-
Wound Management & Prevention Jun 2024The management of chronic wounds presents a challenge for surgeons. In this pilot study, the authors established a novel auto-grafting approach for chronic wounds and...
BACKGROUND
The management of chronic wounds presents a challenge for surgeons. In this pilot study, the authors established a novel auto-grafting approach for chronic wounds and evaluated its efficacy.
PURPOSE
The objective of this pilot study was to observe the clinical efficacy of granulation-embedded skin grafting for the treatment of chronic wounds at high altitudes.
METHODS
The data of 45 patients with chronic wounds were obtained from the medical records of the Yushu People's Hospital. Patients were divided into stamp skin-grafting and granulation-embedded skin-grafting groups. Skin graft survival rate, wound coverage rate, and wound-healing time were observed and recorded. The length of hospital stay and 1% total body surface area (TBSA) treatment cost were compared.
RESULTS
Significant differences were noted in skin graft survival rate (94% ± 3% vs 86% ± 3%, P < .01), wound coverage rate on postoperative day 7 (61% ± 16% vs 54% ± 18%, P < .01), and wound-healing times (23 ± 2.52 days vs 31 ± 3.61 days, P < .05). The length of hospital stay and 1% TBSA treatment cost were significantly reduced in the granulation-embedded skin grafting group (P < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Granulation-embedded skin grafting can improve the healing of chronic wounds at high altitudes. These findings provide a new approach to the clinical treatment of chronic wounds.
Topics: Humans; Skin Transplantation; Pilot Projects; Wound Healing; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Altitude; Aged; Transplantation, Autologous; Granulation Tissue; Adult; Chronic Disease; Wounds and Injuries; Length of Stay; Graft Survival
PubMed: 38959346
DOI: 10.25270/wmp.23028 -
Science Advances Jul 2024Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder and a major cause of intellectual disability. The genetic etiology of DS is the extra copy of chromosome 21...
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder and a major cause of intellectual disability. The genetic etiology of DS is the extra copy of chromosome 21 (HSA21)-encoded genes; however, the contribution of specific HSA21 genes to DS pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we identified ZBTB21, an HSA21-encoded zinc-finger protein, as a transcriptional repressor in the regulation of synaptic function. We found that normalization of the gene copy number in DS mice corrected deficits in cognitive performance, synaptic function, and gene expression. Moreover, we demonstrated that ZBTB21 binds to canonical cAMP-response element (CRE) DNA and that its binding to CRE could be competitive with CRE-binding factors such as CREB. ZBTB21 represses CRE-dependent gene expression and results in the negative regulation of synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Together, our results identify ZBTB21 as a CRE-binding protein and repressor in cAMP-dependent gene regulation, contributing to cognitive defects in DS.
Topics: Down Syndrome; Animals; Mice; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; Synapses; Humans; Gene Expression Regulation; Transcription Factors; Transcription, Genetic; Neuronal Plasticity; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Dosage; Protein Binding
PubMed: 38959316
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm7373 -
Science Advances Jul 2024The luminal-to-basal transition in mammary epithelial cells (MECs) is accompanied by changes in epithelial cell lineage plasticity; however, the underlying mechanism...
The luminal-to-basal transition in mammary epithelial cells (MECs) is accompanied by changes in epithelial cell lineage plasticity; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report that deficiency of inhibits mammary gland lineage development and induces stemness of MECs, subsequently leading to the occurrence of triple-negative breast cancer. Loss of in mice results in a luminal-to-basal transition phenotype. Single-cell RNA sequencing of MECs indicated that knockout of inhibits the Notch signaling pathway. Mechanistically, FERM domain-containing protein 3 (FRMD3) promotes the degradation of Disheveled-2 by disrupting its interaction with deubiquitinase USP9x. FRMD3 also interrupts the interaction of Disheveled-2 with CK1, FOXK1/2, and NICD and decreases Disheveled-2 phosphorylation and nuclear localization, thereby impairing Notch-dependent luminal epithelial lineage plasticity in MECs. A low level of FRMD3 predicts poor outcomes for breast cancer patients. Together, we demonstrated that FRMD3 is a tumor suppressor that functions as an endogenous activator of the Notch signaling pathway, facilitating the basal-to-luminal transformation in MECs.
Topics: Signal Transduction; Animals; Epithelial Cells; Female; Receptors, Notch; Humans; Mice; Cell Lineage; Mammary Glands, Animal; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Cell Differentiation; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Membrane Proteins; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms
PubMed: 38959315
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk8958 -
Science Advances Jul 2024Globally, less than 0.5% of postconsumer textile waste is recycled, with the majority incinerated or ending up in landfills. Most postconsumer textiles are mixed fibers,...
Globally, less than 0.5% of postconsumer textile waste is recycled, with the majority incinerated or ending up in landfills. Most postconsumer textiles are mixed fibers, complicating mechanical recycling due to material blends and contaminants. Here, we demonstrate the chemical conversion of postconsumer mixed textile waste using microwave-assisted glycolysis over a ZnO catalyst followed by solvent dissolution. This approach electrifies the process heat while allowing rapid depolymerization of polyester and spandex to their monomers in 15 minutes. A simple solvent dissolution enables the separation of cotton and nylon. We assess the quality of all components through extensive material characterization, discuss their potential for sustainable recycling, and provide a techno-economic analysis of the economic feasibility of the process.
PubMed: 38959304
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado6827 -
ELife Jul 2024Songbirds' vocal mastery is impressive, but to what extent is it a result of practice? Can they, based on experienced mismatch with a known target, plan the necessary...
Songbirds' vocal mastery is impressive, but to what extent is it a result of practice? Can they, based on experienced mismatch with a known target, plan the necessary changes to recover the target in a practice-free manner without intermittently singing? In adult zebra finches, we drive the pitch of a song syllable away from its stable (baseline) variant acquired from a tutor, then we withdraw reinforcement and subsequently deprive them of singing experience by muting or deafening. In this deprived state, birds do not recover their baseline song. However, they revert their songs toward the target by about 1 standard deviation of their recent practice, provided the sensory feedback during the latter signaled a pitch mismatch with the target. Thus, targeted vocal plasticity does not require immediate sensory experience, showing that zebra finches are capable of goal-directed vocal planning.
Topics: Animals; Vocalization, Animal; Finches; Goals; Male
PubMed: 38959057
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.90445 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Jul 2024Currently, the nanofluidic synapse can only perform basic neuromorphic pulse patterns. One immediate problem that needs to be addressed to further its capability of...
Currently, the nanofluidic synapse can only perform basic neuromorphic pulse patterns. One immediate problem that needs to be addressed to further its capability of brain-like computing is the realization of a nanofluidic spiking device. Here, we report the use of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate membrane to achieve bionic ionic current-induced spiking. In addition to the simulation of various electrical pulse patterns, our synapse could produce transmembrane ionic current-induced spiking, which is highly analogous to biological action potentials with similar phases and excitability. Moreover, the spiking properties could be modulated by ions and neurochemicals. We expect that this work could contribute to biomimetic spiking computing in solution.
Topics: Action Potentials; Synapses; Polystyrenes; Nanotechnology
PubMed: 38959041
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403143121 -
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery Jul 2024Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures present significant challenges for plastic surgeons due to their intricate nature. Conventional methods such as autologous bone...
Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures present significant challenges for plastic surgeons due to their intricate nature. Conventional methods such as autologous bone grafts have limitations, necessitating advancements in reconstructive surgery techniques. This study reviewed the use of three-dimensional printing for CMF trauma reconstruction using human studies. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar was conducted in February 2024 for case reports, case series, and clinical trials related to CMF trauma reconstruction using three-dimensional printing technology. The authors' systematic review included 20 studies and a total of 170 participants with CMF bone defects. In general, the authors observed low bias risk in analyzed case reports and series, serious bias risk in nonrandomized controlled trials, and moderate bias risk in randomized controlled trials. The printed objects included CMF structure model prototypes, patient-specific implants, and other custom surgical devices. Studies reveal successful outcomes, including restored facial symmetry and function, restored orbital occlusion, resolved enophthalmos and diplopia, achieved cosmetically symmetrical lower face reconstruction, and precise fitting of surgical devices, enhancing patient and surgeon comfort. However, complications such as local infection, implant exposure, and persistent diplopia were reported. Three-dimensional printed devices reduced surgery time but increased preparation time and production costs. In-house production options could mitigate these time and cost expenditures. Three-dimensional printing holds potential in CMF trauma reconstruction, addressing both functional and esthetic restoration. Nevertheless, challenges persist in implementing this advanced technology in resource-limited environments.
PubMed: 38958985
DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010451 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Jul 2024Total face restoration remains a challenge in modern reconstructive surgery. After 17 years of experiments and preliminary clinical studies, a new concept of face...
IMPORTANCE
Total face restoration remains a challenge in modern reconstructive surgery. After 17 years of experiments and preliminary clinical studies, a new concept of face prefabrication was developed for face restoration with autologous tissue.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term results of face restoration with autologous tissue and report a finalized and standardized approach of face prefabrication.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
In this single-center long-term retrospective study, 32 patients who underwent total face restoration between 2005 and 2022 were reviewed. These patients underwent total facial reconstruction, which included flap prefabrication, 3-dimensional printing, tissue expansion, and flap transfer with aid of indocyanine green angiography (IGA). The flap first undergoes prefabrication by transferring vascularized fascia under the skin of the selected chest. A tissue expander is then placed under the fascia to create a large, thin, reliable skin flap after expansion. Once completed, the flap is transferred to the face during the second stage of the reconstruction. Intraoperative IGA is performed to guide the design of subsequent openings for facial fissures. Data were analyzed from July to September 2023.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Flap healing, reconstructive outcome, and patient recovery were assessed during follow-up. Three questionnaires, including the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Aesthetic and Functional Status Score of Facial Soft-Tissue Deformities/Defects, and the EuroQoL Health-Related Quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L), were used to evaluate the quality of life and satisfaction with facial aesthetic and functional status.
RESULTS
Of 24 included patients, 14 (58%) were male, and the mean (range) age was 32.9 (8-62) years. The mean (range) follow-up was 5.6 (2-12) years. All patients reported a significant improvement in quality of life (SF-36), especially in mean (SD) social functioning (preoperative score, 53.65 [34.51]; postoperative score, 80.73 [19.10]) and emotional stability (preoperative score, 56.67 [25.55]; postoperative score, 71.17 [18.51]). A total of 22 patients (92%) went back to work. Mean (SD) facial aesthetic status (preoperative score, 4.96 [3.26]; postoperative score, 11.52 [3.49]; P < .001) and functional status (preoperative score, 11.09 [3.51]; postoperative score, 15.78 [3.26]; P < .001) also improved. In addition, there was a significant increase in overall satisfaction and self-reported health status (preoperative score, 8.13 [1.52]; postoperative score, 3.58 [2.31]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this study, 5-year follow-up results suggested that this innovative approach to total face restoration offered a safe and valid option for indicated patients, with acceptable reconstructive and cosmetic outcomes.
PubMed: 38958964
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2024.1572 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Jul 2024
PubMed: 38958963
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2024.1772 -
Plant Biology (Stuttgart, Germany) Jul 2024Local adaptation is common in plant species, and knowing whether a population is locally adapted has fundamental and applied relevance. However, local adaptation in...
Local adaptation is common in plant species, and knowing whether a population is locally adapted has fundamental and applied relevance. However, local adaptation in tropical plants remains largely less studied, and covering this gap is not simple since reciprocal transplantation - the gold standard for detecting local adaptation - is not feasible for most species. Here, we combined genetic, climatic and phenotypic data to investigate ecotypic differentiation, an important aspect of local adaptation, in coastal and inland populations of the orchid Epidendrum fulgens Brongn., a long-lived tropical plant for which reciprocal transplantation would not be feasible. We used nine microsatellite markers to estimate genetic divergence between inland and coastal populations. Moreover, occurrence data and climate data were used to test for differences in the realized niche of those populations. Finally, we assessed saturated water content, leaf specific area, height, and stomatal density in common garden and in situ to investigate the effects of ecotypic differentiation and plasticity on the phenotype. Coastal and inland groups' niches do not overlap, the former occupying a wetter and warmer area. However, this differentiation does not seem to be driven by ecotypic differentiation since there was no positive correlation between genetic structure and climate dissimilarity. Moreover, specific leaf area and leaf saturated water content, which are important phenotypic traits related to soil fertility and drought stress, were rather plastic. We conclude that ecotypic differentiation is absent, since phenotypic plasticity is an important mechanism explaining the niche broadness of this species.
PubMed: 38958955
DOI: 10.1111/plb.13684