Promoting Li2S Nucleation/Dissolution Kinetics via Multiple Active Sites over TiVCrMoC3Tx Interface.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are still limited by some issues such as polysulfides shuttle and lithium dendrites. Recently, the concept "high-entropy" has been considered as the research hotspot and international frontier. Herein, a high entropy MXene (TiVCrMoC3Tx, HE-MXene) doped graphene is designed as the modified coating on commercial separators for LSBs. The HE-MXene affords multiple metal active sites, fast Li+ diffusion rate, and efficient adsorption toward polysulfide intermediates. Furthermore, strong lithophilic property is favorable for uniform Li+ deposition. The combination of in situ characterizations confirms TiVCrMoC3Tx effectively promotes the Li2S nucleation/dissolution kinetics, reduces the Li+ diffusion barrier, and exhibits favorable lithium uniform deposition behavior. This TiVCrMoC3Tx/G@PP provides a high-capacity retention rate after 1000 cycles at 1 C and 2 C, with a capacity decay rate of merely 0.021% and 0.022% per cycle. Surprisingly, the cell operates at a low potential of 48 mV while maintaining at 5 mA cm-2/5 mAh cm-2 for 4000 h. Furthermore, it still maintains a high-capacity retention rate under a high sulfur loading of 4.8/6.4 mg cm-2 and a low E/S ratio of 8.6/7.5 µg mL-1. This work reveals a technical roadmap for simultaneously addressing the cathode and anode challenge, thus achieving potential commercially viable LSBs.

Highly Thermally Conductive Aramid Nanofiber Composite Films with Synchronous Visible/Infrared Camouflages and Information Encryption.

The development of highly thermally conductive composites that combine visible light/infrared camouflage and information encryption has been endowed with great significance in facilitating the application of 5G communication technology in military fields. This work uses aramid nanofibers (ANF) as the matrix, hetero-structured silver nanowires@boron nitride nanosheets (AgNWs@BNNS) prepared by in situ growth as fillers, which are combined to fabricate sandwich structured thermally conductive and electrically insulating (BNNS/ANF)-(AgNWs@BNNS)-(BNNS/ANF) (denoted as BAB) composite films by "filtration self-assembly, air spraying, and hot-pressing" method. When the mass ratio of AgNWs@BNNS to BNNS is 1 : 1 and the total mass fraction is 50 wt %, BAB composite film has the maximum in-plane thermal conductivity coefficient (λ∥ of 10.36 W/(m ⋅ K)), excellent electrical insulation (breakdown strength and volume resistivity of 41.5 kV/mm and 1.21×1015â€…Ω â‹… cm, respectively) and mechanical properties (tensile strength of 170.9 MPa). 50 wt % BAB composite film could efficiently reduce the equilibrium temperature of the central processing unit (CPU) working at full power, resulting in 7.0 °C lower than that of the CPU solely integrated with ANF directly. In addition, BAB composite film boasts adaptive visible light/infrared dual camouflage properties on cement roads and jungle environments, as well as the function of fast encryption of QR code information within 24 seconds.

OsGSTU34, a Bz2-like anthocyanin-related glutathione transferase transporter, is essential for rice (Oryza sativa L.) organs coloration.

