First Report of Pyricularia oryzae Causing Blast on Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in China.

Wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) is an excellent genetic resource for rice breeding programs. In June 2019, typical symptoms of blast on the leaves of wild rice cv. 'Haihong-12' were observed in a 3.3-ha field in Zhanjiang (20.93° N, 109.79° E), China. The symptoms included fusiform lesions with yellowish halo at the age of lesion, grayish-white color at the center, brown and elongated central veins at both ends of lesion, and grayish-white mold layer formed on the back of lesion under humid weather conditions. Disease incidence was more than 10%. Thirty diseased leaves were collected, and infected tissues were cut into 2 × 2 mm pieces, surface disinfected with 75% ethanol for 30 s and 2% sodium hypochlorite for 60 s and rinsed three times with sterile water. The tissues were plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and incubated at 28 °C in darkness for 3 days. Three single-spore isolates (Pos-1, Pos-2, and Pos-3) were obtained using the method described by Jia (Jia 2009) and were subjected to further morphological and molecular identification. Colonies on PDA were light grey, with cottony mycelium. Conidiophores were solitary, erect, straight or curved, septate, and pale brown and measured 68 to 125 × 3 to 4 µm. Conidiogenous cells were sympodial and denticulate. Conidia were pale brown, pyriform, and 18.2 to 42.4 × 5.1 to 8.5 µm (n = 30) in size, with two septa. Appressoria were spherical and had the size ranging 4.3 to 6.5 × 4.7 to 6.5 µm (n = 20). These morphological features agreed with the previous description of Pyricularia oryzae Cavara (Klaubauf et al. 2014). For molecular identification, the colony PCR method with MightyAmp DNA Polymerase (Lu et al. 2012) was used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), calmodulin (CAL), actin (ACT), -tubulin (TUB) loci of the isolates using primer pairs ITS1/ITS4, CL1C/CL2C, ACT-512F/ACT-783R, and T1/ßt2b, respectively (O'Donnell et al. 1997; Weir et al. 2012; White et al. 1990). Analysis of ITS (acc. nos. MW042176 to MW042178), ACT (MW091444 to MW091446), CAL (MW091447 to MW091449), and TUB (MW091441 to MW091443) sequences revealed 100% identity with the corresponding ITS (MH859782), ACT (MH589787), CAL (MH589663), and TUB (MH589547) sequences of P. oryzae in GenBank. A phylogenetic tree was generated based on the ITS sequences using maximum likelihood method that clustered Isolates Pos-1, Pos-2, and Pos-3 with known P. oryzae. Thus, the isolates were identified as P. oryzae. Pathogenicity tests were performed using Isolate Pos-1 in a greenhouse at 24 to 30 °C with 80% relative humidity. Individual rice plants (cv. 'Haihong-12') with three leaves were grown in 10 pots, with 50 plants per pot (40 × 60 cm). Five pots were spray inoculated with a spore suspension (105 spores/ml) until runoff from leaves, and the remaining five pots were sprayed with sterile water to serve as the controls. The test was conducted three times. Disease symptoms were observed on 10% of leaves at 10 days after inoculation, but the control plants remained healthy. The fungus was re-isolated from the diseased plants and morphologically identified as P. oryzae. Thus, this is the first report of P. oryzae causing blast on O. rufipogon in China. The results provide the information that can be used by rice breeders and fungal geneticists for further studies.

Materials, Preparation Strategies, and Wearable Sensor Applications of Conductive Fibers: A Review.

The recent advances in wearable sensors and intelligent human-machine interfaces have sparked a great many interests in conductive fibers owing to their high conductivity, light weight, good flexibility, and durability. As one of the most impressive materials for wearable sensors, conductive fibers can be made from a variety of raw sources via diverse preparation strategies. Herein, to offer a comprehensive understanding of conductive fibers, we present an overview of the recent progress in the materials, the preparation strategies, and the wearable sensor applications related. Firstly, the three types of conductive fibers, including metal-based, carbon-based, and polymer-based, are summarized in terms of their principal material composition. Then, various preparation strategies of conductive fibers are established. Next, the primary wearable sensors made of conductive fibers are illustrated in detail. Finally, a robust outlook on conductive fibers and their wearable sensor applications are addressed.

Miniplates Versus Reconstruction Plates in Vascularized Osteocutaneous Flap Reconstruction of the Mandible.

PURPOSE: The main aim of this article is to compare the complication rate associated with the use of miniplates versus reconstruction plates in vascularized osteocutaneous flap reconstruction of the mandible. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov up to September 2017 to identify studies that compared the complication rate of miniplates versus reconstruction plates in patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction. Two reviewers individually extracted the data and performed a quality assessment. Plate exposure, plate fracture/removal, infection, and overall complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Five studies with 511 cases were included in our analysis. No significant difference was found between the groups. However, the reconstruction plate led to fewer overall complications and plate exposure postoperatively than did the miniplate. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that miniplates and reconstruction plates are suitable for mandibular reconstruction with a vascularized osteocutaneous flap.

The application of fibular free flap with flexor hallucis longus in maxilla or mandible extensive defect: a comparison study with conventional flap.

BACKGROUND: The repair and reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular extensive defects have put huge challenges to surgeons. The fibular free flap (FFF) is one of the standard treatment choices for reconstruction. The conventional FFF has deficiencies, such as forming poor oral mucosa, limited flap tissue, and perforator vessel variation. To improve the use of FFF, we add the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) in the flap (FHL-FFF). In this paper, we described the advantage and indication of FHL-FFF and conducted a retrospective study to compare FHL-FFF and FFF without FHL. METHODS: Fifty-four patients who underwent FFF were enrolled and divided into two groups: nFHL group (using FFF without FHL, 38 patients) and FHL group (using FHL-FFF, 16 patients). The perioperative clinical data of patients was collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The flaps all survived in two groups. We mainly used FHL to fill dead space, and the donor-site morbidity was slight. In FHL group, flap harvesting time was shorter (118.63 ± 11.76 vs 125.74 ± 11.33 min, P = 0.042), the size of flap's skin paddle was smaller (16.5 (0-96) vs 21.0(10-104) cm2, P = 0.027) than nFHL group. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in hospital days, hospitalization expense, rate of perioperative complications, etc. between the two groups. Compared with FFF without FHL, FHL-FFF will neither affect the use of flap nor bring more problems. CONCLUSION: The FHL-FFF simplifies the flap harvesting operation. The FHL can form good mucosa and make FFF rely less on skin paddle. It can be used for adding flap tissue and dealing with perforator vessel variation in reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular extensive defects.

Transverse cervical vessels as recipient vessels in oral and maxillofacial microsurgical reconstruction after former operations with or without radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and outcome of using the transverse cervical vessel (TCV) as a recipient vessel for microvascular reconstruction in patients whose vessels in the neck region are unavailable because of previous surgery or radiotherapy. METHODS: Between January 2012 and August 2014, secondary head and neck reconstruction was performed using the TCV as a recipient vessel in eight patients who had undergone previous neck dissection and radiation therapy (n = 5). Five patients had a recurrent carcinoma, one had undergone an operation for scar release and two had been treated surgically for a second primary cancer. The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT), anteromedial thigh flap (AMT), and fibular flap were used for the reconstruction. Clinical data were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: All of the ipsilateral transverse cervical arteries were found to be free of disease. The second free flap was revascularized using the TCVs (n = 6) or the external (n = 1) or internal (n = 1) jugular vein. The free flaps used for the reconstruction included the ALT flap (n = 6), AMT flap (n = 2), and fibular flap (n = 1). All of the flaps survived without vascular events, and the patients healed without major complications. The mean follow-up time was 11 months. One patient died of distant metastases during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who have previously undergone neck surgery with or without radiotherapy, the TCVs are reliable and easily accessible recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction in the oral and maxillofacial region. If the transverse cervical vein is unavailable, the internal or external jugular vein should be dissected carefully to serve as an alternative for microvascular anastomoses.

Submental versus platysma flap for the reconstruction of complex facial defects following resection of head and neck tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the platysma flap with submental flap in terms of tumor and flap characteristics, operative properties and the functional outcomes. METHODS: A total of 65 patients presented with tumors of head and neck and underwent curative tumor resection with different neck dissections at the Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology of China Medical University; from March 2005 to December 2012 were included in the study. After radical tumor excision and neck dissection the resultant complex defects were reconstructed with either platysma flap or the submental flap. The extent of surgical resection, the type of neck dissection and choice of flap reconstruction was at the discretion of the surgical team. The functional outcomes, operative time and characteristics of both platysma and submental flaps were compared and the statistical tests of significance were applied accordingly. RESULTS: The mean age was 60 years. The complex facial defects of 30 patients were reconstructed with platysma flap and of 35 patients with submental flap. Mean operation time of submental flap including flap harvesting (5.58±1.96hrs) was shorter than platysma flap (6.2±1.4hrs). The majority of the flaps (88-93%) were taken successfully in both groups. Submental flap was associated with significantly higher patients' satisfaction regarding acceptable functional outcomes (p-value 0.027). The mean reduction in mouth opening was significantly smaller in platysma group (0.37 ±0.18cms) than the submental group (0.47±0.16). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that both platysma and submental flap techniques can be used for the reconstruction of complex facial defects with the acceptable functional outcome. The platysma flap can be harvested to medium size defects up to 70cm(2) with good mouth opening. The submental flap is simpler, faster with a wider range of application and more acceptable functional outcomes.

Clinical reliability of radial forearm free flap in repair of buccal defects.

BACKGROUND: The ideal method for buccal defects should provide good outcome of both function and appearance; our goal is to highlight the reliability of radial forearm flap in buccal reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. From 2005 to 2012, 20 radial forearm flaps were used to repair the defects. We analyzed the superiority and reliability of the flap; in addition, we reviewed some related literature and made a comparison between radial forearm flap and platysma flap. RESULTS: All radial forearm flaps totally survived, but two flaps suffered venous obstruction, hematoma, respectively. Radial forearm flap preserved the original interincisal distance well. In our follow-up, all patients had sufficient mouth-opening width (mean: 4.3 cm). CONCLUSION: Radial forearm flap is a reliable method for buccal defect reconstruction.

The liposomal daunorubicin plus tamoxifen: improving the stability, uptake, and biodistribution of carriers.

The synergistic effects of tamoxifen on the sensitivity of MCF-7 cells to daunorubicin have been reported. Whether the effects of daunorubicin on MCF-7/adr cells can be improved by tamoxifen in liposomes and how tamoxifen changes daunorubicin's behavior in vivo remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tamoxifen on the uptake and biodistribution of daunorubicin liposomes by breast-cancer-resistant MCF-7/adr cells in vitro and in vivo. The uptake of liposomes by MCF-7/adr cells in vitro studies was measured using flow cytometry and laser confocal microscopy. The biodistributions of carriers and free drugs were evaluated by DiR dye using in vivo imaging. Tamoxifen obviously enhanced the cellular uptake of liposomes by MCF-7/adr cells in time-dependent manners. According to the results from in vivo imaging analysis, the mean fluorescence intensity of DiR liposomes with tamoxifen in the tumor regions of MCF-7/adr tumor-bearing nude mice was much stronger than that of DiR liposomes alone (16,450 ± 1,331 versus 3,666 ± 321; n = 3). Pegylated liposomes elongated the existence of daunorubicin in the circulatory system and the enhanced permeability and retention effect enhanced its concentration in local tumor tissues, which may provide the precondition for tamoxifen further promoting the uptake by MCF-7/Adr cells in vivo. Using daunorubicin liposomes and tamoxifen together generates better biodistribution profiles in tumor tissue than using daunorubicin liposomes only, which contributes to improving the therapeutic effect of breast cancer treatment.

Free posterior tibial artery perforator flap for floor of mouth reconstruction: a case report.

In this report, we present a case with floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma who underwent wide excision of tumor, a marginal mandibulectomy and bilateral selective neck dissections. A 7 cm × 4 cm fasciocutaneous flap based on a posterior tibial artery perforator (PTAP) from the left posterior leg was harvested to reconstruct a floor of the mouth defect. The donor-site defect was closed primarily. The flap survived in its entirety. No donor or recipient site complications occurred. The patient tolerated a regular diet at 3-month follow-up with normal speech and leg function. To our knowledge, there has been no previous report on the use of the PTAP flap for floor of mouth reconstruction. Our experience has shown the PTAP flap could be one of options for small defects.

Digital navigation and 3D model technology in mandibular reconstruction with fibular free flap: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The low accuracy limits the use of fibular free flap (FFF). We apply digital navigation and 3D printing model technology in mandibular reconstruction to improve FFF's accuracy. METHODS: 34 patients who underwent with FFF to repair mandibular defects were divided into Navigation Group (13 cases, using digital navigation and 3D printing model) and Control Group (21 cases, only 3D printing model). We retrospectively reviewed patients' hospitalization information and evaluated patients by subjective and objective items, such as UW-Qol scale, CT data. RESULTS: The operation time of Navigation Group was higher significantly than Control Group (10.36 ± 1.87vs9.00 ± 1.34 h).There were no significant differences in early postoperative complications. The Qol score of appearance, motion, anxiety were higher significantly in Navigation Group. The CT results showed that mandibular angle deviation and chin deflection of Navigation Group were better significantly than Control Group (1.72 ± 1.29° vs 3.69 ± 1.67°, 2.45 ± 1.39 vs 5.19 ± 2.13 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The digital navigation can improve FFF's accuracy in mandibular reconstruction. It doesn't significantly increase complications. The digital navigation's installation and operation methods should be simplified to shorter operation time and expand its application.

