Synthesis and Application of Specific N2H4 Fluorescent Probes with AIE Effect Based on Pyrazole Structure.

Two fluorescent probes, Y1-2 were synthesized from 2-acetonaphthone, 4-acetylbiphenyl, and phenyl hydrazine by Vilsmeier-Haack reaction and Knoevenagel condensation. Their recognition efficacies for N2H4 were tested by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The recognition mechanism were studies by density-functional theory calculations, and the effect of pH on N2H4 recognition was also studied. The results showed that the probe Y1-2 has high selectivity and a low detection limit for N2H4, and the recognition of N2H4 can be accomplished at physiological pH. The probes have had obvious aggregation-induced luminescence effect, large Stokes shift, high sensitivity, and can be successfully applied to live cell imaging.

Beraprost sodium attenuates the development of myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction by regulating GSK-3ß expression in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of beraprost sodium (BPS) in the intervention of myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) through glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) and to provide new ideas for intervention in myocardial fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MI model rats given BPS and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) treated with BPS and TGF-ß. HE staining and Masson staining were used to detect the pathological changes of myocardial tissue. Fibrotic markers were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The expressions of GSK-3ß, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and p-CREB were analyzed by qPCR and western blot analysis. EDU staining was used to detect the proliferation of CFs. The promoter activity of GSK-3ß was detected by luciferase assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to detect the binding levels of GSK-3ß promoter and Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1). The levels of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: After operation, BPS improved myocardial fibrosis and upregulated GSK-3ß protein expression in male SD rats. BPS can down-regulate α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) level and up-regulate GSK-3ß protein expression in CFs after TGF-ß stimulation. Furthermore, GSK-3ß knockdown can reverse the effect of BPS on TGF-ß-activated CFs, enhance α-SMA expression, and promote the proliferation of CFs. BPS could regulate GSK-3ß expression by promoting the binding of GSK-3ß promoter to YBX1. BPS induced upregulation of p-CREB and cAMP, resulting in reduced fibrosis, which was reversed by the knockdown of GSK-3ß or prostaglandin receptor (IPR) antagonists. CONCLUSION: BPS treatment increased the binding of YBX1 to the GSK-3ß promoter, and GSK-3ß protein expression was upregulated, which further caused the upregulation of p-CREB and cAMP, and finally inhibited myocardial fibrosis.

[ZHANG Jian-bin's clinical experience in treatment of depressive disorder based on the theory of governor vessel].

Depressive disorder is manifested as emotional and physical abnormality. Theoretically, the governor vessel is distributed along the spine, related to the brain and communicated with five zang and six fu organs. It is the key meridian for understanding the various symptoms of depressive disorder. Depressive disorder is caused by dysfunction, stagnation or emptiness of the governor vessel, resulting in malnutrition of the brain. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, based on the theory of the governor vessel, the etiology and pathogenesis are analyzed in the patients with depressive disorder. In order to achieve harmonizing mutually the mental and physical conditions, acupuncture is delivered to adjust the spirit and physical state, moving cupping is to regulate the governor vessel, tuina manipulation is to promote meridians and collaterals and physical exercise is to coordinate the body and the spirit.

Clinical application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in non-immunocompromised patients with severe pneumonia supported by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the pathogen-detected effect of mNGS technology and its clinical application in non-immunocompromised patients with severe pneumonia supported by vv-ECMO. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 50 non-immunocompromised patients who received vv-ECMO support for severe pneumonia between January 2016 and December 2022. These patients were divided into two groups based on their discharge outcomes: the deterioration group (Group D), which included 31 cases, and the improvement group (Group I), consisting of 19 cases. Baseline characteristics and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the 50 patients enrolled, Group D exhibited a higher prevalence of male patients (80.6% vs. 52.6%, p < 0.05), more smokers (54.8% vs. 21.1%, p < 0.05), and were older than those in Group I (55.16 ± 16.34 years vs. 42.32 ± 19.65 years, p < 0.05). Out of the 64 samples subjected to mNGS detection, 55 (85.9%) yielded positive results, with a positivity rate of 83.7% (36/43) in Group D and 90.5% (19/21) in Group I. By contrast, the positive rate through traditional culture stood at 64.9% (74/114). Among the 54 samples that underwent both culture and mNGS testing, 23 (42.6%) displayed consistent pathogen identification, 13 (24.1%) exhibited partial consistency, and 18 (33.3%) showed complete inconsistency. Among the last cases with complete inconsistency, 14 (77.8%) were culture-negative, while two (11.1%) were mNGS-negative, and the remaining two (11.1%) presented mismatches. Remarkably, mNGS surpassed traditional culture in pathogen identification (65 strains vs. 23 strains). Within these 65 strains, 56 were found in Group D, 26 in Group I, and 17 were overlapping strains. Interestingly, a diverse array of G+ bacteria, fungi, viruses, and special pathogens were exclusive to Group D. Furthermore, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were more prevalent in Group D compared to Group I. Importantly, mNGS prompted antibiotic treatment adjustments in 26 patients (52.0%). Conclusions: Compared with the conventional culture, mNGS demonstrated a higher positive rate, and emerges as a promising method for identifying mixed pathogens in non-immunodeficient patients with severe pneumonia supported by vv-ECMO. However, it is crucial to combine the interpretation of mNGS data with clinical information and traditional culture results for a comprehensive assessment.

Orbitofrontal cortex-hippocampus potentiation mediates relief for depression: A randomized double-blind trial and TMS-EEG study.

It has been 15 years since repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was approved by the FDA for clinical depression treatment. Yet, the underlying mechanisms for rTMS-induced depression relief are not fully elucidated. This study analyzes TMS-electroencephalogram (EEG) data from 64 healthy control (HC) subjects and 53 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) before and after rTMS treatment. Prior to treatment, patients with MDD have lower activity in the DLPFC, the hippocampus (HPC), the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and DLPFC-OFC connectivity compared with HCs. Following active rTMS treatment, patients with MDD show a significant increase in the DLPFC, HPC, and OFC. Notably, the increase in HPC activity is specifically associated with amelioration of depressive symptoms but not anxiety or sleep quality. The orbitofrontal-hippocampal pathway plays a crucial role in mediating depression relief following rTMS treatment. These findings suggest potential alternative targets for brain stimulation therapy against depression (chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR2100052007).

Astragaloside IV for Heart Failure: Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms, A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the cardioprotective effects of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) in heart failure (HF). METHODS: PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Database, Chinese Bio-medical Literature and Retrieval System (SinoMed), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from inception to November 1, 2021 for animal experiments to explore AS-IV in treating HF in rats or mice. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD), left ventricular weight-to-body weight (LVW/BW) and B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were recorded. The qualities of included studies were assessed by the risk of bias according to the Cochrane handbook. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 13.0. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles involving 558 animals were considered. Compared with the control group, AS-IV improved cardiac function, specifically by increasing LVEF (mean difference (MD)=6.97, 95% confidence interval (CI)=5.92 to 8.03, P<0.05; fixed effects model) and LVFS (MD=7.01, 95% CI=5.84 to 8.81, P<0.05; fixed effects model), and decreasing LVEDD (MD=-4.24, 95% CI=-4.74 to -3.76, P<0.05; random effects model) and LVESD (MD=-4.18, 95% CI=-5.26 to -3.10, P<0.05; fixed effects model). In addition, the BNP and LVW/BW levels were decreased in the AS-IV treatment group (MD=-9.18, 95% CI=-14.13 to -4.22, P<0.05; random effects model; MD=-1.91, 95% CI=-2.42 to -1.39, P<0.05; random effects model). CONCLUSIONS: AS-IV is a promising therapeutic agent for HF. However, this conclusion needs to be clinically validated in the future.

Evaluation on a teaching software for removable partial denture framework design.

BACKGROUND: Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are widely used as a dental prosthesis and have a wide application scope. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of using design software in the preclinical teaching of removable partial dentures (RPDs). METHODS: Unreal Engine software was used to build the RPD framework design teaching and training software. All 131 undergraduate students majoring in stomatology in the class of 2018, Kunming Medical University, were randomly divided into three groups and received either traditional experiment teaching, flipped classroom teaching, or software teaching for RPD design. The application effect of the software in the preclinical teaching of RPD design was evaluated by analyzing the examination results and through the use of a questionnaire survey. RESULTS: The differences in the theoretical examination scores among the traditional teaching group, the flipped classroom group, and the software teaching group were not statistically significant (P> 0.05), while the average design scores of upper Kennedy Class I and lower Kennedy Class II subclass II in the software teaching group were significantly higher than those in the traditional teaching group (P< 0.05). Overall, 75% of the students in the software teaching group reported that this teaching method could improve their learning initiative, a higher percentage than in the traditional teaching group (55.8%, P< 0.05). Meanwhile, 90.9% of the students in the software teaching group reported that the software could make RPD-related theoretical knowledge more visual and intuitive, and 93.2% of these students felt it was helpful for understanding the RPD three-dimensional (3D) spatial structure. These percentages were higher than those in the traditional teaching and flipped classroom groups (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the preclinical teaching of RPD design, software training helped the students better understand the 3D structure of RPDs and establish clear design ideas, and it may also be valuable for in-depth research and promotion purposes.

Quantitative parameters of digital occlusal analysis in dental implant supported restorative reconstruction recent 5 years: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate the clinical masticatory performance of implant-supported restorations, observe the occlusal force changes in the distribution of the implant restoration and reveal the positive and negative contributing factors of implant design and components based on the outcomes of digital occlusal measurement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An extensive search was conducted through PubMed and CENTRAL to identify clinical trials on implant-retained restorations using digital occlusal analysis methods. Two researchers assessed the identified studies and data extraction independently, and the data synthesis strategies without meta-analysis that summarizes the effect estimates were adopted. RESULTS: The search screened 3821 titles and abstracts, then full-text analysis for 26 articles was performed, and 14 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Four of six studies for implant-retained overdenture showed statistically significant improved bite force when immediate loading (p = .00045, .00005, .00055, and .00005, respectively), and no statistically significant results in the other two studies (p = .225, .371, respectively.) However, the results of the favoured intervention were not statistically significant (p = .104, .166, respectively) in two studies of single posterior implant restorations. In all three studies, the bite force distributed on the implant prostheses of partially fixed implant-retained restoration increased statistically significantly (p = .013, .001, .05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The edentulous restoration supported by implants seems to significantly improves bite force and chewing efficiency compared with conventional dentures. Regular quantitative occlusal measurement is recommended to avoid the possible risk of overload. Smaller implants size and relatively small and flexible attachment designs may be more conducive to the stability and retention of the restoration of atrophy of alveolar bone.

Targeting neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease: from mechanisms to clinical applications.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by sustained neuroinflammation leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. The past decade has witnessed tremendous efforts in Alzheimer's disease research; however, no effective treatment is available to prevent disease progression. An increasing body of evidence suggests that neuroinflammation plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, alongside the classical pathological hallmarks such as misfolded and aggregated proteins (e.g., amyloid-beta and tau). Firstly, this review summarized the clinical and pathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. Secondly, we outlined key aspects of glial cell-associated inflammation in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and provided the latest evidence on the roles of microglia and astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Then, we revealed the double-edged nature of inflammatory cytokines and inflammasomes in Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the potential therapeutic roles of innate immunity and neuroinflammation for Alzheimer's disease were also discussed through these mechanisms. In the final section, the remaining key problems according to the current research status were discussed.

[Professor ZHANG Jian-bin's clinical experience in "moving cupping therapy on the back"].

This paper summarizes Professor ZHANG Jian-bin's experience in "moving cupping therapy on the back" in clinical practice. Professor ZHANG Jian-bin is good at applying the theory of governor vessel to the clinical diagnosis and treatment. He believes that the moving cupping therapy is the supplementation of "spinal therapy" in clinical diagnosis and treatment. He emphasizes that during the moving cupping therapy exerted, the physicians should observe carefully to in-time obtain the perceived feedback of treatment in patients. Afterward, the cupping marks left should be inspected to discover the location of disorder in the body, thus, a targeted treatment can be provided. Besides, the prognosis of the disease can be judged by the feedback after many treatments with the moving cupping therapy. The moving cupping therapy displays its important value in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, as well as the evaluation of the prognosis.

Comprehensive analysis of the differential expression and prognostic value of COL1A2 in colon adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a highly heterogeneous disease, which is the second most common cancer in females and third in males. Collagen type I alpha 2 (COL1A2) has been documented to be involved in the carcinogenesis of multiple tumors; however, the expression and prognostic significance of COL1A2 and its underlying mechanism in COAD remains unclarified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The general profile of COL1A2, its expression pattern, and prognostic value were systematically assessed through various bioinformatics tools. The protein level of COL1A2 was verified in COAD patients using immunohistochemistry analysis. In addition, enrichment analyses were performed to explore the possible regulatory pathways of COL1A2 in COAD. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein levels of COL1A2 were significantly increased in COAD than that in normal tissues (P < 0.05). The COL1A2 expression tended to increase along with cancer stages and nodal metastasis status in COAD, while the promoter methylation levels of COL1A2 might negatively related to its mRNA expression. Survival analysis showed that COL1A2 was a reliable predictor for distinguishing the status of disease-specific survival (DSS), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS), and might serve as a robust independent prognostic biomarker for DSS and OS in COAD patients (P < 0.05). The enrichment analysis showed focal adhesion as the most possible regulatory pathway by COL1A2. CONCLUSION: Collectively, COL1A2 functioned as an independent prognostic biomarker and might be a potential therapeutic target in COAD.

