A High-Performance N2-Selective MXene Membrane with Double Selectivity Mechanism for N2/CH4 Separation.

Membrane-based separation process for unconventional natural gas purification (mainly N2/CH4 separation) has attracted more attention due to its considerable economic benefits. However, the majority of separation membranes at this stage, particularly N2-selective membranes, achieve the desired separation target by mainly relying on the diffusivity-selectivity mechanism. To overcome the limitation of a single mechanism, 2D lamellar MXene membranes with a double selectivity mechanism are prepared to enhance N2 permeance and N2/CH4 selectivity via introducing unsaturated metal sites into MXene, which can form specific interactions with N2 molecules and enhance N2 permeation. The resulting membranes exhibit an inspiring N2/CH4 separation performance with an N2 permeance of 344 GPU and N2/CH4 selectivity of 13.76. The collaboration of the double selectivity mechanism provides a new idea for the development of a novel N2-selective membrane for N2 removal and CH4 purification, which further broadens the application prospects of membrane separation technology in the field of unconventional natural gas purification.

ZIF-62 glass foam self-supported membranes to address CH4/N2 separations.

Membranes with ultrahigh permeance and practical selectivity could greatly decrease the cost of difficult industrial gas separations, such as CH4/N2 separation. Advanced membranes made from porous materials, such as metal-organic frameworks, can achieve a good gas separation performance, although they are typically formed on support layers or mixed with polymeric matrices, placing limitations on gas permeance. Here an amorphous glass foam, agfZIF-62, wherein a, g and f denote amorphous, glass and foam, respectively, was synthesized by a polymer-thermal-decomposition-assisted melting strategy, starting from a crystalline zeolitic imidazolate framework, ZIF-62. The thermal decomposition of incorporated low-molecular-weight polyethyleneimine evolves CO2, NH3 and H2O gases, creating a large number and variety of pores. This greatly increases pore interconnectivity but maintains the crystalline ZIF-62 ultramicropores, allowing ultrahigh gas permeance and good selectivity. A self-supported circular agfZIF-62 with a thickness of 200-330 µm and area of 8.55 cm2 was used for membrane separation. The membranes perform well, showing a CH4 permeance of 30,000-50,000 gas permeance units, approximately two orders of magnitude higher than that of other reported membranes, with good CH4/N2 selectivity (4-6).

Implications of Long-Term Double Eyelid Tape Use.

BACKGROUNDS: The widespread adoption of double eyelid tapes (DET) to achieve the desired double eyelid aesthetic has prompted investigations into their long-term effects. Given the delicate and complex anatomy of the eyelid, concerns have emerged about the impact of DETs on eyelid structure and the outcomes of subsequent surgical procedures. METHODS: A cohort of 267 outpatients from our department was recruited between January 2022 and January 2024 to participate in a survey assessing the usage of double eyelid tape (DET). Eyelid laxity was subsequently tested in all outpatients using the Vertical Lid Pull and Parallel Lid Pull methods. Among all participants, 33 underwent double eyelid surgery, with 22 having a history of excessive DET usage and 11 with no DET usage. Post-operative outcomes, including operation duration, satisfaction levels, and complications were recorded. Additionally excised eyelid skin tissues during surgery underwent Masson's staining and EVG staining to analyze collagen and elastic fibers. RESULTS: Among surveyed outpatients (mean age: 23.79 ± 3.71 years, 99.63% female, mean BMI: 21.56 ± 1.75 kg/m2), 56.55% had oculopathy with ametropia being predominant (53.93%). Hooded eyelids were the most prevalent congenital condition (62.54%). Nearly half (49.44%) used Double Eyelid Tapes (DET) for 1-2 years, with 70.04% experiencing discomfort and 70.79% reporting permanent eyelid shape change. Lid pull measurements showed no significant difference in vertical pulls between DET users and non-users, but parallel pulls varied significantly (p<0.05). Complications like asymmetry, numbness, and hypertrophic scars were exclusive to DET users. Physician evaluations favored non-DET users significantly (p<0.05). Histological analysis revealed an interesting finding that individuals using DET have higher collagen levels and notable changes in skin structure when compared to non-users. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged use of double eyelid tape (DET) may result in eyelid laxity, impacting ocular health and complicating blepharoplasty procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A New Definition for Alar Flare Based on "Alar Flare Angle".

