Nomogram based on dual-energy CT-derived extracellular volume fraction for the prediction of microsatellite instability status in gastric cancer.

Purpose: To develop and validate a nomogram based on extracellular volume (ECV) fraction derived from dual-energy CT (DECT) for preoperatively predicting microsatellite instability (MSI) status in gastric cancer (GC). Materials and methods: A total of 123 patients with GCs who underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal DECT scans were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into MSI (n=41) and microsatellite stability (MSS, n=82) groups according to postoperative immunohistochemistry staining, then randomly assigned to the training (n=86) and validation cohorts (n=37). We extracted clinicopathological characteristics, CT imaging features, iodine concentrations (ICs), and normalized IC values against the aorta (nICs) in three enhanced phases. The ECV fraction derived from the iodine density map at the equilibrium phase was calculated. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk predictors for MSI status. Then, a nomogram was established, and its performance was evaluated by ROC analysis and Delong test. Its calibration performance and clinical utility were assessed by calibration curve and decision curve analysis, respectively. Results: The ECV fraction, tumor location, and Borrmann type were independent predictors of MSI status (all P < 0.05) and were used to establish the nomogram. The nomogram yielded higher AUCs of 0.826 (0.729-0.899) and 0.833 (0.675-0.935) in training and validation cohorts than single variables (P<0.05), with good calibration and clinical utility. Conclusions: The nomogram based on DECT-derived ECV fraction has the potential as a noninvasive biomarker to predict MSI status in GC patients.

Accumulation and Quantitative Assessment of Terrigenous Organic Matter in Upper Oligocene to Lower Miocene Marine Source Rocks of the Qiongdongnan Basin.

The intense collision between marine and terrestrial agents results in the dual-source (marine and terrigenous) characteristics of marine source rocks. Our research quantitatively assessed terrestrial organic matter and revealed the crucial role of terrestrial organic materials in the organic matter enrichment of lower Miocene to upper Oligocene marine source rocks in the Qiongdognnan Basin. The quantitative assessment was achieved using partial least-squares analysis with eight biomarker parameters associated with n-alkanes, isoprenoids, bicadinanes, taraxerane, tricyclic terpanes, and gammacerane. Differential unloading of terrestrial organic materials based on sedimentary facies of the delta-marginal sea system were observed through oleanane and bicadinane contents. It should be noted that the diagnostic ratio of oleanane was excluded from the quantitative analysis due to the dual influence from differential unloading and contact with seawater of the terrestrial organic materials. Calculation results show that the terrestrial organic matter was highest in the delta front at 70%, followed by prodelta at 59% and inner shallow marine at 57%. From the late Oligocene to the early Miocene, the proportion of terrestrial organic matter in marine source rocks continuously increased, with the highest average value observed in the second member of the Sanya Formation at 69% and the lowest occurring in the third member of the Lingshui Formation at 46%. Increasing terrestrial organic material inputs and preservation driven by the East Asian summer monsoon provided first-order control of the accumulation of organic carbon in the Qiongdongnan Basin during late Oligocene to early Miocene, rather than the bioproductivity of marine algae. The redox conditions of the water column determine the enrichment extent of organic matter.

5-Fluorouracil Injection for the Treatment of a Suture-Induced Foreign Body Reaction after Blepharoplasty.

The continuously increasing number of blepharoplasty procedures has resulted in widespread concerns regarding postoperative complications. Embedded threads in blepharoplasty can cause foreign body reactions that can affect surgical outcomes. Foreign body reactions caused by sutures after blepharoplasty can be treated with local injection of 5-fluorouracil in the eyelid.Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Evaluation of postoperative complications of hypospadias using high-frequency ultrasound imaging.

