Comparative Measurement of Biophysical Parameters in Consideration of Skin Graft Donor Site for Nasal Defects

BackgroundIn planning a skin graft, the texture, color, and size of the recipient and donor site tissues should be considered.ObjectiveWe determined the optimal donor sites for nasal full-thickness skin grafting based on biophysical parameters.MethodsThirty women over the age of 60 were selected for this study. Four recipient sites (nasal root, dorsum, tip, ala) and three donor sites (preauricle, postauricle, forehead) were considered. Biophysical parameters such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance, sebum output, erythema/melanin value, and skin replica technique were tested.ResultsThe nasal root was correlated with the forehead in terms of TEWL and sebum output. The nasal dorsum was correlated with the preauricle in terms of TEWL, erythema/melanin value, and skin replica measurements. The nasal tip was correlated with the preauricle in terms of TEWL, sebum output, erythema/melanin value, and skin replica measurements. The ala was correlated with the forehead in terms of TEWL and skin replica measurements.ConclusionThe preauricule is the optimal donor site for resurfacing of the nasal dorsum and tip. The forehead is a good donor site for alar defects. For resurfacing of the nasal root, the forehead and postauricle are good choices.     

A primer of diving physiology for orthopaedic surgeons

So called Caisson's disease of bone is well recognized in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to move away from simply considering the orthopaedic aspects of avascular injury to bones and joints and provide some background physiology and physics to help understand the challenges encountered whilst diving. This is relevant to those working with professional divers. Either commercially or within the military setting, and some guidance will be provided for those involved in the acute care of divers injured or affected by the problems covered within this article. It is recommended that acute units that deal with diving accidents have established protocols to deal with the issues covered, including access to hyperbaric chambers.     

Neurophysiological adaptations to spaceflight and simulated microgravity

Changes in physiological functions after spaceflight and simulated spaceflight involve several mechanisms. Microgravity is one of them and it can be partially reproduced with models, such as head down bed rest (HDBR). Yet, only a few studies have investigated in detail the complexity of neurophysiological systems and their integration to maintain homeostasis. Central nervous system changes have been studied both in their structural and functional component with advanced techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance (fMRI), showing the main involvement of the cerebellum, cortical sensorimotor, and somatosensory areas, as well as vestibular-related pathways. Analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) led to contrasting results, mainly due to the different factors affecting brain activity. The study of corticospinal excitability may enable a deeper understanding of countermeasures' effect, since greater excitability has been shown being correlated with better preservation of functions. Less is known about somatosensory evoked potentials and peripheral nerve function, yet they may be involved in a homeostatic mechanism fundamental to thermoregulation. Extending the knowledge of such alterations during simulated microgravity may be useful not only for space exploration, but for its application in clinical conditions and for life on Earth, as well.