OBJECTIVEto investigate if the cartilaginous surface and corresponding osseous contour of the patellofemoral joint match in the axial plane for providing theoretical basis with evaluating alignment of patellofemoral joint and designing the part of patellofemoral joint in knee prosthesis.

METHODSfrom January 2009 to March 2010, 9 human cadaver knees were prepared, which chandra of patellofemoral joint didn't degenerate. Each specimen was sectioned in the axial plane at 20° to 30° knee flax. The cross-sections revealed characteristics in the bony anatomy and corresponding articular surface geometry of the patellofemoral joint in the axial plane. Evaluating parameters included osseous patella congruence angle (OPCA), chondral patella congruence angle (CPCA), patella chondral convex point parameter (PCCPP), patella subchondral osseous convex point parameter (PSOCPP), the parameters of the deepest (chondral or osseous) point of the intercondylar sulcus. After that, the osseous and cartilaginous contours and subchondral osseous contours of the patella in the axial plane were analyzed through MRI data of 11 patients who didn't degenerate in patellofemoral joint cartilage. Parameters as same as cadaver knees were compared.

RESULTSdata from specimens of OPCA was (-4.5 ± 1.1)°, CPCA was (0.5 ± 0.8)°, PCCPP was 1.13 ± 0.11, PSOCPP was 1.67 ± 0.14, PCDPIS was 1.35 ± 0.28, PODPIS was 1.38 ± 0.33. Date from MRI of OPCA was (-3.8 ± 1.4)°, CPCA was (0.7 ± 1.0)°, PCCPP was 1.05 ± 0.21, PSOCPP was 1.73 ± 0.18, PCDPIS was 1.41 ± 0.21, PODPIS was 1.37 ± 0.27. The patella exhibited significant differences in the bony vs. chondral anatomy (P < 0.05), but the intercondylar sulcus nearly match in the bony vs. chondral anatomy.

CONCLUSIONSthe cartilaginous surface and corresponding osseous contour of the patella don't match in the patellofemoral joint axial plane, but that of the trochlea nearly matches. This is very important for accurately evaluating alignment of patellofemoral joint because the normal osseous alignment of patellofemoral joint don't represent the normal alignment and helpful for designing the part of patellofemoral joint in knee prosthesis.

Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cartilage, Articular ; anatomy & histology ; Femur ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Patella ; anatomy & histology ; Patellofemoral Joint ; anatomy & histology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and its gene in rats with endotoxemia and explore the role of LBP in the response of host to endotoxin.

METHODSThirty Wistar rats were divided randomly into five groups: the normal group and the endotoxemia groups (1, 3, 6, 12 hours after LPS injection, respectively). The level of plasma endotoxin was determined by the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate assay. The expression of LBP mRNA in hepatic tissue was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Plasma levels of LBP, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphologic changes of hepatic tissue were observed under transmission electron microscope.

RESULTSThe level of plasma endotoxin peaked at 1 h after LPS injection, then declined, but was still higher than that of the normal group at 12 h; intrahepatic expression of LBP mRNA and plasma LBP increased with time after LPS stimulation; TNF-alpha and IL-6 in plasma increased with upregulation of LBP expression; there were significant differences between the normal group and endotoxemia groups (P<0.05). Activation of Kupffer cells and injury of hepatocytes could be seen in rats with endotoxemia.

CONCLUSIONSLPS can upregulate the intrahepatic expression of LBP mRNA and increase the plasma LBP level. Under certain conditions, LBP may enhance the sensitivity of host to the toxic effects of LPS.

Acute-Phase Proteins ; Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Endotoxins ; blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; Microscopy, Electron ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation

AIMTo study the relationship of neurotoxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and the function of glutamate transporter.

METHODSUsing in vivo microdialysis together with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to detect the alteration of glutamate in the striatum and extracellular fluid of the PC12 cell. The rate of apoptosis and the activity of PC12 cells are read in a flow cytometer and a photometer for enzyme-labeled assays. The function of glutamate transporter is decided by detecting the ability of L-[3H]-glutamate uptake.

RESULTS6-OHDA was shown to induce apoptosis and decrease the activity of PC12 cells. Increased release of glutamate was also found in PC12 cells and the injured striatum of the PD rats. But glutamate uptake in PC12 cells and rat striatum synaptosomes are inhibited obviously.

CONCLUSIONThe neurotoxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine is associated with declined function of glutamate transporters, which may be one important pathogenesis mechanisms of Parkinson's disease.

Amino Acid Transport System X-AG ; drug effects ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Corpus Striatum ; metabolism ; Glutamic Acid ; metabolism ; Male ; Oxidopamine ; toxicity ; PC12 Cells ; Parkinson Disease ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo use a new kind of fixing material, i.e. Sol-Gel organic-inorganic hybridized material to immobilize bacterium to detect Biochemical oxygen demand quickly.

METHODSThe biosensor was fabricated using a thin film in which Hansenula anomala was immobilized by sol-gel and an oxygen electrode. The optimum measurement for biochemical oxygen demand was at pH 7.0; 28 degrees C; response time 3 - 12 min. Pure organic compound, sewage and rate of recovery were detected with the biosensor.

RESULTSIt shows that the BOD biosensor can be used to detect many organic compounds such as amino acid, glucide. It is suitable to monitor sewage and industrial waste water which has low level alcohols and phenols. The microbial membrane can work 3 months and remain its 70% activity. It is measured that the rate of recovery of BOD is between 90% to 105% in sewage.

CONCLUSIONThe study confirmed the effectiveness and usefulness of BOD sensor, which is quick, convenient, low cost and reliable with little interference.

Bacteria ; Biosensing Techniques ; instrumentation ; Cells, Immobilized ; Gels ; Membranes, Artificial ; Nylons ; Oxygen ; analysis ; Sewage ; analysis ; microbiology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy of tamsulosin and solifenacin for mild and moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODSWe randomly divided 166 patients with BPH and concomitant OAB into a mild obstruction symptom group (n = 88) and a moderate obstruction symptom group (n =78), 48 of the former group treated with 0. 2 mg tamsulosin + 5 mg solifenacin and the other 40 with 0. 2 mg tamsulosin; 36 of the latter group treated with 0. 2 mg tamsulosin + 5 mg solifenacin and the other 42 with 0. 2 mg tamsulosin, all administered once daily for 12 weeks. We obtained the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), urine storage period symptom score (USPSS), voiding symptom score (VSS), Qmax, residual urine volume, OAB symptom score (OABSS) and adverse reactions, and compared them among different

RESULTSAmong the patients with mild obstruction symptoms, the combination of tamsulosin and solifenacin achieved remark-groups. able improvement in IPSS, USPSS, Qmax and OABSS as compared with the baseline (P < 0.05), but made no significant difference in the residual urine volume (P > 0. 05) , while tamsulosin improved IPSS only (P < 0.05). The combination therapy exhibited an obvious superiority over tamsulosin alone in improving IPSS (9.7 micro 3.0 vs 15.8 micro 3.3), USPSS (8. 1 micro 1.7 vs 12.3 micro 3.1), Qmax ([18.6 micro 2.3] ml/s vs [14.2 micro 2.3] ml/s ), and OABSS (5.3micro 1.3 vs 9.7 micro 2.7) (P < 0.05), but there were no obvious differences in residual urine, urine routine test results and adverse events between the two therapies ( P > 0. 05). In those with moderate obstruction symptoms, the combination therapy significantly improved IPSS, VSS, Qmax and OABSS (P < 0.05) but not the residual urine (P > 0. 05) in comparison with the baseline. The tamsulosin therapy achieved obvious improvement in IPSS, VSS, Qmax, OABSS and residual urine. The combination therapy showed a better effect than tamsulosin only in OABSS (4. 8 +/-1.5 vs 6.5 +/-2.5, P < 0.05), but no significant differences from the latter in IPSS, Qmax, VSS, routine urine test results, and adverse

CONCLUSIONCombination therapy of tamsulosin and solifenacin is obviously safe and efficacious in the treatment (P > 0.05). events of both mild and moderate BPH with concomitant OAB, and it is superior to tamsulosin alone.

Aged ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; complications ; drug therapy ; Quinuclidines ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Solifenacin Succinate ; Sulfonamides ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Tetrahydroisoquinolines ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive ; complications ; drug therapy

To compare the differences on current ethical issues in the areas of epidemiological practice between China and America,to identify the major ethical problems existing in the epidemiological studies in China.Through searching and reviewing papers published on Chinese Journal of Epidemiology and American Journal of Epidemiology from Jan.2006 to Dec.2010,we made a comparison on ethical issues involved in the original studies that focusing on human beings.In total,749 Chinese articles and 1221 American articles were recruited,with the following findings: (1)The proportion with announcements of “Informed consent by the subjects” was 29.24％ in Chinese literature and 38.08％ in the Americans (x2=16.02,P＜0.001 ).The proportion with “having had approvals from the ethic committees” was 29.24％ in Chinese,while 38.08％ in American ( x2=604.40,P＜ 0.0001 ).(2) Both in China and America,there had been an increase of ethical issues in the last 5 years.(3)Articles derived from trial studies had better involvement on ethics than those from observational studies.(4) The level on ethical issues in the American Research Institutes exceeded those in China (5)American studies also had showed better ideas on Ethic issues on biological specimens collection and privacy protection,than those in Chinese studies.Among the studies on Chinese Journal of Epidemiology,the proportion of ‘informed consent' was higher than in ethical review,but both ethical review and awareness on ‘informed consent' had left far behind than the American Journal of Epidemiology.This could be seen at the institution level of the writers,during specimen collection and privacy protection,as well as at the overall level.The results reminded us that the Departments of Technology Management should spend more efforts on the improvement of public education regarding ethics for researchers and to update the process of edition for Journals as well as to reinforce the rules of ethics in epidemiological research.

The rapid development of the Chinese economy and the continuous advancement of urbanization have made the problem of air pollution more prominent,which may have an impact on people's health.In recent years,a large number of studies have emerged in the academic community both domestically and internationally.Many cohort studies have shown that during pregnancy,the surrounding air pollutants are relatively high,which may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.So now people are paying more attention to the impact of air pollutants on the health of pregnant women or fetuses.This article provides a brief review of the impact of atmospheric pollutants on some adverse pregnancy outcomes and their possible biological mechanisms.

Objective To study the antidepressant effect of Zhizhukuanzhong Capsules on animal model of depression. Methods The tests of forced swimming, tail suspension, antagonism of reserpine and accentuation of 5-HTP in mice and chronic stress in rats were carried out to observe the antidepressant effect of Zhizhukuanzhong Capsules. Results Zhizhukuanzhong Capsules (1. 106 g/kg) shortened the dead time of tail suspension and forced swimming in mice. Zhizhukuanzhong Capsules in different doses resisted the descent of body temperature induced by the injection of reserpine after one hour, while in dose of 1.106 g/kg increased the frequency of head flick in mice. In chronic stress rats the horizontal movement was improved by Zhizhukuanzhong Capsules in dose of 0.774 g/kg, glycotropic degree was increased in dose of 0.774 g/kg or 0. 387 g/kg, serum content of corticosterone was reduced, and the expression of 5HT1A receptor was promoted. Conclusion Zhizhukuanzhong Capsules has antidepressant effect and can relieve the depressant behaviors of animals. The mechanism may be related to that it improves 5HT neuron transmission and inhibits the secretion of adrenocortical hormones.

Objective To provide the basis for clinical acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) surveillance and to avoid cross infection in hospital,we study the infection status of AIDS in Shandong province.Methods The fourth-generated Akzo's ELISA kit and the fourth generated Immunoluminometric detection reagent were used for HIV antibody screening for 399 303 cases of both inpatients and outpatients from Jan.2003 to Dec.2011.Beijing WanTai ELISA kit and Se-marked rapid detection reagent were used for re-detection,and the positive samples were sent to the local CDC for confirming test by Western Blot.Results The HIV-1 antibody detection results of 129 (0.3230‰)patients were confirmed to be positive,including 54 (0.1352‰) cases of outpatients and 75 (0.1878‰)cases of inpatients.HIV infection rates in outpatients from 2003 to 2011 were 0.050‰,0.030‰,0.111‰,0.120‰,0.124‰,0.113‰,0.148‰,0.201‰,0.2152‰; and that in inpatients were 0.150‰,0.089‰,0.138‰,0.144‰,0.104‰,0.132‰,0.197‰,0.329‰,0.313‰ respectively.Among these inpatients,there were 61 cases of medical patients and 14 cases of surgical patients,and most were youths and farmers.Conclusions HIV infection rate was increasing year by year.Most inpatients whose HIV-1 antibody was positive were in the phase of AIDS.Therefore,it's very necessary to execute routine testing for inpatients and outpatients who need special examination for early diagnosis of HIV infection.