Demographics and outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection in young adults in southeastern China: impact of syndromic heritable thoracic aortic disease.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the demographics and to evaluate long-term outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) in surgically treated patients ≤40 years in China.

Methods: This study included patients aged ≤40 with ATAAD who underwent surgical treatment at our institution between 2015 and 2019. The patients were categorized into groups according to heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD) presence or absence.

An evaluation of the scapular osseous free flap in maxillary reconstruction using the FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module for patient-reported outcome measures.

Introduction: Health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) outcomes following maxillary reconstruction with the scapular osseous free flap (SOFF) are lacking.  Material and Methods: To determine these outcomes, a study of patients who completed maxillary reconstruction with flap survival of the SOFF between 2016 and 2023 was conducted, using Face-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module (FACE-Q).

Results: Eligible patients had at least six months of follow-up.

A reliable and objective method of measuring soft tissue changes in 2D photographs after distraction osteogenesis in individuals with CL/P.

Pre- and postoperative photos to assess results are widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery, for instance, in patients with cleft lip and palate (CL/P). Evaluations are often performed by assessment panels by viewing the photos. However, these are prone to be subjective.

Living donor uterus transplant research project in Singapore: Progress of the first case.

Introduction: To report the progress of the human living uterus transplant research project in Singapore.

Material And Methods: The uterus transplant research project began in 2012 with a collaboration between the Swedish and Singapore teams. Ethics approval was obtained from the SingHealth Centralised Institutional Review Board, the SingHealth Transplant and the Singapore General Hospital Biomedical Ethics Committee to perform 5 uterus transplant procedures in a collaborative multi-site research study at the Singapore General Hospital.

Dermal fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) synergizes with keratinocytes in promoting re-epithelization and scarless healing of skin wounds: Towards optimized skin tissue engineering.

Skin serves as the first-order protective barrier against the environment and any significant disruptions in skin integrity must be promptly restored. Despite significant advances in therapeutic strategies, effective management of large chronic skin wounds remains a clinical challenge. Dermal fibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) in wound healing.

An unusual case of deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity following breast reduction.

Breast reduction surgery is a commonly performed procedure relieving physical discomfort and improving quality of life for individuals with macromastia. Despite its benefits, there are inherent risks associated with surgical intervention, one of which is the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This relatively rare complication can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not recognized and managed properly.

A New Anatomical Approach to Male Pectoral Volumization.

Background: In this article, we discuss a new technique of pectoralis major muscle volumization using ultrasound-guided fat grafting, considering a new surgical criterion that allows for larger volumes.

Methods: We present a retrospective observational descriptive study, which included men who underwent body contouring surgery during 2022-2023. As part of the study, measurements were taken before, immediately after, and at 3 months after surgery.

Secondary Healing Over NovoSorb BTM in the Management of Complex Nasal Defects.

Background: The use of PolyNovo NovoSorb biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM) has become popular for the management of complex wounds, often with the subsequent application of a split-thickness skin graft. To date, there are no published case series describing healing via secondary intention over BTM in the management of small, complex nasal wounds following excision of skin malignancy in the elective setting.

Methods: This study consisted of a single-center, consecutive case series.

Understanding the Impacts of Surgical Drains on Postoperative Pain and Quality of Life.

Background: Surgical drains are commonly used in breast surgery and breast reconstruction for seroma prevention. Although many surgeons are aware that surgical drains can cause considerable discomfort to patients, less is understood about the specific impacts of drains on postoperative pain and quality of life (QOL).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients at our institution who had previously undergone mastectomy or breast reconstruction procedures to better understand patients' experiences with surgical drains.

Use of Magnetic Resonance Neurography for Sensory Nerve Injuries of the Head and Neck.

Background: Identification of peripheral nerve injuries of the head and neck can be challenging due to a broad spectrum of symptoms from neuropathic pain to headaches and migraine. This article aimed to present the clinical features and diagnostic workup of patients with acute and chronic peripheral nerve injuries of the head and neck using magnetic resonance neurography (MRN), to demonstrate potential advantages compared with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: Patients who presented with suspected peripheral nerve injury were either referred for a conventional MRI or MRN.

Perioperative Outcomes of Spring-Assisted Cranioplasty, Distraction Osteogenesis Versus Conventional Expansion in Craniosynostosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: This study compares perioperative outcomes between spring-assisted cranioplasty (SAC), distraction osteogenesis (DO) and conventional expansion in craniosynostosis surgery.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting: Retrospective and prospective cohort.

Inconsistent Associations of Modified Frailty Index-5 With Adverse Head and Neck Reconstruction Outcomes.

Objectives: To investigate the consistency of associations between modified frailty index-5 (mFI-5) and postoperative adverse outcomes in head and neck cancer (HNC) reconstruction.

Methods: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2017 to 2022 was utilized to identify HNC patients undergoing locoregional or microvascular free tissue transfers. Kaplan-Meier estimates and multivariable Cox regression analyses were utilized to compare risk of infections, bleeding, readmissions, reoperations, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and mortality within the first postoperative month for each mFI-5 score with mFI-5 = 0 as reference.

