Project description:The authors summarize current methods for reconstructing partial auricular defects resulting from trauma, neoplasm, or congenital defects. They also review the anatomy and embryology of the ear as this is critical for proper reconstruction. Defects of the auricle are divided into upper-third, middle-third, and lower-third defects. Methods of total auricular reconstruction are also briefly discussed as these methods can provide more superior reconstruction than partial techniques in select cases.
Project description:Full-thickness deficiency of eyelid tissues can result in coloboma or retraction or both. Here we report our initial experience on the use of auricular skin-cartilage sandwich graft technique for full-thickness eyelid deformities. Five patients (4-32 years) underwent the procedure. Patients with full-thickness eyelid deformity were included. Three patients were operated for large-sized coloboma and two for eyelid retraction. One patient had congenital, and four patients had acquired etiology. The following parameters were specifically assessed: correction of deformity, ocular surface problems, graft status, and epithelization of skin-cartilage graft. All the patients had a good correction of eyelid position, except one patient who had severe eyelid retraction (8 mm) at presentation. None of our patients had corneal erosion/defect, persistent ocular surface redness, or graft loss. The auricular skin-cartilage sandwich graft technique produces optimal results with no graft loss. Advancement of orbicularis muscle in between the auricular skin and cartilage grafts (sandwich technique) is an imperative step that leads to the survival of both grafts.
Project description:PURPOSE OF REVIEW:The purpose of this review is to outline the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms and natural history of osteogenesis imperfecta, and to describe the development of new treatments for this disorder. RECENT FINDINGS:The introduction of next-generation sequencing technology has led to better understanding of the genetic cause of osteogenesis imperfecta and enabled cost-effective and timely diagnosis via expanded gene panels and exome or genome sequencing. Clinically, despite genetic heterogeneity, different forms of osteogenesis imperfecta share similar features that include connective tissue and systemic manifestations in addition to bone fragility. Thus, the goals of treatment in osteogenesis imperfecta extend beyond decreasing the risk of fracture, to include the maximization of growth and mobility, and the management of extraskeletal complications. The standard of care in pediatric patients is bisphosphonates therapy. Ongoing preclinical studies in osteogenesis imperfecta mouse models and clinical studies in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta have been instrumental in the development of new and targeted therapeutic approaches, such as sclerostin inhibition and transforming growth factor-? inhibition. SUMMARY:Osteogenesis imperfecta is a skeletal dysplasia characterized by bone fragility and extraskeletal manifestations. Better understanding of the mechanisms of osteogenesis imperfecta will enable the development of much needed targeted therapies to improve the outcome in affected individuals.
Project description:Bioengineering of the human auricle remains a significant challenge, where the complex and unique shape, the generation of high-quality neocartilage, and shape preservation are key factors. Future regenerative medicine-based approaches for auricular cartilage reconstruction will benefit from a smart combination of various strategies. Our approach to fabrication of an ear-shaped construct uses hybrid bioprinting techniques, a recently identified progenitor cell population, previously validated biomaterials, and a smart scaffold design. Specifically, we generated a 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold via fused deposition modeling, photocrosslinked a human auricular cartilage progenitor cell-laden gelatin methacryloyl (gelMA) hydrogel within the scaffold, and cultured the bioengineered structure in vitro in chondrogenic media for 30 days. Our results show that the fabrication process maintains the viability and chondrogenic phenotype of the cells, that the compressive properties of the combined PCL and gelMA hybrid auricular constructs are similar to native auricular cartilage, and that biofabricated hybrid auricular structures exhibit excellent shape fidelity compared with the 3D digital model along with deposition of cartilage-like matrix in both peripheral and central areas of the auricular structure. Our strategy affords an anatomically enhanced auricular structure with appropriate mechanical properties, ensures adequate preservation of the auricular shape during a dynamic in vitro culture period, and enables chondrogenically potent progenitor cells to produce abundant cartilage-like matrix throughout the auricular construct. The combination of smart scaffold design with 3D bioprinting and cartilage progenitor cells holds promise for the development of clinically translatable regenerative medicine strategies for auricular reconstruction.
Project description:Leukemia is the most common pediatric malignancy and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Among all subtypes, a lack of consensus exists regarding the diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patient survival rates have remained modest for the past three decades in AML. Recently, targeted therapy has emerged as a promising treatment.We searched the PubMed database for recently published research papers on diagnostic development, target therapy, and other novel therapies of AML. Clinical trial information was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov. For the major purpose of this review that is to outline the latest therapeutic development of AML, we only listed the ongoing clinical trials for reference. However, the published results of complete clinical trials were also mentioned.This article reviewed the latest developments related to the diagnosis and treatment of AML. In the first portion, we provided some novel insights on the molecular basis of AML, as well as provided an update on the classification of AML. In the second portion, we summarized the results of research on potential molecular therapeutic agents including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase/Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitors, epigenetic/demethylating agents, and cellular therapeutic agents. We will also highlight ongoing research and clinical trials in pediatric AML.We described clonal evolution and how it changes our view on leukemogenesis, treatment responses, and disease relapse. Pediatric-specific genomic mapping was discussed with a novel diagnostic method highlighted. In the later portion of this review, we summarized the researches on potential molecular therapeutic agents including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase/FLT3 inhibitors, epigenetic/demethylating agents, and cellular therapeutic agents.Gene sequencing techniques should set the basis for next-generation diagnostic methods of AML, and target therapy should be the focus of future clinical research in the exploration of therapeutic possibilities.
