A modified supraclavicular artery island flap for reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects.

OBJECTIVE: To overcome the limitation of the supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF), we describe a modified SCAIF which incorporates a portion of the upper trapezius and the superficial branch of the transverse cervical artery (TCA) for the reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects. STUDY DESIGN: The modified SCAIF was used on 20 patients at our hospital between April 2013 and August 2022. All patients underwent resection of the primary lesion site and immediate reconstruction with the modified SCAIF. Demographic data and flap details were recorded. Complications were assessed for at least a 6-month follow-up period. RESULTS: This study included 20 patients. The mean flap harvest time was 50 minutes. The mean flap length was 6.0 cm, and the mean flap width was 5.0 cm. All flaps of 20 cases survived with good appearance, and no shoulder morbidity was found during a follow-up period of at least 6 months. CONCLUSION: The modified SCAIF is a versatile and reliable local flap option for moderate to large reconstruction in this special region after resection of the primary lesions. We found this simple flap design has overcome the limitations of the traditional one with a reliable blood supply and adequate tissue for larger defects.

Transferable G/Au Film for Constructing a Variety of SERS Substrates.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as one of the most powerful analytical methods, undertakes important inspection tasks in various fields. Generally, the performance of an SERS-active substrate relies heavily on its structure, which makes it difficult to integrate multiple-functional detectability on the same substrate. To address this problem, here we designed and constructed a film of graphene/Au nanoparticles (G/Au film) through a simple method, which can be conveniently transferred to different substrates to form various composite SERS substrates subsequently. By means of the combination of the electromagnetic enhancement mechanism (EM) and the chemical enhancement mechanism (CM) of this structure, the film realized good SERS performance experimentally, with the enhancement factor (EF) approaching ca. 1.40 × 105. In addition, the G/Au film had high mechanical strength and had large specific surface area and good biocompatibility that is beneficial for Raman detection. By further transferring the film to an Ag/Si composite substrate and PDMS flexible film, it showed enhanced sensitivity and in situ detectability, respectively, indicating high compatibility and promising prospect in Raman detection.

Hierarchical PVDF/ZnO/Ag/ZIF-8 nanofiber membrane used in trace-level Raman detection of H2S.

surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of gases has always been difficult due to the low affinity and poor Raman cross section of the moving molecules. To mitigate the impact of these problems on detection of gases, a structure of zinc oxide/silver nanowires coated with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZnO NWs/Ag/ZIF-8) was constructed on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber membrane (PVDF/ZnO NWs/Ag/ZIF-8) and in detail researched in this work. Benefitting from the quadruple synergistic effect of efficient Knudsen diffusion of gas molecules inside ZIF-8, enrichment of ZIF-8 microsponges for gaseous molecules, regulation of ZIF-8 dielectric layer for light and reverse light scattering of ZnO NW/Ag tip, the structure was proven to have precise co-confinement on both hot spots and gaseous molecules. As a result, this PVDF/ZnO NWs/Ag/ZIF-8 achieved excellent detection for hydrogen sulfide (H2S), with a limit of detection of 1 × 10-10 v/v and the minimum relative standard deviation value of ca. 7.13 %. Furthermore, as a proof of concept, in practical application, we designed and assembled our substrate (3.5 cm × 3.5 cm) into a SERS face mask and realized efficient monitoring of H2S in human's exhaled breath.

GWAS unravels acid phosphatase ACP2 as a photosynthesis regulator under phosphate starvation conditions through modulating serine metabolism in rice.

Inorganic phosphorus (Pi) deficiency significantly impacts plant growth, development, and photosynthetic efficiency. This study evaluated 206 rice accessions from a MiniCore population under both Pi-sufficient (Pi+) and Pi-starvation (Pi-) conditions in the field to assess photosynthetic phosphorus use efficiency (PPUE), defined as the ratio of AsatPi- to AsatPi+. A genome-wide association study and differential gene expression analyses identified an acid phosphatase gene (ACP2) that responds strongly to phosphate availability. Overexpression and knockout of ACP2 led to a 67% increase and 32% decrease in PPUE, respectively, compared with wild type. Introduction of an elite allele A, by substituting the v5 SNP G with A, resulted in an 18% increase in PPUE in gene-edited ACP2 rice lines. The phosphate-responsive gene PHR2 was found to transcriptionally activate ACP2 in parallel with PHR2 overexpression, resulting in an 11% increase in PPUE. Biochemical assays indicated that ACP2 primarily catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphoethanolamine and phospho-L-serine. In addition, serine levels increased significantly in the ACP2v8G-overexpression line, along with a concomitant decrease in the expression of all nine genes involved in the photorespiratory pathway. Application of serine enhanced PPUE and reduced photorespiration rates in ACP2 mutants under Pi-starvation conditions. We deduce that ACP2 plays a crucial role in promoting photosynthesis adaptation to Pi starvation by regulating serine metabolism in rice.