BACKGROUND: An accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment are important parts of successful rhinoplasty. We proposed a new definition for alar flares to guide our clinical work. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with alar flares from July 2017 to July 2021, and the follow-up time ranged from 12 to 27 months, mean of 16 months. We defined the alar flare angle by the formation of two lines: the line that connects the alar to the alar root point and line that connects the alar to the pronasale. The alar flare angle, interalar distance and nasal base width were measured, and alar wedge excision or alar base excision and tip elevation were performed. Scars, complications and satisfaction scales were evaluated after surgery. Through an analysis of the database, we found that the ideal alar flare angle was between 130 degrees and 140 degrees. If it was less than 130 degrees, it represented alar flares, and patients asked for alar surgery. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients were included. All patients underwent tip elevation, 12 patients underwent external alar wedge excision, and 5 patients underwent external alar wedge excision and alar base excision. External alar wedge excision can be used to completely correct alar flares, and in our study, the alar flare angles were more than 130 degrees after surgery. One patient complained of an acceptable scar, and there was no infection or alar deformity. All patients were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: We proposed a new definition in which an alar flare angle less than 130 degrees can be diagnosed as an alar flare. This new definition is valuable for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of alar flares. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A New Classification of Pollybeak Deformity and Its Treatment in Asian Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Supratip deformity, also known as pollybeak deformity, is a common complication of primary and secondary rhinoplasty, characterized by fullness in the supratip region. The correction of pollybeak deformity is a challenging procedure, and its management requires a thorough understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of pollybeak deformity. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical methods for correcting pollybeak deformity in Asian rhinoplasty. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 53 patients who underwent pollybeak correction between 2021 and 2022. A modified classification system for pollybeak deformity, the Supratip Fullness Rating Scale (SFRS), was developed to evaluate supratip fullness. The aesthetic outcomes of the patients were assessed by surgeons using the visual analog scale (VAS), and patient was self-assessed using the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) scale. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that our surgical method resulted in satisfactory outcomes, with a mean SFRS score change from 2.34[0.65] to 0.23[0.42], a decrease in VAS score from 7.47[1.73] to 1.79[1.67] and a high satisfaction rate of 77.36%, calculated by ROE score. No complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Our surgical method for correcting pollybeak deformity in Asian rhinoplasty can result in satisfactory outcomes, particularly in terms of aesthetic appearance, without any side effects. The use of the modified classification system (SFRS) can provide an objective evaluation of supratip fullness, thereby aiding in the management of this challenging complication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Radiographic Study of the Nasal Valve in Different CT Evaluation Method in Asian Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip Nose.

OBJECTIVE(S): It was the first study to apply and compare two CT methods to assess the validity and clinical significance of structural alterations of the nasal valve in patients with cleft lip nose for assessing nasal ventilation disturbance. METHODS: The study collected data from the NOSE score, as well as internal nasal valve area, internal nasal valve angle, external nasal valve area, and septal deviation angle, to evaluate the differences and correlations between those factors in patients with cleft lip and nose. RESULTS: There were significant differences among INV transverse and coronal area and INV angle on different axial standardized planes between clefted side and non-clefted side. There were statistically significant negative correlations between NOSE scores and those indicators of standard plane and acoustic-axis standardized coronal plane. NOSE score and NSD angle were the indicators of significant differences in the measured data of different complications groups (p = 0.002, p = 0.017). The correlation comparison showed that two standardized CT imaging transverse planes have similar correlations in NOSE score, NSD angle, and complications. CONCLUSION: The results of the two CT evaluation methods showed that there was a significant difference in nasal valve area on the cleft and non-cleft sides, which was significantly associated with nasal ventilation disturbance. The CT evaluation method based on standard axial 3D reconstruction is more convenient to use in the clinic, can be used for pre-surgical evaluation of nasal repair in patients with secondary nasal deformities of unilateral cleft lip, and is valuable for treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

