Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of using autologous mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" grafting to augment mandible for correcting lower facial asymmetry with normal occlusal relationships.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with lower facial asymmetry treated at the Department of Plastic Surgery, the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from January 2016 to December 2019. Preoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans of the maxillofacial region were obtained to acquire three-dimensional data of the maxillofacial skeleton. Computer-aided design was used to determine the osteotomy range of the mandibular outer cortex and design osteotomy guide template. The outer cortex of the larger mandibular side (donor site) was harvested according to the osteotomy guide template and sectioned. The segmented mandibular outer cortex was then contoured to match the arc of the recipient side’s mandibular outer cortex and fixed to the inner side of the recipient mandibular outer cortex, thus increasing the width and thickness of the expanded mandible. Follow-up was conducted at 7th day and 6 months postoperatively, CBCT scan was performed to measure the changes in ramus height (Co-Go), mandibular body length (Go-Me), and mandibular outer cortex thickness, and volume, and the patient satisfaction with facial appearance (1 to 5 points, with higher scores indicating higher satisfaction), were assessed to evaluate surgical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 12.0 software. Paired t-tests were used to compare patient satisfaction scores preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Repeated measurement ANOVA was used to compare Co-Go and Go-Me measurements preoperatively, 7th day, and 6 months postoperatively. If a statistically significant difference is found, further analysis using post-hoc testing(Tukey’s HSD test) will be conducted to examine the data. Results:Sixteen patients with lower facial asymmetry were included, comprising of 5 males and 11 females, aged 18 to 40 years, with an average age of 25.2 years. Surgical method included contralateral mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" grafting to the expanded mandible in 9 cases and simultaneous genioplasty in 7 cases. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 5 years, with an average follow-up of 18.6 months. All patients experienced numbness of the lower lip postoperatively, which resolved within six months, and no severe complications occurred. The symmetry of lower facial contour improved significantly and remained stable. Patient satisfaction score for facial appearance increased from (1.63±0.62) points preoperatively to (4.19±0.75) points six months postoperatively( P<0.01). The differences in Co-Go on the donor side and Go-Me on the recipient side across the three time points(preoperatively, 7th day and 6 months postoperatively) were not statistically significant(all P>0.05). However, the differences in Go-Me on the donor side and Co-Go on the recipient side across the three time points were statistically significant(all P<0.05). On the donor side, the mandibular outer cortex thickness decreased by a maximum of 6 mm on 7th day postoperatively and increased by a maximum of 2 mm at 6 months postoperatively compared to 7th day. On the recipient side, mandibular outer cortex thickness increased by a maximum of 6 mm on 7th day postoperatively and decreased by a maximum of 2 mm at six months postoperatively compared to 7th day. The volume of the mandibular outer cortex on the recipient side increased by (4 415.94±1 017.21)mm 3 at 7th day postoperatively compared to preoperatively, and decreased by (202.63±300.85)mm 3 at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion:For lower facial asymmetrical with normal occlusal relationships and no occlusal plane deviation, contralateral mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" bone grafting can effectively increase the width and volume of the mandible on the grafted side, achieving favorable clinical outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of using autologous mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" grafting to augment mandible for correcting lower facial asymmetry with normal occlusal relationships.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with lower facial asymmetry treated at the Department of Plastic Surgery, the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from January 2016 to December 2019. Preoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans of the maxillofacial region were obtained to acquire three-dimensional data of the maxillofacial skeleton. Computer-aided design was used to determine the osteotomy range of the mandibular outer cortex and design osteotomy guide template. The outer cortex of the larger mandibular side (donor site) was harvested according to the osteotomy guide template and sectioned. The segmented mandibular outer cortex was then contoured to match the arc of the recipient side’s mandibular outer cortex and fixed to the inner side of the recipient mandibular outer cortex, thus increasing the width and thickness of the expanded mandible. Follow-up was conducted at 7th day and 6 months postoperatively, CBCT scan was performed to measure the changes in ramus height (Co-Go), mandibular body length (Go-Me), and mandibular outer cortex thickness, and volume, and the patient satisfaction with facial appearance (1 to 5 points, with higher scores indicating higher satisfaction), were assessed to evaluate surgical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 12.0 software. Paired t-tests were used to compare patient satisfaction scores preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Repeated measurement ANOVA was used to compare Co-Go and Go-Me measurements preoperatively, 7th day, and 6 months postoperatively. If a statistically significant difference is found, further analysis using post-hoc testing(Tukey’s HSD test) will be conducted to examine the data. Results:Sixteen patients with lower facial asymmetry were included, comprising of 5 males and 11 females, aged 18 to 40 years, with an average age of 25.2 years. Surgical method included contralateral mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" grafting to the expanded mandible in 9 cases and simultaneous genioplasty in 7 cases. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 5 years, with an average follow-up of 18.6 months. All patients experienced numbness of the lower lip postoperatively, which resolved within six months, and no severe complications occurred. The symmetry of lower facial contour improved significantly and remained stable. Patient satisfaction score for facial appearance increased from (1.63±0.62) points preoperatively to (4.19±0.75) points six months postoperatively( P<0.01). The differences in Co-Go on the donor side and Go-Me on the recipient side across the three time points(preoperatively, 7th day and 6 months postoperatively) were not statistically significant(all P>0.05). However, the differences in Go-Me on the donor side and Co-Go on the recipient side across the three time points were statistically significant(all P<0.05). On the donor side, the mandibular outer cortex thickness decreased by a maximum of 6 mm on 7th day postoperatively and increased by a maximum of 2 mm at 6 months postoperatively compared to 7th day. On the recipient side, mandibular outer cortex thickness increased by a maximum of 6 mm on 7th day postoperatively and decreased by a maximum of 2 mm at six months postoperatively compared to 7th day. The volume of the mandibular outer cortex on the recipient side increased by (4 415.94±1 017.21)mm 3 at 7th day postoperatively compared to preoperatively, and decreased by (202.63±300.85)mm 3 at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion:For lower facial asymmetrical with normal occlusal relationships and no occlusal plane deviation, contralateral mandibular outer cortex "sandwich" bone grafting can effectively increase the width and volume of the mandible on the grafted side, achieving favorable clinical outcomes.

Objective To establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS)method for the simultaneous determination of 11 components in Fazhi Banxia Qu(including Pinelliae Preparata,Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus,and Exocarpium Citri Grandis),and combined with grey relational analysis(GRA)and entropy weight-technique for sequencing by approximate ideal solution or technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(EW-TOPSIS)analysis to comprehensive evaluate the quality of Fazhi Banxia Qu.Methods The Shimadzu C18 column was used,and the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.5%glacial acetic acid in a gradient elution manner,the flow rate was 1.0 mL·min-1,and the detection wavelength were set at 254 nm and 290 nm.Ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate was used as an internal reference substance to calculate the other ten components'relative correction factors(RCF),after which the content determination was made.The GRA combined with the EW-TOPSIS model were used to evaluate the comprehensive quality of Fazhi Banxia Qu.Results Eleven components of Fazhi Banxia Qu showed good linear relationships within their ranges,and the correlation coefficients were greater than 0.999.The average recoveries were 96.94%-100.12%(RSD<2.0%,n=9).There was no significant difference between QAMS and external standard method(ESM).The relative correlation degree of the GRA model was 0.290 3-0.618 7,and the relative proximity in the EW-TOPSIS model was 0.211 4-0.634 3.The comprehensive evaluation results of the GRA and EW-TOPSIS models were the same.Conclusion The HPLC-QAMS method is convenient and accurate,and can be used for quantitative control of multi-index components in Fazhi Banxia Qu.The GRA combined with EW-TOPSIS models can be used to evaluate the comprehensive quality of Fazhi Banxia Qu.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of correcting breast ptosis using the rotational filling of an inferolaterally pedicled tongue-shaped parenchymal flap via a double periareolar incision.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 34 female patients (68 breasts) with breast ptosis treated at the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2023. The patients＇ ages ranged from 23 to 53 years, with an average of (37.4±7.9) years. All patients underwent correction of breast ptosis using an inferolaterally pedicled tongue-shaped parenchymal flap via a double periareolar incision. Pre-operative and post-operative measurements were taken to assess the corrective outcomes, including mammary base width (MBW), areola diameter (AD), nipple-to-nipple distance (NN), suprasternal notch-to-nipple distance (SSN-N), nipple-to-inframammary fold distance (N-IMF), and thoracic circumference at the nipple level (TN). Patients＇ satisfaction was assessed using the BREAST-questionnaire (BREAST-Q) module.Results:Postoperative first-stage wound healing was achieved in all 34 patients without complications such as hematoma, infection, or nipple necrosis. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 60 months, with a median of 12 months. Early postoperative observations showed periareolar folds, which disappeared within 3 to 6 months in 31 cases, while mild periareolar folds, persisted for up to 12 months in 3 cases. Four patients reported reduced nipple sensation postoperatively. Measurements showed a statistically significant increase in TN and a reduction in NN, SSN-N, AD, N-IMF, and MBW compared to preoperative values (all P<0.001). BREAST-Q scores indicated significant improvements in satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being and physical well-being, with preoperative scores of (21.6±8.9), (42.4±11.9) and (49.7±12.9) scores increasing to (82.3±8.5), (81.9±8.1) and (81.2±8.3) scores, respectively (all P<0.001). Conclusions:The double periareolar incision technique with rotational filling of an inferolaterally pedicled tongue-shaped glandular flap is a safe and effective method for correcting breast ptosis.

Objective:To explore the application of biomechanics principle in the repair of double eyelid disappearance after blepharoplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 47 patients (46 females and 1 male) with double eyelid disappearance after blepharoplasty in the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Friendship Plastic Surgical Hospital from July 2018 to December 2022. The patients aged from 19-42 (28±8) years. The repair surgery was performed by increasing the mechanical factors that promoted the double eyelid formation or weakening the mechanical factors that inhibited the double eyelid formation. The overall satisfaction with ocular appearance, and psychological well-being and social function were evaluated with the Face-Q qustionnaires before or after operation.Results:By following-up for 3-24 months, the morphology of upper eyelids in all 47 patients were remarkably improved. 2 patients complained about asymmetry and 1 patient had multiple creases, for whom satisfactory results achieved after re-operation. The remaining patients presented smooth natural double eyelid line, and concave groove deformity when eyes closed were not noticed. The operative effects were satisfactory. After surgery, the scores for ocular satisfaction with facial appearance, psychological well-being and social function were (69.5±10.3), (75.5±13.6) and (68.3±11.3) scores, which were significantly increased than those before operation [(38.7±9.3), (54.8±10.5) and (52.3±8.7) scores], respectively (all P<0.05). Conclusion:More effective and reliable operation results can be obtained in the repair strategies of double eyelid disappearance after blepharoplasty by utilizing the biomechanical mechanism.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of W-shaped genioplasty in the correction of broad and short chin deformity.Methods:Thirty-eight patients (5 males, 33 females, aged 20 to 41 years, mean 27.3 years) complained with broad and short chin were admitted to the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospitalof Nanjing Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021. CBCT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed to design osteotomy line and determine the distance of chin lengthening, narrowing and advancing or retrocession preoperatively. Under general anesthesia, the W-shaped osteotomy was performed using an intraoral incision, and the angle between the bilateral free bone fragments, the distance of downward and forward movement were adjusted to change the curvature, width, length and prominence of the lower edge of the chin according to the preoperative designs. The results were evaluated by clinical appearances and image analyses at a follow-up of 3-24 months.Results:The amount of vertical lengthening of the chin in 38 cases were 2 mm to 5 mm, with an average of 3.02 mm. The horizontal narrowing width distances were 3-7 mm, with an average of 5.6 mm. The patients were followed up for 3-24 months, with an average of 10.6 months. There were no complications such as hematoma, wound dehiscence, accidental fracture, surgical area infection and permanent neurosensory disorder. 38 patients had transient sensory loss in the lower lip region of varying degrees, but all recovered spontaneously during routine follow-up period. All patients were satisfied with the improvement of facial contour.Conclusions:W-shaped geinoplasty preserves the central bone of the chin and the attachment of genioglossus muscle, which does not affect the normal anatomy and physiological function of the oral cavity. After osteotomy, the bone is removed and the bilateral bone fragments move flexibly. It can effectively change the radian, width, length and protrusion of the lower edge of the chin in three dimensions, so as to correct the wide and short deformity of the chin.

Ectoine is an amino acid derivative and an important natural product in halophilic microorganisms. It plays an important role in protecting cells and stabilizing biological macromolecules, and can be widely used in biomedical fields such as drug preparation adjuvants, organ transplantation and preservation, skin wound repair and cosmetics. Due to the medical value and commercial market demand of ectoine, this article summarized the recent advances in the microbial production of ectoine, including the mutation and breeding of hyper-producing strains, construction of genetically and metabolically engineered strains, optimization of fermentation processes, and extraction and purification processes. The application of multi-omics technologies and computational biology to develop an ectoine producing cell factory was prospected, with the aim to provide a reference for ectoine overproduction.
Amino Acids, Diamino/metabolism* ; Fermentation

Artemisia annua is the main natural source of artemisinin production. In A. annua, extended drought stress severely reduces its biomass and artemisinin production while short-term water-withholding or abscisic acid (ABA) treatment can increase artemisinin biosynthesis. ABA-responsive transcription factor AabZIP1 and JA signaling AaMYC2 have been shown in separate studies to promote artemisinin production by targeting several artemisinin biosynthesis genes. Here, we found AabZIP1 promote the expression of multiple artemisinin biosynthesis genes including AaDBR2 and AaALDH1, which AabZIP1 does not directly activate. Subsequently, it was found that AabZIP1 up-regulates AaMYC2 expression through direct binding to its promoter, and that AaMYC2 binds to the promoter of AaALDH1 to activate its transcription. In addition, AabZIP1 directly transactivates wax biosynthesis genes AaCER1 and AaCYP86A1. The biosynthesis of artemisinin and cuticular wax and the tolerance of drought stress were significantly increased by AabZIP1 overexpression, whereas they were significantly decreased in RNAi-AabZIP1 plants. Collectively, we have uncovered the AabZIP1-AaMYC2 transcriptional module as a point of cross-talk between ABA and JA signaling in artemisinin biosynthesis, which may have general implications. We have also identified AabZIP1 as a promising candidate gene for the development of A. annua plants with high artemisinin content and drought tolerance in metabolic engineering breeding.

Objective:To investigate the effect of electroporation-mediated local gene therapy on the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in callus of distraction gap during mandibular distraction osteogenesis of rabbits.Methods:The experiments were conducted in the laboratory of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2019 to December 2019. Forty eight New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into control group (group A), gene therapy group (group B) and normal saline group (group C), with 16 rabbits in each group. After bilateral mandible osteotomy and distractors were implanted, the distractors were activated at a speed of 0.8 mm/d on 4th day, postoperatively, and lasted for 7 days, followed by consolidation period. Group A distracted only, group B was subject to local injection of recombinant plasmid pIRES-hBMP2-hVEGF165 in the distraction gap and electroporation stimulation at the beginning of activation distractors; and group C local injection of the same dose of normal saline in the distraction gap and electroporation stimulation at the beginning of activation distractors. Four animals in each group were sacrificed on the day at the end of distraction, 7th, 14th, 28th days of consolidation period, respectively. The callus in the distraction gap was taken for immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR to detect the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin, and image analysis was performed. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.Results:Immunohistochemical staining showed that Wnt3a and β-catenin were mainly located in the cytoplasm and nuclei of fibroblasts, chondrocytes and osteoblasts in callus tissue. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR showed that the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin reached a peak at the end of distraction. With the disappearance of distraction tension, the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin gradually decreased. After gene therapy intervention, the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin was significantly increased, and the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in group B was the highest at each time point, with statistically significant difference compared with groups A and C ( F=96.3, P<0.01). Conclusions:Gene therapy promotes the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in the callus of distraction gap, regulating the balance of the bone reconstruction system and thus promoting the formation of new bone in the distraction gap.

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy and clinical outcomes of two different three-dimensional(3D) printed digital mandibular angle osteotomy templates.Methods:Female patients with a prominent mandibular angle(PMA) admitted to the same surgical team in the Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from March 2019 to July 2020 were selected as the research subjects. They were allocated into Group A and Group B alternately according to the order of admission. Group A was the conventional digital osteotomy template(CDOT) group, and Group B was the novel digital osteotomy template(NDOT) group. All patients underwent cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT) scan and 3D reconstruction before surgery. Preoperative CT data were imported into Mimics 19.0, and personalized mandibular angle osteotomy(MAO) line and digital osteotomy template(DOT) were designed according to patients’ conditions and requirements. In Group A, the DOTs were designed according to the part of mandibular angle to be removed(CDOT). And in Group B, the DOTs were designed according to to the part of reserved mandible(NDOT). The DOTs were created with a 3D printer. All patients were underwent bilateral MAO under the guidance of these DOTs through an intraoral approach. CBCT scan was also performed on all patients within 1 week after surgery, and incision healing, complications and lower facial contouring were observed. The mean time taken for positioning DOT and performing curved osteotomy, the volume of postoperative drainage on one side within 24 hours after surgery, and the deviations between the preoperative design and 3D reconstruction mode lower mandibular margin within 1 week after surgery were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 20 female patients with PMA were included, including 10 patients in Group A, aged 20-31 years, with an average of 24.3±2.3 years. Group B consisted of 10 patients aged 22-30 years, with an average of 24.6±2.2 years. There was no significant difference in age between 2 groups ( P>0.05). All patients were successfully performed MAO without fracture, massive bleeding, infection and other complications, and the postoperative result were satisfactory. The mean time taken to position the DOT and perform MAO one side in Group A was (18.1±1.0) min, significantly longer than that in Group B (14.2±1.4) min ( P<0.05). The volume of postoperative drainage on one side within 24 hours in Group A and Group B was (107.9±12.5) ml and (112.1±13.8) ml, respectively ( P>0.05). The deviations between preoperative design and postoperative mandibular margin, at the anterior part was (2.7±1.2) mm in Group A, which was significantly larger than that of Group B[(1.6±0.9) mm]( P<0.05), the middle part deviation of Group A and B was (1.9±0.7) mm and (1.8±0.8) mm, respectively ( P>0.05), and the posterior part deviation of Group A was (2.8±1.1) mm, which was significantly higher than that of Group B (1.8±0.8 mm)( P<0.05). Conclusions:DOT assisted MAO can achieve accurate osteotomy and reduce the operative difficulty. The NDOT is easier to be located in the operation with more stable fixation, and the surgical efficiency and accuracy of osteotomy are higher than that of CDOT.