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Objective To analyze changes in neuromuscular control during sit-to-stand (STS) in older adults with hallux valgus ( HV) through muscle synergy, and thus to explore the effect of falls in older adults with HV. Methods Four groups of subjects were included in this study, 13 young controls (YC); 12 young HV group ( HVY) ; 14 healthy elderly controls (EC ); and 15 elderly HV group ( HVE ). All subjects completed the STS maneuver in an armless chair, and EMG data were integrated using non-negative matrix factorization to compare muscle synergies in the YC, HVY, EC, and HVE groups; plantar pressures (COP), ground reaction forces (GRF), and fall scores (FES-I) were collected. Results Compared with YC group, HVY, EC, and HVE groups had lower relative activation amplitude of abductor hallucis and lateral gastrocnemius in STS preparation phase ; meanwhile, EC and HVE groups needed more muscle activation to maintain stability of trunk and foot-ankle joints in STS stabilization phase; and HVE group needed more co-contractions of thigh muscles to maintain stability of the knee joint. The COP, FES-I of HVE group was higher than that of the other groups (P < 0.05 ). Conclusion In STS, healthy older adults and older adults with HV required more muscle activation to maintain trunk and ankle stability ; older adults with HV required more co-contraction of the thigh muscles to maintain knee stability; in addition to this, older adults with HV were more prone to falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the effect of different age and body mass index (BMI) on bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (L2-4), the femoral neck (Neck), the greater trochanter (Troch), and the intertrochanter (InterTro) in young and middle-aged males. Methods The research subjects were 322 males from 20 to 50 years old. Age was recorded. Height and weight were measured. BMI was calculated. The subjects were divided into the normal group,the overweight group, and the obese group according to BMI. BMD of the lumbar spine, the femoral neck, the greater trochanter, and the intertrochanter were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The relationship between age, BMI, and BMD of different sites were analyzed. Results The BMD of different sites in young and middle-aged males increased with the increase of BMI. The BMD of different sites in the obese group and overweight group was higher than those in the normal group (P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01). BMD in the 20 - 29 years old group was significantly higher than that in the 30 ~ 39 years old group and 40 - 50 years old group (P < 0. 01). Conclusion Age and BMI are important factors for BMD. BMI is certainly related to the BMD of different sites in young and middle-aged males. BMD of subjects in the obese group and the overweight group are significantly higher than those in the normal group. Therefore, improvement of BMD through a modest increase of weight plays an important role in the prevention of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the nature of genomic copy number variations (CNVs) in two fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHD) and explore the correlation between 3q microdeletions and CHD., Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from fetal umbilical cord tissue, and chromosome copy number variations were detected by low coverage whole genome sequencing., Results: Both fetuses had microdeletions of the long arm of chromosome 3. Fetus 1 had ventricular septal defect, cleft lip and palate, and a 1.66 Mb deletion on 3q29. The deleted region encompassed all of the critical genes for 3q29 microdeletion syndrome. Fetus 2 had overriding aorta, ventricular septal defect, and a novel 240 kb deletion on 3q28., Conclusion: 3q29 microdeletion may result in CHD in combination with cleft lip and palate. Genomic CNVs can be detected by low coverage whole genome sequencing.

Objective: To review the research progress of miRNA regulation in the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs)., Methods: The recent literature associated with miRNAs and differentiation of ADSCs was reviewed. The regulatory mechanism was analyzed in detail and summarized., Results: The results indicate that the expression of miRNAs changes during differentiation of ADSCs. In addition, miRNAs regulate the differentiation of ADSCs into adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, neurons, and hepatocytes by regulating the signaling pathways involved in cell differentiation., Conclusion: Through controlling the differentiation of ADSCs by miRNAs, the suitable seed cell for tissue engineering can be established. The review will provide a theoretical basis for molecular targeted therapy and stem cell therapy in clinic.

The aim of this experimental study focused on the relationship between pull-out strength (POS) and interfragmentary compressive force (IFCF) of AO cancellous lag screw during tightening procedure. The 6.5 mm AO cancellous lag screw and synthetic cancellous bone were used for this research. The test contains rotation tests and the subsequent pull-out tests, to record the IFCF and POS under different tightening angle groups. The results of this study demonstrated the specific relationship between IFCF and POS and showed that they didn't reach the peak at the very same time. This study revealed the change of mechanical environment surrounding AO lag screw during tightening procedure and found the effective method to determine the optimum terminating time of AO lag screw inserting.

