Objective To observe the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) in the progress of rat subchronic fluorosis,and analyse the mechanism of nitric oxide(NO) free radical injnry in bone.Methods Male wistar rats were divided randomly by body weight into two groups.i.e.sodium fluoride group and control group.Sodium fluoride group was given drinking water with 150 mg/L sodium fluoride,and control group was given tap water only.The animals were bred for 24 weeks.Every four weeks some rats were killed.The contents of serum and bone fluoride were examined and analyzed.The levels of serum NO were determined by Griess Reagent.The expressions of iNOS mRNA and protein were analyzed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.Results The serum NO contents significantly increased(t=9.36,P＜0.01) in NaF-treated rats after 8 weeks[(19.94±3.04)nmol/L],but significantly decreased(t=10.47,4.46,P＜0.01) after 20 weeks[(11.55±3.54)nmol/L]and 24 weeks[(20.83±2.49)nmol/L],compared with control group[(9.11±1.21,31.13±3.93,33.10±7.37)nmol/L].The expression of iNOS mRNA significantly increased(t=13.09,4.82,14.23,4.64,7.82,5.29,P＜0.01)in rats treated with sodium fluoride[(1.87±0.11),(1.87±0.78),(1.90±0.29),(1.93±0.67),(1.88±0.38),(1.84±0.03)],compared with control group[(0.41±0.25),(0.30±0.17),(0.18±0.06),(0.63±0.15),(0.66±0.04),(0.65±0.55)],and these proteins mainly appeared in hyperplasie zone and hypertrophic zone cells of epiphyseal plate,cartilages,articular cartilage cells,osteoblasts and ligament cells.Conclusions High dose fluoride might persistentlv induce the expressions of iNOS and catalyze synthesis of NO,then regulates osteoblast and osteoclast activitv and finally influences bone turnover.

Objective To observe the expressions of matrix metal proteinases-13(MMP-13) mRNA and tissue inhibitor of metal protease- 1 (TIMP- 1) mRNA and analyse the molecular mechanism of bone matrix degradation in the progress of rat subchronic fluorosis. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups according to body weight, i.e. sodium floride group and control group. Rats in the sodium fluoride group were given drinking water containing 150 mg/L F-, and the animals in the control group were given tap water. The animals were bred for 24 weeks. Every 4 weeks some rats were killed. The change of obsteoclst was observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of MMP-13 mRNA and TIMP-I mRNA were analyzed by RT-PCR. Results The number of lysesome and the synthesis of lysosoma enzyme in osteeclast were decreased. The expression of MMP-13 mRNA was significantly increased(t=2.29,2.41,3.07,2.52, 3.15,2.22, P<0.05) in rats treated with sodium fluoride (1.87±0.67,1.87±0.75,1.90±0.73,1.93±0.86,1.88±0.61,1.84±0.53), compared with control group(1.24±0.39, 1.19±0.27,1.07±0.22, I. 15 ~ 0.17, 1.17±0.18, 1.20±0.62). The expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was significantly increased (t=2.69,2.19,2.68,2.46,2.43,2.96, P<0.05) in rats treated with sodium fluoride(1.89±0.77,1.70±0.85,1.61±0.82,1.81±0.84,1.70±0.74, 2.06±0.96), compared with control group (1.07±0.39,0.87±0.49,0.71±0.48,0.99±0.43,0.95±0.46,0.89±0.57). Conclusion High dose fluoride might persistently induce the expressions of MMP-13 mRNA and TIMP-1 mRNA and may be involved in bone turnover.

