Two-Dimensional (PEA)2PbBr4 Perovskites Sensors for Highly Sensitive Ethanol Vapor Detection.

Two-dimensional (2D) perovskite have been widely researched for solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors because of their excellent environmental stability and optoelectronic properties in comparison to three-dimensional (3D) perovskite. In this study, we demonstrate the high response of 2D-(PEA)2PbBr4 perovskite of the horizontal vapor sensor was outstandingly more superior than 3D-MAPbBr3 perovskite. 2D transverse perovskite layer have the large surface-to-volume ratio and reactive surface, with the charge transfer mechanism, which was suitable for vapor sensing and trapping. Thus, 2D perovskite vapor sensors demonstrate the champion current response ratio R of 107.32 under the ethanol vapors, which was much faster than 3D perovskite (R = 2.92).

Qualitative screening and quantitative determination of multiclass water-soluble synthetic dyes in foodstuffs by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

A LC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analytical method for both qualitative screening and quantitative determination of 90 synthetic dyes including ten groups of isomers in foods has been established. An in-house synthetic dyes database and characteristic ions were also developed. Based on Q-Orbitrap HRMS, mass spectrum and fragmentation patterns of synthetic dyes were studied, which indicated that double charged ions were usually the main precursor ions. Matrix effects were successfully eliminated by the C18 d-SPE clean-up coupled with dilute and shoot approach with methanol-water (1:4, v/v) in 100-fold. For most of the compounds, mean recoveries were satisfactory between 70% and 120% with RSD < 20% at three spiked level in the range of 0.025-1.0 mg/kg. The screening detection limits ranged from 0.025 - 1.0 mg/kg. Method validation showed that the established method was efficient, rapid and high-throughput, which has been successfully applied to the monitoring of these water-soluble synthetic dyes in foods.

Oroxylin A attenuates osteoarthritis progression by dual inhibition of cell inflammation and hypertrophy.

The imbalance between the anabolism and catabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is of great importance to osteoarthritis (OA) development. Aberrant inflammatory responses and hypertrophic changes of chondrocytes are the main contributors to these metabolic disorders. In the present study, we found that Oroxylin A (ORA), a flavonoid compound derived from Oroxylum indicum, maintained ECM hemostasis of chondrocytes by Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) stimulation. Besides, it was demonstrated that IL-1ß induced over-production of inflammatory mediators was attenuated by ORA treatment. Moreover, ORA could rescue IL-1ß mediated hypertrophic alterations of chondrocytes. Mechanistically, ORA's protective effects were found to be associated with both NF-κB and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling inhibition. Meanwhile, molecular docking analysis revealed that ORA could strongly bind to the inhibitor kappa B kinaseß (IKKß) and dishevelled, Dsh Homolog 2 (Dvl2), the upstream molecules of the NF-κB axis and ß-catenin axis, respectively. In addition, ORA driven chondroprotective effects were also affirmed in a surgically induced OA mouse model. Taken together, the current study suggested that ORA might be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of OA.

Simultaneous determination of multiclass illegal dyes with different acidic-basic properties in foodstuffs by LC-MS/MS via polarity switching mode.

Simultaneous determination of multiclass illegal dyes possessing different chemical properties is difficult. By using LC-MS/MS via negative/positive ion switching mode, an efficient and fast multi-residual method for simultaneous determination of multiclass 52 illegal dyes with different acidic-basic properties in foodstuffs was developed and validated during one single run, including 23 fat-soluble neutral azo dyes, 8 acidic sulfonated azo dyes, 12 triphenylmethane basic dyes, three basic indole dyes, three xanthene dyes, one quinoline dye, and two anthraquinones dyes. The illegal dyes were extracted with methanol-acetonitrile and further purified with d-SPE procedure to reduce interference. Sample dilution with 100-fold was used for the elimination of matrix effects of the quantitation of LC-MS/MS analysis. Validation data showed the good recoveries in the range of 71.2-111.2%, with relative standard deviations less than 20%, suggesting the developed method is suitable for the identification and quantitation of multiclass illegal dyes at trace levels in foods.

Feasibility and efficacy of wearable devices for upper limb rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Wearable devices based on inertial measurement units through wireless sensor networks have many applications such as real-time motion monitoring and functional outcome assessment of stroke rehabilitation. However, additional investigations are warranted to validate their clinical value, particularly in detecting the synergy patterns of movements after stroke. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and efficacy of wearable devices for upper limb rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke and to compare the intervention effects (e.g., neurological recovery, active range of motion, and deviation angle) with those in a control group. DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized-controlled pilot study. SETTING: Rehabilitation ward. METHODS: A total of 18 patients with chronic stroke were randomly distributed into a device group and control group. Both groups received conventional rehabilitation; nevertheless, the device group was additionally subjected to 15 daily sessions at least three times a week for 5 weeks. The outcome measures included the upper extremity subscores of the Fugl-Meyer assessment, active range of motion, and deviation angle. These measurements were performed pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: All five Fugl-Meyer assessment subscores improved in both the device and control groups after intervention; in particular, the "shoulder/elbow/forearm" subscore (P=0.02, 0.03) and "total score" (P=0.03, 0.03) substantially improved. The active range of motion of shoulder flexion and abduction substantially improved at pre-post treatment in both the device (P=0.02, 0.03) and control (P=0.02, 0.03) groups. The deviation angle of shoulder external rotation during shoulder abduction substantially improved in the device group (P=0.02), but not in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The designed wearable devices are practical and efficient for use in chronic patients with stroke. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Wearable devices are expected to be useful for future internet-of-things rehabilitation clinical trials at home and in long-term care institutions.

Mixed hemimicelles solid-phase extraction based on sodium dodecyl sulfate-coated nano-magnets for selective adsorption and enrichment of illegal cationic dyes in food matrices prior to high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection detection.

In this study, mixed hemimicelles solid-phase extraction (MHSPE) based on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) coated nano-magnets Fe3O4 was investigated as a novel method for the extraction and separation of four banned cationic dyes, Auramine O, Rhodamine B, Basic orange 21 and Basic orange 22, in condiments prior to HPLC detection. The main factors affecting the extraction of analysts, such as pH, surfactant and adsorbent concentrations and zeta potential were studied and optimized. Under optimized conditions, the proposed method was successful applied for the analysis of banned cationic dyes in food samples such as chili sauce, soybean paste and tomato sauce. Validation data showed the good recoveries in the range of 70.1-104.5%, with relative standard deviations less than 15%. The method limits of determination/quantification were in the range of 0.2-0.9 and 0.7-3µgkg(-1), respectively. The selective adsorption and enrichment of cationic dyes were achieved by the synergistic effects of hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic attraction between mixed hemimicelles and the cationic dyes, which also resulted in the removal of natural pigments interferences from sample extracts. When applied to real samples, RB was detected in several positive samples (chili powders) within the range from 0.042 to 0.177mgkg(-1). These results indicate that magnetic MHSPE is an efficient and selective sample preparation technique for the extraction of banned cationic dyes in a complex matrix.

Is vaginal mucosal graft the excellent substitute material for urethral reconstruction in female-to-male transsexuals?

PURPOSE: Construction of a neourethra is always considered to be a difficult part in phalloplasty, especially for the female-to-male (FTM) transsexual patients. We report our experience with prefabricated pars pendulans urethrae using vaginal mucosal graft for phalloplasty in FTM transsexuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed notes on the 22 FTM patients treated with pedicled-flap phalloplasty with prefabricated pars pendulans urethrae using vaginal mucosal graft between January 2008 and December 2012. Surgical outcome, urological function, and complications were recorded. Histological difference between normal mucosa and skin, and pathological changes of vaginal mucosal graft were also observed. RESULTS: All the reconstructive penis survived, and patients could void in a standing position finally at a median follow-up of 25.4 ± 6.0 months. Urethral fistula and urethral stricture rates were 31.8 % (7/22 patients) and 4.5 % (1/22 patients), respectively. The occurrence of the urethral stricture was remarkably low compared with previous reports. Our histological results also showed a pronounced similarity between vaginal and buccal mucosa. Morphologically, they resembled urethral epithelium more closely than the forearm skin. Following the free transfer, the vaginal mucosal graft also showed a good revascularization and the inflammatory reaction and the extent of fibrosis of the mucosa decreased to the normal level after a 6-month prefabrication. CONCLUSION: With prefabrication of vaginal mucosal graft, we reconstruct a competent phallic neourethra in these FTM transsexuals. According to its histological similarities and source character, the vaginal mucosa is the excellent substitute material for promising urethral reconstruction in FTM transsexuals.

Fast and simultaneous determination of eleven synthetic color additives in flour and meat products by liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detector and tandem mass spectrometry.

