Objective:To prepare novel dental composite resins using zinc(Zn)-and nitrogen(N)-modified titanium dioxide(TiO?)nanoparticles(NPs)and mesoporous alumina(Al?O?,r type,20 mm)NPs as reinforcing fillers,systematically evaluating their antibacterial activity,mechanical strength,basic performance,and biosafety to obtain the dental composite resins with excellent antibacterial activity and mechanical strength.Methods:Zn-N-TiO? NPs and mesoporous Al?O? NPs were added into a resin matrix at varying mass ratios to prepare five composite resins:control group(no filler),group 0(Zn-N-TiO?∶Al?O?=1∶0),group 1(Zn-N-TiO?∶Al?O?=1∶1),group 2(Zn-N-TiO?∶Al?O?=1∶2),and group 3(Zn-N-TiO?∶Al?O?=1∶3).Plate colony counting method was used to detect the number of adhered bacteria on composite resin surfaces in various groups and calculate the antibacterial rate;scanning electron microscope(SEM)was used to observe the morphology of adhered bacteria in various groups;universal testing machine was used to measure flexural strength(FS)and elastic modulus(EM)of composite resins in various groups;SEM was used to observe fracture surface morphology of composite resins in various groups;microhardness tester was used to determine Vickers microhardness of the composite resins in various groups;Fourier transform infrared spectroscope was used to detect double bond conversion rate(DC)after 20 s photocuring and calculate curing depth;water contact angle meter was used to measure water contact angle(WCA),water sorption property(WSP),and water solubility level(WSL)of composite resins in various groups;cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method was used to evaluate relative growth rate(RGR)of the mouse fibroblast L-929 cells cultured in composite resin extracts on days 1,3,and 5 and determine in vitro cytotoxicity grade.Results:The plate colony counting results showed that compared with control group,the colony counts on agar plates in the other groups were significantly reduced,with group 1 showing the lowest count.The SEM images results showed densely distributed and morphologically intact Streptococcus mutans in control group;small clusters of bacteria with depressed cell membranes in group 0 and group 3;sparsely distributed bacteria with obvious membrane shrinkage and cytoplasmic leakage in group 1 and group 2.No statistically significant difference in colony counts was found between group 1 and group 2(P>0.05),but both were lower than the other groups(P<0.05).All the composite resins in experimental groups exhibited>85%antibacterial rates,with group 1 and group 2 exceeding 99%.The composite resins in group 0 showed the lowest FS.With addition of mesoporous Al?O?,the FS of the composite resin in group 1 and group 2 were significantly increased,with the composite resin in group 2 showing the highest FS among all groups.Although the FS of the composite resin in group 3 was lower than that in group 2,but it remained higher than other groups(P<0.05).The SEM images results showed that in control group,the smooth-surfaced sillicon dioxide(SiO?)particles exhibited clear fracture interfaces with resin matrix,with>50%particle exposure;the composite resin in group 0 showed similar morphology and large Zn-N-TiO? agglomerates with tight filler-matrix bonding;the composite resin in group 1,2,and 3 showed resin adhesion to SiO? surfaces(<50%particle exposure)and uneven fracture surfaces.Fractured SiO? spheres were observed in group 2.Filler distribution was uniform in group 1 and group 2,while the minor NP agglomeration occurred in group 3.The composite resin in control group showed the lowest EM.The EM was significantly improved in experimental groups,with group 3 having the highest value.Group 0 exhibited the lowest Vickers microhardness,showing statistically significant differences among other groups(P<0.05).The Vickers microhardness of the composite resion was gradually increased with the rising of Al?O? content.The resins in group 2 and group 3 achieved>45 HV hardness,representing increases of 29.73%and 33.82%compared with control group,and 51.34%and 56.28%compared with group 0.No significant differences in DC of the composite resin were found among groups(P>0.05).The depth of cure for all composite resin groups exceeded 4 mm,with no significance differences observed between various groups(P>0.05).The composite resin in group 0 showed the smallest WCA.The hydrophobicity of the composite resion was increased with the rising of Al?O? content,but all the WCA values remained<80°.The composite resin in group 3 had the largest WCA without statistical significance compared with group 2(P>0.05).Filler incorporation reduced the water sorption/solubility.The composite resin in the CCK-8 assay results showed the composite resins in all groups had RGR>75%,meeting in vitro safety standards.Conclusion:Reinforcing fillers impart superior antibacterial activity and mechanical properties to composite resins.Under experimental conditions,group 2 composite resin achieves optimal comprehensive performance in antibacterial efficacy and mechanical strength,demonstrating promising clinical application potential.

Objective:To prepare the nanodrug paclitaxel dimer(PTX2)-loaded nanoparticles(NPs)using the block copolymer 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-polyethylene glycol 2000,(DSPE-PEG2000),and to explore the killing effect of PTX2 NPs on the human lung cancer A549 cells and its influence on apop to tis.Methods:The PTX2 NPs were prepared using nanoprecipitation method.Dynamic light scattering(DLS)was employed to determine the particle size distribution,and transmission electron microscope(TEM)was used to observe the ultrastructure of the nanoparticles.After treatment of 0 and 10 mmol·L-1 dithiothreitol(DTT),dialysis method was used to evaluate the in vitro drug release profile of PTX2 NPs.The cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method was used to assess the survival rates of the A549 cells after treated with PTX2 and PTX2 NPs with different concentrations(0.000 1,0.001 0,0.010 0,0.100 0,and 1.000 0 μmol·L-1).The A549 cells were divided into control group,PTX2 group,and PTX2 NPs group.Live/dead staining method was used to detect the survival of the A549 cells in various groups,and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptotic rates of the A549 cells in various groups.Results:The mean hydrodynamic diameter of PTX2 NPs was determined to be 144.7nmbyDLS.TheTEM imaging confirmed uniform spherical morphology of PTX2 NPs.In a reductive environment,the PTX2 NPs exhibited continuous drug release with total paclitaxel(PTX)release of 84％within 72 h.The results of CCK-8 method showed that both PTX2 and PTX2 NPs inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner.When the concentrations of PTX＜0.01 μmol·L-1,compared with PTX2 group,the survival rates of A549 cells in PTX2 NPs group were significantly decreased(P＜0.01 or P＜0.001).The live/dead staining results showed that compared with PTX2 group,the number of red fluorescence-labeled dead cells in PTX2 NPs group was increased.The flow cytometry results demonstrated that compared with control group and PTX2 group,the apoptotic rates of the A549 cells in PTX2 NPs group were significantly increased(P＜0.05 orP＜0.01).Conclusion:The PTX2-loaded nanoparticles PTX2 NPs are successfully prepared which exhibits responsive drug release and demonstrates a more significant killing effect on the human lung cancer A549 cells compared to PTX2.

Objective:To investigate the association between body composition and coronary artery calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods:This cross-sectional study enrolled patients with CKD hospitalized from May 2019 to April 2022 at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China. Skeletal muscle mass index and visceral fat area were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Coronary artery calcification was assessed by computed tomography. Patients were divided into coronary artery calcification group and non-coronary artery calcification group according to the incidence of coronary artery calcification. Patients were categorized into tertile groups according to their skeletal muscle mass index and visceral fat area levels ranging from the lowest to the highest levels (T1 to T3). We defined skeletal muscle mass index≤30.4% as low muscle mass and visceral fat area≥80.6 cm 2 as high visceral fat based on the results of the restricted cubic spline graph. All individuals were divided into 4 phenotypes: normal body composition, low muscle mass, high visceral fat, and low muscle mass with high visceral fat. Spearman correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between skeletal muscle mass index, visceral fat area and coronary artery calcification. Results:A total of 107 patients with CKD were enrolled, with an age of (60.0±14.1) years, including 41 female patients (38.3%). Patients of coronary artery calcification group had lower skeletal muscle mass index ((32.0±4.8) vs. (34.3±4.8), P=0.016) and higher visceral fat area ((70.8±32.6) cm 2 vs. (47.9±23.8) cm 2, P<0.001) than those of non-coronary artery calcification group. Patients in the T3 group of skeletal muscle mass index had a lower prevalence of coronary artery calcification (17 (48.6%) vs. 28 (77.8%)) and a lower coronary artery calcification score (0.5 (0, 124.0) vs. 12.0 (0.3, 131.0)) than those in the T1 group ( P<0.05). Similarly, patients in the T1 group of visceral fat area had a lower prevalence of coronary artery calcification (14 (40.0%) vs. 29 (80.6%)) and a lower coronary artery calcification score (0 (0, 3.0) vs. 37.0 (2.0, 131.0)) than those in the T3 group ( P<0.05). Likewise, patients with both low muscle mass and low muscle mass with high visceral fat had a higher prevalence of coronary artery calcification (11(78.6%) vs. 33 (47.8%); 15 (83.3%) vs. 33 (47.8%)) and a higher coronary artery calcification score (31.1 (0.8, 175.8) vs. 0 (0, 16.4); 27.6 (6.4, 211.4) vs. 0 (0, 16.4)) than those with normal body composition ( P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that skeletal muscle mass index was inversely correlated with coronary artery calcification score ( r=-0.212, P=0.028), and visceral fat area was positively correlated with coronary artery calcification score ( r=0.408, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased skeletal muscle mass index was inversely associated with coronary artery calcification prevalence (T2: OR=0.208, 95% CI: 0.056-0.770, P=0.019; T3: OR=0.195, 95% CI: 0.043-0.887, P=0.034), and reduced visceral fat area was inversely associated with coronary artery calcification prevalence (T1: OR=0.256, 95% CI: 0.071-0.923, P=0.037; T2: OR=0.263, 95% CI: 0.078-0.888, P=0.031). Consistently, both low muscle mass and low muscle mass with high visceral fat were associated with coronary artery calcification prevalence ( OR=6.616, 95% CI: 1.383-31.656, P=0.018; OR=5.548, 95% CI: 1.062-28.973, P=0.042). Conclusion:Reduced skeletal muscle mass index and increased visceral fat area are significantly associated with both the prevalence and severity of coronary artery calcification in patients with CKD.

Objective: Imaging parameters of Chiari malformation type I (CMI) development are not well established. This study aimed to collect evidence of general or specific imaging measurements in patients with CMI, analyze indicators that may assist in determining the severity of CMI, and guide its diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase, covering the period from January 2002 to October 2023, following predefined inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan (ver. 5.4). We performed a quantitative summary and systematic analysis of the included studies. This study was registered in the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) prior to initiation (CRD42023415454). Results: Thirty-three studies met our inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that out of the 14 parameters examined, 6 (clivus length, basal angle, Boogard’s angle, supraocciput lengths, posterior cranial fossa [PCF] height, and volume) exhibited significant differences between the CMI group and the control group. Furthermore, apart from certain anatomical parameters that hold prognostic value for CMI, functional parameters like tonsillar movement, obex displacement, and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics serve as valuable indicators for guiding the clinical management of the disease. Conclusion We collated and established a set of linear, angular, and area measurements deemed essential for diagnosing CMI. However, more indicators can only be analyzed descriptively for various reasons, particularly in prognostic prediction. We posit that the systematic assessment of patients’ PCF morphology, volume, and other parameters at a 3-dimensional level holds promising clinical application prospects.

