Objective To observe and scale knee joint space of the patients who suffered adults' Kaschin-Beck disease (KBD) in Shangzhi City of Heilongjiang Province in order to acquire basic knowledge for upcoming intervention trial. Methods Clinical test was proceeded in adults aged above 40 in Guanghui Village of Shangzhi City in 2007. In typical patients, bilateral knee X-ray was taken and knee joint space was scaled. Three points were chosen on inner and outer epicondyle of each knee and results were recorded. Results There were 307 peoples over the age of 40 in the village. Two hundred eighty-two accepted clinical test, in a rate of 91.9%. Eighty out of 282 suffered KBD, accounting for 28.4%. When the patients' condition became more serious, measurements from flank, middle, inside points on outer epicondyle of joint space presented a narrowing trend [degree Ⅰ: (5.85±0.17), (4.84±0.17), (4.36±0.18)mm; degree Ⅱ: (5.11±0.43), (4.24±0.34), (3.48±0.28)nun; degree Ⅲ: (3.59± 0.78), (3.10±0.56), (2.14±0.62)mm; Fflank,middle,inside= 6.547,5.372,10.302, all P < 0.05], but those on inner epicondyle of joint space did not[degree Ⅰ:(3.66±0.17), (3.47±0.17), (3.73±0.18)mm; degree Ⅱ:(3.55± 0.34), (3.54±0.29), (4.35±0.35)mm; degree Ⅲ: (3.19±0.72), (3.92±0.66), (4.51±0.72)ram; Finside,middle,flank= 0.351,0.356,1.883, all P > 0.05]. Joint space < 5.00 mm were found in 618, among which 363 were measured on inner epieondyle, obviously greater than those measured on outer epicondyle of joint space(255), the difference being statistically signifieant(χ2=9.59, P<0.05). Conclusions Adult cases of KBD occur in Guanghui Village. Knee joint space of adult patients narrows obviously, the more serious, the narrower, especially occurring more obviously on outer epicondyle, but frequently on inner epicondyle.

Objective To investigate clinical characteristics of smear- or culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in patients hospitalized at a general hospital to improve its diagnosis. Methods Clinical data of smear- or culture-positive pulmonary TB diagnosed in 50 patients hospitalized at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing during 2006 to 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Seventeen (34%) of 50 cases of smear- or culture-positive pulmonary TB aged more than 60 years, with 30 males (32%), 16 retirees and nine farmers (18%). Their main symptoms included fever (80%), cough (94%) and sputum expectoration (92%), with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in 38 of 45 patients (84%). Chest X-ray examinations showed that lesions located mostly in the upper lobes or in both of the lungs diffusedly, with patchy infiltrations, nodular opacities and cavities. Acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated on sputum smear in 41 ( 82% ) and in specimens of six ( 12% ) cases obtained through bronchoscopy with brush or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ( BALF), and M. Tuberculosis was cultured from sputum specimens in three (6%). Mean time interval between admission and diagnoses averaged 14 days.Conclusions Basic knowledge about prevention and control of pulmonary tuberculosis should be publicized comprehensively in general hospital keeping alert in its diagnosis with acid-fast staining for sputum smear as a routine test for patients with respiratory symptoms, and in some cases, bronchoscopy procedures ( brush or BALF) are reasonable options to improve its detection.

Objective To analyze the relationship between HBsAg level and HBV DNA level as well as illness severity in patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).Methods One hundred and nineteen patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB group) and 98 patients with ACLF(ACLF group) were enrolled.HBsAg and HBeAg were assayed with Roche electrochemical luminescence method.HBV DNA was quantified using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.HBsAg and HBV DNA levels were compared between two groups and between HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients in ACLF group respectively,also the correlationbetween HBsAg and HBV DNA was studied.Results The proportions of HBeAg-negative patients were 68.4％(67/98) and 42.9％(51/119) in ACLF group and CHB group respectively,and there was significant difference between two groups (P ＜0.01).There was no significant difference in HBV DNA between two groups (P ＞ 0.05).HBV DNA in HBeAg-positive patients was higher than that in HBeAg-negative patients in two groups(P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in HBsAg between HBeAg-positive patients and HBeAg-negative patients in ACLF group (P ＞ 0.05 ),but they were higher than that in HBeAg-positive patients in CHB group (P＜ 0.05).HBsAg was correlated to ALT,AST in HBeAg-positive patients (P ＜ 0.05).No significant correlation was found among HBsAg and HBV DNA as well as biochemical changes (P＞ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the ratio of different HBsAg levels among the patients of different HBV DNA in ACLF group (P＞ 0.05).Conclusion The level of HBsAg does not directly correlate with serum HBV DNA level,and has no directly correlation with the severity of the disease in patients with HBV-related ACLF.

