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A hyperthermophilic, strictly anaerobic archaeon, designated strain SY113 T , was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney on the Southwest Indian Ridge at a water depth of 2770 m. Enrichment and isolation of strain SY113 T were performed at 85 °C at 0.1 MPa. Cells of strain SY113 T were irregular motile cocci with peritrichous flagella and generally 0.8-2.4 µm in diameter. Growth was observed at temperatures between 50 and 90 °C (optimum at 85 °C) and under hydrostatic pressures of 0.1-60 MPa (optimum, 27 MPa). Cells of SY113 T grew at pH 4.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 5.5) and a NaCl concentration of 0.5-5.5 % (w/v; optimum concentration, 3.0 % NaCl). Strain SY113 T was an anaerobic chemoorganoheterotroph and grew on complex proteinaceous substrates such as yeast extract and tryptone, as well as on maltose and starch. Elemental sulphur stimulated growth, but not obligatory for its growth. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 55.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence of strain SY113 T showed that the novel isolate belonged to the genus Thermococcus . On the basis of physiological characteristics, average nucleotide identity values and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization results, we propose a novel species, named Thermococcus aciditolerans sp. nov. The type strain is SY113 T (=MCCC 1K04190 T =JCM 39083 T ).

Since the good application of quantum mechanism in the field of communication, quantum secure communication has become a research hotspot. The existing quantum secure communication protocols usually assume that the quantum channel is noise-free. But the inevitable quantum noise in quantum channel will greatly interferes the transmission of quantum bits or quantum states, seriously damaging the security and reliability of the quantum system. This paper analyzes and discusses the performance of a χ state based steganography protocol under four main quantum noises, i.e., Amplitude Damping (AD), Phase damping (Phs), Bit Flip (BF) and Depolarizing (D). The results show that the protocol is least affected by amplitude damping noise when only the sender's first transmission in quantum channel is affected by quantum noise. Then, we analyze the performance of the protocol when both the sender's two transmissions are affected by quantum noise, and find that the specific combination of different noises will increase the performance of the protocol in quantum noisy channel. This means that an extra quantum noise can be intentionally added to quantum channel according to the noise intensity, so that the protocol can improve performance under the influence of quantum noises. Finally, the detailed mathematical analysis proves the conclusions.

Based on quantum identity authentication, a novel continuous variable quantum steganography protocol is proposed in this paper. It can effectively transmit deterministic secret information in the public quantum channel by taking full advantage of entanglement properties of continuous variable GHZ state. Compared with the existing quantum steganography results, this protocol has the advantages of good imperceptibility and easy implementation. Finally, the detailed performance analysis proves that the proposed protocol has not only these advantages, but also good security and information transmission efficiency, even under eavesdropping attacks, especially to the spectroscopic noise attack.

Stem cell transplantation, especially treatment with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), has been considered a promising therapy for the locomotor and neurological recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. However, the clinical benefits of BMSCs transplantation remain limited because of the considerably low viability and inhibitory microenvironment. In our research, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), which has been widely applied to clinical applications and fundamental research, was employed to improve the properties of BMSCs. The most suitable intensity of LIPUS stimulation was determined. Furthermore, the optimized BMSCs were transplanted into the epicenter of injured spinal cord in rats, which were randomized into four groups: (a) Sham group (n = 10), rats received laminectomy only and the spinal cord remained intact. (b) Injury group (n = 10), rats with contused spinal cord subjected to the microinjection of PBS solution. (c) BMSCs transplantation group (n = 10), rats with contused spinal cord were injected with BMSCs without any priming. (d) LIPUS-BMSCs transplantation group (n = 10), BMSCs stimulated with LIPUS were injected at the injured epicenter after contusion. Rats were then subjected to behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, and histological observation. It was found that BMSCs stimulated with LIPUS obtained higher cell viability, migration, and neurotrophic factors expression in vitro. The rate of apoptosis remained constant. After transplantation of BMSCs and LIPUS-BMSCs postinjury, locomotor function was significantly improved in LIPUS-BMSCs transplantation group with higher level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the epicenter, and the expression of neurotrophic receptor was also enhanced. Histological observation demonstrated reduced cavity formation in LIPUS-BMSCs transplantation group when comparing with other groups. The results suggested LIPUS can improve BMSCs viability and neurotrophic factors expression in vitro, and transplantation of LIPUS-BMSCs could promote better functional recovery, indicating possible clinical application for the treatment of SCI., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Wire and nonparallel plate electrode-type electrostatic air accelerators have attracted significant interest. The physical process involved in using accelerators is complicated. Moreover, mechanisms are unclear, especially for accelerators with double- and multiwire electrodes. In this study, the two-dimensional (2D) model of a wire-nonparallel plate-type accelerator validated by experiments is established with a finite element method. Onset voltage, average current, and outlet average velocity are analyzed with respect to different parameters. Onset voltage is derived by the proposed quadratic regression extrapolation method. Moreover, current is affected by interference and discharge effects, while velocity is also influenced by the suction effect. For the single-wire electrode, high wind speed can be obtained by either increasing channel slope or placing the wire near the entry section. For the double-wire electrode, velocity can be further increased when one of the wires is placed near the inlet and the distance between the two wires is widened. Comparatively, the velocity of the three-wire electrode is higher with larger gaps between wires and stronger discharge effect. The highest velocity is obtained by the four-wire electrode. Comparisons indicate that higher velocity can be obtained with weaker interference effect, stronger suction effect, and intensified discharge effect. Optimum parameter combinations are considered by the Taguchi method. Consequently, velocity can be enhanced by more than 39% after optimization compared with the reference design.

Objective: To evaluate the use of virtual planning and 3D printing modeling in mandibular reconstruction and compare the operation time and surgical outcome of this technique with conventional method. Methods: Between June 2013 and June 2017, A total of 18 patients underwent the mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University.Among 18 patients, there were 11 males and 7 females with an average age of 36.5 years (21-73 years). Nine patients underwent vascularized fibula flap mandibular reconstruction using virtual planning and 3D printing modeling.Titanium plates were pre-bent using the models and cutting guides which were used for osteotomies.Another 9 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using fibula flap without aid of virtual planning and 3D printing models were selected as control group. The operation time was recorded and compared in two groups. Accuracy of reconstruction was measured by superimposing the preoperative image onto the postoperative image of mandible. The selected bony landmark, distance and angle were measured. Results: The mean total operation time were 4.7-6.2(5.5±0.5) h in computer-assisted group and 5.6-7.5(6.6±0.7) h in conventional group, respectively. The operation time was shorter in computer-assisted group. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative intercondylar distances, intergonial angle distances, anteroposterior distances were(2.6±1.4)vs(4.4±1.6)mm, (2.9±1.2)vs(4.7±1.7)mm, (4.2±1.4) vs(5.9±1.8)mm in the computer-assisted and conventional group, respectively. The differences between the preoperative and postoperative mandible were smaller in the computer-assisted group. Conclusions: Virtual planning and 3D printing modeling have the potential to increase mandibular reconstruction accuracy and reduce operation time. We believe that this technology for mandibular reconstruction in selected patients can significantly improve the quality of reconstruction.

Taenia multiceps is an adult worm affiliated to Taeniidae family, Platyhelminthes phylum. The larvae of the parasite (Coenurus cerebralis) parasitic in the brain and spinal cord in domestic and wild ruminants or humans can led to a fatal central nervous system (CNS) disease. The aims of the present study were to define the transcriptome profiles of the larvae of T. multiceps by RNA-Seq approach, and to generate large functional gene datasets that could be used to predict the key molecular pathways linked to this cestode. Our results generated a total of 39,094,890 clean reads that were assembled from the sequence data in 90,833 contigs. Briefly, 70,253 unigenes with a mean length of 1492bp were formed. Based on a sequence similarity search against the databases (NR, Swissport, GO, COG, KEGG) using BLASTX with an E-value cutoff of 10 -5 , 40,465 of unigenes were identified as coding sequences (CDS) and 3261 were scanned by ESTScan. The present study carried out the transcriptome of the larval stage of T. multiceps, which provides a solid foundation for further studies in molecular biology and biochemistry as well as identification of candidate genes used in diagnosis and vaccine development., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The intracellular parasitic nematode, Trichinella spiralis, can initiate a high level of oxidative stress, especially during rapid growth and generative propagation phases. Thioredoxin peroxidases (TPXs) protect helminths against oxidative stress, but none has been identified in T. spiralis. Here, 3 members of the TPX family were cloned from T. spiralis muscle larvae (ML). The lengths of TsTPX ORFs were 747bp, 588bp and 594bp, respectively, and the deduced proteins predicted to contain AhpC-TSA and 1-cys Prx&#95;C domains. Interestingly, qRT-PCR data showed that TsTPX genes were expressed in all three developmental stages of T. spiralis. The TsTPX2 and TsTPX3 genes were up-regulated in day 3 adults (Ad3) compared with newborn larvae (NBL) and ML (P<0.05); expression levels of the TsTPX1 gene in ML were higher compared with Ad3 and NBL amounts (P<0.05). After prokaryotic expression, the reactivity of rTsTPX proteins was assessed by Western-blotting: only rTsTPX1 was specifically recognized by T. spiralis infection sera from pigs. Enzyme catalytic experiments showed that rTsTPX proteins could deoxidize H 2 O 2 in the presence of DTT, with the catalytic ability increasing with protein concentration and time., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Trichinella spiralis, an intracellular parasitic nematode, can cause severe foodborne zoonosis, trichinellosis. The life cycle of T. spiralis consists of adult (Ad), muscle larvae (ML) and newborn larvae (NBL). The protein profiles in different developmental stages of the parasite remain unknown. In the present study, proteins from lysates of Ad, ML and NBL were identified by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). A total of 4691 proteins were identified in all the developmental stages, of which 1067 proteins were differentially expressed. The number of up-regulated proteins in NBL was higher than that of the other two groups. The protein profiles from Ad, ML and NBL were compared in pairs. The identified proteins were involved in various functions of T. spiralis life cycle, including sexual maturity, metabolism, utilization of carbohydrates, lipids and nucleotides, and other crucial developmental processes that occur at distinct stages. Further investigation of the transcriptional levels of major sperm protein, serine protease, zinc finger protein, etc. from the different protein profiles using quantitative RT-PCR showed identical results to the iTRAQ analysis. The differentially expressed proteins that are involved in developmental regulation and host-parasite interactions should be further studied., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The gas-solid adsorption process in reconstructed random porous media is numerically studied with the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method at the pore scale with consideration of interparticle, interfacial, and intraparticle mass transfer performances. Adsorbent structures are reconstructed in two dimensions by employing the quartet structure generation set approach. To implement boundary conditions accurately, all the porous interfacial nodes are recognized and classified into 14 types using a proposed universal program called the boundary recognition and classification program. The multiple-relaxation-time LB model and single-relaxation-time LB model are adopted to simulate flow and mass transport, respectively. The interparticle, interfacial, and intraparticle mass transfer capacities are evaluated with the permeability factor and interparticle transfer coefficient, Langmuir adsorption kinetics, and the solid diffusion model, respectively. Adsorption processes are performed in two groups of adsorbent media with different porosities and particle sizes. External and internal mass transfer resistances govern the adsorption system. A large porosity leads to an early time for adsorption equilibrium because of the controlling factor of external resistance. External and internal resistances are dominant at small and large particle sizes, respectively. Particle size, under which the total resistance is minimum, ranges from 3 to 7 μm with the preset parameters. Pore-scale simulation clearly explains the effect of both external and internal mass transfer resistances. The present paper provides both theoretical and practical guidance for the design and optimization of adsorption systems.

Background: Trichinellosis is a re-emerging infectious disease, caused by Trichinella spp. Cathepsin F belongs to cysteine protease that is a major virulence factor for parasitic helminths, and it may be a potential anti-helminth drug target and vaccine candidate. The aim of this study was to clone, express and identify a cathepsin F-like protease in Trichinella spiralis and to investigate its biochemical characteristics., Methods: The full-length cDNA encoding a putative cathepsin F-like protease in T. spiralis, TsCF1, was cloned and its biochemical characterization and expression profile were analyzed. Transcription of TsCF1 at different developmental stages of T. spiralis was observed by RT-PCR. The recombinant TsCF1 protein was expressed by prokaryotic expression system and recombinant TsCF1 (rTsCF1) was analyzed by western blotting. And expression of TsCF1 at muscle larvae stage was performed by immunofluorescent technique. Molecular modeling of TsCF1 and its binding mode with E-64 and K11777 were analyzed. Enzyme activity and inhibitory test with E-64 as inhibitor were investigated by using Z-Phe-Arg-AMC as specific substrate., Results: Sequence analysis revealed that TsCF1 ORF encodes a protein of 366 aa with a theoretical molecular weight of 41.9 kDa and an isoelectric point of 7.46. The cysteine protease conserved active site of Cys173, His309 and Asn333 were identified and cathepsin F specific motif ERFNAQ like KLFNAQ sequence was revealed in the propeptide of TsCF1. Sequence alignment analysis revealed a higher than 40 % identity with other cathepsin F from parasitic helminth and phylogenetic analysis indicated TsCF1 located at the junction of nematode and trematode. RT-PCR revealed the gene was expressed in muscle larvae, newborn larvae and adult stages. SDS-PAGE revealed the recombinant protein was expressed with the molecular weight of 45 kDa. The purified rTsCF1 was used to immunize rabbit and the immune serum could recognize a band of about 46 kDa in soluble protein of adult, muscle larvae and ES product of muscle larvae. Immunolocalization analysis showed that TsCF1 located on the cuticle and stichosome of the muscle larvae. After renaturation rTsCF1 demonstrated substantial enzyme activity to Z-Phe-Arg-AMC substrate with the optimal pH 5.5 and this activity could be inhibited by cysteine protease inhibitor E-64. Further analysis showed the kinetic parameters of rTsCF1 to be Km = 0.5091 μM and Vmax = 6.12 RFU/s μM at pH 5.5, and the IC50 value of E64 was 135.50 ± 16.90 nM., Conclusion: TsCF1 was expressed in all stages of T. spiralis and localized in the cuticle and stichosome. TsCF1 might play a role in the life cycle of T. spiralis and could be used as a potential vaccine candidate and drug target against T. spiralis infection.

Taenia multiceps is a cestode parasite with its larval stage, known as Coenurus cerebralis, mainly encysts in the central nervous system of sheep and other livestocks. Enolase is a key glycolytic enzyme and represents multifunction in most organisms. In the present study, a 1617bp full-length cDNA encoding enolase was cloned from T. multiceps and designated as TmENO. A putative encoded protein of 433 amino acid residues that exhibited high similarity to helminth parasites. The recombinant TmENO protein (rTmENO) showed the catalytic and plasminogen-binding characteristics after the TmENO was subcloned and expressed in the pET30a(+) vector. The TmENO gene was transcribed during the adult and larval stages and was also identified in both cyst fluid and as a component of the adult worms and the metacestode by western blot analysis. Taken together, our results will facilitate further structural characterization for TmENO and new potential control strategies for T. multiceps., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore the effect and molecular mechanism of SPHK1 in the invasion and metastasis process of non-small-cell lung cancer cells (A549)., Methods: Recombinant retrovirus was used to mediate the production of A549/vector, A549/SPHK1, A549/scramble, and A549/SPHKl/RNAi that stably expressed or silenced SPHK1. The invasion and migration capacities of A549 cells overexpressing or silencing SPHK1 were determined using Transwell invasion assay and scratch wound repair experiment. The protein and mRNA expression levels of E-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin in A549/vector, A549/SPHK1, A549/scramble, A549/SPHK1/RNAi were detected with Western blot (WB) and quantitative PCR (QPCR) methods, respectively., Results: Transwell invasion assay and scratch wound repair experiments showed that over-expression of SPHK1 obviously enhanced the invasion and migration capacities of A549 cells. WB and QPCR detection results showed that, the expression of E-cadherin (a molecular marker of epithelial cells) and fibronectin, vimentin (molecular markers of mesenchymal cells) in A549 cells was upregulated after overexpression of SPHK1; while SPHK1 silencing significantly reduced the invasion and metastasis capacities of A549 cells, upregulated the expression of molecular marker of epithelial cells, and downregulated the expression of molecular marker of mesenchymal cells., Conclusions: SPHK1 promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition of non-small-cell lung cancer cells and affects the invasion and metastasis capacities of these cells., (Copyright © 2015 Hainan Medical College. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nanoparticles (NPs) are widely applied in nanomedicine and diagnostics based on the interactions between NPs and the basic barrier (biomembrane). Understanding the underlying mechanism of these interactions is important for enhancing their beneficial effects and avoiding potential nanotoxicity. Experimental, mathematical and numerical modeling techniques are involved in this field. This article reviews the state-of-the-art techniques in studies of NP-biomembrane interactions with a focus on each technology's advantages and disadvantages. The aim is to better understand the mechanism of NP-biomembrane interactions and provide significant guidance for various fields, such as nanomedicine and diagnosis.

Background: Taenia multiceps is a cestode parasite with its larval stage (metacestode), Coenurus cerebralis, mainly encysts in the central nervous system of sheep and other livestock causing cerebralis coenurosis. Since, treatment of coenurosis with chemotherapy showed little effect and surgical removal of cysts is not advisable in field conditions, vaccination is useful to control coenurosis. Previous study indicated that immunization with T. multiceps metacestode antigens could induce protection in sheep against coenurosis, so the aim of this study was to identify T. multiceps metacestode antigens in order to find potential vaccine development candidates for further study., Methods: The protein extracts from the larval T. multiceps were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and characterized by mass spectrometry., Results: A total of 150 protein spots were detected with isoelectric point (pI) value from 4.97 to 9.65 and molecular weight from 14 to 98 kDa. Twenty-two protein identities were determined by mass spectrometry and 15 unique proteins were obtained. Functional annotation revealed that some of these proteins are involved in catalytic activity, binding, metabolic, cellular process and stress response. Among these molecules are antioxidant proteins (peroxiredoxin and glutathione-S-transferase), glycolytic enzymes (malate dehydrogenase and enolase), proteins with chaperone activity (heat shock protein 70 and small heat shock protein), and structural proteins (actin, actin modulator protein and paramyosin)., Conclusion: The identification of T. multiceps metacestode protein will provide valuable information to elucidate their specific roles in the parasitism and screen new targets for vaccine development.

Cathepsin F is an important member of papain-like subfamily in cysteine protease family. Cathepsin F of helminth parasites can hydrolyze the specific substrate, degrade host protein such as hemoglobin for nutrition, and be involved in invasion into host tissue. Therefore, cathepsin F serves as a potential target for parasitic disease immunodiagnosis, vaccine design and anti-parasite drug screening. This article reviews the structural characteristics and mechanisms of cathepsin F, and research advances on cathepsin F of parasitic helminths.

The widespread application of nanomaterials (NMs), which has accompanied advances in nanotechnology, has increased their chances of entering an organism, for example, via the respiratory system, skin absorption or intravenous injection. Although accumulating experimental evidence has indicated the important role of NM-biomembrane interaction in these processes, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Computational techniques, as an alternative to experimental efforts, are effective tools to simulate complicated biological behaviors. Computer simulations can investigate NM-biomembrane interactions at the nanoscale, providing fundamental insights into dynamic processes that are challenging to experimental observation. This paper reviews the current understanding of NM-biomembrane interactions, and existing mathematical and numerical modeling methods. We highlight the advantages and limitations of each method, and also discuss the future perspectives in this field. Better understanding of NM-biomembrane interactions can benefit various fields, including nanomedicine and diagnosis.

