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Δευτέρα 14 Μαΐου 2018

Safety and dose modification for patients receiving niraparib

Abstract
Background
Niraparib is a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor approved in the United States and Europe for maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy. In the pivotal ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial, the dose reduction rate due to TEAE was 68.9%, and the discontinuation rate due to TEAE was 14.7%, including 3.3% due to thrombocytopenia. A retrospective analysis was performed to identify clinical parameters that predict dose reductions.
Patients and methods
All analyses were performed on the safety population, comprising all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. Patients were analyzed according to the study drug consumed (ie, as treated). A predictive modeling method (decision trees) was used to identify important variables for predicting the likelihood of developing grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia within 30 days after the first dose of niraparib and determine cutoff points for chosen variables.
Results
Following dose modification, 200 mg was the most commonly administered dose in the ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial. Baseline platelet count and baseline body weight were identified as risk factors for increased incidence of grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia. Patients with a baseline body weight <77 kg or a baseline platelet count <150,000/μL in effect received an average daily dose approximating 200 mg (median = 207 mg) due to dose interruption and reduction. Progression-free survival in patients who were dose reduced to either 200 mg or 100 mg was consistent with that of patients who remained at the 300 mg starting dose.
Conclusions
The analysis presented suggests that patients with baseline body weight of < 77 kg or baseline platelets of < 150,000/μL may benefit from a starting dose of 200 mg per day.(ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01847274)

Treatment of The Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with FGFR1 rearrangement with FGFR1 Inhibitor



Neoadjuvant Score in locally advancer rectal cancer: Integrating downstaging in risk assessment and looking for new valuable end-points



Randomized phase 3 study of docetaxel plus bavituximab in previously treated advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer

Abstract
Background
Bavituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets phosphatidylserine in the presence of β2 glycoprotein 1 (β2GP1) to exert an anti-tumor immune response. This phase 3 trial determined the efficacy of bavituximab combined with docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Patients and Methods
Key eligibility criteria included advanced non-squamous NSCLC with disease progression after treatment with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy, evidence of disease control after at least two cycles of first-line therapy, presence of measurable disease, ECOG performance status 0 or 1, adequate bone marrow and organ function, and no recent history of clinically significant bleeding. Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to receive up to six 21-day cycles of docetaxel plus either weekly bavituximab 3 mg/kg or placebo until progression or toxicity. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS).
Results
A total of 597 patients were enrolled. Median OS was 10.5 months in the docetaxel + bavituximab arm and was 10.9 months in the docetaxel + placebo arm (HR 1.06; 95% CI, 0.88-1.29; P=0.533). There was no difference in PFS (HR 1.00; 95% CI, 0.82-1.22; P=0.990). Toxicities were manageable and similar between arms. In subset analysis, among patients with high baseline serum β2GP1 levels ≥200 µg/mL, a non-significant OS trend favored the bavituximab arm (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.63-1.06; P=0.134). Among patients who received post-study immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, OS favored the bavituximab arm (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.26-0.81; P=0.006).
Conclusions
The combination of bavituximab plus docetaxel is not superior to docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC. The addition of bavituximab to docetaxel does not meaningfully increase toxicity. The potential benefit of bavituximab observed in patients with high β2GP1 levels and in patients subsequently treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors requires further investigation.NCT01999673

Identification of etiology-specific diarrhea associated with linear growth faltering in Bangladeshi infants

Abstract
Childhood diarrhea in low-resource settings has been variably linked to linear growth shortfalls. However, the association between etiology-specific diarrhea and growth has not been comprehensively evaluated. We tested diarrheal stools collected from the Performance of Rotavirus and Oral Polio Vaccines in Developing Countries study from 2011-2013 in Dhaka, Bangladesh by quantitative polymerase chain reaction for a broad range of enteropathogens to characterize diarrhea etiology and examine the association between etiology-specific diarrhea and linear growth and systemic inflammation. Pathogen-specific burdens of diarrhea were determined using attributable fractions. Linear regression was used to examine associations of pathogen-specific diarrhea with length-for-age z-scores (LAZ) and serum C-reactive protein. There was no relationship between all-cause diarrhea and length at 12 months (-0.01 change in 12-month LAZ per episode; 95% confidence interval: -0.06, 0.03). However, Cryptosporidium (-0.23 change in 12-month LAZ per attributable episode; 95% CI: -0.50, 0.03), Campylobacter jejuni/coli (-0.16; 95% CI: -0.32, -0.01) and Shigella/enteroinvasive E. coli diarrhea (-0.12; 95% CI: -0.26, 0.03) were associated with linear growth deficits. C. jejuni/coli and Shigella/enteroinvasive E. coli attributable diarrhea were associated with elevated C-reactive protein. The association between diarrhea and linear growth appears to be pathogen specific, reinforcing the need for pathogen-specific interventions.

Drug Side Effects and Retention on HIV Treatment: a Regression Discontinuity Study of Tenofovir Implementation in South Africa and Zambia

Abstract
Tenofovir is less toxic than other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors used in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and may improve retention of HIV-infected patients on ART. We assessed the impact of national guideline changes in South Africa (2010) and Zambia (2007) recommending tenofovir in first-line ART. We applied regression discontinuity in a prospective cohort of 52,294 HIV-infected adults initiating first-line ART within ±12-months of each guideline change. We compared outcomes in patients presenting just before/after the guideline changes using local linear regression and estimated intention-to-treat effects on initiation of tenofovir, retention in care, and other treatment outcomes at 24-months. We assessed complier causal effects among patients starting tenofovir. The new guidelines increased the percentage of patients initiating tenofovir in South Africa (risk difference (RD): 81%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 73, 89) and Zambia (RD: 42%; 95% CI: 38, 45). With the guideline change, single-drug substitutions decreased substantially in South Africa (RD: −15%; 95% CI:−18, −12). Starting tenofovir also reduced attrition in Zambia (intent-to-treat RD: −1.8%; 95% CI: −3.5, −0.1, complier relative risk = 0.74) but not in South Africa (RD: −0.9%; 95% CI: −5.9, 4.1, Complier Relative Risk = 0.94). These results highlight the importance of reducing side effects for increasing retention in care, as well as the differences in population impact of policies with heterogeneous treatment effects implemented in different contexts.

Prospects for Tuberculosis Elimination in the United States: Results of a Transmission Dynamic Model

Abstract
We estimated long-term tuberculosis (TB) trends in the US population and assessed prospects for TB elimination. We used a detailed simulation model allowing for changes in TB transmission, immigration, and other TB risk determinants. We evaluated 5 hypothetical scenarios from 2017 to 2100: 1) maintain current TB prevention and treatment activities (base-case), 2) provision of latent TB infection testing and treatment for new legal immigrants, 3) increased uptake of latent TB infection screening and treatment among high-risk populations, including a 3-month isoniazid-rifapentine regimen, 4) improved TB case detection, 5) improved TB treatment quality. Under the base-case, we estimate that by 2050 TB incidence will decline to 14 cases per million, a 52% (95% interval: 35, 67) reduction from 2016, and 82% (78, 86) of incident TB will be among non-US-born persons. Intensified TB control could reduce incidence by 77% (66, 85) by 2050. By 2100, we predict TB may be eliminated in the US-born but not the non-US-born. Results were sensitive to numbers entering the US with latent or active TB, and robust to alternative interpretations of epidemiologic evidence. TB elimination in the US remains a distant goal. However, strengthening TB prevention and treatment could produce important health benefits.

Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in China: Rationale for Developing a Patient Registry and Baseline Characteristics

Abstract
Definitions and descriptions of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) vary between Western and Eastern types, and alcoholism and hepatitis B virus(HBV) are the main etiologies, respectively. To determine whether there are unified diagnostic criteria and common treatment programs for different etiologies of ACLF, a multicenter prospective cohort with the same inclusion criteria and disease indicators as those used in the European CANONIC (Chronic liver failure-ACLF in Cirrhosis) study is urgently needed in Asia, where the prevalence of HBV is high. Fourteen nationwide liver centers from tertiary university hospitals in China were included, and 2,600 hospitalized patients with chronic liver disease (both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic) of various etiologies with acute decompensation or acute hepatic injury were continuously recruited from January 2015 to December 2016. Data were collected during hospitalization and continuous follow-ups were performed once a month until 36 months after hospital discharge. A multicenter prospective cohort of 2,600 patients was designed (NCT no. NCT02457637). Of these patients, 71.5% had HBV-related disease, 1,833 had cirrhotic disease, and 767 had non-cirrhotic disease. The numbers and proportions of enrolled patients from each participating center and the baseline characteristics of the patients with or without cirrhosis are presented.

Complete Streets and Adult Bicyclist Fatalities: Applying G-Computation to Evaluate an Intervention That Affects the Size of a Population at Risk

Abstract
"Complete Streets" policies require transportation engineers to make provisions for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users. These policies may make bicycling safer for individual cyclists while increasing overall bicycle fatalities if more individuals cycle due to improved infrastructure. We merged county-level records of Complete Streets policies with Fatality Analysis Reporting System counts of cyclist fatalities occurring between January 2000 and December 2015. Because comprehensive county cycling estimates were not available, we used bicycle commute estimates from the American Community Survey and US Census as a proxy for the cycling population, and limited analysis to 183 counties (accounting for over half the US population) for which cycle commute estimates were consistently non-zero. We used G-computation to estimate the effect of policies on overall cyclist fatalities while also accounting for potential policy effects on the size of the cycling population. Over 16 years, 5,254 cyclists died in these counties, representing 34 fatalities per 100,000 cyclist-years. We estimated that Complete Streets policies made cycling safer, averting 0.6 fatalities per 100,000 cyclist-years (95% CI: 0.3, 1.0) by encouraging a 2.4% increase in cycling and a 0.7% increase in cyclist fatalities. G-computation is a useful tool for understanding policy impact on risk and exposure.

Using a Mixture of Bivariate Regression Model to Explore Heterogeneity of Effects of Use of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Gestational Age and Birthweight among Pregnant Women with Asthma

Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, and responses to asthma medications vary noticeably among patients. A substantively oriented objective of this study was to explore the potential heterogeneous effects of maternal inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) exposure on gestational age (GA) at delivery and birthweight (BW) using a cohort of 6,197 pregnancies from women with asthma (Quebec, Canada, 1998-2008). A methodologically oriented objective was to comprehensively describe the application of a Bayesian two-component mixture of bivariate regressions to address this issue and estimate the effects of ICS on GA and BW jointly. Based on proposed model, no association between ICS and GA/BW was found for a large proportion of asthmatic pregnancies. However, a positive association between ICS exposure and GA/BW was revealed in a small subset of pregnancies mainly formed of preterm and low-birthweight infants. A novel application of this model was also subsequently performed using BW z-score instead of BW as outcome variable. In conclusion, the studied mixture of bivariate regressions was useful to detect heterogeneity of ICS effect on GA and BW in our population of women with asthma; these analyses pave the way for analogous uses of this model for general assessment of exposure effect heterogeneity for these perinatal outcomes.

Association of Maternal Exposure to Childhood Abuse With Elevated Risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring

Abstract
Children whose mothers experienced childhood abuse are more likely to suffer various neurodevelopmental deficits. Whether an association exists specifically for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unknown. We examined the association of maternal experience of childhood abuse with ADHD in offspring, assessed by maternal report of diagnosis and validated with the ADHD Rating Scale-IV in a subsample, in the Nurses' Health Study II (n = 49,497 mothers, N offspring cases = 7,607, N offspring controls = 102,151). We examined whether ten adverse perinatal circumstances (e.g., prematurity, smoking) or socioeconomic factors accounted for a possible association. Exposure to abuse was associated with greater prevalence of ADHD in offspring (8.7% of offspring of women exposed to severe abuse vs. 5.5% of offspring of women not abused, P = 0.0001) and with greater risk for ADHD adjusted for demographic factors (male offspring, risk ratio (RR) = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3, 1.9; female offspring, RR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.7, 3.0). Adjusted for perinatal factors, the association of maternal childhood abuse with ADHD in offspring was slightly attenuated (male offspring, RR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.8; female offspring, RR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6, 2.8). We identified an association between maternal experience of childhood abuse and risk for ADHD in offspring, which was not explained by several important perinatal risk factors or socioeconomic status.

