Características morfométricas de los discos articulares de la rodilla en imágenes de resonancia magnética de mujeres colombianas / Morphometric features of the knee menisci in magnetic resonance images of Colombian female

RESUMEN: La población femenina de adultos mayores suele presentar daños de los discos o meniscos articulares de la rodilla (DAR) generalmente derivados de procesos degenerativos de cartílago ocurridos en osteoartritis. Conocer patrones morfológicos estándares de los DAR en una población demográfica específica permite tener claridad de las características autóctonas de dicha población. Una forma de caracterizar estos patrones es a través del diseño de Modelos de Elementos Finitos (MEF) que permiten predecir anormalidades clínicas y radiológicas. Hasta el momento es escasa la evidencia sobre las características morfométricas de los DAR en la población colombiana. Por esta razón, el objetivo del presente estudio fue describir la morfometría de DAR en imágenes por resonancia magnética (IRM) de mujeres colombianas saludables. En este estudio se tomaron 25 IRM de la rodilla de mujeres colombianas con normo-peso, sin antecedentes de patología de la rodilla, ni historia de trauma o cirugía de esta, y con edades entre los 18 y 60 años. El análisis del ancho del cuerno posterior del DAR medial (12,73 ± 2,42) comparado con el lateral (8,04 ± 1,52) arrojó diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05). Por otra parte, el DAR medial presentó un diámetro antero-posterior aumentado (38,52 ± 2,71) en comparación con el del DAR lateral (29,18 ± 2,75) cercano a la significancia estadística (p=0.051). De igual manera, la altura del cuerno anterior se encontró aumentada en el DAR medial (4,42 ± 0,79) en comparación con el lateral (3,66 ± 0,76), con tendencia a la significancia estadística (p=0,063). Anatómicamente se reconoce que los DAR medial y lateral se adaptan a la forma y tamaño de los cóndilos femorales, lo que concuerda con las medidas resultantes de la población estudiada, donde se evidencia un DAR medial más largo (diámetro antero-posterior) y menos alto que el lateral.

SUMMARY: The elderly female population usually presents damage to the articular discs or menisci of the knee (ADK), generally derived from degenerative cartilage processes that occur in osteoarthritis. Knowing the standard morphological patterns of ADKs in a specific demographic population allows clarity of the indigenous characteristics of that population. One way to characterize these patterns is through the design of Finite Element Models (FEM) that would enable predicting clinical and radiological abnormalities. So far, there is little evidence on the morphometric characteristics of ADKs in the Colombian population. Thus, the objective of the present study was to describe the morphometry of ADK in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of healthy Colombian women. In this study, 25 MRIs of the knee of Colombian women with normal weight were taken, with no history of knee pathology, trauma, or surgery, and with ages between 18 and 60 years. The analysis of the width of the posterior horn of the medial ADK (12.73 ± 2.42) compared to the lateral (8.04 ± 1.52) showed a statistically significant difference (p <0.05). On the other hand, the medial ADK presented an increased anteroposterior diameter (38.52 ± 2.71) compared to that of the lateral ADK (29.18 ± 2.75) close to statistical significance (p = 0.051). Similarly, the height of the anterior horn was found to be increased in the medial ADK (4.42 ± 0.79) compared to the lateral (3.66 ± 0.76), with a trend towards statistical significance (p = 0.063). Anatomically, it is recognized that the medial and lateral ADK adapt to the shape and size of the femoral condyles, which is in agreement with the results of the studied population where measurements show that medial ADK has a longer (anterior to posterior diameter) and a shorter height than the lateral ADK.

The effect of non-surgical spinal decompression on the paraspinal muscles of persons with lumbar disc herniation / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To explore the effect of non-surgical spinal decompression (SDS) on the surface electromyogram signals from the paraspinal muscles of patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods Twelve patients diagnosed with L4.5 LDH were recruited and randomly dividcd into an SDS group and a control group,each of 6 according to their order of admission.The SDS group received spinal decompression,while the control group was given lumbar traction.The average surface electromyogram signals (AEMGs) were recorded before,during and after the treatment.Results Before the treatment,the AEMG values collected from the left and right erector spinae and multifidus of the SDS group were already significantly different from those of the control group.During the treatment,the AEMG values collected from the right erector spinae and multifidus of the SDS group remained significantly different from those of the control group.After the treatment,the AEMG values were still significantly different.Conclusions SDS relieves tension and fatigue of the paraspinal muscles better than lumbar traction.

