OBJECTIVETo determine the rheological properties of the photo-polymerized composite resin reinforced with retentive filler (RF) and its rheological difference with normal filler (NF) composite resin.

METHODSRheological properties of the composite resins, such as viscosity, shear stress and creep compliance, were measured with dynamic stress rheometer at room temperature (25 degrees C).

RESULTSThe viscosity of the composite resin reinforced with RF is higher than that of NF composite resin (P < 0.01); at the beginning, the viscosity of the former has little change with the rising of shear stress and the latter decreases, then the viscosities of the two composite resins increase with the rising of shear stress as soon as over 203.18 Pa of shear stress; the creep compliance of the composite resin reinforced with RF is significant smaller than that of NF composite resin (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe rheological properties of the two composite resins have significant difference, so they have different clinical using properties.

Composite Resins ; chemistry ; Dental Restoration, Permanent ; Viscosity

Through scale-up cultivation of Eriobotrya japonica suspension cells using WAVE bioreactor, the cell growth and ursolic acid (UA) accumulation were studied. The comparison test was carried out in the flask and the reactor with cell dry weight (DW) and UA content as evaluation indexes. The culture medium, DW and UA content were compared in 1 L and 5 L working volumes of bioreactor. The orthogonal test with main actors of inoculation amount, speed and angle of rotation was developed to find the optimal combination, in 1 L working volume of bioreactor. DW of the cell growth and the UA content in bioreactor were higher than those of the shaker by 105.5% and 27.65% respectively. In bioreactor, the dynamic changes of elements in the fluid culture, the dry weight of the cell growth and the UA content in 1 L and 5 L working volumes were similar. Inoculation of 80 g, rotational speed of 26 r · min(-1), and angle of 6 ° was the optimal combination, and the cell biomass of 19.01 g · L(-1) and the UA content of 27.750 mg · g(-1) were achieved after 100 h cultivation in 1 L working volume of bioreactor. WAVE Bioreactor is more suitable than flasks for the E. japonica cell suspension culture, and culture parameters can be achieved from 1 L to 5 L amplification.
Biomass ; Bioreactors ; Cell Culture Techniques ; instrumentation ; methods ; Culture Media ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Eriobotrya ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Triterpenes ; analysis ; metabolism

[Objective] To observe the effects of autophagy induced by different doses of ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on the apeptosis in human skin fibroblasts.[Methods] Skin fibroblasts were isolated from the circumcision specimen of a 23-year-old healthy male,and subjected to a primary culture.After 3 to 10 passages,the cells were collected and applied in the following experiment.Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation of some fibroblasts treated with different concentrations (0,0.5,2.0,5.0and 10.0 mmol/L) of 3-methyladenine (3-MA).To qualitatively and quantitatively detect the autophagy in fibroblasts treated with different concentrations of 3-MA and in fibroblasts treated with 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/Lfollowing UVB irradiation,monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was carried out,and immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain (LC3).Some fibroblasts were classified into 8 groups to remain untreated,be irradiated with UVB of 30,50 and 100 mJ/cm2 alone,treated with 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L alone,or treated with 0.5 mmol/L 3-MA following irradiation with UVB of 30,50 and 100 mJ/cm2,respectively,then,cell apoptosis was qualitatively detected by Hoechst and propidium iodide (PI)staining,and quantitatively detected by flow cytometry with annexin V and PI.[Results] The percentage of autophagic cells was (63.037 ± 5.876) ％ in fibroblasts treated with starvation condition,significantly decreased to (34.425 ± 5.183) ％ in fibroblasts treated with 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L.The expression of LC3 showed a gradually increasing trend from untreated fibroblasts,to fibroblasts irradiated with UVB of 30,50 and 100 mJ/cm2,while the increase was attenuated by the 4-hour treatment with 3-MA immediately after the irradiation.Compared with the other concentrations,the 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L showed the least influence on the viability of fibroblasts.The addition of 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L increased the percentage of cells both positive for Hoechst and PI staining in fibroblasts irradiated with UVB of 50 mJ/cm2,but decreased that in fibroblasts irradiated with UVB of 100 mJ/cm2.Similarly,the percentage of middle and late apoptotic cells was significantly higher in fibroblasts irradiated with UVB of 50 mJ/cm2 followed by treatment with 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L than in those irradiated with UVB of 50 mJ/cm2alone ((10.933 ± 0.839) ％ vs.(7.267 ± 0.473) ％,t =5.20,P＜ 0.05),but lower in fibroblasts irradiated with UVB of 100 mJ/cm2 followed by treatment with 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L than in those irradiated with UVB of 100 mJ/cm2alone ( (7.100 ± 0.781 ) ％ vs.( 1 0.133 ± 0.681 ) ％,t =6.29,P ＜ 0.05 ).[Conclusion]s The irradiation with UVB of 50 mJ/cm2 may protect fibroblasts by inducing autophagy and suppressing apoptosis,while the high level of autophagy induced by UVB of 100 mJ/cm2 may lead to autophagic cell death in fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the effect of particle size distribution (PSD) of dental poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) beads on the microstructure of denture.

METHODSIt was compared and analyzed that the porosity of three groups of spherical specimens which were made of PMMA beads with different PSD at proper polymer/monomer ratios. And the final microstructure of each group was investigated using Digital High Definition Microscope.

RESULTSWith proper polymer/monomer ratio increasing, the occurrence of porosity tended to decrease. The final microstructure of denture varied with PSD of PMMA beads.

CONCLUSIONBy means of optimizing PSD of beads, the microstructure of denture could be improved, and the occurrence of porosity could be reduced.

Dental Materials ; chemistry ; Dentures ; Particle Size ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; chemistry

Objective To introduce a new technique for urethral coverage in Snodgrass hypospadias repair,and to evaluate its effectiveness and complications.Methods From April 2003 to February 2006, this new procedure was performed in 289 children with hypospadias aged 3 months to 12 years (mean age,2. 4 years).The native meatus of urethra was identified subcoronal in 78 cases,penile/shaft in 136,penoscrotal in 36 and scrotal in 16;and 23 cases had undergoneⅡstage operation and re-operation.The overlapping coverage with bilateral shaft based vascularized dartos pedicle was done in the new urethra by Snodgrass hy- pospadias repair in these children.Results All the cases were followed for 3 months to 2 years.Postoper- atively,urinary fistulas developed in 32 cases (11%).Of them,11 were cured spontaneously within 4 weeks. The incidence of actual urinary fistula was 7% (21/289).Of the 21 fistulas which were not cured,11 (5%) occurred in 214 cases of distal hypospadias;and 10 (13%) in 75 cases of proximal hypospadias,Ⅱstage and re-operation.No dehiscence and diverticulum was found.Combined with mucosal collar technique,the ventral skin of the penis was sewn on the midline.During the follow-up,excellent cosmetic results with normal-ap- pearing circumcised penis were achieved in most patients.Conclusions Bilateral shaft based vascularized dartos pedicle urethral coverage procedure is a reliable and effective method for preventing urethral cutaneous fistulas and dehiscence.This method can reconstruct a satisfactory cosmetic appearance of the penis.

BACKGROUNDPatients with pelvic fractures are often treated in hospitals without the capacity to implement an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). This often leads to pelvic malunion in patients with unstable pelvic fracture, shock or even death due to uncontrollable pelvic hemorrhage and unstable hemodynamics. This study explored the role of early external fixation (within 7 days) for patients with unstable pelvic fractures.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 patients with unstable pelvic fractures treated with early external fixation from January 2005 to January 2010 (Tile type B: 18 cases; C: 14 cases). The study comprised 28 males and 4 females, with a mean age of (32 ± 8) years (range, 21-56 years). Of these patients, 22 were treated with emergency pelvic external fixation and 10 were treated with external fixation within 1-7 days. Fifteen cases suffered traumatic hemorrhagic shock. A statistical analysis was conducted to compare fluid infusion and blood transfusion volumes within the first 24 hours of these shock patients with another cohort of patients treated without early external fixation from January 1993 to January 1998.

RESULTSThe average follow-up was (34.7 ± 14.6) months (range, 6-66 months). Six to eight weeks after external fixation, patients could walk with crutches; by 12 weeks, external fixation was removed and all fractures had healed. Seven patients presented with sequelae, including 3 patients with long-term lumbosacral pain, 3 patients with erectile dysfunction and 1 patient with Morel-Lavallee lesion and other complications. The 15 shock patients in this study (2005-2010 group) required significantly lower volumes of fluid infusion and blood transfusion (P(fluid) = 0.000; P(transfusion) = 0.000) as compared to the 1993-1998 cohort.

CONCLUSIONSThe early application of external fixation in unstable pelvic fracture patients positively affects hemodynamic stability, with outstanding efficacy as a final fixation option for unstable pelvic fractures.

Adult ; External Fixators ; Female ; Fracture Fixation ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvic Bones ; injuries ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo study the monomolecular coverage of the silane coupling agent gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (gamma-MPS) on the barium glass filler surface.

METHODSKubelka-Munk (K-M) function values of the isolated OH-groups on the barium glass filler surface, which were based on the change of gamma-MPS concentrations, were measured using the quantitative analysis of the diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy. When all of the isolated OH-groups on the filler surface disappeared (where the K-M function values was zero), the monomolecular coverage of the gamma-MPS molecules on the filler surface was indicated by the linear regression analysis.

RESULTSThe relationship tallied with negative linear correlation between the K-M function values of the isolated OH-groups on the barium glass surface and the concentrations of gamma-MPS. Each gamma-MPS molecule occupied 0.21 nm(2) when the monomolecular coverage was formed on the barium glass surface.

CONCLUSIONSThe result of this study indicated the optimal amount of silane coupling agent on silanated barium glass filler during the production of resin composite.