In vitro evaluation of hypochlorous acid-silver nanoparticle waterline disinfectant for dental unit waterline disinfection.

Background: This work intended to assess the disinfection efficacy of hypochlorous acid (HA) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP) disinfectants in disinfecting the dental unit waterlines (DUWL) during comprehensive oral treatment and explore their potential applications in the oral medical environment.

Methods: Firstly, AgNP solution was prepared and evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission transmission electron microscope (FE-TEM), and stability tests. Subsequently, 15 dental units were selected and randomly assigned to three groups, each receiving a different disinfection method.

Alcohol drinking leads to sex-dependent differentiation of T cells.

Objective: Global per capita alcohol consumption is increasing, posing significant socioeconomic and medical challenges also due to alcohol-related traumatic injuries but also its biological effects. Trauma as a leading cause of death in young adults, is often associated with an increased risk of complications, such as sepsis and multiple organ failure, due to immunological imbalances. Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis by regulating the inflammatory response.

Prognosis of Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy Flap Necrosis: Predictors of Failure and Salvage.

Background: In the realm of implant-based breast reconstruction, mastectomy flap necrosis (MFN) is a prevalent yet grave complication that poses a threat to the stability of the inserted prosthesis. Although numerous investigations have scrutinized the risk factors for MFN development, few have delved into the aftermath, specifically implant failure or salvage. This study seeks to appraise the prognosis of the implanted prosthesis following MFN occurrence, as well as identify predictors of such outcomes.

Mending a World of Problems: 12-Year Review of Medical Tourism Inbound Complications in a Tertiary Centre.

Background: Medical tourism is a rapidly expanding multi-billion-dollar industry. Reduced costs, all-inclusive vacation packages that include cosmetic surgery, globalization, and affordable flight expenses have encouraged patients to seek aesthetic procedures in different countries. Cosmetic medical tourism is associated with high complication rates, such as severe infections, wound dehiscence, pain or discomfort, aesthetic dissatisfaction, and even death.

Current Practices and Evidence of Aspirin Usage in Microvascular Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been used in reconstructive microsurgery since the inception of the field. However, when compared to placebo groups, its efficacy is not confirmed. In our study, we hypothesize that the utility of ASA postoperatively in microvascular surgery is not associated with improved outcomes.

The Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Influences Edema Fluid Movement and Promotes the Compensatory Drainage Pathways in Patients with Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema.

Upper limb lymphedema is the most common complication after breast cancer therapy. Suddenly disturbed lymphatic transport in the affected arm causes tissue fluid accumulation in tissue spaces, limb enlargement, and secondary changes in tissue. Early compression therapy is necessary.

Hypothermic machine perfusion in uterus transplantation in a porcine model: A proof of concept and the first results in graft preservation.

Introduction: Graft optimization is a necessity in order to develop uterus transplantation from brain-dead donors, as a complement to living donors, as these grafts are rare and the last organs retrieved in multiple organ donation. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and interest of hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) in uterus transplantation using a porcine model; secondary outcomes were the evaluation of the graft's tolerance to a prolonged cold ischaemia time and to find new biomarkers of uterus viability.

Material And Methods: Fifteen uterus allotransplantations were performed in a porcine model, after 18 h of cold ischaemia, divided in three groups: Static cold storage in a HTK solution, HMP (with the VitaSmart (™) machine Bridge to Life Ltd.

Perforator plus supraclavicular flap for reconstruction following resection of extensive recurrent basal cell carcinoma of face: a case report.

Basal cell carcinomas are common facial malignancies with minimally invasive treatment approaches effective in the majority of cases. Recurrent aggressive lesions pose significant challenges and need wide local excision with major reconstruction. Geriatric patient with multiple comorbidities needs customized reconstructions to minimize morbidity.

The Incidence of Malignant and High-Risk Pathology Findings in Postreduction Mammaplasty Patients.

Reduction mammaplasty is often performed to alleviate symptoms of macromastia or for symmetry after a lumpectomy in the contra-lateral breast. Abnormal pathology including breast cancer can be incidentally found in reduction mammaplasty specimens, but there is no consensus on risk factors or detection rates. This study aimed to elucidate the incidence of malignant and high-risk pathology findings in patients undergoing breast reduction in a Canadian context.

Biomaterial Cues for Regulation of Osteoclast Differentiation and Function in Bone Regeneration.

Tissue regeneration involves dynamic dialogue between and among different cells and their surrounding matrices. Bone regeneration is specifically governed by reciprocity between osteoblasts and osteoclasts within the bone microenvironment. Osteoclast-directed resorption and osteoblast-directed formation of bone are essential to bone remodeling, and the crosstalk between these cells is vital to curating a sequence of events that culminate in the creation of bone tissue.

Risk Factors for Positive Resection Margins Following Breast-Conserving Surgery.

Background The incidence of margin re-excision following breast conserving surgery (BCS) is a quality measure in the National Health Service. The threshold is less than 20% of all BCS procedures. Despite three decades of studies and a wealth of literature identifying multiple factors associated with increased risk for margin involvement, an accepted threshold rate affecting one in five procedures remains high.