The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Reconstructive Surgery and Training Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, which already faces challenges due to a lack of surgeons and facilities, the COVID-19 pandemic could significantly disrupt surgical activities and training programs. "2 Chance", a non-governmental organization providing training program to enhance local reconstructive surgery capacity in this region since 2015, could play a crucial role in addressing these issues. We aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 on the activity of sub-Saharan African reconstructive surgeons collaborating with "2 Chance" organization and evaluate its effect on the organization's training programs.

Nipple-areola complex prosthesis as a new arsenal for breast reconstruction.

Nipple and areola complex (NAC) recreating is primordial to achieve a complete breast reconstruction. Some patients would not benefit or choose to undergo surgical or tattoo NAC reconstruction. Recently, innovative NAC silicone prostheses have been developed that are applied over the skin and come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to match different NAC tones and sizes.

Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells within a Gelatin Matrix Acquire Enhanced Regenerative and Angiogenic Properties: A Pre-Clinical Study for Application to Chronic Wounds.

This study evaluates the influence of a gelatin sponge on adipose-derived stromal cells (ASC). Transcriptomic data revealed that, compared to ASC in a monolayer, a cross-linked porcine gelatin sponge strongly influences the transcriptome of ASC. Wound healing genes were massively regulated, notably with the inflammatory and angiogenic factors.

NADPH oxidase 4 is dispensable for skin myofibroblast differentiation and wound healing.

Differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is governed by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) through a mechanism involving redox signaling and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Myofibroblasts synthesize proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and display a contractile phenotype. Myofibroblasts are predominant contributors of wound healing and several pathological states, including fibrotic diseases and cancer.

Isolation and Characterization of Stem Cells from the Anal Canal Transition Zone in Pigs.

Background: Utilization of autologous stem cells has been proposed for the treatment of anal incontinence despite a lack of understanding of their mechanism of action and of the physiological healing process of anal sphincters after injury.

Aims: We aim to develop a technique allowing isolation and further study of local mesenchymal stem cells, directly from anal canal transition zone in pig.

Methods: Anal canal was resected "en bloc" from two young pigs and further microdissected.

Epigenetic remodeling of downstream enhancer regions is linked to selective expression of the IL1F10 gene in differentiated human keratinocytes.

Interleukin (IL)-38, encoded by the IL1F10 gene, is a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines. IL-38 is constitutively expressed in epithelia in healthy humans, and in particular in epidermal keratinocytes in the skin. IL-38 expression is closely correlated with keratinocyte differentiation.

Operative Planning of Chest Wall Reconstructions Illustrated by a Large Defect in a Child.

Reconstruction of large chest wall defects is challenging. Here we discuss the process of decision-making in planning chest wall reconstruction, considering the requirements of tumor removal, stabilization of the chest wall, and soft tissue coverage, illustrated by a case of a hemi-chest wall defect in a child. Ewing sarcoma measuring 10 × 9 × 13 cm was resected in a 9-year-old boy, followed by stabilization using a Gore-Tex patch.

Defining the Ideal Breast Reconstruction Procedure After Mastectomy From the Patient Perspective: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: An increasing number of breast cancer patients undergo immediate or secondary breast reconstruction, but the ideal method in terms of patient satisfaction remains ambiguous. We compared the 3 most common breast reconstruction techniques to determine patient satisfaction and objective outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective study of 184 patients with breast cancer who underwent a reconstructive procedure between 1993 and 2011 at our institution.

IL-25 participates in keratinocyte-driven dermal matrix turnover and is reduced in systemic sclerosis epidermis.

Objectives: Evidence shows that dysfunctional SSc keratinocytes contribute to fibrosis by altering dermal homeostasis. Whether IL-25, an IL-17 family member regulating many epidermal functions, takes part in skin fibrosis is unknown. Here we address the role of IL-25 in skin fibrosis.

Adipose-derived stem cell spheroids are superior to single-cell suspensions to improve fat autograft long-term survival.

Autologous fat transplantation is a widely used procedure for surgical reconstruction of tissues. The resorption rate of this transplantation remains high and unpredictable, reinforcing the need of adjuvant treatments that increase the long-term stability of grafts. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) introduced as single cells in fat has been shown clinically to reduce the resorption of fat grafts.

Free-flap breast reconstruction: cost analysis in the Swiss healthcare system.

Aim Of The Study: Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy among women. Mastectomy maintains an essential role in oncological therapy and led to the development of breast reconstruction procedures. The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap became in the last decade a popular approach for breast reconstruction.

Transverse cervical vessels as a recipient site for microvascular reconstruction in vessel-depleted necks: a safe option.

Background: Free flap reconstruction is the gold standard in complex head and neck reconstruction. The branches of the external carotid vessels (ECVs) are considered the most suitable recipients, but they may be unavailable in patients presenting "frozen necks" or "vessel-depleted necks" due to previous treatments. We report our experience using the transverse cervical vessels (TCV) in these situations.

[Training in reconstructive surgery in sub-Saharan Africa : the « 2nd Chance » model].

