A retrospective study of ductoscopy combined with immediate methylene blue staining in nipple discharge diseases.

This study investigated the effect of fiberoptic ductoscopy (FDS) combined with methylene blue staining immediately after FDS procedure on pathological nipple discharge diseases. A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 122 patients with nipple discharge, who underwent FDS and surgical treatment at the Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery of Tengzhou Central People's Hospital, was conducted. The demographic characteristics and surgical outcomes of all patients were assessed. According to the injection time of methylene blue, the patients were divided into the control and the observational groups. In the observational group, methylene blue was injected immediately after ductoscopy and then surgical treatment was performed 12-24 h later, while in the control group, methylene blue injection was just few minutes before surgery treatment. There was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics between the two groups such as age and disease course, in the observational group, the incision length 2.39 (0.48) cm, the volume of resected tissue 41.93 (40.57) cm3, the intraoperative blood loss 12.19 (2.10) ml and the operation duration 26.95 (4.51) min were significantly lower than those of the traditional group (P < 0.05). The average hospital stay 3.08 (0.62) days, breast shape satisfaction 4.78 (1.63) points and postoperative drainage tube placement [3 (5.08%) days] in the observational group were significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). FDS combined with immediate methylene blue staining, which has the advantages of accurate location of the diseased duct, small surgical incision, less tissue removal, and ease of finding the orifice of discharged mammary duct, and is worthy of widespread clinical application.

Adipocytes in the Uterine Wall during Experimental Healing and in Cesarean Scars during Pregnancy.

We have suggested that adipocytes in uterine scars may affect the development of the placenta accrete spectrum (PAS). In the experimental part, we explored adipocytes in the uterine wall by the twelfth sexual cycle after surgery. In the clinical part, we investigated adipocyte clusters in the cesarean scar of pregnant women with and without PAS. The uterine wall was evaluated in gross and histological sections using morphometry, histochemistry (hematoxylin and eosin stain, Mallory stain), and immunohistochemistry for FABP4 (adipocyte markers), CD68, CD163, CD206 (macrophages), CD 34 (endothelium), cytokeratin 8 (epithelium), aSMA (smooth muscle cells). The design included an experimental study on Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 18) after a full-thickness surgical incision on the seventh (n = 6), 30th (n = 6), and 60th day (n = 6). The clinical groups include pregnant women without uterine scars (n = 10), pregnant women with a uterine scar after previous cesarean sections (n = 10), and women with PAS (n = 11). Statistical processing was carried out using nonparametric methods. Comparisons were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. On the seventh day, the rat uterine horn was enveloped by adipose tissue, which contained crown-like structures with FABP4+, CD68+, CD206+, and CD163+ cells. FABP4+ cells in the uterine wall were absent by the 30th day. The number of CD206+ and CD163+ cells in the adipose tissue decreased by the 30th day. On the 60th day, the attachment of fat tissue was revealed in the form of single strands. The serous layer around the damaged area totally recovered on the 60th day. FABP4+ cells were not detected in the uterine wall samples from pregnant women without a previous cesarean section. Adipocytes were found in the scar during non-complicated pregnancy and with PAS. Reducing the number of CD68+ cells in adipocyte clusters, there were in myometrium with PAS. Increased CD206+ and CD163+ cells were revealed in uterine adipocyte clusters of the group. According to the experimental finding, adipocytes should be absent in the uterine wall by the 12th sexual cycle after a full-thickness surgical incision. The presence of adipocyte clusters in cesarean scar indicated the disturbance of cell interaction. Differences in the numbers of CD206 and CD163 cells in adipocyte clusters between groups with and without PAS may be indirect evidence that uterine adipocytes affect the development of PAS.

Safety and efficacy of low-energy small incision lenticule extraction for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism: A retrospective analysis.

