Objective To investigate osteocyte density as a potential index of bone biomechanical property. Methods Forty 7-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly group (EST) and sham operation group (SHAM). At 15 weeks postoperation, the compression test was performed on L5 vertebral body and micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) was used to estimate the three-dimensional bone mineral density (BMD) and three-dimensional microstructure parameters of L6 vertebral body. After fatigue damage testing, the L6 vertebral body was bulk-stained in 1% basic fuchsin and embedded in methylmethacrylate. Mounted bone slices were used to measure microcrack parameters and osteocyte density. Results At 15 weeks postoperation, osteocyte density (Ot. N/T. area) was significantly decreased in OVX group compared with SHAM group and EST group [(1268. 1 ±191.2)/mm2 vs. (1760. 8 ± 376.6)/mm2 and (1550. 9± 202.2)/mm2, F = 3.513,P<0. 05]. Maximum load (ML) was significantly decreased and the length of microcrack (Cr. Le) was significantly increased in OVX group compared with SHAM group, EST group and GEN group [(84. 4±16.9)N vs. (110.3±25.6),(103. 9±15. 8)and(110.1±4. 9)N; (58. 1±6.8) μm vs. (24.2±8. 1), (36. 5±9. 7)and(28.5±7. 5)μm, F=9. 561,3. 179, all P<0. 05]. Compared with SHAM group and EST group, bone trabecula connection density (Conn. D) was significantly decreased and trabecular separation (Tb. Sp) was significantly increased in OVX group [(47.4±7.4) m-3 vs. (71.8±16.0)and (74.0±12.7)m-3;(315.0±32.7)μm vs. (222. 5±21.7)and (273.3± 50.0)μm, F=7. 635,7. 007, all P<0. 05]. Bone mineral content (BMC) was lower in OVX group than that in SHAM group[(6.5±2. 2)g vs. (7. 9±1.2)g, P<0. 05]. When data in four groups were overall analyzed, Ot. N/T. Ar was positively correlated with ML, Conn. D and BMC (R2 = 0. 7874, 0. 1153, 0. 1309, all P<0. 05), but was negatively correlated with Cr. Le and Tb. Sp (R2 =0. 5738, 0. 3964, both P < 0.05). Conclusions Osteocyte plays a crucial role in maintaining bone biomechanical property and osteocyte density may be considered as a useful indicator for assessing bone biomechanical property.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the femoral head trabecular heterogeneity in Chinese male patients with osteoporotic fracture and their effects on osteoporotie fracture.Methods Human femoral heads were obtained from 11 male osteoporotie fracture (OP) patients ranged from 51 to 82 years old [average age (65±9 ) years old], and 7 male trauma ( TM ) patients ranged from 46 to 75 years old [average age (61±11 ) years old] who underwent total hip arthroplasty within two hours after either osteoporotic or trauma hip fracture.The OP was defined as having a fragility fracture.After laying femoral head as living body position and locating mark, nine trabecular specimens were obtained from femoral heads, each of 6 mm × 6 mm× 7 mm.The cortical shell was not included in each specimen.One cube was selected as the primary compressive trabecular region and the other 8 specimens as non-primary compressive trabecular region.These cubes were scanned using high-resolution microcomputed tomography scanner (μCT).After scanning, the data of total cubes, primary compressive trabecular region and noncompressive trabecular region were used for analysis by t test.Results In OP group volumetric bone mineral deosity(vBMD) [( 182.15±66.00) mg/mm3 vs (223.97±70.92) mg/mm3, t =3.041], tissue bone mineral density (tBMD) [(538.76±64.72) mg/mm3 vs (580.01±63.86 ) mg/mm3, t = 3.160],bone volume fraction (TV/BV) [(0.22 ± 0.06) % vs (0.26 ± 0.07 ) %, t = 2.821], trabecular thickness (Tb.Th.) [( 161.07 ±42.75 ) μm vs ( 205.47 ± 74.44 ) μm, t = 3.233] were significantly decreased while bone surface/bone volume ( BS/BV ) [( 13.75 ± 2.55 ) mm-1 vs ( 12.28 ± 2.70 ) mm-1, t =-2.777] was significantly increased in the non-primary compressive trabecular region than that in the primary compressive trabecular region ( P < 0.05 ).vBMD [( 182.15 ± 66.00) mg/mm3 vs ( 248.05 ±105.48) mg/mm3, t = - 3.598], tBMD [(538.76 ± 64.72) mg/mm3 vs ( 570.54 ± 100.32) mg/mm3,t=-2.108],TV/BV [(0.22±0.06) % vs (0.28±0.12) %, t= -3.466], Tb.Th.[(161.07±42.75) μm vs (200.31 ±96.63) μm, t= -2.866], trabecular number (Tb.N.)[(1.46±0.23)/mm3 vs ( 1.57 ± 0.29)/mm3, t = - 2.396] were significantly decreased while trabecular separation ( Tb.Sp.) [(780.82 ± 144.85 )μm vs ( 653.09 ± 119.64) μm, t = 5.470], degree of anisotropy (DA) ( 1.57±0.20 vs 1.47±0.18, t = 2.930 ) were significantly increased in OP than in TM in the non-compressive trabecular region( P < 0.05 ).No significant differents were found between OP and TM for any of the parameters measured in the primary compressive trabecular region.Tb.Th.[(199.37±68.22)μm vs (176.33 ±71.21 )μm, t = 2.060,P < 0.05] were significantly increased in the primary compressive trabecular region than that in the non-primary compressive trabecular region and no significant differences were found in the other parameters in the all 18 specimens.Conclusions The femoral head trabeculae had a heterogenic distribution in OP.Bone loss in OP primarily takes place in non-compressive trabecular region.Femoral neck fracture cannot be prevented though the bone microstructure do not loss in the primary compressive trabecular region.Tb.Th.in the femoral head could be an interesting parameter which is closely related to the femoral neck fracture.

