To assess the ability of new bone formation with composite human bone marrow stromal cell (HBMSC)/coralline hydroxyapatite(CHA) in vivo. Human bone marrow collected from adult ilium by needle aspiration was cultured in vitro to expand and differentiate the stromal cells. The cells were seeded on CHA discs, then the HBMSC/CHA composites were implanted subcutaneously into athymic nude mice (CHA alone as control). At 4 and 8 weeks after implantation, the effectiveness of bone formation was evaluated by means of gross and histological observations. The results showed that HBMSC/CHA composite could form bone tissue in vivo, in which a small amount of HBMSC could be used as seed cells in bone tissue engineering, and CHA could be used as a kind of scaffold.

Objective To investigate the site,MR signal types and morphological characteristics of ulnar nerve in cubital tunnel for healthy adults,in order to improve the awareness of ulnar nerve.Methods Unilateral elbow of forty healthy volunteers were scanned with MR,the sequences were as follows:T1-weighted-spin-echo,T2-weighted-spin-echo-fat-suppression,PD-weighted-spin-echo-fat-suppression,among 40,13 were supine,27 were prone.The site and MR signal types and morphological characteristics of ulnar nerve were observed,the long diameter and short diameter of the ulnar nerve on different axials were respectively measured.Results On axial,ulnar nerve was posterior to the medial condyle of the humerus at proximal elbow,lied between the flexor carpi ulnaris and the flexor digitorum profunds and superficialis muscles distally.The shape of the ulnar nerve was roundness or elliptic,the signal of 40 volunteers'(100％) ulnar nerve was isointensity on T1-weighted,the signal of 17 volunteers'(42.5％)ulnar nerve was isointense on T2-weighted or PD-weighted,the MRI signal of 23 volunteers' (57.5％) ulnar nerve was slight hyperintense on T2-weighted or PD-weighted,especially on the axial of medial condyle of humerus.The variation range of long diameter and short diameter of the ulnar nerve respectively were 1.4-3.8 mm,1.0-3.0 mm.Conclusion The certain location,MR signal types and morphological characteristics of normal ulnar nerve play an important role in the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Objective To explore the feasibility of building tissue engineered cartilage by bone marrow stromal cells and pbotografting modified copolymers of 3-hydroxybutymte and 3-hydroxyvalerate.Methods Sheep BMSCs were seeded in three-dimensional photografting modified PHBV scaffoids.Twenty-four hours later.composites were cultured with ehondrogenically inductive medium(DMEM)containing TGF-B(10 ng/m1),IGF-1(150 ng/m1)and 20% fetal bovine serum.Three weeks later,the constructs were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and light microscopy with alcian blue,safrine 0 and type Ⅱ collage immunohistochemical staining.GAG contents of constructs were determined by DMB(1,9-dimethylmethylene blue)binding assay at weekly intervals up to 3 weeks.The composites were implanted subcutaneously in sheep abedoml and were evaluated macroscopically and bistologically at 4 weeks postoperatively.Results SEM photograph showed.after one week culture,cell morphology changed from fibroblast-like elongated spindle to the flat rounded like chondrocytes,and the extra cellular matrix also increased obviousl~.Furthmore,with the culture time extension,this change were more evident.HE staining showed that cells filled all the inter-connected pores in the constructs.And more cells were observed in the outer layer of the constructs.ECM(extraeellular matrix)Was strongly positive by Aleian blue,Safrine O staining and type Ⅱ collage immunohistechemical staining.DMB binding assay revealed that the induced BMSCs GAG secretion(1306.7±192.3)wag significantly higher than BMSCs(205.0±26.2)(P<0.001),but it was significantly lower than passage 2 ehondrocytes(1969.2±235.3)(P<0.001).Saltine O and type Ⅱ collage immunohistochemical staining were positive in constructs implanted subcutaneously.Conclusion Tissue engineered cartilage could be obtained using BMSCs and photografting modified PHBV,but there are still gaps physiologically between the constructs and the nature cartilage.

Objective To compare the effect of high volume continuous blood purification (CBP) with routine CBP on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).Methods 38 patients with MODS were randomly divided into high volume CBP group( treatment group,18 cases) and routine CBP group (control group,20 cases).And they were respectively detected on mean arterial pressure(MAP),dosage of Dopamine,PaO2/FiO2,APACHE [ score,lactic acid,length of stay and mortality in ICU post-treatment 24h and 48h.Results Compared with control group,MAP and PaO2/FiO2 on treatment group were more higher( P ＜ 0.05 ),while dosage of Dopamine,APACHE Ⅱ score,lactic acid were significantly shorter than these of treatment group( P ＜ 0.05 ),and length of stay and mortality in ICU were significantly lower than those of treatmen group [ ( 8.54 ± 4.15 ) d vs ( 11.82 ± 5.76) d,P ＜ 0.05:22.2％ vs 35.0％,P ＜0.05 ].Conclusion High volume CBP could reduce the mortality in ICU compared with control group routine CBP.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the correlation between telomerase and expression of its related proteins may provide insight into the molecular mechanism of nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis. Here, we investigate the effect of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) specific for human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Caspase-3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (CNE) cells. METHOD: shRNA expression vectors targeting the mRNA of hTERT were constructed. Cells were treated with the constructed expression vectors and telomerase activity was measured by telomeric repeat amplification ELISA (TRAP-ELISA). Cell viability was examined using the MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL method. The expression of PCNA and Caspase-3 proteins, was determined by Western blotting. RESULT: shRNA specific for hTERT mRNA significantly inhibited telomerase activity, suppressed cell viability and induced apoptosis in CNE cells. In addition, the expression of PCNA was inhibited, while the expression of Caspase-3 was up-regulated. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that shRNA directed against hTERT inhibits cell viability by regulating telomerase activity and its related protein expression in NPC cells. Therefore, RNA-interfering technology may be a promising strategy for the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer.
Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Telomerase ; genetics ; Transfection