Anthocyanins are a flavonoid compound known as one of the most important chromogenic substances. They play several functions, including health promotion and sustaining plants during adverse conditions. They are synthesized at the endoplasmic reticulum and sequestered in the vacuole. In this work, we generated knock-out lines of OsGSTU34, a glutathione transporter's tau gene family, with no transgene line and off-target through CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis and highlighted the loss of pigmentation in rice flowers, leaves, stems, shoots, and caryopsis. The anthocyanin quantification in the wild-type BLWT and mutant line BLG34-8 caryopsis showed that cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) and peonidin-3-O-glucoside (P3G) were almost undetectable in the mutant line. A tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling proteomic analysis was conducted to elucidate the proteomic changes in the BLWT and BLG34-8. The result revealed that 1175 proteins were altered, including 408 that were down-regulated and 767 that were upregulated. The accumulation of the OsGSTU34-related protein (Q8L576), along with several anthocyanin-related proteins, was down-regulated. The enrichment analysis showed that the down-regulated proteins were enriched in different pathways, among which the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, flavonoid biosynthesis metabolites, and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Protein interaction network prediction revealed that glutathione-S-transferase (Q8L576) was connected to the proteins involved in the flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways, such as flavanone 3-dioxygenase 1 (Q7XM21), leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase 1 (Q93VC3), 4-coumarate-CoA ligase 2 (Q42982), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (P14717), chalcone synthase 1 (Q2R3A1), and 4-coumarate-CoA ligase 5 (Q6ZAC1). However, the expression of the most important anthocyanin biosynthesis gene was not altered, suggesting that only the transport mechanism was affected. Our findings highlight new insight into the anthocyanin pigmentation in black rice and provide new perspectives for future research.

Integrative HPLC profiling and transcriptome analysis revealed insights into anthocyanin accumulation and key genes at three developmental stages of black rice (Oryza sativa. L) caryopsis.

Introduction: Anthocyanins are plants' secondary metabolites belonging to the flavonoid class with potential health-promoting properties. They are greatly employed in the food industry as natural alternative food colorants for dairy and ready-to-eat desserts and pH indicators. These tremendous advantages make them economically important with increasing market trends. Black rice is a rich source of anthocyanin that can be used to ensure food and nutritional security around the world. However, research on anthocyanin accumulation and gene expression during rice caryopsis development is lacking. Methods: In this study, we combined high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and transcriptome analysis to profile the changes in anthocyanin content and gene expression dynamics at three developmental stages (milky, doughy, and mature). Results: Our results showed that anthocyanin accumulation started to be visible seven days after flowering (DAF), increased rapidly from milky (11 DAF) to dough stage, then started decreasing after the peak was attained at 18 DAF. RNA-seq showed that 519 out of 14889, 477 out of 17914, and 1614 out of 18810 genes were uniquely expressed in the milky, doughy, and mature stages, respectively. We performed three pairwise comparisons: milky vs. dough, milky vs. mature, and dough vs. mature, and identified 6753, 9540, and 2531 DEGs, respectively. The DEGs' abundance was higher in milky vs. mature, with 5527 up-regulated genes and 4013 down-regulated genes, while it was smaller in dough vs. mature, with 1419 up-regulated genes and 1112 down-regulated DEGs. This result was consistent with the changes in anthocyanin profiling, and the expression of structural, regulatory, and transporter genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis showed their highest expression at the dough stage. Through the gene expression profile and protein interaction network, we deciphered six main contributors of the anthocyanin peak observed at dough stage, including OsANS, OsDFR, OsGSTU34, OsMYB3, OsbHLH015, and OsWD40-50. Discussion: This study is the first to report the investigation of anthocyanin and gene expression at three developmental stages of black rice caryopsis. The findings of this study could aid in predicting the best harvesting time to achieve maximum anthocyanin content and the best time to collect samples for various gene expression analysis, laying the groundwork for future research into the molecular mechanisms underlying rice caryopsis coloration.

Electric-Field-Induced Alignment of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Inside Thermally Conductive Liquid Crystalline Polyimide Composite Films.

The positive liquid crystals, 4'-heptyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (7CB), are used to functionalize carbon nanotubes (LC-CNT), which can be aligned in the liquid crystalline polyimide (LC-PI) matrix under an alternating electric field to fabricate the thermally conductive LC-CNT/LC-PI composite films. The efficient establishment of thermal conduction pathways in thermally conductive LC-CNT/LC-PI composite films with a low amount of LC-CNT is achieved through the oriented alignment of LC-CNT within the LC-PI matrix. When the mass fraction of LC-CNT is 15 wt %, the in-plane thermal conductivity coefficient (λ∥ ) and the through-plane thermal conductivity coefficient (λ⊥ ) of the LC-CNT/LC-PI composite films reach 4.02 W/(m ⋅ K) and 0.55 W/(m⋅K), which are 90.5 % and 71.9 % higher than those of the intrinsically thermally conductive LC-PI films respectively, also 28.8 % and 5.8 % higher than those of the CNT/LC-PI composite films respectively. Meanwhile, the thermally conductive LC-CNT/LC-PI composite films also possess excellent mechanical and heat resistance properties. The Young's modulus and the heat resistance index are 2.3 GPa and 297.7 °C, respectively, which are higher than the intrinsically thermally conductive LC-PI films and the thermally conductive CNT/LC-PI composite films under the same amount of CNT.

