Association of Metabolic Factors with Symptomatic Hand Osteoarthritis in the Chinese Han Population Aged 40 Years and above / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The relationship between hand osteoarthritis (HOA) and systemic metabolic factors is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of systemic metabolic factors including obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis in symptomatic patients with HOA and the association between these systemic metabolic factors and symptomatic HOA in the Chinese Han population aged 40 years and above.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional survey was conducted on Chinese Han population aged 40 years and above in six centers in China. The sociodemographic features, lifestyle of the participants, and medical history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis were collected. The cases with hand symptoms underwent anteroposterior radiographic examination of both hands to obtain a diagnosis. The correlations between systemic metabolic factors and symptomatic HOA were analyzed using Logistic regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Overweight (39.3% vs. 30.5%, P< 0.001), hypertension (34.7% vs. 18.6%, P< 0.001), diabetes mellitus (11.2% vs. 3.3%, P< 0.001), and atherosclerosis (19.8% vs. 8.3%, P< 0.001) were more prevalent in symptomatic patients with HOA than those in the population without HOA. Overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.65, P = 0.005), hypertension (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.18-1.83, P < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.74-3.45, P< 0.001) were associated with a higher prevalence of symptomatic HOA and the OR of symptomatic HOA significantly increased with the accumulated number of the three metabolic factors. Symptomatic HOA was associated with a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.05-1.85, P = 0.023).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Overweight, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were associated with a higher prevalence of HOA, showing cumulative effects. Atherosclerosis risk should be assessed in patients with HOA.</p>

Evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure of Bletilla striata based on SRAP markers / 药学学报

Bletilla striata has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for several centuries. In recent years, the quality and quantity of wild B. striata plants have declined sharply due to habitat deterioration and human over-exploitation. Therefore, it is of great urgency to evaluate and protect B. striata wild plant resource. In this study, sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers were applied to assess the level and pattern of genetic diversity in twelve populations of B. striata. The results showed a high level of genetic diversity (PPB = 90.48%, H = 0.349 4, I = 0.509 6) and moderate genetic differentiation among populations (G(st) = 0.260 9). Based on the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA), twelve populations gathered in three clusters. The cluster 1 included four populations. There are Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Xuancheng and Hangzhou. The seven populations which come from Hubei Province, Hunan Province, Jiangxi Province and Guizhou Province belonged to the cluster 2. The cluster 3 only contained Wenshan population. Moreover, Mantel test revealed significant positive correlation between genetic distances and geographic distances (r = 0.632 9; P < 0.000 1). According to the results, we proposed a series of conservation consideration for B. striata.

Molecular identification of wild populations of Dendrobium officinale based on target region amplification polymorphism / 药学学报

In this study, TRAP molecular markers were used in identification of wild populations and hybrids of Dendrobium officinale, based on the sequences of genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). Seven polymorphic target region amplification polymorphism (TRAP) primers were selected from 54 primer combinations and used in the identification of wild populations. Moreover, hybrids had female polymorphic bands, male polymorphic bands and heterozygous bands, which suggest that seven TRAP markers are able to identify the hybrids from their parents. Furthermore, the UPGMA dendrogram revealed that when sample from Guangnan in Yunnan province was used as one parent, reciprocal hybrids grouped with them in first, and then grouped with the other parent. The results indicated that the hybrids were closer to D. officinale from Guangnan population. This study identified the wild populations and hybrids of D. officinale by TRAP molecular markers, which is useful in selection of good varieties for artificial cultivation and early identification of hybrids. The study provides a method in the control of stability of germplasm and quality of D. officinale.

Evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure of Bletilla striata based on SRAP markers / 药学学报

Bletilla striata has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for several centuries. In recent years, the quality and quantity of wild B. striata plants have declined sharply due to habitat deterioration and human over-exploitation. Therefore, it is of great urgency to evaluate and protect B. striata wild plant resource. In this study, sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers were applied to assess the level and pattern of genetic diversity in twelve populations of B. striata. The results showed a high level of genetic diversity (PPB = 90.48%, H = 0.349 4, I = 0.509 6) and moderate genetic differentiation among populations (Gst = 0.260 9). Based on the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA), twelve populations gathered in three clusters. The cluster 1 included four populations. There are Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Xuancheng and Hangzhou. The seven populations which come from Hubei Province, Hunan Province, Jiangxi Province and Guizhou Province belonged to the cluster 2. The cluster 3 only contained Wenshan population. Moreover, Mantel test revealed significant positive correlation between genetic distances and geographic distances (r = 0.632 9; P B. striata.

Applylication of new type combined fragments: nrDNA ITS+ nad 1-intron 2 for identification of Dendrobium species of Fengdous / 药学学报

In this study, 17 kinds of Dendrobium species of Fengdous including 39 individuals were collected from 4 provinces. Mitochondrial gene sequences co I, nad 5, nad 1-intron 2 and chloroplast gene sequences rbcL, matK amd psbA-trnH were amplified from these materials, as well as nrDNA ITS. Furthermore, suitable sequences for identification of Dendrobium species of Fengdous were screened by K-2-P and P-distance. The results showed that during the mentioned 7 sequences, nrDNA ITS, nad 1-intron 2 and psbA-trnH which had a high degree of variability could be used to identify Dendrobium species of Fengdous. However, single fragment could not be used to distinguish D. moniliforme and D. huoshanense. Moreover, compared to other combined fragments, new type combined fragments nrDNA ITS+nad 1-intron 2 was more effective in identifying the original plants of Dendrobium species and could be used to identify D. huoshanense and D. moniliforme. Besides, according to the UPGMA tree constructed with nrDNA ITS+nad 1-intron 2, 3 inspected Dendrobium plants were identified as D. huoshanense, D. moniliforme and D. officinale, respectively. This study identified Dendrobium species of Fengdous by combined fragments nrDNA ITS+nad 1-intron 2 for the first time, which provided a more effective basis for identification of Dendrobium species. And this study will be helpful for regulating the market of Fengdous.

Comparison of parathyroid hormone (1-34) and elcatonin in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: an 18-month randomized, multicenter controlled trial in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34) (rhPTH (1-34)) is the first agent in a unique class of anabolic therapies acting on the skeleton. The efficacy and safety of long-term administration of rhPTH (1-34) in Chinese postmenopausal women had not been evaluated. This study compared the clinical efficacy and safety of rhPTH (1-34) with elcatonin for treating postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in 11 urban areas of China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 453 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were enrolled in an 18-month, multi-center, randomized, controlled study. They were randomized to receive either rhPTH (1-34) 20 µg (200 U) daily for 18 months, or elcatonin 20 U weekly for 12 months. Lumbar spine (L1-4) and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), fracture rate, back pain as well as biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured. Adverse events were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>rhPTH (1-34) increased lumbar BMD significantly more than did elcatonin after 6, 12, and 18 months of treatment (4.3% vs. 1.9%, 6.8% vs. 2.7%, 9.5% vs. 2.9%, P < 0.01). There was only a small but significant increase of femoral neck BMD after 18 months (2.6%, P < 0.01) in rhPTH groups. There were larger increases in bone turnover markers in the rhPTH (1-34) group than those in the elcatonin group after 6, 12, and 18 months (serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) 93.7% vs. -3.6%; 117.8% vs. -4.1%; 49.2% vs. -5.8%, P < 0.01; urinary C-telopeptide/creatinine (CTX/Cr) 250.0% vs. -29.5%; 330.0% vs. -41.4%, 273.0% vs. -10.6%, P < 0.01). rhPTH (1-34) showed similar effect of pain relief as elcatonin. The incidence of clinical fractures was 5.36% (6/112) in elcatonin group and 3.2% (11/341) in rhPTH (1-34) group (P = 0.303). Both treatments were well tolerated. Hypercaluria (9.4%) and hypercalcemia (7.0%) in rhPTH (1-34) group were transient and caused no clinical symptoms. Pruritus (8.2% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.044) and redness of injection site (4.4% vs. 0, P = 0.024) were more frequent in rhPTH (1-34). Nausea/vomiting (16.1% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.001) and hot flushes (7.1% vs. 0.6%, P < 0.001) were more common in elcatonin group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>rhPTH (1-34) was associated with greater increases in lumbar spine BMD and bone formation markers. It could increase femoral BMD after 18 months of treatment. rhPTH could improve back pain effectively. The results of the present study indicate that rhPTH (1-34) is an effective, safe agent in treating Chinese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.</p>

Clinical results after all arthroscopic reduction and fixation of bony Bankart lesion / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the shoulder function after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation in patients with bony Bankart lesion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between May 2004 and May 2008, 45 patients with bony Bankart lesion who were treated with all arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation with metal anchors were included in this study. Among them 40 patients were male and 5 patients were female. The average age at the surgery was 27.6 years (16.5 - 50.1 years). The average duration of follow-up was 29.7 months (24.8 - 49.0 months). A history of recurrent dislocation of affected shoulder was found in all patients. Metal anchors were used to fix the bony Bankart lesion during the surgery. Hill-Sachs remplissage technique was used to treat the Engaging Hill-Sachs lesion. The preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score, Rowe score and the VAS score for instability were 84 ± 14, 95.1 ± 4.6, 39.4 ± 2.9 and 5 ± 3 respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No significant change was found regarding active forward elevation, external rotation and internal rotation after the surgery. The ASES score, Constant-Murley score, Rowe score and the VAS score of stability were 95 ± 7, 98.3 ± 2.2, 84.5 ± 22.0 and 1 ± 2, improved significantly higher after the surgery (P < 0.01). One subluxation and 3 redislocation were happened during follow-up. The overall failure rate was 8.9% (4/45).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>All arthroscopic reduction and fixation of bony Bankart lesion can achieve a good result.</p>

Alendronate treatment does not inhibit bone formation within biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics in posterolateral spinal fusion: an experimental study in porcine model / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics has a potential advantage as an osteoconductive matrix and has an optimal resorption rate for bone formation. Using BCP ceramics as a bone graft during spinal fusion requires osteogenesis within the material and subsequent bridging between adjacent vertebrae to provide long-term support. Bisphosphonates have been reported to prolong the process of bone healing. The influence of bisphosphonate treatment on bone formation within BCP ceramics in spinal fusion remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of alendronate on BCP osteogenesis in posterolateral spinal fusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Posterolateral spinal fusion with pedicle screw fixation was performed at the lumbar spine in twenty-two pigs. BCP ceramics were applied as a bone graft to obtain bone fusion between adjacent transverse processes. Eleven pigs in the treatment group received oral alendronate 10 mg/d for three months postoperatively. Eleven pigs in the control group did not receive treatment with alendronate. All animals underwent posterolateral spinal fusion with BCP ceramics. The fusion rate was evaluated three months after the operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The fusion rates evaluated by X-ray were 27.3% in the treatment group and 20% in the control group. The fusion rates using histological evaluation were 18.2% in the treatment group and 20% in the control group. The mean volumes of fusion mass were (3.64 +/- 0.86) cm(3) in the treatment group and (4.26 +/- 0.63) cm(3) in the control group. No significant differences were found in either trabecular bone volume or residual BCP volume between treatment and control groups using histological evaluation. The new bone formation within BCP ceramics was greater in the area adjacent to transverse process (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Oral alendronate with a dose of 10 mg daily do not inhibit bone formation within BCP ceramics or affect the fusion rate in posterolateral spinal fusion from porcine models.</p>

A randomized, multicenter controlled trial to compare the efficacy of recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34) with elcatonin in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34) (rhPTH (1-34)) given by injection is a new seventh class drug of biological products, which is prepared by adopting gene recombination technique. rhPTH (1-34) is mainly used to treat osteoporosis, especially for postmenopausal women. This study compared the clinical efficacy and safety of rhPTH (1-34) with elcatonin for treating postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in 11 urban areas of China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and five women with osteoporosis were enrolled in a 6-month, multicenter, randomized, controlled study. They were randomized to receive either rhPTH (1-34) 20 microg (200 U) daily or elcatonin 20 U weekly. Lumbar spine (L1-4) and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), as well as biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured. Adverse events were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>rhPTH (1-34) increased lumbar BMD significantly more than did elcatonin at 3 months and 6 months (2.38% vs 0.59%, P < 0.05; 5.51% vs 1.55%, P < 0.01), but there were no significant increases of BMD in these two groups at femoral neck. There were larger mean increases in bone markers in the rhPTH (1-34) group than in the elcatonin group at 3 months and 6 months (serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) 36.79% vs 0.31%; 92.42% vs -0.17%; urinary N-telopeptide/creatinine (NTX/Cr) 48.91% vs -5.32%; 68.82% vs -10.86%). Both treatments were well tolerated and there were no significant differences detected between the two groups in the proportion of any adverse events and any serious adverse events (67.0% vs 59.0%; 0 vs 0).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>rhPTH (1-34) has more positive effects on bone formation, as shown by the larger increments of lumbar BMD and bone formation markers, than elcatonin, with only mild adverse events and no significant change in the liver, kidney or hematological indices.</p>