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Background: Hypertrophic scar (HS) is caused by the abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Emerging evidence demonstrates that c‐Maf positive M2 macrophages were mainly located in the hypertrophic scar tissues of proliferative phase. But whether c‐Maf positive M2 macrophages can promote hypertrophic scar formation through modulating hypertrophic scar fibroblasts remains elusive. Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of c‐Maf positive M2 macrophages on the biological behaviors and functions of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts and the potential mechanism. Methods: HE and Masson trichrome staining were used to examine the histological features of human hypertrophic scar. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to label and quantify the c‐Maf+/CD68+ M2 macrophages. CCK8, wound healing, and transwell assays were utilized to test the effects of c‐Maf overexpressed M2 macrophages or the cell culture supernatants on the proliferation and migration of hypertrophic scar derived fibroblasts (HFBs) and normal skin derived fibroblasts (NFBs). Western blot and qPCR were harnessed to test the expressions of COL1, COL3, and α‐SMA in the co‐cultivated fibroblasts and TGF‐β1 in the c‐Maf overexpressed M2 macrophages. Results: Increased number of c‐Maf+/CD68+ M2 macrophages were found in HS in contrast to the normal skin (NS). Elevated proliferation and migration were observed in the HFBs or NFBs co‐cultured with c‐Maf overexpressed macrophages or the cell culture supernatants. A higher mRNA and protein expressions of COL1, COL3, and α‐SMA were recorded in the HFBs co‐cultured with c‐Maf overexpressed macrophages or treated with its culture supernatants. In addition, augmented mRNA and protein expressions of TGF‐β1 were also investigated in the c‐Maf overexpressed macrophages. Conclusion: c‐Maf positive macrophages promote hypertrophic scar formation through regulating HFBs proliferation, migration, and ECM deposition via the secreted TGF‐β1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Method Result Conclusion Public health and social measures (PHSMs) are considered the most effective approaches for controlling epidemic diseases. This study aimed to explore variations in the time‐dependent characteristics of and public preferences for cosmetic treatments during and after the implementation of PHSMs during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Medical records from six medical institutions were extracted retrospectively. Time–series analyses were conducted to reveal the variations in characteristics in volume and proportion of cosmetic treatments according to PHSMs. A cross‐sectional study was conducted with online questionnaire designed for the general population during and after the implementation of PHSMs.A total of 141 033 records were included in this retrospective study. The implementation of PHSMs led to extremely low treatment volumes; compared with the increases in private hospitals, the treatment volumes in public hospitals exhibited earlier and more significant increases, even higher than pre‐PHSM levels (p < 0.05), which mainly contributed to the increase in plastic surgery volumes during and after the implementation of PHSMs. The differences in the anxiety state, self‐perceived appearance, and cosmetic treatment intentions of the participants were illustrated during and after PHSMs. We further demonstrated the participants' decisions on cosmetic treatments after the implementation of PHSMs during the COVID‐19 pandemic.The immediate effects and aftereffects of PHSMs on cosmetic treatments were different in public and private hospitals. Furthermore, as PHSMs guided the adjustment of cosmetic treatments in the post‐COVID‐19 era, the intention to undergo cosmetic treatment during PHSMs was associated with the anxiety states and preferences of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Method Results Conclusion Eyebrows play a crucial role in the human body. While Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a widely utilized and highly effective treatment for typical eyebrow deficiencies, it may not yield satisfactory outcomes for patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars and defects.A prospective comparative clinical study was conducted to explore the treatment outcomes of post‐traumatic eyebrow scars accompanied by defects using a combination of ablative fractional CO2 laser therapy with FUE.Between January 2019 and January 2023, we enrolled 30 patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars and accompanying eyebrow defects, randomly assigning them to experimental and control groups. Patients in the control group received FUE treatment exclusively, whereas patients in the experimental group underwent CO2 fractional laser therapy on the eyebrow scars prior to FUE treatment. Alongside the patients' baseline data and the quantity of transplanted follicular units during surgery, we will compare the follicular survival rates between the two groups at 6 and 12 months post‐treatment.Prior to FUE, there were no notable variances in baseline data between the two‐patient groups. At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the follicular survival rate in the experimental group was significantly higher compared to the control group. Additionally, patients in the control group were more prone to experiencing postoperative asymmetry between their eyebrows and developing curly hair.For patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars accompanied by eyebrow defects, we applied ablative fractional CO2 laser therapy in combination with FUE treatment. This approach not only resulted in a higher follicular survival rate postoperatively but also led to the achievement of a well‐defined eyebrow shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]