Objectives We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) versus placebo in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Methods A systematic search of multiple online sources electronic databases was undertaken. The methodological quality of each included study was assessed using the modified Jadad scale, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results A total of 31 RCTs were included. Total modified Jadad scale scores showed that the methodological quality was high in 30 studies and low in 1 study. Combining data from all clinically heterogeneous studies revealed positive effects of LLLT on pain relief, regardless of the visual analogue scale (VAS) score or the change of VAS score between the baseline and the final follow-up time point, while dosage analyses showed discrepant results about the effects of high or low doses for patients with TMD. Follow-up analyses showed that LLLT significantly reduced pain at the short-term follow-up. Temporomandibular joint function outcomes indicated that the overall effect favored LLLT over placebo. Conclusion This systematic review suggests that LLLT effectively relieves pain and improves functional outcomes in patients with TMD.

Carbon nanofiber sheets were developed through filtering well-dispersed carbon nanofiber (CNF) through filtering welldispersed aqueous solution of CNF particles with 0.4 lm hydrophilic polycarbonate membrane by the aid of high-pressure air. They were used to functionalize composites by the resin transfer molding method. Their functionalized composites were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), four-point probes and a vector network analyzer to measure their morphologies, electrical conductivity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance over the frequency range of 8-12 GHz (X band), respectively. Their morphologies show that CNF particles are overlapped and tightly connected with each other in their interconnected networks. The CNF sheets are exposed on the surface, although their networks are partially penetrated by polyester resins. Their electrical conductivity can be 3.0 6 0.2 Scm 21 or so, much higher by ten orders of magnitude than the reported electrical conductivity of CNFfilled composites. Their EMI shielding effectiveness slightly varies in a range of 230 dB to 235 dB as a function of frequency, much higher than that of most CNF or carbon nanotube-filled composites.

Sepsis, which is caused by severe infection, is an important cause of mortality, but effective clinical treatment against sepsis is extremely limited. As the main component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays a major role in inflammatory responses. Studies have shown beneficial pharmacological effects for Folium isatidis. The present study further illuminated the effects of n-butanol extract from Folium isatidis in LPS-induced septic shock and identified the main active chemical components. Our study showed that pretreatment with n-butanol extract from Folium isatidis not only significantly inhibited LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 production but also markedly and dose dependently enhanced the recruitment of MyD88, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and the degradation of IκB-α. Additionally, the extract exhibited dramatic protective effects against lung injury and death in mice with septic shock. Eight main active compounds were identified, including organic acids, glycoside, indolinones, and flavonoids. These findings provide a perspective on the respiratory protection offered by n-butanol extract from Folium isatidis in LPS-induced sepsis and outline a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of sepsis.