Objective To explore the clinical applicating and efficacy of free fibula osteomyocutane- ous flap in mandible defect reconstruction in osteoradionecrosis patients.Methods The mandible defects were reconstructed by free fibula flaps with or without muscle cuff.The soft tissue defects were repaired by skin paddles.Status of osteotomy in fibula and flap survival was recorded.The complication in recipient site and donor site,as well as mouth opening and occlusion were reviewed.Facial contour and chewing function after reconstruction were evaluated.Results Patients were followed up 3-16 months.4 free fibula flaps with muscle cuff and 5 without muscle cuff survived well.The size of mandible defects covered from 6cm to 17cm. And the harvested fibula flaps with length of 8.6-17cm were cut into 3 segments in 2 cases,and 2 segments in 5 cases.Fibula flap was divided into 2 segments and overlapped in 2 cases.No serious complication was oh- served in recipient site and donor site.Satisfying esthetic result and normal occlusiong of heath mandible were obtained in all cases.The degree of mouth opening was 2.5-3.3cm.Fair chewing function was revealed in re- constructive region after prosthesia repaired.Conclusion Free fibula osteomyocutaneous flap is relatively ideal reconstruction material of mandible defect in osteoradionecrosis patients for its high survival rate and well esthetic results.

Objective To analyze the outcome of surveillance results on plague and to provide the evidences for the policy making in Longlin county Guangxi. Methods The epidemic data and the surveillance results of plague were analyzed and assessed with epidemiology methods in Longlin county Guangxi from 2000 to 2009, and the density of rodents, the rodents infected with flea, flea index and other indicators were calculated. Regional composition of the rats and fleas were analyzed. Results A totally of 4829 rats were captured and 4737 fleas were collected in the past 10 years, Rattus Flavipestus(81.92%,3956/4829) and Xenopsylla Cheopis (79.04%,3744/4737) were dominant species. The annual average density of rodents, the rodents infected with flea, index of flea were 3.30%(4829/146 206), 27.99%(1351/4827) and 0.98(4737/4827), respectively. A totally of 4792 rats were examined and 10 strains Yersinia Pestis were isolated. Indirect hemorrhagic assessed(IHA) was used to test the F1 antibody against plague in the blood serum of the rats and indicator animals, and 3 positive rats and 24 positive animals were found, respectively. Twenty seven natural villages in 3 towns had been involved in the plague. Conclusions The plague foci exists in Longlin county of Guangxi province. The plague foci in the areas have the same feature with the plague foci of Rattus Flavipectus. There is a potential risk for plague in this region, we should improve the quality of surveillance, increase indicator animals of the plague, and try to apply new surveillance method.

