Revealing the alloying and dealloying behaviours in AuAg nanorods by thermal stimulus.

Binary metallic nanocrystals are attractive as they offer an extra degree of freedom for structure and phase modulation to generate synergistic effects and extraordinary properties. However, whether the binary structures and phases at the nanoscale still follow the rules established on the bulk counterparts remains unclear. In this work, AuAg nanorods were used as a sample to probe into this issue. An in situ heating method by combining aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopes with a chip-based heating holder was employed to perform the heating experiments. It was found that the AuAg nanorods, which initially possessed heterostructures, can be designed and engineered to be gradient phase alloys with thermal pulses over 350 °C. Atomic diffusion inside the rod structures did not alter the shape of the rods but provided a route to fine-tune their properties. At higher temperatures, the discrepant sublimation behaviours between Au and Ag lead to dealloying of the nanorods. Durative sublimation of the Ag element can continuously tailor the lengths of the nanorods while concentrating the Au composition simultaneously. Especially, nearly pure Au nanocrystals can be obtained with the depletion of Ag by sublimation. These findings give insights into the nanoscale structure and phase behaviours in binary alloys and provide an alternative way to fine-tune their structure, phase, and properties.

Exploring the alterations and function of skin microbiome mediated by ionizing radiation injury.

Background: Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) is still the most common and severe side effect of radiotherapy. The role of the skin's microbial barrier in the pathogenesis and progression of RISI needs to be fully investigated. Methods: This study aimed to explore the alterations in and functions of the skin microbiota in RISI. We applied the unculturable approach to characterize the cutaneous microbiomes of a radiation-induced animal model by sequencing the V1-V3 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Combined with the downloaded clinical data of patients, a comprehensive analysis was performed to identify potential radioprotective species and metabolic pathways. Results: There were no significant differences in the alpha diversity indices (Sobs, Shannon, Simpson, Ace, and Chao) between the acute radiation injury and control groups. Phylum-level analysis of the RISI microbiomes exhibited significant predominance of Firmicutes (mean abundance = 67%, corrected p = 0.0035). The high abundance of Firmicutes was significantly associated with rapid healing of RISI (average relative abundance = 52%; Kruskal-Wallis: p = 5.7E-4). Among its members, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Acetivibrio ethanolgignens group, Peptostreptococcus, Anaerofilum, and UCG-002 [linear discriminant analysis (LDA) > 3, p < 0.05] were identified as the core genera of Firmicutes. In addition, Lachnosiraceae and Lactobacillus occupied an important position in the interaction network (r > 0.6, p < 0.05). The differential metabolic pathways of RISI were mainly associated with carbohydrate metabolism (butanoate and propanoate metabolism), amino acid metabolism (tryptophan and histidine metabolism), energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism (fatty acid degradation and biosynthesis). Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the potential mechanism and skin microbial changes in the progression of RISI. The overwhelming predominance of members of Firmicutes, including Streptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Lactobacillus, is potentially related to rapid healing of RISI. The microbiota-metabolite axis plays a critical role in RISI and provides promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of adverse side effects.

Transcriptional data analysis reveals the association between infantile hemangiomas and venous malformations.

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IH) and venous malformations (VM) are the most common types of vascular abnormalities that seriously affect the health of children. Although there is evidence that these two diseases share some common genetic changes, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied. Methods: The microarray datasets of IH (GSE127487) and VM (GSE7190) were downloaded from GEO database. Extensive bioinformatics methods were used to investigate the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of IH and VM, and to estimate their Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Trough the constructing of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene models and hub genes were obtained by using Cytoscape and STRING. Finally, we analyzed the co-expression and the TF-mRNA-microRNA regulatory network of hub genes. Results: A total of 144 common DEGs were identified between IH and VM. Functional analysis indicated their important role in cell growth, regulation of vasculature development and regulation of angiogenesis. Five hub genes (CTNNB1, IL6, CD34, IGF2, MAPK11) and two microRNA (has-miR-141-3p, has-miR-150-5p) were significantly differentially expressed between IH and normal control (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study investigated the common DEGs and molecular mechanism in IH and VM. Identified hub genes and signaling pathways can regulate both diseases simultaneously. This study provides insight into the crosstalk of IH and VM and obtains several biomarkers relevant to the diagnosis and pathophysiology of vascular abnormalities.

