Prelude to malignancy: A gene expression signature in normal mammary gland from breast cancer patients suggests pre-tumorous alterations and is associated with adverse outcomes.

Despite advances in early detection and treatment strategies, breast cancer recurrence and mortality remain a significant health issue. Recent insights suggest the prognostic potential of microscopically healthy mammary gland, in the vicinity of the breast lesion. Nonetheless, a comprehensive understanding of the gene expression profiles in these tissues and their relationship to patient outcomes remain missing. Furthermore, the increasing trend towards breast-conserving surgery may inadvertently lead to the retention of existing cancer-predisposing mutations within the normal mammary gland. This study assessed the transcriptomic profiles of 242 samples from 83 breast cancer patients with unfavorable outcomes, including paired uninvolved mammary gland samples collected at varying distances from primary lesions. As a reference, control samples from 53 mammoplasty individuals without cancer history were studied. A custom panel of 634 genes linked to breast cancer progression and metastasis was employed for expression profiling, followed by whole-transcriptome verification experiments and statistical analyses to discern molecular signatures and their clinical relevance. A distinct gene expression signature was identified in uninvolved mammary gland samples, featuring key cellular components encoding keratins, CDH1, CDH3, EPCAM cell adhesion proteins, matrix metallopeptidases, oncogenes, tumor suppressors, along with crucial genes (FOXA1, RAB25, NRG1, SPDEF, TRIM29, and GABRP) having dual roles in cancer. Enrichment analyses revealed disruptions in epithelial integrity, cell adhesion, and estrogen signaling. This signature, named KAOS for Keratin-Adhesion-Oncogenes-Suppressors, was significantly associated with reduced tumor size but increased mortality rates. Integrating molecular assessment of non-malignant mammary tissue into disease management could enhance survival prediction and facilitate personalized patient care.

Interleukin-31 is overexpressed in skin and serum in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas but does not correlate to pruritus.

Introduction: Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are malignant lymphoproliferative disorders accompanied by persistent pruritus. Pruritogenic role of interleukin-31 (IL-31) has been studied extensively and was proven in atopic dermatitis (AD), while its role in CTCL is still rather vague. Aim: To investigate IL-31 serum level along with IL-31, IL-31 receptor α (IL-31RA) and oncostatin M receptor ß (OSMR) skin expression in CTCL and compare it to controls: AD and healthy volunteers. Material and methods: The level of IL-31 in serum was measured using ELISA, while IL-31 and receptors' expression in the skin were measured using immunohistochemistry and correlated with the stage of disease and pruritus severity. Results: Expression of IL-31 and IL-31 receptor in serum and skin were significantly higher in CTCL and AD in comparison to healthy controls. No significant correlation between the IL-31 serum level and pruritus severity in CTCL patients was found. There was also no correlation between IL-31/IL-31RA/OSMR expression in the skin and CTCL pruritus, while IL-31 and IL-31RA in CTCL skin negatively correlated with the stage of disease. Conclusions: Our data indicate that IL-31 does not play a crucial role in pruritus in CTCL but it is rather involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. It seems that IL-31 plays an essential role in the pruritus pathomechanism that is unique to AD.

Determination of tocopherols and tocotrienols in human breast adipose tissue with the use of high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection.

Tocopherols and tocotrienols have been extensively studied owing to their anticancer potential, especially against breast cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantitatively determine tocochromanols in human breast adipose tissue with the use of HPLC-FLD. The sample preparation procedure included homogenization and solvent extraction with isopropanol-ethanol-0.1% formic acid mixture prior to solid-phase extraction. After implementation of central composite design, satisfactory separation of all eight target compounds was achieved within 10.5 min. Chromatographic runs were carried out with the use of a naphthylethyl chromatographic column with methanol-water mixture (89:11, v/v) as the mobile phase. Fluorescence detection of tocochromanols was performed with excitation and emission wavelengths 298 and 330 nm, respectively. The method was validated in terms of linearity, carryover, recovery, precision, accuracy and stability. Extraction yield was also determined for accurate evaluation of vitamin E content in human breast adipose tissue samples. Finally, concentrations of particular tocochromanols compounds were assessed in human breast adipose tissue samples obtained from 99 patients, including women with breast cancer, healthy volunteers and deceased women who had died as a result of accidents. The raw data was transformed according to the newly developed equation for accurate estimation of the concentrations of tocochromanols in breast adipose tissue samples. Results obtained in the study indicated that the proposed analytical assay could be useful in breast cancer research.

