Objective To study the effect of macrophage, its stimulating factor, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), the combination of GM-CSF and macrophage on the survival of rat deep epigastric perforator flap (DEP). Methods The stable animal model of DEP flap in Sprague-Dawley rat mimicing human deep inferior epigastric perforator flap in breast reconstruction was established. The rats were treated with subcutaneous injection of recombined rat GM-CSF or rat peritoneal macrophages, respectively, or combination of GM-CSF/ Macrophages. Normal saline was used as parallel negative control. The rats were sacrificed and flap specimens were harvested on day 7 after operation, the flaps survival area were measured by the method of rubbings and the survival proportion of flaps were calculated, Von Will brand factor were detected by immunohistochemistry and microvessel density (MVD), and were calculated with microscopic study, and collagen were stained and quantified by Masson staining. Results Survival proportion of flaps in group GM-CSF (53.08% ± 8. 76% ) was not different with that in macrophages group (47. 95% ± 4. 92% ), and both of these two groups were significantly higher than parallel negative control group (43.28% ± 5.27% ) but significantly lower than combination GM-CSF/ macrophages group ( 61.68% ± 6. 60% ). For MVD, flap in GM-CSF group ( 24. 82 ± 4. 18 ) was not significantly different with macrophages group (24.30 ± 3.02 ), and both of these two groups were significantly higher than group parallel negative control (21.37 ± 2.65 ) but significantly lower than combination GM-CSF/macrophages group ( 29. 82 ± 4. 74). Collagen deposition in the flaps in GM-CSF group (17. 25% ± 2. 85% ) were significantly higher than parallel negative control group (14.41% ± 2. 89% ), macrophages group ( 12. 69% ± 3.55% ) were lower than parallel negative control group but there was no significant difference. That in combination GM-CSF/macrophages group (20.31% ± 3.01% )was significantly higher than GM-CSF group ( P < 0. 05 ). Conclusion Treatment with rat GM-CSF or macrophage can significantly promote the survival of the flaps. Combined application of GM-CSF and macrophage could synergetically promote the survival of the flaps, the vasculogenesis and the collagen deposition.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of intracranial infection caused by Mycobacterium lentiflavum. Methods:The clinical data of a patient with intracranial infection caused by Mycobacterium lentiflavum admitted to Tianjin Haihe Hospital in May 2023 were collected. Meanwhile relevant literatures in databases were searched. Only 1 English literature (1 patient) was obtained. The clinical characteristics of this patient and the case reported in the literature were analyzed and summarized. Results:Totally 2 patients, including this case, and the patient with meningoencephalitis caused by Mycobacterium lentiflavum reported in the literature, both are females, 42 and 55 years old respectively, both manifested a chronic course, without fever, and presented progressive headache and cognitive impairment. Clinical manifestations also included abnormal mental behavior, limb weakness, and seizure. At the early stage, only intracranial pressure increased, and cerebrospinal fluid tests were negative. As the disease aggravated, there was an elevation of cerebrospinal fluid cells and protein, with normal levels of glucose and chloride. Using brain tissue obtained by biopsy for polymerase chain reaction or next-generation sequencing examination, the pathogenic microorganism was confirmed, which made accurate diagnosis possible. Antibiotic treatment had good efficacy, with a long treatment course and a good prognosis. Conclusions:Central nervous system infection caused by Mycobacterium lentiflavum is very rare, and a chronic disease course makes diagnosis very difficult. The treatment effect is significant, and the prognosis is excellent.