An Innovation Technique in East Asia Rhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application and therapeutic efficacy of a novel cartilage framework: the external septa framework in East Asian rhinoplasty. METHODS: From November 2021 to April 2023, Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, treated 41 patients with autologous costal cartilage rhinoplasty using an innovation external septal framework. The surgical open approach used an inverted V-shaped trans-columellar incision and marginal incision. The sixth or seventh costal cartilage was harvested to form the nasal columella support grafts (strut), external nasal septal graft, cap grafts, and shield grafts, in which the nasal column support graft and external nasal septal graft are connected in a way of tongue in groove to form a external septum framework to support and lengthen the tip. A cap graft is used to shape the tip of the nose, the rectus abdominis fascia is used to cover the tip of the nose, and the shield grafts are used to augment the inferior lobules. ePTFE was sculpted according to the degree of augment of the nasal dorsum and implanted on the dorsal to augment the nasal dorsum. Clinical outcomes were assessed through standard facial photographs taken during the preoperative and follow-up periods, and a postoperative satisfaction survey was completed with regular follow-up using the rhinoplasty outcome evaluation scale (ROE) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Results of objective and subjective measurements before and after surgery were compared utilizing paired-sample t tests. Values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. Nasal framework's objective evaluation outcomes were assessed by measuring the patients' preoperative and postoperative nasolabial angle, nasal length, and nasal tip projection. (The distance between the pronasale and the alar-cheek junction was calculated as the tip projection.) The comparison of preoperative and postoperative nasolabial angle and nasal length was performed using the paired-sample t test, and the comparison of nasal tip projection was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test for the comparison of paired samples. Values of P < 0 .05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were treated, including 9 males and 32 females, ranging in age from 17 to 48 years(32.8 ± 1.5 years old), In the study, an average follow-up period of 19.85 ± 4.88 months was observed (range 12-29 months). There was no long-term or short-term complication observed. The aesthetic outcome of all cases such as saddle nose, deviated nasal columella, bilateral asymmetry of the nose, bilateral nasal base depression, and bulbous tip was satisfactory. Patient satisfaction evaluation: The ROE scale was (11.85 ± 2.46) preoperatively and (17.43 ± 2.15) postoperatively. The VAS scores were (4.86 ± 1.60) preoperatively and (8.48 ± 1.25) postoperatively. The difference of ROE scale and VAS scores among the patients was statistically significant (P < 0. 05), and 88.9% of patients were satisfied following those procedures. In terms of nasolabial angle, preoperative and postoperative measurements of 41 patients were (86.11 ± 2.25)° and (98.66 ± 1.90)°, respectively, and the difference of nasolabial angle was statistically significant (P < 0.05); nasal length measurements were 39.43 ± 1.55 mm (37.95-43.51 mm) preoperatively and 42.17 ± 1.46 mm (40.23-45.62 mm) postoperatively; in terms of nasal tip projection, preoperative and postoperative measurements of median values were 1.84(1.73,2.01) cm and 2.15(2.02,2.32) cm, respectively; and the difference between preoperative and postoperative values was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The innovative cartilage framework-external septal framework, avoids the dissection of septa and absorption of septal cartilage with compression of ESG, it is easy to be performed, and it is also stable and strong to achieve in good aesthetic result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors  www.springer.com/00266 .

Large-Area Ultrathin Metal-Organic Framework Membranes Fabricated on Flexible Polymer Supports for Gas Separations.

Ultrathin continuous metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes have the potential to achieve high gas permeance and selectivity simultaneously for otherwise difficult gas separations, but with few exceptions for zeolitic-imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) membranes, current methods cannot conveniently realize practical large-area fabrication. Here, we propose a ligand back diffusion-assisted bipolymer-directed metal ion distribution strategy for preparing large-area ultrathin MOF membranes on flexible polymeric support layers. The bipolymer directs metal ions to form a cross-linked two-dimensional (2D) network with a uniform distribution of metal ions on support layers. Ligand back diffusion controls the feed of ligand molecules available for nuclei formation, resulting in the continuous growth of large-area ultrathin MOF membranes. We report the practical fabrication of three representative defect-free MOF membranes with areas larger than 2,400 cm2 and ultrathin selective layers (50-130 nm), including ZIFs and carboxylate-linker MOFs. Among these, the ZIF-8 membrane displays high gas permeance of 3,979 GPU for C3H6, with good mixed gas selectivity (43.88 for C3H6/C3H8). To illustrate its scale-up practicality, MOF membranes were prepared and incorporated into spiral-wound membrane modules with an active area of 4,800 cm2. The ZIF-8 membrane module presents high gas permeance (3,930 GPU for C3H6) with acceptable ideal gas selectivity (37.45 for C3H6/C3H8).

Effective C4 Separation by Zeolite Metal-Organic Framework Composite Membranes.

Inorganic zeolites have excellent molecular sieving properties, but they are difficult to process into macroscopic structures. In this work, we use metal-organic framework (MOF) glass as substrates to engineer the interface with inorganic zeolites, and then assemble the discrete crystalline zeolite powders into monolithic structures. The zeolites are well dispersed and stabilized within the MOF glass matrix, and the monolith has satisfactory mechanical stabilities for membrane applications. We demonstrate the effective separation performance of the membrane for 1,3-butadiene (C4H6) from other C4 hydrocarbons, which is a crucial and challenging separation in the chemical industry. The membrane achieves a high permeance of C4H6 (693.00±21.83 GPU) and a high selectivity over n-butene, n-butane, isobutene, and isobutane (9.72, 9.94, 10.31, and 11.94, respectively). This strategy opens up new possibilities for developing advanced membrane materials for difficult hydrocarbon separations.

Insight into Bioaccumulation of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane in Eisenia fetida Increased by Microplastics.

The rise of electronics inevitably induced the co-pollution of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and microplastics (MPs). However, studies on how they interact to influence their bioavailability are scarce. Here, we explored the influence mechanism of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-MPs on the bioaccumulation of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) in soil-earthworm microcosms. The influence exhibited a temporal pattern characterized by short-term inhibition and long-term promotion. After 28 days of exposure, DBDPE bioaccumulation in a co-exposure (10 mg kg-1 DBDPE accompanied by 1000 mg kg-1 ABS-MPs) was 2.61 times higher than that in a separate exposure. The adsorption process in the soil, intestines, and mucus introduced DBDPE-carried MPs, which had a higher concentration of DBDPE than the surrounding soil and directly affected the bioavailability of DBDPE. MP-pre-exposure (100, 1000, and 10000 mg kg-1) reduced epidermal soundness, mucus secretion, and worm cast production. This eventually promoted the contact between earthworm and soil particles and enhanced the DBDPE of earthworm tissue by 6%-61% in the next DBDPE-postexposure period, confirming that MPs increased DBDPE bioaccumulation indirectly by impairing the earthworm health. This study indicates that MPs promoted DBDPE bioaccumulation via adsorption and self-toxicity, providing new insight into the combined risk of MPs and NBFRs.