New perspective on the in vivo use of cold stress dynamic thermography in integumental reconstruction with the use of skin-muscle flaps.

BACKGROUND: Among the problems encountered by plastic surgeons is the reconstruction of defects following tumors. One of the reconstructive options is trans rectus abdominis (TRAM) flap. Despite that anatomy is well explored, marginal flap necrosis may develop. To minimize the complications, imaging examinations were designed to determine the degree of flap perfusion. One of them is the thermographic examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 38 patients who had undergone 10 reconstructive breast surgeries with a pedicled TRAM ipsilateral flap, 10 patients with a TRAM contralateral flap, and 18 patients with a TRAM supercharged flap. Each operated patient underwent a thermographic examination before the surgery, after the dissection of the skin-muscle flap, immediately after suturing flap, and during the first and seventh day after the surgery. The collected data were then processed to yield results in a numerical form and compared with clinical examination. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of new thermal model calculation of dTnorm and t90_10 in cold stress dynamic thermography in the in vivo assessment of intraoperative and postoperative skin blood supply in humans before ischemic lesions become clinically apparent. RESULTS: Of 38 patients participating in the study, nine patients developed marginal necrosis of the skin flap despite intraoperative clinical evaluation of blood supply. Explicit circulatory disorders apparent in a clinical examination developed after 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Cold stress tnorm and t90_10 dynamic thermography can be a helpful additional tool to assess and monitor the blood supply to the flap skin both intraoperatively and postoperatively. Active dynamic thermography; cold stress dynamic thermography, thermography; TRAM; flap necrosis; flap monitoring, breast reconstruction.

What do we know about treating breast-cancer-related lymphedema? Review of the current knowledge about therapeutic options.

Breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common consequence of oncological treatment. Its management is a complicated, chronic, and arduous process. Therapeutic options can be divided on non-surgical and surgical methods, although there is still no clear consensus about their effectiveness in preventing or stopping the disease. That brings problems in everyday practice, as there are no guidelines about proper time for starting therapy and no agreement about which management will be beneficial for each patient. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge about possible treatment choices, non-surgical so as surgical, indicate knowledge gaps, and try to direct pathways for future studies.

Potential of Bacterial Cellulose in Reconstructive Surgery of Body Integumentary System: Preliminary Studies in Animals.

The aim of the study is to present the preliminary results of the in vivo application of Komagataeibacter xylinum E25 bacterial cellulose (BC) as a replacement material for produced defects during operations. Three pigs (sus scrofa domestica) had the same defects in the ear cartilage (4 × 4 cm) and in the rectus abdominis muscle (6 × 10 cm) with BC membranes implanted into them. The time of observation of the condition of the animals was 3 months. Implantation sites did not show clinical signs of complications in the form of inflammation or necrosis. Histologically, a normal scar was produced as a result of the material healing into the host's body. In one case, no residual implant material was found at the site of implantation, and the remodeled scar confirmed healing. No systemic inflammatory reaction was observed in any of the animals. The host organism's reaction to the bacterial cellulose allows us to believe that it meets the expectations as a material that can be widely used in reconstructive surgery. Nevertheless, this requires further research on a larger group and also using other foreign bodies. The next step would be an experiment on a group consisting of people.

Evaluation of the Safety of Neauvia Stimulate Injectable Product in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases Based on Histopathological Examinations and Retrospective Analysis of Medical Records.

The aim of this study was to test the effect of hyaluronic acid cross-linked with polyethylene glycol containing micronized portions of calcium hydroxyapatite (Neauvia Stimulate) on both local tissue and systemic consequences, which are crucial from the perspective of long-term safety, in patients suffering from Hashimoto's disease. This most common autoimmune disease is a frequently mentioned contraindication to the use of fillers based on hyaluronic acid as well as biostimulants based on calcium hydroxyapatite. Broad-spectrum aspects of histopathology were analyzed to identify key features of inflammatory infiltration before the procedure and 5, 21, and 150 days after the procedure. A statistically significant effect on the reduction of the intensity of the inflammatory infiltration in the tissue in relation to the state before the procedure was demonstrated, combined with a reduction in the occurrence of both antigen-recognizing (CD4) and cytotoxic (CD8) T lymphocytes. With complete statistical certainty, it was demonstrated that the treatment with Neauvia Stimulate had no effect on the levels of these antibodies. All this corresponds with the risk analysis that showed no alarming symptoms during the time of observation. The choice of hyaluronic acid fillers cross-linked with polyethylene glycol should be considered justified and safe in the case of patients suffering from Hashimoto's disease.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in Poland: analysis of patient series and practical guidelines for breast surgeons.

Introduction: Although breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is infrequent, with less than 1000 noted cases worldwide, patients consenting for breast implant surgery should be aware of its risk. We describe the first Polish multicenter case-series data on BIA-ALCL patients and present diagnostic and treatment recommendation for breast surgeons. Material and methods: In cooperation with the Polish Society of Surgical Oncology and Polish Lymphoma Research Group, we collected BIA-ALCL cases in Poland. Results: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of seven BIA-ALCL patients, diagnosed between July 2013 and November 2019. The median time from implant placement to the first BIA-ALCL symptoms was 65 months (range: 33-96 months). All the patients were exposed to textured implants at presentation. Capsulectomy with implant removal was performed in all the patients with immediate reimplantation in 2 cases. In a median follow-up of 19 months (range 5-81 months), there was no recurrence and all the patients stayed alive. Between 2013 and 2019, the incidence of BIA-ALCL in Polish female population age 30 and above ranged from 0 to 0.021/100 000/year. Conclusions: BIA-ALCL is scarce in the Polish population. In a short-term follow-up, patients' prognosis remains excellent. Due to the withdrawal of roughly textured implants from the market and the exclusion of likely the most potent etiologic factor, it might be expected that the incidence of BIA-ALCL will become even rarer.

Accordion: A Useful and Workable Classification of Complications After Breast Reconstructive Surgery.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Accordion Severity Grading System can serve as a tool for classification, and severity assessment in reporting postoperative complications after breast reconstructive surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis covered 88 breast reconstruction surgeries following mastectomy and prophylactic breast amputation with simultaneous reconstruction conducted from January 2015 to December 2017. All registered postoperative complications were evaluated using the Accordion Severity Grading System. The time horizon selected was 6 weeks after surgery. Results: Eighty-two adverse events which met the criteria for complications according to the Accordion classification were observed in 53.4% (n = 47) of the patients. The highest percentage of complications was observed in the group where reconstruction involved using autologous tissues (pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), which were associated with 77.4% risk of complications. In patients with combined methods (latissimus dorsi + prosthesis), complications occurred in half of the cases (51.4%). In patients who underwent reconstructive procedures with artificial materials (expander/prosthesis), complications occurred in 20% of cases. A high γ correlation coefficient of 0.7 (P < .001) was observed between the Accordion degree assigned to the patient and the length of hospital stay. A moderately strong correlation was found between the degree of Accordion system and rehospitalization rate (r = 0.54; P < .0001) and cost of hospital care (r = 0.65; P < .001). Discussion: Based upon the presented study, Accordion Severity Grading System is a workable, intuitive and universal scale for classifying and assessing the severity of postoperative complications and may be recommended for documenting complications in breast reconstructive procedures.