An XGBoost approach to detect driver visual distraction based on vehicle dynamics.

OBJECTIVES: Distracted driving such as reading phone messages during driving is risky, as it increases the probability of severe crashes. This study proposes an XGBoost model for visual distraction detection based on vehicle dynamics data from a driving simulation study. METHODS: A simulated driving experiment involving thirty-six drivers was launched. We obtained the vehicle dynamics parameters required for the model using the time window and fast Fourier transform methods, totaling 26 items. Meanwhile, the effects of varied time window sizes (1-7 s) and amount of input indications on model performance were studied. RESULTS: By conducting a comparative analysis, it has been determined that the ideal time window size is 5 s. Additionally, the optimal number of input indicators was found to be 23. The XGBoost model for distinguishing distractions achieved an accuracy rate of 85.68%, a precision rate of 85.83%, a recall rate of 83.85%, an F1 score of 84.82%, and an AUC value of 0.9319, which were higher than SVM and RF. The gain-based feature rank demonstrated that the standard deviation of vehicle sideslip rate and the mean amplitude of the 0-1 Hz spectrum component of the steering wheel angle were more crucial than other features. CONCLUSIONS: The research results indicate that the steering wheel angle and vehicle sideslip angle may be more conducive to identifying distractions. This XGBoost model could potentially be applied in advanced driving assistant systems (ADAS) to warn driver and reduce cellphone involved distracted driving.

Advances and mechanisms in polymer composites toward thermal conduction and electromagnetic wave absorption.

Polymer composites have essential applications in electronics due to their versatility, stable performance, and processability. However, with the increasing miniaturization and high power of electronics in the 5G era, there are significant challenges related to heat accumulation and electromagnetic wave (EMW) radiation in narrow spaces. Traditional solutions involve using either thermally conductive or EMW absorbing polymer composites, but these fail to meet the demand for multi-functional integrated materials in electronics. Therefore, designing thermal conduction and EMW absorption integrated polymer composites has become essential to solve the problems of heat accumulation and electromagnetic pollution in electronics and adapt to its development trend. Researchers have developed different approaches to fabricate thermal conduction and EMW absorption integrated polymer composites, including integrating functional fillers with both thermal conduction and EMW absorption functions and innovating processing methods. This review summarizes the latest research progress, factors that affect performance, and the mechanisms of thermal conduction and EMW absorption integrated polymer composites. The review also discusses problems that limit the development of these composites and potential solutions and development directions. The aim of this review is to provide references for the development of thermal conduction and EMW absorption integrated polymer composites.

C(alkyl)-C(vinyl) bond cleavage enabled by Retro-Pallada-Diels-Alder reaction.

Activation and cleavage of carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds is a fundamental transformation in organic chemistry while inert C-C bonds cleavage remains a long-standing challenge. Retro-Diels-Alder (retro-DA) reaction is a well-known and important tool for C-C bonds cleavage but less been explored in methodology by contrast to other strategies. Herein, we report a selective C(alkyl)-C(vinyl) bond cleavage strategy realized through the transient directing group mediated retro-Diels-Alder reaction of a six-membered palladacycle, which is obtained from an in situ generated hydrazone and palladium hydride species. This unprecedented strategy exhibits good tolerances and thus offers new opportunities for late-stage modifications of complex molecules. DFT calculations revealed that an intriguing retro-Pd(IV)-Diels-Alder process is possibly involved in the catalytic cycle, thus bridging both Retro-Diels-Alder reaction and C-C bond cleavage. We anticipate that this strategy should prove instrumental for potential applications to achieve the modification of functional organic skeletons in synthetic chemistry and other fields involving in molecular editing.

