The Impact of Timing of Delayed Autologous Breast Reconstruction following Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy on Postoperative Morbidity.

Background:  The ideal time to perform reconstruction after the completion of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer is currently unknown. We evaluate the association between the timing of delayed autologous breast reconstruction following PMRT and postoperative complications.

Methods:  Patients who underwent mastectomy, PMRT, and then delayed autologous breast reconstruction from 2009 to 2016 were identified from the Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases.

Lipotoxicity in human lung alveolar type 2 A549 cells: Mechanisms and protection by tannic acid.

Palmitic acid (PA) is a saturated free fatty acid which, when being excessive, accounts for lipotoxicity. Using human lung A549 cells as a model for lung alveolar type 2 epithelial cells, we found that challenge of A549 cells with PA resulted in apoptotic cell death, as reflected by positive annexin V and PI staining, and also appearance of cleaved caspase-3. PA treatment also caused depletion of intracellular Ca store, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and oxidative stress.

Epidemiology of Upper Extremity Firearm Injuries among Major Trauma Hospitals in the United States.

Background: As many as 34 percent of nonfatal firearm injuries involve the upper extremity. Although not lethal, these injuries cause substantial morbidity. The authors conducted an epidemiologic study characterizing upper extremity firearm-related injuries presenting to U.