PURPOSE: Various complications following hypospadias surgery present distinct manifestations when examined with ultrasound. Utilizing high-frequency ultrasound, clinicians can promptly identify these complications and initiate appropriate treatment. The aim of this study is to catalogue the ultrasonographic presentations of various postoperative complications following hypospadias surgery, thereby providing a reference for ultrasonographic diagnosis. METHODS: Ultrasonic images of post-hypospadias surgery from October 1, 2015, to June 30, 2023, recorded at the Plastic Surgery Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, serve as the basis for this investigation. Drawing on patient clinical diagnoses, this study compiles and selects representative ultrasound images of diverse complications. RESULTS: The study encompassed a total of 121 subjects; 26 demonstrated urethral stricture on ultrasonic images, two presented local urethral dilation, six showed intraurethral hair-like structures, 17 revealed intraurethral septum, two exhibited intraurethral fold, one had urethral calculus, one displayed urethral calcification, 12 indicated intraurethral urine accumulation, and two showed urethral diverticulum. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound examination is helpful for postoperative diagnosis following hypospadias, detecting complications such as urethral stricture, urethral hair growth, and urethral diverticulum, which can help doctors choose appropriate clinical treatment strategies.

Assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction in artificial intelligence based on left ventricular opacification.

Background: Left ventricular opacification (LVO) improves the accuracy of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by enhancing the visualization of the endocardium. Manual delineation of the endocardium by sonographers has observer variability. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve the reproducibility of LVO to assess LVEF. Objectives: The aim was to develop an AI model and evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of LVO in the assessment of LVEF. Methods: This retrospective study included 1305 echocardiography of 797 patients who had LVO at the Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from 2013 to 2021. The AI model was developed by 5-fold cross validation. The validation datasets included 50 patients prospectively collected in our center and 42 patients retrospectively collected in the external institution. To evaluate the differences between LV function determined by AI and sonographers, the median absolute error (MAE), spearman correlation coefficient, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. Results: In LVO, the MAE of LVEF between AI and manual measurements was 2.6% in the development cohort, 2.5% in the internal validation cohort, and 2.7% in the external validation cohort. Compared with two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), the left ventricular (LV) volumes and LVEF of LVO measured by AI correlated significantly with manual measurements. AI model provided excellent reliability for the LV parameters of LVO (ICC > 0.95). Conclusions: AI-assisted LVO enables more accurate identification of the LV endocardium and reduces observer variability, providing a more reliable way for assessing LV function.

Evaluation of the effect of chin prosthesis implantation on mentalis muscles based on three-dimensional imaging technology.

BACKGROUND: Chin prosthesis implantation, a cosmetic procedure to correct chin asymmetry, depression, or retraction, is generally safe and simple. However, its long-term effects on surrounding tissues are a concern. This study aimed to use three-dimensional (3D) scanning to classify the mentalis muscle shapes and assess the impact of prosthesis implantation on these muscles. METHOD: This study evaluated 450 eligible female participants. Using three-dimensional imaging, data on the types, thickness, width, and length of the left and right mentalis muscles were collected and summarized. The impact of chin prosthesis on these muscle dimensions was assessed using analysis of variance, and the effect on muscle type was determined using χ2 test. RESULTS: Chin implant placement affected the mentalis muscles, resulting in increased length, thickness, and width. The subjects' mentalis muscles were categorized into 3 types and divided into 7 subtypes. χ2 test results indicated that implantation influences the classification of these muscles. CONCLUSION: Recognizing how implant placement affects the mentalis muscle can guide the development of treatments to mitigate these changes. Additionally, understanding the muscle's morphology enables more precise treatment approaches for patients.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become an indispensable part of the treatment strategy for degenerative joint disease. Despite some current research demonstrating efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for post-TKA rehabilitation, the evidence is not conclusive. OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the evidence supporting TEAS for rehabilitation after TKA. METHODS: A literature search of the PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang, and Chinese Scientific Journal Data databases for relevant studies published up to October 16, 2023, was performed. Main indicators included visual analog scale (VAS) and functional scores; secondary indicators included range of motion (ROM), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and analgesia-related adverse events. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Tool, and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4. RESULTS: Twenty RCTs with 1295 participants were included. TEAS improved several outcomes compared to control groups. The TEAS group had significantly greater pain reduction at postoperative 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 days, and 14 days. Moreover, TEAS significantly improved the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score, Knee Society Score, and ROM. Patients who underwent TEAS exhibited a lower incidence of analgesia-related adverse events and lower IL-6 and CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence indicates that the application of TEAS in patients undergoing TKA is related to postoperative pain alleviation, functional improvement, and fewer adverse events associated with analgesia.

Application of High-Frequency Ultrasound to Evaluate Forehead Filling Materials.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, soft tissue materials have been applied as forehead fillers. Some filling materials need to be removed or refilled in a timely manner in certain situations; therefore, it is important to develop a method to identify the location and type of filling materials. This study summarizes the imaging findings of different filling materials under high-frequency ultrasound, providing a reference for clinical treatment. METHODS: We screened facial ultrasound images performed at the Plastic Surgery Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from April 2015 to July 2023 and classified and summarized the types of frontal filling materials and their imaging results. RESULTS: This study included ultrasound imaging results from 114 patients, including 39 with hyaluronic acid (HA) filling, 45 with polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAG) filling, 14 who received autologous fat transplantation, 2 who received prosthesis implantation, 2 who received both HA and PAG filling, and 12 who received silicone oil filling. HA mainly manifests as an anechoic zone on ultrasonography, with images divisible into four types. PAG primarily presents as fine punctate echoes, divisible into five types. Fat transplantation presents as a low-echo area with uneven density, divisible into five types. Finally, the silicone oil-filling material appears as a cloud-like high echo on the forehead, visible throughout the entire skin layer, and unclear imaging in deep tissues. CONCLUSION: High-frequency ultrasound is a safe and reliable method to evaluate the type and position of forehead filling materials, which can be easily applied in clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Influence of HEM Drilling Fluid on Organic Geochemical Characteristics of Deep-Water Source Rocks in the Qiongdongnan Basin.

The influence of oil-based drilling fluid on the geochemical characteristics of source rocks has been widely reported in the northern South China Sea. However, contamination from water-based HEM drilling fluid has long been neglected in previous deep-water petroleum exploration. To further understand the impacts of HEM drilling fluid on deep-water source rocks, the organic matter abundance and type, kerogen maceral composition, and saturated biomarkers of the deep-water source rocks in the Qiongdongnan Basin were investigated. The influence of HEM drilling fluid on the organic geochemistry data of cuttings is significant but minor for sidecores. It is evident that the organic drilling additives in HEM drilling fluid can increase the organic matter abundance and optimize the organic matter types of shale cuttings. Specifically, the total organic carbon, S1, S2, and hydrogen index are increased by 28.5 ± 6.1, 90.8 ± 2.0, 34.2 ± 2.0, and 51.9 ± 4.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the organic drilling additives will greatly enhance the levels of C29 regular steranes, especially for C29-ααα-20R sterane, with the influence still persisting even when conducting GC-MS-MS analysis. The highly abundant 17α (H) -22, 29, 30-trisnorhopane, 17ß (H)-22, 29, 30-trisnorhopane, C29-3117α (H), 21ß (H) hopanes, and C29-31 17ß (H), 21α (H) hopanes may directly originate from the organic drilling additives. It is dangerous to directly use organic geochemical data from deep-water source rock cuttings contaminated by HEM drilling fluid as it may lead to conclusions that are entirely inconsistent with the basin's geological background.

