CBCT study on the positional relationship between marginal points of pterygomaxillary junction and anterior nasal spine.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to locate the inferior end (Pti) and the superior end (Pts) of pterygomaxillary junction (PMJ) relative to anterior nasal spine (ANS) so as to provide references for pterygomaxillary separation. METHODS: The study was based on CBCT images of 109 Chinese patients. We projected Pti and Pts to the frontal plane and measured the distance as well as the positional relationship between the projection points and ANS via three-dimensional reconstruction image. RESULTS: On average, the ANS was 5.18 mm above the Pti and the horizontal distance between the Pti and ANS was 21.86 mm. The horizontal and vertical distances between Pts and ANS was 20.41 mm and 10.91 mm, respectively. The vertical height of PMJ was 16.09 mm. Scatter plots diagrammatic centered on ANS showed that 73% (160/218) Pti and 64% (140/218) Pts appeared in a 45° fan shape ranged from 20 to 25 mm radius in bilateral inferior and superior quadrant, respectively. There was no significant difference in the distance between both sides (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: During the pterygomaxillary disjunction, it exists a risk of injuring neurovascular bundle of the pterygopalatine fossa 16.09 mm above the lowest border of the pterygomaxillary junction. The region within a 45° fan shape ranged in 20-25 mm radius in inferior quadrant centered on ANS might be suitable for the osteotome position. The positional relationship especially between the ANS and Pti found in this study provides a reference for surgeons during pterygomaxillary disjunction.

Efficacy and safety of bone substitutes in lumbar spinal fusion: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: A variety of alternative grafts to autologous iliac crest bone (ICBG) have been developed for lumbar spondylodesis, due to frequent complications following ICBG harvest. The optimal alternative graft to ICBG, however, remains elusive till now. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of fusion materials in lumbar degeneration diseases and to provide a ranking spectrum of the grafts. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different bone grafts in lumbar arthrodesis were eligible for inclusion. A network meta-analysis was performed for endpoints including fusion rate and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-seven RCTs involving 2488 patients and 13 available interventions were included. rhBMP-2 provided the highest fusion rate, being significantly superior to that of ICBG (OR = 0.21, p < 0.001), autograft local bone (ALB) (OR = 0.18, p = 0.022), rhBMP-7 (OR = 0.15, p < 0.001), allograft (OR = 0.13, p = 0.009), and DBM + ALB (OR = 0.07, p = 0.048). The treatment efficacy of allograft could be significantly enhanced by bone marrow concentrate (BMC) supplying (OR = 0.16, p = 0.010). ICBG ranks second on the frequency of complications, which is significantly higher than that of allograft (OR = 0.14, p = 0.041) and ALB (OR = 0.14, p = 0.030). All of the other comparisons showed similar efficacy and safety profiles between groups. CONCLUSION: Ranking spectrums of the efficacy and safety for various bone grafts were provided graphically. Though rhBMP-2 was of the highest success rate, the application should be taken with proper caution because of the widely proposed life-threatening adverse events. ALB, ALB plus synthetic ceramic materials and allograft mixed with BMC were also proved to be potentially effective alternative graft to ICBG. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Electrochemical characteristics of microelectrode designed for electrical stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Microelectrode arrays play an important role in prosthetic implants for neural signal recording or applying electrical pulses stimulation to target nerve system. Safety and long-term reliability are essential requirements for microelectrode arrays applied in electrical stimulation. In design and fabrication of the microelectrode array, soft materials are generally chosen to be the substrate for the aim of achieving better compliance with the surrounding tissue while maintaining minimal damage. By flexing of the array to the surface, the array is capable of keeping a more stable electrical contact resulting in a significantly improved signal detected. METHODS: In this study, we design and fabricate a flexible microelectrode array with gold as the electrode material and parylene-C as the substrate. The fabrication process of the array is presented. The in vitro electrochemical characteristics of the microelectrode are investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry in a three-electrode electrochemical cell containing phosphate-buffered saline. Charge injection capacity measurements are carried out by multichannel systems and the CSC of the microarray is calculated. RESULTS: Electrochemical results showed that impedance decreased with frequency. The average impedance of the Au electrodes at 1 kHz was 36.54 ± 0.88 kΩ. The average phase angle at 1 kHz was - 73.52 ± 1.3°, and the CIC of the microelectrode was 22.3 µC/cm2. The results demonstrated that the microelectrode array performed as expected for neuronal signal recording or stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: With parylene-C as the substrate, the microarray has good flexibility. The electrochemical characteristics' results show that the array has the ability to resist any corrosion on metal-electrolyte interface and has good biocompatibility. This low-cost, flexible parylene-based, gold microelectrode array shows potential for use in implant neurological signal acquisition or neurostimulation applications.

Clinical Application of Temporary External Fixator for Immediate Mandibular Reconstruction.

Immediate mandibular reconstruction is always necessary for the patients receiving segmental mandibulectomy to recover the facial contour and function of occlusion. When 3D modeling is unavailable, temporary external fixator is necessary to maintain the occlusion relationship and facial contour. In this study, we introduce the clinical application of temporary external fixator for immediate mandibular reconstruction in patients receiving segmental mandibulectomy, which consists of 2 anchor claws, 2 all-round retentive arms, and 1 central locking structure. From August 2016 to September 2017, temporary external fixator was applied in 13 patients. Clinical data of gender, age, surgical procedure, duration of operation, and clinical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Among the 13 patients, there were 4 men and nine women whose ages ranged from 21 to 64 (mean 47.7) years old. There were 9 benign and 4 malignant lesions. All lesions expended at the buccal side of mandible. 12 fibular flaps and 1 vascularized iliac bone graft were used. The mandibular defect ranged from 6 to 14 (mean 10) cm. The operation duration of surgery ranged from 5 to 10 (mean 7) hours. All flaps survived with primary healing. The occlusion and facial contour were good, without significant changes of the length of mandibular body and width of mandible before and after surgery. No functional sequelae were noted at the donor sites. From these results, the temporary external fixator is easy to operate; the surgical procedure is simple and time-saving for surgeon when 3D modeling is unavailable. The indication for temporary external fixator usage is the mandibular lesion growing outward to cheek soft tissue.

Radiotherapy-Sensitized Tumor Photothermal Ablation Using γ-Polyglutamic Acid Nanogels Loaded with Polypyrrole.

Development of versatile nanoscale platforms for cancer diagnosis and therapy is of great importance for applications in translational medicine. In this work, we present the use of γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) nanogels (NGs) to load polypyrrole (PPy) for thermal/photoacoustic (PA) imaging and radiotherapy (RT)-sensitized tumor photothermal therapy (PTT). First, a double emulsion approach was used to prepare the cystamine dihydrochloride (Cys)-cross-linked γ-PGA NGs. Next, the cross-linked NGs served as a reactor to be filled with pyrrole monomers that were subjected to in situ oxidation polymerization in the existence of Fe(III) ions. The formed uniform PPy-loaded NGs having an average diameter of 38.9 ± 8.6 nm exhibited good water-dispersibility and colloid stability. The prominent near-infrared (NIR) absorbance feature due to the loaded PPy endowed the NGs with contrast enhancement in PA imaging. The hybrid NGs possessed excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (64.7%) and stability against laser irradiation, and could be adopted for PA imaging and PTT of cancerous cells and tumor xenografts. Importantly, we also explored the cooperative PTT and X-ray radiation-mediated RT for enhanced tumor therapy. We show that PTT of tumors can be more significantly sensitized by RT using the sequence of laser irradiation followed by X-ray radiation as compared to using the reverse sequence. Our study suggests a promising theranostic platform of hybrid NGs that may be potentially utilized for PA imaging and combination therapy of different types of tumors.

An osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle.

OBJECTIVE: Osteochondroma is rarely seen in the facial region, especially around the condyle. Here, we report a case of condylar osteochondroma, aiming to assist the diagnosis and treatment of the tumor. METHODS: A case of osteochondroma of the left mandibular condyle in a 49-year-old man was presented. Medical records with x-ray, computed tomographic scan, and bone scan of histologically proven osteochondroma of mandibular condyle were obtained. RESULTS: The patient underwent a surgical resection and had fewer functional changes as well as less dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. CONCLUSIONS: The current study highlights the fact that, despite its rarity in the mandibular condyle, surgical resection is an effective treatment method. The decision, however, depends on how much swing of the mandible is required after surgery for correction of asymmetry and occlusion.

