腰椎间盘突出症力学特征的仿真计算方法

目的建立腰椎间盘突出症力学特征的数值计算分析模型,为腰椎间盘突出症的力学机理提供一种检测评估方法。方法利用健康成人L4～5腰椎运动节段CT影像,采用Mimics 10.01医学图像处理软件和Geomagic10.0逆向工程软件分别建立L4～5腰椎运动节段的椎骨和椎间盘,并在Ansys软件中附加腰椎相关韧带及通过改变椎间盘突出后对应的材料属性,建立腰椎L4～5运动节段有限元模型,构建正常模型和腰椎间盘突出模型;运用有限元方法模拟正常椎间盘和突出椎间盘在轴向压力、前弯、侧弯、旋转和后伸5种载荷下的生物力学特征参数。结果椎间盘突出后,椎间盘的应力分布及传递载荷的能力改变,应力集中于纤维环后外侧;在相同的载荷情况下,突出的椎间盘的最大形变量比正常椎间盘的大;椎间盘突出模型的小关节突接触力比正常模型的小关节突接触力大。结论椎间盘突出后,椎间盘的承载功能下降,关节突的应力水平升高,小关节的负荷增加,从而导致腰椎稳度下降。     

人体腰椎L_(4~5)节段有限元建模及分析

本文基于CT图像数据结合图像处理软件建立人体腰椎L4~5节段有限元模型,进行前屈、后伸、侧弯和轴向旋转工况下的生物力学特性分析。首先,选择一名正常志愿者腰椎L4~5节段的CT图像数据建立三维模型,模型包括椎体、椎间盘、软骨终板、连接韧带和小关节突关节等部分,在前屈、后伸、侧弯和轴向旋转工况加载下进行生物力学性能的分析。结果表明,建立的腰椎模型几何形态逼真且验证有效,在500、1 000、1 500和2 000N分布压力下,腰椎L4~5有限元模型的轴向位移分别为0.23、0.47、0.76、1.02mm,与前人在相同条件下离体实验和有限元分析的研究相近,几种情况下腰椎整体及椎间盘的应力分布符合腰椎的生物力学特性。因此,本文所建立的腰椎L4~5节段有限元模型能有效地模拟腰椎的生物力学特性,为后续腰椎植入物的生物力学性能研究奠定良好的基础。     

基于CT图像腰椎L4～L5节段有限元模型建立与分析

基于CT图像结合图像处理及有限元分析软件采用六面体网格建立完整的人体腰椎L4～L5活动节段三维有限元模型,并对模型有效性进行验证与分析。用块状化分割方法对腰椎模型进行几何处理,然后对二维四边形单元使用扫略和拉伸等方法生成六面体实体单元从而建立三维腰椎有限元模型,并另外建立单元数量和单元类型不同的腰椎有限元模型用以对比。观察腰椎在轴向力和6个方向的扭矩作用下的变形和位移以及椎间盘的应力分布情况。建立的原始模型共有110 762个单元,111 644个节点,模型在500、1000、1 500、2 000 N轴向压缩力作用下的位移分别为0.34、0.65、0.91、1.21 mm,在前屈、后伸、侧弯和扭转工况下关节活动度分别为5.69°、2.28°、3.41°和1.29°,终板最大应力分布规律与前人研究结果一致。用六面体单元划分网格的精细有限元模型可兼顾模型的计算效率及精度,所建模型符合腰椎一般生物力学特点,可用于模拟生物力学实验及对脊柱生物力学的进一步研究。     

