Loss of phospholipase PLAAT3 causes a mixed lipodystrophic and neurological syndrome due to impaired PPARγ signaling.

Phospholipase A/acyltransferase 3 (PLAAT3) is a phospholipid-modifying enzyme predominantly expressed in neural and white adipose tissue (WAT). It is a potential drug target for metabolic syndrome, as Plaat3 deficiency in mice protects against diet-induced obesity. We identified seven patients from four unrelated consanguineous families, with homozygous loss-of-function variants in PLAAT3, who presented with a lipodystrophy syndrome with loss of fat varying from partial to generalized and associated with metabolic complications, as well as variable neurological features including demyelinating neuropathy and intellectual disability.

Helpful hints in deciding what and when to operate after enzymatic debridement.

Introduction: In recent years, it has become clear that the burn eschar in deep burns can be selectively removed using the enzymatically debriding agent NexoBrid® (EDNX). In deep partial-thickness burns, such selective debridement preserves all non-injured dermis, which is sometimes sufficient for spontaneous re-epithelization. Nevertheless, it can be extremely challenging to determine exactly what and when to operate after an EDNX procedure.

The process to obtain reimbursement for enzymatic debridement in clinically deep burns.

Introduction: Burn eschar removal by enzymatic debridement with NexoBrid (EDNX) results in a maximum preservation of all viable tissue, which is the main advantage over traditional tangential excision. The authors participated in a marketing authorization holder process to obtain reimbursement from the national health authorities in Belgium.

Material And Methods: The reimbursement process consisted of three phases, as specified by the reimbursement regulations required by the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (NIHDI).

Fat Embolism After Autologous Facial Fat Grafting.

Background: Autologous facial fat grafting has gained popularity in recent years and is considered to be safe. This paper presents the case of a patient who died due to massive cerebral microfat embolism after facial fat grafting.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to raise awareness and provide more evidence on the prevention and treatment of this potentially lethal complication of facial fat grafting.

A Novel Technique for Preventive Lymphovenous Anastomosis: Anastomosing a Ligated Lymphatic Vessel.

Background: Lymphedema is defined as a chronic condition, caused by lymphostasis. A major part in the Western world consists of iatrogenic lymphedema caused by surgery to the lymph nodes of the axilla or groin. Prophylactic lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) could be beneficial in the prevention of lymphedema of the extremities.

Nipple reconstruction in autologous breast reconstruction after areola-sparing mastectomy.

Introduction: The number of patients requesting prophylactic mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is rising. The oncological safety of techniques preserving the nipple and/or areola complex is still controversial. Nevertheless, nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and areola-sparing mastectomy (ASM) are becoming increasingly popular.

Lumbar Flap versus the Gold Standard: Comparison to the DIEP Flap.

Background: The lumbar artery perforator flap is an excellent free flap for breast reconstruction whenever the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is not an option. The main indication is a lack of abdominal bulk, often seen in young BRCA-positive women seeking prophylactic amputation and immediate reconstruction.

Methods: Between October of 2010 and July of 2016, a total of 661 free flap breast reconstructions were performed.

Author Correction: 20 Years of DIEAP Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Big Data Analysis.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

20 Years of DIEAP Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Big Data Analysis.

With every hospital admission, a vast amount of data is collected from every patient. Big data can help in data mining and processing of this volume of data. The goal of this study is to investigate the potential of big data analyses by analyzing clinically relevant data from the immediate postoperative phase using big data mining techniques.

Breast levonorgestrel concentrations in women using a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.

Objective: To measure breast tissue and serum LNG concentrations in women using a LNG-IUS.

Study Design: This pilot study was performed in 25 healthy women undergoing breast surgery at the Ghent University hospital. LNG concentrations were measured in serum and microdissected breast tissue samples using a validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay.

Autologous plasma and its supporting role in fat graft survival: A relevant vector to counteract resorption in lipofilling.

Fat grafting has become a widespread technique for different reconstructive and esthetic purposes. However, the disadvantage of fat grafting is the unpredictable resorption rate that often necessitates repetitive procedures, which in turn may have an impact on the morbidity. During the immediate, post-graft, ischemic period, cells survive due to the process of plasmatic imbibition.

The dog-ear flap as an alternative for breast reconstruction in patients who have already undergone a DIEAP flap.

Breast reconstruction in patients who have previously undergone deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEAP) reconstruction or abdominoplasty is often challenging. Depending on patients' body habitus, several second-choice flaps have been described such as the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap, profundus femoris artery perforator (PFAP) flap, superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap, and lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap. Patients who have undergone a DIEAP flap reconstruction or abdominoplasty occasionally present with dog ears on both sides of the abdominal scar.

Intrinsic dynamics of the fat graft: in vitro interactions between the main cell actors.

Background: Successful soft-tissue reconstruction requires autologous tissue transfer in respect to the increasingly important "replace like-with-like" principle. Autologous lipoaspirate material for fat grafting can easily be obtained in large amounts without substantial donor-site morbidity. The exact nature and fate of the different cells in the transplanted fat graft and their contribution to tissue reconstruction, however, remain largely unknown.