Objective To observe the effects of comprehensive measures of changing grain,selenium supplementation,off-site education and resettlement on prevention of children's Kashin-Beck disease in Aba state.Methods Fifty eight villages in Aba Kashin-Beck disease areas were chosen as intervention points in Aba state Sichuan province from 2007 to 2011.Based on the implementation of prevention and control measures,the villages were divided into off-site education + changing grain + selenium supplementation group and resettlement + off-site education + changing grain + selenium supplementation group,Geletuo town of Seda county,Ganzi state was selected as a control point,and right-hand anteroposterior X-ray examination(including the wrist) was carried out on children aged 6-13 from 2007 to 2011 annually.Clinical and X-ray diagnosis of Kashin-Beck disease was made in accordance with the Diagnostic Criteria of Kaschin-Beck Disease(GB 16003-1995).The effects of prevention and control measures were evaluated by comparing the child X-ray detection rate before and after the implementation of the measures.Results The average X-ray positive detectable rate of children in the intervention points was 2.07％(66/3181),2.72％ (69/2540),1.16％ (35/3017),0.56％ (19/3397) and 0.56％ (24/4273),respectively from 2007 to 2011,with a downward trend (x2trend =66.74,P ＜ 0.01).There was a downward trend in the average X-ray positive detectable rate of children in off-site education + changing grain + selenium supplementation group [1.60％(29/1809),2.63％ (39/1484),1.29％ (25/1941),0.64％ (15/2332),0.42％ (10/2379)] and resettlement + off-site education + changing grain + selenium supplementation group [2.70％ (37/1372),2.84％ (30/1056),0.93％(10/1076),0.38％ (4/1065),0.74％(14/1894)] (x2trend=30.97,35.19,all P ＜ 0.01).The average X-ray positive detectable rate of children in the intervention group was 0 from 2007 to 2010,and was 1.61％ (1/62) in 2011.The difference of X-ray positive detectable rate was not statistically significant in the control group in the 5 years from 2007 to 2011.The difference of children's X-ray positive detectable rate was not statistically significant between control group and intervention group.Conclusions The effect of taking changing grain,selenium supplementation,off-site education and resettlement comprehensive measures to prevent children's Kashin-Beck disease is not significant in those places where the state of Kaschin-Beck disease is not active.

Objective: To observe the effects of moxibustion pretreatment on the protein expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphorylation extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and activated protein-1 (AP-1), the key factors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling transduction pathway in gastric tissue of rats with stress-induced gastric mucosal damage, and to discuss the mechanisms of moxibustion therapy in promoting the restoration of damaged gastric mucosa.
Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and a moxibustion group using the random digits table, 10 in each group. Except the rats in the normal group, rats in the other two groups were used to make stress-induced gastric mucosal damage model using restraint and cold stress. Before modeling, rats in the moxibustion group were alternately treated with moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12), or Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21), once a day, for a total of 8 d. Histological changes of gastric mucosa were observed under the light microscopy, the expression of gastric tissue p-ERK1/2 was detected by immunohistochemistry assay, and the protein levels of EGFR and AP-1 were measured by Western blots.
Results: Compared with rats in the normal group, gastric mucosal damage was more serious, and protein expressions of gastric tissue EGFR, p-ERK1/2 and AP-1 increased in the model group (P<0.01,P<0.05,P<0.05). Compared with rats in the model group, gastric mucosal damage was milder, and protein expressions of gastric tissue EGFR, p-ERK1/2 and AP-1 increased in the moxibustion group (allP<0.01).
Conclusion:Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21) couldincrease EGFR, p-ERK1/2 and AP-1 expression levels in gastric tissue of stress-induced gastric mucosal damage rats, maintain the information transfer function of ERK signaling transduction pathway, and promote restoration of gastric mucosal damage.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of reconstructing horizontal periodontal bone defects by tissue engineering based on bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)as seed cells and enamel matrix proteins(EMPs)as growth factors. Methods Two healthy rhesus monkeys were selected, and BMSCs were isolated from iliac marrow and serial subcultivation was conducted. The cells of induced BMSCs at passage 3 were harvested and mixed with Bio-oss collagen. The models of horizontal periodontal bone defects were established surgically in each buccal side of the posterior teeth, and were divided into four groups (blank control group, material group, cells/material group and cells/material/EMPs group). The histological and Micro-CT observation were carried out 8 weeks later. Results In the blank control group, the defects were filled with fibrous connective tissue. There was newly-formed alveolar bone in the material group. In the cells/material group, periodontal regeneration could be observed, while the newly-formed cementum was irregular and less in quantity. In the cells/material/EMPs group, the amount of newly-formed alveolar bone was larger, and the newly-formed cementum was continuous and regular. Conclusion The tissue engineering technique of BMSCs as seed cells in combination with EMPs induction can significantly promote the regeneration of periodontal tissue.