BACKGROUND: There are many species of ceramic bonding systems supplied in market, the mechanical strength is aprerequisite condition for resin cement in clinical use.OBJECTIVE: To study the difference of mechanical strength between Panavia F resin cement and self-made resin cement,DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A controlled observational study was performed in the prosthesis laboratory of the FourthMilitary Medical University of Chinese PLA between May 2006 and March 2007.MATERIALS: Panavia F resin cement was sourced from KURARAY MEDICAL INC. (Japan), experimental resin cement wasproduced by College of Stomatological Medicine in the Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA.METHODS: Five cylindrical compressive strength specimens at an 8-mm height and 4-mm diameter were prepared, as well as5 cylindrical diametral tensile strength specimens at a 3-mm height and 6-mm diameter. AGS-500 universal material testingmachine was applied to detect the compressive strength and diametral tensile strength.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The diametral tensile strength test and compressive strength test of the specimens.RESULTS: The compressive strength of Panavia F resin cement was remarkably higher than that of experimental cement[(238.92±24.54), (149.08±12.13) M Pa, P ＜ 0.05]. There were no significances between two resin cements on diametral tensilestrength (P＞ 0.05).CONCLUSION: There were no significance between two resin cements on diametral tensile strength following completecuring. The compressive strength of experimental resin cement can reach the standard of ADA (＞ 70 MPa) although it is lowerthan the compressive strength of Panavia F resin cement.

Objective To investigate the clinical feasibility of contrast?enhanced three dimensional T2WI turbo?spin?echo sequence with short?term inversion recovery and sampling perfection using different flip angle evolutions (3D STIR T2WI SPACE) sequence in the brachial plexus neurography. Methods Thirty two patients were prospectively chosen and performed with brachial plexus plain scanning on a 3.0 T MR scanner by using plain and contrast?enhanced 3D STIR T2WI SPACE sequence. Thirteen of them underwent plain scan, 9 of them underwent contrast?enhanced scan, and 10 of them underwent both plain scan and enhanced scan. The visibility of the brachial plexus were scored and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were measured by two experienced radiologists. The results between plain and contrast?enhanced imaging were compared by t test. The 10 subjects received both enhance and plain imaging, were performed with paired t test. Results In 32 patients, the visibility score of brachial plexus nerve and CNR were 7.8 ± 1.3 and 24.97±3.41 in the plain scan group, and 13.1±1.7 and 38.49±4.95 in enhanced scan group, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the two groups(t=-11.72,P<0.01;t=-10.47, P<0.01). In 10 cases with plain and enhanced brachial plexus imaging, the average score of the brachial plexus were 7.4 ± 1.7 and 13.3 ± 1.6, the average CNR were 26.23 ± 4.43 and 38.19 ± 5.03 respectively. There were statistically significant differences (t=- 8.22, P<0.01; t=- 5.64,P<0.01). The score results were analyzed for consistency. Plain images Kappa value was 0.684, which shows moderate consistency and enhanced images Kappa value= 0.822, which shows excelent consistency. Conclusions The contrast?enhanced 3D STIR T2WI SPACE sequences may suppress background tissue signals, which is helpful to display brachial plexus, therefore it is of important value for the early diagnosis of brachial plexus neuropathy.

Objective To investigate the effects of exercise on knee cartilage tissue structure using quantitative MR T2 mapping. Methods Sagittal T2 maps of the knee joints of 26 healthy volunteers were obtained by using 3.0T MR before,immediately after, and 1 5 min after running.The original images were classified into three terms of knee cartilage T2 map after postreconstruction.The T2 values of regions of interest (ROC)(T2 pre ,T2 post ,T2 delay )in the superficial,middle and deep cartilage of femoral and tibial joint were measured.Statistical differences of cartilage T2 values of three terms after running were analyzed.Results For the tibial joint cartilage,the T2 pre ,T2 post ,T2 delay were (49.71 ± 1.95)ms,(44.30 ± 2.56)ms,(49.41 ± 1.62)ms in the superficial layer,respectively.The three terms T2 were (42.43 ± 2.23)ms,(39.01 ± 2.37)ms,(41.90±2.28)ms in the middle layer,respectively.The differences were statistically significant(F=55.673,16.759 respectively.P<0.001).While the three terms T2 were (19.39±2.13)ms,(19.20±2.22)ms, (19.49±2.05)ms in the deep layers cartilage,respectively.The differences were not statistically significant(F =0.122,P =0.886).And the differences between T2 pre and T2 post ,T2 post and T2 delay were statistically significant (all P <0.001)in superficial and middle alyers,but there were no significant difference between the T2 pre and T2 delay (P =0.610,0.403,respectively).For the femoral joint cartilage,the T2 pre ,T2 post ,T2 delay were (50.22 ± 1.47)ms,(45.60 ± 2.82)ms,(49.84 ± 1.84)ms in superficial layers,respectively.The three terms T2 were (42.67±2.23)ms,(39.36 ± 1.98)ms,(42.40 ± 2.57)ms in the middle layer,respectively.The differences were statistically significant (F=37.976,16.987 respectively,P<0.001).While the three terms T2 were (20.30±2.73)ms,(20.60±2.44)ms,(20.51± 2.24)ms in the deep layer,the differences were not statistically significant (F =0.098,P =0.907).And the differences between T2 pre and T2 post ,T2 post and T2 delay were statistically significant (all P <0.001)in superficial and middle layers,but there were no significant difference between the T2 pre and T2 delay (P=0.520,0.679,respectively). Spatial distribution of T2 values of articular cartilage from deep to superficial layers showed a ascending trend.T2 maps showed the spatial distribution trend of T2 value change.Conclusion T2 mapping can monitor quantitatively the changes of articular cartilage molecular structure after running.The change of articular cartilage T2 value after exercise is uneven and the change of articular cartilage structure after exercise is reversible.

BACKGROUND: Irradiation therapy in the cancer patients after surgery may have negative effects on implant fixation. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of 60Co irradiation and trace element zinc on fixation strengths of titanium implant. METHODS: Thirty-six adult male rabbits were involved. One piece of titanium implant was separately placed into the bilateral proximal tibial heads in rabbits to set up animal models of titanium implants. The animals were randomly divided into control group, zinc supplement group, 60Co irradiation group and 60Co irradiation and zinc supplement group. Zinc sulfate of 10 g/L was administered intramuscularly to animals in the zinc supplement group at the dose of 4 mg/kg once per day, and those in the control group were treated with saline at the same dose. The animals in the 60Co irradiation group received 60Co irradiation at the dose of 45 Gy and saline by intramuscular injection. Those in the 60Co irradiation and zinc supplement group received 60Co irradiation and zinc sulfate. The animals were killed at 1, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The fixation strengths were measured and compared among groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Zinc supplement made the titanium implants have higher fixation strengths, and reach a high level at 4 weeks after surgery. (2) 60Co irradiation significantly inhibited the fixation strengths of the implants. After 60Co radiation, zinc supplement stil could promote fixation strengths of titanium implants. (3) It is indicated that amount of zinc supplement after irradiation therapy can al eviate the negative effects of irradiation on implant fixation.

Objective To investigate the relationship between peripheral inflammatory cytokines and anxiety symptoms in patients with the first?episode generalized anxiety disorder. Methods 48 patients diagnosed with the first?episode generalized anxiety disorder according to ICD?10 criteria and 48 healthy sub?jects were recruited. Peripheral levels of IL?1, IL?2, IL?4, IL?5, IL?6, IL?8, IL?10, IL?12p70, GM?CSF and IFN?γ of both groups were evaluated by enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) ,and CRP was evalua?ted by immunoturbidimetric method. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale( GAD?7) and State?Trait Anxiety Inventory ( STAI ) were used to assess the levels of overall anxiety, state anxiety and trait anxiety. Results The levels of CRP ( ( 1. 19 ± 0. 80 ) mg/L vs ( 0. 68 ± 0. 70 ) mg/L, t=3. 31 ) , IL?1α( ( 70. 34 ± 3.60)pg/ml vs (16.94±3.42)pg/ml, t=74.50),IL?2((7.25±3.42)pg/ml vs (4.95±2.31)pg/ml, t=3.85), IL?4((102.02±73.14)pg/ml vs (75.55±32.78)pg/ml, t=2.29),IL?6((12.55±2.37)pg/ml vs (2.71±1.35) pg/ml, t=14.79),IL?8((44.64±16.21)pg/ml vs (35.69±11.70)pg/ml, t=3.10),IL?12((18.16±24.17) pg/ml vs (10.82±4.72)pg/ml, t=2.06),IFN?γ((23.32±15.52)pg/ml vs (16.48±6.80)pg/ml, t=2.79), GM?CSF((19.07±11.12)pg/ml vs (13.40±8.54)pg/ml, t=2.80) in patients with the first?episode general?ized anxiety disorder were significantly higher than normal controls(P<0.05) . Both SAI and TAI had signifi? cantly positive correlation with the levels of IL?1α, IL?2, IL?6, IL?8, IL?12, IFN?γ and GM?CSF ( r=0.24?0.76, P<0.05) . Conclusion The levels of some peripheral inflammatory cytokines in patients with the first?episode generalized anxiety disorder are significantly increased,and they have positive correlation with gener?al anxiety,state anxiety and trait anxiety,which may suggest some immune system defects in the patients.