Controlling the window size in mesoporous SBA-16

Dotted line: constant mean curvature with Im3̄m symmetry. Solid surface: electron density map of calcined SBA-16.

Expression of budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles-1 and mitotic arrest deficient-2 in endometrial carcinoma and its significance

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the expression of budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles-1 (Bub1) and mitotic arrest deficient-2 (Mad2) in endometrial carcinoma and its significance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of Bub 1 and Mad2 in 30 human normal endometrial tissues (group A), 30 complexly-hyperplastic endometrial tissues (group B), and 63 endometrial carcinoma tissues (group C) was observed using immunohistochemistry (the streptavidin-peroxidase method).

RESULTS

The positive expression rates of Bub1 in groups A, B, and C were 86.67%, 56.67%, and 28.57%, respectively. The positive rate of Bub1 protein was correlated with the differentiation degree and clinical stage of endometrial carcinoma (p < 0.05) other than lymph node metastasis (p > 0.05): A higher differentiation degree and a more advanced stage of endometrial carcinoma indicated a higher positive rate of Bub1 protein. The positive rates of Mad2 protein in groups A, B, and C were 23.33%, 56.67%, and 85.71%, respectively. The positive rate of Mad2 protein was correlated with the differentiation degree of endometrial carcinoma (p < 0.05) other than its clinical stage and lymph node metastasis (p > 0.05): A lower differentiation degree indicated a higher positive rate of Mad2 protein. Bub1 and Mad2 proteins were negatively correlated in the endometrial carcinoma tissues (r = - 0.719, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Bub1 and Mad2 proteins interact with each other. They may play an important role in the initiation and development of endometrial carcinoma.

Clinical analysis of 65 cases of laparoscopic treatments on tubal infertility caused by tubal distortion

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the clinical value of laparoscopic treatment on tubal infertility caused by tubal distortion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 65 cases of patients with tubal infertility were divided into three groups based on tubal distortion degree, i.e., 21 cases had a minimum angle of tubal distortion < 45 degrees (A group), 39 cases had a distortion angle between 45 degrees and 90 degrees (B group), and five cases had a distortion angle between 90 degrees and 145 degrees (C group). The pregnancy outcome and the impact of tubal distortion degree on pregnancy outcome were analyzed 6 to 24 months after operation.

RESULTS

The total pregnancy rate of these 256 cases were 43.75% with an intrauterine pregnancy rate of 40.23% and an ectopic pregnancy rate of 3.52%. In the simple distortion tubal infertility cases, the total pregnancy rate was 44.62%. In Group A, five cases became pregnant after operation (33.33%); in Group B, 19 cases (48.72%); and in Group C, three cases (60%). The differences in pregnancy rate between Groups A and B and Groups A and C were statistically significant (p < 0.05), whereas that between Groups B and C was not (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tubal plastic surgery via laparoscopy is an effective way to treat infertility caused by tubal distortion by restoring the normal shape of oviducts, especially in cases when the minimum angle of tubal distortion is greater than 45 degrees.

In vitro and in vivo studies on biodegradable CaMgZnSrYb high-entropy bulk metallic glass

In order to enhance the corrosion resistance of the Ca65Mg15Zn20 bulk metallic glass, which has too fast a degradation rate for biomedical applications, we fabricated the Ca20Mg20Zn20Sr20Yb20 high-entropy bulk metallic glass because of the unique properties of high-entropy alloys. Our results showed that the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior were enhanced. The in vitro tests showed that the Ca20Mg20Zn20Sr20Yb20 high-entropy bulk metallic glass could stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of cultured osteoblasts. The in vivo animal tests showed that the Ca20Mg20Zn20Sr20Yb20 high-entropy bulk metallic glass did not show any obvious degradation after 4 weeks of implantation, and they can promote osteogenesis and new bone formation after 2 weeks of implantation. The improved mechanical properties and corrosion behavior can be attributed to the different chemical composition as well as the formation of a unique high-entropy atomic structure with a maximum degree of disorder.