In this study, an efficient, fast and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of eleven synthetic color additives (Allura red, Amaranth, Azo rubine, Brilliant blue, Erythrosine, Indigotine, Ponceau 4R, New red, Sunset yellow, Quinoline yellow and Tartrazine) in flour and meat foodstuffs is developed and validated using HPLC coupled with DAD and MS/MS. The color additives were extracted with ammonia-methanol and was further purified with SPE procedure using Strata-AW column in order to reduce matrix interference. This HPLC-DAD method is intended for a comprehensive survey of color additives in foods. HPLC-MS/MS method was used as the further confirmation and identification. Validation data showed the good recoveries in the range of 75.2-113.8%, with relative standard deviations less than 15%. These methods are suitable for the routine monitoring analysis of eleven synthetic color additives due to its sensitivity, reasonable time and cost.

Laparoscope-assisted creation of a neovagina using pedicled ileum segment transfer.

BACKGROUND: To present our experience of vaginal reconstruction with the use of a pedicled ileum segment and laparoscope assistance, and to analyze its complications and long-term anatomic and functional results. METHODS: The abdominal and perineal approaches were performed simultaneously with the patient in a special position. Under the guidance of laparoscopy, the target ileal segment was harvested and transposed down to the perineum through an artificial tunnel between the bladder and the rectum. A silicon vaginal tutor was introduced into the vaginal cavity and maintained all day long for 2-3 months. The complications and the anatomical and functional results were summarized and analyzed. RESULTS: From February 2002 to June 2010, 82 patients underwent laparoscope-assisted total vaginal reconstruction with a pedicled ileum segment at our department. Complications developed in 16 of 82 patients, including rectum and/or bladder injury during operation, acute renal failure, delayed healing of the ileocutaneous anastomosis, introital stenosis, and partial or complete intestinal obstruction. The abdominal cutaneous scar was acceptable after the surgery. The vulva was not altered, which was especially significant for patients with congenital vaginal atresia. The neovagina was patent, soft, moist, and flexible. The mean width and depth of the neovagina at the latest postoperative visit measured 3.2 and 15 cm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The favorable long-term anatomical and functional results demonstrate that our technique is ideal for patients with congenital vaginal atresia or patients who need secondary vaginal reconstruction. For the primary male-to-female transsexuals or hermaphrodites, it can be an alternative method for vaginal construction.

[Effect of PRX-2 gene transferred by lipofectamine on the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of PRX-2 gene transferred by lipofectamine on the human skin fibroblasts. METHODS: Normal human skin fibroblasts were cultured and PRX-2 gene was transferred by lipofectamine. The proliferation of fibroblasts was detected by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The proliferation of PRX-2-transfected fibroblasts was stronger than that of normal counterparts. There were fewer cells during G0-G1 period and more cells during S and G2-M periods. The proliferative index increased. CONCLUSION: The proliferation of fibroblasts may be modified by transfected PRX-2. Thus PRX-2 plays an important role during the healing of human skin wound.

Neurovascular details about forearm muscles: applications in their clinical use in functional muscular transfer.

PURPOSE: The concept of muscle subunits has been introduced for limb reconstruction and functional conservation of donor site, yet it requires thorough understanding of neurovascular anatomy of muscles. The present study provides neurovascular details of forearm skeletal muscles. METHODS: Twenty-eight forearms were dissected totally, ten for observing extramuscular nerve distribution, ten for observing intramuscular nerve distribution by modified Sihler's technique, and the other eight for observing intramuscular artery distribution by aqueous barium sulfate infusion. The forearm muscles were classified into three different types according to Lym's classification. Numbers of extramuscular and intramuscular nerves were counted and compared between the types. Intramuscular vascular distribution was also classified into three different types according to Mathes' method. Intramuscular vascular distribution was compared with nerve distribution as well. RESULTS: There were also some variations in the composition of muscular branches. Numbers of intramuscular nerve branches were significantly higher in muscle types IIa and III. Morphology and intramuscular neurovascular distribution of type II muscles are easy to split into two independent parts for functional muscular flap transfer according to morphology and intramuscular neurovascular distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The present study elucidated that flexor carpi ulnaris and radialis, extensor carpi ulnaris, and carpi radialis brevis were suitable for functional muscular transfer from several different insights, but the roles of pronator teres and supinator remained to be controversial. This study might be very helpful to plastic surgeons and anatomists.

[Anatomic study of intramuscular nerve and blood vessel in forearm muscles: an anatomical study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution of intramuscular nerve and blood vessels in forearm muscles and to discuss the possibility of dividing the forearm muscles into independent functional units. METHODS: (1) The muscles were dissected in 10 forearms from 5 fresh adult human cadavers and stained with the Sihler's nerve staining; (2) The blood vessels were studied in eight forearm muscles from 4 fresh adult human cadavers with irrigation of a mixture of 30% barium sulfate and gelatin from brachial artery and then X-photographed. All pictures were compared to study the intramuscular distribution of nerve and blood vessels. RESULTS: The intramuscular nerve branches were stained purple-black and visualized clearly. The muscles were classified into three types according to the distribution characters of intramuscular nerve and blood vessels. And the types of muscles could be further subdivided into a and b subtypes. CONCLUSION: According to the neurovascular distribution, the forearm muscles in type II a and type III a can be divided into independent function units for muscle functional transplantation.

[Laparoscopic small intestinal flap colpopoiesis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility of Laparoscopic reconstruction of vagina using pedicled ileal autograft and provide a new procedure of colpopoiesis. METHODS: The abdominal and perineal approaches were performed simultaneously under a sufficiently deep general anaesthesia. Laparoscopically, a 15-18 cm segment of the ileum on its vascular pedicle, ileal branches of the superior mesenteric artery and its concomitant veins, was selected and isolated for transplantation using ultrasonically-powered instruments. The distal of the transferred ileal segment was 15cm apart from the ileocecal junction. The ileum continuity was restored immediately by end-to-end anastomosis and the distal oral of the transplant was closed using a curved intraluminal stapler. Meanwhile, a neovaginal tract was completed to dissect from the perineum into the peritoneum and the tract widened laterally. Then the ileum transplant was reversed to reach the perineum through the peritoneal incision at the top of the neovaginal tract without subjecting the mesenteric neurovascular pedicle to undue tension and subsequent necrosis. The oral edge of the ileum transplant was sutured to the perineal skin. RESULTS: Followed up for over 1-53 months postoperatively, 36 patients who received laparoscopic vaginoplasty by transferring ileal segment flaps got satisfactory neovaginal function similar to a normal vagina with mucus and moistness. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of using a laparoscopic ileum colpopoiesis are that (1) satisfactory neovaginal function similar to a normal vagina with mucus and moistness, (2) no disturbance of bowel function, (minimal scarring in abdominal wall and less secondary deformity in perineum and (3) no need for frequent dilation or stent wearing to the reconstructed vagina. And so laparoscopic vaginoplasty was a preferable alternative of vaginoplasty.

[Transfection of agrin gene on the recovery of muscle function after free neurovascular muscle transfer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of transfection of agrin gene on the recovery of muscle function after a free neurovascular muscle transfer. METHODS: The electrical gene transfection was performed when the gracilis muscle of the SD rat was completed free neurovascular transfer. The experimental group was treated with pCS2+ -agrin, the group with plasmid pCS2+ as the negative control and the group with normal saline as the frank control. The muscle function, expression of neural agrin and the junctional nAChR number was measured after the operation. RESULTS: At 4, 5 and 10 weeks postoperatively, the pCS2+ -agrin group was significantly better than the control groups in muscle function (P < 0.05 ). The immunohistochemical staining showed an increasing deposition of the agrin protein near the endplate at 1 and 5 weeks after the operation, but decreasing remarkably to the level of control groups at 10 weeks postoperatively. The pCS2+ -agrin group was significantly more than the control groups in junctional nAChR number at every points of the time postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Transfection of agrin gene in the transferred muscle may increase the early recovery of muscle function.

[Differential display of homeobox gene expressions in the normal, wounded human fetal and adult skins by DNA microarray].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the differential expression of homeobox genes in the normal, wounded human fetal and adult skins and its significance in fetal scarless healing. METHODS: Gene chips containing 14 000 human genes were used to investigate homeobox gene expressions of the normal, wounded human fetal and adult skins. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the expression of homeobox genes, especially for PRX-2, HOXB13, HOXB6 and HOXB7. CONCLUSIONS: The homeobox gene is in close relation to developmental biology. The different expressions and changes of homeobox genes in the normal, wounded human fetal and adult skin may be a primary cause of different wound healing between fetal and adult skin.

[Observation of the grafting of platelet-derived growth factor gene-modified artificial composite skin on rat wounds].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of the grafting of a platelet-derived growth factor gene-modified artificial composite skin on rat wounds with full thickness defect. METHODS: Platelet derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) eukaryotic expression plasmid was constructed, and the fibroblasts were transfected with it by liposome mediation. Artificial composite skins 1 and 2 were constructed respectively. The skin1 was composed of keratinocyte, porcine acellular dermal matrix and PDGF-B gene-transfected fibroblasts while the skin 2 contained keratinocyte, porcine acellular dermal matrix and fibroblasts. The two kinds of composite skin were grafted onto wounds on the rat back to form composite skin group 1 (C1) and 2 (C2), respectively, with 18 rats in each group. Eight rats with wounds without treatment served as control (C) group. The survival rate of the composite skin was observed at 2 post-operative weeks (POWs). The rat wounds were examined grossly on 2, 4 and 6 POWs for the calculation of wound contraction rate. Wound tissue samples were harvested for histological examination. RESULTS: (1) Up to 2 POWs, 14 grafts in C1 group survived completely, 3 with partial survival and 1 failure. In C2 group, 10 skin grafts survived completely, 4 with partial survival and 4 failures. (2) A scab was formed in the wound at 2 POW in C group. The surface of the grafted skin in C1 group was smooth, elastic, and showed good anti-friction properly, and it was better in quality compared with that in other two groups at 6 POW. (3) The wound contraction rate of the grafts in C group of rats was higher than that in C1 and C2 groups at 2, 4 and 6 POWs, while that in C1 was lower than that in C2 group. (4) Capillary formation was more intense in the grafted skins in C1 group at 2 POWs, and the epithelia differentiated well into 7 to 10 layers of epithelial cells with compact and orderly arrangement and evenly distributed fibrous tissue at 6 POWs. CONCLUSION: Repair of the wound with artificial composite skin containing PDGF-B gene could improve the quality of wound healing.

[One-stage reconstruction of postburn whole auricle defect with MEDPOR ear scaffold covered with superficial temporoparietal fascia flap].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect and the key points in the operative procedure of the one-stage reconstruction of postburn whole auricle defect with medpor car scaffold covered with superficial temporoparietal fascia (TPF) flap. METHODS: Medpor car scaffold was embedded under the superficial temporal (TFP) fascia. Razor-thin skin was grafted onto the surface of the fascia flap. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with postburn whole auricle defect were treated by one-stage reconstruction with Medpor ear scaffold during the last four years. It was successful in all the patients with satisfactory appearance of the reconstructed ears. CONCLUSION: Medpor possessed friendly biological compatibility. The reconstruction gave satisfactory results, and its advantages consisted of short operational time, easy manipulation, less injury to patients and good auricular contour.

[Experimental study on p53 gene mutation in keloid fibroblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the significance and the role of the p53 gene mutation in the exon 4 to 8 in keloid fibroblasts. METHODS: Tissue samples from twelve patients with keloid and twelve hyperplastic scar respectively were harvested for in vitro culture of fibroblasts, and normal skin samples from the same patients were employed as the control. Polymerase chain reaction-based single-strained conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and DNA sequencing were employed to detect p53 gene mutations of the fibroblasts. RESULTS: The points and frameshift mutations in the exon 4, 5, 6, 7 of p53 gene were identified in 9 of the 12 keloid tissue samples. No p53 gene mutation was detected in all hyperplastic scar and normal skin samples. CONCLUSION: p53 gene mutation might play an important role in the formation and development of keloids.

[The dynamic expression of TNF-alpha mRNA of hypertrophic scars and its roles].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha: TNF-alpha in the hypertrophic scar and find a valid way to treat the hypertrophic scars with gene therapy. METHODS: TNF-alpha mRNA expression was tested with a semiquantitative reverse polymerase chain reation (RT-PCR) method in the different period of a hypertrophic scar. RESULTS: There was a significant increase of TNF-alpha mRNA as the hypertrophic scar was getting mature (P < 0.01). However, the ratios of TNF-alpha mRNA was significantly in a lower level than the normal scar. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that TNF-alpha may play an important role in normal would healing, but the hypertrophic scar may result from the shortage of the TNF-alpha. This indicates that to increase the TNF-alpha with gene therapy may be a good way to treat the hyphertrophic scar.

[Preparation of porcine acellular dermal matrix by low concentration of trypsin digestion and repeated freeze-thaw cycles].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a new method for the preparation of porcine acellular dermal matrix. METHODS: The antigenicity of the porcine dermis was weakened by removing epidermal and dermal cells from the porcine skin through the digestion with low-concentration trypsin and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Split thickness porcine skin was treated with 0.05% trypsin to remove the cells from the epidermis and dermis. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles were employed to further weed out the residual cells within the dermis. The prepared acellular dermis was then examined grossly, as well as histologically, and also by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: No cell could be identified in the prepared porcine acellular dermal matrix. The integral basement membrane was preserved on the surface of dermal matrix with compact dermal matrix collagen structure. CONCLUSION: Low concentration trypsinization and repeated freeze-thaw cycles seemed to be a simple and effective method for the preparation of xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix.