Single Dose of N-Acetylcysteine in Local Anesthesia Increases Expression of HIF1α, MAPK1, TGFβ1 and Growth Factors in Rat Wound Healing

In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the gene expression profile, neoangiogenesis, neutrophils and macrophages in a rat model of incisional wounds. Before creating wounds on the backs of 24 Sprague–Dawley rats, intradermal injections were made. Lidocaine–epinephrin solutions were supplemented with 0.015%, 0.03% or 0.045% solutions of NAC, or nothing (control group). Scars were harvested on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 60th day post-surgery. We performed immunohistochemical staining in order to visualize macrophages (anti-CD68), neutrophils (anti-MPO) and newly formed blood vessels (anti-CD31). Additionally, RT-qPCR was used to measure the relative expression of 88 genes involved in the wound healing process. On the 14th day, the number of cells stained with anti-CD68 and anti-CD31 antibodies was significantly larger in the tissues treated with 0.03% NAC compared with the control. Among the selected genes, 52 were upregulated and six were downregulated at different time points. Interestingly, NAC exerted a significant effect on the expression of 45 genes 60 days after its administration. In summation, a 0.03% NAC addition to the pre-incisional anesthetic solution improves neovasculature and increases the macrophages’ concentration at the wound site on the 14th day, as well as altering the expression of numerous genes that are responsible for the regenerative processes

Polyethylene Glycol: The Future of Posttraumatic Nerve Repair? Systemic Review

Peripheral nerve injury is a common posttraumatic complication. The precise surgical repair of nerve lesion does not always guarantee satisfactory motor and sensory function recovery. Therefore, enhancement of the regeneration process is a subject of many research strategies. It is believed that polyethylene glycol (PEG) mediates axolemmal fusion, thus enabling the direct restoration of axon continuity. It also inhibits Wallerian degeneration and recovers nerve conduction. This systemic review, performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, describes and summarizes published studies on PEG treatment efficiency in various nerve injury types and repair techniques. Sixteen original experimental studies in animal models and one in humans were analyzed. PEG treatment superiority was reported in almost all experiments (based on favorable electrophysiological, histological, or behavioral results). To date, only one study attempted to transfer the procedure into the clinical phase. However, some technical aspects, e.g., the maximal delay between trauma and successful treatment, await determination. PEG therapy is a promising prospect that may improve the surgical treatment of peripheral nerve injuries in the clinical practice.</jats:p

The Impact of Mastectomy on Women’s Visual Perception of Breast Aesthetics and Symmetry: A Pilot Eye-Tracking Study

Abstract Background Little is known about breast cancer survivors’ perception of breast attractiveness. A better understanding of this subjective concept could contribute to the improvement of patient-reported outcomes after reconstructive surgeries and facilitate the development of new methods for assessing breast reconstruction outcomes. Objectives The aim of this eye-tracking (ET)-based study was to verify whether mastectomy altered women’s visual perception of breast aesthetics and symmetry. Methods A group of 30 women after unilateral mastectomy and 30 healthy controls evaluated the aesthetics and symmetry of various types of female breasts displayed as highly standardized digital images. Gaze patterns of women from the study groups were recorded using an ET system and subjected to a comparative analysis. Results Regardless of the study group, the longest fixation duration and the highest fixation number were found in the nipple-areola complex. This area was also the most common region of the initial fixation. Several significant between-group differences were identified; the gaze patterns of women after mastectomy were generally characterized by longer fixation times for the inframammary fold, lower pole, and upper half of the breast. Conclusions Mastectomy might affect women’s visual perception patterns during the evaluation of breast aesthetics and symmetry. ET data might improve our understanding of breast attractiveness and constitute the basis for a new reliable method for the evaluation of outcomes of reconstructive breast surgeries. </jats:sec