Digital medicine is a newly developed interdiscipline, which is based on the rapid development of medical imaging technology and other advanced technologies in information science, such as computer and internet etc. To let academic world comprehend the history, status, mission, and prospect of this new branch of science, this comment primarily review the major events related to the booming process in Chinese digital medicine, the published milestone works, and dominating applied technology.

The present paper analyzes the sensor's basic principle of the bare tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) and surface plasmon resonance sensor (SPR) that deposited nanoscale gold-coating on the surface of the cladding. We simulated the transmission spectrums and some order cladding mode of TFBG in different concentration solutions by Integration and optical fiber grating software OptiGrating. So by the graphic observation and data analysis, a preliminary conclusion was got that in a certain sensing scope, the cladding modes of TFBG shift slightly to right with the increasing the solution refractive index(SRI),and the relation between resonance peak caused by the coupling of core mode and a certain cladding mode and the SRI was linear. Then the 45 nm thick gold coating was deposited on the surface of the TFBG cladding in a small-scale sputtering chamber KYKY SBC-12, and thermal field scanning electron microscopy presents that the effect of gold-coating was satisfactory to a certain extent in terms of microscopic level. The refractive index(RI) sensing experiments of different concentration solutions of NaCI, MgCI2, CaCI2 were carried out using bare and gold deposited TFBG. The RI sensing characteristics of both bare and gold deposited TFBGs respectively were studied by experiments. Meanwhile, it proved the conclusion that the cladding modes of TFBG drifted to right gradually when the SRI was increasing and the relations between resonance peak caused by the coupling of core mode and a certain cladding mode and the SRI were linear. And by quantitative analysis, we know that SPR sensor with the deposited namoscale gold layer on the surface of cladding enhanced the RI sensitivity dramatically by 2 to 500 nm RIU-1 which is 200 to 300 times larger than that of the bare tilted fiber Bragg grating approximately. The degrees of linear fittings of resonance peak caused by the coupling of core mode and a certain cladding mode and SRI of bare and gold-coating deposited SPR sensor are very good and both of them reach up to more than 0. 99.

Objective: To compare the biomechanical properties of the anterior transpedicular screw-artificial vertebral body (AVB) and conventional anterior screw plate system (AP) in lower cervical spine by finite element study., Methods: CT images (C1-T1) were obtained from a 38-year-old female volunteer. The models of intact C(3-7) (intact group), AP fixation (AP group), and AVB fixation (AVB group) were established and analyzed by Mimics 14.0, Geomagic Studio 2013, and ANSYS 14.0 softwares. The axial force of 74 N and moment couple of 1 N x m were loaded on the upper surface and upper facet joint surfaces of C3. Under conditions of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation, the Von Mises stress distribution regularity and maximum equivalent stree of AP and AVB groups were recorded, and the range of motion (ROM) was also analyzed of 3 groups., Results: The intact model of lower cervical spine (C(3-7)) was established, consisting of 286,382 elements and 414,522 nodes, and it was successfully validated with the previously reported cadaveric experimental data of Panjabi and Kallemeyn. The stress concentrated on the connection between plate and screw in AP group, while it distributed evenly in AVB group. Between AP and AVB groups, there was significant difference in maximum equivalent stress values under conditions of 74 N axial force, flexion, extension, and rotation. AVB group had smaller ROM of fixed segments and larger ROM of adjacent segments than AP group. Compared with intact group, whole ROM of the lower cervical spine decreased about 3 degrees, but ROM of C(3,4) and C(6,7) segments increased nearly 5 degrees in both AP and AVB groups., Conclusion: As a new reconstruction method of lower cervical spine, AVB fixation provides better stability and lower risk of failure than AP fixation.

Objective: To explore the risk factors of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients after coronary artery intervention., Methods: A total of 637 patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. They were divided into the CIN and non-CIN groups according to the changes in serum creatinine levels within 48 hours after coronary artery intervention. Then the relevant risk factors of CIN were analyzed., Results: Among them, CIN occurred in 49 patients with an incidence of 7.7%. The patients with diabetes and renal insufficiency had higher incidence of CIN at 15.5% and 22.5% respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of CIN included advanced age, smoking, diabetes, renal insufficiency, hypercholesterolemia and hyperuricemia., Conclusion: For the patients of coronary artery intervention, the major risk factors of CIN are advanced age, diabetes and renal insufficiency.

Objective: To summarize the application and research status of the hip protector (HP) and to discuss the current problems and further research direction., Methods: HP related literature in recent years was reviewed and analyzed., Results: Biomechanics experiment studies have shown that HP could protect hip joint from fractures caused by falling, however, the protective effect of HP has not shown clinically., Conclusion: HP biomechanical experiments show better protective effect, which may be related with the lower impact energy; in clinical application, poor compliance of HP is considered as the main reason of weak protective effect.

Objective: To provide a comprehensive review for development and existing problems of the perforator flaps., Methods: The related home and abroad literature concerning perforator flaps was extensively reviewed., Results: The perforator flaps are defined as the axial flaps nourished solely by small cutaneous perforating vessels (perforating arteries and veins), which are exclusively composed of skin and subcutaneous fat. The perforator flaps have the advantages as follows: less injury at donor site, less damage to the contour of the donor site, good reconstruction and appearance of the recipient site flexible design, and short time of postoperative recovery, which have been widely used in reconstructive surgery., Conclusion: The perforator flaps are the new development of the microsurgery, which usher an era of small axial flaps; However, the controversies of the definition, vascular classification, the nomenclature, and the clinical application of the perforator flaps still exist, which are therefore the hot spot for future study.

Objective: Series of complicated molecule signal pathway are involved in the bone regeneration. To explore the possibility of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) which is taken as the "key activation" during the fracture healing and provide the laboratory evidence for the gene therapy of nonunion or delayed union of fractures., Methods: Thirty-three adult male Wistar rats (weighing 180-220 g) were selected and divided randomly into 4 groups: group A (the control group, n=3), the rigth lower segments of radius were injected with normal saline 0.3 mL for 7 days, once per day; group B (Bay 11-7082 injection group, n=6), the middle and distal radius were injected with normal saline containing 50 pmol/L NF-kappaB inhibitor Bay 11-7082 0.3 mL for 7 days, once per day; group C (fracture group, n=12), the right middle and distal radius were cut by a sharp scissors to form per fracture model; and group D (Bay 11-7082 treatment group, n=12), based on group C, 0.3 mL of 50 micromol/L Bay 11-7082 were injected into the fracture site for 7 days, once per day. The callus tissues were harvested at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after fracture for Western blot analysis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assessment, prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) production assay, and histological observation., Results: The rats of all groups were survival till the experiment completion. At 3 and 7 days after injection, there was no significant difference in the ALP activity and PGE2 production between group B and group A (P > 0.05); but group C was significantly higher than group A (P < 0.01) and group D was significantly lower than group A (P < 0.01). The expressions of NF-kappaB p65, bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7), and inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (Id2) were observed at fracture sites of 4 groups. There was no significant difference in the expressions of NF-kappaB p65, BMP-7, and Id2 between group B and group A (P > 0.05); the expressions of NF-kappaB p65 and BMP-7 were significantly higher and the expression of Id2 was significantly lower in group C than group A (P < 0.01); and the expressions of NF-kappaB p65 and BMP-7 were significantly lower and the expression of Id2 was significantly higher in group D than group A (P < 0.01). The histological observation showed that a lot of osseous callus formed in group C at 14 and 28 days., Conclusion: but osseous callus just began to form in group D at 28 days. NF-kappaB p65 can facilitate early fracture healing of rat radius by elevating the PGE2 production and regulating BMP-7 and Id2 expression.

Objective: To explore the inhibitory effect and anti-cancer mechanisms of adenovirus-mediated ING4 gene on the human bladder cancer T24 cells in vitro., Methods: The methods of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of ING4 in human bladder urothelial carcinoma T24 line. The influence of Ad-ING4 transfection on cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay and cell apoptosis by Hochest33258 staining and flow cytometry. RT-PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the transcriptional level of such apoptosis-related genes as Bcl-2, Bax, p53, HIF-1α and caspase-3., Results: Human ING4 was successfully transcribed in T24 cell. Apoptosis rate of T24 cell in Ad-ING4 group was significant higher than that in control groups (17.2% ± 4.1% vs 4.7% ± 1.2% and 4.8% ± 1.2%, P < 0.05). Ad-ING4 not only up-regulated the expression of p53 and Bax(1.40 ± 0.11 vs 0.27 ± 0.04, 1.50 ± 0.12 vs 0.60 ± 0.05) and down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and HIF-1α (0.19 ± 0.02 vs 1.20 ± 0.08, 0.33 ± 0.03 vs 0.98 ± 0.06, all P < 0.05), but also enhanced the caspase-3 activation and eventually led to apoptosis., Conclusion: Adenovirus-mediated ING4 gene exhibits anti-tumor capacity in T24 human bladder cancer cell and induces in vitro apoptosis. It may be related to the up-regulation of P53 and Bax/Bcl-2, and the down-regulation of HIF-1α. Thus the caspase-3 activation is enhanced so as to lead to apoptosis.

Objective: To predict the cancellous screw stress distributions and pull-out strength in cancellous bone with different densities using 3-D finite element analysis and provide biomechanical evidence for screw implant in clinical practices., Methods: Three-dimensional models of bones with low, medium and high bone density and a fixation screw were generated in Solidworks. Finite element analysis was performed after importing these models to Abaqus to simulate the pull- out process., Results: Stress concentrated both at the surfaces where major diameter of the screw connected the bone and at the proximal half angle of the 3 proximal screw threads. Maximum Von Mises stress of the threads decreased along the long axis of the screw. The pull-out strengths of the cancellous screw were 208.9 N, 431.45 N, and 648.80 N in low, medium and high bone density, respectively., Conclusion: During the pull-out process of cancellous screw, stress concentrates at the proximal end of the screw and the pull-out strengths are proportional to the cancellous bone density.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation on cervical stability after anterior cervical interbody fusion (ACIF) before and after fatigue., Methods: Twelve porcine cervical spines (C3-7) were subjected to testing angular displacement parameters, including the range of motion (ROM), neutral zone (NZ), and elastic zone (EZ), in nondestructive flexion and extension, right/left lateral bending, and left/right rotation on Motion Analysis motion capture system and MTS-858 servo-hydraulic testing machine. Intact cervical spines served as control group (group A); one-level discectomy and fusion was performed with anterior plate fixation based on group A as group B; flexion and extension, left/right lateral bending (5 000 cycles) fatigue testing based on group B as group C; the augmentation screw channel was used based on group C as group D; and flexion and extension, left/right lateral bending fatigue testing were performed based on group D as group E., Results: The ROM, NZ, and EZ in group A were significantly different from those in other groups (P < 0.05) at flexion/extension, left/right bending, and left/right rotation. The ROM, NZ, and EZ in group B were significantly smaller than those in group C (P < 0.05) in flexion/extension, left/right bending, and left/right rotation, but there was no significant difference when compared with group D (P > 0.05). The ROM and NZ in flexion/extension and the EZ in flexion in group B were significant smaller than those in group E (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the other indexes (P > 0.05). The ROM, NZ, and EZ in group C in flexion and extension, left/right lateral bending, and left/right rotation were significantly higher than those in groups D and E (P < 0.05). The ROM and NZ in flexion and extension and left/right lateral bending, and the ROM in left/right rotation, and the EZ in flexion and extension, right bending, and left/right rotation in group D were significantly smaller than those in group E (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the other indexes (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: PMMA augmentation can significantly increase the instant cervical stability and provide a biomechanics basis in cervical anterior plate fixation.

Objective: To study the expressions of interleukin-15 (IL-15), osteopontin (OPN), granzyme B (GraB) and perforin (PFP) mRNA in early stage of acute rejection (AR) of renal allograft in rats., Methods: The rat renal transplantation model was established. Male Brown Norway and Lewis rats were used as donors and recipients. Four groups were designated: CsA group (BN-->LEW, n = 10, recipients were treated with CsA i.p.); AB group (BN-->LEW, n = 10, recipients were treated with anti-IL-15 neutralizing antibody i.p.); AR group (BN-->LEW, n = 10, recipients were treated with normal saline i.p.) and control group (LEW-->LEW, n = 6, recipients were treated with normal saline i.p.). The blood samples of recipients were drawn at Days 1, 3, 5 and 7 post-transplantation. The serum expressions of IL-15, OPN, PFP and GraB mRNA of recipients were detected by real-time PCR. Allograft tissues were analyzed by pathological assays., Results: In comparison with other groups, the expressions of OPN, IL-15, PFP and GraB mRNA in AR group were gradually up-regulated and peaked at Day 5. The expressions of IL-15 mRNA in CsA and AB groups were 9685 +/- 1440 and 4346 +/- 741 respectively at Day 5 post-operation. It was significantly lower than that in AR group (17 022 +/- 2153, P < 0.01). The expression of IL-15 mRNA in AB group was significantly lower than that in CsA group (P < 0.01). The expressions of OPN mRNA in CsA and AB groups (13 226 +/- 1565 vs 19 112 +/- 2908) were both significantly lower than that in AR group (24 663 +/- 2449, P < 0.01). But the expression of OPN mRNA in AB group was higher than that in CsA group (P < 0.01). At Day 5 post-transplantation, both the expressions of PFP and GraB mRNA in AB and CsA groups was lower than that in AR group (P < 0.01). The pathological results showed that severe AR occurred at Day 7 post-transplantation in AR group and whereas the extent of rejection sign relieved in AB group., Conclusion: In early stage of AR of renal allograft in rats, the expressions of OPN, IL-15, PFP and GraB mRNA are up-regulated. Blocking IL-15/IL-15R pathway in early stage of AR can down-regulate the expressions of PFP and GraB mRNA.

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of primary Burkitt lymphoma of the seminal vesicle., Methods: We reported the clinical characteristics, histological changes and the results of immunohistochemical staining and molecular in situ hybridization of 1 case of primary Burkitt lymphoma of the seminal vesicle. We also reviewed the related literature and studied the pathomorphological characteristics and differential diagnosis of the tumor., Results: The characteristic manifestations of the patient were frequent micturition with dysuria, followed by inguinal lymphadenectasis 2 months later. Medical imaging showed a diffuse and monotonous infiltration of neoplastic cells with scanty cytoplasm and a few mitosis images. Microscopy displayed a starry sky pattern. The tumor cells were positive for CD10, CD20, CD79alpha, Bcl-6 and EBER in situ hybridization, but negative for CD3, CD6 and Cyclin D1. The Ki-67 index was > 95%., Conclusion: Primary Burkitt lymphoma of the seminal vesicle is a very rare tumor with aggressive behavior. The pathological diagnosis of the tumor depends on histopathological examination and immunohistochemical techniques. However it should be differentiated from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, lymphoblastic lymphoma and small cell carcinoma of the seminal vesicle or prostate gland.

Objective: To analyze the expression changes of Pax7 and MyoD in satellite cells of denervated skeletal muscle at the mRNA and protein level, and to explore the pathway concerning with denervation and regeneration of skeletal muscle., Methods: Nine male SD rats of 2 months old, weighing 180-200 g were selected. The right gastrocnemius muscle was made denervation model as experimental sides, and the same operation was performed in the left sides as control. The immunofluorescence analysis was done for detecting the protein expressions of Pax7 and MyoD in muscles denervated 3, 7 and 21 days after operation. The RT-PCR analysis was used to explore the mRNA expression of MyoD and Pax7 in extracted tissues from denervated muscles., Results: Nine rats survived after operation, with limited motion of right hind limbs, and normal motion of left limbs. The result of immunofluorescence with the polyclonal antibody against MyoD and the monoclonal antibody against Pax7 showed that the number of MyoD positive cells in prolonged denervated muscles (experimental sides) increased gradually, and reached the peak 21 days after denervation, there was significant difference compared with that of control sides (P < 0.05). However, the total number of Pax7 positive cells decreased with the prolongation of denervation, the expression of Pax7 was strong only at 3 days, then decreased gradually, and there was no positive cells in denervated muscles of 21 days. There were significant differences in Pax7 positive cells between experimental sides and control sides at 3 and 7 days (P < 0.05). The results of immunostaining showed that MyoD mRNA levels increased , and reached the peak at 21 days of denervation, there was significant difference compared with that of control sides (P < 0.05). Whereas, Pax7 mRNA expressed only in control, denervated muscles of 3 and 7 days, and its expression level decreased gradually., Conclusion: One possible reason of the depletion of satellite cell pool in prolonged denervated muscle is the down-regulation of Pax7.