ObjectiveTo detect the concentration and distribution of fluoride ions in osteoblasts exposed to fluoride in vitro culture,and to provide basic information for studying the effect of fluoride on osteoblast injury.MethodsIn vitro cultured osteoblasts were exposed to 0,5,10,20,40 mg/L fluoride for 3,10,30 d (n =6),respectively.Concentration and distribution of fluoride ions in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of these osteoblasts were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Results(①) After cultured for 3 d,fluoride ion content of the bone cytoplasm exposed to different concentrations of fluoride 0,5,10,20,40 mg/L were (0.83 ±0.65),(0.54 ± 0.23),(0.65 ± 0.77),(0.59 ± 0.87),(3.64 ± 1.21 )mg/L,respectively,and the values of exposed to 40 mg/L fluoride group was significantly higher than that of exposed to 0,5 mg/L groups (all P ＜ 0.05).(②)after cultured for 10 d,the composition of the fluoride ion in cytoplasm of exposed to fluoride 10,20,40 mg/L groups were (4.03 ± 1.23),(3.66 ± 0.98),(6.26 ± 2.10)mg/L,respectively,which were higher than that of exposed to 0,5 mg/L groups [(0.78 ± 0.75),(2.69 ± 0.89)mg/L,respectively,all P ＜ 0.05].Of fluoride 20,40 mg/L groups,the composition of the fluoride ion in nucleus were (1.63 ± 1.19),(2.17 ± 1.21 )mg/L,respectively,which were higher than that of 0,5 mg/L groups[(0.65 ± 0.46),(1.57 ± 0.33) mg/L,all P ＜ 0.05].(③)After cultured for 30 d,of the exposed to fluoride 10,20,40 mg/L groups,the composition of the fluoride ion in cytoplasm were (3.99 ± 0.84),(4.33 ± 1.67),(5.80 ± 1.38)mg/L,respectively,which were higher than that of 0,5 mg/L groups[(0.88 ± 0.44),(2.84 ± 0.43)mg/L,all P ＜ 0.05].The composition of the fluoride ion in nucleus of the fluoride 20,40 mg/Lgroups were (3.33 ± 1.46),(3.53 ± 1.22)mg/L,respectively,which were significantly higher than that of 0,5mg/L groups [(0.70 ± 0.66),(1.99 ± 0.76)mg/L,all P ＜ 0.05].ConclusionsWhen osteoblasts are exposed to fluoride environment,fluoride ions enter into the osteoblasts quickly,and quickly accumulate in the nucleus,showing a special affinity between fluoride and bone tissue.Intracellular fluoride ions increase with the increase of contact time and exposure dose.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of short-course kidney-invigorating therapy on near-term semen quality in asthenozoospermic men with kidney deficiency.

METHODSBased on the differential types in traditional Chinese medicine, 121 asthenozoospermia patients received at our clinic of andrology were divided into groups A (kidney-yin deficiency), B (kidney-yang deficiency) and C (spleen and kidney deficiency), and treated with Yougui Decoction plus Wuziyanzong Pills, Jinkuishenqi Pills plus Wuziyanzong Pills, and Shizi Decoction plus Liujunzi Decoction, respectively, all given once daily for 4 weeks. Sperm parameters of the patients were analyzed with the computer-assisted sperm analysis system before and after treatment and compared among the three groups.

RESULTSThe baseline sperm concentrations in groups A, B and C ([70.4 +/- 38.6], [73.5 +/- 40.2] and [56.0 +/-34.4] x 10(6)/ml) showed no significant differences from those after medication ([74.4 +/- 32.6], [67.0 +/- 30.8] and [58.6 +/- 24.6] x 10(6)/ml) (P > 0.05). The percentages of grade a sperm in the three groups were (12.9 +/- 5.3)%, (13.7 +/- 7.7)% and (12.9 +/- 6.4)% respectively after treatment, significantly higher than (9.9 +/- 6.7)%, (9.3 +/- 5.4)% and (9.0 +/- 6.8)% before treatment (P < 0.05), and so were the percentages of grade a + b sperm ([37.4 +/- 10.2 ]%, [35.7 +/- 13.7]% and [35.9 +/- 12.3]% after treatment versus [29.6 +/- 13.2]%, [27.5 +/- 10.4]% and [28.3 +/- 12.1]% before treatment, P < 0.05). All the three groups showed significantly increased sperm motility after treatment ([53.8 +/- 10.5]%, [52.6 +/- 15.2]% and [51.1 +/- 13.1]%) as compared with the baseline levels ([44.3 +/- 14.0]%, [43.5 +/- 15.0]% and [42.4 +/- 14.9]%) (P < 0.05). The cure rate and total effectiveness rate were significantly higher in group B than in A (P < 0.05), but had no significant differences between either A and C or B and C (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONShort-course kidney-invigorating therapy can significantly improve near-term semen quality in asthenozoospermic men with kidney asthenia, especially in those with kidney-yang deficiency, and it has no obvious adverse effects.

Adult ; Asthenozoospermia ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Oligospermia ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Phytotherapy ; Semen Analysis ; Yang Deficiency ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical outcome of reconstruction of maxillary defects with vascularized iliac crest flap and simultaneous osseointegrated implant embedding.

METHODSDuring September to October 2003, two patients with maxillary defects from tumor resection underwent microsurgical reconstruction. The free iliac osteomuscular flap transferring and simultaneous osseointegrated implant embedding were performed to repair the defects. Three months after the reconstructive surgery, an abutment operation was preformed and denture was applied in both cases.

