Biodegradable ECM-coated PCL microcarriers support scalable human early MSC expansion and in vivo bone formation.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Human mesenchymal stromal cells or marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are of great interest for bone healing due to their multi-potency and trophic effects. However, traditional MSC expansion methods using 2-dimensional monolayer (MNL) flasks or cell stacks are limited by labor-intensive handling, lack of scalability, the need for enzymatic cell harvesting and the need for attachment to a scaffold before in vivo delivery. Here, we present a biodegradable microcarrier and MSC bioprocessing system that may overcome the abovementioned challenges. METHODS: We cultured human early MSCs (heMSCs) on biodegradable polycaprolactone microcarriers (PCL MCs) coated with extracellular matrix (ECM) and evaluated the in vitro osteogenic differentiation and in vivo bone formation capacity of ECM-coated PCL MC-bound heMSCs compared with conventional MNL-cultured cells. RESULTS: We found that heMSCs proliferate well on PCL MCs coated with a fibronectin, poly-l-lysine, and fibronectin (FN+PLL+FN) coating (cPCL MCs). During in vitro osteogenic induction, heMSCs cultured on cPCL MCs displayed a 68% increase in specific calcium deposition compared with cultures on MNL. In a mouse ectopic mineralization model, bone mass was equivalent for MNL-expanded and cPCL MC-bound heMSC implants but higher in both cases when compared with cell-free cPCL MC implants at 16 weeks post-implantation. In summary, compared with MNL cultures, biodegradable MC MSC cultures provide the benefits of large-scale expansion of cells and can be delivered in vivo, thereby eliminating the need for cell harvesting and use of scaffolds for cell delivery. These results highlight the promise of delivering heMSCs cultured on cPCL MCs for bone applications.

Transmissibility of hand, foot, and mouth disease in 97 counties of China.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a serious disease burden in the Asia-Pacific region, including China. This study calculated the transmissibility of HFMD at county levels in Jiangsu Province, China, analyzed the differences of transmissibility and explored the possible influencing factors of its transmissibility. We built a mathematical model for seasonal characteristics of HFMD, estimated the effective reproduction number (Reff), and compared the incidence rate and transmissibility in different counties using non-parametric tests, rapid cluster analysis and rank-sum ratio in 97 counties in Jiangsu Province from 2015 to 2020. The average daily incidence rate was between 0 and 4 per 100,000 people in Jiangsu Province from 2015-2020. The Quartile of Reff in Jiangsu Province from 2015 to 2020 was 1.54 (0.49, 2.50). Rugao District and Jianhu District had the highest transmissibility according to the rank-sum ratio. Reff generally decreased in 2017 and increased in 2018 in most counties, and the median level of Reff was the lowest in 2017 (P < 0.05). The transmissibility was different in 97 counties in Jiangsu Province. The reasons for the differences may be related to the climate, demographic characteristics, virus subtypes, vaccination, hygiene and other infectious diseases.

Magnetic solid-phase extraction using magnetic hypercrosslinked polymer for rapid determination of illegal drugs in urine.

A novel magnetic material Fe(3)O(4)/SiO(2)/P(MAA-co-VBC-co-DVB) was prepared via the hypercrosslinking of its precursor which was produced via precipitation polymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA), vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC), and divinylbenzene (DVB) in the presence of Fe(3)O(4)/SiO(2) submicrospheres with the surface containing abundant reactive double bonds. The resultant sorbent was characterized by scan electron microscopy, N(2) adsorption, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found that this material had remarkable features such as large surface area (500 m(2)/g) and pore volume (0.32 cm(3)/g), as well as desirable chemical composition (including hydrophobic and ion-exchange moieties). Taking advantages of the Fe(3)O(4)/SiO(2)/P(MAA-co-VBC-co-DVB), a magnetic SPE (MSPE) coupled with capillary electrophoresis (CE) method was developed for the determination of illegal drugs in urine samples. The extraction time could be clearly shortened up to 3 min. The recoveries of these drug compounds were in the range of 84.0-123% with relative standard deviations ranging between 1.7 and 10.5%; the limit of detection was in the range of 4.0-6.0 µg/L. The proposed method is simple, effective, and low-cost, and provides an accurate and sensitive detection platform for abused drug analysis.

Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 promotes osteoclast formation and accelerates orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

BACKGROUND: IGF-1 may be an important factor in bone remodeling, but its mechanism of action on osteoclasts during orthodontic tooth movement is complex and unclear. METHODOLOGY: The closed-coil spring was placed between the left maxillary first molar and upper incisors with a force of 50 g to establish an orthodontic movement model. Eighty SD rats were randomized to receive phosphate buffer saline or 400 ng rhIGF-1 in the lateral buccal mucosa of the left maxillary first molar every two days. Tissue sections were stained for tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP), the number of TRAP-positive cells was estimated and tooth movement measured. RESULTS: The rhIGF-1 group exhibited evidential bone resorption and lacuna appeared on the alveolar bone compared to the control group. Moreover, the number of osteoclasts in compression side of the periodontal ligament in the rhIGF-1 group peaked at day 4 (11.37±0.95 compared to 5.28±0.47 in the control group) after the orthodontic force was applied and was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.01). Furthermore, the distance of tooth movement in the rhIGF-1 group was significantly larger than that of the control group from day 4 to day 14 (p<0.01), suggesting that rhIGF-1 accelerated orthodontic tooth movement. CONCLUSION: Our study has showed that rhIGF-1 could stimulate the formation of osteoclasts in the periodontal ligament, and accelerate bone remodeling and orthodontic tooth movement.

[Clinical classification of 288 cases of bronchial tuberculosis based on an expert consensus].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical application and significance of the recently published expert consensus on endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 288 cases of EBTB hospitalized in Tianjin Haihe Hospital from May 2005 to April 2010 was carried out. The classification and typing of the disease were based on a consensus report recently published by Chinese Journal of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. Chi-square test was performed to analyze the differences between groups. RESULTS: Of the 288 cases of EBTB, 47.9% (138/288) was classified as Type I (Inflammatory infiltrative), 33.3% (96/288) as Type II (ulcerous necrotic), 5.2% (15/288) as Type III (granulomatous hyperplastic), 7.3% (21/288) as Type IV (scar stricture) and 0.4% (1/288) as Type V (Bronchomalacia), respectively. There were 17 cases (5.9%) classified as a mixed type with a combination of Type IV or Type V disease with 1 or more of the other types. 37.5% (108/288) of the patients were young females, while young and middle-aged patients with type I and type II diseases accounted for 74.7% (215/288) of the cases, much more than old aged patients (6.6%, 19/288). 97.2% (n=280) of the cases suffered from secondary pulmonary tuberculosis. In 107 cases, the disease was located in the left, 162 cases in the right, while in 109 cases the right upper lobe bronchus was involved, and right main bronchus in 36 cases, 3 cases and 58 cases in left upper lobe with and without lingular segment, 10 cases in lingular segment only. Chest CT showed that local mucosal thickening of the trachea or bronchus was evident in 40.3% (116/288); toothed or spike protuberance in 30.9% (89/288), bronchial obstruction in 11.1% (32/288), and bronchial stenosis in 87.9% (253/288). The negative rate of sputum in the first month after interventional therapy was 60.2% (56/93), significantly higher than that in non-interventional therapy group (23.1%, 18/78). CONCLUSION: The new consensus report on EBTB was clinically useful for classification and typing of the disease, and for the selection of treatment modalities.

[Effects of oral appliance treatment upon blood pressure in mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of oral appliance (OA) treatment upon systemic blood pressure (BP) in mild to moderate patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients diagnosed with OSAHS on polysomnography were divided into OA treatment group (OA group, 25 patients, 15 patients with hypertension) and non-tolerated OA treatment group (N-OA group, 21 patients, 13 patients with hypertension). Polysomnography and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were performed at baseline in two groups. Polysomnography and ABPM were repeated after a completion of 12 weeks of treatment in OA group and after a cessation of treatment for 12 weeks in N-OA group. Hypertensive patients in two groups continued taking the same kind and the same dose of antihypertensive agents during the period of study. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, body mass index, Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), arousal index (AI) and minimum arterial oxygen saturation (MSaO2) at baseline. After a 12-week treatment, OA group showed significant improvement in AHI [(7.0 +/- 3.8) vs (21.0 +/- 6.5) per hour, P < 0.01], AI [(22.9 +/- 6.3) vs (32.2 +/- 9.3) per hour, P < 0.01] and MSaO2 (86.8% +/- 3.5% vs 80.0% +/- 5.2%, P < 0.01), while nocturnal mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), 24-hour and diurnal SBP, and nocturnal mean artery pressure (MAP) were significantly reduced [(121.3 +/- 7.0) vs (125.3 +/- 9.3), (76.1 +/- 6.1) vs (78.8 +/- 6.8), (127.2 +/- 7.5) vs (129.4 +/- 8.8), (131.5 +/- 6.9) vs (133.6 +/- 8.1), and (91.2 +/- 6.4) vs (94.3 +/- 7.6) mm Hg respectively, all P < 0.01]. The reduction in nocturnal MAP was significantly correlated to improvement in AI(r = 0.37, P = 0.005) and AHI (r = 0.32, P = 0.011), to baseline nocturnal mean blood pressure (SBP: r = 0.39, P = 0.015; DBP: r = 0.30, P = 0.024). The N-OA group showed no differences in blood pressure variables between baseline and after a cessation of treatment for 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Oral appliance treatment for mild to moderate OSAHS may lead to a reduction in systemic blood pressure.

