ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Shengxian Yixin Granule （升陷益心颗粒， SYG） in treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction （HFpEF）. MethodsExperiment 1： Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group， model group， low-dose ［25 mg/（kg·d）］， medium-dose ［50 mg/（kg·d）］， and high-dose ［（75 mg/（kg·d）］ SYG groups， with 8 mice per group. Except for the control group， HFpEF was induced by a high-fat diet combined with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in drinking water for 16 weeks. After 10 weeks of modeling， treatment groups received corresponding doses of SYG by gavage， while the control group and model group received equal volume of normal saline， for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of administration， the body weight， blood pressure including systolic blood pressure （SBP） and diastolic blood pressure （DBP）， and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio （HW/TL） were recorded. Echocardiography was used to evaluate left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） and the ratio of early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity （E/A）. Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and C-reactive protein （CRP） levels were measured by ELISA. The expression level of brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） in heart tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. Blood lipid levels， including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， triglycerides （TG）， and total cholesterol （TC）， were determined by a biochemical analyzer. Splenic proportions of M1 macrophages， M2 macrophages， T helper 17 （Th17） cells， and regulatory T （Treg） cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Experiment 2： RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide （LPS） to establish an M1 macrophage polarization model， and then treated with SYG-containing serum for 24 h. The cells were divided into four groups， including blank serum group， high-dose SYG-containing serum group， LPS group， and LPS plus high-dose SYG-containing serum group. Combined with asignal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （Stat3） inhibitor for 24 h， the cells were divided into a lipopolysaccharide group， a high-dose SYG-containing serum group， an inhibitor group， and high-dose SYG-containing serum plus inhibitor group. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） in each group were detected by qRT-PCR. The protein levels of iNOS， IL-1β， Stat3， and phosphorylated Stat3 （p-Stat3） were detected by Western Blotting. ResultsExperiment 1： Compared to the control group， the model group showed significantly decreased E/A ratio， and increased cardiac BNP expression， plasma NT-proBNP，HW/TL ratio， body weight， TC， LDL-C， SBP， and DBP， as well as shortened exhaustion distance and exhaustion time （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the model group， the E/A ratio increased in the low-， medium-， and high-dose SYG groups； cardiac BNP expression decreased in the low- and high-dose groups， and plasma NT-proBNP levels decreased in the high-dose group； the HW/TL ratio and body weight decreased， while exhaustion distance and exhaustion time increased in the medium- and high-dose groups； TG levels decreased in the low- and medium-dose groups， and LDL-C levels decreased in the medium- and high-dose groups； SBP and DBP decreased in the low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the low-dose SYG group， body weight decreased， and both exhaustion distance and exhaustion time increased in the medium- and high-dose groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the medium-dose SYG group， the exhaustion time increased in the high-dose SYG group （P＜0.01）. Experiment 2： In the LPS‑induced M1 macrophage polarization model， compared to the blank serum group， the LPS group showed significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and IL‑1β， as well as the p‑Stat3/Stat3 ratio （P＜0.01）. Compared to the LPS group， the high‑dose SYG-containing serum plus LPS group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and IL‑1β， as well as the p‑Stat3/Stat3 ratio （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the LPS group， the inhibitor group also showed significantly reduced these parameters （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionSYG can improve cardiac function， ventricular remodeling， exercise capacity， and lipid metabolism in HFpEF mice， while inhibiting inflammatory responses. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Stat3 signaling pathway and inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Shengxian Yixin Granule （升陷益心颗粒， SYG） in treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction （HFpEF）. MethodsExperiment 1： Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group， model group， low-dose ［25 mg/（kg·d）］， medium-dose ［50 mg/（kg·d）］， and high-dose ［（75 mg/（kg·d）］ SYG groups， with 8 mice per group. Except for the control group， HFpEF was induced by a high-fat diet combined with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in drinking water for 16 weeks. After 10 weeks of modeling， treatment groups received corresponding doses of SYG by gavage， while the control group and model group received equal volume of normal saline， for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of administration， the body weight， blood pressure including systolic blood pressure （SBP） and diastolic blood pressure （DBP）， and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio （HW/TL） were recorded. Echocardiography was used to evaluate left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） and the ratio of early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity （E/A）. Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and C-reactive protein （CRP） levels were measured by ELISA. The expression level of brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） in heart tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. Blood lipid levels， including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， triglycerides （TG）， and total cholesterol （TC）， were determined by a biochemical analyzer. Splenic proportions of M1 macrophages， M2 macrophages， T helper 17 （Th17） cells， and regulatory T （Treg） cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Experiment 2： RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide （LPS） to establish an M1 macrophage polarization model， and then treated with SYG-containing serum for 24 h. The cells were divided into four groups， including blank serum group， high-dose SYG-containing serum group， LPS group， and LPS plus high-dose SYG-containing serum group. Combined with asignal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （Stat3） inhibitor for 24 h， the cells were divided into a lipopolysaccharide group， a high-dose SYG-containing serum group， an inhibitor group， and high-dose SYG-containing serum plus inhibitor group. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） in each group were detected by qRT-PCR. The protein levels of iNOS， IL-1β， Stat3， and phosphorylated Stat3 （p-Stat3） were detected by Western Blotting. ResultsExperiment 1： Compared to the control group， the model group showed significantly decreased E/A ratio， and increased cardiac BNP expression， plasma NT-proBNP，HW/TL ratio， body weight， TC， LDL-C， SBP， and DBP， as well as shortened exhaustion distance and exhaustion time （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the model group， the E/A ratio increased in the low-， medium-， and high-dose SYG groups； cardiac BNP expression decreased in the low- and high-dose groups， and plasma NT-proBNP levels decreased in the high-dose group； the HW/TL ratio and body weight decreased， while exhaustion distance and exhaustion time increased in the medium- and high-dose groups； TG levels decreased in the low- and medium-dose groups， and LDL-C levels decreased in the medium- and high-dose groups； SBP and DBP decreased in the low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the low-dose SYG group， body weight decreased， and both exhaustion distance and exhaustion time increased in the medium- and high-dose groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the medium-dose SYG group， the exhaustion time increased in the high-dose SYG group （P＜0.01）. Experiment 2： In the LPS‑induced M1 macrophage polarization model， compared to the blank serum group， the LPS group showed significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and IL‑1β， as well as the p‑Stat3/Stat3 ratio （P＜0.01）. Compared to the LPS group， the high‑dose SYG-containing serum plus LPS group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and IL‑1β， as well as the p‑Stat3/Stat3 ratio （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the LPS group， the inhibitor group also showed significantly reduced these parameters （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionSYG can improve cardiac function， ventricular remodeling， exercise capacity， and lipid metabolism in HFpEF mice， while inhibiting inflammatory responses. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Stat3 signaling pathway and inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yishen Shengyang formula in allergic rhinitis(AR)by regulating the transcription factor BTB and CNC homology 2(Bach2)to promote regulatory T cell(Treg cell)differentiation.Methods AR mouse models were established via ovalbumin(OVA)sensitization and randomly divided into control group,AR model group(AR group),Yishen Shengyang formula group and dexamethasone group.Nasal symptoms were evaluated using behavioral scores;Histopathological changes in nasal mucosa were observed via hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid Schiff stain;Serum levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E(sIgE),interleukin-4(IL-4),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay;Splenic Treg proportions were analyzed via flow cytometry;Bach2 protein expression was assessed by Western blot.Results Compared with control group,AR group mice showed significantly increased behavioral scores(P<0.05),goblet cell hyperplasia,inflammatory infiltration,elevated OVA-sIgE and IL-4 levels(P<0.05),reduced TGF-β(P<0.05),and decreased splenic Treg proportions and Bach2 expression(P<0.05).Yishen Shengyang formula treatment alleviated nasal symptoms(P<0.05),mitigated mucosal damage,decreased OVA-sIgE and IL-4,increased TGF-β(P<0.05),and upregulated Treg proportions and Bach2 expression(P<0.05),with efficacy comparable to dexamethasone.Conclusion Yishen Shengyang formula demonstrates potential therapeutic effects on allergic rhinitis by upregulating Bach2 expression and promoting Treg cell differentiation.This study provides a novel strategy and experimental basis for the traditional Chinese medicine treatment of AR.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yishen Shengyang formula in allergic rhinitis(AR)by regulating the transcription factor BTB and CNC homology 2(Bach2)to promote regulatory T cell(Treg cell)differentiation.Methods AR mouse models were established via ovalbumin(OVA)sensitization and randomly divided into control group,AR model group(AR group),Yishen Shengyang formula group and dexamethasone group.Nasal symptoms were evaluated using behavioral scores;Histopathological changes in nasal mucosa were observed via hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid Schiff stain;Serum levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E(sIgE),interleukin-4(IL-4),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay;Splenic Treg proportions were analyzed via flow cytometry;Bach2 protein expression was assessed by Western blot.Results Compared with control group,AR group mice showed significantly increased behavioral scores(P<0.05),goblet cell hyperplasia,inflammatory infiltration,elevated OVA-sIgE and IL-4 levels(P<0.05),reduced TGF-β(P<0.05),and decreased splenic Treg proportions and Bach2 expression(P<0.05).Yishen Shengyang formula treatment alleviated nasal symptoms(P<0.05),mitigated mucosal damage,decreased OVA-sIgE and IL-4,increased TGF-β(P<0.05),and upregulated Treg proportions and Bach2 expression(P<0.05),with efficacy comparable to dexamethasone.Conclusion Yishen Shengyang formula demonstrates potential therapeutic effects on allergic rhinitis by upregulating Bach2 expression and promoting Treg cell differentiation.This study provides a novel strategy and experimental basis for the traditional Chinese medicine treatment of AR.

This study searched the clinical researches on traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） for cardiovascular diseases registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and the US Clinical Trial Registry， the cardiovascular disease-related studies funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China， as well as those published in China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， Wanfang database， VIP.com， China Biology Medicine disc （CBMdisc）， Embase， Medline， Cochrane Library， and other databases published cardiovascular disease-related studies from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2023. In order to analyse and evaluate the research progress of TCM treatment for coronary heart disease， hypertension， heart failure， and arrhythmia， this study aimed at recent research hotspots and research direction. It is found that the research on TCM for cardiovascular diseases was gradually deepening and the high-quality evidence continued to emerge. It is believed that studies related to the prevention and treatment of common cardiovascular diseases by TCM reflected the multi-angle integration of modern technology and pattern differentiation and treatment， closer integration of clinical and basic research， and further optimisation of pattern identification and interventions. On this basis， the research programme and implementation process should be further standardized， and the translation of research results should be emphasized to promote the standardized application and promotion of TCM diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of dupilumab in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children, and to analyze its influencing factors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was carried out on the demographic and clinical data collected from children with moderate to severe AD, who were treated with dupilumab in the Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from October 2020 to October 2022. The initial dose (200 - 600 mg) of dupilumab was administered based on children's age and weight, followed by 200 - 300 mg every 2 - 3 weeks. The curative efficacy and quality of life were evaluated using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), and the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) /Infants' Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQoL) before treatment, and at weeks 4, 12, and 16 after treatment. Adverse events during the treatment period were also recorded. The main outcome indicators were the proportion of patients achieving IGA0/1 and EASI75 (≥ 75% improvement from baseline in EASI score) at week 16. Changes in the clinical scores and laboratory parameters at different time points after the treatment with dupilumab were analyzed using generalized estimating equations, and a logistic regression model was used to identify the influencing factors for EASI75 response at week 16.Results:A total of 136 children aged 2 - 11 years met the diagnosis of moderate to severe AD and received at least one dose of dupilumab, among whom 123 children met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. IGA, EASI, SCORAD, POEM, CDLQI/IDQoL, and PP-NRS scores were significantly improved at weeks 4, 12, and 16 after dupilumab therapy compared with baseline scores (all P < 0.01). At week 16, the proportions of patients achieving IGA0/1, EASI50, EASI75, EASI90, CDLQI/IDQoL improvement ≥ 4 points, and PP-NRS improvement ≥ 4 points were 44.6% (33/74), 86.5% (64/74), 70.3% (52/74), 48.7% (36/74), 56.8% (42/74), and 77.0% (57/74), respectively; the eosinophil counts significantly decreased compared with the baseline level ( P = 0.001). The total IgE levels at different time points after treatment did not differ from the baseline level ( P > 0.01). At week 16, the related factors for the response to dupilumab were relatively low ages (compared with the children aged 6 - 11 years, those aged 2 - 5 years showed lower EASI75 response rates: OR = 0.148, 95% CI: 0.027 - 0.823, P = 0.029) and having a family history of urticaria ( OR = 0.033, 95% CI: 0.002 - 0.601, P = 0.021), while gender, AD duration, subtypes and main clinical phenotypes of AD, allergic history, family history of atopic diseases, presence of serum allergen-specific IgE antibodies, serum total IgE levels, or eosinophil counts did not affect the efficacy of dupilumab (all P > 0.05). During the 16-week treatment, 3 children discontinued the dupilumab treatment due to disease exacerbation, and 1 child developed conjunctivitis. Conclusions:Dupilumab could effectively improve the symptoms and signs of children with moderate to severe AD whose condition was poorly controlled by conventional treatments, with a low incidence rate of adverse reactions. Relatively low ages and having a family history of urticaria may be negative factors influencing the efficacy of dupilumab in children with moderate to severe AD at week 16.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of dupilumab in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children, and to analyze its influencing factors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was carried out on the demographic and clinical data collected from children with moderate to severe AD, who were treated with dupilumab in the Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from October 2020 to October 2022. The initial dose (200 - 600 mg) of dupilumab was administered based on children's age and weight, followed by 200 - 300 mg every 2 - 3 weeks. The curative efficacy and quality of life were evaluated using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), and the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) /Infants' Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQoL) before treatment, and at weeks 4, 12, and 16 after treatment. Adverse events during the treatment period were also recorded. The main outcome indicators were the proportion of patients achieving IGA0/1 and EASI75 (≥ 75% improvement from baseline in EASI score) at week 16. Changes in the clinical scores and laboratory parameters at different time points after the treatment with dupilumab were analyzed using generalized estimating equations, and a logistic regression model was used to identify the influencing factors for EASI75 response at week 16.Results:A total of 136 children aged 2 - 11 years met the diagnosis of moderate to severe AD and received at least one dose of dupilumab, among whom 123 children met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. IGA, EASI, SCORAD, POEM, CDLQI/IDQoL, and PP-NRS scores were significantly improved at weeks 4, 12, and 16 after dupilumab therapy compared with baseline scores (all P < 0.01). At week 16, the proportions of patients achieving IGA0/1, EASI50, EASI75, EASI90, CDLQI/IDQoL improvement ≥ 4 points, and PP-NRS improvement ≥ 4 points were 44.6% (33/74), 86.5% (64/74), 70.3% (52/74), 48.7% (36/74), 56.8% (42/74), and 77.0% (57/74), respectively; the eosinophil counts significantly decreased compared with the baseline level ( P = 0.001). The total IgE levels at different time points after treatment did not differ from the baseline level ( P > 0.01). At week 16, the related factors for the response to dupilumab were relatively low ages (compared with the children aged 6 - 11 years, those aged 2 - 5 years showed lower EASI75 response rates: OR = 0.148, 95% CI: 0.027 - 0.823, P = 0.029) and having a family history of urticaria ( OR = 0.033, 95% CI: 0.002 - 0.601, P = 0.021), while gender, AD duration, subtypes and main clinical phenotypes of AD, allergic history, family history of atopic diseases, presence of serum allergen-specific IgE antibodies, serum total IgE levels, or eosinophil counts did not affect the efficacy of dupilumab (all P > 0.05). During the 16-week treatment, 3 children discontinued the dupilumab treatment due to disease exacerbation, and 1 child developed conjunctivitis. Conclusions:Dupilumab could effectively improve the symptoms and signs of children with moderate to severe AD whose condition was poorly controlled by conventional treatments, with a low incidence rate of adverse reactions. Relatively low ages and having a family history of urticaria may be negative factors influencing the efficacy of dupilumab in children with moderate to severe AD at week 16.

Objective:To analyze the difference of clinical characteristics and outcomes of infants with moderate and severe pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome(PARDS)diagnosed according to baseline oxygenation index(OI) in pediatric intensive care unit(PICU).Methods:Second analysis of the data collected from the "Efficacy of pulmonary surfactant (PS) in the treatment of children with moderate and severe ARDS" program.Retrospectively compare of the differences in clinical data such as general condition, underlying diseases, OI, mechanical ventilation, PS administration and outcomes among infants with moderate and severe PARDS divided by baseline OI who admitted to PICUs at 14 participating tertiary hospitals from 2016 to December 2021.Results:Among the 101 cases, 55 cases (54.5%) were moderate and 46 cases (45.5%) were severe PARDS.The proportion of male in the severe group (50.0% vs.72.7%, P=0.019) and the pediatric critical illness score(PCIS)[72 (68, 78) vs.76 (70, 80), P=0.019] were significantly lower than those in the moderate group, while there was no significant difference regarding age, body weight, etiology of PARDS and underlying diseases.The utilization rate of high-frequency ventilator in the severe group was significantly higher than that in the moderate group (34.8% vs.10.9%, P=0.004), but there was no significant difference in PS use, fluid load and pulmonary complications.The 24 h OI improvement (0.26±0.33 vs.0.04±0.34, P=0.001) and the 72 h OI improvement[0.34 (-0.04, 0.62) vs.0.15 (-0.14, 0.42), P=0.029)]in the severe group were significantly better than those in the moderate group, but there was no significant difference regarding mortality, length of hospital stay and intubation duration after diagnosis of PARDS between the two groups. Conclusion:In moderate and severe(divided by baseline OI) PARDS infants with invasive mechanical ventilation, children in severe group have better oxygenation improvement in the early stage after PARDS identified and are more likely to receive high frequency ventilation compared to those in moderate group.Baseline OI can not sensitively distinguish the outcomes and is not an ideal index for PARDS grading of this kind of patient.

Objective:To construct a standardized training program for full-time nursing postgraduate students, and to provide a basis for the training the high-quality nursing talents in hospitals.Methods:Through literature review and demi structured interview, preliminarily develop the training program was established from January to March 2021. Through two rounds of expert consultations of 16 experts, the standardized training program for nursing postgraduates was formulated.Results:The recovery rate of the two rounds were both 16/16. The expert authority coefficients of the two rounds of consultation were 0.819, respectively. The Kendall′s coordination coefficients of the two rounds of consultation were 0.329 and 0.334, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P< 0.01). Finally, a standardized training program for entry-level nursing postgraduates was formed, which included five parts: training objects and quality requirements, training methods, training objectives, training contents and evaluation, with a total of 225 items. Conclusions:The standardized training program for nursing postgraduates formed is reliable, scientific and practical, which provides guidance and reference for the training and use of highly educated clinical nursing talents in hospitals.

Objective:To analyze the adverse reactions of patients with multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis treated with linezolid, and to provide reference for clinical rational use of drugs.Methods:A total of 189 patients with multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis who were admitted to Hunan Chest Hospital between June 2019 and June 2020 were retrospectively included, and were divided into the linezolid group and the control group. The control group was given a standardized anti-tuberculosis treatment without linezolid, and the linezolid group was given linezolid in addition to standardized regimens. The occurrences of hematological toxicity, peripheral neuritis, optic neuritis and other adverse reactions in the two groups after anti-tuberculosis treatment were recorded. The risk factors for adverse reactions of linezolid were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t test and chi-square test, and logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for adverse reactions of linezolid. Results:A total of 189 patients with MDR-TB were included in this study, including 108 in the linezolid group and 81 in the control group. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the linezolid and control groups. The frequencies of leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, peripheral neuritis and optic neuritis in the linezolid group were 20.4%(22/108), 47.2%(51/108), 21.3%(23/108), 20.4%(22/108) and 13.9%(15/108), respectively, which were all significantly higher than those in the control group (8.6%(7/81), 27.2%(22/81), 9.9%(8/81), 1.2%(1/81) and 4.9%(4/81), respectively), and the differences were all statistically significant ( χ2=4.90, 7.86, 4.40, 15.86 and 4.10, respectively, all P<0.050). Patients older than 45 years of age was independent risk factor for leukopenia (odds ratio ( OR)=3.08, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.03 to 9.25, P<0.050) and thrombocytopenia ( OR=2.41, 95% CI 1.09 to 5.35, P<0.050) after linezolid administration. The higher value of white blood cell at baseline ( OR=0.48, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.76, P=0.002) was an independent protective factor for leukopenia associated with linezolid. Conclusions:Pancytopenia, peripheral neuritis and optic neuritis are prone to appear when linezolid is used to treat patients with multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. In clinical practice, closely monitoring the adverse reactions during the use of linezolid for anti-tuberculosis treatment is needed.