Nitrogen source is one of the important factors that affect the microalgae growth and lipid accumulation. We studied the effects of various nitrogen sources (i.e. NaNO3, CO(NH2)2, NH4Cl and CH3COONH4) and amount on the growth density, lipid yield, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content of Nannochloropsis oculata by single factor experimental method. The results show that N. oculata preferred NH4+ as nitrogen source rather than NO3- and CO(NH2)2. NH4+ could promote the growth and lipid accumulation of N. oculata. With the increase of nitrogen concentration, the biomass and the content of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) increased, but the content of lipid decreased. CH3COONH4 was the most suitable for growth, accumulation of lipid and EPA of N. oculata among the four investigated nitrogen sources. The optimal concentration was 5.29 mmol/L.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid ; metabolism ; Lipids ; biosynthesis ; isolation & purification ; Microalgae ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Nitrogen ; analysis ; metabolism ; Stramenopiles ; growth & development ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo discuss the treatment and diagnosis of congenital median perineal cleft in children.

METHODSBetween January 2009 to February 2013, 7 cases were diagnosed as congenital median perineal cleft according to the symptoms. Among them, 4 cases underwent surgery to correct cleft with double triangular perineal flaps. The other 3 cases with minor cleft did not receive surgery management.

RESULTSThere is an median cleft from the perineum to the anus with mucosa on the cleft surface. Primary healing was achieved in all the four patients with satisfactory appearance. The patients were followed up for 1-4 years with almost normal perineal appearance.

CONCLUSIONSCongenital perineal median cleft can be diagnosed according to the symptoms. Double triangular perineal flaps can be effectively correct the cleft to attain normal perineal appearance.

Adolescent ; Anal Canal ; Child ; Humans ; Perineum ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps ; Treatment Outcome ; Wound Healing

In order to investigate the effects of pyrolysis conditions on bio-oil production from biomass in molten salt, experiments of biomass pyrolysis were carried out in a self-designed reactor in which the molten salt ZnCl2-KCl (with mole ratio 7/6) was selected as heat carrier, catalyst and dispersion agent. The effects of metal salt added into ZnCl2-KCl and biomass material on biomass pyrolysis were discussed, and the main compositions of bio-oil were determined by GC-MS. Metal salt added into molten salt could affect pyrolysis production yields remarkably. Lanthanon salt could enhance bio-oil yield and decrease water content in bio-oil, when mole fraction of 5.0% LaCl3 was added, bio-oil yield could reach up to 32.0%, and water content of bio-oil could reduce to 61.5%. The bio-oil and char yields were higher when rice straw was pyrolysed, while gas yield was higher when rice husk was used. Metal salts showed great selectivity on compositions of bio-oil. LiCl and FeCl2 promoted biomass to pyrolyse into smaller molecular weight compounds. CrCl3, CaCl2 and LaCl3 could restrain second pyrolysis of bio-oil. The research provided a scientific reference for production of bio-oil from biomass pyrolysis in molten salt.
Biofuels ; analysis ; Bioreactors ; microbiology ; Catalysis ; Chlorides ; chemistry ; Lanthanum ; chemistry ; Lipids ; biosynthesis ; Oryza ; metabolism ; Plant Stems ; metabolism ; Potassium Chloride ; chemistry ; Salts ; chemistry ; Zinc Compounds ; chemistry

Pyrolysis of cellulose with different catalysts has been conducted in a fixed-bed reactor. Micro-mesoporous composite molecular sieves of ZSM-5(38)/A1-MCM-41 with different Si/A1 ratios were prepared under hydrothermal conditions. With powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), the catalyst samples were characterized. GC-MS was used to analyze the bio-oil composition. The effects of catalysts on the pyrolysis product yields were investigated and the results were compared with the results of experiments performed without catalyst under the same pyrolitic conditions. The presence of the catalysts decreased the liquid yield, while increased the moisture content. The major improvement in the quality of bio-oil with the use of catalysts was the increase of DL-2,3-Butanediol. ZSM-5(38)/A1-MCM-41(20) favored the formation of phenol and 2-methoxy-phenol. In addition, these catalysts were all benefit for the generation of small molecular compounds. Also, it was found that ZSM-5(38) was better for the production of C4-C5 compounds. And micro-mesoporous composite molecular sieves mainly promoted the production of C6-C8 compounds.
Catalysis ; Cellulose ; metabolism ; Plant Oils ; metabolism ; Refuse Disposal ; Silicon Dioxide ; chemistry ; Zeolites ; chemistry

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of multiple osteotomies combined with distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of non-syndromic scaphocephaly infants and young children. Methods: Clinical records of 8 non-syndromic scaphocephaly patients, during January 2017 to October 2018, from the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, were retrospectively analyzed. There were 3 males and 5 females, aged from 3 to 28 months, with an average of 13 months. Among them, 4 cases were typical scaphocephaly, 2 cases were anterior scaphocephaly and 2 cases were posterior scaphocephaly. According to the subtypes of scaphocephaly, different osteotomy methods and distraction directions were designed. The cranial vault was osteotomized by piezosurgery osteotomy in a multiple way. The dura did not separate from cranial flap. The internal distractors were installed subsequently. After a mean latency period of 5 days, the devices were activated at a rate of 0.4-0.6 mm/d. Distractor was extended twice a day. After 10-15 days activation period and 6 months consolidation, all the distractors were removed. Three-dimensional CT scans were performed before and after operation to measure the anteroposterior and bitemporal diameters, so as to calculate the cranial index. Results: Follow-up ranged from 6 to 14 months (average, 10 months). The average anteroposterior length of 8 children was(158.2±12.9) mm before operation, and (145.5±14.2) mm after operation, which was shortened(12.6±3.4) mm. Bitemporal diameters was(99.6±8.6) mm preoperatively and(113.9±7.5) mm postoperatively, which was widened (14.2±2.8) mm. Preoperative and postoperative cranial index was 63.2 and 78.3, respectively. The scaphocephalic head shape was significantly improved in all patients. There was no serious complications such as skull necrosis or intracranial infection. Conclusions Different types of multiple osteotomy combined with distraction osteogenesis are useful to correct various scaphocephaly of infants and children, by improving skull shape and cranial index.

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcome of distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of pediatric maxillofacial fractures. Methods: From November 2017 to November 2018, 6 cases of maxillofacial fractures were treated, including 3 cases of maxillary fracture and 3 cases of mandibular fracture. All of them were associated with facial asymmetry of different severity, disordered occlusion and displacement of fracture segments. The distraction osteogenesis device was used to fix the fracture during the operation. The distraction was initiated after 1 day latency period, and proceeded at approximately 0.5 mm each time, twice a day, until the normal occlusal relationship was achieved. Distractor was maintained for 1 month after distraction, and then removed. The degree of fracture healing, the mouth opening and the occlusal status at the fracture site were evaluated during follow-up, and the corresponding curative effect was observed and evaluated. Results: All fractures were healed well, without infection, dislocation, or pseudo-joint formation after 1 month. The distraction duration is 15-20 days and the distraction distance is 15-20 mm. At the end, the occlusal relationship was normal, and the mouth opening was not limited. The follow-up period was from 1 month to 1 year. The maxillofacial appearance of the children was normal, and the maxillofacial development was not significantly affected. Conclusions Distraction osteogenesis is an effective and controllable method for child maxillofacial fracture. It can be used as a supplement to the conventional treatment of maxillary and mandibular fracture in children.

Objective: To explore the effect of distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of syndromic craniosynostosis. Methods: The clinical data of 6 children with syndromic craniosynostosis from January 2014 to September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 males and 1 female, aged from 1 month and 21 days to 6 years and 1 month, with an average age of 30 months. There were 3 Crouzon syndrome, 1 Pfeiffer syndrome, 1 Vogt syndrome (ACS Ⅱ) and 1 Clove leaf skull syndrome. The distraction osteogenesis apparatus was used in this procedure. The distraction osteogenesis was prolonged twice a day, 0.4 mm each time, and the prolongation was stopped when the skull shape was significantly improved. Three-dimensional CT scans of the skull were reviewed after 6 months, suggesting that distraction osteogenesis was good, then the lengthener was removed. Complications were recorded, and extended distances were measured. Cranial indices before and after operation were compared to evaluate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of the operation. Results: The procedure of operation and traction was successful in all 6 children. There were no complications such as cranial spinal fluid (CSF) leakage or intracranial infection occurred. The increased distance was (19.1±3.3) mm, ranging from 15.2 to 25.6 mm. The preoperative cranial index was 89.6 ±7.3, while the postoperative cranial index was 74.2 ±3.6. All patients were followed up from 3 to 20 months, with the average of 14 months. The posterior cranial flatness was improved, and the patients were satisfied with the surgical results. Conclusions Distraction osteogenesis is effective and reliable in treating the premature fusion of cranial suture, and it produces excellent result with low rate of CSF leak and infection.