Educational Mobility Across Generations and Depressive Symptoms Over 10 Years Among US Latinos

Abstract
Few studies have collected intergenerational data to assess the association between educational mobility across multiple generations and offspring depression. Using data from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (1998–2008), we assessed the influence of intergenerational education on depressive symptoms over 10 years among 1,786 Latino individuals (mean age = 70.6 years). Educational mobility was classified: stable-low (low parent/low offspring education), upwardly mobile (low parent/high offspring education), stable-high (high parent/high offspring education), or downwardly mobile (high parent/low offspring education). Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D); higher scores indicated more depressive symptoms. To quantify the association between educational mobility and CES-D scores over follow-up, we used generalized estimating equations to account for repeated CES-D measurements and adjusted for identified confounders. Within individuals, depressive symptoms remained relatively stable over follow-up. Compared to stable-low education, stable-high education and upward mobility were associated with significantly lower CES-D scores (β = −2.75 and −2.18, respectively). Downwardly mobile participants had slightly lower CES-D scores than stable-low participants (β = −0.77). Our results suggest that sustained low educational attainment across generations may have adverse mental health consequences, and improved educational opportunities in under-resourced communities may counteract the adverse influence of low parental education on Latino depression.

Shorter Time to Pregnancy With Increasing Preconception Carotene Concentrations Among Women With 1 to 2 Previous Pregnancy Losses

Abstract
Although maternal nutrition may impact fecundity, associations between preconception micronutrients and time to pregnancy (TTP) has not been examined. We assessed the relationship between preconception fat-soluble micronutrient concentrations and TTP among women with 1–2 prior pregnancy losses. This is a prospective cohort study of 1,228 women set in the EAGeR Trial (US, 2007–2011), which assessed the effect of preconception-initiated daily low dose aspirin on reproductive outcomes. We measured preconception zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α- and β-carotene, and α- and γ-tocopherol in serum. We used discrete Cox regression models, accounting for left truncation and right censoring, to calculate fecundability odds ratios (FOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Models were adjusted for age, body mass index, race, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, income, vitamin use, cholesterol, treatment arm, and study site. Serum α-carotene levels (FOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.36, per log unit [μg/dL] increase), as well as concentrations above versus below the US average (2.92 μg/dL) were associated with shorter TTP (FOR = 1.21 95% CI: 1.02, 1.44). Compared to below the US average (187 μg/dL), γ-tocopherol concentrations above the US average were associated with longer TTP (FOR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.00). The potential for these nutrients to influence fecundability deserves further exploration.

Networked Individuals, Gendered Violence: A Literature Review of Cyberviolence

Violence and Gender, Ahead of Print.


Oesophageal causes of dysphagia localised only to the pharynx: Implications for the suspected head and neck cancer pathway

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.


Total glossolaryngectomy cohort study (N = 25): Survival, function and quality of life

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.


Investigation of factors influencing the immunogenicity of hCG as a potential cancer vaccine

Clinical &Experimental Immunology, EarlyView.


Sorafenib paradoxically activates the RAS/RAF/ERK pathway in polyclonal human NK cells during expansion and thereby enhances effector functions in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner

Clinical &Experimental Immunology, EarlyView.


Psychoonkologische Versorgung von Melanompatienten in zertifizierten Hautkrebszentren

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 577-584, May 2018.


Chronische Urtikaria – Was bringt die neue Leitlinie?

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 585-595, May 2018.


Kongresskalender 2018

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, May 2018.