[Progress of researches on involvement of corticospinal tract in the effect of acupuncture on improvement of post-stroke motor dysfunction].

The corticospinal tract (CST), descending from the frontoparietal cortex and traveling down to terminate at the anterior horn of the spinal cord to mediate voluntary movements, is frequently injured from the infarcted or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular insults due to stroke. Under the circumstances, motor dysfunction seriously affects the patient's quality of life. Acupuncture therapy has a sequelae, especially in improving motor deficits. In the present paper, we reviewed the current development of researches on acupuncture treatment of poststroke motor dysfunction and its biological mechanisms from 1) delaying patients' development of neuronal degeneration and white matter fibrosis (Wallerian degeneration), 2) improving patients' upper limb motor function and daily life ability by promoting the repair of white matter tracts and CST on the affected side, 3) promoting the compensation of CST on the healthy side, 4) reconstructing the motor conduction pathway to strengthen the bilateral brain connection in ex-perimental animals, and 5) strengthening the sprouting of the contralateral CST to dominate the affected side again across the midline. In addition, acupuncture stimulation induced improvement of axonal rewiring for corticospinal innervation is also possibly related to its functions in accelerating the synthesis and release of neurotrophic factors, down-regulating Nogo-A/RhoA signaling and activating vascular epithelial growth factor/Dll4/Notch signaling pathways.

Role and Clinical Application of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing in Immunocompromised Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure During Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Objectives: There are few studies of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in immunocompromised patients assisted by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO). The present study is aimed to investigate the pathogen-detected effect and clinical therapy value of mNGS technologies in immunocompromised patients assisted by vv-ECMO. Methods: Our study retrospectively enrolled 46 immunocompromised patients supported by vv-ECMO from Jan 2017 to June 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, respectively. Patients were divided into the deterioration group (Group D) (n = 31) and improvement group (Group I) (n = 15) according to their outcomes. Baseline characteristics and etiological data of patients during hospitalization of 2 groups were compared. The pathogens detected by mNGS and antibiotic regimens guided by mNGS in immunocompromised patients assisted by vv-ECMO were analyzed. Results: Compared with Group I, the deterioration patients showed a higher percentage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (32.3% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.01) and were significantly older (47.77 ± 16.72 years vs. 32 ± 15.05 years, p < 0.01). Within 48 h of being ECMO assisted, the consistency of the samples detected by traditional culture and mNGS at the same time was good (traditional culture vs. mNGS detection, the positive rate of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) culture: 26.1% vs. 30.4%; the positive rate of blood sample culture: 12.2% vs. 12.2%, p > 0.05). However, mNGS detected far more pathogen species and strains than conventional culture (30 strains vs. 78 strains, p < 0.01); the most popular pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae. Parts of patients had their antibiotic treatment adjustments, and the improvement patients showed less usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Conclusions: mNGS may play a relatively important role in detecting mixed pathogens and personalized antibiotic treatment in immunocompromised patients assisted by vv-ECMO.

Outcomes of Transferred Adult Venovenous and Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients: A Single Center Experience.

Objectives: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients with or without transport both have high hospital mortality rate and there are few data on adult VA-ECMO transport patients. Hence, this study was designed to analyze factors that affect the outcomes of patients with ECMO transport. Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 126 ECMO patients transferred from regional hospital to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University by our ECMO team during June 2012 to Sept 2020. Data were calculated and analyzed. Results: The median distance of transportation was 141 (76-228) km, the median transport time consuming was 3 (1.3-4) h, the percentage of complications during transport was 40.5% (except for bleeding on cannula site, and no one death during transport), and the survival rate in hospital was 38.9%. Compared with survivors, the non-survivors were older and showed higher SOFA score, longer time with ECMO assisted, longer time in ICU and in hospital. However, after divided into VA-ECMO and VV-ECMO groups, the older age showed no significant difference between survivors and non-survivors groups of VA-ECMO patients. Moreover, the Cox regression survival analysis showed that higher SOFA score and lactate level indicated higher ICU mortality of VA-ECMO patients while higher SOFA score, higher lactate level, older age and lower MAP after transportation (<70mmHg) indicated higher ICU mortality of VV-ECMO patients. However, there was no significant difference of comorbidities and complications in survivors and non-survivors groups of ECMO patients. Conclusions: The transportation for ECMO patients can be feasible performed although life-threatening complications might occur. The SOFA score and the lactate level could be used to evaluate the risk of ICU mortality of transportation ECMO patients. Besides, lower MAP after transportation (<70mmHg) had potential predictive value for short-term outcome of VV-ECMO patients.

Heparin-free after 3000 IU heparin loaded in veno-venous ECMO supported acute respiratory failure patients with hemorrhage risk: a novel anti-coagulation strategy.

BACKGROUND: The anti-coagulation protocol of patients with hemorrhage risk primary disease who need extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) supported is controversial. This study evaluated the feasibility of a new anti-coagulation strategy, that is heparin-free after 3000 IU heparin loaded in veno-venous ECMO (VV ECMO) supported acute respiratory failure patients with hemorrhage risk. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in a series of hemorrhage risk patients supported with VV ECMO at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, between June 2012 to Sept 2020. A total of 70 patients received a low heparin bolus of 3000 units for cannulation but without subsequent, ongoing heparin administration. Patients were divided into survival (n = 25) and non-survival group (n = 45). Data of coagulation, hemolysis and membrane lung function were calculated and analyzed. The complications of patients were recorded. Finally, the binary Logistic regression was conducted. RESULTS: The longest heparin-free time was 216 h, and the mean heparin-free time was 102 h. Compared with survivors, the non-survivors were showed higher baseline SOFA score and lower platelet counts in 0.5 h, 24 h, 48 h and 96 h after ECMO applied. However, there was no significant differences between survivors and non-survivors in ACT, APTT, INR, D-dimer, fibrinogen, LDH, blood flow rate, Δp and Ppost-MLO2 (all p < 0.05) of all different time point. Moreover, only the baseline SOFA score was significantly associated with mortality (p < 0.001, OR(95%CI): 2.754 (1.486-5.103)) while the baseline levels of ACT, APTT, INR, platelet, D-dimer, fibrinogen and LDH have no association with mortality. The percentage of thrombosis complications was 54.3% (38/70) including 3 oxygenator changed but there was no significant difference of complications in survival and non-survival groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The anticoagulation protocol that no heparin after a 3000 units heparin bolus in VV ECMO supported acute respiratory failure patients with hemorrhage risk is feasible.

Effect of sublethal Spirotetramat on host locating and parasitic behavior of Encarsia formosa Gahan.

BACKGROUND: The use of chemical insecticides to control Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is widespread, although it might exert a sublethal effect on its dominant parasitoid, Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). To investigate the sublethal effect of spirotetramat on E. formosa, we observed the ability of E. formosa to locate and handle the host, oviposit and preen after exposure to sublethal concentrations of spirotetramat. RESULTS: After exposure to spirotetramat at LC50 , the response time of E. formosa to the volatile reached 223.40 s and was significantly prolonged. Only 56.44% of the wasps were attracted by the volatile and the insect crawled the slowest among all of the treatments. The averages of oviposition posture adopted and host handled by each E. formosa in 1 h decreased significantly to 1.79 and 1.27, respectively. At the sublethal concentration of LC10 , 94.59% of the wasps were attracted by the volatile and the insect crawled the fastest. The average of host handled by each E. formosa was 3.92, and the frequency of drumming while walking and drumming the host was 12.34 times per second and 12.30 times per second, respectively, demonstrating a significant acceleration in these abilities. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that spirotetramat induced hormesis in E. formosa on exposure to its LC10 concentration and accelerated its host locating, host handling and frequency of antennae drumming. These findings could assist in balancing the chemical and biological control of B. tabaci and enhancing the efficacy of E. formosa as a biocontrol agent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Qishen Taohong Granule () as Adjuvant Therapy for Improving Cardiac Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the improvement of cardiac function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) via Chinese medicine (CM) Qishen Taohong Granule (, QTG). METHODS: This study was a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Seventy-six patients from 27 to 84 years old diagnosed with CHF New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III in stage C were enrolled and randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive QTG or trimetazidine (TMZ), in addition to their standard medications for the treatment of CHF. The study period was 4 weeks. The primary outcomes included cardiac function evaluated by NYHA classification and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), as well as QOL evaluated by CHF Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Survival Scale (CHFQLS). The secondary outcomes included 6-min walking test (6MWT), CM syndrome score, symptom and sign scores and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). All indices were measured at baseline and the end of the trial. RESULTS: At the 4-week follow-up period, the effective rate according to NYHA classification in the QTG group was better than that in the TMZ group (74.29% vs. 54.29%, P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in post-treatment level of LVEF between the two groups (P>0.05). The CHFQLS scores improved by 13.82±6.04 vs. 7.49±2.28 in the QTG and TMZ groups, respectively (P<0.05). Subgroup analysis of the CHFQLS results showed that physiological function, role limitation and vitality were significantly higher in the QTG group than in the TMZ group (15.76±7.85 vs. 7.40±3.36, P<0.05; 16.00±8.35 vs. 10.53±4.64, P<0.05; 15.31±8.09 vs. 7.89±4.60, P<0.05). Compared with TMZ group, treatment with QTG also demonstrated superior performance with respect to 6MWT, CM syndrome, shortness of breath, fatigue, gasping, general edema and NT-proBNP level. No significant adverse reactions or adverse cardiac events occurred during treatment in either group. CONCLUSION: In addition to conventional treatments, the use of QTG as an adjuvant therapy significantly improved cardiac function and QOL in patients with CHF class II or III in stage C. [Registration No. ChiCTR1900022036 (retrospectively registered)].

Effect of ceramic materials on the optical properties of porcelain veneers for tetracycline-stained teeth.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the chromatic properties and translucency of porcelain veneers made from different ceramic materials against the background of tetracycline-stained teeth. METHODS: Porcelain specimens (A1, A3, B2, B4) measuring 0.50 mm in thickness were prepared by heat-press casting and layering. The L*, a*, and b* values of the specimens against simulated tetracycline tooth and black-and-white backgrounds were measured by a spectrophotometer, and color differences ΔE001 between specimens on simulated tetracycline backgrounds and the backgrounds themselves and ΔE002 between specimens on simulated tetracycline backgrounds and the white background were calculated. The translucent parameter (TP) was also evaluated. RESULTS: The ΔE001 of feldspathic specimens (IPS d.SIGN) with the opaque layer was significantly greater than that of glass ceramic specimens (IPS e.max Press LT), and the ΔE001 of group B4 was consistently greater than those of the other color groups (P<0.05). The ΔE002 values of all feldspathic specimens with the opaque layer were less than 1.25, and the ΔE002 values of the glass ceramic specimens were greater than 2.23. However, no significant difference was observed among the different color groups (P>0.05). The TP values of feldspathic specimens with the opaque layer were significantly lower than those of glass ceramic specimens(P<0.05), but no significant difference was observed among different color groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When changing the color of tetracycline-stained teeth, 0.50 mm-thick IPS d.SIGN feldspathic veneers with an opaque layer provide better chromatic properties than IPS e.max Press LT glass ceramic veneers. However, the translucency of feldspathic veneers is generally poorer than that of glass ceramic veneers.

Cardiac rehabilitation of Baduanjin exercise in coronary heart disease after PCI: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective revascularization strategy in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, recent studies had indicated that postPCI patients usually suffer from a low-quality life. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been recommended by numerous guidelines in the clinic for these patients. And Baduanjin exercise can significantly benefit patients with CHD. Regrettably, the effect of Baduanjin exercise on postPCI patients is still not clear. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis protocol is planned to explore the effect of Baduanjin exercise in patients with CHD who have undergone PCI. METHODS: PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Database, SINOMED, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure will be searched for appropriate articles from respective inceptions until December 1th, 2020. Two reviewers will independently conduct article selection, data collection, and risk of bias evaluation. Disagreements will be resolved first by discussion and then by consulting a third author for arbitration. The primary outcome will include left ventricular ejection fraction. And the change in the scores on the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, SF-36 health survey scale, Zung Self-rating Anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale will be used as the secondary outcomes. RevMan 5.3 will be used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will explore whether Baduanjin exercise is an effective intervention in postPCI patients. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide convincing evidence of Baduanjin exercise that specifically focuses on CR of Baduanjin exercise on CHD after PCI. REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202130065.