1.Application of Cytb and 12S rRNA in wildlife species identification for forensic science
Dezhi JIANG ; Yaxin ZHANG ; Yu ZANG ; Maolei AN ; Zan ZHANG ; Chengcheng QIU ; Yaoheng JIANG ; Wei SONG ; Hong ZHAO ; Kun XIE ; Jiayi CHEN ; Riga WU
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;40(3):308-311,322
Objective To analyze and compare the efficacy of DNA barcode,i.e.,Cytochrome b(Cytb)and 12S ribosomal RNA(12S rRNA)gene sequences,in the species identification of wildlife.Methods DNA extraction,quantification,PCR amplification of Cytb and 12S rRNA gene fragments,Sanger sequencing,and sequence alignment analysis were performed on ten wildlife samples.Results Both gene fragments were successfully amplified in six samples,while Cytb alone was successfully amplified in 1 sample,and 12S rRNA alone in 3 samples.Sequence analysis indicated that Cytb enabled species-level identification for 6 samples(Gallinula chloropus,Streptopelia orientalis,Phasianus colchicus,Falco naumanni,Myiopsitta monachus and Lynx lynx)and genus-level identification for 1 sample(Lepus).In contrast,12S rRNA achieved species-level identificaggion for 8 samples(Gallinula chloropus,Lepus sinensis,Phasianus colchicus,Myiopsitta monachus,Muntiacus reevesi,Macaca mulatta and Lynx lynx),representing seven species,and genus-level identification for 1 sample(Falco).However,by combining Cytb and 12S rRNA,all samples could be identified to the species level.Conclusion When applying DNA barcodes to wildlife identification,the Cytb and 12S rRNA gene regions analyzed here can effectively identify common species such as Gallinula chloropus and Streptopelia orientalis,but face difficulties in distinguishing closely related species within the same genus.Therefore,when conducting wildlife species identification,it is recommended to use two or more DNA barcode markers.
2.Strategy and technical points of harvesting different forms of free rectus abdominis muscle flap combined with free superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for unilateral breast reconstruction
Ruqi GUO ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Dajiang SONG ; Zhiyuan WANG ; Xu LIU ; Zan LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2025;31(2):93-98
The free inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is currently a highly regarded autologous breast reconstruction technique. However, in clinical practice, the anatomical characteristics of the lower abdominal vasculature and surrounding tissue structures do not always permit ideal perforator flap harvesting. In many cases, it becomes necessary to preserve a larger rectus abdominis muscle cuff to ensure reliable blood supply to the flap through the perforating vessels. Compared with various forms of rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps that all require incision of the anterior sheath and intramuscular vascular pedicle dissection, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) perforator flap significantly reduces donor-site morbidity. Nevertheless, the anatomical variability of the superficial inferior epigastric vessels increases surgical uncertainty. Based on clinical observations, this study establishes a comprehensive clinical strategy algorithm. Primarily focusing on different configurations of free rectus abdominis flaps, it incorporates additional preparation of free SIEA perforator flaps when anatomical conditions permit. The objectives are to ensure reliable perfusion of the lower abdominal flap while minimizing donor-site damage and reducing surgical complexity.
3.Clinical effects of lobulated supercharged pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for repairing huge chest wall wounds
Xinshan ZHANG ; Junyi YU ; Zan LI ; Dajiang SONG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(3):251-257
Objective:To explore the clinical effects of lobulated supercharged pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for repairing huge chest wall wounds.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2020 to June 2023, 9 patients with huge chest wall wounds remained after extended radical tumor resection, extended tumor resection, or lesion resection and conformed to the inclusion criteria were admitted to Hunan Cancer Hospital, including 3 males and 6 females, aged 31-59 years. The lobulated supercharged pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was used to repair the huge chest wall wounds. The area of chest wall skin and soft tissue defects ranged from 19 cm×15 cm to 25 cm×21 cm, and the area of the harvested myocutaneous flap ranged from 25.0 cm×7.5 cm to 32.0 cm×13.0 cm. After repairing the rectus abdominis muscle and its anterior sheath with a polypropylene mesh, the incision in the donor site was directly sutured. The blood supply of the myocutaneous flap and the selection of blood vessels in recipient area for supercharging during the surgery, the survival of the myocutaneous flap and the healing of the donor area incision after the surgery were observed. The appearance and texture of the reconstructed chest wall, the scar formation in the abdominal donor area, and their impacts on function and appearance, and the tumor recurrence and metastasis were followed up.Results:The blood supply of the unilateral myocutaneous flap was poor in 7 patients, and that of the bilateral myocutaneous flaps was poor in 2 patients during the surgery. The recipient area vessels selected for supercharging of the myocutaneous flap were the internal thoracic vessels in 7 patients, the thoracodorsal vessels in 2 patients, and the thoracoacromial vessels in 2 patients. All the myocutaneous flaps survived after surgery. The donor area incisions of 7 patients healed smoothly after surgery; 2 patients had partial dehiscence in the incisions due to excessive incision tension, which healed after debridement and suturing. Follow-up for 8 to 12 months showed that the reconstructed chest wall had good appearance and soft texture; only a linear scar remained in the abdominal donor area, which had no obvious impact on abdominal breathing and the abdomen was aesthetically pleasing; no local tumor recurrence was observed; distant metastases occurred in 2 breast cancer patients.Conclusions:The lobulated supercharged pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap can effectively cover huge chest wall wounds, while maximally ensuring the blood supply of the myocutaneous flap to the greatest extent and safeguarding the success of chest wall reconstruction surgery.
4.Contralateral posteromedial thigh flap for salvage breast reconstruction with adductor magnus perforator flap failure
Dajiang SONG ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Zan LI ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(6):577-582
Objective:To summarize the technical experience of using a contralateral free gracilis myocutaneous flap combined with an adductor magnus perforator flap for salvaging failure of breast reconstruction after transplantation with the free adductor magnus perforator flap.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with breast cancer who received contralateral posteromedial thigh flap (gracilis myocutaneous flap combined with adductor magnus perforator flap) transplantation for immediate unilateral breast reconstruction developed vascular crisis and caused flap necrosis at the Department of Oncology Plastic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital, between December 2016 to December 2022. All patients with early-stage breast cancer received modified radical mastectomy. All patients were selected to undergo the immediate breast reconstruction surgery with unilateral free adductor magnus perforator flap transplantation. The proximal end of internal mammary vessels were used as the recipient vessels in all cases. After the emergency exploration confirmed the necrosis of the flap, a contralateral free gracilis myocutaneous flap combined with adductor magnus perforator flap were immediately harvested for salvage breast reconstruction. The vascular pedicle of the gracilis muscular branch and the adductor magnus perforator branch were anastomosed with the proximal and distal ends of the internal mammary vessels, respectively. Postoperative patient monitoring was conducted intensively, with follow-up assessments focusing on breast contour and donor site recovery.Results:A total of 5 patients were included, aged 26 to 42 years, with an average of (31.5±1.8) years. All salvaged breast reconstruction surgeries were successful, the salvaged flap measured 15.0 cm×6.0 cm×4.0 cm-17.0 cm×7.5 cm×5.5 cm. All the transplanted flaps survived after the operation, with satisfactory breast contour, good flap elasticity, and no contracture or deformation. The donor sites of both thigh flaps healed well, leaving only linear scars and no significant functional impairment to the lower limbs. Follow-up ranged from 9 to 24 months, with an average of 15.7 months. The breast shape was satisfactory, and there was no recurrence of breast cancer.Conclusion:The donor site morbidity of the posteromedial thigh flap is relatively small. When unilateral flap transplantation fails, immediate transfer of the contralateral flap can be chosen for salvage reconstruction. This approach ensures symmetrical donor site outcomes and is generally well-accepted by patients.
5.Application of Cytb and 12S rRNA in wildlife species identification for forensic science
Dezhi JIANG ; Yaxin ZHANG ; Yu ZANG ; Maolei AN ; Zan ZHANG ; Chengcheng QIU ; Yaoheng JIANG ; Wei SONG ; Hong ZHAO ; Kun XIE ; Jiayi CHEN ; Riga WU
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;40(3):308-311,322
Objective To analyze and compare the efficacy of DNA barcode,i.e.,Cytochrome b(Cytb)and 12S ribosomal RNA(12S rRNA)gene sequences,in the species identification of wildlife.Methods DNA extraction,quantification,PCR amplification of Cytb and 12S rRNA gene fragments,Sanger sequencing,and sequence alignment analysis were performed on ten wildlife samples.Results Both gene fragments were successfully amplified in six samples,while Cytb alone was successfully amplified in 1 sample,and 12S rRNA alone in 3 samples.Sequence analysis indicated that Cytb enabled species-level identification for 6 samples(Gallinula chloropus,Streptopelia orientalis,Phasianus colchicus,Falco naumanni,Myiopsitta monachus and Lynx lynx)and genus-level identification for 1 sample(Lepus).In contrast,12S rRNA achieved species-level identificaggion for 8 samples(Gallinula chloropus,Lepus sinensis,Phasianus colchicus,Myiopsitta monachus,Muntiacus reevesi,Macaca mulatta and Lynx lynx),representing seven species,and genus-level identification for 1 sample(Falco).However,by combining Cytb and 12S rRNA,all samples could be identified to the species level.Conclusion When applying DNA barcodes to wildlife identification,the Cytb and 12S rRNA gene regions analyzed here can effectively identify common species such as Gallinula chloropus and Streptopelia orientalis,but face difficulties in distinguishing closely related species within the same genus.Therefore,when conducting wildlife species identification,it is recommended to use two or more DNA barcode markers.
6.The strategy and pitfalls of bilateral free posteromedial thigh flap transplantation for bilateral breast reconstruction
Dajiang SONG ; Peixian CHEN ; Zan LI ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(9):931-938
Objective:To explore the technical points and precautions of using bilateral free posteromedial thigh flap to reconstruct bilateral breasts.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent bilateral mastectomy and bilateral free posteromedial thigh flap transplantation for bilateral breast reconstruction at Hunan Cancer Hospital from June 2020 to January 2023. The operation was carried out simultaneously by two groups of doctors. Breast surgeons performed modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer or subcutaneous mastectomy. The flap group prepared bilateral free posteromedial thigh flaps. The posteromedial thigh flaps were designed in three patterns: transverse, vertical and oblique. The intrathoracal vessels were used as recipient vessels in all cases. There were two types of vascular anastomosis method: ① For flaps with single vascular pedicle, the artery was anastomosed with the proximal end of the internal thoracic artery, and the only accompanying vein was anastomosed with the proximal end of the internal thoracic vein, or the two accompanying veins were anastomosed with the proximal and distal ends of the internal thoracic vein; ② For flaps with dual vascular pedicles, arteries were anastomosed with the proximal and distal ends of the internal thoracic artery, and the accompanying veins on both sides communicated with the proximal and distal ends of the internal thoracic vein, respectively. Normal distribution measurement data were expressed as Mean±SD.Results:A total of 9 female patients were enrolled, aged 29 to 43 years, with an average age of 38.3 years. Among them, bilateral breast cancer was considered in 4 cases, unilateral breast cancer with multiple nodules in the opposite breast was in 3 cases, and bilateral multiple nodules along with high-risk of developing breast cancer suggested by gene testing were found in 2 cases. Modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer and nipple-sparing subcutaneous mastectomy were performed in 7 and 11 breasts, respectively. There were three design method for the posteromedial thigh flap: horizontal design (6 thighs); vertical design (6 thighs); diagonal design (6 thighs). A total of 18 posteromedial thigh flaps were raised. Four different types of posteromedial thigh flaps were used: gracilis muscle flap (6 thighs); great adductor muscle perforator flap (5 thighs); great adductor muscle flap (5 thighs); femoral gracilis flap+ adductor magnus flap (2 thighs). The skin flaps harvested were (18.9±0.6) cm in length, (7.2±0.4) cm in width and (4.2±0.3) cm in thickness. The average weight of the skin flaps were 235 grams (185-355 grams). The aforementioned vascular anastomosis method ① and ② were carried out in 15 and 3 breasts, respectively. The patients were followed up for 6 to 32 months, with an average of 17.3 months. All skin flaps survived, and the reconstructed breasts presented with good appearance, good elasticity, and no skin flap contraction or deformation occurred; scarring on the donor area was linear and mild; there was no significant impact on lower limb movement. The breast shape was satisfactory, and there was no recurrence of breast cancer.Conclusion:The application of bilateral free posteromedial thigh flap transplantation for reconstruction of bilateral breasts has flexible flap preparation and vascular anastomosis forms, which can achieve satisfactory result of bilateral symmetry.
7.Contralateral posteromedial thigh flap for salvage breast reconstruction with adductor magnus perforator flap failure
Dajiang SONG ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Zan LI ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(6):577-582
Objective:To summarize the technical experience of using a contralateral free gracilis myocutaneous flap combined with an adductor magnus perforator flap for salvaging failure of breast reconstruction after transplantation with the free adductor magnus perforator flap.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with breast cancer who received contralateral posteromedial thigh flap (gracilis myocutaneous flap combined with adductor magnus perforator flap) transplantation for immediate unilateral breast reconstruction developed vascular crisis and caused flap necrosis at the Department of Oncology Plastic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital, between December 2016 to December 2022. All patients with early-stage breast cancer received modified radical mastectomy. All patients were selected to undergo the immediate breast reconstruction surgery with unilateral free adductor magnus perforator flap transplantation. The proximal end of internal mammary vessels were used as the recipient vessels in all cases. After the emergency exploration confirmed the necrosis of the flap, a contralateral free gracilis myocutaneous flap combined with adductor magnus perforator flap were immediately harvested for salvage breast reconstruction. The vascular pedicle of the gracilis muscular branch and the adductor magnus perforator branch were anastomosed with the proximal and distal ends of the internal mammary vessels, respectively. Postoperative patient monitoring was conducted intensively, with follow-up assessments focusing on breast contour and donor site recovery.Results:A total of 5 patients were included, aged 26 to 42 years, with an average of (31.5±1.8) years. All salvaged breast reconstruction surgeries were successful, the salvaged flap measured 15.0 cm×6.0 cm×4.0 cm-17.0 cm×7.5 cm×5.5 cm. All the transplanted flaps survived after the operation, with satisfactory breast contour, good flap elasticity, and no contracture or deformation. The donor sites of both thigh flaps healed well, leaving only linear scars and no significant functional impairment to the lower limbs. Follow-up ranged from 9 to 24 months, with an average of 15.7 months. The breast shape was satisfactory, and there was no recurrence of breast cancer.Conclusion:The donor site morbidity of the posteromedial thigh flap is relatively small. When unilateral flap transplantation fails, immediate transfer of the contralateral flap can be chosen for salvage reconstruction. This approach ensures symmetrical donor site outcomes and is generally well-accepted by patients.
8.The strategy and pitfalls of bilateral free posteromedial thigh flap transplantation for bilateral breast reconstruction
Dajiang SONG ; Peixian CHEN ; Zan LI ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(9):931-938
Objective:To explore the technical points and precautions of using bilateral free posteromedial thigh flap to reconstruct bilateral breasts.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent bilateral mastectomy and bilateral free posteromedial thigh flap transplantation for bilateral breast reconstruction at Hunan Cancer Hospital from June 2020 to January 2023. The operation was carried out simultaneously by two groups of doctors. Breast surgeons performed modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer or subcutaneous mastectomy. The flap group prepared bilateral free posteromedial thigh flaps. The posteromedial thigh flaps were designed in three patterns: transverse, vertical and oblique. The intrathoracal vessels were used as recipient vessels in all cases. There were two types of vascular anastomosis method: ① For flaps with single vascular pedicle, the artery was anastomosed with the proximal end of the internal thoracic artery, and the only accompanying vein was anastomosed with the proximal end of the internal thoracic vein, or the two accompanying veins were anastomosed with the proximal and distal ends of the internal thoracic vein; ② For flaps with dual vascular pedicles, arteries were anastomosed with the proximal and distal ends of the internal thoracic artery, and the accompanying veins on both sides communicated with the proximal and distal ends of the internal thoracic vein, respectively. Normal distribution measurement data were expressed as Mean±SD.Results:A total of 9 female patients were enrolled, aged 29 to 43 years, with an average age of 38.3 years. Among them, bilateral breast cancer was considered in 4 cases, unilateral breast cancer with multiple nodules in the opposite breast was in 3 cases, and bilateral multiple nodules along with high-risk of developing breast cancer suggested by gene testing were found in 2 cases. Modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer and nipple-sparing subcutaneous mastectomy were performed in 7 and 11 breasts, respectively. There were three design method for the posteromedial thigh flap: horizontal design (6 thighs); vertical design (6 thighs); diagonal design (6 thighs). A total of 18 posteromedial thigh flaps were raised. Four different types of posteromedial thigh flaps were used: gracilis muscle flap (6 thighs); great adductor muscle perforator flap (5 thighs); great adductor muscle flap (5 thighs); femoral gracilis flap+ adductor magnus flap (2 thighs). The skin flaps harvested were (18.9±0.6) cm in length, (7.2±0.4) cm in width and (4.2±0.3) cm in thickness. The average weight of the skin flaps were 235 grams (185-355 grams). The aforementioned vascular anastomosis method ① and ② were carried out in 15 and 3 breasts, respectively. The patients were followed up for 6 to 32 months, with an average of 17.3 months. All skin flaps survived, and the reconstructed breasts presented with good appearance, good elasticity, and no skin flap contraction or deformation occurred; scarring on the donor area was linear and mild; there was no significant impact on lower limb movement. The breast shape was satisfactory, and there was no recurrence of breast cancer.Conclusion:The application of bilateral free posteromedial thigh flap transplantation for reconstruction of bilateral breasts has flexible flap preparation and vascular anastomosis forms, which can achieve satisfactory result of bilateral symmetry.
9.Strategy and technical points of harvesting different forms of free rectus abdominis muscle flap combined with free superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for unilateral breast reconstruction
Ruqi GUO ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Dajiang SONG ; Zhiyuan WANG ; Xu LIU ; Zan LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2025;31(2):93-98
The free inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is currently a highly regarded autologous breast reconstruction technique. However, in clinical practice, the anatomical characteristics of the lower abdominal vasculature and surrounding tissue structures do not always permit ideal perforator flap harvesting. In many cases, it becomes necessary to preserve a larger rectus abdominis muscle cuff to ensure reliable blood supply to the flap through the perforating vessels. Compared with various forms of rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps that all require incision of the anterior sheath and intramuscular vascular pedicle dissection, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) perforator flap significantly reduces donor-site morbidity. Nevertheless, the anatomical variability of the superficial inferior epigastric vessels increases surgical uncertainty. Based on clinical observations, this study establishes a comprehensive clinical strategy algorithm. Primarily focusing on different configurations of free rectus abdominis flaps, it incorporates additional preparation of free SIEA perforator flaps when anatomical conditions permit. The objectives are to ensure reliable perfusion of the lower abdominal flap while minimizing donor-site damage and reducing surgical complexity.
10.Clinical effects of lobulated supercharged pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for repairing huge chest wall wounds
Xinshan ZHANG ; Junyi YU ; Zan LI ; Dajiang SONG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(3):251-257
Objective:To explore the clinical effects of lobulated supercharged pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for repairing huge chest wall wounds.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2020 to June 2023, 9 patients with huge chest wall wounds remained after extended radical tumor resection, extended tumor resection, or lesion resection and conformed to the inclusion criteria were admitted to Hunan Cancer Hospital, including 3 males and 6 females, aged 31-59 years. The lobulated supercharged pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was used to repair the huge chest wall wounds. The area of chest wall skin and soft tissue defects ranged from 19 cm×15 cm to 25 cm×21 cm, and the area of the harvested myocutaneous flap ranged from 25.0 cm×7.5 cm to 32.0 cm×13.0 cm. After repairing the rectus abdominis muscle and its anterior sheath with a polypropylene mesh, the incision in the donor site was directly sutured. The blood supply of the myocutaneous flap and the selection of blood vessels in recipient area for supercharging during the surgery, the survival of the myocutaneous flap and the healing of the donor area incision after the surgery were observed. The appearance and texture of the reconstructed chest wall, the scar formation in the abdominal donor area, and their impacts on function and appearance, and the tumor recurrence and metastasis were followed up.Results:The blood supply of the unilateral myocutaneous flap was poor in 7 patients, and that of the bilateral myocutaneous flaps was poor in 2 patients during the surgery. The recipient area vessels selected for supercharging of the myocutaneous flap were the internal thoracic vessels in 7 patients, the thoracodorsal vessels in 2 patients, and the thoracoacromial vessels in 2 patients. All the myocutaneous flaps survived after surgery. The donor area incisions of 7 patients healed smoothly after surgery; 2 patients had partial dehiscence in the incisions due to excessive incision tension, which healed after debridement and suturing. Follow-up for 8 to 12 months showed that the reconstructed chest wall had good appearance and soft texture; only a linear scar remained in the abdominal donor area, which had no obvious impact on abdominal breathing and the abdomen was aesthetically pleasing; no local tumor recurrence was observed; distant metastases occurred in 2 breast cancer patients.Conclusions:The lobulated supercharged pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap can effectively cover huge chest wall wounds, while maximally ensuring the blood supply of the myocutaneous flap to the greatest extent and safeguarding the success of chest wall reconstruction surgery.

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