Head Tissue Research Articles

Hypoxia combined with radiation reverses migration and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by remodeling extracellular vesicle‐mediated transfer of miR‐23b‐5p from cancer‐associated fibroblasts

AbstractBackgroundCancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the main matrix components in the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a crucial role in tumor progression. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) as main mediators in intercellular communication can be regulated by hypoxia or radiation.MethodsCAFs were extracted from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues and CAF‐derived EVs were collected by ultracentrifugation. Bioinformatics analysis determined the role of poly (U)‐specific endonuclease (ENDOU) on HNSCC progression and confirmed that ENDOU inhibited HNSCC progression by overexpressing ENDOU in HNSCC. Dual‐luciferase activity report assay confirmed that miR‐23b‐5p was involved in the regulation of ENDOU expression. The migration and invasion of HNSCC cells were verified by transwell assay. Furthermore, tumor‐bearing mouse models were used to demonstrate the potential of EVs loaded with miR‐23b‐5p in HNSCC to promote tumor progression.ResultsOur results showed that ENDOU was downregulated in HNSCC and inhibited HNSCC migration and invasion. Hypoxia and radiotherapy reversed CAF‐derived EVs to promote migration and invasion of HNSCC. Mechanically, hypoxia and radiation downregulated miR‐23b‐5p in CAF‐derived EVs and then restored ENDOU expression in HNSCC. Finally, CAF‐derived EVs carrying miR‐23b‐5p promoted the progression of HNSCC cells in vivo by regulating ENDOU expression.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that hypoxia combined with radiation reverses the promoting effect of CAFs on HNSCC migration and invasion by reducing the delivery of miR‐23b‐5p by CAF‐derived EVs to decrease the inhibitory effect of ENDOU expression in HNSCC. The results provide a new perspective for better understanding the role of stromal components in TME in tumor regulation. Furthermore, the results provide a strong basis for the possibility of ENDOU as a biomarker for HNSCC.

M/EEG source localization for both subcortical and cortical sources using a convolutional neural network with a realistic head conductivity model.

While electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) are well-established noninvasive methods in neuroscience and clinical medicine, they suffer from low spatial resolution. Electrophysiological source imaging (ESI) addresses this by noninvasively exploring the neuronal origins of M/EEG signals. Although subcortical structures are crucial to many brain functions and neuronal diseases, accurately localizing subcortical sources of M/EEG remains particularly challenging, and the feasibility is still a subject of debate. Traditional ESIs, which depend on explicitly defined regularization priors, have struggled to set optimal priors and accurately localize brain sources. To overcome this, we introduced a data-driven, deep learning-based ESI approach without the need for these priors. We proposed a four-layered convolutional neural network (4LCNN) designed to locate both subcortical and cortical sources underlying M/EEG signals. We also employed a sophisticated realistic head conductivity model using the state-of-the-art segmentation method of ten different head tissues from individual MRI data to generate realistic training data. This is the first attempt at deep learning-based ESI targeting subcortical regions. Our method showed excellent accuracy in source localization, particularly in subcortical areas compared to other methods. This was validated through M/EEG simulations, evoked responses, and invasive recordings. The potential for accurate source localization of the 4LCNNs demonstrated in this study suggests future contributions to various research endeavors such as the clinical diagnosis, understanding of the pathophysiology of various neuronal diseases, and basic brain functions.

The degenerated glenohumeral joint.

This study aimed to define the histopathology of degenerated humeral head cartilage and synovial inflammation of the glenohumeral joint in patients with omarthrosis (OmA) and cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). Additionally, the potential of immunohistochemical tissue biomarkers in reflecting the degeneration status of humeral head cartilage was evaluated. Specimens of the humeral head and synovial tissue from 12 patients with OmA, seven patients with CTA, and four body donors were processed histologically for examination using different histopathological scores. Osteochondral sections were immunohistochemically stained for collagen type I, collagen type II, collagen neoepitope C1,2C, collagen type X, and osteocalcin, prior to semiquantitative analysis. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 levels were analyzed in synovial fluid using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cartilage degeneration of the humeral head was associated with the histological presentation of: 1) pannus overgrowing the cartilage surface; 2) pores in the subchondral bone plate; and 3) chondrocyte clusters in OmA patients. In contrast, hyperplasia of the synovial lining layer was revealed as a significant indicator of inflammatory processes predominantly in CTA. The abundancy of collagen I, collagen II, and the C1,2C neoepitope correlated significantly with the histopathological degeneration of humeral head cartilage. No evidence for differences in MMP levels between OmA and CTA patients was found. This study provides a comprehensive histological characterization of humeral cartilage and synovial tissue within the glenohumeral joint, both in normal and diseased states. It highlights synovitis and pannus formation as histopathological hallmarks of OmA and CTA, indicating their roles as drivers of joint inflammation and cartilage degradation, and as targets for therapeutic strategies such as rotator cuff reconstruction and synovectomy.

