Bone sialoprotein plays a functional role in bone formation and osteoclastogenesis

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN) are both highly expressed in bone, but their functional specificities are unknown. OPN knockout (^−/−) mice do not lose bone in a model of hindlimb disuse (tail suspension), showing the importance of OPN in bone remodeling. We report that BSP^−/− mice are viable and breed normally, but their weight and size are lower than wild-type (WT) mice. Bone is undermineralized in fetuses and young adults, but not in older (≥12 mo) BSP^−/− mice. At 4 mo, BSP^−/− mice display thinner cortical bones than WT, but greater trabecular bone volume with very low bone formation rate, which indicates reduced resorption, as confirmed by lower osteoclast surfaces. Although the frequency of total colonies and committed osteoblast colonies is the same, fewer mineralized colonies expressing decreased levels of osteoblast markers form in BSP^−/− versus WT bone marrow stromal cultures. BSP^−/− hematopoietic progenitors form fewer osteoclasts, but their resorptive activity on dentin is normal. Tail-suspended BSP^−/− mice lose bone in hindlimbs, as expected. In conclusion, BSP deficiency impairs bone growth and mineralization, concomitant with dramatically reduced bone formation. It does not, however, prevent the bone loss resulting from loss of mechanical stimulation, a phenotype that is clearly different from OPN^−/− mice.

Long-term engraftment following transplantation of pig pancreatic primordia into non-immunosuppressed diabetic rhesus macaques

BACKGROUND

Transplantation therapy for human diabetes is limited by a shortage of donor organs, and transplant function diminished over time by cell death and limited potential for expansion of beta cells in pancreas or islets. Outcomes are complicated by immunosuppression. A way to overcome supply and expansion problems is to xenotransplant embryonic tissue. Previously, we have shown that beta cells originating from embryonic day (E) 28 (E28) pig pancreatic primordia transplanted into the mesentery of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic (type 1) Lewis rats or Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) diabetic (type 2) rats engraft and normalize glucose tolerance without the need for host immune-suppression.

METHODS

In this study, we transplant E28 pig pancreatic primordia in the mesentery of STZ-diabetic rhesus macaques.

RESULTS

Long-term engraftment of pig beta cells within liver, pancreas and mesenteric lymph nodes post-transplantation of E28 pig pancreatic primordia into STZ-diabetic rhesus macaques is demonstrated by electron microscopy, positive immune-histochemistry for insulin, and positive RT-PCR and in situ hybridization for porcine proinsulin mRNA. Insulin requirements were reduced in one macaque followed over 22 months post-transplantation and porcine insulin detected in plasma using sequential affinity chromatography, HPLC and mass spectrometry. Of potential importance for application of this transplantation technology to treatment of diabetes in humans and confirmatory of our previous findings in Lewis and ZDF rats, no host immunosuppression is required.

CONCLUSIONS

Under selected circumstances, pancreatic primordia elicit a muted immune response relative to more differentiated tissue, such that engraftment occurs in non-immunosuppressed hosts. Our findings that pig pancreatic primordia engraft long-term in non-immunosuppressed STZ-diabetic rhesus macaques establishes the potential for their use in human diabetics.

Obesity should not influence the management of appendicitis

BACKGROUND

Obesity implies an adverse effect on outcome after appendectomy. This study aimed to determine whether obese patients with appendicitis should be managed differently than nonobese patients.

METHODS

After appendectomy, all patients were enrolled in a prospective clinical pathway and followed from initial presentation to full outpatient recovery.

RESULTS

In 1 year, 272 adults underwent appendectomy, 55 (22%) of whom were obese. The obese patients were slightly older (35 vs 33 years; p < 0.001). The time to diagnosis (8.5 vs 8.6 h), and the need for computed tomography (CT) scanning (40% vs 49%) was similar in both populations. The obese patients had similar rates of perforation (35% vs 35%) and laparoscopy (47% vs 41%). The median hospital length of stay (LOS) (2 days) and complications, including wound complications (9.1% vs 10.9%) and intraabdominal abscesses (3.6% vs 3.1%), were similar. Subgroup analysis showed a longer LOS for the obese patients with perforation than for the nonobese patients (6 vs 5.5 days; p = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

Obese patients had no greater delay in diagnosis, had no greater need for CT scan, gained no additional benefit from laparoscopy, and did not incur significantly worse outcomes after appendectomy except for an increased LOS among those with perforation.

Comparing two methods for assessment of perfusion-diffusion mismatch in a rodent model of ischaemic stroke: a pilot study

This stroke experiment was designed to define the mismatch between perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in MRI by applying early or instantly acquired PWI. Eight rats were induced with stroke through photothrombotic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and scanned serially between 1 h and day 3 after induction using DWI and PWI with a 1.5 T MR scanner. The relative lesion volumes (rLV) on MRI and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride-stained specimens were defined as the proportion of lesion volume over brain volume. Discrepancies in the rLV between PWI- and DWI-derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were expressed by subtraction of the ADC from PWI, resulting in three possible patterns: (i) (PWI-ADC > 10% of PWI) denoting a mismatch; (ii) (-(10% of PWI) <or= PWI-ADC <or= 10% of PWI) denoting a match; and (iii) (PWI-ADC < -(10% of PWI)) denoting a reverse mismatch. The differences were compared with the minuend being either early PWI (ePWI) or instant PWI (iPWI) and the subtrahend being instant ADC (iADC). The occurrence and evolution of PWI-ADC patterns were analysed. Over time, PWI-ADC discrepancies evolved from mismatch, through to match, to reversed mismatch. The PWI-ADC mismatch still existed 3 days after MCA occlusion in one to three of the eight cases. The rLVs and mismatch incidences between the ePWI-iADC and iPWI-iADC models were linear correlated. A higher mismatch rate occurred in iPWI-iADC within day 1 and in ePWI-iADC at day 3. Both ePWI and iPWI proved useful to define PWI-ADC patterns within day 1. At day 3, iPWI appeared more adequate.

[Mediastinal aberrant goiter; report of a case]

A 54-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an anterior mediastinal tumor. The tumor was resected completely through a median sternotomy. The tumor was dissected successfully from the surrounding vessels in spite of the heavy adhesion to them. The blood supply of the tumor was from a branch of the brachiocephalic artery. The tumor was 9 x 8 x 3 cm in size, and was diagnosed as an aberrant mediastinal goiter since it showed no communication to the thyroid gland. An aberrant mediastinal goiter is a quite rare entity of diseases and its removal through the neck would result in uncontrolled blood loss because its blood supply usually derives from intrathoracic vessels.

CT perfusion-derived mean transit time predicts early mortality and delayed vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are limited indicators available to predict cerebral vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to determine if CT perfusion-derived hemodynamic parameters are predictors of vasospasm severity and outcome after experimental SAH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SAH was induced in 25 New Zealand white rabbits. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and mean transit time (MTT) were measured with CT perfusion before SAH, within 1 hour after SAH, and on days 2, 4, 7, 9, and 16 after SAH. Basilar artery diameter, measured with CT angiography and neurologic scoring, was also obtained on the same days. Differences between animals with moderate-severe delayed vasospasm (>/=24% basilar artery narrowing) and mild delayed vasospasm (<24% basilar artery narrowing) were investigated with repeated measures analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between CT perfusion parameters (CBF, CBV, MTT), basilar artery diameter, and neurologic score.

RESULTS

MTT increase <1 hour after SAH independently predicted mortality within 48 hours of SAH (P < .05). MTT and neurologic deficits were significantly greater with moderate-severe than with mild vasospasm (P < .05). MTT on day 2, but not CBF or CBV, was a significant predictor of subsequent moderate-severe delayed vasospasm (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

In the rabbit model of experimental SAH, the CT-derived hemodynamic parameter MTT on day 0 predicted early mortality, and MTT on day 2 predicted development of moderate-severe delayed vasospasm. MTT was also significantly correlated with arterial diameter and neurologic score.

Is flow cytometry really adapted to the determination of sperm concentration?

It has been reported that flow cytometry can be used as a reference procedure to determine sperm concentrations in quality control schemes in andrology laboratories, but there are no convincing quality control data. To understand comprehensively whether flow cytometry can be used to determine sperm concentration, sperm concentrations of 85 human semen samples were detected using three different methods, namely flow cytometry, computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and manual counting with a cell-VU chamber. The bead concentrations of both low [(18+/-2.5)x10(6)/mL] and high [(35+/-5)x10(6)/mL] pre-calibrated standard latex bead solutions were also determined with flow cytometry. The results showed that bead concentrations of both low and high pre-calibrated standard latex bead solutions counted five times with flow cytometry were (21.37+/-0.85)x10(6)/mL and (45.95+/-1.76)x10(6)/mL, respectively. Coefficient variances (CVs) and relative errors (REs) were 4%, 15.51% and 3.84%, 31.3% for low and high latex bead solutions, respectively. The overall correlation between values measured with flow cytometry and values measured with the cell-VU chamber and the CASA system was significant. However, flow cytometry overestimated the sperm concentration by 109% compared to the results with the cell-VU chamber. Moreover, for the azoospermic samples analysed, the sperm concentration was estimated at 0.12 (range from 0.04 to 0.24)x10(6)/mL. In conclusion, the data demonstrated that flow cytometry can result in an overestimation of both bead counting and sperm concentration, suggesting that flow cytometry is an inappropriate method for sperm counting, especially in the case of azoospermia.

