Effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on artery elasticity for early carotid atherosclerosis.

Objectives: To observe the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on arterial elasticity in patients with early carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods: A total of 62 patients with early carotid atherosclerosis were randomly divided into a blank group (12 cases, 1 cases dropped-off), a sham-acupuncture group (25 cases, 5 cases dropped-off) and an acupuncture group (25 cases, 3 cases dropped-off). Patients in the acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment, including ①acupuncture：Baihui (GV20), Yintang (GV24), Renying (ST9), Neiguan (PC6), Yanglingquan (GB34)；②moxibustion：Yinqiguiyuan (Zhongwan ［CV12］, Xiawan ［CV10］, Qihai ［CV6］, Guanyuan ［CV4］), Sihua (Geshu ［BL17］, Danshu ［BL19］)；③Intradermal needle：Xinshu (BL15), Danshu (BL19).

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio associated with symptomatic saccular unruptured intracranial aneurysm.

Background And Purpose: Whether symptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) lead to change in circulating inflammation remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the role of hematological inflammatory indicators in predicting symptomatic UIA.

Methods: Adult patients diagnosed with saccular intracranial aneurysm from March 2019 to September 2023 were recruited retrospectively.

Reference Values of Carotid Ultrafast Pulse-Wave Velocity: A Prospective, Multicenter, Population-Based Study.

Background: Ultrafast ultrasound imaging has been demonstrated to be an effective method to evaluate carotid stiffness through carotid pulse-wave velocity (PWV) with high reproducibility, but a lack of reference values has precluded its widespread use in clinical practice. The aims of this study were to establish reference values of PWV for ultrafast ultrasound imaging in a prospective, multicenter, population-based cohort study and to investigate the main determinants of carotid PWV.

Methods: A total of 1,544 healthy Han Chinese volunteers (581 men [38%]; age range, 18-95 years) were enrolled from 32 collaborating laboratories in China.

Topological optimization of 3D printed bone analog with PEKK for surgical mandibular reconstruction.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze mechanical behaviors of a topologically optimized and 3D-printed mandibular bone block with polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) for surgical mandibular reconstruction.

Materials And Methods: 3D virtual mandibular models were reconstructed from cone beam computed tomography images. A proposed mandibular resection of the mandibular body (40 mm anterior-posteriorly) was segmented.

A biomechanical case study on the optimal orthodontic force on the maxillary canine tooth based on finite element analysis.

Excessive forces may cause root resorption and insufficient forces would introduce no effect in orthodontics. The objective of this study was to investigate the optimal orthodontic forces on a maxillary canine, using hydrostatic stress and logarithmic strain of the periodontal ligament (PDL) as indicators. Finite element models of a maxillary canine and surrounding tissues were developed.

[Protective effect of dexmedetomidine against perioperative inflammation and on pulmonary function in patients undergoing radical resection of lung cancer].

Objective: To study the protective effect of dexmedetomidine against perioperative inflammation and on pulmonary function in patients undergoing radical resection of lung cancer.

Methods: From May, 2014 to May, 2016, 124 patients with lung cancer receiving radical surgeries were randomized into experimental group (n=62) and control group (n=62). The patients in the control group received a single anesthetic agent for anesthesia, and additional dexmedetomidine was given in the experimental group.

An Investigation of Two Finite Element Modeling Solutions for Biomechanical Simulation Using a Case Study of a Mandibular Bone.

The method used in biomechanical modeling for finite element method (FEM) analysis needs to deliver accurate results. There are currently two solutions used in FEM modeling for biomedical model of human bone from computerized tomography (CT) images: one is based on a triangular mesh and the other is based on the parametric surface model and is more popular in practice. The outline and modeling procedures for the two solutions are compared and analyzed.

Numerical and Experimental Analyses on the Temperature Distribution in the Dental Implant Preparation Area when Using a Surgical Guide.

Purpose: During dental implantation, if the temperature within the bone tissue exceeds a critical value, the thermal necrosis of bone cells may take place, inhibiting osseointegration. In contrast to conventional dental implant surgery, a surgery guided by a surgical template is a safer and more efficient technique; however, the temperature within the implant field is more difficult to control, because the surgical guide blocks irrigation water. The purpose of this study was to investigate the temperature distribution in the drilling site when preparing for dental implant placement with a surgical guide, and to derive suggestions for clinical operation.