Based in Geneva since 2010, 2 Chance's mission is the development of reconstructive surgery care in resource-limited countries with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa, through teaching and advocacy activities. We develop the surgical management of patients on the one hand, providing training for African surgical teams. On the other hand, we support surgical procedures for patients, in the areas of reconstructive surgery, giant goiters, obstetric fistulas and anesthesia so that quality care is guaranteed for the long term.

Angiogenesis Is Differentially Modulated by Platelet-Derived Products.

Platelet-derived preparations are being used in clinic for their role in tissue repair and regenerative processes. The release of platelet-derived products such as autologous growth factors, cytokines and chemokines can trigger therapeutic angiogenesis. In this in vitro study, we evaluated and compared the ability of three platelet-derived preparations: platelet-rich-plasma (PRP), PRP-hyaluronic acid (PRP-HA) and platelet lysates (PL) at various concentrations (5-40%) to modulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) biological effects on metabolism, viability, senescence, angiogenic factors secretion and angiogenic capacities in 2D (endothelial tube formation assay or EFTA) and in 3D (fibrin bead assay or FBA).

Production of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Boosting In Vitro Human Fibroblast Expansion.

There is currently great clinical interest in the use of autologous fibroblasts for skin repair. In most cases, culture of skin cells in vitro is required. However, cell culture using xenogenic or allogenic culture media has some disadvantages (i.

Dysfunctional Keratinocytes Increase Dermal Inflammation in Systemic Sclerosis: Results From Studies Using Tissue-Engineered Scleroderma Epidermis.

Objective: Evidence suggests that keratinocyte-fibroblast interactions are abnormal in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The present study was undertaken to investigate potential epidermal dysfunction in SSc and its effects on dermal homeostasis.

Methods: Epidermal equivalents (EEs) were generated using keratinocytes from 6 healthy donors and 4 individuals with SSc.

Granulomas and nongranulomatous nodules after filler injection: Different complications require different treatments.

Dermal fillers are widely used for facial rejuvenation and reconstruction and present fewer risks than surgical approaches. Nevertheless, several complications may occur, including nodule formation. A nodule is a clinical sign corresponding to different etiologies, such as overcorrection, infection, allergic reaction, or granuloma.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging: differentiating soft tissue implants and fillers used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the value of synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and T2 mapping in distinguishing between different types of fillers in soft tissues.

Materials And Methods: Ex vivo fillers of buttock soft tissues (silicone, collagen, and different types of hyaluronic acid) were scanned using a synthetic MRI sequence at 1.5 and 3 T and an optimized T2 mapping sequence to measure the T2 relaxation times of the fillers ex vivo.

The renin-angiotensin system in cutaneous hypertrophic scar and keloid formation.

Hypertrophic scar and keloid are two types of fibroproliferative conditions that result from excessive extracellular matrix production. The underlying pathological mechanism is not entirely clear. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with fibrosis in various organs.

Severe frostbite complication after cryolipolysis: A case report.

This case report describes a full-thickness frostbite complication following cryolipolysis for subcutaneous fat reduction performed in a non-medical esthetic clinic. The deep and large abdominal wound (15 × 12 cm) required hospitalization and multiple surgical debridement before a two-step direct closure. Even though cryolipolysis is considered as a non-invasive and safe technique to reduce local adiposity, it could present some side-effects and complications.

IL-17E (IL-25) and IL-17A Differentially Affect the Functions of Human Keratinocytes.

Our group has recently shown that keratinocyte-derived IL-17E (IL-25), one of six members of the IL-17 family, is overexpressed in lesional psoriatic skin and is involved in its pathophysiology. We show here that IL-22 enhances IL-17E production in human keratinocytes and that these cells display a complete IL-17E receptor at their surface, the expression of which is further induced by IL-17A, indicating a potential autocrine effect of IL-17E. Therefore, we addressed the impact of IL-17E on the function of human primary keratinocytes.

Interleukin-38 interacts with destrin/actin-depolymerizing factor in human keratinocytes.

Interleukin (IL)-38 is a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, which was proposed to exert anti-inflammatory effects. IL-38 is constitutively expressed in the skin, where keratinocytes are the main producing cells. Little information is currently available concerning IL-38 biology.

Fate of systemically and locally administered adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and their effect on wound healing.

There is increasing interest in the use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) for wound repair. As the fate of administered cells is still poorly defined, we aimed to establish the location, survival, and effect of ASCs when administered either systemically or locally during wound repair under physiological conditions. To determine the behavior of ASCs, a rat model with wounds on the dorsal aspect of the hind paws was used and two treatment modes were assessed: ASCs administered systemically into the tail vein or locally around the wound.

Optimisation of phytochemical characteristics and antioxidative properties of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. seeds and Ocimum basilicum L. leaves superfine powders using new parting process.

Introduction: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) are two aromatic medicinal plants.

IL-17A Dissociates Inflammation from Fibrogenesis in Systemic Sclerosis.

IL-17A is abundant in scleroderma but its role in fibrogenesis is controversial. We interrogated the role of IL-17A in extracellular matrix deposition and inflammation by investigating its effects on keratinocytes and fibroblasts cross-talk and in organotypic skin cultures. Keratinocyte-conditioned media of resting, IL-17A-, and/or transforming growth factor-β-primed primary keratinocytes were used to stimulate healthy donors and scleroderma fibroblasts.