Surgical Removal of Fat Nodules Formed in the Tear Trough After Autologous Fat Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting is a common treatment for tear trough deformities. This procedure involves a potential complication of fat nodule formation, leading to abnormal bulging of the lower eyelid. However, limited information exists about this complication, and an effective treatment is lacking. The present study aimed to present a novel surgical approach for the removal of fat nodules caused by autologous fat grafting in the tear trough. METHODS: This retrospective study included 33 patients who underwent surgery for the removal of fat nodules formed after autologous fat grafting. The procedure was performed using a conjunctival approach, allowing exposure and removal of all fat nodules in the anterior septal space, with the method adapted according to the severity of the deformity. RESULTS: A total of 66 eyelids were treated surgically, including 30 (45.45%) with mild nodular deformity, 23 (34.85%) with moderate nodular deformity, and 13 (10.70%) with severe nodular deformity. A second surgical procedure was required on 3 eyelids (4.56%). The main complications of the surgery were conjunctival congestion (21.21%), and localized depression (18.18%), bruising (12.12%). Among the patients, 29 (87.88%) were satisfied and 4 (12.12%) were dissatisfied with the treatment results. CONCLUSION: Conjunctival approach surgery is an effective method of removing fat nodules formed after autologous fat grafting in the tear trough, with good results and high levels of patient satisfaction. This approach enables the effective management of a common complication of autologous fat grafting and may enable the wider application of autologous fat grafting in the periorbital region. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Advancing Thermoelectric Performance of Bi2Te3 below 400 K.

Thermoelectric cooling devices utilizing Bi2Te3-based alloys have seen increased utilization in recent years. However, their thermoelectric performance remains inadequate within the operational temperature range (≤400 K), with limited research addressing this issue. In this study, we successfully modulated the carrier concentration of the sample through Te content reduction, consequently lowering the peak temperature of the zT value from 400 to 300 K. This led to a substantial enhancement in thermoelectric performance at room temperature (≤400 K). Furthermore, by doping with La, the electrical transport properties have been further optimized, and the lattice thermal conductivity has been effectively reduced at the same time; the average zT value was ultimately elevated from 0.69 to 0.9 within the temperature range of 300-400 K. These findings hold significant promise for enhancing the efficacy of existing thermoelectric cooling devices based on Bi2Te3-based alloys.

Comparison of the coverage and rotation of asymmetrical and symmetrical tibial components: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: An optimized fit of the tibial component to the resection platform and correct rotational alignment are critical for successful total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there remains controversy regarding the superiority of symmetric tibial component versus asymmetric tibial component. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence for comparing the coverage and rotation of asymmetrical and symmetrical tibial component. METHODS: We searched potentially relevant studies form PubMed, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), up to 1 March 2023. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: Sixteen articles were identified. Compared to symmetric tibial component, asymmetric tibial component increased the coverage of the proximal tibial cut surface (MD, -2.87; 95%CI, -3.45 to -2.28; P < 0.00001), improved the prevalence of tibial baseplate underhang (OR, 0.16; 95%CI, 0.07 to 0.33; P < 0.00001) and malrotation (OR, 0.13; 95%CI, 0.02 to 0.90; P = 0.04), and reduced the degree of tibial component rotation (MD, -3.11; 95%CI, -5.76 to -0.47; P = 0.02). But there was no statistical significance for improving tibial baseplate overhang (OR, 0.58; 95%CI, 0.08 to 3.97; P = 0.58). Additionally, no revision had occurred for the two tibial components in the included studies. CONCLUSION: The current evidence shows asymmetric tibial component offer advantages in terms of coverage and rotation compared with symmetric tibial component in TKA.

Trigeminal Neuralgia after Hyaluronic Acid and Botox Injection.

A rare case of trigeminal neuralgia following injections of Hyaluronic Acid and Botox was documented. In addressing the severe pain and swelling caused by the injection, a novel combination therapy was employed, notably including 5-fluorouracil. The significant improvement observed in this case not only provided clinical insights but also spurred further investigation into the underlying mechanisms linking trigeminal nerve damage to local dermal filler injections. The aim was to glean new medical perspectives and develop practical preventive strategies to mitigate such complications in future cases. This approach highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the potential neurological impacts of cosmetic procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://www.springer.com/00266 .

Botulinum Toxin Injection Technique for Reducing the Masseter Size and Enhancing the Jawline.

BACKGROUND: The injection of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle is an important method used to improve hypertrophy. However, some patients may experience adverse reactions, such as sagging of the lower jaw. Therefore, we proposed a method of injecting botulinum toxin into the masseter and platysma muscles that would reduce masseter size and enhance the jawline. OBJECTIVES: Reducing the masseter size while enhancing the jawline. METHODS: Twenty patients received botulinum toxin injections into the masseter and platysma muscles. Pain levels were evaluated using the visual analog scale. All patients were photographed before and 6 months after treatment. Evaluations were performed based on standardized criteria. The lift index, reduction index, and symmetry index were used to assess the degree of jawline elevation, masseter size reduction, and jawline symmetry before and after treatment, respectively. RESULTS: The mean visual analog scale score of the 20 patients was 2.80 (±1.24). The mean lift index score decreased from 4.93 (±0.34) to 4.53 (±0.37), P<0.05. The mean reduction index score decreased from 3.13 (±0.27) to 2.74 (±0.27), P<0.05. The mean symmetry index score changed from 0.0393 (±0.0296) to 0.0257 (±0.0246), P<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin injections into the masseter and platysma muscles through nerve block reduced the masseter size, elevated the jawline, and improved symmetry.

Ddx5 Targeted Epigenetic Modification of Pericytes in Pulmonary Hypertension After Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Newborns with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have a higher likelihood of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adulthood. Although there is increasing evidence suggesting that pericytes play a role in regulating myofibroblast transdifferentiation and angiogenesis in malignant and cardiovascular diseases, their involvement in the pathogenesis of IUGR-related pulmonary hypertension and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. To address this issue, a study was conducted using a Sprague-Dawley rat model of IUGR-related pulmonary hypertension. Our investigation revealed increased proliferation and migration of pulmonary microvascular pericytes in IUGR-related pulmonary hypertension, accompanied by weakened endothelial-pericyte interactions. Through whole-transcriptome sequencing, Ddx5 (DEAD-box protein 5) was identified as one of the hub genes in pericytes. DDX5, a member of the RNA helicase family, plays a role in the regulation of ATP-dependent RNA helicase activities and cellular function. MicroRNAs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PAH, and microRNA-205 (miR-205) regulates cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The results of dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the specific binding of miR-205 to Ddx5. Mechanistically, miR-205 negatively regulates Ddx5, leading to the degradation of ß-catenin by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Gsk3ß at serine 9. In vitro experiments showed the addition of miR-205 effectively ameliorated pericyte dysfunction. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that miR-205 agomir could ameliorate pulmonary hypertension. Our findings indicated that the downregulation of miR-205 expression mediates pericyte dysfunction through the activation of Ddx5. Therefore, targeting the miR-205/Ddx5/p-Gsk3ß/ß-catenin axis could be a promising therapeutic approach for IUGR-related pulmonary hypertension.

Early left ventricular systolic function is a more sensitive predictor of adverse events after heart transplant.

BACKGROUND: First-phase ejection fraction (EF1) is a novel measure of early changes in left ventricular systolic function. This study was to investigate the prognostic value of EF1 in heart transplant recipients. METHODS: Heart transplant recipients were prospectively recruited at the Union Hospital, Wuhan, China between January 2015 and December 2019. All patients underwent clinical examination, biochemistry measures [brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and creatinine] and transthoracic echocardiography. The primary endpoint was a combined event of all-cause mortality and graft rejection. RESULTS: In 277 patients (aged 48.6 ± 12.5 years) followed for a median of 38.7 [26.8-45.0] months, there were 35 (12.6%) patients had adverse events including 20 deaths and 15 rejections. EF1 was negatively associated with BNP (ß = -0.220, p < 0.001) and was significantly lower in patients with events compared to those without. EF1 had the largest area under the curve in ROC analysis compared to other measures. An optimal cut-off value of 25.8% for EF1 had a sensitivity of 96.3% and a specificity of 97.1% for prediction of events. EF1 was the most powerful predictor of events with hazard ratio per 1% change in EF1: 0.628 (95%CI: 0.555-0.710, p < 0.001) after adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain. CONCLUSIONS: Early left ventricular systolic function as measured by EF1 is a powerful predictor of adverse outcomes after heart transplant. EF1 may be useful in risk stratification and management of heart transplant recipients.

Self-supervised neural network-based endoscopic monocular 3D reconstruction method.

Based on deep learning, monocular visual 3D reconstruction methods have been applied in various conventional fields. In the aspect of medical endoscopic imaging, due to the difficulty in obtaining real information, self-supervised deep learning has always been a focus of research. However, current research on endoscopic 3D reconstruction is mainly conducted in laboratory environments, lacking experience in dealing with complex clinical surgical environments. In this work, we use an optical flow-based neural network to address the problem of inconsistent brightness between frames. Additionally, attention modules and inter-layer losses are introduced to tackle the complexity of endoscopic scenes in clinical surgeries. The attention mechanism allows the network to better focus on pixel texture details and depth differences, while the inter-layer losses supervise the network at different scales. We have established a complete monocular endoscopic 3D reconstruction framework and conducted quantitative experiments on a clinical dataset using the cross-correlation coefficient as a metric. Compared with other self-supervised methods, our framework can better simulate the mapping relationship between adjacent frames during endoscope motion. To validate the generalization performance of our framework, we tested the model trained on the clinical dataset on the SCARED dataset and achieved equally excellent results.

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction promotes PDGF-primed bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for myocardial protection in acute Myocardial Infarction in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has emerged as a promising strategy for the targeted delivery of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the ischemic myocardium. However, the limited migration capacity and poor survival of MSCs remains a major therapeutic barrier. The present study was performed to investigate the synergistic effect of UTMD with platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) on the homing of MSCs for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: MSCs from male donor rats were treated with PDGF-BB, and a novel microbubble formulation was prepared using a thin-film hydration method. In vivo, MSCs with or without PDGF-BB pretreatment were transplanted by UTMD after inducing AMI in experimental rats. The therapeutic efficacy of PDGF-BB-primed MSCs on myocardial apoptosis, angiogenesis, cardiac function and scar repair was estimated. The effects and molecular mechanisms of PDGF-BB on MSC migration and survival were explored in vitro. RESULTS: The results showed that the biological effects of UTMD increased the local levels of stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which promoted the migration of transplanted MSCs to the ischemic region. Compared with UTMD alone, UTMD combined with PDGF-BB pretreatment significantly increased the cardiac homing of MSCs, which subsequently reduced myocardial apoptosis, promoted neovascularization and tissue repair, and increased cardiac function 30 days after MI. The vitro results demonstrated that PDGF-BB enhanced MSC migration and protected these cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, PDGF-BB pretreatment promoted MSC migration and inhibited H2O2-induced MSC apoptosis via activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Furthermore, crosstalk between PDGF-BB and stromal-derived factor-1/chemokine receptor 4 (SDF-1/CXCR4) is involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that UTMD combined with PDGF-BB treatment could enhance the homing ability of MSCs, thus alleviating AMI in rats. Therefore, UTMD combined with PDGF-BB pretreatment may offer exciting therapeutic opportunities for strengthening MSC therapy in ischemic diseases.

Botulinum Toxin A Injection for Hemihypertrophy-related Unilateral Gastrocnemius Hypertrophy.

Hemihypertrophy is a rare congenital disorder that causes unequal growth of the extremities, trunk, face, or half of the body. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman with hemihypertrophy-related gastrocnemius hypertrophy treated with botulinum toxin A injection. The patient has received two botulinum toxin A injections, and we measured the thickness of the gastrocnemius muscle using ultrasound and measured the maximum circumference around the calf with the patient in the prone position. The patient's maximum calf circumference was reduced by 1 cm. The thickness of the medial head of the gastrocnemius was reduced by 0.3 cm, and the thickness of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius was reduced by 0.6 cm. Botulinum toxin A injection therapy was effective in treating hemihypertrophy-related gastrocnemius hypertrophy.