Purpose: To determine the safety and efficacy of low-energy settings in small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism. Methods: We included patients aged ≥18 years with the myopia of -0.5 to -10 D and myopic astigmatism of -0.5 to -5 Dcyl in this retrospective case series performed at a private eye hospital in South India. All patients had preoperative best-corrected visual acuity of LogMar 0.0 ± 0, with stable refraction for 1 year and normal corneal topography. Ocular surface disease and other pathology cases were excluded. The repetition rate of the laser was 500 kHz, and the pulse energy was 110 nJ. The lenticule diameter was set at 6.5 mm, cap diameter was 7.20 mm, and intended cap thickness was 110-130 µ. The spot distance was 4.5 µm. All patients were evaluated immediately postoperation and on postoperative days 1, 8, and 30. Results: Overall, 541 eyes were included. The mean patient age was 25.03 ± 4.1 years. The mean spherical error was -3.76 ± 1.84 Ds. The mean cylinder was -1.24 ± 0.91. The mean spherical equivalent of refraction was -4.22 ±1.94 D. The logMAR on postoperative day 1 was 0.0 ± 0. The mean spherical equivalent at 1 month was 0.28 ± 1.06 D. There was no loss of Snellen's lines after the procedure. The mean spherical equivalent of refraction to the target was 95% within ± 0.50 D. The postoperative astigmatism was within 0.5 Dycl. No intraoperative complications of SMILE including retained lenticule fragments, tears of incision, or improper dissection occurred. Conclusion: Low-energy settings in SMILE are safe and effective in correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism including high cylinders (>3 Dcyl).

Endoscope-Assisted Resection of Benign Parotid Tumors via Concealed Post-Auricular Sulcus Incision.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of endoscopic-assisted resection of benign parotid tumors via concealed post-auricular sulcus incision. METHODS: Between October 2019 and March 2021, eligible patients with diagnosed benign parotid tumors were prospectively included and randomly assigned to two groups: the endoscope-assisted post-auricular sulcus incision group (endoscope group) and the conventional Blair "S" incision group (conventional group). RESULTS: A total of 45 patients were finally included, including 24 subjects in the endoscope group and 21 subjects in the conventional group. No obvious differences were observed in basic information between these two groups of patients. The surgical incision length in endoscope group patients was 4.0 ± 0.4 cm, which was significantly shorter than that in conventional group patients, 10.3 ± 1.6 cm (p < 0.001). The total intraoperative blood loss, the first post-operative day drainage volume, the total post-operative drainage volume, and the total drainage days were all significantly lower in endoscope group patients than in conventional group patients (all p < 0.05). Among 3 months follow-ups, no local recurrence or residual tumor were found in both groups of patients, and there were none of them had permanent facial paralysis or parotid fistula. The self-evaluated appearance satisfaction VAS scores of endoscope group patients were all 0, which was significantly lower than that of conventional group patients, 4.7 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with the conventional Blair "S" incision surgery, the endoscope-assisted resection of the benign parotid tumors via concealed post-auricular sulcus incision was safe and effective and showed advantages of faster recovery and better self-assessments of appearance satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 133:133-138, 2023.

Temporal artery biopsy: time for a rethink on training?

BACKGROUND: Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is often performed by ophthalmology trainees without direct supervision. The traditional model of 'see one, do one, teach one' still prevails in most units. Whilst it is generally a safe procedure, damage to the temporal branch of the facial nerve has been reported when harvesting the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery. METHODS: A survey of trainees from Wessex, Wales, London and Severn deaneries was performed to look at current training techniques, anatomical knowledge and practice. RESULTS: 38 trainees responded to the survey, with complete responses from 28 participants. Formal teaching of the anatomical considerations in TAB was not reported by any trainee, with informal teaching being standard practice. Whilst 61% of respondents reported having learnt about the anatomical 'danger zone' for facial nerve damage, 97% of trainees chose an incision that fell within this zone when given a choice between potential incision sites. CONCLUSION: TAB remains a largely trainee-taught, trainee-performed procedure. Most trainees are not aware of how to avoid the risk of damage to the temporal branch of the facial nerve. We suggest harvesting the parietal branch of the temporal artery via an incision outside the anatomical 'danger zone'. In our experience, this is an easily taught technique that minimises the potential risk of damage to the frontal branch of the facial nerve.

Late Spontaneous Postradial Keratotomy Corneal Perforation After Scleral Contact Lens Use-Case Report.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of late spontaneous postradial keratotomy corneal perforation after scleral contact lens (SCL) wear for optic correction. SETTING: Tertiary referral center for corneal pathology. DESIGN: Case report. RESULTS: A 64-year-old man presented the consequences of a late radial keratotomy (RK) surgery performed for myopia correction 26 years ago. His ophthalmologic history was a RK in both eyes (BE), previous Lasik surgery in BE and Lasik enhancement in the right eye (RE), and pterygium excision with conjunctival transplantation in RE. To improve visual acuity, SCL were fitted in both eyes. After 8 months of use, on a certain day, when removing the lens from the RE, the patient reported experiencing intense eye pain and reduced visual acuity. On ophthalmologic examination, the RE cornea was perforated in one of the previous RK incisions. An urgent corneal transplant was performed in the RE, followed by cataract surgery in the same eye. CONCLUSION: Corneal instability caused by RK scars and daily manipulation with the SCL use may have led to ocular perforation.

Fresh Human Myopic Lenticule Intrastromal Implantation for Keratoconus Using SMILE Surgery in a Long-term Follow-up Study: Ultrastructural Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy.

PURPOSE: To investigate new intrastromal histological structures that develop after myopic human lenticular implantation in keratoconus with femtosecond laser-assisted small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery using transmission electron microscopy. METHODS: Sixty eyes with advanced keratoconus indicated for corneal transplantation were included in this study. Fresh myopic lenticular implants were placed in all eyes through SMILE surgery. Lenticular implants were extracted from patients with myopic refractive errors of the cornea, untreated keratoconus, and treated keratoconus following 1, 2, and 3 years of surgery. These five lenticular samples were examined under the electron microscope and compared. RESULTS: Disorganized and thinned collagen fibers were observed in the stroma with degenerative stromal cells (telocyte-like cells and keratocytes) in the keratoconic cornea. Apoptotic bodies and cell debris were easily observed near the disorganized fibers. In contrast, the myopic refractive error of the control and treatment groups demonstrated well-organized parallel lamellar structures. Healthy keratocytes and telocyte-like cells were observed in samples obtained 1, 2, and 3 years after lenticular implantation. Thus, telocyte-like cells may be activated by appropriate stimuli, such as stem cells, and be involved in stromal regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Fresh myopic intrastromal lenticular implantation is a safe, economical, and reliable technique that leads to increased corneal thickness, improved visual acuity, and the regeneration of healthy keratocytes and telocyte-like cells that are involved in stromal regeneration. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(8):520-528.].

Use of a Single Radial Incision to Improve Curvature Matching and Graft Adhesion in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in a Patient With Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a novel surgical technique for altering donor Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) curvature to match host posterior stroma in a patient with advanced keratoconus (KC) and endothelial decompensation. METHODS: We report a 56-year-old man with Fuch endothelial dystrophy and KC, who underwent DMEK due to endothelial decompensation. A triangular area of graft detachment centered on the apex of cones persisted after repeat gas tamponade. A radial incision from the graft edge to the apex was used to allow overlapping of the graft, thereby increasing the grafts curvature. RESULTS: The use of a radial incision in the Descemet membrane (DM) graft was made to allow the graft overlap and adapt to the new shape. By matching the donor curvature to that of the hosts posterior curvature, full adhesion of the graft was achieved with the use of a short-acting air bubble by 1 week after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The mismatch in the curvature of the DM graft and the host posterior corneal surface, in cases with KC or very steep corneas, should be taken into consideration because it can lead to redundancy folds. These can result in atypical, conical detachments, distinct from the typical peripheral detachments seem commonly in DMEK. A single radial incision in the DM graft combined with air tamponade is a feasible treatment option in cases where DMEK fails to attach because of apparent curvature mismatch between the donor and host.

