Expression of hsa-miR-422a in hypertrophic scars: a bioinformatics analysis / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To evaluate the expression level of hsa-miR-422a in hypertrophic scars and to identify the target genes of hsa-miR-422a along with their biological functions using bioinformatics approaches.Methods:From June 2020 to December 2020, tissue samples of 3 hypertrophic scar and 3 normal skin were collected from patients (3 males, 3 females, aged 20-42 years) in Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People′s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. Primary fibroblasts were isolated and cultured. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to quantify the expression of hsa-miR-422a. To construct a ceRNA network, starbase and Target Scandata bases were utilized to predict genes as well as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that may sponge hsa-miR-422a. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted on the target genes of hsa-miR-422a; protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify the hub genes whose functions were predicted by functional enrichment analyses. The expression of hub genes was validated through real-time quantitative PCR in hypertrophic scars.Results:The expression of hsa-miR-422a was significantly lower in the hypertrophic scar tissue samples and fibroblasts compared to that in the normal skin ( P<0.05). 133 target genes as well as 1033 lncRNAs were predicted by starBase and TargetScandata bases and used to construct an hsa-miR-422a-centered ceRNA network. PPI networks of the target genes revealed 10 hub genes, including MAPK1, GRB2, and IGF1R, which were discovered to be related to protein serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase activity, ubiquitin protein ligase binding, fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway, muscle cell proliferation, and many others; besides, they may be involved in FoxO, mTOR, Toll-like receptor, Ras, MAPK, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways and signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells. Three hub genes (MAPK1, GRB2, and IGF1R) were significantly upregulated in hypertrophic scars ( P<0.05). Conclusions:hsa-miR-422a is significantly downregulated in the hypertrophic scars and may target hub genes such as MAPK1 in ceRNA networks, ultimately modulating hypertrophic scar formation.