Development and application of CRISPR/Cas9 to improve anthocyanin pigmentation in plants: Opportunities and perspectives.

Since its discovery in 2012, the novel technology of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) has greatly contributed to revolutionizing molecular biology. It has been demonstrated to be an effective approach for identifying gene function and improving some important traits. Anthocyanins are secondary metabolites responsible for a wide spectrum of aesthetic coloration in various plant organs and are beneficial for health. As such, increasing anthocyanin content in plants, especially the edible tissue and organs, is always a main goal for plant breeding. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been highly desired to enhance the amount of anthocyanin in vegetables, fruits, cereals, and other attractive plants with more precision. Here we reviewed the recent knowledge concerning CRISPR/Cas9-mediated anthocyanin enhancement in plants. In addition, we addressed the future avenues of promising potential target genes that could be helpful for achieving the same goal using CRISPR/Cas9 in several plants. Thus, molecular biologists, genetic engineers, agricultural scientists, plant geneticists, and physiologists may benefit from CRISPR technology to boost the biosynthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins in fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, roots, and ornamental plants.

Consensus of Chinese experts on strengthening personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Up to now, there has not yet been guidance or consensus from Chinese experts in the field of personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. In view of the above, the endocrinology diabetes Professional Committee of Chinese Non-government Medical Institutions Association, the integrated endocrinology diabetes Professional Committee of the integrated medicine branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and the diabetes education and microvascular complications group of the diabetes branch of the Chinese Medical Association organized relevant experts to discuss and reach the "Chinese expert consensus on strengthening personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes" for reference in clinical practice.

A comprehensive analysis of Holocene extraordinary flood events in the Langxian gorge of the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley.

Increasing extreme temperature, precipitation and rapid meltwater events have added stress to the Himalaya's hydrological sensitivity and major flood risks, however, current extreme hydrological dataset and their genesis are insufficient to assess future flood discharge extremes in High Asian' rivers. Here, Holocene extreme floods in the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley were reconstructed by using physic-chemical analysis, optically stimulated luminescence dating and palaeohydraulic techniques. Palaeoflood slackwater deposits (SWDs) were identified by means of palaeohydrological criteria and comparison with SWDs from large flood that occurred in 2018. Palaeoflood SWDs consist of well-sorted silt and sand with a consistent geochemical composition, implying a similar sedimentary source. Such results suggest that these SWDs were transported in suspension over long distances during flood events. The chronological analysis indicates that there are three palaeoflood events, dated to 5.7, 3.9 and 2.9-1.2 ka, during the mid-late Holocene. Palaeoflood peak discharges in the bedrock reach and meandering channel were estimated to be 27,600-35,000 m3/s using one-dimensional and two-dimensional hydrodynamic modelling. The simulation results clearly show the potential palaeoflood depositional range in the lower-velocity and eddy backwater environments between Jiacha and Langxian gorge. The palaeoflood magnitudes redefine the regional largest flood discharge, and fit well with global maximum flood curves. And mid-late Holocene extreme flood magnitudes were generally 2.5-3.5 times larger than the current maximum gauged flood, but lower than the Jiedexiu glacial lake outburst floods. Comprehensive analysis highlights the three extraordinary floods were possibly induced by monsoon rains and glacial meltwater. Site-specific palaeoflood information advances our knowledge of rare and extraordinary floods in the highest and largest river in the southern Tibetan Plateau.

Rational design and construction of iron oxide and titanium carbide MXene hierarchical structure with promoted energy storage properties for flexible battery.

Aqueous rechargeable Ni/Fe batteries are appropriate energy storage devices for portable and wearable electronics due to their outstanding safety and cost-effectiveness. However, their energy storage properties are limited by the sluggish kinetics of iron-based anodes. Herein, we design and construct a high-performance iron-based material with a hierarchical structure developed by electrodepositing iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanosheets on titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene nanoplates modified carbon fiber (3D-MXene/Fe2O3). Taking advantage of the interaction between Fe2O3 and the terminal functional groups on Ti3C2Tx MXene, such a hierarchical structure offers improved conductivity, enhanced ion-diffusion paths, and high electrochemical stability. The fabricated 3D-MXene/Fe2O3 anode delivers a high volumetric specific capacity of 38.2 mAh cm-3, and improved capacity retention. After being coupled with NiCoO cathode, the fibrous Ni/Fe battery shows a maximum volumetric specific capacity of 35.1 mAh cm-3 and an extraordinary energy density of 56.2 mWh cm-3. Meanwhile, the as-prepared Ni/Fe battery confirms good cycling durability (92.9% for 12,500 cycles), and mechanical flexibility also verifies the potential practical application of our device. Thus, this study can provide a powerful route toward high-performance anodes for next-generation wearable energy storage devices.

Hierarchically Multifunctional Polyimide Composite Films with Strongly Enhanced Thermal Conductivity.

The development of lightweight and integration for electronics requires flexible films with high thermal conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to overcome heat accumulation and electromagnetic radiation pollution. Herein, the hierarchical design and assembly strategy was adopted to fabricate hierarchically multifunctional polyimide composite films, with graphene oxide/expanded graphite (GO/EG) as the top thermally conductive and EMI shielding layer, Fe3O4/polyimide (Fe3O4/PI) as the middle EMI shielding enhancement layer and electrospun PI fibers as the substrate layer for mechanical improvement. PI composite films with 61.0 wt% of GO/EG and 23.8 wt% of Fe3O4/PI exhibits high in-plane thermal conductivity coefficient (95.40 W (m K)-1), excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (34.0 dB), good tensile strength (93.6 MPa) and fast electric-heating response (5 s). The test in the central processing unit verifies PI composite films present broad application prospects in electronics fields.

Interconnecting 3D Conductive Networks with Nanostructured Iron/Iron Oxide Enables a High-Performance Flexible Battery.

Aqueous Ni/Fe alkaline batteries with features of low cost and high safety show great potential for application in portable and wearable electronics. However, the poor kinetics of the Fe-based anode greatly limits the large-scale applications of Ni/Fe batteries. Herein, we report an interconnected 3D conductive network with carbon-coated nanostructured iron/iron oxide (3D-Fe/Fe2O3@C) as an efficient anode for a flexible Ni/Fe battery. A hydrogel precursor is used to molecularly link and confine Fe3+ to spatial networks, resulting in a uniform dispersion of Fe/Fe2O3-heterostructured nanoparticles. Theoretical investigations reveal regulated potential loss and improved delocalized carrier density as a result of carbon coating and the mixed metal/metal oxide structure. In addition to these merits, due to the regulated wettability and electroactive surface areas, the 3D-Fe/Fe2O3@C anode with a high mass loading delivers an extraordinary areal capacity of 3.07 mA h cm-2, as well as the boosted rate capability and Coulombic efficiency. When coupled with the NiCo2O4 cathode, the flexible quasi-solid-state Ni/Fe battery exhibits an admirable energy density of 15.53 mW h cm-3 and a maximum power density of 761.91 W h cm-3. The good stability after 20,000 cycles and severe mechanical deformations of the as-fabricated Ni/Fe battery imply it as a promising flexible energy storage device for practical applications.

Lightweight, Flexible Cellulose-Derived Carbon Aerogel@Reduced Graphene Oxide/PDMS Composites with Outstanding EMI Shielding Performances and Excellent Thermal Conductivities.

In order to ensure the operational reliability and information security of sophisticated electronic components and to protect human health, efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are required to attenuate electromagnetic wave energy. In this work, the cellulose solution is obtained by dissolving cotton through hydrogen bond driving self-assembly using sodium hydroxide (NaOH)/urea solution, and cellulose aerogels (CA) are prepared by gelation and freeze-drying. Then, the cellulose carbon aerogel@reduced graphene oxide aerogels (CCA@rGO) are prepared by vacuum impregnation, freeze-drying followed by thermal annealing, and finally, the CCA@rGO/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) EMI shielding composites are prepared by backfilling with PDMS. Owing to skin-core structure of CCA@rGO, the complete three-dimensional (3D) double-layer conductive network can be successfully constructed. When the loading of CCA@rGO is 3.05 wt%, CCA@rGO/PDMS EMI shielding composites have an excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 51 dB, which is 3.9 times higher than that of the co-blended CCA/rGO/PDMS EMI shielding composites (13 dB) with the same loading of fillers. At this time, the CCA@rGO/PDMS EMI shielding composites have excellent thermal stability (THRI of 178.3 °C) and good thermal conductivity coefficient (λ of 0.65 W m-1 K-1). Excellent comprehensive performance makes CCA@rGO/PDMS EMI shielding composites great prospect for applications in lightweight, flexible EMI shielding composites.

Significant Reduction of Interfacial Thermal Resistance and Phonon Scattering in Graphene/Polyimide Thermally Conductive Composite Films for Thermal Management.

The developing flexible electronic equipment are greatly affected by the rapid accumulation of heat, which is urgent to be solved by thermally conductive polymer composite films. However, the interfacial thermal resistance (ITR) and the phonon scattering at the interfaces are the main bottlenecks limiting the rapid and efficient improvement of thermal conductivity coefficients (λ) of the polymer composite films. Moreover, few researches were focused on characterizing ITR and phonon scattering in thermally conductive polymer composite films. In this paper, graphene oxide (GO) was aminated (NH2-GO) and reduced (NH2-rGO), then NH2-rGO/polyimide (NH2-rGO/PI) thermally conductive composite films were fabricated. Raman spectroscopy was utilized to innovatively characterize phonon scattering and ITR at the interfaces in NH2-rGO/PI thermally conductive composite films, revealing the interfacial thermal conduction mechanism, proving that the amination optimized the interfaces between NH2-rGO and PI, reduced phonon scattering and ITR, and ultimately improved the interfacial thermal conduction. The in-plane λ (λ ||) and through-plane λ (λ ⊥) of 15 wt% NH2-rGO/PI thermally conductive composite films at room temperature were, respectively, 7.13 W/mK and 0.74 W/mK, 8.2 times λ || (0.87 W/mK) and 3.5 times λ ⊥ (0.21 W/mK) of pure PI film, also significantly higher than λ || (5.50 W/mK) and λ ⊥ (0.62 W/mK) of 15 wt% rGO/PI thermally conductive composite films. Calculation based on the effective medium theory model proved that ITR was reduced via the amination of rGO. Infrared thermal imaging and finite element simulation showed that NH2-rGO/PI thermally conductive composite films obtained excellent heat dissipation and efficient thermal management capabilities on the light-emitting diodes bulbs, 5G high-power chips, and other electronic equipment, which are easy to generate heat severely.

Interpenetrating network nanoarchitectonics of antifouling poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes for oil-water separation.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes are a commonly used cheap material and have been widely used in wastewater treatment. In this study, a simple strategy was proposed to construct PVDF-g-PEG membranes with an interpenetrating network structure by simulating plant roots for the treatment of oil/water emulsion. Meanwhile, the hydrophilicity, antifouling, and mechanical properties of the membrane were improved. A series of chemical and physical characterization methods were used to verify the successful formation of a PVDF-g-PEG layer on the membrane surface. The effects of graft modifier content on the crystallization behavior, microstructure, and membrane permeability were studied. When the optimized membrane (m-PVDF-2) was applied to the treatment of oily wastewater, its separation performance was significantly better than that of the blank PVDF membrane, and the oil removal rate was over 99.3%. BSA and oil contamination were nearly reversible, and excellent oil resistance to high-viscosity oil was also observed. The method reported in this article is a one-step, simple method for constructing hydrophilic and oil-resistant PVDF membranes without any intermediate additives and harmful or costly catalysts. They can be used as an ideal material for preparing efficient oil-water separation membranes.