In vitro biocompatibility study of a water-rinsed biomimetic silk porous scaffold with olfactory ensheathing cells.

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are one of the most promising candidates for cell-based therapy in repairing spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the conventional method of transplanting OECs, orthotopically or intrathecally, leads to a low rate of cell replacement and limited utilization due to the impediments of chemical and physical barriers after SCI. In this study, we fabricated a three-dimensional (3-D) silk fibroin (SF) scaffold with a novel water-rinsing process. Compared to traditional methanol-treated scaffolds (MTS) and ethanol-treated scaffolds (ETS), the present water-rinsed scaffold (WRS) had a biomimetic nanofibrous structure and softer mechanical properties and was shown to be more biocompatible with OECs. The in vitro study showed that the 3-D SF scaffolds supported OEC adhesion and spreading and that the OECs had a normal cell phenotype. A quantitative study using the CCK8 assay revealed that OEC proliferation on the WRS was higher than that on the MTS and ETS. Moreover, a significantly higher level of GDNF was detected when the OECs were cultured on the WRS. Collectively, these results suggested that the 3-D biomimetic SF porous scaffolds not only provide suitable microenvironments for governing OEC behaviour but also serve as a promising transplantation strategy for OECs to repair SCI.

Protective effect and related mechanisms of curcumin in rat experimental periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and has been suggested as a treatment for inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on the lipopolysaccharide induced inflammatory response in rat gingival fibroblasts in vitro and ligation-induced experimental periodontitis in vivo, and to speculate the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of curcumin. METHODS: The gingival fibroblasts were incubated with different concentrations of curcumin in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Concentrations of interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) culture supernatants of rat gingival fibroblasts were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The nuclear fraction of rat gingival fibroblasts was extracted and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation was assessed by western blotting to elucidate related mechanisms. Curcumin was given every two days by oral gavage. The gingival inflammation and alveolar bone loss between the first and second molars were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Collagen fibers were observed by picro-sirius red staining. Alveolar bone loss was assessed by micro-CT analysis. RESULTS: Curcumin attenuated the production of IL-1ß and TNF-α in rat gingival fibroblasts stimulated by LPS, and inhibited the LPS-induced decrease in OPG/sRANKL ratio and NF-κB activation. Curcumin significantly reduced gingival inflammation and modulated collagen fiber and alveolar bone loss in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: curcumin modulates inflammatory activity in rat periodontitis by inhibiting NF-κB activation and decreasing the OPG/sRANKL ratio induced by LPS.

Colon cancer metastasis to the mandibular gingiva with partial occult squamous differentiation: A case report and literature review.

Metastasis is the primary cause of death among patients with colon cancer. However, the number of available studies regarding oral cavity metastases from colon cancer is currently limited. We herein report an unusual case of a 60-year-old male patient who developed an oral cavity metastasis from colon cancer. A total of 12 clinical case studies reporting colon cancer metastases to the mandibular gingival region were also reviewed, with the aim to elucidate the clinical and pathological characteristics of this disease entity in order to improve clinical diagnosis and treatment. It was demonstrated that patients with oral cavity metastases from colon cancer were predominantly in the sixth or seventh decades of life. The mandible was the main site of metastatic tumors to the oral cavity, while the occurrence of gingival metastases was comparatively rare. Moreover, the diagnoses of an oral metastatic tumor and primary colon cancer were often synchronous and were frequently accompanied with metastases to other organs. Several key aspects were suggested that should be accounted for when diagnosing colon cancer patients, including focusing attention to oral symptoms when examining cancer patients, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach for differential diagnosis and utilizing postoperative pathological examination to accurately diagnose the type of tumor and optimize the efficacy of treatment.

Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 promotes osteoclast formation and accelerates orthodontic tooth movement in rats

Abstract Background: IGF-1 may be an important factor in bone remodeling, but its mechanism of action on osteoclasts during orthodontic tooth movement is complex and unclear. Methodology: The closed-coil spring was placed between the left maxillary first molar and upper incisors with a force of 50 g to establish an orthodontic movement model. Eighty SD rats were randomized to receive phosphate buffer saline or 400 ng rhIGF-1 in the lateral buccal mucosa of the left maxillary first molar every two days. Tissue sections were stained for tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP), the number of TRAP-positive cells was estimated and tooth movement measured. Results: The rhIGF-1 group exhibited evidential bone resorption and lacuna appeared on the alveolar bone compared to the control group. Moreover, the number of osteoclasts in compression side of the periodontal ligament in the rhIGF-1 group peaked at day 4 (11.37±0.95 compared to 5.28±0.47 in the control group) after the orthodontic force was applied and was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.01). Furthermore, the distance of tooth movement in the rhIGF-1 group was significantly larger than that of the control group from day 4 to day 14 (p<0.01), suggesting that rhIGF-1 accelerated orthodontic tooth movement. Conclusion: Our study has showed that rhIGF-1 could stimulate the formation of osteoclasts in the periodontal ligament, and accelerate bone remodeling and orthodontic tooth movement.

Novel acrylonitrile-based copolymers containing phospholipid moieties: synthesis and characterization.

Novel acrylonitrile-based copolymers containing phospholipid moieties were synthesized by a three-step process, which included the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in water and the reaction of the resulting poly[acrylonitrile-co-(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)]s (PANCHEMA) with 2-chloro-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane (COP) followed by the ring-opening reaction of COP with trimethylamine. The chemical structure of PANCHEMA and the phospholipid-containing acrylonitrile-based copolymers (PLCANCP) was analyzed with FT-IR spectroscopy, (1)H and (31)P NMR, and XPS. Surface properties of the studied copolymers were evaluated by the pure water contact angle, protein adsorption and platelets adhesion measurements. The water contact angle measured by sessile drop method decreased for the polymers in the following sequence: PAN, PANCHEMA, and PLCANCP. The adsorption amount of bovine serum albumin and the adhesive number of platelet followed the same decline sequence. These results demonstrate that the biocompatibility of the acrylonitrile-based copolymer membranes could be improved efficiently by the introduction of phospholipid moieties.

Electro-response characteristic of starch hydrogel crosslinked with Glutaraldehyde.

The facile synthesis of the starch hydrogel with anisotropic microstructure and dynamic behaviors was developed in the presence (A-gel) and absence of DC electric field (B-gel). The microstructures of hydrogels were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscope. Their electro-responsive property of hydrogels was investigated with their storage modulus (G'). The result demonstrates that the G' of A-gel is greater than that of B-gel, and the modulus of A-gel increases along with the external field, which signifies positive electroresponse. In addition, the G' of A-gel and B-gel ((G'(A) and G'(B)) also continuously increases with increasing starch concentration, whereas both the maximum of modulus increment (ΔG' = G'(A)−G'(B) ) and that of modulus increment sensitivity (ΔG'/G'(B)) occur with the starch weight fraction at around 36.5%. To enhance the electro-responsive effects of the hydrogels, dielectric particles were dispersed in the hydrogel. It is found that BaTiO3/chitosan core-shell composite particles significantly enhance the electroresponse of the hydrogel. The mechanism of the electro-response mode is proposed.

[Excessive fluoride inducing calcium overload and apoptosis of ameloblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of excessive fluoride on calcium overload and apoptosis in cultured rat ameloblasts in vitro. METHODS: Logarithmic-phase ameloblasts (HAT-7) were treated with 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4 mmol · L(-1) sodium fluoride (NaF) solution. Cell activities were detected by using a Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay after 48 h of treatment. The effect of fluoride on cell apoptosis was analyzed by using flow cytometry. Excessive fluoride-induced calcium concentration and calreticulin expression changes in ameloblasts were detected by using laser scanning confocal microscopy, Western blot analysis, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: NaF inhibited ameloblast activity at 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4 mmol · L(-1) (dose-dependent) after 48 h of induction. The Ca2+ fluorescence intensity of HAT-7 cells incubated with 1.6 and 3.2 mmol · L(-1) NaF was higher than that in the control group. The fluoride-induced early-stage apoptosis of ameloblasts after 48 h of induction and the early-stage apoptosis rate was positively correlated with fluoride concentration. Calreticulin mRNA expression in HAT-7 cells was higher than that in the control group after 48 h of incubation with 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 mmol · L(-1) NaF. CONCLUSION: Excessive fluoride-induced calcium overload in ameloblasts and further caused endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis.