Psycho‐oncological care of melanoma patients in certified skin cancer centers

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 576-582, May 2018.


Journal‐Club

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 671-671, May 2018.


Extemporaneous formulations in Germany – relevance for everyday clinical practice

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 566-574, May 2018.


In Memoriam Professor Dr. rer. nat. Björn Manfred Hausen – geboren am 11. 10. 1940 in Gotenhafen / Westpreußen, gestorben am 14. 12. 2017 in Stade

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 677-678, May 2018.


S3‐Leitlinie zur Therapie der Psoriasis vulgaris Update – Kurzfassung Teil 1 – Systemische Therapie

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 645-670, May 2018.


Deutsche Psoriasis‐Preis an Herrn Prof. Dr. med. Kilian Eyerich

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 674-675, May 2018.


Dermatologische Rezepturen in Deutschland – Relevanz für die Versorgung

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 567-576, May 2018.


4. Netzwerktreffen der DKG‐zertifizierten Hautkrebszentren

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 672-673, May 2018.


S3 Guideline for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, update – Short version part 1 – Systemic treatment

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 645-669, May 2018.


AAD Forschungspreis 2018

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 676-676, May 2018.


Chronic urticaria – What does the new guideline tell us?

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 584-593, May 2018.


Leserbrief zu Thuile T, Larcher L, Gatscher G et al. Spalthauttransplantation zur Defektdeckung am Ohr. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2018; 16: 163–173

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 644-644, May 2018.


Behandlung der Acrodermatitis continua suppurativa Hallopeau mit Ustekinumab als Monotherapie nach Versagen von TNF‐Antagonisten

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 610-612, May 2018.


Auftreten einer Psoriasis vulgaris bei einem Patienten mit Pemphigus vulgaris unter Kortikosteroidtherapie

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 605-607, May 2018.


Eine lange Vorgeschichte verbreiteter asymptomatischer Riesenplaques

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 636-639, May 2018.


Die follikulotrope Mycosis fungoides – vielschichtiger als gedacht

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 537-538, May 2018.


Pubogenitale abszedierende Tinea profunda nach Intimrasur mit Nachweis von Trichophyton benhamiae

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Volume 16, Issue 5, Page 597-599, May 2018.


Two cases of discrete adenoid pseudogland formation within benign intradermal melanocytic nevi

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, EarlyView.


Disseminated Kaposi sarcoma with epithelioid morphology in an HIV/AIDS patient: A previously unreported variant

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, EarlyView.


Oral juvenile xanthogranuloma in a child: Clinical, histological and immunohistochemical profile of a rare entity

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, EarlyView.


The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy as a staging procedure in patients with melanoma – A critical appraisal

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Contact dermatitis to Dermabond Advance®

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


A ticking time bomb: A case of Lyme disease

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Pancreatic panniculitis: A case series from a tertiary university hospital in Spain

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


A rare case of chronic expanding haematoma in the occipital region mimicking a malignant soft tissue tumour

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Chemotherapy‐induced alopecia: A novel observation

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Successful treatment of a skin tears with a single‐use negative pressure wound therapy device

Dermatologic Therapy, EarlyView.


Noninvasive size reduction of lipoma with an insulated monopolar radiofrequency microneedle device

Dermatologic Therapy, EarlyView.


Promoting new concepts of skincare via skinomics and systems biology—From traditional skincare and efficacy‐based skincare to precision skincare

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti‐aging products

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


3D skin surface reconstruction from a single image by merging global curvature and local texture using the guided filtering for 3D haptic palpation

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.


Fundamental supply of skin blood flow in the Chinese Han population: Measurements by a full‐field laser perfusion imager

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.


Ultrasound of pancreatic panniculitis

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.


Does the gastrointestinal microbiome contribute to the ‘obesity paradox’ in melanoma survival?

