Tristetraprolin regulates phagocytosis through interaction with CD47 in head and neck cancer.

CD47 is expressed in all human cancer cells, including head and neck cancer, and initiates a signaling cascade to inhibit macrophage phagocytosis. However, the mechanism underlying CD47 overexpression has not been elucidated in radioresistant head and neck cancer. The present study demonstrated that decreased Tristetraprolin (TTP) expression induced a sustained overexpression of CD47 using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, and that CD47 overexpression prevented phagocytosis using a phagocytosis assay in a radioresistant HN31R cell line. Subsequently, using TTP transfection, RNA interference, duel-luciferase assay and EMSA, it was revealed that TTP transfection enhanced phagocytosis through degradation of CD47 mRNA by directly binding to CD47 AREs within the CD47 3'UTR. Based on our previous study, methylation-specific PCR and western blotting revealed that DNMT1 was overexpressed in radioresistant HN31R cell line and TTP expression was decreased epigenetically by DMNT1 associated DNA methylation. Overall, these findings provided novel insight into the role of TTP as a biomarker of CD47-positive head and neck cancer patients.

Feasibility of robotic thyroidectomy via hairline incision using da Vinci single port system: Initial experience with 40 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to introduce our robotic technique, which can minimize dissection extent using the da Vinci SP robotic system via hairline incision. METHODS: Forty patients underwent robotic thyroidectomy using the da Vinci SP robotic system via a hairline incision between February 2020 and April 2021 at Ulsan University Hospital. All procedures were performed successfully by one surgeon using the SP robotic system. RESULTS: Hemithyroidectomies were performed in 32 patients and total thyroidectomies in eight patients. Central neck dissection was performed in 32 patients. The overall mean operative time was 140.2 ± 50.7 min, and the mean console time was 74.0 ± 42.7 min. All patients were discharged on the second or third day after operation without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic thyroidectomy using the SP robotic system via hairline incision is technically feasible and safe, with a shorter incision length when compared with that of the Xi system.

A novel surgical technique to correct caudal and high dorsal septal deviations: L-shape cutting and suturing on the septal L-strut (L-septoplasty).

OBJECTIVES: In general, deviation of the L-strut of the nasal septum is more challenging to correct than the middle and has less favorable results. This study aimed to develop a technique to correct the L-strut while preserving nasal support effectively and introduce the L-septoplasty technique and its effects. METHODS: Patients with caudal and high dorsal septal deviations who underwent the L-septoplasty technique were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and three-month postoperative comparative assessments included the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and minimal cross-sectional area (MCA). RESULTS: Thirty patients seen at a tertiary care center were included. NOSE scale scores improved from 47.2 to 13.6, which was statistically significant (P < .001). MCA increased from 0.43 cm2 to 0.74 cm2 (P < .001). During the 3-month follow-up period, deviation correction was well maintained in all patients, and no surgical complications, such as saddle nose deformity, occurred. CONCLUSION: The L-septoplasty technique is effective in simultaneously correcting caudal and high dorsal septal deviations without any complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Sino-Cutaneous Fistula After Using Medpor Implant in Orbital Blowout Fracture.

In surgical repair of orbital fracture, implant materials play an important role in restoring the functional and anatomic structure of the orbit. Alloplastic implant materials are widely used for this surgery, but they have the risk of complications such as infections, pain, and extrusion. Because they are artificial implants, infection can occur more than autologous implants and is the most challenging problem to manage. Sino-cutaneous fistula is a rare complication of chronic sinusitis and it can be caused by this implant materials. The authors report a case of formation of sino-cutaneous fistula after using Medpor (Stryker Co, MI) implant in orbital blowout fracture repair.