基于三维有限元模型的人体全腰椎振动特性研究

振动暴露被认为是诱发腰椎退行性病变和下腰痛的重要原因,本研究旨在探寻振动载荷对腰椎生物力学的影响。基于人体腰椎L1节段至骨盆(L1-pelvis)的CT扫描数据,重构L1-Pelvis三维几何模型。对该几何模型进行网格划分和材料特性赋值,建立L1-Pelvis三维有限元模型,并利用可获得的实验数据对模型的有效性进行验证。基于该有限元模型,通过瞬时动态分析计算出腰椎各运动节段在幅值40 N,频率5 Hz轴向正弦振动载荷作用下的力学响应,并与-40 N和+40 N轴向静态载荷作用下的结果进行对比,响应参数包括椎体轴向位移、纤维环膨出变形和纤维环基质冯·米塞斯应力。研究结果表明,相比于静态载荷,振动载荷下腰椎各运动节段的椎体轴向位移、纤维环膨出变形、纤维环基质冯·米塞斯应力的幅值分别增加了0.550～1.020 mm、0.124～0.251 mm、0.043～0.099 MPa,最大增幅分别可达195.0%、175.7%、151.4%。从量化角度说明振动载荷下腰椎发生损伤的风险更高。     

基于Simpleware全颈椎三维有限元模型的构建与分析

目的 利用Simpleware软件构建全颈椎三维有限元模型,并对模型进行验证和分析,为探讨颈椎损伤机制提供可靠模型。方法 基于CT断层扫描图像,利用医学图像处理软件Simpleware、逆向工程软件Geomagic建立C1~7全颈椎三维实体模型,导入Hypermesh进行颈椎网格划分、添加韧带并引入小关节突接触关系等,建立C1~7全颈椎有限元模型,在ANSYS中模拟前屈、后伸、侧弯和轴向旋转工况下颈椎的生物力学性能。结果 建立的模型准确可靠,在前屈、后伸、侧弯和轴向旋转时,活动范围与文献中离体实验和有限元分析结果相近。椎间盘应力集中在椎体受压侧,C4/5最易产生应力集中。结论 建立的C1~7全颈椎有限元模型能够有效模拟颈椎的生物力学特性,为后续颈椎挥鞭样损伤的生物力学研究奠定良好的基础。     

人体脊柱动力学数值仿真分析模型建立及验证

目的 建立T2～L5胸腰椎有限元模型并验证其有效性,为探究脊柱冲击载荷下的动态响应特性及损伤机制提供数值模型支撑。方法 基于CT扫描图像数据建立T2～L5胸腰椎三维有限元模型;仿真分析施加不同力矩下(屈伸、旋转和侧弯工况)T12～L1段载荷-转角曲线,并与文献报道的数据进行对比;对T2～6、T7～11和T12～L5 3段脊柱有限元模型施加不同高度下的自由落体载荷并进行仿真分析,获得轴向力峰值和弯矩,并与文献报道的数据进行对比分析。结果 T12～L1段脊柱有限元模型受不同方向力矩发生最大转角在-2.24°～1.55°,与文献数据吻合良好。在不同跌落高度下,T2～6、T7～11和T12～L5 3段脊柱有限元模型的轴向峰值力分别为1.7～5.3、1.3～5.5、1.3～7.5 kN,均处于文献数据误差范围内;脊柱与椎间盘应力云图显示,椎体由外缘最先受力,椎间盘由髓核承受主要载荷,符合实际脊柱损伤发生机制。结论 所建立的T2～L5脊柱模型能够正确模拟不同工况下脊柱的生物力学行为特性,分析结果具有有效性。     

随动载荷对腰椎小关节接触力的影响

目的研究不同大小随动载荷在腰椎不同姿态下对小关节接触力的影响。方法建立非线性三维有限元腰椎模型(L1~S1),并考虑小关节软骨的非均一厚度和非线性材料特征。对腰椎模型施加不同大小的随动力预载荷(0、0.5、0.8、1.2 k N)以及7.5 N·m不同方向上(前屈、后伸、侧弯、轴向旋转)的纯力矩,对比各运动节段两侧小关节上在不同加载工况下的接触力,并定量研究随动载荷对小关节不对称性的影响。结果随动载荷的应用会增大屈伸以及侧弯(同侧)状态下的小关节接触力,而减少侧弯(对侧)时的小关节接触力,而且这种增大(或减小)效应会随着随动载荷本身的增大而减弱。对于轴向扭转,预载荷对小关节力几乎没有影响。在腰椎不同的姿态下,随动载荷对于小关节接触力不对称性的影响按从大到小排列依次为:侧弯(同侧)、前屈、侧弯(对侧)、后伸、轴向扭转。结论随动载荷对腰椎小关节接触力的影响随腰椎运动姿态的不同而不同。在腰椎的生物力学研究中,小关节的不对称性需要被充分考虑,尤其是在生理载荷作用下腰椎后部结构的研究中。     

