Investigating ego modules involved in TGFβ3-induced chondrogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells based on ego network.

Objective: This paper aimed to investigate ego modules for TGFβ3-induced chondrogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using ego network algorithm.

Methods: The ego network algorithm comprised three parts, extracting differential expression network (DEN) based on gene expression data and protein-protein interaction (PPI) data; exploring ego genes by reweighting DEN; and searching ego modules by ego gene expansions. Subsequently, permutation test was carried out to evaluate the statistical significance of the ego modules.

[Effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene therapy on the bone-implant interface: an experimental study with dogs].

Objective: To investigate the effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) gene therapy on the bone-implant interface in the reconstruction of periprosthetic bone defect.

Methods: Transverse defects were caused in the external condylae of both femurs of 14 adult Beagle dogs. Titanium alloy implants were inserted and a bone defect 3 mm wide around the titanium alloy implant was preserved.