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Currently, most burn models for preclinical testing are on animals. For obvious ethical, anatomical, and physiological reasons, these models could be replaced with optimized ex vivo systems. The creation of a burn model on human skin using a pulsed dye laser could represent a relevant model for preclinical research. Six samples of excess human abdominal skin were obtained within one hour after surgery. Burn injuries were induced on small samples of cleaned skin using a pulsed dye laser on skin samples, at varying fluences, pulse numbers and illumination duration. In total, 70 burn injuries were performed on skin ex vivo before being histologically and dermato-pathologically analyzed. Irradiated burned skin samples were classified with a specified code representing burn degrees. Then, a selection of samples was inspected after 14 and 21 days to assess their capacity to heal spontaneously and re-epithelize. We determined the parameters of a pulsed dye laser inducing 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd degree burns on human skin and with fixed parameters, especially superficial and deep 2 nd degree burns. After 21 days with the ex vivo model, neo-epidermis was formed. Our results showed that this simple, rapid, user-independent process creates reproducible and uniform burns of different, predictable degrees that are close to clinical reality. Human skin ex vivo models can be an alternative to and complete animal experimentation, particularly for preclinical large screening. This model could be used to foster the testing of new treatments on standardized degrees of burn injuries and thus improve therapeutic strategies.

Purpose Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are classified as macrocystic, microcystic or mixed. Treatment depends on their characteristics: surgery, sclerotherapy, both combined, systemic treatment or observation. This study aims to analyze the surgical and interventional management of LMs in children over the last two decades in our university hospital. Methods Management of children born with LMs between 2000 and 2019 was reviewed. Parameters collected were: malformation characteristics, type of treatment, symptoms, imaging, timing of diagnosis and first treatment, number of interventions, recovery rate, complications and length of stay. Results Files of 48 children were reviewed: 27 with macrocystic and 21 with microcystic LMs. There was no statistically significant difference in type of treatment except for combined treatment, more performed in microcystic LMs (p = 0.04). Symptoms, imaging, timing of diagnosis and first treatment, number of interventions and complications were not statistically significant. Overall, the number of surgeries was lower than sclerotherapies (p = 0.04). Recovery rate after surgery was higher in macrocystic LMs (p = 0.01). Complications and length of stay were not statistically significant. Conclusion A good rate of recovery was observed when surgery was performed, with no significant increase in complications and length of stay. A prospective study will be determinant to create a decisional algorithm for children with LMs.

Introduction: Primary encephalocele is a rare deformity that is challenging for the neurosurgeon. It requires a multidisciplinary team for adequate reconstructive surgery. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 6-month-old African boy who presented with a frontoethmoidal encephalocele; we present a technical description of the surgical procedure, using no implant. Discussion/Conclusion: The postoperative evolution of the boy was uneventful, with a good clinical result at the follow-up.

Background: Systemic fungal infections are an important mortality factor when considering severely burned patients. Preventive topical pharmacotherapeutic management of deep fungal infections remains of secondary concern when initially treating a burn victim, despite high inherent lethal risks. Indeed, the possible subsequent invasions of newly accessible deep tissues and bone by opportunistic fungi often prove fatal. Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent of choice for infections in burn victims. Intravenous administration is limited by drug-related nephrotoxicity. Novel topical Amphotericin B preparations to be applied in burn centers would therefore limit the systemic adverse effects of the active principle while preventing dissemination of sensitive pathogens and thus help reducing infectious and drug-related mortality. Objective: To establish the need for new topical pharmacotherapeutic management options to treat burn wound fungal infections and conceptually determine the applicability of liposomal Amphotericin B for such cases. Methods: Experimental liposomal Amphotericin B was prepared with commercial components and tested in vitro in our mycology laboratory to determine efficacy, stability and potential for topical application on our burn patients. Results: Data showed equivalent or superior in vitro activity of liposomal Amphotericin B versus unbound drug against Aspergillus fumigatus and superior physical and pharmacologic effect stability over time. Conclusion: Topical and relatively inexpensive liposomal Amphotericin B as described in this work is an interesting, potentially mortality-reducing candidate regarding fungal infections in early and severe burn wound management.