Project description:Derived from follicular epithelial cells, differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) accounts for the majority of thyroid malignancies. The threefold increase in DTC incidence over the last three decades has been largely attributed to advancements in detection of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas. Efforts to address the issue of overtreatment have notably included the reclassification of encapsulated follicular variant papillary thyroid cancers (EFVPTC) to non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). In the last 5 years, the overall management approach for this relatively indolent cancer has become less aggressive. Although surgery and radioiodine ablation remain the mainstay of DTC therapy, the role of active surveillance is being explored. Furthermore, the most recent American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines offer flexibility between lobectomy and total thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules between 1 cm and 4 cm in the absence of extrathyroidal extension or nodal disease. As our understanding of the natural history and molecular underpinnings of DTC evolves, so might our approach to managing low-risk patients, obviating the need for invasive intervention. Simultaneously, advances in interventional and systemic therapies have greatly expanded treatment options for high-risk surgical candidates and patients with widespread disease, and continue to be areas of active investigation. Continued research efforts are essential to improve our ability to offer effective individualized therapy to patients at all disease stages and to reduce the incidence of recurrent and progressive disease.
Project description:Burns are a prevalent and burdensome critical care problem. The priorities of specialized facilities focus on stabilizing the patient, preventing infection, and optimizing functional recovery. Research on burns has generated sustained interest over the past few decades, and several important advancements have resulted in more effective patient stabilization and decreased mortality, especially among young patients and those with burns of intermediate extent. However, for the intensivist, challenges often exist that complicate patient support and stabilization. Furthermore, burn wounds are complex and can present unique difficulties that require late intervention or life-long rehabilitation. In addition to improvements in patient stabilization and care, research in burn wound care has yielded advancements that will continue to improve functional recovery. This article reviews recent advancements in the care of burn patients with a focus on the pathophysiology and treatment of burn wounds.
Project description:BackgroundAutologous and synthetic nasal and auricular frameworks require skin coverage. The surgeon's decides on the appropriate skin coverage for reconstruction based on colour matching, subcutaneous tissue thickness, expertise and experience. One of the major complications of placing subcutaneous implants is the risk of extrusion (migration through the skin) and infection. However, knowledge of lessening the differential between the soft tissue and the framework can have important implications for extrusion. This study compared the mechanical properties of the skin commonly used as skin sites for the coverage in auricular and nasal reconstruction.MethodsUsing ten fresh human cadavers, the tensile Young's Modulus of the skin from the forehead, forearm, temporoparietal, post-auricular and submandibular neck was assessed. The relaxation rate and absolute relaxation level was also assessed after 90 min of relaxation.ResultsThe submandibular skin showed the greatest Young's elastic modulus in tension of all regions (1.28 MPa ±0.06) and forearm showed the lowest (1.03 MPa ±0.06). The forehead demonstrated greater relaxation rates among the different skin regions (7.8 MPa-07 ± 0.1). The forearm showed the lowest rate of relaxation (4.74 MPa-07 ± 0.1). The forearm (0.04 MPa ±0.004) and submandibular neck skin (0.04 MPa ±0.005) showed similar absolute levels of relaxation, which were significantly greater than the other skin regions (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study provides an understanding into the biomechanical properties of the skin of different sites allowing surgeons to consider this parameter when trying to identify the optimal skin coverage in nasal and auricular reconstruction.
Project description:Endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) with fewer complications and less trauma has gradually replaced surgery or percutaneous drainage to become the first-line treatment for PFCs. In recent years, the differential efficacy of various stent techniques to drain different types of PFCs has been controversial. This review summarizes the clinical applications of endoscopic ultrasound-guided stent placement for PFCs drainage.
Project description:Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders, in which progressive muscle wasting and weakness is often associated with exhaustion of muscle regeneration potential. Although physiological properties of skeletal muscle tissue are now well known, no treatments are effective for these diseases. Muscle regeneration was attempted by means transplantation of myogenic cells (from myoblast to embryonic stem cells) and also by interfering with the malignant processes that originate in pathological tissues, such as uncontrolled fibrosis and inflammation. Taking into account the advances in the isolation of new subpopulation of stem cells and in the creation of artificial stem cell niches, we discuss how these emerging technologies offer great promises for therapeutic approaches to muscle diseases and muscle wasting associated with aging.