BACKGROUND:Single scaffold materials have some shortcomings to some extent or in different ranges. Therefore, new composite materials are developed in recent year, which are compounded by two or more materials with complementary characteristics in a certain manner or ratio.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the histocompatibility and osteogenic induction of geneX artificial bone combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s and transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2).
METHODS:Injectable geneX was co-cultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s for 5 days, and under the electron microscope, the histocompatibility of the artificial bone was observed. Passage 3 rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s were divided into three groups:simple cel group cultured with osteogenic medium, cel scaffold group cultured with geneX+osteogenic medium, combined group cultured with geneX+TGF-β2+osteogenic medium. After 7, 14, 21 days, cel morphology, alkaline phosphatase activity detection, MTT detection, methyl thymol blue detection and alizarin red staining were performed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After osteogenic induction, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s were fibroblast-like cel s and adhered to the surface of geneX bone with strong secretion of extracel ular matrix. Cel proliferation and osteogenic activity in the combined group were stronger than those in the simple cel and cel scaffold groups (P<0.05). The alkaline phosphatase activity was also higher in the combined group than the other two groups. These findings indicate that the geneX/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s/TGF-β2 composite has good histocompatibility and pro-osteogenic differentiation ability.

To investigate the chemical constituents in the stems of Chirita longgangensis var. hongyao, methanol extract of the stems was subjected to column chromatography with various chromatographic techniques. One new beta-naphthalenecarboxylic acid biglycoside, 1, 4-dihydroxy-2-naphthalenecarboxylic acid methyl ester-4-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) was isolated, along with two known compounds: isotaxiresinol 4-O-methyl ether (2) and (R)-7-hydroxy-alpha-dunnione (3). Compound 2 was first obtained from Chirita genus and compound 3 was isolated from this plant for the first time. All structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence, and the NMR spectroscopic data of compound 2 was published for the first time.
Glucosides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Magnoliopsida ; chemistry ; Molecular Structure ; Naphthalenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

Placentation,which is critical for maternal-fetal exchange of nutrients and gases,is a complicated process comprising stepwise vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.Hypoxia caused by impairedtrophoblast invasion may cause various angiogenic abnormalities in human placenta.The Notchl signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of angiogenesis.The angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under normal/hypoxic conditions and the mRNA/protein level of Notchl/Dell4/Jaggedl were investigated in this study.The effects of DAPT/JAG-1 on the migration of HUVECs were also assessed by cell wound healing assay,so as to discover the possible role of notchl signaling pathway in the angiogenesis of human placenta.The results showed that angiogenic ability of HUVECs was seriously reduced under hypoxic conditions.The mRNA and protein levels of Notchl/Dell4/Jaggedl were decreased in the hypoxic group compared to the control one.In addition,the migration capability of HUVECs was significantly obstructed when treated with DAPT and under hopoxic condition,but promoted when treated with JAG-1.The above results demonstrate that hypoxia downregulates the angiogenesis in human placenta via Notch 1 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the value of diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)in predicting delayed encephalopathy of the rabbits brain after carbon monoxide(CO)poisoning.Methods Sixty healthy rabbits were put into self-made poisoning cabinet and were poisoned by inhalation of CO.Aeration of CO was stopped when the rabbits became comatous,and the cabinet was kept airpoof for 6 h.The rabbits underwent MRI before poisoning,at 1 h,3 d,5 d,7 d,15 d,30 d,45 d,and 60 d after poisoning respectively. Axial and sagittal T_2WI,axial T_1WI and DWI were performed.In the rabbits that did not show symptoms of delayed encephalopathy,the observation was discontinued on the 60~(th)day.In the rabbit that showed the symptoms,the observation was discontinued on the 30~(th)——45~(th)day.The changing pattern of cortical ADC values before and after CO poisoning was observed and its relationship with delayed encephalopathy was investigated.Results In the group without delayed encephalopathy(15 rabbits),the ADC value at 1 h after poisoning[(7.58?0.36)?10~(-4)mm~2/s]decreased significantly compared with the pre-poisoning value[(8.02?0.35)?10~(-4)mm~2/s](q=0.4441,P0.05).In the group with delayed encephalopathy(15 rabbits),the ADC value at 1 h after poisoning [(7.40?0.32)?10~(-4)mm~2/s]decreased significantly compared with the pre-poisoning value[(8.08? 0.32)?10~(-4)mm~2/s](q=0.6728,P