Impact of Surgical Template on the Accuracy of Implant Placement.

Purpose: To achieve functional and esthetic results, implants must be placed accurately; however, little information is available regarding the effect of surgical templates on the accuracy of implant placement. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure the deviation between actual and planned implant positions, and determine the deviation caused by the surgical template.

Materials And Methods: Jaws from 16 patients were scanned using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Digital design and fabrication of simulation model for measuring orthodontic force.

Three dimensional (3D) forces are the key factors for determining movement of teeth during orthodontic treatment. Designing precise forces and torques on tooth before treatment can result accurate tooth movements, but it is too difficult to realize. In orthodontic biomechanical systems, the periodontal tissues, including bones, teeth, and periodontal ligaments (PDL), are affected by braces, and measuring the forces applied on the teeth by braces should be based on a simulated model composed of these three types of tissues.

CEUS helps to rerate small breast tumors of BI-RADS category 3 and category 4.

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to explore if classification, whether using the BI-RADS categories based on CEUS or conventional ultrasound, was conducive to the identification of benign and malignant category 3 or 4 small breast lesions.

Material And Methods: We evaluated 30 malignant and 77 benign small breast lesions using CEUS. The range of enhancement, type of enhancement strength, intensity of enhancement, and enhancement patterns were independent factors included to assess the BI-RADS categories.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genetic polymorphisms and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility: a meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Background: Genetic factors and environmental factors play a role in pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Previous studies regarding the association of folate intake and Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism with ESCC was conflicting. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association of MTHFR C677T and folate intake with esophageal cancer risk.

[Application of bolt-like post crown system in restoration of molar residual root and crown with low occlusogingival distance].

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical effects of bolt-like post crown system in restoration of molar residual root and crown with low occlusogingival distance and large root bifurcation angle.

Methods: Thirty two molar residual roots and crowns from 25 patients with low occlusogingival distance (<4 mm) and large root bifurcation angle were involved in this study. First, the root canals were prepared according to their natural directions following the standard procedures.

[Features of preoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound of breast cancer: relationship with the syndrome classification in traditional Chinese medicine].

Objective: To analyze the relationship between the features of preoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound and the differentiation of symptoms and signs for syndrome classification by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Methods: Eighty-two patients with malignant breast tumor were examined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound before the operation. The tumor diameter was greater than 2.

[Effects of a new houttuyfonate derivative on proliferation of NIH3T3 cell and expression of syndecan-4 induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha].

Objective: To investigate the effect of a new houttuyfonate derivative (NHD) on proliferation of NIH3T3 cell and expression of Syndecan-4 induced by TNF-alpha in vitro.

Methods: NIH3T3 cells were cultured and exposed to TNF-alpha or NHD respectively, and then cotreated with TNF-alpha and NHD. All the groups were cultured for 24 hour in vitro, in addition to the untreated control group established for comparison.

[Contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings of breast cancer].

Objective: To study the manifestation of breast cancers of different sizes in contrast-enhanced sonography.

Methods: Eighty-four patients with breast cancers were examined by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Among them, the tumor diameter was beyond 2.

[Effect of erigeron breviscapus on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the periodontal tissues of rabbits during orthodontic tooth movement].

Objective: To detect the effect of erigeron breviscapus on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the periodontal tissues during orthodontic tooth movement.

Methods: 45 rabbits were divided into 3 groups (groups A, B and C). Groups A and B included experimental group of 1, 3, 7 and 14 days respectively.

[Tension-force induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression mediated by microfilament in human periodontal ligament fibroblast].

Objective: To study the role of microfilament polymerization in menchanotransduction by human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLFs).

Methods: In tension-force group, hPDLFs were treated by tension-force values of 18% for 8 h, 16 h, 24 h. In tension-force and inhibitor group, the sample was treated with 5 microg/mL cytochalasin B before using tension-forece.

[Effect of continuously compressive pressure on the expression of RANKL mRNA in human periodontal ligament cells in vitro].

Objective: To determine the effect of continuously compressive pressure (CCP) on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) in human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs) and to investigate the role of RANKL in alveolar bone rebuilding during orthodontic tooth movement.

Methods: The primary HPDLCs were isolated from human periodontal ligament by explanting enzymatic digestion with trypsin and collagenase to establish a pressure model. Top-bottom axial pressures (1, 2, and 3 g/cm(2)) were laid on HPDLCs for 0.