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Bifid nose is a rare congenital malformation, and few cases have been reported due to its low incidence. Herein, we report a new surgical procedure to treat patients with excess dorsal nasal tissue and an underfilled tip. A total of 22 patients with bifid nose deformities underwent surgery at our institution between 2012 and 2022. They were characterized by a broad nasal dorsum and a missing or underdeveloped nasal tip. We designed an innovative island flap of nasal dorsum as a new surgical method for treating this bifid nose deformity. Nasal length, tip projection, and photographs of nose morphology were obtained before and after the surgery. Outcomes, complications, indications, and patient satisfaction were analyzed and interviewed. The follow-up time ranges from 6 to 33 months (8.7 ± 5.5 months). The deformity was successfully corrected with an improved nasal appearance. Nasal length increased from initially 4.2 ± 0.3 mm to 4.6 ± 0.3 mm. Tip projection reached 19.9 ± 4.0 mm, which was 15.7 ± 2.9 mm before surgery. No severe complications were observed except poor venous reflux within postoperative 72 hours in four cases. Six patients (27.3%) got moderate healing and acceptable scars, and 14 patients (63.6%) got good healing. Most patients were very satisfied with the outcome (93.9%). The newly designed nasal dorsum island flap is a safe and effective technical approach to correct nose deformity featured by broad nasal dorsum and a missing or underdeveloped nasal tip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifid nose generally appears short columellar and lacks the nasal tip. Here, we describe a surgical correction technique for correcting the short columellar and nasal tip of bifid nose using a local flap to discuss outcomes, patient selection, and complications based on 11 years of experience. Thirty-two patients with mild wide bifid nose and shortened columella were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent nasal rhinoplasty using a propeller flap based on the nasal columella artery. Nasal columella length, horizontal distance of tip-defining point, and angle of facial convexity were evaluated based on three-dimensional simulation technology. Complications including possible underlying reasons were analyzed. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a self-assessment survey. Nasal esthetics and function were considerably improved. Follow-up examinations during a period of 9 months on average demonstrated stable results. The columella length was 9.7 ± 4.6 mm preoperatively and 19.9 ± 3.2 mm postoperatively (P < 0.05). The horizontal distance of tip-defining point (mm) decreased to 18.9 ± 5.5 mm postoperatively from a preoperative 23.3 ± 5.4 mm (P < 0.05). There were no severe postoperative complications. Complications were scar, temporary hematoma, and mild infection of nasal skin. The majority of patients (97%) rated their outcome as improved and much improved. Surgical correction using a nasal columella artery propeller flap is an effective therapeutic approach for patients with mild bifid nose. The use of a local flap along with minimal donor-site morbidity and reliable outcomes contributes to the high patient acceptance. Meticulous surgical technique and careful patient selection are prerequisites for successful results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is one of the most common diseases of oral mucosa, which is generally believed to be related to immunity, though the etiology is still unclear. It is suspected that allergies are directly related to RAU. So we sought to explore the relationship between hypersensitivity and RAU. 40 RAU patients who were in ulceration period and 40 people who were in good health were selected from Jan 2016 to Feb 2017, matched in age and sex. The peripheral blood antigens of 40 RAU patients and 40 healthy people was tested, and serum specific IgE (sIgE) with 6 groups of antigens and total IgE (tIgE) analysis was performed to identify IgE-mediated allergic reaction possibly affecting RAU. We then investigated the food intolerance and IgG levels to discover the correlation between non-IgE mediated allergic reaction and RAU. The positive cases and rate of sIgE in RAU group was higher than that of control, but the difference was not statistically significant (P ＞0.05). Positive grade of animal fur scraps (EX1), house dust mixed (HX2) and the serum tIgE concentration of the RAU group were significantly higher than the control group (P ＜0.05).The number of food intolerance in RAU group was significantly higher than that in control group (P ＜0.05). Our findings suggested certain correlation between RAU and anaphylaxis. Daily contact allergens and food intolerance may be one of the causes of RAU. Moreover, this provides reference value for clinical diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar performs well in soil remediation for the crop heavy metals uptake reduction. This study used biochar and graphene-modified biochar to remedy soil and assessed their impact on peanut plant Cd and Pb uptake. Results showed that both biochar additions significantly improved soil conditions and plant growth, and the improvement increased with the addition level increasing. Compared with the control, biochar and modified biochar induced plant biomass to increase by 2.43%- 16.5% and 10.3%-27.1% in neutral soil, and plant height by 12.8%-22.8% and 22.2%-32.9%, respectively. The plant Cd and Pb contents in the aerial part were reduced by 11.5%-55.5% and 15.4%-24.8% due to biochar additions 21.5%- 71.7%, and by and 25.4%-36.4% due to modified biochar additions. The underground plant Cd and Pb contents were reduced by 15.9%-49.4% and 28.1%- 46.4% due to biochar additions, and by 25.1%- 60.1% and 38.3%-52.4% due to modified biochar additions. Biochar and modified biochar significantly decreased aerial (underground) plant Cd accumulations by 9.02%-48.2% (10.1%-35.0%) and 14.3%-64.1% (20.3%-34.3%), respectively, while aerial (underground) plant Pb accumulations by 10.3%-13.1% (23.1%-34.9%) and 10.7%-19.6% (27.7%-41.6%), respectively. These results provide a in-situ soil remediation technology for the crop heavy metal uptake reduction with economical, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifid nose is a rare congenital anomaly. Because of its low incidence, few cases of surgical treatment have been reported. We propose a surgical method using an open W-shaped incision as a treatment option for severe bifid nose. Based on our 10-year experience, we describe the technique and discuss outcomes, patient selection, and complications. From May 2009 to December 2020, 32 patients with bifid nose underwent surgical correction of the nasal deformity characterized by dorsal hypertelorism, midline cleft of nasal bone and cartilage, and shortened nose using an open W-shaped surgical incision. Nasal subunit morphology before and after surgery was measured by three-dimensional simulation technology. Indications, outcomes, and complications including possible underlying reasons were analyzed. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a self-assessment survey. Correction of the bifid nasal deformity was successfully achieved using an open W-shaped surgical incision with increased nasal length and improved nasal appearance. Patients were followed-up for a period of 10 months on average, ranging from 6 months to 10 years. Follow-up examinations demonstrated stable results. The overall complication rate was 1.9%. Complications included temporary scar, ventilation disorder, and mild infection of the nasal skin. The majority of patients (98.1%) rated their outcome as improved and much improved (Table 1). The open W-shaped incision technique is an effective therapeutic approach for the correction of severe bifid nose. This is a simple and safe method for the treatment of bifid noses with a high patient acceptance and stable postoperative results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical investigation of the EtOH extract of the roots of Rheum palmatum L. was performed, leading to the isolation of 3 new acylglycosides (1 – 3) and 19 previously reported compounds, including 4 cinnamoyl glucosides (4 – 7) and 15 anthraquinones (8 – 22). Their structures were elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, ultraviolet and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectra and X-ray diffraction data. The biological activities of compounds 2 , 4 – 9 , and 11 – 13 , including their lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3)/major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) and LAG3/fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) binding inhibition activities, were evaluated. Among the isolates, compound 7 exhibited clear inhibitory activity against the LAG3/FGL1 interaction with an IC 50 of 7.89 μ M, meanwhile compound 6 inhibited the LAG3/MHC II interaction with an IC 50 of 6.00 μ M. [Display omitted] • Three undescribed acylglycosides were isolated from roots of Rheum palmatum L. • The absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. • This is the first report of the crystal structure of a cinnamoyl glucoside. • Their activities against the interaction of LAG3 with MHC II or FGL1 were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exfoliative cheilitis (EC) is a chronic and reversible inflammatory disease of the lips without definite etiology. Clinically, different types of allergens can be found in exfoliative cheilitis patients, however, few studies have focused on the relationship between exfoliative cheilitis and hypersensitivity. This research aimed to investigate the prevalence of hypersensitivity in EC patients. A prospective study was conducted in 30 patients with exfoliative cheilitis and 30 healthy controls, matched in age and sex. Laboratory tests included serum total IgE, allergen-specific IgE, and food-specific IgG. Increased serum total IgE level, positive food-specific IgG were seen more frequently in exfoliative cheilitis patients than in healthy control (P < 0.05). Special IgE level to FX5 and the degree of food-specific IgG to wheat were seen higher in exfoliative cheilitis patients than in healthy control (P < 0.05). This study suggests that patients with exfoliative cheilitis may have predisposition of hypersensitivity. The detection of allergens should be strengthened in the future clinical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at a dual purposes of resource conservation and environmental remediation, this study prepared com straw- and wheat straw-derived biochar and modified them by sulfuric acid and ultrasonic wave for the cadmium removal from artificially different eutrophic water. Results showed that the removal rates of cadmium on biochar were in the ranges of 73.5%-100% and 64.6%-100% from 0.3 and 10 mg/L of cadmium solution, respectively, which were both increased with the pH increasing. Under different conditions of TN and TP concentrations, the removal rates of the two concentrations of cadmium were 57.4%-100% and 40.1%-100%, respectively. With the increasing TN and TP concentrations, the variations of Cd on biochar altered differently in the low and high cadmium solutions. With the increasing eutrophication level, the removal rates of two concentrations of cadmium solution has a downward trend. The Cd removal rate highly depended on biochar types, environmental pH, TN and TP concentrations. Generally, the modified biochar had higher Cd removal rates than unmodified biochar. The modified wheat straw biochar performed the best in the cadmium removal from different eutrophic water with a maximal removal rate of 100%. The study provides an effective and environmental tool for heavy metals-contaminated eutrophic water body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar has proven to effectively remove cadmium in the environment. In this study, three common solid wastes, such as corn stalks (CS), Chinese herbal residues (HR) and sludge (SL), were used as raw materials to produce biochar, which further was modified by adding thiourea. The cadmium sorption characteristics on the six kinds of biochar derived from different biomass sources were studied. The results showed that the isothermal sorption isotherms of cadmium on biochar were better fit by the Langmuir model. The sorption capacity and sorption rate of the modified-biochar were increased by 10%-15% compared with the non-modified-biochar. The sorption rates of the six biochar were in the range of 50%90%, following the order of modified-HR> modified-CS> HR> modified-SL> CS> SL. The results provide economical and environmentally friendly materials for the biochar production and for the effective cadmium remediation in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative evaluation of GCMs' performance is vital to reduce the uncertainty of regional climate change impact research. A cascade progressive-like analysis approach is applied to evaluate the five phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) models' ability by comparing the models' outputs with ground observations (i.e., precipitation and temperature) over the Haihe River Basin from 1960 to 2004. The results show that for the chosen seventeen GCMs after preliminary screening, all models can reproduce the intra-annual characteristics of temperature and precipitation well, and show much better agreement with temperature than precipitation. However, the majority of the models tend to underestimate the annual mean temperature, with a mean underestimation of 0.34-2.82°C. For precipitation, all models overestimate the annual mean precipitation, with a mean overestimation of 11 %-97%. The step of performance evaluation for large-scale atmospheric variables and preliminary screening of models carried out before performance evaluation for ground climate variables can reduce uncertainties from the subjective selection of model and model error between large-scale atmospheric variables (i.e., relative humidity at 500hPa and 850hPa) and ground precipitation. Overall, the five models, namely, HadGEM2-ES, CESMl-BGC, MPI-ESM-LR, CNRM-CM5 and ACCESSl.3, are recommended as optimal choice for regional impact studies over the HRB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Quality makers (Q-markers) are pivotal for the standardization of quality control for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) drugs. However, it's a great challenge to identify the Q-markers of TCM drugs especially for TCM formulas. This study was designed to provide a method to discover Q-markers of TCM formulas and applied to identify the Q-markers responsible for the anti-cholestatic effect of Danning tablet (DNT), a TCM formulae consisting with seven herbal ingredients. In this study, the anti-cholestatic effect of DNT was evaluated in mice with cholestasis induced by α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT). An untargeted metabolomic profiling were performed using serum and liver samples of mice. Xenobiotics derived from DNT and endogenous compounds responsible for the anti-cholestatic effect of DNT were screened by statistical analysis and the Q-markers of DNT were illustrated, followed by predicting the potential targets and mechanisms via network pharmacology study. DNT exhibited a protective effect against liver injury in mice with ANIT-induced cholestasis. Three endogenous compounds, namely taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA), taurocholic acid (TCA), and glycocholic acid (GCA), were identified as the endogenous markers responsible for the anti-cholestatic effect of DNT. By setting a cutoff value of the correlation co-efficient at 0.8, 6 promising Q-markers, including luteolin, kaempferol, apigenin, emodin, luteolin-7-glucoside, and 5,4′-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8,3′-pentamethoxyflavone, were screened out. These Q-markers were stably existed in DNT and predicted to be highly active in treating cholestasis. This study established a pipeline to screen out the potential Q-markers of TCM formulas and 6 key Q-markers responsible for the anti-cholestatic effect of DNT were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To well prevent and control agricultural diffuse pollution, this study selected corn stalk, wheat straw, corn cob and rice straw to prepare biochars, which were modified by ultrasonic and sulfuric acid. The four modified biochars were used to reduce the agricultural cadmium diffuse loss from arable soil based on series of isothermal adsorption experiments. The results showed that the best application ratio was 200 mg 3% modified biochar-amended soil to 20 mL cadmium solution with a removal efficiency of 50%. The maximum apparent adsorption capacities of cadmium were in a range of 4.21-10.6 mg/g. Interestingly, the adsorption capacity of modified soil for cadmium did not positively correlated with the biochar dosages. This study provides an economic and environmental protection technology for solving agricultural diffuse heavy metal pollution problem prohibiting agricultural environmental protection in the actual environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the treatment of philtral ridge deficiency in cleft lip patients, optimal results are difficult to obtain due to visible scarring following surgery. The purpose of this article is to introduce a novel strategy for philtrum reconstruction along with an evaluation of postoperative outcomes of this technique. All patients with a deficiency of the philtrum underwent reconstruction of the philtral ridge and upper lip using an orbicularis oris muscle flap with a specific re-suturing technique in our study. The convexity of the philtral ridge was evaluated pre- and postoperatively at rest and while puckering using patient photography as well as three-dimensional simulation technology. Postoperative outcomes and complications were assessed during follow-up, including a patient satisfaction survey. Thirty cleft lip patients underwent treatment in this study using a specific orbicularis oris muscle re-suturing technique. The average age of the 13 male and 17 female patients was 31.5 years. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 3.5 years with an average of 10.3 months. Postoperative results showed an aesthetic reconstructed philtral ridge with stable outcome. Complications included acute infection (1 case) and temporary stiffness of smile (3 cases). No systemic complications occurred. All patients were satisfied with their results, and none required further surgery. We propose a simple, effective, and reproducible technique involving an orbicularis oris muscle flap for the creation of the philtral column in secondary cleft lip deformity. Our approach allowed aesthetically pleasing and stable outcomes. Although the short-term results of the philtrum reconstruction seem to be adequate there is no information on the long-term situation, and therefore no general recommendation to adopt this method can be given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsurgical reconstruction of nasal tip defects is difficult to achieve. The free composite auricular flap allows for repair in a one-stage procedure. However, anastomosis to the recipient facial artery is often complicated because of its variable anatomy and the need for a vessel graft. In this study, we describe our experience using the alar artery and angular vein as recipient vessels for direct super microsurgical anastomosis. From February 2004 to December 2015, thirty-two patients with different degrees of full-thickness multi-subunit nasal tip defects were included in this study. The superficial temporal vessels, alar artery, and angular vein were marked preoperatively by ultrasound detection. The preauricular reversed superficial temporal artery flap was harvested and transferred to the nasal tip defect region as a free flap using a supermicrosurgical technique. Patient pictures were taken before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months of follow-up. Outcomes and complications were recorded and analyzed. Moreover, a postoperative patient satisfaction survey was performed. The reversed superficial temporal artery flap was used in a total of 32 patients for the reconstruction of nasal tip defects in a one-stage procedure. In all cases, the alar artery and angular vein showed no anatomical variations and were used as recipient vessels. The size of the harvested preauricular flap size was 2.5 × 2.0 to 4.0 × 3.6 cm2, and the average flap size was 3.6 × 2.7 cm2. The length of the arterial pedicle was 4.0 to 6.7 cm, 5.58 cm on average. The length of the venous pedicle was 5.0 to 6.8 cm, 6.21 cm on average. Direct anastomosis was achieved in all patients, and in none of the cases, a vascular graft was needed. Donor sites were all closed primarily. Flap survival was complete, except for one case of vascular thrombosis, resulting in a 10% flap necrosis. Temporary hematoma was noted in one patient. The postoperative outcome showed excellent functional coverage and improved esthetic appearance. The average follow-up period was 12 months. The majority of patients (98.5%) rated their postoperative outcome as highly improved and improved. No late recurrence or other complications were seen in any of the patients. Twenty-two patients underwent a secondary debulking procedure of the flap for fine adjustment. Our results demonstrate that the alar artery and angular vein are suitable recipient vessels for the super microsurgical reconstruction of nasal tip defects. Surgical planning and procedure are facilitated by their reliable anatomy without the need for a vessel graft. This technique may offer wider applications by extension to other facial cutaneous defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quite recently, our laboratory reported the isolation and analysis of terpenoid indole alkaloids from Mappianthus iodoides Hand.-Mazz. ( Cong et al., 2014 ). As part of our ongoing chemical investigation of M. iodoides , three new indole alkaloids, mappiodosides H-J ( 1–3 ), were isolated from the stems of M. iodoides . Their structures were determined by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS data. All new compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against four human cancer cell lines, HT-29, MDA-MB-231, BEL-7402 and K-562, but were inactive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open rhinoplasty and Abbe flap techniques are traditionally useful tools for the reconstruction of secondary bilateral cleft lip nasal (BCLN) deformity. We aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of simultaneous columella and philtrum reconstruction using prolabial flap combined with Abbe flap in secondary BCLN deformity. From January 2009 to July 2014, 26 patients (17 males and 9 females; mean age 21 years) with secondary BCLN deformity were recruited. All patients had severe short columella and philtrum deficiency. The whole superiorly based prolabial flap was harvested and trimmed for columella reconstruction. An Abbe flap from the central lower lip was elevated to reconstruct the esthetic philtral unit. No flap necrosis occurred postoperatively. The average follow-up was 2.7 years. The columella length was 4.7 ± 1.3 mm preoperatively and 10.4 ± 2.1 mm postoperatively. The philtrum length increased to 14.4 ± 2.6 mm postoperatively from a preoperative 8.9 ± 2.4 mm. Regarding the overall impression of the reconstruction, 22 patients ranked it as very good or good. In secondary BCLN deformity, the prolabial flap combined with Abbe flap technique is an effective alternative for the treatment of severe short columella complicated with severe philtrum deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Siegesbeckia pubescens afforded two new ent -kaurane diterpenoids ( 1 - 2 ), together with sixteen known ent -kaurane and ent -pimarane diterpenoids ( 3–18 ). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods The absolute configurations of 1–2 and 12 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against two human cancer cell lines A375 and HCT-116. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background The treatment of maxillonasal dysplasia in Binder's syndrome using autologous costal bone and cartilage is well established, but postoperative results may be compromised by scarring, unpredictable absorption of transferred autologous tissue, and donor site morbidity. Here, we propose a simple surgical technique to improve maxillonasal dysplasia using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implant. Materials and methods From February 1999 to May 2014, fifty-eight patients affected by maxillonasal dysplasia with different degrees of flattened nose and midfacial depression underwent surgical correction by augmentation of the nasal dorsum using an “L”-shaped ePTFE and subperiosteal implantation of an inverted “m”-shaped ePTFE at the base of the piriform aperture. The outcome was evaluated based on preoperative and postoperative patient pictures, 3D imaging technology for the assessment of nasolabial angle and facial convexity angle, and a postoperative patient satisfaction survey. Results Postoperative results showed improved facial aesthetics with a significantly increased nasolabial angle from initially 74.1° ± 8.9° to 93.7° ± 6.1° at 6 months postoperatively ( p < 0.05). Temporary discomfort involving upper lip numbness, foreign body sensation, and stiff smiling expression were complained during the first 3 months postoperatively, but spontaneously resolved within 6 months. Complications included infection (2 cases), implant migration (2 cases), and implant exposure (1 case). The vast majority of patients (95.7%) rated their postoperative outcome as highly improved and improved. Conclusion The present therapeutic strategy provides a simple and effective treatment for the correction of maxillonasal dysplasia with high patient acceptance in a single step approach. Further research is required to determine long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]