Does adjunctive fixation in conjunction with miniplate affect condylar position and morphology after mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy? A retrospective 3-dimensional CT comparative study.

To minimize condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO), surgeons add either a bicortical screw or a two-hole plate distal to the conventional single miniplate. Since there have been no previous studies investigating the effect of this combination, our study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of these adjunctive fixation methods (AFM) on condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with retruded mandibles who were treated in the Department of Orthognathic and TMJ Surgery at West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. The patients were divided into two groups based on the primary predictor variable, which was the addition of AFM - either a single bicortical screw or a two-hole plate in addition to the single miniplate. The primary outcome variable was the condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. Three-dimensional facial CT scans were obtained at three different time points (preoperatively - T0, 1 week postoperatively - T1, and 1 year postoperatively - T2) and analyzed using ITK-SNAP, 3D Slicer, and SlicerSALT software. Intergroup comparisons were conducted with an independent t-test, with a p-value of <0.05 considered significant. Correlations between the variables were estimated by Pearson correlation. The study comprised 51 patients (32 females, 19 males; mean age 25.13 ± 4.24 years), involving a total of 81 condyles (21 unilateral and 60 bilateral). There was a significant difference in long-term condylar displacement in favor of AFM along with a single miniplate (p < 0.001). The bicortical screw group recorded less condylar displacement than the two-hole plate group horizontally (0.11 mm vs 0.22 mm) and sagittally (0.03 mm vs 0.17 mm), but more vertically (0.85 mm vs 0.03 mm). Bone formation associated with AFM occurred on all condylar surfaces, compared with only three surfaces in the single miniplate group. The adjunctive method in addition to the single miniplate fixation method showed less condylar displacement and more bone apposition after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. The follow-up duration variable was the only significant determinant for volumetric changes in the condyle.

Insights into the potential applications of permanganate/peroxymonosulfate systems: enhancement via amorphous MnO2, effects of water matrices, and optimization using response surface methodology.

In this study, we developed a novel self-catalytic oxidation system involving peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and permanganate (KMnO4), named as CUPP, to efficiently mineralize sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in groundwater. It was found that amorphous MnO2 derived from the in situ reduction of KMnO4 can directly adsorb HSO5-, a complex hydroxyl group, mediate the internal disproportionation reaction of HSO5- with the manganese complex, and effectively activate PMS, thereby promoting the oxidation of SMX and its degradation intermediates through sulfonate radiation. Furthermore, by using electron spin resonance (EPR), HPLC/MS full scan, and response surface methodology, the coexistence of HO˙, SO4-˙, O2-˙, 1O2, and active chlorine (Cl2, HOCl) in the CUPP system was confirmed. A total of 24 intermediate products were detected, and four possible degradation pathways were identified for SMX. In addition, it was found that the CUPP system has a strong impact resistance to pH variations, groundwater anions, and natural organic matter stress. Undoubtedly, the CUPP system presents an innovative approach for the degradation of various emerging organic pollutants in groundwater.

The accuracy of virtual surgical planning assisted management for L-shaped reduction malarplasty: A retrospective study.