Barium Compounds ; chemistry ; Composite Resins ; chemistry ; Dental Materials ; chemistry ; Methacrylates ; chemistry ; Silanes ; chemistry ; Silicon Dioxide ; chemistry

To study the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and angiotensin (Ang) 1-7 specific receptor Mas protain in renal blood vessels of metabolic syndrome ( MS) rats and its anti-oxidative effect. A total of 80 male SD rats were divided into four groups: the normal control group (NC, the same volume of normal saline), the MS group (high fat diet), the MS + Astragali Radix group (MS + HQ, 6 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) in gavage) and the MS + Valsartan group (MS + XST, 30 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) in gavage). After four weeks of intervention, their general indexes, biochemical indexes and blood pressure were measured; plasma and renal tissue Ang II, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide demutase (SOD) levels were measured with radioimmunoassay. The protein expressions of Mas receptor, AT1R, ACE and ACE2 were detected by western blot analysis. According to the result, compared with the NC group, the MS group and the MS + HQ group showed significant increases in systolic and diastolic pressures, body weight, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, triglycerides, free fatty acid and Ang II level of MS rats (P < 0.05). The MS + XST group showed notable decreases in systolic and diastolic pressures than that of the MS group. The MS group showed significant increases in the SOD activity and NO level and decrease in the MDA level after being intervened with Astragali Radix. ACE and AT1R protein expressions in renal tissues of the MS group were higher than that in the NC group, but with lower ACE2 and -Mas receptor expressions (all P < 0.05). Compared with the MS group, the MS + HQ group showed significant increase in Mas receptor expression in renal tissues, whereas the MS + XST group showed notable decrease in AT1R (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, Astragali Radix can increase the Mas receptor expressions in renal tissues, decrease ACE expression and change local Ang II, MDA, NO and SOD in kidneys, so as to protect early damages in renal tissues.
Angiotensin I ; metabolism ; Animals ; Astragalus Plant ; chemistry ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Kidney ; drug effects ; injuries ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Metabolic Syndrome ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Peptide Fragments ; metabolism ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; genetics ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo evaluate some currently used surgical approaches to the correction of congenital penile curvature.

METHODSSeventy-six patients with congenital penile curvature underwent surgical correction, of whom 67 were accompanied with hypospadias, 5 with epispadias and 4 with normal urethral meatus. The methods for straightening the phallus included 5-week preoperative hCG treatment, complete degloving of penile skin, release of periurethral fibrous bands extending proximally to the meatus, plication of dorsal or ventral tunica albuginea, and embedding of dermis and tunica vaginalis grafts.

RESULTSAll the cases were followed up for 2 months to 2 years, and the mean follow-up time was 9.3 months. Satisfactory phallus straightening was achieved in 67 cases (88%), mild residual chordee remained in 6 (8%), which needed no reoperation for the time being unless warranted by follow-up, and relapse occurred in 3 (4%), which needed further operation.

CONCLUSIONMost cases of congenital penile curvature can be corrected sufficiently with the above methods.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Penis ; abnormalities ; Urogenital Abnormalities ; surgery ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and the potential mechanism of umbilical cord (UC) derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on umbilical cord blood (UCB) derived CD34+ cells in vivo homing in xenotransplanted NOD/SCID mice model.

METHODSCD34+ cells and MSCs were derived from fresh UCB and UC, respectively. CD34+ cells (5 x 10(5) per mice) and MSC cells (5 x 10(6) per mice) were co-transplanted into irradiated NOD/SCID mice intravenously. CD34+ cells (5 x 10(5) per mice) alone were transplanted into the mice as control group. CD34+ cells home in bone marrow and spleen of recipient mice were detected 20 hours after transplant by FACS and RT-PCR, and the homing efficiencies were calculated. The effect of MSCs on CD34+ cells chemotactic function was investigated after co-cultured UCB CD34+ cells with UC MSCs in vitro. After 4 and 7 days coculture, the homing related adhesion molecules (the CD49e, CD31, CD62L, CD11a) expressed on CD34+ cells were detected by FACS.

RESULTS1) The homing efficiencies in bone marrow in experimental and control group were (7.2 +/- 1.1)% and (5.4 +/- 0.9)%, respectively (P < 0.05). 2) Human GAPDH gene was detected in bone marrow in experimental group and in spleen in both groups. 3) The migration efficiency of CD34+ cells was significantly higher in experimental group (35.7 +/- 5.8)% than in control group (3.5 +/- 0.6)% (P < 0.05). 4) The expression of CD49e, CD31, CD62L on CD34+ cells kept higher level in MSCs cocultured group than in CD34+ cells alone group.

CONCLUSIONSMSCs can efficiently increase homing of CD34+ cells to bone marrow and spleen in vivo by keeping a high level of homing adhesion molecules expression and improving migration efficiency of UCB CD34+ cells.

Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; Cell Movement ; Cells, Cultured ; Coculture Techniques ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Mice, SCID