Clinical Significance of Whole-Body Computed Tomography Scans in Pediatric Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients Without Prehospital Return of Spontaneous Circulation.

Background. Whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) is commonly employed for primary screening in pediatric patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) without prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). This study aimed to evaluate the cause of OHCA on WBCT and compare WBCT findings between ROSC and non-ROSC groups in non-traumatic pediatric OHCA cases in an emergency department setting. Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 27 pediatric patients (mean age: 32.4 months; median age: 10 months) who experienced non-traumatic OHCA without prehospital ROSC and were transported to our tertiary care hospital between January 2013 and December 2023. WBCT scans were performed to investigate the cause of OHCA, with recorded findings in the head, chest, abdomen, and subcutaneous tissues. Results. In all cases, the direct causes of OHCA were undetermined, and WBCT identified no fatal findings. Statistical comparisons of CT findings between the ROSC and non-ROSC groups revealed significant differences. The non-ROSC group had a higher incidence of brain swelling, loss of cerebral gray-white matter differentiation, symmetrical lung consolidation/ground-glass opacity, cardiomegaly, hyperdense aortic walls, narrowed aorta, gas in the mediastinum, and hepatomegaly compared to the ROSC group. Conclusions. Although WBCT did not reveal the direct cause of OHCA, several CT findings were significantly more frequent in the non-ROSC group, including brain swelling, loss of cerebral gray-white matter differentiation, symmetrical lung consolidation/ground-glass opacity, cardiomegaly, hyperdense aortic wall, narrowed aorta, gas in the mediastinum, and hepatomegaly. These findings, resembling postmortem changes, may aid in clinical decision making regarding the continuation or cessation of resuscitation efforts in pediatric OHCA cases.

An [illustrative] update on pediatric emergency ultrasound: part 3 - cerebral, musculoskeletal and other applications.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) plays an essential role in pediatric emergency medicine by improving diagnostics and procedural safety. The role of POCUS in the care of pediatric patients in the emergency department has expanded considerably in recent years. Cranial and musculoskeletal imaging has significant potential, yet POCUS has also become a vital tool for common procedures, such as central and difficult peripheral intravenous access. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of pediatric POCUS applications for cranial, small parts (head, eyes, nose, throat, and soft tissue), musculoskeletal, and common procedural applications, forming the third part of the series.

Assessing suitability and stability of materials for a head and neck anthropomorphic multimodality (MRI/CT) phantoms for radiotherapy.


This study aims to identify and evaluate suitable and stable materials for developing a head and neck anthropomorphic multimodality phantom for radiotherapy purposes. These materials must mimic human head and neck tissues in both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and maintain stable imaging properties over time and after radiation exposure, including the high levels associated with linear accelerator (linac) use.
Approach:
Various materials were assessed by measuring their CT numbers and T1 and T2 relaxation times. These measurements were compared to literature values to determine how closely the properties of the candidate materials resemble those of human tissues in the head and neck region. The stability of these properties was evaluated monthly over a year and after radiation exposure to doses up to 1000 Gy. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify any significant changes over time and after radiation exposure.
Main Results:
10% and 12.6% Polyvinyl alcohol cryogel (PVA-c) both exhibited T1 and T2 relaxation times and CT numbers within the range appropriate for brain grey matter. 14.3% PVA-c and some plastic-based materials matched the MRI properties of brain white matter, with CT numbers close to the clinical range. Additionally, some plastic-based materials showed T1 and T2 relaxation times consistent with MRI properties of fat, although their CT numbers were not suitable. Over time and after irradiation, 10% PVA-c maintained consistent properties for brain grey matter. 12.6% PVA-c's T1 relaxation time decreased beyond the range after the first month.
Significance:
This study identified 10% PVA-c as a substitute for brain grey matter, demonstrating stable imaging properties over a year and after radiation exposure up to 1000 Gy. However, the results highlight a need for further research to find additional materials to accurately simulate a wider range of human tissues.&#xD.

Uveal involvement in children with hemifacial scleroderma

Background. Linear scleroderma of the head (LSH) is a devastating disease of childhood since it is associated with a deep deformation of the face and head tissues, neurological disorders, organ of vision injury, and prognosis-defining uveal tract involvement. Aim. To establish the prevalence and features of the uveal tract lesion in children with LSH. Materials and methods. Ten cases with uveal tract lesions were retrospectively reviewed in 110 children with LSH. A comprehensive clinical, laboratory, and instrumental examination was carried out, including magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, electroencephalography, and an ophthalmologist's examination, including viscometry, biomicroscopy, and ophthalmoscopy. Results. In 9 patients, only the anterior segment of the eye was affected (iridocyclitis); 2 patients had the posterior segment involved, 1 had peripheral chorioretinitis, and 1 patient had a combination of iridocyclitis with central chorioretinitis. The lesion developed immediately after the LSH onset or 6–10 years after the onset of the disease, and half of the children had a recurrent course of the disease. In all children, changes in the uveal tract were detected on the side of the lesion of the scalp and face. In 3 out of 10 patients, iridocyclitis was bilateral. Simultaneously, epileptic syndrome and focal lesions of brain tissue were noted in 2 children with eye lesions. Persistent vision loss in the outcome of the disease was observed in 3 children. Conclusion. Uveal tract involvement was detected in 0.9% of our group of examined children with LSH, mostly in the form of anterior iridocyclitis. The lesion of the uveal tract can develop both at the onset of scleroderma and after many years of illness, which makes it necessary to perform at least an annual routine examination of the eyes using basic ophthalmological techniques – visometry, biomicroscopy, and ophthalmoscopy. Also, an eye examination is necessary in case of disease recurrence.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery for gouty long head of biceps tendinitis: a case report

ObjectiveThe objective of the case report is to analyze the clinical manifestations and imaging features of gouty long head of biceps tendinitis, and to summarize the methods and effects of shoulder arthroscopic surgery.Clinical presentation and interventionThe clinical data of a 39-year-old Han Chinese female with gouty long head of the biceps tendinitis was retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical manifestations, imaging features, and diagnosis and treatment were analyzed. The patient presented with pain and limited movement of right shoulder joint. Computed tomography showed irregular high-density shadows above the glenoid and adjacent to the coracoid process of the right shoulder. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed superior labrum anterior and posterior injury with edema in the upper recess and axillary sac. After arthroscopic surgery, the “tofu residue” tissue of the long head of the biceps was removed, and the postoperative pathological examination proved that it was gout stone.ConclusionGouty long head of the biceps tendinitis is a rare disease. Arthroscopic surgery can probe the structural lesions of shoulder cavity in all aspects, improve the surgical accuracy, and reduce the trauma.

Overexpression of TPD52L2 in HNSCC: prognostic significance and correlation with immune infiltrates.

Evidence has been presented that the tumor protein D52 (TPD52) family plays a critical role in tumor development and progression. As a member of the TPD52 family, the changes in TPD52L2 gene status are instrumental in kinds of cancer development. However, its effects on patient prognosis and immune infiltration in Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma (HNSCC) are still poorly understood. The Tumor Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and c-BioPortal database was used to explore the expression pattern, prognostic value, and variation of gene status in HNSCC. The LinkedOmics database was used to obtain the co-expression genes of TPD52L2 and identify the diagnostic value of TPD52L2 in HNSCC. The correlations between TPD52L2 expression and six main types of immune cell infiltrations and immune signatures were explored using Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER). The correlation between TPD52L2 expression and immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) was analyzed by TCGA database. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to validate the expression of three ICGs (PDL1, PDL2, EGFR) and TPD52L2 using 5 paired HNSCC and normal head and neck tissues. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Western Blot (WB) of HNSCC and normal head and neck cell lines were performed to verify the high level of TPD52L2 mRNA and protein expression. protein expression of TPD52L2 in pan-cancer was also validated using UALCAN. TPD52L2 was overexpressed in tumor tissues, and it predicted worse survival status in HNSCC. ROC analysis suggested that TPD52L2 had a diagnostic value. Multivariate Cox analysis identified TPD52L2 as an independent negative prognostic marker of overall survival. Functional network analysis suggested that TPD52L2 was associated with immune-related signaling pathways, cell migration pathways, and cancer-related pathways. High expression of TPD52L2 was associated with a more mutant frequency of TP53. Notably, we found that the expression of TPD52L2 was closely negatively correlated with the infiltration levels of 15 types of immune cells and positively correlated with several immune markers. PCR, WB experiments, and UALCAN database verified the high level of TPD52L2 mRNA and protein expression. TPD52L2 is upregulated in HNSCC, which is an independent factor for adverse prognosis prediction. It probably plays a role in the negative regulation of immune cell infiltration. TPD52L2 might be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HNSCC.

Feasibility of Hologram-Assisted Bilateral Blood-Brain Barrier Opening in Non-Human Primates.

Focused ultrasound (FUS) and microbubbles facilitate blood-brain barrier opening (BBBO) noninvasively, transiently, and safely for targeted drug delivery. Unlike state-of-the-art approaches, in this study, we demonstrate for the first time the simultaneous, bilateral BBBO in non-human primates (NHPs) using acoustic holograms at caudate and putamen structures. The simple and low-cost system with a single-element FUS transducer and 3-D printed acoustic hologram was guided by neuronavigation and a robotic arm. The advantages of holograms are transcranial aberration correction, simultaneous multifocus and high localization, and target-independent transducer positioning, defining a promising alternative for time- and cost-efficient FUS procedures. Holograms were designed with the k-space method by time-reversal techniques. T1-weighted MRI was used for treatment planning, while the computed tomography (CT) scan provided the head tissues acoustic properties. For the BBBO procedure, a robotic arm allowed transducer positioning errors below 0.1 mm and 0.1°. Following positioning, 0.5-0.6-MPa, 513-kHz microbubble-enhanced FUS was applied for 4 min. For BBBO assessment, Post-FUS T1-weighted MRI was acquired, and contrast enhancement indicated bilateral gadolinium extravasation at both caudate or putamen structures. The two BBBO locations were separated by 13.13 mm with a volume of 91.81 mm3 in the caudate, compared with 9.40 mm with a volume of 124.52 mm3 in simulation, while they were separated by 21.74 mm with a volume of 145.38 mm3 in the putamen and compared with 22.32 mm with a volume of 156.42 mm3 in simulation. No neurological damage was observed through T2-weighted and susceptibility-weighted imaging. This study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of hologram-assisted neuronavigation-guided-FUS for BBBO in NHP, providing thus an avenue for clinical translation.

Characterization and Management of Epithelioid Hemangioma on the Lip Mucosa: A Case Report

Epithelioid Hemangioma (EH) is a rare benign vascular tumor characterized by well-formed blood vessels and epithelioid endothelial cells. Known as Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia (ALHE), the World Health Organization does not recommend the use of this term since 2020. Despite its common occurrence in subcutaneous soft tissues of head and neck, cases involving oral mucosa and other extra cutaneous areas are infrequent. This article presents a case of EH in an unusual location and discusses the differential diagnosis with other entities, including Kimura´s Disease (KD). We report the clinical case of a 26 year old man with no significant medical history who presented with a painless increase in volume on the right upper lip, subsequently diagnosed as EH through biopsy and histopathology. The lesion exhibited typical clinical features and a complex histological pattern including epithelioid endothelial cells and an inflammatory infiltrate rich in eosinophils. Diagnosis of EH is challenging due to morphological variability and the need to differentiate it from similar conditions such as KD. Differential diagnosis is crucial, especially in atypical locations. This case shows the importance of histopathology and complementary examinations in diagnosis and the need to consider KD in the differential diagnosis due to its therapeutic and prognostic implications. Therefore, it is concluded that EH, although benign, requires a rigorous diagnostic approach to differentiate it from similar diseases and manage it appropriately. Continuous control is essential due to the potential for recurrence. This case shows the importance of careful differential diagnosis, especially in atypical locations, to optimize management and improve patient outcomes.

Integrating Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Revealed Salinity Induces Arsenobetaine Biosynthesis in Marine Medaka (Oryzias melastigma).