基于CT图像和逆向工程方法建立正常人体腰椎三维有限元模型◆

背景：利用有限元法可以分析静止及活动时正常脊柱的生物力学,并预测应力时的风险。 目的：建立腰椎L3~L5三维有限元模型。 方法：选取一名健康30岁男性志愿者L3~L5薄层CT扫描图像,使用工具软件 Geomagic 和 Ansys,应用逆向工程原理构建三维有限元模型,设定边界条件进行加载,记录角位移及应力集中部位,计算模型的平均刚度。 结果与结论：建立L3~L5椎体三维有限元模型,包括椎体、韧带、椎间盘、纤维环和小关节,模型总单元数51 905个,通过定量和定性两方面验证模型有效。说明所建立的L3~L5椎体三维有限元模型符合脊柱生物力学特征,可用于进一步脊柱生物力学研究。     

三维有限元法分析前纵韧带对腰椎生物力学影响

该文基于人体 DICOM 图像建立了更符合人体解剖结构的 L4/5 节段腰椎三维有限元模型,模拟腰椎前屈、后伸、 侧弯及扭转 4 种运动状态下的生物力学响应。前纵韧带（ALL）受损后腰椎的关节活动度（ROM）增大,后伸时增大最显著。ALL 受损后应力减小且分布发生改变,后伸时应力最大位置由韧带上部转移至韧带下部,侧弯时应力作用范围明显缩小。ALL 受损后应变分布发生不同程度的改变,产生明显的纵向形变。除扭转外,其他运动状态下 ALL 应变增大,后伸和侧弯应变增加量最大。ALL 主要限制后伸运动,ALL 受损后腰椎稳定性下降。ALL 受损后进行后伸和侧弯运动时可能会加重已有的损伤,因此 ALL 受损患者应尽量减少过度后伸和侧弯运动。该文的仿真实验可对韧带损伤疾病的诊断治疗提供支持和参考。     

下腰椎L4/5棘突间撑开器的生物力学研究

应用有限元分析方法研究在L4/5植入X STOP类型产品时该节段的稳定性,以及对相邻节段的生物力学影响。依据一名正常志愿者中立位下螺旋CT扫描资料,利用Mimics14、Geomagic Studio2012、Hypermesh12和Abaqus612 1等软件,构建L2～L5健康腰椎有限元模型和植入撑开器X STOP的动态固定模型,并模拟前屈、后伸、侧弯和轴向旋转,验证健康腰椎有限元模型的有效性和动态固定对照模型的生物力学特性。根据两组模型在椎间活动度、椎间盘应力等生物力学指标,证明X STOP可减少该节段7483%的后伸活动度,而相邻节段活动度基本不受影响。植入物和腰椎的最大应力出现在后伸时两者的接触面上,最大应力分别为333和1356 MPa。X STOP可以显著降低椎间盘压力和后伸活动度,对相邻阶段无明显影响。植入物和腰椎的最大von Mises应力出现在接触面上。对X STOP的改进提供理论支持,为下腰椎L4/5棘突间撑开器X STOP临床手术提供生物力学依据。     

Schizophrenia in a North Swedish geographical isolate, 1900–1977. Epidemiology, genetics and biochemistry