Response characteristics of primary auditory cortex neurons underlying perceptual asymmetry of ramped and damped sounds

Sound envelope plays a crucial role in perception: ramped sounds (slow attack and quick decay) are louder in strength and longer in subjective duration than damped sounds (quick attack and slow decay) even if they are equal in intensity and physical duration. To explain the asymmetrical perception, the perceptual constancy hypothesis supposes that the listener eliminates the slow decay of damped sounds from the judgment of perception, while the persistence of perception hypothesis supposes asymmetrical neural responses after the source has stopped. To understand neural mechanisms underlying the perceptual asymmetry, we explored response properties of the primary auditory cortex (A1) neurons during ramped and damped stimuli in awake cats. We found two distinct types of cells tuned to specific features of the sound envelope: edge cells sensitive to the temporal edge, such as quick attack and decay, while slope cells sensitive to slow attack and decay. The former needs a short (<2.5 ms) period of stimulus duration for evoking maximal peak responses, while the latter needs a long (20 ms) period, suggesting that the timescale of processing underlies differential sensitivity between the cell types. The findings suggest that perceptual constancy is not yet be executed at A1 because the specific cells distinguishing the direction of amplitude change (attack or decay) are lacking in A1. On the other hand, there is evidence of persistence of perception: overall response duration during ramped sound reached 1.4 times longer than that during damped sound, originating mainly from the response asymmetry of the edge cell (sensitive to the quick decay of ramped sounds but not to the slow decay of damped sounds), and neuronal persistence of excitation after the termination of ramped sounds was substantially longer than that of damped sounds, corresponding to the psychological evidence of persistence of perception.

High-risk features in radiation-associated breast angiosarcomas

BACKGROUND

Radiation-associated breast angiosarcoma (RT-AS) is an uncommon malignancy with an incidence of less than 1 % of all soft tissue sarcomas. The overall prognosis is quite dismal with high rates of recurrences and poor overall survival. There is an obvious paucity of data regarding clinical outcomes of patients with breast RT-AS.

METHODS

We identified all patients with RT-AS treated at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1982-2011 and collected their correlative clinical information.

RESULTS

We identified 79 women with RT-AS with a median age of 68 (range 36-87). The median interval between radiation and development of RT-AS was 7 years (range 3-19). The median time to local and distant recurrence was 1.29 years (95 % CI 0.72-NA) and 2.48 years (95 % CI 1.29-NA), respectively. The median disease-specific survival was 2.97 years (95 % CI 2.21-NA). Independent predictors of worse disease-specific survival included age 68 years (HR 3.11, 95 % CI 1.20-8.08, P=0.020) and deep tumors (HR 3.23, 95 % CI 1.02-10.21, P=0.046.)

CONCLUSION

RT-AS has high local/distant recurrence rates, limited duration on standard chemotherapy and poor disease-specific survival.

SLE disease per se contributes to deterioration in bone mineral density, microstructure and bone strength

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this report is to assess the effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease itself on deterioration of bone mineral density (BMD), microstructure and bone strength.

METHOD

Thirty age-matched SLE patients on long-term glucocorticoids (GC) (SLE/GC), 30 SLE patients without GC (SLE/non-GC) and 60 healthy controls were examined. Areal BMD (aBMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone geometry, volumetric BMD (vBMD), and architectural parameters at the nondominant distal radius were assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Bone strength was estimated by HR-pQCT-based micro-finite element analysis.

RESULTS

Adjusted for menopausal status and adjusted calcium level, when compared with controls, SLE/non-GC patients had significantly lower aBMD at femoral neck and total hip, and diminished radial total vBMD, cortical area, vBMD and thickness, respectively, by 8.3%, 8%, 2.7% and 9.2%, as well as significant compromised bone strength (stiffness, failure load and apparent modulus) by 8.3%, 9.1% and 9.5%, respectively. Similar alterations were also found in SLE/GC patients when compared to controls. In the premenopausal subgroup analysis, when compared with controls, total hip aBMD and radial cortical area were significantly lower in SLE/non-GC patients, and cortical area and thickness were significantly deficit in SLE/GC patients. However, no significant difference in any bone variables was present between SLE/GC and SLE/non-GC patients in the entire cohort or in the premenopausal subgroup.

CONCLUSION

SLE disease per se contributes to the deterioration in bone density, cortical microstructure and bone strength. This might help to explain the considerably higher fracture risk seen in SLE patients.

