Using 3D Bioprinted Autologous Minimally Manipulated Homologous Adipose Tissue for Limb Salvage in Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcer.

Reconstructive surgeons face challenges when considering limb salvage methods for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). In this article, we present our experience with autologous fat grafting as a viable alternative in cases where flap reconstruction is difficult. We encountered a 78-year-old female patient with a nonhealing DFU who had multiple comorbidities, including renal failure and severe peripheral arterial disease. During the initial multidisciplinary meeting, due to extensive necrosis and osteomyelitis, amputation was recommended. However, the patient expressed a strong preference for a salvage procedure and refused amputation. After careful consideration, we opted to reconstruct the patient's foot using three-dimensional bioprinted autologous minimally manipulated homologous adipose tissue. The AMHAT was engrafted well without complications such as autolysis, graft failure, or infection. After the operation, the large defect with partial bone exposure was covered with healthy granulation tissue. The size of the wound decreased to less than half its original size after 6 weeks of surgery, and it decreased to less than 25% after 12 weeks of surgery. The AMHAT may be an appealing treatment option for diabetic foot patients who are unsuitable for flap reconstruction due to comorbidities.

Mitigating Gas Evolution in Electron Beam-Induced Gel Polymer Electrolytes Through Bi-Functional Cross-Linkable Additives.

The current high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), reliant on flammable liquid electrolytes (LEs) and nickel-rich cathodes, are plagued by safety hazards, especially the risk of hazardous gas release stemming from internal side reactions. To address these safety concerns, an electron beam (E-beam)-induced gel polymer electrolyte (E-Gel) is introduced, employing dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPH) as a bi-functional cross-linkable additive (CIA). The dual roles of DPH are exploited through a strategically designed E-beam irradiation process. Applying E-beam irradiation on the pre-cycled cells allows DPH to function as an additive during the initial cycle, establishing a protective layer on the surface of the anode and cathode and as a cross-linker during the E-beam irradiation step, forming a polymer framework. The prepared E-Gel with CIA has superior interfacial compatibility, facilitating lithium-ion diffusion at the electrode/E-Gel interface. The electrochemical assessment of 1.2 Ah pouch cells demonstrates that E-Gel substantially reduces gas release by 2.5 times compared to commercial LEs during the initial formation stage and ensures superior reversible capacity retention even after prolonged cycling at 55 °C. The research underscores the synergy of bifunctional CIA with E-beam technology, paving the way for large-scale production of safe, high-capacity, and commercially viable LIBs.

Ginsenoside Rg3, enriched in red ginseng extract, improves lipopolysaccharides-induced suppression of brown and beige adipose thermogenesis with mitochondrial activation.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) which is a critical regulator of energy homeostasis, and its activity is inhibited by obesity and low-grade chronic inflammation. Ginsenoside Rg3, the primary constituent of Korean red ginseng (steamed Panax ginseng CA Meyer), has shown therapeutic potential in combating inflammatory and metabolic diseases. However, it remains unclear whether Rg3 can protect against the suppression of browning or activation of BAT induced by inflammation. In this study, we conducted a screening of ginsenoside composition in red ginseng extract (RGE) and explored the anti-adipogenic effects of both RGE and Rg3. We observed that RGE (exist 0.25 mg/mL of Rg3) exhibited significant lipid-lowering effects in adipocytes during adipogenesis. Moreover, treatment with Rg3 (60 µM) led to the inhibition of triglyceride accumulation, subsequently promoting enhanced fatty acid oxidation, as evidenced by the conversion of radiolabeled 3H-fatty acids into 3H-H2O with mitochondrial activation. Rg3 alleviated the attenuation of browning in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated beige adipocytes and primary brown adipocytes by recovered by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and the oxygen consumption rate compared to the LPS-treated group. These protective effects of Rg3 on inflammation-induced inhibition of beige and BAT-derived thermogenesis were confirmed in vivo by treating with CL316,243 (a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist) and LPS to induce browning and inflammation, respectively. Consistent with the in vitro data, treatment with Rg3 (2.5 mg/kg, 8 weeks) effectively reversed the LPS-induced inhibition of brown adipocyte features in C57BL/6 mice. Our findings confirm that Rg3-rich foods are potential browning agents that counteract chronic inflammation and metabolic complications.

Activation of ChAT+ neuron in dorsal motor vagus (DMV) increases blood glucose through the regulation of hepatic gene expression in mice.

