Knee osteoarthritis is one of the common type of arthropathy, the clinical stage of the typical patients belongs to the middle-late stage, so it urges to improve the early diagnosis. At present, magnetic resonance imaging is most used in clinical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis, and with the development of different MRI sequences, the sequences of early articular cartilage lesions are used in clinic. In the early diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis, the simple and practical methods such as ultrasonography is becoming a trend, and the specific biomarkers of early knee osteoarthritis have become the hot research. This overview article outlined the methods of early diagnosis from the ultrashort echo time MRI, ultrasonography and biomarkers.
Biomarkers ; analysis ; Early Diagnosis ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; Radiography ; Ultrasonography

Objective To explore the effectiveness of our self-designed 3D printing relay template in the treatment of malunion of irregular intra-articular ankle fractures.Methods From October 2013 to October 2015,our self-designed 3D printing relay template was used in 14 patients with severe malunion of intra-articular ankle fracture to assist their intra-articular osteotomy.They were 10 males and 4 females,with an average age of 40.5 years (from 34 to 59 years).Thin slice CT scan was preformed preoperatively for all the ankles involved.The computer fictitious tibial and fibular models for location and osteotomy navigation templates were acquired from the data of CT scan after processing,design and reconstruction by software.After the navigation templates which fit the size of solid ankle were printed by a 3D printer,they were sterilized and reserved.The guide plates were used in turn during operation.The irregular malunited bone blocks in the posterior malleolus were completely resected along the osteotomy template.After fracture reduction,the bone blocks were stabilized with internal fixation.Fracture union time was recorded.Scores of visual analogue scale (VAS),American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and the short form-36 (SF-36),ankle ROM and complications were also recorded at the final follow-ups.Results The 14 patients obtained an average follow-up of 28.6 months (from 14 to 35 months).Bony union was achieved after an average of 3.7months (from 3 to 6 months).At the final follow-ups,on average,VAS score (2.2 ± O.8),AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score (81.1 ± 6.8),SF-36 score (82.5 ± 5.2),dorsal extension (27.5 ° ± 2.5°),and plantar flexion (24.2° ±6.3°) were significantly improved compared with the preoperative values (6.3 ± 1.8,43.1 ± 12.0,37.6 ± 9.9,14.1° ± 3.8° and 14.4° ± 3.9°,respectively) (P ＜ 0.05).No implant failure,soft tissue complications or post-traumatic arthritis occurred during the follow-up.Conclusion Since our self-designed 3D printing relay templates for osteotomy can accurately position the fracture lines of the distal tibia via limited incision and invasion,they help a lot in precise osteotomy and anatomical reduction of malunited intra-articular ankle fracture,preventing incidence of traumatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVETo search for low-molecular-weight neuritogenic compounds from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

METHODAn extract library of TCM was prepared. Targeted isolation guided by biological screening led to the discovery of compound 1, and its structure was elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic methods and comparison of spectroscopic data with these reported from the literature.

RESULTA neuritogenic compound 1, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22E, 24R-5alpha, 8alpha-epidioxyergosta-6, 22-diene, was isolated and identified from the methanol extract of T. fuciformis. This compound showed a significant neuritogenic activity against PC12 cells at 3 micromol x L(-1)).

CONCLUSIONMethonal extract of T. fuciformis and targeted compound 1 both showed significant neuritogenic activity against PC12 cells. These results suggested that the extract and compound 1 might be used to prevent and treat neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease.

Animals ; Basidiomycota ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Molecular Structure ; Nerve Growth Factor ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Neurites ; drug effects ; PC12 Cells ; Rats

Objective To observe the influence of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Five-element music combined with language induction on the psychological status and quality of life among maintenance hemodialysis patients. Methods A total of 66 maintenance hemodialysis patients were divided into the Five-element music group (n=34) and the routine care group (n=32) according to date of hemodialysis. The routine group accepted routine care. The music group accepted the intervention of traditional Chinese Medicine Five-element music combined with language induction on the basis of routine care. Four weeks later, the changes of Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HAD), the MOS item Short From Health Survey (SF- 36) were observed to assess the effect before and after the intervention. Results HAD comparison in the group: After 4-week intervention, in Five-element music group, the depression and anxiety score of HAD and HAD total score were 3, 5, 9 (meadian score), which had improved significantly than before, which were 4, 7, 12 (meadian score), the difference was significant (Z=-2.645,-2.927,-3.220, P<0.01) . After 4 weeks, in the routine group the depression and anxiety score of HAD and HAD total score showed no significant change than before (P>0.05). SF-36 comparison in groups: After 4-week intervention, in Five-element music group, the physical, physiological function,overall health, energy status, social function, emotional function, mental health factors of SF-36 scored 63, 88, 74, 41, 75, 75, 100, 80 (meadian score), which had improved significantly compared with before, which were 45, 0, 68, 40, 58, 75, 17, 72 (meadian score), the difference was significant (Z=-3.895--2.027, P<0.01 or 0.05), body pain and mental health factors had no significant difference (t=-1.785,-1.576, P>0.05). After 4 weeks, the routine group′s each factor score had no significant difference compared with before (P > 0.05). Conclusions TCM Five-element music has a certain effect on improving the psychological status and the quality of life of the patients in maintenance hemodialysis.

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.

OBJECTIVETo search for a simple, quick and accurate method for the sperm DNA integrity test by modifying the conventional sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, and to investigate the reference value range of normal sperm DNA integrity by the improved SCD assay.

METHODSWe modified the conventional SCD test in its procedures, reagents preparing and utensils to be used, compared the improved method with the conventional one, and detected 293 normal semen samples for sperm DNA integrity by the modified SCD test.

RESULTSAn improved SCD test was established, and no statistical differences were found between the results of the modified and conventional methods. The reference value range was determined by the improved SCD assay for normal sperm DNA integrity, which was < 32.58% for abnormal sperm DNA integrity.

CONCLUSIONThe improved SCD test could detect sperm DNA integrity more quickly, and it reduced the cost in reagents.

Adult ; Chromatin ; ultrastructure ; DNA ; analysis ; Genetic Techniques ; Humans ; Male ; Reference Values ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Motility ; genetics ; Spermatozoa ; chemistry

Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) frequently causes chronic viral hepatitis, a major risk factor for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma or primary liver cancer. The origin of the HCV remains obscure because no closely related animal virus homolog has been identified. Also, efforts to understand the pathogenesis of the HCV have been hampered by the absence of small animal models for this human disease. Since 2011, with application of new sequencing technologies, various non-primate HCV homologs have been identified that will play an important part in understanding the origin and evolution of HCV, as well as establishment of related animal models.
Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hepacivirus ; genetics ; Hepatitis C ; etiology ; virology ; Humans

Objective To examine the relationship between hyperthyroidism and excessive iodine intake from drinking water through epidemiological studies in the iodine excess and the iodine normal villages. Methods Mengzhuang village of Pei county and Xingji village of Pizhou city in Jiangsu province, with median water iodine concentration of 1284.1 μg/L and 77.9 μ/L, respectively,were selected in 2006. Thyroid diseases of all local residents in the two villages were assessed clinically to compare the prevalence and the distribution of hyperthyroidism. Results A total of 17 471 residents were recruited from the iodine excess village, 26 of them were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism was 1.49‰, 0.75‰ (7/9264) in male,2.32‰( 19/8207) in female, and the age-standardized prevalence was 1.48‰. A total of 12 765 residents were recruited from the iodine normal village, among them 27 residents were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism was 2.12‰, 0.96‰(7/6823) in male, 3.26‰(20/5942) in female, and the agestandardized prevalence was 2.02‰. The prevalence and age-standardized prevalence was significantly lower in the iodine excess village than those in the iodine normal village (u = 2.88, 2.89; all P < 0.01). The prevalence of hyperthyroidism was lower among females in the iodine excess village (2.32‰) than that in the iodine normal one (3.37‰, u = 2.89, P < 0.01). Residents aged 20 - 50 years had higher prevalence of hyperthyroidism[(19.36 -38.96 )/10 000]in the two villages. The proportion of Graves diseases was 50.00% (13/26) in the iodine excessvillage, higher than that in the iodine normal village[29.41%(5/17) , χ2 = 5.853, P < 0.01]. Conclusions Chronic excessive iodine intake does not increase the chance of suffering from hyperthyroidism. On the contrary, the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in the iodine excess village decreases significantly compared with that of the iodine normal village. The prevalence is higher among females.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of tibial shaft fractures treatment with plate-screw or intramedullary interlocking nail.

METHODSThirty-five fractures were treated with intramedullary interlocking nail. Tape A, B and C were 11, 18 and 6 cases respectively according to AO classification. Forty-five fractures were treated with plate-screw system. Type A,B and C were 10,22 and 13 cases respectively. The mean time between injury and operation was 3 days and 3.5 days respectively. The patients were evaluated with operation time,range of motion,time of bone union,and complications after a mean followup of 13 months(range 8 to 26 months).

RESULTSThe mean operation time and the mean range of motion of the ankle and knee were found similar in both groups. The average dorsiflexion angle of ankle was 13 Degrees (0 degrees to 20 degrees) in locked intramedullary nailing group and 11 degrees (0 degree to 20 degrees) in plate group. The average plantar flextion angle of ankle was 41 degrees (30 degrees to 50 degrees) in locked intramedullary nailing group and 47 degrees (30 degrees to 50 degrees) in plate-screw group. The mean time of bone union was 3.3 months with intramedullary nailing and 3.5 months with plate-screw fixation. Length discrepancy occurred in only two patients (2 and 2.5 cm) with intramedullary interlocking nail. One patient treated by intramedullary interlocking nail for a type III open fracture occured osteomyelitis. Plain radiographs showed rotation in two patients with intramedullary interlocking nail and angulation in 3 patients with plate-screw fixation, which were distal-third tibial fractures.

CONCLUSIONPlate-screw osteosynthesis could attain satisfactory results in uncomminuted tibia shaft fractures, and locked intramedullary nailing is more appropriate in comminuted fractures.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Nails ; Bone Plates ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo assess the outcome of patients with Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic fractures treated with femoral revision using an uncemented extensively porous-coated implant.

METHODSFrom October 2002 to May 2007, a retrospective clinical and radiographic assessment of 10 patients with Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic fractures treated with femoral revision was evaluated, among which 4 was cement fixation, 6 was non-cement fixation in the index procedure.

RESULTSThe mean follow-up for these patients was 44 months (range, 12 to 67 months). The mean Harris hip score was 87.6 points. All 10 reconstructions showed solid fracture union and a stable prosthesis, 8 was bone ingrowth, 2 was fibrous ingrowth. Complications in 4 patients included thigh pain in 1, stress shield in 3.

CONCLUSIONSVancouver type B2 periprosthetic fractures treated with uncemented extensively porous-coated femoral stems incorporate distally allowing stable fixation.

Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; Female ; Femoral Fractures ; surgery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip Prosthesis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Periprosthetic Fractures ; surgery ; Prosthesis Design ; Reoperation ; instrumentation ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome