Objective: To study the effects of mechanical strain on the proliferation of human osteoblasts. Methods: Cloned MG 63 human osteoblasts were cultured and seeded at 10 5/well in 6 well Bioflex cell cuture plates. Subsequently, the cells were exposed to mechanical strain stimulation (at 6%, 12% and 24% elongation rate respectively) for 24 hours using Flexercell 3000 Cell Stretching Unit. MTT colorimetric method was used to assess the proliferation of the cells. Results: The proliferation of MG 63 cells was significantly increased 24 h after mechanical strain treatment( P

objective: To observe the changes in the bilateral condyles after unilateral mandibular lengthening with distraction osteogenesis. Methods: Unilateral mandibular osteodistraction (DO) was performed in 8 goats. 4 animals were sacrificed at 8 and 16 weeks after completion of distraction respectively. The TMJ specimens were harvested and processed for histologic, histomorphometric and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examinations. Results: Reversible adaptive remodeling in the condyles was observed following mandibular distraction at a rate of 1 mm/d. No degenerative changes in the TMJs were found after mandibular lengthening. Conclusion: Gradual distraction at a rate of 1 mm/day may not lead to degenerative change in condylar cartilage.

OBJECTIVE:To observe the influence of capecitabine combined with radiotherapy on postoperative survival rate, relapse rate and survival quality of elderly patients with rectal cancer at Ⅱ-Ⅲ stage. METHODS:110 patients with rectal cancer atⅡ-Ⅲ stage were selected and randomly divided into control group and observation group with 55 cases in each group. Both group received radical resection of rectal carcinoma. Control group was given three dimensional conformal radiation therapy(3DCRT)af-ter operation;observation group was additionally given capecitabine 1 500 mg/m2,d1-14,qd,on the basis of control group. A treatment course lasted for 21 d,and both groups received 2 courses of treatment and followed up for 3 years. The survival rate and metastasis and recurrence rate of 2 groups were compared as well as KPS score before and after treatment. Toxic reaction of 2 groups was also observed. RESULTS:The follow-up total survival rate and disease-free survival rate of observation group were 89.09%and 76.36%,which were significantly higher than 74.55%and 54.55%of control group;the distant metastasis rate and lo-cal recurrence rate were 12.73% and 5.45%,which were significantly lower than 30.91% and 21.82%,with statistical significance (P<0.05). KPS score of 2 groups were increased significantly,between 2 groups before and after treatment ,with statistical signifi-cance(P<0.05);Comparison between groups(P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of nausea and vom-iting,diarrhea and urinary tract reaction between 2 groups (P>0.05);but the incidence of bone marrow arrest in observation group was significantly higher than control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Capecitabine combined with 3DCRT can effectively improve postoperative distant survival rate of patients with rectal cancer at Ⅱ-Ⅲ stage,and reduce the metastasis and recurrence risk;do not lower life quality and induce serious adverse reactions.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)is both a neurotrophic substance and a neurotransmitter.BDNF and its receptors are highly expressed in enteric nervous system,intestinal mucosal epithelium and intestinal muscularis, which play an important role in regulating intestinal sensitivity and motility.This article reviewed the expression and role of BDNF in intestinal tract.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the total flavonoids content and antioxidant activity in the barks,leaves,male flowers and seeds of Eucommiae ulmoides. METHODS:UV spectrophotometry was used to determine the total flavonoids content in differ-ent parts;tests was conducted to clear 2,2′-nitrilobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS+),1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitro-phenylhydrazine(DPPH)radicals and the reducing ability of Cu2+,using half clear/reduction concentration value(IC50)as evalua-tion indexes,and vitamin C was regarded as positive control. RESULTS:The total flavonoids content of the E. ulmoides from hight to low was as follows as leaves>male flowers>barks>seeds,except there was no significant difference in barks and seeds (P>0.05),the other parts had significant differences (P<0.05);the ability of different parts eliminating DPPH and ABTS+ free radical was as follows as leaves>male flowers>seeds>barks,except there was no significant difference in the indicators of leaves and male flowers(P>0.05),the other parts had significant differences(P<0.05);the ability of reducing Cu2+ free radical was as follows as leaves>male flowers>barks>seeds,there was significant difference in leaves and males flowers with barks and seeds (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:The content of total flavonoids in leaves and male flowers is high,and the antioxidant activity is strong,which has a great prospect of exploitation and utilization to make up for deficiencies in barks of E. ulmoides.