Objective: To investigate a new method to treat unilateral coronal synostosis. Methods: 2 cm-wide osteotomy was performed over the fused unilateral coronal suture.Oblique osteotomy was performed along the supraorbital rim to do a frontal suture of the glabella (patients less than one year old) or on the opposite side of the supraorbital rim (patients over one year old) after performing a suturectomy of the effected coronal suture. Two internal distraction devices were subsequently placed across the osteotomized, fused coronal suture. At the top of the unfused metopic suture, bring two holes and fixing with 4-0 absorbable suture.Finally, the cranium pieces were divided into 2 pieces and placed in the middle of the frontal bone using biological glue or titanium screws. Five days after the operation, a 0.6 mm distraction was performed twice per day. The distraction was removed 6 months after distraction reaching 30—60 mm. Results: Internal distraction osteogenesis with supraorbital oblique osteotomy was performed in eleven patients suffering from unilateral coronal synostosis from 2014.1 to 2017.1. All the patients had no abnormalities in nerve system, such as cephalomeningitis/ fistaul of cerebrospinal fluid/ epidural hematoma and so on.The distractor was not exposed. The width of extension ranged from 25—39 mm. One patient had infection in the rods around the distraction during the period of fixed, but was cured with antibiotic treatment and got an ideal extension eventually. The rest of 10 patients obtained the expected result . During a mean follow-up period of 12 months (5 to 26 months), all patients were presented with satisfactory cosmetic and functional result . CVAI were close to normal. Conclusions Treating unilateral coronal synostosis by internal distraction osteogenesis with supraorbital oblique osteotomy reduces the necessity offrontal and supraorbital osteotomy, and the exposure of the base of anterior cranial fossa, renders a safe and effective approach.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of three-dimensional Z-shaped osteotomy with cranium distraction osteogenesis for unilateral lambdoid synostosis. Methods: Imaging the skull as a cuboid, we designed the affected lambdoid suture as the middle line of letter Z, the osteotomy line paralleling to the sagittal suture or extending downward posterior cranial fossa as the two horizontal lines of Z to obtain the three-dimensional Z-shaped osteotomy lines. Two or three distraction devices were installed after removing the cranial bone at the premature fused suture with a width of 2.0-2.5 cm. Since the 5th day after operation, distraction was performed at the rate of 0.6 mm each day, twice a day, until the distraction distance reached 2.0-4.5 cm. Finally, we removed the distractors after fixation for three months. Results: Eleven cases of unilateral lambdoid synostosis were treated successfully. No infection or bleeding happened except for one case with distractor entrance scalp infection. No complications, including the fixed screws displacement, penetrating the cranium and the dura mater or distraction devices retracting, occurred. During a mean follow-up period of 24 months (5 to 36 months), all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic and functional result. Conclusions Three-dimensional Z-shaped osteotomy with cranium distraction osteogenesis can not only extend upward to raise the cranial height, but also lengthen backward to singularize the occipital carina, forming a well-pleasing occipitalia. Z shape stabilizes the whole plate, making the separated cranial bones not easy to retract. Therefore, using this procedure is effective and mini-invasive, and especially suitable for young infant.

Background and Objectives: Cranial sutures play a critical role in adjustment of skull development and brain growth. Premature fusion of cranial sutures leads to craniosynostosis. The aim of the current study was to culture and characterize human cranial suture mesenchymal cells in vitro. Methods: The residual skull tissues, containing synostosed or contralateral suture from three boys with right coronal suture synostosis, were used to isolate the suture mesenchymal cells. Then, flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation were performed to identify the typical mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) properties. Finally, we used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the mRNA expression of osteogenesis and stemness related genes. Results: After 3 to 5 days in culture, the cells migrated from the tissue explants and proliferated parallelly or spirally. These cells expressed typical MSC markers, CD73, CD90, CD105, and could give rises to osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes. RT-PCR showed relatively higher levels of Runx2, osteocalcin and FGF2 in the fused suture MSCs than in the normal cells. However, BMP3, the only protein of BMP family that inhibits osteogenesis, reduced in synostosed suture derived cells. The expression of effector genes remaining cell stemness, including Bmi1, Gli1 and Axin2, decreased in the cells migrated from the affected cranial sutures. Conclusions The MSCs from prematurely occlusive sutures overexpressed osteogenic related genes and down-regulated stemness-related genes, which may further accelerate the osteogenic differentiation and suppress the self-renewal of stem cells leading to craniosynostosis.