Effects of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4-specific activator on human vascular endothelial cell functions and blood supply of rat perforator flap and its mechanism / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To analyze the effects of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) activation on the function and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as well as to explore the effects of TRPV4 activation on blood perfusion and survival of rat perforator flap and the mechanism. Methods: The experimental research methods were used. The 3rd to 6th passages of HUVECs were used for experiments and divided into 0.5 μmol/L 4α-phorbol 12, 13-didecanoate (4αPDD) group, 1.0 μmol/L 4αPDD group, 3.0 μmol/L 4αPDD group, 10.0 μmol/L 4αPDD group, and phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group, which were cultivated in corresponding final molarity of 4αPDD and PBS, respectively. The cell proliferation activity at 6 and 12 h of culture was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Another batch of cells was acquired and divided into PBS group, 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group, and 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group, which were treated similarly as described before and then detected for cell proliferation activity at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of culture. The residual scratch area of cells at post scratch hour (PSH) 12, 24, and 48 was detected by scratch test, and the percentage of the residual scratch area was calculated. The number of migrated cells at 24 and 48 h of culture was detected by Transwell experiment. The tube-formation assay was used to measure the number of tubular structures at 4 and 8 h of culture. The protein expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Slug, and Snail at 24 h of culture were detected by Western blotting. All the sample numbers in each group at each time point in vitro experiments were 3. A total of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8 to 10 weeks were divided into delayed flap group, 4αPDD group, and normal saline group according to the random number table, with 12 rats in each group, and iliolumbar artery perforator flap models on the back were constructed. The flap surgical delay procedure was only performed in the rats in delayed flap group one week before the flap transfer surgery. Neither rats in 4αPDD group nor normal saline group had flap surgical delay; instead, they were intraperitoneally injected with 4αPDD and an equivalent mass of normal saline, respectively, at 10 min before, 24 h after, and 48 h after the surgery. The general state of flap was observed on post surgery day (PSD) 0 (immediately), 1, 4, and 7. The flap survival rates were assessed on PSD 7. The flap blood perfusion was detected by laser speckle contrast imaging technique on PSD 1, 4, and 7. The microvascular density in the flap's choke vessel zone was detected by immunohistochemical staining. All the sample numbers in each group at each time point in vivo experiments were 12. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: At 6 and 12 h of culture, there were no statistically significant differences in cell proliferation activity in the overall comparison among PBS group, 0.5 μmol/L 4αPDD group, 1.0 μmol/L 4αPDD group, 3.0 μmol/L 4αPDD group, and 10.0 μmol/L 4αPDD group (P>0.05). At 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of culture, there were no statistically significant differences in cell proliferation activity in the overall comparison among PBS group, 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group, and 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group (P>0.05). At PSH 12, the percentages of the residual scratch area of cells in 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group and 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group were close to that in PBS group (P>0.05). At PSH 24 and 48, compared with those in PBS group, the percentages of the residual scratch area of cells in 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group were significantly decreased (with t values of 2.83 and 2.79, respectively, P<0.05), while the percentages of the residual scratch area of cells in 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group showed no significant differences (P>0.05). At 24 h of culture, the number of migrated cells in 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group and 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group were close to that in PBS group (P>0.05). At 48 h of culture, the number of migrated cells in 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group and 3 μmol/L 4αPDD groups were significantly greater than that in PBS group (with t values of 6.20 and 9.59, respectively, P<0.01). At 4 h of culture, the numbers of tubular structures of cells in 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group and 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group were significantly greater than that in PBS group (with t values of 4.68 and 4.95, respectively, P<0.05 or <0.01). At 8 h of culture, the numbers of tubular structures of cells in 1 μmol/L 4αPDD and 3 μmol/L 4αPDD groups were similar to that in PBS group (P>0.05). At 24 h of culture, compared with those in PBS group, the protein expression level of E-cadherin of cells in 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group was significantly decreased (t=5.13, P<0.01), whereas there was no statistically significant difference in the protein expression level of E-cadherin of cells in 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group (P>0.05); the protein expression level of N-cadherin of cells in 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group was significantly increased (t=4.93, P<0.01), whereas there was no statistically significant difference in the protein expression level of N-cadherin of cells in 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group (P>0.05); the protein expression levels of Slug of cells in 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group and 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group were significantly increased (with t values of 3.85 and 6.52, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01); and the protein expression level of Snail of cells in 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group was significantly increased (t=4.08, P<0.05), whereas there was no statistically significant difference in the protein expression level of Snail of cells in 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group (P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the protein expression levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Slug, or Snail of cells between 1 μmol/L 4αPDD group and 3 μmol/L 4αPDD group (P>0.05). The general condition of flaps of rats in the three groups was good on PSD 0. On PSD 1, the flaps of rats in the three groups were basically similar, with bruising and swelling at the distal end. On PSD 4, the swelling of flaps of rats in the three groups subsided, and the distal end turned dark brown and necrosis occurred, with the area of necrosis in flaps of rats in normal saline group being larger than the areas in 4αPDD group and delayed flap group. On PSD 7, the necrotic areas of flaps of rats in the 3 groups were fairly stable, with the area of necrosis at the distal end of flap of rats in delayed flap group being the smallest. On PSD 7, the flap survival rates of rats in 4αPDD group ((80±13)%) and delayed flap group ((87±9)%) were similar (P>0.05), and both were significantly higher than (70±11)% in normal saline group (with t values of 2.24 and 3.65, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). On PSD 1, the overall blood perfusion signals of rats in the 3 groups were basically the same, and the blood perfusion signals in the choke vessel zone were relatively strong, with a certain degree of underperfusion at the distal end. On PSD 4, the boundary between the surviving and necrotic areas of flaps of rats in the 3 groups became evident, and the blood perfusion signals in the choke vessel zone were improved, with the normal saline group's distal hypoperfused area of flap being larger than the areas in delayed flap group and 4αPDD group. On PSD 7, the blood perfusion signals of overall flap of rats had generally stabilized in the 3 groups, with the intensity of blood perfusion signal in the choke vessel zone and overall flap of rats in delayed flap group and 4αPDD group being significantly greater than that in normal saline group. On PSD 7, the microvascular density in the choke vessel zone of flap of rats in 4αPDD group and delayed flap group were similar (P>0.05), and both were significantly higher than that in normal saline group (with t values of 4.11 and 5.38, respectively, P<0.01). Conclusions: After activation, TRPV4 may promote the migration and tubular formation of human vascular endothelial cells via the EndMT pathway, leading to the enhanced blood perfusion of perforator flap and microvascular density in the choke vessel zone, and therefore increase the flap survival rate.

