Dihydrocapsaicin suppresses the STING-mediated accumulation of ROS and NLRP3 inflammasome and alleviates apoptosis after ischemia-reperfusion injury of perforator skin flap.

Avascular necrosis frequently occurs as a complication following surgery involving the distal perforator flap. Dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) can protect tissue from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, but its specific role in multizone perforator flaps remains unclear. In this study, the prospective target of DHC in the context of I/R injury was predicted using network pharmacology analysis. Flap viability was determined through survival area analysis, laser Doppler blood flow, angiograms, and histological examination. The expressions of angiogenesis, apoptosis, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, oxidative stress, and molecules related to cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-interferon gene stimulant (STING) pathway were assessed using western blotting, immunofluorescence, TUNEL staining, and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining. Our finding revealed that DHC promoted the perforator flap survival, which involves the cGAS-STING pathway, oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. DHC induced oxidative stress resistance and suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome, preventing apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Through regulation of STING pathway, DHC controlled oxidative stress in endothelial cells and NLRP3 levels in ischemic flaps. However, activation of the cGAS-STING pathway led to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby diminishing the protective role of DHC. DHC enhanced the survival of multidomain perforator flaps by suppressing the cGAS-STING pathway, oxidative stress, and the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings unveil a potentially novel mechanism with clinical significance for promoting the survival of multidomain perforator flaps.

Machine learning application for prediction of surgical site infection after posterior cervical surgery.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications of posterior cervical surgery. It is difficult to diagnose in the early stage and may lead to severe consequences such as wound dehiscence and central nervous system infection. This retrospective study included patients who underwent posterior cervical surgery at The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from September 2018 to June 2022. We employed several machine learning methods, such as the gradient boosting (GB), random forests (RF), artificial neural network (ANN) and other popular machine learning models. To minimize the variability introduced by random splitting, the results underwent 10-fold cross-validation repeated 10 times. Five measurements were averaged across 10 repetitions with 10-fold cross-validation, the RF model achieved the highest AUROC (0.9916), specificity (0.9890) and precision (0.9759). The GB model achieved the highest sensitivity (0.9535) and the KNN achieved the highest sensitivity (0.9958). The application of machine learning techniques facilitated the development of a precise model for predicting SSI after posterior cervical surgery. This dynamic model can be served as a valuable tool for clinicians and patients to assess SSI risk and prevent it in clinical practice.

Fucoxanthin ameliorates endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibits apoptosis and alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration in rats by upregulating Sirt1.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are considered to be the main pathological factors of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Fucoxanthin (FX), a marine carotenoid extracted from microalgae, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of FX on NP cells induced by oxidative stress and its molecular mechanism. Primary NP cells of the lumbar vertebrae of rats were extracted and tested in vitro. qRT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, and TUNEL staining were used to detect apoptosis, ERS, extracellular matrix (ECM), and Sirt1-related pathways. In vivo experiments, the recovery of IDD rats was determined by X-ray, hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin-O/Fast Green, Alcian staining, and immunohistochemistry. Our study showed that oxidative stress induced ERS, apoptosis, and ECM degradation in NP cells. After the use of FX, the expression of Sirt1 was up-regulated, the activation of PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP was decreased, and apoptosis and ECM degradation were decreased. At the same time, FX improved the degree of disc degeneration in rats in vivo. Our study demonstrates the effect of FX on improving IDD in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that FX may be a potential drug for the treatment of IDD.

Different impact of short-term and long-term hindlimb disuse on bone homeostasis.

Disuse osteoporosis is one of the major problems of bone health which commonly occurs in astronauts during long-term spaceflight and bedridden patients. However, the mechanisms underlying such mechanical unloading induced bone loss have not been fully understood. In this study, we employed hindlimb-unloading mice models with different length of tail suspension to investigate if the bone loss was regulated by distinct factors under different duration of disuse. Our micro-CT results showed more significant decrease of bone mass in 6W (6-week) tail-suspension mice compared to the 1W (1-week) tail-suspension ones, as indicated by greater reduction of BV/TV, Tb.N, B.Ar/T.Ar and Ct.Th. RNA-sequencing results showed significant effects of hindlimb disuse on cell locomotion and immune system process which could cause bone loss.Real-time quantitative PCR results indicated a greater number of bone formation related genes that were downregulated in short-term tail-suspension mice compared to the long-term ones. It is, thus, suggested while sustained hindlimb unloading continuously contributes to bone loss, molecular regulation of bone homeostasis tends to reach a balance during this process.