Inhibiting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Injured Intervertebral Discs Attenuates Pain-Related Neuropeptide Expression in Dorsal Root Ganglia in Rats

STUDY DESIGN: An experimental animal study. PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the content and distribution of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the dorsal ganglia in a rat model. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Increased expression of VEGF in degenerative disc disease increases the levels of inflammatory cytokines and nerve ingrowth into the damaged discs. In animal models, increased levels of VEGF can persist for up to 2 weeks after an injury. METHODS: Through abdominal surgery, the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) innervating L5/L6 intervertebral disc were labeled (FluoroGold neurotracer) in 24, 8-week old Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were randomly allocated to three groups of eight rats each. The anti-VEGF group underwent L5/6 intervertebral disc puncture using a 26-gauge needle, intradiscal injection of 33.3 µg of the pegaptanib sodium, a VEGF165 aptamer. The control-puncture group underwent disc puncture and intradiscal injection of 10 µL saline solution, and the sham-surgery group underwent labeling but no disc puncture. Two rats in each group were sacrificed on postoperative days 1, 7, 14, and 28 after surgery. L1–L6 DRGs were harvested, sectioned, and immunostained to detect the content and distribution of CGRP. RESULTS: Compared with the control, the percentage of CGRP-positive cells was lower in the anti-VEGF group (p<0.05; 40.6% and 58.1% on postoperative day 1, 44.3% and 55.4% on day 7, and 42.4% and 59.3% on day 14). The percentage was higher in the control group compared with that of the sham group (p<0.05; sham group, 34.1%, 40.7%, and 33.7% on postoperative days 1, 7, and 14, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Decreasing CGRP-positive cells using anti-VEGF therapy provides fundamental evidence for a possible therapeutic role of anti-VEGF in patients with discogenic lower back pain.

Comprehensive rehabilitation is superior to surgical intervention for many patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To compare the effectiveness of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy with that of surgical intervention for patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods A total of 124 LDH patients were recruited antd randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group,each of 62.The experimental group was given comprehensive rehabilitation consisting of medicine,physical therapy,and spinal stabilization exercises,while the control group received lumbar spine surgery.The patients' back and leg pain scores and their Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were compared at admission and discharge,as well as 3 and 12 months after discharge.Anxiety and depression were also assessed at admission and 3 months after discharge.Results At discharge and 3 and 12 months later the average back and leg pain scores and ODI ratings were significantly lower than that at admisshin for both groups.There were no significant inter-group differences.In terms of anxiety and depression,however,these had decreased signifieantly in both groups,but the experimental group's average rating was significantly better at diseharge.Conclusions Comprehensive rehabilitation is superior to surgical intervention in relieving the depression of patients with recurrent LDH.Comprehensive rehabilitation should be considered as the first ehoiee for patients with rccurrent LDH,and only supplemented by surgical intervention if it is not effective.

Non-destructive models to estimate leaf area on bell pepper crop / Modelos não-destrutivos para estimar a área foliar na cultura do pimentão

ABSTRACT: The leaf area determination are extremely important in agronomic and physiological studies, as they provide valuable information in vegetable metabolism, methods used for this purpose should be accurate. This study aimed to develop polynomial models to estimate leaf area (LA). The methods used were leaf discs and ImageJ(r) software, with measures of length (L), width (W), and relationship between length times width (LW) in leaves of the bell pepper crop in two field trials with two hybrids: Arcade and Impacto, as well as, the correlation of values found when using the two methods. Through a random sampling, 560 leaves from each hybrid were selected, at different stages of crop growth. Regression analysis of LA versus measures L, W and LW were performed by linear and quadratic models. The variable that best estimated LA was the relationship between LW with linear model (r2=0.98). Measurements of length and width of leaves presented adjustment to quadratic model r2=0.93 and r2=0.91, respectively. The integrator model for all samples and both hybrids was: LA=0.57×LW. The destructive method of leaf discs showed high correlation (r2=0.99) with the non-destructive method of ImageJ(r) software.

