CDK4 expression in chordoma: A potential therapeutic target.

Chordomas are rare bone tumors and treatment is commonly based on a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. There is no standard chemotherapy treatment for chordoma. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) in chordoma and its therapeutic implications.

Deguelin-induced blockade of PI3K/protein kinase B/MAP kinase signaling in zebrafish and breast cancer cell lines is mediated by down-regulation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 activity.

Deguelin, a natural component derived from leguminous plants, has been used as pesticide in some regions. Accumulating evidence show that deguelin has promising chemopreventive and therapeutic activities against cancer cells. This study shows that low concentrations of deguelin can lead to significant delay in zebrafish embryonic development through growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis.

Inhibitory effect of bone morphogenetic protein-2 on the proliferation of giant cell tumor of bone stromal cells .

The inhibitory effect of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) on the proliferation of giant cell tumor of bone stromal cells (GCTSCs) has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) in the growth of GCTSCs. The effects of exposure to different concentrations of rhBMP-2 (0, 10, 100 and 300 ng/ml) for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days on GCTSC proliferation were examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Retarding the senescence of human vascular endothelial cells induced by hydrogen peroxide: effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2) mediated mitochondria protection.

This study investigates the influence of 17beta-estradiol (E2) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced human vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC) senescence. HUVECs were divided into four groups, namely control group, H2O2 stimulation group, E2 intervention group and ICI182780 (ICI) intervention group. The aging-related β-galactosidase activities, cytochrome C oxidase activities, intracellular ATP levels, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and phosphorylated Rb protein expressions were mainly observed.

Application of three-dimensional model in the management of irreducible atlanto-axial dislocation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the application of the rapid prototyping (RP) life-size 3-dimensional model used to improve accuracy of screw insertion in irreducible atlanto-axial dislocation (IAD).

Methods: The study included 10 patients with IAD. All patients were assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score.

Transoral anterior revision surgeries for basilar invagination with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation after posterior decompression: a retrospective study of 30 cases.

Purpose: To report the surgical techniques and clinical results of one-stage transoral anterior revision surgeries for basilar invagination (BI) with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) after posterior decompression.

Methods: From September 2008 to June 2012, 30 patients (16 men and 14 women) who had BI with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD) after posterior decompression underwent anterior revision surgeries in our department. Dynamic cervical radiographs, computed tomographic scans and magnetic resonance imaging were obtained pre- and postoperatively to assess the degree of AAD and ventral compression on the cervical cord.

MiR-133b is down-regulated in human osteosarcoma and inhibits osteosarcoma cells proliferation, migration and invasion, and promotes apoptosis.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) decrease the expression of specific target oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes and thereby play crucial roles in tumorigenesis and tumor growth. To date, the potential miRNAs regulating osteosarcoma growth and progression are not fully identified yet. In this study, the miRNA microarray assay and hierarchical clustering analysis were performed in human osteosarcoma samples.

Stimulation of osteogenic differentiation in stromal cells of giant cell tumour of bone by zoledronic acid.

Therapeutic effects of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on giant cell tumour of bone (GCT) have been proven. Apoptosis induction was considered to be one of the mechanisms of ZOL tumour inhibition. In this study, we presented the possibility of an osteogenic differentiation stimulation mechanism of ZOL and further investigated dosage and time effects.

Arthroscopic reconstruction of shoulder's labrum with extensive tears.

Background: With the continuous development of arthroscopic techniques, the majority of superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions can be treated with minimally invasive endoscopic repair. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction of SLAP lesions with extensive tears.

Methods: Eighteen patients with SLAP lesions with extensive tears (median age, 27.

Enhancement of the synthesis of n-3 PUFAs in fat-1 transgenic mice inhibits mTORC1 signalling and delays surgically induced osteoarthritis in comparison with wild-type mice.

Background: An exogenous supplement of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has been reported to prevent osteoarthritis (OA) through undefined mechanisms.

Objective: This study investigated the effect of alterations in the composition of endogenous PUFAs on OA, and associations of PUFAs with mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling, a critical autophagy pathway in fat-1 transgenic (TG) mice.

Methods: fat-1 TG and wild-type mice were used to create an OA model by resecting the medial meniscus.

An anatomic consideration of C2 vertebrae artery groove variation for individual screw implantation in axis.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Objectives: To identify the variation of C2 vertebral artery groove (VAG) based on the thin-slice computed tomography (CT) scan and choose an individual screw placement method to decrease risk of malposition.

Background: C2 pedicle screws can be successful anchors for a variety of cervical disorders.

The prevalence, length and position of the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve in Chinese, assessed by spiral computed tomography.

Purpose: This study used spiral computed tomography to identify the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve, and to measure its length and position in Chinese. This information may be useful to safely install endosseous implants in the most distal area of the interforaminal region.

Methods: Sixty-eight Chinese patients were included in this retrospective study.

Effects of the closing and opening muscle groups on jaw condyle biomechanics after prominent mandibular angle osteotomy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of closing and opening muscle groups of the jaw on mandibular stability after prominent mandibular angle osteotomy, through three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA).

Materials And Methods: Six patients with prominent mandibular angles, without malocclusion, were selected as finite element models of preoperative and postoperative prominent mandibular angle surgery. Computed tomographic (CT) scans were undertaken of the patients before and after surgery and three-dimensional images reconstructed using Simpleware software.

The influence of the closing and opening muscle groups of jaw condyle biomechanics after mandible bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy.

Objective: To investigate the influence of the closing and opening muscle groups of the jaw on mandibular stability after mandibular bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO).

Materials And Methods: To establish finite element models of four conditions (the normal mandible, preoperative mandibular prognathism, postoperative (BSSRO) mandibular prognathism, and mandibular prognathism following virtual BSSRO), we imported Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data into three-dimensional reconstruction software. Finite element analysis software and statistical software were used for analysis of the condylar stress distribution as a function of condylar position during the actions of jaw closing and jaw opening muscle groups.

Personalised modified osteotomy using computer-aided design-rapid prototyping to correct thoracic deformities.

The correction of severe thoracic deformities is challenging. However, the usual imaging modalities are not sufficient for performing the surgery. Our objective was to describe the procedure and results of posterior modified wedge osteotomy aided by the techniques of computer-aided design-rapid prototyping (CAD-RP) to correct thoracic deformities.

C2 anatomy and dimensions relative to translaminar screw placement in an Asian population.

Study Design: A cadaveric specimen study.

Objectives: To determine the applicability of a modified C2 translaminar screw placement in the general adult population and to provide pertinent clinical data for screw insertion.

Summary Of Background Data: C2 intralaminar screw fixation has recently been popularized, but this technique carries a potential drawback that the screw may breakout ventrally into the spinal canal.

Morphological changes of the in vitro cervical vertebral canal and its cast form during flexion, extension, and lateral bending.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate and measure morphological changes in the vertebral canal and its cast form at the level of the cervical spine in vitro during flexion, extension, and lateral bending in cadaver specimens.

Methods: The morphological changes of vertebral canal and its contents were investigated and measured during experimental flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the cervical spine with 10 fresh specimens (Chinese); the cross-sections and sagittal diameters were also measured by pouring liquid wax into the intervertebral canal.

Results: During lateral bending, the nucleus pulposus was pushed to the opposite side and the inferior cervical nerve roots of the opposite side were stretched.

Combination of 308-nm excimer laser with topical pimecrolimus for the treatment of childhood vitiligo.

Forty-nine patients enrolled in a single-blinded, randomized, comparing 308-nm excimer laser therapy together with topical 1% pimecrolimus cream twice daily (group A) with excimer laser therapy twice per week (group B). Of 48 patients evaluated after 30 weeks of treatment, 71% of patients from group A achieved Grade 3 or 4 repigmentation compared with 50% in group B. Significant difference was found between group A and B at the end of 30 weeks of treatment (p = 0.

C1 pedicle screws versus C1 lateral mass screws: comparisons of pullout strengths and biomechanical stabilities.

Study Design: In vitro biomechanical study.

Objective: To compare the pullout strengths and the biomechanical stabilities afforded by C1 lateral mass screws and C1 pedicle screws using bicortical and unicortical fixation techniques.

Summary Of Background Data: Posterior screw fixation techniques in the atlas including C1 lateral mass screw and C1 pedicle screw.

The tumoricidal effect of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) on S-180 sarcoma in mice.

There are increasing data showing that sonodynamic therapy (SDT), which refers to a synergistic effect of drugs and ultrasound, is a promising new modality for cancer treatment. However, few clinical data on SDT have been published. One reason is the lack of suitable drugs for clinical SDT use.

An Activated GOPS-poly--Lysine- Coated Glass Surface for the Immobilization of 60mer Oligonucleotides.

To explore a method for enhancing the immobilization and hybridization efficiency of oligonucleotides on DNA microarrays, conventional protocols of poly--lysine coating were modified by means of surface chemistry, namely, the slides were prepared by the covalently coupling of poly--lysine to a glycidoxy-modified glass surface. The modified slides were then used to print microarrays for the detection of the SARS coronavirus by means of 60mer oligonucleotide probes. The characteristics of the modified slides concerning immobilization efficiency, hybridization dynamics, and probe stripping cycles were determined.

Ex vivo activated immune cells promote survival and stimulate multilineage hematopoietic recovery in myelosuppressed mice.

Recovery of multilineage hematopoiesis from severe myelosuppression due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy remains a clinical problem. The authors have developed a simple immunotherapy to treat this disease in a mouse model. Syngeneic spleen cells or xenogeneic human peripheral mononuclear cells were cultured ex vivo with a combination of IL-2 at 500 IU/mL, GM-CSF at 200 U/mL, and calcium ionophore A23187 at 100 ng/mL for 2 days and injected intravenously into mice that had previously received a lethal dose of carboplatin and radiation.

Design and application of 60mer oligonucleotide microarray in SARS coronavirus detection.

The 60mer oligonucleotide microarray was designed and applied to detecting of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus. Thirty 60mer specific oligos were designed to cover the whole genome of the first submitted coronavirus strain, according to the sequence of TOR2 (GENEBANK Accession: AY274119). These primers were synthesized and printed into a microarray with 12 ×12 spots.

MR and cine-MR imaging in the diagnosis of infantile congenital heart disease.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cine magnetic resonance imaging (cine-MRI) in the diagnosis of infantile congenital heart disease.

Methods: A total of 34 cases were studied with MRI and cine-MRI. The data were analyzed and compared with those of two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), cardioangiography (CAG) and surgery.