Different concentrations of 17β-estradiol modulates apoptosis induced by interleukin-1β in rat annulus fibrosus cells.

Interleukin‑1β (IL‑1β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that mediates inflammatory and cell death activities. IL‑1β has been previously reported to induce apoptosis of intervertebral disc (IVD) cells in IVD degeneration. Accumulating data have suggested that post‑menopausal women have a high incidence of IVD degeneration.

17β-Estradiol protects against apoptosis induced by levofloxacin in rat nucleus pulposus cells by upregulating integrin α2β1.

Levofloxacin has been reported to have cytotoxicity to chondrocytes in vitro. And 17β-estradiol has been widely studied for its protective effects against cell apoptosis. Based on apoptotic cell model induced by levofloxacin, the purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism by which 17β-estradiol protects rat nucleus pulposus cells from apoptosis.

Epidemiology and risk factors of cervical spine injury during heating season in the patients with cervical trauma: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of cervical spine injury in the patients with cervical trauma and analyze its associated risk factors during the special heating season in North China.

Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated predictors for cervical spine injury in cervical trauma patients using retrospectively collected data of Hebei Provincial Orthopaedic Hospital from 11/2011 to 02/2012, and 11/2012 to 02/2013. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for cervical fractures/dislocations or cord injury.