A cobalt nanoparticles modified ITO electrode (NpCo/ITO) was prepared by casting cobalt nanoparticles onto ITO electrode and the cobalt nanoparticles were synthesized by NaHB4 reduction. The electrochemical behaviors of adriamycin (ADM) on NpCo/ITO were studied. The modified ITO electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In a 0.01 mol L(-1) PBS (pH 8.0) buffer solution, a sensitive reduction peak of ADM was obtained. A linear relationship is held between the peak current and ADM concentration in the range of 1.0 x 10(-8) - 2.0 x 10(-6) mol L(-1) with detection of 5.0 x 10(-9) mol L(-1)- by cyclic voltammetry (CV) response. The reduction process was irreversible with adsorption at the NpCo/ITO electrode. The modified electrode showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity for the ADM electrochemical reduction.
Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Clinical Laboratory Techniques ; Cobalt ; chemistry ; Doxorubicin ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Electrochemistry ; Electrodes ; trends ; Nanoparticles ; chemistry

AIMTo observe the effects of ouabain on vascular smooth muscle (VSM) of the guinea pig and its interactions with Ca2+ and norepinephrine (NE).

METHODSUsing isolated thoracic aortic ring of the guinea pig, the degrees of contractile activity of drugs were recorded.

RESULTSOuabain showed a direct contractile effect in a concentration-dependent manner on thoracic aortic ring of guinea pig. Ouabain shifted the NE dose-response curve to the left without changing in the maxium response. Ouabain shifted the CaCl2 dose-response curve to the left and upward, increased the maximum response to Ca2+; In Ca(2+)-free medium, the ouabain induced contraction was abolished, an increase in extracellular Ca2+ restored the response; nifedipine and verapamil abolished the ouabain induced contraction.

CONCLUSIONThe ouabain induced contraction is mainly dependent on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration, independent on the presence of endothelia of aorta, suggesting that Ca2+ antagonist may treat the hypertension induced by ouabain. Ouabain, NE and CaCl2 have synergetic contractile effects, suggesting that the synergetic contractile effects of ouabain and NE may contribute to the generation and development of hypertension.

Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; drug effects ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Calcium Chloride ; pharmacology ; Drug Synergism ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Male ; Muscle Contraction ; drug effects ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; drug effects ; Nifedipine ; pharmacology ; Norepinephrine ; pharmacology ; Ouabain ; pharmacology ; Verapamil ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon dilation (BD) with gastroscope in treatment of esophageal stricture in children.

METHODSBD was performed in 12 children aged 5 - 59 months, average age 26 months, course of disease was 2 - 26 months, with esophageal stricture, 7 cases with anastomotic strictures secondary to surgical repair of esophageal atresia, 3 with congenital esophageal stenosis, 2 with corrosive esophageal strictures. All procedures were performed under tracheal intubation and intravenous anesthesia using the 3rd grade controlled radial expansion (CRE) esophagus-balloon with gastroscope. Firstly the balloon was inserted into the esophagus through mouth, then put in the gastroscope. Under the direct guidance of gastroscope the balloon was positioned across the stricture, then the balloon was filled with saline to get needed pressure and maintained for 3 minutes. The procedure was repeated 3 times at an interval of 3 minutes. The abdominal pain, melena and vomiting were observed, as well as the diet taken thereafter, the size of the stricture and the nutrition status were observed for 3 to 12 months after the dilation.

RESULTSTwenty-two dilations were performed in 12 cases, 19 succeeded, 3 cases developed complication during the dilation, the total success rate was 86%. The procedure failed in 3 cases and succeeded in 9 cases, the effective rate was 75%. Follow-up and repeated gastroscopy were performed within 3 to 12 months after the dilation, the diameter of the stricture was 9-13 mm, compared with 2-8 mm before the dilation. Eight of the children could take solid food and nutritional status was improved.

CONCLUSIONSBD with the 3rd grade CRE esophagus-balloon under gastroscopy is a simple and effective method to treat esophagus stricture in children, especially for anastomotic strictures secondary to surgical repair of esophageal atresia.

Catheterization ; methods ; Child, Preschool ; Esophageal Stenosis ; therapy ; Gastroscopes ; Humans ; Infant ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDRetrocaval ureter is a rare congenital abnormality. Operative repair is always suggested in cases of significant functional obstruction. Laparoscopic procedures have been employed as the minimally invasive therapeutic option for retrocaval ureter. However, the laparoscopic techniques for retrocaval ureter might be technically challenging to some surgeons. The aim of this article was to present our experience and surgical techniques of pure transperitoneal laparoscopic pyelopyelostomy and ureteroureterostomy in nine patients with retrocaval ureter.

