[Bio-mechanical property changes of long bone in ovariectomized goats]

This paper presents the biomechanical property changes of long bone in goats at 180 days after ovariectomy. 10 female goats at the age of 1.5 +/- years(average body wight 22 kg) were randomly divided into the control group and ovariectomized group. These goats were sacrificed at 180 days after ovariectomy and the femora, tibiae, metatarsus, humeri, radius and metacarpus were taken out bilaterally. The structural mechanical properties of these bones were measured with the three-point bending method. The material mechanical properties of flexura, compress and tensile in the compact bone specimens taken from the two broken ends were also measured. The results showed that the bone density, bone thickness in broken ends, and the break load of three-point bending for the long bones in the OVX group were obviously lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). And compared with the control group all the long bones in the OVX group, except the femur, had significantly lower ultimate bending strength, bending elastic modulus; ultimate flexural strength, flexural elastic modulus; ultimate compressing strength, and compressing elastic moduus. Some long bones in the OVX group had significantly decreased ultimate tensile strength (P < 0.05). These indicated that the mechanical properties of long bone in OVX group at 180 days after ovariectomy were reduced in varying degrees and were liable to fracture. This result is in accord with the clinical findings in osteoporosis resulting from post-menopausal estrogen fall and is also consistent with the osteoporotic model of ovariectomized rats. The authors conclude that the bone biomechanical properties are important parameters in assessing osteoporosis and the ovariectomized goat can possible be a good big animal model of osteoporosis.

[Synthesis and antiosteoporosis activity of steroid-bisphosphonate compounds]

Bisphosphonate have bone-seeking affinity, some of them are used as drugs for osteoporosis. Steroidal hormones are often used in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. In order to search for bone-targeted leading compounds with high affinity and low toxicity, seven steroid-bisphosphonate compounds were synthesized. These compounds were found to promote bone formation in bone cell culture.

[Clinical experience with iron supplementation in pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of iron supplementation during pregnancy and its influences on the outcome of pregnancy.

METHODS

A total of 369 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. According to the hemoglbin levels at recruitment, there were 2 groups: preventive (Hb > or = 110 g/L) and treatment (Hb < 110 g/L) groups. In the preventive group, women entered the study from 20-24 gestational weeks and were randomly assigned to materna treatment (n = 96) who took materna 1 tablet daily or control group (n = 95) who took no other supplementation. In the treatment groups, women less than 36 gestational weeks were accepted. They were randomly divided as materna (n = 93) 1 tablet/d, ferrous sulfate 0.3 g tid/d (n = 50) or Ferroids 1 tablet/d (n = 35) groups. Both Hb and serum ferritin concentrations were determined at admission and immediately after delivery. In some cases serum ferritin in the umbilical vein were measured as well. Hemoglobin levels were examined every 4 weeks during the observational period.

RESULTS

In the preventive groups, maternal serum ferritin levels after materna treatment were significantly higher than that before treatment and the control group (P < 0.05). As for the anemia women, compared the serum ferritin concentration, materna treatment had significantly higher levels than that at admission (P < 0.05), and also higher than that in the ferrous sulfate or ferroids tratment groups (P < 0.05). The s-ferritin in the umbilical vein had no correlation with the paired maternal levels. There were no significant differences in the pregnancy outcomes among all the groups.

CONCLUSION

Materna can increase the iron storage and effectively improve the iron deficiency during pregnancy, and has no impact on the prgnancy outcomes.