Segmental bone tissue engineering by seeding osteoblast precursor cells into titanium mesh-coral composite scaffolds

The size and specific shape of bone grafts are important for jaw reconstruction. In this experiment, segmental bone grafts were engineered in a predetermined shape via seeding osteoblast precursor cells into titanium mesh-coral composite scaffolds. Titanium meshes were moulded into the shape of a column with length 12 mm and diameter 8mm. The column was filled with natural coral granules and the complex acted as a cell-seeding scaffold. About 4 x 10(7) osteoblast precursor cells in 200 microl cell-culture medium were seeded into each of six scaffolds and incubated in vitro for 2 days. Then, the composites were implanted subcutaneously into the backs of nude mice and incubated in vivo. Two months after implantation, the animals were killed and new bone formed in the scaffolds was investigated by gross inspection, X-ray examination, histological observation and mechanical testing. The results showed that newly formed tissue was red and presented the gross appearance of bone, and kept the original shape of the column. Titanium mesh was situated on the surface of the bone graft. An X-ray blocking shadow was observed in and around the titanium scaffolds; most of the coral granules had been absorbed. Histological observation demonstrated a large amount of new bone formed and integrated well with titanium mesh. Mechanical testing showed that new bone improved the mechanical property of the graft significantly. In conclusion, a titanium mesh-coral composite scaffold with osteoblast precursor cells is an efficient means to engineer segmental bone, possessing the desired shape and mechanical strength.

Biological Control of Grape Crown Gall by Rahnella aquatilis HX2

Crown gall induced by Agrobacterium vitis is a worldwide plant disease in grape-growing regions. Rahnella aquatilis HX2, a new isolate from vineyard soil in Beijing, showed a significant inhibition effect on the development of crown galls in grapevines. In field trials, immersion of the basal ends of grape cuttings with HX2 cell suspension inhibited or completely prevented crown gall formation caused by A. vitis K308 in the roots of the plants from the cuttings. The 3-year average disease incidence in grape plants treated with HX2 was 30.8% compared to 93.5% in plants without HX2. The culture supernatant of HX2 exhibited a stronger inhibition effect on disease development than did the cell suspension. HX2 could be found in the grape rhizosphere, grown under field conditions, for up to 90 days after inoculation. There was no significant difference in the mean population sizes of root microflora between plants treated and not treated with HX2. The inhibition effect of HX2 on crown gall in sunflower, caused by different agrobacterial strains, varied between 30.7 and 100%, depending on strains. Our results showed that Rahnella aquatilis HX2 may be used as a biological control agent for crown gall disease of grapes.

Effects of neferine on cytosolic free calcium concentration in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells of rabbits

To study the relaxation mechanisms of neferine (Nef) on the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM), the CCSM cells from New Zealand White rabbits were cultured in vitro. [Ca(2+)](i) was measured by fluorescence ion digital imaging system (FIDIS), using Fluo-2/AM as a Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent indicator. Nef (0.1, 1 and 10 micromol l(-1)) had no effect on the resting [Ca(2+)](i) (P > 0.05). In the presence of extracellular Ca(2+) (2.5 mmol l(-1)), Nef (0.1, 1 and 10 micromol l(-1)) inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) elevation induced by high K(+) and phenylephrine (PE) in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In calcium free solution containing egtaic acid (EGTA), Nef (0.1 micromol l(-1)) had no inhibitory effects on [Ca(2+)](i) elevation induced by PE (P > 0.05). However, Nef (1 and 10 micromol l(-1)) inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) elevation induced by PE (P < 0.05). These data suggest that Nef inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) in CCSM cells via blocking voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel, alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-operated Ca(2+) channel and Ca(2+) release from intracellular Ca(2+) pool. This inhibitory action on [Ca(2+)](i) might be one of the relaxation mechanisms of Nef on the CCSM.

Trauma to erythrocytes induced by long term in vitro pumping using a roller pump

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of trauma on erythrocyte caused by long term in vitro pumping using roller pump. Ten bags of human blood (400 ml each) were provided by a local blood bank and they were divided into two groups with five bags in each group. Each blood bag was subject to pumping in a closed circuit, which was composed of silica gel tubes and a roller pump. Polystan and COBE pumps were used for the two groups, respectively. The blood was pumped for 16 h in vitro. Free hemoglobin (FHb), platelets (PLT), erythrocyte fragility (EF), and morphological analysis of erythrocytes observed under scanning electron microscope were measured to evaluate the impact of trauma on erythrocytes. A small amount of blood was collected for analysis before pumping, at the end of the 4th hour and then every 2 h till the end of the 16th hour. Some blood samples were also collected for electron microscope scanning before pumping and every 4 h during pumping. It was found that FHb and PLT linearly increased with the pumping time. There was a significant correlation between the two parameters (r=0.7745, p<0.001). The hemolysis indexes of the two groups were 0.296 and 0.3993 mg/L/h, respectively, with no significant difference. During the pumping process, EF changed slightly. The observation of scanning electron microscopy showed various deformed erythrocytes after pumping, including the distortion of cell membrane and the appearance of echinocytes, which increased with pumping time. This study demonstrated that long term pumping using roller pump not only caused the immediate rupture of red blood cells, i.e. the immediate hemolysis, but also caused sub-trauma to a large number of erythrocytes, which led to the delayed hemolysis. The change of erythrocyte morphology was the basis of the delayed hemolysis.

Biocompatibility of electrophoretical deposition of nanostructured hydroxyapatite coating on roughen titanium surface:In vitroevaluation using mesenchymal stem cells

A nano hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer was coated on a roughen titanium surface by means of electrophoretic deposition with an acetic anhydride solvent system. The objectives of this current study are to investigate whether nano-HAp can improve mechanical strength at a lower sintering temperature and biocompatibility. Densification temperature was lowered from usual 1000 to 800 degrees C. The coating interfacial bonding strength, phase purity, microstructure, and biocompatibility were investigated. Degradation of HA phase was not detected in XRD. A porous TiO2 layer acts as a gradient coating layer with an intermediate thermal expansion coefficient between hydroxyapatite and titanium that reduces the thermal stress. From SEM image, the coating does not contain any crack. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is the progenitor cell for various tissues in mature animals, which can improve integration of bone tissue into implant. In this in vitro study, rabbit MSCs culture indicated that the HAp/Ti nanocomposite biomaterial had good biocompatibility and bioactivity. Around materials and on its surface cell grew well with good morphology. Proliferation of the MSCs on the nano-HAp coating was higher than its micron counterpart in XTT assay. These properties show potential for the orthopaedic and dental applications.

Magnetic resonance in nanoparticles: between ferro- and paramagnetism

Magnetic nanoparticles of γ-Fe(2)O(3) coated with organic molecules and suspended in liquid and solid matrices, as well as non-diluted magnetic fluid, have been studied by electron magnetic resonance (EMR) at 77-380 K. Slightly asymmetric spectra observed at room temperature become much broader and symmetric, and shift to lower fields upon cooling. An additional narrow spectral component (with a line-width of 30 G) is found in diluted samples; its magnitude obeys the Arrhenius law with an activation temperature of about 850 K. The longitudinal spin-relaxation time, T(1)≈10 ns, is determined by a specially developed modulation method. The angular dependence of the EMR signal position in field-freezing samples points to substantial alignment, suggesting the formation of dipolar-coupled aggregates. The shift and broadening of the spectrum upon cooling are assigned to the effect of the surface-related anisotropy. To describe the overall spectral shape, the 'quantization' model is used which includes summation of resonance transitions over the whole energy spectrum of a nanoparticle considered as a giant exchange cluster. This approach, supplemented with some phenomenological assumptions, provides satisfactory agreement with the experimental data.

Demonstration of optically modulated dispersion forces

We report the first experiment on the optical modulation of dispersion forces through a change of the carrier density in a Si membrane. For this purpose a high-vacuum based atomic force microscope and excitation light pulses from an Ar laser are used. The experimental results are compared with two theoretical models. The modulation of the dispersion force will find applications in optomechanical micromachines.