The brain and peripheral organs communicate through hormones and neural connections. Proper communication is required to maintain normal whole-body energy homeostasis. In addition to endocrine system, from the perspective of neural connections for metabolic homeostasis, the role of the sympathetic nervous system has been extensively studied, but understanding of the parasympathetic nervous system is limited. The liver plays a central role in glucose and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to clarify the innervation of parasympathetic nervous system in the liver and its functional roles in metabolic homeostasis. The liver-specific parasympathetic nervous system innervation (PNS) was shown by tissue clearing, immunofluorescence and transgenic mice at the three-dimensional histological level. The parasympathetic efferent signals were manipulated using a chemogenetic technique and the activation of ChAT+ parasympathetic neurons in dorsal motor vagus (DMV) results in the increased blood glucose through the elevated hepatic gluconeogenic and lipogenic gene expression in the liver. Thus, our study showed the evidence of ChAT+ parasympathetic neurons in the liver and its role for hepatic parasympathetic nervous signaling in glucose homeostasis through the regulation of hepatic gene expression.

Design of a Bioinspired Robust Three-Dimensional Cross-Linked Polymer Binder for High-Performance Li-Ion Battery Applications.

Si has the highest theoretical capacity (4200 mA h g-1) among conventional anode materials, such as graphite (372 mA h g-1), but its large volume expansion leads to deterioration of the battery performance. To overcome this problem (issue), we investigated the use of polysaccharide-based 3D cross-linked network binders for Si anodes, in which the polysaccharide formed an effective 3D cross-linked network around Si particles via cross-linking of polysaccharide with citric acid (CA). Sodium alginate (SA), a natural polysaccharide extracted from brown algae, is a suitable binder material for Si anodes because its abundant hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups form hydrogen and covalent bonds with the -OH groups present on the Si surface. We found that CA-cross-linked (CA-SA) could effectively prevent the volume expansion of Si anodes through the formation of 3D cross-linked network structures. In addition, the CA-SA binders provide enhanced adhesion strength, enabling the fabrication of more robust electrodes than those prepared using binders with linear structures ("linear binders"). In particular, the fabricated Si-based electrode (high mass loading of 1.5 mg cm-2) with CA-SA binder exhibited outstanding areal capacity (∼2.7 mA h cm-2) and excellent cycle retention (∼100% after 100 cycles).

Predictive factors of lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer.

This study aimed to evaluate factors that predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). This retrospective cross-sectional study compared the demographic, clinical, and ultrasonographic findings of patients with PTC with and without LNM. Subgroup analysis was conducted for micro-PTCs (<1 cm). Among total (n = 512; mean age, 47.3 ± 12.7 years) and micro-PTC patients (n = 312), 35.7% and 19.6% had LNM, respectively. Younger age, male sex, tumor size, bilaterality, and suspicious ultrasound features of the tumor were associated with LNM. In multiple logistic regression analysis, among all patients, age, tumor size, and extrathyroidal extension were independent risk factors for LNM (all p<0.05). In the micro-PTC subgroup, age, extrathyroidal extension, bilaterality of tumor, and presence of autoimmune thyroid disease were independent risk and protective factors for LNM (all p<0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the accuracy of the multivariable logistic regression model for predicting LNM among all patients and micro-PTC was acceptable (area under the curve = 0.729 and 0.733, respectively). Age, sex, tumor size, and extrathyroidal extension can assist in predicting LNM in PTC patients. Additionally, the bilaterality of tumors and presence of autoimmune thyroid disease can assist in predicting LNM in micro-PTCs.

Immunostimulatory effects of marine algae extracts on in vitro antigen-presenting cell activation and in vivo immune cell recruitment.