Bone regeneration with hydroxyapatite particles loaded in photo-cross-linkable hydrogel: An experimental study.

This study explores the use of in situ cross-linked hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA) and hydroxyapatite particles (HAP) for bone defect repair. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were isolated and co-cultured with the HAMA-HAP composite. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated using Alizarin Red staining, alkaline phosphatase activity quantification, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A cranial defect was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats. This defect was then filled with the HAMA-HAP composite and cross-linked using UV light exposure. Bone formation was assessed through radiographic and histological analyses. The HAMA-HAP composite was found to promote cell viability similarly to pure HAP. It also enhanced gene expression of ALP, OPN, and Runx2, and increased ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation in vitro. Micro-CT scans showed defect restoration in the HAMA-HAP and HAP groups compared to the control group. The HAMA-HAP group exhibited higher Tb.N, Tb.Sp, Tb.Th, and BV/TV. Masson staining showed the HAMA-HAP composite restored the defect site, with new bone formation thicker than in the HAP group. The HAMA-HAP composite showed excellent biocompatibility and promoted osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. It effectively repaired cranial defects, indicating its potential for clinical use in bone defect repair.

Effect of autologous lyophilized platelet­rich fibrin on the reconstruction of osteochondral defects in rabbits.

Osteochondral defects caused by degenerative diseases of joints, traumas and inflammation are important issues in clinical practice. Different types of autologous platelet concentrate (PCs) are used in bone and cartilage regeneration. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of lyophilized platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the repair of osteochondral defects in rabbits. L-PRF was first prepared from fresh PRF (F-PRF) through freeze-drying, and histological and microstructural observations were performed to compare the characteristics of L-PRF and F-PRF. Thereafter, these bioactive scaffolds were implanted into osteochondral defects surgically created in rabbits to assess their effects on tissue repair using micro-CT scanning, histological observations and the evaluation scoring method for cartilage repair established by the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS). L-PRF had a histological structure similar to F-PRF. At 16 weeks after implantation surgery, full-thickness osteochondral defects with a diameter of 5 mm and a depth of 4 mm were well-filled with newly regenerated tissues, exhibiting the simultaneous regeneration of avascular articular cartilage and well-vascularized subchondral bone, as proven through macroscopic and microscopic observations in PRF-treated groups compared with that in the untreated group. The application of L-PRF and F-PRF for osteochondral defects in rabbits contributed to massive host remodeling and reconstruction of osteochondral tissues, thus offering a prospective bioactive scaffold for the simultaneous reconstruction of articular cartilage and subchondral bone tissue.

Development of a continuously perfused ex vivo kidney training model for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: validity and efficiency.

BACKGROUND: Suture hemostasis is essential for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). This study aimed to develop, validate, and test the efficacy of a continuously perfused training model (CPTM) in LPN with high-level simulated bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CPTM was constructed using fresh porcine kidneys with renal arteries continuously perfused with red-dyed liquid gelatin. Twenty-nine participants with expert, intermediate, or novice laparoscopic experience levels were recruited. The expert and intermediate participants evaluated the CPTM, and the novice participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups to complete training on a CPTM or dry box training model (DBTM). Messick's framework criteria were utilized to assess the validity and training efficacy of the model. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U , Kruskal-Wallis, and Friedman tests. A value of P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Positive comments were provided by all experts and intermediates for the Content . The Relationships with other variables demonstrated significant differences among novices, intermediates, and experts in all metrics ( P< 0.05). The Consequences showed that the CPTM helped novices acquire LPN skills. The training efficacy was significantly better than that of the DBTM ( P< 0.05). There were no significant differences between the final performances of the novices and the initial performances of the experts ( P >0.05). Synthesizing all metrics, the LPN skills learned using CPTMs were significantly improved in the 12th round of training. CONCLUSION: The CPTM offered a high-level simulation of bleeding with realistic tissue texture for acquiring LPN skills. Training of no fewer than 12 rounds is recommended for a novice's LPN training on the CPTM.

Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Analysis of GeBP Family Genes in Soybean.

The glabrous-enhancer-binding protein (GeBP) family is a family of plant-specific transcription factors, whose members share a central DNA-binding domain. Previous studies have already proven that GeBP genes are involved in the control of cell expansion but not cell proliferation in Arabidopsis. However, there has not yet been a versatile analysis of the GeBP genes' function in soybean (Glycine max L.). Here, we identified and named 9 GmGeBP genes in the soybean genome. These genes were distributed on 7 of the 20 chromosomes and the intron numbers ranged from zero to one. According to the phylogenetic tree, 52 GeBP genes obtained from four plant species were clustered into major four groups. Through the RNA-seq analysis of the nine GmGeBP genes, 8 of 9 GmGeBP genes were be found to expressed differentially across the 14 tissues. Additionally, among nine GmGeBP genes, only GeBP4 were highly expressed in abnormal trichome soybeans, which was predicted to be involved in trichome development. This genome-wide analysis of GmGeBP genes helps to provide an overview of the evolution and functions of two kinds of soybean plants. These results will help to clarify the potential functions and characteristics of GmGeBP genes in the soybean life cycle.

Isolation and Characterization of the GmMT-II Gene and Its Role in Response to High Temperature and Humidity Stress in Glycine max.

Metallothioneins (MTs) are polypeptide-encoded genes involved in plant growth, development, seed formation, and diverse stress response. High temperature and humidity stress (HTH) reduce seed development and maturity of the field-grown soybean, which also leads to seed pre-harvest deterioration. However, the function of MTs in higher plants is still largely unknown. Herein, we isolated and characterized the soybean metallothionein II gene. The full-length fragment is 255 bp and encodes 85 amino acids and contains the HD domain and the N-terminal non-conservative region. The subcellular location of the GmMT-II-GFP fusion protein was clearly located in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane. The highest expression of the GmMT-II gene was observed in seeds both of the soybean Xiangdou No. 3 and Ningzhen No. 1 cultivars, as compared to other plant tissues. Similarly, gene expression was higher 45 days after flowering followed by 30, 40, and 35 days. Furthermore, the GmMT-II transcript levels were significantly higher at 96 and 12 h in the cultivars Xiangdou No. 3 and Ningzhen No. 1 under HTH stress, respectively. In addition, it was found that when the Gm1-MMP protein was deleted, the GmMT-II could bind to the propeptide region of the Gm1-MMP, but not to the signal peptide region or the catalytic region. GmMT-II overexpression in transgenic Arabidopsis increased seed germination and germination rate under HTH conditions, conferring enhanced resistance to HTH stress. GmMT-II overexpressing plants suffered less oxidative damage under HTH stress, as reflected by lower MDA and H2O2 content and ROS production than WT plants. In addition, the activity of antioxidant enzymes namely SOD, CAT, and POD was significantly higher in all transgenic Arabidopsis lines under HTH stress compared wild-tpye plants. Our results suggested that GmMT-II is related to growth and development and confers enhanced HTH stress tolerance in plants by reduction of oxidative molecules through activation of antioxidant activities. These findings will be helpful for us in further understanding of the biological functions of MT-II in plants.

Dexmedetomidine protects H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by regulating the long non-coding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript 1/microRNA-8063/Wnt/ß-catenin axis.

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) protects the heart from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The differential expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is associated with myocardial injury, but whether the lncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript 1 (CCAT1) is associated with Dex-mediated myocardial protection remains unclear. In this study, a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) H9C2 model was established to simulate the in vitro characteristics of I/R. CCAT1 and microRNA (miR)-8063 expression levels in H/R H9C2 cells pretreated with Dex were determined via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The survival and apoptotic rates of H9C2 cells were determined via cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry assays. Wnt3a, Wnt5a, and ß-catenin protein levels were measured via western blotting. Luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to explore the binding relationship between miR-8063 and CCAT1. Dex pretreatment increased H/R H9C2 cell viability and CCAT1 expression, while decreasing the cell apoptosis and Wnt3a, Wnt5a, and ß-catenin protein levels. Knockdown of CCAT1 abolished the protective effects of Dex on H/R H9C2 cells, and the downregulation of miR-8063 expression eliminated the effect of CCAT1 knockdown. These results revealed that CCAT1, a sponge for miR-8063, is involved in Dex-mediated H9C2 cell H/R injury by negatively targeting miR-8063 and inactivating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Dex protects H9C2 cells from H/R impairment by regulating the lncRNA CCAT1/miR-8063/Wnt/ß-catenin axis.

