Follistatin and the Breast Implant Capsule.

Background: Breast capsular contracture remains an elusive problem faced by plastic surgeons and is the leading long-term complication after breast implantation. Follistatin (Fst) is a protein with known anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties and has the potential to limit the severity of diseases associated with inflammation and fibrosis such as capsular contracture. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Fst288 on capsular fibrosis around silicone implants in a mouse model.

Stereological analysis of the human testis after vasectomy indicates impairment of spermatogenic efficiency with increasing obstructive interval.

Objective: To quantify germ cell loss and the extent of testicular fibrosis in vasectomized patients of varying obstructive intervals.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Specialized male reproductive surgery and endocrinology service.

Australian doctors in Bali: the initial medical response to the Bali bombing.

Several Australian medical practitioners were holidaying in Bali at the time of the nightclub bombing on 12 October 2002. On learning of the disaster, they went to Sanglah Hospital to assist. With the very limited resources of the hospital, they helped in providing emergency treatment, stabilising patients, and preparing Australian patients for evacuation.