Marine algae are photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms that are widely used as sources of food, cosmetics, and drugs. However, their biological and immunological effects on immune cells have not been fully elucidated. To unravel their immunological activity and broaden their application, we generated antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, from mouse bone marrow cells and treated them with six different marine algae extracts (MAEs). We evaluated cell viability, activation marker expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production by APCs after 2 days of MAE treatment. All six MAEs significantly induced cytokine production of APCs, among which Pyropia yezoensis (PY), Peyssonnelia caulifera (PC), and Meristotheca papulosa (MP) extracts exhibited the strongest effect. Cladophora wrightiana var. minor (CW) extract moderately upregulated cytokine levels but increased the expression of activation markers on DCs. Moreover, PY, PC, MP, Sargassum pectinifera (SP), and Caulerpa okamurae (CO) pre-treated APCs effectively stimulated T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Furthermore, the mice injected with MAEs exhibited higher cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) production as well as enhanced innate immune cell recruitment capacities (DCs, monocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer cells) in the peritoneal cavity of the mice compared to those of the non-treated mice. Therefore, all MAEs exhibited immunostimulatory potential, with PY, PC, CW, and MP extracts being the most effective in stimulating immune responses and cell activation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the immunomodulatory activities of six MAEs both in vitro and in vivo.

Hierarchical 3D Electrode Design with High Mass Loading Enabling High-Energy-Density Flexible Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Flexible lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted significant attention owing to their ever-increasing use in flexible and wearable electronic devices. However, the practical application of flexible LIBs in devices has been plagued by the challenge of simultaneously achieving high energy density and high flexibility. Herein, a hierarchical 3D electrode (H3DE) is introduced with high mass loading that can construct highly flexible LIBs with ultrahigh energy density. The H3DE features a bicontinuous structure and the active materials along with conductive agents are uniformly distributed on the 3D framework regardless of the active material type. The bicontinuous electrode/electrolyte integration enables a rapid ion/electron transport, thereby improving the redox kinetics and lowering the internal cell resistance. Moreover, the H3DE exhibits exceptional structural integrity and flexibility during repeated mechanical deformations. Benefiting from the remarkable physicochemical properties, pouch-type flexible LIBs using H3DE demonstrate stable cycling under various bending states, achieving a record-high energy density (438.6 Wh kg-1 and 20.4 mWh cm-2 ), and areal capacity (5.6 mAh cm-2 ), outperforming all previously reported flexible LIBs. This study provides a feasible solution for the preparation of high-energy-density flexible LIBs for various energy storage devices.

Primary pyomyositis and uveitis in a cat.

A 6-year-old neutered male Siamese cat was referred for investigation of hindlimb ataxia and blindness of 2 weeks' duration. A swollen right hind limb, with no history of trauma, and no evidence of an external wound, was observed on physical examination. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral absence of the menace response and changes consistent with uveitis. Blood tests identified changes consistent with inflammation including serum amyloid A elevation. Infectious disease testing was negative. Degenerate neutrophils and bacterial cocci were detected on fine needle aspiration cytology of the affected limb. Thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasonography identified no abnormalities. Primary pyomyositis was suspected and clindamycin was prescribed following Penrose drain tube placement. In addition, eye drops containing tobramycin, atropine, and prednisolone were administered. The clinical signs and serum amyloid A level were markedly improved after 5 days of treatment. Based on the medical history and lack of other findings, the uveitis was suspected to be secondary to the pyomyositis. The clinical signs resolved completely, and no recurrence was reported within a 6-month follow-up period. To the best of our knowledge, primary pyomyositis with uveitis has not been previously reported in cats.

Off-Label Use of Crisdesalazine (GedaCure) in Meningoencephalitis in Two Dogs.

An 8-year-old, castrated male Shih-tzu dog (Case 1) showing ataxia and gait disorder was referred for neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging. Through comprehensive examinations, the patient was tentatively diagnosed with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) and treatment with prednisolone and cytosine arabinoside was started. The symptoms were improving with immunosuppressive treatment. However, severe bacterial cystitis occurred and we could not avoid tapering off prednisolone. Then, neurological signs recurred. Therefore, we added crisdesalazine, which allowed us to reduce the daily dosage of immunosuppressants easily. In another case, a 4-year-old, spayed female Yorkshire terrier dog (Case 2) was referred to our hospital showing a head tilt, circling, and loss of the menace reflex. The patient was tentatively diagnosed with MUO and treatment with some immunosuppressants was attempted. The clinical symptoms improved, but the alleviation was inadequate. Thus, we added crisdesalazine. The neurological signs then markedly improved. Moreover, the drugs could be tapered off more easily than before. Crisdesalazine is a novel drug that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action in brain disease and is used particularly for dementia. In this paper, we tried an off-label use of this drug in canine MUO patients, and found that it had, in these two patients, additional therapeutic effects on the MUO.

Suspected Cerebral Salt Wasting Syndrome with Cervical Spinal Lesion in a Domestic Shorthair Cat.