Clinical application of expanded internal mammary artery perforator flap combined with vascular supercharge in reconstruction of faciocervical scar / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To summarize the clinical experience of expanded internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap combined with vascular supercharge in reconstruction of faciocervical scar. Methods: The retrospective observational study was conducted. From September 2012 to May 2021, 23 patients with postburn or posttraumatic faciocervical scars who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, including 18 males and 5 females, aged from 11 to 58 years, all of whom were reconstructed with expanded IMAP flaps. At the first stage, one or two skin and soft tissue expander (s) with appropriate rated capacity were implanted in the anterior chest area according to the location and size of the scars. The IMAP, thoracic branch of supraclavicular artery, and lateral thoracic artery were preserved during the operation. The skin and soft tissue expanders were inflated with normal saline after the operation. The flaps were transferred during the second stage. The dominant IMAP was determined preoperatively using color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) blood flow detector. The faciocervical scars were removed, forming wounds with areas of 9 cm×7 cm-28 cm×12 cm, and the perforators of superficial temporal artery and vein or facial artery and vein were preserved during the operation. The flaps were designed according to the area and size of the wounds after scar resection with the dominant IMAP as the pedicle. Single-pedicle IMAP flaps were used to repair small and medium-sized wounds. For larger defects, the blood perfusion areas of vessels in the anterior chest were evaluated by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). In situations where the IMAP was insufficient to nourish the entire flap, double-pedicle flaps were designed by using the thoracic branch of supraclavicular artery or lateral thoracic artery for supercharging. Pedicled or free flap transfer was selected according to the distance between the donor areas and recipient areas. After transplantation of flaps, ICGA was conducted again to evaluate blood perfusion of the flaps. The donor sites of flaps were all closed by suturing directly. Statistics were recorded, including the number, rated capacity, normal saline injection volume, and expansion period of skin and soft tissue expanders, the location of the dominant IMAP, the total number of the flaps used, the number of flaps with different types of vascular pedicles, the flap area, the flap survival after the second stage surgery, the occurrence of common complications in the donor and recipient areas, and the condition of follow-up. Results: Totally 25 skin and soft tissue expanders were used in this group of patients, with rated capacity of 200-500 mL, normal saline injection volume of 855-2 055 mL, and expansion period of 4-16 months. The dominant IMAP was detected in the second intercostal space (20 sides) or the third intercostal space (5 sides) before surgery. A total of 25 expanded flaps were excised, including 2 pedicled IMAP flaps, 11 free IMAP flaps, 4 pedicled thoracic branch of supraclavicular artery+free IMAP flaps, and 8 free IMAP+lateral thoracic artery flaps, with flap areas of 10 cm×8 cm-30 cm×14 cm. After the second stage surgery, tip necrosis of flaps in three patients occurred, which healed after routine dressing changes; one patient developed arterial embolism and local torsion on the vascular pedicle at the anastomosis of IMAP and facial artery, and the blood supply recovered after thrombectomy and vascular re-anastomosis. Fourteen patients underwent flap thinning surgery in 1 month to 6 months after the second stage surgery. The follow-up for 4 months to 9 years showed that all patients had improved appearances of flaps and functions of face and neck and linear scar in the donor sites of flaps, and one female patient had obvious nipple displacement and bilateral breast asymmetry. Conclusions: The expanded IMAP flap is matched in color and texture with that of the face and neck, and its incision causes little damage to the chest donor sites. When combined with vascular supercharge, a double-pedicle flap can be designed flexibly to further enhance the blood supply and expand the flap incision area, which is a good choice for reconstruction of large faciocervical scar.

Influencing factors and clinical significance of liver function damage in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To invetigate the influencing factors and clinical significance of liver function damage (LFD) in patients diagnosed with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 51 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the Sino-French New City Branch of Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology by the 5th group assisting team from the First Hospital of Jilin University from February 9th to 27th in 2020 were collected. There were 27 males and 24 females, aged from 36 to 86 years, with an average age of 68 years. The treatment modality was according to the diagnostic and therapeutic guideline for COVID-19 (Trial 6th edition) issued by National Health Commission. Observation indicators: (1) clinical data of patients; (2) analysis of liver function index and treatment of LFD; (3) analysis of influencing factors for LFD. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were described as M (range). Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test. The Logistic regression method was used for univariate analysis. Results:(1) Clinical data of patients: of the 51 patients, 21 were classified as ordinary type of COVID-19, 19 as severe type and 11 as critical type. In terms of medical history, 31 patients suffered from more than or equal to one kind of chronic disease, 20 had no history of chronic disease. Thirteen patients had the drinking history and 38 had no drinking history. Seven patients were hepatitis positive and 44 were hepatitis negative. Five patients had septic shock at admission, 5 had systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and 41 had neither shock nor SIRS. The body mass index (BMI), time from onset to admission, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate of the 51 patients were (24±3)kg/m 2, (13±5)days, 36.5 ℃ (range, 36.0-38.1 ℃), 82 times/minutes (range, 50-133 times/minutes), 20 times/minutes (range, 12-40 times/minutes). The white blood cell count, level of creatinine, and level of b-type natriuretic peptide within 24 hours after admission were 6.3×10 9/L [range, (2.2-21.7)×10 9/L], 75 μmol/L (range, 44-342 μmol/L), 214 ng/L (range, 5-32 407 ng/L). (2) Analysis of liver function index and treatment of LFD: the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin (DBil), indirect bilirubin (IBil), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were 31 U/L (range, 7-421 U/L), 29 U/L (range, 15-783 U/L), 36 U/L (range, 13-936 U/L), 76 U/L (range, 41-321 U/L), 4.9 μmol/L (range, 2.6-14.3 μmol/L), 5.8 μmol/L (range, 2.6-23.9 μmol/L), 37.2 s (range, 30.9-77.1 s), 13.9 s (range, 12.5-26.7 s), respectively. The percentages of cases with abnormal ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, DBil, IBil, APTT and PT were 47.1%(24/51), 47.1%(24/51), 35.3%(18/51), 13.7%(7/51), 7.8%(4/51), 2.0%(1/51), 21.6%(11/51), and 19.6%(10/51), respectively. Of the 51 patients, LFD was detected in 10 patients classified as ordinary type, in 9 patients as severe type, and in 10 as critical type, respectively. In the 51 patients, 1 of 22 patients with normal liver function developed respiratory failure and received mechanical ventilation within 24 hours after admission, while 9 of 29 patients with abnormal liver function developed respiratory failure and received mechanical ventilation, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=5.57, P<0.05). (3) Analysis of influencing factors for LFD. Results of univariate analysis showed that clinical classification of COVID-19 as critical type was a related factor for LFD of patients ( odds ratio=10.000, 95% confidence interval: 1.050-95.231, P<0.05). Conclusions:COVID-19 patients with LFD are more susceptible to develop respiratory failure. The clinical classification of COVID-19 as critical type is a related factor for LFD of patients.

Reconstruction of facial disfigurement with flap prefabrication technique: a 12-year experience / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To summarize clinical experience on reconstruction of severe facial disfigurement with flap prefabrication and soft tissue expansion.@*Methods@#From September 2005 to June 2016, 49 patients with type Ⅲ and type Ⅳ facial deformities underwent facial reconstruction with an integrated method on the basis of prefabricated flaps. In the first stage, the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex vessels and the surrounding muscle fascia were dissected and transferred to subcutaneous pocket in the cervicothoracic area. The pedicles of the fascial flap were anastomosed to either the facial or superior thyroid artery and their venae comitantes in flap prefabrication. A tissue expander was placed beneath the fascial flap. In the second stage, over-expansion was achieved with intra-flap stem cell transplantation once patient′s skin showed signs of intolerance to expansion. In the third stage, prefabricated flap was transferred to cover the facial defects. the second or third internal mammary artery perforators or lateral thoracic artery perforators were reserved and flap supercharging would be performed depending on the perfusion of the flap revealed by indocyanine green angiography intra-operatively. Later, flap revisions further restored facial outline and delicate organ configuration. Aesthetic and functional status were independently graded to assess the facial appearance and function before and after the reconstruction.@*Results@#49 patients with severe facial deformities were included. 5 patients received stem cell transplantation. The final inflated volume ranged from 2 530 ml to 3500 ml and each patient had facial reconstruction with a prefabricated flap (range 23 cm×18 cm-34 cm×32 cm). Flap supercharging technique were used in 25 cases to augment blood perfusion, however, flap necrosis (5 cm× 2 cm) occurred in 1 patient, and tip necrosis occurred in 4 patients, otherwise, all flaps survived entirely. The aesthetic (1.15 to 2.29) and functional (0.86 to 2.42) status scores were statistically improved (P<0.01). Facial expressions such as smiling, blinking and frowning were noted.@*Conclusions@#Autologous full face reconstruction with an integrated method based on flap prefabrication can bring satisfying aesthetic and functional recovery, rendering a safe and effective option for most patients with massive facial defects.

Developments in reconstruction of severe face and neck disfigurement / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Severe defects and deformities of face and neck normally arise from burns, tumor extirpation and trauma. They had long been a major therapeutic challenge in the realm of plastic and reconstructive surgery on account of massive involvement of skin and soft tissues, combined composite tissue injuries, high demands on aesthetic and functional outcomes, and scarce suitable reconstructive materials. After an extensive review of literature published recently, this article delineated up-to-date developments in autologous reconstruction and face allotransplantation, especially their indications and limitations in treating these patients. Meanwhile, an outlook on opportunities and challenges of these two treatment modalities was given.

Developments in reconstruction of severe face and neck disfigurement / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Severe defects and deformities of face and neck normally arise from burns, tumor extirpation and trauma. They had long been a major therapeutic challenge in the realm of plastic and reconstructive surgery on account of massive involvement of skin and soft tissues, combined composite tissue injuries, high demands on aesthetic and functional outcomes, and scarce suitable reconstructive materials. After an extensive review of literature published recently, this article delineated up-to-date developments in autologous reconstruction and face allotransplantation, especially their indications and limitations in treating these patients. Meanwhile, an outlook on opportunities and challenges of these two treatment modalities was given.

Application of microbublle-enhanced ultrasound in preoperative mapping of perforators in supraclavicular artery based flaps / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effectiveness of microbubble-enhanced ultrasound (MEUS) for detecting perforators preoperatively in supraclavicular flap surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 2009 to October 2013, there were 20 patients (26 flaps were involved) who planned to undergo supraclavicular artery based flap surgeries to recover the large-area defects in head and neck. The MEUS together with regular color Doppler ultrasound ( CDUS) were conducted preoperatively to determine the anatomical features of perforators branching from supraclavicular arteries (SCA). The perforator with wider caliber, faster flow speed, longer pedicles and closer pivot point was selected and the flap was designed according to the observed results.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 37 perforators of SCA detected by CDUS, whose calibers were ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 mm [Mean: (0.6 ± 0.1) mm]. There were 48 perforators of SCA detected by MEUS. Compared to CDUS, the caliber obtained from MEUS for same vessel is significantly increased [(0.7 ± 0.3) mm vs (0.6 ± 0.1) mm, P < 0.05]. According to the results of MEUS and three-dimensional reconstructive techniques, in at least 65.4% (17/26) of the flaps, thoracic branch of SCA (TBSA) has large caliber and good flow velocity which can be regarded as the predominant vessel and used as the pedicle of flap. The results of the operations confirmed the existences of all the marked vessels. 25 flaps were obtained according to the preoperative plans and one case used perforators of internal mammary artery as free flaps since the perforator of SCA was found improper. The contrast-related complication occurred in one patient which was manifested by gastrointestinal adverse effect like nausea and anorexia. The patient recovered 1 day later without treatment. All the patients have been followed up for 3 to 16 months (Mean: 8 months) with well-survived flaps.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The perforators of SCA demonstrated significant variations and preoperative mapping was vital for the success of surgery. MEUS is a valuable imaging modality for the preoperative assessment of the vascular supply for supraclavicular artery based flap.</p>

Comparison of the effect of local administration of endothelial progenitor cells and VEGF on improving neovascularization in flap prefabrication / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the effect of local administration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and VECF on improving neovascularization and augmenting the survival areas in a rat model of prefabricated flap.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Prefabricated flaps were created by ligating the right femoral vascular pedicle and implanting it underneath the abdominal flap. The in vitro cultured EPCs (Group I , n=15) and VEGF protein (Group II , n=15) were injected subcutaneously around the implanted pedicle in experimental groups. PBS was injected in control group (Group Ill , n=15). 4 weeks later, the abdominal island flap based solely on the implanted vessels was elevated and sutured back. Then flap viability and numbers of capillary were evaluated on day 7.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was more statistically significant augmentation of flap survival [(87.26 +/- 10.13) % versus (66.13 +/- 9.9)% and (55.59 +/- 13.06)%, P < 0.001], a higher capillary density (38.67 +/- 9.52 versus 25.83 +/- 6.33 and 26.5 +/- 5.61 capillary/mm2 , P < 0.05) in EPCs group than in the other two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EPCs are superior to VEGF in improving neovascularization during flap prefabrication. Local transplantation of bone marrow-derived EPCs may be a useful strategy for augmentation of the survival areas of prefabricated flaps.</p>

