Coadministration of Quercetin and Indocyanine Green via PEGylated Phospholipid Micelles for Augmented Chem-Photothermal Combination Tumor Therapy.

A significant impediment persists in developing multicomponent nanomedicines designed to dismantle the heat shock protein (HSP)-based protective mechanism of malignant tumors during photothermal therapy. Herein, well-defined PEGylated phospholipid micelles were utilized to coencapsulate quercetin (QUE, a natural anticancer agent and potent HSP inhibitor) and indocyanine green (ICG, a photothermal agent) with the aim of achieving synchronized and synergistic drug effects. The subsequent investigations validated that the tailored micellar system effectively enhanced QUE's water solubility and augmented its cellular internalization efficiency. Intriguingly, the compositional PEGylated phospholipids induced extraordinary endoplasmic reticulum stress, thereby sensitizing the tumor cells to QUE. Furthermore, QUE played a crucial role in inhibiting the stress-induced overexpression of HSP70, thereby augmenting the photothermal efficacy of ICG. In systemic applications, the proposed nanotherapeutics exhibited preferential accumulation within tumors and exerted notable tumoricidal effects against 4T1 xenograft tumors under 808 nm near-infrared irradiation, facilitated by prominent near-infrared fluorescence imaging-guided chemo-photothermal therapy. Therefore, our strategy for fabricating multicomponent nanomedicines emerges as a coordinated platform for optimizing antitumor therapeutic efficacy and offers valuable insights for diverse therapeutic modalities.

The Epidemic Characteristics of Stroke Death from 2012 to 2021 in Chongqing, China.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke has become a major disease that threatens the global population's health and is a major public health problem that needs to be solved in China. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the trend of the mortality of stroke and its epidemic characteristic of stroke death. METHODS: Death cases of stroke were reported to the national death registry system by the medical staff of all medical institutions, and the population data every year were obtained from District or County's Statistic Bureau in Chongqing. They were analyzed to calculate the mortality, age-standardized mortality rate by Chinese standardization population (ASMRC), age-specific mortality, proportion, and annual percent of change (APC) according to the ICD-10 code. ASMRC was based on the standard population of the 6th census in China, 2010. The stroke mortality of each subgroup was compared using the χ2 test. Trend analysis was presented by APC. RESULTS: The crude mortality of stroke increased from 96.29 per 100,000 in 2012 to 115.93 per 100,000 significantly, with the APC of 2.02% (t = 2.82, p = 0.022) in Chongqing. ASMRC of stroke was 56.47 per 100,000 in 2012 and 54.70 per 100,000 in 2021, and its trend change was stable (APC = -0.01, t = 0.07, p = 0.947). The crude mortality of stroke in males was higher than that in females every year (p < 0.05). The death proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage dwindled from 60.53% in 2012 to 49.88% in 2021, whereas the death proportion of ischemic stroke increased from 20.92% in 2012 to 39.96% in 2021. The average age of stroke death was delayed from 73.43 years old in 2012 to 76.52 years old in 2021 significantly (t = 18.12, p < 0.001). The percentage of stroke death at home increased from 75.23% in 2012 to 79.23% in 2021, while the percentage of stroke death at hospitals decreased from 17.89% in 2012 to 15.89% in 2021. CONCLUSION: The crude mortality of stroke surged, and intracerebral hemorrhage was the main death cause of all subtypes. The mortality of stroke in males and rural residents was higher than that in females and urban residents. Most stroke deaths occurred at home. Male and rural residents were crucial populations for stroke prevention and control. There should be improved medical resources in rural areas and enhanced capability of stroke diagnosis and treatment.

