Shedding of proangiogenic microvesicles from hypertrophic scar myofibroblasts

Hypertrophic scars are a common complication of burn injuries and represent a major challenge in terms of prevention and treatment. These scars are characterized by a supraphysiological vascular density and by the presence of pathological myofibroblasts (Hmyos) displaying a low apoptosis propensity. However, the nature of the association between these two hallmarks of hypertrophic scarring remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that Hmyos produce signalling entities known as microvesicles that significantly increase the three cellular processes underlying blood vessel formation: endothelial cell proliferation, migration and assembly into capillary‐like structures. The release of microvesicles from Hmyos was dose‐dependently induced by the serum protein α‐2‐macroglobulin. Using flow cytometry, we revealed the presence of the α‐2‐macroglobulin receptor—low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1—on the surface of Hmyos. The inhibition of the binding of α‐2‐macroglobulin to its receptor abolished the shedding of proangiogenic microvesicles from Hmyos. These findings suggest that the production of microvesicles by Hmyos contributes to the excessive vascularization of hypertrophic scars. α‐2‐Macroglobulin modulates the release of these microvesicles through interaction with low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1.     

New results for monogenic diabetes with analysis of causative genes using next-generation sequencing: a tertiary centre experience from Turkey

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Although monogenic diabetes accounts for a small proportion of diabetes cases, accurate diagnosis may significantly change treatment....     

Expansion of Patient Education Programming Regarding Live Donor Liver Transplantation via Virtual Group Encounters During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the coronavirus 2019 pandemic we converted our liver transplant waitlist candidate education and support program to a virtual format and expanded it to include ongoing engagement sessions aimed to educate and empower patients to maximize opportunity for live donor liver transplantation. Over a period of 6 months from April 2020 to Sept 2020 we included 21 patients in this pilot quality improvement program. We collected data regarding patient response and potential donor referral activity. Overall, patient response was positive, and some patients saw progress toward live donor liver transplantation by fostering inquiry of potential live liver donors. Optimization of logistical aspects of the program including program flow, technology access, and utilization is required to enhance patient experience. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess impact on the outcome of transplantation rates. Future data collection and analysis should focus on assessment of any potential disparity that may result from utilization of virtual programming. Herein we provide a framework for this type of virtual program and describe our experience.     

Combined surgical-orthodontic rehabilitation of cleidocranial dysplasia: 5 years follow-up

Cleidocranial dysplasia(CD) is an autosomal dominant syndrome which is characterized by several skeletal malformations such as non-closed fontanelles, skeletal abnormalities of the maxilla and mandible and absence of clavicles. Mid-facial hypoplasia and mandibular prognathism are mostly seen jaw abnormalities in CD. In this study, the combined orthodontic-surgical treatment of a patient with CD with class Ⅲ malocclusion and multiple unerupted primary and deciduous teeth is presented.