Apoptotic Bodies Derived from Fibroblast-Like Cells in Subcutaneous Connective Tissue Inhibit Ferroptosis in Ischaemic Flaps via the miR-339-5p/KEAP1/Nrf2 Axis.

Preventing and treating avascular necrosis at the distal end of the flaps are critical to surgery success, but current treatments are not ideal. A recent study shows that apoptotic bodies (ABs) generated near the site of apoptosis can be taken up and promote cell proliferation. The study reveals that ABs derived from fibroblast-like cells in the subcutaneous connective tissue (FSCT cells) of skin flaps promoted ischaemic flap survival. It is also found that ABs inhibited cell death and oxidative stress and promoted M1-to-M2 polarization in macrophages. Transcriptome sequencing and protein level testing demonstrated that ABs promoted ischaemic flap survival in endothelial cells and macrophages by inhibiting ferroptosis via the KEAP1-Nrf2 axis. Furthermore, microRNA (miR) sequencing data and in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that ABs inhibited KEAP1 by delivering miR-339-5p to exert therapeutic effects. In conclusion, FSCT cell-derived ABs inhibited ferroptosis, promoted the macrophage M1-to-M2 transition via the miR-339-5p/KEAP1/Nrf2 axis and promoted ischaemic flap survival. These results provide a potential therapeutic strategy to promote ischaemic flap survival by administering ABs.

Indocyanine Green and Methylene Blue Dye Guided Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Breast Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Survival Study in 1574 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the standard tracing method is to use blue dyes and radioisotope as the tracer for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). However, there are variations in the choice of tracer in different countries and regions. Some new tracers are also gradually applied in clinical practice, but there is still a lack of long-term follow-up data to confirm their clinical application value. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinicopathological and postoperative treatment follow-up data were collected from patients with early-stage cTis-2N0M0 breast cancer who underwent SLNB using a dual-tracer method of ICG combined with MB. Statistical indicators including the identification rate, the number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), regional lymph node recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 1574 patients, SLNs were successfully detected during surgery in 1569 patients, with a detection rate of 99.7%; the median number of SLNs removed was 3. A total of 1531 patients were included in the survival analysis, with a median follow-up of 4.7 (0.5-7.9) years. In total, patients with positive SLNs had a 5-year DFS and OS of 90.6% and 94.7%, respectively. The 5-year DFS and OS of patients with negative SLNs were 95.6% and 97.3%, respectively. The postoperative regional lymph node recurrence rate was 0.7% in patients with negative SLNs. CONCLUSION: Indocyanine green combined with methylene blue dual-tracer method is safe and effective in sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with early breast cancer.

Tetrahydropalmatine: Orchestrating survival - Regulating autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in perforator flaps.

BACKGROUND: Introduced in clinical practice in 1989, perforator flaps are vital for tissue defect repair, but they are challenged by distal necrosis. Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) from celandine is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This study investigates THP's use in perforator flaps. METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into a control group and four THP concentration groups, while seventy-eight rats were categorized as control, THP, THP combined with rapamycin (RAP), and RAP alone. We created 11 cm by 2.5 cm multi-regional perforator flaps on rat backs, assessing survival blood flow and extracting skin flap tissue for autophagy, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and angiogenesis markers. RESULTS: The THP group exhibited significantly reduced distal necrosis, increased blood flow density, and survival area on the seventh day compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot results demonstrated improved anti-oxidative stress and angiogenesis markers, along with decreased autophagy and apoptosis indicators. Combining THP with RAP diminished flap survival compared to THP alone. This was supported by protein expression changes in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. CONCLUSION: THP enhances flap survival by modulating autophagy, reducing tissue edema, promoting angiogenesis, and mitigating apoptosis and oxidative stress. THP offers a potential strategy for enhancing multi-regional perforator flap survival through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. These findings highlight THP's promise in combatting perforator flap necrosis, uncovering a novel mechanism for its impact on flap survival.

Ectopic bronchogenic cyst of liver misdiagnosed as gallbladder diverticulum: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic bronchogenic cysts are a type of congenital cystic tumor that are extremely difficult to diagnose and can be ectopically located in various organs, with the possibility of malignant transformation. Here we report a case of an ectopic bronchogenic cyst in the liver initially misdiagnosed as a gallbladder diverticulum. CASE SUMMARY: The patient was a middle-aged woman whose chief complaint was intermittent pain in the upper abdomen. Imaging examination revealed a cystic space in the left inner lobe of the liver. She was admitted to our hospital for treatment. Based on abdominal examination and imaging findings, the initial diagnosis was gallbladder diverticulum with cholestasis combined with chronic cholecystitis. However, following intraoperative observations and postoperative pathologic assessment, the diagnosis was revised to ectopic bronchogenic cyst of the liver. CONCLUSION: Radiologists, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons, gastrointestinal surgeons, urologists, and even neurosurgeons should be aware and consider a possible diagnosis of ectopic bronchogenic cysts, especially when other types of cyst, cystadenoma, and other diseases are excluded. The disease and its complications should be detected and correctly diagnosed and treated as early as possible in order to avoid adverse outcomes.

Catalpol Enhances Random-Pattern Skin Flap Survival by Activating SIRT1-Mediated Enhancement of Autophagy.

Random-pattern skin flap necrosis limits its application in the clinic. It is still a challenge for plastic surgeons. Catalpol is an effective ingredient extracted from Rehmannia glutinosa, which is reported to promote angiogenesis and protect against ischemic cerebral disease. The aim of our experiment is to assess whether catalpol can facilitate random flap survival and the underlying mechanisms. Male "McFarlane flap" rat models were employed to explore the protective effects of catalpol. The range of necrosis in the flap was calculated 7 days after the models were established. The flap specimens were harvested for further experiments, including angiogenesis, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy evaluation. Catalpol-treated group promoted the average survival area of the flap than that in the control group. Based on immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting, and ROS detection, we found that catalpol significantly reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis and increases angiogenesis. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and laser Doppler images further clarified the enhancement of angiogenesis after catalpol treatment. The impact of catalpol in flap was switched by using 3-methyladenine (3MA), proving the important role of autophagy in curative effect of catalpol on skin flaps. Importantly, the ability of catalpol to regulate autophagy is mediated by the activation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) based on its high affinity for SIRT1. Our findings revealed that catalpol improved the viability of random skin flaps by activating SIRT1-mediated autophagy pathway.

Diallyl Trisulfide Enhances the Survival of Multiterritory Perforator Skin Flaps.

The multiterritory perforator flap is one of the widest flap patterns used to repair tissue defects. However, flap necrosis of the distal part is still a challenging issue for plastic surgeons. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is an efficient ingredient extracted from garlic, exerting many important effects on different diseases. Our experiment aims to reveal whether DATS has a beneficial effect on the survival of perforator flaps and to explore its mechanism of action. The results showed that DATS enhanced angiogenesis and autophagy and reduced cell apoptosis and oxidative stress, thereby improving the survival rate of skin flaps. After co-administration with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MA), perforator flap survival was further improved. Mechanistically, we showed that PI3K/Akt and AMPK-HIF-1α signaling pathways in flap were activated under DATS treatment. All in all, DATS promoted the survival of multiterritory perforator flaps via the synergistic regulation of PI3K/Akt and AMPK-HIF-1α signaling pathways, and inhibition of DATS-induced autophagy further improves flap survival.

Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland: A review of clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and prognosis.

Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland is a rare, well-differentiated gastric cancer entity, and very few patients transition to poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma during progression. Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland originates from the mucosa of the gastric fundic gland, usually without chronic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia. Histologically, the tumor cells are closely arranged to form anastomosing tubular glands, and more than 95% of tumor cells differentiate towards chief cells. Most gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland cases are characterized by submucosal involvement, but the tumor volume is usually small, with lymphatic and vascular invasion rarely observed. Therefore, endoscopic submucosal dissection can be an ideal treatment, leading to a favorable prognosis, and recurrence and metastasis of the disease are uncommon.

