Microfracture technique combined with mesenchymal stem cells inducer represses miR-708-5p to target special at-rich sequence-binding protein 2 to drive cartilage repair and regeneration in rabbit knee osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint illness which leads to knee pain and functional limitation. In this study, we combined microfracture surgery with kartogenin (KGN), a small bioactive molecule used to promote the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and explored its impact on cartilage repair and possible latent mechanisms of action. The research offers a brand-new idea for the clinical cure of KOA. The microfracture technique in combination with KNG treatment was performed on a rabbit model of KOA. Animal behaviour was evaluated after the intra-articular injection of miR-708-5p and Special AT-rich sequence binding protein 2 (SATB2) lentiviruses. Later, the expression of the tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin- 1 (IL-1), the pathology of synovial tissue and cartilage tissue, and the positive cartilage type II collagen, MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were detected. Finally, a luciferase assay was conducted to verify the interaction of miR-708-5p and SATB2. Our results showed that miR-708-5p was elevated in the rabbit KOA model; however, the expression of SATB2 was reduced. Meanwhile, the microfracture technology combined with MSCs inducer KGN drove cartilage repair and regeneration in rabbit KOA by repressing the miR-708-5p expression. We also found that miR-708-5p directly targeted the SATB2 mRNA to regulate its expression. Furthermore, our data urged that elevating miR-708-5p or restraining SATB2 may reverse the therapeutic effect of the microfracture technique combined with MSCs inducer on rabbit KOA. Microfracture technique combined with MSCs inducer represses miR-708-5p to target SATB2 to drive cartilage repair and regeneration in rabbit KOA. This indicates that the microfracture technique combined with MSCs inducers is supposed to be an effective latent method for osteoarthritis cure.

Chromosomal-scale genome assembly of the near-extinction big-head schizothorcin (Aspiorhynchus laticeps).

The big-head schizothorcin (Aspiorhynchus laticeps) is an endemic and near-extinction freshwater fish in Xinjiang, China. In this study, a chromosome-scale genome assembly of A. laticeps was generated using PacBio and Hi-C techniques. The PacBio sequencing data resulted in a 1.58 Gb assembly with a contig N50 of 1.27 Mb. Using Hi-C scaffolding approach, 88.38% of the initial assembled sequences were anchored and oriented into a chromosomal-scale assembly. The final assembly consisted of 25 pseudo-chromosomes that yielded 1.37 Gb of sequence, with a scaffold N50 of 44.02 Mb. BUSCO analysis showed a completeness score of 93.7%. The genome contained 48,537 predicted protein-coding genes and 58.31% of the assembly was annotated as repetitive sequences. Whole genome duplication events were further confirmed using 4dTv analysis. The genome assembly of A. laticeps should be valuable and important to understand the genetic adaptation and endangerment process of this species, which could lead to more effective management and conservation of the big-head schizothorcin and related freshwater fish species.

Progressive osseous heteroplasia: a case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features and pathogenesis of progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) in children. METHODS: The clinical features and imaging findings of a child with POH are described, and family investigations and gene comparisons were performed, followed by a literature review. RESULTS: A 9-year-old female with no relevant family medical history initially presented with ectopic ossification of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the right face that developed slowly. The ossification area extended to the right waist, back, and right knee. The unilateral body (limbs) was gradually invaded. The patient exhibited limited movement of the head, neck, and left shoulder joint, and experienced difficulty in opening her mouth. She also exhibited deformity of the toe, delayed development, insufficient language skills and behavioral ability, and difficulty in communicating with others, but had no apparent endocrine disorders. Blood calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels were normal, and DNA sequencing did not yield a positive result. CONCLUSION: The clinical manifestations of POH include hard plaques, which can develop deep into the bone; however, there are currently no effective preventive or treatment measures.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the juvenile Gymnodiptychus dybowskii (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae, Schizothoracinae) from Ili River by high-throughput sequencing and the phylogenetic relationship of Schizothoracinae species.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the juvenile Gymnodiptychus dybowskii collected from Ili River was determined by high-throughput sequencing. The mitogenome is a circular molecule 16,657bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region. The TAS, central CSB and CSB were detected in the control region. The gene contents of the mitogenome are identical to those observed in most bony fishes. The NJ phylogenetic tree showed that G. dybowskii clustered into one branch with the species from the same genus.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the wild Diptychus maculatus (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae, Schizothoracinae) from Yeken River using next generation sequencing and the phylogenetic relationship of Cyprinidae species.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the wild Diptychus maculatus collected from Yeken River was determined using next generation sequencing. The mitogenome is a circular molecule 16,765 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region. The TAS, central CSB, and CSB were detected in the control region. The gene contents of the mitogenome are identical to those observed in most bony fishes. The NJ phylogenetic tree showed that D. maculatus clustered into one separate branch which is close to genus Gymnodiptychus from the same subfamily.

[A biomechanical study on different fixation of cortical bone plate allograft].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the biomechanical difference between the different fixations of cortical bone plate allograft. METHODS: Twenty-seven cadaveric femurs were harvested and were made into the simulated fracture models, which were equally divided into Groups A, B and C. In Group A, the models were fixed with 2 bone plate allografts (110 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm); in Group B, the models were fixed with 2 struts (110 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm) and 5 bone screws; in Group C, the models were fixed with 1 strut (110 mm X 10 mm x 3 mm) and 5 bone screws. The biomechanical tests for the three-piont bending, torsion, and compression were performed. The parameters studied included the values of the displacements in the three-piont bending tests and the compression tests, and the maximum loads during the bending, the compression, and the torsion. RESULTS: As for all the stiffness parameters tested, Group A showed the greatest displacements among the three groups (P<0.05), except the compressive stiffness parameter, which was similar to that in Group B. The maximum loads of the three-point bending, the torsion, and the compression in Group A were 1.65+/-0.34 kN, 554.3+/-49.34 N, and 7.78 +/-0.82 Nm, respectively; in Group B, they were 1. 12+/-0.37 kN, 428.00+/-37.40 N, and 3.39+/-0.22 Nm, respectively; in Group C, they were 0.71+/-0.46 kN, 218.67+/-36.53 N, and 1.74+/-0.12 Nm, respectively. Group A had a significantly greater strength than the other 2 groups (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The strength of the cortical bone plate allograft is related to its different fixations. The two cortical bone plate allografts have a greater strength and stiffness than the struts fixed with the bone screws, which can meet the clinical requirement.