Historique: La présente étude visait à établir si le système de classement de la gravité Accordion peut servir d'outil de classification et d'évaluation de la gravité pour signaler les complications postopératoires après une chirurgie mammaire reconstructive. Méthodologie: Les chercheurs ont effectué l'analyse rétrospective de 88 chirurgies de reconstruction mammaire après une mastectomie et une amputation mammaire prophylactique accompagnée d'une reconstruction simultanée, effectuées entre janvier 2015 et décembre 2017. Ils ont évalué toutes les complications postopératoires consignées au moyen du système de classement de la gravité Accordion. L'horizon prévisionnel était de six semaines après l'opération. Résultats: Les chercheurs ont observé 82 événements indésirables qui respectaient les critères de complications chez 53,4 % (n = 47) des patients d'après le classement Accordion. Le plus fort pourcentage de complications était observé dans le groupe chez qui la reconstruction était effectuée avec des tissus autologues (le muscle grand droit abdominal pédiculé musculocutané), qui était associé à un risque de complications de 77,4 %. Lorsque les méthodes étaient combinées (grand dorsal + prothèse), des complications se produisaient dans la moitié des cas (51,4 %). Les patients chez qui l'intervention reconstructive était effectuée à l'aide de matériau artificiel (extenseurs et prothèse) présentaient des complications dans 20 % des cas. Les chercheurs ont observé un fort coefficient de corrélation γ de 0,7 (P < 0.001) entre le degré Accordion attribué au patient et la durée du séjour hospitalier. Ils ont constaté une corrélation modérément forte entre le degré du système Accordion, le taux de réhospitalisation (r = 0,54; P < 0.0001) et le coût des soins hospitaliers (r = 0,65; P < 0.001). Discussion: D'après la présente étude, le système de classement de la gravité Accordion est une échelle universelle applicable et intuitive pour classer et évaluer la gravité des complications postopératoires. Il peut être recommandé pour consigner les complications lors d'interventions de reconstruction mammaire.

HA PEGylated Filler in Association with an Infrared Energy Device for the Treatment of Facial Skin Aging: 150 Day Follow-Up Data Report.

BACKGROUND: The face is the area most exposed to the normal course of skin aging, both intrinsically and extrinsically. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cellular and clinical response of a therapeutic protocol aimed at countering facial skin aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty female patients with facial skin laxity and photodamage underwent combined therapy including mesotherapy using non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid with calcium hydroxyapatite and an infrared energy-based device treatment with subsequent implementation of PEG-cross-linked hyaluronic acid soft tissue fillers. To evaluate the benefits, patients underwent histological, immunological, and biomechanical evaluations before the treatment and at 21 and 150 days after the treatment. RESULTS: The histological results at 21 days and 150 days after the procedure showed an increase in the number of fibroblasts and angiogenesis. As for the immunological aspect, it was shown that the treatment has an immunomodulating action, avoiding the activation of CD4 and CD8 cells. Biomechanical data showed that, at 150 days after treatment, the average changes in skin elasticity increased by 72% and the skin hydration increased by 49%. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of an infrared energy-based device treatment with both non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and novel PEG-cross-linked hyaluronic acid leads to numerous positive cutaneous changes after histological, immunological, and biomechanical evaluations.

Modern Breast Cancer Surgery 1st Central-Eastern European Professional Consensus Statement on Breast Cancer.

This text is based on the recommendations accepted by the 4th Hungarian Consensus Conference on Breast Cancer, modified on the basis of the international consultation and conference within the frames of the Central-Eastern European Academy of Oncology. The recommendations cover non-operative, intraoperative and postoperative diagnostics, determination of prognostic and predictive markers and the content of cytology and histology reports. Furthermore, they address some specific issues such as the current status of multigene molecular markers, the role of pathologists in clinical trials and prerequisites for their involvement, and some remarks about the future.

Comprehensive cancer-oriented biobanking resource of human samples for studies of post-zygotic genetic variation involved in cancer predisposition.

The progress in translational cancer research relies on access to well-characterized samples from a representative number of patients and controls. The rationale behind our biobanking are explorations of post-zygotic pathogenic gene variants, especially in non-tumoral tissue, which might predispose to cancers. The targeted diagnoses are carcinomas of the breast (via mastectomy or breast conserving surgery), colon and rectum, prostate, and urinary bladder (via cystectomy or transurethral resection), exocrine pancreatic carcinoma as well as metastases of colorectal cancer to the liver. The choice was based on the high incidence of these cancers and/or frequent fatal outcome. We also collect age-matched normal controls. Our still ongoing collection originates from five clinical centers and after nearly 2-year cooperation reached 1711 patients and controls, yielding a total of 23226 independent samples, with an average of 74 donors and 1010 samples collected per month. The predominant diagnosis is breast carcinoma, with 933 donors, followed by colorectal carcinoma (383 donors), prostate carcinoma (221 donors), bladder carcinoma (81 donors), exocrine pancreatic carcinoma (15 donors) and metachronous colorectal cancer metastases to liver (14 donors). Forty percent of the total sample count originates from macroscopically healthy cancer-neighboring tissue, while contribution from tumors is 12%, which adds to the uniqueness of our collection for cancer predisposition studies. Moreover, we developed two program packages, enabling registration of patients, clinical data and samples at the participating hospitals as well as the central system of sample/data management at coordinating center. The approach used by us may serve as a model for dispersed biobanking from multiple satellite hospitals. Our biobanking resource ought to stimulate research into genetic mechanisms underlying the development of common cancers. It will allow all available "-omics" approaches on DNA-, RNA-, protein- and tissue levels to be applied. The collected samples can be made available to other research groups.

[Our experience in the treatment advanced neoplasms of floor of the mouth]. / Doswiadczenia wlasne w leczeniu zaawansowanych nowotworów dna jamy ustnej.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate results of our surgical treatment of advanced neoplasms of the floor of the mouth, treated from 2005-2011 in Department of Otolaryngology and Department of Plastic Surgery Medical University of Gdansk MATERIAL: We analyzed group of 12 patients (aged 36 to 70 years, mean 55) treated by primary surgical excision of neoplasms of the floor of the mouth (with tracheotomy and mandibulotomy) and selective or radical neck dissection (uni- or bilateral) in combination with chemoradiotherapy. All patients referees with advancement of locoregional disease: primary tumors (T3 or T4) and neck metastases (N1 or N2b) Most of the patients required to use free microvascular reconstruction with free forearm skin flaps. Histological examinations revealed squamous cell carcinoma (11/12) and adenocarcinoma (1/12). RESULTS: Two patients die in 1 and 4 months after surgery. Three die from 2 to 3 years after surgery. Rest live from 6 month to 6 year after therapy. CONCLUSION: Free forearm skin microvascular flap is good (anatomical and functional) for reconstruction for large defects after resection neoplasms of the floor of the mouth.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma as a Complication of Long-Term Hydroxyurea Treatment.

Hydroxyurea therapy is commonly used in the treatment of patients suffering from myeloproliferative diseases, such as polycythemia vera. It is supported by evidence that this type of therapy can generate mild skin lesions like leg ulcers, erythema, and hyperpigmentation. There are also some studies that show an increased risk of development of nonmelanoma skin cancers. We report a 56-year-old man with a 13-year history of polycythemia vera, treated chronically with hydroxyurea. In April 2020, the patient presented a skin lesion on the forehead, skin horn on the left forearm, and hyperkeratosis on the rims of both ears. In the patient's history, in October 2019, complete excision of the skin lesion in the central area of the forehead was performed. After 4 months, a new skin lesion appeared at the same area of the forehead, which in May 2020 after resection in the histopathological examination was diagnosed as recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of the case is to draw the clinicians' attention to the increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma in patients treated with hydroxyurea. Increased vigilance would make it possible to recognize them earlier, and thus potentially reduce the undesirable effects associated with the delayed radical treatment of these skin cancers. Randomized clinical trials assessing the potential benefits of oral retinoids for chemoprevention of nonmelanoma skin cancers in the hydroxyurea-treated population should also be considered.