A critical assessment of the fibula flap donor site.

BACKGROUND: The free fibula flap has become popular for mandibular reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to propose comprehensive functional assessments of the donor site. METHODS: Thirty free fibula flaps for mandible reconstruction were prospectively enrolled in the study. Objective assessments included isokinetic testing of the ankle joint, electromyographic examination of the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN), and preoperative and postoperative foot scans. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to subjectively assess the donor site. RESULTS: The isokinetic values of the donor side showed a significant decrease 1 year postoperatively. The results of the electromyographic test of the SPN were categorized as 3 types. The plantar center pressure shifted to the heel on the donor side 6 months postoperatively. The aesthetic outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The functional parameters of the donor site indeed declined in our assessments. Further refinements in the surgical technique are needed to improve the donor site status. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 279-287, 2017.

A comparison of mandible preservation method and mandibulotomy approach in oral and oropharyngeal cancer: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the prognoses outcomes of mandibular preservation method (MPM) and the mandibulotomy approach (MLA) in oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OOPC) patients. METHOD: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov up to September 2016 to identify the studies that compared the prognoses of the MPM versus the MLA in OOPC patients. Two authors individually extracted the data and performed quality assessment. The surgical margins, overall survival rate, total and local recurrence rates, fistula formation, and other functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULT: Six studies with 309 patients were included in our analysis. No significant difference was found regarding the surgical margins, overall survival rate, total and local recurrence rates, and speech and tongue movement between the MPM and MLA groups. However, the MPM group showed a significantly lower fistula formation rate than the MLA group after the operation. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the MPM may provide a similar clinical outcome to the MLA, but that the MPM has a lower complication rate in the treatment of OOPC patients.

Total and near-total lower lip reconstruction: 20 years experience.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of total and near-total lower lip defects presents a formidable challenge for the reconstructive plastic surgeon. Many methods have been described, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this article is to discuss the selection of techniques and report our experience of total or near-total lower lip reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a 20-year period from January 1993 to December 2013, a total of 87 patients underwent total or near-total lower lip reconstruction. Bilateral Yu's flaps were used in 61 patients, double mental neurovascular V-Y island advancement flaps in 16 patients, bilateral Mutaf's techniques in 4 patients, and reconstruction with free radial forearm flaps in 6 other patients. Drooling Rating Scale (DRS) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were used to evaluate oral competency and esthetic outcomes. RESULTS: All patients underwent single-stage total or near-total lower lip reconstruction successfully. There were no flap failures. Only 1 patient who accepted the bilateral Yu's flaps developed microstomia, having difficulty in wearing her dentures postoperatively. Oral competencies were well preserved in other patients, and esthetic results were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Based on our experience, we recommend using the bilateral local techniques or free flap introduced in this article, according to the extent of defects and the patient's general condition, to achieve a personalized ideal reconstruction of the lower lip.

Clinical anatomical study and evaluation of the use of the free anteromedial thigh perforator flaps in reconstructions of the head and neck.

The anteromedial thigh (AMT) perforator flap is usually thin, pliable, and nearly hairless, making it particularly suitable to repair defects of the head and neck. We studied the topography and outcomes of AMT perforator flaps in such defects after excision of tumours. We retrospectively reviewed the casenotes of 11 consecutive patients who had had reconstructions of the head and neck with the initial intent of using an AMT perforator flap from January 2010 to July 2011. For each patient we recorded the size and thickness of the flap; the length of the pedicle; and the number, external diameters, anatomical types, source vessels, and sites of the sizeable perforators. Of the 11 patients, 10 had successful reconstruction using AMT perforator flaps, but one had no AMT perforator big enough. The mean (range) number of sizeable perforators/flap was 1.3 (1-2), length of pedicle 10.6 (7-13) cm, and diameter of the artery 1.1(1.0-1.5) mm. Of the 13 sizeable perforators, 3 were direct and septocutaneous. The remaining ones were all musculocutaneous. Most of them were located in the middle third of the thigh. Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in all patients. One flap was successfully revised after compression of the perforator. All flaps survived with good functional and aesthetic outcomes. The free AMT perforator flap is suitable for reconstructions of the head and neck if a sizeable perforator can be found. The AMT flap may be used as a primary flap rather than as an alternative to the anterolateral thigh flap or a component of a chimeric flap.

Liposomes modified with P-aminophenyl-α-D-mannopyranoside: a carrier for targeting cerebral functional regions in mice.

Targeting of intracerebral functional regions has been limited by the inability to transport drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and by poor accumulation in these regions. To overcome these hurdles, liposomes modified with P-aminophenyl-α-d-mannopyranoside (MAN) were used as a fluorescent dye carrier through the BBB and used the specific distribution of liposomes (LIP) modified with MAN (MAN-LIP) to target various functional regions of the brain. An in vitro BBB model was established to evaluate the transendothelial ability of MAN-LIP, and liposomes uptake by C6 glioma cells was analyzed by flow cytometry and live cell imaging. Liposome targeting was evaluated using in vivo and ex vivo imaging. After MAN-LIP administration, the transendothelial ability and the delivery of fluorescent dye to the brain significantly increased. MAN-LIP concentrated in the cortex at 4 h, shifting distribution to the cerebellum and brainstem at 12 h. The fluorescence intensity in the hippocampus and pontine nuclei remained high and stable over a period of 12 h. The results demonstrate that MAN-LIP is able to enhance cellular uptake in vitro and also promotes penetration through the BBB and accumulation in the brain with a distinct spatio-temporal pattern.

[Perforator-based chimeric anterolateral thigh flap for head and neck reconstruction after en bloc resection].

PURPOSE: To discuss and report the operative techniques for harvesting perforator-based chimeric flap in anterolateral thigh region and the advantages for head and neck reconstruction after en bloc resection. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of perforator-based chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for head and neck reconstruction since December of 2007 to March of 2011. 66 perforator-based chimeric flaps were harvested including a skin paddle and a muscular flap supplied by one mother pedicle-descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery(d-LCFA). 32 flaps were used for the mobile tongue and floor of mouth reconstruction, 30 flaps for base of the tongue and parapharyngeal walls, two for the buccal skin, one for hemimandible and one for parotid. The muscular flap were used to eliminate the dead space of submandibular area. Flaps size ranged from 7cm±4cm to 16cm±7cm and muscular flap was 3cm±4cm approximately. The complications and functions of both donor and recipient sites were recorded and the operative techniques of perforator-based chimeric flap elevation were generalized. RESULTS: All 65 flaps survived completely and the total survival percentage was 98.5%. Only one flap failed and was removed 5 days postoperatively. No complications(fistula, infection, hematoma, seroma et al) were observed in recipient and donor sites. Two anteromedial thigh flaps (AMT) were used for reconstruction due to no sizable perforators in the ALT region. All cases were followed up for 0.5-3 years. The flaps didn't atrophy after six months and the contour was satisfactory. The functions of speech and swallow were recovered well. All the donor sites were closed primarily and the scar was not obvious. The leg's function recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: Using a combination of retrograde and antegrade dissection is a safe and versatile method for harvesting a perforator-based chimeric flap. A chimeric flap including multiple components can meet the requirements of three-dimensional reconstruction. Perforator-based chimeric anterolateral thigh flap is one of the best choices for complex head and neck reconstruction after en bloc resection.

[Anteromedial thigh perforator flap an ideal alternative flap for anterolateral thigh flap without suitable perforator].

PURPOSE: To find a reliable alternative flap with minimal donor site morbidity for anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) without suitable perforator. METHODS: From December 2007 to February 2011, 2 of 64 patients underwent tongue and floor of mouth reconstruction with an anteromedial thigh flap with the initial intent of using an anterolateral thigh flap. One was a perforator flap and the size was 7cm×4cm , the other was a perforator-based chimeric flap including a slender of rectus femoris island and a 14cm×6cm skin paddle. Both of the AMT flap pedicles were medial branch of descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (d-LCFA) and the pedicle length was 10 to 12cm. RESULTS: The flaps survived completely and no complications occurred in recipient and donor sites. The two patients were followed up for 0.5 to 12 months. The functions of speech and swallow recovered well. The donor site was closed primarily and scar was not obvious. The leg's function recovered well. CONCLUSION: AMT flap is a reliable alternative flap with minimal donor site morbidity when there is no suitable perforator in anterolateral thigh region.