Efficacy of Ring Drape and Unused Sterile Instruments for Incisional SSI After Hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of wound protection with a plastic ring wound protector (ring drape) and using new sterile instruments when closing the abdominal wall (wound closure set), both of which were used to prevent incisional surgical site infection (SSI) after hepatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The incidence of incisional SSIs and the clinical courses of 572 patients who underwent hepatectomy between January 2010 and December 2015 were studied retrospectively. The patients were divided into three period groups according to the period when each infection countermeasure was started. RESULTS: Incisional SSI incidence decreased significantly with additional countermeasures: 1st period 10.1%; 2nd period 2.08% (p=0.0114); 3rd period, 1.63% (1st vs. 3rd period, p=0.0016). A multivariate analysis showed that postoperative bile leakage [odds ratio (OR)=4.12, p=0.012] and not using a ring drape (OR=0.176, p=0.003) were independent factors for incisional SSI. CONCLUSION: Incisional SSI incidence was significantly reduced by using ring drape after hepatectomy.

Analysis of Healing of Rat Uterine Wall After Full-Thickness Surgical Incision.

We studied the dynamics of morphological changes in the operated segment of the uterine horn of Sprague-Dawley rats during the first 2 weeks of the wound-healing process after a full-thickness surgical incision with regard to the estrous cycle phase. Morphometric parameters of injured uterine right horn were compared with those in the intact left horn of the same animal as a control of changes determined by the hormonal background. It was found that the uterine epithelium in the focus of injury was restored as soon as on day 2 after surgery under the influence of estrous cycle hormones. By day 4, the wound space was completely filled with the endometrial tissue on the side of the uterine lumen and coved by the attached adipose tissue of the mesentery on the side of the abdominal cavity. The thickness of the uterine wall and the uterine lumen differed most strongly between the operated and intact uterine horns during the first 3 days and on day 6 after surgery. The size of the healing area increased during the first three days and reached the peak value by day 3, but then decreased to minimum by day 6.

Robust hemostatic bandages based on nanoclay electrospun membranes.

Death from acute hemorrhage is a major problem in military conflicts, traffic accidents, and surgical procedures, et al. Achieving rapid effective hemostasis for pre-hospital care is essential to save lives in massive bleeding. An ideal hemostasis material should have those features such as safe, efficient, convenient, economical, which remains challenging and most of them cannot be achieved at the same time. In this work, we report a rapid effective nanoclay-based hemostatic membranes with nanoclay particles incorporate into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) electrospun fibers. The nanoclay electrospun membrane (NEM) with 60 wt% kaolinite (KEM1.5) shows better and faster hemostatic performance in vitro and in vivo with good biocompatibility compared with most other NEMs and clay-based hemostats, benefiting from its enriched hemostatic functional sites, robust fluffy framework, and hydrophilic surface. The robust hemostatic bandages based on nanoclay electrospun membrane is an effective candidate hemostat in practical application.

REPORT-Effect of topical Curcuma longa extract gel on incision wound angiogenesis in Balb/C mice.

Wound prevalence is still high, both nationally and globally, having a negative impact on patients' physical, psychological and financial wellbeing. The wound healing process involves hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling, with angiogenesis being one aspect of the proliferation phase. Curcuma longa has long been used for the therapeutic effects of one of its components, curcumin, which has been shown to have a positive effect on the wound healing process. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Curcuma longa extract gel (Curcuma longa) administration on angiogenesis in wound healing. This study used a laboratory experimental mouse model. Twenty-five Balb/C male mice aged 8 to 10 weeks were divided into five different intervention groups (positive control, negative control, 1%, 3%, 10% Curcuma longa extract gel administration). An incision wound was made on the back of the mice and the mice were treated for 7 days. The total blood vessels in each mouse were then observed in three random visual fields under the light microscope. There was a significant mean difference (p=0.017) in the total blood vessels observed between the five groups, with significantly more blood vessels in the mice treated with 1% Curcuma longa extract gel than in the negative control group. The topical administration of 1% Curcuma longa extract gel has a positive effect on angiogenesis in a mouse model of wound healing.

Histologic Comparison of Upper Blepharoplasty Skin Excision Using Scalpel Incision Versus Microdissection Electrocautery Needle Tip Versus Continuous Wave CO2 Laser.

BACKGROUND: The various techniques of upper blepharoplasty have been compared based on surgical time to perform the procedure, postoperative healing, scar cosmesis, and cost. Few studies have evaluated the histology of the excised tissue, and no study has compared the tissue histology of 3 blepharoplasty methods using scalpel, microdissection needle with electrocautery, and CO2 laser excision in the same patient. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the histologic changes of tissue after removal of upper eyelid skin using scalpel incision, microdissection electrocautery needle, and CO2 laser. METHODS: Upper blepharoplasty skin excisions were examined from specimens obtained using scalpel incision, microdissection needle tip with electrocautery, and CO2 continuous wave beam. The specimens were sent for permanent sections for histologic evaluation. RESULTS: The skin that was removed using cold steel scalpel incision showed no cellular necrosis or heat artifact. The tissue treated with the CO2 laser demonstrated significant thermal injury, including loss of cellular polarity, keratinocyte necrosis, and separation of the epidermis from the basement membrane. The skin excised using the electrocautery microdissection needle demonstrated fulguration artifact, including spindling of the epidermal nuclei with palisading of the keratinocytes. Necrosis was not prominent in the electrocautery microdissection needle specimens. CONCLUSION: The amount of histologic tissue injury was greatest in the skin treated with continuous wave CO2 laser, followed by the microdissection needle with electrocautery. The cold steel scalpel incision showed no cellular necrosis.

The effect of botulinum toxin injection dose on the appearance of surgical scar.

Early postoperative injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTxA) can reduce surgical scar hypertrophy. BTxA injection at different time points is associated with different levels of efficacy, but the efficacy of different doses of BTxA for scar management has not investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different doses of BTxA administered early after surgery on scar improvement through a split-scar experiment. The study included 22 patients who underwent surgery between September 2019 and October 2020. High- and low-dose BTxA was randomly administered into each half of the surgical wound closure immediately after surgery. One half of the incision was injected with a low dose (4 U) of BTxA, and the other half was injected with a high dose (8 U). The scars were then evaluated at postoperative 6 months using the modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (mSBSES), and patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The occurrence of complications or adverse events was also recorded. Twenty patients completed the study and were analyzed. Compared with the low-dose sides, the high-dose sides had significantly better mSBSES scores and significantly higher VAS scores (p < 0.01, respectively). No serious adverse reactions or post-injection complications were observed. Immediately after the operation, high-dose BTxA (that is within the therapeutic range) injection improved the appearance of postoperative scar more than low-dose injection.

Postoperative Pain After Enhanced Recovery Pathway Robotic Colon and Rectal Surgery: Does Specimen Extraction Site Matter?

