Human albumin aggravates cerebral edema by disrupting the blood‑brain barrier in a rat model of ischemic stroke.

Cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) are common complications observed following ischemic stroke. Osmotherapy has been used as a foundation to manage ICP induced by cerebral edema, and albumin is one of the most commonly used osmotic agents. The present study aimed to explore whether albumin lowered ICP by reducing cerebral edema when albumin elevated the colloid osmotic pressure (COP) of plasma.

High DND1 Level Indicates a Poor Prognostic Factor in Prostate Cancer.

Background: Dead end 1 (DND1) plays a vital role during oncogenesis and cancer progression by regulating the mRNA content via competitive combination with miRNA, but what function it exerts in prostate cancer has been unclear. The purpose of this paper is to explore the correlation between DND1 expression levels and clinical characteristics in prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

Materials And Methods: To assess the expression of DND1 in tumor specimens compared with paired paracancerous tissues, the sample from 83 patients was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Hypoxia-Regulated miR-146a Targets Cell Adhesion Molecule 2 to Promote Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background/aims: miR-146a has recently been shown to promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in many cancers, but the role of miR-146a in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear.

Methods: Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to investigate the mRNA expression of miR-146a and CADM2 in ccRCC tissues. The luciferase reporter assay, Western blotting, and ChIP assay were carried out to explore the promoter and the transcription factor of miR-146a.

Non-sticky and antimicrobial zwitterionic nanocomposite dressings for infected chronic wounds.

Zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine acrylamide) (pSBAA)-based nanocomposite hydrogels impregnated with germicidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized and implemented for the treatment of infected chronic wounds. The zwitterionic hydrogels exhibited excellent non-sticky properties and had reinforced mechanical properties by the addition of hectorite nanoclay and poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate as physical and chemical crosslinkers, respectively. In addition, AgNPs were grown within the intercalated clay/polymer structure by in situ free radical reduction, as confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

500-Gray γ-Irradiation May Increase Adhesion Strength of Lyophilized Cadaveric Split-Thickness Skin Graft to Wound Bed.

Background: Human cadaveric skin grafts are considered as the "gold standard" for temporary wound coverage because they provide a more conductive environment for natural wound healing. Lyophilization, packing, and terminal sterilization with gamma-ray can facilitate the application of cadaveric split-thickness skin grafts, but may alter the adhesion properties of the grafts. In a pilot study, we found that 500 Gy γ-irradiation seemed not to reduce the adherence between the grafts and wound beds.

A New Form of Artificial Skin to Promote Permanent Wound Coverage: A Preliminary Report.

Background: Although tendon-exposed or bone-exposed wounds can be resurfaced with flaps, such surgeries may not be feasible in patients with poor general or local conditions. Biosynthetic artificial skin is an alternative for critical wound coverage. We designed a new artificial skin bilayer to close difficult wounds permanently.

Zwitterionic nanocomposite hydrogels as effective wound dressings.

In this study, zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine acrylamide) (pSBAA) nanocomposite hydrogels were synthesized and implemented as effective chronic wound dressings. The hydrogels exhibited reinforced mechanical properties from added hectorite nanoclay as a physical crosslinker in the polymer chains. Due to the strong interaction with water molecules via ionic solvation, the hydration of the zwitterionic nanocomposite hydrogels was superior to the non-ionic 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) hydrogels, which interacts with water molecules via hydrogen bonding.

Safe Finger Tourniquet--Ideas.

Tourniquets are often needed for optimized phalangeal surgeries. However, few surgeons forget to remove them and caused ischemic injuries. We have a modified method to create a safe finger tourniquet for short duration finger surgeries, which can avoid such tragedy.

Outcome of microscopic excision of a subungual glomus tumor: a 12-year evaluation.

Background: Glomus tumors are rare benign neurovascular tumors, up to 75% of which occur in the hand, mainly the subungual area. Local recurrence and nail deformity are commonly seen if tumor excision is not performed completely or properly.

Objective: This study was designed to assess the long-term efficacy of microscopic excision of subungual glomus tumors.

Comparison of hatchet-shaped tensor fascia lata flap and pedicle anterior lateral thigh flap for treatment of trochanteric sores: a retrospective analysis of 48 patients.

Purpose: Surgical reconstruction of trochanteric sores remains a formidable task for plastic surgeons. Diverse types of flaps have been proposed for use in this situation, each with particular advantages and limitations. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes between the hatchet-shaped tensor fascia lata (TFL) flap and the pedicle anterior lateral thigh (ALT) flap in treatment of trochanteric sores.

Bilateral breast reconstruction with a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap after subcutaneous mastectomy for symptomatic injected breasts.

Breast deformities after augmentation with injectable materials carried out by uncertified medical personnel present challenging problems. Materials include liquid silicone, paraffin, polyacrylamide hydrogels, and unknown gels. They usually cause granulomatous reactions, erythema, pain, and even skin necrosis.

Surgical treatment of gynecomastia: complications and outcomes.

Gynecomastia is defined as the benign enlargement of the male breast. Multiple surgical options have been used to improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the surgical approaches to the treatment of gynecomastia and their outcomes over a 10-year period.

Cystic seminoma with elevated value of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in tumor fluid mimicking cystic teratoma.

The incidence of cystic lesions of anterior mediastinum is low, which is responsible for approximately 10% of anterior mediastinal tumors. We presented a special case of primary anterior mediastinal tumor with both prominent cystic change and extreme high carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level of cystic fluid here. From the finding of this case report, we suggested that the diagnosis of cystic anterior mediastinal tumors should include both cystic seminoma and mature cystic teratoma.

[The feasibility study of using the dual stylet method as a bedside measure in facilitating insertion of the spiral distal end nasal-enteral feeding tube in critically ill patients].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of using the dual stylet method as a bedside measure after unsuccessful of the spiral distal end nasal-enteral feeding tubes into the duodenum in critically ill patients.

Methods: Spiral distal end nasal-enteral feeding tubes were introduced into the stomach of 50 critically ill patients but unable to pass through the pylorus from July 2005 to March 2007. Under electrocardiographic monitoring, the dual stylet method was used as a bedside measure to facilitate the passage.