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


The prevalence of honorary authorship in the dermatological literature

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Automated scoring of vitiligo using superpixel‐generated computerized digital image analysis of clinical photographs: a novel and consistent way to score vitiligo

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Profound consequences of hidradenitis suppurativa: a review

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Baseline neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in patients with advanced melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Drug survival of secukinumab for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: reply from authors

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Contact allergy to electrocardiogram electrodes caused by acrylic acid without sensitivity to methacrylates and ethyl cyanoacrylate

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.


Periumbilical purpura: dermatoscopic findings in disseminated strongyloidiasis

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


A retrospective study of dermatitis herpetiformis from an immunobullous disease clinic in north India

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Suppurative cribriform ulcers in one leg

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Teaching & Learning Tips 8: Preparing to teach in ambulatory settings

International Journal of Dermatology, Volume 57, Issue 6, Page 715-718, June 2018.


Issue Information

International Journal of Dermatology, Volume 57, Issue 6, Page i-iii,625-626, June 2018.


Superficial acral fibromyxoma with bony change: Successful treatment with en bloc nail excision using a full‐thickness skin graft

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Eruptive pseudoangiomatosis in two children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Socioeconomic status and survival for patients with melanoma in the United States: an NCDB analysis

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Frontal fibrosing alopecia: is the melanocyte of the upper hair follicle the antigenic target?

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Ewing′s sarcoma metastatic to skin: a case report and review of the literature

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Issue Information

Pediatric Dermatology, Volume 35, Issue 3, Page 291-295, May/June 2018.


A child with peculiar pigmentation after a bout of fever

Pediatric Dermatology, Volume 35, Issue 3, Page 408-409, May/June 2018.


Firm, protuberant plaque on a 7‐year‐old's arm

Pediatric Dermatology, Volume 35, Issue 3, Page 403-405, May/June 2018.


Extensive hypopigmented cribriform lesions with fine scaling in a child

Pediatric Dermatology, Volume 35, Issue 3, Page 410-412, May/June 2018.


Twelve‐year‐old boy with multiple waffle‐like purpuric patches

Pediatric Dermatology, Volume 35, Issue 3, Page 406-407, May/June 2018.


Multiple anogenital hemorrhagic blisters in a 2‐year‐old girl

Pediatric Dermatology, Volume 35, Issue 3, Page 413-414, May/June 2018.


Patient Perspectives: Risks of indoor tanning

Pediatric Dermatology, Volume 35, Issue 3, Page 401-402, May/June 2018.


Issue Information

Immunity, Inflammation and Disease, Volume 6, Issue 2, Page 191-193, June 2018.


Retiform hemangioendothelioma presenting as a pedunculated nodule on the site of an inguinal pyoderma chronica

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Comparison of ultrasonographic findings of schwannomas and angioleiomyomas

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Long‐term safety and efficacy of continuous acitretin monotherapy for three children with different severe hyperkeratotic disorders in China

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Dystrophic calcinosis cutis of the auricles after injury in Down's syndrome

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Tuberculous granuloma developed 9 years after bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination in a patient with immunodeficiency

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Customized reconstruction with modified keystone flaps

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Successful treatment of plaque‐type psoriasis by granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis in a patient with psoriatic arthritis

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Novel mutations in Chinese Han patients with tuberous sclerosis complex: Case series and review of the published work

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Asian consensus on assessment and management of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis with topical therapy

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Hailey–Hailey disease patient with a novel missense mutation in ATP2C1 successfully treated with minocycline hydrochloride

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Sustained response of graft‐versus‐host disease‐associated angiomatosis treated with propranolol

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


A new approach to assess the effect of photodamage on corneocyte envelope maturity using combined hydrophobicity and mechanical fragility assays

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, EarlyView.


Adenosine‐loaded dissolving microneedle patches to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density, elasticity and hydration

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Volume 40, Issue 2, Page 199-206, April 2018.


Issue Information

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Volume 40, Issue 2, Page i-iv, April 2018.


Assessment of two screening tools to identify psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.


The impact of psoriasis on professional life: PsoPRO, a French national survey

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.


Detection of titanium nanoparticles in the hair shafts of a patient with frontal fibrosing alopecia

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.