[A biomechanical evaluation of the effects of XW630 on the healing of experimental fracture]

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether tetracycline-estrone (XW630) plays a role in the healing of fracture. 120 rabbits were divided into 4 groups and subjected to osteotomies at the middle of both radials, and they were given XW630, estrone (E2), tetracycline (T) and 0.9% sodium chloride (C) respectively after operation by means of intramuscular injection (M) or local injection(L) in the fracture region. The biomechanical properties, including bending and compression, and the biochemical changes were tested at 30 days, 60 days and 90 days after osteotomy. The results showed that the bending stress and compression stress in the XW630(M) group were significantly higher than those in other groups at different periods after osteotomy. At 30 days after osteotomy, the bending ultimate stress in the XW630(M) group was 80% higher than that in group C, 76% higher than that in group E2, and 69% higher than that in group T. At 90 days after osteotomy, the bending ultimate stress in XW630(M) group increased to 80% of that of the normal radius, and it was 30% higher than that of group C, 34% higher than that of group E2 and 19.5% higher than that of group T. The biochemical changes corresponded with the changes biomechanical properties. These data suggest that XW630 given by intramuscular injection plays an obvious role in accelerating the healing of fracture. The medicine given by intramuscular injection is obviously more effective than that locally injected.

[Bone histomorphometric changes in ovariectomized goat at different time courses]

Using histopatholoical method, we investigated the bone histomorphometric changes in ovariectomied goats at different time courses. Eight goats, female, aged one and a half years, were randomly divided into two groups, the control and the ovariectomy (OVX). Iliac crest biopsies were separately processed before ovariectomy and at 60 days, 120 days and 180 days after ovariectomy. The histomorphometric changes were observed. It was found that the bone structure in trabecular bone remained relatively constant in the control group throughout the whole study. In contrast, the trabecular quantity was slightly decreased and the trabeculae were disconnected in OVX at 60 days after ovariectomy. The bone structure was characterized by the thinning of the trabeculae, the further discontinuance and quantity loss of trabeculae, and the anlargement of marrow cavity at 120 days to 180 days after ovariectomy. Apparently, these bone structural changes manifested with typical osteopenia pathological changes. Our results may serve as a basis for the design of further studies using OVX goat as an animal model for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

[Primary study on the use of ovariectomized rabbits for establishment of osteoporosis model]

Purebred New Zealand female rabbits were used in this study for demonstrating the feasibility of establishing rabbit's primary osteoporosis model. Bilateral ovariectomies were performed. Five to eight months after operation, we observed the BMD, weight, hair colour and living condition of the model. After killing the rabbits, we made biomechanical detection and pathologic histomorphometry using the bones. The weight of bone ash, the content of calcium and phosphorus, and the weight of metra were determined. The results showed that BMD, bone bending stress, weight of bone ash, content of calcium and phosphorus in ash, and weight of metra all decreased (P < 0.05); the number of trabecula decreased and the bone cortex became thinner. All these parameters evidenced the primary founding of rabbit's osteoporosis model. This research provides a basis for studying the pathogenesis of primary osteoporosis and evaluating the efficacy of pharmacotherapy.

[Cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of an alkaline and thermostable exolipase from Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes]

A gene coding for an alkaline and thermostable exolipase of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes was cloned into Escherichia coli LE392 by inserting Sau3 AI-generated DNA fragments into the BamHI site of pIJ285. Four colonies with esterase and lipase activities on the tributyrin agar plate were isolated by screening the constructed pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes genomic library. Only one out of the four positive colonies showed lipase activity on the agar plate contatining olive oil and Rhodamine-B. Subclones of the 45 kb insert carrying lipase gene was obtained in E. coli HB101 using pUC118 as a vector, two of which (HB101 (pHZ1402) and HB101 (pHZ1403)), retained lipase activity, but the level seems to be different. They carried 3.0 kb and 2.9 kb inserts with a 2 kb overlapping sequence. The lipase activity of HB101 (pHZ1403) is about 4 times higher than that of HB101 (pHZ1402), as 5 times as that of original strain P. pseudoalcaligenes.

US extended-field-of-view imaging technology

PURPOSE

To develop an ultrasound (US) extended-field-of-view scanning technique that combines the convenience of a real-time scanner with the spatial advantages of a static B-mode scanner and provides a panoramic image in real time without position sensors or cumbersome articulated arms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An image-registration-based position-sensing technique was used to track probe motion and reconstruct a large composite image during real-time scanning. The probe motion (translation and rotation) was estimated by combining multiple local motion vectors. This computationally intensive process required a special programmable image processor.

RESULTS

Large, resolution-preserved composite images up to 60 cm long were obtained. Measurement accuracy as determined with phantom experiments was better than 5%. The method could be applied to any probe or image format.

CONCLUSION

In addition to providing a panoramic image to expand diagnostic capabilities, extended-field-of-view US provides a more easily interpretable image and is an effective cross-specialty communication tool.

[Mifepristone for induction of labor]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of mifepristone administered prior to labor induction, and to study its safety for mother and fetus.

METHODS

124 nullipara, 37-42 gestational weeks, with indications for labor induction were recruited, and randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A (n = 62) was given mifepristone 50 mg q.12.h. for 2 days, followed by PG05 or oxytocin, while group B (n = 62) was were observed for 2 days before labor induction by PG05 or oxytocin. Blood samples were obtained for determination of mifepristone concentration and hormone levels including estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, aldosterone and human placental prolactin at recruitment and immediately after delivery, and umbilical cord blood was collected at the same time.

RESULTS

Cervical Bishop score increased significantly in the mifepristone pretreatment group when compared with the control group. 22.58% of the women underwent spontaneous delivery after mifepristone treatment and 4.84% of the controls followed suit (P < 0.01). The oxytocin dose required was significantly less in group A, but the success rate was higher (P < 0.05). Side-effects associated with mifepristone was mild. Maternal serum mifepristone peak levels ranged from 200 to 700 micrograms/L, with t1/2 of 21.7 hr. The concentration of mifepristone in umbilical blood was low and stable. The ratio of umbilical/maternal mifepristone level was 0.25 +/- 0.08. Determination of hormone profiles did not show any significant difference between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Mifepristone is an effective inductive agent for cervical ripening and initiation of labor in term pregnancy, and can improve the outcome of labor induction.

[Emergency contraception with mifepristone and anordrin]

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of mifepristone or with anordrin for emergency contraception.

METHODS

300 healthy women were recruited within 7.2 hours after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure and randomly allocated into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 100), mifepristone 25 mg twice with 12 hours apart; group 2 (n = 99), single dose of mifepristone 25 mg; and group 3 (n = 101), mifepristone 25 mg and anordrine 7.5 mg given once.

RESULTS

No pregnancy occurred in group 1, while 1 pregnancy in each group 2 and 3. The contraceptive effectiveness were 100.0%, 83.8% and 86.1% for the 3 groups respectively. The overall menstruation disturbances and side effects were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Both mifepristone 50 or 25 mg were effective for emergency contraception and no synergetic effects of anordrin in combination with mifepristone was shown in this study.

[Synthesis of polyfunctional bridging agent-tetrakis (omega-hydroxyproxymethyl) methane and tri (hydroxyproxymethyl) amino methane]

In order to look for the polyfunctional bridging agent. Tetrakis (omega-hydroxyproxymethyl) methane (3) and Tri (omega-hydroxyproxymethyl) aminomethane (4) were prepared from pentaerythritol and trihydroxymethylamino methane respectly. Nine derivatives (5-13) of compounds (3) and (4) were synthesized. The structures of all new compounds (5-13, 15) were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR and elemental analysis.

[Clinical analysis of bacterial vaginosis in 76 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical manifestation and treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV).

METHODS

The criteria used for diagnosis were the presence of clue cells by wet mount slide or gram stain, plus at least 2 of the following 3 signs and symptoms: (1) vaginal discharge with pH > 4.5; (2) an increased thin homogeneous vaginal discharge; (3) positive amine test. From 1994, 1 to 1995, 3, a total of 76 cases with BV who had good follow up were diagnosed and treated by Kejunning (a combination of chinese traditional herb medicine), Shuangzuotai (combined metronidazole vaginal suppository), metronidazole, etc.

RESULTS

For BV, the presence of clue cells is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Vaginal discharge with pH > 4.5 and positive amine test were present in all the cases. Increased white thin homogeneous vaginal fluid were found in 96.1% (73/76) of the cases. 79.0% of the patients complained of fishy odor vaginal discharge. Treatment with antibiotics or Shuangzuotai were effective. Kejunning had a cure rate of 70.0% one month after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of clue cell is an important diagnostic criterion. Besides metronidazole, Kejunning had a good result for the treatment of BV as well.

[Histological study of uterine cervix during termination of early pregnancy by mifepristone and prostaglandins]

OBJECTIVE

To study the histological changes of uterine cervix during termination of early pregnancy by mifepristone and prostaglandins (PG).

METHODS

A total of 24 women who requested medical abortion was recruited. For each woman, 3 cervical biopsies were taken: before mifepristone treatment; 48 hours after mifepristone 150 mg single dose treatment (i.e. immediately before PG administration); and 1 hour after gestational sac expulsion. Specimens were studied by optical and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Significant collagenolysis as demonstrated by marked reduction and irregularity of collagen fibers, abundant accumulation of an amorphorous material of ground substance, and infiltration of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes were shown in stroma as well as in the deep portion of cervix after mifepristone as compared to the samples of early pregnant cervix before treatment. These changes presented to a further extent after the expulsion of gestational sac.

CONCLUSION

The changes observed were similar to previous reports during cervical dilatation in term delivery. The present study confirmed the histological cervical ripening effect by mifepristone and suggested it may be used as cervical ripening agent before induction of labor as well.

[Influence of dihydroetorphine hydrochloride and tramadol on labor pain and umbilical blood gas]

Ninety primigravide were randomly allocated into three groups at the beginning of active phase of labor. Dihydroetorphine hydrochloride (DHE) was administered to group A (n = 30), tramadol to group B (n = 30), and group C (n = 30) was a blank control. Various parameters about analgesia effects, progress of labour and fetal and neonatal well-being were investigated and also umbilical artery and vein blood gases analyzing were carried out in all cases. As a result, the effective rate of pain relief in group A was 67% and in group B 63% (P > 0.05). The average time of onset of action in DHE group was 16.5 +/- 2.9 minutes which was significantly shorter than 26.1 +/- 5.4 minutes in tramadol group (P = 0.0001). There were higher rate (36.7%) of operative intervention (forceps and vaginally or cesarean section) and a higher average amount of postpartum hemorrhage in group A, as compared with the control group, but no significant difference was shown between group B and group C. No difference was found in other parameters (among the three groups duration of labour, Apgar scores of neonates, cord blood gases, etc.). The conclusion is that, both DHE and tramadol may have a good effect of pain relief in labour. The time of onset of action in DHE group is significantly shorter than that in tramadol group. Neither analgesics cause circulation and respiratory depression in the mother and neonates, but DHE may have influence on uterine contraction. To achieve an excellent pain relief by higher dosage of DHE and tramadol need further randomized investigation.

[A study on the optimal regimen of mifepristone with prostaglandin for termination of early pregnancy]

One thousand and thirty-five women in early pregnancy (< or = 49 days), who requested medical abortion were randomly allocated into 8 groups. Mifepristone and 15-methyt-PGF2 alpha vaginal suppository (PG05) and misoprostol oral (tablets) were given as the following 8 regimens: group 1 (n = 195): a single dose of mifepristone 200 mg + PG05 1 mg on the 3rd or 4th day; group 2 (n = 249): mifepristone 25 mg b.i.d. (total amount of 150mg) + PG05 1mg on the 3rd or 4th day; group 3 (n = 67): mifepristone 25 mg b.i.d. (total amount of 125mg) + PG05 1mg in the morning of the 3rd day; group 4 (n = 108): a single dose of mifepristone 200mg + misoprostol 600 micrograms on the 3rd day; group 5 (n = 199): a single dose of mifepristone 150mg + misoprostol 600 micrograms on the 3rd day; group 6 (n = 60): mifepristone 50 mg was given immediately, then 25 mg b.i.d. (total amount of 150mg + misoprostol 600 micrograms; group 7 (n = 123): mifepristone 50 mg in the morning and 25mg in the evening for two days (total amount of 150 mg) + misoprostol 600 micrograms; group 8 (n = 34): mifepristone 25 mg b.i.d. (total amount of 125mg) + misoprostol 400 micrograms. As a result, the complete abortion rate of each group was 92.8%, 95.2%, 92.5%, 93.5%, 87.4%, 98.4%, 92.7% and 94.1% successively. The rate of group 5 was significantly lower than that of group 2 and 6 (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

An epidemiological study on the relationship of ectopic pregnancy and the use of contraceptives in Beijing--the incidence of ectopic pregnancy in the Beijing area. Beijing Collaborating Study Group for Ectopic Pregnancy

The incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) was studied through a 3-level monitoring network of maternal and child health care (MCH) in the entire Beijing area, including 82 hospitals, 19 MCH centers and 2 institutes for family planning. A total of 1,420 cases of EP were collected in a sample of 2.7 million women of reproductive age (15-49) during a one-year period from January 1 to December 31, 1990. The cases were confirmed by pathological examination or laparoscopy. In addition, epidemiological surveillance method was used. The results showed that the overall incidence of EP was 0.52 per thousand women of reproductive age (W = Women of reproductive age (15-49)) in the Beijing area, 0.6/1000W in the urban districts and 0.41/1000 in the rural area; 0.67/1000W married women, and 0.05/1000W in the unmarried. For married women, 0.54/1000W for those women using various contraceptive measures and 1.80/1000W for women using no contraceptives. The incidence of EP varies with different contraceptive methods. Female sterilization had the lowest incidence (0.18/1000W) and natural contraceptive measures (rhythm or withdrawal method) had the highest (2.43/1000W). It was 0.65/1000W in IUD users, 0.21/1000W in OC users and 0.57/1000W in couples using condoms or spermicides.

[Experimental study on the effect of ipriflavone against osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats]

In order to evaluate the effect of Ipriflavone (BO, synthesized for the first time by the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of WCUMS) against osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, 98 female Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups: bilateral OVX, sham operated (S), and 5 treatment groups after OVX, of which 3 groups were given domestic BO-25, 100, and 400 mg/kg BW (L, M, H), respectively, and the remaining two groups, BO (made in Japan)-100 mg/kg BW (J) and 17 beta-estradiol-4 mg/kg BW (E). One day after operation, BO and E were given daily and twice a week, respectively, by gavage to the animals, while S and OVX groups were treated with vehicles alone. On the 14th and 6th day prior to the sacrifice 0.25% tetracycline hydrochloride was administered i.p. to 6 rats of each group at a dosage of 25 mg/kg BW. The rats were sacrificed after 12 wks and blood samples were collected for serum Ca, P, and AkP activity. The uterines were removed and weighed. Undecalcified sections of the left proximal tibia were processed for bone histomorphometry, and HE sections of the right tibia were processed for bone pathology. The weights per unit bone length, the calcium and phosphorus contents of the left femur were measured. The results showed that in the OVX animals trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness, and the ash content of bone were all significantly reduced. This bone loss was associated with increase in osteoclast index, osteoblast index, osteoid surface and serum AkP activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Synthesis of protected active peptide analogues of cholecystokinin and study of their biological activities]

A number of protected active peptide analogues of Cholecystokinin were prepared in solution by N-end stretching method with active esters. In the synthesis t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc-) and benzyloxycarbonyl (Z-) were applied as protecting groups. Six oligopeptides which contained protecting groups have not yet been reported in literature. Their structures were identified by amino acid analysis, opticity, IR and FAB-MS. The results of preliminary pharmacological tests show all the samples have biological activities in various degrees.

Effects of cholinergic agonists on diacylglycerol and intracellular calcium levels in pancreatic beta-cells

We have studied the effects of cholinergic agonists on the rates of insulin release and the concentrations of diacylglycerol (DAG) and intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in the beta-cell line MIN6. Insulin secretion was stimulated by glucose, by glibenclamide and by bombesin. In the presence of glucose, both acetylcholine (ACh) and carbachol (CCh) produced a sustained increase in the rate of insulin release which was blocked by EGTA or verapamil. The DAG content of MIN6 beta-cells was not affected by glucose. Both CCh and ACh evoked an increase in DAG which was maximal after 5 min and returned to basal after 30 min; EGTA abolished the cholinergic-induced increase in DAG. ACh caused a transient rise in [Ca2+]i which was abolished by omission of Ca2+ or by addition of devapamil. Thus, cholinergic stimulation of beta-cell insulin release is associated with changes in both [Ca2+]i and DAG. The latter change persists longer than the former and activation of protein kinase C and sensitization of the secretory process to Ca2+ may underlie the prolonged effects of cholinergic agonists on insulin release. However, a secretory response to CCh was still evident after both [Ca2+]i and DAG had returned to control values suggesting that additional mechanisms may be involved.

[The research on instant treatment of apical periodontitis with porous hydroxyapatite ceramic]

This paper described how to use hemorheology to observe the oral and maxillofacial inflammation.60 cases were reported,and 60 normal cases as control group.It revealed that etap of the oral maxillofacial inflammation were much higher than that of normal person(P<0.01),etab,etab-1/H,ESR,FA of the oral maxillofacial inflammation were higher than that of normal person(P<0.05).Because the disease belongs to the spectrum of blood stasis.The treatment method of the promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis can be used in additional to the normal remedy.

[Analysis of estrogen receptors in normal bone and bone tumor tissues]

Thirteen human normal bone and fifteen bone tumor tissues were assayed for estrogen receptor (ER) by Dextran-coated Charcoal method (Scatchard plot). The results showed that the concentrations of ER in normal bone tissues (15.12 +/- 14.68 fmol/mg pro) were higher than that of bone malignant tumors (8.04 +/- 6.71 fmol/mg pro) P < 0.05). The binding dissociation constants (Kd) of ER in bone tumors (18.46 +/- 27.10 x 10(-11) mol/L) was lower than those in normal ones (39.91 +/- 20.13 x 10(-11) mol/L) (P < 0.025). The percentages for positive score of ER in normal and tumor ones (23.1%, 26.7%) were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Our study indicated that the variations of concentration and affinity of ER in bone related to the tumor incidence. That cytosol ER content was decreased in malignant bone tumors whereas that of affinity increase suggests an impairment or change of an intact receptor mechanism in this tissues.

Apparent first-order behavior under second-order kinetic conditions: a general concept illustrated by the reversible binding of hydrogen peroxide to cytochrome c oxidase

The theory of the second-order reversible reaction, A + B<-->A.B, has been extensively discussed. Apparent first-order behavior is observed when, for example, [B] >> [A]. If the reaction exhibits second-order behavior then it is presumed that the concentrations of A and B were initially equal and that they remain equal during the reaction. However, in the case of hydrogen peroxide binding to cytochrome c oxidase, Weng & Baker (1991, Biochemistry 30, 5727-5733) showed that the observed rate was rigorously first order over a broad concentration range of ligand, including the stoichiometric case. It was further shown that kobs increased linearly with [H2O2], precluding the possibility of a rate-limiting, unimolecular pre-step. The current work examines the theoretical rate equation for the bimolecular, reversible reaction when [A] = [B]. Simulations show that this equimolar condition resulted in rigorous exponential binding as kd, the equilibrium dissociation constant for the A.B complex, approached the initial concentration of A (or B). In particular, the second-order simulation was rigorously exponential when [A]o/Kd = 0.5, and showed only minor deviations when the ratio was increased to 25. These results demonstrate that a reversible, bimolecular reaction can appear first order even under second order conditions, without the need for more complicated mechanisms.