Stress causes lipid droplet accumulation in chondrocytes by impairing microtubules.

Objective: Abnormal mechanical stress is intimately coupled with osteoarthritis. Microtubules play a vital role in the regulation of mechanotransduction and intracellular transport. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of stress-induced microtubule impairment on intracellular transport and lipid droplet (LD) accumulation in chondrocytes.

Proliferative behaviours of CD90-expressing chondrocytes under the control of the TSC1-mTOR/PTHrP-nuclear localisation segment pathway.

Objective: Some cells in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage undergo proliferation in response to negative pressure, which can be induced in vivo by creating bilateral anterior elevation (BAE). TMJ cartilage harbours CD90-expressing cells, and CD90 expression increases under certain controlled conditions. The parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) nuclear localisation segment (NLS) promotes chondrocyte proliferation, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling plays a regulatory role in promoting PTHrP transcription.

A new technique of percutaneous minimally invasive surgery assisted by magnetic resonance neurography.

Aims: In order to release the contracture band completely without damaging normal tissues (such as the sciatic nerve) in the surgical treatment of gluteal muscle contracture (GMC), we tried to display the relationship between normal tissue and contracture bands by magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) images, and to predesign a minimally invasive surgery based on the MRN images in advance.

Methods: A total of 30 patients (60 hips) were included in this study. MRN scans of the pelvis were performed before surgery.

miR-708-5p deficiency involves the degeneration of mandibular condylar chondrocytes via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Objective: Ageing and aberrant biomechanical stimulation are two major risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA). One of the main characteristics of aged cartilage is cellular senescence. One of the main characteristics of osteoarthritic joints is cartilage degeneration.

The impact of unified discharge standards on the clinical efficacy and prognosis of hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with hip fractures.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of unified discharge standards on the clinical efficacy and prognosis of hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with hip fractures.

Methods: Retrospective study of 158 elderly patients with hip fractures who underwent artificial femoral head replacement in our hospital from March 2016 to July 2019 were enrolled. According to the unified discharge standards, patients were divided into the observation (65 cases who met discharge criteria) and control group (93 cases who failed to meet all discharge criteria).

Aberrant activation of TGF-β1 induces high bone turnover Rho GTPases-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling in Camurati-Engelmann disease.

In the adult skeleton, the bone remodeling process involves a dynamic coordination between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which is disrupted in diseases with high bone turnover rates and dysregulated transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). However, little is known about how TGF-β1 signaling mediates bone resorption. Here, we described a pedigree with a heterozygous variant in TGF-β1 (R218C) that resulted in aberrant activation of TGF-β1 through an activating mechanism that caused Camurati-Engelmann disease (CED).

Role of BLACAT1 in IL-1β-Induced Human Articular Chondrocyte Apoptosis and Extracellular Matrix Degradation via the miR-149-5p/ HMGCR Axis.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory joint disorder with high incidence rates. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) influence OA development.

Objectives: In this research, we attempt to figure out the functions of lncRNA BLACAT1 in human articular chondrocyte (HAC) apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in OA.

Gorham's disease: treatment with an autologous iliac bone graft and a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Gorham's disease (GSD) is a rare osteolytic disease with unclear etiology, and no known prevention or effective treatment. Here we report a new surgical treatment for a case of GSD in September 2017.

Case Presentation: We report GSD in a 52-year-old woman.

Honokiol induces autophagy and apoptosis of osteosarcoma through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Honokiol is the main active constituent of Magnolia officinalis. With effective and long‑term pharmacological functions of being antibacterial, anti‑oxidative, anti‑inflammatory, antitumor, anti‑spasmic, anti‑anxiety and anti‑viral, Honokiol is clinically used in the treatment of acute enteritis and chronic gastritis. The aim of the present study was to observe the possible anti‑effects of honokiol on autophagy and apoptosis of osteosarcoma, and to investigate the role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in its anticancer effects.

Enhancing flora balance in the gastrointestinal tract of mice by lactic acid bacteria from Chinese sourdough and enzyme activities indicative of metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrate by the flora.

In this study, we investigated the effect of administration of 5 strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from traditional Chinese sourdough on the flora balance of gastrointestinal tract of mice. We specifically measured Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus by plate count and real-time PCR methods, and α-glucosidase, lactate dehydrogenase, esterase, and aminopeptidase activities as indicative of metabolism of sugar, fat, and protein from LAB isolated from feces of mice in vitro. The results showed that administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus LAC0201 and Lactobacillus fermentum LFE0302 lowered the uricacid index of serum.

Effects of Pore Size on the Osteoconductivity and Mechanical Properties of Calcium Phosphate Cement in a Rabbit Model.

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) porous scaffold is widely used as a suitable bone substitute to repair bone defect, but the optimal pore size is unclear yet. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of different pore sizes on the processing of bone formation in repairing segmental bone defect of rabbits using CPC porous scaffolds. Three kinds of CPC porous scaffolds with 5 mm diameters and 12 mm length were prepared with the same porosity but different pore sizes (Group A: 200-300 µm, Group B: 300-450 µm, Group C: 450-600 µm, respectively).

Integration of genomic and proteomic data to identify candidate genes in HT-29 cells after incubation with Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC 29521.

As the predominant group inhabiting the human gastrointestinal tract, bifidobacteria play a vital role in human nutrition, therapeutics, and health by shaping and maintaining the gut ecosystem, reducing blood cholesterol, and promoting the supply of nutrients. The interaction between bacterial cells and human intestinal epithelial cell lines has been studied for decades in an attempt to understand the mechanisms of action. These studies, however, have been limited by lack of genomic and proteomic database to aid in achieving comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms at molecular levels.

A novel strain of Lactobacillus mucosae isolated from a Gaotian villager improves in vitro and in vivo antioxidant as well as biological properties in D-galactose-induced aging mice.

Twelve isolates isolated from the gastrointestinal tracts of Gaotian villagers in China, who had a lifespan of 92 yr, were examined for their antioxidants using free radical scavenging activity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Three strains (i.e.

Enhancement of chondrocyte autophagy is an early response in the degenerative cartilage of the temporomandibular joint to biomechanical dental stimulation.

Autophagy is a cell protective mechanism for maintaining cellular homeostasis. The present study aimed to investigate whether autophagy is enhanced in the biomechanically induced degenerative cartilage of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the potential role of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP4K3) and mammalian Target of rapamycin (mTOR) in this observation. To induce degenerative changes in the TMJs, rats were subjected to biomechanical dental stimulation by moving 4 molars away from their original position as we previously reported.

The identification of CD163 expressing phagocytic chondrocytes in joint cartilage and its novel scavenger role in cartilage degradation.

Background: Cartilage degradation is a typical characteristic of arthritis. This study examined whether there was a subset of phagocytic chondrocytes that expressed the specific macrophage marker, CD163, and investigated their role in cartilage degradation.

Methods: Cartilage from the knee and temporomandibular joints of Sprague-Dawley rats was harvested.

Pterostilbene exerts antitumor activity against human osteosarcoma cells by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Osteosarcoma is a high-grade malignant bone tumor. Pterostilbene (PTE) is a natural, dimethylated analog of resveratrol with higher bioavailability. While PTE has been shown to have potent antitumor activity against various types of cancer, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of PTE remain largely unknown.

Precise resection and biological reconstruction for patients with bone sarcomas in the proximal humerus.

Background: It is a challenge to perform a joint-preserving resection for patients with bone sarcomas in the proximal humerus. We determined whether osteotomy under navigation guidance made joint-saving resection possible for juxtaarticular humeral sarcomas while adhering to oncological principles.

Method: Between January 2008 and July 2010, joint-preserving surgeries were performed on six patients with proximal humeral sarcomas under navigation guidance.

Estimating biophysical parameters of rice with remote sensing data using support vector machines.

Hyperspectral reflectance (350-2500 nm) measurements were made over two experimental rice fields containing two cultivars treated with three levels of nitrogen application. Four different transformations of the reflectance data were analyzed for their capability to predict rice biophysical parameters, comprising leaf area index (LAI; m(2) green leaf area m(-2) soil) and green leaf chlorophyll density (GLCD; mg chlorophyll m(-2) soil), using stepwise multiple regression (SMR) models and support vector machines (SVMs). Four transformations of the rice canopy data were made, comprising reflectances (R), first-order derivative reflectances (D1), second-order derivative reflectances (D2), and logarithm transformation of reflectances (LOG).

Intermolecular nonreductive alkylation of enamides via radical-polar crossover.

A carbon-carbon bond construction method is disclosed which involves radical addition of alpha-haloesters or iodoacetonitrile to enamides. Despite the presence of tri-n-butylstannane, nonreductive addition was predominant; H-atom transfer from tin hydride was not observed. Rapid iodine atom transfer to (or electron transfer from) the radical adduct, resulting in an iminium ion intermediate and radical chain propagation, is consistent with the observed reactivity.

[Preventing effect of TGF-beta1 antibody compounded with fibrin glue on postoperative adhesions of flexor tendon].

Objective: To explore the preventing effects of TGF-beta1 antibody (TGF-beta1Ab) compounded with fibrin glue (FG) on postoperative adhesions of flexor tendon.

Methods: Seventy-two Leghorn chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups (groups A, B, C and D), 18 chickens for each group, and the long flexor tendons of the 3rd and 4th toes in zone II of all chickens were transversed and sutured with the 4-strand cruciate repair technique to make defect models. In group A, 0.

[Effect of components of dang-gui-bu-xue decoction on hematopenia].

Objective: To investigate the effects and the related mechanisms of the components of Dang-Gui-Bu-Xue decoction (DGBXD) on improving blood deficiency.

Method: The effects of promoting hematopoietic function were observed with the blood difficient model mice, by giving components of DGBXD. RBC, WBC, reticulocytes and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC) were determined.

[Comparative study of tissue cultured Dendrobium protocorm with natural Dendrobium candidum on immunological function].

Objective: To compare the immunological function and acute toxicity of the tissue cultured protocorm from Dendrobium candidum with natural medicinal materials from Dendrobium candidum.

Methods: The effect on immunological function was examined by counting white blood cells, weighing the weight of immune organs, and using carbon granules clearance and lymphocyte transformation test in mice treated with cyclophospamide. The acute toxicity was studied by giving maximum tolerated dose.

Bridge tendon graft in no man's land: an experimental study in chickens.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the morphological characteristics of the bridge tendon grafting in no man's land to reconstruct the tendon defect and the effect of passive mobilization on it. METHODS: A 2 cm defect was made in bilateral flexor digitorum profundus tendons of the middle chicken toes, and was then transplanted to the opposite site to serve as a segmental autograft tendon. Postoperatively, passive mobilization of the left and right middle toes began at 5 and 21 d separately.