This experiment was designed to observe the morphologic changes of aortic endothelial cells in diabetic rats and to investigate the influence of hyperglycemia. Diabetic rats were used and their aortic endothelial cells were observed under atomic force microscope, then these pictures were 3D reconstructed. The results showed that numerous microvilli and round window-hollow-like structures and insect- bitten-like caveloae were scattered on the surface of the vascular endothelia, and a few ball-like granules were adhering to the endothelial cells. In diabetic rats, microvilli decreased and the cells looked as if they were weather-beaten rocks. The adhering ball-like granules in the diabetic group were significantly more than those in the control group. They were most numerous at 12 weeks. The insect-bitten-like caveloae began deepening at 7 weeks, and their diameters markedly increased at 12 weeks, but they decreased in number. After 3D figures were reconstructed, the surface of cells manifested smoothness. However, in diabetic rats, the morphology of their endothelial cells was characterized by roughness and small surface projections. The quantitative results showed that the average roughness increased gradually as the experiment time prolonged. These indicate that excess sugar in the blood may destroy the endothelial structure, make the cells rougher, and hence cause the protein granules to adhere onto the endothelial cells. At the same time, the deepening and enlargement of the insect-bitten-like caveloae may indicate the increasing endocytosis.

Objective: To review researches of the role of inhibitor of differentiation 2(Id2) in skeletal muscle regeneration., Methods: The latest original literature concerning Id2 and its role in skeletal muscle regeneration was extensively reviewed., Results: Id2 could form heterodimers by combining with E protein to prevent myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) forming heterodimers by combining with E protein, to inhibit the transcription activity of MRFs and differentiation of skeletal muscle cell., Conclusion: Id2 plays an important role in skeletal muscle regeneration.

Objective: To observe the distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-immunopositive neurons in rat corpus striatum and their ultrastructural features., Methods: Brain tissue specimens were obtained from normal SD rats, in which nNOS-immunopositive neurons were visualized by ABC immunocytochemistry and observed under immunoelectron microscope with pre-embedding staining., Results: Under light microscope, nNOS-immunopositive neurons appeared brown with distinct profiles of the cell body and processes. These neurons, mostly medium-sized and small cells, were located mainly in the lateral region of the corpus striatum. Only a few immunopositive neurons were detected in the medial region of the corpus striatum. Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy identified the nNOS-immunopositive neurons as interneurons possessing large nuclei with small amount of cytoplasma. The immunopositive granules were visualized as black plaques, and the larger ones distributed mainly in the cell bodies, some with monolayer membrane encapsulation. The small granules did not have the encapsulation, scattering in perinuclear regions and under the cell membrane, but not in the cell body. The immunopositive granules were also found in the axons and dendrites, but not in the vesicles of the synapses. In addition, many immunopositive terminals were found close to the blood vessels., Conclusions: nNOS-immunopositive neurons in rat corpus striatum are mainly medium-sized and small cells as is typical of the interneurons. The immunopositive granules locate in the cytoplasma, axons and dendrites, and larger granules have membrane coating while small ones do not, possibly in relation to their functions.

Objective: To explore the relationship between the differentiation of L6 myoblasts and oxidative stress., Methods: MTT assay was used to determine the viability of L6 myoblasts, from which the total RNA was extracted for amplification of the myogenin gene fragment by RT-PCR. H(2)O(2)-induced morphological changes of the cells were observed., Results: The myoblasts treated with low concentration of reactive oxygen (50 micromol/L H(2)O(2)) for 1 h exhibited accelerated cell growth (P<0.05), and treatment with 50 and 150 micromol/L H(2)O(2) induced the gene expression of myogenin, a molecular marker for differentiation of myoblasts. Morphological study revealed myotube formation and accelerated differentiation of the myoblasts induced by H(2)O(2)., Conclusion: The reactive oxygen may serve as the intracellular signal molecules to induce the growth and differentiation of the myoblasts.

Objective: To analyze the stress distribution and its changes of the femoral neck at different abduction angles of the hip joint to provide biomechanical evidence for the treatment of hip joint disease., Methods: A three-dimensional finite element model of the femoral head region was reconstructed on the basis of data available in the dataset of No.1 Virtual Male Chinese. Different abduction angles of the hip joint were simulated under the load of body weight, and the stress distribution on the femoral neck was calculated and compared., Results: With different abduction angles of the hip joint, the stresses on the medial and lateral sides of the femoral neck were obviously greater than those on the anterior and posterior regions. As the abduction angle of the hip joint increased, the stress on the posterior aspect of the femoral neck decreased while that in other regions increased (except for the anterior aspect of the femoral neck which remained unchanged)., Conclusion: The lateral aspect of the femoral neck withstands the most intense stress of the body weight, which increases with the abduction angle of the hip joint.