BACKGROUNDCalcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a sensory neuropeptide, affects osteoblast proliferation and bone formation. However, the mechanisms are not fully understood. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a chemokine that stimulates the migration of monocytes and plays important roles in regulating bone remolding during fracture repair. In this study, we investigated the effects of CGRP on proliferation and MCP-1 expression in cultured rat osteoblasts.

METHODSPrimary rat osteoblasts were isolated from fetal rats calvariae. Cells were exposed to gradient concentrations (10(-9) to 10(-7) mol/L) of CGRP. Protein and mRNA levels of MCP-1 were quantified by Western blotting and semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The protein level of MCP-1 was investigated and compared in cell culture media by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) expression was detected by Western blotting. Cell proliferative activity was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and BrdU assay. The effects of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)-inhibitor U0126 on CGRP-induced MCP-1 expression in primary rat osteoblasts were examined.

RESULTSCGRP effectively enhanced primary rat osteoblast proliferation and led to significant increases in the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein in time- and dose-dependent manners. CGRP activated the ERK pathway. Pretreatment of cultured rat osteoblasts with MEK inhibitor U0126 resulted in dose-dependent inhibitions of CGRP-induced MCP-1 mRNA and protein levels. Thus, CGRP promoted cell proliferation and stimulated MCP-1 expression in cultured rat osteoblasts.

CONCLUSIONThese studies document novel links between CGRP and MCP-1 and illuminate the effects of CGRP in regulating bone remodeling.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Butadienes ; pharmacology ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemokine CCL2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Nitriles ; pharmacology ; Osteoblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats

BACKGROUNDSacral nerve injury is a common complication of pelvic or sacral fractures. As the sacral nerve courser within the sacrum and has a complex relationship with the surrounding tissues, different parts of the sacral plexus injury have similar clinical symptoms and signs. Since lack of specific imaging technique in the diagnosis of sacral nerve injury, especially on multi-segment, multi-site, how to determine the preoperative location and extent of the sacral nerve injury accurately becomes a concern of the general orthopaedic and images practitioners. This study was conducted to gain an insight into the overall anatomical features of the sacral nerve (SN) on the same slice in high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) reconstruction and to determine the value of this information for the clinical diagnosis of related diseases.

METHODSFifty healthy volunteers and 30 patients (40 sides) with SN lesions confirmed by surgery were scanned using a 16-slice helical CT scanner (Light Speed, GE, USA). Among the patients, 6 with intervertebral disk hernia (6 sides), 8 with spinal stenosis (12 sides), 11 with pelvic trauma (14 sides), 4 with pelvic malignancies (6 sides), and 1 with sacral vertebral tuberculosis (2 sides). The SN multiplanar reconstruction was performed using a UNIX-based SCD4.1 workstation where the image was set on the same slice. All images were stored in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format. The display of nerves in different sections was analyzed using a five-graded scale with coordinate curves of each individual score. The overall anatomic features visible on the slice were analyzed and the abnormalities of the lesions were studied.

RESULTSThe image of the same slice clearly revealed the shape, running direction, thickness, tension and adjacent anatomy of the S1-S4 nerves. The rank of display rates in different sections was: outward-rotated oblique sagittal > outward-rotated oblique coronal > oblique coronal plane > coronal > sagittal > transverse section. The S5 nerve was partially displayed from the starting point to the segment around the posterior sacral foramen. The overall anatomy of the triangular sacral plexus was only revealed in the oblique outward-rotated sagittal section, while 100% of its individual rami, as well as two or three of the adjacent rami, were displayed from their starting points to the anterior border of the piriformis. The abnormalities included 39 sides of morphological change (97.5%), 38 sides of compression (95.0%), 35 sides of adhesion (87.5%), 32 sides of displacement (80.0%), 34 sides of shrinkage (85.0%), 6 sides of thickening (15.0%), and 2 sides of abruption (5.0%).

