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To digitalize restorative dentistry means to digitalize all the approaches involved in the clinical diagnosis and treatment process, in the production of individualized restorations, in the information transmission and communication between dentists and patients respectively between dentists and technicians, and even in the personalized understanding of esthetics. This is a cross-disciplinary issue that interconnects a wide range of topics. The way of understanding the digital tendency and of integrating the-already-digitalized steps into a system have a strategic impact on the development of the dental industry. By following the trace of the development of digital procedures in restorative dentistry, in this paper, we intend to classify the digitalization into two categories as the special and general ones, and will point out the limitations in understanding the digitalization in prosthodontics merely from the perspective of diagnosis or the production of individualized restorations. The role of digitalization in leading the conceptual development and the new possibilities opened up by the integrated digital technologies will be emphasized. Digitalization has changed the way of interaction between dentists and technicians. It is beneficial to the reorganization of medical and technological resources. Its potential in upgrading the dental industry deserves attention. Digitalization promotes the establishment of a collaborative and sharing ecosystem in restorative dentistry, which would pave the way towards artificial intelligence.口腔修复涉及临床诊疗流程、个性化修复体定制、医患和医技间信息传递与沟通，甚至对美学的个性理解，是一个跨学科领域。数字化修复以临床需求为牵引，目的在于优化人才与物质资源配置、提高医技工作效率、改善修复效果、提升社会经济效益。数字化战略布局对口腔行业的发展有结构性影响。本文梳理了口腔修复数字化的发展历程，通过区分狭义数字化和广义数字化两大发展阶段，指出将数字化技术作为辅助工具的片面性与局限性，强调数字化理念的战略先导作用和数字化技术的拓新能力。数字化技术助力医患沟通，促进医师与技师信息传递方式的变化，有利于医技资源重整，其在口腔产业升级方面的潜力值得重视。广义的口腔修复数字化将推动口腔修复行业协同共享生态的建立，也是通向口腔医疗智能化的必经之路。.

To investigate the effects of telmisartan on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in macrophages induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and its mechanism.THP-1 cells were adopted for research, and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) was utilized to induce THP-1 cells to be transformed into macrophages, with Ang II as a stimulating factor and telmisartan as a therapeutic drug. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were applied to detect cell viability and toxicity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the MMP-9 release level. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were conducted to detect the expressions of MMP-9 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein, respectively. The mechanism of action was further studied, and the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2)/macrophage-expressed gene 1 (mPEG1) pathway was determined via PCR and Western blotting.The 1 mM Ang II could remarkably activate the synthesis and release of MMP-9 as well as the COX2/mPEG1 pathway in macrophages. However, telmisartan could effectively repress the Ang II-induced MMP-9 synthesis and release in the macrophages, and suppress the COX2/mPEG1 pathway in the macrophages activated by Ang II.Telmisartan can inhibit the activation of MMP-9 in the macrophages by suppressing the COX2/mPEG1 pathway.

Three kinds of zirconia specimens were made respectively by milling of the prisintered blocks and by three dimensional (3D) gel deposition for in vitro evaluation of their optical translucency under three different thicknesses and their color masking effect on discolored teeth. The study aims for establishing the principle for guiding the materials selection in clinical practice.Ninety A2-colored zirconia disc specimens with diameter of 14 mm were prepared and were divided into three groups (n=30). (1) Group CZ, by milling of the presintered blanks; (2) Group NZW, by 3D gel deposition, without a color masking opaque inner layer; (3) Group NZY, by 3D gel deposition, with a color masking opaque inner layer. Furthermore, each group was divided into three sub-groups (n=10) according to the sample thickness, i.e., 0.6, 1.0 and 1.5 mm, respectively. The maxillary anterior teeth with severe discoloration, extracted owing to periodontal disease, were collected and embedded. By gentle gridding and polishing a plane, larger than 6 mm2×6 mm(1) The optical transparency of the three kinds of zirconia disc specimens with the thickness of 0.6, 1.0 and 1.5 mm was 14.09, 12.31 and 10.45 for group CZ; 19.84, 16.54 and 12.44 for group NZW;14.81, 13.16 and 11.92 for group NZY. In each group, the degree of optical transparency of the specimens showed a clear tendency as in the sub-group 0.6 mm1.0 mm1.5 mm. The TP value of the specimens in the three groups with the same thickness showed a tendency of the group NZWgroup NZYgroup CZ. (2) After bonding onto the polished labial surface of the teeth, the color aberration ΔE of the specimens with the thickness of 0.6, 1.0 and 1.5 mm was calculated to be 10.77, 9.94 and 8.50 for group CZ; 6.84, 5.89 and 5.29 for group NZW; 4.16, 3.92 and 3.67 for group NZY. In each group, the color aberration of the specimens showed a clear tendency as in the sub-group 0.6 mm1.0 mm1.5 mm; the color aberration of the three groups with the same thickness was in the order of the group CZgroup NZWgroup NZY.In all the specimen groups with a fixed specimen thickness, the optical translucency of the specimen was the highest in group NZW made by 3D gel deposition, and the best color masking effect was obtained in specimens with a color masking opaque inner layer in group NZY, where a thickness of 0.6 mm was sufficient enough for obtaining the ideal color masking effect.

