Adaptive evolution of antioxidase-related genes in hypoxia-tolerant mammals.

To cope with the damage from oxidative stress caused by hypoxia, mammals have evolved a series of physiological and biochemical traits, including antioxidant ability. Although numerous research studies about the mechanisms of hypoxia evolution have been reported, the molecular mechanisms of antioxidase-related genes in mammals living in different environments are yet to be completely understood. In this study, we constructed a dataset comprising 7 antioxidase-related genes (CAT, SOD1, SOD2, SOD3, GPX1, GPX2, and GPX3) from 43 mammalian species to implement evolutionary analysis. The results showed that six genes (CAT, SOD1, SOD2, SOD3, GPX1, and GPX3) have undergone divergent evolution based on the free-ratio (M1) model. Furthermore, multi-ratio model analyses uncovered the divergent evolution between hypoxic and non-hypoxic lineages, as well as various hypoxic lineages. In addition, the branch-site model identified 9 positively selected branches in 6 genes (CAT, SOD1, SOD2, SOD3, GPX2, and GPX3) that contained 35 positively selected sites, among which 31 positively selected sites were identified in hypoxia-tolerant branches, accounting for 89% of the total number of positively selected sites. Interestingly, 65 parallel/convergent sites were identified in the 7 genes. In summary, antioxidase-related genes are subjected to different selective pressures among hypoxia-tolerant species living in different habitats. This study provides a valuable insight into the molecular evolution of antioxidase-related genes in hypoxia evolution in mammals.

Kaempferol efficacy in metabolic diseases: Molecular mechanisms of action in diabetes mellitus, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, and atherosclerosis.

The incidence of metabolic diseases has progressively increased, which has a negative impact on human health and life safety globally. Due to the good efficacy and limited side effects, there is growing interest in developing effective drugs to treat metabolic diseases from natural compounds. Kaempferol (KMP), an important flavonoid, exists in many vegetables, fruits, and traditional medicinal plants. Recently, KMP has received widespread attention worldwide due to its good potential in the treatment of metabolic diseases. To promote the basic research and clinical application of KMP, this review provides a timely and comprehensive summary of the pharmacological advances of KMP in the treatment of four metabolic diseases and its potential molecular mechanisms of action, including diabetes mellitus, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and atherosclerosis. According to the research, KMP shows remarkable therapeutic effects on metabolic diseases by regulating multiple signaling transduction pathways such as NF-κB, Nrf2, AMPK, PI3K/AKT, TLR4, and ER stress. In addition, the most recent literature on KMP's natural source, pharmacokinetics studies, as well as toxicity and safety are also discussed in this review, thus providing a foundation and evidence for further studies to develop novel and effective drugs from natural compounds. Collectively, our manuscript strongly suggested that KMP could be a promising candidate for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Simultaneous determination of trace marine lipophilic and hydrophilic phycotoxins in various environmental and biota matrices.

An efficient and sensitivity approach, which combines solid-phase extraction or ultrasonic extraction for pretreatment, followed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, has been established to simultaneously determine eight lipophilic phycotoxins and one hydrophilic phycotoxin in seawater, sediment and biota samples. The recoveries and matrix effects of target analytes were in the range of 61.6-117.3 %, 55.7-121.3 %, 57.5-139.9 % and 82.6 %-95.0 %, 85.8-106.8 %, 80.7 %-103.3 % in seawater, sediment, and biota samples, respectively. This established method revealed that seven, six and six phycotoxins were respectively detected in the Beibu Gulf, with concentrations ranging from 0.14 ng/L (okadaic acid, OA) to 26.83 ng/L (domoic acid, DA) in seawater, 0.04 ng/g (gymnodimine-A, GYM-A) to 2.75 ng/g (DA) in sediment and 0.01 ng/g (GYM-A) to 2.64 ng/g (domoic acid) in biota samples. These results suggest that the presented method is applicable for the simultaneous determination of trace marine lipophilic and hydrophilic phycotoxins in real samples.

Pain prediction model based on machine learning and SHAP values for elders with dementia in Taiwan.

INTRODUCTION: Pain conditions are common in elderly individuals, including those with dementia. However, symptoms associated with dementia may lead to poor recognition, assessment and management of pain. In this study, we incorporated the variables based on questionnaires into a machine learning algorithm to build a prediction model for the pain index of elderly individuals with dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 113 cases were collected through questionnaires and used to build prediction models for the patient's pain index. Three machine learning algorithms were incorporated for comparison in this study. To interpret the prediction model, SHapley additive explanations values were used to depict the ranking importance of variables and the relationship between features and pain index. RESULTS: In the comparison of models, random forests with feature selection outperformed in terms of root mean square error and mean absolute error. A total of 11 features were selected based on embedded method. The results showed that the Karnofsky scale played a key role in predicting pain index for elderly individuals with dementia and was positively associated with pain index. Arthritis is the most important disease to predicting the pain index. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provided the key insights to predict the pain index of elderly patients with dementia. In the future, it can be used to develop an application system or webpage, which can reduce the use of labour and improve the efficiency.

Effect of Raltitrexed on ECA109 Cellular Radiosensitivity and Its Mechanism in Esophageal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of raltitrexed + X-ray irradiation on esophageal cancer ECA109 cells and analyze the potential action mechanism. METHODS: The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to analyze the inhibitory effect of raltitrexed on cell proliferation. The effect of raltitrexed on radiosensitivity was studied through a clone-forming experiment. The scratch assay and invasion test were performed to understand the cell migration and invasion abilities. The apoptosis rate change was measured using a flow cytometer, and Western Blotting was used to determine the expression of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) in each group. RESULTS: Raltitrexed significantly inhibited ECA109 proliferation in a time-dose-dependent manner; there were significant differences among different concentrations and times of action. The results of the clone-forming experiment showed a sensitization enhancement ratio of 1.65, and this demonstrated a radiosensitization effect. After the combination of raltitrexed with X-ray, the cell migration distance was shortened, and the number of cells penetrating the membrane was reduced. CONCLUSION: Raltitrexed can inhibit the growth of esophageal cancer ECA109 cells and has a radiosensitization effect.

Realization of fractional quantum Hall state with interacting photons.

Fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states are known for their robust topological order and possess properties that are appealing for applications in fault-tolerant quantum computing. An engineered quantum platform would provide opportunities to operate FQH states without an external magnetic field and enhance local and coherent manipulation of these exotic states. We demonstrate a lattice version of photon FQH states using a programmable on-chip platform based on photon blockade and engineering gauge fields on a two-dimensional circuit quantum electrodynamics system. We observe the effective photon Lorentz force and butterfly spectrum in the artificial gauge field, a prerequisite for FQH states. After adiabatic assembly of Laughlin FQH wave function of 1/2 filling factor from localized photons, we observe strong density correlation and chiral topological flow among the FQH photons. We then verify the unique features of FQH states in response to external fields, including the incompressibility of generating quasiparticles and the smoking-gun signature of fractional quantum Hall conductivity. Our work illustrates a route to the creation and manipulation of novel strongly correlated topological quantum matter composed of photons and opens up possibilities for fault-tolerant quantum information devices.

Stercoral perforation of the cecum: A case report.

BACKGROUND: With less than 90 reported cases to date, stercoral perforation of the colon is a rare occurrence. Stercoral ulceration is thought to occur due to ischemic pressure necrosis of the bowel wall, which is caused by the presence of a stercoraceous mass. To underscore this urgent surgical situation concerning clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and results, we present the case of a 66-year-old man with a stercoral perforation. CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old man with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gout presented at the emergency department with lower abdominal pain and a low-grade fever lasting for a few hours. Abdominal computed tomography indicated a suspected bezoar (approximately 7.6 cm) in the dilated cecum, accompanied by pericolic fat stranding, mild proximal dilatation of the ileum, pneumoperitoneum, and minimal ascites. Intraoperatively, feculent peritonitis with isolated cecal perforation were observed. Consequently, a right hemicolectomy with peritoneal lavage was performed. A histopathological examination supported the intraoperative findings. CONCLUSION: In stercoral perforations, a diagnosis should be diligently pursued, especially in older adults, and prompt surgical intervention should be implemented.