Objective To study the clinical, radiologic and pathologic characteristics and diagnostic methods of telangiectatic osteosarcoma for further improving the diagnostic ability.Methods The data of 10 patients with histologically proved telangiectatic osteosarcomas were retrospectively reviewed, and the clinical, radiologic and pathologic characteristics were further analysed in combination with the literature.All 10 patients were examined with X-ray and MRI, and 2 patients with CT.Results Telangiectatie osteosarcomas originated from inferior femur in 5 patients, femur neck in 1 patients, superior humerus in 2 patients and superior segment of tibia in 2 patients.The lesions showed osteolytic bone destruction on X-ray films (n = 10) and CT images ( n = 2), with mild bone expansion in 4 patients.The majority of the edge of the destroyed bone areas was unclear but without sclerotic rim.There were Codman's triangle and soft tissue mass in each patient but no obvious neoplastic bone forming.On MRI, all the lesions were mostly or completely constituted by the multiple cysts with periostnal reaction, and several scatteredly smaller liquid-liquid levels were found within cystic cavity in 7 patients.In all 10 cases, there were pathologic hemocoele similar to aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC), but malignant tumor cells and some neoplastic bones were found in cystic walls or septations.Only a small number of neoplastic bone tissue were seen by microscopy in 6 patients.Conclusions The radio-pathologic characteristics of telangiectatic osteosarcoma include the similar imaging findings of ABC, the common growth patterns of malignant tumors,and the pathologic hemocoele, malignant tumor cells within cystic wails or septations.The comprehensive analysis of clinical, radiologic and pathological data may help clinicans to make a correct diagnosis for telangiectatic nsteosareoma.

BACKGROUND: Surface roughness of implants can directly influence cellular proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression. OBJECTIVE: To observe the early attachment of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) to pure titanium with different surface roughness levels, and to study the effect of surface performance on cell differentiation. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Randomized controlled observation/multi-sample comparison study, which was performed at Center of Science and Technology, Gannan Medical College between January 2005 and July 2006. MATERIALS: Pure titanium stick was cut into pieces, of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness, using cutting-off machine, and there were 24 sections in total. Then, the titanium sections were randomly divided into four groups: simple mechanical processing, nitric acid processing, sand blasting processing, and combination group, with 6 sections per group. METHODS: TR240 portable-type surface roughness meter was used in this study. In the simple mechanical processing group, sections were scoured by sand paper alone; in the nitric acid processing group, sections were etched with 65% HNO3 for 1 hour at 100 ℃ after scoured by sand paper; in the sand blasting processing group, sections were sandblasted by 100 μ m AI203 after scoured by sand paper; in the combination group, sections were etched with 65% HNO3 for I hour at 100～C after scoured by sand paper and sandblasted by 100 μ m Al2O3. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Samples were maintained in DMEM for 30 minutes, and the third-passage cells were inoculated. Then, titanium sections were taken out at different time points of 30, 60, 120, 240 minutes, 1, 3, and 7 days. Surface roughness and early attachment of PDLCs were detected under fluorescent microscope. RESULTS: O Quantitative analysis: Surface roughness was (599.5±8.3) nm in the simple mechanical processing group, (406.5 +4.6) nm in the nitric acid processing group, (358.8±11.8) nm in the sand blasting processing group, and (8.7±2.0) nm in the combination group. On the other hand, surface roughness in the simple mechanical processing group was significantly higher Fluorescence observation exhibited that number of PDLCs attaching to pure titanium surface was increased, and the proliferation was greater with the time passing by. in addition, surface roughness of pure titanium was positively associated with number of PDLCs. CONCLUSION: The lighter the surface roughness is, the more the early attachment of PDLCs is, benefiting for cell adhesion and proliferation.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the incidence of two-rooted mandibular premolar morphology using full-mouth periapical film series in a Chinese population, with particular emphasis on bilateral incidence, so as to provide a clinical anatomical basis for root canal treatment in mandibular premolars.

METHODSA total of 2015 patients who underwent dental treatment and had full mouth periapical radiographs at the Peking University School of Stomatology from April 2011 to April 2012 were enrolled in this study. Three experienced dentists reviewed the patients' periapical films and classified the root morphology of mandibular premolars bilaterally. The incidence of unilateral and bilateral double roots were recorded and calculated, including confirmed and suspected bucco-lingual root types.

RESULTSIn terms of the morphology of two-rooted mandibular first premolars, of the 2015 cases with complete root formation, two-rooted first premolars were detected in 120 cases, with a total number of 159 teeth. According to the number of teeth, the overall incidence of double roots was 4.03% (159/3972). In terms of the morphology of two-rooted mandibular second premolars, of the 2015 cases with complete root formation, two-rooted second premolars were detected in 24 cases, with a total number of 33 teeth. According to the number of teeth, the overall incidence of double roots was 0.85% (33/3880).

CONCLUSIONSThe roots of mandibular premolars display specific morphological patterns. Based on a large sample, we observed and calculated not only the occurrence rate of bucco-lingual and mesio-distal double roots in first and second mandibular premolars, but also the incidence of unilateral or bilateral double roots within the same mandible. These findings could provide useful information on the anatomical structure of mandibular premolars for endodontic, prosthodontic and surgical procedures, and could improve the quality of treatment and reduce complications.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bicuspid ; abnormalities ; Child ; Humans ; Mandible ; Middle Aged ; Periapical Tissue ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiography ; Tooth Root ; abnormalities

Objective To learn the existing state of Keshan disease and its trend in Baoji City,and to provide a scientific basis for control of the disease.Methods Feng,Qianyang,Linyou and Long Counties,the Keshan disease affected areas were selected to carry out the case study,and Keshan cases were searched from all registered cases of myocardial patients of the past three years at county-level medical institutions and hospitals of townships(towns).Thirteen villages affected by Keshan disease in Qianyang,Fengxiang,Feng,Linyou and Long Counties were selected as monitoring points to carry out a intensified monitoring.All subjects were surveyed by comprehensive clinical physical examination and 12-lead ECG tracings,and they were diagnosed according to the Keshan disease diagnostic criteria.Ten households were selected randomly in each monitoring point(village),and self-produced wheat samples and adult subject's occipital hair samples were collected for detecting selenium levels.Results Seven hundred and forty-six cardiac cases which containing 17 cases of chronic Keshan disease were discovered in 32 medical institutions,and there were no acute and subacute type of Keshan disease patients.Five thousand seven hundred and twenty-three subjects were examined in the 13 monitoring sites,and 65 cases of Keshan disease were diagnosed which including 17 cases of slow and 48 cases of potential Keshan disease,and no acute or subacute case was found.The total detection rate was 1.14％,and the detection rate ranged from 0 to 2.86％.Hair selenium mean was 0.420 mg/kg; wheat selenium mean was 0.079 mg/kg.Conclusions The Keshan disease detection rate of Baoji City is at a low level.The selenium level of local residents has reached the level of non-endemic area.Constant detection of patient with Keshan disease means various control measures should be reinforced.The comprehensive monitoring program,such as monitoring people's in vivo and in vitro selenium level and others,should be established as soon as possible.

Objective:To explore the proportions of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood and levels of IL-17,IL-23 in the serum of patients with Graves′disease ( GD ) and their clinical significance.Methods: We studied 29 patients with GD ( GD group ) , and reevaluated the GD group after therapy ( euthyroid GD group ).29 gender-and age-matched volunteers were selected as the normal control ( NC group).The proportions of Th17 cells were investigated by flow cytometry.The levels of IL-23,IL-17 in the serums were measured by ELISA.The levels of FT3,FT4,TSH were determined by ECLIA and the levels of TrAb were tested by RRA.Results:There were no significant difference among 3 study groups in sex and age match ( F=0.0075 , P>0.05;χ2=0.4213 , P>0.05 ).The proportions of Th17 cells and the levels of IL-17 , IL-23 were increased in the GD and euthyroid GD patients compared with the control group (respectively,P<0.05).The proportions of Th17 cells and the concentrations of IL-23 in euthyroid GD group were significantly lower than those of GD group ( respectively , P<0.05 ) , but there were no significance in the concentrations of IL-17 between euthyroid GD group and GD group(P>0.05).Correlation analysis revealed that the proportions of Th17 cells ,and the levels of IL-17,IL-23 were positively correlated with the levels of FT3,FT4,TrAb(r=0.588 2,0.337 2,0.371 0;0.549 6,0.287 5,0.342 7;0.361 0,0.420 8, 0.330 8;P<0.05 ,for all parameters ) ,and were negatively correlated with the levels of TSH ( r=-0.319 7 ,-0.472 8 ,-0.428 2;P<0.05,for all parameters).Conclusion:Th17 cells and their related cytokines IL-17,IL-23 are highly expressed in the serum of patients with GD.Th17 cells and their relative cytokines have certain relevance with 4 thyroid function parameters of the patients with GD , which can be used as biological markers for GD.

BACKGROUND:There are few studies concerning estrogen receptorβgene, and its mechanism of regulating the bone metabolism is stil unclear now. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the effect of estrogen receptorβ(ERβ) silencing on the expressions of transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) in human osteoblasts METHODS:There were three groups:blank control group (hFOB 1.19 uninfected with any retrovirus);negative control group (containing invalid interference fragment ERβ-shRNA-nc);optimal RNAi group (ERβ-shRNA-3). ERβ-shRNA retroviral vectors in the optimal RNAi group were used to transfect human osteoblasts fol owed by resistance screening and cel expansion. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferative activity of ERβ-silenced osteoblasts. Then under estrogen intervention, the stable inhibition rate of ERβwas determined using western blot assay, and the expressions of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 in human osteoblasts after ERβsilencing were detected by RT-PCR technology and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Human osteoblasts that were stably transfected by ERβ-shRNA-3 retroviral vector was selected successful y, and ERβsilencing had no significant influence on the cel proliferation (P>0.05). Under the interference of estrogen, the silencing efficiency of ERβprotein was (93.11±0.57)%(P<0.05), and after ERβsilencing, the expressions of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 were increased by (26.65±3.81)%and (16.62±1.71)%at mRNA level, and increased by (23.79±3.76)%and (18.08±3.20)%at protein level (both P<0.05). In conclusion, ERβmay play an important role in bone metabolism by regulating the expressions of TGF-β1 and BMP-2.

Objective To investigate the incidence and risk factors of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infected patients after antiretroviral therapy (ART).Methods The demographic and clinical data of HIV-HCV coinfected patients in Zhongnan Hospital,Wuhan University and local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from Jan 2003 to Dec 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. Single factor and multiple factor Logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation between the variables and incidence of ESLD,such as baseline age ≥40,male,previous blood transfusion history,duration of HCV persistent infection,hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection (HBsAg positive),HIV RNA≥-1 ×104 copy/mL at last visit,HCV RNA≥ 1.× 105 copy/mL at last visit,CD4 count ＞ 200 / μL at last visit,alanine aminotranferase (ALT) ≥ 2 × upper limit normal (ULN) at last visit,ART containing nevirapine (NVP),follow-up duration,ART duration＞5 years and HCV genotype 1b.The effect of ESLD on the survival of HIV-HCV co-infected patients was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method.Results Totally 427 HIV-HCV co-infected patients were followed up with average of 3.7 years. Fifty-five patients (12.9％) developed ESLD,and 52 patients (12.2％) died.Factors independently associated with ESLD included baseline age≥40 (OR=2.385,P=0.039),ALT ≥2× ULN (OR=16.374,P=0.000),HBV-coinfection (OR=2.507,P=0.042),duration of ART ＞ 5 years (OR=3.232,P=0.010),and CD4 count ≥200/μL (OR=0.364,P=0.011).The cumulative mortality of HIV-HCV co-infected patients with ESLD was 50.9％,whereas that of HIV-HCV co-infected patients without ESLD was 6.5％ (P=0.000).Conclusion In the ART era,ESLD is common among HIV-HCV co-infected patients in China,which is responsible for reducing the survival time of the patients.