The Modified Rectangle Flap Epicanthoplasty: A Novel and Individualized Design.

BACKGROUND: The epicanthal fold is ordinary in the eyelids of Asians, and the aesthetic appearance of eyelid surgery could be reduced and undermined; thus, medial epicanthoplasty is commonly performed to eliminate the effect of the epicanthal fold with less scarring. At present, there are a lot of techniques that have been described for the treatment of epicanthal fold. The potential problems, however, such as visible scar or under correction in the medial canthus area are challenges to surgeons. The purpose of our study was to explore a novel and individualized design using a modified rectangle flap with acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes. METHODS: From January 2017 to January 2018, epicanthoplasty was performed for 40 patients by using a modified rectangle flap. All patients underwent double-eyelid surgery at the same time when they needed it. The evaluation criteria included the intercanthal distance (ICD), interpupillary distance (IPD), the ratio of ICD to IPD (ICD ratio), scar visibility, and cosmetic results. RESULTS: From January 2017 to January 2018, the modified rectangle flap method was carried out on 40 patients, who were evaluated at follow-up from 7 to 15 months. The average intercanthal length was 36.9 ± 2.2 mm preoperatively and decreased significantly to 31.5 ± 1.8 mm postoperatively, 7 months after the surgery (P < 0.01). The excellent cosmetic results, in terms of an open medial canthus, were observed during follow-up periods, with no definite recurrence, hypertrophic scar, or injury of the lacrimal apparatus. The inner canthus and lacrimal caruncle are fully exposed with an invisible scar. Both the patients and the surgeon judged that the aesthetic outcomes were excellent or good. CONCLUSIONS: This modified rectangular flap is an effective and personalized method of correcting the medial folds that leave no additional scar in the medial canthal area, and the procedure meets the patient's aesthetic expectations. 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 .

The effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease of the urinary system. It is common in middle-aged and elderly men. Moxibustion is widely used to manage BPH and the associated lower urinary tract symptoms, but there is still lack of systematic review of moxibusiton for BPH. So the aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion in the treatment of BPH. METHODS: The following 8 electronic databases including PubMed (1966-2020), EMbase (1980-2020), the Cochrane Library, Web of Science (1900-2020), China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (1979-2020), WanFang Database (1998-2020), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (1989-2020), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (1979-2020) will be searched. No language restrictions will be used. Researchers will retrieve databases, identify trials, extract data, and evaluate the quality of eligible randomized controlled trials, independently. The outcomes will include: total effective rate, the American Urologic Association Symptom Score, International Prostate Symptom Score, urinary flow rate (measured in mL/s), changes in prostate size (measured in cc), quality of life, side effects and adverse events. The quality of methodology and evidence will be rated by using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool and grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation tool, respectively. Data synthesis will be presented by the manager of the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.3.0. RESULTS: We will show the results of this study in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSIONS: The findings will provide credible clinical evidence of moxibustion treatment for BPH. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020190630.

Identification of Tibetan medicine Dida based on DNA barcoding.

The purpose of this study was to test the ability of DNA barcoding to identify the herbal raw trade of Tibetan medicine Dida in China. A reference database for plant-material DNA barcodes was successfully constructed and used to identify 36 commercially samples of Dida collected from Southwest China. The ITS sequence was amplified from these samples and the efficiency of the PCR amplification of ITS was 100%. The DNA sequencing results revealed that 3 samples (8.3%) were authenticated as Swertia chirayita, 2 sequences (5.6%) were authenticated as Swertia mussotii, 3 sequences (8.3%) were authenticated as Swertia ciliata, as recorded in the Tibetan Pharmacopeia. The other samples were authenticated as adulterants and all of them originated from common plants belonging to Saxifraga, Swertia and Halenia. This result indicates Dida pieces that are available in the market have complex origins and may indicate a potential safety issue and DNA barcoding is a convenient tool for market supervision.