Marine fish exhibit elevated levels of arsenobetaine (AsB), while the impact and underlying mechanism of salinity on AsB biosynthesis remain inadequately explored. In this study, marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma), typically inhabiting 30‰ high salinity, were gradually acclimated to low salinities of 20, 10, and 0‰. Following acclimation, the fish were exposed to arsenate (As(V)) in their diet for 30 days. Results showed a significant accumulation of total arsenic (As) and AsB concentrations in the muscle and head tissues of the exposed fish, with these accumulations exhibiting a positive correlation with water salinity. Transcriptome analyses revealed that exposure to As(V) at low salinity may disrupt membrane components and induce cytoskeletal injuries, while at high salinity, it triggered oxidoreductase activity and transmembrane transport. Metabolome analyses indicated that low salinity induced osmotic stress, resulting in an increased requirement for amino acids to upload intracellular osmotic equilibrium in O. melastigma. Furthermore, the key organic osmolytes and amino acids, including taurine, l-methionine, guanidinoethyl sulfonate, and N-acetyl-l-aspartic acid, exhibited a negative correlation with the AsB concentration. These findings indicated that salinity can regulate osmotic balance by influencing amino acid synthesis under low salinity and stimulating AsB synthesis under high salinity conditions in O. melastigma. This study provides insights into the impact of high salinity on AsB biosynthesis, the underlying regulatory mechanisms, and implications for managing As(V) risk.

Design a metamaterial based applicator for hyperthermia cancer treatment

This research describes a metamaterial-based applicator with and without water bolus for cancer treatment. The metamaterial based applicator consists of a double spiral antenna and a slotted square shape artificial magnetic conductor (SSA) structure. The antenna is designed on a low-cost FR4 substrate with dimensions of 32 × 32 × 3.27 mm3, and the SSA unit cell which behaves as a metamaterial, is designed on an RT-duroid substrate with dimensions of 15 × 15 × 0.76 mm3 (size of the unit cell). The 4 × 4 unit cells of the SSA structure are optimized to direct the maximum field toward the cancer tissue. The proposed applicator (antenna + SSA structure) is tested for hyperthermia treatment using a heterogeneous phantom (skin, fat, and muscle layers) and the human-mimicked model with an air medium and a water bolus layer. The applicator’s performance is evaluated in terms of specific absorption rate (SAR), penetration depth (PD), and effective field size (EFS). Further, thermal analysis is performed, with 1.5 W of input power at the antenna port, and the maximum temperature rise of 44 0C is obtained. The cancer tissue (tumor) temperature ranges between 41 °C to 45 °C, sufficient for effective hyperthermia therapy. Finally, the suggested metamaterial based applicator is built and tested in the presence of a phantom and head tissue simulating liquid.

Hypoxia-induced BAP1 enhances erastin-induced ferroptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by stabilizing H2A

BackgroundHypoxia plays an important role in the chemotherapy resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death and ferroptosis inducers showed promising therapeutic effects in some cancers. However, the sensibility of NPC cells to ferroptosis under the hypoxic microenvironment is still unclear, and this study was designed to clarify it.MethodsNPC cells, treated with erastin, were placed in a normoxia or hypoxic environment (5% CO2, 94% N2 and 1% O2) at 37℃for 24 h. After exposed to hypoxia, ferroptosis-associated phenotypes were detected by CCK8, MDA, GSH, lipid ROS and Fe. The gene expression profiles of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues were downloaded from the TCGA database to screen construction molecule. BAP1 was screened out and its functions on erastin-induced ferroptosis in NPC cells were detected by knockdown of BAP1. Luciferase reporter assay and co-IP experiment were performed to explore the molecular mechanism. Finally, the tumour xenograft model was applied to further verify these results in vivo.ResultsCCK8 assay showed that IC50 of NPC cells treated with erastin under hypoxia was significantly lower than that under normoxia. Hypoxia significantly increased the levels of lipid ROS and MDA, and decreased GSH content induced by erastin. A prognostic risk model for HNSCC with six ferroptosis-related genes was constructed and validated based on TCGA database. BAP1 was significantly up-regulated under hypoxia, and luciferase reporter assay showed that HIF-1α was an upstream transcription regulator of BAP1. Knockdown of BAP1 in NPC cells significantly increased the IC50 value of erastin under hypoxia and significantly ameliorated erastin-induced ferroptosis under hypoxia in aspect of lipid ROS, MDA content and GSH. Co-IP results showed that BAP1 mediated deubiquitination of H2A and decreased SLC7A11 expression. Finally, knockdown of BAP1 reduced sensitivity to erastin-induced ferroptosis in a tumour xenograft model. And the level of H2A was significantly decreased in xenograft tumors of BAP1 knockdown cells.ConclusionHypoxia-induced BAP1 enhances erastin-induced ferroptosis in NPC by stabilizing H2A. Ferroptosis inducers targeting BAP1 may be an effective way to improve chemotherapy resistance in NPC, especially in the hypoxic microenvironment.Graphical

Microwave Technique for Linear Skull Fracture Detection-Simulation and Experimental Study Using Realistic Human Head Models.

Microwave (MW) sensing is regarded as a promising technique for various medical monitoring and diagnostic applications due to its numerous advantages and the potential to be developed into a portable device for use outside hospital settings. The detection of skull fractures and the monitoring of their healing process would greatly benefit from a rapidly and frequently usable application that can be employed outside the hospital. This paper presents a simulation- and experiment-based study on skull fracture detection with the MW technique using realistic models for the first time. It also presents assessments on the most promising frequency ranges for skull fracture detection within the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) and ultrawideband (UWB) ranges. Evaluations are carried out with electromagnetic simulations using different head tissue layer models corresponding to different locations in the human head, as well as an anatomically realistic human head simulation model. The measurements are conducted with a real human skull combined with tissue phantoms developed in our laboratory. The comprehensive evaluations show that fractures cause clear differences in antenna and channel parameters (S11 and S21). The difference in S11 is 0.1-20 dB and in S21 is 0.1-30 dB, depending on the fracture width and location. Skull fractures with a less than 1 mm width can be detected with microwaves at different fracture locations. The detectability is frequency dependent. Power flow representations illustrate how fractures impact on the signal propagation at different frequencies. MW-based detection of skull fractures provides the possibility to (1) detect fractures using a safe and low-cost portable device, (2) monitor the healing-process of fractures, and (3) bring essential information for emerging portable MW-based diagnostic applications that can detect, e.g., strokes.

Artery Grafting for Arterial Anastomoses in Head and Neck Free Tissue Transfer Reconstruction.

Vessel grafting is an important technique in head and neck free tissue transfer (FTT) reconstruction when a tension-free anastomosis is not otherwise feasible. To our knowledge, there are limited data regarding interposition artery grafts for arterial anastomoses in head and neck reconstruction. Here, we present a multi-institutional cohort of arterial interposition grafts for FTT reconstruction for head and neck defects. A retrospective review was conducted at four tertiary care institutions for patients who underwent FTT reconstruction for head and neck defects which utilized an interposition artery graft for the arterial anastomosis. Charts were reviewed for type and length of artery grafts harvested, surgical indication, indication for artery graft, types of flaps harvested, and various preoperative characteristics (including history of radiation or previous FTT reconstruction surgery). Postoperative complications within postoperative day 30 were measured and reported. Nine patients met inclusion criteria. The lateral circumflex femoral artery (either transverse or descending branches) (n = 3) and facial artery (n = 3) were the most commonly harvested arteries. The scalp (n = 5) was the most common primary defect site. Seven grafts were harvested initially and in a planned fashion, while two were harvested as salvage techniques (either for flap salvage or vein graft failure). In planned grafts, arteries were the preferred interposition grafting method due to either size match preferences (n = 4) or similarities in wall thickness (n = 3) between graft and recipient artery. There were no reported cases of unplanned readmission, postoperative hematoma, fistula formation, wound infection, or donor site morbidities. Two patients required unplanned return to the operating room for flap compromise, both of which ultimately resulted in flap failure secondary to clot formation at both arterial and venous anastomoses. When arterial pedicle length is insufficient, interposition artery grafting is both a feasible and viable technique to achieve tension-free arterial anastomoses for select cases of highly complex head and neck free tissue reconstruction.

Spermidine supplementation influence on protective enzymes of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

Dietary supplementation has been proposed as a sustainable way to improve the health and resilience of honey bees (Apis mellifera, L.), as the decline in their numbers in recent decades has raised scientific, environmental, and economic concerns. Spermidine, a natural polyamine, has been shown to be a promising substance for honey bee supplementation, as its health-promoting effects have been demonstrated in numerous studies and in different organisms. As already shown, supplementation with spermidine at a certain concentration prolonged lifespan, reduced oxidative stress, and increased antioxidative capacity in honey bees. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether spermidine supplementation affects gene expression and/or enzyme activity of antioxidative and detoxification enzymes and immune response markers in honey bee workers. The different gene expression and enzyme activity patterns observed in abdominal and head tissues in response to spermidine supplementation suggest tissue-specific and concentration-dependent effects. In addition, the immune response markers suggest that spermidine has the ability to boost honey bee immunity. The observed changes make a valuable contribution to understanding the molecular mechanisms by which spermidine may exert its beneficial effects on the bee's health and lifespan. These results support the idea of the use of spermidine supplementation to promote bee health and resilience to environmental stressors, emphasizing that the dose must be carefully chosen to achieve a balance between the pro- and antioxidant effects of spermidine.

