OBJECTIVETo establish a hepatolenticular degeneration rat model with excessive copper, and investigate the effects of excessive copper deposits in the liver on hepatocyte apoptosis and Bax and Bcl-2 expression.

METHODSRat model of hepatolenticular degeneration was established by administering forages containing 1g/kg of copper sulfate and drinking water containing 0.185% copper sulfate. Copper level in the liver and serum and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in serum were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to detect hepatocyte apoptosis. Bax and Bcl-2 expression was observed by RT-PCR and imunohistochemistry staining. Quantification of positive cells was performed by image analyzer.

RESULTSWith more prolonged excessive copper ingestion, copper level in the liver and serum as well as ALT level in serum rose, and more apoptosis cells appeared in the liver. Bax and Bcl-2 expression increased significantly compared with controls fed a normal diet and progressively increased with more prolonged excessive copper ingestion. The progressively increased extent of Bcl-2 expression was lower than that of Bax expression, so the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax decreased with increasing excessive copper ingestion time.

CONCLUSIONSExcessive copper deposits in the liver can induce hepatocyte apoptosis through an up-regulation of Bax expression.

Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Copper ; toxicity ; Hepatocytes ; drug effects ; pathology ; Liver ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; analysis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; analysis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of progressive loading on implants placed into extraction sockets.

METHODSBilateral 3rd, 4th and 2nd premolar of 4 beagle dogs were extracted and the implants were immediately inserted at 0, 14 and 21 days. The progressive loading procedure was conducted after 24 hours. The vertical bone loss (VBL) and the bone/biomaterials reactions were detected by X-ray and SEM.

RESULTSThe VBL in control groups was larger than that for the experimental groups at 14, 21 and 28 days (P<0.05). Scan electron microscopy detected that the mineralization speed of experimental groups was many times as faster as the control groups.

CONCLUSIONProgressive loading of implants placed into extraction sockets can be performed without disturbing the osseointegration process. The potential of new bone formation in the extraction sockets and the physical strains can congenerously promote osseointegration.

Animals ; Bicuspid ; Dental Implantation, Endosseous ; Dental Implants ; Dogs ; Osseointegration ; Tooth Extraction ; Tooth Socket

BACKGROUNDOptimizing treatment outcomes for depression requires understanding of how evidence-based treatments are utilized in clinical practice. Antipsychotic medications concurrent with antidepressant treatment are frequently used in major depression, but few studies have investigated trends and patterns of their use over time. This study aimed to examine the prescription patterns of antipsychotic medications for major depression in China from 2002 to 2012 and their association with treatment satisfaction and quality of life (QOL).

METHODSA total of 3655 subjects with major depression treated in 45 Chinese psychiatric hospitals/centers nationwide were interviewed between 2002 and 2012. Patients' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics including psychopathology, medication side effects, satisfaction with treatment and QOL were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection.

RESULTSThe frequency of antipsychotic use was 24.9% in the whole sample; the corresponding figures were 17.1%, 20.3%, and 32.8% in 2002, 2006, and 2012, respectively (χ2 = 90.3, df = 2, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that patients on concurrent antipsychotics had significantly more delusions or hallucinations, longer illness duration, greater side effects, and more likely to be treated as inpatients and in major hospitals (i.e., Level-III hospital). Antipsychotic use was associated with lower treatment satisfaction while there was no significant difference with respect to physical and mental QOL between the antipsychotic and nonantipsychotic groups.

CONCLUSIONSConcurrent antipsychotic use was found in about one in four treated depressed patients in China, which has increased over a 10-year period. Considering the association of drug-induced side effects and the lack of patients' and relatives' satisfaction with antipsychotic treatment, further examination of the rationale and appropriateness of the use of antipsychotics in depression is needed.

Adult ; Antipsychotic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Depressive Disorder, Major ; drug therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Personal Satisfaction ; Psychotropic Drugs ; therapeutic use ; Quality of Life