The frequency of CC genotype of the exon ØK (in reality 5' UTR OK-1)was significantly higher in patients than that in controls (P < 0.05). The C alleles appeared to be overrepresented in patients compared with controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the frequencies of CC genotypes in female patients whose height was > or =160 cm and Cobb angle was > or =30 degrees were higher than those whose height was <160 cm and Cobb angle was <30 degrees (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION.: The sites of the exon ØK polymorphisms of estrogen receptor beta gene may be associated with a susceptibility of AIS. Furthermore, the sites of the exon ØK polymorphism may be associated with the height and the curve severity of patients.

The healing of contaminated/infected bone defects is a significant clinical challenge. Here, a novel collagen scaffold composite encapsulating silver nanoparticles (AgNP) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) was prepared to enhance the healing of infected bone defects. Collagen scaffolds conjugated with AgNP possessed strong antibacterial properties that were dependent on the release rate of Ag(+). After introducing BMP-2, the BMP-2/AgNP/collagen scaffold composites did not adversely affect the adherence or proliferation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). Differentiation of BMSCs toward osteoblasts was induced by the upregulation of RUNX2, osteopontin and osteonectin expression. BMP-2/AgNP/collagen scaffold composites, therefore, possess the antibacterial activity of AgNP and the osteoinductivity of BMP-2, making these composites an ideal pharmaceutical for the regeneration of bone in infected wounds.

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The indirect decompression treatment in the posterior correction and fusion can be effective for adult idiopathic scoliosis patients with radiculopathy and combined lateral olisthesis and/or foraminal stenosis. This indicates the premise of strict operation indication.