Quantification of in vitro mineralisation using ion chromatography.

Analysis of in vitro mineralisation is an important tool in orthopedic research, allowing assessment of new therapeutic agents and devices; however, access to analytical equipment and accuracy of current methods can be a limiting factor. This current work investigated the use of calcium chelation with citric acid and subsequent analysis by ion chromatography as a method for accurately quantifying the extent of in vitro calcium deposition. Primary human osteoblasts were cultured on tissue culture plastic for 21 days under osteogenic conditions.

Pulsed low intensity ultrasound enhances mineralisation in preosteoblast cells.

Pulsed low intensity ultrasound has been shown to be highly efficacious in the treatment of nonunion fractures and in the acceleration of fresh fracture healing. MC3T3-E1 subclone 14 cells were cultured for up to 25 days either with or without a daily treatment with low intensity pulsed ultrasound. It was determined that, on day 10 there was a dramatic increase in alkaline phosphatase and MMP-13 mRNA levels detected in ultrasound-treated cultures compared with untreated controls.

Intestinal bacteria and ageing.

Advancements in science and medicine, as well as improved living standards, have led to a steady increase in life expectancy, and subsequently a rise in the elderly population. The intestinal microbiota is important for maintenance of host health, providing energy, nutrients and protection against invading organisms. Although the colonic microbiota is relatively stable throughout adult life, age-related changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, as well as changes in diet and host immune system reactivity, inevitably affect population composition.