Written Informed Consent-Translating into Plain Language. A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Informed consent is important in clinical practice, as a person's written consent is required prior to many medical interventions. Many informed consent forms fail to communicate simply and clearly. The aim of our study was to create an easy-to-understand form. METHODS: Our assessment of a Polish-language plastic surgery informed consent form used the Polish-language comprehension analysis program (jasnopis.pl, SWPS University) to assess the readability of texts written for people of various education levels; and this enabled us to modify the form by shortening sentences and simplifying words. The form was re-assessed with the same software and subsequently given to 160 adult volunteers to assess the revised form's degree of difficulty or readability. RESULTS: The first software analysis found the language was suitable for people with a university degree or higher education, and after revision and re-assessment became suitable for persons with 4-6 years of primary school education and above. Most study participants also assessed the form as completely comprehensible. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant benefits possible for patients and practitioners by improving the comprehensibility of written informed consent forms.

Bacterial Cellulose Properties Fulfilling Requirements for a Biomaterial of Choice in Reconstructive Surgery and Wound Healing.

Although new therapeutic approaches for surgery and wound healing have recently made a great progress, there is still need for application of better and use novel methods to enhance biocompatibility as well as recovery and healing process. Bacterial Cellulose (BC) is natural cellulose in the form of nanostructure which has the advantages of being used in human body. The medical application of BC in reconstructive, cardiac and vascular surgery as well as wound healing is still under development, but without proved success of repetitive results. A review of studies on Bacterial Cellulose (BC) since 2016 was performed, taking into account the latest reports on the clinical use of BC. In addition, data on the physicochemical properties of BC were used. In all the works, satisfactory results of using Bacterial Cellulose were obtained. In all presented studies various BC implants demonstrated their best performance. Additionally, the works show that BC has the capacity to reach physiological as well as mechanical properties of relevance for various tissue replacement and can be produced in surgeons as well as patient specific expectations such as ear frames, vascular tubes or heart valves as well as wound healing dressings. Results of those experiments conform to those of previous reports utilizing ADM (acellular dermal matrix) and demonstrate that the use of BC has no adverse effects such as ulceration or extrusion and possesses expected properties. Based on preliminary animal as well as the few clinical data BC fittings are promising implants for various reconstructive applications since they are biocompatible with properties allowing blood flow, attach easily to wound bed and remain in place until donor site is healed properly. Additionally, this review shows that BC can be fabricated into patient specific shapes and size, with capability to reach mechanical properties of relevance for heart valve, ear, and muscle replacement. Bacterial cellulose appears, as shown in the above review, to be one of the materials that allow extensive application in the reconstruction after soft tissue defects. Review was created to show the needs of surgeons and the possibilities of using BC through the eyes and knowledge of biotechnologists.

Expression Profiles of Genes Encoding Cornified Envelope Proteins in Atopic Dermatitis and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas.

The skin barrier defect in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) was recently confirmed to be similar to the one observed in atopic dermatitis (AD). We have examined the expression level of cornified envelope (CE) proteins in CTCL, AD and healthy skin, to search for the differences and their relation to the courses of both diseases. The levels of FLG, FLG2, RPTN, HRNR, SPRR1A, SPRR1B, SPRR3 and LELP-1 mRNA were determined by qRT-PCR, while protein levels were examined using the ELISA method in skin samples. We have found that mRNA levels of FLG, FLG2, LOR, CRNN and SPRR3v1 were decreased (p ≤ 0.04), whereas mRNA levels of RPTN, HRNR and SPRR1Av1 were increased in lesional and nonlesional AD skin compared to the healthy control group (p ≤ 0.04). The levels of FLG, FLG2, CRNN, SPRR3v1 mRNA increased (p ≤ 0.02) and RPTN, HRNR and SPRR1Av1 mRNA decreased (p ≤ 0.005) in CTCL skin compared to the lesional AD skin. There was a strong correlation between the stage of CTCL and increased SPRR1Av1 gene expression at both mRNA (R = 0.89; p ≤ 0.05) and protein levels (R = 0.94; p ≤ 0.05). FLG, FLG2, RPTN, HRNR and SPRR1A seem to play a key role in skin barrier dysfunction in CTCL and could be considered a biomarker for differential diagnosis of AD and CTCL. SPRR1Av1 transcript levels seem to be a possible marker of CTCL stage, however, further studies on a larger study group are needed to confirm our findings.

Mapping signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activity in different stages of mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Deregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling is known to participate in the pathogenesis of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs). However, published results regarding STAT expression in different stages of CTCLs are conflicting. The aim of the study was to define the pattern of STAT expression in skin and detect any differences between pruritic and nonpruritic patients but also different stages of disease. METHODS: Thirty-nine skin biopsies from CTCL patients and 24 biopsies from healthy volunteers were taken. Immunohistochemical staining for STAT 3, 5a, 5b, and 6 was performed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) specimens. RESULTS: We found increased expression of STAT proteins in CTCL: MF and SS skin in comparison to the control group. STAT5 but also STAT6 and to a lesser extent STAT3 seems to be constitutively activated in MF and SS. Moreover, also downregulation of STAT5b protein in advanced-stage CTCL appears to contribute to its pathogenesis. There were no significant associations between expression of STATs and pruritus severity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the possible pathogenetic role of STATs in CTCL. STATs seem to be a promising target for new effective therapeutic agents in CTCL.

Cholecystectomy after breast reconstruction with a pedicled autologous tram flap. Types of surgical access.

The number of breast reconstruction procedures has been increasing in recent years. One of the suggested treatment methods is breast reconstruction with a pedicled skin and muscle TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominis muscle - TRAM). Surgical incisions performed during a cholecystectomy procedure may be located in the areas significant for flap survival. The aim of this paper is to present anatomical changes in abdominal walls secondary to pedicled skin and muscle (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction, which influence the planned access in cholecystectomy procedures. The authors present 2 cases of cholecystectomy performed due to cholelithiasis in female patients with a history of TRAM flap breast reconstruction procedures. The first patient underwent a traditional method of surgery 14 days after the reconstruction due to acute cholecystitis. The second patient underwent a laparoscopy due to cholelithiasis 7 years after the TRAM procedure. In both cases an abdominal ultrasound scan was performed prior to the operation, and surgical access was determined following consultation with a plastic surgeon. The patient who had undergone traditional cholecystectomy developed an infection of the postoperative wound. The wound was treated with antibiotics, vacuum therapy and skin grafting. After 7 weeks complete postoperative wound healing and correct healing of the TRAM flap were achieved. The patient who had undergone laparoscopy was discharged home on the second postoperative day without any complications. In order to plan a safe surgical access, it is necessary to know the changes in the anatomy of abdominal walls following a pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction procedure.

A new method for using a silicone rod for permanent nipple projection after breast reconstruction procedures.

Nipple-areola complex (NAC) is a unique part of the human body. Not only is it a functional structure, but it plays an aesthetic role as well. It offers the final touch to the convex shape of the breast. Its lack frequently leads to depression in patients. This paper describes the method used by the authors for reconstructing nipple mound projection in patients following an autologous breast reconstruction procedure. To reconstruct the nipple mound an adapted local C-V flap technique described by Losken was used, with a silicone rod to support the nipple. The new method is based on simple preparation of flaps, fixing the silicone rod at the nipple bottom and below the top, it is quick and efficient in terms of time and materials used. The procedure was conducted in 30 patients: 10 cases following LDf reconstruction and Becker prosthesis or expander prosthesis, 20 cases following body tissue reconstruction with TRAM flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous flap). All the patients who had undergone the LDf procedure developed flap necrosis followed by rod removal. In the patients who had undergone TRAM flap reconstruction no necrosis or wound split was observed, healing progressed without complications. In this group durable nipple projection was achieved. The new method for reconstructing nipple projection may be applied both in simultaneous and staged procedures, only in patients who have undergone autologous breast reconstruction procedure.