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of L-shaped reduction malarplasty with bone setback or resection on the zygoma and the mortice and tenon joint structure on the zygomatic arch under the guidance of virtual surgical planning (VSP). Adult patients with zygomatic protrusion or hypertrophy were enrolled and divided. L-shaped reduction malarplasty with or without bone resection and with the mortice and tenon joint structure on the zygomatic arch was conducted either by digital procedures comprising VSP and three-dimensional (3D) printing titanium templates (Group I) or by conventional methods (Group II). Positions of representative landmarks and superimposition models were analyzed by 3D cephalometry. Satisfaction rate and incidences of clinical complications were compared as well. Satisfactory reduction of zygomatic protrusion or hypertrophy was recognized among all 78 patients. Improved symmetry and great surgical accuracy were observed according to the cephalometry analyses. The bone segment movement of virtual plans and actual results in Group I were measured and showed no obvious difference for the inward movement (5.42 ± 0.98 mm vs. 5.33± 0.93 mm, P = 0.6906) and the sagittal overlap (4.77 ± 1.32 mm vs. 4.87± 1.21 mm, P = 0.7386) at the zygoma roots, along with the step length at the long-arm of the L-shaped osteotomy line (2.43 ± 1.11 mm vs. 2.39± 0.89 mm, P = 0.8665). The high resemblance between virtual plans and actual results was depicted via superimposition models. Meanwhile, a higher satisfaction rate (28 in 36, 78% vs. 20 in 42, 48%) and a lower incidence rate of complications (11 in 36, 31% vs. 21 in 42, 50%) were found in Group I. Within the limitations of the study it seems that the application of VSP in reduction malarplasty could significantly contribute to better surgical accuracy and reduced difficulties in the operation, which would be beneficial to patients with zygoma hypertrophy or prominence.

Morphological Changes of the Mandibular Angle After Orthognathic Surgery with Class III Deformity in East Asia.

The aims of this study were to analyze the morphological changes of the mandibular angle after orthognathic surgery for mandibular setback and investigate related factors. This retrospective study included patients from January 2017 to December 2021 diagnosed with skeletal class III deformity who underwent BSSRO (Group I) or bimaxillary surgery (Group II). Preoperative (T0), within 1 month postoperatively (T1), and 6 months postoperatively (T2) CT scans were collected from 61 patients to three-dimensionally analyze the proximal segment displacement, the linear and angular changes of the mandibular angle. The gonion points moved posteriorly and laterally (P < 0.001), while the inferior movement was not significant (P = 1.000, P = 0.274). The intergonial width increased by 3.32 ± 1.87 mm and 2.34 ± 1.77 mm as revealed by T2 CTs, respectively, in Group I and Group II. Mandibular angle decreased in both groups and by 1.41 ± 2.95° in Group I and 1.37 ± 3.41° in Group II. The increase in intergonial width between T1 and T0 was negatively correlated with the preoperative mandibular angle (P = 0.003) and positively correlated with the transverse outward movement of the proximal segment (P < 0.001). After surgery, the intergonial width increased and the inferior and posterior border of the proximal segment flared outward. The changes in intergonial width and mandibular angle were mainly related to the rotation of the proximal segment, which has a certain impact on the aesthetics of the lower face. Therefore, controlling the position of the proximal segment is of vital importance to lessen the changes in the mandibular angle area.Level of Evidence III. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Natural siderite derivatives activated peroxydisulfate toward oxidation of organic contaminant: A green soil remediation strategy.

Natural siderite (FeCO3), simulated synthetic siderite and nZVI/FeCO3 composite were used as green and easily available iron-based catalysts in peroxydisulfate activation for remediating 2-chlorophenol as the target contaminant and this technique can effectively degrade organic pollutants in the soil. The key reaction parameters such as catalysts dosage, oxidant concentration and pH, were investigated to evaluate the catalytic performance of different materials in catalytic systems. The buffering property of natural soil conduced satisfactory degradation performance in a wide pH range (3-10). Both the main non-radical of 1O2 and free radicals of SO4·- and OH· were evidenced by quenching experiment and electron paramagnetic resonance. The reduction of nZVI on FFC surface not only has the advantage for electronic transfer to promote the circulation of Fe(III) to Fe(II), but also can directly dechlorinate. Furthermore, the intermediates were comprehensively analyzed by GC-MS and a potential removal mechanism of three oxidant system for 2-CP soil degradation was obtained. Briefly, this research provides a new perspective for organic contaminate soil treatment using natural siderite or simulated synthetic siderite as efficient and environmental catalytic material.

Molecular identification of Colpodella sp. of South China tiger Panthera tigris amoyensis (Hilzheimer) in the Meihua Mountains, Fujian, China.

A three-year-old male South China tiger died in the tiger enclosure of the China Tiger Park in the Meihua Mountains on December 2018 after being bitten by a tick. This tiger presented clinical symptoms like whole-body severe jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, kidney, and lymph node hemorrhages. The Colpodella sp.-specific 18S rRNA gene was detected using nested PCR. Interestingly, the DNA isolated from the blood of the tiger was found to be 100% similar to that of the tick by NCBI BLAST analysis. However, the DNA fragments isolated from the tiger's blood were 90.1% similar to the Colpodella sp. strain human erythrocyte parasite (HEP, MH208621) and 90.4% similar to the Colpodella sp. strain Heilongjiang (HLJ, KT364261). To investigate the species of ticks and ticks-carried Colpodella parasites in this region, the species of ticks obtained from the grasses outside the tiger enclosure and the species of Colpodella carried by ticks were identified. The DNA from ticks as well as that from the tick-borne Colpodella sp. were amplified from each tick using PCR followed by amplicon sequencing. In total 402 adult ticks samples were collected, among which 22 were positive for Colpodella sp. (5.5%), and the species were further determined by morphology, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Interestingly, one Colpodella sp. was found to have 94.2% sequence similarities to the Colpodella sp. strain HEP (MH208621). This strain was previously reported to infect a woman in Yunnan, China. In addition, three Colpodella sp. showed 87-91% sequence similarities to the Colpodella sp. strain HLJ (KT364261), which was previously reported to infect human in Heilongjiang, China. This study disclosed the possibility of zoonotic transmission of Colpodella sp. by ticks in China. Finally, it provides a basis for urgently determining and monitoring the repertoire of ticks-borne piroplasmid pathogens, with the ultimate aim of strategic control.

Optimization of PAHs oxidation from contaminated soil using modified nanoscale zero-valent iron combined with potassium permanganate.

A novel synergistic oxidation technology based on modified nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) was developed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) remediation in actual contaminated soil. In this study, three surfactants were used as dispersants to modify nZVI, including poly acrylic (PAA), sorbitan monolaurate (SPAN-20) and sugar esters (SE). The following parameters were studied to optimize the coupling oxidation process: dispersants/nZVI ratio, dosage of oxidant based on soil oxidation demand (SOD), amount of modified nanomaterials added in the coupling system. By using zeta potential, XRD, SEM, BET characterization methods, the results show that nZVI successfully coated with 5% PAA, 20% SE and 10% SPAN-20 have the best stability and mobility to effectively reduce the agglomeration effect. The conditions for treating PAH contaminated soil with the three best modified nanocomposites combined with KMnO4 were studied. The optimal conditions were defined as [SE-nZVI] = 10% and [KMnO4] = 40% SODmax for 24 h at 25 °C. The synergistic oxidation process under these optimal conditions and the two unoptimized processes of KMnO4 and nZVI-KMnO4 degraded 85%, 58.9% and 62% of PAHs, respectively. This showed that the treatment effect of the optimized oxidation process was improved by 1.3-1.5 times. Further, by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), adsorption and electrophilic substitution reaction were speculated as the oxidation mechanism of PAHs treated by the coupling system of SE-nZVI-KMnO4. PAHs could finally be decomposed into 9-methylene-9H-fluorene, fluoranthene and 1,5-diphenyl-1,4-pentadiyn-3-one and reached a safer status in the soil.

Detection and molecular characterisation of intestinal parasites in the South China tiger Panthera tigris amoyensis (Hilzheimer).

