Impact of Surgical Timing on Postoperative Complications Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Mandibular Fractures.

Purpose: The mandible is the second most fractured facial bone. The timing of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) has been a subject of debate for decades. The authors sought to investigate the association between the timing of ORIF and the incidence of postoperative complications.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications Following Mandibular Fracture Repair.

Complications following mandibular fracture repair (MFR) may carry significant morbidity to patients. The purpose of our study is to determine the risk factors for postoperative complications following MFR. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of trauma patients who underwent MFR in 2018 and 2019.

Evaluating the Internet as a Source of Information for Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Review of Websites' Content, Insights Into Engagement, and Access.

Background: The Internet has become the primary information source for patients, with most turning to online resources before seeking medical advice.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of online information on hidradenitis suppurativa available to patients.

Methods: The authors performed an Internet search using the search terms "hidradenitis suppurativa," "hidradenitis suppurativa treatment," "hidradenitis suppurativa surgery," and "acne inversa.

The Role of the Fascia-Only Anterolateral Thigh Flap in Extremity Reconstruction: The Fascia-Only Anterolateral Thigh Flap.

Background: Free flap selection in extremity reconstruction can be challenging. The ideal flap has to be thin and pliable to achieve optimal contour and function. We explore the role of the fascia-only anterolateral thigh (fALT) flap in extremity reconstruction.

Noninstrumented Free Fibula Flap for Cervical Osteomyelitis.

Background And Importance: Severe cases of cervical vertebral osteomyelitis can pose a challenge regarding reconstruction, stability/alignment, and infection eradication. Here we describe the application of vascularized free fibula (FF) flaps to reconstruct the cervical spine without instrumentation in the setting of severe osteomyelitis.

Clinical Presentation: Two patients presented with symptomatic multilevel cervical osteomyelitis.

The Muscle-Sparing Descending Branch Latissimus Dorsi Free Flap for Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

Background: The muscle-sparing descending branch latissimus dorsi muscle (MSLD) flap is a versatile flap with numerous benefits. It is an often overlooked but useful option when considering free flap donors. In this article, the authors present the largest experience with the MSLD flap, with focus on its use in lower extremity reconstruction.

Challenges in Microsurgical Reconstruction for Craniofacial Osteomyelitis With Resultant Osteonecrosis.

Introduction: Chronic osteomyelitis is characterized by compromised blood supply and eventual osteonecrosis. Definitive treatment requires aggressive resection of affected bone. The resultant defect poses a unique challenge to reconstructive surgeons.

Breast Reconstruction Following Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

Background: Standard of care treatment of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) involves surgical resection with implant removal and complete capsulectomy. We report a case series of BIA-ALCL reconstruction with proposals for timing and technique selection.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed and prospectively enrolled all BIA-ALCL patients at 2 tertiary care centers and 1 private plastic surgery practice from 1998 to 2017.

Determining the False-Negative Rate Using Fluorescence Image-Assisted Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Cutaneous Melanoma.

Introduction: Despite the advances in cutaneous melanoma management, the false-negative rates (FNRs) of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) are still high. These rates are dependent not only on the technique but also on definitional terms and percentage of head/neck melanoma (highest false-negative SLNB). Fluorescence imaging technology is well acquainted in plastic surgery and other specialties.

The Diagnosis and Management of Mallet Finger Injuries.

Background: Mallet finger is a common injury of the extensor tendon insertion causing an extension lag of the distal interphalangeal joint.

Methods: We reviewed the most current literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of mallet finger injuries focusing on the indications and outcomes of surgical intervention.

Results: Nonoperative management has been advocated for almost all mallet finger injuries; however, complex injuries are usually treated surgically.

Age as a Risk Factor in Abdominoplasty.

Background: Recent studies reviewing large patient databases suggested that age may be an independent risk factor for abdominoplasty. However, these investigations by design considered only short-term major complications.

Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was: (1) to compare the safety of abdominoplasty in an elderly and younger patient population; (2) to determine the complication rates across all spectrums: major, minor, local, and systemic; and (3) to evaluate complications occurring both short and long term.

The Anterolateral Thigh Flap as the Flap of Choice for Scalp Reconstruction.

Introduction: Large scalp soft tissue defects can present difficulties with reconstruction. The ideal flap for scalp reconstruction has yet to be described although the latissimus dorsi flap is frequently referred to as the first choice in this setting.

Patients And Methods: Following institutional review board approval, the authors reviewed their experience in scalp reconstruction for the past 4 years.

Maximizing the Reach of the Pedicled Gastrocnemius Muscle Flap: A Comparison of 2 Surgical Approaches.

Background: The medial gastrocnemius muscle flap is commonly used for the reconstruction of defects around the knee and proximal leg. The flap can be raised using either a medial or a posterior midline incision, although no studies have been done comparing the 2 different surgical approaches.

Methods: We compared the reach of the medial gastrocnemius muscle flap using either of the 2 incisions in a series of 25 fresh cadavers.

Long-Term Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty following Soft-Tissue Defect Reconstruction with Muscle and Fasciocutaneous Flaps.

Background: Insufficient soft-tissue coverage following total knee arthroplasty jeopardizes prosthesis retention and may lead to significant complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural history of total knee arthroplasty following flap reconstruction of soft-tissue defects.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients treated with flaps after failed total knee arthroplasty between 1998 and 2013 was conducted.

Interstrain variability in the virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus in a Toll-deficient Drosophila fly model of invasive aspergillosis.

Members of the genus Aspergillus are opportunistic fungal pathogens characterized by their genomic diversity. However, whether variations among Aspergillus strains and species at the genome level translate into significant differences in virulence is unclear. Therefore, we studied the interstrain and interspecies variations in virulence for a collection of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus isolates using a previously described model of invasive aspergillosis in Toll-deficient fruit flies.

Increased virulence of Zygomycetes organisms following exposure to voriconazole: a study involving fly and murine models of zygomycosis.

Background: Breakthrough zygomycosis is increasingly observed among patients at high risk for fungal infection who are receiving voriconazole, reflecting either selective pressure or voriconazole-associated alterations in Zygomycetes virulence. We tested the latter hypothesis, using 2 phylogenetically disparate zygomycosis models.

Methods: Three Zygomycetes strains were exposed to voriconazole by serial passages on voriconazole-containing medium.

Caspofungin-mediated beta-glucan unmasking and enhancement of human polymorphonuclear neutrophil activity against Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus hyphae.

Background: We investigated whether caspofungin and other echinocandins have immune-enhancing properties that influence human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)-mediated mold hyphal damage.

Materials And Methods: Using aniline blue staining, we compared patterns of beta-glucan exposure in Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Rhizopus oryzae, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Scedosporium prolificans, and Scedosporium apiospermum hyphae after caspofungin exposure. We also determined PMN-mediated hyphal damage occurring with or without preexposure to caspofungin or with preexposure to the combination of caspofungin and anti-beta-glucan monoclonal antibody, using 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-sH-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) assay.

Genomewide screening for genes associated with gliotoxin resistance and sensitivity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Gliotoxin (GT) is a secondary fungal metabolite with pleiotropic immunosuppressive properties that have been implicated in Aspergillus virulence. However, the mechanisms of GT cytotoxicity and its molecular targets in eukaryotic cells have not been fully characterized. We screened a haploid library of Saccharomyces cerevisiae single-gene deletion mutants (4,787 strains in EUROSCARF) to identify nonessential genes associated with GT increased resistance (GT-IR) and increased sensitivity (GT-IS).