Objective:To investigate the effect of CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) measurement sites on the values and the diagnostic performance, and to determine the optimal measurement site for CT-FFR using invasive FFR as the reference standard.Methods:This study was part of the CT-FFR CHINA clinical trial. Patients with suspected coronary artery disease who were scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were prospectively recruited from five clinical centers across the country from November 2018 to March 2020. Each enrolled patient underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA), CT-FFR, ICA, and invasive pressure wire-based FFR assessments sequentially within one week. Four groups of CT-FFR values were obtained on each enrolled target vessels according to different CT-FFR measurement locations: 1, 2, 3 cm distal to the target lesion, and terminal vessel groups. Spearman and Bland-Altman analyses were used to explore the correlation and consistency of CT-FFR values and FFR values at different measurement sites. The measurement deviation of CT-FFR was also compared. Diagnostic accuracy and performance of CT-FFR, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), in discriminating myocardial ischemia were analyzed across all measurement site groups on a per-vessel level, using FFR as the reference standard.Results:A total of 289 patients with 345 target lesion vessels were included. According to CCTA, there were 51 target vessels (14.8%) with<50% stenosis, 106 vessels (30.7%) with 50%-69% stenosis, and 188 vessels (54.5%) with stenosis≥70%. At per-vessel level, CT-FFR and FFR values at each measurement position group were highly positively correlated: 1 cm distal to target lesion group, r=0.734 ( P<0.001); 2 cm distal to target lesion group, r=0.732 ( P<0.001); 3 cm distal to target lesion group, r=0.737 ( P<0.001); terminal vessel group was 0.719 ( P<0.001). At per-vessel level, CT-FFR and FFR values of all measurement sites were in good agreement (Bland-Altman analysis results): 1 cm distal to target lesion group, 0.014 (95% LoA 0.002-0.026); 2 cm distal to target lesion group, 0.026 (95% LoA 0.015-0.038); 3 cm distal to target lesion group, 0.040 (95% LoA 0.039-0.051); terminal vessel group, 0.075 (95% LoA 0.064-0.087). And at per-vessel level, the accuracy of diagnosing myocardial ischemia with CT-FFR at 1 cm was highest [84.6% (95% CI 80.4%-88.3%)], and the lowest accuracy in the terminal vessel group [67.0% (95% CI 61.7%-72.0%)]. However, there was no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy of CT-FFR at 1 cm, 2 cm [80.6% (95% CI 76.1%-84.6%)] and 3 cm [77.5% (95% CI 72.6%-81.7%)]. AUC of CT-FFR at 1 cm distal to the lesion were both highest for global level and moderately stenosis (50%-69%) lesions [0.85 (95% CI 0.81-0.89), 0.84 (95% CI 0.77-0.90)]. And the differences were statistically significant among the four measurement location groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The deviation of CT-FFR increases with measurement site distance distal to target lesions. One centimeter distal to the target lesion is the optimal measurement site, and the CT-FFR value here shows the highest diagnostic performance for myocardial ischemic lesions, especially for moderate stenosis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect of Qingchang Huazhuo Formula(QCHZF)on mice with ulcerative colitis(UC)and the influences of fecal metabolites based on non-targeted metabolomics to investigate the mechanism of action of QCHZF in the treatment of UC.METHODS UC mice were induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt(DSS)and were administered with QCHZF.During the experiment,the body weight,stool characteristics and blood in stool were recorded daily,and the disease activity index(DAI)was calculated.At the end of the experiment,the length of colon was measured,colonic tissue damage in mice were ob-served by hematoxylin-eosin and alcian blue staining,mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors,IL-6,IL-18 and IL-1β,and intestinal barrier factors,ZO-1 and Muc2,were detected in colon tissues via qPCR method,and protein expression level of intestinal barrier,Muc2,was detected with immunofluorescence.Fecal metabolite changes in mice were detected employing un-targeted metabo-lomics and analyzed by MetaboAnalyst 5.0 for metabolic pathway enrichment.RESULTS QCHZF significantly alleviated colitis symptoms,increased body weight,decreased DAI score,reversed colonic shortening,inhibited inflammatory factors expression,im-proved colonic tissue structure disorders,increased the number of goblet cells,and restored the intestinal barrier in UC mice,regulated 58 metabolites,mainly involving pathways of methionine and cysteine metabolism,purine metabolism,steroid hormone biosynthesis,vitamin B6 metabolism,tryptophan metabolism and primary bile acid pathways.CONCLUSION QCHZF can improve colitis symp-toms,repaire the intestinal barrier and modulate fecal metabolites and related metabolic pathways in UC mice.