Icaritin alleviates docetaxel-induced skin injury by suppressing reactive oxygen species via estrogen receptors.

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel (DTX) exhibits antitumor effects against breast cancer by stabilizing microtubules and increasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). DTX extravasation during infusion often causes skin injury. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of icaritin (ICT) on DTX-induced skin injury. METHODS: The effects of ICT on the viability and apoptosis of HaCaT cells were measured by SRB assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Endogenous LC3 puncta and microtubules were determined by immunofluorescence. The number of mitochondria was measured by MitoTracker orange staining. ROS were determined by dihydroethidium staining. The expression of markers of ROS and autophagy were measured by western blotting. Chloroquine, compound D, and tamoxifen were employed as the inhibitor for autophagy and AMPK, estrogen receptors (ERs) modulator, respectively. RESULTS: DTX inhibited the viability and decreased apoptosis of HaCaT cells, which can be rescued by ICT. ICT decreased microtubule bundles, increased the number of mitochondria, and attenuated ROS of HaCaT cells induced by DTX. ICT blocks autophagy and the autophagic flux. Compound C or tamoxifen diminished the protection effects of ICT on DTX-treated HaCaT cells. CONCLUSION: ICT alleviates DTX-induced skin injury by suppressing ROS, reducing microtubule bundles, and blocking autophagy via ERs. Our study indicated that ICT may be a potential candidate for DTX-induced skin injury.

Naringenin Attenuates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Enhancing Energy Expenditure and Regulating Autophagy via AMPK.

Background: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) keeps growing recently. Purpose: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of naringenin (NAR) on NAFLD. Methods: High-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD rats were orally administered with NAR at 10, 30, and 90 mg/kg for 2 weeks. The serum level of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (AST), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) was measured. The hepatic histology was detected by H&E and oil red O staining. L02 and Huh-7 cells were induced by sodium oleate to establish a NAFLD cell model. The effects of NAR on lipid accumulation were detected by oil red O staining. The glucose uptake and ATP content of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 myotubes were measured. The expression of proteins of the AMPK signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 myotubes was assessed by Western blotting. The mitochondrial biogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 myotubes was measured by mitotracker orange staining and Western blotting. The biomarkers of autophagy were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The binding of NAR to AMPKγ1 was analyzed by molecular docking. Chloroquine and compound C were employed to block autophagic flux and AMPK, respectively. Results: NAR alleviated HFD-induced NAFLD in rats at 10, 30, and 90 mg/kg. NAR attenuated lipid accumulation in L02 and Huh-7 cells at 0.7, 2.2, 6.7, and 20 µM. NAR increased glucose uptake, decreased the ATP content, activated the CaMKKß/AMPK/ACC pathway, and enhanced the mitochondrial biogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 myotubes. NAR increased autophagy and promoted the initiation of autophagic flux in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and C2C12 myoblasts, while it inhibited autophagy in NAFLD rats, 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and C2C12 myotubes. Molecular docking showed that NAR binds to AMPKγ1. Compound C blocked effects of NAR on lipid accumulation and autophagy in L02 cells. Conclusion: NAR alleviates NAFLD by increasing energy expenditure and regulating autophagy via activating AMPK directly and indirectly. The direct binding of NAR and AMPKγ1 needs further validation.

Successful Rescue of the Victim Exposed to a Super High Dose of Iridium-192 during the Nanjing Radiological Accident in 2014.

Here we report on the interventions taken to treat a patient exposed to high-dose radiation and provide a protocol for treating such patients in the future. The patient, Mr. Wang, was a 58-year-old male janitor who was accidentally exposed to a 192Ir source with an activity of 966.4 GBq or 26.1 Ci. The dose estimated to the lower right limb was 4,100 Gy, whereas the whole-body effective dose was 1.51 Gy. The diagnosis was made according to the results of the patient dose estimation and clinical manifestations. Systemic treatment included stimulating bone marrow hematopoietic cells, enhancing immunity, anti-infection and vitamin supplements. The treatment of radiation-induced skin lesions consisted of several debridements, two skin-flap transplantations and application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Skin-flap transplantations and MSCs play important roles in the recovery of skin wound. A combination of antibiotics and antimycotic was useful in reducing inflammation. The application of vacuum sealing drainage was effective in removing necrotic tissue and bacteria, ameliorating ischemia and hypoxia of wound tissue, providing a fresh wound bed for wound healing and improving skin or flap graft survival rates. The victim survived the accident without amputation, and function of his highly exposed right leg was partially recovered. These results demonstrate the importance of collaboration among members of a multidisciplinary team in the treatment of this patient.

