Iron carbide nanoparticles supported on an N-doped carbon porous framework as a bifunctional material for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction and supercapacitors.

Highly active and durable bifunctional materials are of pivotal importance for energy conversion and storage devices, yet a comprehensive understanding of their geometric and electronic influence on electrochemical activity is urgently needed. Fe-N-C materials with physical and chemical structural merits are considered as one of the promising candidates for efficient oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts and supercapacitor electrodes. Herein, Fe3C nanoparticles supported on a porous N-doped carbon framework (denoted as Fe3C/PNCF) were readily prepared by one-step chemical vapor deposition under the assistance of a NaCl salt template. The experiment results revealed that the as-synthesized Fe3C/PNCF nanocomposites successfully displayed attractive electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity comparable to that of the Pt/C catalyst (E1/2 of 0.84 V and 0.83 V, respectively), and a superior capacitance of 385.3 F g-1 under 1 A g-1 for a supercapacitor. It's proposed that the increased pyridinic and graphitic N coordination on the hydrophilic porous framework provides more electrochemical active surface area for the storage and transport of electrolyte ions. Additionally, an appropriate d-band center created by the optimized adsorption function endows Fe3C/PNCF with excellent electrochemical properties. The results confirmed that the integration strategy of porous heterogeneous structure and accessible active sites balanced the complex relationship between geometry, electronic structure, and electrochemical activity. Our research provides a facile approach for fabricating multi-functional nanomaterials applicable in both ORR and supercapacitors in the future.

Purification, structural characterization, and PCSK9 secretion inhibitory effect of the novel alkali-extracted polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris.

One novel alkali-extracted polysaccharide, CM3-SII, was obtained from the fruiting body of C. militaris via column chromatography. Its structural characteristics were investigated via chemical and spectroscopic methods. The backbone of CM3-SII was composed of →4)-ß-D-Manp(1→, →6)-ß-D-Manp(1→, and →6)-α-D-Manp(1→ glycosyls, and branching at the O-4 positions of →6)-ß-D-Manp(1→ glycosyls with ß-D-Galp, (1→2) linked-ß-D-Galf, and →2,6)-α-D-Manp(1→ residues. Furthermore, O-6 and O-2 positions of the →2,6)-α-D-Manp(1→ residues were substituted with methyl and ß-D-Galp, respectively. This polysaccharide significantly enhanced the intracellular protein expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) via regulating sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 in hepatoma Huh7 cells. Of note, CM3-SII significantly decreased PCSK9 secretion at the concentration of 200 µg/mL. Collectively, CM3-SII is different from the previously reported alkali-extracted polysaccharides isolated from the fruiting body of C. militaris, and it may have potential application in hypolipidemia or as a pharmaceutical additive.

Less polar ginsenosides have better protective effects on mice infected by Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes widely exists in the natural environment and does great harm, which can cause worldwide public safety problem. Infection with L. monocytogenes can cause rapid death of Kupffer cell (KCs) in liver tissue and liver damage. American ginseng saponins is a natural compound in plants, which has great potential in inhibiting L. monocytogenes infection. Therefore, American ginseng stem-leaf saponins (AGS) and American ginseng heat-transformed saponins (HTS) were used as raw materials to study their bacteriostatic experiments in vivo and in vitro. In this experiment, female Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group, negative group, AGS group, HTS group (10 mg/kg/day in an equal volume via gastric administration) and penicillin group, each group containing six mice. Profiles AGS and HTS components were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The bacteriostatic effect of AGS and HTS on L. monocytogenes was evaluated by inhibition zone test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The bacteriostatic effect of AGS and HTS pretreatment on mice infected with L. monocytogenes were studies by animal experimental. The results showed that the content of polar saponins in AGS was 0.81 ± 0.003 mg/mg, less polar saponins was 0.08 ± 0.02 mg/mg, the content of polar saponins in HTS was 0.10 ± 0.01 mg/mg, less polar saponins was 0.76 ± 0.02 mg/mg. The in vitro bacteriostatic diameter of HTS (16.6 ± 0.8 mm) is large than that of AGS (10.2 ± 1.2 mm). AGS and HTS pretreatment could reduce the colony numbers in the livers of mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the livers of mice in the pretreatment group were significantly lower than those in the negative group. There were obvious leukoplakia, calcification and other liver damage on the liver surface in the negative control group, and obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in HE sections. AGS and HTS pretreatment can reduce liver injury caused by L. monocytogenes and protect the liver. Compared with AGS, HTS has higher content of less polar saponins and better bacteriostatic effect in vitro. The count of bacterial in liver tissue of HTS group was significantly lower, the survival rate was significantly higher than that of AGS group. Less polar saponins had better bacteriostatic effect. Collectively, less polar saponins pretreatment has a protective effect on mice infected with L. monocytogenes, to which alleviated liver damage, improved anti-inflammatory ability and immunity of the body, protected liver may contribute.

