPS was independently associated with STEMI long-term all-cause mortality (1 vs. 0, HR: 2.212, P=0.037; 2 vs. 0, HR: 8.286, P<0.001). Conclusion    GPS score is helpful in predicting the long-term and in-hospital prognosis of STEMI patients, and thus may guide clinical precise intervention by early risk stratification.

Research progress of epigenetic regulation of vascular diseases / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression independent of DNA nucleotide sequence itself, and the main mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNAs, and so on. Vascular disease is a chronic disease regulated by the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. In recent years, more and more studies have confirmed that epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of vascular diseases. This article reviews recent advances in epigenetics in vascular disease.

Efficacy of anti-VEGF combined with compound trabeculectomy in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To evaluate the clinical effect of anti-VEGF and combined with compound trabeculectomy in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma(NVG).<p>METHODS: A study was performed on the related data of 42 NVG patients(43 eyes)who were admitted to Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang from January 2017 to June 2019. Blood routine, urine routine, electrocardiogram, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and Scheimpflug photography were taken after all patients were enrolled, and fundus examination was completed according to the state of the refractive condition. According to the intraocular pressure, lowering intraocular pressure and antibiotic eye drops were taken before surgery. On the third day of admission, the patients were treated with anti-VEGF treatment. The patients divided into the lucentis group and conbercept group according to patient choice. Compound trabeculectomy was performed 72h after injection(subconjunctiva and scleral flap were locally infiltrated with fluorouracil + adjustable suture line+goniosynechialysis). Visual acuity and intraocular pressure were recorded 1d, 1wk, 2wk, 1mo, 2mo, 3mo and 6mo after surgery. Analysis of variance for repeated measurements to compare data before and after surgery, the independent sample <i>t</i>-test was used to compare the differences between groups at each time point. <p>RESULTS: Both lucentis and conbercept could suppress iris neovascularization. There was no significant difference between two groups. The intraocular pressure significantly decreased in most patients 1d, 1wk, 2wk, 1mo, 2mo, 3mo and 6mo after surgery. Vision acuity could be improved in some patients.<p>CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF and combined with compound trabeculectomy is effective in the treatment of lowering intraocular pressure for NVG. Vision acuity and the quality of life could be improved in some patients.

The research advance of fibroblast growth factor 21 in anti-atherosclerosis / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a multi-effect endocrine factor, mainly secreted in liver and adipose tissue, with the properties of lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-atherosclerosis. Recent studies found that FGF21 can induce protective effect in cardiovascular disease, and plasma FGF21 levels in patients with disease cardiovascular are elevated. These studies have suggested the use of FGF21 as a biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis and its potential role in the treatment of established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This article will review the recent advances in the anti-atherosclerosis effect of FGF21.

Urinary excretion of L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine and their antioxidant activities after single dose administration of L-carnitine in healthy subjects

The urine excretion of L-carnitine (LC), acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) and propionyl-Lcarnitine (PLC) and their relations with the antioxidant activities are presently unknown. Liquid L-carnitine (2.0 g) was administered orally as a single dose in 12 healthy subjects. Urine concentrations of LC, ALC and PLC were detected by HPLC. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrogen monoxidum (NO) activities were measured by spectrophotometric methods. The 0~2 h, 2~4 h, 4~8 h, 8~12 h, 12~24 h excretion of LC was 53.13±31.36 µmol, 166.93±76.87 µmol, 219.92±76.30 µmol, 100.48±23.89 µmol, 72.07±25.77 µmol, respectively. The excretion of ALC was 29.70±14.43 µmol, 80.59±32.70 µmol, 109.85±49.21 µmol, 58.65±18.55 µmol, and 80.43±35.44 µmol, respectively. The urine concentration of PLC was 6.63±4.50 µmol, 15.33±12.59 µmol, 15.46±6.26 µmol, 13.41±11.66 µmol and 9.67±7.92 µmol, respectively. The accumulated excretion rate of LC was 6.1% within 24h after its administration. There was also an increase in urine concentrations of SOD and T-AOC, and a decrease in NO and MDA. A positive correlation was found between urine concentrations of LC and SOD (r = 0.8277) or T-AOC (r = 0.9547), and a negative correlation was found between urine LC excretions and NO (r = -0.8575) or MDA (r = 0.7085). In conclusion, a single oral LC administration let to a gradual increase in urine L-carnitine excretion which was associated with an increase in urine antioxidant enzymes and the total antioxidant capacities. These data may be useful in designing therapeutic regimens of LC or its analogues in the future.

A excreção urinária de L-carnitina (LC), acetil-L-carnitina (ALC) e propionil-L-carnitine (PLC) e as suas relações com as atividades antioxidantes são presentemente desconhecidos. Líquido de L-carnitina (2,0 g) foi administrada por via oral como uma dose única em 12 indivíduos saudáveis. As concentrações urinárias de LC, PLC e ALC foram detectados por HPLC. Atividades superóxido dismutase (SOD), a capacidade antioxidante total (T-AOC), malondialdeído (MDA) e óxido nítrico (NO) foram medidas por métodos espectrofotométricos. O 0~2 h, 2~4 h, 4~8 h, 8~12 h, 12~24 h excreção de LC foi 53,13±31.36 µmol, 166,93±76.87 µmol, 219,92±76.30 µmol, 100,48±23.89 µmol, 72,07±25.77 µmol, respectivamente. A excreηão de ALC foi 29,70±14.43 µmol, 80,59±32.70 µmol, 109,85±49.21 µmol, 58,65±18.55 µmol, e 80,43±35.44 µmol, respectivamente. A concentraηão de urina de PLC foi 6,63±4.50 µmol, 15,33±12.59 µmol, 15,46±6.26 µmol, 13,41±11.66 µmol e 9,67±7.92 µmol, respectivamente. A taxa de excreηão acumulada de LC foi de 6,1% 24 horas após sua administração. Houve também um aumento nas concentrações de urina de SOD e T-COA e diminuição de NO e de MDA. Correlação positiva foi encontrada entre as concentrações de urina de LC e SOD (r = 0,8277) ou T-AOC (r = 0,9547) e correlação negativa entre a excreção de LC e NO (r = -0,8575) ou MDA (r = 0,7085). Em conclusão, a administração oral única de LC leva ao aumento gradual na excreção urinária de L-carnitina, que foi associada com o aumento das enzimas antioxidantes na urina e as capacidades antioxidantes totais. Estes dados podem ser úteis no futuro para o planejamento de esquemas terapêuticos de LC ou os seus análogos, no futuro.