Bromodomain protein BRD4 promotes cell proliferation in skin squamous cell carcinoma.

The present study examined the expression and biological functions of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) in skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. Our results show that BRD4 mRNA and protein expression was upregulated in human skin SCC cells, as compared to its level in the normal skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Treatment with BRD4 inhibitors, JQ1 and CPI203, resulted in proliferation inhibition, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in both established (A431 cell line) and primary skin SCC cells. Furthermore, BRD4 knockdown (by targeted shRNAs) or knockout (by CRISPR/Cas9) largely inhibited A431 cell proliferation. Reversely, forced-overexpression of BRD4 in A431 cells facilitated cell proliferation. We show that BRD4 is required for the expression of several oncogenes, including cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and MYC. BRD4 inhibition, knockdown or knockout significantly decreased above oncogene expression in SCC cells. In vivo, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated BRD4 knockout significantly suppressed A431 xenograft tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Together, our results suggest that BRD4 could be a novel and pivotal oncogenic protein of skin SCC.

Is Floppy Eyelid Syndrome More Prevalent in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients?

Controversial findings are reported about the relationship between floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The main goal of this study was to evaluate whether FES is more prevalent in OSAS patients by performing a meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed. Only studies related to the prevalence of FES in OSAS were included in the meta-analysis. We estimated a pooled odds ratio (OR) for the prevalence of FES in OSAS. In total, 6 studies with 767 participants met the inclusion criteria. Using a fixed-effects model, the pooled OR was 4.12. The test for the overall effect revealed that FES was statistically prevalent in OSAS patients when compared with that in non-OSAS subjects (Z = 4.98, p < 0.00001). In the subgroup analysis by OSAS severity, the incidence of FES in OSAS increased with severity of OSAS as indicated with increased OR values (OR = 2.56, 4.62, and 7.64 for mild, moderate, and severe OSAS). In conclusion, the results indicate that FES is more prevalent in OSAS patients. However, this result was based only on unadjusted estimates. Prospective cohort studies are needed to determine whether OSAS is an independent risk factor for FES.

A method for reconstruction of vermilion tubercle.

BACKGROUND: This article reports on the bilateral lip mucosa flaps (BLMFs) for reconstruction of the vermilion tubercle of the corrected cleft lip deformity. METHODS: From 2005 to 2013, the bilateral mucosa flaps procedures were performed on 34 secondary cleft lip patients (bilateral, n = 25; unilateral, n = 9). We retrospectively reviewed the pre-, intra-, and postoperative data of these 34 cases receiving BLMFs. RESULTS: Satisfactory results were obtained, both cosmetically and functionally, in all 34 patients. Lateral projection measurements of the reconstructive vermilion tubercle showed a mean increase of 151%. There were minimal perioperative complications. The color and texture matched well with the surrounding tissue. The postoperative scars are not remarkable at all. CONCLUSIONS: The technique is relatively simple. The BLMFs provided a versatile and reliable option for the reconstruction of the vermilion tubercle from secondary cleft lip deformities.