Phomopsis Head Rot caused by Diaporthe helianthi: A New Disease on Sunflower in Argentina

ABSTRACTDuring a survey conducted in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons, sunflower heads showing symptoms of dry rot were collected from 80 fields in the semi‐arid Pampa region of Argentina. A total of 72% of the fields examined in 2021, 71% in 2022 and 63% in 2023 showed the presence of the disease. The highest incidence was recorded as 70% in 2021. Phomopsis head rot began as dry, brown spots on the back of the head, progressing to necrosis and twisting of adjacent leaves. Infected head tissue samples were surface sterilised, cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C for 14 days. Diaporthe helianthi was identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics as well as molecular data. A phylogenetic analysis was performed. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1‐α (ef1‐α) and β‐tubulin sequences were deposited in GenBank, showing the identity with the ex‐type D. helianthi strain CBS 592.81. Pathogenicity experiments confirmed the presence of similar disease symptoms in inoculated sunflower heads, and D. helianthi was consistently reisolated from these organs. Our Koch's postulates testing results on heads constitute the first confirmed report that D. helianthi is the cause of Phomopsis head rot on sunflower in Argentina.

Integrated lipidomics and network pharmacology analysis to determine how Gu Fu Sheng Capsule improves lipid metabolism in rats with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head

BackgroundSteroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a prevalent refractory condition in orthopedics, often causing high disability rates. Gu Fu Sheng Capsule (GFSC) is commonly used to treat SONFH during the early and intermediate stages. However, the precise underlying mechanism of action of GFSC remains elusive. ObjectiveTo elucidate the mechanism through which GFSC improves lipid metabolism in rats with SONFH. MethodsA rat model of SONFH was established by administering methylprednisolone and lipopolysaccharide. Micro-computed tomography assessed femoral head effects, while hematoxylin–eosin staining examined femoral head tissues. Pathological changes were evaluated using an automated biochemical analyzer to measure changes in serum lipid levels. Besides, quantitative lipidomics and network pharmacology were used to determine how GFSC impacts SONFH. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression levels of key targets. ResultsGFSC can enhance bone density and prevents surface collapse of the femoral head, improve hollow bone lacuna density, reduce adipocyte infiltration, minimize osteocyte cavities, regulate the serum lipid levels and enhance lipid metabolism in SONFH rats. Moreover, integrated lipidomics and network pharmacology suggested that GFSC affects lipid metabolism-related genes by regulating nine targets, thereby influencing four metabolites and two metabolic pathways, which may mainly be due to components in GFSC such as quercetin, tanshinone iia, berberine. Western blotting and qRT-PCR data highlighted that GFSC improves lipid metabolism by regulating TP53, HSP90AA1, and ESR1. ConclusionGFSC effectively retards SONFH progression, potentially attributed to its ability to regulate lipid metabolism.

An efficient and practical electrode optimization method for transcranial electrical stimulation

Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique with great potential. Electrode optimization methods based on simulation models of individual TES field could provide personalized stimulation parameters according to individual variations in head tissue structure, significantly enhancing the stimulation accuracy of TES. However, the existing electrode optimization methods suffer from prolonged computation times (typically exceeding 1 d) and limitations such as disregarding the restricted number of output channels from the stimulator, further impeding their clinical applicability. Hence, this paper proposes an efficient and practical electrode optimization method. The proposed method simultaneously optimizes both the intensity and focality of TES within the target brain area while constraining the number of electrodes used, and it achieves faster computational speed. Compared to commonly used electrode optimization methods, the proposed method significantly reduces computation time by 85.9% while maintaining optimization effectiveness. Moreover, our method considered the number of available channels for the stimulator to distribute the current across multiple electrodes, further improving the tolerability of TES. The electrode optimization method proposed in this paper has the characteristics of high efficiency and easy operation, potentially providing valuable supporting data and references for the implementation of individualized TES.