AIM To observe the effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula(YQJDTL)on renal microvascular endothelial function and prevention of renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group.The model group was administered with high-fat diet combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ to establish the T2DM model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,the canagliflozin group(9 mg/kg),and the low-dose and high-dose YQJDTL groups(4.77,9.45 g/kg).The corresponding doses of the drug were administered by gavage for a total of 12 weeks,during which the rats underwent observation of their general condition and blood glucose changes.After the end of administration,the rats had their levels of renal index,24-hour UP,serum SCr,BUN,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,ET-1 and NOS measured;their changes in renal microvasculature and the degree of renal fibrosis observed using HE staining,Masson staining,PAS staining,and PASM staining;their ultrastructure of the glomeruli observed using transmission electron microscopy;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,Col-1,VEGFA and PKC detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β,SMAD2 determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose YQJDTL group showed decreased levels of renal index,blood glucose,TG,TC,HDL,24 h UP,BUN,SCr and ET-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased LDL and NOS levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);reduced renal inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis degree,inhibited fusion of foot processes and thickening of basement membrane;decreased renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,VEGFA,PKC and Col-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β and SMAD2(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION In the rat models of T2DM,YQJDTL can reduce their levels of blood glucose and lipids by improving the renal indices levels and the renal microvascular endothelial functions to alleviate renal fibrosis and microangiopathy as well,and the mechanism may be associated with the down-regulated expressions of TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathway-related proteins.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect of Qingchang Huazhuo Formula(QCHZF)on mice with ulcerative colitis(UC)and the influences of fecal metabolites based on non-targeted metabolomics to investigate the mechanism of action of QCHZF in the treatment of UC.METHODS UC mice were induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt(DSS)and were administered with QCHZF.During the experiment,the body weight,stool characteristics and blood in stool were recorded daily,and the disease activity index(DAI)was calculated.At the end of the experiment,the length of colon was measured,colonic tissue damage in mice were ob-served by hematoxylin-eosin and alcian blue staining,mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors,IL-6,IL-18 and IL-1β,and intestinal barrier factors,ZO-1 and Muc2,were detected in colon tissues via qPCR method,and protein expression level of intestinal barrier,Muc2,was detected with immunofluorescence.Fecal metabolite changes in mice were detected employing un-targeted metabo-lomics and analyzed by MetaboAnalyst 5.0 for metabolic pathway enrichment.RESULTS QCHZF significantly alleviated colitis symptoms,increased body weight,decreased DAI score,reversed colonic shortening,inhibited inflammatory factors expression,im-proved colonic tissue structure disorders,increased the number of goblet cells,and restored the intestinal barrier in UC mice,regulated 58 metabolites,mainly involving pathways of methionine and cysteine metabolism,purine metabolism,steroid hormone biosynthesis,vitamin B6 metabolism,tryptophan metabolism and primary bile acid pathways.CONCLUSION QCHZF can improve colitis symp-toms,repaire the intestinal barrier and modulate fecal metabolites and related metabolic pathways in UC mice.

