Comparison between Different Methods for Biomechanical Assessment of Ex Vivo Fracture Callus Stiffness in Small Animal Bone Healing Studies

For ex vivo measurements of fracture callus stiffness in small animals, different test methods, such as torsion or bending tests, are established. Each method provides advantages and disadvantages, and it is still debated which of those is most sensitive to experimental conditions (i.e. specimen alignment, directional dependency, asymmetric behavior). The aim of this study was to experimentally compare six different testing methods regarding their robustness against experimental errors. Therefore, standardized specimens were created by selective laser sintering (SLS), mimicking size, directional behavior, and embedding variations of respective rat long bone specimens. For the latter, five different geometries were created which show shifted or tilted specimen alignments. The mechanical tests included three-point bending, four-point bending, cantilever bending, axial compression, constrained torsion, and unconstrained torsion. All three different bending tests showed the same principal behavior. They were highly dependent on the rotational direction of the maximum fracture callus expansion relative to the loading direction (creating experimental errors of more than 60%), however small angular deviations (<15°) were negligible. Differences in the experimental results between the bending tests originate in their respective location of maximal bending moment induction. Compared to four-point bending, three-point bending is easier to apply on small rat and mouse bones under realistic testing conditions and yields robust measurements, provided low variation of the callus shape among the tested specimens. Axial compressive testing was highly sensitive to embedding variations, and therefore cannot be recommended. Although it is experimentally difficult to realize, unconstrained torsion testing was found to be the most robust method, since it was independent of both rotational alignment and embedding uncertainties. Constrained torsional testing showed small errors (up to 16.8%, compared to corresponding alignment under unconstrained torsion) due to a parallel offset between the specimens’ axis of gravity and the torsional axis of rotation.     

Callus Formation and Mineralization after Fracture with Different Fixation Techniques: Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis versus Open Reduction Internal Fixation

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis(MIPO) has been considered as an alternative for fracture treatment. Previous study has demonstrated that MIPO technique has the advantage of less soft tissue injury compared with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). However, the comparison of callus formation and mineralization between two plate osteosynthesis methods remains unknown. In this experiment, ulna fracture model was established in 42 beagle dogs. The fractures underwent reduction and internal fixation with MIPO or ORIF. Sequential fluorescent labeling and radiographs were applied to determine new callus formation and mineralization in two groups after operation. At 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively, the animals were selected to be sacrificed and the ulna specimens were analyzed by Micro-CT. The sections were also treated with Masson staining for histological evaluation. More callus formation was observed in MIPO group in early stage of fracture healing. The fracture union rate has no significant difference between two groups. The results indicate that excessive soft tissue stripping may impact early callus formation. As MIPO technique can effectively reduce soft tissue injury with little incision, it is considered to be a promising alternative for fracture fixation.     

Systemic Inhibition of Canonical Notch Signaling Results in Sustained Callus Inflammation and Alters Multiple Phases of Fracture Healing

The Notch signaling pathway is an important regulator of embryological bone development, and many aspects of development are recapitulated during bone repair. We have previously reported that Notch signaling components are upregulated during bone fracture healing. However, the significance of the Notch pathway in bone regeneration has not been described. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the importance of Notch signaling in regulating bone fracture healing by using a temporally controlled inducible transgenic mouse model (Mx1-Cre;dnMAML^f/-) to impair RBPjκ-mediated canonical Notch signaling. The Mx1 promoter was synthetically activated resulting in temporally regulated systemic dnMAML expression just prior to creation of bilateral tibial fractures. This allowed for mice to undergo unaltered embryological and post-natal skeletal development. Results showed that systemic Notch inhibition prolonged expression of inflammatory cytokines and neutrophil cell inflammation, and reduced the proportion of cartilage formation within the callus at 10 days-post-fracture (dpf) Notch inhibition did not affect early bone formation at 10dpf, but significantly altered bone maturation and remodeling at 20dpf. Increased bone volume fraction in dnMAML fractures, which was due to a moderate decrease in callus size with no change in bone mass, coincided with increased trabecular thickness but decreased connectivity density, indicating that patterning of bone was altered. Notch inhibition decreased total osteogenic cell density, which was comprised of more osteocytes rather than osteoblasts. dnMAML also decreased osteoclast density, suggesting that osteoclast activity may also be important for altered fracture healing. It is likely that systemic Notch inhibition had both direct effects within cell types as well as indirect effects initiated by temporally upstream events in the fracture healing cascade. Surprisingly, Notch inhibition did not alter cell proliferation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the Notch signaling pathway is required for the proper temporal progression of events required for successful bone fracture healing.     

Yeast-Incorporated Gallium Promotes Fracture Healing by Increasing Callus Bony Area and Improving Trabecular Microstructure on Ovariectomized Osteopenic Rats

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of yeast-incorporated gallium on fracture healing in ovariectomized osteopenic rats. Forty Wistar female rats used were divided into three groups: sham-operated rats (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and ovx rats treated with yeast-bound gallium (YG). A standardized fracture-healing model with stable plate fixation was established for rat femoral. After 4-week stable fixation, animals were killed to prepare bones for Micro-CT, biomechanical testing, and histomorphometry. In addition, bone samples were obtained to evaluate the content of mineral substances in bones. Quantitative analysis of the bones from animals in the organic gallium group revealed significantly increased mineral contents compared to bones from OVX and SHAM groups. Micro-CT showed that treatment with yeast-incorporated gallium increased BV/TV and trabecular thickness and decreased trabecular separation in ovx animals. Histomorphometric evaluation demonstrated that YG increased callus area and callus bone formation. Yeast-bound gallium also improved the biomechanical properties of bone healing. In conclusion, this study suggests that yeast-incorporated gallium could promote fracture healing in ovariectomized rats.     

孝顺竹愈伤组织增殖培养基优化研究

为筛选适宜孝顺竹愈伤组织继代增殖培养基,控制褐变发生,提高再生体系效率,对培养基组成如5种基本培养基、6种有机添加物、7种糖类和5种大量元素等因子进行试验分析。结果表明：培养20 d,基本培养基以MS效果较好,愈伤组织增殖2.8倍,白至淡黄色,致密;有机添加物以1.0 g·L^-1脯氨酸效果较显著,愈伤组织增殖3.64倍,淡黄色,致密均一;碳源以30 g·L^-1麦芽糖效果较好,愈伤组织增殖2.96倍,白至淡黄色,致密。5种大量元素中NH₄NO₃对孝顺竹愈伤组织增殖的影响达到显著水平,以825 mg·L^-1为较佳浓度,培养29 d愈伤组织增殖可达5倍以上,部分出现根分化;适宜孝顺竹愈伤组织培养的大量元素组合为：KNO₃ 475 mg·L^-1+NH₄NO₃ 825 mg·L^-1+MgSO₄·7H₂O 185 mg·L^-1+KH₂PO₄ 340 mg·L^-1+CaCl₂·7H₂O 440 mg·L^-1。     

锁骨骨折内固定失效的原因分析及对策

目的：探讨锁骨骨折切开复位内固定术后内固定失效的原因,并寻找补救方案。方法：选择我院2007年5月~2010年5月收治的184例锁骨骨折患者,其中男性123例,女性61例,年龄24~76岁,对手术切开复位内固定失败病例的内固定方法进行对比,分析内固定失效的原因,并选取记忆合金环抱器或天鹅型记忆接骨器作为再次手术的内固定器械,分析其临床疗效。结果：本组所有病例均获得6~24个月随访,所有患者首次手术均行钢板内固定治疗,其中应用重建钢板治疗48例,解剖钢板治疗86例,锁骨钩钢板治疗50例,3例术后发生钢板或螺钉断裂患者选用记忆合金环抱器重新手术内固定治疗,2例痊愈,1例记忆合金环抱器再次发生断裂,改用天鹅型记忆接骨器治疗获得痊愈。3例骨不连患者均选择天鹅型记忆接骨器配合植骨内固定治疗,术后恢复良好。结论：锁骨骨折切开复位内固定术后内固定失败的原因主要与所使用内固定技术不合理及患者早期不正确的功能锻炼有关。记忆合金环抱器和天鹅型记忆接骨器均可作为钢板内固定失败术后的补救方案,但天鹅型记忆接骨器较记忆合金环抱器可提供更好的纵向加压作用,治疗钢板断裂及骨不连患者更为可靠。     

Numerical Simulation and Structural Optimization of the Inclined Oil/Water Separator

Improving the separation efficiency of the inclined oil/water separator, a new type of gravity separation equipment, is of great importance. In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the internal flow field of the separation process of oil and water within this separator, a numerical simulation based on Euler multiphase flow analysis and the realizable k-ε two equation turbulence model was executed using Fluent software. The optimal value ranges of the separator’s various structural parameters used in the numerical simulation were selected through orthogonal array experiments. A field experiment on the separator was conducted with optimized structural parameters in order to validate the reliability of the numerical simulation results. The research results indicated that the horizontal position of the dispenser, the hole number, and the diameter had significant effects on the oil/water separation efficiency, and that the longitudinal position of the dispenser and the position of the weir plate had insignificant effects on the oil/water separation efficiency. The optimal structural parameters obtained through the orthogonal array experiments resulted in an oil/water separation efficiency of up to 95%, which was 4.996% greater than that realized by the original structural parameters.     

Microstructures of External Periosteal Callus of Repaired Femoral Fracture in Children

In order to understand further the mechanism of bone fracture repair, and thus to innovate better operative treatment for bone fracture and to design new implant materials for bone repair, microstructures of external periosteal callus (EPC) of repaired femoral fracture in both children and adults were investigated by using a scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and an X-ray microdiffractometer. The repair time after the fractures in children and adults is on average 155 and 370 days, respectively. Collagen fibrils making up children's EPC (CEPC) are underdeveloped and insufficiently mineralized by hydroxyapatite (HA), while those from adults' EPC (AEPC) are similar to normal bone. A lot of particles loaded by brushite (DCPD) minerals were found among the collagen fibrils of CEPC. The main mineral phases in CEPC consist of DCPD and HA, while only HA exists in AEPC. Deposition of DCPD minerals could have compensated for the insufficient mineralization of the collagen fibrils of CEPC, thereby making fractured bone repair more rapidly in children than in adults.     

正交设计法优化三岛柴胡愈伤组织培养基

目的:优化三岛柴胡愈伤组织培养条件。方法:采用正交设计法,以相对生长速率、鲜重和干重为考察指标,对三岛柴胡愈伤组织生长的MS培养基成分进行单因素多水平和多因素多水平考察。结果:最佳培养基为:MS+3%蔗糖+10/40mmol.L-1NH4+/NO3-+3.75mmol.L-1HPO24-+NAA(0.005mg.ml-1)+6-BA(0.010mg.ml-1)。最佳培养条件下,愈伤组织相对生长速率为0.1548,干重达0.1668g.瓶-1。结论:2,4-D与NAA配合使用可以促进三岛柴胡愈伤组织快速生长,L9(34)正交设计实验中愈伤组织干重明显高于单因子实验设计的。     

农杆菌介导小麦成熟胚愈伤组织转化的主要因子优化

目的：提高小麦成熟胚愈伤组织的转化效率,为建立快速高效的小麦遗传转化体系奠定基础。方法：以普通小麦HB341、SN2618成熟胚愈伤组织为受体,通过农杆菌GV3101/pBI121介导,进行选择剂选择压、外植体预培养时间、接种菌液浓度及侵染时间等遗传转化主要因子的优化研究。结果：最适宜的转化条件是：胚性愈伤组织在附加200μmol/l乙酰丁香酮的分化培养基上预培养3d,在OD600=0.6的接种菌液中侵染30min,然后在附加40～60mg/l卡那霉素的分化培养基上筛选培养30d,即可获得假阳性率很低的转基因小麦抗性芽。结论：该研究为快速高效小麦遗传转化体系的建立提供了依据。     

应用坚固内固定技术治疗颌骨骨折的效果分析

目的：探究坚固内固定技术对颌骨骨折的治疗运用,为颌骨骨折的治疗方法选择提供理论指导。方法：选取我科自2009年4月-2012年7月收治的80例下颌骨骨折患者行手术切开复位、小型和微型钛板坚固内固定术治疗,纳入内固定组,并选取同期80例行颌间固定的颌骨骨折患者,纳入颌间固定组,对比两组患者治疗效果。结果：两组患者术后3个月张口度及张口型均得到明显改善,内固定组改善程度较颌间固定组更为显著（P〈0．05）;内固定组治疗周数、口臭及咬合错乱发生率均低于颌间固定组（P〈0．05）;内固定组疗效评价优43例,良26例,有效率86．3％,颌间固定组分别为31例和17例,有效率60．0％,内固定组治疗效果显著优于颌间固定组（P〈0．05）。结论：坚固内固定技术具有组织相容性高、口功能恢复快、不良反应发生率低等优势,是治疗颌骨骨折的安全、可靠、简便的治疗方案,能够有效保证患者的预后和生活质量,值得临床普遍应用。     

Biomechanical Characteristics of Osteoporotic Fracture Healing in Ovariectomized Rats: A Systematic Review

Biomechanical tests are widely used in animal studies on osteoporotic fracture healing. However, the biomechanical recovery process is still unknown, leading to difficulty in choosing time points for biomechanical tests and in correctly assessing osteoporotic fracture healing. To determine the biomechanical recovery process during osteoporotic fracture healing, studies on osteoporotic femur fracture healing with biomechanical tests in ovariectomized rat (OVX) models were collected from PUBMED, EMBASE, and Chinese databases. Quadratic curves of fracture healing time and maximum load were fitted with data from the analyzed studies. In the fitted curve for normal fractures, the predicted maximum load was 145.56 N, and the fracture healing time was 88.0 d. In the fitted curve for osteoporotic fractures, the predicted maximum load was 122.30 N, and the fracture healing time was 95.2 d. The maximum load of fractured femurs in OVX rats was also lower than that in sham rats at day 84 post-fracture (D84 PF). The fracture healing time was prolonged and maximum load at D84 PF decreased in OVX rats with closed fractures. The maximum load of Wister rats was higher than that of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, but the fracture healing time of SD and Wister rats was similar. Osteoporotic fracture healing was delayed in rats that were < = 12 weeks old when ovariectomized, and at D84 PF, the maximum load of rats < = 12 weeks old at ovariectomy was lower than that of rats >12 weeks old at ovariectomy. There was no significant difference in maximum load at D84 PF between rats with an osteoporosis modeling time <12 weeks and > = 12 weeks. In conclusion, fracture healing was delayed and biomechanical property decreased by osteoporosis. Time points around D95.2 PF should be considered for biomechanical tests of osteoporotic femur fracture healing in OVX rat models. Osteoporotic fracture healing in OVX rats was affected by the fracture type but not by the strain of the rat.     

Impaired Fracture Healing Caused by Deficiency of the Immunoreceptor Adaptor Protein DAP12

Osteoclasts play an important role in bone metabolism, but their exact role in fracture healing remains unclear. DAP12 is an immunoadaptor protein with associated immunoreceptors on myeloid lineage cells, including osteoclasts. Its deficiency causes osteopetrosis due to suppression of osteoclast development and activation. In this report, we assessed the impact of DAP12 on the fracture healing process using C57BL/6 (B6) and DAP12^–/– mice. Healing was evaluated using radiography, micro-CT, histology, immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR. Radiography showed lower callus volume and lower callus radiolucency in DAP12^–/– mice during later stages. Micro-CT images and quantitative structural analysis indicated that DAP12^–/– mice developed calluses of dense trabecular structures and experienced deteriorated cortical shell formation on the surface. Histologically, DAP12^–/– mice showed less cartilaginous resorption and woven bone formation. In addition, prominent cortical shell formation was much less in DAP12^–/– mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed lower invasion of F4/80 positive monocytes and macrophages into the fracture hematoma in DAP12^–/– mice. The expression levels of Col1a1, Col2a1 and Col10a1 in DAP12^–/– mice increased and subsequently became higher than those in B6 mice. There was a decrease in the gene expression of Tnf during the early stages in DAP12^–/– mice. Our results indicate that DAP12 deficiency impairs fracture healing, suggesting a significant role of DAP12 in the initial inflammatory response, bone remodeling and regeneration.     

外伤性颈椎骨折脱位的颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗及其临床疗效分析

目的：探讨颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗外伤性颈椎骨折脱位的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析2010年6月至2012年7月我院采用颈椎椎弓根内固定治疗颈椎骨折脱位28例。损伤部位：C16例,C22例,C3～43例,C43例,C54例,C5～65例,C63例,C6～72例。脱位程度：I度脱位20例,II度脱位5例,III度脱位1例,Ⅳ度脱位2例。ASIA分级：A级2例,B级1例,C级3例,D级4例,E级17例。全部病例术前均行x线、CT及MRI检查并根据其结果行个体化椎弓根钉置入。术前和术后按ASIA神经功能评估方法评价手术疗效。结果：28例均获得8～18个月随访,平均随访12个月,随访期内无一例死亡。其中置入螺钉140枚,有128枚位置正确,12枚存在不同程度偏差,无手术相关并发症,无神经损伤加重。ASIA分级：A级3例中的1例恢复至D级,2例恢复至B级,B级1例恢复至C级,C级3例中的1例恢复至D级,2例恢复至E级,D级4例恢复至E级,E级17例仍为E级。结论：颈椎椎弓根钉内固定是治疗外伤性颈椎骨折脱位安全有效。     

根癌农杆菌介导的苜蓿悬浮胚性愈伤遗传转化体系的建立与优化

苜蓿基因型是限制遗传转化的关键因素之一。本实验通过对7种苜蓿胚性愈伤组织诱导,筛选出一份具有高频再生潜力的基因型公农-1号,并以该基因型为转化平台探索和建立了一套高效的苜蓿遗传转化系统。分析了影响农杆菌共培养转化苜蓿悬浮胚性愈伤的因素,优化了悬浮培养条件,建立的超声波辅助农杆菌介导苜蓿胚性愈伤的遗传转化系统为：以下胚轴诱导的愈伤组织经悬浮培养得到的胚性愈伤为转化材料,乙酰丁香酮为100 μmol·L^-1、超声波处理时间8 s、卡那霉素筛选浓度30 mg·L^-1、共培养4 d,接种于选择培养基上进行筛选和再生。最终,获得了大量的转基因植株,分子检测证实目的基因-角碱蓬液泡膜型Na⁺/H⁺逆向转运蛋白基因已经整合到苜蓿基因组中。     

Targeted Delivery of Lovastatin and Tocotrienol to Fracture Site Promotes Fracture Healing in Osteoporosis Model: Micro-Computed Tomography and Biomechanical Evaluation

Osteoporosis is becoming a major health problem that is associated with increased fracture risk. Previous studies have shown that osteoporosis could delay fracture healing. Although there are potential agents available to promote fracture healing of osteoporotic bone such as statins and tocotrienol, studies on direct delivery of these agents to the fracture site are limited. This study was designed to investigate the effects of two potential agents, lovastatin and tocotrienol using targeted drug delivery system on fracture healing of postmenopausal osteoporosis rats. The fracture healing was evaluated using micro CT and biomechanical parameters. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into 6 groups. The first group was sham-operated (SO), while the others were ovariectomized (OVx). After two months, the right tibiae of all rats were fractured at metaphysis region using pulsed ultrasound and were fixed with plates and screws. The SO and OVxC groups were given two single injections of lovastatin and tocotrienol carriers. The estrogen group (OVx+EST) was given daily oral gavages of Premarin (64.5 µg/kg). The Lovastatin treatment group (OVx+Lov) was given a single injection of 750 µg/kg lovastatin particles. The tocotrienol group (OVx+TT) was given a single injection of 60 mg/kg tocotrienol particles. The combination treatment group (OVx+Lov+TT) was given two single injections of 750 µg/kg lovastatin particles and 60 mg/kg tocotrienol particles. After 4 weeks of treatment, the fractured tibiae were dissected out for micro-CT and biomechanical assessments. The combined treatment group (OVx+Lov+TT) showed significantly higher callus volume and callus strength than the OVxC group (p<0.05). Both the OVx+Lov and OVx+TT groups showed significantly higher callus strength than the OVxC group (p<0.05), but not for callus volume. In conclusion, combined lovastatin and tocotrienol may promote better fracture healing of osteoporotic bone.     

肿瘤血管新生的数值模拟

利用Overture开发肿瘤血管新生模型的计算程序,使用有限差分法模拟肿瘤血管新生过程中,血管内皮细胞在细胞间基质中的增生和迁徙,阐明了血管内皮生长因子和血管新生因子的调节机制.针对三种调节因子的不同组合下的模型进行数值模拟,对比说明三种因子在肿瘤血管新生中的不同作用.模型计算结果与病理学现象实验一致.     

DEXA对骨髓炎骨缺损治疗中骨痂密度的评价

目的：探讨DEXA对骨髓炎骨缺损治疗中骨痂密度的评价及意义。方法：严格按照纳入排除标准,选取21例骨髓炎清创后伴大段皮质骨缺损一期植骨的病人。术后4,6,8,10个月后对骨折端骨痂行双能X线骨密度仪检测,并进行X摄片以及Enneking评分,从而明确植骨区愈合骨痂的密度变化趋势,骨愈合情况以及症状改善情况。结果：（1）X线摄片结果显示：4个月后：骨缺损区依然清晰可见,内有少量稀疏骨痂通过,少量外骨痂形成。6个月后：植骨区内骨痂含量明显增多,且外骨痂膨大。8个月：缺损区模糊,有较致密骨痂生成,且外骨痂逐渐减少。10个月：植骨区骨痂更加致密,且部份髓腔再通。（2）Enneking评分：患者术后第10个月功能恢复情况评估正常功能20例,20分以下的患者1例。（3）BMD测定：骨折端的骨密度及骨密度比率随时间延长而增加,植骨10个月后患侧的骨密度已可基本上达到正常对照侧的骨密度水平。结论：双能X线骨密度测量从一定程度上反映出骨痂的力学强度特性。在感染性骨缺损治疗中可以作为检测植骨区的恢复情况的参考。     

Numerical Simulation of Supersonic Gap Flow

Various gaps in the surface of the supersonic aircraft have a significant effect on airflows. In order to predict the effects of attack angle, Mach number and width-to-depth ratio of gap on the local aerodynamic heating environment of supersonic flow, two-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved by the finite volume method, where convective flux of space term adopts the Roe format, and discretization of time term is achieved by 5-step Runge-Kutta algorithm. The numerical results reveal that the heat flux ratio is U-shaped distribution on the gap wall and maximum at the windward corner of the gap. The heat flux ratio decreases as the gap depth and Mach number increase, however, it increases as the attack angle increases. In addition, it is important to find that chamfer in the windward corner can effectively reduce gap effect coefficient. The study will be helpful for the design of the thermal protection system in reentry vehicles.     

膝关节不稳对骨折愈合的影响(附3例临床分析)

目的:探讨膝关节不稳对骨折愈合的影响。方法:回顾性分析我院收治3例患者因早期未能准确诊治膝关节交叉韧带损伤,而导致同侧股骨干骨折术后不愈合的临床资料。我们从生物力学角度分析,交叉韧带对膝关节生理性制导及稳定作用,反之损伤后膝关节的生理运动一定程度的丧失,以及随之而来的载荷传导紊乱,从而导致膝关节不稳。膝关节不稳所引起骨折端应力改变,其对骨折愈合将产生怎样的影响。结果:如未能及时修复交叉韧带在患者股骨干骨折术后行CPM锻炼及部分负重行走时将传导以骨折断端以一种剪切、旋转的应力,同时下肢垂直的纵向压应力将难以传导至骨折端,可能导致股骨干骨折术后的延缓愈合甚至不愈合。结论:膝关节不稳定可引起同侧肢体骨折端的应力改变,可能导致骨折的延缓愈合甚至不愈合。