A 12-year-old spayed female domestic short cat was presented with tetraplegia. The cat also showed signs of hyponatremia and dehydration, which were rapidly corrected by intravenous fluid infusion. Based on thorough physical and neurological examinations, the patient was suspected of having an intracranial disease. MRI revealed a high-signal T2 image of the bilateral parietal cerebral cortical gray matter junction, which is associated with fast electrolyte calibration, and a high-signal T2 image of the C2 spinal cord ventral area, which is associated with ischemic myelopathy. The cat reappeared three days later due to anorexia. Laboratory examinations revealed that the cat was clinically dehydrated and exhibited hyponatremia. Other causes of hyponatremia were excluded through history-taking, laboratory examination, imaging, and therapeutic response to fluid therapy, except for cerebral salt-wasting syndrome (CSWS). The cat was discharged 3 days after the start of fludrocortisone therapy with electrolytes within the normal range. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed again 1 month after hospitalization, and the cerebral lesion disappeared, but the spinal cord lesion worsened compared to the previous image. The patient was euthanized due to the progression of the spinal lesion, with a poor prognosis and poor quality of life. This is the first case of suspected CSWS with a cervical spinal lesion in a cat.

Subject-Invariant Deep Neural Networks based on Baseline Correction for EEG Motor Imagery BCI.

Electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) systems have been extensively used in various applications, such as communication, control, and rehabilitation. However, individual anatomical and physiological differences cause subject-specific variability of EEG signals for the same task, and BCI systems thus require a calibration procedure that adjusts system parameters to each subject. To overcome this problem, we propose a subject-invariant deep neural network (DNN) using baseline-EEG signals that can be recorded from subjects resting in comfortable states. We first modeled the deep features of EEG signals as a decomposition of subject-invariant and subject-variant features corrupted by anatomical/physiological characteristics. Subject-variant features were then removed from the deep features by learning the network with a baseline correction module (BCM) using the underlying individual information in baseline-EEG signals. The subject-invariant loss forces the BCM to assemble subject-invariant features that have the same class, irrespective of the subject. Using 1-min baseline-EEG signals of the new subject, our algorithm can eliminate subject-variant components from test data without the calibration process. The experimental results show that our subject-invariant DNN framework significantly increases decoding accuracies of the conventional DNN methods for BCI systems. Furthermore, feature visualizations illustrate that the proposed BCM extracts subject-invariant features that are close to each other in the same class.

Facile Enhancement of Electrochemical Performance of Solid-State Supercapacitor via Atmospheric Plasma Treatment on PVA-Based Gel-Polymer Electrolyte.

A facile oxygen (O2) atmospheric plasma treatment is applied to a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to enhance its wettability and hydrophilicity. The optimal plasma treatment conditions are determined by varying the applied plasma power and plasma treatment time. A PVA matrix treated with a plasma power of 120 W for 5 s shows the most hydrophilicity owing to successful formation of carbonyl (-CO, >C=O) functional groups without any structural degradation. The plasma-treated PVA matrix is used as the gel-polymer electrolyte of a solid-state supercapacitor (SSC) by immersing solid matrix into various liquid electrolytes, such as sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and potassium hydroxide (KOH). Compared with the pristine PVA-based device, PVA-120W5/Na2SO4-, PVA-120W5/H2SO4-, and PVA-120W5/KOH-based SSCs show 2.03, 2.05, and 2.14 times higher specific capacitances, respectively. The plasma-treated PVA matrix shows increased specific capacitance owing to the increased wettability, which in turn increases the ion transportation and reduces the electrical resistance. This study successfully demonstrates that the electrochemical performance of a SSC can be readily enhanced through plasma treatment for a short time (≤5 s).

Comparison of Patients Satisfaction with Direct to Implant versus Latissimus Dorsi Flap with Implant Breast Reconstruction Using Breast-Q.

Background The latissimus musculocutaneous flap (LD flap) is a useful option for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. It has the advantage of obtaining sufficient tissue padding and natural shape by using autologous tissue. However, with the emergence of the skin-sparing mastectomy technique and artificial dermis matrix, direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction has become the first choice of surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the satisfaction levels of patients who underwent DTI and LD flap with implant using patient-reported Breast-Q results. Methods A retrospective study was performed reviewing the records of 49 women who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with DTI or LD flap with implant and responded to the BREAST-Q questionnaire after the operation. The patient-reported breast-Q results were analyzed and correlated to the demographic information and intraoperative information. Results A total of 26 patients who underwent reconstruction with LD flap with implant and 23 patients with DTI were identified and responded to the questionnaire after an average of 32.3 and 10.4 months postoperation, respectively. According to the patient response to the breast-q values, satisfaction with breast was 60.0 and 57.0 points, psychosocial well-being 61.0 and 60.0 points, and sexual well-being 41.0 and 43.0 points in the two groups. Overall, there was no significant difference in the breast-Q score between the two groups. Conclusion Patients who underwent DTI breast reconstruction seemed equally satisfied with the appearance and outcome of their breast reconstruction compared with LD flap with implant. Therefore, it appears that DTI is adequately replacing LD with implant.

A propensity score-matched analysis of advanced energy devices and conventional monopolar device for colorectal cancer surgery: comparison of clinical and oncologic outcomes.

Purpose: The safety, efficiency, and versatility of novel surgical energy devices have been proved by recent studies. This study aims to investigate the impact of surgical energy devices on operative and oncologic outcomes of minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: The study group included 80 patients who underwent minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery with a conventional monopolar device and 217 patients with advanced surgical energy devices between August 2015 and December 2017. The propensity score matching for tumor lesion, preoperative level of CEA, and operation technique produced 63 matched pairs. Results: In patient characteristics, there was no significant difference between the groups after the propensity score matching. The amount of blood loss (72 mL vs. 54 mL, P = 0.123) and conversion cases to another surgery (11.1% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.187) tended to be higher in monopolar group, while operation time and intraoperative complications were not significantly different. The short-term clinical outcomes including time to soft diet, the length of hospital stays, and the morbidity within 30 days after surgery or pathologic outcomes were comparable between the groups. During the median follow-up of 52.9 and 51.1 months in each study group, the 5-year overall survival rates of the monopolar and advanced energy groups were 84.6% and 91.6% (P = 0.276), and the 5-year disease-free survival rates were 78.0% and 84.6% (P = 0.328), respectively. Conclusion: The use of surgical energy devices based on surgeons' preference did not show significant impact on operative and long-term outcomes compared with conventional monopolar devices in minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery.

Radical-Scavenging Activatable and Robust Polymeric Binder Based on Poly(acrylic acid) Cross-Linked with Tannic Acid for Silicon Anode of Lithium Storage System.

The design of a novel binder is required for high-capacity silicon anodes, which typically undergo significant changes during charge/discharge cycling. Hence, in this study, a stable network structure was formed by combining tannic acid (TAc), which can be cross-linked, and poly(acrylic acid)(PAA) as an effective binder for a silicon (Si) anode. TAc is a phenolic compound and representative substance with antioxidant properties. Owing to the antioxidant ability of the C-PAA/TAc binder, side reactions during the cycling were suppressed during the formation of an appropriate solid-electrolyte interface layer. The results showed that the expansion of a silicon anode was suppressed compared with that of a conventional PAA binder. This study demonstrates that cross-linking and antioxidant capability facilitate binding and provides insights into the behavior of binders for silicon anodes. The Si anode with the C-PAA/TAc binder exhibited significantly improved cycle stability and higher Coulombic efficiency in comparison to the Si anode with well-established PAA binders. The C-PAA/TAc binder demonstrated a capacity of 1833 mA h g-1Si for 100 cycles, which is higher than that of electrodes fabricated using the conventional PAA binder. Therefore, the C-PAA/TAc binder offers better electrochemical performance.

Foldable batteries: from materials to devices.

Wearable electronics is a growing field that has important applications in advanced human-integrated systems with high performance and mechanical deformability, especially foldable characteristics. Although foldable electronics such as rollable TVs (LG signature OLED R) or foldable smartphones (Samsung Galaxy Z fold/flip series) have been successfully established in the market, these devices are still powered by rigid and stiff batteries. Therefore, to realize fully wearable devices, it is necessary to develop state-of-the-art foldable batteries with high performance and safety in dynamic deformation states. In this review, we cover the recent progress in developing materials and system designs for foldable batteries. The Materials section is divided into three sections aimed at helping researchers choose suitable materials for their systems. Several foldable battery systems are discussed and the combination of innovative materials and system design that yields successful devices is considered. Furthermore, the basic analysis process of electrochemical and mechanical properties is provided as a guide for researchers interested in the evaluation of foldable battery systems. The current challenges facing the practical application of foldable batteries are briefly discussed. This review will help researchers to understand various aspects (from material preparation to battery configuration) of foldable batteries and provide a brief guideline for evaluating the performance of these batteries.