Over 200 schizophrenic patients belonging to three major and interrelated pedigree complexes have been investigated over the past 30 years in a North Swedish geographically isolated population, presently numbering about 6,000. An intensive investigation of a number of biochemical correlates and genetic markers in a few selected families belonging to one of the major pedigrees has indicated new strategies for the current research program.
Schizophrenia, as defined operationally, is significantly associated with decreased activities of two enzymes (1) blood platelet monoamine oxidase, (2) plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and (3) with the genetic marker Gc² (group specific antigen). Both enzymes are subject to genetic variation. A positive score for linkage between schizophrenia and low plasma DBH activity has been calculated, but, so far, available data are insufficient for discrimination between linkage and partial contribution of genetically controlled low plasma DBH to the pathogenesis of the disease. Alternatively, both mechanisms could be involved.
As a model for continued research, schizophrenia is explained as based on a double dominant-recessive genotype (Aabb), representing a vulnerability which in about 50 % of cases develops into clinical schizophrenia. It is suggested that the dominant mutation (A) operates on or affects MAO activity, and that the recessive genotype (bb) is instrumental in low variates of DBH activity and very likely such variates within the normal range of physiological variation. Moreover, it is suggested that the combined effects of MAO- and DBH-reduced efficiency on the metabolism of e.g. dopamine could be an essential pathogenic mechanism for the schizophrenic illness which is segregating in this population.     

The universal muscular chain reaction,muscle spasm,Torsions, ruptures and extravasations. Chameleons of pathology and some manifestations of simple muscular disorders

Most bodily functions require the coordinated actions of complementary and supplementary paired muscle groups. Where this essential muscular cooperation is lacking, hollow organs may burst and others become literally screwed up, giving rise to many similar spastic diseases such as Torticollis, Twisted ovarian cyst, Torsion of the Testis, Volvulus of the intestines, Varicose Veins, Megacolon, Aortamegaly, Scoliosis, Erb's Palsy, Peyronie's Disease, Main-en-Griffe, Undescended Foot (Pes Cavus), Talipes, Strabismus. Spasm is “panenepidemic” and unclassified examples of Torsion Dystonia and Dyskinesia really are as common as debt and taxes.     

The dominant diseases of modernized societies as omega-3 essential fatty acid deficiency syndrome: Substrate beriberi

About 1900, modern food selection and processing caused widespread $\text{epidemics}$ of the B vitamin deficiency diseases of beriberi and pellagra which, for genetic reasons, often expressed as different diseases ranging from bowel and heart disease to dermatoses and psychoses. But the B vitamins merely help convert essential fatty acids (EFA) into the prostaglandin (PG) tissue regulators and it now turns out that, through hydrogenation, milling and selection of w3-poor southern foods, we have also been systematically depleting, by as much as 90%, a newly discovered trace Nordic EFA (w3) of special importance to primates and sole precursor of the PG3(4) series, even as a concurrent fiber deficiency increases body demand for EFA. Since substrate EFA is processed by many B vitamin catalysts, an EFA deficiency will mimic a $\text{panh}$ypovitaminosis B, i.e., a mixture of $\text{substrate}$ beriberi and $\text{substrate}$ pellagra resembling vitamin beriberi and pellagra but exhibiting as even more diverse $\text{endemic}$ disease. This would consitute a second stage of the Modern Malnutrition and explain why some workers now hold the dominant diseases of modermized societies to be new, nutritionally based, pellagraform yet lipid-related and to range, once again, from heart disease to psychosis. It is an assumption that our dominant diseases are unrelated to each other or are merely revealed by our diagnostic acumen and therapeutic success; and that hydrogenating millions of tons of food oils annually, to destroy the rancidity producing w3-EFA, is safe for $\text{primates}$. Extensive beriberiform disease is reported here in 32 typical cases taken from medical practice which responds strikingly to linseed oil supplements (60% w3-EFA) in confirmation of identical results in Capuchins.     

Hypo- und Hypermagnesämie aus kardiologischer Sicht

Zusammenfassung Eine Reihe pathologischer Zustände bedingen Magnesiummangel. Zustände mit Hypermagnesämie sind ebenfalls bekannt, doch wesentlich seltener. Für den Kardiologen beachtenswert ist, daß unter Therapie mit bestimmten Diuretica bei Herzinsuffizienz, bei Herzinfarkt, Kardiomyopathie, Digitalisintoxikation und bestimmten Herzrhythmusstörungen Hypomagnesämie beobachtet wurde. Leider kann in der klinischen Routine nur ein extracelluläres Magnesiumdefizit durch Serumbestimmungen gemessen werden; über Magnesiummangel einzelner Organe kann nichts ausgesagt werden. Hinweise für Magnesiummangel geben aber neben der Messung des Serumspiegels Anamnese, klinischer Befund, bestimmte EKG-Veränderungen wie auch evtl. Hypokalämie, ein Zustand, bei dem sich oft — besonders bei Aldosteronismus — parallele Veränderungen zeigten.Tierexperimente deuten darauf hin, daß infarktähnliche Läsionen unter Magnesiummangel entstehen, doch ob Herzinfarkt beim Menschen durch Magnesiummangel ausgelöst werden kann, ist noch ungeklärt. In Leichenherzen zeigte sich im Infarktgebiet neben Calciumakkumulation signifikanter Magnesiumverlust, wobei unklar blieb, ob sich Ursache oder Folge des Infarktes widerspiegelten. Falls ein ursächlicher Zusammenhang besteht, ist er im Myokardstoffwechsel selbst zu suchen, wie bei der Alkoholkardiomyopathie, wo myokardialer Magnesiummangel zumindest als pathogenetischer Teilfaktor anerkannt wird. Andererseits versucht man aber auch Beziehungen zwischen Atherosklerose, Blutgerinnung und Hypomagnesämie herzustellen, in der Meinung, daß Magnesiummangel auch über den coronaren Pathomechanismus des Herzinfarktes wirken könnte. Sicher scheint, daß gewisse EKG-Veränderungen und Herzrhythmusstörungen durch einen irritierten Magnesiumhaushalt bedingt sein können, da sie bei Gabe bzw. Entzug von Magnesium verschwinden. Daß Magnesiummangel die Glykosidtoleranz verringert, wird tierexperimentell bestätigt. Unter Hypomagnesämie bewirkt Acetylstrophanthidin eher und länger Rhythmusstörungen als ohne, außerdem lassen diese sich durch Magnesiumgaben eliminieren. Da in gewissen Fällen spontane und digitalisinduzierte Herzrythmusstörungen durch Magnesiuminjektionen beseitigt wurden, scheint Magnesium als Therapeuticum angebracht. Einsatz verschiedener Magnesiumsalze bei Angina pectoris, degenerativen Herzerkrankungen und Herzinsuffizienz ohne geprüften und offensichtlich gestörten Magnesiumhaushalt ist fragwürdig, weil keine eindeutigen klinischen Erfolgsbeweise vorliegen. Immerhin mag es aber larvierte, durch Serumbestimmungen nicht erfaßbare Mangelzustände geben. Allgemein erscheint es aus kardiologischer Sicht ratsam, den Magnesiumhaushalt zu überwachen und in entsprechenden Fällen auszugleichen, um möglichen Myokardläsionen oder fatalen Herzrhythmusstörungen entgegenzuwirken.     

Environmental risk factors and their role in the management of atopic dermatitis

Introduction: The etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial with interaction between genetics, immune and environmental factors.

Areas covered: We review the role of prenatal exposures, irritants and pruritogens, pathogens, climate factors, including temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, outdoor and indoor air pollutants, tobacco smoke exposure, water hardness, urban vs. rural living, diet, breastfeeding, probiotics and prebiotics on AD.

Expert commentary: The increased global prevalence of AD cannot be attributed to genetics alone, suggesting that evolving environmental exposures may trigger and/or flare disease in predisposed individuals. There is a complex interplay between different environmental factors, including individual use of personal care products and exposure to climate, pollution, food and other exogenous factors. Understanding these complex risk factors is crucial to developing targeted interventions to prevent the disease in millions. Moreover, patients require counseling on optimal regimens for minimization of exposure to irritants and pruritogens and other harmful exposures.     

'Very sore nights and days': the child's experience of illness in early modern England, c.1580-1720

Sick children were ubiquitous in early modern England, and yet they have received very little attention from historians. Taking the elusive perspective of the child, this article explores the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of illness in England between approximately 1580 and 1720. What was it like being ill and suffering pain? How did the young respond emotionally to the anticipation of death? It is argued that children’s experiences were characterised by profound ambivalence: illness could be terrifying and distressing, but also a source of emotional and spiritual fulfilment and joy. This interpretation challenges the common assumption amongst medical historians that the experiences of early modern patients were utterly miserable. It also sheds light on children’s emotional feelings for their parents, a subject often overlooked in the historiography of childhood. The primary sources used in this article include diaries, autobiographies, letters, the biographies of pious children, printed possession cases, doctors’ casebooks, and theological treatises concerning the afterlife.     

Guidelines for the Validation and Use of Immunoassays for Determination of Introduced Proteins in Biotechnology Enhanced Crops and Derived Food Ingredients

Recent advancements in agricultural biotechnology have created a need for analytical techniques to determine introduced proteins in crops enhanced through modern biotechnology techniques. These proteins are expressed in plant tissues and may be present in food ingredients. Immunoassays are ideally suited for protein detection and may be used as both quantitative and threshold methods. Microplate ELISA and lateral flow devices are two of the most commonly used immunoassay formats for agricultural biotechnology applications. This paper provides general background information and a discussion of criteria for the validation and application of immunochemical methods to the analysis of proteins introduced into plants and food ingredients using biotechnology methods. It is the result of a collaborative effort of members of the Analytical Environmental Immunochemical Consortium. This collaborative effort represents the combined expertise of several organizations to reach consensus on establishing guidelines for the validation and use of immunoassays. Further, the paper offers developers and users a consistent approach to adopting the technology as well as aid in producing accurate and meaningful results.     

HLA genes in Amerindians from Mexico San Vicente Tancuayalab Teenek/Huastecos

Huastecos or Teenek Amerindians are presently living at North East Mexico (San Luis Potosi State). They have probably one of the most ancient culture of Mexico and Central America together with Mayas and Olmec groups with which also show close relationships. Proximity to Atlantic Ocean/Mexican Gulf originated that Spaniards had very early contact with them at about 1519 CE or before. In the present paper we have aimed to study HLA gene profile which may be useful for HLA and disease epidemiology and transplant programs in Teeneks. HLA-DRB1*04:07, -DRB1*14:06 and -DRB1*04:11 have been found in high frequency like in other Amerindian groups. High frequency typical Amerindians HLA extended haplotypes have been found, such as A*02-B*35-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02; A*68-B*39-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02 and A*02-B*39-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02; also new haplotypes have been described, like A*02-B*52-DRB1*04:11-DQB1*03:02, A*68-B*35-DRB1*14:02-DQB1*03:01 and A*68-B*40-DRB1*16:02-DQB1*03:01. Genetic proximity is observed not only to linguistically close Mayans, but also to Mazatecans, Mixtecans and Zapotecans, who speak an altogether different languages; it shows once more that genes and languages do not correlate. This population was greatly diminished after European contact between 1500 and 1600 years CE; in fact, North and South America First Inhabitants population was brought from 80 down to 8 million people because of diseases (i.e.: measles, smallpox or influenza), slavery and war.     

Ultracryotomy: development and application (with examples from the yeast cytology) (author's transl)

The preparation steps usually necessary for obtaining ultrathin frozen sections of biological material (chemical prefixation, enclosing, cryoprotective treatment, freezing, sectioning, and post-staining the sections for transmission electron microscopy) are submitted to a critical analysis. The application of cryo-ultramicrotomy, in particularly for cytochemical purposes, is reviewed. Fundamental considerations of chemical prefixation and poststaining are supported by examples from yeast cytology. Furthermore, the efficiency of the cryo-ultramicrotomy (electron optical resolution of ultrastructural details) is demonstrated on yeast cells and protoplasts.