Objective To investigate the effects of pioglitazone on glucose metabolism,circulating resistin and adiponectin concentrations,and tissue resistin levels in rats with insulin resistance induced by free fatty acid (FFA).Methods A hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp and[3-~3H]-glucose tracing technique were used in awake rats.Insulin-mediated peripheral and hepatic glucose metabolism,plasma resistin and adipenectin levels, resistin levels in tissues were assessed by hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp with elevation of FFA by lipid infusion over 4 h in rats pretreated with or without pioglitazone.Results During steady-state of clamp,there was a significant increase in plasma FFA in lipid-infused group(L group)and pioglitazone-pretreated lipid-infused group(P/L group)compared to control rats(P＜0.01).The glucose infusion rate(GIR)in P/L group was significantly reduced as compared with controls[(20.6?0.9 vs 33.6?1.5)mg?kg~(-1)?min~(-1),P＜0.01], whereas the GIR was lower in L group than in P/L group[(12.6?0.8 vs 20.6?0.9)mg?kg~(-1)?min~(-1),P＜0.01].As compared with baseline,the hepatic glucose production(HGP)was significantly suppressed by 85% [(18.3?2.1 vs 2.7+2.4)mg?kg~(-1)?min~(-1) and (17.5?2.6 vs 2.6?1.0)mg?kg~(-1)?min~(-1),both P＜0.01]during the hyperinsulinaemic clamp in control and P/L groups.The suppressive effect of insulin on HGP was significantly blunted in L group[(17.3?2.1 vs 15.8?1.5]mg?kg~(-1)?min~(-1)].The rate of glucose disappearance(G_(Rd))was reduced in L group and P/L group compared with controls(P＜0.01).Baseline plasma resistin level was lower in P/L group than that in the controls[(7.8?1.3 vs 29.1?3.1)?g/L,P＜0.01].After lipid infusion,plasma resistin levels significantly increased in P/L group,but remained lower than that of L group [(18.1?3.8 vs 47.0?2.2)?g/L,P＜0.01].Baseline adiponectin level was higher in P/L group than those in the controls and L groups[(3.9?0.2 vs 2.8?0.1 and 2.6?0.2)mg/L,P＜0.01].After clamp,plasma adiponectin levels were decreased in L group and L/P group compared with baseline(both P＜0.05).In addition, the resistin level in the liver of P/L group decreased compared with the controls and L groups(both P＜0.05), whereas significantly increased in the muscle of L group.Conclusion Lipid infusion induces an acute insulin- resistance in vivo.Pioglitazone pretreatment partly prevents FFA-induced insulin resistance possibly by changing resistin and adiponectin levels.

Objective To understand the current status of the prevention and control of endemic fluorosis in the southwestern area of Shandong province. Methods In 2007, the progress of water-improving defluoridation, the operating state and water fluoride content of the water-improving project, which was determined by fluorosis selective ion electrode, and the inhabitant related indexes of endemic fluorosis were extensively surveyed in the three main fluorosis counties-Jiaxiang, Yuncbeng and Liangshan of the southwestern area of Shandong province. Results Among 1371 fluorosis villages in the 3 counties, 53.61%(735/1371) of which had undergone water-improving defluoridation, the rate in Jiaxiang, Yuncheng and Liangshan being 38.0% (220/579),65.51% (378/577) and 63.72% ( 137/215 ) respectively; the normally functioning rate of this project was 76.73% (564/735), projects out of order accounted for 23.27% (171/735). Among 263 well-functioning projects from the three counties, the rate with water fluoride higher than 1.0 mg/L was 35.36%(93/263), the maximum value being 4.17 mg/L. The urine fluoride content of 440 children aged 8 - 12 years and 484 adults over 30 years old were examined in 13 fluorosis villages of the three counties, the geometric mean was 2.98,3.06 mg/L respectively; the individual maximum was 12.83,14.49 mg/L respectively; the detectable rate of dental fluorosis among children aged 8 - 12 was 84.28% (649/770) ,17.66%(136/770) had defect and the index of dental fluorosis was 1.89; the rates of the clinical and X-ray skeletal fluorosis of the adults aged more than 30 were 44.40%(234/527) and 24.67%(130/527) respectively, and the abnormal electrocardiography rate was 32.43% (168/518) in the adult, mostly T-wave abnormality. Conclusions The progress of the water-improving defluoridation in the southwestern area of Shandong province was relatively slow, the water fluoride content of the water-improving projects seriously exceeded standard, and the condition of the fluorosis had not been effectively controlled.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of urotensin II (U II) on the nitric oxide (NO) production in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression was assessed by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and NO content in cardiomyocytes were measured. The current results showed that U inhibited eNOS mRNA expression, the NOS activity and the NO production of cardiomyocytes. U II (0.1 micromol/L) inhibited the NOS activity and the NO production in cardiomyocytes in a time-dependent manner. These results suggest that the cardiovascular effect of U II might be partially associated with NO production in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.
Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cells, Cultured ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; metabolism ; Rats ; Urotensins ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo explore the functional brain localization with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after acupuncturing the Yuan-Source and He-Sea acupoints of Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (ST).

METHODSThe study was performed in 30 healthy volunteers who underwent acupuncture at Yuan-Source acupoint (Chongyang, ST42) and He-Sea acupoint (Zusanli, ST36) (ST group). Ten of these were also underwent acupuncture at the non-acupoints as the control group. Blood oxygenation level dependent functional MRI was performed.

RESULTSIn the ST group, signal increasing areas were demonstrated in bilateral superior temporal gyri (Broadmann 22), bilateral supramarginal gyri (Broadmann 40), bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, bilateral cingulate gyri and isthmus of cingulate gyri (Broadmann 32, 30), bilateral superior parietal lobules (Broadmann 7); signal decreasing areas were shown in bilateral orbital gyri (Broadmann 11), bilateral temporal pole (Broadmann 38), right inferior frontal gyrus (Broadmann 47) and right medial occipitotemporal gyrus (Broadmann 36). In the control group, signal increases areas were demonstrated in superior temporal gyri, precentral gyri, cingulate gyri, thalamus, insula and cerebellum. The size, signal intensity and number of increasing areas in control group are less than in ST group.

CONCLUSIONCombined acupuncture of Yuan-Source and He-Sea acupoints of ST can activate and decrease the multiple brain regions of "splanchnic brain" and thus reach a new functional balance to relieve pain.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Brain ; physiology ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Meridians ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical and hematological features and identify the prognostic factors associated with short-term survival in primary myelofibrosis (PMF) patients under 45 years old.

METHODSThe clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, and survival were retrospectively analyzed in 56 PMF patients under 45 years old. Univariate analysis of prognostic factors was performed using Logrank test and multivariate analysis using COX model.

RESULTSOf the 56 patients, 27 were males and 29 females. The range of age was from 20 to 45 years (median 38 years). 84% of the patients were anemic and 66% Hb < 100 g/L. 32% of the patients had constitutional symptoms including fever, night sweats and weight loss. The median survival was 69 months (95% CI 11-127). By univariate analysis, Hb < 100 g/L, platelet count < 100 x 10(9)/L, WBC < 10 x 10(9)/L, constitutional symptoms and the duration from first signs to diagnosis < or = 6 months were associated with poor prognosis. By multivariate analysis, only Hb < 100 g/L and constitutional symptoms were independently associated with short survival. With these two adverse prognostic factors, the patients could be separated into a high risk and a low risk groups, and the median survivals were 16 and 88 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Using these two factors to predict the less than 3-years survival for individual patient, the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were 67%, 100% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONHb < 100 g/L and constitutional symptoms in PMF patients under 45 years old were significantly associated with short survival and poor prognosis. These two prognostic factors enabled to separate patients into a high and a low risk groups. The survival of high-risk patients was less than three years.

Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Primary Myelofibrosis ; Prognosis ; Risk Factors ; Survival Analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effect of atlantoaxial pedicle screw internal fixation for treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation.

METHODSSixteen patients with atlantoaxial dislocation were treated from Dec. 2005 to June 2007, included 10 males and 6 females, aged from 38 to 45 years old (means 40.5 years). Among them 12 patients combined with nerve injury, according to ASIA grade: there were 3 cases in grade B, 5 cases in grade C, 4 cases in grade D. All patients received preoperative CT, radiograph and skull traction. Intraoperative posterior approach general spine pedicle screw-rod orthopaedics fixation system used and iliac bone block were implanted in space of posterior atlantal arch and axial vertebral plate. The outcome and complications were observed in the near future.

RESULTSThere was no vascular or neural injury found. The patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months (means 18 months). All head pain, acid storm symptoms were improved after operation. According to the Odom's clinical efficacy evaluation standard, 12 cases were excellent, 4 were good. Eleven cases of 12 with nerve injury recovered significantly. By ASIA classification: 1 cases was in grade B, 2 cases were in grade C, 5 cases were in grade D, 4 cases were in grade E. No looseness or breakage of screw occurred. Bony fusion was achieved in all cases.

CONCLUSIONPosterior approach atlantoaxial pedicle screw internal fixation have the advantages of direct screw placement, short-segment fusion, intraoperative reduction, fixation reliable, high fusion rate, and it can restablish the upper cervical vertebrae stability and help to recover the spinal cord and nerve function.

Adult ; Atlanto-Axial Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of maxillary sinus elevation with gene-enhanced tissue engineering bone in dogs.

METHODSbone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) derived from dog marrow were cultured, and transduced with the adenovirus carrying bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) gene (AdBMP-2), the adenovirus carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene (AdGFP) in vitro. The bone formation ability of gene modified BMSC with scaffold was examined in nude mice and in elevated maxillary sinus of dog. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis with SPSS 11.0 software package.

RESULTSGene transfection efficiency reached up to (83.95 ± 2.43)% as demonstrated by GFP expression. Ectopic bone formation was detected in nude mice. As for maxillary sinus floor elevation in a dog model, new bone formation area in the AdBMP-2 gene transduced BMSC with Bio-Oss group was significantly higher than in BMSC with Bio-Oss group at 120 d (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAdBMP-2 gene transduced BMSC can stimulate ectopic bone formation in nude mice, and promote bone formation and maturation in the dog maxillary sinus.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Bone Matrix ; transplantation ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Cells, Cultured ; Dogs ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Minerals ; Osteogenesis ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Sinus Floor Augmentation ; methods ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Transfection