Different Techniques and Quantitative Measurements in Upper lip lift: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The upper lip area is an important component of facial aesthetics, and aging produces an increase in the vertical height of the upper lip. Different upper lip lifting techniques are described in the literature. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to assess both invasive and noninvasive upper lip lifting techniques with patient satisfaction, adverse effects, and quantitative measurements of lifting efficiency. METHODS: This study was conducted per PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (OvidSP), and Cochrane Library database were searched from September 14, 2022, to October 12, 2022. Inclusion criteria were reporting on upper lip lift efficiency with quantitative measurements of the lifting degree. RESULTS: Out of 495 studies through the search strategy, nine articles were included in the systematic review, eight for surgical procedures and one for nonsurgical. Surgical procedures seem to have better longevity than nonsurgical techniques. Reported patient satisfaction for both surgical and nonsurgical treatments was good with no severe complaints. The quantitative measures differ between researches and may be classified into two metrics: anatomy ratio computation using photographic analysis or direct height measurement with a caliper and precise parameters utilizing a three-dimensional method. CONCLUSION: In general, surgical therapies seem to have a longer-lasting lifting effect on upper lip lifts with an inevitable scar, while nonsurgical techniques are minimally invasive but temporary. There was a lack of consistency in the measurements used to assess lifting efficiency. A consistent quantitative assessment can be beneficial for both clinical decision-making and high-level evidence research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A Retrospective Study on the Reconstruction of Nasal Septal Mucosal Defects after Asian Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Nasal septal mucosal defects following rhinoplasty in Asian patients are uncommon complications. However, the reconstruction of such defects presents a challenging task in plastic surgery. The aim of this study was to present comprehensive surgical strategies for the reconstruction of nasal septal mucosal defect after rhinoplasty. METHODS: Thirteen cases presenting with nasal septal mucosal defects between January 2016 and October 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The size, location, and severity of the defect as well as the extent of cartilage exposure were taken into consideration during evaluation, and surgical approaches were employed for repair accordingly. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire with visual analog scale (VAS) and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale (NOSE). RESULTS: The average postoperative follow-up period in this study group was 10.15 months. Reconstruction of nasal septal mucosal defects resulted in successful treatment for all patients. There was no evidence of flap failure or nasal valve stenosis. All patients were satisfied with the reconstruction outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The successful application of surgical techniques for nasal septal mucosal defects after rhinoplasty requires comprehensive consideration. The utilization of the retrograde-flow superior labial artery mucosal flap appears to be a secure, efficient, and effective technique for nasal septal mucosal defect reconstruction in rhinoplasty, particularly in cases with cartilage exposure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Metal-Organic Framework Crystal-Glass Composite Membranes with Preferential Permeation of Ethane.

Metal-organic framework (MOF) glass is an easy to process and self-supported amorphous material that is suitable for fabricating gas separation membranes. However, MOF glasses, such as ZIF-62 and ZIF-4 have low porosity, which makes it difficult to obtain membranes with high permeance. Here, a self-supported MOF crystal-glass composite (CGC) membrane was prepared by melt quenching a mixture of ZIF-62 as the membrane matrix and ZIF-8 as the filler. The conversion of ZIF-62 from crystal to glass and the simultaneous partial melting of ZIF-8 facilitated by the melt state of ZIF-62 make the CGC membrane monolithic, eliminating non-selective grain boundaries and improving selectivity. The thickness of CGC membrane can be adjusted to fabricate a membrane without the need of a support substrate. CGC membranes exhibit a C2 H6 permeance of 41 569 gas permeation units (GPU) and a C2 H6 /C2 H4 selectivity of 7.16. The CGC membrane has abundant pores from the glassy state of ZIF-62 and the crystalline ZIF-8, which enables high gas permeance. ZIF-8 has preferential adsorption for C2 H6 and promotes C2 H6 transport in the membrane, and thus the GCG membrane exhibits ultrahigh C2 H6 permeance and good C2 H6 /C2 H4 selectivity.

The safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in diabetic lower extremity vascular disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Several studies have shown the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for lower extremity vascular disease (LEVD) in diabetic patients, but the results are not consistent. Therefore, the authors conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the safety and efficacy of MSC therapy in diabetic patients with LEVD. METHODS: Eight available databases were searched in both English and Chinese to identify RCTs comparing MSC therapy-based conventional treatment with conventional treatment alone in diabetic patients with LEVD. Three investigators independently screened the literature, extracted the data and assessed the risk bias. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 and Stata 14.0. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies involving 453 patients were included. Compared with conventional treatment only, patients receiving MSC therapy-based conventional treatment had a higher ulcer healing rate, greater number of reduced ulcers and shorter complete healing time. MSC therapy also increased ankle-brachial index and transcutaneous oxygen pressure. In addition, four of the included studies showed that MSC therapy significantly improved the number of new collateral vessels. Moreover, no more adverse events were recorded in the MSC group. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that MSC therapy promotes ulcer healing in diabetic LEVD patients with ulcers, improves blood supply and has a favorable safety profile. More large and well-designed RCTs with long-term follow-up are still needed to explore the safety and efficacy of MSC therapy in diabetic patients with LEVD.

Oxidative stress and detoxification mechanisms of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) after exposure to flupyradifurone in a soil-earthworm system.

Flupyradifurone (FLU) has great application potential in agricultural production as a new generation of neonicotinoid insecticide after imidacloprid. Nevertheless, the toxic effects of FLU on non-target soil organisms remain unclear, resulting in considerable environmental risks. We evaluated the acute and subchronic toxicities of FLU to earthworms. The results of acute toxicity show that the median lethal concentration (LC50) values (14 d) of FLU were 186.9773 mg kg-1 for adult earthworms and 157.6502 mg kg-1 for juveniles, respectively. The subchronic toxicity of FLU that focused on the activities of antioxidant and detoxication enzymes showed the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S transferase (GST) activities in earthworms increased while the peroxidase (POD) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities decreased after exposure to FLU. Oxidative damage analyses revealed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and malonaldehyde (MDA) content in earthworms were increased by FLU, resulting in DNA damage. Transcriptomics and RT-qPCR confirmed that FLU influenced the expression of genes related to antioxidant response and detoxification of earthworms. Ultimately detoxification metabolism, environmental information processing, cell processes, and immune system pathways are significantly enriched to respond jointly to FLU. Our study fills the gaps in the toxicity of FLU to earthworms, providing a basis for its risk assessment of soil ecosystems and non-target biological toxicity.

Transcriptomics and enzymology combined five gene expressions to reveal the responses of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) to the long-term exposure of cyantraniliprole in soil.

Cyantraniliprole is a novel diamide insecticide that acts upon the ryanodine receptor (RyR) and has broad application prospects. Accordingly, it is very important to evaluate the toxicity of cyantraniliprole to earthworms (Eisenia fetida) because of their vital role in maintaining a healthy soil ecosystem. In this study, an experiment was set up, using four concentrations (0.1, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) and solvent control group (0 mg/kg), to investigate the ecotoxicity of cyantraniliprole to earthworms. Our results showed that, after 28 days of exposure to cyantraniliprole, both cocoon production and the number of juvenile earthworms had decreased significantly at concentrations of either 5 or 10 mg/kg. On day 14, we measured the activities of digestive enzymes and ion pumps in the intestinal tissues of earthworms. These results revealed that cyantraniliprole exposure caused intestinal damage in earthworm, specifically changes to its intestinal enzyme activity and calcium ion content. Cyantraniliprole could lead to proteins' carbonylation under the high-dose treatments (i.e., 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg). At the same time, we also found that cyantraniliprole can cause the abnormal expression of key functional genes (including HSP70, CAT, RYR, ANN, and CAM genes). Moreover, the transcriptomics data showed that exposure to cyantraniliprole would affect the synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, as well as their absorption and transformation, while cyantraniliprole would also affect signal transduction. In general, high-dose exposure to cyantraniliprole causes reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity, and intestinal damage to earthworms.

Effects of the novel HPPD-inhibitor herbicide QYM201 on enzyme activity and microorganisms, and its degradation in soil.

QYM201 is a 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibiting herbicide recently registered in China for controlling grass and broadleaf weeds in wheat. It is a novel herbicide, and its potential harm to soil ecosystems has not yet been reported. This study investigates the influence of QYM201 on soil enzyme activity and microorganism quantities in two different soils at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 5 mg kg-1 soil. Results indicate that QYM201 initially inhibited soil protease, urease, and sucrase activity and this effect increased with concentration. During the later stages of incubation, inhibitory effects gradually weakened and by the end of the experiment (45 days), enzyme activity was restored to control levels. Catalase activity was stimulated by QYM201, with significant differences observed between the QYM201-treated groups and the control at the onset of exposure. This stimulation effect decreased during the later stages of the experiment. However, catalase activity was still significantly higher at the end of the experiment compared to the control. The effects of QYM201 on soil microorganisms differed. Initially, bacteria and actinomycetes quantities were decreased by QYM201 (10 days). As the incubation progressed, microorganism quantities in the lower concentration groups (0.1 and 1 mg kg-1 soil) were restored to control levels, while those of the high concentration group (5 mg kg-1 soil) did not fully recover. QYM201 did not significantly impact the quantity of fungi. The half-life and degradation rate constant (k) of QYM201 for the two studied soil types were 23.1 days and 16.1 days, and 0.030 and 0.043 day-1, respectively.

The Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Injections in Preventing Postoperative Scars and Improving Scar Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Scars exposed on the body surface lead to a large psychological burden on patients. However, no satisfactory scar treatments exist. Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin that has been widely applied in the plastic and cosmetic surgery field. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin in scar management. METHODS: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of botulinum toxin injections in preventing postoperative scars and improving scars quality and were published prior to Dec. 29, 2020. The outcome indicators were the visual analog scale score, Vancouver scar scale score, Stony Brook scar evaluation scales score, scar width, patient self-assessment results, and complications. RESULTS: Seventeen randomized controlled trials with a total of 633 cases were identified in this meta-analysis. The quantitative synthesis results showed that compared with the control group, the botulinum toxin group had a significantly lower VSS score (MD = -0.97, 95%CI = -1.56 to -0.39, p = 0.001), higher VAS score (MD = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.04 to 1.47, p < 0.00001), thinner scar width (MD = -0.25, 95%CI = -0.37 to -0.12, p < 0.0001) and higher patient satisfaction (RR = 3.38 95%CI = 1.45 to 7.89, p = 0.005). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the number of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrated that botulinum toxin injections can significantly improve cosmetic appearance and postoperative scar quality. At the therapeutic dose, no significant complications were observed, indicating that botulinum toxin injections are safe. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Metal-induced ordered microporous polymers for fabricating large-area gas separation membranes.

Metal-induced ordered microporous polymers (MMPs), a class of porous polymer, are synthesized from amine-bearing polymers, small organic linkers and divalent metal ions using a polymer-directed chemical synthesis process. Specifically, small organic linkers first coordinate to metal ions, with the resulting unit cells then self-assembling along the extension of polymer chains to construct three-dimensional frameworks. The MMPs demonstrate good controllability of crystal and framework size, as well as hydrolytic stability. MMP dispersions were coated on a modified polysulfone substrate to fabricate MMP/mPSf membranes with an ultrathin selective layer (below 50 nm) and surface areas of >100 cm2. The MMPs are readily fabricated into defect-free thin selective-layered membranes with high CO2 permeance (3,000 GPU) and stable CO2/N2 selectivity (78) under both humid and dry gas feed conditions, demonstrating promising CO2 membrane separation performance. This synthetic methodology could be extended to other polymers, potentially enabling facile synthesis of membrane materials.

Evaluation of anxiety, depression, and sleep quality among parents of children with epilepsy in Southern China.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate sleep quality in the parents of children with epilepsy (CWE) as well as their symptoms of anxiety and depression in Southern China. METHOD: A structured questionnaire, comprised of The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), was administered to parents of CWE (n = 234) in Xiangya Hospital and parents of healthy children (n = 230) during 2019-2020. RESULTS: The scores (Mean ±â€¯SD) of State Anxiety Inventory (S-AI) and Trait Anxiety Inventory (T-AI) among parents of CWE were 51.850 ±â€¯11.380 and 48.201 ±â€¯9.526, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of control group (37.172 ±â€¯8.047 and 37.478 ±â€¯7.314, respectively) (p < 0.001). Compared with 10.84% in parents of healthy children, 23.51% of parents of CWE had symptoms of depression (p < 0.001). The mean score of total PSQI among parents of CWE (6.944 ±â€¯3.814) was statistically higher than that of parents of healthy children (5.039 ±â€¯3.390) (p < 0.001). Moreover, anxiety and depression subscores among parents of infants with epilepsy were significantly higher than in other groups. The T-AI and CES-D could explain 43.9% of the variance (R2 = 0.444, F = 92.215, p < 0.001) on the PSQI. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as poorer sleep quality among parents of CWE, especially in the infants group. In light of this information, more attention should be paid to early identification and intervention of symptoms of anxiety and depression in susceptible parents who are the main caregivers of their CWE.