Experimental Investigation of Water Jet-Guided Laser Micro-Hole Drilling of Cf/SiC Composites.

In this paper, water jet-guided laser (WJGL) drilling of Cf/SiC composites was employed and the effects of the processing parameters on the depth and quality of the micro-holes were systematically investigated. Firstly, the depth measurement showed that the increase in processing time and power density led to a significant improvement in micro-hole drilling depth. However, the enhancement of the water jet speed resulted in a pronounced decrease in the depth due to the phenomenon of water splashing. In contrast, the scanning speed, path overlap ratio, pulse frequency, and helium pressure exhibited less effect on the micro-hole depth. Secondly, the microstructural analysis revealed that the increase in power density resulted in the deformation and fracture of the carbon fibers, while the augmentation in water jet speed reduced the thermal defects. Finally, based on the optimization of the processing parameters, a micro-hole of exceptional quality was achieved, with a depth-to-diameter ratio of 8.03 and a sidewall taper of 0.72°. This study can provide valuable guidance for WJGL micro-hole drilling of Cf/SiC composites.

Poleward migration of tropical corals inhibited by future trends of seawater temperature and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) saturation.

Poleward range expansion of marine organisms is commonly attributed to anthropogenic ocean warming. However, the extent to which a single species can migrate poleward remains unclear. In this study, we used molecular data to examine the current distribution of the Pocillopora damicornis species complex in Taiwan waters and applied niche modeling to predict its potential range through the end of the 21st Century. The P. damicornis species complex is widespread across shallow, tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific regions. Our results revealed that populations from subtropical nonreefal coral communities are P. damicornis, whose native geographical ranges are approximately between 23°N and 35°N. In contrast, those from tropical reefs are P. acuta. Our analysis of 50 environmental data layers demonstrated that the concentrations of CaCO3 polymorphs had the greatest contributions to the distributions of the two species. Future projections under intermediate shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP) 2-4.5 and very high (SSP5-8.5) scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions showed that while sea surface temperature (SST) isotherms would shift northwards, saturation isolines of two CaCO3 polymorphs, calcite (Ωcal) and aragonite (Ωarag), would shift southwards by 2100. Subsequent predictions of future suitable habitats under those conditions indicated that distinct delimitation of geographical ranges for the two species would persist, and neither would extend beyond its native geographical zones, indicating that tropical Taiwan waters are the northern limit for P. acuta. In contrast, subtropical waters are the southern limit for P. damicornis. We concluded that the decline in CaCO3 saturation would make high latitudes less inhabitable, which could be one of the boundary elements that limit poleward range expansion driven by rising SSTs and preserve the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) on Earth. Consequently, poleward migration of tropical reef corals to cope with warming oceans should be reevaluated.

Cellular angiofibroma arising from the rectocutaneous fistula in an adult: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Rectocutaneous fistulae are common. The infection originates within the anal glands and subsequently extends into adjacent regions, ultimately resulting in fistula development. Cellular angiofibroma (CAF), also known as an angiomyofibroblastoma-like tumor, is a rare benign soft tissue neoplasm predominantly observed in the scrotum, perineum, and inguinal area in males and in the vulva in females. We describe the first documented case CAF that developed within a rectocutaneous fistula and manifested as a perineal mass. CASE SUMMARY: In the outpatient setting, a 52-year-old male patient presented with a 2-year history of a growing perineal mass, accompanied by throbbing pain and minor scrotal abrasion. Physical examination revealed a soft, well-defined, non-tender mass at the left buttock that extended towards the perineum, without a visible opening. The initial assessment identified a soft tissue tumor, and the laboratory data were within normal ranges. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) revealed swelling of the abscess cavity that was linked to a rectal cutaneous fistula, with a track-like lesion measuring 6 cm × 0.7 cm in the left perineal region and attached to the left rectum. Rectoscope examination found no significant inner orifices. A left medial gluteal incision revealed a thick-walled mass, which was excised along with the extending tract, and curettage was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed CAF diagnosis. The patient achieved total resolution during follow-up assessments and did not require additional hospitalization. CONCLUSION: CT imaging supports perineal lesion diagnosis and management. Perineal angiofibromas, even with a cutaneous fistula, can be excised transperineally.