RESULTSThe flaps survived well. Postoperative follow-up for 8 to 9 months showed that the patients obtained good zygomaxillary appearance, normal occlusion, and satisfactory pronunciation, without oronasal fistula or other serious complications.

CONCLUSIONSThe free iliac crest osteomuscular flap with simultaneous osseointegrated implant embedding is an ideal, effective and cosmetically acceptable method for maxilla reconstruction.

Adult ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Ilium ; transplantation ; Male ; Maxilla ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo ascertain whether mouse c-Kit(+)Lin- bone marrow cells have the potential of hepatic stem cells.

METHODSc-Kit(+)lin- bone marrow cells were isolated and purified by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) from BALB/C male donor mice, and immediately transplanted into age-matched BALB/C syngeneic female mice with 35-Gy total liver irradiation. The recipients were sacrificed 1 month after the transplantation for pathological observation of the liver morphology. The presence of Y-chromosome was examined in the liver cells of the recipient by in situ hybridization (ISH), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and albumin in the cells were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe hepatocytes positive for Sry gene on Y-chromosome were identified 1 month after transplantation, and immunohistochemistry for AFP and albumin confirmed that the donor mice-derived cells were hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONc-Kit(+)lin- bone marrow cells have the potential of hepatic stem cells, which can reside and differentiate into hepatocytes in the liver after transplantation. c-Kit(+)lin- bone marrow cells can be used as the source cells of cell transplantation for liver disease.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; methods ; Cell Differentiation ; Female ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Multipotent Stem Cells ; metabolism ; transplantation ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Whole-Body Irradiation ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEPrimary indications for endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) include heart transplant rejection surveillance and identifying cardiomyopathy or myocarditis. EMB procedures have not yet gained widespread acceptance because of concerns about possible complications associated with EMB procedures. In this single-center retrospective study, we analyzed the incidence of major and minor EMB procedure-related complications of 439 EMBs during the past 4.5 years.

METHODSFrom May 2004 to November 2008, 15 patients with cardiomyopathy and 1 patient with suspected cardiac tumor underwent 16 EMB procedures and 131 heart transplant recipients underwent 423 EMB procedures with the use of a modified Cordis bioptome. All EMB procedures were made via the right internal jugular vein approach and RV septum EMBs were performed under fluoroscopic guidance without additional echocardiographic monitoring. Operators were allowed to perform EMB procedure alone if a minimum of 50 EMB procedures had been previously supervised by a senior operator and all EMBs were performed by 4 operators. All patients underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), 12-hour continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring, chest X-ray and transthoracic echocardiography before and after EMB procedures to obtain a detailed evaluation of the incidence of conduction abnormalities, arrhythmias, pericardial effusions and worsening valve insufficiency.

RESULTSThere was no major complications like cardiac tamponade, hemothorax and pneumothorax. Minor complications such as conduction abnormalities including temporary RBBB (lasting < 24 h after EMB procedures) were found in 2 cases (0.47%) and sustained RBBB (> 24 h) was evidenced in 1 case (0.23%). There were no A-V block, complex ventricular arrhythmias or episodes of atrial fibrillation during and post procedure. In addition, 4 cases (0.91%)of EMB induced mild-moderate tricuspid regurgitation during the procedure were diagnosed by echocardiography.

CONCLUSIONThe EMB procedure via the right internal jugular vein approach under fluoroscopic guidance is safe and associated with a very low complication rate when performed by experienced operators.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Biopsy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Endocardium ; pathology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Myocarditis ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Safety ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo establish an animal model of hypertrophic scar on the rabbit ears and to observe the dynamic process of scar formation on the ventral side of the rabbit ears.

METHODSFull skin defect (2 cm x 5 cm in diameter) was created on the ventral side of 60 ears in 32 New Zealand white rabbits. 1% silver sulfadiazine cream was applied to the wounds, and the dressing was changed once a week till wound healing. Four ears without operation were taken as control. Wound healing under natural condition was observed continuously for 12 months after the operation. The scar proliferation on the rabbit ears was observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope, and the scar index was determined by computer image analyzing system.

RESULTSThe color, thickness and texture of the wounds on the rabbit ears after epithelization underwent a process of scar overgrowth, maturation and degeneration. The change in scar index was in accordance with the wax and wane of scar proliferation.

CONCLUSIONThe hypertrophic scar formed on the ventral side of rabbit ears after natural healing of full thickness skin wounds was similar to that in humans. The results indicated that this animal model was ideal for the study of the developmental mechanism of hypertrophic scars and for the evaluation of the efficacy of the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars.

Animals ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; Disease Models, Animal ; Rabbits ; Wound Healing