Impaired glucose regulation （IGR） is an intermediate state between normal blood glucose and diabetes， falling under the category of splenic pure heat in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. The core pathogenesis is believed to be the dysfunction of the zang-fu （脏腑） organs， leading to metabolic abnormalities of subtle essence and the generation of "turbid pathogen". Its accumulation can block qi movement， damage the vessel collaterals， and promote the disease progression toward diabetes. The concept of "turbid pulse" is proposed as an early sign of IGR， characterized by full and heavy sensation with stagnated and astringent circulation， which can serve as an effective supplement to clinical screening. The differentiation and treatment approach in clinical practice is summarized as follows. If the ascending and descending mechanisms of qi movement in the middle jiao （焦） are disrupted， with mutual interference between the clear and the turbid， treatment should focus on harmonizing the ascending and the descending， and transforming dampness with aromatic medicinals. For spleen-stomach qi deficiency due to long-term restriction of the spleen and stomach's function of transportation and transformation， it is suggested to fortify spleen and harmonize stomach， and transport turbid with sweet-warm medicinals. For spleen deficiency and liver constraint induced by internal generation of damp-heat in the middle jiao， the treatment should focus on soothing the liver and opening constraint， and directing the turbid downward with sour-sweat medicinals. For solid accumulation and stagnation caused by liver qi constraint， it is recommended to unblock intestine and remove stagnation， and discharge turbid with bitter-cold medicinals. When the disease is transmitted to the lower jiao， and the kidneys are affected， the treatment should be regulating spleen and kidney， and rectifying turbid with salty-sour medicinals. In conclusion， it is emphasized to promote the transformation of turbid pathogen to restore metabolic homeostasis， providing methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of IGR.

Objective To explore the predictive value of troponin Ⅰ(TnⅠ)peak value upon admission for predicting left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)＜50％in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)during the recovery period.Methods A retrospec-tive analysis was carried out on 220 AMI patients admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital from 2018 to the present.The patients were di-vided into three groups based on the peak value of TnⅠ during their stay in hospital,and the baseline data were compared.Subsequently,three progressively complex regression models were constructed to evaluate the relationship between TnⅠ and LVEF＜50％.The optimal cutoff value was determined through restricted cubic spline and smooth curve analysis.Additionally,subgroup analysis was carried out to explore differences in the predictive value of TnⅠ in different populations.Results TnⅠ peak value was significantly associated(P＜0.05)with the ratio of emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,white blood cell count,neutro-phils,intra-aortic balloon pump usage,N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide peak value,and so on.All three models showed a sig-nificant increase in the risk of LVEF＜50％with higher TnⅠ peak value(P＜0.05).Restricted cubic spline and smooth curve analysis re-vealed a linear relationship between TnⅠ peak value and LVEF values,with the optimal cutoff value for TnⅠ peak value consistently at 29.80ng/ml across the three models.Subgroup analysis showed that the predictive value of peak TnⅠ for LVEF＜50％demonstrated statisti-cally significant differences across the following subgroups:male patients,those with high BMI,hypertension,acute interventional treat-ment,as well as different age groups,and whether patients had diabetes,smoked,or consumed alcohol.Conclusion An admission TnⅠpeak value exceeding 29.80ng/ml is an independent risk factor for predicting LVEF＜50％during the recovery period in AMI patients.It can be used to identify high-risk individuals and provide a basis for early aggressive intervention.

Objective To analyze the effects of different traction sites and directions on the maxilla and upper dentition when using clear aligners combined with protraction for the treatment of maxillary deficiency.Methods A three-dimensional(3D)finite element model including the zygomaticomaxillary complex,maxillary dentition,and clear aligners was constructed.The models were divided into Group 1(traction hook at the distal of the lateral incisor)and Group 2(traction hook at the distal of the canine).Each group was analyzed under four loading conditions with protraction angles of 0°,10°,20°,and 30° relative to the occlusal plane.A unilateral protraction force of 500 g was applied.The differences in stress distribution and displacement of the maxillary bone and dentition under different loading conditions were analyzed.Results When the protraction angle was 30°,both groups showed forward and downward displacement of the maxilla,while other angles resulted in counterclockwise rotation.Under the same protraction direction,the total displacement of the maxilla and displacements in all directions in Group 2 were greater than those in Group 1.The upper central incisors in Group 1 showed lingual displacement,which increased with the protraction angle.The maxillary dentition in Group 2 showed forward displacement,with the minimum total and sagittal displacements at a protraction angle of 30°.Stress concentration was mainly observed in the zygomaticomaxillary suture and anterior alveolar bone regions in both groups,decreasing as the protraction angle increased.Conclusions Clear aligners combined with protraction can be applied to skeletal Class Ⅲ patients with mild maxillary deficiency.When the protraction site is located at the distal of the canine with a 30° downward and forward angle to the occlusal plane,the maxilla can achieve ideal forward and downward displacement with the minimum labial movement of the upper anterior teeth.

Background China is a major coal producer and consumer country in the world. Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a primary factor endangering the occupational health of coal miners. Research on the disease burden of CWP and its changing trend is significant for disease prevention & control and associated policies. Objective To analyze the disease burden of CWP in China from 1990 to 2021 and its changing trend, and predict the disease burden from 2022 to 2035. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) database of 2021, numbers ofincident cases, prevalent cases, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) as well as crude and age-standardized rates of CWP in China were retrieved. Linear regression model was used to calculate the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of the age-standardized rates. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the temporal trend of disease burden and the disease burden of different sexes and age groups, and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to forecast the trend of CWP disease burden. Results In 1990, the incident, prevalent, and deaths cases of CWP in China were 3266, 18872, and 1561, respectively, and the DALYs of CWP were 44614.718 person-years. In 2021, the incident, prevalent, and deaths cases of CWP were 3446, 23975, and 1229, respectively, and the DALYs of CWP were 29610.754 person-years. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs rates of CWP in China all showed a downward trend, with the EAPCs of −3.121%, −2.532%, −4.018%, and −4.268%, respectively. The disease burden of CWP in China was mainly concentrated in the male population. The annual average percent change analysis indicated that each standardized rate showed a fluctuating downward trend in different periods. The BAPC model showed that from 2022 to 2035, the age-standardized rates of CWP in China would continue to decline steadily. In 2035, the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs rates of CWP would be reduced to 0.10 per 100000, 0.74 per 100000, 0.03 per 100000, and 0.74 per 100000, respectively. Conclusion The disease burden contributed by CWP in China generally show a downward trend from 1990 to 2021, and it is expected that the age-standardized rates will continue to decline steadily from 2022 to 2035.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of stellate ganglion block(SGB)combined with intranasal dexmedetomidine for the treatment of insomnia.Methods A total of 64 patients aged 18 to 75 with insom-nia were randomly assigned to either the experimental group(DS group)or the control group(S group).The S group received SGB treatment for 14 consecutive days,whereas the DS group received an additional intranasal dexmedeto-midine spray at a dose of 100 μg,administered 30 minutes before bedtime on days 1 through 6,in conjunction with SGB.We measured and recorded the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS),Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)scores,and Psychomotor Vigilance Test(PVT)results for both groups at three time points:baseline(T1),the day after treatment(T2),and one month after treatment(T3).Results Intra-group Com-parison:In both the DS and S groups,PSQI scores and dimensionspecific scores at T2 and T3 were significantly lower compared to T1(P<0.05).SAS and SDS scores in both groups showed a significant reduction at T3 compared to T1 and T2(P<0.05),while PVT results exhibited no significant changes(P>0.05).Inter-group Comparison:The PSQI scores and dimensionspecific scores in the DS group at T2(8.44±2.99)and T3(8.22±2.60)were significantly lower than those in the S group at T2(10.88±2.56)and T3(10.88±2.84)(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were observed in SDS and SAS scores between the DS and S groups at T2 and T3(P>0.05).Conclusion Compared to standalone SGB,the combination of SGB with intranasal dexmedetomidine significantly enhances sleep quality in patients with insomnia,while not impacting their levels of anxiety,depression,or alertness.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the peak levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)during hospitalization and the risk of left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)＜50％during the recovery period in pa-tients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Methods This retrospective cohort study included 220 AMI patients treated at Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2023.The patients were divided into three groups accord-ing to the tripartite value of peak levels of NT-proBNP during hospitalization.Baseline clinical characteristics,laboratory test results,and peak levels of NT-proBNP were collected.The primary outcome was LVEF＜50％during the recovery period.By incorporating con-founding factors,three stepwise complex Logistic regression model and linear regression model were used to analyze the relationship be-tween peak levels of NT-proBNP and the risk of LVEF＜50％.Restricted cubic spline(RCS)was used to explore the nonlinear relation-ship between them.Results The peak levels of NT-proBNP were positively correlated with an increased risk of LVEF＜50％during the recovery period,even after adjusting for confounding factors.RCS analysis revealed the nonlinear relationships between them.When the peak levels of NT-proBNP was 1822.991pg/ml,the sensitivity and specificity of predicting LVEF＜50％were 57.14％and 70.97％.Conclusion The NT-proBNP peak levels of 1822.991 pg/ml is a useful indicator for predicting LVEF＜50％in AMI pa-tients during the recovery period,and it can be used to identify high-risk AMI groups and provide basis for early active intervention.

Objective To analyze the effects of different traction sites and directions on the maxilla and upper dentition when using clear aligners combined with protraction for the treatment of maxillary deficiency.Methods A three-dimensional(3D)finite element model including the zygomaticomaxillary complex,maxillary dentition,and clear aligners was constructed.The models were divided into Group 1(traction hook at the distal of the lateral incisor)and Group 2(traction hook at the distal of the canine).Each group was analyzed under four loading conditions with protraction angles of 0°,10°,20°,and 30° relative to the occlusal plane.A unilateral protraction force of 500 g was applied.The differences in stress distribution and displacement of the maxillary bone and dentition under different loading conditions were analyzed.Results When the protraction angle was 30°,both groups showed forward and downward displacement of the maxilla,while other angles resulted in counterclockwise rotation.Under the same protraction direction,the total displacement of the maxilla and displacements in all directions in Group 2 were greater than those in Group 1.The upper central incisors in Group 1 showed lingual displacement,which increased with the protraction angle.The maxillary dentition in Group 2 showed forward displacement,with the minimum total and sagittal displacements at a protraction angle of 30°.Stress concentration was mainly observed in the zygomaticomaxillary suture and anterior alveolar bone regions in both groups,decreasing as the protraction angle increased.Conclusions Clear aligners combined with protraction can be applied to skeletal Class Ⅲ patients with mild maxillary deficiency.When the protraction site is located at the distal of the canine with a 30° downward and forward angle to the occlusal plane,the maxilla can achieve ideal forward and downward displacement with the minimum labial movement of the upper anterior teeth.

Objective To explore the predictive value of troponin Ⅰ(TnⅠ)peak value upon admission for predicting left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)＜50％in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)during the recovery period.Methods A retrospec-tive analysis was carried out on 220 AMI patients admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital from 2018 to the present.The patients were di-vided into three groups based on the peak value of TnⅠ during their stay in hospital,and the baseline data were compared.Subsequently,three progressively complex regression models were constructed to evaluate the relationship between TnⅠ and LVEF＜50％.The optimal cutoff value was determined through restricted cubic spline and smooth curve analysis.Additionally,subgroup analysis was carried out to explore differences in the predictive value of TnⅠ in different populations.Results TnⅠ peak value was significantly associated(P＜0.05)with the ratio of emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,white blood cell count,neutro-phils,intra-aortic balloon pump usage,N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide peak value,and so on.All three models showed a sig-nificant increase in the risk of LVEF＜50％with higher TnⅠ peak value(P＜0.05).Restricted cubic spline and smooth curve analysis re-vealed a linear relationship between TnⅠ peak value and LVEF values,with the optimal cutoff value for TnⅠ peak value consistently at 29.80ng/ml across the three models.Subgroup analysis showed that the predictive value of peak TnⅠ for LVEF＜50％demonstrated statisti-cally significant differences across the following subgroups:male patients,those with high BMI,hypertension,acute interventional treat-ment,as well as different age groups,and whether patients had diabetes,smoked,or consumed alcohol.Conclusion An admission TnⅠpeak value exceeding 29.80ng/ml is an independent risk factor for predicting LVEF＜50％during the recovery period in AMI patients.It can be used to identify high-risk individuals and provide a basis for early aggressive intervention.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of stellate ganglion block(SGB)combined with intranasal dexmedetomidine for the treatment of insomnia.Methods A total of 64 patients aged 18 to 75 with insom-nia were randomly assigned to either the experimental group(DS group)or the control group(S group).The S group received SGB treatment for 14 consecutive days,whereas the DS group received an additional intranasal dexmedeto-midine spray at a dose of 100 μg,administered 30 minutes before bedtime on days 1 through 6,in conjunction with SGB.We measured and recorded the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS),Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)scores,and Psychomotor Vigilance Test(PVT)results for both groups at three time points:baseline(T1),the day after treatment(T2),and one month after treatment(T3).Results Intra-group Com-parison:In both the DS and S groups,PSQI scores and dimensionspecific scores at T2 and T3 were significantly lower compared to T1(P<0.05).SAS and SDS scores in both groups showed a significant reduction at T3 compared to T1 and T2(P<0.05),while PVT results exhibited no significant changes(P>0.05).Inter-group Comparison:The PSQI scores and dimensionspecific scores in the DS group at T2(8.44±2.99)and T3(8.22±2.60)were significantly lower than those in the S group at T2(10.88±2.56)and T3(10.88±2.84)(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were observed in SDS and SAS scores between the DS and S groups at T2 and T3(P>0.05).Conclusion Compared to standalone SGB,the combination of SGB with intranasal dexmedetomidine significantly enhances sleep quality in patients with insomnia,while not impacting their levels of anxiety,depression,or alertness.