Sensitivity after Clitoral Reconstruction in Patients with Female Genital Mutilation.

Background: In the past decades, reconstructive choices after female genital mutilation extended beyond de-infibulation and scar release. The current trend to expand techniques addressing sexual and aesthetic aspects by reconstructing the clitoris and prepuce, and dissecting the clitoral nerves raises concern, as there is a paucity of evidence on the functional outcomes and suspected iatrogenic lacerations.

Methods: A total of 128 female genital mutilation patients were included in the study.

Breast Implant-Associated Tumors.

In addition to anaplastic large T-cell lymphomas (BIA-ALCL), other implant-related tumors have been described for some years. Squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) and B-cell lymphomas occurred in very rare cases. The unexplained pathogenesis as well as the unclear individual risk profile is an ongoing source of uncertainty for patients and physicians.

The Mandatory German Breast Implant Registry Law: A Model for Sustainable Implant Registries.

Background: Recurrent scandals involving breast implants have revealed that scientific evidence on the performance of these devices is lacking, and passive monitoring systems are not capable of detecting problems at an early stage. The German health authorities therefore decided to implement a prospective, mandatory registry.

Objectives: The aim of this article was to provide information about the advantages of implementing a mandatory registry, the potential hurdles involved, and to establish structural requirements that future registries can use.

Postoperative Course of Reconstructive Procedures in FGM Type III-Proposal for a Modified Classification of Type III Female Genital Mutilation.

Background: Reconstruction after female genital mutilation (FGM) has developed from being merely a therapy for complications to addressing body perception and sexuality. However, evidence regarding a direct correlation between FGM and sexual dysfunction is scarce. The present WHO classification provides an imprecise grading system, which makes it difficult to compare present studies with treatment outcomes.

PY receptor blockers are anti-inflammatory drugs inhibiting both circulating monocytes and macrophages including THP-1 cells.

PY blockade improves patient outcomes after myocardial infarction. As well as antithrombotic effects, anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to this beneficial clinical outcome. Here we aimed to identify potential anti-inflammatory effects of PY receptor blockers on monocytes and macrophages.

Genotyping of circulating cell-free DNA enables noninvasive tumor detection in myxoid liposarcomas.

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumors of mesenchymal origin. About 50% of patients with STS experience relapse and more than 30% will die within 10 years after diagnosis. In this study we investigated circulating free DNA (cfDNA) and tumor-specific genetic alterations therein (circulating tumor DNA, ctDNA) as diagnostic biomarkers.

Pedicled and free flaps for intrathoracic fistula management.

Objectives: Intrathoracic fistulae are among the potential sequelae of radiation therapy, empyema and abscess clearance and surgical tumour resections. Interdisciplinary plastic-reconstructive flap surgery is a helpful tool for the successful treatment of intrathoracic fistulae.

Methods: From February 2006 to April 2016, 13 patients (3 females and 10 males) underwent flap surgery for bronchial (n = 5), tracheal (n = 2), oesophageal (n = 2), post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula (n = 2), tracheo-oesophageal (n = 1), gastrobronchial (n = 1) and oesophagobronchial (n = 1) fistulae.

Gynecomastia: histological appearance in different age groups.

Objective: Gynecomastia is a common finding in the male population which is mostly idiopathic. The aim of our study was to analyze the histological differences in young and old patient groups and its association with recurrence rates.

Methods: Three hundred and five gynecomastia patients (555 breasts) undergoing surgical treatment from 1997 to 2015 were divided into four groups: Group 1: 13-17 years, Group 2: 18-30 years, Group 3: 31-49 years and Group 4: 50-83 years.

Identification of a blood-borne miRNA signature of synovial sarcoma.

Background: Synovial sarcoma account for approximately 10 % of all soft-tissue tumors and occur most frequently in young adults. A specific translocation in this sarcoma induces fusion of the SYT gene on chromosome 18 to the SSX genes on chromosome X, leading to proliferation of the tumor cells. The need for non-invasive biomarkers indicating recurrence and activity of this disease has sparked research into short non-coding RNA known as microRNA (miRNA).

Microparticles: major transport vehicles for distinct microRNAs in circulation.

Aims: Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted major interest as biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases. Since RNases are abundant in circulating blood, there needs to be a mechanism protecting miRNAs from degradation. We hypothesized that microparticles (MP) represent protective transport vehicles for miRNAs and that these are specifically packaged by their maternal cells.