Open-circuit voltage enhancement on the basis of polymer gel electrolyte for a highly stable dye-sensitized solar cell.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have received considerable attention owing to their low preparation cost and easy fabrication process. However, one of the drawbacks that limits the further application of DSSC is their poor stability, arising from the leakage and volatilization of the liquid organic solvent in the electrolyte. Therefore, to improve the long-term stability of DSSC, polymer gel electrolyte was studied to replace the conventional liquid electrolyte in this work. The results show that compared to liquid electrolyte, DSSC with polymer gel electrolyte has a smaller short-circuit current (Jsc), which decreases with the increase of the polymer gelator. Nevertheless, with the employment of the polymer gel electrolyte, there is a significant enhancement of open-circuit voltage (Voc), and it increases with the increase of the polymer gelator content. The highest Voc, up to 0.873 V, can be obtained for DSSC with a 30% polymer gelator content. The impact of the polymer gel electrolyte on the photovoltaic performance of DSSC, especially on Voc, was studied by analyzing the charge-transfer kinetics in the polymer gel electrolyte. Furthermore, the influence of the polymer gel electrolyte on the long-term stability of DSSC was also investigated.

Dentofacial effects of two facemask therapies for maxillary protraction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the dentofacial effects of maxillary protraction with two facemask therapies in growing Class III patients: facemask in association with miniscrew implants (MSI/FM) and facemask with rapid maxillary expanders (RME/FM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three Chinese patients with Class III malocclusion and maxillary deficiency were randomly assigned to a MSI/FM sample of 20 patients and a RME/FM sample of 23 subjects. The changes in dentofacial cephalometric variables from the beginning (T1) to the end of treatment (T2) were compared with t-test for paired samples in both groups and for independent samples between the two groups. RESULTS: No significant cephalometric differences were observed between the two groups in active treatment effects except for maxillary dental variables. However, significant favorable changes in both maxillary and mandibular skeletal components were noted in two groups after treatment. Sagittal measurements showed the maxilla was advanced, mandibular projection was reduced, and the relative sagittal intermaxillary discrepancy improved. Patients experienced additional unfavorable outcomes of clockwise rotation of the mandible as well as retroclination of the lower incisors. The soft tissue profile was improved remarkably in both groups. Proclination of the maxillary incisors and mesialization of the maxillary dentition were significantly different between the two groups. The increases in U1-SN, U1-VR, and U6-VR were 6.41°, 2.78 mm, and 1.24 mm less in the MSI/FM group than in the RME/FM group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the RME/FM therapy, the MSI/FM protocol using a smaller magnitude of protraction force improves skeletal relationships and soft tissue profile and reduces the undesired dentoalveolar effects.

[Epidemiological characteristics and temporal-spatial clustering analysis on hand-foot-mouth disease in Jiangsu province, 2009 - 2011].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemic characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Jiangsu province. METHODS: We downloaded the case-data of HFMD in Jiangsu province during 2009 - 2011 from the Chinese National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System, and made a comprehensive analysis on the epidemiological features of it with descriptive epidemiological methods and retrospective space-time permutation scan statistics. RESULTS: A total of 285 414 cases were reported in Jiangsu, from 2009 to 2011, with an annual incidence of 122.66 per 100 000. There were 3686 severe cases in the 3 years a cumulatively, accounting for 1.29% of the total. Proportion of the cases being 5 years old or even younger was 93.64%. Scatteredly living children accounted for 64.08% of the total cases and 78.65% of the severe cases, respectively. The epidemics of HFMD were visible in each city of Jiangsu province, with a lowest annual incidence rate of 44.02 per 100 000 and a highest one up to 202.90 per 100 000. Regions as Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi had the highest incidence in the province, with cases in these three areas occupying almost 40% of all. The numbers of severe cases in Suqian and in Yancheng cities increased by 339.22% and 328.33% in 2011 compared to in 2010, respectively, and the rates of increase in these two cities were much higher than those in the other regions. Two peaks of incidence were observed every year, with the highest occurring between April and June and the second occurring in November. The spatial-temporal distribution of HFMD was not random in Jiangsu province, from 2009 to 2011. Clusters for general cases in August and 7 clusters for severe cases were detected, respectively. 12 359 cases of HFMD were laboratory confirmed in the said 3 years, including 10 414 common cases and 1945 severe cases. EV71 and CoxA16 accounted for 43.49% and 37.07% of common cases, respectively. In terms of the severe cases, the ratios were 80.82% and 5.96%, respectively. CONCLUSION: HFMD was highly endemic in Jiangsu province, and the situation of prevention and control for it is still grim. Scatteredly living children of 5 years old or younger were the major population at risk, and the epidemic in different regions and seasons was different. EV71 and CoxA16 were the major etiologic agents, but the etiologic constitute showed seasonal changes.

Double fixation of displaced patella fractures using bioabsorbable cannulated lag screws and braided polyester suture tension bands.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a new double fixation technique for displaced patellar fractures using bioabsorbable cannulated lag screws and braided polyester suture tension bands. METHODS: Fifteen patients (mean age of 46.2 years) with displaced transverse or comminuted patella fractures were enrolled in this prospective study. All of the patients were treated via the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure using bioabsorbable cannulated lag screws and braided polyester suture tension bands. The patients were followed post-surgery to evaluate (1) the time required for radiographic bone union, (2) the knee joint range of motion at the time of radiographic bone union, (3) the degree of pain assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), (4) the function of the knee using the Lysholm score and (5) the presence of any additional complications from the surgery. RESULTS: All of the patients were followed post-treatment for more than 1 year (range, 12-19 months; mean post-treatment follow up time, 14 months). The bone union of the fractures as seen radiographically occurred approximately 3 months from surgery in all cases without implant failure or redisplacement of the fractured site. The mean knee joint range of motion was from 0 to 134.6°, and the mean VAS score was 0.7 at the time of bone union. The mean Lysholm scores at the time of bone union and 12 months post-surgery were 86.7 and 95.7, respectively. No postoperative complications, such as infection, dislocation or breakage of the implants, were observed. Moreover, all of the patients returned to their previous activity level. CONCLUSION: This new double fixation technique using bioabsorbable cannulated lag screws and braided polyester suture tension bands resulted in satisfactory outcomes for patella fractures without any obvious complications.

Thin films of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes as suitable scaffold materials for stem cells proliferation and bone formation.

In the field of regenerative medicine, human mesenchymal stem cells envisage extremely promising applications, due to their ability to differentiate into a wide range of connective tissue species on the basis of the substrate on which they grow. For the first time ever reported, we investigated the effects of a thin film of pegylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes spray dried onto preheated coverslips in terms of their ability to influence human mesenchymal stem cells' proliferation, morphology, and final differentiation into osteoblasts. Results clearly indicated that the homogeneous layer of functionalized nanotubes did not show any cytotoxicity and accelerated cell differentiation to a higher extent than carboxylated nanotubes or uncoated coverslips, by creating a more viable microenvironment for stem cells. Interestingly, cell differentiation occurred even in the absence of additional biochemical inducing agents, as evidenced by multiple independent criteria at the transcriptional, protein expression, and functional levels. Taken together, these findings suggest that functionalized carbon nanotubes represent a suitable scaffold toward a very selective differentiation into bone.

Transfection efficiency of TDL compound in HUVEC enhanced by ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction.

The aim of the present study was to explore the gene transfection efficiency of Tat peptide/plasmid DNA/ liposome (TDL) compound combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). Tat peptide, plasmid DNA (pIRES2-EGFP-HGF) and Lipofectamine 2000 were used to prepare the TDL compound. Microbubbles were prepared using mechanic vibration. The expression of the report gene enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was observed using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. The viability of HUVEC was measured by MTT assay. mRNA and protein of HGF was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot. The intensity of green fluorescence and the gene transfection efficiency of TDL compound + microbubbles + ultrasound group were higher than those of other groups, and no significantly different viability was found between TDL compound + microbubbles + ultrasound group and the other groups. The HGF mRNA and HGF protein of TDL compound + microbubbles + ultrasound group were higher than those of other groups. Our finding demonstrated that UTMD could enhance the transfection efficiency of TDL compound without obvious effects on the cell viability of HUVEC, suggesting that the combination of UTMD and TDL compound might be a useful tool for the gene therapy of ischemic heart disease.