A role for Arginase in skin epithelial differentiation and anti-microbial peptide production.

Background And Objectives: Arginase1 (ARG1) is an enzyme expressed by keratinocytes that drives several functions linked to skin barrier function. However, the mechanisms underpinning keratinocyte ARG1 function in barrier homeostasis is not fully elucidated. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is linked to impaired skin barrier via altered keratinocyte differentiation and susceptibility to infection.

Expedited infection control and wound healing by combining Matriderm, a dermal matrix, and Stimulan absorbable antibiotic beads: a case report.

Background: Since dermal matrices (DMs) were first described in surgery, they have become an integral part of the reconstructive ladder, providing plastic surgeons with new approaches to wound reconstruction. While they have been used in reconstruction of a wide range of wounds, there has been limited or no literature on their effects when used in conjunction with fully absorbable antibiotic beads. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of using Matriderm dermal matrix concurrently with Stimulan absorbable antibiotic beads on wound healing and readiness for skin grafting.

Postoperative Scar Management Protocol for Asian Patients.

Background: Postoperative scar formation remains a morbidity for patients even with the advent of minimally invasive techniques. Furthermore, the significant difference between the Asian and Caucasian skin results in poorer postoperative scar outcomes in Asians, supporting the need for an evidence-based scar management protocol.

Methods: Following a literature review of the PubMed and the Cochrane databases over the past 10 years, we constructed a novel postoperative scar management protocol for the Asian skin, utilized in a Singaporean tertiary healthcare institution.

Mapping the Posterior Ledge and Optic Foramen in Orbital Floor Blowout Fractures.

 The posterior ledge (PL) is a vital structure that supports the implant posteriorly during orbital floor reconstruction. This study describes a technique for mapping the PL in relation to the infraorbital margin (IM) in patients with orbital floor blowout fractures. This study establishes the location of the optic foramen in relation to the PL.

Straight-segment mandibulectomy: a reproducible porcine mandibular critical-size defect model.

Porcine mandibular defect models are commonly used for the preclinical evaluation of reconstruction techniques. Existing studies vary in technique, complexity, and postoperative outcomes. The procedures are complex and often described without sufficient detail.

Prophylactic Intraoperative Nasolacrimal Duct Intubation in Surgical Treatment of Facial Fractures-Is There a Role?

Nasolacrimal duct (NLD) damage is associated in the majority of type II and III naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fractures. Our study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic NLD intubation in the setting of facial fractures, by comparing incidence of postoperative epiphora and wound infection. A retrospective matched control study was conducted on all patients with surgically treated facial fractures from 2008 to 2013 (  = 280) (IRB ref number: DSRB 2013/01198).

The superior lateral genicular artery flap for reconstruction of knee and proximal leg defects.

Reconstruction of defects around the knee region requires thin and pliable skin. The superior lateral genicular artery (SLGA) flap provides an excellent alternative to muscle-based flaps. The anatomy and the surgical techniques of the SLGA flap were reviewed and the results of cases using the SLGA flap for coverage of knee and proximal leg defects were analyzed.

Skin models for cutaneous melioidosis reveal infection dynamics at wound's edge with inflammasome activation, keratinocyte extrusion and epidermal detachment.

Melioidosis is a serious infectious disease endemic in Southeast Asia, Northern Australia and has been increasingly reported in other tropical and subtropical regions in the world. Percutaneous inoculation through cuts and wounds on the skin is one of the major modes of natural transmission. Despite cuts in skin being a major route of entry, very little is known about how the causative bacterium initiates an infection at the skin and the disease manifestation at the skin known as cutaneous melioidosis.

Use of Intraoperative Frozen Section in the Surgical Management of Patients with Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.

Background: Intraoperative frozen section (IFS) is often utilised in the surgical treatment of nonmelanocytic skin cancer (NMSC) in sensitive facial regions when Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is not available.

Objective: To compare the outcome of NMSC patients with excision performed with and without IFS.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective, single-centre study was performed on all patients who had undergone resection of NMSC with and without IFS control at the National University Hospital (NUH) from 2010 to 2015.

The Polyamine Regulator AMD1 Upregulates Spermine Levels to Drive Epidermal Differentiation.

Maintaining tissue homeostasis depends on a balance between cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Within the epidermis, the levels of the polyamines putrescine, spermidine, and spermine are altered in many different skin conditions, yet their role in epidermal tissue homeostasis is poorly understood. We identify the polyamine regulator, Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase 1 (AMD1), as a crucial regulator of keratinocyte (KC) differentiation.

Dermointegration in the exposed titanium cranioplasty: a possible protective phenomenon.

Implant exposure is a known complication of titanium mesh cranioplasty and is usually managed by implant removal and/or exchange. We describe a case of exposed titanium mesh cranioplasty which was managed with implant exchange and bipedicled flap coverage, and showcase an interesting phenomenon of full-thickness skin present beneath the exposed mesh. This was confirmed on histopathology, which showed the presence of dermal appendages including pilosebaceous units and eccrine glands.

Comparative Craniofacial Bone Regeneration Capacities of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Neural Crest Stem Cells and Bone Marrow.

Most craniofacial bones are derived from the ectodermal germ layer neural crest stem cells, which are distinct from mesoderm-derived long bones. However, current craniofacial bone tissue engineering approaches do not account for this difference and utilize mesoderm-derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) as a paradigm cell source. The effect of the embryonic origin (ontogeny) of an MSC population on its osteogenic differentiation potential and regenerative ability still remains unresolved.

The Polyamine Putrescine Promotes Human Epidermal Melanogenesis.

Hyperpigmentary conditions can arise when melanogenesis in the epidermis is misregulated. Understanding the pathways underlying melanogenesis is essential for the development of effective treatments. Here, we report that a group of metabolites called polyamines are important in the control of melanogenesis in human skin.

Planes of Reference for Orbital Fractures: A Technique for Reproducible Measurements of the Orbit on Computed Tomography Scans.

Purpose: Planes of reference for orbital fractures (PROF) was developed to standardize measurements made on orbital computed tomography scans. This study describes the use of PROF in determining the location along the orbital floor where the posterior ledge (PL) most commonly occurs. The transverse inclination and anterior-posterior inclination of the orbital floor will also be measured.

Polyamine Regulator AMD1 Promotes Cell Migration in Epidermal Wound Healing.

Wound healing is a dynamic process involving gene-expression changes that drive re-epithelialization. Here, we describe an essential role for polyamine regulator AMD1 in driving cell migration at the wound edge. The polyamines, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine are small cationic molecules that play essential roles in many cellular processes.

Backward Planning a Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Curriculum for the Surgical Workforce in Low-Resource Settings.

Background: Trauma is a significant contributor to global disease, and low-income countries disproportionately shoulder this burden. Education and training are critical components in the effort to address the surgical workforce shortage. Educators can tailor training to a diverse background of health professionals in low-resource settings using competency-based curricula.