Alterations of bone geometry, density, microarchitecture, and biomechanical properties in systemic lupus erythematosus on long-term glucocorticoid: a case-control study using HR-pQCT

Compared to controls, HR-pQCT at distal radius of SLE patients on chronic glucocorticoid (SLE/GC) revealed reduced bone area, vBMD, deteriorated microarchitecture, and unevenly distributed stresses limited to cortical bone. Despite similar trabecular quality, whole bone strength decreased in patients. These alterations may partly explain high fracture rates in SLE/GC.

INTRODUCTION

To assess bone geometric, densitometric, microarchitectural, and biomechanical properties in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on long-term glucocorticoid (GC) (SLE/GC) as compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

A total of 180 female SLE patients and 180 healthy controls were in this cross-sectional study to assess areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and microfinite element analysis (μFEA) was performed at distal radius.

RESULTS

In addition to significantly lower aBMD at femoral neck, total hip and lumbar spine, cortical area, average volumetric BMD (vBMD) and cortical vBMD also significantly reduced by 5.3, 5.7, to 1.9 % in SLE patients, respectively. Deteriorations of cortical microarchitecture were pronounced in patients, with 6.3 % reduction in cortical thickness and 13.6 % higher in cortical porosity. Local stresses were more unevenly distributed through cortical bone in patients. SLE/GC patients had decreased whole bone stiffness, estimated failure load, and apparent modulus. Parameters related to trabecular bone density and microarchitecture were comparable between patients and controls.

CONCLUSION

In SLE/GC patients, despite a reduction in bone area, vBMD and deteriorated microarchitecture and unevenly distributed stresses limited to the cortical compartment, whole bone strength decreased. HR-pQCT and μFEA were promising in elucidating the potential underlying pathophysiology of bone loss and propensity to fracture in SLE/GC and provide us additional information about alterations of bone quality which might better predict fracture risk beyond aBMD in SLE/GC.

PLGA/TCP composite scaffold incorporating bioactive phytomolecule icaritin for enhancement of bone defect repair in rabbits

Bone defect repair is challenging in orthopaedic clinics. For treatment of large bone defects, bone grafting remains the method of choice for the majority of surgeons, as it fills spaces and provides support to enhance biological bone repair. As therapeutic agents are desirable for enhancing bone healing, this study was designed to develop such a bioactive composite scaffold (PLGA/TCP/ICT) made of polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) as a basic carrier, incorporating a phytomolecule icaritin (ICT), i.e., a novel osteogenic exogenous growth factor. PLGA/TCP/ICT scaffolds were fabricated as PLGA/TCP (control group) and PLGA/TCP in tandem with low/mid/high-dose ICT (LICT/MICT/HICT groups, respectively). To evaluate the in vivo osteogenic and angiogenic potentials of these bioactive scaffolds with slow release of osteogenic ICT, the authors established a 12 mm ulnar bone defect model in rabbits. X-ray and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography results at weeks 2, 4 and 8 post-surgery showed more newly formed bone within bone defects implanted with PLGA/TCP/ICT scaffolds, especially PLGA/TCP/MICT scaffold. Histological results at weeks 4 and 8 also demonstrated more newly mineralized bone in PLGA/TCP/ICT groups, especially in the PLGA/TCP/MICT group, with correspondingly more new vessel ingrowth. These findings may form a good foundation for potential clinical validation of this innovative bioactive scaffold incorporated with the proper amount of osteopromotive phytomolecule ICT as a ready product for clinical applications.

Effect of whole body vibration (WBV) therapy on bone density and bone quality in osteopenic girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a randomized, controlled trial

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether whole body vibration (WBV) therapy was effective for treating osteopenia in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Results showed that WBV was effective for improving areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the femoral neck of the dominant side and lumbar spine BMC in AIS subjects.

INTRODUCTION

AIS is associated with osteopenia. Although WBV was shown to have skeletal anabolic effects in animal studies, its effect on AIS subjects remained unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether WBV could improve bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality for osteopenia in AIS subjects.

METHODS

This was a randomized, controlled trial recruiting 149 AIS girls between 15 and 25 years old and with bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores <-1. They were randomly assigned to the Treatment or Control groups. The Treatment group (n = 61) stood on a low-magnitude high-frequency WBV platform 20 min/day, 5 days/week for 12 months. The Control group (n = 63) received observation alone. Bone measurement was done at baseline and at 12 months: (1) aBMD and BMC at femoral necks and lumbar spine using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and (2) bone quality including bone morphometry, volumetric BMD (vBMD), and trabecular bone microarchitecture using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) for nondominant distal radius and bilateral distal tibiae.

RESULTS

The Treatment group had numerically greater increases in all DXA parameters with a statistically significant difference being detected for the absolute and percentage increases in femoral neck aBMD at the dominant leg (0.015 (SD = 0.031)g/cm(2), 2.15 (SD = 4.32)%) and the absolute increase in lumbar spine BMC (1.17 (SD = 2.05)g) in the Treatment group as compared with the Control group (0.00084 (SD = 0.026)g/cm(2), 0.13 (SD = 3.62)% and 0.47 (SD = 1.88)g, respectively). WBV had no significant effect for other bone quality parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

WBV was effective for improving aBMD at the femoral neck of the dominant side and lumbar spine BMC in AIS subjects.

Temperature and boundary influence on cement hydration monitoring using embedded piezoelectric transducers

In this study, the hydration process was monitored using embedded ultrasonic transducers. It was found that the ultrasonic amplitude decreased and fluctuated at the very early age, several hours after the beginning of fast hydration. The embedded transducers are very different from the surface coupled ones for they were directly influenced by the cement paste, such as the varying temperature and the boundary condition. Experiments were carried out to find out which factor result in such decrease and fluctuation. Test results showed that both the temperature and boundary conditions affect the ultrasonic measurement. When the hydration progressed under constant temperature, the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave decreased smoothly during certain period. When the hardened specimen was tested, it was found that the amplitude would decrease obviously with the increasing of temperature and vice versa. The findings could be used to interpret the amplitude plot obtained in the normal hydration monitoring using embedded transducers.

Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor A expression in mouse granulosa cells by lentivector-mediated RNAi

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been found responsible for the induction of proliferation and differentiation in granulosa cells. We constructed four short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmids targeting the mouse VEGFA gene, and examined their effect on VEGF expression in mouse granulosa cells (MGC) in vitro. Four different shRNA oligonucleotides targeting the coding sequence of mouse VEGFA mRNA and one negative control (shNC) were designed and cloned into a pGPU6/GFP/Neo siRNA expression vector, and transiently transfected into MGC. At 48 h post-transfection, total RNA was extracted from the cells and subjected to qRT-PCR analysis. The most effective interference vector, shVEGF1487 was chosen for lentiviral construction. The recombinant plasmid was then transfected into 293FT cells via Lipofectamine(TM) 2000-mediated gene transfer, for the production of lentivirus, and then concentrated via ultracentrifugation. This lentiviral vector was then used for the transduction of MGC. VEGFA gene expression, apoptosis genes and VEGFA receptor genes were detected by qRT-PCR, the VEGFA protein level in culture media by ELISA assay and protein levels in MGC by Western blot analysis. The four VEGFA expression plasmids were successfully constructed and the most effective interference vector, shVEGF1487, was chosen for lentiviral production and MGC transduction. There was significant knockdown of the VEGFA gene, receptor genes and apoptosis genes for all the shVEGF constructs, compared with the shNC and Mock controls. The lentiviral vector also gave significant knockdown of the VEGFA gene. Protein levels were lower for most of the shVEGFs based on Western blot analysis with exception of VEGF1359; in this case, it was higher than shNC but lower than for the Mock group. Lentivector-transduced MGC also gave lower levels of protein. We conclude that shVEGF expression plasmids and lentivector carrying RNAi are promising tools for the inhibition of VEGF, the corresponding receptor genes, and apoptosis gene expression in MGC.

Dynamic QTL analysis for fruit lycopene content and total soluble solid content in a Solanum lycopersicum x S. pimpinellifolium cross

Fruit lycopene content and total soluble solid content are important factors determining fruit quality of tomatoes; however, the dynamic quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling lycopene and soluble solid content have not been well studied. We mapped the chromosomal regions controlling these traits in different periods in F(2:3) families derived from a cross between the domestic and wild tomato species Solanum lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium. Fifteen QTLs for lycopene and soluble solid content and other related traits analyzed at three different fruit ripening stages were detected with a composite interval mapping method. These QTLs explained 7-33% of the individual phenotypic variation. QTLs detected in the color-changing period were different from those detected in the other two periods. On chromosome 1, the soluble solid content QTL was located in the same region during the color-changing and full-ripe periods. On chromosome 4, the same QTL for lycopene content was found during the color-changing and full-ripe periods. The QTL for lycopene content on chromosome 4 co-located with the QTL for soluble solid content during the full-ripe period. Co-location of lycopene content QTL and soluble solid content QTLs may be due to pleiotropic effects of a single gene or a cluster of genes via physiological relationships among traits. On chromosome 9, the same two QTLs for lycopene content at two different fruit ripening periods may reflect genes controlling lycopene content that are always expressed in tomato fruit development.

P53 mutations may be related to tumor invasiveness of human hepatocellular-carcinoma in china

A combined polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the enzyme HaeIII restriction analysis and DNA sequencing have been employed to study the mutations at codon 249 of p53 gene in two human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and 28 surgical specimens of HCC. 14 of the 28 HCC samples (50%) had p53 point mutations at codon 249. All of point mutations at codon 249 in 10 cases sequenced are AGG to AGT transversion. p53 gene mutated more frequently in invasive HCCs than that in non-invasive HCCs. This suggested that the codon 249 was a mutational hotspot of p53 gene in human HCCs in China, and p53 mutations may be related to tumor invasiveness of human HCC.

MiRNA-21 reverses high glucose and high insulin induced insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through targeting phosphatase and tensin homologue

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Our previous study showed there was a change of microRNA (miRNA) expression profile, and miR-21 was significantly down regulated in insulin-resistant adipocytes (IR-adipocytes). Phosphatase and tensin homologs deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), a negative regulator of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, was identified to be a target gene of miR-21, which suggested miR-21 might be associated with insulin resistance (IR) or diabetes. However, it is not known whether miR-21 play any role in the development of IR in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

METHODS

Normal adipocytes and adipocytes transfected with pre-miR-21(pmiR-21) or negative control (pNeg) were treated with high glucose and high insulin for 24 h, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was determined by 2-Deoxyglucose transport assay, miR-21 expression level was measured by using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein expression levels of PTEN, Akt, phospho-Akt (Ser473), IRβ, GSK3β, phospho-GSK3β (Ser9) and GLUT4 were detected by western blotting assay.

RESULTS

We further confirmed that miR-21 was down regulated in IR-adipocytes by qRT-PCR. Over-expression of miR-21 significantly increased insulin-induced glucose uptake and decreased PTEN protein expression, while it had no significant effect on PTEN mRNA expression in IR-adipocytes. Moreover, over-expressing miR-21 significantly increased insulin-induced phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473), GSK3β (Ser9) and the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in IR-adipocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, our data demonstrate that miR-21 reverses high glucose and high insulin induced IR in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, possibly through modulating the PTEN-AKT pathway, and miR-21 may be a new therapeutic target for metabolic diseases such as T2DM and obesity.

Identification of Leishmania infantum chagasi proteins in urine of patients with visceral leishmaniasis: a promising antigen discovery approach of vaccine candidates

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious lethal parasitic disease caused by Leishmania donovani in Asia and by Leishmania infantum chagasi in southern Europe and South America. VL is endemic in 47 countries with an annual incidence estimated to be 500,000 cases. This high incidence is due in part to the lack of an efficacious vaccine. Here, we introduce an innovative approach to directly identify parasite vaccine candidate antigens that are abundantly produced in vivo in humans with VL. We combined RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry and categorized three L. infantum chagasi proteins, presumably produced in spleen, liver and bone marrow lesions and excreted in the patients' urine. Specifically, these proteins were the following: Li-isd1 (XP_001467866.1), Li-txn1 (XP_001466642.1) and Li-ntf2 (XP_001463738.1). Initial vaccine validation studies were performed with the rLi-ntf2 protein produced in Escherichia coli mixed with the adjuvant BpMPLA-SE. This formulation stimulated potent Th1 response in BALB/c mice. Compared to control animals, mice immunized with Li-ntf2+ BpMPLA-SE had a marked parasite burden reduction in spleens at 40 days post-challenge with virulent L. infantum chagasi. These results strongly support the proposed antigen discovery strategy of vaccine candidates to VL and opens novel possibilities for vaccine development to other serious infectious diseases.

Resistive vibration exercise retards bone loss in weight-bearing skeletons during 60 days bed rest

Countermeasures are desirable to retard bone loss during long-term space flight. We evaluated the effect of an intervention protocol on bed rest-induced bone loss.

INTRODUCTION

We developed a resistive vibration exercise (RVE) platform to test if an intervention RVE protocol would be effective to protect bed rest-induced bone loss.

METHODS

Fourteen male subjects were assigned randomly to either the RVE group (n = 7) that performed daily supervised resistive vibration exercise or to the no any exercise control (CON) group (n = 7). Both dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography were used to monitor changes in bone mineral density.

RESULTS

RVE significantly prevented bone loss at multiple skeletal sites, including calcaneus, distal tibia, hip, and lumbar spine (L2-L4). The ratio of urinary calcium and creatinine was found higher after starting bed rest in CON group while no significant changes were observed in RVE group. No significant temporal change was found for osteocalcin-N during and after bed rest in CON group. However, a significant increase was shown after bed rest in RVE group. In both groups, the urinary concentration of bone resorption markers, such as C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD), were significantly elevated after bed rest. In the CON group, no significant temporal effect was found for hydroxyproline (HOP), CTX-I, and DPD during bed rest and the serum concentration of HOP and TGF-β significantly increased about 52.04% and 24.03%, respectively only after bed rest. However, all these markers tended to decrease in the RVE group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results might imply that the intervention of RVE retarded bone loss induced by simulated microgravity in humans that was mainly attributed to its anabolic effects.

In vitro and in vivo studies on a Mg-Sr binary alloy system developed as a new kind of biodegradable metal

Magnesium alloys have shown potential as biodegradable metallic materials for orthopedic applications due to their degradability, resemblance to cortical bone and biocompatible degradation/corrosion products. However, the fast corrosion rate and the potential toxicity of their alloying element limit the clinical application of Mg alloys. From the viewpoint of both metallurgy and biocompatibility, strontium (Sr) was selected to prepare hot rolled Mg-Sr binary alloys (with a Sr content ranging from 1 to 4 wt.%) in the present study. The optimal Sr content was screened with respect to the mechanical and corrosion properties of Mg-Sr binary alloys and the feasibility of the use of Mg-Sr alloys as orthopedic biodegradable metals was investigated by in vitro cell experiments and intramedullary implantation tests. The mechanical properties and corrosion rates of Mg-Sr alloys were dose dependent with respect to the added Sr content. The as-rolled Mg-2Sr alloy exhibited the highest strength and slowest corrosion rate, suggesting that the optimal Sr content was 2 wt.%. The as-rolled Mg-2Sr alloy showed Grade I cytotoxicity and induced higher alkaline phosphatase activity than the other alloys. During the 4 weeks implantation period we saw gradual degradation of the as-rolled Mg-2Sr alloy within a bone tunnel. Micro-computer tomography and histological analysis showed an enhanced mineral density and thicker cortical bone around the experimental implants. Higher levels of Sr were observed in newly formed peri-implant bone compared with the control. In summary, this study shows that the optimal content of added Sr is 2 wt.% for binary Mg-Sr alloys in the rolled state and that the as-rolled Mg-2Sr alloy in vivo produces an acceptable host response.

Laboratory tests of low density astrophysical nuclear equations of state

Clustering in low density nuclear matter has been investigated using the NIMROD multidetector at Texas A&M University. Thermal coalescence modes were employed to extract densities, ρ, and temperatures, T, for evolving systems formed in collisions of 47A MeV (40)Ar+(112)Sn, (124)Sn and (64)Zn+(112)Sn, (124)Sn. The yields of d, t, (3)He, and (4)He have been determined at ρ=0.002 to 0.03 nucleons/fm(3) and T=5 to 11 MeV. The experimentally derived equilibrium constants for α particle production are compared with those predicted by a number of astrophysical equations of state. The data provide important new constraints on the model calculations.

The first multicenter and randomized clinical trial of herbal Fufang for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis

This multicenter and randomized clinical trial showed that daily oral herbal formula Xian Ling Gu Bao (XLGB) was safe in postmenopausal women over a 1-year treatment. Those patients (n ∼ 50) treated with XLGB at the conventional dose demonstrated a statistically significant increase in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine at 6 months and a numerically increased BMD at 12 months.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of a herbal formula XLGB in postmenopausal women (ChiCTR-TRC-00000347).

METHODS

One hundred eighty healthy postmenopausal women (≥60 years old) with BMD T-score ≤ -2.0 (lumbar spine or femoral neck) were recruited from four clinical centers to receive low-dose (conventional dose) XLGB (L-XLGB group, 3 g/day, n = 61) or high-dose XLGB (H-XLGB group, 6 g/day, n = 58) or placebo (CON group, n = 61). Women received daily calcium (500 mg) and vitamin D (200 IU) supplementation. Primary endpoints were lumbar spine BMD and safety; secondary endpoints were femoral neck BMD and bone turnover markers measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Of 180 women recruited, 148 completed the study. The compliance in each group was comparable. Prominent adverse events were not observed in either group. In the L-XLGB group at 6 months, lumbar spine BMD by DXA increased significantly from baseline (+2.11% versus CON +0.58%, p < 0.05), but femoral neck BMD did not; at 12 months, BMD in the L-XLGB group decreased from 6-month levels yet remained higher than baseline, but without difference from the CON group. There was no dose-dependent response. Bone turnover marker levels declined during the first 6 months after XLGB treatment. There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of side effects among treatment and control groups.

CONCLUSION

XLGB over 1-year treatment at the conventional dose demonstrated safe and only a statistically significant increase in BMD at lumbar spine at 6 months in postmenopausal women.

Predictive values of calcaneal quantitative ultrasound and dual energy X ray absorptiometry for non-vertebral fracture in older men: results from the MrOS study (Hong Kong)

Calcaneal QUS is comparable to DXA in predicting non-vertebral fractures in older Chinese men.

INTRODUCTION

The predictive values of calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for non-vertebral fractures in older Chinese men were examined.

METHODS

One thousand nine hundred twenty-one Chinese men aged 65-92 years had calcaneal QUS and axial DXA bone mineral density (BMD) measurements. The incidence of non-vertebral fractures was documented. Cox regression and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis were used to examine the associations of QUS parameters and BMD with the incidence of non-vertebral fractures.

RESULTS

The duration of follow-up was (mean ± SD) 6.5 ± 1.7 years. One hundred thirty-one non-vertebral fractures were recorded, 71 of which were major fragility fractures. Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and quantitative ultrasound index (QUI) were significantly associated with non-vertebral fractures and major fragility fractures, with age and fracture history-adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of 1.23 (1.03, 1.47) and 1.32 (1.10, 1.59) per standard deviation reduction, respectively, for non-vertebral fractures; 1.32 (1.04, 1.68) and 1.43 (1.11, 1.84), respectively, for major fragility fractures. Age and fracture history-adjusted areas under ROC curves of hip or spine BMDs were significantly greater than that of BUA or QUI in predicting major fragility fractures, but not in predicting all non-vertebral fractures. The addition of BUA or QUI had no effect on AUCs of total hip BMD alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of calcaneal QUS to predict non-vertebral fractures was comparable to that of axial BMD by DXA, but was inferior to BMD in predicting major fragility fractures in older Chinese men.

Experimental determination of in-medium cluster binding energies and Mott points in nuclear matter

In-medium binding energies and Mott points for d, t, 3He and α clusters in low-density nuclear matter have been determined at specific combinations of temperature and density in low-density nuclear matter produced in collisions of 47A MeV 40Ar and 64Zn projectiles with 112Sn and 124Sn target nuclei. The experimentally derived values of the in-medium modified binding energies are in good agreement with recent theoretical predictions based upon the implementation of Pauli blocking effects in a quantum statistical approach.

Magneto-optical stokes polarimetry and nanostructured magnetic materials

Stokes parameters fully characterize the polarization state of light in an experimentally accessible manner. Photoelastic modulator (PEM) based Stokes polarimetry offers a very high sensitivity which is particularly suitable for the investigation of the magneto-optical properties of nanostructured magnetic materials. In this paper, we shall describe a robust methodology recently developed by us that utilizes a dual PEM setup. As an example of its application, we report on the magneto-optical characteristics of focused Ga ion beam patterned Fe films. We have investigated Ga ion irradiation of single-layer polycrystalline Fe films deposited on Si3N4 substrates, which allows us to study the effects of ion implantation with minimum added complications. Complemented by structural and other characterization techniques, the absolute measurement of magneto-optical effects through the determination of Stokes parameters has enabled us to effectively separate the various contributions from film thinning due to sputtering, structural modifications and compositional changes caused by Ga incorporation. A comparison is also made between the magneto-optical behavior of patterned thin films and that of anodic aluminum oxide embedded magnetic nanowire arrays.

Chronic microstimulation of cat auditory cortex effective to evoke detection behaviors

The purpose of this study was to clarify stimulus pulse parameters effective to elicit behaviors of cats trained to detect electric pulse stimuli through chronically implanted electrodes in the primary auditory cortex. One or two pulse parameters were systematically shifted from the standard stimulus consisting of constant-current pulses of amplitude 80 μA, duration 0.2 ms, number of pulses 33, and rate 200 Hz (compatible with interpulse interval 5 ms). Interaction between the pulse amplitude and pulse duration was investigated: although the proportion of stimulus detection responses increased with increasing phase charge (pulse amplitude×pulse duration), a combination of relatively high amplitude during short pulse duration elicited a higher proportion of detection responses when phase charge was constant. Interaction between the number of pulses and interpulse intervals was investigated. We found that the proportion of detection responses is explained by the linear function of two factors, overall charge (phase charge×the number of pulses) and train duration: the proportion of detection responses increased with increasing overall charge and decreasing train duration. Interaction between pulse amplitude and the number of pulses was investigated. We again found that the proportion of detection responses is explained by the linear function of overall charge and train duration in the amplitude-number shift paradigm. Thus, the behavior performance (proportion of detection responses) is a linear time function of overall charge and train duration regardless of the stimulus paradigm. We believe that the findings will contribute to the development of auditory cortex implants for transfer of auditory information directly to the brain.

Deletion of estrogen receptor beta accelerates early stage of bone healing in a mouse osteotomy model

This study examined the role of estrogen receptor (ER) beta during mouse femoral fracture healing by employing ER knockout (KO) mice. The fracture healing in KO mice was enhanced in the early stage of neovascularization and the middle stage of endochondral ossification.

INTRODUCTION

This study was conducted to examine the role of ER beta during fracture healing.

METHODS

Female ERbeta knockout (KO) mice (18 weeks old) and age-matched female wild-type (WT) mice underwent open osteotomy on the right femur. They were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks post-fracture. The sera and callus samples were subjected to the following analyses: micro-computed tomography (CT)-based angiography, micro-CT evaluation, histological examination, histomorphometry examination, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, biochemical marker, and mechanical testing.

RESULTS

Micro-CT-based angiography showed that the total vessel volume at the fracture site was larger in the KO group than the WT group at 1 and 2 weeks post-fracture. Micro-CT analysis revealed that the callus volume was significantly higher in the KO group from week 2 to week 4 post-fracture when compared with the WT group consistent with the histological data. Analysis of biochemical markers indicated that circulating P1NP levels in the KO mice were significantly higher than in the WT mice from week 2 to week 4 and that temporal expression of circulating C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) levels was also higher in the KO mice than in the WT mice. These results were consistent with quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The ultimate load, stiffness, and energy to failure were significantly higher in the KO mice than in the WT mice at week 4.

CONCLUSIONS

The fracture healing in KO mice was enhanced in the early stage of neovascularization and the middle stage of endochondral ossification, but not by the end of healing. Blockade of ERbeta can be considered as another therapeutic strategy for osteoporotic fracture and non-union fracture.

Emu model of full-range femoral head osteonecrosis induced focally by an alternating freezing and heating insult

The emu, a large bipedal bird with hip joint biomechanics similar to humans, was used to establish an experimental model of femoral head osteonecrosis and subsequent femoral head collapse. Focal lesions were induced in 20 adult male emus using an alternating liquid nitrogen freezing and radiofrequency heating insult. At 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks post-surgery, hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Before the emus were sacrificed, barium sulphate was infused to the lower extremity to study blood vessel distribution patterns. Femoral samples were scanned by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and evaluated histologically. Hip MRI showed changes from broad oedema to femoral head collapse. Emus developed a crippled gait from post-operative week 6. Micro-CT scans and histology showed human-like osteonecrotic changes with an impaired local blood supply. The protocol resulted in consistent full-range osteonecrosis of the femoral head that may serve as a model for testing potential treatments.