[Experimental study of the effect of deferasirox on the micro-angiogenesis in narrow pedicle flap through epithelial-mesenchymal transition].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Deferasirox on the micro-angiogenesis in narrow pedicle flap through Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. METHODS: 32 male rats were randomly divided into group I and II which were subdivided into Ia and Ib, IIa and IIb, 8 rats in each group. The rats were administrated intragastrically for 7 days with Deferasirox 100 mg/kg in group Ia and IIa, with the same dose of N. S. in group Ib and IIb. After that, narrow pedicle flaps were formed on the rats back. In group I, the subcutaneous vascular network was observed intraoperatively. The flap survival rate was recorded. In group II , specimens were collected at the distal end of flaps 3 days after operation. IHC and Western Blot were done to examine the expression of CD34, E-cadherin, Vimentin. The microvessel density was also calculated. RESULTS: The subcutaneous micro-angiogenesis in group Ia was more exuberant than that in group Ib. The narrow pedicle flaps in group Ia survived completely, while the survival rate was 62.5% in group Ib (P < 0.05). The percentage of flap survival area for Ia and Ib was (100 +/- 0.00) % and (84.06 +/- 4.42)% (P < 0.05). The expression of E-cadherin in IIa was lower than that in IIb, while the expression of Vimentin and CD34 were higher in IIa, showing statistically difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Deferasirox can improve the flap micro-angiogenesis through inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, so as to improve the survival rate of narrow pedicle flap.

[Application of slender narrow pedicle flap in facial skin cancer treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the application of slender narrow pedicle flap in repairing facial tissue defects after skin carcinoma excision, and investigate its survival mechanism. METHODS: The slender narrow pedicle iateral maxillocevical flap was designed with its pedicle including skin fascia or only the fascia located in front of auricle or behind of it, repaired 26 cases of facial defects, including 5 temporal skin basal cell carcinoma, 6 skin squamous cell carcinoma, and 1 facial skin malignant melanoma, 8 skin basal cell carcinoma, 5 skin squamous cell carcinoma, 1 skin mucinous carcinoma. In 26 cases, 24 cases their pedicles in front of the auricle, 2 cases behind of the auricle; 4 cases their pedicles only including fascia. The size of the flaps ranged from 3.0 cm x 2.5 cm to 10.0 cm x 8.0 cm. The width and length of the pedicle ranged 1.0-1.5 cm and 2-6 cm. RESULTS: 26 cases of the slender narrow pedicle flaps all survived and the results were satisfactory except 5 cases of distal congestion, then gradual recovery. CONCLUSIONS: This slender narrow flap don't include any major blood vessel, without dissecting the blood vessels in operating. Due to its slender pedicle, the whole flap looks like "pingpang bat", the flap rotation is easy and its coverage area is very large, without cat ears. The postoperative appearance (color, texture, cosmetic aspect) is satisfactory. This slender narrow flap is an extraordinary new flap design and is ideal for the repair of the facial tissue defect after skin carcinoma excision.

[Experiment study of SDF-1 expression during the survival process of the narrow pedicle flap with hypoxia and ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1) expression during the survival process of the narrow pedicle flap with hypoxia and ischemia and to investigate the role of SDF-1/ CXCR4 axis in flap neovascularization. METHODS: The narrow pedicle flaps were formed on the bilateral back of 5 pigs. The pedicle ratio of length to width was 4:2. The flap size was 2 cm x 2 cm (group A), 3 cm x 3 cm (group B), 4 cm x 4 cm (group C), 5 cm x 5 cm(group D), 6 cm x6 cm (group E). The flaps survival rate was observed and HE staining was performed. The SDF-1 expression at the distal end of flaps was detected by ELISA during the operation and 3, 5, 7, 14 days after operation. RESULTS: (1) SDF-1 expression at the same group increased after operation until it reached the peak value at 5 days after operation; then it decreased to basic value. (2) SDF-1 expression in different groups was higher in bigger flaps until the flaps size reached 5 cm x 5 cm. Then partial necrosis happened at the distal end of flaps. CONCLUSIONS: The SDF-1 expression may be related to the blood supply during the survival process of the narrow pedicle flap with hypoxia and ischemia.

The application of bilateral lip mucosa flaps in repairing upper vermilion defects.