CONCLUSIONSThe 16-slice CT multiplanar reconstruction was able to reveal the overall anatomic features of the SN on the same slice. The section of reconstruction was a crucial factor in determining the display capability of various sacral nerves. This technology was valuable in the diagnosis and management of related diseases.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sacrum ; innervation ; Spinal Nerves ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Trauma, Nervous System ; diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at Neiyingxiang(EX-HN09)points combined with western medicine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis of deficiency-cold of lung qi type.Methods Sixty patients with deficiency-cold of lung qi type of allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 30 patients in each group.The control group was treated with Desloratadine Tablets combined with Mometasone Furoate Aqueous Nasal Spray,and the observation group was treated with acupuncture at Neiyingxiang points combined with the self-made rhinitis recipe on the basis of the control group,and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after 14 days.The changes of nasal symptom scores,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life scores of the patients of the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.After 14 days of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes in nasal symptom scores,as well as VAS and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire(RQLQ)scores were observed before and after treatment.The changes in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)sydnrome scores and serum immunoglobulin E(IgE)were compared before and after treatment in the two groups,and the safety of the two groups was evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.33%(28/30),and the control group was 73.33%(22/30).The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the symptoms of nasal congestion,sneezing,runny nose and nasal itching were significantly improved in the two groups(P＜0.01),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving nasal symptoms,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the VAS scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.01),and the observation group was superior to the control group in improving VAS scores,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the PQLQ scores of patients in the two groups improved significantly(P＜0.01),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the PQLQ scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(5)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of the patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.01),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving TCM syndrome scores,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).(6)After treatment,the serum IgE levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.01),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving serum IgE levels(P＜0.05),with a statistically significant difference.(7)There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the observation group and the control group(P＞0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture at Neiyingxiang points plus self-made rhinitis recipe combined with western medicine in the treatment of deficiency-cold of lung qi type of allergic rhinitis can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of the patients,thus improving the quality of life of the patients,and the therapeutic efficacy is remarkable.

BACKGROUNDCalcodynia is a persistent condition that podiatric surgeons frequently see among their patients, and plantar fasciitis is the main reason for pain. When systematic conservative treatments fail to alleviate these conditions, it requires surgical intervention, mainly plantar fascia release surgery, which used to be an open heel release surgery. This study aimed to investigate whether minimally invasive treatment of the KobyGard system is more safe and effective for plantar fasciitis.

METHODSFrom May 2009 to May 2012, a total of nine patients, three males and six females with plantar fasciitis, were treated in the Peking University People's Hospital with minimally invasive instruments, the KobyGard system, for the release of plantar fascia. Three patients, experiencing bilateral calcaneodynia, underwent bilateral surgery. One patient had bilateral calcaneodynia with enthesiopathy of Achilles tendon, and underwent Achilles tendon surgery. Preoperative and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scores, Roles and Maudsley scores and SF-36 questionnaires were evaluated.

RESULTSThe nine patients were successfully followed up. The average postoperative follow-up time was 13.2 months and it varied from 2.0 months to 21.0 months. Pre- and postoperative average scores of VAS was 9.3 and 1.9 (P < 0.001), respectively. Pre- and postoperative average scores of AOFAS hind foot was 36.0 and 82.0 (P < 0.001), respectively. There was also a statistically significant amelioration in SF-36 scores and the Roles and Maudlesy scores. Eight patients were satisfied with the surgery outcome.

CONCLUSIONMinimally invasive surgery treatment of the KobyGard system for plantar fasciitis has the advantages of shorter operation time, ease of operation, and similar satisfaction rates with open surgery, but with smaller surgical incision.

Adult ; Fasciitis, Plantar ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo take effective strategies and measures for the prevention and control of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) endemic areas by investigating its dynamic geographical boundaries in Shandong Province, China.

METHODSThe incidence of HFRS from 1982 to 2008 in Shandong Prvince, China, was detected with inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation based on geographical information system (GIS). Dynamic geographical boundaries of HFRS endemic areas in Shandong Province, China, were analyzed by geographical boundary analysis.

