Gene co-expression network analysis identifies BRCC3 as a key regulator in osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts through a β-catenin signaling dependent pathway.

Objectives: The prognosis of osteoporosis is very poor, and it is very important to identify a biomarker for prevention of osteoporosis. In this study, we aimed to identify candidate markers in osteoporosis and to investigate the role of candidate markers in osteogenic differentiation.

Materials And Methods: Using Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network analysis, we identified three hub genes might associate with osteoporosis.

Osmic acid staining of myelin sheath in normal and regenerated peripheral nerves.

Objective: To introduce a practical, economical, and time-saving method to stain (with osmic acid) the myelin sheath in normal and regenerated peripheral nerves.

Methods: A total of 12 Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 250-320 g (mean equal to 276 g+/-38 g), were divided into two groups: a normal nerve group (n equal to 6) and a regenerated nerve group (n equal to 6). In the normal nerve group, the ventral and dorsal roots of L(4) to L(6) and their sciatic nerves were harvested for histological analysis.

Long-term result of guided nerve regeneration with an inert microporous polytetrafluoroethylene conduit.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term outcome of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) conduit in nerve repair and to provide more evidence in view of its potential application to achieve a satisfactory functional recovery in clinical settings.

Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats had their right sciatic nerve transected and were repaired with either conventional microsuture technique (Control group, n=18) or a PTFE conduit with a gap of 5 mm left between the nerve stumps (PTFE group, n=18). At 6 and 9 months after the operation, electrophysiological assessment and measurement of gastrocnemius muscle weight were conducted and morphology of the regenerated nerves were studied with image analysis.