This study is to compare the effects of kaempferide and anhydroicaritin on biomineralization of rat osteoblasts (ROB) in vitro. Calvarias were dissected aseptically from newborn SD rats, the osteoblasts were obtained by enzyme digestion and were cultured in MEM containing 10% FBS. The medium was changed every three days, and serial subculture was performed when cells covered with 90% of the dish. Kaempferide and anhydroicaritin were separately added with final concentrations of 1 x 10(-4), 1 x 10(-5), 1 x 10(-6) and 1 x 10(-7) mol x L(-1) under the conditions of osteogenic differentiation. The proliferation was measured by MTT, and the optimal concentration was detected by the ALP activity at the 9th day after osteogenic induction culture. The osteogenic indexes of kaempferide, anhydroicaritin and control group with the optimal concentration were compared. The result showed that the anhydroicaritin at concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) had significantly promoted the activity of ALP, calcium content and osteocalcin content, increased the number of CFU-F(ALP) and mineralized nodules, enhanced the mRNA level of BMP-2, OSX and Runx-2, which are key genes of osteogenic differentiation, and raised the protein content of collagen-I. However, the kaempferide group had not significantly represented the ability that promoted osteogenic differentiation of ROB. The difference of osteogenic differentiation on ROB between kaempferide and anhydroicaritin was caused by the prenyl group on C-8 of icariin.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Benzopyrans ; pharmacology ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit ; genetics ; metabolism ; Kaempferols ; pharmacology ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; metabolism ; Osteocalcin ; metabolism ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the morphologic changes of embryonic palatal development exposed to retinoic acid (RA) in mouse, and to detect the significance of the expression of TGFbeta1, TGFbeta3, EGF and BCL2.

METHODSThe stage of palatal development was examined by light microscopy. S-P immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization was used to detect spatio-temporal patterns of expression of TGFbeta1, TGFbeta3, EGF and BCL2 in embryonic palate.

RESULTSThe fetus exposed to RA resulted in formation of small palatal shelves without contact and fusion of each other to form and intact palate. RA can regulate the embryonic palatal expression of genes involved in RA-induced cleft palate.

CONCLUSIONSRA can inhibit the proliferation of MEPM cell to form small palatal shelves and induce abnormal differentiation of MEE cell causing the bi-palatal shelves no contact and fuse with each other, then induce the formation of cleft palate. RA can regulate the spatio-temporal patterns of expression of TGFbeta1, TGFbeta3 and EGF in embryonic palatal processes and the change of special expression of these genes in embryonic palatal processes are involved in RA-induced cleft palate.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced ; etiology ; Animals ; Cleft Palate ; chemically induced ; embryology ; Embryo, Mammalian ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; biosynthesis ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Palate ; embryology ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; biosynthesis ; Tretinoin ; toxicity

OBJECTIVETo biomechanically compare the stability of the short and long iliac screw fixation constructs in lumbo-iliac reconstruction.

METHODSSeven adult human embalmed cadavers (L(3)-pelvis) were used. Using posterior spinal fixation system, L(4)-S(1) pedicle screw fixation was performed. This was defined as intact state of the sacroiliac joint. After the intact test, total sacrum resection and L(4)-L(5)-pelvis reconstruction by pedicle screw and iliac screw with different lengths were performed as follow: short screw group (as the length of exceeding 2 mm over ischial notch) and long screw group (as the length of exceeding 2 mm over anterior inferior iliac spine). Using the 858 MTS material testing machine, biomechanical testing was performed under 800 N compression and 7 Nm torsion loading modes. At last, the axial pullout test of two iliac screws was executed. Construct stiffness in compression and torsion test, and maximum pullout force were analyzed.

RESULTSInsertion lengths of the short and long iliac screw were (70 +/- 2) mm and (138 +/- 4) mm respectively. The lumbo-pelvic reconstruction using short and long iliac screw, respectively restored 53.3% +/- 13.6% and 57.6% +/- 16.2% of the initial stiffness in compression testing, and respectively harvested 55.1% +/- 11.9% and 62.5% +/- 9.2% of the initial stiffness in torsion testing. No significant difference was detected between the two reconstructions (P > 0.05), however, the compressive and torsional stiffness of the two techniques were markedly less than the intact condition (P < 0.05). The maximum pullout strength of long iliac screw was significantly higher than short screw (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSUnder the physical loading, lumbo-pelvic fixation construct using the short iliac screw may obtain mechanical stability comparable to that by long iliac screw. The short iliac screw is only the half of the long iliac screw by length, could reduce the implantation risk. However, the long iliac screw behaves greater axial pullout force, should be applied as far as possible in the osteoporosis patient. The lumbo-pelvic reconstruction utilizing any length of iliac screw is difficult to restore the local stability.

Adult ; Aged ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Humans ; Ilium ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvic Bones ; surgery ; Sacrum ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods

OBJECTIVETo build sub-endplate microcirculation disturbance animal model and to investigate the potential pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).

METHODSTwenty four New Zealand white rabbits were divided into treatment group (Group A) and control group (Group B). In Group A, animals received endotoxin and corticosteroid application to build sub-endplate microcirculation disturbance animal model, validated by microthrombus staining. In Group B, animals were given no drug, but standard feeding. After 3 month, the extent of IVDD was evaluated by the water content, biochemistry analysis, and morphology.

RESULTSSub-endplate microthrombus staining confirmed the exist of microcirculation disturbance. The water content and biochemistry components content of disc in Group A were lower than those of disc in Group B, and IVDD was observed in morphology.

CONCLUSIONSub-endplate microcirculation disturbance can directly contribute to IVDD, the nutrients diffusion barrier is the potential pathogenesis of IVDD.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Intervertebral Disc ; blood supply ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Microcirculation ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Thrombosis ; complications ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of hBMP-4 gene modified tissue engineered bone graft in the enhancement of rabbit spinal fusion and find an ideal kind of substitute for the autograft bone.

METHODSRabbit BMSCs were cultured and transfected with AAV-hBMP-4 using different MOI value. The optimal MOI value were determined by observing cell's morphology change. BMSCs were then transfected with AAV-hBMP4 and AAV-EGFP respectively, following which the transfected cells were evenly suspended in a collagen sponge I, and implanted to either side of the L5,6 intertransverse spaces posterolateral in the New Zealand rabbits to induce spinal fusion. Fourteen rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1: AAV-hBMP-4 transfected BMSCs in the right side (hBMP-4 side) and autograft bone in the left side. Group 2: AAV-hBMP-4 transfected BMSCs in the right side (hBMP-4 side) and AAV-EGFP transfected BMSCs in the left side (EGFP side). Radiographs and three-dimensional CT of the spine, manual palpation, gross and histological examination of the fusion masses for all the animals were performed subsequent to animals having been sacrificed at 12 weeks after surgery.

RESULTSEvaluation has been taken in 12 New Zealand rabbits delivered into 2 groups which meet the criterion after operation. Eleven in 12 implemented sides involved hBMP-4 achieved bony fusion, to which 5 in 6 autografted sides was similar. But only 2 in 6 sides in EGFP-group achieved bony fusion meanwhile. Three-dimensional CT scan and palpation also evidenced the results. Bone formation was observed obviously on specimen both in hBMP4 sides and autografted ones. EGFP-group also got bony integration, but the quantity was small.

CONCLUSIONTissue-engineered bone graft constructed from application of hBMP4 is a fine substitute for autograft. Effective enhancement of bony integration in spinal fusion surgery has been evidenced in vivo.

Animals ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 ; genetics ; Bone Regeneration ; Bone Substitutes ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Genetic Vectors ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; Male ; Myeloid Progenitor Cells ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Stromal Cells ; Tissue Engineering ; Transfection