Adjuvant therapy for rare rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Anorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors are extremely rare, constituting less than 0.1% of rectal tumors. Surgical resection using a transanal wide excision followed by adjuvant therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors can be a successful treatment combination to remove the mass and prevent recurrence while preserving the integrity of the anal sphincter. Abstract: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a rare subset of neoplasms, accounting for about 1%-2% of primary gastrointestinal malignancies. The stomach is the most common site for GISTs, with anorectal GISTs being exceptionally rare, representing only 0.1% of all rectal tumors. The standard approach for managing localized GIST involves complete surgical excision to achieve negative microscopic margins (R0) while preserving the tumor capsule and maintaining anal sphincter function. Surgical resection with transanal wide excision followed by adjuvant therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors can successfully remove the mass, prevent recurrence, and preserve the anal sphincter's integrity. Adjuvant therapy with imatinib is the recommended treatment for all localized GISTs assessed to have an intermediate or high risk of relapse. Here, we report a case of a 63-year-old male with a rectal GIST who underwent transanal wide excision followed by adjuvant therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Thiostrepton suppresses triple-negative breast cancer through downregulating c-FLIP/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with poor prognosis of breast cancer. Thiostrepton exerts anti-tumor activities against several cancers including TNBC. Herein we discussed the new molecular mechanisms of thiostrepton in TNBC. Thiostrepton inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell viability, accompanied by a decrease of c-FLIP and p-SMAD2/3. c-FLIP overexpression reduced the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231 cells to thiostrepton, while SMAD2/3 knockdown increased the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231 cells to thiostrepton. Moreover, c-FLIP overexpression significantly increased the expression and phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 proteins and vice versa. In conclusion, our study reveals c-FLIP/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway as a novel mechanism of antitumor activity of thiostrepton.

Distribution and correlation of refractive parameters in children with different corneal curvatures in southeast China.

AIM: To analyze the distribution of refractive status in school-age children with different corneal curvatures (CC) and the correlation between CC and refractive status. METHODS: A total of 2214 school-aged children of grade 4 in Hangzhou who were screened for school myopia were included. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), non-cycloplegic refraction, axial length (AL), horizontal and vertical corneal curvature (K1, K2) were measured and spherical equivalent (SE), corneal curvature radius (CCR) and axial length/corneal radius of curvature ratio (AL/CR) were calculated. UCDVA<5.0 and SE≤-0.50 D were classified as school-screening myopia. According to the different CCRs, the patients were divided into the lower corneal curvature (LCC) group (CCR≥7.92) and the higher corneal curvature (HCC) group (CCR<7.92). Each group was further divided into the normal AL subgroup and the long AL subgroup. The refractive parameters were compared to identify any differences between the two groups. RESULTS: Both SE and AL were greater in the LCC group (P=0.013, P<0.001). The prevalence of myopia was 38% in the LCC group and 44% in the HCC group (P<0.001). The proportion of children without screening myopia was higher in the LCC group (62%) than in the HCC group (56%). Among these children without screening myopia, the proportion of long AL in the LCC group (24%) was significantly higher than that in the HCC group (0.012%; P<0.001). The change of SE in the LCC group was less affected by the increase of AL than that in the HCC group. CONCLUSION: School-aged children in the LCC group have a lower incidence of screening myopia and longer AL. Low CC can mask SE reduction and AL growth to some extent, and the change of AL growth change more in children with low CC than high CC. Before the onset of myopia, its growth rate is even faster than that after the onset of myopia.