BACKGROUND: The lip is a primary aesthetic feature of the human face. Repair of vermilion defects represents a unique challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. The methods of repair are various and have both advantages and disadvantages. Bilateral lip mucosa flaps were applied to the repair of upper vermilion defects, and the effects were observed and reported in this article. METHODS: The bilateral lip mucosa flaps were designed. Two reverse triangular flaps were designed on both sides of the upper vermilion defect. These 2 flaps have the common pedicle in the vermilion depression site. Alternatively, a "λ" incision may be used in the wet vermilion. Then, the mucosa flaps were raised, and the dissection was performed between the orbicularis oris muscles and oral mucosa glands. Next, the bilateral mucosa flaps were rotated down 90° and inserted into the "λ" incision to increase the tissue volume of the middle upper lip and deepen the labiogingival sulcus. The common pedicle of the mucosa flaps was formed to the vermilion tubercle, and the incisions were sutured layer by layer. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2010, the bilateral mucosa flaps procedures were performed on 30 secondary cleft lip patients (bilateral, n=22; unilateral, n=8). Lateral projection measurements of the reconstructive vermilion tubercle showed a mean increase of 149%. Satisfactory results were obtained, both cosmetically and functionally, in all 30 patients. There were minimal perioperative complications. The postoperative scars are not remarkable at all. CONCLUSIONS: The technique is relatively simple. The bilateral lip mucosa flaps provided a versatile and reliable option for the correction of vermilion defects from secondary cleft lip deformities.

[Experimental study on the relationship between the ratio of length to width of slender narrow pedicle and random flap survival area in pig].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the ratio of length to width of slender narrow pedicle and random flap survival area, and to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of slender narrow pedicle flaps. METHODS: 25 pigs were randomly divided into 5 groups, 5 pigs in each group. The ratio of length to width of slender narrow pedicle in 5 groups respectively was: 0:2, 1:2, 2:2, 3:2, 4:2. Every ratio' s slender narrow pedicle was carrying five different size of random flaps, which were 2 cm x 2 cm(A), 3 cm x 3 cm(B),4 cm x 4 cm(C), 5 cm x 5 cm(D), 6 cm x 6 cm(E), respectively. Flap A was control flap. In each group, flap A, B, C, D and E were created in each pigs' bilateral back. The order in both sides back is contrary. The flaps were evaluated with the general observation, fluorescence examination, blood flow ECT test, pathological expression and computerized analysis of survival area. RESULTS: (1) The living process and pathologic process of traditional flap and slender narrow pedicle flap were consistent. It could not postpone the flap living process when the flap pedicle became long and narrow. (2) When the ratio of the length to width of the slender narrow pedicle was constant, along with the flap area increased, the flap survival area also increased, but when the flap reached a certain area , the distal flap would necrosis,the flap survival area would not reduce. (3) When the flap size remained unchanged, along with the ratio of the length to width of the slender narrow pedicle increased, the flap survival area was not affected, but when the ratio of the length to width of the slender narrow pedicle increased to a certain limit, distal flap would necrosis, the flap survival area would reduce. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Pedicle width of random flap can be much smaller than flap width. The ratio of pedicle width to flap length is far less than traditional ratio. (2) The pedicle of random flap can be designed as slender shape, so that the whole flap looks like "pingpang bat", which makes the narrow pedicle flap rotate easily. (3) A certain ratio of the length to width of a slender narrow pedicle has a maximum flap survival area, and increasing the flap size or ratio of the length to width of a slender narrow pedicle in a certain extent will not lead to flap necrosis.

[Island sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap for repairing the buccal composite tissue defect].

OBJECTIVE: To study the application of island sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap in repairing the buccal composite tissue defect especially penetrated tissue defect. METHODS: The flap pedicle included upper part OF sternocleidomastoid muscle and occipital artery. The rotation point was located at 2 cm below the mastoid. The distance between the pivot point and distal border of the defect was the length of the muscular flap. The width of the flap was slightly larger than the defect, but should not be more than 7 cm. The lower border of the flap should not exceed 2 cm below the collar bone. The flap was elevated from the starting point of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and beneath it. The pedicle only contained muscle. The flap was transferred to the defect through the tunnel between the pedicle and defect. The wounds at donor sites were closed directly or with skin graft or local flaps. RESULTS: 12 cases were treated, including 10 cases of buccal soft tissue tumors and 2 cases of buccal penetrated defects. All the musculocutaneous flaps survived with good texture, color and thickness. CONCLUSIONS: The island sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap is an ideal flap for large buccal composite tissue defect with reliable blood supply. It is easily performed and very practical.