Acne and nutrition: hypotheses, myths and facts

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.


Dermoscopic features of melanocytic skin lesions in Greek children and adolescents and their association with environmental factors and skin types

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.


Searching for a mathematical model for blood perfusion of random pattern skin flaps: a clinical pilot study using in vivo laser speckle contrast imaging

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.


Impact of the mechanical hyperkeratotic lesions and its association with quality of life: An observational case–control study

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.


Response to ‘Psoriasis patients’ preference for an aerosol foam topical formulation’ by Vender R et al.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.


Localized genital bullous pemphigoid

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


Unilateral periorbital swelling: a diagnostic dilemma

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


Oral Fumaderm® to treat cutaneous sarcoidosis

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


A case of neutrophilic dermatoses including pyoderma gangrenosum as a continuous disease spectrum to SAPHO syndrome

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


Rapid growth rate is associated with poor prognosis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


Cutaneous manifestations of JAK2+ myeloproliferative neoplasms

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


A polymorphous rash of an uncommon blistering disease

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


Association between serum interleukin‐17A and clinical response to tofacitinib and etanercept in moderate to severe psoriasis

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


A rare missense mutation in GJB3 (Cx31G45E) is associated with a unique cellular phenotype resulting in necrotic cell death

Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


Reduction in ultraviolet B light–induced erythema by oxymetazoline and brimonidine is mediated by different α‐adrenoceptors

Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


Issue Information

Experimental Dermatology, Volume 27, Issue S1, Page 1-4, May 2018.


Author Index

Experimental Dermatology, Volume 27, Issue S1, Page 33-35, May 2018.


Abstracts

Experimental Dermatology, Volume 27, Issue S1, Page 5-32, May 2018.


Lipidomics for translational skin research: A primer for the uninitiated

Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


Opinions on Authorship: A Survey of Plastic Surgery Residents and Fellows

imageBackground Scientific publications are the cornerstone of scholarly activities. The importance of appropriately assigned authorship cannot be overstated. Hence, we felt it prudent to examine the perception of plastic surgery trainees regarding authorship. We hypothesized that plastic surgery trainees would not be in compliance with International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidelines when determining what constitutes an authorship justifying contribution. Methods An online survey describing 4 distinct scenarios was distributed to plastic surgery trainees at 2 academic institutions using the Qualtrics research software (Provo, UT). Additional parameters queried included level of training and number of publications. Linear regression models were used to test correlation between responses and level of training and number of publications. Results Thirty-three of 48 trainees responded (response rate, 68.8%). All respondents had previously authored publications, with the majority (54.5%) having at least 10 publications. Although none of the scenarios presented justified authorship based on international guidelines, 33.3% of respondents believed that authorship was warranted in at least 3 of the 4 presented scenarios. Linear regression comparing for demographic variables to number of perceived authorship scenarios found a mild-moderate positive correlation with level of training (R = 0.34, P = 0.05) and number of publications (R = 0.32, P = 0.07). Conclusions Plastic surgery trainees do not seem to be familiar with guidelines regarding authorship justifying contributions. It is important to raise awareness regarding criteria that warrant authorship and to educate our residents and fellows in matters of appropriate scholarly conduct because nothing short of the credibility of our scientific endeavors is otherwise in question.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction With a Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap: A Study of Patient Satisfaction

imageIntroduction The morphological result of nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction may be disappointing for patients who undergo skin-sparing mastectomies and immediate breast reconstruction, followed by secondary reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex. The aim of this study was to analyze patient satisfaction after nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. Materials and Methods Our retrospective study involved all patients who underwent an immediate breast reconstruction after unilateral mastectomy with conservation of the NAC. The following three kinds of surgical approach were used: mastectomy with periareolar incision, mastectomy with hemiperiareolar incision and lateral extension, and mastectomy with inverted-T mammoplasty incision. Our study was based on a survey using a standardized questionnaire and a Likert scale to report patient satisfaction on the basis of criteria defined by the investigators. Results We evaluated 17 patients. All reconstruction patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall aesthetic appearance, projection, and volume as well as the appearance of scarring on the reconstructed breast. None of our patients reported dissatisfaction in response to the criteria under evaluation. A periareolar incision was used most often to perform the mastectomy (10 patients). Partial NAC necrosis was observed in five patients, without negatively influencing their perception of the morphological outcome of their reconstruction. Conclusions Immediate breast reconstruction using a deep inferior epigastric perforator free flap after nipple-sparing mastectomies met with a high rate of general satisfaction among patients and resulted in a low rate of nipple-areola complex necrosis.