RESULTSThe HTN-type endemic areas of HFRS were located in Linyi City in phase 1 (1982-1986), the SEO-type endemic areas of HFRS were located in Jining City in phase 2 (1987-2003), and the endemic areas of HFRS in Jining City gradually disappeared and the endemic areas of HFRS with mixed-types of reservoir rodents were located in Linyi City in phase 3 (2004-2008). Meanwhile, new endemic areas emerged in the northwestern Shandong province, China.

CONCLUSIONThe SEO-type endemic areas of HFRS are located in western Shandong Province, China, and the HTN-type endemic areas of HFRS are located eastern Shandong Province, Chin, indicating that the endemic areas of HFRS should be vaccinated and rodents should be controlled.

China ; epidemiology ; Endemic Diseases ; Geography ; Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Population Surveillance

BACKGROUNDFor some specific comminuted unstable intra-articular fracture, the plaster cast can not maintain the alignment of the articular surface effectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of distal radius fracture treated with open reduction and internal plate fixation retrospectively.

METHODSFrom January 2002 to March 2010, 539 cases of distal radius fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, including 184 males and 355 females aging 21 - 72 years (mean 57 years). Fractures were caused by falling to the ground in 459 cases, by traffic accident in 62 cases and by athletic injuries in 18 cases. Of 539 cases, there were 523 cases of closed fracture and 16 cases of open fracture. According to Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen (AO) standards of classification, there were 14 cases of A2 type, 22 of A3 type, 18 of B1 type, 24 of B2 type, 62 of B3 type, 91 of C1 type, 162 of C2 type and 146 of C3 type. The time from injury to operation was 1 - 16 days (mean 5 days). All patitents received open reduction and internal plate screw fixation. Forty-seven patients with bone defect were given 6 - 15 g autologous ilium and 75 cases were given 5 ml calcium sulphate artificial aggregate after reduction.

RESULTSAll incisions healed by first intention after operation. Patients were followed up for 15 to 32 months postoperatively (mean 22 months). The fractures healed within 10 - 18 weeks after operation (mean 12 weeks). During the last follow-up, the mean palmar tilt was (7.0 ± 0.9)° and the mean ulnar variance was (21.0 ± 4.2)°, showing significant difference when compared with preoperation ((-5.0 ± 1.2)° and (8.0 ± 3.8)°). The radial heights were not abbreviated. According to Gartland and Werley assessment system, the results were excellent in 314 cases, good in 163 cases, fair in 46 cases, and poor in 16 cases 12 weeks after operation, the excellent and good rate was 88.5%.

CONCLUSIONSThe clinical effect of distal radius fracture treated with open reduction and internal plate fixation was relatively satisfactory. Meticulous operation procedure and individual rehabilitation strategy contribute to the wrist joint functional recovery.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the curative effects of various infusion volumes on liver-related metabolic mechanism in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock.Methods A severe hemorrhagic shock rabbit model was established in 30 rabbits.The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups:non-infusion group (A), conventional infusion group (B), and excessive infusion group (C) (n=10 in each group).Taking group B as the control, groups A and C were observed for the damage of non-infusion and excessive infusion, respectively.The outcomes in the three groups and their relations with liver tissue metabolism changes were analyzed with gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS).Results The mortality in groups A, B, and C group were 80％, 0％, and 70％, respectively.The liver tissue metabolic profile in group B showed statistically significant difference compared with that in groups A and B.In group C, the levels of 21 metabolites were lower than those in group B, and the levels of8 metabolites were lower than those in group A.The relative contents of various metabolites were correlated with infusion volumes, and the succinic acid content was associated with death events (P＜0.05).Conclusion The conventional infusion has significant curative effect on hemorrhagic shock.The metabolites of liver tissues with excessive infusion are generally decompensated and have longer survival time than those in non-infusion group, which may caused by the excessive infusion-induced blood volume increase after hemorrhagic shock.Tissue fluid dilution is an important cause of death.

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the clinical features of femoral neck fractures and analyze related causes.

METHODSThe clinical data of patients with femoral neck fractures from June 2002 to August 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. The gender, age, fracture side, fracture type, basic social data, activities before injury, injury causes and treatment were analyzed.

RESULTSA total of 219 patients (106 male and 113 female) was analyzed. All patients were divided into children group (age < 16 years), adult group (age ranged from 16 to 60 years) and older group (> 60 years). There were 5 patients (2.3%) in the children group, 81 patients (37.0%) in the adult group and 133 patients (60.7%) in the older group. There were 11 patients (5.0%) with Garden I fractures, 32 patients (14.6%) with Garden II fractures, 90 patients (41.1%) with Garden III fractures and 86 patients (39.3%) with Garden IV fractures. Fall damage and traffic injury were the main injury types. Home and public place were the main injury sites.

CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of femoral neck fracture shows the highest in the old persons. The male patients with femoral neck fractures are more than female patients in children and adult group, while the male patients with femoral neck fractures are less than female patients in older group. The dominant fractures type according to Garden classification is Garden III fractures in children and adult groups, but Garden IV fractures in older group. Fall damage and traffic injury are the main injury types. Home and public place are the main injury sites.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Femoral Neck Fractures ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the ASES, Constant and HSS score systems and their significance on postoperative function of the shoulder.

METHODSTotally 172 cases of proximal humeral fracture of five affiliated hospital from September 2004 to September 2008 were analyzed. All the functional outcome of the involved shoulder were evaluated by ASES, Constant, HSS score and patient self score. The correlations and agreement of three shoulder scales were analyzed with Pearson correlation test and Bland-Altman plot in different age groups and fracture types.

RESULTS(1) The Constant score were lower than other two scores in the same age group and fracture type (F = 13.62 and 4.80, P < 0.05). (2) The correlations between three shoulder scales: ASES and Constant (r = 0.754, P = 0.0003), ASES and HSS (r = 0.755, P = 0.0001), Constant and HSS (r = 0.858, P = 0.0002). The correlations between three shoulder scales and patient self evaluation: ASES (r = 0.602, P = 0.0002), Constant (r = 0.705, P = 0.0001), HSS (r = 0.663, P = 0.0037). The Bland-Altman plot shows three shoulder scales have good agreement. (3)The correlation between Constant score and patient self evaluation decreased in the elder group and severe fracture type.

CONCLUSIONSASES, Constant, HSS shoulder score systems are all fit to evaluate the functional outcome of the shoulder, they have good correlation and agreement. Constant score in recommended for its high correlation coefficient with patient self evaluation score. However, its age bias must be paid attention in clinical practice. ASES shoulder score can be used in remote follow-up.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Shoulder Joint ; physiopathology ; Trauma Severity Indices ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDFew data on ankle fractures in China from large multicenter epidemiological and clinical studies are available. The aim of this research was to evaluate the epidemiological features and surgical outcomes of ankle fractures by reviewing 235 patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery at five hospitals in China.

METHODSThis study included patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery at five Chinese hospitals from January 2000 to July 2009. Age, gender, mechanism of injury, Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) fracture type, fracture pattern, length of hospital stay and treatment outcome were recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, visual analogue scale (VAS), and arthritis scale were used to evaluate outcome.

RESULTSOf 235 patients with ankle fractures, 105 were male with an average age of 37.8 years and 130 were female with an average age of 47.3 years. The average follow-up period was 55.7 months. There were significant differences in the ratios of patients in different age groups between males and females, and in mechanisms of injury among different age groups. There were also significant differences in the length of hospital stay among different fracture types and mechanisms of injury. In healed fractures, the average AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 95.5, with an excellence rate of 99.6%, the average VAS score was 0.17, and the average arthritis score was 0.18. Movement of the injured ankle was significantly different to that of the uninjured ankle. There were no significant differences between AO fracture types, fracture patterns or follow-up periods and AOFAS score, but there were some significant differences between these parameters and ankle joint movements, pain VAS score and arthritis score.

CONCLUSIONSAnkle fractures occur most commonly in middle-aged and young males aged 20 - 39 years and in elderly females aged 50 - 69 years. The most common mechanisms of injury are twisting injuries and falls from a standing height or less. The results of surgical treatment are satisfactory.

Adult ; Age Distribution ; Ankle Injuries ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sex Distribution ; Treatment Outcome