Role of metabolic risk factors in the relationship between ambient fine particulate matter and depressive symptoms: Evidence from a longitudinal population study.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence indicating a connection between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and depressive symptoms. Metabolic risk factors are critical determinants of depressive symptoms. However, the mediating role of these factors on the association between PM2.5 and depressive symptoms remains elusive. We aimed to investigate whether and to what extent metabolic risk factors mediated the link between long-term PM2.5 exposure and depressive symptoms. METHODS: This study comprised 7794 individuals aged between 30 and 79 years who participated in two waves of the on-site surveys in the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort. Ambient PM2.5 concentrations were assessed utilizing a random forest method based on satellite data. We employed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess depressive symptoms at wave 2, and the overall as well as three sub-domain symptom scores (emotional, neurovegetative, and neurocognitive symptoms) were calculated. Three metabolic risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, were considered. Mediation analyses were conducted to assess the indirect effects of PM2.5 on depressive symptoms through metabolic risk factors. RESULTS: We found a positive association between chronic exposure to ambient PM2.5 and overall depressive symptoms as well as the three sub-domains. In mediation analyses, metabolic risk factors partially mediated the associations of PM2.5 on depressive symptoms. The natural indirect effects (RR, 95% CI) of PM2.5 on overall, emotional, neurovegetative, and neurocognitive symptoms mediated through metabolic risk factors were 1.004(1.001, 1.007), 1.004 (1.001, 1.008), 1.004 (1.001, 1.007), and 1.003(0.999, 1.007), respectively. Larger indirect effects were found in elderly participants (mediated proportion, 29.3%), females (13.3%), and people who did not consume alcohol (19.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic risk factors may act as mediators in the relationship between chronic PM2.5 exposure and depression. Treatment of metabolic risk factors may be an opportunity to reduce the burden of depression caused by long-term exposure to PM2.5.

Association between spicy food and hypertension among Han Chinese aged 30-79 years in Sichuan Basin: a population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: While spicy food is believed to have cardiovascular-protective effects, its impact on hypertension remains uncertain due to conflicting findings from previous studies. This study aimed to explore the association between spicy food and hypertension in Sichuan Basin, China. METHODS: The baseline data of 43,657 residents aged 30-79 in the Sichuan Basin were analyzed including a questionnaire survey (e.g., sociodemographics, diet and lifestyle, medical history), medical examinations (e.g., height, body weight, and blood pressure), and clinical laboratory tests (e.g., blood and urine specimens). Participants were recruited by multi-stage, stratified cluster sampling in consideration of both sex ratio and age ratio between June 2018 and February 2019. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore the effect of spicy food on hypertension and multivariable linear regression was applied to estimate the effect of spicy food on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP). RESULTS: Concerning hypertension, negative associations with spicy food consumption were observed only in females: compared to those who do not eat spicy food, the odds ratios of consuming spicy food 6-7 days/week, consuming spicy food with strong strength, and years of eating spicy food-to-age ratio were 0.886 (0.799, 0.982), 0.757 (0.587, 0.977), 0.632 (0.505, 0.792), respectively. No significant association was found in males (All P trends > 0.05). In the stratified analyses, participants in the subgroup who were 50 to 79 years old (OR, 95%CI: 0.814, 0.763, 0.869), habitually snored (OR, 95%CI: 0.899, 0.829, 0.976), had a BMI < 24 kg/m2 (OR, 95%CI: 0.886, 0.810, 0.969), had a normal waist circumference (OR, 95%CI: 0.898, 0.810, 0.997), and had no dyslipidemia (OR, 95%CI: 0.897, 0.835, 0.964) showed a significantly stronger association. For SBP, consuming spicy food had negative effects in both genders, but the effect was smaller in males compared to females: among males, the ß coefficients for consuming spicy food 1-2 days/week, weak strength, and years of eating spicy food-to-age ratio were 0.931 (-1.832, -0.030), -0.639 (-1.247, -0.032), and - 2.952 (-4.413, -1.492), respectively; among females, the ß coefficients for consuming spicy food 3-5 days/week, 6-7 days/week, weak strength, moderate strength, and years of eating spicy food-to-age ratio were - 1.251 (-2.115, -0.388), -1.215 (-1.897, -0.534), -0.788 (-1.313, -0.263), -1.807 (-2.542, -1.072), and - 5.853 (-7.195, -4.512), respectively. For DBP, only a positive association between the years of eating spicy food-to-age ratio and DBP was found in males with ß coefficient (95%CI ) of 1.300 (0.338, 2.263); Little association was found in females (all P trends > 0.05), except for a decrease of 0.591 mmHg ( 95%CI: -1.078, -0.105) in DBP among participants who consumed spicy food 1-2 days/week, compared to those who did not consume spicy food. CONCLUSION: Spicy food may lower SBP and has an antihypertensive effect, particularly beneficial for women and individuals with fewer risk factors in the Sichuan Basin. Spicy food consumption may decrease DBP in women but increase it in men. Further multicenter prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Comparison of Piezosurgery and Conventional Osteotomy for Orbital Hypertelorism Surgical Correction.