Precise real-time quantification for photocatalytic reaction: integration of the sensitivein-situSERS sensor and high-efficiency photocatalyst.

Recently,in-situsurface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is gradually becoming an important method for monitoring photocatalytic reaction processes, in which the quantification potential is a vital factor in determining whether this technology can be truly applied in the future. In order to improve the quantification performance ofin-situSERS and explore a precise operando Raman detection for photocatalytic reactions, an architecture of heterostructural Cu2O/ZnO/Ag nano round brush has been designed and discussed in this work. This structure is an integration of sensitivein-situSERS sensor and high-efficiency photocatalyst, realizing real-time monitoring of photocatalytic reaction in a wide concentration range from 20 to 3 mg l-1. The coefficient of determination between different detection methods is beyond 0.86 in this range, implying the high-precise quantification of this platform. Comprehensive analysis on structure effect, SERS performance, photocatalytic property, electric filed characteristic, etc were all systematically made and discussed in detail for this platform. This work presents a precise preliminar real-time photocatalytic monitoring usingin-situSERS detection, which is a new attempt and also meaningful reference for otherin-situanalytical technology.

Effects of waste milk feeding on rumen fermentation and bacterial community of pre-weaned and post-weaned dairy calves.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of waste milk with antibiotic residue on rumen fermentation and rumen bacterial composition of dairy calves during pre-weaned and post-weaned periods. A total of 24 Holstein male calves (43.4 ± 0.93 kg body weight, mean ± standard error) were allocated into four blocks based on birth date. Dairy calves were supplied 100% milk replacer (MR, n = 8), 50% milk replacer mixed with 50% waste milk (MM, n = 8), or 100% waste milk (WM, n = 8). Ruminal samples were collected at 49 and 63 days of age and then subjected to determinations of pH value, volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results showed that feeding WM had no effect on the pH value, the concentrations of VFA (acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid), and NH3-N in dairy calves compared to feeding MR. However, from 49 to 63 days of age, the pH value (p < 0.001) was significantly increased, while the levels of total VFA (p = 0.004), acetic acid (p = 0.01), propionic acid (p = 0.003) and valeric acid (p < 0.001) were significantly decreased. For rumen microorganisms, there was no differences in bacterial diversity among the treatments. But the relative abundance of Veillonellaceae was significantly lower (p = 0.05) in the calves fed WM than that from MR group at 49 days of age; however, no difference was detected at 63 days of age. Feeding WM to calves tended to reduce family Veillonellaceae and genus Olsenella in the rumen at 49 days of age (p = 0.049). Analysis of temporal changes in rumen bacteria based on alpha-diversity and beta-diversity as well as the microbial relative abundances did not exhibit any difference. In addition, relative abundances of Clostridia_UCG-014, Prevotella, Syntrophococcus, Eubacterium_nodatum_group, Pseudoramibacter and Solobacterium were correlated with rumen pH value and the concentrations of TVFA, propionic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid and NH3-N. In conclusion, compare to MR, calves supplied with WM had little changes on the rumen pH value, NH3-N or VFAs contents. Additionally, limited effects could be found on rumen microbiota in the calves fed WM. However, further studies needed to explore if there exist any long-term effects of early-life rumen microbiota modulation on dairy cows.

Identification of Potential Genetic Biomarkers and Target Genes of Peri-Implantitis Using Bioinformatics Tools.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate potential genetic biomarkers of peri-implantitis and target genes for the therapy of peri-implantitis by bioinformatics analysis of publicly available data. METHODS: The GSE33774 microarray dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between peri-implantitis and healthy gingival tissues were identified using the GEO2R tool. GO enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the DAVID database and the Metascape tool, and the results were expressed as a bubble diagram. The protein-protein interaction network of DEGs was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and visualized using Cytoscape. The hub genes were screened by the cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape. The potential target genes associated with peri-implantitis were obtained from the DisGeNET database and the Open Targets Platform. The intersecting genes were identified using the Venn diagram web tool. RESULTS: Between the peri-implantitis group and the healthy group, 205 DEGs were investigated including 140 upregulated genes and 65 downregulated genes. These DEGs were mainly enriched in functions such as the immune response, inflammatory response, cell adhesion, receptor activity, and protease binding. The results of KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, pathways in cancer, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The intersecting genes, including IL6, TLR4, FN1, IL1ß, CXCL8, MMP9, and SPP1, were revealed as potential genetic biomarkers and target genes of peri-implantitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides supportive evidence that IL6, TLR4, FN1, IL1ß, CXCL8, MMP9, and SPP1 might be used as potential target biomarkers for peri-implantitis which may provide further therapeutic potentials for peri-implantitis.

Preparation of a superhydrophobic AgNP/GF substrate and its SERS application in a complex detection environment.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is widely considered to be a fingerprint spectrum that can realize molecular identification, and it continues to receive a lot of attention due to its high sensitivity and powerful qualitative analysis capabilities. In recent years, there has been a lot of work and reports on super-sensitive SERS substrates, but often the enhanced ability of the substrate is also effective for impurities and irrelevant molecules. Therefore, a problem that still remains to be solved is how to perform effective trace detection of specific substances in a complex detection environment. Herein, a superhydrophobic Ag nanoparticle/glass microfibre filter (AgNP/GF) substrate was designed to realize the Raman detection of complex multiphase solutions. The hydrophobic three-dimensional net-like structure provides efficient Raman enhancement, making the substrate have extremely high detection limits for dye molecules and even achieving specific detection of the hexane phase component (thiram molecule) in a multiphase solution.

Structural design of tetravalent T-cell engaging bispecific antibodies: improve developability by engineering disulfide bonds.

Since the advances in protein engineering and manufacture, over the last 30 years, antibody-based immunotherapeutic has become a powerful strategy to treat diseases. The T-cell engaging bispecific antibody (BsAb) by combining the Fab binding domain of tumor antigens and Fab or single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) binding domain of CD3 molecules, could redirect cytotoxic T cells to kill tumor cells. The IgG-scFv format of BsAb is a dual bivalent and asymmetrical design, which adds the benefit of potent cytotoxicity and less complicated for manufacture but limits the stability and production. Here, we engineered a series of interchain disulfide bonds in the Fab region of IgG-svFv BsAbs and evaluated its biophysical and biological properties. We found that simultaneously replaced the position of VH44-VL100 and CH1126-CL121 residues with cysteine, to form two additional disulfide bonds, could markedly increase monomeric BsAb formation and yield. The thermostability and stability against aggregation and degradation also performed better than BsAbs without extra disulfide bonds introduction. Besides, the affinity of engineered BsAbs was maintained, and the h8B-BsAb antibody had a slight enhancement in an inhibitory effect on target cells.

SERS substrate with wettability difference for molecular self-concentrating detection.

The surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has attracted much attention due to the powerful capability of quantificational analysis. Nowadays, most of the enhancement effect by SERS substrate is provided by the 'hot spots' occupying relatively small space. When the amount of analyte is too low, it is difficult to ensure that all the probe molecules can be placed into the 'hot spots', which is a headache in SERS quatification. In order to solve this problem, we have developed a structure of CuO nanowires/Ag nanoparticles with wettability capacity difference, which can aggregate molecules in water and oil simultaneously under two different mechanisms. The limit of detection and enhancement factor of this structure are estimated as 10-15M and 1.55 × 1011respectively (for rhodamine 6G, R6G). In a proof-in-principle experiment of sewage detection, it successfully achieved the aggregation and additional enhancement of both the R6G molecules in aqueous solution and thiuram molecules in toluene, realizing efficient and accurate Raman detection.

Role of Graphene in Constructing Multilayer Plasmonic SERS Substrate with Graphene/AgNPs as Chemical Mechanism-Electromagnetic Mechanism Unit.