Acute musculoskeletal injuries in large animals such as horses or camels often result in productivity losses and euthanasia in racing, esthetic or stock animal industries. Bioengineered products for tissue reconstruction and wound healing may supplement traditional veterinary surgical care synergistically. Banked primary fetal progenitor cells can potentially be used towards structural and functional therapeutic restoration in condensed timeframes. Extensive clinical experience exists in our University Hospital working with dermal progenitor fibroblasts for managing burns, donor site grafts and ulcers. By extrapolation, the present study assessed suitability of equine fetal progenitor cell sources for biotechnological processing, robust cell banking and application in tissue engineering strategies for hippiatric regenerative medicine. Diverse fetal equine musculoskeletal tissues were obtained and processed under defined frameworks and protocols for standardized and optimized tiered cell bank establishment and characterization. Consistency, safety and cyto-compatibility of progeny cells with therapeutic delivery systems were assessed. Finally, optimized hippiatric cell therapy protocols were applied for preliminary safety assessments and promoting musculoskeletal wound healing in four equine subjects. Equine progenitor cells were found to optimally adapt to standardized biotechnological processing, rapid extensive cell banking and consistent therapeutic construct bioengineering. Clinical applications of equine allogeneic cell therapies in large animals yielded preliminary evidence of safety and facilitated volumetric defect reconstruction or wound healing. Gathered experience around veterinary wound management using progenitor cells proved highly similar to therapeutic care of human patients suffering acute and chronic musculoskeletal affections. Standardized processing of a single organ donation and establishment of dedicated equine cell banks allows consistent and off-the-freezer allogeneic treatments to potentially be made available for millions of veterinary patients. Prior art in human translational regenerative medicine and preliminary evidence in veterinary settings strongly support the candidacy of equine progenitor cell banking as an optimal tool for efficient therapeutic management of diverse hippiatric musculoskeletal affections.

Skeletal muscle tissue engineering constitutes an emerging therapeutic repair strategy aiming for structural and functional restoration following traumatic injury, deep burns, congenital malformation or surgical tumor removal. As for similar musculoskeletal acute and degenerative affections, allogenic progenitor cell therapy represents a promising clinical approach to synergistically supplement traditional surgical care. Preliminary studies have established the adequation of primary human fetal muscle progenitors (hFMPs) for applications in regenerative medicine. Such therapeutic cell sources combined with bioresorbable scaffolds optimally integrate in murine muscle injury models without causing immune rejection. The present work aimed at functional recovery assessment following standardized application of hFMPs in an optimized murine skeletal muscle wound model. Cryopreserved hFMPs were initiated and culture-expanded before seeding in equine collagen scaffolds. Gastrocnemius muscles of C57BL/6 mice were injured following a standardized protocol.

The objective of this review is to describe the evolution of lung tissue-derived diploid progenitor cell applications, ranging from historical biotechnological substrate functions for vaccine production and testing to current investigations around potential therapeutic use in respiratory tract regenerative medicine. Such cell types (e.g., MRC-5 or WI-38 sources) were extensively studied since the 1960s and have been continuously used over five decades as safe and sustainable industrial vaccine substrates. Recent research and development efforts around diploid progenitor lung cells (e.g., FE002-Lu or Walvax-2 sources) consist in qualification for potential use as optimal and renewed vaccine production substrates and, alternatively, for potential therapeutic applications in respiratory tract regenerative medicine. Potentially effective, safe, and sustainable cell therapy approaches for the management of inflammatory lung diseases or affections and related symptoms (e.g., COVID-19 patients and burn patient severe inhalation syndrome) using local homologous allogeneic cell-based or cell-derived product administrations are considered. Overall, lung tissue-derived progenitor cells isolated and produced under good manufacturing practices (GMP) may be used with high versatility. They can either act as key industrial platforms optimally conforming to specific pharmacopoeial requirements or as active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for potentially effective promotion of lung tissue repair or regeneration.

Cultured fibroblast progenitor cells (FPC) have been studied in Swiss translational regenerative medicine for over two decades, wherein clinical experience was gathered for safely managing burns and refractory cutaneous ulcers. Inherent FPC advantages include high robustness, optimal adaptability to industrial manufacture, and potential for effective repair stimulation of wounded tissues. Major technical bottlenecks in cell therapy development comprise sustainability, stability, and logistics of biological material sources. Herein, we report stringently optimized and up-scaled processing (i.e., cell biobanking and stabilization by lyophilization) of dermal FPCs, with the objective of addressing potential cell source sustainability and stability issues with regard to active substance manufacturing in cutaneous regenerative medicine. Firstly, multi-tiered FPC banking was optimized in terms of overall quality and efficiency by benchmarking key reagents (e.g., medium supplement source, dissociation reagent), consumables (e.g., culture vessels), and technical specifications. Therein, fetal bovine serum batch identity and culture vessel surface were confirmed, among other parameters, to largely impact harvest cell yields. Secondly, FPC stabilization by lyophilization was undertaken and shown to maintain critical functions for devitalized cells in vitro, potentially enabling high logistical gains. Overall, this study provides the technical basis for the elaboration of next-generation off-the-shelf topical regenerative medicine therapeutic products for wound healing and post-burn care.

The complex management of severe burn victims requires an integrative collaboration of multidisciplinary specialists in order to ensure quality and excellence in healthcare. This multidisciplinary care has quickly led to the integration of cell therapies in clinical care of burn patients. Specific advances in cellular therapy together with medical care have allowed for rapid treatment, shorter residence in hospitals and intensive care units, shorter durations of mechanical ventilation, lower complications and surgery interventions, and decreasing mortality rates. However, naturally fluctuating patient admission rates increase pressure toward optimized resource utilization. Besides, European translational developments of cellular therapies currently face potentially jeopardizing challenges on the policy front. The aim of the present work is to provide key considerations in burn care with focus on architectural and organizational aspects of burn centers, management of cellular therapy products, and guidelines in evolving restrictive regulations relative to standardized cell therapies. Thus, based on our experience, we present herein integrated management of risks and costs for preserving and optimizing clinical care and cellular therapies for patients in dire need.

Intestinal duplication in the tongue is a rare entity. Occurrence in the anterior part of the tongue is exceptional. We report an intestinal duplication in the tongue causing eating difficulties and discuss the accuracy of embryologic and histopathology knowledge as radiology. A transoral complete resection of the lesion was performed, without postoperative complications. There was no recurrence with a follow-up of 15 years.

Tendon defects require multimodal therapeutic management over extensive periods and incur high collateral burden with frequent functional losses. Specific cell therapies have recently been developed in parallel to surgical techniques for managing acute and degenerative tendon tissue affections, to optimally stimulate resurgence of structure and function. Cultured primary human fetal progenitor tenocytes (hFPT) have been preliminarily considered for allogeneic homologous cell therapies, and have been characterized as stable, consistent, and sustainable cell sources in vitro. Herein, optimized therapeutic cell sourcing from a single organ donation, industrial transposition of multi-tiered progenitor cell banking, and preliminary preclinical safety of an established hFPT cell source (i.e., FE002-Ten cell type) were investigated. Results underlined high robustness of FE002- Ten hFPTs and suitability for sustainable manufacturing upscaling within optimized biobanking workflows. Absence of toxicity or tumorigenicity of hFPTs was demonstrated in ovo and in vitro, respectively. Furthermore, a 6-week pilot good laboratory practice (GLP) safety study using a rabbit patellar tendon partial-thickness defect model preliminarily confirmed preclinical safety of hFPT-based standardized transplants, wherein no immune reactions, product rejection, or tumour formation were observed. Such results strengthen the rationale of the multimodal Swiss fetal progenitor cell transplantation program and prompt further investigation around such cell sources in preclinical and clinical settings for musculoskeletal regenerative medicine.

Progenitor Biological Bandages (PBB) have been continuously applied clinically in the Lausanne Burn Center for over two decades. Vast translational experience and hindsight have been gathered, specifically for cutaneous healing promotion of donor-site grafts and second-degree pediatric burns. PBBs constitute combined Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products, containing viable cultured allogeneic fetal dermal progenitor fibroblasts. Such constructs may partly favor repair and regeneration of functional cutaneous tissues by releasing cytokines and growth factors, potentially negating the need for subsequent skin grafting, while reducing the formation of hypertrophic scar tissues. This retrospective case-control study (2010–2018) of pediatric second-degree burn patients comprehensively compared two initial wound treatment options (i.e., PBBs versus Aquacel® Ag, applied during ten to twelve days post-trauma). Results confirmed clinical safety of PBBs with regard to morbidity, mortality, and overall complications. No difference was detected between groups for length of hospitalization or initial relative burn surface decreasing rates. Nevertheless, a trend was observed in younger patients treated with PBBs, requiring fewer corrective interventions or subsequent skin grafting. Importantly, significant improvements were observed in the PBB group regarding hypertrophic scarring (i.e., reduced number of scar complications and related corrective interventions). Such results establish evidence of clinical benefits yielded by the Swiss fetal progenitor cell transplantation program and favor further implementation of specific cell therapies in highly specialized regenerative medicine.

Diverse cell therapy approaches constitute prime developmental prospects for managing acute or degenerative cartilaginous tissue affections, synergistically complementing specific surgical solutions. Bone marrow stimulation (i.e., microfracture) remains a standard technique for cartilage repair promotion, despite incurring the adverse generation of fibrocartilagenous scar tissue, while matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) and alternative autologous cell-based approaches may partly circumvent this effect. Autologous chondrocytes remain standard cell sources, yet arrays of alternative therapeutic biologicals present great potential for regenerative medicine. Cultured human epiphyseal chondro-progenitors (hECP) were proposed as sustainable, safe, and stable candidates for chaperoning cartilage repair or regeneration. This study describes the development and industrial transposition of hECP multi-tiered cell banking following a single organ donation, as well as preliminary preclinical hECP safety. Optimized cell banking workflows were proposed, potentially generating millions of safe and sustainable therapeutic products. Furthermore, clinical hECP doses were characterized as non-toxic in a standardized chorioallantoic membrane model. Lastly, a MACI-like protocol, including hECPs, was applied in a three-month GLP pilot safety evaluation in a caprine model of full-thickness articular cartilage defect. The safety of hECP transplantation was highlighted in xenogeneic settings, along with confirmed needs for optimal cell delivery vehicles and implantation techniques favoring effective cartilage repair or regeneration.

Background Among vascular anomalies, congenital venous malformations (VMs) are the most common lesions. Treatment of VMs is sometimes difficult or cumbersome, depending on their size and tissue involvement. Surgery may lead to invasive and mutilating excisions, often allowing only partial removal, with an increased risk of recurrence. Sclerotherapy is a mainstream technique, resulting in endothelium destruction, fibrosis, and subsequent shrinkage of the vascular lesion, also with a risk of recurrence. However, this technique may not be efficient in cases of large and infiltrating VMs. Endovenous thermal ablation has been found to be more effective than sclerotherapy for transmural vascular destruction and has therefore been employed in the treatment of VMs. Materials and methods In this observational retrospective case series, we describe a combined technique for the treatment of large intramuscular VMs in seven consecutive patients, associating endovenous laser ablation with sclerotherapy. Aim is to assess feasibility and safety of the procedure. Results In these small series, we report a high immediate technical success, clinical and radiological improvement, with no complications. Conclusions The preliminary results presented herein show, that combining EVLA and sclerotherapy for the treatment of voluminous persistent intramuscular VM is safe and technically feasible. The combination of a wide direct intimal thermal damage with chemical sclerotherapy is the force of this approach. The small number of cases and the medium term follow up represent though a limitation.

Head and neck cystic teratomas are rare benign congenital tumors. At this location the prognosis is often favorable provided the correct diagnosis is made. Patient: We describe here the case of a male neonate with a very large extracranial mass, diagnosed antenatally as a macrocystic lymphangioma. The patient underwent early surgery with complete excision. The histological diagnosis was consistent with a mature cystic teratoma. Conclusion: The diagnosis of cystic teratoma should be suspected in case of cystic head and neck mass. Radiological images interpretation must be very rigorous to avoid management errors. Keywords: Head and neck tumors, Mature teratoma, Cystic teratoma, Lymphangioma

The labio-maxillofacial cleft (LMFC) penalizes the child from birth by its aesthetic, functional, psychological and social repercussions. The prognosis is conditioned by a multidisciplinary care that starts from the antenatal period to continue until the end of growth. The treatment is long and complex. This explains the multiplicity of techniques and the variability of schedules according to the teams. The purpose of this article is to describe the protocol of management of the LMFC within the multi-disciplinary team in Lausanne and to emphasize the novelties in both surgical and organizational plan.La fente labio-maxillo-palatine (FLMP) pénalise l’enfant dès sa naissance par ses retentissements esthétiques, fonctionnels, psychologiques et sociaux. Le pronostic est conditionné par une prise en charge multidisciplinaire qui commence dès la période anténatale pour se poursuivre jusqu’à la fin de la croissance. Le traitement est long et complexe. Ceci explique la multiplicité des techniques et la variabilité des calendriers selon les équipes. Le but de cet article est de décrire le protocole de prise en charge des FLMP au sein de l’équipe pluridisciplinaire lausannoise et en mettant l’accent sur les nouveautés tant sur le plan chirurgical qu’organisationnel.

Clinical experience gathered over two decades around therapeutic use of primary human dermal progenitor fibroblasts in burn patient populations has been at the forefront of regenerative medicine in Switzerland. Relative technical simplicity, ease of extensive serial multitiered banking, and high stability are major advantages of such cell types, assorted to ease of safety and traceability demonstration. Stringent optimization of cell source selection and standardization of biobanking protocols enables the safe and efficient harnessing of the considerable allogenic therapeutic potential yielded by primary progenitor cells. Swiss legal and regulatory requirements have led to the procurement of fetal tissues within a devised Fetal Progenitor Cell Transplantation Program in the Lausanne University Hospital. Proprietary nonenzymatic isolation of primary musculoskeletal cell types and subsequent establishment of progeny tiered cell banks under cGMP standards have enabled safe and effective management of acute and chronic cutaneous affections in various patient populations. Direct off-the-freezer seeding of viable dermal progenitor fibroblasts on a CE marked equine collagen scaffold is the current standard for delivery of the therapeutic biological materials to patients suffering from extensive and deep burns. Diversification in the clinical indications and delivery methods for these progenitor cells has produced excellent results for treatment of persistent ulcers, autograft donor site wounds, or chronic cutaneous affections such as eczema. Herein we describe the standard operating procedures for preparation and therapeutic deployment of the progenitor biological bandages within our translational musculoskeletal regenerative medicine program, as they are routinely used as adjuvants in our Burn Center to treat critically ailing patients.

We report the cases of 2 patients admitted to our hospital at a 17-year interval, both with 90% total body surface area (TBSA) burns. These two young patients were in good health before their accident, but major differences in time of intensive care and hospitalization were observed: 162 versus 76 days in intensive care unit and 18 versus 9.5 months for hospitalization, respectively. We have analyzed the different parameters side-by-side during their medical care and we have identified that the overall improved outcomes are mainly due to a better adapted fluid reanimation in combination with the evolution of the surgical management to encompass allogenic cellular therapy (Biological Bandages). Indeed, autologous cell therapy using keratinocytes has been used for over 30 years in our hospital with the same technical specifications; however, we have integrated the Biological Bandages and routinely used them for burn patients to replace cadaver skin since the past 15 years. Thus, patient 1 versus patient 2 had, respectively, 83% versus 80% TBSA for autologous cells, and 0% versus 189% for allogenic cells. Notably, it was possible that patient 2 was able to recover*6% TBSA with the use of Biological Bandages, by stimulating intermediate burn zones toward a spontaneous healing without requiring further skin grafting (on abdomen and thighs). The body zones where Biological Bandages were not applied, such as the buttocks, progressed to deeper-stage burns. Despite inherent differences to patients at their admission and the complexity of severe burn care, the results of these two case reports suggest that integration of innovative allogenic cell therapies in the surgical care of burn patients could have major implications in the final outcome.

Chlorhexidine is known to be a potent antiseptic with evidence of a beneficial role in burn care. Nevertheless, several in vitro studies have reported cytotoxicity on cultured cells, while in vivo and clinical data seem to show more controversial results. In the frame of this work, we aimed to evaluate the use of chlorhexidine in burn units worldwide be sending a survey to professionals of the field. We associated survey results to those perspectives reported in the literature to update recommendations for the use of chlorhexidine in specific protocols for burn management. The survey results showed that there is no clear consensus on the use of chlorhexidine regarding the concentrations, the type of excipient and the cleansing after application. Literature searches showed evidence that the skin of premature infants appears to be more sensitive to chlorhexidine that adult skin, with more reported cases of adverse effects. It was also determined that aqueous formulations of chlorhexidine do not appear to be necessarily less efficient than with alcohol as an excipient, and that lower concentrations are as efficient as higher concentrations. In view of this study, we have adjusted our protocols for the use of aqueous formulations at low concentrations and investigated further the role of washing after application in order to standardize the indication of chlorhexidine and minimize the probability of adverse effects.

Primary progenitor cell types adequately isolated from fetal tissue samples present considerable therapeutic potential for a wide range of applications within allogeneic musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. Progenitor cells are inherently differentiated and extremely stable in standard bioprocessing conditions and can be culture-expanded to establish extensive and robust cryopreserved cell banks. Stringent processing conditions and exhaustive traceability are prerequisites for establishing a cell source admissible for further cGMP biobanking and clinical-grade production lot manufacture. Transplantation programs are ideal platforms for the establishment of primary progenitor cell sources to be used for manufacture of cell therapies or cell-based products. Well-defined and regulated procurement and processing of fetal biopsies after voluntary pregnancy interruptions ensure traceability and safety of progeny materials and therapeutic products derived therefrom. We describe herein the workflows and specifications devised under the Swiss Fetal Progenitor Cell Transplantation Program in order to traceably isolate primary progenitor cell types in vitro and to constitute Parental Cell Banks fit for subsequent industrial-scale cGMP processing. When properly devised, derived, and maintained, such cell sources established after a single organ donation can furnish sufficient progeny materials for years of development in translational musculoskeletal regenerative medicine.

BACKGROUND: Sebaceous nevus is a congenital malformation of the skin that usually occurs on the scalp or face. Syndromic forms do rarely exist with associated cerebral and ocular malformations. The skin lesions are pale at birth and become irregular by puberty. In the adult patient, tumors (usually benign) develop from sebaceous nevus. Their surgical excision during childhood can give a better result in terms of the definitive scar. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyze our cases of syndromic sebaceous hamartoma, perform a review of the existing literature, and propose guidelines for the therapeutic plan. METHODS: This is a retrospective study reviewing the cases of syndromic sebaceous nevus treated in the Department of Orthopedic Plastic Pediatric Surgery in Montpellier, France, and the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Lausanne, Switzerland, between 1994 and 2016. RESULTS: The files of six patients with syndromic sebaceous nevus were analyzed. The average age at the first consultation was 4 months. The location was craniofacial in all cases. Cerebral radiological imaging was performed on all patients; two showed abnormal findings. Four patients underwent ophthalmic examination, which all revealed abnormalities. Three patients had other associated malformations. Three patients presented with epilepsy or learning difficulties in the course of follow-up. CONCLUSION: All patients presenting with extensive sebaceous nevus of the craniofacial region should benefit from cerebral imagery and ophthalmic examination since there is a very high probability of associated abnormalities. The developmental problems encountered could not be definitively associated with the skin malformations. © 2018 The International Society of Dermatology.

Human fetal progenitor tenocytes (hFPT) produced in defined cell bank systems have recently been characterized and qualified as potential therapeutic cell sources in tendon regenerative medicine. In view of further developing the manufacture processes of such cell-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), the effects of hypoxic in vitro culture expansion on key cellular characteristics or process parameters were evaluated. To this end, multiple aspects were comparatively assessed in normoxic incubation (i.e., 5% CO 2 and 21% O 2 , standard conditions) or in hypoxic incubation (i.e., 5% CO 2 and 2% O 2 , optimized conditions). Experimentally investigated parameters and endpoints included cellular proliferation, cellular morphology and size distribution, cell surface marker panels, cell susceptibility toward adipogenic and osteogenic induction, while relative protein expression levels were analyzed by quantitative mass spectrometry. The results outlined conserved critical cellular characteristics (i.e., cell surface marker panels, cellular phenotype under chemical induction) and modified key cellular parameters (i.e., cell size distribution, endpoint cell yields, matrix protein contents) potentially procuring tangible benefits for next-generation cell manufacturing workflows. Specific proteomic analyses further shed some light on the cellular effects of hypoxia, potentially orienting further hFPT processing for cell-based, cell-free API manufacture. Overall, this study indicated that hypoxic incubation impacts specific hFPT key properties while preserving critical quality attributes (i.e., as compared to normoxic incubation), enabling efficient manufacture of tenocyte-based APIs for homologous standardized transplant products.

Giant omphalocele (GO) management is controversial and not easy. Conservative management at birth and delayed surgical closure is usually mandatory. Postponed surgery may be challenging and carry the risk of intensive care treatment. We report on five children who were treated in our department for GO between 2000 and 2010. Initially, the patients were managed conservatively in West Africa. Delayed closure of the ventral hernia was performed in Switzerland after patient transfer through a nongovernmental organization. Fascial closure was performed at the median age of 23 months. Median diameter of the hernias was 10 × 10 cm ranging from 10 × 8 cm to 24 × 15 cm. Four (80%) patients had associated anomalies. Three children needed mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit after surgery. Median hospitalization was 19 days. Complications were seen in two patients. The follow-up showed no recurrence of ventral hernia. There was no mortality.This report shows that conservative management of a GO at birth with delayed closure of the ventral hernia after transferring the patients to a European center is a safe approach for West African children and avoids life-threatening procedures. Delayed closure of a GO may be nevertheless challenging everywhere.

Background Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is the treatment of choice of Port Wine Stains (PWS). Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) has been used to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment. In a previous study, we demonstrated that LDI allows an objective evaluation. The purpose of this study is to investigate if reducing the delay between two laser sessions could improve the clinical outcome. Method This prospective study was conducted from September 2015 to November 2017. Three Laser sessions were performed every month in twenty patients with PWS. The PWS response was assessed by LDI after each session and at the end of the third one. The present study was compared to the first one. Results The LDI confirmed the efficacy of PDL treatment with an average blanching rate of 26.7 %. The response is statistically significant after each session. When we compare both studies, there is an average decrease in vascularization of 0.42 for the first study and 0.50 for the present one. Conclusion This study allows us to validate the use of LDI for the numerical evaluation of PDL effect on PWS in children. However, we cannot confirm that reducing the interval between laser sessions could improve therapeutic outcomes. Levels of Evidence Treatment Study Level II (Prospective Comparative Study)

The earliest attempts at cell therapy can be attributed to Charles-Edward Brown-Séquard (1817ndash;1894), who sought to treat senescence and aging by injecting animal gonad shreds into his contemporaries, a practice that was widespread in late 19th century. Since then, advances in science have enabled the development of biological substitutes to restore the function of various tissues. Skin was one of the first tissues to be regenerated. For severe burns, patient survival depends on the restoration of skin function as a barrier against pathogens and control of body temperature and fluid loss. We aim here to overview the different cell therapy techniques implemented at the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), one of the two Swiss national centres of highly specialised medicine for burn care. In particular, we will describe the specific indications for each of the different therapies as well as future perspectives.

A typical facial cleft can be labial, labio-maxillary (unilateral or bilateral), labio-maxillary-palatal (unilateral or bilateral), or isolated palatal. We may also find a bilateral labial cleft or a labial cleft with a partial palatal cleft. They correspond to the Tessier 2 classification, and we will not describe the other types of Tessier clefts (1–14) which are much less common (Tessier, J Maxillofac Surg 4:69–92, 1976,[1]). Depending on the type of cleft and the age of the child, feeding, speech, and ear-nose-throat (ENT), dental, orthodontic, esthetic, and also psychological problems will be present (Malek, Classification and anatomo-clinical forms, in: Malek, ed., Lesions, pathophysiology and primary treatment cleft and lip palate, Martin Dunitz, London, 2000, pp. 17–26, [2]).