OBJECTIVETo compare five materials commonly used in dentistry, including three types of metals and two types of ceramics, by using different sequences of three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) field strengths (0.35, 1.5, and 3.0 T).

METHODSThree types of metals and two types of ceramics that were fabricated into the same size and thickness as an incisor crown were placed in a plastic tank filled with saline. The crowns were scanned using an magnetic resonance (MR) machine at 0.35, 1.5, and 3.0 T field strengths. The TlWI and T2WI images were obtained. The differences of various materials in different artifacts of field MR scans were determined.

RESULTSThe zirconia crown presented no significant artifacts when scanned under the three types of MRI field strengths. The artifacts of casting ceramic were minimal. All dental precious metal alloys, nickel-chromium alloy dental porcelain, and cobalt-chromium ceramic alloy showed varying degrees of artifacts under the three MRI field strengths.

CONCLUSIONZirconia and casting ceramics present almost no or faint artifacts. By contrast, precious metal alloys, nickel-chromium alloy dental porcelain and cobalt-chromium ceramic alloy display MRI artifacts. The artifact area increase with increasing magnetic field.

Artifacts ; Ceramics ; Chromium Alloys ; Crowns ; Dental Alloys ; Dental Materials ; Dental Porcelain ; Magnetic Fields ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Zirconium

Objective To study P-glycoprotein(P-gp),the mdr-1 gene product,expression and response to pirarubicin containing regimen in recurrent and metastatic breast carcinoma.Methods P-gp expression in 40 postoperative patients with recurrent and metastatic breast carcinoma was detected by SABC immunohistochemical method.The patients were treated with combination regimen of cyclophosphamide,pirarubicin and 5-fluorouracil.The correlation between P-gp expression and chemotherapeutic response was analyzed.Results The positive rate of P-gp expression in patients with lung or liver metastasis was higher than that in skin or lymphnode metastasis(P=0.049);The overall response rate was 52.5% in 40 patients;The responserate 84.2% of the P-gp negative group was higher than that 33.3% of the P-gp positive group(P

Gypsum Fibrosum is one of mineral medicines, which is widely used in clinics for a long time. It is mainly used for treating epidemic febrile diseases and excess-heat syndrome. The studies on the heat-clearing effects and mechanisms of Gypsum Fibro-sum in recent years were summarized in the paper,which can provide scientific reference for its further research, application and the heat-clearing mechanism exploration.

BACKGROUND: Animal tests verified that alcohol could cause lipid accumulation in femoral head, leading to osteonecrosis. Molecular biology tests verified that alcohol could induce differentiation of marrow stromal cells (MSCs) into adipocytes. If a drug can resist the differentiation of MSCs into adipocytes induced by alcohol, it can prevent and treat alcoholinduced osteonecrosis.OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of inhibition of puerarin on differentiation of MSCs into adipocytes induced by alcohol from the aspect of cell biology.DESIGN: Randomized controlled experiment.SETTING: Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital,Zhengzhou University and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University.MATERIALS: The experiment was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University from April 2000 to December 2002. A total of 50 clean healthy Kunming mice aged 6-8 weeks, of either sex, were selected. Bone marrow cells of the bilateral femur were obtained, with the inoculated density of 1.5×106/cm2, implanted into 6 wells and 24 wells cultured plate, randomized into groups, a well as a specimen and 24 specimens in each group.METHODS: MSCs were separated, cultured and assigned into 3 groups at random: model group (cells were treated with 0.09 mol/L alcohol), experimental group (0.09 mol/L alcohol and 0.01 mg/mL final concentration of puerarin) and controlled group (no alcohol and puerarin). Sudan Ⅲ staining was performed and adipose cells was counted under light microscope.Content of triacylglycerol, activity of alkaline phosphatase and content of osteocalcin in cell culture fluid were measured.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ①Result of differentiation of MSCs into adipocytes in micé of the three groups, ②content of triacylglycerol in MSCs of mice of the three groups, ③activity of alkaline phosphatase in MSCs of mice of the three groups, ④content of osteocalcin in cell culture fluid in the three groups.RESULTS: ①After being disposed and cultured for 21 days, number of adipocytes in the experimental group and control group decreased markedly compared with the model group. The number of adipocytes in the model group was 8.9 times of that in the experimental group, and 15.6 times of that in the control group [(319.17±19.92), (35.92±23.77)(20.42±12.15)per cm2,P＜0.001]. ②After being disposed and cultured for 21 days, coutent of triacylglycerol in the experinental group and control group was remarkably lower than that in the model group [(4.15±1.92) and (3.42±1.60),(11.55±4.42) μgin a well, P ＜ 0.001]. ③After being disposed and cultured for 12 days, activity of alkaline phosphatase in the experimental group and control group was distinctly higher than that in the model group [(9.51±2.96),(11.18±3.11), (4.84±2.23) μkat/g,P ＜ 0.001]. ④After being disposed and cultured for 14 days, content of osteocalcin in the experimental group and control group was 2.2 times and 2.7 times of that in the model group, respectively, and the difference was very significant com pared with themodel group [(11.11±4.57),(13.43±5.29), (4.95±2.31) μg/g,P ＜ 0.001].CONCLUSION: Puerarin can inhibit the differentiation of MSCs into adipocytes induced by alcohol, and maintain the osteogenic differentiation,which may prevent the development of osteonecrosis.

Objective To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on the invasion of ovarian cancer cells and to provide a potential target for ovarian cancer therapy.Methods ( 1 ) Serous type ovarian cancer cell line OVCA429 with platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) positive and mucinous type cell line RMUG-L (PAFR negative) were treated with 100 nmol/L of the PAF,cell invasion ability was determined by transwell cell migration assay.(2) For determination of the optimal PAF concentration,ovarian cancer cell OVCA429 was treated by 0,0.1,1,10,100,and 1000 nmol/L of PAF for 10 minutes or 24 hour,respectively.To observe the different time point of protein changes,OVCA429 were treated by 100 nmol/L of PAF for 0,5 minutes,10 minutes,30 minutes,1 hour or 12 hours,respectively.The total proteins of treated cells were extracted according to standard protocol.The expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK),phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK),transcription factor response element-binding protein (CREB),phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were detected by western blot.(3) To verify the pathway involved in the PAF induction of the cancer cell invasion,we repeated the experiments by adding the inhibitors when treating cells with PAF.The inhibitors used were as follows,PAFR inhibitor-WEB2076 (50 μmol/L),pp38 MAPK inhibitor-SB203580 (10 μmol/L),CREB binding protein (CBP)-CREB interaction inhibitor217505(25 μ mol/L).All treated cells were divided into 6 groups:control group,PAF group,PAF + WEB2076 group,PAF + SB203580 group,PAF + 217505 group and PAF + SB203580 + 217505group.Results ( 1 ) By transwell assay,100 nmol/L of PAF could improve the invasion ability of OVCA429 cell significantly [ PAF:( 118 ± 23 ) cells vs.control:(36 ± 8 ) cells,P ＜ 0.0l ],while the same treatment had no effect on RMUG-L cells [PAF:(45 t 13) cells vs.control:(53 ±9) cells,P＞0.05].(2) Even a very low concentration of PAF (0.1 nmol/L) could increase the expression of p-CREB and MMP-2,while the most effective concentration of PAF was 100 nmol/L.The highest p-CREB protein expression was detected at 10 minutes after administration of 100 nmol/L PAF,as well as the expression of p-p38 MAPK protein.Even 12 hours after treatment the p-p38 MAPK protein could be detected,while there was no significant difference in the expression of CREB ( P ＞ 0.05 ).(3) As compared with PAF group,both in PAF + WEB2076 group and PAF + SB203580 group,the expressions of p-p38 MAPK,p-CREB and MMP-2 protein were decreased significantly; in PAF + 217505 group,although the expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-CREB protein was significantly higher than the control group,the expression of MMP-2 protein was significantly lower; in PAF + SB203580 + 217505 group,the expression of these three proteins were also significantly lower,but there was no significant difference as compared with that in the PAF + WEB2076 or PAF + SB203580 group.Conclusion PAF could induce MMP-2 expression and contributed to PAFR positive ovarian cancer cell invasion via activation of CREB by phosphorylating of p38 MAPK.

Objective To explore the effectiveness of ipsilateral autologous semitendinosus ten don graft in treatment of lateral ankle ligament injuries and ankle instability. Methods Two patients including one male (25 years old) and one female (17 years old) with chronic lateral instability of the ankle were enrolled in the study. Both patients had the history of repeated ankle sprain in supination position and had grade Ⅲ injury of the lateral ankle ligament according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Grading System. Anterior drawer test and talar tilt test were all positive. The stress-inversion radiograph demonstrated the average inclination of the talus for 21 ° and the lateral radiograph demonstrated anterior dislocation of the talus. The chronic ankle instabilities in two patients were treated by using the ipsilateral autologous semitendinosus tendon graft to reconstruct the lateral ankle ligament. Results The two patients were followed up for mean eight months, which revealed that the active and passive range of motion was good, with no pain or swelling. The anterior drawer test and talar tilt test were all negative. The stress-inversion radiograph demonstrated that the average inclination of the talus was less than 5°, with no anterior dislocation of the talus. According to the Mazur grading system, the clinical outcome was excellent in one patient and good in one. The two patients were satisfied with the stability of the ankle. Conclusions ( 1 ) Lateral ankle ligament injury is a common cause of chronic ankle instability,even the ankle osteoarthritis. ( 2 ) Brostr(o)m method can attain satisfactory result for fresh lateral injury of the ankle, but not for the old injuries. ( 3 ) Ipsilateral autologous semitendinosus tendon graft is simpleand effective for treatment of lateral ankle ligament injuries and chronic ankle instability and may play an important role in the treatment of lateral ankle instability and prevention of the occurrence of ankle osteoarthritis.

Objective To investigate the clinical application value of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for nonfunctioning kidney.Methods Fifty-four cases of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for nonfunctioning kidney were reviewed,including 9 cases with nonfunctioning tuberculosis pyonephrosis,18 cases with infection nonfunctioning pyonephrosis and 27 cases of nonfunctioning hydronephrosis.Fifty-four cases were received retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy,tuberculous and infection pyonephrosis underwent laparoscopic resection surrounding adipose capsule,nonfunctioning hydronephrosis underwent laparoscopic resection by pumping water to increase the peritoneal space.Results The operation of 54 cases were perfomed successfully.None of the patient required conversion to open surgery.During the surgery,1 case showed mild extravasation of cheese-like pus induced by laceration of the kidney capsule;2 cases had injuried on the peritoneum.The mean operation time was 125 (95-230) min,the mean blood loss was 84 (50-420) ml.All patients showed primary healing of the wound,the patients were discharged from the hospital in 6 to 11 d (mean 7.5 d).After followed up for 5-27 months,none of them had long-term complication.Conclusions Retroperitoneal laparscopic nephrectomy for nonfunctioning kidney has advantages of minimal invasion,less blood loss and quicker recovery,so it is a fairly safe and effective procedure for nonfunctioning kidney.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical effect of different canalith repositioning maneuver in the treatment of the apogeotropic nystagmus of horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (apogeotropic HSC-BPPV). METHOD: Forty patients of apogeotropic HSC-BPPV colleted from March 2014 to May 2015 were divided into two groups, each group had 20 cases. The control group was repositioned with the Gufoni maneuver before the Barbecue maneuver, the research group with the improved Nuti maneuver. RESULT: The success rate of the research group was not lower than that of the control group, which hadn't statistical (P > 0.05). And after the Barbecue maneuver, all patients have been recovered. CONCLUSION Comparing with the Gufoni maneuver, the improved Nuti maneuver designed by us, had the same success rate to treat apogeotropic HSC-BPPV, and is easier to learn,with more compliance,more comfort and more repeatability.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo ; therapy ; Humans ; Nystagmus, Pathologic ; therapy ; Patient Positioning ; methods ; Semicircular Canals ; physiopathology

Objective To investigate the experience of diagnosis and treatment of abdominal penetrating injury with large vessels damage.Methods The clinical data of 18 patients with abdominal large vessels injuries in our hospital from Jan 2003 to oct 2014 were analyzed retrospectively.Results 18 cases of large vessels injuries,accounting for 16.21％ during the same period of all penetrating wounds (18/111),emergency laparotomy was performed.There were 8 cases of arterial injury,4 cases of concurrent arteriovenous injury,6 cases of venous injury,Arterial and venous broken walls were repaired,splenic artery and venous ligation and splenectomy were performed.Vascular repair success rate was 100％,Intraoperative blood loss was 500-6 000 ml,average (3 750 ±670) ml.Operating time varied from 2.5 to 7 h,average (3.9 ±0.8) h.All patients were cured.12 cases were followed-up for 2-36 months,mean follow-up time was (15 ± 7) months,ultrasonography showed normal blood flow without complications.Conclusions Emergency surgical exploration and limited fluid resuscitation is the most effective therapy in abdominal penetrating injury involving large vessels.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between interleukin-18(IL-18) and insulin resistance, measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods Forty-two young women with PCOS and 38 age-and body mass index (BMI)- matched control women were recruited in this study. A complete hormonal assay was performed and serum IL-18 level was determined in each subject. And euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp test was completed in 41 of the above subjects. Results Serum IL-18 levels were increased in the PCOS women, as compared with the control (P=0.033). When all subjects were divided into lean and obese groups, the IL-18 levels were slightly increased in the obese subjects (P=0.902). IL-18 levels were negatively correlated with all the clamp parameters [mean glucose infusion rate (M), M-to-insulin ratio (M/I) and glucose metabolic clearance rate (MCRg), r =-0.419,-0.396,and-0.405,P=0.006,0.010 and 0.009 respectively], but were positively associated with HOMA-β index(r=0.334, P=O.035). Conclusion Serum IL-18 level was significantly increased in PCOS women and was strongly associated with the parameters obtained from the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, indicating that IL-18 may be an important mediator between inflammation and insulin resistance.