Cervicothoracic prefabricated flaps for reconstruction of face and neck / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce a new prefabricated flap with matched colour, texture, thin enough thickness, large enough dimension and reliability for reconstruction of massive defect of face and neck.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The patients with massive scar of face and neck were selected for treatment with prefabricated flap. Flap prefabrication involved two stages. The "sandwich" structure including the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex vessels and surrounding muscle fascia was harvested from the thigh and anastomosed to superior thyroid artery or facial vessels. Flap prefabrication was performed by inserting the fascia flap between the cervicothoracic skin and the tissue expander placed beneath the skin. After a period of expansion, the flap was transferred to the recipient site based on the implanted vessels. The results including complications were examined during follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine patients received this treatment. The average dimensions of fascia flap harvested was 6.3 cm x 11.2 cm. After mean interval of 16.7 weeks, the expanders were filled to a mean volume of 1670cc. The size of prefabricated flap ranged from 12 cm x 15 cm to 15 cm x 32 cm. In all cases, the flap efficiently covered the entire defect of the face and neck, and the donor site of the flap is closed primarily. All of the flaps developed venous congestion in some degree after the second operation. Partial flap necrosis occurred in two cases. Three flap was thinned to contour the bulky pedicle. During follow-up, the transferred flap was matched well to the adjacent skin. The reconstructed face restored nature contour and expression. Muscle weakness or paraesthesia was not found in the donor thigh.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Cervicothoracic Prefabricated Flap, is reliable and versatile in the reconstruction of massive soft tissue deficits with restoration nature surface and expression of the face and neck.</p>

Establishment of composite facial and scalp allograft transplantation model in canine / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop an experimental model of composite facial and scalp allograft in canine in order to investigate technical and immunological aspects and functional recovery of facial muscles of this new approach to facial reconstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>(1) Anatomic study: Four mongrel dogs were used for anatomical dissection of the head and neck region and for harvesting flap experiment. (2) Autologous transplantation (group I): Three types composite facial and scalp autologous transplantation were performed in five mongrel dogs. Type I composite tissue flap (group I a n = 2) included bilateral external ear and orbicularis oculi muscle. Type II (group I b n = 1) included single-lateral external ear, orbicularis oculi muscle, external nose upper and lower lip. Type III (group I c n = 2) included single - lateral external ear and orbicularis oculi muscle. (3) Allograft transplantation (group II): In group II a (n = 2), two allograft transplantation were performed with type III composite facial and scalp . In group II b (n = 4), four allograft transplantation were performed with the modified type III composite facial and scalp which included single - lateral external ear, orbicularis oculi muscle and one third of inferior tarsal plate and palpebral conjunctiva. To prevent allograft rejection, Cyclosporin A (CsA) and Methylprednisolone (MP) or Prednisone (PS ) were combined used as immunosuppressive protocol . Dose of CsA was adjusted depending on its blood drug level. Electromyogram (EMG) of orbicularis oculi muscle was carried out at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months postoperation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The facial anatomic characteristic of dog is similar to that of human being, external carotid artery and external jugular vein afford good blood supply to composite facial and scalp. (2) The dogs in group I c were long-term surviving with leakage of salivary juice. (3) In group II a (n = 2), one dog presented rejection reaction at 28th day postoperation, the reversal of rejection was achieved by increasing the dose of CsA and prednisone and with topical clobetasol for 2 weeks, the dog survived indefinitely( > 309 days). In group II b (n = 4), there were three dogs survived indefinitely ( > 159 days, > 129 days, > 108 days) without complication, EMG showed the function of orbicularis oculi muscle was gradually improving.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The modified type III composite facial and scalp allograft transplantation model is an ideal model for facial allograft transplantation study.</p>

Suspending of M. temporal, temporal fascia and parietal periosteum to correct late facial palsy / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore a simply, effective dynamical method to correct late facial palsy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The method of suspending of M. temporalis, temporal fascia was reformed below: (1) To prolong flap of M. temporalis, temporal fascia by parietal periosteum. (2) To elevate the reversal level of compound flap. (3) To fill depressed temporal area by silica gel piece.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The compound flap is united structurally and long enough to transfer. Temporal defect is recontoured. And zygomatic area is no longer protruded.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The reformative method resists defect of the old one and obtains a dynamical result.</p>