Improving Sexual Function through Penis Enlargement: Comparing Silicone Pearls Implantation and Fat Grafting.

Background: Although current penile enlargement techniques can improve appearance, it remains unclear whether these procedures increase sexual function. We aimed to systematically compare the surgical outcomes, with a particular focus on sexual function, in patients and their partners following silicone pearls implantation and fat grafting for penis enlargement.

Methods: A single-site, retrospective study reviewed patients who underwent silicone pearls implantation or fat grafting for penis enlargement.

Unveiling senescence-associated secretory phenotype in epidermal aging: insights from reversibly immortalized keratinocytes.

Aging of epidermal keratinocytes profoundly impacts skin health, contributing to changes in appearance, barrier function, and susceptibility to diseases. Despite its significance, the molecular mechanisms underlying epidermal aging remain elusive. In this study, a reversible immortalized cell line was established by expressing SV40T in keratinocytes using the Tet-Off lentiviral system.

Successful replantation of amputated facial tissues by supermicrosurgery.

Background: Although replantation of amputated facial segments remains challenging in reconstructive surgery, it offers excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Methods: From May 2004 to October 2019, 12 patients underwent replantation of amputated facial tissues by supermicrosurgery. The case details, such as the rationale for replantation, the operation method, and postoperative therapy, are described.

Antecubital Fossa Perforator Flaps for Soft-Tissue Defect Repair of the Anterior Elbow: Anatomical Study and Clinical Application.

Background: The antecubital fossa is a main perforator cluster region located beside the anterior elbow defect, rendering it crucial to harvest the perforator pedicled flaps for the anterior elbow defects.

Patients And Methods: A total of 30 preserved cadaveric forearms were dissected in order to describe the perforator anatomy in the antecubital fossa. For each perforator, the number, the site of origin, the diameter at its origin, and the trajectory were recorded.

Modified Anterior Tibial Artery Perforator-Pedicled Propeller Flap for Soft-Tissue Coverage of the Ankle and Heel.

Background: The ankle and heel are challenging regions to reconstruct functionally. Here, we explored the feasibility and clinical outcomes of a modified anterior tibial artery perforator-pedicled propeller flap for the repair of soft-tissue defects of the ankle and heel.

Patients And Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2015, 12 patients with soft-tissue defects of the ankle and/or heel underwent reconstructive surgery that included our flap technique.

Effects of Repeated 20-Hz Electrical Stimulation on Functional Recovery Following Peripheral Nerve Injury.

One hour of 20-Hz continuous electrical stimulation (ES) applied at the time of injury promotes the regeneration of axons in cut peripheral nerves. A more robust enhancement of peripheral axon regeneration is achieved by 2 weeks of daily treadmill exercise. We investigated whether repeated applications of brief ES (mES) would be more effective in promoting regeneration than a single application.

Effect of exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells on the apoptosis of Schwann cells in peripheral nerve injury.

Aims: Recovery after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is often difficult, and there is no optimal treatment. Schwann cells (SCs) are important for peripheral nerve regeneration, so SC-targeting treatments have gained importance. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and their exosomes can promote peripheral nerve repair, but their interactions with SCs are unclear.

Preferred Experience of Modifications to Emergency Surgical Treatment for Total Scalp Avulsion With Halo-Vest Head Ring and Quick Hair Removing.

Background: Total scalp avulsion is a fairly rear but severe soft tissue injury. Even with microsurgical replantation, the survival rate is still low. In this study, the authors incorporated 2 main modifications (Halo-Vest head ring and quick hair removing) and assessed the surgical outcomes versus those of traditional replantation.

Long non-coding RNA H19 promotes the proliferation of fibroblasts in keloid scarring.

The expression of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is associated with proliferation in tumors. In order to investigate whether H19 may additionally mediate the proliferation of fibroblasts in human keloid disease, the present study collected samples from 24 subjects, including 8 with keloids, 8 with normal scars and 8 normal skin controls. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that H19 levels were markedly increased in human keloids compared with normal scars and normal skin controls (P=0.

Involvement of MAPK ERK activation in upregulation of water channel protein aquaporin 1 in a mouse model of Bell's palsy.

The aim of this study is to immunolocalize the aquaporin 1 water channel protein (AQP1) in Schwann cells of idiopathic facial nerve and explore its possible role during the development of facial palsy induced by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 was inoculated into the surface of posterior auricle of mouse to establish a paralyzed animal model. In HSV-1-induced facial palsy mice, protein levels of AQP1 significantly increased on the 9th to 16th day after inoculation of HSV-1.

Preconstruction of the Pars Pendulans Urethrae for Phalloplasty with Digestive Mucosa Using a Prefabricated Anterolateral Thigh Flap in a One-arm Patient.

We herein report a successful preconstruction of the pars pendulans urethrae with the ileum mucosa for phalloplasty in a one-arm patient using a prefabricated anterolateral thigh flap. After a 2-stage operation and an 18-month follow-up, the patient achieved a good postoperative appearance and an excellent function of neophallus. We believe the use of digestive mucosa for urethral reconstruction enlightens us and deserves further comprehensive clinical studies.

The role of large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels in a rat model of trigeminal neuropathic pain.

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of paroxysmal and severely disabling facial pain and continues to be a real therapeutic challenge. At present there are few effective drugs. Here the aim of this study was to investigate the role of BKCa channels in trigeminal neuropathic pain.

Estrogen altered facial mechanical pain threshold and trigeminal P2X3 receptor expression.

Objectives: P2X3 receptors are expressed in trigeminal ganglia (TG) and participate in the transduction of facial pain. However, the mechanisms underlying P2X receptor-mediated nociception at different estrogen levels has not been examined.

Methods: In this study, female rats were randomly divided into sham-operated (sham), ovariectomized (OVX), and estrogen-treated groups.

[BK(Ca) channel agonist NS1619 and Kv channel antagonist 4-AP on the facial mechanical pain threshold in a rat model of chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve].

Trigeminal neuralgia is a paroxysmal disorder with severely disabling facial pain and thus continues to be a real therapeutic challenge. At present there are few effective drugs for treatment of this pain. The present study was aimed to explore the involvement of BK(Ca) channels and Kv channels in the mechanical allodynia in a rat model of trigeminal neuropathic pain.