A Comparative Analysis of Patient Satisfaction and Cosmetic Outcomes after Breast Reconstruction through BREAST-Q and the Judgment of Medical Panels: Does it Reflect Well in Terms of Aesthetics in Korean Patients?

Background Currently, the BREAST-Q can effectively measure patient's satisfaction on the quality of life from the patient's perspective in relation to different type of breast reconstruction. However, evaluation of patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcomes in breast reconstruction may have potential to led bias. Methods To maximize the benefits of using BREAST-Q to evaluate clinical outcome, we performed comparative study focused on the correlation between postoperative BREAST-Q and cosmetic outcomes assessed by medical professionals. For the current analysis, we used three postoperative BREAST-Q scales (satisfaction with breast, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being). The Ten-Point Scale by Visser et al was applied to provide reproducible grading of the postoperative cosmetic outcomes of the breast. The system includes six subscales that measured overall aesthetic outcome, volume, shape, symmetry, scarring, and nipple-areolar complex. The photographic assessments were made by five medical professionals who were shown photographs on a computer screen in a random order. Obtained data were stored in Excel and evaluated by Spearman's correlations using SPSS Statistics. Results We enrolled 92 women in this study, 10 did not respond to all scales of postoperative BREAST-Q, the remaining 82 women had undergone breast reconstruction. The correlation between BREAST-Q score and aesthetic score measured by Ten-Point Scale for the three BREAST-Q scales all show positive values in Spearman's correlation coefficient. Conclusion A significant correlation without any bias observed was found between the patient's satisfaction measured by BREAST-Q after breast reconstruction and the medical expert's aesthetic evaluation.

Adenosine-Prefabricated Adipose Tissue Improves Fat Graft Survival by Promoting VEGF-Dependent Angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis plays an important role in determining the fat graft survival. However, clinical preconditioning techniques that target angiogenesis during fat grafting have not been established so far. Adenosine has emerged as a regulator of angiogenesis under hypoxic conditions; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of adenosine prefabrication on fat graft survival. METHODS: In the first animal study, a total of 32 mice were transplanted with fat prefabricated with vehicle (Control, N = 16) or adenosine (Adenosine, N = 16). In the second animal study, 24 mice were divided into three groups based on the type of fat graft: Control (N = 8), Adenosine (N = 8), and Axitinib (cotreatment of adenosine with axitinib, N = 8). At 1- and 4-weeks post-transplantation, grafts were evaluated by histopathological and biochemical assessment. Adenosine-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production and angiogenesis were determined using cell cultures. RESULTS: The retention volumes of fat grafts in the adenosine group were significantly increased until 4 weeks. Fat grafts from the adenosine group exhibited greater structural integrity, reduced fibrosis, and increased blood vessels. The expression levels of angiogenesis-related genes, Vegfa, Vegfr1, Vegfr2, and Vwf, were elevated in the adenosine group. Furthermore, adenosine upregulated VEGF production in preadipocytes, thereby enhancing the migration of endothelial cells. Treatment with the axitinib, VEGF receptor inhibitor, abrogated the adenosine-induced angiogenesis in the fat grafts. CONCLUSION: Adenosine prefabrication in fat improved the graft survival by enhancing angiogenesis through the VEGF/VEGFR axis in the preadipocytes and endothelial cells. Therefore, this method may be used as a novel strategy to increase the retention rate in fat grafts.

A rare case of cecal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a dog.

A 12-year-old mixed-breed dog presented with a 2-month history of abdominal distension. Radiographic examination, abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomography revealed a mass in the cecum (15.0 × 11.9 × 4.5 cm). The cecal mass was surgically removed and examined histopathologically. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells expressed S-100 and neuron specific enolase but not α-smooth muscle actin and CD117 (c-kit). These histologic and immunohistochemical features indicated that the mass was consistent with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). In dogs, most MPNSTs arise from the brachial plexus, spinal nerve root, and skin of the extremities. However, gastrointestinal MPNSTs in dogs have not been described previously. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe cecal MPNST in a dog.