In situ synthesis of polypyrrole on graphite felt as bio-anode to enhance the start-up performance of microbial fuel cells.

This study introduces an effective method to deposit polypyrrole (PPy) on graphite felt (GF) as anode to improve the start-up performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electrochemical testing reveal that polypyrrole is able to improve the electrical conductivity and surface roughness, which is beneficial to the microorganism attachment and growth. It shows that microorganisms grow faster on polypyrrole-modified anode than on unmodified anode. It takes ca. 5 days for polypyrrole-modified anode to reach a reproducible voltage platform, while it takes 11 days for unmodified anode. Moreover, the maximum power density of microbial fuel cells with polypyrrole-modified anode was 919 mW m-2, which were 2.3 times of that with unmodified anode. This research revealed that polypyrrole modification can improve the start-up performance of microbial fuel cells. It is considered as a feasible, economical and sustainable anode.

MicroRNA-34a suppresses invasion and metastatic in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating CD44.

In human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), miR-34a was downregulated and could inhibit in vitro cell proliferation and migration. However, the underlying mechanism was not clear yet. The expression levels of mRNA and protein were detected by quantitative real-time PCR or western blotting, respectively. MiR-34a was knocked down or overexpressed and transfected into human ESCC cell lines ECA109 and TE-13, respectively. Cell migration and wound healing assays were used to examine the effect on migration and invasion in vitro. Animal models were used to examine the role of miR-34a in metastasis in vivo. Luciferase assay was carried out to validate the potential target of miR-34a. CD44 was upregulated and miR-34a was downregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. The linear regression analysis showed that CD44 expression was negatively correlated with the level of miR-34a. Luciferase assay showed that miR-34a interacted with a putative binding site in the CD44 3'UTR. MiR-34a was found to negatively regulate the expression of CD44. In vitro experiment showed that miR-34a overexpression inhibited ESCC cell invasion and migration; whereas miR-34a knockdown showed reversed results. MiR-34a also inhibited esophagus tumor growth and metastasis in vivo; whereas miR-34a knockdown showed reversed results. Finally, we found that CD44 knockdown reversed the effects of miR-34a knockdown on ESCC cell invasion and migration in vitro. MiRNA-34a suppresses invasion and metastatic in ESCC by regulating CD44.

Experimental porcine model of complex fistula-in-ano.

AIM: To establish and evaluate an experimental porcine model of fistula-in-ano. METHODS: Twelve healthy pigs were randomly divided into two groups. Under general anesthesia, the experimental group underwent rubber band ligation surgery, and the control group underwent an artificial damage technique. Clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological evaluation were performed on the 38th d and 48th d after surgery in both groups, respectively. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in general characteristics such as body weight, gender, and the number of fistula (P > 0.05). In the experimental group, 15 fistulas were confirmed clinically, 13 complex fistulas were confirmed by MRI, and 11 complex fistulas were confirmed by histopathology. The success rate in the porcine complex fistula model establishment was 83.33%. Among the 18 fistulas in the control group, 5 fistulas were confirmed clinically, 4 complex fistulas were confirmed by MRI, and 3 fistulas were confirmed by histopathology. The success rate in the porcine fistula model establishment was 27.78%. Thus, the success rate of the rubber band ligation group was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Rubber band ligation is a stable and reliable method to establish complex fistula-in-ano models. Large animal models of complex anal fistulas can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of anal fistulas.