The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and effect of piezosurgery with conventional osteotomy in a box-shifting procedure for orbital hypertelorism (ORH) correction surgery. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical record of 10 ORH patients aged from 5 to 12 years, and they were second-degree ORH with an interorbital distance (IOD) of 35 to 37.8 mm. Three of them received the osteotomy with piezosurgery (the piezosurgery group), whereas the other 7 patients received osteotomy with the conventional osteotomy method (the control group). They were compared with age and preoperative IOD. All the patients' IOD was effectively improved to normal range after the surgery. The results showed that the application of piezosurgery did not prolong the surgery time (piezosurgery group: 8.3±0.5 hours; control group: 8.7±1.4 hours, P =0.68). Furthermore, the patients in the piezosurgery group had less drainage volume (piezosurgery group: 79.1±12 mL; the control group: 170±41.3 mL, P =0.0065) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (piezosurgery group: 8.3±2.0 d; control group: 12.43±2.29 d, P =0.029). There were 2 patients who had wound infections, 1 in the piezosurgery group and 1 in the control group, respectively. However, 1 patient in the control group suffered from cerebrospinal fluid leakage. On the basis of the results, the application of piezosurgery benefited the patients on a better and smoother recovery course with less drainage and shorter hospital stays. The advantages of piezosurgery are the fine and precise osteotomy and the protection for soft tissue, which make it a comparatively safe and effective tool for craniofacial surgery, especially for young patients.

Advances in Robot-Assisted Surgery for Facial Bone Contouring Surgery.

Since our team reported the application of robot-assisted surgery in facial contouring surgery in 2020, further clinical trials with large samples have been conducted. This paper will report the interim results of a single-center, large-sample randomized controlled trial of the first robot developed by our team for facial contouring surgery. Meanwhile, this research field will be systematically reviewed and prospected.

Spicy food consumption is associated with abdominal obesity among Chinese Han population aged 30-79 years in the Sichuan Basin: a population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Few animal experiments and volunteer-based intervention studies have showed a controversial effect of spicy foods on abdominal obesity. We aimed to examine the association between spicy food frequency, spicy flavor, and abdominal obesity among Chinese Han population in the Sichuan Basin which area eating spicy foods relatively often. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the Sichuan Basin baseline data from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) study, including data from electronic questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and blood sample collection. A total of 40,877 adults (22,503 females) aged 30-79 years were included in the final analysis. Multivariable logistic regression yielded adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for abdominal obesity associated with the strength of spicy flavor and frequency of spicy food intake. RESULTS: The prevalence of daily spicy food eating was 47.3% in males and 52.7% in females, the percentages of abdominal obesity were 52.3%, 48.8%, 51.6% and 55.5% in the spicy food intake subgroups of never, 1-2 days/week, 3-5 days/week and 6-7 days/week, respectively. Compared with males who never consumed spicy food, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) in the 1-2 days/week, 3-5 days/week and 6-7 days/week subgroups were 1.21 (1.09, 1.34), 1.35 (1.21, 1.51), and 1.35 (1.25, 1.47), respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). The corresponding odds ratios for females were 0.95 (0.87, 1.05), 1.14 (1.03, 1.26), and 1.25 (1.16, 1.35), respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). Similarly, compared with no spicy flavor, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of mild, middle, and strong spicy strength for abdominal obesity in males were 1.27 (1.17, 1.38), 1.51 (1.37, 1.67), and 1.36 (1.11, 1.67) respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). The corresponding odds ratios for females were 1.14 (1.06, 1.23), 1.27 (1.15, 1.40), and 1.32 (1.06, 1.65), respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The data indicated that spicy food consumption was a risk factor for abdominal obesity among Chinese adult population in the Sichuan Basin. The results need to be approved by large cohort studies.

OMENS+ Classification Correlations Analysis of Craniofacial Microsomia in China: The Relationship Between Macrostomia and Mandibular Hypoplasia.

ABSTRACT: Macrostomia is arare congenital craniofacial deformity that influences the appearance and function of patients. In most cases, it coexists with craniomaxillofacial deformities such as craniofacial microsomia (CFM). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between macrostomia and mandibular hypoplasia so as to facilitate the early detection and diagnosis of children with CFM. It included 236 patients diagnosed with CFM. All underwent facial expression analysis, multi-angle photography, computed tomography, and three-dimensional reconstruction of soft and hard tissues. The clinical classification was performed according to OMENS+. Spearman (rank) correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the severity of macrostomia (C1 and C2) and the degree of mandibular involvement (M1, M2a, M2b, and M3), and the correlation among the components of OMENS+. Of the 80 cases of macrostomia (34%) reported, 72 cases (90%) were C1 and 8 (10%) were C2. The analysis of OMENS+ revealed significant correlations among OMENS+ components. Also, a high correlation was observed between macrostomia (C) and hypoplasia of the mandible (M) ( P  = 0.002). Macrostomia was closely related to mandibular hypoplasia among children diagnosed with CFM. These results suggested that patients with macrostomia, who might also have craniofacial malformations caused by other first branchial arch anomalies, should be comprehensively physically examined for other syndromes.

Assessment of Robot-Assisted Mandibular Contouring Surgery in Comparison With Traditional Surgery: A Prospective, Single-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Few clinical studies on robot-assisted surgery (RAS) for mandibular contouring have been reported. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to follow the long-term effectiveness and safety of RAS for craniofacial bone surgery. METHODS: This small-sample, early-phase, prospective, randomized controlled study included patients diagnosed with mandibular deformity requiring mandibular contouring surgery. Patients of both genders aged 18 to 30 years without complicated craniofacial repair defects were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio by a permuted-block randomized assignments list generated by the study statistician. The primary outcomes were the positioning accuracy and accuracy of the osteotomy plane angle 1 week after surgery. Surgical auxiliary measurement index, patient satisfaction scale, surgical pain scale, perioperative period, and complications at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery were also analyzed. RESULTS: One patient was lost to follow-up, resulting in a total of 14 patients in the traditional surgery group and 15 in the robot-assisted group (mean [standard deviation] age, 22.65 [3.60] years). Among the primary outcomes, there was a significant difference in the positioning accuracy (2.91 mm vs 1.65 mm; P < 0.01) and angle accuracy (13.26º vs 4.85º; P < 0.01) between the 2 groups. Secondary outcomes did not significantly differ. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to traditional surgery, robot-assisted mandibular contouring surgery showed improved precision in bone shaving, as well as higher safety.

Experience of Comprehensive Three Dimensional Epicanthoplasty With Upper Blepharoplasty in Asian Patients.

PURPOSE: To introduce the experience of comprehensive 3-dimensional epicanthoplsty with upper blepharoplasty in Asian patients. METHODS: The patients who underwent comprehensive 3-dimensional epicanthoplsty with upper blepharoplasty at the Shanghai Ninth People's hospital from January 2018 to January 2019 were included in our study. The interepicanthal distance was evaluated preoperatively and 6 months after the surgery, scar visibility and patient's satisfaction were documented 6 months after the surgery. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients (144 eyelids) were included in this study with ages ranging from 18 to 37 years (mean, 23.83 ± 4.64 years) and follow-up duration ranging from 6 to 12 months (mean, 7.82 ± 1.92 months). All patients were female and achieved esthetically favorable results without serious complications. No patients required revision surgery showing high patient satisfaction (score, 4.4). The preoperative mean interepicanthal distance was 33.13 ± 2.25 mm and decreased to 29.28 ± 2.26 mm postoperatively showing statistical significance (P < 0.001). Twenty-nine (40.3%) patients had no visible scarring, and 42 (58.3%) patients had minimal scarring, which was accepted by the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The comprehensive 3-dimensional epicanthoplasty with upper blepharoplasty is a surgical technique that is easy to perform, reliable, and effective in treatment of all types of epicanthal folds except type 4 with increase intercanthal distance, less visible scar, and high patient satisfaction in Asian patients.

Hyperbaric CO2 Cryotherapy for Managing Swelling After Mandibular Angle Ostectomy.

ABSTRACT: Postoperative facial swelling after mandibular angle ostectomy is a concern for patients as it affects their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric CO2 cryotherapy in relieving postoperative swelling. Thirty-seven patients (mean age: 22.95 ±â€Š3.49 years) who underwent bilateral mandibular angle ostectomy from April to October 2019, were included in this study. A split-mouth design was adopted and through a random sequence, either side of the face was designated as the experimental side. Both received routine nursing care, while the experimental side underwent an additional hyperbaric CO2 cryotherapy treatment. The facial structure was recorded by a 3-dimensional laser scanner pre- and postoperatively. Geomagic Studio was used for alignment, visualization, and quantification of the swelling. The largest deviation value on each side was adopted to assess the overall swelling. Parameters were compared using the paired t-test, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. No necrosis of the skin and adjacent structures or other complications occurred in these patients. After the first day of cryotherapy, the deviation in the experimental and the control groups was (8.40 ±â€Š1.95) mm and (10.42 ±â€Š2.03) mm, respectively. The next day, after cryotherapy, the value further reduced to (5.42 ±â€Š1.36) mm and (8.24 ±â€Š2.22) mm for the experimental and control groups, respectively. And the effect remained till the seventh day. No difference was observed in terms of volume of drainage. Hyperbaric CO2 cryotherapy is safe and effective in relieving postoperative swelling and seems to be more effective than the traditional cold-pack treatment after mandibular angle ostectomy.

Modeling and Clinical Application of Incision Space in Facial Contour Surgery.

Virtual simulation surgical system is a good way to develop surgical instruments, make surgical plan, and train surgeons. At present, due to the deformation of intraoperative soft tissue after retraction and the lack of effective data collection, the surgical simulation of facial contour surgery can only be conducted according to the preoperative computed tomography data. Due to the difficulty of obtaining real operative spatial data, it is difficult for the virtual surgery trajectory planning process to yield a good effect on surgeon training. In this study, an optical tracking device was used to record the actual posture of surgical instruments, patient position, and incision space in the surgical environment, so as to construct a more accurate actual surgical space. The clinical data obtained in this study can be used for virtual simulation of surgical instrument movement and osteotomy, as well as selection, planning, and teaching purposes of surgical programs.

Mini-temporalis transposition: a less invasive procedure of smile restoration for long-standing incomplete facial paralysis.

Facial paralysis is a common craniofacial deformity that is responsible for significant psychological and functional impairment. Free muscle transfer in 2 stages and latissimus dorsi transfer in one stage may be the most effective surgical procedure for achieving a symmetrical spontaneous smile for a patient with complete facial paralysis. However, these 2 procedures are unsuitable for many incomplete patients. The authors introduce a less invasive procedure, termed mini-temporalis transposition that is able to achieve a symmetrical spontaneous smile in incomplete patients. Through a zigzag incision into the temporal region, the middle third of the temporalis is transferred and elongated with the palmaris longus tendon or combined with the deep temporal fascia. The strips are anchored to key points at the modiolus and the middle of the ipsilateral orbicularis oris muscle through a small intraoral incision and subcutaneous tunnel. The key points are marked during preoperative smile analysis. This procedure was applied to 15 patients with long-standing incomplete facial paralysis. All patients obtained improvements in smile symmetry after the operation, and patients' satisfaction was high. In addition, no damage to residual facial nerve functions or development of procedure-induced complications (such as a facial contour defect, lip eversion or puckering, or skin tethering) was observed in any of the patients. Nevertheless, slight temporal hollowing was observed in 4 patients, and mild bulkiness over the zygomatic arch was a common observation. In summary, the mini-temporalis transfer technique is a safe and effective method of smile restoration for long-standing incomplete facial paralysis.

The C342R mutation in FGFR2 causes Crouzon syndrome with elbow deformity.

Crouzon syndrome is an autosomal dominant craniosynostosis syndrome caused by mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR-2). Numerous findings from animal studies imply a critical role for FGFRs in the regulation of skeletal development. Here, we report 2 unrelated patients with Crouzon syndrome accompanied by elbow deformity. Subsequently, we analyzed the sequence of the FGFR2 gene and found that both of the patients carried the Cys342Arg mutation. The findings suggest that the C342R mutation in FGFR2 may cause Crouzon syndrome and elbow deformity in Chinese patients.

S267P mutation in FGFR2: first report in a patient with Crouzon syndrome.

It has been known for several years that mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR2) result in syndromic craniosynostosis including Apert, Crouzon, or Pfeiffer syndromes. Here, we report on a child with a clinically diagnosed Crouzon syndrome that shows the missense point mutation S267P in FGFR2 gene. The mutation is firstly identified in Crouzon syndrome. Our observations expand the molecular spectrum of FGFR2 mutations in the syndrome.

Masseter-to-facial nerve transfer: a highly effective technique for facial reanimation after acoustic neuroma resection.

