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.

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.

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.

Sociodemographic Characteristics of Traditional Healers and Their Knowledge of Noma: A Descriptive Survey in Three Regions of Mali.

: Noma can be a lethal disease and causes disfigurement in young children in low-resource countries, particularly in Africa. In these settings, 80% of the population mainly consult traditional healers for healthcare problems. Our study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of traditional healers and to assess their knowledge of noma.