LY2109761 enhances cisplatin antitumor activity in ovarian cancer cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ovarian cancer is among the most lethal of all malignancies in women. While chemotherapy is the preferred treatment modality, chemoresistance severely limits treatment success. Because transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) could increase survival of ovarian cancer cells in the presence of cisplatin, we conducted a preclinical study of the antitumor effects of the TGF-ß type I (TßRI) and type II (TßRII) kinase inhibitor LY2109761 in combination with cisplatin. METHODS: SKOV3, OV-90 and SKOV3(DDP) cells were treated with LY2109761, and/or cisplatin, and cell viability, apoptosis mRNA and protein expression levels were then evaluated. Furthermore, the efficacy of LY2109761 combined with cisplatin was further examined in established xenograft models. RESULTS: LY2109761 was sufficient to induce spontaneous apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Combination with LY2109761 significantly augmented the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in both parental and cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer cells. LY2109761 significantly increased apoptotic cell death in cisplatin-resistant cells. Combination treatment of LY2109761 and cisplatin showed antiproliferative effects and induced a greater rate of apoptosis than the sum of the single-treatment rates and promoted tumor regression in established parental and cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer xenograft models. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapeutic approaches using LY2109761 might enhance the treatment benefit of the cisplatin in the treatment of ovarian cancer patients.

Sequential recovery of copper and nickel from wastewater without net energy input.

A novel bioelectrochemical system (BES) was designed to recover copper and nickel from wastewater sequentially. The BES has two chambers separated by a bipolar membrane and two cathodes. Firstly, the copper ions were reduced on a graphite cathode with electricity output, and then with an additional bias-potential applied, the nickel ions were recovered sequentially on a copper sheet with electricity input. In this design, nickel and copper can be recovered and separated sequentially on two cathodes. By adjusting the molar ratio of copper and nickel ions to 2.99:1 in wastewater, 1.40 mmol Cu²âº could be recovered with 143.78 J electricity outputs, while 50.68 J electricity was input for 0.32 mmol nickel reduction. The total energy output of copper recovery was far more than the electricity input of nickel reduction. The present technology provides a potential method for heavy metal ion separation and recovery.

A review of dihydroartemisinin as another gift from traditional Chinese medicine not only for malaria control but also for schistosomiasis control.

Artemisinin, also known as qinghaosu, is a sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide extracted from the plant Artemisia annua L, an herb employed in traditional Chinese medicine. Artemisinin and its two main derivatives artemether and artesunate have been shown to be effective against both malaria and schistosomiasis, and therefore, they were described by Liu et al (Parasitol Res 110:2071-2074, 2012b) as the gifts from traditional Chinese medicine not only for malaria control but also for schistosomiasis control. However, another artemisinin derivative dihydroartemisinin (DHA) cannot be neglected. Dihydroartemisinin, a derivative of artemisinin with the C-10 lactone group replaced by hemiacetal and the active metabolite of all artemisinin compounds, was firstly identified as an antimalarial agent, and the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine combination has been recommended as a first-line treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria by the WHO. It has been recently found that administration of dihydroartemisinin at a single dose of 300 mg/kg 2 h or 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, 28, or 35 days post-infection reduces total worm burdens by 1.1-64.8% and female worm burden reductions by 11.9-90.5%, and the in vivo activity of dihydroartemisinin against S. japonicum is enhanced by the use of multiple doses. However, a combination of praziquantel and dihydroartemisinin appears no more effective against S. japonicum schistosomulum than treatment with dihydroartemisinin alone. In mice experimentally infected with S. mansoni, administration with dihydroartemisinin at a single dose of 300 mg/kg on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, or 56 post-infection results in total worm burden reductions of 13.8-82.1% and female worm burden reductions of 13-82.8%, and a clear-cut dose-response relationship of dihydroartemisinin against the schistosomula and adult worms of S. mansoni is observed. In addition, dihydroartemisinin was found to cause damages to the reproductive system of female S. mansoni worms, reduce the oviposition of survival worms, and inhibit the formation of granulomas around tissue-trapped eggs. More interestingly, no reduced sensitivity to dihydroartemisinin is detected in praziquantel non-susceptible S. japonicum, which provides a new option for the treatment of S. japonicum and S. mansoni infections, notably in endemic foci with praziquantel resistance or insensitivity detected. It is therefore considered that dihydroartemisinin is another gift from the traditional Chinese medicine not only for malaria control but also for schistosomiasis control.