BACKGROUND: Masseter-to-facial nerve transfer is a new procedure for patients who acquire a proximal injury to the facial nerve. This article reports that this procedure is effective and associated with minimal morbidities. METHODS: From November 2010 to February 2013, 16 patients underwent a masseter-to-facial nerve transfer. Their denervation periods varied from 2 to 18 months, with an average of 10.1±4.1 months. Their ages varied from 22 to 70 years, with an average of 34.7±15.4 years. The etiology of denervation was tumor resection in the cerebellopontine angle in all cases. All of the patients were followed up several times. The outcomes of the first follow-up at 3 months postoperatively and the last follow-up at a minimum 12 months postoperatively were documented. Using Terzis' and Metha's scales, the smile outcomes and synkinetic movements as visualized using standardized videos were graded preoperatively and postoperatively. The periods between the operation and the onset of mimetic muscle contraction were documented. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate the donor-site morbidity and the ability to smile without biting. RESULTS: The final outcomes for smile function were as follows: 9 patients (56.3%) had excellent or good function, 5 patients (31.3%) had moderate function, and 2 patients (12.5%) had poor function. There was significant improvement between the preoperative and postoperative time points and between the outcomes at the first and last follow-ups (P<0.05). Additionally, 13 (81.3%) patients had the ability to smile without biting 12 months postoperatively. The onset of muscle motion varied from 56 to 365 days and was positively correlated with age in the group of patients older than 40 years and negatively correlated with the outcome of the first follow-up. Four (25%) patients complained of concavity at the parotideomasseteric region, but none complained of disturbance in food intake. Synkinetic movements were observed in all patients and were rated as mild. CONCLUSIONS: The masseter-facial nerve transfer effectively reanimated the paralytic muscle in patients who acquired an intracranial facial nerve injury with minimal deficits at the donor site. After continued physical therapy, some patients were able to regain a symmetrical and effortless smile with mild synkinetic movements.

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid-Cross-Linked Phenylboronic Acid-Functionalized Polyplex Micelles for Anti-angiogenic Gene Therapy of Orthotopic and Metastatic Tumors.

Polyplexes are required to be equipped with multiple functionalities to accomplish adequate structure stability and gene transfection efficacy for gene therapy. Herein, a 4-carboxy-3-fluorophenylboronic acid (FPBA)-functionalized block copolymer of PEG-b-PAsp(DET/FBA) and PAsp(DET/FBA) (abbreviated as PB and HB) was synthesized and applied for engineering functional polyplex micelles (PMs) through ionic complexation with pDNA followed by strategic cross-linking with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) in respect to the potential linkage of polyphenol and FPBA moieties. In relation to polyplex micelles void of cross-linking, the engineered multifunctional polyplex micelles (PBHBN-PMs) were determined to possess improved structural tolerability against the exchange reaction with charged species. Besides, the FPBA/NDGA cross-linking appeared to be selectively cleaved in the acidic endosomal compartments but not the neutral milieu. Furthermore, the PBHB-PMs with the optimal FPBA/NDGA cross-linking degree were identified to possess appreciable cellular uptake and endosomal escape activities, eliciting a significantly high level of gene expression relative to P-PMs and PB-PMs. Eventually, in vivo antitumor therapy by our proposed multifunctional PMs appeared to be capable of facilitating expression of the antiangiogenic genomic payloads (sFlt-1 pDNA) via systemic administration. The enriched antiangiogenic sFlt-1 in the tumors could silence the activities of angiogenic cytokines for the inhibited neo-vasculature and the suppressed growth of orthotopic 4T1 tumors. Of note, the persistent expression of the antiangiogenic sFlt-1 is also presumed to migrate into the blood circulation, thereby accounting for an overall antiangiogenic environment in preventing the potential pulmonary metastasis. Hence, our elaborated multifaceted PMs inspired fascinating potential as an intriguing gene delivery system for the treatment of clinical solid tumors and metastasis.

Quaternary Ammonium Assisted Synthesis of Melanin-like Poly(l-DOPA) Nanoparticles with a Boosted Photothermal Effect.

Poly(levodopa) nanoparticles (P(l-DOPA) NPs) are another kind of melanin mimetic besides well-established polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs). Due to the presence of carboxyl groups, the oxidative polymerization of l-DOPA to obtain particles was not as efficient as that of dopamine. Several established methods toward P(l-DOPA) NP fabrication do not combine convenience, morphological regularity, size controllability, low cost, and adaptability to metal-free application scenarios. In this work, P(l-DOPA) NPs were successfully prepared in hot water with the assistant of organic quaternary ammonium, due to the extra physical cross-linking mediated by cations. The employed physical interactions could also be affected by quaternary ammonium structure (i.e., number of cation heads, length of alkyl chain) to achieve different polymerization acceleration effects. The obtained P(l-DOPA) NPs retained superior photothermal properties and outperformed PDA-based melanin materials. Furthermore, P(l-DOPA) NPs were used in photothermal tumor therapy and showed better efficacy. This study offers new insights into the synthesis of melanin-like materials, as well as new understanding of the interaction between quaternary ammonium and bioinspired polyphenolic materials.

Efficacy of navigation system-assisted distraction osteogenesis for hemifacial microsomia based on artificial intelligence for 3 to 18 years old: study protocol for a randomized controlled single-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is a major part of the treatment for hemifacial microsomia patients. Due to the narrow surgical field of the intraoral approach, osteotomy accuracy is highly dependent on the surgeons' experience. Electromagnetic (EM) tracking systems can achieve satisfying accuracy to provide helpful real-time surgical navigation. Our research team developed an EM navigation system based on artificial intelligence, which has been justified in improving the accuracy of osteotomy in the MDO in animal experiments. This study aims to clarify the effect of the EM navigation system in improving the MDO accuracy for hemifacial microsomia patients. METHODS: This study is designed as a single-centered and randomized controlled trial. Altogether, 22 hemifacial microsomia patients are randomly assigned to the experiment and control groups. All patients receive three-dimensional CT scans and preoperative surgical plans. The EM navigation system will be set up for those in the experiment group, and the control group will undergo traditional surgery. The primary outcome is the surgical precision by comparing the osteotomy position of pre- and postoperative CT scan images through the Geomagic Control software. The secondary outcomes include mandibular symmetry (occlusal plane deviation angle, mandibular ramus height, and body length), pain scale, and complications. Other indications, such as the adverse events of the system and the satisfactory score from patients and their families, will be recorded. DISCUSSION: This small sample randomized controlled trial intends to explore the application of an EM navigation system in MDO for patients, which has been adopted in other surgeries such as orthognathic procedures. Because of the delicate structures of children and the narrow surgical view, accurate osteotomy and protection of nearby tissue from injury are essential for successful treatment. The EM navigation system based on artificial intelligence adopted in this trial is hypothesized to provide precise real-time navigation for surgeons and optimally improve patient outcomes, including function and aesthetic results. The results of this trial will extend the application of new navigation technology in pediatric plastic surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200061565. Registered on 29 June 2022.

Interaction of Harmful Alcohol Use and Tea Consumption on Hyperuricemia Among Han Residents Aged 30-79 in Chongqing, China.

Objective: The prevalence of hyperuricemia appears to be high worldwide. We aimed to explore the interaction between harmful alcohol use and tea consumption on hyperuricemia. Methods: This study recruited 22,449 Han residents based on the data from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) study, Chongqing province, to have a face-to-face electronic questionnaire, physical examination, and clinical laboratory tests. The difference in hyperuricemia between the different populations was compared by the Chi-square test. The interaction between harmful alcohol use and tea consumption was analyzed by the multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Amongst 22,449 participants, the mean age was 51.5±11.8 years, and 46.83% of them were males. The proportion of harmful alcohol use, tea consumption, and harmful alcohol use and tea consumption were 14.01%, 21.01%, and 6.54%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the odds ratio (OR) of harmful alcohol use and tea consumption (OR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.58-3.10) was greater than that of harmful alcohol use (OR=1.63, 95% CI:1.17-2.27) and tea consumption (OR=1.34, 95% CI:1.10-1.63). Among males, the results were similar (harmful alcohol use and tea consumption: OR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.43-2.84; harmful alcohol use: OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.14-2.27; tea consumption: OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.05-1.57). However, among females, the odds ratio of harmful alcohol use and tea consumption (OR=15.50, 95% CI: 1.36-176.50) was more than 10 times than that of only harmful alcohol use (OR=1.55, 95% CI: 0.42-5.69) or tea consumption (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 0.52-2.82). Conclusion: The interaction of harmful alcohol use and tea consumption was a positive risk for hyperuricemia in Han residents aged 30-79 years in China.