Objective To provide a basis for preventive strategies to national drinking-water-borne endemic arsenicosis through mastering the implementing progress of preventive measures and observing the dynamic changes.Methods Surveillances were carried out according to the provisions and requirements of The Surveillance Project for National Drinking-Water-Borne Endemic Arsenicosis(Trial).Total of 11 provinces(autonomous regions) and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps were selected as the surveillance provinces (autonomous regions).Endemic arsenicosis villages with exposed population over 100 persons were chosen as monitoring villages in each province,81 villages in 2010 and 89 villages in 2011 were selected.Potential endemic arsenicosis villages with exposed population over 100 persons were included; 26 villages in 2010 and 19 villages in 2011 were selected.The operation of water-improving projects was investigated,the arsenic content in water from resident house was tested in potential endemic arsenicosis villages and the prevalence of endemic arsenicosis based on the residents who lived in monitoring villages was surveyed:Results ①Total of 225 water-improving projects in 45 counties were monitored,1349 villages were covered and 72.66 million persons were benefited in 2010.Total of 233 waterimproving projects in 48 counties were monitored,1576 villages were covered and 84.61 million persons were benefited in 2011.②)Total of 107 villages with high level of water arsenic were investigated and 81 villages had improved the water quality in these villages in 2010.The water-improving projects running normally reached 90.12％(73/81),intermittent operation rate was 9.88％ (8/81) and without abandoned projects.The projects with qualified water reached 86.42％ (70/81).Total of 108 villages with high level of water arsenic were investigated and 89 villages with water improved in 2011.Normally operated projects reached 86.52％ (77/89),intermittent operation rate was 11.24％ (10/89)and abandoned projects was 2.25％ (2/89).The projects with qualified water arsenic level reached 82.02％(73/89).In addition,26 villages without water-improvement were investigated in 2010,and the families with high level of water arsenic reached 66.01％(371/562).Total of 19 villages were surveyed in 2011,and the families with high level of arsenic reached 54.99％(204/371).③Total of 23 964 persons were examined in villages with improved water in 2010,the detection rate of patients with endemic arsenicosis was 4.43％ (1061/23 964),3964 persons were examined in the villages without water-improvement and the detection rate was 5.98％(237/3964),two new cases were diagnosed.Total of 25 225 persons were examined in villages with waterimproved,the detection rate was 4.68％(1181/25 225),3145 persons were examined in the villages without waterimprovement,and the detection rate was 2.26％(71/3145) in 2011,none new case was detected.Conclusions It is not optimistic about the operating status and quality of water-improving projects.The prevalence in water-improved villages remains higher than that in water-unimproved villages.The long-term mechanism of surveillance should be established and perfected as soon as possible,and the management and maintenance of water-improving projects also should be strengthened.

Objective To investigate the effect of aluminum on hair loss induc ed by fluoride in fluorosis mice.Methods Sixty male C57BL mice were divided into four groups according to body mass:control group,fluoride (F) group (F-100 mg/L),aluminum(Al) group(Al3+ 270 mg/L) and F + Al group(F-100 mg/L + Al3+270 mg/L).Mice were killed 1 month and 3 months after the experiment,respectively.Bone F content was detected by ion-selective electrode method.The level of bone Al was measured through inductively coupled plasma emission spectrum.Dental fluorosis and hair loss of mice were evaluated by visual method.Results One month after the experiment,no dental fluorosis and hair loss was found in all four groups.The content of bone F was the highest in F group [(2401.649 + 86.835) mg/kg],and the lowest in A1 group [(427.006 + 11.878) mg/kg].The levels of bone F in F + Al group and control group were (1210.332 + 19.531)mg/kg and (538.001 + 33.337)mg/kg,respectively.The difference was statistically significant between any two groups (all P ＜ 0.05).Three month after the experiment,all mice of F treatment group had dental fluorosis and hair loss(10/10).Alopecia areas were found in the neck and back regions only.There was no hair loss in control group,Al group and F + Al group.No dental fluorosis was found in both control and Al groups.Only 2 mice were found with dental fluorosis in F + Al group.The levels of bone F in F group,F + Al group,control group and Al group were (4098.645 + 58.842),(1888.165 ± 12.187),(876.258 + 14.462) and (662.385 ± 8.966) mg/kg,respectively.The difference was statistically significant between any two groups (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The hair loss is found in fluorosis mice.Hair loss of mice is closely associated with the level of F exposure.Al can prevent the occurrence of hair loss induced by F in mice through reducing the accumulation of F.

Objective To grasp the operation quality of the water-improving projects for lowing fluoride level and to grasp the prevalence trend of fluorosis in drinking-water-borne fluorosis affected areas in China.Methods According to theSurveillance Scheme of Drinking-Water-Borne Endemic Fluorosis(Trial),314 counties were selected as monitoring counties in 2010 and 2011,respectively.Ten water-improving projects were randomly selected in each monitoring county every year.For each project,the operating condition was investigated and the fluoride level of tap water was determined.For each village,the fluoride level in drinking water was determined and the prevalence of dental fluorosis of all pupils aged 8-12 were surveyed.Dental fluorosis was diagnosed according to Dean method.Results ①A total of 1381 water-improving projects were monitored in 2010,among which normal operating projects accounted for 93.19％ (1287/1381) and those with qualified fluoride level accounted for 76.32％ (1054/1398).A total of 1408 water-improving projects were monitored in 2011.Normal operating projects accounted for 94.74％(1334/1408) and those with qualified fluoride level accounted for 79.26％ (1116/1408).②Total 319 villages with water-improving projects were monitored in 2010,and the number in 2011 was 327.The qualification rate of water fluoride content for 2010 and 2011 were 73.35％ (234/319) and 73.70％ (241/327),respectively.Total 84 villages without water-improving projects were monitored in 2010,and the number in 2011 was 88.Villages with fluoride level ＞ 1.2-2.0 mg/L,＞ 2.0-4.0 mg/L,and ＞ 4.0 mg/L in 2010 accounted for 47.62％ (40/84),42.86％ (36/84),and 9.52％ (8/84),respectively.The proportion in 2011 was 52.27％(46/88),38.64％(34/88),and 9.09％(8/88),respectively.③The detectable rates of dental fluorosis of children aged 8-12 in 2010 and 2011 were 26.97％(4347/16 119) and 24.98％(4027/16 123),respectively.In the monitored villages,the water-improving projects were under normal operation and fluoride content in water was qualified.And the rates for villages with water-improving projects under abnormal operation or fluoride content in water unqualified in 2010 and 2011 were 44.09％ (1721/3903) and 41.86％ (2188/5227),respectively.While the rates for villages without water-improving projects in 2010 and 2011 were 46.08％ (2802/6081) and 45.51％ (2804/6161),respectively.Conclusions The national normal operation rates of water-improving projects for lowing fluoride level are between 93％ and 95％.The qualification rate of fluoride content in drinking water is lower than 80％.The operation condition and water quality of the water-improving projects in China need to be improved.The prevalence of children dental fluorosis of affected villages has dropped significantly after low fluoride water is provided continuously.

Objective To establish a new determination method for the measuring of alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) with p-acetyl phenyl phosphace (PAP-PNa_2) as substrate.Methods With the help of Vital semiautomatic analyzer,researched a continuous-monitoring procedure and set up experimental parameters.Results When using this assay,the wavelength of PAP's absorption was 325 nm and the Km of ALP was 0.376 mmol/L.The molecular extinction coefficient of PAP at 340 nm was 23 390 L?mol~(-1)? cm~(-1) and the concentration of citrate buffer was 0.438 mol/L.During the process,we found that the optimum pH of enzyme was 10.4,and the concentration of substrate was 5.0 mmol/L.The time of linear reaction was 900 seconds,and the linear range was 0-1 110 U/L.Serum total ALP were 63.1-118.3 U/ L(male) and 52.5-89.0 U/L(female),based on results from 60 heath adults.Conclusions The method is practical in its repetition and convenience,saves time and is not liable to be affected by bilirubin in serum.It is especially suited to the use of automatic analyzers.

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the effect of intervertebral carbon fiber cages in the treatment of degenerated lumbar disorders.

METHODSOne hundred and twelve patients of degenerated lumbar disease were analyzed retrospectively with regard to the effect of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using intervertebral carbon fiber cage.

RESULTSIn the 112 patients, disc height was 7 mm (3 to 11 mm) on average before operation and 11.2 mm (8 - 14 mm) after operation. Cobb angle was 32 degrees (21 degrees to 42 degrees ) on average before operation and 18.9 degrees (13 degrees to 21 degrees ) after operation. After follow-up for 7.8 months (4 to 13 months) on average, all operative disc spaces showed solid arthrodesis through X-ray images. Disc height was 10.9 mm (8 - 14 mm) on average, and Cobb angle was 18.5 degrees (13 degrees to 21 degrees ) on average. During the follow-up, endplate absorbing, pseudo-articulation, cage displacement, subsidence, and breaking were not found.

CONCLUSIONImplantation of intervertebral carbon fiber cages is an effective method for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. Accurate indications and skilled techniques are required to avoid complication.

Aged ; Carbon ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Diseases ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To assess mucin gene expression in Barrett's esophagus.Methods Mucin core protein-MUC1,MUC2,MUC3,MUCSAC and MUC6 were detected by immunohistochemistry.The re- lationship between mucin expression and magnification-endoscopic characteristics,pathohistologic epithelial types of Barrett's esophagus was analyzed.Results Mild expression of MUC1 was predominantly found in the superficial epithelium of both gastric and specialised intestinal metaplasia.In a small number of specimens, mild expression of MUC1 was also noted in glands.Strong MUC2 expression was noted only in the goblet cells in Barrett's oesophagus.MUC3 was expressed in the superficial columnar cells of specialized intestinal metaplasia with or without globlet cells but not in gastric metaplasia of the oesophagus.In some specimens MUC3 was expressed in the vacuolus of the globlet cells and the lumen of gland.Strong staining of MUCSAC was noted in the columnar epithelium of both gastric metaplasia and specialized intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's oesophagus,as well as expressed in the cytoplasm and vacuolus of the globlet cells in some speci- mens.Expression of MUC6 protein was detected at the basement of the crypts in gastric metaplasia and spe- cialised Barrett's glands.Expression of MUC2 and MUC3 protein was found much higher in villous or irregu- lar pit pattern than that in dot or rod pit pattern(P

OBJECTIVETo compare the advantages and disadvantages of TFC/BAK, Prospace and Brantigan I/F carbon cages and summarize their applications.

METHODSOne hundred and twelve cases of Brantigan I/F, 123 cases of TFC/BAK and 45 cases of Prospaces were used in the treatment of degenerated lumbar disorders. The clinical results and complications were observed and analyzed.

RESULTSAll devices restored the height of intervertebral space and achieved immediate stability after insertion. One hundred and twelve cases of Brantigan I/F cages were solid fused, the clinical results were satisfactory. Three cases of TFC/BAK cages subsided into the vertebra and 2 cages retropulsed slightly during follow-up. There was no serious complications of nervous system, but the operation time and amount of bleeding in Brantigan I/F group increased.

CONCLUSIONSCarbon fiber intervertebral cages are an effective method in treating degenerated lumbar disorders. To avoid complications, the indications and techniques must be selected carefully.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orthopedic Fixation Devices ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Diseases ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the techniques of posterior lumbar interbody fusion and pedicle screws in the treatment of degenerative scoliosis and evaluate their clinical significance.

METHODSTwenty five patients with degenerative scoliosis were treated operatively during 1997 - 2002. Among the 25 patients, 13 patients were treated with Brantigan I/F carbon cages in 28 intervertebral spaces, 7 patients were treated with Prospace cages in 15 spaces, 1 patient was treated with CONTACT cages in 2 spaces. The correcting effects, complications and follow-up results were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSThe average correction rate of scoliosis was 59% and the rate of pain relief was 88%. There was a case of pseudoarthritis and a case of embolism. During follow-up, correction rate and height of disc spaces were not lost nor shift of interbody cages.

CONCLUSIONPosterior pedicle screws combined with interbody fusion is a safe and effective treatment for degenerative scoliosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion