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Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic properties are prerequisites for dressing materials that accelerate the healing process of infected wounds. Herein, we report a magnesium-doped silica bioactive glass (SiO

One of the most important surgical approaches for restoring cutaneous abnormalities caused by tumor resection is the insertion of a skin flap. Flap transplantation has been used to cover and fill different deficiencies after tumor removal. However, distal necrosis is among the most prevalent postsurgical consequences for skin flaps, particularly when treating large regions. Blood circulation failure causes flap necrosis, which may lead to serious problems, particularly in patients undergoing body cavity reconstruction following tumor excision. ADSCs (adipose-derived stem cells) are a kind of stem cell separated from the adipose tissue that has multilineage differentiation, simple availability, high proliferation capability, and self-renewal capabilities. This paper uses human adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) therapy for skin flap transplantation in skin malignant tumor resection. ADSC-based therapy is an applicable technique for assisting flap transplantation. The isolation of ADSC is performed using different trypsin concentrations, and then, the population doubling time is determined. The isolated ADSCs are differentiated and then employed for the skin flap model. The performance of the suggested method is analyzed using various assays. The usage of adipose-derived stem cells to boost the vitality of the skin flaps proved successful.

Qian Yu,1,* Chentao Shen,2,3,* Xiangsheng Wang,4 Zhenxing Wang,5,6 Lu Liu,2,3 Jufang Zhang4 1Research Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100144, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China; 3Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China; 6Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jufang Zhang; Lu Liu, Tel +86-18800293916 ; +86-13476226821, Fax +86-571-87914773 ; +86-27-83662640, Email doctorzjf@zju.edu.cn; halesan@163.comPurpose: We aimed to develop an antioxidant dressing material with pro-angiogenic potential that could promote wound healing. Gelatin (Gel) was selected to improve the biocompatibility of the scaffolds, while graphene oxide (GO) was added to enhance their mechanical property. The loaded N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC) was performing the effect of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the wound site.Materials and Methods: The physicochemical and mechanical properties, NAC releases, and biocompatibility of the NAC-GO-Gel scaffolds were evaluated in vitro. The regeneration capability of the scaffolds was systemically investigated in vivo using the excisional wound-splinting model in mice.Results: The NAC-GO-Gel scaffold had a stronger mechanical property and sustainer NAC release ability than the single Gel scaffold, which resulted in a better capacity for cell proliferation and migration. Mice wound-splinting models revealed that the NAC-GO-Gel scaffold effectively accelerated wound healing, promoted re-epithelialization, enhanced neovascularization, and reduced scar formation.Conclusion: The NAC-GO-Gel scaffold not only promotes wound healing but also reduces scar formation, showing a great potential application for the repair of skin defects.Keywords: gelatin, graphene oxide, electrospinning, NAC, wound healing

Oxygen-enriched combustion (OEC) technology in SI engines can greatly improve the degree of constant volume combustion, increase the torque output, and reduce HC and CO emissions but lead to a sharp increase in NO

BackgroundRadiation-induced injuries (RII) mainly result from reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful compounds that can damage DNA. Asiaticoside (AC), one of the main functional components extracted from Centella asiatica, has potent pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. However, its role in RII remains unclear.PurposeThe purpose of the current study is to investigate whether AC can mitigate RII in vitro and in vivo.Material and MethodsCell model of RII was successfully established by 5J/m2 radiation in vitro. For the in vivo RII model, mice were irradiated with 5 Gy to the thorax. The degree of damage to cells or mouse tissue was determined by measuring the numbers of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), oxidative stress, and mouse survival rates.ResultsIn the in vitro assay, AC administration significantly reduced radiation-induced growth inhibition of Escherichia coli and fibroblasts, DSBs and apoptosis of fibroblasts; in the in vivo study, AC could decrease antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of plasma and protect mice from RII, thereby improving the survival rates of mice after radiation.ConclusionsThese novel data indicate that AC is able to prevent radiation-initiated genotoxicity by mitigating DNA damage, and might serve as a safe and effective radio-protective agent.

Objective. To investigate the effect and safety of PRP and Yifu combined with ultrapulsed CO2 lattice laser in patients with sunken acne scar. Methods. 700 subjects were selected from the group of patients with sunken acne scar treated in our hospital from November 2010 to December 2020. They were divided into control group (n = 350) and study group (n = 350). The grouping was mainly based on the random number table method. Patients in the control group were treated with ultrapulse CO2 lattice laser, while those in the study group were treated with ultrapulse CO2 lattice laser combined with PRP and Yifu. The clinical effect, scar improvement and quality of life before and after treatment, and adverse events during treatment were compared between the two groups. The clinical effect was categorized into cure after treatment, significant effect, effective, and ineffective. The total effective rate = 1 − ineffective rate. Results. After treatment, the total effective rate of the study group (81.43%) was higher than that of the control group (70.00%). After treatment, ECCA, VSS scores, daily activities, symptoms and feelings, work and study, leisure and entertainment, interpersonal relationship, treatment status, and total scores were all lower in both groups than before treatment, and the study group was lower than the control group. During the treatment, the incidence of adverse events in the study group (17.33%) was lower than that in the control group (28.57%), P < 0.05 . Conclusion. PRP and Yifu combined with ultrapulse CO2 lattice laser in the treatment of sunken acne scar can effectively improve the scar, reduce the incidence of adverse events, and the treatment effect is obvious, which can improve the quality of life of the patients.

Transgenic technology is now widely used in biomedical and agricultural fields. Transgenesis is commonly achieved through random integration which might cause some uncertain consequences. The site-specific integration could avoid this disadvantage. This study aimed to screen and validate the best safe harbor (SH) locus for efficient porcine transgenesis. First, the cells carrying the EGFP reporter construct at four different SH loci (ROSA26, AAVS1, H11 and COL1A1) were achieved through CRSIPR/Cas9-mediated HDR. At the COL1A1 and ROSA26 loci, a higher mRNA and protein expression of EGFP was detected, and it was correlated with a lower level of DNA methylation of the EGFP promoter, hEF1α. A decreased H3K27me3 modification of the hEF1α promoter at the COL1A1 locus was also detected. For the safety of transgenesis at different SH locus, we found that transgenesis could relatively alter the expression of the adjacent endogenous genes, but the influence was limited. We also did not observe any off-target cleavage for the selected sgRNAs of the COL1A1 and ROSA26 loci. In conclusion, the COL1A1 and ROSA26 were confirmed to be the best two SH loci with the COL1A1 being more competitive for porcine transgenesis. This work would greatly facilitate porcine genome engineering and transgenic pig production.

Objective To investigate the effect and safety of PRP and Yifu combined with ultrapulsed CO2 lattice laser in patients with sunken acne scar. Methods 700 subjects were selected from the group of patients with sunken acne scar treated in our hospital from November 2010 to December 2020. They were divided into control group (n = 350) and study group (n = 350). The grouping was mainly based on the random number table method. Patients in the control group were treated with ultrapulse CO2 lattice laser, while those in the study group were treated with ultrapulse CO2 lattice laser combined with PRP and Yifu. The clinical effect, scar improvement and quality of life before and after treatment, and adverse events during treatment were compared between the two groups. The clinical effect was categorized into cure after treatment, significant effect, effective, and ineffective. The total effective rate = 1 − ineffective rate. Results After treatment, the total effective rate of the study group (81.43%) was higher than that of the control group (70.00%). After treatment, ECCA, VSS scores, daily activities, symptoms and feelings, work and study, leisure and entertainment, interpersonal relationship, treatment status, and total scores were all lower in both groups than before treatment, and the study group was lower than the control group. During the treatment, the incidence of adverse events in the study group (17.33%) was lower than that in the control group (28.57%), P < 0.05. Conclusion PRP and Yifu combined with ultrapulse CO2 lattice laser in the treatment of sunken acne scar can effectively improve the scar, reduce the incidence of adverse events, and the treatment effect is obvious, which can improve the quality of life of the patients.

A novel method was used to produce near neutral pH electrolysed water (NEW) by developing a portable electrochemical sanitising unit that uses diluted sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate solution (6 mM) as electrolytes. The unit produced NEW at pH 5.70 to 7.1, an oxidation-reduction potential of 802.2–933.8 mV, and free available chlorine (FAC) of 3.3–70 mg/L. NEW produced by the unit with NaCl 10 g/L showed stronger bactericidal effects than NEW produced by mixing the anode and cathode product from commercial unit's (P

Background Eyelashes play an important role in perception of beauty and protection of eyeballs. The outcome of eyelash restoration varies and mainly depends on the surgeon's technique and no standard procedure exists. Aims To evaluate the effect of modified single-hair follicular unit grafting to aesthetically restore eyelashes and provide a potential alternative of standard procedure. Patients and methods A total of 34 patients with sparse or partially absent eyelashes who underwent modified procedure were included. Single-hair grafts were harvested from the donor site (post-auricular, nape, frontal hairline area). Grafts were transplanted with 23 gauge needle and fine forceps in the modified procedure. The patients were followed for a mean of 12 months after surgery. Results All patients were satisfied with the result 12 months after the surgery. An average of 46.5 grafts (34-68) were transplanted in each upper eyelid. The mean graft survival rate after 1 year was 87.2% (84%-92%). Of the 34 patients, 3 patients received a second session to achieve a denser appearance. No significant complication as trichiasis, infection, scarring or eyeball injury occurred. Conclusion This modified single-hair follicular unit grafting is a good alternative for aesthetic eyelash restoration with good cosmetic results, relative easy maintenance, lack of complications, and long-term patient satisfaction.

To explore the research progress of hair follicle and related stem cells in scar-free skin healing in recent years.The literature related to hair follicle and related stem cells, wound healing, and scar formation in recent years was extensively reviewed and summarized from the aspects of cell function and molecular mechanism.Scar tissue after wound healing treated with hair follicle transplantation and related stem cell therapy is more mild or even without scar formation. The cell types and molecular mechanisms of the above phenomena are complex, and the bone morphogenetic protein signal transduction pathway and Wnt signal transduction pathway are strongly correlated.The research of hair follicle and related stem cells in scar-free skin healing is at the initial stage at present. Strengthening the mechanism research may provide new ideas for the treatment of wound and scar.综述毛囊及相关干细胞在创面无瘢痕愈合中的研究进展。.广泛查阅近年国内外毛囊及相关干细胞与创面愈合及瘢痕形成的相关文献，从细胞功能及分子机制等方面进行总结讨论。.创面经毛囊及相关干细胞移植治疗愈合后形成的瘢痕更轻微，甚至无瘢痕形成。上述现象涉及的细胞种类及分子机制复杂，目前主要明确了与 BMP 信号通路及 Wnt 信号通路强相关。.毛囊及相关干细胞在创面无瘢痕愈合方面的研究尚处于起步阶段，需要加强机制研究，以期为创面和瘢痕的治疗提供新思路。.

Due to its own limitations, the traditional teaching quality evaluation method has been unable to adapt to the development of information-based curriculum teaching. Therefore, the establishment of a scientific and intelligent teaching effect evaluation method will help to improve the teaching quality of college teachers. To solve the above problems, a student fatigue state evaluation method based on the quantum particle swarm optimization artificial neural network is proposed. Firstly, face detection is realized by adding three Haar-like feature blocks and improving the AdaBoost algorithm of a weak classifier connection. Secondly, in order to effectively improve the image imbalance, the MSR algorithm is used to enhance the face data image, which is effectively suitable for network training. Then, by readjusting the connection mode, the DenseNet is improved to fully reflect the local detail feature information of the low level. Finally, quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) is used to optimize the DenseNet structure, which makes the optimization of network structure more automatic and solves the uncertainty of manual selection. The experimental results show that the proposed method has a good detection effect and prove the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed method.

Background We aimed to study the effect of tetramethylpyrazine/ligustrazine (TMP) on the survival rate of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) transplantation. Methods Human ADSCs were cultured and subcultured. Detection of cell growth was performed using CCK8 kit. A total of 12 BALB/c nude mice including 4 groups (group 1: ADSC-hyaluronic acid [HA] + phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]; group 2: ADSC-HA + TMP injection; group 3: ADSC-HA + TMP soaking; group 4: ADSC-HA + TMP injection + TMP soaking) were used for the animal experiments. Furthermore, hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining were conducted for the frozen section from the animal tissues. Besides, RNA was extracted from the samples, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction experiment was performed. At last, samples were detected using transmission electron microscope. Results Tetramethylpyrazine/ligustrazine resulted in significant increase for cell proliferation on the seventh day. It was easier to promote the growth of adipose cell after injection and soaking of TMP. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O stain showed that injection and soaking of TMP could significantly increase the size of fat. The relative expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, and Alu in group 4 was significantly higher than that in other groups. Conclusions Tetramethylpyrazine/ligustrazine can improve the survival rate of ADSC transplantation. The possible mechanisms of it may be that TMP induces the expression of transcription factor associated with fat formation including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, and Alu and then promotes the growth of adipose cell.

The extreme shortage of human donor organs for treatment of patients with end-stage organ failures is well known. Xenotransplantation, which might provide unlimited organ supply, is a most promising strategy to solve this problem. Domestic pigs are regarded as ideal organ-source animals owing to similarity in anatomy, physiology and organ size to humans as well as high reproductive capacity and low maintenance cost. However, several barriers, which include immune rejection, inflammation and coagulative dysfunctions, as well as the cross-species transmission risk of porcine endogenous retrovirus, blocked the pig-to-human xenotransplantation. With the rapid development of genome engineering technologies and the potent immunosuppressive medications in recent years, these barriers could be eliminated through genetic modification of pig genome together with the administration of effective immunosuppressants. A number of candidate genes involved in the regulation of immune response, inflammation and coagulation have been explored to optimize porcine xenograft survival in non-human primate recipients. PERV inactivation in pigs has also been accomplished to firmly address the safety issue in pig-to-human xenotransplantation. Many encouraging preclinical milestones have been achieved with some organs surviving for years. Therefore, the clinical trials of some promising organs, such as islet, kidney and heart, are aimed to be launched in the near future.

We developed a portable flow-through, electrochemical sanitizing unit to produce near neutral pH electrolyzed water (producing NEW). Two methods of redirecting cathode yields back to the anode chamber and redirecting anode yields the cathode chamber were used. The NEW yields were evaluated, including: free available chlorine (FAC), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and pH. The performances of 2 electrodes (RuO2 -IrO2 /TiO2 and IrO2 -Ta2 O5 /TiO2 ) were investigated. The unit produced NEW at pH 6.46 to 7.17, an ORP of 805.5 to 895.8 mV, and FAC of 3.7 to 82.0 mg/L. The NEW produced by redirecting cathode yields had stronger bactericidal effects than the NEW produced by redirecting anode yields or NEW produced by mixing the commercial unit's anode and cathode product (P < 0.05). Electron spin resonance results showed hydroxyl free radicals and superoxide anion free radicals were present in the NEW produced by developed unit. The NEW generator is a promising sanitizing unit for consumers and the food industry to control foodborne pathogens. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Current commercial NEW-producing units are quite large and are not convenient for family using. The developed portable flow-through, NEW-producing unit has great potential in a wide range of applications, such as organic farm, households, and small food industries. The examined sanitizing treatments showed effective control of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes.

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the characteristics and performance of a portable electrolytic sanitising unit. Free available chlorine (FAC), oxidation-reduction potential, and pH of electrolysed water were measured. Response surface methodology coupled with a Box-Behnken design was used to describe the input-output relationship and optimise FAC production. A partial catholyte solution was reintroduced to electrolysis for generating neutral electrolysed water. The result found that RuO 2 -IrO 2 /TiO 2 electrode was very effective. A FAC concentration of 4 mg/L achieved >2 log CFU/mL reduction, while a FAC concentration of 40 mg/L achieved >6 log CFU/mL reduction in Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes BAA-839. The developed sanitiser had a pH of 7.08 ± 0.08, and the commercial sanitiser had a pH of 3.77 ± 0.18. The developed sanitiser had similar bactericidal effects as the commercial sanitiser. The results revealed that the developed sanitising unit is promising for the control of foodborne pathogens.

Potential organic compatible sanitisers including electrolysed water (EW, 4 mg/L free available chlorine (FAC)), citric acid (0.6%), H2O2 (1%), and their combinations were applied on organic and conventional fresh-cut lettuce (Lactuca sativa Var crispa L.) to evaluate their effects on microbiological safety, physicochemical parameters and sensory analysis (including raw sample and boiled sample). The combination of 1% H2O2 with 0.6% citric acid led to the highest reductions of microbial loads (2.26 log CFU/g for aerobic mesophilic count (AMC) and 1.28 log CFU/g for yeasts and moulds); however, it also caused the highest electrolyte leakage rate (3.11% vs. 0.91% for control). The combination of EW with 1% H2O2 achieved 1.69 and 0.96 log CFU/g reductions for AMC and yeasts and moulds, respectively with electrolyte leakage rate of 1.41%. In terms of the content of polyphenolic compounds, firmness, colour and raw material sensory analysis, there were no significant differences among different treatments, and between organic and conventional counterparts. The results suggest that 1% H2O2 combined with 4 mg/L EW is a promising approach for treating organic fresh-cut lettuce.

Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) are located at the base of hair follicles, and are known to induce hair follicle regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) functions in hair follicle regeneration. To investigate the influence of PRP on DPCs, the present study analyzed RNA‑seq data of human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs) that were treated or untreated by PRP. The data included in the RNA‑seq were from two normal and two treated HHDPC samples. Following identification by Cuffdiff software, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) underwent enrichment analyses, and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using Cytoscape software. Additionally, transcription factor (TF)‑DEG and TF-long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) regulatory networks were constructed. A total of 178 differentially expressed lncRNA were screened, 365 were upregulated and 142 were downregulated. Notably, upregulated cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) (degree=76), polo‑like kinase 1 (PLK1) (degree=65), cell division cycle 20 (degree=50), cyclin B1 (degree=49), aurora kinase B (degree=47), cyclin dependent kinase 2 (degree=46) and downregulated v‑myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) (degree=12) had higher degrees in networks. In addition, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β, E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1), early growth response 1 and MYC may be key TFs for their target genes, and were enriched in pathways associated with the cell cycle. They may also be involved in cell proliferation via various interactions with other genes, for example CDK1‑PLK1 and E2F1→CDK1. These dysregulated genes induced by PRP may affect proliferation of HHDPCs.

For extensive irregular cicatricial alopecia after burn, effective and pleasing restoration of hair-bearing scalp remains challenging. In this article, the authors presented staged reconstructive treatment for extensive irregular cicatricial alopecia with the goal to achieve better and reliable results. A retrospective review of staged reconstructive treatment performed in 16 patients with extensive irregular cicatricial alopecia after burn was conducted. In stage 1, final flaps were designed at 1st. Tissue expanders were placed into the subgaleal plane and serially inflated with normal saline. In stage 2, scarring tissues were excised and the expanded hair-bearing flaps were advanced to the defect. Hair grafts were harvested from excessive hair-bearing scalps excised from the flaps and replanted. For patients with less satisfactory results, stage 3 was performed by hair transplantation. Cicatricial area, follicular unit density, survival rate of hair grafts, and patients’ satisfaction were measured before and after each stage. Thirteen patients received 3-stage treatment, and 3 received 2-stage treatment. Significant improvements in aesthetics and patient satisfaction were achieved in all the patients. No flap necrosis, implant exposure or hematoma was observed. Ideal, aesthetic, and reliable results could be obtained using staged reconstructive treatment for patients with extensive irregular cicatricial alopecia after burn.

OBJECTIVE: To review the application and research progress of transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO(2)) in scar assessment. METHODS: The original articles about scar and TcPO(2) were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Hypoxia environment plays an important role in the progression of scar tissue. TcPO(2) can accurately reflect the oxygen tension of scar tissue, which is of great significance in the assessment of scar maturity, the guidance of scar treatment, and the study of correlations between hypoxia and the progression of scar. CONCLUSION: TcPO(2) measurement is important in the study of scar evaluation, treatment, and correlation between hypoxia and scar formation.

Rationale: Scars always related to functional limitations, cosmetic impairment, and social and emotional problems. Clinical improvements in scar characteristics after autologous fat grafting are well described. In this paper, we present an innovative approach to treat depressed scars. Patient concerns: We presented a 29-year-old woman with multiple depressed scars in the left upper arm and near the elbow joint after trauma in childhood. Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed as having multiple depressed scars accompanied with retraction and pain. Interventions: We used small needle knife during fat grafting to treat the depressed scar. Vancouver Scar Scale was used to assess the effect. Outcomes: Aesthetic and functional improvements were observed. Resolution of pain and improvement in scar elasticity were objectively assessable. Improvement of both clinical evaluation and patient perception was obtained. Lessons: Use of small needle knife during fat grafting is a good alternative for the treatment of depressed scars.

We developed a portable flow-through, electrochemical sanitizing unit to produce near neutral pH electrolyzed water (producing NEW). Two methods of redirecting cathode yields back to the anode chamber and redirecting anode yields the cathode chamber were used. The NEW yields were evaluated, including: free available chlorine (FAC), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and pH. The performances of 2 electrodes (RuOCurrent commercial NEW-producing units are quite large and are not convenient for family using. The developed portable flow-through, NEW-producing unit has great potential in a wide range of applications, such as organic farm, households, and small food industries. The examined sanitizing treatments showed effective control of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes.

Hair transplantation is a rapidly developing procedure in cosmetic surgery field. Compared with elsewhere in the world, hair transplantation in China started late, and although early results were not as satisfactory as desired, there have been significant advances in recent years.

Remineralization of desalinated water as part of post-treatment has attracted great attention lately because of the need for high quality water and for the protection of the network pipelines. Laboratory experiments of remineralization using Ca2 + and Mg2 + containing substances were carried out to investigate the effect of flow rates on corrosion behaviour of cast iron coupons and water quality of re-mineralized SWRO product under tropical conditions. Experiments demonstrated the clear effect of increased corrosion rate at higher flow rate, i.e., the flow rate of 1, 10 to 20 L/d increased the corrosion rate from 4.72, 6.74 to 9.17 mpy, respectively. The turbidity and apparent colour of flow rate at 1 L/d were much higher than those of 10 and 20 L/d because of iron rusting materials formation and accumulation at the low flow rate. Cast iron corrosion and various flow rates did not significantly influence water quality parameters associated with SWRO product remineralization, such as total alkalinity and hardness. Microstructure observation showed that the main corrosion product was small crystalline globules of lepidocrocite, which formed a thick orange layer on coupon surface. Crystal fiber of white calcium composite was also found on some areas of the coupon surface which functioned as a protective layer.

Seawater, converted by reverse osmosis (RO) membrane into desalinated water when introduced to drinking water distribution systems and mixed with tap water of natural source, may affect the stability of existing biofilms attached to the pipeline. A continuous flow system consisting of four identical, parallel 1 L CDC biofilm reactors was installed. The reactors were operated with dechlorinated tap water for 55 days. Thereafter, water made of 100% tap water, 100% RO desalinated seawater, and 70/30 and 30/70 mixed tap water/desalinated seawater were continuously applied. Analyses of the bulk water heterotrophic plate count (HPC), biofilm HPC, total carbohydrate content (TCC), and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was carried out. No obvious changes in HPC and TCC were observed in bulk water. But, continuous feed with 100% desalinated water resulted in higher bacterial count than the other treatments. The DGGE data showed that higher portion of the RO desalinated seawater resulted in les...

Remineralization of desalinated water as part of the post-treatment has attracted great attention lately because of the need for high quality water and for pipeline protection. This study was conducted to examine the effect of various remineralization options on the stabilities of pipeline materials (ductile iron, cast iron and cement lined ductile iron) under tropical conditions. Red dust was found deposited at the reactor bottom in which the iron coupons were suspended. For treatments with Ca 2 + or CO 3 2 − additions, white CaCO 3 sediment was observed. Remineralization of SWRO water with Ca 2 + and alkalinity resulted in less corrosion than the other treatments. The lowest corrosion rate occurred with cement lined ductile iron (2.69–6.02 mpy) and the highest with cast iron (5.44–8.38 mpy) in all post-treatments. As results of cement dissolution in the water with cement lined ductile iron, the total alkalinity and total hardness increased from 0–100 to 55–250 mg/L as CaCO 3 and the calcium carbonate precipitation potential (CCPP) was raised from − 10.5–4.6 to 38–427. Other water quality parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity and Ca 2 + concentration also increased significantly. XRD analysis indicated that corrosion products included FeO(OH), Fe(OH) 3 , FeO and other iron compounds. Calcium compounds were also detected in the water with Ca 2 + ions.

Phoenixin (PNX), a newly identified peptide cleaved from the C-terminus of protein C4orf52, mainly exists in two active isoforms, phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) amide and phoenixin-20 (PNX-20) amide that were first isolated from the rat hypothalamus and bovine heart, respectively. Initial studies demonstrated that PNX is a reproductive peptide, which affects the hypothalamus pituitary genital (HPG) axis through regulating the expression of kisspeptin, GnRH, GnRH receptor, LH and oestrus process. However, further studies indicated that PNX might play a wide range of roles in additional physiological process such as inhibiting visceral pain and eliciting pruritus, inducing anxiety, improving memory retention. Recently, Gpr173, also designated as SREB3, was identified as the cognate receptor of PNX. Whereas, the regulatory mechanism of PNX has not been fully clarified. This review aims to provide the current knowledge of PNX and propose some study directions for future research.

This study was aimed to explore the effect of W-plasty combined Botox-A injection in improving appearance of scar. According to the inclusive and exclusive criteria, patients received W-plasty combined Botox-A injection (study group) or traditional (control group) scar repairment were enrolled in this study. After surgery, a follow-up ranged from 1 to 2 years was conducted. The effectiveness of surgery was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). A total of 38 patients were enrolled in this study, including 21 cases in the study group and 17 cases in the control group. There were no significant difference were identified in age (t = 0.339, P = .736), gender ratio (χ2 = 0.003, P = .955) and scar forming reason (χ2 = 0.391, P = .822) between 2 groups. After treatment, the VAS score in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P

Rationale: Aging of face is an unavoidable process. Traditional procedures for facial rejuvenation have multiple disadvantages. In this case report, we used an innovative technique combining thread lift with small incision rhytidectomy for facial rejuvenation. Management for complication was also reported. Patient concerns: We presented a 52-year-old male with facial ptosis and wrinkles. Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed as facial aging including skin laxity, mid-face and mandibular jowl ptosis, static crows-feet wrinkles, and deepening nasolabial fold. Interventions: We used an innovative technique combining thread lift with small incision rhytidectomy to treat facial aging. Outcomes: Improvements of the crow's feet, nasolabial fold, mid-face and lower face ptosis were observed. Complication of subcutaneous nodule was corrected with cosmetic effect of thread lift remained. Lessons: The innovative technique combining thread lift with small incision rhytidectomy is a good alternative for the treatment of facial aging.

To investigate the therapeutic effect of soft tissue expansion combined with follicular unit extraction( FUE) for burn cicatricial bald.48 patients with burn cicatricial bald (25 cm2) were treated in three stages. The expanders were implanted on the first stage. After expansion for 8 weeks, the expanders were taken out and local flaps were transferred. One year later, follicular unit extraction( FUE) was applied on the bald area.48 cases were followed up for 5 years with satisfactory cosmetic results. The VAS assessment of satisfaction on hair appearance after three-staged surgery was 8.2 ± 2.1.Soft tissue expansion combined with FUE has a reliable effect for burn cicatricial bald.

Cicatricial alopecia encompasses a diverse group of disorders characterized by the permanent destruction of hair follicles and irreversible hair loss. Follicular unit transplantation was developed in 1994. However, large-scale clinical trials are necessary to study follicular unit transplantation for treating Chinese cicatricial alopecia patients.To investigate the efficacy of follicular unit transplantation in the treatment of cicatricial alopecia in Chinese patients.Patients with cicatricial alopecia were enrolled. The designated recipient area, follicular unit density of the donor site, transplanted density and operative time were recorded. Postoperative follow-up was conducted within six to 24 months; the density of hair in the recipient area was calculated using a Folliscope (Hansderma Co, USA). Patients' self-reported satisfaction and long-term complications were recorded.Thirty-seven patients were enrolled. Cicatricial alopecia was caused by burns (n=8), trauma (n=21) and plastic surgery (cleft lip and palate repair [n=8]). Burn patients had a significantly larger bald area than the other patients (P0.01). The operative time was significantly correlated with recipient area. The longest operation was 14.5 h; the largest transplanted area was 96 cm(2). At follow-up, the surviving follicular unit density/transplanted follicular unit density rate was 64.29% to 95.00% (mean 78.96%); the surviving/transplanted (S/T) area was 100% for 30 patients, 90% to 100% for five patients and90% for two patients. The lowest S/T area was 82.81%. The S/T index was significantly and inversely correlated with operative time. Regarding long-term complications, two patients had postoperative epidermoid cysts that healed with local treatment.Follicular unit transplantation is an effective method for treating cicatricial alopecia. It is relatively safe and yields satisfactory postoperative results. Extending the results of the present study to Chinese clinical practice is warranted.L’alopécie cicatricielle englobe un groupe diversifié de troubles caractérisés par la destruction permanente de follicules pileux et une perte de cheveux irréversible. La greffe folliculaire a été mise au point en 1994. Cependant, des essais cliniques à grande échelle s’imposent pour l’étudier dans le traitement de l’alopécie cicatricielle chez des patients chinois.Étudier l’efficacité de la greffe folliculaire pour traiter l’alopécie cicatricielle chez des patients chinois.Les chercheurs ont recruté des patients présentant une alopécie cicatricielle. Ils ont consigné la zone désignée, la densité des unités folliculaires au foyer du donneur, la densité greffée et le temps d’opération. Ils ont effectué un suivi postopératoire dans les six à 24 mois et calculé la densité pileuse du receveur à l’aide d’un folliscope (Hansderma Co, États-Unis). Ils ont consigné la satisfaction des patients et les complications à long terme.Trente-sept patients ont participé. L’alopécie cicatricielle était causée par des brûlures (n=8), des traumatismes (n=21) et la chirurgie plastique (réparation d’une fissure palatine et labiale [n=8]). Les patients brûlés présentaient des zones d’alopécie beaucoup plus importantes que les autres patients (P0,01). Le temps de l’opération était corrélé avec la zone du receveur. L’opération la plus longue a pris 14,5 heures et la greffe la plus vaste était de 96 cmLa greffe folliculaire traite l’alopécie cicatricielle avec efficacité. Relativement sécuritaire, elle donne des résultats postopératoires satisfaisants. Il faudra étendre les résultats de la présente étude à la pratique clinique en Chine.