Graphene-metal substrates have received widespread attention due to their superior surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance. The strong coupling between graphene and metal particles can greatly improve the SERS performance and thus broaden the application fields. The way in which to make full use of the synergistic effect of the hybrid is still a key issue to improve SERS activity and stability. Here, we used graphene as a chemical mechanism (CM) layer and Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) as an electromagnetic mechanism (EM) layer, forming a CM-EM unit and constructing a multi-layer hybrid structure as a SERS substrate. The improved SERS performance of the multilayer nanostructure was investigated experimentally and in theory. We demonstrated that the Raman enhancement effect increased as the number of CM-EM units increased, remaining nearly unchanged when the CM-EM unit was more than four. The limit of detection was down to 10-14 M for rhodamine 6G (R6G) and 10-12 M for crystal violet (CV), which confirmed the ultrahigh sensitivity of the multilayer SERS substrate. Furthermore, we investigated the reproducibility and thermal stability of the proposed multilayer SERS substrate. On the basis of these promising results, the development of new materials and novel methods for high performance sensing and biosensing applications will be promoted.

Hierarchical Particle-In-Quasicavity Architecture for Ultratrace In Situ Raman Sensing and Its Application in Real-Time Monitoring of Toxic Pollutants.

Unstable detection environment is one of the biggest interferences for in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using in real-time monitoring of toxic pollutants, leading to unreliable results. To address this problem, we have designed and prepared a cavity-based particle-in-quasicavity (PIQC) architecture composed of hierarchical ZnO/Ag nanosheets and nanoprotrusions for improving the in situ SERS performance under a liquid environment. Benefitting from the special cascaded optical field mode, the PIQC ZnO/Ag exhibits excellent in situ SERS detectability, with 10-18 M of limit of detection for rhodamine 6G and 12.8% of signal relative standard deviation value. Furthermore, by means of a microfluidic chip, this PIQC structure is proved to have the quantitative analysis feasibility and realizes real-time monitoring of the 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, a representative global environmental hazard, under the flowing environment. The strategy in this paper provides a brand new idea to promote the application of in situ SERS in contaminant monitoring and is also instructive for light control in other optical fields.

Regulatory T-cell expansion in oral and maxillofacial Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

OBJECTIVE: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare myeloid-origin neoplasm characterized by the expansion and dissemination of CD1 a+/CD207+ dendritic cells (LCH cells), but the rarity of its occurrence has long impeded progress in understanding its pathology. We focus on the potentially important role that regulatory T cells (T-reg) play in the oral and maxillofacial LCH tumor microenvironment (TME). STUDY DESIGN: Nine cases of oral and maxillofacial LCH, diagnosed from 2009 to 2019, were collected retrospectively from the affiliated hospitals of Southern Medical University. Immunohistochemistry was conducted characterizing T cells and T-reg phenotype. Data were evaluated by 1-sample Wilcoxon's test. RESULTS: Significantly increased frequency and abnormal distributions of T-reg were identified in all the LCH lesion sections. Proliferating T-reg account for a mean average of 11.5% of the total T-cell subsets, with significant difference (Wilcoxon's test; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: T-reg expansion in the localized inflammatory TME leads to a failure of immune regulation by suppressing antitumor response, which can be a latent and significant factor contributing to LCH progression. However, T-reg may also acquire the capability for aiding in initiating T-cell responses under the "cytokine storm" at the beginning of LCH onset. T-reg might contribute to the augmentation of tissue repair by transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), explaining the self-limiting character of LCH.

Quantitative Measurement of Melittin in Asian Honeybee Venom Using a New Method Including UPLC-QqTOF-MS.

Asian honeybee venom is widely used in traditional oriental medicine. Melittin is the main component of Asian honeybee venom. In the present study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqTOF-MS) method was used for accurate qualitative and quantitative analyses of melittin in Asian honeybee venom. The results showed that the dynamic linear range of melittin was from 0.094 to 20 µg/mL, and the limit of quantification was 0.3125 µg/mL. The spiking recovery of melittin in honeybee venom ranged from 84.88% to 93.05%. Eighteen Asian honeybee venom samples in eighteen batches were collected from two different zones of China, and their melittin contents were measured. The contents of melittin in Asian honeybee venom samples was 33.9-46.23% of dry weight. This method proved a useful tool for the rapid evaluation of the authenticity and quality of Asian honeybee venom in terms of the melittin contents, and will contribute to a broader understanding of Asian honeybee venom.