The social mechanism of political deliberation and citizen participation in Guangdong China

Many studies have focused on why deliberative institutions should be established in order to develop Chinese people’s citizenry skills; however few focus on the social conditions and public sentiments that shape the development of deliberative mechanisms. Skills and awareness of citizenry is not only brought into being by deliberative institutions that are set up by the government, but evolve through interplays between technologies and social changes. As a test-bed for economic reform Guangdong is increasingly identified by translocality and hybrid culture. This is framed by identity conflict and unrests, much of which is due to soaring wealth polarisation, high volumes of population movement, cultural collisions and ongoing linguistic contestations. These unrests show the region’s transformation goes beyond the economic front. Profound changes are occurring at what anthropologists and philosophers call the changing social conciseness or moral landscape (Ci, 1994; Yan, 2010). The changing social moralities are a reflection of the awareness of individuals’ rights and responsibilities, and their interdependencies from dominant ideologies. This paper discusses Guangdong’s social and cultural characteristics, and questions how existing social conditions allow the staging of political deliberation by facilitating political engagement and the formation of public opinion. The paper will investigate the tragedy of Xiao Yueyue in Foshan, Guangdong, where ‘right’ and ‘responsibility’, ‘self’ and ‘other’ define the public sentiments of deliberation and participation.

Orthopaedics and Trauma Queensland Annual Report 2011

Orthopaedics and Trauma Queensland, a Centre for Research and Education in Musculoskeletal Disorders, is an internationally recognised research group that is developing into an international leader in research and education. It provides a stimulus for research, education and clinical application within the international orthopaedic and trauma communities. Orthopaedics and Trauma Queensland develops and promotes the innovative use of engineering and technology, in collaboration with surgeons, to provide new techniques, materials, procedures and medical devices. Its integration with clinical practice and strong links with hospitals ensure that the research will be translated into practical outcomes for patients. The group undertakes clinical practice in orthopaedics and trauma and applies core engineering skills to challenges in medicine. The research is built on a strong foundation of knowledge in biomedical engineering, and incorporates expertise in cell biology, mathematical modelling, human anatomy and physiology and clinical medicine in orthopaedics and trauma. New knowledge is being developed and applied to the full range of orthopaedic diseases and injuries, such as knee and hip replacements, fractures and spinal deformities.

Near infrared (NIR) absorption spectra correlates with subchondral bone micro-CT parameters in osteoarthritic rat models

Determining the properties and integrity of subchondral bone in the developmental stages of osteoarthritis, especially in a form that can facilitate real-time characterization for diagnostic and decision-making purposes, is still a matter for research and development. This paper presents relationships between near infrared absorption spectra and properties of subchondral bone obtained from 3 models of osteoarthritic degeneration induced in laboratory rats via: (i) menisectomy (MSX); (ii) anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACL); and (iii) intra-articular injection of mono-ido-acetate (1 mg) (MIA), in the right knee joint, with 12 rats per model group (N = 36). After 8 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and knee joints were collected. A custom-made diffuse reflectance NIR probe of diameter 5 mm was placed on the tibial surface and spectral data were acquired from each specimen in the wavenumber range 4000–12 500 cm− 1. After spectral acquisition, micro computed tomography (micro-CT) was performed on the samples and subchondral bone parameters namely: bone volume (BV) and bone mineral density (BMD) were extracted from the micro-CT data. Statistical correlation was then conducted between these parameters and regions of the near infrared spectra using multivariate techniques including principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA), and partial least squares (PLS) regression. Statistically significant linear correlations were found between the near infrared absorption spectra and subchondral bone BMD (R2 = 98.84%) and BV (R2 = 97.87%). In conclusion, near infrared spectroscopic probing can be used to detect, qualify and quantify changes in the composition of the subchondral bone, and could potentially assist in distinguishing healthy from OA bone as demonstrated with our laboratory rat models.

Morphology-based model for predicting osteocyte-like cell line (MLO-Y4) growth process

This work has led to the development of empirical mathematical models to quantitatively predicate the changes of morphology in osteocyte-like cell lines (MLO-Y4) in culture. MLO-Y4 cells were cultured at low density and the changes in morphology recorded over 11 hours. Cell area and three dimensional shape features including aspect ratio, circularity and solidity were then determined using widely accepted image analysis software (ImageJTM). Based on the data obtained from the imaging analysis, mathematical models were developed using the non-linear regression method. The developed mathematical models accurately predict the morphology of MLO-Y4 cells for different culture times and can, therefore, be used as a reference model for analyzing MLO-Y4 cell morphology changes within various biological/mechanical studies, as necessary.

Preliminary study on the stability of highly sensitive fiber Bragg grating temperature sensors [对高灵敏光纤光栅温度传感器的稳定性的初探]

As a novel sensitive element and due to its advantages of immunity to electrical interference, distributed measurement, etc., fiber Bragg grating (FBG) has been researched widely. To realize the substitution of high accurate electronic temperature sensors, high sensitive FBG temperature sensors can be made by taking advantage of its characters of being sensitive to both temperature and strain. Although there are reports about high sensitive FBG temperature sensors, however, few about their stability have been done. We manufactured a high sensitive FBG temperature sensor, and put it together with an average FBG temperature sensor and an electronic crystal temperature sensor into a stainless steel container filled by water to observe the room temperature change. By comparing their results in two weeks, we have found out that: although the high sensitive FBG temperature sensor is in much better agreement with the electronic crystal sensor than the average FBG sensor is, it has occurred some small drifts. Because the drifts appeared in the process of further pulling the FBG, it might be a result of the slip of the FBG fixing points. This contributes some good experiences to the application of FBG in high accuracy temperature measurement.

Nanotechnology in the targeted drug delivery for bone diseases and bone regeneration

Nanotechnology is a vigorous research area and one of its important applications is in biomedical sciences. Among biomedical applications, targeted drug delivery is one of the most extensively studied subjects. Nanostructured particles and scaffolds have been widely studied for increasing treatment efficacy and specificity of present treatment approaches. Similarly, this technique has been used for treating bone diseases including bone regeneration. In this review, we have summarized and highlighted the recent advancement of nanostructured particles and scaffolds for the treatment of cancer bone metastasis, osteosarcoma, bone infections and inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, as well as for bone regeneration. Nanoparticles used to deliver deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid molecules to specific bone sites for gene therapies are also included. The investigation of the implications of nanoparticles in bone diseases have just begun, and has already shown some promising potential. Further studies have to be conducted, aimed specifically at assessing targeted delivery and bioactive scaffolds to further improve their efficacy before they can be used clinically

An influenza virus inspired polymer system for the timed release of siRNA

Small interfering RNA silences specific genes by interfering with mRNA translation, and acts to modulate or inhibit specific biological pathways; a therapy that holds great promise in the cure of many diseases. However, the naked small interfering RNA is susceptible to degradation by plasma and tissue nucleases and due to its negative charge unable to cross the cell membrane. Here we report a new polymer carrier designed to mimic the influenza virus escape mechanism from the endosome, followed by a timed release of the small interfering RNA in the cytosol through a self-catalyzed polymer degradation process. Our polymer changes to a negatively charged and non-toxic polymer after the release of small interfering RNA, presenting potential for multiple repeat doses and long-term treatment of diseases.

The key regulatory roles of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in the functionalities of mesenchymal stem cells and applications in tissue regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi-potent cells that can differentiate into various cell types and have been used widely in tissue engineering application. In tissue engineering, a scaffold, MSCs and growth factors are used as essential components and their interactions have been regarded to be important for regeneration of tissues. A critical problem for MSCs in tissue engineering is their low survival ability and functionality. Most MSCs are going to be apoptotic after transplantation. Therefore, increasing MSC survival ability and functionalities is the key for potential applications of MSCs. Several approaches have been studied to increase MSC tissue forming capacity including application of growth factors, overexpression of stem cell regulatory genes and improvement of biomaterials for scaffolds. The effects of these approaches on MSCs have been associated with the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The pathway plays central regulatory roles in MSC survival, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, cytokine production and differentiation. In this review, we summarize and discuss the literatures related to the roles of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the functionalities of MSCs and the involvement of the pathway in biomaterials-increased MSC functinalities. Biomaterials have been modified in their properties, surface structure and loaded with growth factors to increase MSC functionalities. Several studies demonstrated that the biomaterials-increased MSC functionalities are mediated by the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Advanced Bioactive Inorganic Materials for Bone Regeneration and Drug Delivery

Bioceramics play an important role in repairing and regenerating bone defects. Annually, more than 500,000 bone graft procedures are performed in the United states and approximately 2.2 million are conducted worldwide. The estimated cost of these procedures approaches $2.5billion per year. Around 60% of the bone graft substitutes available on the market involve bioceramics. It is reported that bioceramics in the world market increase by 9% per year. For this reason, the research of bioceramics has been one of the most active areas during, the past several years. Considering the significant importance of bioceramics, our goal was to compile this book to review the latest research advances in the field of bioceramics. The text also summarizes our work during the past 10 years in an effort to share innovative concepts, design of bioceramisc, and methods for material synthesis and drug delivery. We anticipate that this text will provide some useful information and guidance in the bioceramics field for biomedical engineering researchers and material scientists. Information on novel mesoporous bioactive glasses and silicate-based ceramics for bone regeneration and drug delivery are presented. Mesoporous bioactive glasses have shown multifunctional characteristics of bone regeneration and drug delivery due to their special mesopore structures,whereas silicated-based bioceramics, as typical third-generation biomaterials,possess significant osteostimulation properties. Silica nanospheres with a core-shell structure and specific properties for controllable drug delivery have been carefully reviewed-a variety of advanced synthetic strategies have been developed to construct functional mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a core-shell structure, including hollow, magnetic, or luminescent, and other multifunctional core-shell mesoporous silica nanoparticles. In addition, multifunctional drug delivery systems based on these nanoparticles have been designed and optimized to deliver the drugs into the targeted organs or cells,with a controllable release fashioned by virtue of various internal and external triggers. The novel 3D-printing technique to prepare advanced bioceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications has been highlighted, including the preparation, mechanical strength, and biological properties of 3D-printed porous scaffolds of calcium phosphate cement and silicate bioceramics. Three-dimensional printing techniques offer improved large-pore structure and mechanical strength. In addition , biomimetic preparation and controllable crystal growth as well as biomineralization of bioceramics are summarized, showing the latest research progress in this area. Finally, inorganic and organic composite materials are reviewed for bone regeneration and gene delivery. Bioactive inorganic and organic composite materials offer unique biological, electrical, and mechanical properties for designing excellent bone regeneration or gene delivery systems. It is our sincere hope that this book will updated the reader as to the research progress of bioceramics and their applications in bone repair and regeneration. It will be the best reward to all the contributors of this book if their efforts herein in some way help reader in any part of their study, research, and career development.

The ionic products from bredigite bioceramics induced cementogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway

Periodontitis results from the destructive inflammatory reaction of the host elicited by a bacterial biofilm adhering to the tooth surface and if left untreated, may lead to the loss of the teeth and the surrounding tissues, including the alveolar bone. Cementum is a specialized calcified tissue covering the tooth root and an essential part of the periodontium which enables the attachment of the periodontal ligament to the root and the surrounding alveolar bone. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) represent a promising cell source for periodontal tissue engineering. Since cementogenesis is the critical event for the regeneration of periodontal tissues, this study examined whether inorganic stimuli derived from bioactive bredigite (Ca7MgSi4O16) bioceramics could stimulate the proliferation and cementogenic differentiation of PDLCs, and further investigated the involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway during this process via analysing gene/protein expression of PDLCs which interacted with bredigite extracts. Our results showed that the ionic products from bredigite powder extracts led to significantly enhanced proliferation and cementogenic differentiation, including mineralization–nodule formation, ALP activity and a series of bone/cementum-related gene/protein expression (ALP, OPN, OCN, BSP, CAP and CEMP1) of PDLCs in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, the addition of cardamonin, a Wnt/β-catenin signalling inhibitor, reduced the pro-cementogenesis effect of the bredigite extracts, indicating the involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in the cementogenesis of PDLCs induced by bredigite extracts. The present study suggests that an entirely inorganic stimulus with a specific composition of bredigite bioceramics possesses the capacity to trigger the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, leading to stimulated differentiation of PDLCs toward a cementogenic lineage. The results indicate the therapeutic potential of bredigite ceramics in periodontal tissue engineering application.

Incorporation of bioactive polyvinylpyrrolidone–iodine within bilayered collagen scaffolds enhances the differentiation and subchondral osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells

Polyvinylpyrrolidone–iodine (Povidone-iodine, PVP-I) is widely used as an antiseptic agent for lavation during joint surgery; however, the biological effects of PVP–I on cells from joint tissue are unknown. This study examined the biocompatibility and biological effects of PVP–I on cells from joint tissue, with the aim of optimizing cell-scaffold based joint repair. Cells from joint tissue, including cartilage derived progenitor cells (CPC), subchondral bone derived osteoblast and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) were isolated. The concentration-dependent effects of PVP–I on cell proliferation, migration and differentiation were evaluated. Additionally, the efficacy and mechanism of a PVP–I loaded bilayer collagen scaffold for osteochondral defect repair was investigated in a rabbit model. A micromolar concentration of PVP–I was found not to affect cell proliferation, CPC migration or extracellular matrix production. Interestingly, micromolar concentrations of PVP–I promote osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSC, as evidenced by up-regulation of RUNX2 and Osteocalcin gene expression, as well as increased mineralization on the three-dimensional scaffold. PVP–I treatment of collagen scaffolds significantly increased fibronectin binding onto the scaffold surface and collagen type I protein synthesis of cultured BM-MSC. Implantation of PVP–I treated collagen scaffolds into rabbit osteochondral defect significantly enhanced subchondral bone regeneration at 6 weeks post-surgery compared with the scaffold alone (subchondral bone histological score of 8.80 ± 1.64 vs. 3.8 ± 2.19, p < 0.05). The biocompatibility and pro-osteogenic activity of PVP–I on the cells from joint tissue and the enhanced subchondral bone formation in PVP–I treated scaffolds would thus indicate the potential of PVP–I for osteochondral defect repair.

Delivery of dimethyloxallyl glycine in mesoporous bioactive glass scaffolds to improve angiogenesis and osteogenesis of human bone marrow stromal cells

Development of hypoxia-mimicking bone tissue engineering scaffolds is of great importance in stimulating angiogenesis for bone regeneration. Dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG) is a cell-permeable, competitive inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH), which can stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression. The aim of this study was to develop hypoxia-mimicking scaffolds by delivering DMOG in mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) scaffolds and to investigate whether the delivery of DMOG could induce a hypoxic microenvironment for human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC). MBG scaffolds with varied mesoporous structures (e.g. surface area and mesopore volume) were prepared by controlling the contents of mesopore-template agent. The composition, large-pore microstructure and mesoporous properties of MBG scaffolds were characterized. The effect of mesoporous properties on the loading and release of DMOG in MBG scaffolds was investigated. The effects of DMOG delivery on the cell morphology, cell viability, HIF-1α stabilization, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and bone-related gene expression (alkaline phosphatase, ALP; osteocalcin, OCN; and osteopontin, OPN) of hBMSC in MBG scaffolds were systematically investigated. The results showed that the loading and release of DMOG in MBG scaffolds can be efficiently controlled by regulating their mesoporous properties via the addition of different contents of mesopore-template agent. DMOG delivery in MBG scaffolds had no cytotoxic effect on the viability of hBMSC. DMOG delivery significantly induced HIF-1α stabilization, VEGF secretion and bone-related gene expression of hBMSC in MBG scaffolds in which DMOG counteracted the effect of HIF-PH and stabilized HIF-1α expression under normoxic condition. Furthermore, it was found that MBG scaffolds with slow DMOG release significantly enhanced the expression of bone-related genes more than those with instant DMOG release. The results suggest that the controllable delivery of DMOG in MBG scaffolds can mimic a hypoxic microenvironment, which not only improves the angiogenic capacity of hBMSC, but also enhances their osteogenic differentiation.

Hyperlipidemia impaired innate immune response to periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

A finely-tuned innate immune response plays a pivotal role in protecting host against bacterial invasion during periodontal disease progression. Hyperlipidemia has been suggested to exacerbate periodontal health condition. However, the underlying mechanism has not been addressed. In the present study, we investigated the effect of hyperlipidemia on innate immune responses to periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis infection. Apolipoprotein E-deficient and wild-type mice at the age of 20 weeks were used for the study. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated and subsequently used for the study of viable P. gingivalis infection. ApoE−/− mice demonstrated inhibited iNOS production and impaired clearance of P. gingivalis in vitro and in vivo; furthermore, ApoE−/− mice displayed disrupted cytokine production pattern in response to P. gingivalis, with a decreased production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Microarray data demonstrated that Toll-like receptor (TLR) and NOD-like receptor (NLR) pathway were altered in ApoE−/− mice macrophages; further analysis of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) demonstrated that expression of triggering receptors on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1), an amplifier of the TLR and NLR pathway, was decreased in ApoE−/− mice macrophages, leading to decreased recruitment of NF-κB onto the promoters of the TNF-α and IL-6. Our data suggest that in ApoE−/− mice hyperlipidemia disrupts the expression of PRRs, and cripples the host’s capability to generate sufficient innate immune response to P. gingivalis, which may facilitate immune evasion, subgingival colonization and establishment of P. gingivalis in the periodontal niche.