RESUMO: A determinação da área foliar é importante, em estudos agronômicos e fisiológicos, para a obtenção de informações sobre o metabolismo vegetal e as técnicas utilizadas devem ser simples. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver modelos polinomiais para estimar a área foliar (AF). Foram utilizados os métodos de discos foliares e software ImageJ, com as medidas do comprimento (C) e da largura (L), e a relação entre o comprimento vezes a largura (CL) em folhas da cultura do pimentão, em dois ensaios com dois híbridos, Arcade e Impacto, e correlacionar os valores encontrados pelos dois métodos. Através de amostragem aleatória simples, foram selecionadas 560 folhas de cada híbrido, em diferentes estágios de crescimento da cultura. A análise de regressão da área foliar versus as medidas de C, L e CL foi realizada por modelos lineares e quadráticos. A variável que melhor estimou a AF foi a relação entre o CL, pelo modelo linear com r2=0,98. As medidas do comprimento e da largura das folhas apresentou ajustamento do modelo quadrática de r2=0,93 e r2=0,91, respectivamente. O modelo integrador de todas as amostras, para ambos os híbridos, foi: AF=0,57×CL. O método destrutivo por discos mostrou alta correlação (r2=0,99) com o método não destrutivo pelo ImageJ.

Nefopam Reduces Dysesthesia after Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain, including paresthesia/dysesthesia in the lower extremities, always develops and remains for at least one month, to variable degrees, after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). The recently discovered dual analgesic mechanisms of action, similar to those of antidepressants and anticonvulsants, enable nefopam (NFP) to treat neuropathic pain. This study was performed to determine whether NFP might reduce the neuropathic pain component of postoperative pain. METHODS: Eighty patients, who underwent PELD due to herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) at L4-L5, were randomly divided into two equal groups, one receiving NFP (with a mixture of morphine and ketorolac) and the other normal saline (NS) with the same mixture. The number of bolus infusions and the infused volume for 3 days were compared in both groups. The adverse reactions (ADRs) in both groups were recorded and compared. The neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI) score was compared in both groups on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 30, 60, and 90. RESULTS: The mean attempted number of bolus infusions, and effective infused bolus volume for 3 days was lower in the NFP group for 3 days. The most commonly reported ADRs were nausea, dizziness, and somnolence, in order of frequency in the NFP group. The median NPSI score, and all 5 median sub-scores in the NFP group, were significantly lower than that of the NS group until postoperative day 30. CONCLUSIONS: NFP significantly reduced the neuropathic pain component, including paresthesia/dysesthesia until 1 month after PELD. The common ADRs were nausea, dizziness, somnolence, and ataxia.

DCE-MRI assessment of adjacent vertebral blood perfusion of degenerated lumbar discs / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To analyze the correlation of intervertebral disc degeneration with the blood perfusion of its adjacent border of vertebral body by dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) .Methods 3 .0T DCE‐MRI examinations were performed in 15 patients (50 discs) .Intervertebral discs from L1 to L5 were classified to normal group(17 discs) and degeneration group(33 discs) based on the Pfirrmann grading system .The DCE‐MRI pharmaeokinetic parameters of the region of interest(ROI):volume transfer constant (Ktrans ) ,blood volume(BV) and blood flow (BF) were obtained .Independent sample t test was used to compare normal group and de‐generation group .Results In normal group (n=17) ,the mean Ktrans ,BV and BF were (0 .036 2 ± 0 .011 2)min-1 ,(4 .81 ± 1 .17) mL/100 mL ,(5 .68 ± 1 .55) mL · min-1 · 100 mL -1 for the superior border of vertebral body ,and (0 .042 ± 0 .012 9)min-1 ,(5 .03 ± 0 .797) mL/100 mL ,(6 .02 ± 1 .28) mL · min-1 · 100 mL -1 for the inferior border of vertebral body .In degeneration group (n=33) ,the mean Ktrans ,BVand BF were (0 .030 4 ± 0 .011 2)min-1 ,(4 .22 ± 1 .03) mL/100 mL ,(4 .73 ± 1 .38) mL · min-1 · 100 mL-1 for the superior border of vertebral body ,and (0 .033 8 ± 0 .012 5) min-1 ,(4 .07 ± 0 .940) mL/100 mL ,(4 .72 ± 1 .43) mL · min-1 · 100 mL -1 for the inferior border of vertebral body .By statistical analysis :(1)There were no significant differences between superior border and inferior border of vertebral body in Ktrans ,BV and BF in normal group(t= -0 .98 ,-0 .479 ,0 .533 respectively ,P>0 .05 ) .(2)There were no significant differences between superior border and inferior border of vertebral body in K trans ,BV and BF in degeneration group(t= -0 .906 ,0 .497 ,0 .013 respectively ,P>0 .05) .(3)There were significant differences between normal group and degeneration group in Ktrans ,BV and BF(t= -2 .26 ,-3 .01 ,-2 .99 respectively ,P<0 .05) .Conclusion The bone marrow per‐fusion in degeneration group is decreased when compared to normal group with dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI .Intervertebral disc degeneration correlates with the loss of its blood supply .

Evaluation of the Quality of Commercial Antibacterial Discs Available in Nigeria.

Aims: This study was undertaken to compare the quality and efficacy of six brands of antibacterial discs that are commercially available in Nigeria. Methodology: The brands evaluated include two foreign brands (Oxoid and Abtek) and four local brands (Optudisc, Polydisc, Maxidisc and Jirehdisk). The brands were analyzed by antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) using laboratory isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to measure the antimicrobial performances of the brands; and UV-Vis spectrophotometry to measure the absorbances of antibiotics extracted from antibiotic discs of the various brands. Results: All of the brands of antibacterial discs of under study exhibited variations in their antimicrobial performances and UV-absorbances. This was observed where some of the discs with lower stated potencies produced inhibition zones and absorbances far greater than similar discs from other brands with higher stated potencies. Also, discs of the same stated potencies showed variable results in both the antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) and UV-Vis spectrophotometric analyses. Coefficients of variation greater than 5%, which indicates high disc-to-disc variation and unsatisfactory reproducibility, were recorded highest among the local brands during the AST. All the brands with multidisc panels, except the Abtek and Polydisc brands, produced some zones of inhibition that are unreadable. Of all the zones of inhibition that were unreadable, Optudisc brand recorded the highest rate (36·7%), while 6·7% of discs of Jirehdisk brand and 6·7% of discs of Maxidisc brand produced inhibition zones that were unreadable. Conclusion: All brands of susceptibility discs evaluated in this study except the Oxoid and Abtek brands manifested poor quality and performed below expected standard, though one of the local brands (Polydisc) performed closest to the foreign brands. With further improvement in quality, these brands may be recommended for use in Nigeria.

Lumbar multifidus morphology assessed by ultrasonography in chronic lumbar disc herniation / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To observe any differences in the morphology of the lumbar multifidus (LM) muscles between normal subjects and persons with chronic lumbar disc herniation (CLDH).Methods Thirty-two persons with CLDH and thirty-five matched,healthy controls performed various maneuvers in prone lying.Ultrasound imaging was used to measure the antero-posterior diameter (A-P),lateral diameter (Lat),cross sectional area (CSA) and flattening ratio (FR) of the bilateral LM muscles at the L4/5 level.Results In the control subjects,A-P,Lat,CSA and FR were not significantly different between the left and right sides.In those with CLDH,A-P,Lat and CSA were significantly smaller on the painful side than on the no-pain side,and this difference showed asymmetry between the two sides.Average A-P,Lat,FR and muscle CSA were all significantly smaller among the CLDH subjects on both sides compared with the controls.Conclusion CLDH induces asymmetric local atrophy of the bilateral multifidus muscles which can be detected and measured using ultrasound.

The value of electromyography in localizing lumbosacral radiculopathy / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of electromyography (EMG) in localizing the compressed nerve root in lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion (LIDP) pre-operatively.Methods Data were collected on 198 cases of LIDP.Of those,152 cases had positive EMG findings and were treated surgically to relieve compression of the nerve roots caused by LIDP.The intra-operative findings were compared with the pre-operative EMG findings.Results The sensitivity of EMG in detecting radiculopathy was 76.8％ (152/198).Among those 152 EMG positive cases,140 were confirmed in the subsequent operation (92.1％),24 clinically suspected cases of single L5 or S1 compression had indicated of both L5 and S1 damage by EMG and subsequently confirmed on surgical exploration.Conclusions Almost all preoperative EMG findings were confirmed in the subsequent operations (92.1％).Moreover,the indication of combined double nerve root damage by EMG was valuable for guiding the surgical procedure.

Expression of matrix aggrecanase 2 and a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases in degenerated intervertebral discs / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To observe the expression of aggrecanase 2 and a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP-3) in degenerate human lumbar intervertebral discs and their role in degeneration of the nucleus pulposus.Methods Pfirrmann classification was used to class degenerate intervertebral discs observed through MRI.They were divided into three groups:a control group (Pfirrmann grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ),a degeneration group (Pfirrmann grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ),and a severe degeneration group (Pfirrmann grade Ⅴ).A total of 45 cases accepted lumbar spine surgery for removing nucleus pulposus specimens.Each group contained 15 cases.After formalin-fixation and paraffin embedding,immunohistochemistry was used to detect aggrecanase 2 and TIMP-3 expression in the nucleus pulposus cells.Results The percentages of cells positive for aggrecanase 2 were (13.58 ± 7.76) ％,(33.48 ± 13.95) ％ and (56.00 ± 18.39) ％ in the control,degeneration and severe degeneration groups respectively.These differences had statistical significance.The percentages of cells positive for TIMP-3 were (34.78 ± 13.80) ％,(46.77 ± 10.98) ％ and (50.65 ± 16.45) ％,and these differences were again statistically significant.The aggrecanase 2/TIMP-3 ratios were also significantly different.Conclusion As the degree of degeneration of the nucleus pulposus increased,the expression of aggrecanase 2 and TIMP-3 rose,which indicates that both changes were closely connected with the degeneration.Their ratio was correlated with the degree of degeneration of the nucleus pulposus.

Effect of amygdalin on end-plate chondrocytes apoptosis induced by IL-1βderived from rat intervertebral discs / 中国药理学通报

Aim To observe the anti-apoptotic effect of different concentrations of amygdalin on the endplate chondrocytes induced by IL-1 βderived from rat inter-vertebral discs and explore the possible mechanism fur-ther.Methods Chondrocytes were obtained from endplate of one-month SD rat intervertebral discs and cultured primary chondrocytes.After identifying,they were divided into normal group,induced group and A-mygdalin 1 0 -2 mol·L -1 ,1 0 -3 mol·L -1 ,1 0 -4 mol· L -1 ,1 0 -5 mol · L -1 administration group.Then the apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry (FCM).Re-al-Time PCR was adopted to detect the mRNA expres-sion of Bax and Bcl-2.The protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was detected by Western blot.Results The apoptosis of the endplate chondrocytes induced by IL-1 βderived from rat intervertebral discs could be inhib-ited by amygdalin with different concentrations.Amyg-dalin could reduce the apoptotic rate analysed by FCM,down-regulate the Bax mRNA expression of Bax and up-regulate the Bcl-2 mRNA assayed by RT-PCR;compared with the induced group the differences were statistically significant (P <0.05).Besides,observa-tion of the protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2 by Western blot found that amygdalin 1 0 -4 mol · L -1 could inhibit the effect of IL-1 β,which could increase the protein expression of Bax and reduce the protein expression of Bcl-2.Conclusion Amygdalin has an effect on anti-apoptosis of the end-plate chondrocytes induced by IL-1 βderived from rat intervertebral discs and improve the degeneration of intervertebral discs.

Effects of Jinzhuyalong Ershiwuwei coral capsule on PLA2 in degenarated cervical intervertebral discs / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To study the anti-inflammation mechanism of Jinzhuyalong Ershiwuwei coral capsule on cervical spondylosis by investigating Jinzhuyalong Ershiwuwei coral capsule on PLA2 in degenerated cervical intervertebral discs.Methods 60SD rats (SPF) were divided into a control group (15),a medicine model control group (15),a medicine modle 1 group (15),and a medicine model 2 group (15) by random lottery; Medicine model 1,2 groups were given Jinzhuyalong Ershiwuwei coral capsule powder 0.33 × 5 g/kg 0.66×5 g/kg,and added 1 ml distilled water dilution lavage,l/d,90 d,The unbalance of power cervical spondylosis animal models were chosen and C4～5 neck intervertebral discs were taken after 90 days.Millipore colorimetry methods were used to measure PLA2 activity in C4～5 cervical intervertebral discs.Results The PLA2 activity of the cervical intervertebral disc (12.37 ± 4.21) IU/mg · min-1 in the model group was significantly higher than the control group(2.56± 1.19)IU/mg· min-1 (P＜0.05).The cervical intervertebral disc PLA2 activity of medicine model group 1 (8.56± 2.13)IU/mg · min-1 and medicine model group 2 (5.58 ±2.39)IU/mg· min-1 was lower than the model control group(12.37±4.21)IU/mg· min-1,with significant differences (both P＜0.01).Conclusion Jinzhuyalong Ershiwuwei coral capsule could down regulate PLA2 activity in degenerated cervical intervertebral discs,and also decrease the production of some inflammaroty mediators.

Analysis of crucial molecules involved in herniated discs and degenerative disc disease

OBJECTIVES: Herniated discs and degenerative disc disease are major health problems worldwide. However, their pathogenesis remains obscure. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of these ailments and to identify underlying therapeutic targets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the GSE23130 microarray datasets downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, differentially co-expressed genes and links were identified using the differentially co-expressed gene and link method with a false discovery rate ,0.25 as a significant threshold. Subsequently, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the differential co-expression of these genes were investigated using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. In addition, the transcriptional regulatory relationship was also investigated. RESULTS: Through the analysis of the gene expression profiles of different specimens from patients with these diseases, 539 differentially co-expressed genes were identified for these ailments. The ten most significant signaling pathways involving the differentially co-expressed genes were identified by enrichment analysis. Among these pathways, apoptosis and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction pathways have been reported to be related to these diseases. A total of 62 pairs of regulatory relationships between transcription factors and their target genes were identified as critical for the pathogenesis of these diseases. CONCLUSION: The results of our study will help to identify the mechanisms responsible for herniated discs and degenerative disc disease and provides a theoretical basis for further therapeutic study.

Usefulness of SPAIR Image, Fracture Line and the Adjacent Discs Change on Magnetic Resonance Image in the Acute Osteoporotic Compression Fracture

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporotic compression fracture is an increasing issue in this community and its diagnosis depends on the magnetic resonance images (MRI). Although T1- and T2-weighted images (T1WI and T2WI) have high sensitivity and specificity, the fat suppression technique gives more clear delineation of this abnormalities. Accordingly, we re-evaluated its exact sensitivity and specificity for the imaging diagnosis of osteoporotic compression fractures in our cases. For additional information about the osteoporotic compression fractures, we evaluate the fracture lines, fluid sign and adjacent discs change on the MRI. METHODS: Retrospectively, total 85 patients who had been diagnosed with acute osteoporotic compression fracture were enrolled. They all had been underwent MRI including T1WI, T2WI and T2- Spectral Adiabatic Inversion Recovery (SPAIR) sequence. RESULTS: In this study, the incidence of high signal intensity on T2-SPAIR image was very high (0.9917). The fluid sign was seen in 56.7% on the SPAIR image. The fracture lines were more observed on the T2WI than T1WI (p=0.0062). The adjacent discs change on T2WI and T2-SPAIR image were higher than T1WI (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: For the acute osteoporotic compression fracture, T2-SPAIR image is the most specific sequence of the all sequences. The fluid sign is another suggestive finding when considered other studies. T2WI is more useful to find the fracture line than T1WI. Abnormal signal intensity on the adjacent discs may provide additional information for the acute osteoporotic compression fractures.

Study of the proliferation ability of human degenerate nucleus pulposus and annular fibrosus cell in vitro / 国际生物医学工程杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the proliferation of human degenerate nucleus pulposus and annular fibrosus cell in vitro and compare the different biological behavior between the two kinds of cell after degeneration,and provide the new theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of degenerative disc disease.MethodsThe samples of intervertebral disc tissue were collected from patients with lumbar disc herniation.The degree of degeneration was assessed by the pathological diagnosis and degenerate nucleus pulposus and annular fibrosus cell were cultured by enzymatic digestion and identified.In each case,the control groups of the nucleus pulposus cells and annulus fibrosus cells were cultured to the fifth generation.The inoculation density of cells was 1×105.The cell morphology of each generation was observed,while the proliferation of cells was detected by flow cytometry after 48h culture with the same conditions.ResultsThe degenerate nucleus pulposus cell and annular fibrosus cell were in good condition in vitro.The percentages of S phase cell and proliferation index (PI) were both on the rise with the subculture.The PI of nucleus pulposus cells reached the peak in the 3rd generation; The PI of annulus cells was the highest in the generation 5.The proliferation activity of degenerate nucleus pulposus cell in 2～4 generations was higher than the degenerate annular fibrosus cell within the same generations (P＜0.05).ConclusionDifferent proliferative characteristics of the degenerate nucleus pulposus and annular fibrosus cell confirmed that the disc degeneration is reversible.The response mechanisms to the degenerate micro-environment are completely different in vivo and affects the entire disc degeneration progress.

Ocronosis: descripción de dos casos familiares, reseña histórica y revisión de la literatura / Ochronosis: report of two familial cases, historical overview and review of the literature

La ocronosis es la manifestación de la alcaptonuria en el tejido conjuntivo, se origina por la alteración en el metabolismo del ácido homogentísico, producto de la mutación autosómica recesiva del gen HGO, en el brazo largo del cromosoma 3 (3q21-23). Es una patología infrecuente, que se caracteriza por la presencia de calcificaciones de los discos intervertebrales y depósito de ácido homogentísico en el tejido conjuntivo y los tendones. Se presentan dos casos compatibles con las características clínicas y radiológicas de ocronosis.

Ochronosis is the manifestation of alkaptonuria in the connective tissue. It is originated by the alteration in the metabolism of homogentisic acid, a product of autosomal recessive mutation of HGO, gene in the long arm of chromosome 3 (3q21-23). It is a rare disease, characterized by the presence of calcifications in the intervertebral discs and deposit of homogentisic acid in connective tissue and tendons. We present two compatibles cases with the clinical and radiological features of ochronosis.

The effectiveness of magnesium oxide combined with tissue conditioners in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans: An in vitro study.

Context : The presence of Candida albicans on the fitting surface of the denture is a major causative factor in denture stomatits. A treatment method is by combining tissue conditioner and antifungal agents. Aims : The main objective of this study is to test the efficacy of magnesium oxide combined with two tissue conditioners (Viscogel and GC Soft), in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. Settings and Design : Microbiological study was done in the Department of Microbiology, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte University, Mangalore. Materials and Methods : A total of 154 plates were prepared using Muller Hilton with Glucose and Methylene Blue dye medium and inoculated with 24-hr old standard Candida culture. Plates were divided into control and combination. Test discs with different concentrations of MgO were equidistantly placed in MgO Control, while sterile discs embedded with respective tissue conditioner were equidistantly placed in Viscogel and GC Soft controls. For combination groups, the tissue conditioners were mixed and the discs with MgO (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) were embedded in the mix. After 24 h of incubation, inhibition diameters were noted. Statistical Analysis Used : The data was analysed using Mann Whitney U Test, ANOVA, Tukey HSD test. Results : The inhibition effect of magnesium oxide 1% combined with tissue conditioners (VGC and GCC) is not significant in both the groups. The inhibition effect of MgO 5% and 7% combined with tissue conditioners (VGC and GCC) is very highly significant ( P < 0.001). Conclusions : Magnesium oxide in combination with tissue conditioners are effective against Candida albicans; GC soft with magnesium oxide showed a better result than Viscogel with magnesium oxide; Increasing the concentration of magnesium oxide increases the zone of inhibition of Candida albicans.

Formulation and characterization of gastroretentive discs containing famotidine

In this work a different type of formulation, as disc, containing a selected mucoadhesive polymer, fillers, and binders were investigated for their potential as a mucoadhesive gastroretentive delivery system to deliver famotidine in the stomach. Various types of hydrophilic diluents were evaluated for their swelling and mucoadhesive property and one (polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP) was selected to combine with the selected mucoadhesive polymer (polyethylene oxide, PEO). Discs with different ratios of PEO and PVP were prepared and evaluated for swelling, dissolution, and mucoadhesion. The swelling property of the discs increased as the concentration of PEO was increased and also did the mucoadhesion. These discs retained their integrity and adherence onto gastric mucosa for more than 10 h under in-vitro conditions. The PEO, in combination with PVP, yielded a non-disintegrating type mucoadhesive dosage form which was suitable for gastroretentive applications to achieve the desired release profile of the drug.