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This study analysed the incidence of lower extremity amputation and its associated risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. This study systematically searched both Chinese and English databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science, to identify cohort studies related to lower extremity amputation and associated risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers up to October 2023. The patients were stratified based on whether they underwent lower extremity amputation, and relevant data, including basic information, patient characteristics, complications, comorbidities and pertinent laboratory test data, were extracted from the included studies. The literature quality assessment in this study utilized the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale to screen for high‐quality literature, resulting in the inclusion of 16 cohort studies, all of which were of at least moderate quality. Meta‐analysis of outcome indicators was conducted using the Stata 14.0 software. The results indicate that the overall amputation rate of lower extremities in patients with diabetic foot ulcers is 31% (0.25, 0.38). Among the 16 variables evaluated, gender (male), smoking history, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, white blood cell count, haemoglobin and albumin levels were found to be correlated with the occurrence of lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. However, no significant correlation was observed between age, diabetes type, duration of diabetes, stroke, glycosylated haemoglobin, creatinine and total cholesterol levels and lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. This meta‐analysis indicates that the overall amputation rate in patients with diabetic foot ulcers is 31%. Factors such as gender (male), smoking history, high BMI, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, white blood cell count, haemoglobin and albumin levels are identified as significant risk factors for lower extremity amputation in diabetic foot ulcer patients. These findings suggest that attention should be focused on these risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers to reduce the risk of lower extremity amputation. Therefore, preventive and intervention measures targeting these risk factors are of significant importance in clinical practice. (Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier [CRD42024497538]). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of naringenin (Nar) on the proliferation, migration and collagen synthesis of keloid fibroblasts (KFs) . Methods KFs were divided into control group and Nar group treated with Nar at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 100 and 150 µmol/L, and the effects of Nar on the proliferation of KFs were analyzed using CCK- 8 assay. Western blot was performed to detect the effects of Nar on the expression levels of Col-1, FN, α-SMA, and MMP9, and the expression levels of Smad2/3 and p-Smad2/3 in KFs pretreated with TGF-β1. Results Compared with the control group, the proliferation ability of KFs was significantly inhibited by Nar at a concentration of ≥50 µmol /L (P <0. 05) . Similarly, the migration ability of KFs was significantly inhibited by 50 µmol/L of Nar (P <0. 01) . Nar down-regulated the expression levels of Col-1, FN, α-SMA and MMPP proteins in KFs, and p-Smad2/3 proteins in TGF-β1-treated KFs (all P < 0. 05). Conclusion Nar may inhibit the proliferation, migration and collagen synthesis of KFs by down-regulating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rosacea is a prevalent chronic dermatological condition marked by facial inflammation and erythema, significantly compromising the quality of life for affected individuals. Current treatment methods for rosacea are not considered ideal because of the complex etiology of the disease. Mussel adhesive protein (MAP) is a glycoprotein derived from the foot gland of mussels. The protein exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties, relieves skin itching, and promotes wound healing. Aims: We aimed to explore the feasibility of using MAP administered via microneedle delivery for treating rosacea and the potential molecular mechanism involved. Materials and Methods: The therapeutic effect and mechanism of MAP microneedle delivery in an LL‐37‐induced rosacea‐like mouse model were observed using morphological and histological methods. Twenty‐seven patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) underwent treatment once every 1 month, with three treatments constituting one treatment course. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by comparing the clinical images taken at baseline, after the first treatment course, and after the second treatment course. The red value, CEA, and GFSS score were also calculated. Results: In response to the microneedle delivery of MAP, innate immunity, inflammatory infiltration, and abnormal neurovascular regulation improved significantly in rosacea‐like mice. In the clinical experiments, the microneedle delivery of MAP significantly improved the symptoms of erythema, flushing, and telangiectasia in patients with ETR, and no obvious adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions: MAP delivered by microneedling is effective and safe for treating ETR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Filling therapy is becoming increasingly popular for correcting tear trough deformities (TTD). However, its therapeutic effect and retention time are limited. Aims: To improve the clinical efficacy and safety of TTD treatment in Asians, we used a blunt separation technique to break the adhesion site of periorbital subcutaneous tissue, and while repairing skin dermis after injury, it was combined with uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid compound solution to promote collagen regeneration and treat TTDs. Patients/Methods: Twenty‐six Chinese patients (21 women and 5 men) with TTD, with a mean age of 34.54 ± 9.21 (range, 20–56) years, were enrolled. Symptom improvement, recurrence rates, treatment safety, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Results: All patients' tear trough rating scale (TTRS) scores decreased significantly immediately after treatment. The TTRS scores at 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1 year after treatment demonstrated significant differences from those before treatment (all p < 0.05). All patients' experienced mild pain, erythema, and swelling during the treatment. Three patients developed postinjection bruising after treatment, which lasted for 6–7 days and subsequently disappeared. No other adverse reactions were observed during the follow‐up. There were no recurrent cases, and patient satisfaction was very high. Conclusions: Blunt separation combined with an uncrosslinked sodium hyaluronate composite solution is safe and effective for treating TTDs in Asians with few side effects and has good clinical application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exosomes (Exos) and their contained microRNAs (miRNAs) have been emergingly recognized as key regulators in spanning biological processes, including proliferation and angiogenesis. Aim of the study: This work investigates the function of Exos derived from adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (adMSCs) in viability of keloid fibroblasts (KFs). Methods: Abnormally expressed miRNAs in keloid tissues were screened using the GEO dataset GSE113620. Meanwhile, miRNAs enriched in adMSC‐Exos were predicted by bioinformatics system. Exos were extracted from acquired adMSCs and identified, which were co‐incubated with KFs. Uptake of Exos by KFs was examined by fluorescence staining. Viability, proliferation, and apoptosis of KFs were analyzed by CCK‐8, EdU labeling, and TUNEL assays. Conditioned medium of KFs was collected to stimulate angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Binding between miR‐7846‐3p and neuropilin 2 (NRP2) was validated by luciferase assay. Protein levels of NRP2 and the Hedgehog pathway molecules were analyzed by western blot analysis. Results: miR‐7846‐3p was predicted as an exosomal miRNA aberrantly expressed in keloids. AdMSC‐Exos reduced viability, proliferation, and apoptosis resistance of KFs, and they blocked the angiogenesis of HUVECs. miR‐7846‐3p targeted NRP2 mRNA. miR‐7846‐3p upregulation in KFs suppressed NRP2 expression and reduced the expression of Hedgehog pathway molecules SHH, SMO, and GLI1. Either miR‐7846‐3p inhibition in Exos or NRP2 overexpression in KFs blocked the effects of Exos and restored the viability, proliferation, and pro‐angiogenic role of KFs. Conclusion: This work unravels that adMSC‐Exos‐derived miR‐7846‐3p suppresses NRP2 and inactivates the Hedgehog signaling to reduce proliferation and pro‐angiogenic role of KFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Keloid (KD) is a unique pathological fibroproliferative disease that seriously affects the appearance of patients. This study investigated the effect of oleanolic acid (OA) on the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts (KFs) and the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related proteins. Methods: The proliferation of KFs was evaluated using an MTT assay. The effects of OA on intra‐ and extracellular levels of fibronectin (FN), procollagen I, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were evaluated using Western blotting. To simulate the KD microenvironment, TGF‐β1 was added to the serum‐free culture medium, and KFs were incubated with TGF‐β1 and OA for 24 h. The intra‐ and extracellular levels of the ECM‐related proteins and the effect of OA on TGF‐β1‐induced phosphorylation of the SMAD2 and SMAD3 proteins were evaluated using Western blotting. Results: OA inhibited the proliferation of KFs in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. Furthermore, OA treatment of KFs reduced the intra‐ and extracellular levels of FN, procollagen I, and α‐SMA and increased those of MMP‐1. OA also reduced TGF‐β1‐induced increases in the intra‐ and extracellular levels of FN, procollagen I, and α‐SMA and increased the levels of the MMP‐1 protein. Additionally, OA significantly reduced TGF‐β1‐induced phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 in KFs. Conclusions: OA inhibited KF proliferation and reduced ECM deposition through the TGF‐β1/SMAD pathway, which suggests that OA may be an effective drug for the prevention and treatment of KD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstruction of defects of nasal ala and dorsum after surgical excision presents a substantial challenge to dermatologic surgeons. Second intention healing is a simple and extremely useful method to optimize cosmesis after skin cancer removal. This study reported the cosmetic outcomes after second intention healing of nasal ala and dorsum defects in Asians, and estimated the time to epithelialization and complete healing. Fifteen defects (<1 cm in diameter) of the nasal ala and dorsum in 10 patients were allowed to heal by secondary intention. Cosmetic results were evaluated and the time to epithelialization and complete healing were recorded. Cosmetic outcomes were good to excellent in 80% of the defects; defects of the dorsum showed poorer cosmetic results than defects of the ala. The wounds needed 5–17 days (mean 11.3; SD ± 4.18) to complete epithelialization and 10–24 days (mean 17.7; SD ± 4.85) to heal completely. Second intention healing of small nasal ala and dorsum defects (<1 cm in diameter) in Asians produces satisfactory cosmetic results with a low complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Fractional lasers have become increasingly popular for treating atrophic scars, but their effectiveness is limited for deeper scars. We developed a novel technique (manual fractional thermal contraction technology, MFTCT) using an ultra‐pulse CO2 laser and evaluated its efficacy and safety for treating atrophic facial scars. Methods: A total of 44 patients with atrophic facial scars were treated with MFTCT every 8 weeks for 1‐4 times. Overall scar improvement was assessed by photographs taken at baseline and 3 months after the last treatment according to the 4‐point global assessment scale (GAS) and ECCA grading scale. Improvements in color, distortion, and texture were assessed by the modified Manchester Scar Scale and scored individually from 1 to 4. Pain degrees and adverse reactions during and after treatment were recorded. Results: A total of 44 patients completed the treatment and follow‐ups; of them, 89% reported at least 50% overall improvement after the last treatment. The mean ECCA scores fell from 67.50 ± 23.98 to 45.68 ± 18.57 (a 32% improvement), and the change was significant (P =.000). The average score for overall improvement was 3.48. The average scores for color, distortion, and texture were 3.07 ± 0.62, 3.27 ± 0.50, and 3.52 ± 0.51, respectively. Mean pain degree score was 4.27 ± 1.04, and mean erythema duration was 28.43 ± 6.58 days. Some patients developed pigmentation for a few months that resolved with topical treatment. Conclusion: Manual fractional thermal contraction technology has definite clinical efficacy in the treatment of atrophic facial scars with fewer adverse reactions and is worth using in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-seven compounds including nine triterpenoids (1–9), eight sterols (10–17), two ribonucleotides (18, 19), four phenols (20–23), three glycosides (24–26), and one furan (27) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd. This study is the first confirmation of the presence of the 11 compounds (3, 5, 6, 8, 18, 20, 21, 23–25, and 27) isolated from the Polyporaceae family, with six of these (2 and 12–16) from the genus Trametes. Compounds 3, 4, 10, 11, 16 and 17 were found to significantly inhibit the production of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]