Paeoniflorin Suppresses TBHP-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway and Improves Skin Flap Survival.

Random-pattern skin flap is a vital technique frequently applied in reconstruction surgeries for its convenience and effectiveness in solving skin defects. However, ischemic necrosis, especially in the distal areas of the flap, still needs extra attention after surgery. Earlier evidence has suggested that paeoniflorin (PF) could stimulate angiogenesis and suppress ischemic cardiovascular disease. However, few studies have focused on the role of PF in flap survival. In this study, we have demonstrated that the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with PF can alleviate tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-stimulated cellular dysfunction and apoptosis. To better evaluate, HUVECs' physiology, cell tube formation, migration, and adhesion were assessed. Mechanistically, PF protects HUVECs against apoptosis via stimulating the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway. PF also downregulates mitochondrial ROS production to reduce excessive intracellular ROS production induced by TBHP and restore TBHP-induced mitochondrial depolarization. As a result, silencing Nrf2 partially abolishes the protective effect of PF exposure on HUVECs. In in vivo experiments, the oral administration of PF was shown to have enhanced the vascularization of regenerated tissues and promote flap survival. However, the PF-mediated protection was partially lost after co-treatment with ML385, a selective Nrf2 inhibitor, suggesting that PF is a crucial modulator regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. In summary, our data have provided a new insight into PF as a potential therapy for enhancing random-pattern flap viability.

Positive Effect of Andrographolide Induced Autophagy on Random-Pattern Skin Flaps Survival.

Random-pattern skin flap replantation is generally used in the reconstruction of surgical tissues and covering a series of skin flap defects. However, ischemia often occurs at the flap distal parts, which lead to flap necrosis. Previous studies have shown that andrographolide (Andro) protects against ischemic cardiovascular diseases, but little is known about the effect of Andro on flap viability. Thus, our study aimed to building a model of random-pattern skin flap to understand the mechanism of Andro-induced effects on flap survival. In this study, fifty-four mice were randomly categorized into the control, Andro group, and the Andro+3-methyladenine group. The skin flap samples were obtained on postoperative day 7. Subsequently, the tissue samples were underwent a series of evaluations such as changes in the appearance of flap tissue, the intensity of blood flow, and neovascularization density of skin flap. In our study, the results revealed that Andro enhanced the viability of random skin flaps by enhancing angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, and reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, our results have also demonstrated that the administration of Andro caused an elevation in the autophagy, and these remarkable impact of Andro were reversed by 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the most common autophagy inhibitor. Together, our data proves novel evidence that Andro is a potent modulator of autophagy capable of significantly increasing random-pattern skin flap survival.

Clinical characteristics and responses to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for microsatellite instability gastric cancer.

During the process of DNA replication, insertions or deletions of repeat sequences easily occur in microsatellites due to DNA polymerase slippage in instances of defective mismatch repair; this phenomenon is known as microsatellite instability. Based on genetic profiling, microsatellite instability gastric cancer is regarded as a separate subtype of gastric cancer that is associated with old age, the female sex, a distal gastric location, and a lower number of lymph node metastases. According to numerous retrospective studies, microsatellite instability is a favourable predictive marker for prognosis. However, during the perioperative period, gastric cancer patients with microsatellite instability after chemotherapy often exhibit a poor and unfavourable prognosis. This result still remains controversial. The efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in microsatellite instability-high tumours ranges from detrimental to beneficial effects. Due to the widespread expression of immune checkpoint molecules (such as programmed death-1 and programmed death-ligand 1) in tumours with microsatellite instability, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been utilized to treat microsatellite instability gastric cancer and tremendously improve the efficacy of treatment and survival of microsatellite instability patients. In this review, we attempt to outline the definitions of microsatellites and microsatellite instability, the methods used to screen for microsatellite instability, the clinical characteristics of microsatellite instability gastric cancer, and its responses to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. Overall, determining the status of microsatellites is essential before developing a tailored treatment strategy for patients with microsatellite instability gastric cancer.