Dihydroartemisinin: a new story of an old drug against Schistosoma mansoni infection.

Currently, praziquantel is the drug of choice for the treatment of human Schistosoma mansoni infections. It has not been proved until now that there is real praziquantel resistance, but there is decreased praziquantel sensitivity. A search for novel antischistosomal agents against the parasite has been given a high priority. Dihydroartemisinin, formerly identified as an antimalarial drug, has been shown to be active against both Schistosoma japonicum and S. mansoni in mice. Interestingly, dihydroartemisinin is found to be highly effective against the 14-28-day schistosomula of S. mansoni, and treatment with multiple low doses of the drug achieves a high efficacy with reduced toxicity to the host. The long time development from juveniles to adults allows adequate timing for treatment of this neglected tropical disease. It is supposed that dihydroartemisinin, a safe orally administered agent, may be used for the prevention and control of human S. mansoni infections, notably in areas with reduced praziquantel sensitivity or praziquantel resistance detected.

PIAS3 may represent a potential biomarker for diagnosis and therapeutic of human colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a challenging problem both for the developed and underdeveloped countries. Despite numerous improvements in early diagnosis and treatment, the incidence and mortality is still keeping in a high level. Molecule targeted therapy has drawn much attention as next generation anticancer agents for diagnosis and therapeutic of CRC. Protein Inhibitor of Activated Signal Transducer and Activators of Transcription 3 (PIAS3) as a novel biomarker has been focused to have a role in the development of malignancy, which was expressed at a higher level in most common malignancies compared with corresponding normal tissues. Furthermore, evidences suggest that the expression of PIAS3 can affect the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting the JAK/STAT and PI3-K/Akt signaling pathways or regulating its SUMO (small-ubiquitin like modifiers) ligase activity in some malignancy. Therefore, we hypothesized that PIAS3 may be a potential biomarker target for early cancer detection and therapeutic of human CRC.

Anterior gradient 2: a new target to treat colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality across the world. Every year many patients died from the advanced colorectal cancer. We had tried our best to stop the progress by the chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the process has not stopped. And we just can use the target drug to extend the survival time of the patient who is in advanced stage. It is said that the circulating tumor cells, distributed in the peripheral blood, is the initial material leading to metastases formation. And Anterior gradient 2 is a biomarker of these cells. It shows an enormous role in the process of cancer's occurrence, development and metastasis. It may be a useful target for us to prevent colorectal cancer from progress. And it may be a new way to treat the colorectal cancer.

[Prevalence of human and ovine hepatic hydatid disease diagnosed by ultrasound in Hobukesar Mongolian Autonomous County of Xinjiang].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of human and ovine hepatic hydatid disease in Hobukesar Mongolian Autonomous County of Xinjiang (HMACX)and to evaluate the related strategies for prevention and control of the disease. METHODS: A prevalence screening method was used to screen local residents and sheep for hydatid disease in HMACX. Based on B ultrasound images, the screening programs on people and sheep in different sites were carried and the findings were comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: Findings of B ultrasound images through screening program among human beings showed that the positive rates of hydatid diseases 4.4% (23/521), of cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis as 4.0% (21/521) and 0.8% (4/521)respectively. The infection rate on sheep was 3.8% (7/180). The positive rates of human and ovine hepatic hydatid disease in Township Chagangule were higher than in other areas. There was no significant statistical difference noticed on human positive rates between Township Chagangule and other areas. Statistically, significant difference for positive rate in ovine was seen between Township Chagangule and Township Bayinaowa(χ(2) = 4.8259, P = 0.0280). As intermediate host of hydatid disease, the infection rate in sheep was higher than that in human beings at Township Chagangule. CONCLUSION: HMACX remained a highly endemic area for human and ovine hydatid disease.

Immune responses on allograft heart transplantation in inbred rats infected with Echinococcosis multilocularis.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode stage of Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) and is a rare but life-threatening disease. This disease commonly is characterized by an infiltrative, tumor-like growth of the E. multilocularis metacestode in the liver of human. Liver transplantation is an effective therapy for end-stage of hepatic AE, but the characteristics of host immunity associated with E. multilocularis infection with organ transplantation are poorly defined. We hereby aimed to study the immunological status and allograft heart survival in inbred rats with E. multilocularis infection. METHODS: Rat models of AE were established by injecting the E. multilocularis suspension made from E. multilocularis infected tissues into the abdomen of Lewis (LEW) rats. Three months later, in the experimental group, allograft heart transplantation was performed from Brown-Norway (BN) rats to the E. multilocularis infected LEW rats. In the control group, we transplanted hearts from BN rats to healthy LEW rats. The influence of the disturbed immune system in E. multilocularis infected rats on the heart transplantation was assessed, including observation of allograft heart survival time, histopathological examination of grafts and immunohistochemical examination of infiltrating cells (CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cells and eosinophile granulocytes), measurement of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ in the serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and analysis of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells in peripheral blood by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: The survival time of recipients in the experimental group was prolonged compared with those in the control group. The numbers of graft infiltrating CD8(+) T cells were decreased whereas the graft infiltrating eosinophil granulocytes (CD15(+)) were increased in grafts in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the proportion of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood was 10.8% on average in the experimental group, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (6.1%). In addition, the level of serum IL-4 in E. multilocularis infected rats was higher than that in the control group rats, whereas the level of serum IFN-γ in experimental group was lower than that in the control group when graft rejection occurred (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that E. multilocularis infection could prolong the allograft survival time through the polarization of Th1/Th2-type cells and induction of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells. This strategy may provide a new idea for establishing transplantation tolerance.

[Systemic review of fast-track surgery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fast track surgery(FTS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection. METHOD: Randomized controlled trials(RCT) or clinical controlled trials(CCT) on fast-track surgery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection were obtained from databases including CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, EMBACE, and Cochrane Library between January 2000 and March 2012. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.1. RESULT: There were 6 RCTs and 7 CCTs including 1795 patients. There were 955 patients in the FTS group and 840 in the control group. The time to passage of flatus was shorter(WMD=-1.37, 95%CI:-1.55~-1.19, P<0.05), time to resumption of diet/drink was shorter(WMD=-2.62, 95%CI:-2.69~-2.55, P<0.05), length of postoperative hospital stay was decreased(WMD=-1.63, 95%CI:-1.92~-1.34, P<0.05) and the incidence of postoperative complications were less(OR=0.52, 95%CI:0.41~0.67, P<0.05) in the FTS group. However, there were no differences in readmission(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Fast-track surgery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection can promote bowel function recovery, decrease the incidence of postoperative complications and length of hospital stay.

Identification of nitration sites by peroxynitrite on p16 protein.

Injury of p16 has been implicated in some cancers. In this paper, we focus on the need for identification of peroxynitrite-dependent nitration sites on p16 with HPLC-MS/MS method. Two mono-nitrated residues Tyr129 and Tyr44 were detected in the course of p16 modification induced by peroxynitrite at relative low doses. As suggested by peptide mapping sequence analysis, Tyr44 was more liable to be nitrated by ONOO(-). Study on the chemical environment of two Tyr residues reveals that steric hindrance may be the structural determinant for the nitration sequence. Through technique of SDS-PAGE, ONOO(-) could induce p16 nitration, even strongly damage the combination of p16 with CDK4, which further influence p16's activity.

Community survey, treatment and long-term follow-up for human cystic echinococcosis in northwest China.

BACKGROUND: Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonosis of major public health importance throughout the world. CE is endemic throughout central Asia including northwestern China. In China, CE has been reported in 21 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, covering approximately 87% of China's territories. It is most common in the pastoral and semi-pastoral western provinces and regions. This study aimed to reveal the natural history, curative effect and possible re-infection risk factors of human CE through long termed follow-up of treated and untreated CE cases in Hobukesar, Xingjiang, China. METHODS: Follow-up studies on CE were performed twice in Hobukesar from August 2005 to October 2008, after an initial mass screening performed in 1995 and 1996. Ultrasound scan was the primary diagnostic method. RESULTS: Among 24 patients with confirmed CE, 22 were treated (surgery in 19 and chemotherapy in three). Two recurrent cases and one re-infection case were subsequently found during follow-up. The CE type of one of the recurrent cases reverted from CE4 to CE3, as classified using World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound was required to differentiate primary, recurrent and re-infection cases during epidemiological investigation and follow-up of CE. Most patients did not change their habits, which may be one possible cause of reinfection. One recurrent case suggested that, despite initial suggestion from the WHO Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis, CE4-type cysts are not inactive.

Therapeutic effect of osteogenically induced adipose derived stem cells on vascular deprivation-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of osteogenically induced adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on vascular deprivation-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in rabbit model. METHODS: Vascular deprivation-induced ONFH was established by intramuscular injection of methylpre- dnisolone, and vascular occlusion of the capital femoral epiphysis by electrocoagulation in adult New Zealand white rabbits. Eight weeks after the establishment of vascular deprivation-induced ONFH, animals were randomly divided into three equal groups. In Group A (control), no therapy was given. In Group B, core decompression was performed by drilling a hole (1.2 mm in diameter) from the outer cortex 2.5 cm distal to the proximal end of the greater trochanter. In Group C, 1 multiply 10(7) osteogenically induced ADSCs were resuspended in 0.5 ml PBS, and then injected directly into the femoral head. Femoral head specimens were obtained at postoperative 8 weeks. The bone formation and three-dimensional microstructure of the femoral head was evaluated by micro-computed tomography scans. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect the expression of osteocalcin. Angiogenesis and repair of the femoral head were observed histologically. RESULTS: In trabecular bone at the proximal femur region, the trabecular volume was higher in Group C (130.70 mm(3)+/-4.33 mm(3)) than that in Groups A (101.07 mm(3)+/-7.76 mm(3)) and B (107.89 mm(3)+/-8.68 mm(3), P less than 0.01). Bone volume was significantly increased in Group C (40.09 mm(3)+/-6.35 mm(3)) than in Groups A (29.65 mm(3)+/-4.61 mm(3)) and B (31.80 mm(3)+/-4.01 mm(3), P less than 0.01). The trabecular number was higher in Groups C (1.58+/-0.25) than other two groups (1.15+/-0.18, 1.16+/-0.21, P less than 0.01). Bone mineral density showed statistically significant difference between Groups C and A or B (375.38+/-23.06) mg HA/ccm, vs (313.73+/-19.30) mg HA/ccm and (316.09+/-16.45) mg HA/ccm, P less than 0.01). Histological examination indicated that there was more new bone formation in Group C than in other groups. CONCLUSION: Treatment with autologous osteogeni-cally induced ADSCs transplantation results in an enhanced osteogenesis and microstructure of the vascular deprivation-induced osteonecrosis in rabbits.

Can bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) administration prevent steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis in the early stage?

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is associated with increase of intraosseous pressure caused by elevating of adipogenesis and fat cell hypertrophy in the bone marrow, which subsequently decreases the blood flow in the femoral head and finally resulting in bone ischemia. The early femoral head-preserving method has mainly focused on the conventional core decompression procedure. However, it only achieves a slight decrease in intra-medullary pressure with limited clinical outcome. The crucial point in prevention is to achieve a thorough decompression of intra-medullary pressure and improvement of microcirculation of the femoral head. Bisphenol-A-diglycidyl ether (BADGE), an antagonism of PPAR-γ(Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma), has been shown to successfully reverse bone marrow adipogenesis and fat cell hypertrophy, enhances proliferation of osteoblasts, inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that BADGE administration may be an appropriate novel method for the prevention of early stage steroid-induced ONFH.