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation in polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate immobilized biomass system: a potential tool to maintain anammox biomass in application.

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) has been proved to be a promising nitrogen removal method for treating ammonium-rich wastewater. However, because of the low-growth rate of anammox bacteria, maintenance of a sufficient amount of anammox biomass in reactor became a key factor in application. Gel immobilization is an efficient method to prevent biomass from being washed out and to promote hyper-concentrated cultures. This study focused on a nitrogen removal process by anammox enrichment culture immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate (PVA-SA) gel beads. The rapid startup of reactor demonstrated that gel entrapment was supposed to be a highly effective technique for immobilizing anammox bacteria. The anammox bacteria present in the enrichment were identified to be Jettenia-like species (>98%). Moreover, the effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT), pH, and temperature on immobilized anammox processes were investigated. The effect of pH and temperature on the anammox process was evidently weakened in PVA-SA immobilized gel beads, however, the effect of HRT on the anammox reaction was enhanced. Therefore, a stable operated reactor could be obtained in an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor, which proved gel immobilization was an excellent method to maintain the biomass in anammox reactor for application.

Bright far-red/near-infrared conjugated polymer nanoparticles for in vivo bioimaging.

A highly emissive far-red/near-infrared (FR/NIR) fluorescent conjugated polymer (CP), poly[(9,9-dihexylfluorene)-co-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-co-4,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole] (PFBTDBT10) is designed and synthesized via Suzuki polymerization. Formulation of PFBTDBT10 using 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG2000 ) and DSPE-PEG5000-folate as the encapsulation matrix yielded CP-loaded DSPE-PEG-folic acid nanoparticles (CPDP-FA NPs) with bright FR/NIR fluorescence (27% quantum yield) and a large Stoke's shift of 233 nm in aqueous solution. CPDP-FA NPs show improved thermal/photostabilities and larger Stoke's shifts as compared to commercially available quantum dots (Qdot 655) and organic dyes such as Alexa Fluor 555 and Rhodamine 6G. In vivo studies of CPDP-FA NPs on a hepatoma H22 tumor-bearing mouse model reveal that they could serve as an efficient FR/NIR fluorescent probe for targeted in vivo fluorescence imaging and cancer detection in a high contrast and specific manner. Together with the negligible in vivo toxicity, CPDP-FA NPs are promising FR/NIR fluorescent probes for future in vivo applications.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for trigeminal schwannoma: a clinical retrospective study in 52 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes in a series of patients in whom stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was used to treat trigeminal schwannomas. METHODS: The records of 52 patients who underwent SRS for trigeminal schwannoma were reviewed using a retrospective study. The median patient age was 47.1 years (range, 18-77); 20 patients (38.5%) had undergone prior tumor resection and 32 (61.5%) underwent radiosurgery on the basis of imaging diagnosis only. The most frequent presenting symptoms were facial numbness (29 patients), jaw weakness (11 patients), facial pain (10 patients) and diplopia (4 patients). Fifty-two cases with solid tumors were mainly solid in 44 cases (84.6%), mostly cystic in 2 cases (3.8%), and cystic and solid mixed in 6 cases (11.5%). Two cases of mostly cystic tumor first underwent stereotactic cystic fluid aspiration and intracavitary irradiation, and then had MRI localization scan again for gamma knife treatment. The mean tumor volume was 7.2 ml (range, 0.5-38.2). The mean prescription radiation dose was 13.9 Gy (range, 11-17), and the mean prescription isodose configuration was 47.9%. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 61 months (range, 12-156), neurological symptoms or signs improved in 35 patients (67.3%), 14 patients (26.9%) had a stable lesion, and worsening of the disease occurred in 2 patients (3.8%). On imaging, the schwannomas almost disappeared in 8 (15.4%), shrank in 32 (61.5%), remained stable in 5 (9.6%), and increased in size in 7 patients (13.5%). Tumor growth control was achieved in 45 (86.5%) of the 52 patients. CONCLUSIONS: SRS is an effective and minimally invasive management option for patients with residual or newly diagnosed trigeminal schwannomas. The use of SRS to treat trigeminal schwannomas resulted in good tumor control and functional improvement.

Evaluate root and canal morphology of primary mandibular second molars in Chinese individuals by using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: More detailed knowledge of root and canal morphology is important in order to improve the success in the endodontics of primary teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the root and canal morphology of primary mandibular second molars (PMSMs) in a Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: CBCT images, which had been obtained previously in the West China Hospital of Stomatology at Sichuan University, Chengdu, China between May 2009 and December 2011, were screened retrospectively. Finally, 283 individuals-207 male and 76 female with a mean age of 7.2 years (range 3-10 years)-and 487 PMSMs with clear images of root and canal morphology were enrolled. The number of roots and morphology of canals were recorded. The patient's gender, and the symmetry and frequency of three roots in PMSMs were analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of PMSMs had two (72.28%) or three roots (27.52%). The symmetrical incidence of three-root PMSMs in this Chinese population was 50.65%. There is no difference between genders in the prevalence of an extra root and the incidence of symmetry (p > 0.05). Of the individuals enrolled, 25.26% of PMSMs had three canals and 73.31% had four canals. The root canal systems of the PMSMs in the present study were categorized into seven variants. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that three-rooted PMSMs occur frequently in the Chinese population. There was no difference between the two genders on incidence and symmetry. The majority of PMSMs have three to four canals and the diversity of the root canal variants should be considered when performing clinical procedures. CBCT is a good option for studying the root and canal morphology of primary teeth.

Effects of Allogeneic Bone Substitute Configurations on Cell Adhesion Process In Vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential effect of three allogenic bone substitute configurations on the viability, adhesion, and spreading of osteoblasts in vitro. METHODS: Freeze-dried cortical bone were ground and fractions were divided into three groups with different sizes and shapes, defined as bone fiber (0.1 mm × 0.1 mm × 3 mm), bone powder (0.45-0.9 mm), and bone granule group (3-6 mm). MC3T3-E1 cells were divided and co-cultured within groups to induce cell adhesion. The configuration of allogenic bone was captured by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and substrate roughness values were quantified. Cell adhesion rate was assessed using the hemocyte counting method, cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay and live/dead staining, and cell morphology was visualized by Phalloidin and DAPI, and the mRNA expression of adhesion-related gene (vinculin) of different substitutes were determined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The roughness values of bone fiber, bone powder, and bone granule group were 1.878 µm (1.578-2.415 µm), 5.066 µm (3.891-6.162 µm), and 0.860 µm (0.801-1.452 µm), respectively (bone powder group compared with bone granule group, H = 18.015, P < 0.001). Similar OD values of all groups in CCK-8 assay indicated good biocompatibility of these substitutes (bone fiber, 0.201 ± 0.004; bone powder, 0.206 ± 0.008; bone granule group, 0.197 ± 0.006; and the control group, 0.202 ± 0.016, F = 0.7152, P > 0.05). In addition, representative cell adhesion rates at 24 h showed significantly lower cell adhesion rate in bone fiber group (20.3 ± 1.6%) compared to bone powder (29.3 ± 4.4%) and bone granule group (27.3 ± 3.2%) (F = 10.51，P = 0.009 and P = 0.034, respectively), but there was no significant difference between the latter two groups (P > 0.05). Interestingly, the expression of vinculin mRNA steadily decreased in a time-dependent manner. The vinculin expression reached its peak at 6 h in each group, and the vinculin levels in bone fiber, bone powder, and bone granule group were 2.119 ± 0.052, 3.842 ± 0.108, and 3.585 ± 0.068 times higher than those in the control group, respectively (F = 733.643, all P < 0.001). Meanwhile, there was a significant difference in the expression of target gene between bone powder and bone granule group (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: All allogenic bone substitutes presented an excellent cell viability. Moreover, bone powder and bone granule group were more likely to promote cell adhesion and spreading compared to bone fiber group.

Bacterial cellulose/gum Arabic composite production by in-situ modification from lavender residue hydrolysate.

In this study, bacterial cellulose/gum Arabic composite (BC/GA) was synthesized by in-situ modification from lavender residue hydrolysate for the first time. The in-situ modification with GA adding showed great beneficial effect for BC/GA synthesis. Both the product (BC or BC/GA) yield and the product (BC or BC/GA) production per sugars consumption increased greatly by the in-situ modification when compared with the fermentation without GA adding (2.90 g/L vs. 0.91 g/L, and 0.461 g/g vs. 0.138 g/g). It is hypothesized that the combination of BC and GA is the main mechanism for the beneficial effect of the in-situ modification, and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirmed this hypothesis. GA adding showed little effect on the rheological properties of lavender residue hydrolysate, and this environment was suitable for the combination of BC and GA. The in-situ modification had an obvious influence on the crystallinity index and the thermal stability of BC/GA, but affected little on its functional groups and cellulose structural framework. Besides BC/GA synthesis and structure, the in-situ modification could also alter the texture properties of BC/GA. Overall, this study can offer some useful information for the biochemical conversion from green and cost-effective lavender residue hydrolysate to attractive biomaterial BC/GA.

Hyperbranched conjugated polyelectrolyte for dual-modality fluorescence and magnetic resonance cancer imaging.

Herein is reported the synthesis of gadolinium ion (Gd(III))-chelated hyperbranched conjugated polyelectrolyte (HCPE-Gd) and its application in fluorescence and magnetic resonance (MR) dual imaging in live animals. The synthesized HCPE-Gd forms nanospheres with an average diameter of ∼42 nm measured by laser light scattering and a quantum yield of 10% in aqueous solution. The absorption spectrum of HCPE-Gd has two maxima at 318 and 417 nm, and its photoluminescence maximum centers at 591 nm. Confocal laser scanning microscopy studies indicate that the HCPE-Gd is internalized in MCF-7 cancer cell cytoplasm with good photostability and low cytotoxicity. Further fluorescence and MR imaging studies on hepatoma H22 tumor-bearing mouse model reveal that HCPE-Gd can serve as an efficient optical/MR dual-modal imaging nanoprobe for in vivo cancer diagnosis.

Biomechanical study of the atlantoaxial joint after artificial atlanto-odontoid joint arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the stability and three-dimensional movements of the atlantoaxial joint after artificial atlanto-odontoid joint (AAOJ) arthroplasty by comparing with a conventional method. METHODS: After anterior decompression, 24 human cadaveric spinal specimens of C0-C3 were randomly divided into two groups: Group A receiving artificial AAOJ arthroplasty; Group B experiencing anterior transarticular screw (ATAS) fixation. Two groups underwent flexibility test in intact and instrumented states. Rotational angle of the C0-C3 segments was measured to study the immediate stability and function of anterior decompression with AAOJ arthroplasty compared with the intact state and ATAS fixation. RESULTS: Compared with the intact state, anterior decompression with AAOJ arthroplasty resulted in a significant decrease in the range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone (NZ) during flexion, extension and lateral bending (P less than 0.05); however, with regard to axial rotation, there was no significant difference in ROM and NZ (P larger than 0.05). Compared with anterior decompression with ATAS fixation, anterior decompression with AAOJ arthroplasty during flexion, extension and lateral bending, significant difference was found in ROM and NZ (P larger than 0.05); however, as for axial rotation, there was a significant increase in ROM and NZ (P less than 0.05). CONCLUSION: The self-designed AAOJ has an excellent biomechanical performance, which can restore excellent instant stability and preserve the movement of the atlantoaxial joint.

Extracellular vesicles from amniotic fluid, milk, saliva, and urine expose complexes of tissue factor and activated factor VII.

BACKGROUND: Tissue factor (TF) is expressed in the adventitia of the vessel wall and on extracellular vesicles (EVs) in body fluids. TF and activated coagulation factor (F) VII(a) together form the so-called extrinsic tenase complex, which initiates coagulation. AIM: We investigated whether EVs in amniotic fluid, milk, saliva, and urine expose functional extrinsic tenase complexes that can trigger coagulation. METHODS: Milk, saliva, and urine were collected from healthy breastfeeding women (n = 6), and amniotic fluid was collected from healthy women undergoing routine amniocentesis (n = 7). EVs were isolated from body fluids by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and clotting experiments were performed in the presence and absence of antibodies against TF and FVIIa in normal plasma and in FVII-deficient plasma. The ability of body fluids to generate FXa also was determined. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid, milk, saliva, and urine triggered clotting of normal plasma and of FVII-deficient plasma, which was almost completely inhibited by an anti-FVII antibody and to a lesser extent by an anti-TF antibody. Fractionation of body fluids by SEC showed that only the fractions containing EVs triggered clotting in normal plasma and FVII-deficient plasma and generated FXa, which again was almost completely inhibited by an anti-FVII antibody and partially by an anti-TF antibody. CONCLUSION: Here we show that EVs from amniotic fluid, milk, saliva, and urine expose complexes of TF and FVIIa (i.e., extrinsic tenase complexes) that directly activate FX. Based on our present findings we propose that these EVs from normal body fluids provide hemostatic protection.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of PLGA-based doxorubicin-loaded implants for tumor therapy.

The traditional systemic chemotherapy through intravenous infusion of doxorubicin (DOX) has many side effects. The aim of this study was to develop a PLGA-based DOX-loaded implant and to evaluate the efficacy and drug metabolism distribution of the implant in intratumoral chemotherapy for osteosarcoma (OS). In this study, implants containing DOX, poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide), and polyethylene glycol 4000 were prepared by melt-molding method. Then, the antitumor activity and systemic drug distribution of the implants were tested in a K7M2 OS bearing mouse model. The scanning electron microscope images showed that DOX was uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. Both the in vitro and in vivo release profiles of implants are characterized by three-phase release. Implantation of DOX-loaded implants into tumors can inhibit tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. The pharmacokinetic behavior shows that intratumor chemotherapy through implants has a much higher drug concentration in tumors than in normal tissues, which may be the reason for improving antitumor activity and reducing systemic side effects. In summary, the drug release of the implants prepared in this study is sustained and stable, which promotes long-term local accumulation of drugs in tumors, improves the efficacy of chemotherapy and has low toxicity to normal tissues.

Effect of changing the melanoidins by decoction on the release of volatiles in Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar.

Melanoidins, making general contribution to the food characteristics, are extensively generated in the production of Chinese traditional vinegar; however, their effect on flavor modification remains unknown. This study investigated the changes in the melanoidins of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar (ZAV) during decoction, and the interactions of crude melanoidins (CM) and pure melanoidins (PM) from decocted and undecocted ZAV with mixed aroma compounds were compared. With the exception of CN, OH and CH, chemical bonds and groups varied among the four types of melanoidins. However, CM and PM, obtained from decocted or undecocted vinegar, displayed generally similar structures, which resulted in their consistent retention of volatiles owning to the overall structure characteristics. Compared to aqueous solution, CM and PM from undecocted vinegar exhibited release, non-influence, or adsorption of flavors. However, melanoidins from decocted vinegar appeared the adsorption for all flavors but 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine with weakened release. Free low molecular weight (LMw) compounds would affect the volatiles retention. Total solids (TS) from undecocted vinegar adsorbed volatiles except diethyl succinate; however, TS from decocted vinegar released all flavors significantly. Therefore, the decocted melanoidins were beneficial for the persistence of aroma. This study provided a base for elucidating the formation of melanoidins in decoction procedure and their roles in flavor modification.

Curcumin delivery by methoxy polyethylene glycol-poly(caprolactone) nanoparticles inhibits the growth of C6 glioma cells.

As a potential anticancer agent, curcumin (Cum) has been reported for its chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity in a series of cancers through influencing cell cycle arrest, differentiation, apoptosis, etc. Therefore, the potential activity against various cancers of Cum raises the possibility of its application as a novel model drug in nanoparticle-based delivery systems. The current study reported a spherical core-shell structure curcumin-loaded nanoparticle (Cum-np) formed by amphilic methoxy polyethylene glycol-poly(caprolactone) (mPEG-PCL) block copolymers. Characterization tests indicated that Cum was incorporated into mPEG-PCL-based nanoparticles with high encapsulation efficiency due to its lipophilicity. The incorporated Cum could be released from Cum-np in a sustained manner. Cum was effectively transported into the cells by nanoparticles through endocytosis and localized around the nuclei in the cytoplasms. In vitro studies proved that the cytotoxicity of Cum-np would be pro-apoptosis effect against rat C6 glioma cell line in a dose-dependent manner. The present results suggest that Cum-np could be a potential useful chemotherapeutic formulation for malignant glioma therapy. Moreover, the development of traditional Chinese medicine with nanoscale drug formation warrants more intensive research for its clinical applications.

[In vivo osteogenic functions of injectable biological bone cement].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the osteogenic functions of injectable biological bone cement during repairing inclusive bone defects in rabbit femoral condyles. METHODS: Encapsulated rhBMP-2 gene modified rabbit bone mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) were seeded into calcium phosphate cement (CPC) to prepare injectable biological bone cement. The live/dead cell ratio was detected by calcein-AM/ethidium homodimer staining and cement microstructure examined by electron microscope. The anti-compression strength of CPC were tested. Inclusive bone defects were created in the bilateral femoral condyles of 6 rabbits. The biological CPC was implanted randomly at one side and pure CPC at the other side. The radiological films were taken immediately, at Weeks 6 & 12 post-operation. The animals were sacrificed at Week 12 post-operation and both femoral condyles were retrieved to prepare decalcified slides. The morphometry parameters of bone tissue, such as cement area (CA), calcified trabecular area (TBA), osteoblast index (OBI) and osteoclast (OCI) were measured. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expressions of BMP (bone morphogenetic protein)-2, TGF (transforming growth factor)-ß1 and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). RESULTS: The calcein-AM/ethidium homodimer staining showed that the live rate of encapsulated cells was over 90%. It was found under electron microscope that there was the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals and the presence of connective microporous structure. The anti-compression strength of biological cement was (20.19 ± 1.75) MPa. And it was much less than that of pure CPC. Radiological study showed that both types of CPC could fill bone defects completely without gap. The biological CPC degraded a little faster. As demonstrated by decalcified slides, the cements were absorbed into numerous small blocks around newborn trabeculae without insertion of fibrous tissues. CA decreased to 9.68% in biological CPC group and it was much less than 17.47% for pure CPC group. TBA was 58.75% in biological CPC group and it was much greater than 34.34% for pure CPC group. There was no significant difference in OBT and OCT between two groups. Immunohistochemical staining showed there were a large number of oval-shaped nuclear mast cells in biological CPC group. They were strongly positive for the expression of BMP-2. A moderate number of cells had a positive expression of TGF-ß1 and VEGF. More positive cells were present in biological CPC group. CONCLUSION: The introduction of BMP-2 into CPC renders CPC capable of bone induction. Thus CPC induce both the proliferation of BMSCs and the expressions of TGF-ß1 and VEGF. The synergistic effects of these three factors accelerate the degradation of CPC.

In-situ fermentation with gellan gum adding to produce bacterial cellulose from traditional Chinese medicinal herb residues hydrolysate.

In this study, bacterial cellulose was synthesized by Taonella mepensis from traditional Chinese medicinal herb residues hydrolysate. To overcome the inhibitory effect of fermentation environment, in-situ fermentation with gellan gum adding was carried out for the first time. After 10 days' static fermentation, both high-acyl gellan gum and low-acyl gellan gum adding showed certain beneficial effects for bacterial cellulose production that the highest bacterial cellulose yield (0.866 and 0.798 g/L, respectively) was 59% and 47% higher than that (0.543 g/L) without gellan gum adding. Besides, gellan gum based bacterial cellulose showed some better texture characteristics. Gellan gum was loaded in the nano network of bacterial cellulose, and gellan gum adding had some influence on the crystal structure and thermal degradation behaviors of bacterial cellulose but affected little on its functional groups. Overall, this in-situ fermentation technology is attractive for bacterial cellulose production from low-cost but inhibitory substrates.