Objectives To investigate fluoride in drinking waters and fluorosis status and evaluate the effectiveness of fluoride-reducing projects in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2007. Methods In the Shaanxi province-wide, the 10 endemic areas of fluorosis were chosen according to historical data as focusing areas for investigation. The village was considered as investigation spot, 5 water samples were collected from each village for investigating of fluoride content. Four water samples were collected from each fluoride-reducing project for evaluating its effectiveness. Fluoride concentrations in drinking water were measured by fluoride-selective electrode method or speetrophotometry. When fluoride content in drinking water was greater than 1.00 mg/L, the epidemical study wasd conducted to investigate fluorosis patients, focusing on investigating of dental fluorosis prevalence in 8 to 12-year-old children and skeletal fluorosis prevalence in adults. Dental fluorosis of children was diagnosed by using Dean's method, and adult skeletal fluorosis was diagnosed according to National Standard for Clinical Diagnosis of Endemic Skeletal Fiuorosis(GB 16396-1996). Results The fluoride content in drinking water from 6390 villages was measured. The fluoride content of drinking water of 2619 villages ranged from 1.0 to<2.0 mg/L, where 1 654 998 people exposed. Additionally, the fluoride content of water of 845 villages ranged from 2.0 to<4.0 mg/L, where 355 623 people exposed. Moreover, the fluoride contents of water of 272 villages exceeded 4.0 mg/L, where 111 466 people exposed. The median of fluoride content in drinking water was 1.15% in the whole province, and fluoride content in drinking water exceeded 1.00 mg/L in Weinan, Xianyang and Yulin where were concentrated distribution areas of high fluoride water. Among 3115 fluoride-reducing projects, the fluoride content of drinking water of 1269 projects ranged from 1.0 to<2.0 mg/L, where 1 415 877 people exposed. Additionally, the fluoride content of drinking water of 120 projects ranged from 2.0 to<4.0 mg/L, where 43 888 people exposed. Moreover, the fluoride content of drinking water of 14 projects exceeded 4.0 mg/L, where 5960 people exposed. The detectable rate of dental fluorosis of 8 to 12 year-old children and skeletal fluorosis of adults reached 37.4%(16 489/44 081) and 5.1%(15 877/310 993), respectively. Conclusions The widely distribution of high-fluoride in drinking water still contributes to the prevalence of fluorosis in Shaanxi Province. The quality of fluoride-reducing projects should be further improved.

Along with the development of biomarkers, the diagnostic criterion for early AD is continuously progressing until the preclinical stage of AD, on the base of which, the conception of subjective cognitive decline was raised.In order to highlight new ideas of the early diagnosis for AD in its preclinical stage, the current paper will talk about SCD in connection with neuroimaging tech-niques and examination of cerebrospinal fluid.

Objective To investigate the changes of interleukin(IL)-2 and interferon(IFN)-γin serum and synovial fluid of patients with joint injure with Kashin-Beck disease(KBD), and study the roles of IL-2 and IFN-γ in KBD joint injure. Methods In accordance with the "Diagnostic Criteria of Kashin-Beck disease"(GB16003-1995),48 cases of KBD patients and 26 healthy people(control group) from KBD endemic area in Long county Shaanxi province were enrolled in the study. KBD patient were 24 males and 24 females, respectively, aged 40 to 65 years (mean age 51 years). Forty-eight serum specimens and 28 synovial fluid specimens of patients(14 males and 14 females,respectively) were collected. Healthy control group were 13 males and 13 females, respectively. Twenty-six serum specimens of healthy controls were collected. Serum and synovial fluid IL-2 and IFN-γ levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results In healthy controls and KBD patients, the midian of serum IL-2 were 46.8 ng/L and 55.7 ng/L, respectively, and IFN-γ were 52.3 ng/L and 48.8 ng/L, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant between healthy controls and KBD patients(t = 0.62, 0.70, all P ＞ 0.05).In synovial fluid of KBD patient, the midian of IL-2 and IFN-γwere 48.3 ng/L and 44.1 ng/L, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant between serum and synovial fluid in KBD patients(t = 0.69, 1.72, all P ＞0.05). Conclusion Serum and synovial fluid IL-2 and IFN-γare not significantly increased in KBD patients with articular damage, indicating that IL-2 and IFN-γare not involved in KBD joint injury.

AlM: To study the effects of different concentrations of Coix seed oil on human retinal capillary endothelial cells ( HRCECs ) proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) expression in high glucose environment.
METHODS: HRCECs extracted from human fresher eyeball and cultured in vitro, and ultimately used in the experiment were the growth of 3rd ~ 4th cells, the experimental were divided into blank control group, low glucose control group, high glucose control group, high glucose + ( 50ü L/mL, 100ü L/mL, 200ü L/mL ) different concentrations Coix seed oil group. Detecting the multiplication of HRCECs by MTT, the immunocytochemical method was employed to detect the each group HRCECs of VEGF expression.
RESULTS:MTT assay results showed that: different concentrations of coix seed oil acted at HRCECs for 48h, inhibition of cell proliferation was significant difference compared with high glucose control group (P<0. 05). Within 48h showed concentration dependence. There was no statistical difference between the low glucose group and high glucose control group (P>0. 05). lmmunocytochemical assay showed that:50ü L/mL, 100ü L/mL, 200ü L/mL Coix seed oil acted at HRCECs 48h, the expression of VEGF decreased significantly compared with the high glucose control group ( P< 0. 05 ), and in a dose- dependent manner. However, in high glucose control group, the expression of VEGF was obvious higher than that of low glucose control group (P<0. 05).
CONCLUSlON:Coix seed oil can inhibit the HRCECs proliferation and suppress the VEGF expression in high glucose environment.

Objective To establish a three- dimensional hindlimb gait data toolkit (THGT) for healthy and spinal cord injured (SCI) non-human primate (rhesus monkey) based on Matlab to realize upload of original data, automatic gait division, calculation and drawing of multiple gait parameters, etc. Methods Vicon system was used to collect three-dimensional hindlimb gait data of healthy and SCI (after 6 weeks) rhesus monkey to obtain the kinematics data of both hindlimbs in continuous strides. It was analyzed with THGT to process the gait division, calculation and drawing of multiple gait parameters. Results THGT read the data, distinguished cycles of gait, calculated 140 kinds of gait parameters and drew graphs of the results. Conclusion THGT extends the universality of the Vicon data, realizes automatically gait division and friendly interactive interface, and puts out the visible results.

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of double-balloon endoscopy for the diagnosis of small bowel Crohn disease(CD).MethodsData of 141 patients with suspected CD undergoing double-balloon endoscopy were reviewed.Diagnosis was made based on pathological,endoscopic findings and clinic follow-up results.Detection rates and diagnosis rates of small bowel CD were compared by double-balloon enteroscopy,CT enterography and capsule endoscopy.ResultsThe detection and diagnosis rates of small bowel CD by double-balloon endoscopy were 90.8％ ( 128/141 ) and 98.4％ ( 126/128),respectively.These two variables by CT enterography were 76.0％ (19/25) and 89.5％ (17/19),and those by capsule endoscopy were 60.0％ (15/25) and 93.3％ (14/15).ConclusionDouble balloon enteroscopy has high application value for the diagnosis of small bowel CD.For those contraindicated with endoscopy,CT enterography can be considered as a preferred auxiliary diagnostic modality.

OBJECTIVETo explore CT and MRI manifestations of the axial area peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNETs) in order to improve the knowledge of this disease.

METHODSThe clinical data of 10 patients with pPNETs underwent pathologically confirmed were retrospectively analyzed from October 2008 to May 2014. There were 7 males and 3 females, aged from 8 to 49 years old with median of 23.6 years. The preoperative multi-slice spiral CT scan was completed in 3 cases, plain CT scan and enhancement in 4 cases; MRI and enhancement scanning in 5 cases; and among them, 2 cases underwent both MRI and CT scan.

RESULTSIn-bone type was found 6 cases and out-bone type was found 4 cases. Three cases occurred in sacral vertebrae, 2 cases in lumbar vertebrae, 1 case in cervical vertebrae, 1 case in cervical spinal canal, 1 case in coccyx, 1 case in the right iliac bone, 1 case in presacral space. Cross sectional the smallest tumor maximum level was 1.1 cmx 1.2 cm in size, the biggest tumor was 8.0 cm x 9.2 cm, the median size was 4.4 cm x 5.7 cm, of them, the tumor of maximal diameter larger than 5 cm had 6 cases. Except 2 cases-without destruction of bone, the other 5 cases with osteolytic destruction, 2 cases with calcification, 1 case with mixed. Equidensite was main in CT scan, 1 case with uniform density, other 6 cases with uneven density,in which 3 cases with "floating ice" change; 1 case with moderate strengthening, other 3 cases with obviously strengthening, 2 cases with multiple small blood vessels in enhancement scanning. MRI of 5 cases showed the signal of isointensity on T1WI, the slightly high signal on T2WI and the signal was not uniform; after enhancement scan, the signal of 5 cases obviously enhanced. Two patients complicated with vertebral compression fractures, no periosteal reaction was found in all patients, and no the destruction of intervertebral disk was found in 5 patients of MRI scan.

CONCLUSIONThe axial area pPNETs is common among children and the youth, and the mass often is huge. The mass of in-bone type often envelopes the vertebral body, and main located on prevertebral space, all associated with bone destruction, osteolytic destruction is common, and primary vertebral bodies also is common, attachment primary or involvement is few found, it can involve the spinal canal and anterior wall of spinal canal is common, some cases complicate with multiple newly born small vessels. The mass of out-hone type in deep soft tissue is common, minority primary spinal canal, many complicated with vertebral bone destruction, osteolytic destruction was main. The intervertebral disk was not invaded and intervertebral space has not stenosis. CT scan offer complicate with "floating ice" sign, and in-bone type is common. Isointensity is main on MRI TlWI and slightly longer signal is main on MRI T2WI, strengthening signal is obvious.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the diagnostic value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

METHODSTwenty healthy volunteers and fifty patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent DTI in the Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Ningbo University from January 2014 to April 2015. Healthy volunteers served as controls. Fifty patients were divided into three groups (group A , B, C) according to cervical MRI scan standard. Group A (17 cases) had only the dura mater spinalis compressed; Group B (23 cases) showed the cervical spinal cord compressed, but no high signal in it; Group C (10 cases) had the cervical spinal cord compressed with high signal in the same level. The average apparent diffusion coefficients(ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA)values in these examinee were analyzed and all subjects were performed fiber tracking.

RESULTSThere was no statistically significant differences in ADC and FA values in C2/C3, C3/C4, C4/C5, C5/C6, C6/C7 of control group (P>0.05). The average ADC and FA values in control group were (0.875 +/- 0.096) x10(3) mm2/s and 0.720 +/- 0.051, respectively; compared with group A,there was no statistically significant difference; compared with group B and C, there was significant difference; comparison among group A, B, C, there was significant differences.

CONCLUSIONDTI can early and accurately quantify the changes of microstructure in cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Fiber tracking can show the damage range of spinal cord lesions.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Cervical Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Spondylosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the dynamic changes in CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells and Foxp3 expression in peripheral blood and brain tissues of rats after acute cerebral ischemia and explore their role in the pathophysiological evolution of acute ischemic stroke.

METHODSForty-eight Wistar rats were randomized equally into ischemia and sham-operated groups, and right middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in the former group. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells and Foxp3 expression, respectively, in the peripheral blood and brain tissue at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after modeling. The behavioral changes of the rats were evaluated using an improved NSS neurological functional scoring system.

RESULTSThe neurological function scores of the two groups both gradually declined after the operation, and showed significant differences between the two groups at all the time points of measurement (P<0.01). The CD4(+)CD25 T cells in the peripheral blood were similar between the two group at 1 and 3 days after the operation (P>0.05), but increased significantly in the ischemia group at 7 and 14 days (P<0.05) with an inverse correlation to the neurological scores (r=-0.68, P=0.01). Immunohistochemistry detected the presence of Foxp3 primarily in the ischemic region of the brain tissue 1 day after cerebral ischemia; the contralateral hemisphere also showed a small quantity of Foxp3 expression. No Foxp3 expression was detected in the brain tissue of the sham-operated group.

CONCLUSIONCD4(+)CD25 T regulatory cells participate in the inflammatory immune reactions as early as 1 day after acute cerebral ischemia in rats, which might be a protective mechanism of the brain cells.

Animals ; Brain ; metabolism ; Brain Ischemia ; immunology ; metabolism ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; immunology ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo develop a new drug of treating the hepatitis C virus by studing the mechanisms of songzhi pills.

METHODThe four-wee old mice and two-month old rats were chosen to induce interferon.

RESULTThe contents of interferon among the groups treated with songzhi pills were significantly higher than those of the normal group and the model group (P < 0.01),

CONCLUSIONSSongzhi pills may have the function of inducing interferon.

Animals ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Female ; Gardenia ; chemistry ; Interferon-gamma ; biosynthesis ; Male ; Mice ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Polyporales ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley