Clear aligner treatment is a novel technique in current orthodontic practice. Distinct from traditional fixed orthodontic appliances, clear aligners have different material features and biomechanical characteristics and treatment efficiencies, presenting new clinical challenges. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic description of the key clinical aspects of clear aligner treatment is essential to enhance treatment efficacy and facilitate the advancement and wide adoption of this new technique. This expert consensus discusses case selection and grading of treatment difficulty, principle of clear aligner therapy, clinical procedures and potential complications, which are crucial to the clinical success of clear aligner treatment.
Humans ; Consensus ; Orthodontic Appliance Design ; Orthodontic Appliances, Removable ; Tooth Movement Techniques/methods* ; Malocclusion/therapy* ; Orthodontics, Corrective/instrumentation*

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

ObjectiveThe chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) technique has become a valuable tool in diagnosing metabolic changes associated with cerebral and systemic diseases, leveraging the calculation of compounds with exchangeable protons in proximity to water molecules. Specifically, the amide proton transfer (APT) CEST technique has shown promise in diagnosing cerebral strokes and tumors by comparing altered endogenous proteins or peptides with normal tissues. Reduced field of view (rFOV) imaging technology has been widely used in the diagnosis of small organ lesions in the body. In this study, we aim to apply the rFOV imaging to identify CEST signals in the rectum, investigating the potential utility of rFOV technique in clinical diagnosis of rectal diseases and providing metabolic insights for chemoradiotherapy. MethodsMRI images of eleven healthy volunteers were acquired using transverse Full_FOV and rFOV CEST imaging on a 3T scanner. The resolution was set at 2.5×2.5×6 mm³ and 1.5×1.5×6 mm³ for Full_FOV or the rFOV method. Saturation powers of 0.7 μT and 2 μT were applied. For the 2 μT saturation, MTRasym at ±3.5 ppm was employed, while for 0.7 μT saturation, Lorentzian difference was used for CEST quantification of the contrast maps and curves. ResultsThe rFOV method has the advantage of halving the scan time while maintaining the same contrast as the Full_FOV method. When compared to Full_FOV methods, rFOV methods exhibited nearly identical Z_spec and very similar MTRasym curves. Additionally, rFOV with a 1.5 mm×1.5 mm in-plane resolution could be achieved in approximately 3 min. rFOV method displayed better structural details for the entire rectum, including CEST contrast maps and quantitative curves. ConclusionCEST MRI proves valuable in diagnosing rectal diseases, and employing the rFOV technique could provide higher spatial and temporal resolution. CEST MRI should be the preferred choice for offering improved diagnostic capabilities with its potential for rectal disease diagnosis.

Purpose::Internal iliac artery ligation (IIAL) has been used as a damage control procedure to treat hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture for many years. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness and safety of this hemostatic method. Therefore, we performed a systematic literature review to assess the efficacy and safety of IIAL for pelvic fracture hemostasis.Methods::Three major databases, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, were searched to screen eligible original studies published in English journals. Two reviewers independently read the titles, abstracts, and full texts of all literature. Articles were included if they reported the use and effects of IIAL.Results::A total of 171 articles were initially identified, with 22 fully meeting the inclusion criteria. Among the analyzed cases, up to 66.7% of patients had associated abdominal and pelvic organ injuries, with the urethra being the most frequently injured organ, followed by the bowel. The outcomes of IIAL for achieving hemostasis in pelvic fractures were found to be satisfactory, with an effective rate of 80%. Hemorrhagic shock was the leading cause of death, followed by craniocerebral injury. Notably, no reports of ischemic complications involving the pelvic organs due to IIAL were found.Conclusion::IIAL has a good effect in treating hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture without the risk of pelvic organ ischemia. This procedure should be considered a priority for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture patients with abdominal organ injuries.

BACKGROUND: Weather conditions are a possible contributing factor to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of irreversible loss of vision. The present study evaluated the joint effects of meteorological factors and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on AMD. METHODS: Data was extracted from a national cross-sectional survey conducted across 10 provinces in rural China. A total of 36,081 participants aged 40 and older were recruited. AMD was diagnosed clinically by slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Meteorological data were calculated by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis and were matched to participants' home addresses by latitude and longitude. Participants' individual PM_2.5 exposure concentrations were calculated by a satellite-based model at a 1-km resolution level. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models paired with interaction analysis were performed to investigate the joint effects of meteorological factors and PM_2.5 on AMD. RESULTS: The prevalence of AMD in the study population was 2.6% (95% CI 2.42-2.76%). The average annual PM_2.5 level during the study period was 63.1 ± 15.3 µg/m³. A significant positive association was detected between AMD and PM_2.5 level, temperature (T), and relative humidity (RH), in both the independent and the combined effect models. For PM_2.5, compared with the lowest quartile, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across increasing quartiles were 0.828 (0.674,1.018), 1.105 (0.799,1.528), and 2.602 (1.516,4.468). Positive associations were observed between AMD and temperature, with ORs (95% CI) of 1.625 (1.059,2.494), 1.619 (1.026,2.553), and 3.276 (1.841,5.830), across increasing quartiles. In the interaction analysis, the estimated relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and the attributable proportion (AP) for combined atmospheric pressure and PM_2.5 was 0.864 (0.586,1.141) and 1.180 (0.768,1.592), respectively, indicating a synergistic effect between PM_2.5 and atmospheric pressure. CONCLUSIONS This study is among the first to characterize the coordinated effects of meteorological factors and PM_2.5 on AMD. The findings warrant further investigation to elucidate the relationship between ambient environment and AMD.
Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; China/epidemiology* ; Macular Degeneration/etiology* ; Meteorological Concepts

Objective: To analyze the incidence and related factors of drug resistance in HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women in some areas of three western provinces of China from 2017 to 2019. Methods: From April 2017 to April 2019, face-to-face questionnaires and blood sample testing were conducted in all health care institutions providing maternal and perinatal care and midwifery-assisted services in 7 prevention of mother-to-child transmissi project areas in Xinjiang, Yunnan and Guangxi provinces/autonomous regions. Information was collected during the perinatal period and viral load, CD4⁺T lymphocytes and drug resistance genes were detected at the same time. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between different factors and drug resistance in HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women. Results: A total of 655 HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women were included in this study. The incidence of drug resistance was 3.4% (22/655), all of whom were cross-drug resistant. The rate of low, moderate and high drug resistance was 2.1% (14/655), 1.2% (8/655) and 0.8% (5/655), respectively. The drug resistance rate in the people who had previously used antiviral drugs was 1.9% (8/418), and the drug resistance rate in the people who had not used drugs was 5.9% (14/237). The NNRTI drug resistance accounted for 2.8% (18/655) and the NRTI drug resistance rate was 2.5% (16/655). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the risk of HIV resistance was lower in pregnant women who had previously used antiviral drugs (OR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.11-0.76). Conclusion: Strengthening the management of antiviral drug use and focusing on pregnant and postpartum women who have not previously used antiviral drugs can help reduce the occurrence of drug-resistant mutations. Personalized antiviral therapy should be considered to achieve viral inhibition effects in clinical practice.
Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; HIV Infections/drug therapy* ; Incidence ; China/epidemiology* ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control* ; Postpartum Period ; Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics* ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use*

Objective: To analyze the incidence and related factors of drug resistance in HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women in some areas of three western provinces of China from 2017 to 2019. Methods: From April 2017 to April 2019, face-to-face questionnaires and blood sample testing were conducted in all health care institutions providing maternal and perinatal care and midwifery-assisted services in 7 prevention of mother-to-child transmissi project areas in Xinjiang, Yunnan and Guangxi provinces/autonomous regions. Information was collected during the perinatal period and viral load, CD4⁺T lymphocytes and drug resistance genes were detected at the same time. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between different factors and drug resistance in HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women. Results: A total of 655 HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women were included in this study. The incidence of drug resistance was 3.4% (22/655), all of whom were cross-drug resistant. The rate of low, moderate and high drug resistance was 2.1% (14/655), 1.2% (8/655) and 0.8% (5/655), respectively. The drug resistance rate in the people who had previously used antiviral drugs was 1.9% (8/418), and the drug resistance rate in the people who had not used drugs was 5.9% (14/237). The NNRTI drug resistance accounted for 2.8% (18/655) and the NRTI drug resistance rate was 2.5% (16/655). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the risk of HIV resistance was lower in pregnant women who had previously used antiviral drugs (OR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.11-0.76). Conclusion: Strengthening the management of antiviral drug use and focusing on pregnant and postpartum women who have not previously used antiviral drugs can help reduce the occurrence of drug-resistant mutations. Personalized antiviral therapy should be considered to achieve viral inhibition effects in clinical practice.
Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; HIV Infections/drug therapy* ; Incidence ; China/epidemiology* ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control* ; Postpartum Period ; Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics* ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and the short-term efficacy of venetoclax combined with azacitidine followed by cladribine (VAC regimen) in children with refractory/ relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: The clinical data, treatment outcomes, complications, and blood product consumption of 6 children with refractory/relapsed AML treated with VAC regimen in the Children's Hospital of Soochow University from August 2021 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 6 children, there were 1 male and 5 females. 5 cases were refractory AML, and 1 case was relapsed AML, which recurred again 16 months after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. 4 children were accompanied by chromosomes or genes that predicted poor prognosis, such as RUNX1, FLT3-ITD, KMT2A exon 2-exon 8 dup, MLL-AF6, 7q-, KMT2A exon 2-exon 10 dup, etc. After received VAC regimen, 4 cases achieved CR+CRi, 1 case achieved PR (only MRD did not relieve, MRD was 0.59%), and 1 case was NR (but the proportion of bone marrow blasts decreased). All 6 patients had grade Ⅳ neutropenia, and 4 patients had grade Ⅳ thrombocytopenia. During the period of neutropenia, none of the 6 children developed symptoms of infection such as fever, cough, and diarrhea. No treatment-related death occurred. CONCLUSION Venetoclax combined with azacitidine followed by cladribine provides a new treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory AML who have poor efficacy in early induction remission theragy, showing good efficacy and safety.
Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Azacitidine/therapeutic use* ; Cladribine/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics* ; Neutropenia ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*

Since the implementation of drug registration in China, the classification of Chinese medicine has greatly met the needs of public health and effectively guided the transformation, inheritance, and innovation of research achievements on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). In the past 30 years, the development of new Chinese medicine has followed the registration transformation model of " one prescription for single drug". This model refers to the R&D and registration system of modern drugs, and approximates to the " law-abiding" medication method in TCM clinic, while it rarely reflects the sequential therapy of syndrome differentiation and comprehensive treatment with multiple measures. In 2017, Opinions on Deepening the Reform of Review and Approval System and Encouraging the Innovation of Drugs and Medical Devices released by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council pointed out that it is necessary to " establish and improve the registration and technical evaluation system in line with the characteristics of Chinese medicine, and handle the relationship between the traditional advantages of Chinese medicine and the requirements of modern drug research". Therefore, based on the development law and characteristics of TCM, clinical thinking should be highlighted in the current technical requirements and registration system of research and development of Chinese medicine. Based on the current situation of registration supervision of Chinese medicine and the modern drug research in China, the present study analyzed limitations and deficiency of " one prescription for single drug" in the research and development of Chinese medicine. Additionally, a new type of " series prescriptions" was proposed, which was consistent with clinical thinking and clinical reality. This study is expected to contribute to the independent innovation and high-quality development of the TCM industry.
China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Prescriptions ; Public Health

Objective: To analyze the clinical epidemiological characteristics including composition of pathogens , clinical characteristics, and disease prognosis acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in Chinese children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical and laboratory data of 1 610 children <15 years of age with ABM in 33 tertiary hospitals in China from January 2019 to December 2020. Patients were divided into different groups according to age,<28 days group, 28 days to <3 months group, 3 months to <1 year group, 1-<5 years of age group, 5-<15 years of age group; etiology confirmed group and clinically diagnosed group according to etiology diagnosis. Non-numeric variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, while non-normal distrituction numeric variables were compared with nonparametric test. Results: Among 1 610 children with ABM, 955 were male and 650 were female (5 cases were not provided with gender information), and the age of onset was 1.5 (0.5, 5.5) months. There were 588 cases age from <28 days, 462 cases age from 28 days to <3 months, 302 cases age from 3 months to <1 year of age group, 156 cases in the 1-<5 years of age and 101 cases in the 5-<15 years of age. The detection rates were 38.8% (95/245) and 31.5% (70/222) of Escherichia coli and 27.8% (68/245) and 35.1% (78/222) of Streptococcus agalactiae in infants younger than 28 days of age and 28 days to 3 months of age; the detection rates of Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae were 34.3% (61/178), 14.0% (25/178) and 13.5% (24/178) in the 3 months of age to <1 year of age group; the dominant pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae and the detection rate were 67.9% (74/109) and 44.4% (16/36) in the 1-<5 years of age and 5-<15 years of age . There were 9.7% (19/195) strains of Escherichia coli producing ultra-broad-spectrum β-lactamases. The positive rates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and blood culture were 32.2% (515/1 598) and 25.0% (400/1 598), while 38.2% (126/330)and 25.3% (21/83) in CSF metagenomics next generation sequencing and Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen detection. There were 4.3% (32/790) cases of which CSF white blood cell counts were normal in etiology confirmed group. Among 1 610 children with ABM, main intracranial imaging complications were subdural effusion and (or) empyema in 349 cases (21.7%), hydrocephalus in 233 cases (14.5%), brain abscess in 178 cases (11.1%), and other cerebrovascular diseases, including encephalomalacia, cerebral infarction, and encephalatrophy, in 174 cases (10.8%). Among the 166 cases (10.3%) with unfavorable outcome, 32 cases (2.0%) died among whom 24 cases died before 1 year of age, and 37 cases (2.3%) had recurrence among whom 25 cases had recurrence within 3 weeks. The incidences of subdural effusion and (or) empyema, brain abscess and ependymitis in the etiology confirmed group were significantly higher than those in the clinically diagnosed group (26.2% (207/790) vs. 17.3% (142/820), 13.0% (103/790) vs. 9.1% (75/820), 4.6% (36/790) vs. 2.7% (22/820), χ²=18.71, 6.20, 4.07, all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the unfavorable outcomes, mortility, and recurrence between these 2 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The onset age of ABM in children is usually within 1 year of age, especially <3 months. The common pathogens in infants <3 months of age are Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae, and the dominant pathogen in infant ≥3 months is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Subdural effusion and (or) empyema and hydrocephalus are common complications. ABM should not be excluded even if CSF white blood cell counts is within normal range. Standardized bacteriological examination should be paid more attention to increase the pathogenic detection rate. Non-culture CSF detection methods may facilitate the pathogenic diagnosis.
Adolescent ; Brain Abscess ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Escherichia coli ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Meningitis, Bacterial/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Streptococcus agalactiae ; Streptococcus pneumoniae ; Subdural Effusion ; beta-Lactamases