Oxidative Stress in Follicular Units During Hair Transplantation Surgery

Background  

Hair transplantation surgery currently is a well-established procedure in plastic surgery. It consists of harvesting a strip of scalp from the back of the head, then obtaining grafts called follicular units (FUs) from this strip and implanting them in the bald area. The FUs undergo oxidative stress during cold ischemia and after their implantation.     

Gene�Cgene interaction between CD40 and CD40L reduces bone mineral density and increases osteoporosis risk in women

Summary  

We have analysed the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CD40 and CD40L genes with bone mineral density (BMD) in our women. Results showed that women with TT genotype for rs1883832 (CD40) and for rs1126535 (CD40L) SNPs displayed reduced BMD and increased risk for osteopenia/osteoporosis. Our data notwithstanding, the results need to be replicated.     

FTO mRNA Expression in Extremely Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Human Omental and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues

Background

Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) gene expression is known to correlate with obesity. Our aim was to investigate the FTO gene expression in paired omental and subcutaneous human adipose tissues from morbid and obese patients. To understand the role of CD68-positive macrophages in adipose tissues, the correlation with adiposity parameters such as adipocyte diameter and adipocyte radius was also measured. Drug and adiposity correlations were also analyzed.

Methods

Paired omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue were excised during elective surgery from morbidly obese (n?=?9) and obese (n?=?5) patients. FTO expressions were determined by quantitative PCR. Tissue sections were analyzed for their CD68 protein expressions by immunuhistochemistry.

Results

Omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue FTO gene expression levels were not found to differ significantly among morbidly obese and obese study groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase e and alanine transaminase levels were found to be in negative correlation with subcutaneous fat tissue FTO expression rate. Antidiabetic drug use was found to be in correlation with adiposity. Both subcutaneous and omental fat cell diameters were found to have correlation with antidiabetic drug use. Omental fat cell diameter was found to enlarge together with omental CD68 protein expression. Subcutaneous macrophage number decreased while omental fat cell radius increased. Omental macrophage number was found in correlation with subcutaneous macrophage number.

Conclusions

Antidiabetic therapy was found to increase adiposity in omental and subcutaneous fat. Further research is needed with larger samples to explore the exact role of FTO in obesity.     

Strategische ��berlegungen bei mit spinaler Isch?mie assoziertem intramuralem H?matom

Intramural hematoma (IMH) forms ?C along with classic aortic dissection and penetrating aortic ulcer ?C the entity of acute aortic syndrome. Whereas thoracic pain is a common symptom in these patients, an association of IMH with spinal cord ischemia has been rarely described. We present a case of lower limb paraparesis in a patient with IMH type B. General considerations regarding IMH evaluation and treatment are discussed in the face of spinal cord protection strategies.     

The use of fibre-based demineralised bone matrix in major acetabular reconstruction: surgical technique and preliminary results

Acetabular osteolysis associated with socket loosening is one of the main long-term complications of total hip arthroplasty. In case of major bone loss, where <50% host bone coverage can be obtained with a porous-coated cementless cup, it is generally agreed that a metal ring or cage in association with a cemented component and allograft bone should be used. In order to promote allograft bone consolidation and incorporation, we have associated demineralised bone matrix (DBM, Grafton® A Flex) to the construct ion. Here we describe the technical details of major acetabular reconstruction using the Kerboull acetabular reinforcement device with allograft bone and DBM. This device has a hook that must be placed under the teardrop of the acetabulum and a plate for iliac fixation. The main advantages of this device are help in restoring the normal centre of hip rotation, guiding the reconstruction and partially unloading the graft. The Kerboull acetabular reinforcement device has provided a 92% survival rate free of loosening at 13-year follow-up in a consecutive series of 60 type III and IV deficiencies. Our preliminary results using DBM indicate faster allograft consolidation and remodelling.     

Versatile use of rectus abdominis muscle and musculocutaneous flaps for soft-tissue reconstruction: our clinical experiences in 25 cases

The rectus abdominis muscle and musculocutaneous flaps have contributed to the efficient reconstruction of tissue defects that require a large amount of cutaneous and muscular tissue. In this article, outcomes of soft-tissue defects after reconstruction with the rectus abdominis muscle and musculocutaneous flaps were retrospectively analyzed. From August 2003 to June 2009, 25 flaps were transferred to reconstruct a wide variety of soft-tissue defects in the breast, chest wall, groin, perineal, and head and neck regions, as well as the upper and lower extremities. The rectus abdominis muscle and musculocutaneous flaps were used as part of 11 different approaches in 25 cases. There were 13 male and 12 female patients; the mean patient age was 44.2 years. The mean follow-up period was 8 months (range, 4–15 months). The overall success rate was 100%, and all flaps healed uneventfully. All reconstructive procedures were completed without any major complications. Rectus sheets were repaired primarily, and no mesh application was used. Minor complications related to transferred flaps were wound infection and dehiscence in one case, wound dehiscence in two cases, and flap lymphedema in one case. Minor complications related to the donor site were seroma in one case and wound infection and dehiscence in another case. This study presents our experience with the rectus abdominis muscle and musculocutaneous flaps in a series of 25 cases. The indications for the use of this particular flap with other flaps are discussed.     

Covered Biodegradable Stent: New Therapeutic Option for the Management of Esophageal Perforation or Anastomotic Leak

Purpose  

This study was designed to evaluate our experience with the treatment of postoperative anastomotic leaks and benign esophageal perforations with covered biodegradable stents.     

The Role of Interventional Radiology in the Management of Deep Venous Thrombosis: Advanced Therapy

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is often managed with a health care pathway that funnels patients to anticoagulation therapy alone. This “usual treatment” is designed to stop propagation and embolisation of venous thrombus but not remove it. Surgical thrombectomy was once the only option in severe cases in which limbs were threatened, but thrombus removal is no longer restricted to emergency cases. Interventional radiologists are now using advanced endovascular techniques to achieve thrombus removal in a minimally invasive manner in a very short treatment time, thereby quickly restoring patency, relieving acute symptoms, and potentially limiting the subsequent development of postthrombotic syndrome when followed with anticoagulation and compression regimens. This article provides an overview of the interventions available for treating DVT. One of the newer “single-session” techniques is isolated pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, which is described here in detail with supporting cases.     

Evaluation of micro-CT for emphysema assessment in mice: comparison with non-radiological techniques

Objectives

To define the potential, limitations and synergies of micro-CT and other non-radiological techniques for the quantification of emphysema and related processes in mice, by performing a complete characterization of the elastase-induced emphysema model.

Materials and methods

Ninety A/J mice (45 treated and 45 controls) were studied at different time points using breath-hold gated micro-CT, functional test parameters, RT-PCR for RNA cytokine expression, Luminex technology for cytokine plasma concentration and histomorphometry.

Results

Both histomorphometry and micro-CT imaging reflect rapid initial emphysema progression followed by steady-state development at decreasing rates. Cytokine measurements reveal an acute inflammatory response within the first 24?h that disappears after the first week. Limited systemic effect was observed based on plasma cytokine concentration. Lung compliance decreases during the acute inflammation phase and increases afterwards.

Conclusion

Histomorphometry is the most sensitive technique since it detects airspace enlargement before the other methods (1?h after treatment). Micro-CT correlates well with histology (r2?=?0.63) proving appropriate for longitudinal studies. Functional test parameters do not necessarily correlate with the extent of emphysema, as they can be influenced by acute inflammation. Finally, cytokine measurements correlate with the presence of inflammation in histology but not with emphysema.     

Minimally Invasive Catheter Procedures to Assist Complicated Pacemaker Lead Extraction and Implantation in the Operating Room

We report on percutaneous catheter procedures in the operating room (OR) to assist complicated manual extraction or insertion of pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads. We retrospectively reviewed complicated PM revisions and implantations performed between 2004 and 2009 that required percutaneous catheter procedures performed in the OR. The type of interventional procedure, catheter and retrieval system used, venous access, success rates, and procedural complications were analyzed. In 41 (12 female and 29 male [mean age 62 ± 17 years]) of 3021 (1.4%) patients, standard manual retrieval of old leads or insertion of new leads was not achievable and thus required percutaneous catheter intervention for retrieval of misplaced leads and/or recanalisation of occluded central veins. Thirteen of 18 (72.2%) catheter-guided retrieval procedures for misplaced (right atrium [RA] or ventricle [RV; n = 3], superior vena cava [n = 2], brachiocephalic vein [n = 5], and subclavian vein [n = 3]) lead fragments in 16 patients were successful. Percutaneous catheter retrieval failed in five patients because there were extremely fixed or adhered lead fragments. Percutaneous transluminal angiography (PTA) of central veins for occlusion or high-grade stenosis was performed in 25 patients. In 22 of 25 patients (88%), recanalization of central veins was successful, thus enabling subsequent lead replacement. Major periprocedural complications were not observed. In the case of complicated manual PM lead implantation or revision, percutaneous catheter-guided extraction of misplaced lead fragments or recanalisation of central veins can be performed safely in the OR, thus enabling subsequent implantation or revision of PM systems in the majority of patients.