Objective To analyze the relationships between the drinking water fluoride and bone mineral density (BMD), and serum osteocalcin (BGP) and to explore the BMD and serum BGP as significant early screening biomarkers for fluorosis especially for early bone damage in endemic fluorosis areas. Methods Wamiao (severe endemic fluorosis area, as fluoride exposed group) and Xinhuai (non endemic fluorosis area, as control group) Village were selected in 2006. One hundred and fouty-six objects were chosen from 2 villages (103 in Wamiao, 43 in Xinhuai). The sex, age, body height, body weight, drinking water fluoride in each object's household well, BMD, and serum BGP were investigated, and the dose-response relationships were analyzed between the drinking water fluoride and BMD, and serum BGP. CurveExpert 1.3 Software was used to fit the dose-response relationships between the rate of abnormal BMD, the rate of abnormal serum BGP, and the drinking water fluoride. Results The levels of drinking water fluoride in males' and females' families in fluoride exposed group were [(2.38±0.68), (2.62±0.91 )mg/L] significant higher than that in control group [(0.35±0.08), (0.36±0.07)mg/L], the difference being statistically significant(t values were 14.27 and 11.08,and P<0.01, respectively). BMD in males in fluoride exposed group [(0.78±0.07)g/cm2] was significant lower than that in control group[(0.83±0.08)g/cm2], the difference being statistically significant (t=2.37,P<0.05). Serum BGP in males and females in fluoride exposed group [(4.17±0.67), (4.11±0.57) μg/L] were significant higher than that in control group [(1.48±0.40), (1.44±0.39)μg/L], the difference being statistically significant (t values were 17.64 and 19.40, and P<0.01, respectively]. BMD in the group with drinking water fluoride≥2.92 mg/L[(0.66±0.15 )g/cm2] was significant lower than that in the group with drinking water fluoride<0.42 mg/L [(0.76±0.12)g/cm2], the difference being statistically significant (P<0.01). The levels of serum BGP in the groups with the drinking water 0.42-,2.05-, ≥.92 mg/L[(3.83±1.07), (4.22±0.72), (3.99±0.63) μg/L] were significant higher than that in the group with the drinking water<0.42 mg/L [(1.44±0.37) μg/L], the difference being statistically significant (P<0.01). The equation for the dose-response relationship between the drinking water fluoride and the rate of abnormal BMD was y=(0.284-0.058x)-1.260, r=0.999 94; and y=100.05/(1+78.62e-4.5x), r=0.999 99 for the drinking water fluoride and the rate of abnormal serum BGP. Conclusions There were significant dose-response relationships between drinking water fluoride and BMD and serum BGP. It indicated that BMD and BGP might be considered as early screening biomarkers for endemic fluorosis, especially for the bone damage.

OBJECTIVETo observe and identify the effect of Jiangya Maijing Liquid (JYMJL) on spontaneous hypertension rats (SHR) fed with high lipid diet in antagonizing hypertension and hyperlipidemia and improving pathological changes of kidney.

METHODSForty-two SHR were divided into 5 groups, except Group A, the Groups B-E were fed with high lipid diet, and Group C, D and E was treated with JYMJL, western drug and Niuhuang Jiangya pill respectively. Besides, Group F was set up for control with normal rats fed by normal diet. The changes of blood pressure (BP), biological indices and renal pathology were observed in the 14 weeks' period of observation.

RESULTS(1) BP raised significantly in Group A and B, it became stable in Group C from the 5th week on and was lower than the BP in other groups (P < 0.01). BP in Group F was not changed; (2) The highest level of nitric oxide (NO) was shown in Group F, and that in Group B and E was lower than that in Group C and D; (3) Level of cholesterol was lower in Group A and F than that in Group C, D and E (P < 0.01), and that in Group C was lower than that in Group B and E (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively); (4) Pathologic examination on kidney showed that no change was found in Group F, the most severe change was shown in Group B among Group B-E, and the improvement after treatment in Group C was better than that in group B (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION(1) Condition of disease in rats with hypertension complicated with hyperlipidemia was more severe than that with simple hypertension; (2) JYMJL could restrain the developing of hypertension in SHR, the mechanism may be related with the raising of NO; (3) JYMJL has effect of lowering blood lipid; (4) JYMJL has kidney protective effect, it could alleviate the pathological changes in kidney by way of lowering BP and blood lipid.

Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; pharmacology ; Dietary Fats ; administration & dosage ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Hyperlipidemias ; etiology ; pathology ; Hypertension ; complications ; pathology ; Hypolipidemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Kidney ; pathology ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Rats, Inbred WKY

OBJECTIVETo establish the normal MESH diagrams of Chinese in Beijing, and to build a computerized MESH analysis system for orthodontic practice.

METHODSTwenty-eight subjects with normal occlusion were selected in Beijing and their lateral cephalograms were taken at the age of thirteen and eighteen, respectively. Individual MESH diagrams were then established for each subject mainly according to Moorrees' method from the cephalograms orientated in estimated natural head position. Male and female normal MESH diagrams were created. A computerized MESH analysis system was also developed.

RESULTSThe normal MESH diagrams of Chinese in Beijing, thirteen and eighteen years old respective, were established. The computerized MESH analysis system was constructed and used in orthodontic patients.

CONCLUSIONSMESH analysis is a proportional analysis method. It can show the results directly, succinctly and holistically. It is also a favorable complement and amendment to the commonly used angle and linear X-ray analysis methods.

Adolescent ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cephalometry ; methods ; Dental Occlusion ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Male ; Radiography ; Skull ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging

OBJECTIVETo investigate the craniofacial and occlusal changes of Class III cases treated with Tip-Edge Plus Technique.

METHODSThirteen Class III patients (6 girls and 7 boys, mean age 14.9 years) with mandibular protrusion were selected. All the patients were four premolar extraction cases and treated with Tip-Edge Plus technique. Cephalometric analysis was performed to evaluate the changes before and after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment, Wits changed from (-2.50 +/- 1.40) mm to (-1.00 +/- 0.85) mm and ANB changed from (-0.61 +/- 1.41) degrees to (1.31 +/- 1.66) degrees (P < 0.05). UL-E and LL-E were decreased significantly from (7.55 +/- 1.24) mm to (4.82 +/- 1.05) mm and from (10.16 +/- 2.43) mm to (6.03 +/- 2.01) mm respectively (P < 0.01). The incisors were retracted. A remarkable soft tissue change was noted after the treatment. The difference between the distance of the upper lip and lower lip to SnPg' at the beginning of treatment changed from (-1.57 +/- 1.24) mm to (0.62 +/- 1.24) mm (P < 0.01). FCA changed from (2.62 +/- 1.53) degrees to (7.02 +/- 2.21) degrees .

CONCLUSIONSWith Tip-Edge Plus straight-wire technique and light continuous force, anterior teeth could be tipped distally and lingually quickly. The hard and soft tissues changed accordingly.

Adolescent ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III ; therapy ; Orthodontic Wires ; Orthodontics, Corrective ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the craniofacial and occlusional changes of Class II patients treated with Tip-Edge Plus technique.

METHODSTwelve Class II patients (7 girls and 5 boys, mean age 14.3 years) with bimaxillary or maxillary protrusion were selected. All the patients were four first premolar extraction cases and treated with Tip-Edge Plus technique. Cephalometric analysis was performed to evaluate the changes before and after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the profile was greatly improved. UL-E, LL-E were decreased significantly (P < 0.01) and incisors were retracted (P < 0.05). Upper molars moved forward slightly (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe anchorage control in Tip-Edge Plus technique was effective without extraoral force, palatal arch and implants. Under very light force, the crown of anterior teeth tipped distally and lingually quickly. In the final stage, it was possible to achieve both desired root uprighting and crown torque.

Adolescent ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion, Angle Class II ; therapy ; Orthodontic Retainers ; Orthodontics, Corrective ; instrumentation ; methods

By inquiring the medical students under the background of grouping teaching between the mainland students and the oversea Chinese students,we have got something about their attitude toward the credit system.The result will help us to improve the teaching renovation in medical education.The questionnaire including implementing of credit system,standard credit system, grouping teaching,curriculum,tutor system of the undergraduates,the administration of education,and so on.Then we analyze and get the result.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness of mini-screw anchorage on intruding upper incisors in patients with gummy smile.

METHODSSixteen female patients (mean age: 23.8 years) were involved in this study. The mini-screws were placed between upper lateral incisors and canines on both sides for intruding upper incisors together with fixed appliance. The cephalometric analysis was carried out.

RESULTSTotally 63 teeth in 16 patients were intruded successfully and the deep overbite was decreased by (2.74 +/- 2.00) mm (P < 0.001). The distance from the edge of the upper incisor to palatal plane was reduced by (5.00 +/- 2.76) mm (P < 0.001), and the incisors were proclined by (9.34 +/- 10.06) degrees (P < 0.01). The duration for intrusion was 10.8 months on average.

CONCLUSIONSIt was practicable and effective to improve gummy smile by intruding upper incisors with mini-screw implant.

Bone Screws ; Cephalometry ; Cuspid ; Female ; Humans ; Incisor ; abnormalities ; Maxilla ; Occlusal Adjustment ; instrumentation ; methods ; Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures ; instrumentation ; Overbite ; therapy ; Smiling ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze the morphological characters of Angle's Class III malocclusion patients and the relationship between characters and treatment options.

METHODSA total of 472 Class III patients were collected during 1997-2000. The standardized coordinates' values of the patients were obtained by Procrustes superimposition (PS). Cluster analysis was carried out to divide the patients into different subdivisions and the relationship between treatment options and subdivisions was analyzed.

RESULTS472 patients were divided into 14 subdivisions with special characters. The morphological templates were formed by computer. There were certain relationships between characters and treatment options.

CONCLUSIONThe mechanism of malocclusion of different Class III patients are not necessarily same. The typing has significance to choose the treatment method.

Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III ; Orthodontic Appliances

OBJECTIVETo investigate the different changes after maxillary protraction between the cleft and non-cleft patients with anterior crossbite.

METHODSProspective controlled clinical trial was carried out. Eighteen patients (aged 9.6 +/- 1.2 years) with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) were chosen as the experimental group. Eighteen non-cleft patients (aged 9.8 +/- 1.4 years) with similar malocclusions were selected as control group. All the patients were before puberty according to the evaluation of the hand wrist radiograms. Hyrax appliance and reverse headgear were used in both experimental and control groups. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken before and after treatment. Computerized cephalometric analysis was carried out. Paired t tests or t test were performed using software package SAS 8.1.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the main changes in experimental group were: SNA +1.45 degrees , A-TFH +2.19 mm, SNB -2.18 degrees , ANB +3.64 degrees , MP/SN +2.78 degrees , LL-EP +0.88 mm in UCLP group. And in control group were: SNA +1.42 degrees , A-TFH +2.12 mm, SNB -1.32 degrees , ANB +2.68 degrees , MP/SN +1.47 degrees , LL-EP -1.37 mm.

CONCLUSIONSBefore puberty, maxillary protraction could accelerate maxillary forward growth in UCLP patients and the changes were similar to non-cleft patients. The occlusal relationship and soft tissue profile were improved significantly in both patients with or without cleft. The amount of mandibular posterior rotation in patients with UCLP was larger than in those with no cleft.

Cephalometry ; Child ; Cleft Lip ; surgery ; therapy ; Cleft Palate ; surgery ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Jaw Relation Record ; Male ; Malocclusion ; therapy ; Maxilla ; growth & development ; Osteogenesis, Distraction

To purify recombinant human nucleoside diphosphate kinase A (rhNDPK-A) and determine its physical and chemical characters, recombinant NDPK-A producing E. coli was cultured in 80L fermentor under high cell density culture (HCDC) conditions. The harvested cells were treated with high pressure to break the cell up, tangential-flow microfiltration to remove the bacteria debris and ultrafiltration to concentrate the filtered solution containing target protein. The crude NDPK-A was purified by ion exchange chromatography with DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow, affinity chromatography with Cibarcron Blue 3GA Sepharose CL-4B and gel filtration with Sephadex G-100. The purity of rhNDPK-A was analyzed with SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. The Enzymatic activity was determined with RP-HPLC. The molecular weight (MW) was measured with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF MS). The N-terminal residue was sequenced with Edman method. The apparent molecular weight of rhNDPK-A in solution was determined with multiangle laser light-scattering method (MALS). It was found that the purity of rhNDPK-A was 97.3% with SDS-PAGE method and 99.2% with RP-HPLC method. The specific enzymatic activity was (900 +/- 100) u/mg. The molecular weight was 17017, which was 132 less than the calculated value according to the amino acid sequence of NDPK-A. The sequencing result of rhNDPK-A revealed that its N-terminal residue was Ala, which was the second residue on N-terminal of native NDPK-A. The calculated MW of N-terminal deleted rhNDPK-A was 17017, exactly equal to the experimental value. The result of apparent MW determination revealed that rhNDPK-A formed homohexamer in solution with a MW of 102kD. These results suggested that rhNDPK-A possessed character identical to its native counterpart of assembling into hexamer. Confirming the identity of rhNDPK-A to its native counterpart provided a good foundation for drug development and mechanism study of NDPK-A.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Molecular Weight ; NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Scattering, Radiation ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization