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Purpose: Many studies report that pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with portal-superior mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction (PVR) is not a contraindication to extended tumor resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, the clinical benefit of an interposition graft for PVR still remains controversial., Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2017, 199 patients with pancreatic cancer underwent PD either with or without PVR, and their medical records were reviewed retrospectively, paying specific attention to the PVR methods and the long-term outcome., Results: Among the 122 patients with PVR, 97 (79.5%) underwent end-to-end anastomosis and 25 (20.5%) had an interposition graft using the right external iliac vein (REIV). The 2-year and 5-year survival rates of the no-PVR group (54.2% and 30.8%, respectively) were longer than both the end-to-end anastomosis group (24.5% and 13.7%) and the interposition graft group (32% and 10.0%) (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the survival between the end-to-end anastomosis group and the interposition graft group (p = 0.963). A multivariate analysis indicated that the level of preoperative serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL (risk ratio (RR) 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26 to 3.43; p = 0.004), and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.79; p = 0.006) were independently associated with overall survival after PVR., Conclusions: An interposition graft using the REIV for PVR following PD is safe and effective. There was no significant prognostic difference between PD with end-to-end anastomosis and with an interposition graft in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

For patients with an ostomy, a poor fitting appliance may cause leakage, peristomal dermatitis, and frequent appliance changes., Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to report the outcome of fat grafting to augment peristomal soft tissue and improve appliance fit., Case Study: A 57-year-old woman with a history of Crohn's disease presented with soft-tissue deficiency and uneven contour around her ileostomy site. She was unable to properly fit an ostomy appliance, which resulted in leakage, chronic skin irritation, and frequent appliance changes. The patient underwent 2 rounds of fat grafting using fat harvested from her medial thighs and knees infused with dilute lidocaine with epinephrine. The patient noted immediate improvement after 34 cc of processed fat was injected in the first round. Appliance change frequency decreased from daily to every 3 to 4 days. A second graft of 32 cc provided 3 months later further improved appliance fit, reducing appliance change frequency to every 5 to 7 days and obviating the need to use adjustment rings and glue. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography showed increased thickness of abdominal wall subcutaneous tissues., Conclusion: Fat grafting around an ostomy site presents a viable option to improve contour and appliance fit with reduced skin irritation and leakage.

Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) utilizing autografts is a widely used technique for the treatment of small-to-medium cartilage defects occurring in knee and ankle joints. The application of viable cartilage and bone ensures proper integration, early weight bearing, as well as restoration of biomechanical and biotribological properties. However, alignment of the autografts onto the defect site remains a pivotal aspect of reinstating the properties of the joint toward successful autograft integration. This is the first study to perform tests with different orientations of osteochondral grafts in a cartilage-on-cartilage test system. The objective was to estimate if there are differences between aligned and 90°-rotated grafts concerning molecular biological and biomechanical parameters. Tissue viability, assessed by XTT assay indicated lower metabolic activity in tested osteochondral grafts (aligned, p = 0.0148 and 90°-rotated, p = 0.0760) in favor of a higher anabolic gene expression (aligned, p = 0.0030 and 90°-rotated, 0.0027). Tissue structure was evaluated by Safranin O histology and microscopic images of the surface. Aligned and 90°-rotated grafts revealed no apparent differences between proteoglycan content or cracks and fissures on the cartilage surface. Test medium analyzed after tribological tests for their sulfated glycosaminoglycan content revealed no differences (p = 0.3282). During the tests, both the friction coefficient and the relative displacement between the two cartilage surfaces were measured, with no significant difference in both parameters (COF, p = 0.2232 and relative displacement, p = 0.3185). From the methods we deployed, this study can infer that there are no differences between aligned and 90°-rotated osteochondral grafts after tribological tests in the used ex vivo tissue model. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res., (© 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society.)

In recent years, gluteal fat augmentation has exhibited some of the most significant growth among all plastic surgery procedures. However, as the popularity of and media attention to gluteal fat augmentation continue to rise, reports of fatalities, largely attributed to fat embolism, have raised valid concerns. Many plastic surgeons inject fat in the intramuscular plane and claim better graft take in the muscles and the possibility of injecting more volume in the gluteal region. Because of the large caliber of vessels, subcutaneous fat augmentation has been a preference of many. However, the long-term outcome of fat injected into the subcutaneous layer has been questionable, and there is a lack of prospective quantitative studies of subcutaneous-only fat grafting. Therefore, the authors evaluated the long-term maintenance of gluteal adipose thickness when fat was injected only subcutaneously. Fifty consecutive female patients were evaluated in this prospective clinical study. All patients underwent gluteal fat augmentation in the subcutaneous plane only. Ultrasound analysis of the adipose tissue thickness of the gluteal region was performed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 12 months postoperatively. Immediate postoperative measurements revealed an average increase in gluteal subcutaneous layer thickness of 56.51 percent (range, 39.5 to 108.6 percent) (p < 0.0001). At 12 months postoperatively, the gluteal adipose tissue thickness decreased by an average of 18.16 percent (range, 6.8 to 24.8 percent) (p < 0.0001). Subcutaneous-only gluteal fat augmentation is shown to be as effective as previous studies reporting intramuscular fat injection with regard to long-term fat retention in the buttocks. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, IV.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a common complication after surgeries involving sellar reconstruction. Various techniques, including the nasoseptal flap, have been developed to limit postoperative CSF leak. However, the nasoseptal flap causes complications owing to donor site morbidity. A free mucosal graft may be just as effective in reducing CSF leaks as well as reducing postoperative nasal discomfort. This study aimed to assess operative outcomes of free mucosal graft after pituitary resection., Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary adenomas. The following data were collected: demographic data, intraoperative CSF leak, postoperative CSF leak, other complications, and mucosal graft healing at 1 month. Also, the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 was administered preoperatively and 1 month and 3 months postoperatively., Results: Charts of 158 patients were reviewed, including patients who underwent no mucosal reconstruction, free mucosal graft reconstruction, and nasoseptal flap reconstruction. There was a 7.4% postoperative CSF leak rate in patients who underwent no reconstruction (n = 27), whereas postoperative CSF leak rate was 0.82% in patients undergoing free mucosal graft reconstruction (n = 122) (P < 0.05). Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 scores for patients with free mucosal graft reconstruction showed no significant worsening postoperatively., Conclusions: The free mucosal graft is a simple and effective means of sellar reconstruction in patients undergoing endonasal endoscopic pituitary resection, and its efficacy is similar to nasoseptal flaps. The free mucosal graft technique does not worsen sinonasal morbidity postoperatively., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) for harvesting palatal connective tissue graft (PCTG) in the treatment of gingival recession. Databases were searched up to May 2018. The addressed focused question was: Is adjunctive LILT effective in the healing of donor palatine area after harvesting PCTG? Screening of the initially identified studies resulted in four clinical studies. All studies showed that LILT was effective in improving clinical outcomes, such as tissue thickness, postoperative discomfort, remaining wound area, and visual analog score at follow up. Upon comparison with the control group, two studies showed significantly greater improvements in the clinical parameters and patient-centered outcomes for LILT than control groups at follow up. Due to the low number of included clinical studies, it remains debatable whether LILT improves clinical and patient-centered outcomes of PCTG procedures. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the outcomes of LILT on the healing of donor palatine area after harvesting PCTG., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed to confirm preliminary uncontrolled data indicating that regional adipose tissue (AT) grafting (G) is effective in inducing ischemic digital ulcer (IDU) healing in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)., Patients and Methods: SSc patients with IDUs were randomized to be blindly treated with AT-G or a sham procedure (SP). AT-G consisted of injection, at the base of the finger with the IDU, of 0.5-1 ml AT after centrifugation of fat aspirate. The SP consisted of false liposuction and local injection of saline solution. The primary endpoint was to compare the cumulative prevalence of healed IDUs in the two groups within the following 8 weeks., Results: AT-G and the SP were carried out in 25 and 13 patients, respectively. The two groups were comparable for age, gender, disease duration, and SSc subtypes. IDU healing was observed in 23/25 and 1/13 patients treated with AT-G and the SP, respectively (p < 0.0001). The 12 patients who received the unsuccessful SP underwent a rescue AT-G. In all of them, IDU healing was observed after 8 weeks of observation. It was noticeable that in the AT-G-treated patients a significant reduction of pain intensity (measured by visual analogue scale) was recorded after 4 and 8 weeks (p < 0.0001 in all cases). Similarly, a significant increase of capillary numbers in the affected finger was recorded by nailfold videocapillaroscopy after 4 and 8 weeks (p < 0.0001 in both cases)., Conclusion: This RCT strongly confirms that AT-G is effective in inducing IDU healing in SSc patients., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03406988 . Registered retrospectively on 25 January 2018.

Relatively high rates of wound healing complications continue to be reported with a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) anterior incision. The amniotic membrane-umbilical cord (AM-UC) allograft is a regenerative orthobiologic adjunct that modulates wound healing by down-regulating inflammation, enhancing local healing and antimicrobial factors, and reducing scar formation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether local application of a cryopreserved AM-UC allograft enhances soft tissue healing after TAA. A total of 104 patients with symptomatic ankle arthritis who failed conservative management underwent standard TAA. At skin closure, patients were allocated to either the treatment (local application of AM-UC) or control (no allograft) group. Demographic data, patient comorbidities, and radiographic findings were collected. The primary outcome was a major complication necessitating reoperation. Secondary outcomes were time to healing, minor complications (i.e., skin dehiscence, local wound care, use of antibiotics), and patient scar assessment. Local application of an AM-UC allograft significantly decreased the overall time to skin healing (28.5 days vs 40 days; p = .03). Two patients required a reoperation for soft tissue wound complications, with no difference (p = 1.00) between the groups. No statistically significant difference was detected in terms of skin dehiscence, local wound care, or antibiotic prescriptions in the 2 groups. Regenerative technology using local application of a cryopreserved AM-UC allograft may enhance TAA outcomes by decreasing the time to healing. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether an AM-UC allograft enhances soft tissue wound healing and ultimately reduces the incidence of devastating soft tissue complications., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

OBJECTIVE Traumatic neuromas may develop after nerve injury at the proximal nerve stump, which can lead to neuropathic pain. These neuromas are often resistant to therapy, and excision of the neuroma frequently leads to recurrence. In this study, the authors present a novel surgical strategy to prevent neuroma formation based on the principle of centro-central anastomosis (CCA), but rather than directly connecting the nerve ends to an autograft, they created a loop using a 3D-printed polyethylene Y-shaped conduit with an autograft in the distal outlets. METHODS The 3D-printed Y-tube with autograft was investigated in a model of rat sciatic nerve transection in which the Y-tube was placed on the proximal sciatic nerve stump and a peroneal graft was placed between the distal outlets of the Y-tube to form a closed loop. This model was compared with a CCA model, in which a loop was created between the proximal tibial and peroneal nerves with a peroneal autograft. Additional control groups consisted of the closed Y-tube and the extended-arm Y-tube. Results were analyzed at 12 weeks of survival using nerve morphometry for the occurrence of neuroma formation and axonal regeneration in plastic semi-thin sections. RESULTS Among the different surgical groups, the Y-tube with interposed autograft was the only model that did not result in neuroma formation at 12 weeks of survival. In addition, a 13% reduction in the number of myelinated axons regenerating through the interposed autograft was observed in the Y-tube with autograft model. In the CCA model, the authors also observed a decrease of 17% in the number of myelinated axons, but neuroma formation was present in this model. The closed Y-tube resulted in minimal nerve regeneration inside the tube together with extensive neuroma formation before the entrance of the tube. The extended-arm Y-tube model clearly showed that the majority of the regenerating axons merged into the Y-tube arm, which was connected to the autograft, leaving the extended plastic arm almost empty. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study shows that our novel 3D-printed Y-tube model with interposed autograft prevents neuroma formation, making this a promising surgical tool for the management of traumatic neuromas.

OBJECTIVE In this study, the authors used a surgical model of end-to-side neurorrhaphy between a nerve graft and a donor tibial nerve in adult rats to investigate the optimal conditions for axonal regeneration induced by the donor nerve. They also assessed the importance of a more favorable pathway using a predegenerated nerve graft to attract regenerating axons to regrow into the graft and then directing and improving their growth toward the target in comparison with results obtained with a fresh nerve graft. METHODS End-to-side neurorrhaphy was performed between a nerve graft and a donor tibial nerve. The nerve graft was obtained from the left tibial nerve, which was either freshly removed or predegenerated 1 week prior to neurorrhaphy. The donor right tibial nerve was injured by epineurium removal alone, injured by epineurium removal with cross section of 20% or 50% of the total axons at the coaptation site, or left intact. The animals were followed postoperatively for a 6-week period, and outcomes were evaluated by optical microscopy and retrograde labeling to detect the regenerated primary sensory neurons located in the lumbar dorsal root ganglia and spinal motor neurons located in the lumbar spinal ventral horn. RESULTS At the end of the follow-up period, no regenerating axons were observed in the nerve grafts when the donor nerve was left intact, and very few axons were detected when the donor nerve was injured by epineurium removal alone. However, numerous regenerating axons appeared in the grafts when the donor nerve was axotomized, and the greatest number was achieved with a 50% cross section axotomized nerve. In the rats with a 50% cross section of the donor nerve, better nerve-like morphology of the grafts was observed, without connective adhesions. When a predegenerated nerve graft was used, more regenerating axons were attracted and elongated with a more regular shape and improved myelination. CONCLUSIONS Axonal regrowth into a nerve graft depends on axotomy of the donor nerve after end-to-side neurorrhaphy. More efficient attraction and an improved structure of the regenerating axons were achieved when a predegenerated nerve graft was used. Furthermore, a nerve graft may require a certain number of regenerating axons to maintain a nerve-like morphology.

Purpose: This case series illustrates a simplified soft tissue management, namely, the subperiosteal peri-implant augmented layer (SPAL), to increase hard and soft tissue dimensions at the most coronal portion of an implant., Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven implants in 16 patients presenting either a buccal bone dehiscence or a thin (< 1 mm) buccal cortical bone plate (BCBP) were consecutively treated. Briefly, a split-thickness flap (namely, the mucosal layer) was raised on the buccal aspect. Then, the periosteal layer was elevated from the bone crest. A full-thickness flap was elevated on the oral aspect. After implant site preparation, a xenograft was used to fill the space between the periosteal layer and the BCBP and/or exposed implant surface and, if present, to completely correct the bone dehiscence. The periosteal layer was sutured to the oral flap. The mucosal layer was coronally advanced and sutured to submerge both the graft and the implants. At 3 to 6 months, a re-entry procedure for implant exposure was performed., Results: Healing was uneventful, with no signs of infection in all cases. A wound dehiscence was observed in three implants in two patients at 2 weeks postsurgery. Out of 15 implants showing an initial bone dehiscence, 12 implants (80%) showed a complete resolution, with a subperiosteal tissue thickness (SPTT) at the time of re-entry of 3.1 ± 1.0 mm. Three implants presented a residual dehiscence of 1 mm (two implants) or 2 mm (one implant), with a SPTT of at least 2 mm. Out of 12 implants showing a thin BCBP at implant placement, 10 implants (90%) revealed a SPTT ≥ 2 at the time of re-entry. Two implants revealed a SPTT of 1 mm., Conclusion: The SPAL technique represents a valuable simplified surgical approach associated with a low rate of complications in the treatment of peri-implant bone dehiscence and in the horizontal augmentation of peri-implant tissue thickness.

Background: Clinical outcomes suggest that postoncologic reconstruction with fat grafting yields cumulative incidence curves of recurrence comparable to those of other breast reconstruction procedures; however, results from experimental research studies suggest that adipose stem cells can stimulate cancer growth. In this study, a novel animal model of residual cancer was developed in mouse mammary pads to test whether lipofilling impacts the probability of locoregional recurrence of breast cancer after breast conserving surgery., Methods: Mammary fat pads of female NOD-SCID gamma mice were each injected with MCF-7 cells in Matrigel. Tumors were allowed to engraft for 2 weeks, after which time either sterile saline (n = 20) or human fat graft (n = 20) was injected adjacent to tumor sites. After 8 weeks, tumors were assessed for volume measurement, histologic grade, Ki67 positivity, and metastatic spread., Results: Animals receiving lipofilling after tumor cell engraftment had lower tumor volume and mass (p = 0.046 and p = 0.038, respectively). Macroscopic invasion was higher in the saline group. Histologic grade was not significantly different in the two groups (p = 0.17). Ki67 proliferation index was lower in tumors surrounded by fat graft (p = 0.01). No metastatic lesion was identified in any animal., Conclusions: Adipose transfer for breast reconstruction performed in the setting of residual breast tumor in a clinically relevant animal model did not increase tumor size, proliferation, histologic grade, or metastatic spread. This study supports the oncologic safety of lipofilling as part of the surgical platform for breast reconstruction after cancer therapy.

Background: Augmentative forehead contouring to create a full rounded smooth forehead is increasingly popular worldwide especially in East Asia where a flat and/or concave irregular forehead is considered unaesthetic. We present our outcomes performing fat transfer to the forehead in combination with botulinum toxin (Botox) corrugator-frontalis injection where indicated in East Asians., Methods: From 2013 to 2017, 62 consecutive patients with flat and/or concave irregular unaesthetic foreheads underwent forehead fat transfer using a microautologous fat transplantation gun. Concomitant Botox injection to minimize corrugator and frontalis contraction-mediated fat displacement was indicated in 23 patients (thin forehead skin and/or excessive forehead animation or rhytides) to prevent forehead vertical crease formation. Thirty-nine subjects with a mean follow-up of 16 months (range = 3-44 months) had their pregraft and postgraft forehead contours assessed on an aesthetic grading scale. Of these 39, 17 completed forehead fat graft volumetric analysis using preoperative and postoperative 3D photography., Results: Aesthetic results were durable at latest follow-up, and all patients were satisfied with their final appearance. The mean amount of fat transferred was 7.72 mL (range = 1.5-33 mL). One subject required a repeat fat grafting (with Botox) because of vertical crease formation after the index procedure (without Botox). Another 12 needed a second fat-grafting session to optimize the contour. All who received Botox did not develop vertical creases. The mean ± SD forehead contour grade improved from 2.29 ± 0.77 to 3.24 ± 0.67 (P < 0.001). The percentage mean ± SD retention of grafted fat was 46.71% ± 5.77% with Botox versus 39.12% ± 5.24% without Botox (P = 0.006)., Conclusions: Fat grafting to the forehead using our technique with selective Botox administration is an effective, simple, fast, inexpensive, and safe strategy for aesthetic forehead contouring especially for flat and/or concave foreheads. Forehead fat survival rate is objectively improved with simultaneous Botox injection. There is minimum downtime and long-lasting results with high patient satisfaction rates.

Background: External volume expansion improves the survival of adipose tissue grafts by preoperatively conditioning ("preconditioning") tissues that will receive the graft. External volume expansion's mechanisms of action (induction of angiogenesis and of adipogenesis) could improve graft survival also when applied postoperatively ("postconditioning")., Methods: Fifty-six 8-week-old athymic (nu/nu) mice received dorsal subcutaneous grafts of human lipoaspirate (0.3 ml each) bilaterally before undergoing external volume expansion (left dorsum) or no treatment (right dorsum, controls). External volume expansion was started either on the same day of (immediate group), 2 days after (early group), or 1 week after surgery (delayed group). At follow-up, grafts were analyzed for tissue survival, remodeling, adipogenesis, and angiogenesis using histology. The authors subsequently assessed the effects of the delayed application of external volume expansion adopting a foam-shaped interface to deliver the treatment., Results: At 28-day follow-up, delayed postconditioning with external volume expansion significantly improved the survival of grafts (18 percent) compared with controls (viable graft thickness ratio, 58 ± 15 percent versus 49 ± 13 percent) and increased the density of blood vessels within the graft (63 percent; blood vessels per 10× magnification field, 44 ± 12 versus 27 ± 11). Other groups did not experience significant changes. Adoption of external volume expansion with a foam-shaped interface similarly improved outcomes and further reduced fibrosis within the grafts., Conclusions: Postoperative delayed application of external volume expansion modestly improves the survival of adipose tissue grafts by inducing adipogenesis and angiogenesis. Use of a foam-shaped interface decreases the fibrosis induced in the grafts.

Objectives:: Cell therapies using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been proposed as a promising new tool for the treatment of vocal fold scarring. However, the mechanisms by which MSCs promote healing as well as their duration of survival within the host vocal fold have yet to be defined. The aim of this work was to assess the persistence of embedded MSCs within a tissue-engineered vocal fold mucosal replacement in a rabbit model of vocal fold injury., Methods:: Male rabbit adipose-derived MSCs were embedded within a 3-dimensional fibrin gel, forming the cell-based outer vocal fold replacement. Four female rabbits underwent unilateral resection of vocal fold epithelium and lamina propria and reconstruction with cell-based outer vocal fold replacement implantation. Polymerase chain reaction and fluorescent in situ hybridization for the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome (SRY-II) in the sex-mismatched donor-recipient pairs sought persistent cells after 4 weeks., Results:: A subset of implanted male cells was detected in the implant site at 4 weeks. Many SRY-II-negative cells were also detected at the implant site, presumably representing native female cells that migrated to the area. No SRY-II signal was detected in contralateral control vocal folds., Conclusions:: The emergent tissue after implantation of a tissue-engineered outer vocal fold replacement is derived both from initially embedded adipose-derived stromal cells and infiltrating native cells. Our results suggest this tissue-engineering approach can provide a well-integrated tissue graft with prolonged cell activity for repair of severe vocal fold scars.

Background: Breast augmentation surgery with implants is one of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures. Round and anatomical textured implants are employed very often, and fat grafting has proven to be a very useful complementary procedure in breast augmentation. Many authors report a more natural result with anatomical compared to round implants. Nevertheless, anatomical implants can be associated with complications such as implant rotation with subsequent shape distortion. In this article, we propose a combination of high-profile round implants and fat grafting to obtain a natural result analyzing its impact on the aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction., Methods: In this study, we report our personal approach on 31 consecutive patients undergoing primary aesthetic breast augmentation with high-profile round implants and fat grafting. We describe our personal technique of breast augmentation via the periareolar approach and fat grafting. We evaluated short- and medium-term aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction using a 10-point VAS scale., Results: We achieved in all cases high patient satisfaction and good aesthetic outcomes with a "natural" breast shape and a "smoothened" upper pole with low complication rates. The technique is safe, simple, fast, and it leads to high levels of patient satisfaction., Conclusions: Our observations show that the combination of high-profile round implants and fat grafting in aesthetic breast augmentation can improve the aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction as with anatomical implants eliminating the risk of implant rotation., Level of Evidence Iv: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Background: Regenerative medicine potentially offers the opportunity for curing male infertility. Native extracellular matrix (ECM) creates a reconstruction platform to replace the organs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the testis decellularized scaffold as a proper niche for stem cell differentiation toward testis-specific cell lineages., Methods: Rats' testes were decellularized by freeze-thaw cycle followed by immersion in deionized distilled water for 2 h, perfused with 1% Triton X-100 through ductus deferens for 4 h, 1% SDS for 48 h and 1% DNase for 2 h. The decellularized samples were prepared for further in vitro and in vivo analyses., Result: Histochemical and immunohistochemistry studies revealed that ECM components such as Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), neutral carbohydrate, elastic fibers, collagen I & IV, laminin, and fibronectin were well preserved, and the cells were completely removed after decellularization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that 3D ultrastructure of the testis remained intact. In vivo and in vitro studies point out that decellularized scaffold was non-toxic and performed a good platform for cell division. In vivo implant of the scaffolds with or without mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) showed that appropriate positions for transplantation were the mesentery and liver and the scaffolds could induce donor-loaded MSCs or host migrating cells to differentiate to the cells with phenotype of the sertoli- and leydig-like cells. The scaffolds also provide a good niche for migrating DAZL-positive cells; however, they could not differentiate into post meiotic-cell lineages., Conclusion: The decellularized testis can be considered as a promising vehicle to support cell transplantation and may provide an appropriate niche for testicular cell differentiation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of eCG on vascularization and development of feline ovarian tissue xenografted to immunosuppressed mice. Feline ovarian fragments (∼1 mm 3 ) were transplanted under the renal capsule of 20 adult, ovariectomized, C57BL/6 SCID female mice. At 45 d after transplantation, 10 mice (controls) were euthanized and the remainder given 10 IU of eCG (and sacrificed 48 h later). Transplants were recovered immediately after death, fixed, sectioned, and stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). Fragment volume (Cavallieri principle) and vascularization were assessed. Mean xenotransplant volume for control and treatment groups was 0.17 ± 0.03 and 0.37 ± 0.13 mm 3 , respectively (P = 0.0952); vascular volume density, 30.3 ± 11.3 and 49.1 ± 8.9% (P = 0.0281); surface density, 4.1 ± 2.4 and 6.2 ± 1.7 μm -1  (P = 0.2222); and vessel total surface, 0.63 ± 0.24 μm 2 and 2.28 ± 1.05 μm 2  (P = 0.0079). In conclusion, eCG significantly increased vascular volume density of xenotransplanted ovarian tissue and improved its development., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: Biologically derived surgical graft materials come from a variety of sources with varying mechanical properties. This study aimed to evaluate the host response and mechanical performance of two extracellular matrix devices in a large animal preclinical model., Materials & Methods: Bilateral defects were created in the fascia lata of sheep and repaired with either an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or urinary bladder matrix (UBM). After 1 or 3 months, the repair site was explanted for histological and mechanical analysis., Results & Conclusion: Despite pre-implantation mechanical differences, both UBM and ADM demonstrated similar mechanical performance at 3 months. However, UBM was completely remodeled into site-appropriate tissue by 3 months, while ADM showed limited tissue incorporation.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is raising high expectations as a potential target in the fight against metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. BAT utilizes fuels such as fatty acids to maintain body temperature by uncoupling mitochondrial electron transport to produce heat instead of ATP. This process is called thermogenesis. BAT was considered to be exclusive to rodents and human neonates. However, in the last decade several studies have demonstrated that BAT is not only present but also active in adult humans and that its activity is reduced in several pathological conditions, such as aging, obesity, and diabetes. Thus, tremendous efforts are being made by the scientific community to enhance either BAT mass or activity. Several activators of thermogenesis have been described, such as natriuretic peptides, bone morphogenic proteins, or fibroblast growth factor 21. Furthermore, recent studies have tested a therapeutic approach to directly increase BAT mass by the implantation of either adipocytes or fat tissue. This approach might have an important future in regenerative medicine and in the fight against metabolic disorders. Here, we review the emerging field of BAT transplantation including the various sources of mesenchymal stem cell isolation in rodents and humans and the described metabolic outcomes of adipocyte cell transplantation and BAT transplantation in obesity., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Human ear reconstruction is recognized as the emblematic enterprise in tissue engineering. Up to now, it has failed to reach human applications requiring appropriate tissue complexity along with an accessible vascular tree. We hereby propose a new method to process human auricles in order to provide a poorly immunogenic, complex and vascularized ear graft scaffold., Methods: 12 human ears with their vascular pedicles were procured. Perfusion-decellularization was applied using a SDS/polar solvent protocol. Cell and antigen removal was examined by histology and DNA was quantified. Preservation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) was assessed by conventional and 3D-histology, proteins and cytokines quantifications. Biocompatibility was assessed by implantation in rats for up to 60 days. Adipose-derived stem cells seeding was conducted on scaffold samples and with human aortic endothelial cells whole graft seeding in a perfusion-bioreactor., Results: Histology confirmed cell and antigen clearance. DNA reduction was 97.3%. ECM structure and composition were preserved. Implanted scaffolds were tolerated in vivo, with acceptable inflammation, remodeling, and anti-donor antibody formation. Seeding experiments demonstrated cell engraftment and viability., Conclusions: Vascularized and complex auricular scaffolds can be obtained from human source to provide a platform for further functional auricular tissue engineered constructs, hence providing an ideal road to the vascularized composite tissue engineering approach., Statement of Significance: The ear is emblematic in the biofabrication of tissues and organs. Current regenerative medicine strategies, with matrix from donor tissues or 3D-printed, didn't reach any application for reconstruction, because critically missing a vascular tree for perfusion and transplantation. We previously described the production of vascularized and cell-compatible scaffolds, from porcine ear grafts. In this study, we ---- applied findings directly to human auricles harvested from postmortem donors, providing a perfusable matrix that retains the ear's original complexity and hosts new viable cells after seeding. This approach unlocks the ability to achieve an auricular tissue engineering approach, associated with possible clinical translation., (Copyright © 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

While the use of crushed cartilage is now universally recognized as a valid procedure in rhinoplasty to mask irregularities and eliminate slight deficits, there is still no consensus as to the optimal degree of crushing and the rate of graft resorption over time. With a view to casting light on these 2 important aspects and providing some guidelines, the authors present a study of 123 patients subjected to grafts of cartilage with different degrees of crushing in the different areas of the nasal pyramid: upper third (45 patients), middle third (40), and lower third (38). The degree of crushing was medium for 95 patients and high for 28 who presented thinner and less elastic skin. Comparison of the performance over time of the cartilage grafts inserted in the same areas but with different degrees of crushing provides important indications as regard the best way of preparing the material. The results proved satisfactory with improvements for all of the 95 patients subjected to grafts of moderately crushed cartilage. The initial defect was instead still present, albeit with some partial improvement, at a distance of 12 months in 17 of the 28 patients where highly crushed cartilage was used. The study suggests that a moderate degree of crushing offers better results as regard flexibility and stability over time.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions encountered by a podiatric physician. Although most individuals respond well to traditional conservative and surgical remedies, a portion of patients will exhaust all available treatment options and will experience ongoing pain that can ultimately affect their quality of life. There has been an increase in scientific and clinical research surrounding the medical use of human placental membranes (HPMs) and many of these point-of-care allografts are now commercially available. We present the case of a 53-year-old female with chronic plantar fasciitis for whom both conservative therapies and surgical treatments of 1 year's duration had previously failed. After open revision with implantation of viable intact cryopreserved human placental membrane (vCPM; Grafix ® , Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., Columbia, MD), the patient was able to resume her full-work duty with minimal symptoms at the 12- and 24-month follow-up examinations. This case report highlights the use of HPMs as an adjunct approach in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis and the need for continued research., (Copyright © 2017 The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Tissue engineered (or bioengineered) tracheas are alternative options under investigation when the resection with end-to-end anastomosis cannot be performed. One approach to develop bioengineered tracheas is a complex process that involves the use of decellularized tissue scaffolds, followed by recellularization in custom-made tracheal bioreactors. Tracheas withstand pressure variations and their biomechanics are of great importance so that they do not collapse during respiration, although there has been no preferred method of mechanical assay of tracheas among several laboratories over the years. These methods have been performed in segments or whole tracheas and in different species of mammals. This article aims to present some methods used by different research laboratories to evaluate the mechanics of tracheal grafts and presents the importance of the tracheal biomechanics in both macro and micro scales. If bioengineered tracheas become a reality in hospitals in the next few years, the standardization of biomechanical parameters will be necessary for greater consistency of results before transplantations., (© 2017 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: It is hypothesized that decellularization of allografts used for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction may result in decreased valve deterioration. This study compared the durability of fresh decellularized pulmonary allografts with standard cryopreserved pulmonary allografts in patients undergoing the Ross procedure., Methods: The Ross procedure was performed in 144 patients with decellularized allografts (DA) from 2005 to 2014 and in 619 with standard cryopreserved allografts (SCA) from 1990 to 2014. Propensity score matching was used to compare early and midterm clinical outcome and echocardiographic allograft function over time between the two groups., Results: We matched 94 DA patients (79.3% male; median age, 34.0 years; mean follow-up, 2.4 ± 1.9 years) to 94 SCA patients (78.3% male; median age, 35.0 years; mean follow-up, 9.4 ± 4.2 years). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics after matching. The matched DA vs SCA groups, respectively, were comparable in actuarial 5-year freedom from allograft dysfunction (85.6% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 53.9% to 96.2%] vs 93.3% [95% CI, 85.7% to 96.9%], p = 0.892), freedom from allograft reintervention (98.8% [95% CI, 91.7% to 99.8%] vs 95.5% [95% CI, 88.5% to 98.3%], p = 0.383), survival (95.3% [95% CI, 87.8% to 98.2%] vs 97.7% [95% CI, 91.3% to 99.4%], p = 0.323), and event-free survival (83.5% [95% CI, 70.6% to 91.1%] vs 84.5% [95% CI, 75.2% to 90.5%], p = 0.515). Longitudinal echocardiographic analyses showed a similarly modest increase in allograft gradient and regurgitation grades over time in both groups, although direct statistical comparison was not possible., Conclusions: Up to 5 years of follow-up, DA and SCA used for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in the Ross procedure are associated with comparably excellent clinical and hemodynamic outcome. Longer follow-up and dedicated echocardiographic studies will shed light on the long-term performance of DAs., (Copyright © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the surgical use of plasma rich in growth factors fibrin membrane (mPRGF) in different ocular surface pathologies.Fifteen patients with different corneal and conjunctival diseases were included in the study. Patients were grouped according to the use of mPRGF as graft (corneal and/or conjunctival) or dressing; they were also grouped according to the surgical subgroup of intervention (persistent corneal ulcer [PCU], keratoplasty, superficial keratectomy, corneal perforation, and pterygium). Best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), inflammation control time (ICT), mPRGF AT (PRGF membrane absorption time), and the healing time of the epithelial defect (HTED) were evaluated throughout the clinical follow-up time. Safety assessment was also performed reporting all adverse events.mPRGF showed a total closure of the defect in 13 of 15 patients (86.7%) and a partial closure in 2 patients (13.3%). The mean follow-up time was 11.1 ± 4.2 (4.8-22.8) months, the mean ICT was 2.5 ± 1.1 (1.0-4.0) months, the mean mPRGF AT was 12.4 ± 2.0 (10.0-16.0) days, and for the global HTED the mean was 2.9 ± 1.2 (1-4.8) months. Results showed an improvement in BCVA in all patients, with an overall improvement of 2.9 in Vision Lines. The BCVA significantly improved (P < .05) in the groups of corneal graft and dressing. In the PCU subgroup (6 patients), the healing time of epithelial defect was significantly reduced (P < .05) in patients treated only with the mPRGF in comparison to those which mPRGF therapy was associated to the amniotic membrane. The IOP remained stable (P > .05) throughout the clinical follow-up time. No adverse events were reported after mPRGF use.The mPRGF is effective and safe as coadjuvant treatment in surgeries related with ocular surface disorders, being an alternative to the use of amniotic membrane. The mPRGF accelerates tissue regeneration after ocular surface surgery thus minimizing inflammation and fibrosis.

Primary manifestations of facial aging are the reduction in subcutaneous tissue volume, especially the atrophy of fat as well as bone volume depletion which directly contribute to loss of support and laxity of the skin. Depressions and hollows develop with a visible disruption of the cosmetic facial aesthetic units resulting in harsh shadows. This is especially evident in the eyebrow and temporal regions which accentuate the appearance of brow ptosis and a hollow, almost cadaveric look to the temple. Restoration of volume to these areas has been shown to rejuvenate the upper face creating a softer, fuller, and more youthful appearance. Fat grafting by itself or in combination with upper facial surgical procedures plays a major role in the restoration of youthful facial qualities in this region., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Periorbital aging is mainly a product of volume loss, which can be addressed with fillers and/or fat grafting. This stands in contrast to the lower face where a lifting procedure can be the principal method to improve moderate-to-significant aging. New models to explain these concepts of periorbital rejuvenation to both the surgeon and the prospective patient are outlined herein, namely, three facial halos (around the eyes, around the perimeter of the face, and around the mouth) and asymmetric triangles around the eyes. Specific techniques for fillers and fat grafting are also covered separately in detail in this article., Competing Interests: None., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Background: Scarring is the product of natural restoration, yet its treatment remains challenging. Both collagen and fibroblasts are abnormally abundant in scars, leading to scar hyperplasia or contracture. Several clinical studies have reported that wrinkles at the recipient site are reduced, pores are narrowed, pigmentation is decreased, and skin is softened after autologous fat transplantation. In this study, we investigated the ability of autologous chyle fat injection to normalize the fibroblasts and collagen of scar tissue in 80 adult patients with hypertrophic scars resulting from severe burns received more than 1 year previously., Methods: The patients underwent autologous chyle fat injection, and scar samples were collected at different time points. Differences in the number of adipocytes before and after chylosis were assessed by cell culture, and changes in the structural organization of the scars were detected via histologic and immunohistochemical analyses., Results: After preparation, the chyle fat contained few autologous adipocytes and large amounts of extracellular matrix. Following the injection of chyle fat, the thickness, color, and elasticity of hypertrophic scar tissue tended toward normalization, and patient satisfaction increased. The three adipose tissue donor sites used for the preparation of chyle fat were the abdomen, buttocks, and inner thigh, of which the inner thigh yielded the best therapeutic outcomes. The density and quantity of fibroblasts in the scars decreased following the injection of chyle fat, and the arrangement, quantity, and shape of type III collagen fibers tended toward normalization. After three treatments, the results of immunohistochemical staining showed that type III collagen was significantly less abundant than before treatment., Conclusions: Autologous chyle fat transplantation has a good therapeutic effect on hypertrophic scar tissue. The injection of chyle fat into hypertrophic scar tissue reduced the density and quantity of fibroblasts and prompted the arrangement, quantity, and shape of type III collagen to normalize.

There is no report to investigate the histology and biomechanical strength of remodeled tendon-to-bone junction more than 6 months after patch grafting with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on rotator cuff defect. We investigated those 12 months after surgery and hypothesized that a new native enthesis is not regenerated and the biomechanical strength is inferior to normal control. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent ADM patch grafting for the rotator cuff defect. Quantitative histological analysis, immunohistochemical analysis for collagen type I and III, and biomechanical testing were performed 12 months after surgery. The controls were unoperated age-matched rats. In the grafted rats, the collagen arrangement was more irregular and the fibrocartilage layer was smaller at the tendon-bone interface than in the controls although dense collagen fibers in the remodeled tendon were observed; the number of chondrocytes, the percentage of chondrocytes aligned in rows, and the area of the fibrocartilage layer were significantly smaller than in the control group (p = 0.0252, 0.0039, and 0.0252, respectively). Grafted specimens showed significantly lower collagen organization in the midsubstance and tendon-bone interface than the controls (p = 0.0252 and 0.0374, respectively). Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the remodeled tendon fibers were stained more strongly for type III than type I. At 12 months postoperatively, the ultimate load to failure was significantly lower in the graft group than normal control (p = 0.0026); that was 47.8% of normal controls. 12 months after rotator cuff patch grafting with ADM, the formation of a new enthesis grossly resembled the native structure but there was poor cellular organization and the biomechanical strength of remodeled tendon-to-bone was only 48% of normal controls. Advances in tissue engineering and postoperative rehabilitation are needed to promote the healing process after rotator cuff patch grafting., (Copyright © 2017 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Proper surgical techniques can permit treatment of multiple gingival recession defects without altering the visible gingival pigmentation. In this case report, a patient presented with multiple adjacent sites displaying gingival recession. Natural pigmentation was present in the interdental papillae and in the zone of keratinized gingiva. This patient wanted his natural pigmentation to be preserved. A modified tunnel technique was used to avoid traumatizing the pigmented tissues and allow placement of a large graft. A double layer of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was implanted and the gingival complex was relocated coronally. Root coverage and preservation of the natural gingival pigmentation were achieved. The use of the modified tunnel technique with a double layer of ADM can preserve natural gingival pigmentation when treating adjacent gingival recession defects.

Study Question: Is transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue from patients with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) a safe procedure?, Summary Answer: BOT cells were found in frozen-thawed and xenografted ovarian tissue in 1 of 11 BOT patients., What Is Known Already: The risk of reintroducing malignant cells upon ovarian tissue transplantation has been subject of debate for many years. Reimplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue from leukemia patients is unsafe, while results from studies of cryopreserved ovarian tissue from other forms of cancer, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, are reassuring., Study Design, Size, Duration: Prospective experimental study conducted in an academic research unit using ovarian tissue from 11 patients undergoing cryopreservation for BOTs., Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for mucin 1 (MUC1) and cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and molecular analysis by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for CK7 and MUC1 were performed on frozen-thawed ovarian tissue from 11 patients. Long-term (5 months) xenografting of ovarian tissue in immunodeficient mice was performed. The xenografts were analyzed by histology, IHC and RT-qPCR, furthermore IHC for CD10, a marker of endometriosis, was performed on a selected sample., Main Results and the Role of Chance: Analysis by histology, IHC and RT-qPCR indicated 10 of the ovarian tissue samples were negative. Analysis of the xenograft samples indicated nine were negative for malignant cells but in two xenografts glandular lesions were detected by histology. In these two xenografts, CK7 and MUC1 markers were demonstrated by IHC and CK7 expression also by RT-qPCR. A BOT was confirmed in the xenograft in which the original ovarian tissue was positive, while in the other case IHC demonstrated expression of endometriosis marker CD10., Limitations, Reasons for Caution: Cryopreserved ovarian fragments cannot be tested before transplantation, therefore the preimplantation analysis cannot guarantee that all cryopreserved fragments will be free of BOT cells., Wider Implications of the Findings: BOT cells can be found in cryopreserved ovarian tissue from BOT patients, therefore preimplantation analysis is an absolute prerequisite. Endometriosis can also be detected in cryopreserved ovarian tissue and caution should also be exercised in this scenario., Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This study was supported by grants from the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique de Belgique (FNRS-PDR Convention T.0077.14, Télévie Grant 7.4590.16 awarded to Rossella Masciangelo, and Grant 5/4/150/5 awarded to Marie-Madeleine Dolmans), the Fonds Speciaux de Recherche, and the Foundation Against Cancer. None of the authors have any conflicting interests to declare., (© The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com)

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of seeding the distal nerve suture with nerve fragments in rats., Methods: On 20 rats, a 15 mm sciatic nerve defect was reconstructed with a nerve autograft. In the Study Group (10 rats), a minced 1 mm nerve segment was seeded around the nerve suture. In the Control Group (10 rats), a nerve graft alone was used. At 4 and 12 weeks, a walking track analysis with open field test (WTA), hystomorphometry (number of myelinated fibers (n), fiber density (FD) and fiber area (FA) and soleus and gastrocnemius muscle weight ratios (MWR) were evaluated. The Student t-test was used for statistical analysis., Results: At 4 and 12 weeks the Study Group had a significantly higher n and FD (p = .043 and .033). The SMWR was significantly higher in the Study Group at 12 weeks (p = .0207)., Conclusions: Seeding the distal nerve suture with nerve fragments increases the number of myelinated fibers, the FD and the SMWR. The technique seems promising and deserves further investigation to clarify the mechanisms involved and its functional effects.

Study Question: Do two different concentrations of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) embedded inside a fibrin scaffold have the potential to differentiate into vessels and aid vascularization in a peritoneal grafting site intended for ovarian tissue transplantation?, Summary Answer: Human ASCs in low and high concentrations differentiated into vessels when transplanted to mouse peritoneum inside a fibrin matrix, but only high ASC concentrations significantly increased human vessel area 14 days after transplantation., What Is Known Already: ASCs have multilineage differentiation potential, including proangiogenic properties and have been used in tissue engineering to enhance vascularization in transplanted tissues. Fibrin has been studied and used as an ASC-compatible biomaterial., Study Design, Size, Duration: In vivo experimental model using 22 severe combined immunodeficient mice. In total, 16 mice (eight per group) were intraperitoneally grafted with a fibrin scaffold loaded with two different human ASC concentrations (either 150 000 [L-ASC] or 1 500 000 [H-ASC] cells) and lithium phthalocyanine (LiPc) crystals as oxygen-sensitive probes. Six mice were grafted with an empty fibrin (EF) implant containing only LiPc and served as controls. Levels of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in implants were monitored in vivo by electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry (EPR). ASC identification, proliferation, and host and human vascularization were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). All analyses were performed on post-grafting Days 3, 7 and 14., Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Prospective experimental study conducted at the Gynecology Research Unit, Université Catholique de Louvain. All materials were used to perform pO2 measurements (EPR oximetry), as well as histological (hematoxylin-eosin staining) and IHC (anti-human vimentin, anti-human Ki67, anti-mouse and human double CD34) analyses., Main Results and the Role of Chance: A significant increase in pO2 in implants was observed in all groups between Days 3 and 7 (P < 0.001). ASC-loaded implants displayed a tendency towards increased pO2 levels from Days 7 to 14, not observed in EF implants. ASC-loaded implants showed differentiation into human CD34-positive vessels. Total CD34-positive endothelial area was correlated to pO2 values obtained by EPR oximetry (r = 0.6506, P = 0.0019). In the H-ASC group, a greater human CD34-positive vascular surface area was found compared to the L-ASC group 14 days after transplantation (P < 0.0049)., Large Scale Data: N/A., Limitations Reasons for Caution: As demonstrated by our results, ASCs transplanted inside a fibrin matrix can differentiate into CD34-positive human vessels. However, other possible mechanisms involved in ASC angiogenic behavior remain to be investigated., Wider Implications of the Findings: High concentrations of ASCs loaded inside a fibrin scaffold could serve as a substrate to prepare a peritoneal grafting site over 14 days, in order to enhance vascularization once human ovarian tissue is grafted. Our proposed preparation of the grafting site would not only benefit ovarian tissue transplantation, but also other experimental avascular grafting procedures., Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This study was supported by grants from the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique de Belgique (FNRS-PDR Convention T.0077.14, Télévie Grant no. 7.6515.16F awarded to DDM and Grant 5/4/150/5 awarded to M.M.D. [CAA is FRS-FNRS research associate]), Fonds Spéciaux de Recherche, and Fondation St Luc, Foundation Against Cancer, and donations from the Ferrero family. None of the authors have any competing interests to declare., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com)

Tissue transplantation is an important tool for in vivo studies of pattern organization and axis establishment or maintenance in planarians. Further, transplants can inform on cell movements under different regenerative conditions or genetic backgrounds. Here, we detail classical grafting strategies that have been variously employed in planarian research over the last few decades. These protocols remain similarly useful for addressing current and future questions in the field and the step-by-step protocol that we provide allows facile adaptation of this important method into the experimental repertoire of a laboratory.

Introduction: Hair transplant surgery is a minimally invasive surgery, where hair follicle is transplanted from donor area of patient's own body to the desired area., Methods: Patient with hair transplant surgery from a clinic were followed up for one year. The patients were asked for their complications within 2 days, 7 days, one month, 2 to 6 months and one year for assessment of results, side effects. At the end of one-year, subjective evaluation was done with patient's satisfaction to growth as- poor growth, satisfactory and good growth., Results: Out of 152 patients, maximum patients 74 (48.6%) were in age group 21-30, followed by 61 (40.01%) in age group 31-40, mean age was 31.79, youngest being 21 years and oldest being 70 years of age. Among the complications, swelling of forehead was in more than two- thirds of the patients 106 (69.74%), followed by temporary hair fall noted in 65 (42.76%) of patients. Clients' remarks noted at the end on one-year revealed 86.18% as excellent results, 11.84% as satisfactory and 1.97% as poor results., Conclusions: Hair transplant sugary by FUE is a relatively safe surgery with optimum results and minimum complications, which can be useful to patients with androgenetic alopecia.

Here, we report a case of gingival fenestration requiring periodontal plastic surgery. The patient was a 32-year-old man presenting with the chief complaint of esthetic impairment and gingival twitching due to gingival fenestration. Baseline examination revealed localized periodontal breakdown, including gingival fenestration in the lower right central incisor (#41). Periodontal examination revealed 3% of sites with a probing depth of ≥4 mm and 8.9% with bleeding on probing. Radiographic examination revealed vertical bone loss in #15 and 36, together with buccal fenestration in #41. Based on a clinical diagnosis of chronic periodontitis with gingival fenestration, initial periodontal therapy comprised plaque control and scaling and root planing. Following suppression of inflammation, occlusal adjustment was performed in the anterior teeth. As plastic surgery, combined use of an elevated flap and a connective tissue graft was applied at #41. Following reevaluation, the patient was placed on maintenance care. The patient's periodontal condition has remained stable over a 6-month period.

Introduction: The unilateral cleft lip nose is characterized by numerous complex and interdependent deformities. Secondary rhinoplasty techniques aim to correct cleft lip nose deformities by using multiple maneuvers combining septum and nasal spine medialization and alar cartilage, as well as soft tissue mobilization and repositioning. Moreover, cartilage grafting is frequently used to restore adequate tip projection and nasal symmetry. We present a technique of cartilage grafting commonly used in noncleft rhinoplasties that we modified for cases of moderate cleft lip nose deformities., Patients and Methods: We present a retrospective case study of 21 patients with moderate unilateral cleft lip nose deformities who underwent secondary septorhinoplasty with an L-shaped septal extension spreader graft combined with alar rim, alar batten graft, and soft tissue repositioning. Exclusion criteria were severe or complex septal deviation avoiding a stable fixation of the graft. Mean follow-up time was 28 months. Surgical outcomes were analyzed by anthropometric measurements of standardized preoperative and postoperative photographs., Results: All parameters improved except for the nostril height. The height between the alar base and the dome defining dome symmetry, as well as the angles between the lower lateral cartilage and the alar base (α) defining the orientation of the alar rim, improved significantly. The mean ratios of cleft/noncleft side of the height between the alar base and the dome and α showed statistically significant improvements from 0.833 (preoperative) to 0.994 (postoperative) (P < 0.0001) and from 0.883 to 1.02 (P = 0.0038), respectively., Conclusions: The L-shaped septal extension spreader graft combined with alar batten graft and soft tissue repositioning is an option for secondary rhinoplasties in unilateral cleft lip nose deformities minimizing tip rigidity with significant improvement of the dome's height and its symmetry, as well as the alar side angle.

Background: Fat grafting is a commonly performed procedure not only for augmenting the soft tissue but also for regeneration in esthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.However, unpredictable fat survival rate because of high resorption rate is remained as the main problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pretreatment of the recipient site to the fat survival using fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser., Methods: The rats were divided to 2 groups. Inguinal fat pads of rats were transplanted to the dorsum without pretreatment in the control group. The study group was preconditioned by fractional CO2 laser to the recipient site 1 week before fat graft.The pulse energy was set to 100 mJ. Transplanted fat tissues were harvested at postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 and were analyzed morphologically, histologically, and immunohistochemically., Results: Weight and volume in the control group was more decreased than in the study group at postoperative day 28. Histological evaluation showed less inflammation, less fibrosis, less vacuolization, and better integrity of adipocytes. Immunohistologically, microvessel density in the study group was higher than in the control group (P < 0.05) at postoperative day 1. Survival rate in the study group was higher than in the control group at postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14 (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Pretreatment of recipient site using fractional CO2 laser helped vascularization in the early stage in fat graft and solved the ischemic condition, so it improved fat survival rate.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening infection requiring extensive debridement that may necessitate amputation. Free tissue transfer (FTT) is an option for reconstruction in difficult cases. Currently, only case reports have described FTT in the setting of NF, and comprehensive evidence on flap outcomes is lacking. The present study characterizes outcomes in patients with FTT following NF., Methods: All patients admitted with NF between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2011 to our level 1 burns/trauma referral center were retrospectively reviewed., Results: No significant difference was found in patient demographics between FTT (n=12) and no FTT (n=212). Both groups had the same number of operations, same length of ICU stay, and length of hospitalization. The flaps used were 10 anterolateral thigh, 1 latissimus dorsi and 1 radial forearm. Recipient sites included: upper extremities (6), lower extremities (4), head/neck (1), and genitalia (1). No flap failures and no take-back operations were required. Upper extremities comprised 58.3% of FTT patients compared to 18.9% (p=0.004) in non-FTT patients. Flap operations occurred a mean of 11.6days post-admission with 1.1 operations prior to FTT. Mean FTT size was 213cm 2 . Flap complications included seroma (n=1), hematoma (n=1). Donor site complications included hematoma (n=1), exposed tendon (n=1) and necrosis (n=1)., Conclusions: This study demonstrates that FTT provides a promising reconstructive option in the setting of NF without adversely affecting patient outcome., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Reconstruction of ureteral defects and strictures remains problematic for urologists. We aimed to investigate the possibility of a tapered non-vascularized bladder graft as a novel substitute for ureteral reconstruction., Methods: This experimental study was conducted on nine beagles. Under general anesthesia, a full-thickness graft with 5-6 cm in length was disassociated from the anterior upper wall of the bladder, and tapered into 1/3 to 1/2 thickness, remaining the urothelial surface. After removal of 5 cm of right-sided mid-ureter, the tapered bladder graft was tubularized along the long axis and then respectively anastomosed to the upper and lower stumps of the ureter. A retrograde urography through a cystostomy was performed 8 weeks after the ureteral reconstruction. The animals were euthanized, and histopathologic examinations of the neoureters were performed., Results: There were no severe complications during postoperative follow-up. The urography indicated patent urine excretion and no fistula or stenosis. Histopathologic examinations of the neoureters showed open lumen with urothelial lining. Nutrient vessels were observed in healthy submucosa, lamina muscularis and peripheral connective tissue., Conclusions: Our study implied that ureteral reconstruction by a tapered non-vascularized bladder graft was anatomically possible in our animal model. Further studies are expected to confirm long-term and functional outcomes.

Background: Cell-assisted lipotransfer is a novel technique for fat grafting. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of cell-assisted lipotransfer technology compared with conventional fat grafting., Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, related articles in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library were systematically searched. Studies focusing on fat survival rate and/or patient satisfaction rate for fat grafting alone versus cell-assisted lipotransfer were retrieved. Estimated fat survival and patient satisfaction rates were pooled. Subgroup analysis was stratified by the transplant site. Publication bias was conducted. Furthermore, the stability of results was assessed by sensitivity analysis., Results: Nine articles were included in the meta-analysis. Significant heterogeneity was observed among individual studies for fat survival rate assessment (I 2  = 98.3%, P < 0.001). The fat survival rate was significantly higher in the cell-assisted lipotransfer group than in the control group [weighted mean difference = 25.85, 95% confidence interval 5.39-46.31; P = 0.013]. Notably, results remained unchanged in the sensitivity analyses. No significant difference was found in the patient satisfaction rate between the cell-assisted lipotransfer and control groups [odds ratio = 3.69, 95% confidence interval 0.73-18.53; P = 0.113]. In subgroup analysis, a significantly higher patient satisfaction rate was found in cell-assisted lipotransfer fat graft group in the face (odds ratio = 18.85, 95% confidence interval 9.03, 28.68; P < 0.001) and arm (odds ratio = 64.60, 95% confidence interval 58.79, 70.41; P < 0.001) than in the controls. Finally, no significant publication bias was found (P = 0.371)., Conclusion: This study suggests that cell-assisted lipotransfer is superior to conventional lipoinjection with improved fat survival rate. However, the long-term efficacy should be evaluated in further studies.

The current gold standard treatment for peripheral nerve injury is nerve grafting but this has disadvantages such as donor site morbidity. New techniques focus on replacing these grafts with nerve conduits enhanced with growth factors and/or various cell types such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Dental-MSCs (D-MSCs) including stem cells obtained from apical papilla (SCAP), dental pulp stem cells (DPSC), and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) are potential sources of MSCs for nerve repair. Here we present the characterization of various D-MSCs from the same human donors for peripheral nerve regeneration. SCAP, DPSC and PDLSC expressed BDNF, GDNF, NGF, NTF3, ANGPT1 and VEGFA growth factor transcripts. Conditioned media from D-MSCs enhanced neurite outgrowth in an in vitro assay. Application of neutralizing antibodies showed that brain derived neurotrophic factor plays an important mechanistic role by which the D-MSCs stimulate neurite outgrowth. SCAP, DPSC and PDLSC were used to treat a 10 mm nerve gap defect in a rat sciatic nerve injury model. All the stem cell types significantly enhanced axon regeneration after two weeks and showed neuroprotective effects on the dorsal root ganglia neurons. Overall the results suggested SCAP to be the optimal dental stem cell type for peripheral nerve repair.

Revision rhinoplasties and saddle nose deformities usually require grafting for reconstruction. Between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2017, autologous rib grafts were used in 127 secondary and tertiary rhinoplasty patients [(57/127 females) and (70/127 males)]. Osseous-cartilaginous rib grafts (OCRGs) were divided into three parts (i.e., 1/3 upper peripheral, 1/3 central, and 1/3 lower peripheral). The harvested OCRGs were also shaped as vertical strips using a number 11 scalpel blade. These OCRGs were shaped to form the L-strut cartilaginous graft (LSCGs), osseous-cartilaginous spreader grafts (OCSGs), osseous-cartilaginous onlay grafts, nasal valve grafts (NVGs), and lower lateral cartilaginous grafts (LLCGs). The upper peripheral portion of the rib was usually used as an onlay graft for dorsal reshaping. The shape of this part was minimally convex after being cut from the main graft, and the convex shape was very appropriate for use as an onlay graft. The middle portion of the graft that consisted of the osseous and cartilaginous structure was used for the OCSGs. The middle portion of the graft that contained only cartilage was used for the LSCGs, NVGs, and LLCGs. OCRGs were used for the dorsal, alar, septal, upper lateral, and columellar struts for all patients. OCSGs were used for all of the septal grafts to provide further stability. In the nasal valve failure patients, the rib cartilage was fixed onto the lower lateral and upper lateral cartilage and was sutured using polyglactin to improve nasal valve function. One edge of the graft was sutured over the septum, and the other edge was positioned against the maxillary crest to allow for air flow at the nasal valve. After an OCSG was sutured to the septum, a flat and smooth dorsum was shaped before the dorsal onlay graft was placed and fixed. The bone fragments of the grafts that consisted of spreader and onlay grafts were tied to the radix nasi bone without any space. After 6 months of follow-up, a minimally warping defect was apparent in 8 patients but none of these patients requested another surgery. The analysis of the questionnaire responses revealed that >90% of the patients were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. Level of evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Background: Any surgical procedure aims at protecting mobile segments at the operated level, and the sagittal balance of the columna vertebralis. Interbody fusion has become an often applied technique in anterior cervical discectomy., Objective: To indicate that a minimally invasive technique in which we use interbody fat graft placement showed great results and effectiveness, especially in patients who were suffering from cervical paramedian disc herniation., Methods: In this study, 432 patients were observed from 2000 to 2013. All these consecutive patients had paramedian disc herniation. The initial 239 patients (group 1) underwent microdiscectomy without graft placement, whereas the remaining 193 patients (group 2) had a microdiscectomy with interbody fat graft insertion. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. They were followed up for 5.3 years (range 2-13 years)., Results: Spontaneous radiological fusion was noticed in 12% of group 1 patients and none of the group 2 patients. It has been observed that the mean overall cervical curvature (C2-7) angles and segmental lordosis did not change significantly in late follow-up findings. During both early and late follow-ups, all patients indicated a decreasing NDI score, but in late follow-up, an improving SF-36 score., Conclusion: This surgical technique provides good direct decompression and preserves mobility at the treated level, while preventing disc collapse., (Copyright © 2017 by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons)

For a number of years, a volumetric approach using autologous fat injection has been implemented to improve cosmetic outcome in face-lift procedures and to achieve lasting rejuvenation. Autologous fat as filling tissue has been used in plastic surgery since the late 19th century, but has only recently been associated to face lift procedures. The interest of the association lies on the one hand in the pathophysiology of facial aging, involving skin sag and loss of volume, and on the other hand in the tissue induction properties of grafted fat, "rejuvenating" the injected area. The strict methodology consisting in harvesting, treating then injecting an autologous fat graft is known as LipoStructure ® or lipofilling. We here describe the technique overall, then region by region. It is now well known and seems simple, effective and reproducible, but is nevertheless delicate. For each individual, it is necessary to restore a harmonious face with well-distributed volumes. By associating volumetric to the face lift procedure, the plastic surgeon plays a new role: instead of being a tailor, cutting away excess skin, he or she becomes a sculptor, remodeling the face to restore the harmony of youth., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)