BACKGROUND:In vitro and in vivo studies of cel response to a variety of mechanical loadings have demonstrated the stimulation of bone formation by loads. However, the effects of different mechanical strains on the same cel s have never been adequately studied by far.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different mechanical strains on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s.
METHODS:Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s were isolated and cultured in vitro. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s were subjected to different stimulations including dynamic stretch, static stretch and hybrid stretch through the use of custom-made mechanical stretch device. Cel ular proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and mRNA expression of Runx2 of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s were detected and the secretion of osteocalcin was evaluated under three different stretch modes respectively.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared to the control group, cel proliferation increased by 18.67%, however, alkaline phosphatase activity, Runx2 expression and osteocalcin secretion were not changed obviously in the static stretchgroup. Compared to the control group, alkaline phosphatase activity, Runx2 expression and osteocalcin secretion increased by 60.33%, 49.67%and 48%respectively;however, cel proliferation was inhibited, in the dynamic stretch group. Compared to the control group, cel proliferation was slightly, but not significantly, increased in the hybrid stretch group, and the alkaline phosphatase activity, Runx2 expression and osteocalcin secretion increased although the increases were not as apparent as those in the dynamic stretch group. These findings suggest that static mechanical strain can significantly promote cel proliferation, the dynamic mechanical strain more greatly promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s, and the hybrid mechanical strain promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s.

BACKGROUND: Monkeys, dogs, pigs, rabbits and other large animals have bean applied previously to prepare animal models of midpelatel suture expansion, but there are high cost, small sample size, difficult to obtain antibodies and other disadvantages, Wistar rats have wide heads to facilitate cavity operation, with low cost and high reproduction rata, as the midpalatal suture model, it is possible to overcome the above deficiencies. OBJECTIVE: To establish a rat model of midpalatal suture expansion, and to supply basement for further relative researches of animal models. METHODS: Twenty Wistar male rats of 5 weeks old, average weight of 65 g, were randomly divided into 2 groups, a experiment and a control, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in experimental group were placed on the expansion appliance, inserting into the diastema between the first and second molars, then stick to molar lingual using light-cured resin for retention. The rats in control group were sham operated, followed by one weak of active expansion. After expansion, the midpalatal sections were observed by X-ray and light microscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Maxillary X-ray film showed that midpalatal suture in experimental group was significantly widened, molar lead to cheek. Observed by light microscopy, partial oral side of midpalatal suture in the experimental group was obviously enlarged, mesenchymst ceils were spindle, in the same direction to tension force, Below it, traumatic inflammatory response appeared, with a clear bleeding area. The midpalatal suture expansion model in rats is available, simple and reprodudble.

Objective To identify the genetic mechanism of fetuses with short limbs deformity.Methods From Aug.2008 to Aug.2011,ten fetuses with obvious short limbs were found in ultrasound screening performed at 18-24 and (or) 30-32 gestational weeks and underwent artificial induced labor with the patient' consent.Amniotic fluid or cord blood of the fetuses was collected for karyotyping analysis and detection of mutation point of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3)gene by polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing.One fetus (case 3) who presented with achondrogenesis underwent sequencing of SLC26A2 and Trip11 gene meanwhile.Results Among the 10 fetuses with short limbs deformity,five cases were found during second trimester and five during third trimester.Nine cases were identified as normal karyotype and one was chimera (46,XY/45,XY,- 18).One fetus carried a rare FGFR3 mutation of c.1108G＞T (G370C) and was diagnosed as thanatophoric dysplasia at 21+3 weeks.Three fetus carried c.1138G＞A (G380R) mutation and were diagnosed as achondroplasia.These four families had low recurrent risk because no gene mutations were found in the parents.Three mothers of these four fetuses were pregnant again and had normal neonates now.No mutations were found in all gene sequencing in case 3.Conclusions Karyotyping analysis and sequencing of FGFR3 gene could find causative gene mutations and provide genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis for some fetuses with short limbs deformity.In the third trimester,achondroplasia is the most possible diagnosis when short limbs fetus is found by ultrasound.