Parasitic infections of the South China tigers in the Meihua Mountains have not been explored previously. Faeces of 22 South China tigers from the China Tiger Park in the Meihua Mountains were examined. Eggs of ascaridoid nematodes and oocysts of coccidia were detected by Mini-FLOTAC assay. Morphological observation and molecular characterisation of the oocysts were carried out. The prevalence of Toxascaris leonina (von Linstow, 1902) was 18% (4/22), and the highest egg per gram (EPG) count in the faeces was 27,150. The prevalence of Cystoisospora sp. was 45% (1 0/22) and the highest oocysts per gram (OPG) in the faeces was 6,000. In addition, we found one ascaridoid nematode in the South China tiger's faeces and was molecularly and morphologically identified as T. leonina. The oocysts in the faeces were sporulated in vitro and identified as Cystoisospora sp. Amplification of full-length internal transcribed spacers (ITS) resulted in sequences 1,622 bp long. Using the sequences, Cystoisospora sp. of the South China tiger was closest to Isospora belli (Wenyon, 1923) and Cystoisospora suis (Biester, 1934).

Possible obliquity-forced warmth in southern Asia during the last glacial stage.

Orbital-scale global climatic changes during the late Quaternary are dominated by high-latitude influenced ~100,000-year global ice-age cycles and monsoon influenced ~23,000-year low-latitude hydroclimate variations. However, the shortage of highly-resolved land temperature records remains a limiting factor for achieving a comprehensive understanding of long-term low-latitude terrestrial climatic changes. Here, we report paired mean annual air temperature (MAAT) and monsoon intensity proxy records over the past 88,000 years from Lake Tengchongqinghai in southwestern China. While summer monsoon intensity follows the ~23,000-year precession beat found also in previous studies, we identify previously unrecognized warm periods at 88,000-71,000 and 45,000-22,000 years ago, with 2-3 °C amplitudes that are close to our recorded full glacial-interglacial range. Using advanced transient climate simulations and comparing with forcing factors, we find that these warm periods in our MAAT record probably depends on local annual mean insolation, which is controlled by Earth's ~41,000-year obliquity cycles and is anti-phased to annual mean insolation at high latitudes. The coincidence of our identified warm periods and intervals of high-frequent dated archaeological evidence highlights the importance of temperature on anatomically modern humans in Asia during the last glacial stage.

Identification and molecular analysis of Ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting wild boars (Sus scrofa) and tick-borne pathogens at the Meihua mountain of southwestern Fujian, China.

Wildlife is essential to the biodiversity of the Meihua mountain, southwestern Fujian province, China. However, there have been few surveys of the distribution of ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick-borne pathogens affecting wild animals at these locations. In this study, 1197 adult ixodid ticks infesting wild boars were collected from 10 sampling sites during 2019. Ticks were identified to species based on morphology, and the identification was confirmed based on mitochondrial 16S, ITS1 and ITS2 rRNA sequences. Eight tick species belonging to 2 genera were identified, including H. longicornis (n = 373, 31.1%), H. flava (n = 265, 22.1%), D. auratus (n = 153, 12.8%), H. hystricis (n = 119, 9.9%), D. silvarum (n = 116, 9.7%), H. bispinosa (n = 114, 9.5%), D. atrosignatus (n = 33, 2.8%), and D. taiwanensis (n = 24, 2.0%). DNA sequences of Rickettsia spp. (spotted fever group) and Babesia spp. were detected in these ticks. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the possible existence of Candidatus Rickettsia laoensis and Rickettsia raoultii. This study illustrates the potential threat to wild animals and humans from tick-borne pathogens.

[Transcatheter delivery of recombinant adenovirus vector containing exogenous aquaporin gene in treatment of Sjögren's syndrome].

Sjögren's syndrome is a kind of autoimmune disease, whose main clinical symptoms are dry mouth, dry eye and chronic parotid glandular inflammation. The conservative treatments include artificial tears or saliva,oral administration of corticosteroids,and immunosuppressantsl with limited effectiveness. Along with the development of molecular biology, vast attentions are being paid to researches on gene therapy for Sjögren's syndrome, hopefully to bring gospel to patients with Sjögren's syndrome. This article reviews the recent research progresses on transcatheter delivery of recombinant adenovirus vector with aquaporin gene in experimental treatment of Sjögren's syndrome.