Mucinous neoplasm of the appendix: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs), although not classified as rare, are relatively uncommon tumors most often discovered incidentally during colorectal surgery. Accurate identification of AMNs is difficult due to non-specific symptoms, overlapping tumor markers with other conditions, and the potential for misdiagnosis. This underscores the urgent need for precision in diagnosis to prevent severe complications. CASE SUMMARY: This case report describes the unexpected discovery and treatment of a low-grade AMN (LAMN) in a 74-year-old man undergoing laparoscopic hemicolectomy for transverse colon adenocarcinoma (AC). Preoperatively, non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms and elevated tumor markers masked the presence of AMN. The tumor, presumed to be an AMN peritoneal cyst intraoperatively, was confirmed as LAMN through histopathological examination. The neoplasm exhibited mucin accumulation and a distinct immunohistochemical profile: Positive for Homeobox protein CDX-2, Cytokeratin 20, special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2, and Mucin 2 but negative for cytokeratin 7 and Paired box gene 8. This profile aids in distinguishing appendiceal and ovarian mucinous tumors. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated, and the patient initiated adjuvant chemotherapy for the colon AC. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of AMNs, emphasizing the need for vigilant identification to avert potential complications, such as pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Identification of immune-associated biomarker for predicting lung adenocarcinoma: bioinformatics analysis and experiment verification of PTK6.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal expression of protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) has been proven to be involved in the development of gynecological tumors. However, its immune-related carcinogenic mechanism in other tumors remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify PTK6 as a novel prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer, especially in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which is correlated with immune infiltration, and to clarify its clinicopathological and prognostic significance. METHODS: The prognostic value and immune relevance of PTK6 were investigated by using bio-informatics in this study. PTK6 expression was validated in vitro experiments (lung cancer cell lines PC9, NCI-H1975, and HCC827; human normal lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B). Western blot (WB) revealed the PTK6 protein expression in lung cancer cell lines. PTK6 expression was inhibited by Tilfrinib. Colony formation and the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay were used to detect cell proliferation. The wound healing and trans-well were performed to analyze the cell migration capacity. Then flow cytometry was conducted to evaluate the cell apoptosis. Eventually, the relationship between PTK6 and immune checkpoints was examined. WB was used to estimate the PD-L1 expression at different Tilfrinib doses. RESULTS: PTK6 was an independent predictive factor for LUAD and was substantially expressed in LUAD. Pathological stage was significantly correlated with increased PTK6 expression. In accordance with survival analysis, poor survival rate in LUAD was associated with a high expression level of PTK6. Functional enrichment of the cell cycle and TGF-ß signaling pathway was demonstrated by KEGG and GSEA analysis. Moreover, PTK6 expression considerably associated with immune infiltration in LUAD, as determined by immune analysis. Thus, the result of vitro experiments indicated that cell proliferation and migration were inhibited by the elimination of PTK6. Additionally, PTK6 suppression induced cell apoptosis. Obviously, PD-L1 protein expression level up-regulated while PTK6 was suppressed. CONCLUSION: PTK6 has predictive value for LUAD prognosis, and could up regulated PD-L1.

OSW-1 triggers necroptosis in colorectal cancer cells through the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway facilitated by the RIPK1-p62/SQSTM1 complex.

BACKGROUND: Necroptosis has emerged as a novel molecular pathway that can be targeted by chemotherapy agents in the treatment of cancer. OSW-1, which is derived from the bulbs of Ornithogalum saundersiae Baker, exerts a wide range of pharmacological effects. AIM: To explore whether OSW-1 can induce necroptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, thereby expanding its range of clinical applications. METHODS: We performed a sequence of functional experiments, including Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and flow cytometry analysis, to assess the inhibitory effect of OSW-1 on CRC cells. We utilized quantitative proteomics, employing tandem mass tag labeling combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, to analyze changes in protein expression. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis was conducted to elucidate the biological processes associated with the identified proteins. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunofluorescence studies were also performed to examine the effects of OSW-1 on necroptosis. Finally, western blotting, siRNA experiments, and immunoprecipitation were employed to evaluate protein interactions within CRC cells. RESULTS: The results revealed that OSW-1 exerted a strong inhibitory effect on CRC cells, and this effect was accompanied by a necroptosis-like morphology that was observable via TEM. OSW-1 was shown to trigger necroptosis via activation of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway. Furthermore, the accumulation of p62/SQSTM1 was shown to mediate OSW-1-induced necroptosis through its interaction with RIPK1. CONCLUSION: We propose that OSW-1 can induce necroptosis through the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway, and that this effect is mediated by the RIPK1-p62/SQSTM1 complex, in CRC cells. These results provide a theoretical foundation for the use of OSW-1 in the clinical treatment of CRC.

Heralded Three-Photon Entanglement from a Single-Photon Source on a Photonic Chip.

In the quest to build general-purpose photonic quantum computers, fusion-based quantum computation has risen to prominence as a promising strategy. This model allows a ballistic construction of large cluster states which are universal for quantum computation, in a scalable and loss-tolerant way without feed forward, by fusing many small n-photon entangled resource states. However, a key obstacle to this architecture lies in efficiently generating the required essential resource states on photonic chips. One such critical seed state that has not yet been achieved is the heralded three-photon Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (3-GHZ) state. Here, we address this elementary resource gap, by reporting the first experimental realization of a heralded 3-GHZ state. Our implementation employs a low-loss and fully programmable photonic chip that manipulates six indistinguishable single photons of wavelengths in the telecommunication regime. Conditional on the heralding detection, we obtain the desired 3-GHZ state with a fidelity 0.573±0.024. Our Letter marks an important step for the future fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing, leading to the acceleration of building a large-scale optical quantum computer.

Leaky gut, circulating immune complexes, arthralgia, and arthritis in IBD: coincidence or inevitability?

Most host-microbiota interactions occur within the intestinal barrier, which is essential for separating the intestinal epithelium from toxins, microorganisms, and antigens in the gut lumen. Gut inflammation allows pathogenic bacteria to enter the blood stream, forming immune complexes which may deposit on organs. Despite increased circulating immune complexes (CICs) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and discussions among IBD experts regarding their potential pathogenic role in extra-intestinal manifestations, this phenomenon is overlooked because definitive evidence demonstrating CIC-induced extra-intestinal manifestations in IBD animal models is lacking. However, clinical observations of elevated CICs in newly diagnosed, untreated patients with IBD have reignited research into their potential pathogenic implications. Musculoskeletal symptoms are the most prevalent extra-intestinal IBD manifestations. CICs are pivotal in various arthritis forms, including reactive, rheumatoid, and Lyme arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Research indicates that intestinal barrier restoration during the pre-phase of arthritis could inhibit arthritis development. In the absence of animal models supporting extra-intestinal IBD manifestations, this paper aims to comprehensively explore the relationship between CICs and arthritis onset via a multifaceted analysis to offer a fresh perspective for further investigation and provide novel insights into the interplay between CICs and arthritis development in IBD.

Efficacy and safety of fibrin sealant application in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Various studies have focused on the application of fibrin sealants (FS) in thyroid surgery. Utilizing a meta-analysis, this systematic review analyzed the findings of recent randomized controlled trials on the safety and efficacy of FS in patients who underwent thyroidectomy. The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Medline databases were searched for relevant studies, without any language restrictions. Seven randomized controlled trials were included in the originally identified 69 studies. Overall, 652 patients received FS during thyroid surgery; their outcomes were compared with those of conventionally treated patients. The primary outcomes were total volume of wound drainage, length of hospitalization, and operative time. Significant differences were observed in the total volume of wound drainage (mean deviation (MD): -29.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): -55.39 to -4.11, P = 0.02), length of hospitalization (MD: -0.84, 95% CI: -1.02 to -0.66, P < 0.00001), and surgery duration (MD: -7.60, 95% CI: -14.75 to -0.45, P = 0.04). Secondary outcomes were seroma and hypoparathyroidism development. The risk of hypoparathyroidism did not differ between the FS and conventional groups (I = 0%, relative risk = 1.31, P = 0.38). Analysis of "seroma formation that required invasive treatment" indicated that FS showed some benefit (I2 = 8%, relative risk 0.44, P = 0.15). Heterogeneity among the different trials limited their conclusions. The meta-analysis showed that although FS use did not significantly reduce seroma or hypoparathyroidism incidence in patients after thyroidectomy, it significantly reduced the total drainage volume, length of hospitalization, and duration of surgery.