Objective:It aims to systematically evaluate the current status of knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)regarding universal commercial medical insurance among residents of the sample province from the demand-side perspective.Methods:Utilizing a quota sampling method,face-to-face surveys were conducted via the Questionnaire Star platform to collect demographic characteristics and KAP data of the participants.Comparisons of differences among different groups were made using t-tests,analysis of variance,and chi-square tests.Furthermore,multiple linear regression and structural equation modeling were utilized to analyze the influencing factors of KAP,as well as the pathways among these three factors.Results:Out of the 415 valid questionnaires collected,there were notable differences in KAP among respondents with diverse demographic backgrounds.Regression analysis revealed that education level,frequency of health check-ups,and engagement in other commercial health insurances significantly influenced knowledge;education level,involvement in other commercial health insurances,and self-assessed health status were pivotal in shaping attitudes;whereas age,education level,frequency of health check-ups,and participation in other commercial health insurances were critical in affecting practice.The path analysis results indicate that knowledge of universal commercial medical insurance has a significant direct association with attitude(β=0.379,P＜0.001)and practice(β=0.323,P＜0.001).It also influences practice through attitude as a mediator(β=0.016,P＜0.001),but the direct effect of attitude on practice is not significant(β=0.04,P=0.403).Conclusion:While residents in the sample province exhibit a positive attitude towards universal commercial medical insurance,there is a need to enhance their level of knowledge and engagement in practice.It is recommended to strengthen targeted educational and promotional measures to promote the healthy and sustainable development of universal insurance.

AIM To observe the effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula(YQJDTL)on renal microvascular endothelial function and prevention of renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group.The model group was administered with high-fat diet combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ to establish the T2DM model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,the canagliflozin group(9 mg/kg),and the low-dose and high-dose YQJDTL groups(4.77,9.45 g/kg).The corresponding doses of the drug were administered by gavage for a total of 12 weeks,during which the rats underwent observation of their general condition and blood glucose changes.After the end of administration,the rats had their levels of renal index,24-hour UP,serum SCr,BUN,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,ET-1 and NOS measured;their changes in renal microvasculature and the degree of renal fibrosis observed using HE staining,Masson staining,PAS staining,and PASM staining;their ultrastructure of the glomeruli observed using transmission electron microscopy;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,Col-1,VEGFA and PKC detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β,SMAD2 determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose YQJDTL group showed decreased levels of renal index,blood glucose,TG,TC,HDL,24 h UP,BUN,SCr and ET-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased LDL and NOS levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);reduced renal inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis degree,inhibited fusion of foot processes and thickening of basement membrane;decreased renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,VEGFA,PKC and Col-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β and SMAD2(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION In the rat models of T2DM,YQJDTL can reduce their levels of blood glucose and lipids by improving the renal indices levels and the renal microvascular endothelial functions to alleviate renal fibrosis and microangiopathy as well,and the mechanism may be associated with the down-regulated expressions of TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathway-related proteins.

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Objective:To investigate the association between estimated cumulative low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) exposure and the severity of coronary artery disease and long-term adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methods:The subjects were from the PROMISE study. This study was a prospective cohort study led by Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, with participation from eight regional tertiary hospitals as sub-centers, and enrolled 18 701 patients with confirmed coronary heart disease between January 2015 and May 2019. Among them, 8 429 patients with ACS were included in this study. The estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure was calculated by multiplying LDL-C by age. Participants were then divided into four groups based on quartiles. Baseline data and coronary angiography data were collected, and participants were followed for 2 years. The primary endpoint was MACCE, which was composed of all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and stroke. Spearman correlation analysis was used to estimate the correlation between cumulative LDL-C exposure and the severity of coronary artery disease. The differences in MACCE among the four groups were compared, and multivariate Cox regression was used to divide the estimated cumulative exposure LDL-C into two groups, three groups, and four groups to analyze its relationship with MACCE.Results:The 8 429 ACS patients included in the study had an age of (60.9±11.4) years, with 1 951(23.1%) females. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure was positively associated with the preoperative SYNTAX score, three-vessel lesions disease, left main disease, and the number of target lesions (correlation coefficients r=0.14, 0.10, 0.04 and 0.03, respectively, with all P<0.05). The 2-year follow-up results indicated that the incidence rates of MACCE, all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in ACS patients grouped by different levels of estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of the Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that when the estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure was treated as a continuous variable and analyzed in two, three, and four groups, with the lowest group as the reference, the risk of MACCE occurrence in the high-value group increased by 21% (95% CI 1.08-1.37, P=0.002), 24% (95% CI 1.07-1.43, P=0.004), and 21% (95% CI 1.02-1.43, P=0.025) respectively. Conclusions:A positive correlation was found between estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure and severity of coronary artery disease. High estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure level is a risk factor for MACCE in ACS patients within 2 years.

Objective:To explore the effects of deep hyperthermia on chemotherapy-related adverse effects and immune-inflammatory indicators in the patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.Methods:This retrospective study included 52 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at the Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University from September 2021 to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on treatment method: the combination group ( n=29) received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy combined with deep hyperthermia, while the chemotherapy group ( n=23) received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy alone. Both groups were treated with the XELOX regimen (oxaliplatin + capecitabine). The degree of bone marrow suppression during treatment was assessed by analyzing peripheral blood parameters, including hemoglobin, leukocyte count, neutrophil count, and platelet count. Immune-inflammatory indicators, including complement, procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), were compared before and after treatment in both groups to evaluate the effects of deep hyperthermia on the immune-inflammatory response. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test (two-tailed) was used to compare bone marrow suppression rates, and the immune-inflammatory indicators between the two groups were compared using t-tests or non-parametric tests, depending on whether the data conformed to a normal distribution. Results:In terms of myelosuppression, the incidence rates of moderate to severe decreases in leukocytes, neutrophils, platelets, and hemoglobin in the combination group were 31%, 31%, 21%, and 14%, respectively, compared to 52%, 61%, 48%, and 9% in the chemotherapy group. The change in PCT levels before and after treatment was significantly greater in the combination group than in the chemotherapy group ( P = 0.010). Both the combination group and the chemotherapy group showed significant reductions in SII, NLR and PLR after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The change in NLR before and after treatment was significantly greater in the combination group than in the chemotherapy group ( P = 0.031). Conclusions:Deep hyperthermia can alleviate chemotherapy-induced adverse effects such as thrombocytopenia and neutropenia in patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. It also appears to improve the inflammatory response in these patients.

Objective:It aims to systematically evaluate the current status of knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)regarding universal commercial medical insurance among residents of the sample province from the demand-side perspective.Methods:Utilizing a quota sampling method,face-to-face surveys were conducted via the Questionnaire Star platform to collect demographic characteristics and KAP data of the participants.Comparisons of differences among different groups were made using t-tests,analysis of variance,and chi-square tests.Furthermore,multiple linear regression and structural equation modeling were utilized to analyze the influencing factors of KAP,as well as the pathways among these three factors.Results:Out of the 415 valid questionnaires collected,there were notable differences in KAP among respondents with diverse demographic backgrounds.Regression analysis revealed that education level,frequency of health check-ups,and engagement in other commercial health insurances significantly influenced knowledge;education level,involvement in other commercial health insurances,and self-assessed health status were pivotal in shaping attitudes;whereas age,education level,frequency of health check-ups,and participation in other commercial health insurances were critical in affecting practice.The path analysis results indicate that knowledge of universal commercial medical insurance has a significant direct association with attitude(β=0.379,P＜0.001)and practice(β=0.323,P＜0.001).It also influences practice through attitude as a mediator(β=0.016,P＜0.001),but the direct effect of attitude on practice is not significant(β=0.04,P=0.403).Conclusion:While residents in the sample province exhibit a positive attitude towards universal commercial medical insurance,there is a need to enhance their level of knowledge and engagement in practice.It is recommended to strengthen targeted educational and promotional measures to promote the healthy and sustainable development of universal insurance.