AIM:To analyze the imageological changes of acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) by 2 types of optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed, inclu-ding data of 60 eyes from 56 patients with CSC diagnosed by conventional eye examination, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), which were divided into acute group (28 eyes of 28 patients) and chronic group (32 eyes of 28 patients) according to imageological examinations and duration (6 months). Optical coher-ence tomography angiography (OCTA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography ( SD-OCT) were performed to study the vessel density of the chorioretinal leyers and the integrity of the outer retinal structure. RESULTS:In the pa-tients with chronic CSC, OCTA in 4 eyes ( 12.50% ) revealed the presence of a distinct choroidal neovascularization (CNV), while no evidence of CNV in ICGA was observed. However, no sign of CNV in acute CSC group both on OCTA and ICGA was found. The occurrence of 'dark areas' in chronic CSC was much higher than that in acute CSC ( P <0.01). In addition, the integrity of the outer retinal structure (defined as tissue between external limiting membrane and retinal pigment epithelium) in acute group was significantly better than that in chronic group ( P <0.01). CONCLU-SION:Our study demonstrates the existing secondary CNV that is not demonstrated by ICGA in the chronic CSC patients, and the different characteristics of retinochoroid structures between acute and chronic CSC in OCTA and SD-OCT are ob- served. Chronic CSC has more severe structural changes.

Objective To compare the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic partial renal segmental artery occlusion and renal artery trunk interruption for partial nephrectomy. Methods We reviewed medical records of 65 patients with stage T1 renal tumor from October 2013 to February 2017. Among them, 29 cases underwent partial nephrectomy with high selective segmental renal artery occlusion, and 36 cases underwent partial nephrectomy with renal artery trunk occlusion. Then compare the preoperative and postoperative creatinine changes, intraoperative blood loss, warm ischemia time, operation time, hospitalization time and positive margins of the two methods. Results In all the patients, the procedures were done without conversion to open surgeries. The operation time of the renal artery branch block group is shorter than that of the main renal artery block, but the preoperative and postoperative creatinine changes are smaller than those of the main renal artery occlusion group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss, warm ischemia time and positive margins (P > 0.05); There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, body mass index (BMI) and R.E.N.A.L score of renal tumor (P > 0.05). Conclusion For the stage T1 renal tumor, the selective renal artery branch interruption technique has a longer operation time, but the renal tissue has a small ischemic zone and has little effect on the kidney.

The STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Moxibustion (STRICTOM), in the form of a checklist and descriptions of checklist items, were designed to improve reporting of moxibustion trials, and thereby facilitating their interpretation and replication. The STRICTOM checklist included 7 items and 16 sub-items. These set out reporting guidelines for the moxibustion rationale, details of moxibustion, treatment regimen, other components of treatment, treatment provider background, control and comparator interventions, and precaution measures. In addition, there were descriptions of each item and examples of good reporting. It is intended that the STRICTOM can be used in conjunction with the main CONSORT Statement, extensions for nonpharmacologic treatment and pragmatic trials, and thereby raise the quality of reporting of clinical trials of moxibustion. Further comments will be solicited from the experts of the CONSORT Group, the STRICTA Group, acupuncture and moxibustion societies, and clinical trial authors for optimizing the STRICTOM.
Clinical Trials as Topic ; methods ; standards ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; methods ; standards ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Research Design ; standards

Objective · To investigate the effect of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) on oxidative stress parameters in patients with bipolar disorder. Methods · Forty-three patients with bipolar disorder (case group) were enrolled that received MECT intervention for 6 weeks, and 49 healthy volunteers (control group) were recruited. Chinese versions of the 17 items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S) were used to assess the efficacy and side effects at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. The plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment to assess the level of oxidative stress. Results · The serum MDA and GSH-Px levels of the case group were higher while the serum SOD levels of the case group was lower than that of the control group, and there was no significant difference in the serum CAT levels between two groups at baseline. MDA levels were higher in manic states than in depressed states, and they were positively correlated with the CGI-S scores. After MECT treatment, the CGI-S scores of patients decreased significantly, and the plasma MDA levels decreased significantly in manic and depressive states, but there was no change in other oxidative stress parameters. Conclusion · There was oxidative stress damage in patients with bipolar disorder, and the severity of the disease varied with the degree of damage. MECT improved the symptoms of the disease and decreased the level of plasma MDA, while there was no effect on the anti-oxidation index.

Objective:To apply Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection for cricopharyngeal achalasia dysphagia guided by ultrasound and electrical stimulation. Methods:A case with cricopharyngeal achalasia dysphagia was reviewed. Results:He ate food almost in normal way six days after injection, and cricopharyngeus was open seven days after injection. Conclusion:BTX-A injection under ultrasound- and electrical stimulation-guide is effective on cricopharyngeal achalasia dysphagia.