BACKGROUND: The current opioid crisis has motivated surgeons to critically evaluate ways to balance postoperative pain while decreasing opioid use and thereby reducing opioids available for community diversion. The longest incision for robotic colorectal surgery is the specimen extraction site incision. Intracorporeal techniques allow specimen extraction to be at any location. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine whether the Pfannenstiel location is associated with less pain and opioid use than other abdominal wall specimen extraction sites. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted with a prospectively maintained colorectal surgery database (July 2018 through October 2019). PATIENTS: Patients with enhanced recovery robotic colorectal resections with specimen extraction were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Propensity score weighting was used to derive adjusted rates for numeric pain scores, inpatient opioid use, opioids prescribed at discharge, opioid refills after discharge, and other related outcomes. For comparing outcomes between groups, p values were calculated using weighted χ2, Fisher exact, and t tests. RESULTS: There were 137 cases (70.9%) with Pfannenstiel extraction site incisions and 56 (29.0%) at other locations (7 midline, 49 off-midline). There was no significant difference in transversus abdominis plane blocks and epidural analgesia use between groups. Numeric pain scores, overall benefit of analgesia scores, inpatient postoperative opioid use, opioids prescribed at discharge and taken after discharge, and opioid refills were not significantly different between groups. Nonopioid pain analgesics (acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and gabapentin) prescribed at discharge were significantly less in the Pfannenstiel group (90.19% vs 98.45%; p = 0.006). Postoperative complications and readmissions were not different between groups. LIMITATIONS: This study was conducted at a single institution. CONCLUSIONS: The Pfannenstiel incision as the specimen extraction site choice in minimally invasive surgery is associated with similar postoperative pain and opioid use as extraction sites in other locations for patients having robotic colorectal resections. Specimen extraction sites may be chosen based on patient factors other than pain and opioid use. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B495. DOLOR POSTOPERATORIO DESPUS DE VAS DE RECUPERACIN MEJORADA EN CIRUGA ROBTICA DE COLON Y RECTO IMPORTA EL LUGAR DE EXTRACCIN DE LA MUESTRA: ANTECEDENTES:La actual crisis de opioides ha motivado a los cirujanos a evaluar críticamente, formas para equilibrar el dolor postoperatorio, disminuyendo el uso de opioides y por lo tanto, disminuyendo opioides disponibles para el desvío comunitario. La incisión más amplia en cirugía colorrectal robótica, es la incisión del sitio de extracción de la muestra. Las técnicas intracorpóreas permiten que la extracción de la muestra se realice en cualquier sitio.OBJETIVO:El estudio fue diseñado para determinar si la ubicación del Pfannenstiel está asociada con menos dolor y uso de opioides, a otros sitios de extracción de la muestra en la pared abdominal.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.AJUSTES:Estudio de base de datos de cirugía colorrectal mantenida prospectivamente (7/2018 a 10/2019).PACIENTES:Se incluyeron resecciones robóticas colorrectales con recuperación mejorada y extracción de muestras.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se utilizó la ponderación del puntaje de propensión para derivar las tasas ajustadas para los puntajes numéricos de dolor, uso de opioides en pacientes hospitalizados, opioides recetados al alta, recarga de opioides después del alta y otros resultados relacionados. Para comparar los resultados entre los grupos, los valores p se calcularon utilizando chi-cuadrado ponderado, exacto de Fisher y pruebas t.RESULTADOS:Hubo 137 (70,9%) casos con incisiones en el sitio de extracción de Pfannenstiel y 56 (29,0%) en otras localizaciones (7 en la línea media, 49 fuera de la línea media). No hubo diferencias significativas en los bloqueos del plano transverso del abdomen y el uso de analgesia epidural entre los grupos. Las puntuaciones numéricas de dolor, puntuaciones de beneficio general de la analgesia, uso postoperatorio de opioides en pacientes hospitalizados, opioides recetados al alta y tomados después del alta, y las recargas de opioides, no fueron significativamente diferentes entre los grupos. Los analgésicos no opioides (acetaminofén, antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, gabapentina) prescritos al alta, fueron significativamente menores en el grupo de Pfannenstiel (90,19% frente a 98,45%, p = 0,006). Las complicaciones postoperatorias y los reingresos, no fueron diferentes entre los grupos.LIMITACIONES:Una sola institución.CONCLUSIÓN:La incisión de Pfannenstiel como sitio de extracción de la muestra en cirugía mínimamente invasiva, se asocia con dolor postoperatorio y uso de opioides similar, a otros sitios de extracción en pacientes sometidos a resecciones robóticas colorrectales. Sitios de extracción de la muestra, pueden elegirse en función de factores del paciente distintos al dolor y uso de opioides. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B495.).

Enzyme-Digested Peptides Derived from Lates calcarifer Enhance Wound Healing after Surgical Incision in a Murine Model.

Surgical wounds are common injuries of skin and tissues and usually become a clinical problem. Until now, various synthetic and natural peptides have been widely explored as potential drug candidates for wound healing. Inhibition of the TNF-α signaling pathway and promotion of angiogenesis are suggested to be involved in their effects. Angiogenesis at the wound site is one of the essential requisites for rapid healing. In the present study, a novel peptide extract derived from the natural source Lates calcarifer, commonly known as sea bass or barramundi, was evaluated for its wound healing property. The specific acidic and enzymatic approaches were employed for producing sea bass extract containing small size peptides (molecular weight ranging from 1 kD to 5 kD). The cytotoxicity of the extract was examined in HaCaT and NIH3T3. After this, the effects of enzyme digested peptide extracts of sea bass on wound healing in mice were investigated. The peptide extracts (660 and 1320 mg/kg/day) and control protein (1320 mg/kg/day) was orally given to the wounded mice, respectively, for 12 days. The surgical method was improved by implanting a silicone ring at the wound site. The ring avoided the contracting effect in murine wounds, making it more closely related to a clinical condition. The results showed promising improvement at the wound site in mice. Sea bass peptide extracts accelerated the wound healing process and enhanced the microvessel formation at the wound site. The remarkable effects of this novel sea bass peptide extract in healing traumatic injuries revealed a new option for developing wound management.

Predictors of wound leakage in patients undergoing surgery for neck of femur fractures.

AIMS: Persistent wound leakage following joint arthroplasty is a known risk for periprosthetic joint infection. Little is known of the predictors of wound leakage, particularly in patients with a fractured neck of femur. We aimed to determine patient and surgical risk factors for wound leakage in this cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing surgery for a fractured neck of femur at Leicester Royal Infirmary between May and August 2017 were included. Patients were identified from a prospective database and placed into two groups: those with wound leakage later than three days postoperatively and those without leakage. All previously reported potential risk factors for wound leakage were compared between groups using a chi-square test and logistic regression. A Kattan-style nomogram was also created to allow probabilities output for the regression predictive models in a visual representation. RESULTS: Two hundred patients underwent surgery for a fractured neck of femur. Overall, 17% of patients (33/200) developed a persistent leaky wound. A multivariable model highlighted increased age (p = 0.01), raised body mass index (BMI; > 25 kg/m2; p = 0.047), diabetes (p = 0.03) and intramedullary hip screw fixation (p = 0.03) as significant risk factors for wound leakage. Patients with persistent wound leakage had significantly longer hospital admission than those without (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: Our analysis identified four perioperative risk factors for wound leakage following fractured neck of femur surgery. We also developed a novel tool to identify those patients at highest risk of leakage. Once identified, the aggressive management of certain medical comorbidities in these patients may help to reduce their incidence of wound issues and the prolonged admissions that result.

3D Printable, Modified Trephine Designs for Consistent Anterior Lamellar Keratectomy Wounds in Rabbits.

PURPOSE: Our goal is to develop a low-cost tool that can be used to create consistent, partial-thickness defects in rabbit and other large animals with minimal surgical training and that can facilitate pre-clinical testing of lamellar and in situ-forming biosynthetic matrix materials for corneal repair. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this study, three modified trephines were designed to create deep corneal wound defects with consistent depth in large animals. The modified trephines incorporated either 3D-printed parts made from photopolymerizable resins, or custom-cut commercially available Teflon sheets. Wound defects were imaged with optical coherence tomography (OCT), and the depth was analyzed based on the OCT images. RESULTS: The results revealed that an inner-stopper guard trephine had the best performance in creating consistent and precise wound defect depth compared to modified vacuum trephine and custom guard vacuum trephine. A 75% ± 10% cut of the cornea was achieved with the inner-stopper guard trephine. The wound defect depth by created by the inner-stopper guard trephine was independent of the corneal thickness or size of the globes. Although the cut depth of the inner-stopper guard trephine differed by the experience-level of its users, the consistency (standard deviation) of the depth was independent of experience. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies provided three cost-efficient animal trephines that can create corneal wounds of consistent depth by lab researchers without extensive training in keratectomy.