OBJECTIVETo investigate the acquaintance to orthodontics and possible factors that obstruct orthodontic treatment in middle school students in zones with different economic levels in Jiangjin, Chongqing.

METHODSThe students were randomly divided into four groups: A class from a junior high school in town (group 1), a class from a senior high school in town (group 2), a class from a junior high school in the countryside (group 3), a class from a senior high school in the countryside (group 4). The information was collected by questionnaire, and the statistical analysis of results was carried out by SPSS 17.0 software.

RESULTSSex made difference in the acquaintance to orthodontics treatment. Girls worried more about teeth extraction and pain that may occur during treatment than the boys. Students in the city had more access to related consultations compared to those in the countryside. Different economic conditions made much contribution to the proportion to go for orthodontics treatment in cities and rural areas. The evaluation from families and friends may affect patients' subjective estimation to themselves.

CONCLUSIONOrthodontists should learn more about student patiens from various aspects, and make different therapies according to their sexes, economic conditions of family, education levels, etc. Only so can orthodontists get better compliance from their patients.

Mitochondrial dysfunction after spinal cord injury (SCI) is recognized as a crucial pathological mechanism for secondary SCI. Studies have indicated that mitochondrial transfer plays a significant role in the process of neural regeneration following injury. After mitochondria migrating to injured neurons, they mainly function via enhancing the energy metabolism level of damaged neurons and reducing oxidative stress. In this article, we present an exhaustive overview on mechanism of mitochondrial transfer, and impact on neural regeneration after mitochondrial transfer so as to provide valuable insights for further exploring the role of mitochondrial transfer in SCI progression and offer innovative perspective on potential therapeutic strategies for SCI.

Objective:To explore the safety and effectiveness of axillary-coronary artery bypass (ACAB) of anterolateral incision multi-vessel coronary artery bypass surgery (MICS-CABG).Methods:Patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery in Peking University Third Hospital from May 2020 to December 2022 were included. 48 and 158 patients were included in MICS-ACAB and OPCABG group respectively. The mean age of the OPCABG group was (64.72±8.27) years old, and the male proportion was 77.2%(122 cases). The mean age of the MICS-ACAB group was (71.42±7.77) years old, and the male proportion was 79.2%(38 cases). Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE, including stroke, death, myocardial infarction and revascularization) and postoperative PCS scores of SF-36 were selected as the primary endpoint. The surgical complications and angiography patency rate of grafts were recorded to evaluate the clinical effects of MICS-ACAB.Results:The median number of bypass graft in two groups was 3. There were no significant differences in perioperative MACCE, re-operation rate, renal failure and lenth of postoperative hospital stay between two groups( P>0.05). 85.4% of patients reveived angiography assessment before discharge. There was no significant difference in graft patency between the MICS-ACAB group and OPCABG group (95.2% vs 88.8%, P=0.368). The results of propensity score matching analysis were consistent with the above conclusions. Both univariate analysis and multiple linear regression showed that MICS-ACAB could improve the PCS score of SF-36 at 7 days after surgery[(31.77±5.97) scores vs. (29.45±6.31) scores, P=0.025]. Conclusion:The safety of MICS-ACAB is satisfactory, which can achieve the completely revascularization and the patency rate of grafts is desirable. This procedure can significantly improve quality of life of patients in early postoperative period.

Objective:To explore the effect of high-frequency and low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the unaffected pharyngeal motor cortex of dysphagic stroke survivors.Methods:Forty-two stroke survivors with dysphagia were enrolled and randomly divided into a high-frequency stimulation group ( n=14), a low-frequency stimulation group ( n=13), and a sham group ( n=15). All received conventional swallowing training. The high- and low-frequency stimulation groups additionally received 250 pulses of 5Hz or 1Hz rTMS over the cortical representation of the mylohyoid muscle on the unaffected side daily for 2 consecutive weeks. In the sham group, sham rTMS was applied with identical protocols. Before and after the intervention, all subjects were subjected to a videofluoroscopic swallowing study and surface electromyography (sEMG). They were also evaluated using the fuctional dysphagia scale (FDS) and the penetration aspiration scale (PAS). Results:After the intervention, a significant improvement was observed in the average PAS, FDS and sEMG results in both rTMS groups compared with the sham control group. The average FDS score of the high-frequency stimulation group had improved significantly more than that of the low-frequency group.Conclusions:rTMS of the contra-lesional cortical representation of the mylohyoid muscle at either 5Hz or 1Hz can effectively improve dysphagia post-stroke. The higher frequency gives superior results.

Objective To evaluate the effect of intensive electromyographic biofeedback ( EMGBF ) on swallowing and the velocity of hyolaryngeal excursion among stroke survivors with dysphagia. Methods Forty-two stroke survivors with dysphagia were randomly divided into a conventional rehabilitation group ( group A, n=15) , an EMGBF group (group B, n=14) and an intensive EMGBF group (group C, n=13).In addition to routine medica-tions and motor function rehabilitation training, all received 30 minutes of conventional swallowing training once a day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Group B additionally received 15 minutes of EMGBF once daily and group C twice daily. Videofluoroscopy was conducted to measure the superior and anterior excursion distances and the movement time of the hyoid bone when swallowing semi-liquid food, and the velocity was calculated. The swallowing dysfunction evaluation and a penetration-aspiration scale ( PAS) were also employed to evaluate the subjects'swallowing function before and after the treatment. Results There were no significant differences among the 3 groups in any of the measurements before the treatment. After the 4 weeks of treatment the average swallowing dysfunction evaluation and PAS scores of all three groups had improved significantly, as had the superior and anterior excursion velocity of the hyoid bone. Compared with group A, the average swallowing dysfunction evaluation and PAS scores of groups B and C had improved significantly more. The average swallowing dysfunction evaluation scores of groups B and C were not sig-nificantly different, but the average anterior and superior excursion velocity of the hyoid bone in group C was signifi-cantly higher than in group B. Conclusion EMGBF therapy has advantages over routine rehabilitation training in improving swallowing function after a stroke and speeding the velocity of the hyoid bone's excursions.

Objective:To prepare the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) nanoantibody P3C8-C3Fab by ligating with C3Fab and to investigate its role in plasma half-life.Methods:The C3Fab peptide derived from protein G was molecularly fused with the nanobody P3C8 by DNA recombination technology. The nanoantibody P3C8-C3Fab was inducibly expressed and purified in the E. coli BL21 strain, and the binding of it to PD-L1 protein, mouse IgG, and PD-L1-expressing tumor cells was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The residual P3C8-C3Fab was detected in mouse serum at different times using double-antibody sandwich ELISA to assess the prolongation of the plasma half-life of PD-L1 nanobodies by C3Fab. Results:The nanoantibody P3C8-C3Fab was successfully constructed, and it could efficiently express itself in soluble form in BL21. The purified NbP3C8-C3Fab protein was obtained with a mass fraction of about 90% at a yield of 7.18 mg/L. The affinity of P3C8-C3Fab for PD-L1 protein and mouse IgG gradually increased with increasing mass concentration and showed a concentration correlation. The binding of P3C8-C3Fab to lung cancer A549 cells showed a concentration correlation. The concentration standard curve of P3C8-C3Fab in mouse serum showed a typical S-shape with a concentration correlation. The plasma half-life of P3C8 was only 0.44 h, while the plasma half-life of P3C8-C3Fab was 21.27-fold higher, up to 9.36 h.Conclusions:The linkage of C3Fab to the nanobodies of P3C8 can significantly prolong the plasma half-life of P3C8, which is valuable for the improvement of in vivo nanobody effects.

FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) has garnered considerable attention globally in recent years. Compared to conventional radiotherapy, FLASH-RT can deliver the total radiation dose to the target volume in an extremely short time, reducing the radiation-induced damage to normal tissue while maintaining similar anti-tumor effects. FLASH-RT has been in the clinical trial stage, with several clinical research result being reported. Based on the collected global clinical research result of FLASH-RT in recent years, this study systematically reviewed FLASH-RT′s safety, radiation-related side effects, treatment efficacy, opportunities, and challenges in clinical trials.

Objective:To compare and discuss the mid-to-long-term outcomes of mitral valve repair (MVP) versus biological mitral valve replacement (bMVR) in patients aged 60 years and above with rheumatic mitral valve disease.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 765 patients aged 60 years and older, diagnosed with rheumatic mitral valve disease and who underwent MVP or bMVR at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2010 to January 2023, were retrospectively included. Among them, 186 were male and 579 were female, with an age of (66.1±4.5) years (range: 60 to 82 years). Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical method: the mitral valve repair group (MVP group, n=256) and the bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement group (bMVR group, n=509). A 1∶1 propensity score matching was performed using a caliper value of 0.2 based on preoperative data. Paired sample t-tests, χ2 tests, or Fisher′s exact tests were used for intergroup comparisons. Kaplan-Meier method was employed to plot survival curves and valve-related reoperation rate curves for both groups before and after matching, and Log-rank tests were used to compare the mid-to long-term survival rates and valve-related reoperation rates between the two groups. Results:A total of 765 patients who completed follow-up were ultimately included, with a follow-up period ( M(IQR)) of 5.1(5.0) years (range: 1.0 to 12.9 years). After matching, each group consisted of 256 patients. The incidence of early postoperative atrial fibrillation (39.1% vs. 49.2%, χ2=4.95, P=0.026) and early mortality rates (2.0% vs. 6.2%, χ2=4.97, P=0.026) were lower in the MVP group. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly higher 5-year and 10-year survival rates for the MVP group (92.54% vs. 83.02%, 86.22% vs. 70.19%, Log-rank: P=0.001). After adjustment with propensity scores, the Kaplan-Meier analysis still indicated higher 5-year and 10-year survival rates in the MVP group compared to the bMVR group (92.54% vs. 85.89%, 86.22% vs. 74.83%, Log-rank: P=0.024). There were no significant differences in the rates of valve-related reoperation between the two groups before and after matching (5-year and 10-year reoperation rates pre-matching: 1.75% vs. 0.57%, 5.39% vs. 7.54%, Log-rank: P=0.207; post-matching: 1.75% vs. 0, 5.39% vs. 9.27%, Log-rank: P=0.157). Conclusion:For patients aged 60 years and above with rheumatic mitral valve disease, mitral valve repair offers better mid-to-long-term survival compared to biological valve replacement.

Objective:To compare and discuss the mid-to-long-term outcomes of mitral valve repair (MVP) versus biological mitral valve replacement (bMVR) in patients aged 60 years and above with rheumatic mitral valve disease.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 765 patients aged 60 years and older, diagnosed with rheumatic mitral valve disease and who underwent MVP or bMVR at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2010 to January 2023, were retrospectively included. Among them, 186 were male and 579 were female, with an age of (66.1±4.5) years (range: 60 to 82 years). Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical method: the mitral valve repair group (MVP group, n=256) and the bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement group (bMVR group, n=509). A 1∶1 propensity score matching was performed using a caliper value of 0.2 based on preoperative data. Paired sample t-tests, χ2 tests, or Fisher′s exact tests were used for intergroup comparisons. Kaplan-Meier method was employed to plot survival curves and valve-related reoperation rate curves for both groups before and after matching, and Log-rank tests were used to compare the mid-to long-term survival rates and valve-related reoperation rates between the two groups. Results:A total of 765 patients who completed follow-up were ultimately included, with a follow-up period ( M(IQR)) of 5.1(5.0) years (range: 1.0 to 12.9 years). After matching, each group consisted of 256 patients. The incidence of early postoperative atrial fibrillation (39.1% vs. 49.2%, χ2=4.95, P=0.026) and early mortality rates (2.0% vs. 6.2%, χ2=4.97, P=0.026) were lower in the MVP group. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly higher 5-year and 10-year survival rates for the MVP group (92.54% vs. 83.02%, 86.22% vs. 70.19%, Log-rank: P=0.001). After adjustment with propensity scores, the Kaplan-Meier analysis still indicated higher 5-year and 10-year survival rates in the MVP group compared to the bMVR group (92.54% vs. 85.89%, 86.22% vs. 74.83%, Log-rank: P=0.024). There were no significant differences in the rates of valve-related reoperation between the two groups before and after matching (5-year and 10-year reoperation rates pre-matching: 1.75% vs. 0.57%, 5.39% vs. 7.54%, Log-rank: P=0.207; post-matching: 1.75% vs. 0, 5.39% vs. 9.27%, Log-rank: P=0.157). Conclusion:For patients aged 60 years and above with rheumatic mitral valve disease, mitral valve repair offers better mid-to-long-term survival compared to biological valve replacement.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of modified chitosan eye drops on rabbit Candida albicans keratitis model.Methods:Ten healthy female New Zealand rabbits were used to establish the superficial Candida albicans keratitis model by the corneal surface lens method in the right eye.Slit lamp microscopy and corneal scraping and microscopic examination were performed to preliminarily determine whether the keratitis model has been successfully established, the rabbits were then randomly divided into a model group and a modified chitosan group by the random number table method.The successfully established rabbit models which were determined by fungal culture results were retained.Five normal rabbits receiving no intervention served as a normal control group.The experimental eyes in the normal control and modified chitosan groups were treated with modified chitosan eye drops, Six times a day for one week, and subsequently four times a day for one week.No treatment was administered to the model group.The changes of corneal lesions and ocular surfaces were examined by slit lamp microscopy every day.At 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after modeling, the eye condition and corneal clinical scores was assessed by slit lamp microscopy.The corneal conditions in each group was observed for two weeks after drug withdrawal.Results:The corneal scraping and microscopic examination results of eight rabbits models showed that the fungal hyphae and spores were positive.The fungal culture results showed that the separated pathogen was Candida albicans.The success rate of modeling was 80%(8/10). The clinical scores in the model group at 7, 14 and 21 days after modeling were 14.50±0.58, 6.25±0.50 and 2.50±0.58, respectively, and were significantly higher than 7.25±1.26, 2.75±0.50 and 1.25±0.50 in the modified chitosan group (all at P<0.05). In the model group, corneal edema was significantly aggravated, and the central white ulcer area was enlarged within seven days after modeling.Between 7 and 28 days after modeling, the corneal ulcer was gradually healed, while the central corneal scar and neovascularization were remained.The average healing time was (24.5±2.6)days.In the modified chitosan group, the corneal infiltration was significantly alleviated within seven days after modeling, and the fungal hyphae and spores of corneal scraping were negative on the 14th day after modeling.The average healing time in the modified chitosan group was (13.5±1.3)days, which was significantly shorter than that in the the model group (P<0.01). No recurrence of keratitis was observed in the modified chitosan group after two weeks of drug withdrawal.The cure rate was 100%.In the normal control group, the conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, and lesions were not observed during topical administration.Conclusion:The treatment with modified chitosan eye drop is effective in a rabbit superficial Candida albicans keratitis model, and have no obvious toxic effects on ocular tissues.