To prospectively evaluate the clinical applications of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).Four hundred and thirty seven patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or suspect CAD were imaged with CAD and IVUS, including (1) assessment IVUS in 135 cases with normal coronary angiography (CAG) (2) comparison IVUS with CAG pre and after angioplasty in 52 patients with CAD (3) assessment of detecting calcification lesions with CAG and IVUS in 150 patients (4) predicting the cardiac events after stent implantation guided by IVUS (n = 47) and CAG (N = 53).IVUS may detect coronary atherosclerosis lesions with normal by CAG. CAG overestimated effect of angioplasty. IVUS was more accurate to determine effect and complications of PTCA compared with CAG. IVUS interpreted the mechanism of vessel dilatation in PTCA. The cardiac events after stent implantation were significantly reduced after IVUS examination as compared with CAG.IVUS represents a radically different approach to vascular anatomy. Unlike angiography, which displays the coronary artery as a silhouette of the contrast-filled lumen, IVUS generates a cross-sectional tomographic image of the lumen and vessel wall. IVUS plays an important role as a guidance in cardiac intervention.

Ischaemic nephropathy is currently a major public health issue in atherosclerotic populations. Although atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Asia has reached epidemic proportions over the last two decades, there is little published data on the prevalence of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) in Oriental subjects. Because ARAS may be clinically silent until end-stage renal failure sets in, it is important to identify patients with significant but clinically unsuspected ARAS. ARAS and coronary artery disease (CAD) often coexist.The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of ARAS among Chinese patients with CAD.A total of 230 consecutive Chinese patients with CAD confirmed by coronary angiography underwent an abdominal aortogram in the same sitting to screen for ARAS. Patient demographics and comorbidities were analysed for any association with ARAS.A total of 34 (14.8%) patients was found to have significant ARAS. Age and multivessel CAD were independent predictors of ARAS. Hypertension, renal insufficiency, extracranial cerebrovascular disease and female gender were also associated with a higher risk of ARAS but did not independently predict ARAS.Clinically silent yet angiographically significant ARAS is common among CAD patients. The prevalence and predictors of ARAS among Chinese patients with CAD are similar to those reported for Caucasian subjects. Underlying ARAS should be suspected in CAD patients with such comorbidities as hypertension, renal insufficiency, extracranial cerebrovascular disease, and more so in the elderly and those with multivessel disease.

To clarify whether there are anatomical changes in tunica albuginea and corpora cavemosa in aged rats.Seventeen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups based on age. Group A consisted of young rats (9 weeks), Group B, middle aged rats (14 weeks) and Group C, old rats (62 weeks). The penile samples were obtained and observed under a scanning electron microscope.The thickness (mean +/- SD) of the tunica albuginea was 0.14 +/- 0.02, 0.16 +/- 0.03 and 0.06 +/- 0.02 mm in Groups A, B and C, respectively. The tunica albuginea of group C was significantly thinner than those of the other two groups (P0.05) and the elastic fibers were diminished in the old rats. In the corpora cavernosa of old rats, the intracavernous pillars were irregular, in which many large collagen fibers could be observed, and the smooth muscle and elastic fibers were reduced.In old rats, the tunica albuginea became thinner with diminished elastic fibers; the collagen fibers of corpora cavernosa were increased while the smooth muscle and elastic fibers were reduced.

To clarify the value of endotoxin concentrations in expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) in the diagnosis and classification of chronic prostatitis.The study included 88 consecutive patients with chronic prostatitis and 15 controls with no urological disease. The diagnosis and classification were based on a history, symptoms, a digital rectal examination of the prostate, and a white blood cell count in the EPS. Endotoxin concentrations in the EPS or urine were measured using a colorimetric assay and standard microbiological methods used to identify bacterial growth.In men with chronic prostatitis caused by Gram-negative or combined Gram-negative and -positive bacteria, the endotoxin levels in urine collected immediately after prostatic massage were significantly greater (P0.01) than in a midstream urine sample, and the concentration in the EPS was significantly higher (P0.05) than that in the control group. The same was true of patients with chronic prostatitis and Gram-positive bacteria isolated from the EPS or urine after massage. In patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (grade IIIA) the endotoxin level in the urine after massage was also significantly higher (P0.05) than that of the midstream sample, but there was no significant difference between the concentration in these samples in patients with grade IIIB, and no significant difference between the endotoxin concentration of the EPS in patients with grade IIIB and that in controls.Endotoxin concentrations are increased in the EPS or urine (after prostatic massage) of men with bacterial chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome grade IIIA. The current routine examinations (including bacterial culture and routine examination of EPS or urine) before diagnosis and classification of chronic prostatitis are insufficient to describe the cause and pathogenesis of this condition. The endotoxin concentration of the EPS or urine after massage may provide a supplementary tool to identify the cause of chronic prostatitis.

FLASH is a protein recently shown to interact with the death effector domain of caspase-8 and is likely to be a component of the death-inducing signaling complex in receptor-mediated apoptosis. Here we show that antisense oligonucleotide-induced inhibition of FLASH expression abolished TNF-alpha-induced activation of NF-kappaB in HEK293 cells, as determined by luciferase reporter gene expression driven by a NF-kappaB responsive promoter. Conversely, overexpression of FLASH dose-dependently activated NF-kappaB, an effect suppressed by dominant negative mutants of TRAF2, NIK, and IKKalpha, and partially by those of TRAF5 and TRAF6. TRAF2 was co-immunoprecipitated with FLASH from the cell extracts of HEK293 cells or HeLa cells stably expressing exogenous FLASH (HeLa/HA-FLASH). Furthermore, serial deletion mapping demonstrated that a domain spanning the residues 856-1191 of FLASH activated NF-kappaB as efficiently as the full-length and could directly bind to TRAF2 in vitro and in the transfected cells. Taken together, these results suggest that FLASH coordinates downstream NF-kappaB activity via a TRAF2-dependent pathway in the TNF-alpha signaling.

To elucidate the role of endogenous transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 on human osteoblast cell, antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (S-ODNs) complementary to regions in mRNA of TGF-beta2 were synthesized and examined their effects on TGF-beta2 production and cell proliferation in a human osteoblast cell line ROS 17/2. Antisense S-ODNs were designated for three different target regions in the mRNA of TGF-beta2. Among several antisense S-ODN analyzed, an oligonucleotide (AS-11) complementary to the translation initiation site of mRNA of TGF-beta2 demonstrated a selective and strong inhibitory effect on TGF-beta2 production in osteoblast cells. Other antisense S-ODNs which were designated for other regions in mRNA of TGF-beta2 and one- or three-base mismatched analogs of AS-11 showed little or much less antisense activities than AS-11. Therefore, the most effective target site in mRNA of TGF-beta2 is at the initiation codon region. The antisense effects of AS-11 were observed without reduction of levels of mRNA of TGF-beta2. Furthermore, the inhibition of TGF-beta2 expression by antisense S-ODN appeared to enhance cell proliferation, demonstrating the growth inhibitory effect of autocrine TGF-beta2 in osteoblast cells.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of chronic total occlusions may be technically difficult and the success rate is limited despite increasing operator experience and improvements in PTCA hardware. The number of guidewires required to cross totally occluded lesions is higher than that for stenotic lesions. The ChoICE polymer-tip (PT) wire (Boston Scientific/Scimed, Inc., Maple Grove, Minnesota) is a relatively new stainless-steel core wire with a hydrophilic-coated polyurethane tip. Though never described in the literature, we found that the distal 4 cm of the wire can be cut and reshaped according to the operator's needs. Thus, instead of reshaping a kinked tip or using another new wire, the former being time-consuming and the latter expensive, one can simply cut off the kinked tip and start again with a "new wire." As the tip is resected, the wire becomes progressively more "intermediate-like" and "standard-like." We report our experience with the ChoICE PT wire in 50 consecutive cases of chronic total occlusions. The cumulative crossing success rates were 13/50 (26%) before any resections, 24/50 (48%) after 1 resection, 41/50 (82%) after 2 resections and 42/50 (84%) after 3 resections. There were no perforations, deaths, myocardial infarctions or need for bypass surgery. Our findings suggest that successful recanalization of chronic total occlusions can be achieved with a high success rate using the ChoICE PT wire. A strategy of progressively resecting the more floppy and kinked distal end can provide multiple uses from a single wire, optimizing recanalization success and obviating the need for additional wires.