OBJECTIVETo explore the diagnostic value of the radiologic characteristics of osteoporotic Kummell's disease.

METHODSTotal 16 patients with pathologically confirmed osteoporotic Kummell's diseases were reviewed from May 2010 to May 2012, including 4 males and 12 females with the mean age of 73.4 years (ranged, 67 to 83 years old). Radiologic imagings of all patients, including X-ray, CT and MRI, were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSIntravertebral linear clefts could be seen on the AP and lateral X-ray films of vertebrae. Sagittal and axial CT scans demonstrated the vacuum cleft phenomenon with liquid and air was identified within the vertebral body. Sagittal MRI showed the callapsed vertebral segment and the area of fluid signal with clear and intact border within the vertebral body. The fluid signal was low on T1-weighted images and high on T2-weighted images and stir images, which was corresponding to an intravertebral vacuum cleft.

CONCLUSIONThe radiologic characteristics of Kurmmell's diseases can provide valuable evidences for the early diagnosis.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Osteonecrosis ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Naturally occurring mutations in surface proteins of Hepatitis B virus(HBV)usually result in altered hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)secretion efficiency.In the present study,we reported two conserved residues,M75 and M103 with respect to HBsAg,mutations of which not only attenuated HBsAg secretion(M75 only),but also suppressed HBV genome replication without compromising the overlapping p-gene product.We also found M75 and M103 can initiate truncated surface protein(TSPs)synthesis upon over-expression of full-length surface proteins,which may possibly contribute to HBV genome replication.However,attempts to rescue replicationdefective HBV mutant by co-expression of TSPs initiated from M75 or M103 were unsuccessful,which indicated surface proteins rather than the putative TSPs were involved in regulation of HBV genome replication.

Objective To investigate the distribution of water-borne fluoride and the current status of water defluoridation project by improving drinking water quality in endemic fluorosis areas in Shandong province,and to provide scientific basis for making strategies in prevention and control of the disease. Methods According to "the National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control in 2004, 2005 and 2006", 113 endemic fluorosis diseased counties(cities, and districts) of the province's 17 cities were screened in order to investigate the fluoride level in drinking water in fluorosis villages, recheck the fluoride level after implementing the water defluoridation project, and investigate the current status of the water defluoridation project. The fluoride level in drinking water was determined by F-ion selective electrode. Results There were a total of 5816 water defluoridation projects in the province. Most of them were carried out by drilling a deep well to get under-ground water. The wells still in good condition were accounted for 72.80% (4234/5816). Intermittent operated wells were accounted for 3.11% (181/5816). Abandoned wells were accounted for 24.09%(1401/5816). Level of water fluoride was determined in 6940samples from fluorosis villages(villages that not carry out the water defluoridation project as well as villages carried out the water defluoridation project with abandoned wells were included) and the value that lower or equal to 1.00mg/L was determined in 2987 villages which accounted for 43.04% (2987/6940). Level of water fluoride that over 1.00 mg/L was found in 3953 villages which accounted for 56.96% (3593/6940), and the highest level of water fluoride was 11.33 mg/L. Level of water fluoride were determined in 4415 samples from water defluoridation project and the value lower or equal to 1.00 mg/L was in 2983 wells which accounted for 65.53%(2983/4415). The value over 1.00 mg/L was in 1522 wells which accounted for 34.47%(1522/4415), the highest value of water fluoride was 9.71 mg/L. Conclusions Level of water fluoride in up to 1/2 of the villages and 1/3 of the projects, is still higher than the standard in Shandong province. Nearly 1/4 of the project has been abandoned. The current situation for endemic fluorosis control is still not good in the province, countermeasures for endemic fluorosis must be carried out as soon as possible and surveillance of water defluoridation project must be strengthened.

Objective To investigate the current prevailing status of endemic fluorosis in the Yellow River basin of Shandong Province and to provide the scientific evidence for making strategies in prevention and control.Methods Nine counties were chosen to carry out the epidemiological investigation.The content of fluoride in drinking water was determined by F-ion selective electrode and dental fluorosis of children aged 8～12 years old was diagnosed by Deans method.Results Water fluoride content was determined in 1761 fluorosis villages,among which 606 villages had water fluoride content≤1.00 mg/L,accounting for 34.41%(606/1761);1155 villages had water fluoride content＞1.00 mg/L,which accounted for 65.59%(1155/1761).The highest water fluoride content was 11.33 mg/L.Water fluoride content of 618 water-improving and defluoridation projects had been determined,among which 449 projects had water fluoride content≤1.00 mg/L and accounted for 72.65%(449/618),169 projects had water fluoride content＞1.00 mg/L and accounted for 27.35%(169/618),the highest water fluoride content was 5.85 mg/L.The total rate of dental fluorosis of children aged 8～12 years old was 45.03%(25 579/56 804) and the index of dental fluorosis was 0.80. Conclusions In the Yellow River basin in Shandong Province,up to 50.00%in the villages the water fluoride content exceeds the county standard(≤1.00 mg/L).The prevalence of endemic fluorosis in the basin hasn't been effectively controlled.So the counterrneasures for endemic fluorosis should be carried out as soon as possible.

Objective To investigate the current status of endemic fluorosis in Shandong province, and to provide scientific evidence for the development of control strategies. Methods According to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control in 2007", 19 counties were chosen to carry out the epidemiological investigation in 2008. Water and urinary fluoride were determined by F-ion selective electrode, dental fluorosis of children aged 8 to 12 were diagnosed by Dean method and skeletal fluorosis of adults over the age of 16 were examined clinically and by X-rays. Results In 19 counties, 186 villages were surveyed, 44 villages were found with mean water fluoride ≤ 1.00 mg/L, accounting for 23.66%(44/186);the value ＞ 1.00 mg/L in 142 villages,accounting for 76.34% (142/186);maximum water fluoride 8.88 mg/L. Total detection rate of dental fluorosis of children aged 8 to 12 was 66.35% (4518/6809), dental fluorosis index was 1.55, and defect rate was 15.39%(1048/6809). Children with urinary fluoride ＞ 1.40 mg/L was 83.29%(2149/2580), and the maximum value was 31.92 mg/L. Detection rates of skeletal fluorosis clinically and by X ray among adults over 16 years were 6.37%(5577/87 607) and 20.23% (229/1132), respectively. Conclusions Endemic fluorosis in Shandong province is still serious, prevention efforts need to be further increased.

Objective To understand the current situation of endemic fluorosis in Shandong Province,and to provide a scientific basis for development of control strategies.Methods In accordance with the requirements of the national Surveillance Scheme of Drinking-Water-Borne Endemic Fluorosis (Trial) and Shandong Provincial Surveillance Scheme of Drinking-Water-Borne Endemic Fluorosis (Trial),and to understand the progress of the province's water-improvement projects,10 counties were chosen in the province,and 10 water-improvement projects were selected in each county.Running condition of the water-improvement projects was investigated,and water fluoride content was tested.Three epidemic villages were chosen as fixed monitoring villages in each county.In each village,fluoride content in drinking water was determined,and dental fluorosis of all children aged 8 to 12 was diagnosed.Water fluoride content was determined by fluoride ion selective electrode method,and dental fluorosis of children aged 8 to 12 was diagnosed by Dean method.Results ① There were 3570 water defluoridation projects in the province,and water-improvement rate was 87.49％ (10 122/11 569).Normal operating projects accounted for 89.10％ (3181/3570),and the passing rate of water fluoride content was 73.14％ (2611/3570),with the maximum water fluoride as 9.71 mg/L.② In the 10 counties,a total of 86 waterimprovement projects were monitored.Normal operation,intermittent operation and scrapped projects accounted for 95.35％ (82/86),3.49％ (3/86) and 1.16％ (1/86),respectively,and passing rate of fluoride content in water was 50.00％ (43/86),and the maximum water fluoride was 5.32 mg/L.③ In the 27 monitored villages with improved water quality,the passing rate of fluoride content in water was 74.07％ (20/27),and the maximum water fluoride was 4.50mg/L.In the 3 monitored villages without improved water quality,villages of mean water fluoride ≤ 1.20 mg/L and ＞ 1.20 mg/L accounted for 33.33％ (1/3) and 66.67％ (2/3),respectively,and the maximum water fluoride was 1.53 mg/L.④ In the 27 monitored villages with improved water quality,the detection rate of dental fluorosis among children aged 8 to 12 was 57.65％(791/1372),and the detection rate of defect type dental fluorosis was 7.80％(107/1372); the index of dental fluorosis was 1.15.In the 3 monitored villages without improved water quality,the detection rate of dental fluorosis among children aged 8 to 12 was 50.97％ (80/155),and the detection rate of defect type dental fluorosis was 7.10％(11/155); the index of dental fluorosis was 1.16.Conclusions In Shandong Province,the running condition of water improvement project to reduce fluoride still needs to be further improved,and the water fluoride is seriously overweight and endemic fluorosis has not been effectively controlled.Preventive measures should be strengthened.

OBJECTIVETo investigate clinical effects of auricular acupoint (AA) in the treatment of analgesia during perioperative period in total hip arthroplasty.

METHODSFrom March 2008 to August 2010, 60 patients with late osteonecrosis of the femoral head were treated by total hip arthroplasty and randomly divided into auricular acupuncture (AA) group and control group, 30 patients in each group. There were 11 males and 19 females in the AA group,with an average age of (60.93 +/- 5.90) years; the patients were treated with auricular acupuncture on the point of Shenmen, Subcortex, Kidney and hip joint for four times a week. There were 12 males and 18 females in control group, with an average age of (59.87 +/- 6.21) years; while the patients without auricular acupuncture. VAS score was used to evaluat the degree of pain; Harris score was used to evaluat the function of hip joint. All patients received patient controlled analgesia pump (PCA) for 48 hours after surgery (400 ml liquids were in PCA pump, including 800 mg tramadol and 0.8 mg fentanyl). The dosage of liquids and adverse reaction of PCA pump in different time were recorded.

RESULTSThe VAS score on the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th day separately was (3.61 +/- 0.29), (3.59 +/- 0.30), (2.97 +/- 0.26), (2.29 +/- 0.45), and lower than control group, which separately was (4.19 +/- 0.28), (4.00 +/- 0.31), (3.15 +/- 0.29), (2.83 +/- 0.31). The dosage of PCA in AA group separately was (72.27 +/- 8.06), (60.40 +/- 8.16), (44.13 +/- 4.75), (40.40 +/- 3.69), and less than control group, which was (86.27 +/- 8.51), (73.87 +/- 8.32), (54.53 +/- 5.20), (44.67 +/- 6.31) on the time of 0-12, 12-24, 24-36 h and 36-48 h after surgery. During the using of PCA, nausea and vomiting occurred in 5 cases, less than control group (21 cases). Harris score in AA group (78.90 +/- 5.14) was higher than control group (73.37 +/- 5.99) 2 weeks after operation.

CONCLUSIONAuricular acupuncture can reduce postoperative pain, reduce the usage of analgesic and complications, such as nausea and vomiting, improve the function of hip joint after operation.

Acupuncture Analgesia ; Acupuncture, Ear ; Adult ; Aged ; Analgesia, Patient-Controlled ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain Management ; Pain, Postoperative ; therapy ; Perioperative Period

To investigate the relaxation effect and underlying mechanism of U50,488H (a selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist) on aorta in the rat, isolated aortic ring was perfused and the tension of the vessel was measured. It was shown: (1) kappa-opioid receptor stimulation with U50,488H relaxed rat aorta dose-dependently; (2) the relaxation effect of U50,488H on aorta was partially endothelium-dependent; (3) the relaxation effect of U50,488H was significantly attenuated in the presence of glybenclamide and glipizide, two ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (K(ATP)) blockers; and (4) the relaxation effect of U50,488H on vessel bore no relationship to muscarinic-receptor, beta-adrenoceptor, prostaglandin and nitric oxide (NO). These results indicate that kappa-opioid receptor stimulation with U50,488H relaxes the aortic artery at least partially via K(ATP) channel in the rat.
3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide, (trans)-Isomer ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Aorta ; physiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; KATP Channels ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Opioid, kappa ; agonists ; physiology ; Vasodilation ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Yougui drink on osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the proximal femur in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head in vitro.

METHODSThe BMSCs were induced to osteoblasts in vitro with a conditional medium. The cells cultured with Yougui drink serum were compared with the ordinary one, which both were examined by microscopy, MTU method, ALP and calcium node.

RESULTSMicroscopy and MTU studies showed that Yougui drink could improve proliferation of the osteoblasts. ALP and calcium node studies showed that Yougui drink could improve the activity of the osteoblasts (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONYougui drink has positive effects on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in the proximal femur in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head in vitro.

Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Female ; Femur Head Necrosis ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Middle Aged ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; Osteonecrosis ; Steroids ; pharmacology

AIMTo evaluate whether protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in nuclei play roles in the development of myocardial hypertrophy, distribution of protein kinases and phosphatases in cell fractions were determined.

METHODSThe model of hypertensive rat was established by abdominal aortic constriction. Velocity and isopyknic gradient centrifugation was employed to fractionate rat myocardium to membrane, cytosol and nuclei. Enzymatic methods were employed to determine kinases and phosphatases.

RESULTSCompare with control group, the activity of CaMK increased by 101.1% (P < 0.01) and 40.16% (P < 0.01) respectively in nuclear and membranous fractions, changed without significance in cytosolic fraction; the activity of calcineurin in nuclei increased by 43.57%, (P < 0.05), lightly changed without significance in membranous and cytosolic fractions.

CONCLUSIONNuclear translocation of CaMK and calcineurin, might play important roles on overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Animals ; Calcineurin ; metabolism ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Cell Nucleus ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar