Objective:To investigate the relationship between clinical effects of acupuncture for elderly patients with sensorineural deafness and ear distending sensation.Methods:A total of 120 elderly patients with sensorineural deafness were randomly divided into a comprehensive treatment group,an acupuncture group and a Western medicine group,with 40 cases in each group.The acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment,the Western medicine group received oral mecobalamin tablets and the comprehensive treatment group received acupuncture plus acupoint injection and auricular acupoint sticking.The values of pure tone hearing threshold test of the three groups were observed before and after treatment,and the relationship between clinical effects and ear distending sensation was compared.Results:The total effective rate of the comprehensive treatment group was 82.5％ versus 67.0％ in the acupuncture group and 62.5％ in the Western medicine group.The inter-group comparisons showed statistically significant differences in the comprehensive treatment group versus the Western medicine group (P＜0.01) and the acupuncture group (P＜0.05).In the comprehensive treatment group,there were 23 cases (57.5％) with ear distending sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 86.9％;there were 17 cases (42.5％) without the sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 76.5％.In the acupuncture group,there were 24 cases (60.0％) with ear distending sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 71.0％;there were 16 cases (40.0％) without the sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 63.0％.In the Western medicine group,there were 21 cases (52.5％) with ear distending sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 66.7％;there were 19 cases (47.5％) without the sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 57.9％.The total effective rate of patients with ear distending sensation were higher than the rates of those without ear distending sensation in the three groups,but the differences were insignificant (all P＞0.05).Conclusion:The comprehensive therapy is one of the effective methods to treat elderly patients with sensorineural deafness.In the three groups of elderly patients with sensorineural deafness,the relief of ear distending sensation and the hearing loss were basically simultaneous,and the hearing recovery in the patients with ear distending sensation may be slightly better than that in those without ear distending sensation.Nevertheless,further research is needed.

OBJECTIVETo observe the pathological changes and morphological alterations of ECV304 cells after the infection by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in vitro.

METHODSPassaged ECV304 cells were infected with HSV-2, TCID50 and morphological changes were observed by optical microscopy and tissue staining.

RESULTSOne day after HSV-2 infection, swelling, rounding, and increase of thickened cytoplasmic granules occurred in the ECV304 cells, and on day 2, cell fusion was observed with weakened nuclear staining.

CONCLUSIONECV304 cells mostly undergo necrosis after HSV-2 infection without obvious evidence of cell apoptosis.

Cells, Cultured ; Endothelium, Vascular ; pathology ; virology ; Herpesviridae Infections ; pathology ; Herpesvirus 2, Human ; Humans ; Necrosis ; Umbilical Veins ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the mechanisms for the cytopathic effect (CPE) of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in ECV304 endothelial-like cells.

METHODSPCR and indirect immunofluorescence were used to detect HCMV infection by examining immediate-early (IE) gene and protein expression of the virus in ECV304 cells. Phase-contrast and electron microscopies were performed to observe the morphological changes of the infected and uninfected cells, and DNA ladder analysis and flow cytometry were carried out to study HCMV-induced cell apoptosis.

RESULTSIn HCMV-infected ECV304 cells, cytopathic effects were first observed at approximately 72 h post-infection. The cells with CPE changes exhibited detachment from the monolayer, cell rounding and shrinkage. The expression of the IE gene was detected. Chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation along with dramatic changes of the mitochondria were observed by electron microscopy at 96 h post-infection. Cellular DNA fragmentation was observed in the infected cells, which had cells apoptotic rates of 4.1% and 45.7% at 96 h and 144 h post-infection, respectively.

CONCLUSIONHCMV can induce apoptosis of ECV304 endothelial-like cells.

Antigens, Viral ; genetics ; metabolism ; Apoptosis ; physiology ; Cell Line ; Cytomegalovirus ; genetics ; growth & development ; metabolism ; DNA, Viral ; analysis ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; ultrastructure ; virology ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; Humans ; Immediate-Early Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Microscopy, Electron ; Microscopy, Phase-Contrast ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology ; virology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of two methods of pigmentation on the flexural strength of dental Y-TZP/porcelain layered structure.

METHODSKaVo zirconia substructures were pigmented by dipping presintered blocks in the coloring solution VITA LL1 and LL5, and colored TZ-3YS zirconia substructures were fabricated by adding pigments before isostatic pressing. The colors No.1 and No.5 were used for the test. The specimens were made in monolithic or bilayered forms, and the flexural strength was tested. XRD and SEM with EDX were used to analyze the characteristics of the surface structure.

RESULTSIn KaVo group, no significant differences were found in the flexural strength between white and LL1 and LL5 colored monoclinic materials, nor in bilayered structures. While in TZ-3YS group, significant differences were noted in the flexural strength between color No.5 white and color No.1 monoclinic materials, but not between the latter two subgroups. The flexural strength was significantly lowered by veneering with porcelain in both zirconia groups, and similar findings were observed with the monoclinic materials. Only the tetragonal phase was detected in both of the zirconia groups.

CONCLUSIONPigmentation has no apparent effects on the bonding strength between the veneering porcelain and zirconia. Both coloring methods are appropriate when the concentration of the pigments is under deliberate control.

Dental Bonding ; Dental Materials ; Dental Porcelain ; chemistry ; Dental Stress Analysis ; Dental Veneers ; Materials Testing ; Pigmentation ; Tensile Strength ; Yttrium ; chemistry ; Zirconium ; chemistry

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; diagnosis ; etiology ; genetics ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Statistical ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies

BACKGROUNDCisplatin (DDP) is one of most effective and most commonly used therapeutic agent in treating tumors, it can accumulate in the kidney and lead to acute renal failure. MicroRNA-181a can induce cell apoptosis by suppressing the expression of Bcl-2 family. In the present study, we investigated the role of microRNA-181a in the apoptosis of tubular epithelial cell induced by DDP.

METHODSHK-2 cells were cultured, transfected with microRNA-181a inhibitor for 48 hours, and stimulated with 50 µmol/L cisplatin for 24 hours. MicroRNA-181a expression was analyzed by real time PCR, and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Moreover, Bcl-2 and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) expression were measured by Western blotting.

RESULTSMicroRNA-181a expression significantly down-regulated in cells transfected with microRNA-181a inhibitor, compared with that in untransfectd cells (21.19 ± 2.01 vs. 38.87 ± 1.97, P < 0.05). Cell apoptosis induced by DDP significantly decreased in cells transfected with MicroRNA-181a inhibitor. Compared with DDP treated cells alone, Bcl-2 expression strikingly was up-regulated and Bax expression was down-regulated in cells transfected with microRNA-181a inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONOne pathway of DDP induces apoptosis of tubular epithelial cell by suppressing Bcl-2 expression is achieved by regulating the target gene of MicroRNA-181a.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

Purpose::Traumatic brain injury (TBI), currently a major global public health problem, imposes a significant economic burden on society and families. We aimed to quantify and predict the incidence and severity of TBI by analyzing its incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs). The epidemiological changes in TBI from 1990 to 2019 were described and updated to provide a reference for developing prevention, treatment, and incidence-reducing measures for TBI.Methods::A secondary analysis was performed on the incidence, prevalence, and YLDs of TBI by sex, age group, and region ( n =21,204 countries and territories) between 1990 and 2019 using the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. Proportions in the age-standardized incidence rate due to underlying causes of TBI and proportions of minor and moderate or severe TBI were also reported. Results::In 2019, there were 27.16 million (95% uncertainty intervals ( UI): 23.36 -31.42) new cases of TBI worldwide, with age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates of 346 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 298 -401) and 599 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 573 -627), respectively. From 1990 to 2019, there were no significant trends in global age-standardized incidence (estimated annual percentage changes: -0.11%, 95% UI: -0.18% --0.04%) or prevalence (estimated annual percentage changes: 0.01%, 95% UI: -0.04% -0.06%). TBI caused 7.08 million (95% UI: 5.00 -9.59) YLDs in 2019, with age-standardized rates of 86.5 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 61.1 -117.2). In 2019, the countries with higher incidence rates were mainly distributed in Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Australia. The 2019 global age-standardized incidence rate was higher in males than in females. The 2019 global incidence of moderate and severe TBI was 182.7 per 100,000 population, accounting for 52.8% of all TBI, with falls and road traffic injuries being the main causes in most regions. Conclusions::The incidence of moderate and severe TBI was slightly higher in 2019, and TBI still accounts for a significant portion of the global injury burden. The likelihood of moderate to severe TBI and the trend of major injury under each injury cause from 1990 to 2019 and the characteristics of injury mechanisms in each age group are presented, providing a basis for further research on injury causes in each age group and the future establishment of corresponding policies and protective measures.

Objective To explore the effect of leptin on cytokine production by PBMCs obtained from MS patients either in acute (relapse) or in stable (nonrelapse) phase of disease. Methods PBMCs were collected from 25 untreated acute MS patients, 11 stable MS patients and 20 healthy controls. PBMCs were cultured either with RPMI-1640 alone or with leptin (1.25 nmol/ml), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) (100 mug/ml), and leptin + PHA. 72 h later the supernate of the culture medium were collected and stored at -70 degrees C. The pro-inflammatory cytokine (IFN-gamma) concentration were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA), and the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4) concentration were investigated by radioimmunity methods. Results Our data showed that leptin induced IFN-gamma production by PBMCs of patients in an acute phase of disease but not in a stable phase or in healthy controls. Moreover, we found that PHA induced IL-4 production by PBMCs of patients in an acute phase of disease, but leptin inhibited this ability of PHA. Conclusion Leptin can affect on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production by PBMCs collected from MS patients, may be this connected with leptin increase the susceptiveness of MS.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of three types of veneering porcelain on the bending strength of KAVO Y-TZP/porcelain layered structure.

METHODSKAVO zirconia ceramics were used as the substructure. To form Y-TZP/porcelain bilayered structure, a leucite-based veneering porcelain was fired on the zirconia substructures by slip-casting technique with dentin washbake, and two nano-fluorapatite-based veneering porcelains were fired on the zirconia substructures by either slip-casting or pressed-on technique with or without liner coverage. The bending strength was tested according to ISO 6872 standard, and the veneered surfaces of the fracture samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTSFor covering KAVO zirconia core material, the conventional veneering slurry-porcelain combined with liner or wash firing had significant higher bending strength than pressed-on porcelain. SEM showed that the main failure type at the interface was adhesive failure.

CONCLUSIONThin layer sintering using washbake program or liner on KAVO zirconia surface increases the surface wettability, and this procedure may be indispensable when veneering on the surface of dental zirconia.

Dental Porcelain ; Dental Stress Analysis ; Shear Strength ; Zirconium

The Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) pertains to patients' subjective contentment concerning their physical, psychological, and social well-being throughout disease treatments. Predominantly employed HRQoL metrics in spinal metastases comprise the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), EuroQoL Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G). In clinical applications, due to their broad application and diverse disease types, combined with the lack of specificity in the scale content and the prolixity of their questionnaires, these tools often fail to capture the nuanced experiences of patients, thereby compromising the reliability and validity of the results. The Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire (SOSGOQ), developed by the Spine Oncology Study Group, offers a tailored metric for spinal metastases, encapsulating both specificity and inclusivity. Its proven robust reliability and validity make it invaluable for decision-making and therapeutic efficacy appraisals. The Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS), a novel metric suitable across many medical disciplines, facilitates cross-sector data acquisition, substantially augmenting the precision, sensitivity, and credibilityof assessments, and is pivotal in clinical investigations and interventions. As it continually evolves, PROMIS consistently outperforms traditional metrics in evaluative capacities, exhibiting impressive and consistent proficiency in prognostications, preoperative assessments, and therapeutic outcome evaluations within the spinal metastasis domain. Presently, Chinese research on the HRQoL of spinal metastasis patients remains scant, and choosing an apt, precise, and dependable metric holds significant clinical relevance. Drawing upon extant scholarly publications, this review concluded the current global HRQoL tools for spinal metastases, aiming to furnish insights for the clinical management and research pertaining to spinal metastases.