OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of total flavonoids of Herba Epimedium (FHE) on BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway in promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

METHODSPassage 3 BMSCs were randomly divided into the control group, the experimental group, and the inhibitor group. BMSCs in the control group were cultured in 0.2% dimethyl sulfoxide + Osteogenuxic Supplement (OS) fluid + DMEM/F12 culture media. BMSCs in the experimental group were intervened by 20 microg/mL FHE. BMSCs in the inhibitor group were intervened by 20 microg/mL FHE and 1 microg/mL NOGGIN recombinant protein. At day 9 alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured. Calcium nodules were stained by alizarin red staining and the density was observed. The transcription expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins (type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin) and related factors of BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway was assayed by RT-PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, ALP activities were enhanced and the density of calcium nodules significantly increased; type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin expression levels were increased in the experimental group. The expression of osteogenesis-related transcription factor was also increased in the experimental group. Noggin recombinant protein inhibited FHE promoting BMSCs osteogenesis in the inhibitor group. Compared with the experimental group, ALP activity decreased (P < 0.05), the density of calcium nodules was lowered, expression levels of type I collagen, osteocalcin, osteopontin significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the inhibitor group.

CONCLUSION20 microg/mL FHE promoted osteogenic differentiation process of BMSCs by BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epimedium ; chemistry ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Osteocalcin ; metabolism ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; Osteopontin ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Sp7 Transcription Factor ; Transcription Factors ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate the effects of implementing the health education in the Central Fund Program to control endemic fluorosis in Guizhou.Methods The samples were randomly surveyed to evaluate knowledge awareness in students and households as well as the habit formation after implementing the integrated program which mainly consisted of installing the improved stoves,supported by the Central Funds and health education in 5 counties.Results After health education,the rates of knowledge awareness in the students and the households were 94.80%(15 562/16 415)and 88.23%(4482/5080),respectively,and increased significantly compared with those before intervention[44.20%(26 364/59 645),22.81%(3082/13 510)],the difference being significant(χ2=13 324.05,6546.24,P＜0.01).The rates of drying corn and chili with the coal fire were 5.61% (57/1016)and 5.41%(55/1016),respectively,and decreased significantly compared with those before intervention [77.41%(1076/1390),78.92%(1097/1390)],the difference being significant(χ2=1214.49,1270.92,P＜0.01).The rates of washing corn and chili were 99.51%(1011/1016)and 94.59%(961/1016),respectively,and increased significantly compared with those before intervention[84.60%(1176/1390),76.55%(1064/1390)],the difference being significant(χ2=154.80,143.32,P＜0.01).The rates of using the uncovered and unventilated iron stoves and table stoves were 4.71%(38/807)and 8.37%(60/717),respectively,and decreased significantly compared with those before intervention[29.99%(14 483/48 299),98.33%(95 070/96 685)],the difierence being significant(χ2=243.51,25 282.99,P＜0.01).Conclusions Implementing the health education is the basis for the integrated measures for controlling the endemic fluorosis in the endemic regions.The consciousness and activity of the target people have been enhanced greatly.The good behaviors in the target people are forming,the expected goal is reached.

Objective To explore the influence of stoves and mode of coal-burning on the prevalence of endemic fluorosis in Guizhou Province.Methods Three previous severe endemic villages and two mild villages(as control)were investigated by ways of random sampling in the present and retrospect epidemiological study on stove usage,coal burning mode and the severity of disease.Results Before the 1990's Of 20th century all the households in the previous severe endemic villages used the open stove without ventilated pipe(chimney)and dehydrated the corn over the coal-fire of the open stoves in house,which resulted in severe pollution of the corn and indoor air by fluoride.After the 1990's,each household,although still dried the corn with the coal fire,used the table stoves and iron stoves increasingly year by year,which resulted in the decrease of the emitted fluoride from the coal fire significantly,reduced the fluoride pollution of the indoor air and the main food,thus the incidence of endemic fluorosis consequently decreased. On the other hand, most of the households in the previous severe endemic villages such as Lianhe and Yuanzi still used the open, unventilated stove without chimney, very few installed chimney leading to outside of the room,the rates being 51.3%(41/80)and 41.7%(35/84),respectively.It was concordant to the high incidence of endemic fluorosis.Compared with 1979,the detective rates of dental fluorosis in the crowd aged above 8 years old were increased significantly in Hehua Village in 2006,90.51%(248/274)and 96.08%(392/408),respectively(χ2=7.85,P＜0.01).Conclusions The usage of stoves and mode of coal-burning significantly influence the incidence of the endemic fluorosis caused by domestic coal-burningin Guizhou Province,and inappropriated use of stove and the mode of coal burning are the key factors in cause the prevalence of the severe fluorosis in endemic regions in Guizhou.

Objective To study the follow-up management strategies after improving stoves for controlling coal-burning type endemic fluorosis in Guizhou and to provide a scientific basis for exploring the follow-up management measures.Methods In 2006 - 2009,three counties of Puding,Bijie and Liuzhi with improved stoves in 2005 and implemented follow-up management measures for subsequent three years were chosen,3 towns were chosen randomly in each chosen county,2 villages were selected randomly in each chosen town,10 households were investigated randomly in each chosen village,and 20 students were investigated of the knowledge of fluorosis control.The investigation included also the usage of the stoves,dehydration methods of grain and related conditions.Results ①The head of the family and student awareness of fluorosis control were 82.6％(743/900)and 91.7％ (1650/1800),respectively,and 35.0％ ( 385/1100 ) and 61.0％ (6605/10 835 ),respectively,before the test,and the difference was statistically significant( x2 =33.04,1189.12,all P ＜ 0.01 ).②The rates of chimney out of the house were 88.5％(69/78) and 100.0％(102/102),respectively,compared with those before the trial[74.4％(2125/2856) and 2.1％(104/4984),respectively],the difference was statistically significant(x2 =720.56,4295.38,all P ＜ 0.01).The iron stove and the table stove's airtight utilization rates were 85.9％(67/78) and 100.0％(102/102),respectively.③The corn and the hot pepper's correct drying rates were 100.0％(180/180).Compared with those[27.2％(49/180) and 32.2％(58/180),respectively]before the trial,the difference was statistically significant(x2 =26.68,37.38,all P ＜ 0.01 ).The corn and the hot pepper's washing rates before eating were 95.0％(57/60) and 98.3％(177/180),respectively.Compared with those[85.0％(153/180) and 77.8％(140/180)]before the trial,the difference was statistically significant(x2 =135.00,490.82,all P ＜ 0.01 ).Conclusions The target population's awareness and knowledge of fluorosis prevention and related behavior are significantly elevated and enhanced after implementation of the three years post-management,which has reached the desired goal.The strategies of the follow-up management suits Guizhou province and widespread application is suggested.

Objective To investigate the usage of fluorine-proof iron stove in regions with coal-burning borne endemic fluorosis of Guizhou province and to provide scientific basis for the project management. Methods According to "the local prevention programs against coal-burning borne endemic fluorosis-Guizhou iron stove usage survey scheme", in the 18 counties implemented the project of improving the iron stove from 2005 to 2008, 2 townships were selected randomly in each county of each project annually, 2 villages were selected in each township randomly, and 10 households were checked in each village. The project households were investigated using questionnaire of the related health knowledge and awareness as well as the satisfaction of the households.Results ①The improvement rate of iron stove was 100.00%(1286/1286). ②The overall utilization rate of the improved stove was 94.09% (1210/1286), in which winter was 62.21% (800/1286) and annual was 31.88%(410/1286). ③Among the households that did not use the project stove, 46.05%(35/76) households was due to switch to other clean energy, in addition, 19.74%(15/76) was due to sell or send to other households, and 14.47%(11/76) was still used to use the open kitchen without the ventilating pipe, and still 13.16%(10/76) was due to high coal prices, and 6.58%(5/76) was due to that the improved stove can not meet the needs of life and no longer used. ④Amoag 1261 households investigated, households with damaged furnace was 24.58%(310/1261 ), and the parts damaged were mainly chimney (ventilating pipe) and the furnace core, accounting for 51.94%(161/310) and 29.03%(90/310), respectively. Repair rate of the damaged parts was 32.58%(101/310). ⑤The health knowledge rate was about 82.74% (1064/1286), and the satisfaction of the iron furnace was 88.65% (1140/1286).Conclusions The improved stoves for the prevention of endemic fluorosis in the diseased area meet the people's living habits, and meet their basic livelihood needs. Most project households are still using the improved furnace.But we still need to further strengthen the project management and the health education intervention, establish and improve stove maintenance network, and reach the goal of sustainable control of coal-burning borne endemic fluorosis.

Objective To explore the effect of different processing and drying methods of corn and hot pepper on fluorine content in coal-burning type of the endemic fluorosis areas, and to screen food processing and drying methods which meet the quality requirements of grain drying and able to effectively reduce the total fluoride intake of local population. Methods Farmers of endemic fluorosis area in Bijie, Guizhou province were divided into 3 groups: sun-baked drying group, stove drying group with air-tight cover and stove drying group with no cover, 10 households in each group. Corn and fresh hot pepper and samples dried for 2 weeks, or 1, 3, 6-month were collected, and water and fluoride content were detected, and the total daily fluoride intake were calculated in accordance with the "Determination of Water in Food" (GB/T 5009.3-2003) and "Determination of Fluorine in Foods"(GB/T 5009.18-2003). Results Fluoride content in fresh corn and dried for 2 weeks, or 1, 3, 6-month [of sunbaked drying group: (1.40 ± 0.16), (1.56 ± 0.14), (2.15 ± 0.47), (2.70 ± 0.64), (4.06 ± 1.75)mg/kg, stove drying group with air-tight cover: (1.41 ± 0.16), (2.39 ± 0.56), (4.60 ± 0.97), (8.46 ± 5.55), (11.36 ± 3.60)mg/kg,stove drying group with no cover: (1.40 ± 0.13), (4.69 ± 3.97), (4.47 ± 2.77), (9.65 ± 6.47), (26.12 ± 14.52)mg/kg] and pepper[sun-baked drying group: (5.41 ± 1.61), (16.60 ± 7.62), (32.60 ± 7.88), (50.26 ± 17.60),(240.20 ± 272.49)mg/kg, stove drying group with air-tight cover: (754 ± 2.95), (3238 ± 11.50), (119.18 ± 156.45),(224.00 ± 196.58), (495.70 ± 417.29)mg/kg, stove drying group with no cover: (4.82 ± 1.25), (44.30 ± 13.48),(122.89 ± 66.43), (334.23 ± 166.05), (531.01 ± 397.40)mg/kg] increased with elongation of drying time, and the group difference was significant(F = 44.77, 128.71, 126.87, 41.61, 53.63, 170.63, all P ＜ 0.05), with the largest rate of increase in stove drying group with no cover, and the lowest in sun-baked drying group;fluoride was significantly lower (t = 7.93,63.07,5.36,11.98,55.76,7.45, all P ＜ 0.05) after sample washing;total fluoride intake per person per day was 2.57 mg in local adult when ate washed and sun-baked corn, peppers, the total fluoride intake were 5.92, 8.14 mg when ate the food processed by other two drying methods and washed corn, peppers,respectively. Conclusions In the coal-burning type of fluorosis endemic area, should take appropriate health education measures, and instruct local residents to use sun bake their edible corn and pepper for human consumption, and cultivate a habit of washing corn and pepper before cooking, which can reduce the population total fluoride intake, and control endemic fluorosis.

The incidence of deacclimatization to high altitude syndrome (DAHAS) prevailed up to 80% in highland troops, and 100% in manual workers, and severe DAHAS could significantly affects patients' health, work and life. So it is imperative to develop effective prevention and treatment measures for DAHAS. The present review analyzes effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures against DAHAS, implemented at our hospital.
Acclimatization ; Altitude ; Altitude Sickness ; prevention & control ; therapy ; Humans

Adolescent ; Brain Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; Brain Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial ; diagnostic imaging ; Hernia ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Male ; Plasmacytoma ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Ganglioneuroblastoma ; complications ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration ; etiology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of acupuncture on quality of life (QOL) in post-ischemic stroke patients with dysphagia.

METHODSSixty-six patients with dysphagia were randomly assigned to 3 groups, the 23 patients in the electro-acupuncture (EA) group treated by EA, 18 in the control group received rehabilitation training combined with acupoint percutaneous electric stimulation, and 25 in the acupoint token puncturing (TP) group received rehabilitation training combined with acupoint TP, once every day for 20 days in total. Changes in QOL scale specified for dysphagia of patients before and after treatment were compared.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 69.6% in the EA group, 50.0% in the control group and 64.0% in the TP group with insignificant difference among them (P > 0.05), but the improvements dealing with patients' general condition, time for taking food, frequency of uneasiness, emotion, appetite, social intercourse ability, fatigue, sleep and mental health, etc. in the EA group were superior to those in the other two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture could improve the QOL of patients with dysphagia after ischemic stroke.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Deglutition Disorders ; complications ; therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ischemia ; complications ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Quality of Life ; Stroke ; complications ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome