PDGF, NT-3 and IGF-2 in combination induced transdifferentiation of muscle-derived stem cells into Schwann cell-like cells.

Muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) are multipotent stem cells with a remarkable long-term self-renewal and regeneration capacity. Here, we show that postnatal MDSCs could be transdifferentiated into Schwann cell-like cells upon the combined treatment of three neurotrophic factors (PDGF, NT-3 and IGF-2). The transdifferentiation of MDSCs was initially induced by Schwann cell (SC) conditioned medium.

Extension of the jejunum in the reconstruction of cervical oesophagus with free jejunum transfer using the thoracoacrominal vessels as recipients.

Backgrounds: The degree to which the jejunum can reach upward is a significant consideration in cervical oesophagus reconstruction with vascularised free jejunum transfer using the thoracoacrominal vessels as recipient vessels. The present study aims to elucidate this issue.

Materials And Methods: In 30 fresh cadavers, the thoracoacrominal vessels were dissected, and the jejunums were harvested, carrying the second branches of the superior mesenteric arteries and veins as their pedicles.

Morphological analysis of the upper eyelid tarsus in Asians.

Purpose: The present study aims to evaluate morphologic variations of the upper tarsus in Asians.

Methods: Measurements of superior-inferior and medial-lateral lengths were performed on 54 embalmed cadavers. The superior-inferior length of the tarsus was measured at the central and lateral parts.

Dynamic effects of the Nuss procedure on the spine in asymmetric pectus excavatum.

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate dynamic effects of the Nuss procedure on the spine in the treatment of patients with pectus excavatum with asymmetric thoraces.

Methods: Twenty-five patients with pectus excavatum who underwent the Nuss procedure were categorized into 4 groups by preoperative morphology of the spine and thoracic asymmetry. In group 1 (n = 8), the right side of the thorax was concave and the spine bowed to the right.

Combined fixation with plates and transmalar Kirschner wires for zygomatic fractures.

After repair of a fractured zygoma, the fixed zygoma occasionally becomes displaced. This phenomenon--generally called "relapse"--is a complication that can be prevented by fixing plural sites with plates. However, this impairs blood supply to the bone, which causes atrophy.

[MAFbx and MuRF1 mRNA expression and its relationship with muscular contractility following free muscle transfer].

Objective: To study muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx) and muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1) mRNA expression and its relationship with muscular contraction following free muscle transfer.

Methods: The gracilis muscle was orthotopic transferred in adult rat to establish the animal model. The muscle at the unoperated side was used as control.