An immunochromatographic strip method, developed with the excretory-secretory antigens from muscle larvae (ML) of Trichinella spiralis labeled with colloidal gold, was used for the detection of anti-Trichinella antibodies in serum of experimentally-infected swine. Sera from swine infected with 200, 2000 and 20,000 infective ML were collected at different days post infection (dpi) and used to evaluate the method. The strip method was shown able to detect anti-Trichinella antibodies by 35 dpi, 28 dpi and 21 dpi for the three different infection doses, respectively, and closely correlated with the results of an ELISA test. The strip method is rapid and easy to perform and is suggested as an acceptable alternative for clinical laboratories lacking specialized equipment, and for field diagnosis of trichinellosis., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A total of 16 Taenia multiceps isolates collected from naturally infected sheep or goats in Gansu Province, China were characterized by sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. The complete cox1 gene was amplified for individual T. multiceps isolates by PCR, ligated to pMD18T vector, and sequenced. Sequence analysis indicated that out of 16 T. multiceps isolates 10 unique cox1 gene sequences of 1,623 bp were obtained with sequence variation of 0.12-0.68%. The results showed that the cox1 gene sequences were highly conserved among the examined T. multiceps isolates. However, they were quite different from those of the other Taenia species. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete cox1 gene sequences revealed that T. multiceps isolates were composed of 3 genotypes and distinguished from the other Taenia species.

Objective: To report the technique of reconstruction of large skin and soft tissue defects in the upper extremity using pedicled latissimus dorsi myocu-taneous flaps., Methods: Six patients with large skin and soft tissue defects were included in this report. There were 5 trauma patients and the rest one needed to receive plastic surgery for his extremity scar. All wounds were in the upper extremity. The sizes of defects ranged from 15 cm multiply 6 cm to 30 cm multiply 18 cm. Pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were designed according to the defect area and raised with part of latissimus dorsi. The thoracodorsal artery and its perforators were carefully protected during surgery., Results: All flaps healed primarily without flap congestion, margin necrosis or infection. The skin donor sites either received split-thickness skin graft (3 cases, mostly from the anterior thigh) or was closed primarily (3 cases) and had minimal morbidity. Follow-up of 6-12 months showed that the contour of flap was aesthetic and the function of limb was excellent., Conclusion: Our experience indicates that the pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is favorable for reconstruction of large skin and soft tissue defects in the upper extremity.

Protoscoleces of Taenia multiceps were collected from the naturally infected sheep and total RNA was extracted. Specific primers were designed according to TaHe2-D11 mRNA sequence and T. multiceps thioredoxin peroxidase gene (TmTPx) was amplified by RT-PCR. PCR products were ligated into pMD18-T vector and transformed to E. coli DH5alpha. The recombinant plasmids were identified by restriction digestion and sequencing. A 614 bp cDNA was amplified. The TmTPx open reading frame (591 bp) encoded a 196-amino acid protein with Mr 21,690, pI 7.61. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that TmTPx had a typical 2-Cys Prx conserved domain. Phylogenetic tree revealed that T. multiceps had the closest relationship to T. asiatica, followed by T. solium and T. crassiceps, E. granulosus and E. multilocularis.

Destructive injury is defined as a very serious damage both to the bone and the soft tissues. But in clinical practice we found that in some fracture cases, the damage to soft tissues is not as severe as "destructive injury" indicates, whereas comminuted fractures still cannot show the severity of bone damage. Therefore we proposed a new term "destructive fractures" after combining the definition of destructive injury with typical clinic cases. Destructive fractures refer to the fractures whose osseous tissues are damaged too seriously to be repaired, but soft tissues, nerves and veins are less severely injured and can be repaired. From the year 2001 to 2010, 75 cases of destructive fractures were admitted in our department. According to whether the fractures interlinked with the external environment, together with the fracture sites, they were divided into 6 types: a1 type, closed diaphysis destructive fracture; a2 type, open diaphysis destructive fracture; b1 type, closed joint-involved destructive fracture; b2 type, open joint-involved destructive fracture; c1 type, closed mixed destructive fracture; c2 type, open mixed destructive fracture. Corresponding clinical treatments were conducted for each type.The new classification criterion of destructive fracture is simple and practical and thus can be used as an important guide to make reasonable treatment plans for destructive fractures.

Objective: To study the reconstruction of partial defects at the end of the thumbs and other fingers with microsurgical free toe flaps., Methods: 21 partial defects (19 cases) at the end of thumbs and other fingers were reconstructed with microsurgical free toe flaps taking from the corresponding toe part., Results: All the free flaps survived. The patients were followed up for 3 - 6 months. The aesthetic and functional results were both satisfactory. The two-point-discrimination distance was 4 - 6 mm., Conclusions: The microsurgical free toe flaps have good therapeutic effect for the reconstruction of partial defects at the end of the fingers.