Objective: Imaging parameters of Chiari malformation type I (CMI) development are not well established. This study aimed to collect evidence of general or specific imaging measurements in patients with CMI, analyze indicators that may assist in determining the severity of CMI, and guide its diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase, covering the period from January 2002 to October 2023, following predefined inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan (ver. 5.4). We performed a quantitative summary and systematic analysis of the included studies. This study was registered in the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) prior to initiation (CRD42023415454). Results: Thirty-three studies met our inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that out of the 14 parameters examined, 6 (clivus length, basal angle, Boogard’s angle, supraocciput lengths, posterior cranial fossa [PCF] height, and volume) exhibited significant differences between the CMI group and the control group. Furthermore, apart from certain anatomical parameters that hold prognostic value for CMI, functional parameters like tonsillar movement, obex displacement, and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics serve as valuable indicators for guiding the clinical management of the disease. Conclusion We collated and established a set of linear, angular, and area measurements deemed essential for diagnosing CMI. However, more indicators can only be analyzed descriptively for various reasons, particularly in prognostic prediction. We posit that the systematic assessment of patients’ PCF morphology, volume, and other parameters at a 3-dimensional level holds promising clinical application prospects.

Objective: Imaging parameters of Chiari malformation type I (CMI) development are not well established. This study aimed to collect evidence of general or specific imaging measurements in patients with CMI, analyze indicators that may assist in determining the severity of CMI, and guide its diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase, covering the period from January 2002 to October 2023, following predefined inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan (ver. 5.4). We performed a quantitative summary and systematic analysis of the included studies. This study was registered in the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) prior to initiation (CRD42023415454). Results: Thirty-three studies met our inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that out of the 14 parameters examined, 6 (clivus length, basal angle, Boogard’s angle, supraocciput lengths, posterior cranial fossa [PCF] height, and volume) exhibited significant differences between the CMI group and the control group. Furthermore, apart from certain anatomical parameters that hold prognostic value for CMI, functional parameters like tonsillar movement, obex displacement, and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics serve as valuable indicators for guiding the clinical management of the disease. Conclusion We collated and established a set of linear, angular, and area measurements deemed essential for diagnosing CMI. However, more indicators can only be analyzed descriptively for various reasons, particularly in prognostic prediction. We posit that the systematic assessment of patients’ PCF morphology, volume, and other parameters at a 3-dimensional level holds promising clinical application prospects.

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia profoundly affect patients' social function and life quality, and traditional treatments have limited efficacy in improving these symptoms. In recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) have shown potentiality in alleviating negative symptoms. However, the selection of stimulation targets remains an area of active research, as different targets may yield varying therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, identifying the most appropriate treatment targets is crucial for improving negative symptoms. This article reviews the targets selection and therapeutic effects of different non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for ameliorating negative symptoms, to provide guidance for target selection in clinical treatment.

Objective: Imaging parameters of Chiari malformation type I (CMI) development are not well established. This study aimed to collect evidence of general or specific imaging measurements in patients with CMI, analyze indicators that may assist in determining the severity of CMI, and guide its diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase, covering the period from January 2002 to October 2023, following predefined inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan (ver. 5.4). We performed a quantitative summary and systematic analysis of the included studies. This study was registered in the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) prior to initiation (CRD42023415454). Results: Thirty-three studies met our inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that out of the 14 parameters examined, 6 (clivus length, basal angle, Boogard’s angle, supraocciput lengths, posterior cranial fossa [PCF] height, and volume) exhibited significant differences between the CMI group and the control group. Furthermore, apart from certain anatomical parameters that hold prognostic value for CMI, functional parameters like tonsillar movement, obex displacement, and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics serve as valuable indicators for guiding the clinical management of the disease. Conclusion We collated and established a set of linear, angular, and area measurements deemed essential for diagnosing CMI. However, more indicators can only be analyzed descriptively for various reasons, particularly in prognostic prediction. We posit that the systematic assessment of patients’ PCF morphology, volume, and other parameters at a 3-dimensional level holds promising clinical application prospects.

Objective: Imaging parameters of Chiari malformation type I (CMI) development are not well established. This study aimed to collect evidence of general or specific imaging measurements in patients with CMI, analyze indicators that may assist in determining the severity of CMI, and guide its diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase, covering the period from January 2002 to October 2023, following predefined inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan (ver. 5.4). We performed a quantitative summary and systematic analysis of the included studies. This study was registered in the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) prior to initiation (CRD42023415454). Results: Thirty-three studies met our inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that out of the 14 parameters examined, 6 (clivus length, basal angle, Boogard’s angle, supraocciput lengths, posterior cranial fossa [PCF] height, and volume) exhibited significant differences between the CMI group and the control group. Furthermore, apart from certain anatomical parameters that hold prognostic value for CMI, functional parameters like tonsillar movement, obex displacement, and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics serve as valuable indicators for guiding the clinical management of the disease. Conclusion We collated and established a set of linear, angular, and area measurements deemed essential for diagnosing CMI. However, more indicators can only be analyzed descriptively for various reasons, particularly in prognostic prediction. We posit that the systematic assessment of patients’ PCF morphology, volume, and other parameters at a 3-dimensional level holds promising clinical application prospects.

ObjectiveTo determine the mechanism of Yitangkang in correcting excessive apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells to improve insulin resistance （IR） by inhibiting the advanced glycation end product （AGE）/receptor for the advanced glycation end product （RAGE） signaling pathway. Method① In vitro experiments. Yitangkang-medicated serum was prepared. C2C12 cells were divided into a blank group， a model group， high-， medium-， and low-dose Yitangkang-medicated serum groups （40， 20， and 10 g·kg^-1）， and a RAGE inhibitor group. The IR model was induced by palmitic acid in C2C12 cells except for those in the blank group. After the corresponding intervention methods were conducted，the cell viability and glucose consumption level of each group were determined. In addition，the apoptosis rate was determined using flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the important apoptotic proteins ［B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）， p53， cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 （Caspase-3）， and cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-9 （Caspase-9）］ were determined using Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. ② In vivo experiments. Ninety-six eligible Wistar rats were divided into a blank group， a model group， high-，medium-，and low-dose Yitangkang groups （40， 20， and 10 g·kg^-1）， and a western medicine group （pioglitazone hydrochloride，1.35 mg·kg^-1）. The IR model was induced using high-glucose and high-fat feed for diabetes combined with intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin （STZ） in animals and verified by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp （HEC） test. After the model was determined successfully， the rats in each group were given intragastric administration of drugs as required. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） assay was performed to determine the number of positive apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle tissues of rats in each group，while Real-time polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） and Western blot were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of the important apoptotic proteins Bcl-2， Bax， p53， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9. Result① In vitro experiments. compared with the blank group， the model groups showed increased apoptosis rate of C2C12 cells and decreased cell viability and glucose consumption （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Yitangkang-medicated serum groups and the RAGE inhibitor group showed decreased apoptosis rate of C2C12 cells and increased cell viability and glucose consumption （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed decreased expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in C2C12 cells and increased mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax， p53， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Yitangkang-medicated serum groups and the RAGE inhibitor group showed increased expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in C2C12 cells （P<0.01） and decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax， p53， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ② In vivo experiments. The number of positive apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle tissues of rats in the model group significantly increased as compared with that in the blank group （P<0.01）. The number of positive apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle tissues of rats in the Yitangkang groups and the western medicine group decreased as compared with that in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed decreased expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in skeletal muscle tissues of rats and increased mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax， p53， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Yitangkang groups and the western medicine group showed increased expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in skeletal muscle tissues of rats （P<0.01） and decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax， p53， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The medium-dose Yitangkang showed a similar effect as RAGE inhibitor， and the effect was equivalent to that of pioglitazone hydrochloride. ConclusionYitangkang can inhibit skeletal muscle cell apoptosis by inhibiting the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway.