Current situation of the project of water improvement to reduce arsenic in endemic arsenism area in Shanxi province / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To investigate the actual situation of implementation of the project to reduce water arsenic in endemic arsenic poisoning areas in Shanxi province,and to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of the disease.Methods In June 2011,a questionnaire survey of 151 arsenic endemic villages was carried out in Shanxi province.The actual situation of implementation of the project to reduce water arsenic was investigated.Water samples were collected and arsenic level was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry.Results In the 151 arsenic poisoning villages 126 villages had changed the water,and the rate was 83.44％.In these villages,22 villages did not use the water improvement utilities properly.Of the 33 water improvement projects to reduce arsenic,23 operated normally.The projects covered 110 villages,beneficiary population of 97 920 people,accounting for 46.9％(97 920/208 736) of the total population.Water arsenic exceeded the national standards(≤0.05 mg/L) in 10 of the water improvement projects which covered 31 villages,including 15 nonendemic villages and 16 diseased villages.There were a population of 24 764 people in the diseased villages.Conclusions In Shanxi endemic arsenic poisoning areas,water improvement efforts need to be strengthened; the quality of water improvement project needs to be improved,and the project's later management and maintenance also need to be further strengthened.

Level of aseninc in environmental media in water-born endemic arsenicosis area of Shanxi province / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To investigate the level of arsenic in environmental media and food stuffs including vegetables in water-born endemic arsenicosis area for provide a scientific basis for endemic arsenicosis of Shanxi province.Methods Samples of drinking water,soil,and glutinous broom corn,foxtail millet,and potato were collected from local families in water-born endemic arsenicosis area of Shanyin county,Shanxi province.According to“Diagnosis Standard for Endemic Arsenicosis” (WS/T 211-2001 ),totally 309 people from 126 families were choosen for the survey.The content of arsenic in drinking water,glutinous broom corn and foxtail millet was quantitatively determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS).The level of arsenic in soil and potato was measured by atomic fluorescence spectrometer(AFS).The water arsenic concentrations were divided into five groups,≤10,＞ 10 - 50,＞ 50 - 100,＞ 100 - 200,and ＞ 200 μ g/L,analysis the relationship between water arsenic exposure and skin lesions.ResultIn this study,126 water samples were collected.Arsenic concentrations in drinking water were 4.04 - 720.00 μg/L,the median value was 87.75 μg/L,and the ratio of arsenic level higher than the Chinese standards for drinking water(50 μg/L) was 63.49％(80/126).The levels of arsenic in food were 0.16 - 4.58 mg/kg,the median value of arsenic in food was 0.66 mg/kg,and 98.73％(78/79) of arsenic exceeded 0.2 mg/kg.Arsenic concentrations in soil and vegetable were 5.34 - 13.74 mg/kg and 0 - 0.30 mg/kg,respectively.Predicted inorganic arsenic intake from food and vegetable was modeled with the equivalent intake from drinking water for a typical Chinese diet.Daily consumption of grain with a total arsenic level of 0.17 mg/kg would be equivalent to a drinking water arsenic level of 10 μg/L.Otherwise,adjusted with gender and age,symptoms of skin lesions correlated positively with water arsenic concentrations in all subjects.The OR values were 3.219,9.001,56.127,and 97.734 for each group,respectively.Rank correlation test using Chi-square test and Spearman correlation test showed that the severity of skin lesions was associated with the increasing of arsenic content in water(x2 =128.747,P ＜ 0.05; r =0.501,P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionsArsenic levels in both drinking water and food are high in water-born endemic arsenicosis area of Shanxi province,and in soil and vegetables are not high.Arsenic in drinking water has been considered as a main risk factor of skin lesions,and dietary intake of arsenic through foodstuff can not be ignored.

The arsenic concentration in saliva and its relationship with arsenic in urine and drinking water in endemic arsenism area in Shanyin county of Shanxi province / 中国地方病学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the arsenic level in saliva and its relationship with arsenic in urine and drinking water in endemic arsenism area in Shanyin county of Shanxi province.MethodsSeventy individuals from four villages in endemic arsenicosis area in Shanyin county Shanxi provence were selected as research subjects.“The National Diagnosis Standard for Endemic Arsenism” (WS/T211-2001 ) was used to identify and categorize the cases of arsenicosis during the survey.Urine,saliva samples from all individuals and water samples from their families were collected.Total arsenic in saliva,urine and drinking water samples were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry-230 (AFS-230).ResnltsThe median of arsenic in drinking water samples was 127.22 μg/L,and 66.67％ (28/42) of samples' arsenic levels exceeded the drinking water standard,37 individuals had varying degrees of skin lesions among the 70 residents.There was a significant difference of the arsenic concentration in saliva and urine of the residents exposed to different levels of arsenic in drinking water (F =28.643,10.226,all P＜ 0.05).Arsenic levels were positively correlated significantly (r =0.674,0.686,all P＜ 0.05) between water and saliva,urinary.Saliva and urinary arsenic levels were highly correlated (r =0.794,P ＜ 0.05).In addition,arsenic in saliva and urine,water arsenic,skin symptoms were closely related, and the levels of arsenic were significantly different statistically between symptomatic group and asymptomatic group (t =- 3.194,- 4.167,- 4.938,all P ＜ 0.01).ConclusionsSalivary arsenic is significantly correlated with water arsenic and also with skin symptoms of patients with arsenic poisoning,which suggests that salivary arsenic is a potential useful biomarker for assessing human exposure to arsenic.

Survey of defluoridation water improvement project in Shanxi province from 2005 to 2009 / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To learn the present status of defluoridation water improvement project in Shanxi province in order to provide scientific basis for speeding up the prevention and control of endemic fluorosis.Methods According to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control" from 2005 to 2009, the investigation points were selected in the counties that implemented the measures of water improvement and defluoridation,the status of drinking water defluoridation Project was investigated, and the water fluoride levels were determined by fluoride selective ion electrode. Results The primary status was surveyed in 1658 water improvement and defluoridation projects in 51 counties. The resource of drinking water for water improvement and defluoridation projects was mostly ground water[accounting for 93.12% (1544/1658)]. Among 1658 water improvement and defluoridation projects 1405 projects worked well(accounting for 84.74%) and 190 projects intermittently worked (accounting for 11.46%). Sixty three projects abandoned (accounting for 3.80%), in Datong basin the abandoned projects accounted for 36.36% (12/33). Water fluoride content of 1595 water improvement and defluoridation projects had been determined, among them water fluoride content of 874 projects were above 1.0 mg/L (accounting for 54.80%). The situations of exceeded national standard in the five basins was different(H = 33.22,P ＜ 0.01). The rate of over national standard of fluoride levels in drinking water was 88.37%(38/43) in Datong basin. Therefore, in Datong basin water improvement should be strengthened. Conclusions In Shanxi province the water improvement and defluoridation projects are basically running normally. However, the qualified rate is lower for the water improvement and defluoridation projects. The water improvement status varies dramatically among areas.The situation is still grim in Shanxi province. Water improvement and defluoridation needs to be strengthened to improve the effect of prevention and control of the disease.

Long-term effect of endemic arsenism on oxidative stress and immune function / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To explore the long-term effect of endemic arsenism on oxidative stress and immune function, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of the disease in the areas. Methods In 2009, Using cluster sampling and typical investigation, the cross-sectional study was completed. The patient groups and the internal control group were selected in the arsenism areas after 5 years quality improvement of drinking water(Silizhuang village, Daying village and Gucheng village in Shanyin county, Gucheng city, Shanxi province) and they were divided into mild, moderate, severe case and internal control groups, respectively. The external control group was selected in a non-arsenism area(Yangzhuang village in Heshengbu city). The Oxidative stress indicators were determined and analyzed [serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined with xanthine oxidase method, glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) activity was determined with 2-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid method, and mmuuity malondisldohyde(MDA) levels was determined with thiobarbituric acid method]. The immune function was determined and analyzed [immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined with radioimmunoassay method, and serum lysozyme was determined with turbidimetric method]. Results A total of 252 people were surveyed, in which the external control group, the internal control group, mild, moderate and severe patient groups were 56, 57, 49,44 and 46, respectively. Serum SOD activities were (72.19 ± 11.75), (66.96 ± 12.02), (49.79±11.07), (48.54 ±10.56) and (47.68 ± 10.68)kU/L, respectively. The difference of serum SOD activities between the groups was statistically significant(F = 52.42, P ＜ 0.01 ). Serum SOD activities in the external control group were significantly higher than other groups (all P ＜ 0.05). The value in the internal control group was significantly higher than the 3patient groups (all P ＜ 0.05). There were no significant differences between the case groups (P ＞ 0.05). Serum GSH-Px activities of the five groups were (197.41 ± 38.54), (195.02 ± 31.93), (187.26 ± 28.22), (187.24 ± 25.40),(186.88 ± 21.84)U/mg, respectively, and the difference between the groups was not significant(H = 4.21, P ＞0.05). Serum MDA levels of the five groups were (4.51 ± 2.14), (5.88 ± 2.00), (6.44 ± 2.83), (5.89 ± 2.57),(5.88 ± 2.40)μ mol/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(F = 3.36,P ＜ 0.05). The external control group was significantly lower than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum IgG levels were(11.16 ± 2.08), (8.15 ± 1.44), (8.77 ±2.54), (9.19 ± 1.97), (8.44 ± 2.52)g/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(H = 52.92, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum lysozyme levels were (13.57 ± 5.16), (10.05 ± 3.96), (8.78 ± 3.35), (8.72 ± 3.76), (9.38 ± 4.26)mg/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (H = 35.00, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions The effect of arsenic on the body's oxidative stress response and immune function persists after 5 years of drinking low arsenic water. In addition to intensify arsenic removal from drinking water, it should also strengthen the monitoring of population's health in the diseased areas.

Outcome analysis on screening of drinking water source with high fluoride and the condition of the water-improving projects in Shanxi province in 2007 / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To explore into the condition of fluoride content of the drinking water and the present status of water-improving projects in the endemic fluomsis areas in Shanxi province,and to provide the evidence for making scientific and effective tactics in prevention and control.Methods In 2007,according to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control",screening for drinking water fluoride content was carried out in non-improving water villages of 15 counties(cities,districts).The investigation of all water-improving projects was carried out in 10 counties(cities).The fluoride content in drinking water was determined by fluoride selective ion electrode(GB/T 8538-1995).Results Screening for drinking water fluoride content was carried out in 969 non-improving water villages in 15 counties(cities,districts).Average water fluoride content was≤1.0 mg/L in 497 villages,accounting for 51.29%(497/969).Average water fluoride content was>1.0 mg/L in 472 villages.accounting for 48.71%(472/969).The overall standard drinking water fluoride content was mainlv>1.0-4.0mg/L,and the maximum average water fluoride content was 8.96 mg/L.The investigation of 290 water-improving projects was carried out in 10 counties(cities).Among 290 water-improving projects 213 water-improving projects were running normally,accounting for 73.45%(213/290);77 water-improving projects were running abnormally,accounting for 26.55%(77/290).Water fluoride content was≤1.0 mg/L in 158 projects,accounting for 54.48%(158/290).Water fluoride content was>1.0 mg/L in 132 projects,accounting for 45.52%(132/290).The maximal water fluoride content was 5.20 mg/L.Conclusions The situation of drinking water fluoride content over the national standard is serious in Shanxi province.The qualification rate was lower for the fluoride content of water-improving projects.Therefore,we should strength water-improving projects to raise the effectiveness of prevention and treatment and assure their quality.

Investigation on the state of Kaschin-Beck disease in Shanxi province in 2008 / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To investigate the current situation and variation in the tendency of Kaschin-Beck disease (KBD) in Shanxi province, to assess the effectiveness of prevention measures, and to provide evidence for making scientific and effective tactics in prevention and control of the disease. Methods In 2008, according to "The National Technical Scheme for Kaschin-Beck Disease Control in 2007", children aged 7 - 12 years underwent clinical and X-ray examination in two historical severe KBD areas of Shanxi province, the observed position on Xray film was finger bone and carpal bone. Adults aged 16 years and above were clinically examined in 50 villages of 13 counties of KBD areas, Shanxi province. The diagnosis was based on "Diagnostic Standard of Kashin-Beck Disease"(GB 16003-1995), the adult patients were degreed according to the state of illness and divided into different groups according to their ages. Results A total of 181 children were examined, none of them was diagnosed as clinical KBD patient. The positive cases of X-ray were 2, X-ray detectable rate of metaphysis was 1.1% for children.In the 50 villages 13 871 of adults were examined and 801 KBD patients were found and the detectable rate was 5.77%. The detectable rate increased with age. The adult patients distributed mainly in the subpopulation aged 51years and above and these patients accounted for 70.66% (566/801) of total people examined. Degrees Ⅱ and Ⅲ patients at these ages accounted for 71.78%(206/287) of total degrees Ⅱ and Ⅲ patients. Conclusions The state of child KBD in Shanxi is under the national control standards. The detectable rate of adult KBD is higher. Relevant departments should pay close attention to the treatment of adult patients.

Changes of pathogens for nosocomial infection of patients with hematological diseases / 中国实验血液学杂志

In order to investigate the distribution of nosocomial infection in patients with hematological diseases in our hospital, and to explore the changes of the pathogens isolated. The method of retrospective investigation and analysis was employed. 1164 strain pathogens were isolated from the patients with hematological diseases during the period of 1997-2009. The results showed that the Gram-positive cocci infection increased gradually during the 13 years, but has been stable in the last 4 years. The Gram-negative bacteria showed a trend decrease. The fungi increased during these years. The rates of infection with gram-positive cocci, gram-negative bacteria and fungus were 28.2%, 59.8% and 12.0% respectively. For the details, Escherichia coli infection rate was the highest: 12.1%, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.1%), Enterobacter (8.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.4%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (6.3%) and Enterococci (6.6%). The distribution of G(+)- and G⁻ pathogens showed obvious change on end of 1990's and beginning of this century, but it was tending towards stability on recent years; the incidence of fungus was tending towards increase, which was related to wide application of strong broad-spectrum antibiotics. In conclusion, the patients with hematological diseases, as the high-risk group of nosocomial infection, should be monitored strictly. Infection is related to many factors, and the main factor is dysfunction of autoimmunity. The strategies should be explored to strengthen the immune protection and set up a reasonable scheme of antibiotics.

Dimethylated arsenics-promoted skin and lung tumorigenesis through the induction of oxidative stress in mice / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To examine the possibility that a candidate causal species of the skin and lung tumor promotion induced by exposure to dimethylarsinic acid(DMAv)and dimethylarsinous acid(DMAⅢ),caused by the induction of oxidative stress in mice.Methods Two stages lung tumotigensis animal model induced by lung tumor initiator(4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide,4NQO)and promoter(DMAv)in ddY mice,was used to examine the effect of(-)epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG)on DMAv promoting lung tumorigenesis.Two stages skin tumorigenesis animal model induced by skin tumor initiator[dimethylbenz(α)anthracene,DMBA]and promoter(DMAⅢ)in hairless mice.was used to examine the effects of DMAⅢ in skin tumorigenesis and histopathology.The goxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG)in lung and epidermis were analyzed by HPLC.Results The incidence of lung tumors and 8-oxodG level of lung tissue decreased significantly in 4NQO+DMAv+EGCG group.compared with 4NQO+DMAv group (0.89±0.30 vs 4.00±0.82,1.21±0.09 vs 1.53±0.32,P＜0.01).The incidence of severe keratosis in DMBA+ DMIⅢ group was more than that in DMBA group(25 vs 10,P＜0.05).An significant elevation of 8-oxodG in epidermis was observed in 0.5 h[(1.67±0.17)/105 dG],1.0 h[(1.62±012)/105 dG],2.0 h[(1.66±023)/105dG], 3.0 h[(1.60±0.15)/105 dG],compared with 0 h[(1.25±0.11)/105 dG],being significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion tumor promotion due to DMAv administration is mediated by DMAⅢ through the induction of oxidative stress.

The relationship between arsenic in drinking water and skin lesions in endemic arsenism area in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between arsenic in drinking water and skin lesions in endemic arsenism area in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province,in order to provide epidemiologic data for further arsenism research.Methods One hundred and eighty-nine endemic arsenism patients and 59 controls were randomly selected in 17 endemic amenism countries in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province.The content of arsenic in drinking water which wa8 collected indoom was half-quantitatively screened by a kit made by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention,then quantitatively determined by HPLC-ICP-MS.Patients of endemic arsenism were diagnosed by "The Standard of Diagnosis for Endemic Amenism"(WS/T 211-2001).Results There were 64.9% (87/134)samples above the arsenic level(50μg/L)of drinking water and the median value of arsenic in drinking water was 91.43 μg/L in 134 water samples.The OR(95%CI)value between arsenic in drinking water and hyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation,depigmentation was 2.46(1.22-4.94),3.34(1.50～7.44)and 2.86(1.50-5.46),respectively.The prevalence of hyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation and depigmentation increased,as the arsenic in drinking water increased(≤10,≤50,≤200,＞200μg/L),especially in＞200μg/L group(OR=6.15,13.96,11.41,P＜0.05).The arsenic level in drinking water of Ⅲ degree of depigmentation patients(318.300μg/L)was higher(P＜0.05)than that of 0,Ⅰ and Ⅱ degree groups(86.670,131.800,1 10.590μg/L,P＜0.05).Conclusions Shanyin County is a medial arsenic pollution area. Arsenic in drinking water is considered as a risk factor of skin lesion. The degree of skin lesions increased,as the arsenic in drinking water increased.

Outcome analysis on screening of drinking water source with high fluoride in Shanxi Province / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To become aware of the present distribution of drinking water source with high fluoride in endemic fluorosis disease areas in Shanxi Province, and to provide the evidence for making scientific and effective tactics in prevention and control. Methods According to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control" in the year 2004 to 2006, the investigation points were selected in 60 counties at 8 cities of Shanxi Province. The fluoride levels of water were determined by fluoride selective ion electrode. Results The fluoride content of water was determined in 2990 villages in 60 counties. Water fluorides content of 1658 villages were above 1.00 mg/L, accounted for 55.45%(1658/2990). The highest water fluoride content was 9.72 mg/L. Villages with high fluoride water in Taiyuan, Datong, Xinding, Linfen, Yuncheng basins accounted for 89.63% (1486/1658) among villages with high fluoride in Shanxi Province. In Shanxi Province the villages with high fluoride water were mainly distributed over 5 basins and scattered on the other areas. The distribution of drinking water source with high fluoride were different in 5 basins(H=316.10, P<0.05). The Water fluorides content in Datong basin(2.32 mg/L) was significantly higher than that of the other basins (P<0.05) and the ratio of drinking water fluoride levels under the national standard was 81.16%(336/414) in Datong basin. Conclusions Drinking water source with high fluoride are widespread distributed in Shanxi Province and mainly distributed in 5 basins. The situation of drinking water fluoride levels under the national standard is serious. The task of prevention and control for endemic fluorosis is still arduous. Therefore, we should strength water improving to raise the effect of prevention and treatment.

Effects of RNA interference against aggrecanase 1 gene on extracellular matrix metabolism of cultured chondrocytes in vitro / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated aggrecanase-1 gene silencing on extracellular matrix metabolism of cultured rat costochondral chondrocytes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat costochondral chondrocyte monolayers were obtained by microdissection and digestion. The growth and morphological changes of the chondrocytes were observed after RNAi of aggrecanase-1 gene. The mRNA expression of aggrecanase-1 was detected by RT-PCR method, and aggrecan content was determined by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The specific inhibition of aggrecanase-1 by RNAi produced no adverse effect on the morphology and growth of the chondrocytes. The mRNA of aggrecanase-1 decreased and aggrecan content increased significantly after transfection of the chondrocytes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Inhibition of aggrecanase-1 decreases aggrecan degradation in cultured rat chondrocytes. RNAi technique can be a useful means for studying extracellular matrix metabolism in the cartilage.</p>

The effect of aloesin on melanocytes in the pigmented skin equivalent model / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of aloesin, tea polyphenols, arbutin on melanocytes in the pigmented skin equivalent model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>First, we constructed the pigmented skin equivalent model in vitro. And then we detected the effect of aloesin, tea polyphenols and arbutin on the cells' shape, tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin in the constructed pigmented skin equivalent.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three depigmenting agents showed an inhibition effect on the tyrosinase activity of melanocytes and reduced significantly melanin content in the pigmented skin equivalent model, in which the tea polyphenols had the strongest effect, and then was the aloesin. But the tea polyphenols showed the strongest toxicity, while the aloesin and arbutin had a much lower toxicity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>All the three depigmenting agents showed a concentration dependent suppression effect on the tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin, in which the tea polyphenols was the strongest effect( P <0.05). Aoesin has a good suppression effect on the tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin, but has a much lower toxicity, which could be used as a safe depigmenting agent.</p>

Investigation and analysis of neonate deformity in water arsenic exposure areas / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the level and feature of neonate deformity in water arsenic exposure areas, as to finding out an evidence for the study and prevention of the arsenic exposure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The birth situation of neonate was surveyed from 1998 to 2004 in water arsenic exposure areas according to cross-sectional survey. The results were classified in accordance with ICD-10 and common surveillance of china. The population of Shanyin County served as the common people and the data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 for windows.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The neonates surveyed were 2467 cases. There were 49 neonates deformity found in this investigation, giving a neonate deformity rate of 198.62 per 10,000 cases, which was shown significantly higher in water arsenic exposure areas than in the normal (U = 3.23, P < 0.01), with types of nervous system deformity, limbs deformity and congenital heart disease as in system classification. There was no significant difference of deformity rate in different sex neonates (chi2 = 0.32, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The drinking high-arsenic water over a long period of time should be a risk factor of neonate deformity. Prevention and treatment of endemic arsenic exposure should be urgently needed.</p>

Construction of an in vitro equivalent of the pigmented skin / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct an in vitro equivalent of the pigmented skin using tissue engineering methods.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Surgically removed foreskins was used as the source of keratinocytes and melanocytes harvested by routine tissue digestion. The fibroblasts were enriched by tissue block culture and seeded into the scaffold constructed using mouse tail collagens to construct the pigmented skin equivalent model. The general structure and the melanocyte distribution and growth status in this model were observed with HE staining and Fontana Masson staining. The ultrastructure of the constructed pigmented skin equivalent was observed by transmission electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION</b>The pigmented skin equivalent model was structurally intact, and allowed optimal cell growth. Fontana Masson staining identified in the basal layer numerous melanocytes in normal growth, and the constructed model was structurally similar to normal skin tissue, suggesting successful construction of the pigmented skin equivalent model.</p>

Experimental study on induction of the normal human melanocytes apoptosis in vitro by cycloheximide and TNF-alpha / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of cycloheximide and TNF-alpha on melanocyte (MC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Melanocyte apoptosis was studied with MTT, transmitting electron microscopy and fluorescence labeling of alive cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We added TNF-alpha and cycloheximide in melanocytes, and the typical apoptosis appeared 24 hours later, with chromatin condensation, nuclear pyknosis and apoptotic bodies formation. The results of cytometry showed the typical apoptotic peak.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TNF-alpha and cycloheximide together could inhibit MC proliferation and induce MC apoptosis.</p>

Stress distribution analysis of the surface of condyle during simulated fracture healing of the neck of condyle by miniplate osteosynthesis / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To find the reasons why patients always have temporomandibular disorders (TMD) after condylar fracture by analyzing the stress distribution change of the condylar surface whose subcondylar fracture ware fixed by miniplate during the whole healing process.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Analyzing the stress distribution change of the condylar surface whose subcondylar fracture were fixed by miniplate during the whole healing process by three-dimension finite element method (3D FEM).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During the whole healing process of the fracture, the miniplate osteosynthesis was helpful to the biomechanics environment rehabilitation of the condylar local, but it still had difference with normal after fixing 12 weeks long.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The difference of stress distribution of condylar surface that fractured and fixed by miniplate with normal may be part of the reason of TMD after the subcondylar fracture miniplate osteosynthesis.</p>

The effects of aloesin and arbutin on cultured melanocytes in a synergetic method / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of aloesin and arbutin on normal cultured human melanocytes in synergetic method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Building up the system of cultured human melanocytes. The cultured melanocytes in vitro were treated with the mixture of aloesin and arbutin. The cell viability and tyrosinase activity was measured by MTT assay, utilization of L-Dopa as the substrate respectively; melanin content was measured by image analysis system. Furthermore, the effects of the mixture on melanocytes were compared with that of aloesin and arbutin.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mixture of aloesin and arbutin showed an inhibition on tyrosinase activity of human melanocytes and reduced significantly melanin content. Between the mixture and the single use of aloesin or arbutin, there is significant difference (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the mixture has little influence on melanocytes viability and there is negative significance.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mixture of aloesin and arbutin can significantly inhibit the tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis of cultured human melanocytes. It showed the effects of aloesin and arbutin in a synergistic manner. It is worth to give farther study later.</p>