METHODSA total of nine patients of retrocaval ureter underwent pure laparoscopic pyelopyelostomy or ureteroureterostomy. The operation was performed with the patients placed in the 70-degree lateral decubitus position via a three port transperitoneal approach with two 10-mm and one 5-mm ports. The distal part of the dilated renal pelvis was transected at the ureteropelvic junction and the ureter was relocated anterior to the inferior vena cava. The tension-free pyeloureteral or ureteroureteral anastomosis was completed with the intracorporal freehand suturing and in situ knot-tying techniques combined with interrupted and continuous fashion. A double J ureteral stent was inserted in an antegrade manner during laparoscopy. Intravenous urography or computerized tomography and renal ultrasonography were performed after 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTSAll operations were completed laparoscopically, and no open conversion was required. The mean operative time was 135 minutes (range, 70 - 250 minutes), with minimal blood loss (less than 60 ml). No intra-operative complications or significant bleeding occurred. All patients presented mild postoperative pain and quick convalescence. The symptoms disappeared and hydronephrosis decreased substantially after surgery.

CONCLUSIONSPure transperitoneal laparoscopic correction for retrocaval ureter was associated with an excellent outcome, minimal invasiveness and short hospital stay. It is technically feasible and reliable for retrocaval ureter treatment. Laparoscopic surgery could be the standard treatment for retrocaval ureter.

Adult ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Ureter ; surgery ; Ureteral Obstruction ; surgery ; Young Adult

In order to investigate the influence of cytokine combinations on proliferation and differentiation of human umbilical cord blood CD34(+) cells into megakaryocytes/platelets in vitro, the CD34(+) cells from human umbilical cord blood were amplified in serum-free medium StemSpan(SFEM) supplemented with several cytokine combinations by three-phase culture system. The effects of the cytokine combinations were compared. The results showed that at day 14 of the first culture phase, the CD34(+) cells cultured with cytokine combinations SCF + TPO + FL + IL-3 were amplified (11 000 ± 1 000) times, which were significantly higher than that of cells cultured with SCF + TPO + FL, but were not significantly different from that of cells cultured with SCF + TPO + IL-3 or SCF + TPO + FL + IL-3+ hydroxyl-corticosteroids. At day 7 of the second culture phase, the CD34(+) cells cultured with cytokine combination SCF + TPO + FL + IL-11 were amplified by (204666.7 ± 11718.9) times, which were significantly higher than that of cells cultured with SCF + TPO + FL + IL-3, but were not significantly different from that of cells cultured with SCF + TPO + FL + IL-11 + BMP4 + VEGF. At day 3 and day 6, the CD34(+) platelet-like cells accounted for about (39.8 ± 1.9)%, (39.7 ± 2.6)% and (25.5 ± 1.4)%, (23.1 ± 3.5)% cultured with SCF + TPO + FL + IL-11 and SCF + TPO + FL + IL-11 + BMP4 + VEGF, and significantly higher than that of the cells cultured with SCF + TPO + FL + IL-3. It is concluded that the cytokine combination of SCF + TPO + FL + IL-3 is most suitable cytokines combination for the amplification of CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells. The cytokine combination of SCF + TPO + FL + IL-11 is preferred for the proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes, this study lays an experimental basis for investigating the proliferation and differentiation of CD34(+) into megakaryocytes/platelets in vitro.
Antigens, CD34 ; immunology ; Blood Platelets ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; immunology ; Humans ; Interleukin-11 ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-3 ; pharmacology ; Megakaryocytes ; cytology ; Stem Cell Factor ; pharmacology ; Thrombopoietin ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo describe the temporal trends and spatial patterns of birth defects occurring in Wuxi, a developed region of China.

METHODSWavelet analysis was used to decompose the temporal trends of birth defect prevalence based on the birth defect rates over the past 16 years. Birth defect cases with detailed personal and family information were geo-coded and the relative risk in each village was calculated. General G statistic was used to test the spatial property with different scales.

RESULTSWavelet analysis showed an increasing temporal trend of birth defects in this region. Clustering analysis revealed that changes continued in the spatial patterns with different scales.

CONCLUSIONWuxi is confronted with severe challenges to reduce birth defect prevalence. The risk factors are stable and show no change with spatial scale but an increasing temporal trend. Interventions should be focused on villages with a higher prevalence of birth defects.

China ; epidemiology ; Cluster Analysis ; Congenital Abnormalities ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Time Factors