Objectives To report clinical,electrophysiological and pathological features of myopathy with tubular aggregates.Methods The onset of the disease was between 5-50 years old in the 6 sporadic male cases.Skeletal muscle biopsy was performed for all cases.Specimens were examined histochemically,enzymhistochemically and electromicroscopically.Results Case 1 and 2 presented with limb girdle myasthenic syndrome.The case 1 developed exercise-induced cramps in the late stage.Case 3 complained about persistent weakness and Dopa-responsive dystonia.Case 4 and 5 were characterized by periodic paralysis.Case 6 showed exercise-induced cramps.Serum potassium was normal in all patients. Slight elevation of serum creatine kinase appeared in 3 cases.Electromyography showed neurogenic pattern in case 1 and 6,myogenic changes in case 4 and 5,and no abnormality in other 2 cases.Marked decrement of active potential amplitude was noted with low frequency repetitive nerve stimuli in case 1 and 2.Four percent to forty percent of muscle fibers showed focal material accumulation in the fibers,which involved mainly type 2 fibers in all cases.The material was stained bright red material with modified gomori trichrome,intensive staining with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-tetrazolium reductase,lack activity of succinate dehydrogenase and ATPase.Electron microscopy confirmed bundles of parallel micro-tubular structure in the muscle fiber.Conclusions Myopathy with tubular aggregates has various clinical subtypes and electromyographic pattern.Dystonia or other systemic symptoms could be noted in this disease.The limb girdle myasthenic syndrome can also be accompanied with exercise-induced cramps.

Objective:To study the correlation of β-fibrinogen-854G/A,-455G/A,-249C/T,-148C/T,448G/A and BcI-1G/A polymorphisms, functional expression of plasma fibrinogen concentration, molecular reactivity, and the type of cerebral infarction.Methods: A casecontrol study was used to analyze 54 patients with main-think cerebral infarction(MCI), 106 patients with penetrating-arterial cerebral infarction (PCI)and 160 heathy cases as control group in Kailuan Hospital between July 2002 and June 2003.Gene polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP).Fg concentration, fibrin monomer polymerized velocity(FMPV), absorbance maximum(Amax), FMPV/Amax and biochemistry factors including TG were measured, Results: Fg concentration, FMPV, FMPV/Amax in the MCI group and TG, VLDL and FMPV in the PCI group were higher than in the control group(P＜0.05).The frequencies of854A and Bcl-1A alleles had significant difference among three groups,and the frequencies of GA and AA genotypes in the MCI and PCI groups were higher than in the control group(P＜0.05), however, no different genotypes and allele frequencies of the remaining sites were found in the three groups(P＞0.05).Fg concentration and FMPV of allele T carriers in the MCI group were less than that of-249C/C homozygous ones(P ＜0.05); FMPV/Amax of allele T carriers in the PCI group was higher than that of-148C/C homozygous ones(P＜0.05);with allele A carriers, Fg concentration of control group and FMPV of PCI group were higher than that of Bcl-1 wild homozygote(P＜0.05).Conclusion: Bβ-249 C/T polymorphism in the 5-flanking promoter region can influence the expression of plasma FMPV, Bβ-148 locus is the main regulation location of Fg molecular conglomerate function.Bcl-1 locus in the 3-flanking region is an important gene regulator of plasma Fg concentration, moreover,people with its mutated genotypes are susceptible to MCI.The abnormal plasma Fg concentration, FMPV/Amax and FMPV simultaneously are important risk factors for MCI, and only abnormal FMPV and TG are prone to PCI.