Book Review: New Concepts on Abdominoplasty and Further Applications

No abstract available

Complications and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Male-to-Female Vaginoplasty—Where We Are Today: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

imageIntroduction There is an increased need for evidence-based practices in male-to-female (MtF) transgender vaginoplasty. Although there are a multitude of surgical techniques, there is a paucity of data comparing these procedures. A systematic review of retrospective studies on the outcomes of MtF vaginoplasty was conducted to minimize surgical complications and improve patient outcomes for transgender patients. Methods Applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, a comprehensive search of several databases from 1985 to November 7, 2017, was conducted. The databases included PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, Ovid Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. The resulting publications were screened, and those that met our specified inclusion/exclusion criteria were analyzed. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to pool complications and patient-reported outcomes. Results A total of 471 articles were initially identified, of which 46 met our eligibility criteria. A total of 3716 cases were analyzed. Overall incidence of complications included the following: 2% (1%–6%) fistula, 14% (10%–18%) stenosis and strictures, and 1% (0%–6%) tissue necrosis, and 4% (2%–10%) prolapse (upper and lower limits of the 95% confidence interval). Patient-reported outcomes included a satisfaction rate of 93% (79%–100%) with overall results, 87% (75%–96%) with functional outcomes, and 90% (79%–98%) with esthetic outcomes. Ability to have orgasm was reported in 70% (54%–84%) of patients. The regret rate was 1% (0%–3%). The length of the vaginal cavity was 12.5 cm (6.3–4.4 cm). Conclusions Multiple surgical techniques have demonstrated safe and reliable means of MtF vaginoplasty with low overall complication rates and with a significant improvement in the patient's quality of life. Studies using different techniques in a similar population and standardized patient-reported outcomes are required to further analyze outcomes among the different procedures and to establish best-practice guidelines.

Course Review: Birmingham and Coventry Hand and Forearm Cadaveric Dissection Course

Hand surgery constitutes an important part of plastic surgery and orthopedic training curricula. Although the value of simulation-based training is being increasingly recognized, attendance at such courses may be limited owing to cost, availability, and non–learner-centered schedules. The Birmingham and Coventry hand and forearm cadaveric dissection course is a 1-day course with a loose agenda that offers an inexpensive and learner-centered approach toward surgical access, dissection, and soft tissue coverage in the upper limb. This course is held in Coventry, United Kingdom, at a cost of £165 ($220 US dollars). In this review, we provide an evaluation of the course.

Repeated Use of Gluteal Fold Flaps for Post–Oncologic Vulvoperineal Reconstruction

imageBackground and Aim Because of the associated high recurrence rate, future reconstructive options should be reckoned with during surgical treatment of primary or recurrent (pre)malignant vulvoperineal lesions. One of the claimed advantages of the gluteal fold flap is the possibility of repeated use of the flap in case of recurrence. We present our experience with such reuse of gluteal fold flaps to illustrate this possibility. Methods A mean of 27 months after initial use, 10 subcutaneously pedicled or perforator-based V-Y advancement or propeller-rotation flaps were elevated from previously used gluteal fold flaps in 9 women presenting with recurrent vulvoperineal (pre)malignancy. Five of these women had undergone radiotherapy prior to flap reuse. Results Although short-term complications were observed in 3 women, all flaps survived and healed completely. Conclusions We showed the feasibility of successful reuse of subcutaneous pedicled or perforator-based gluteal fold flaps for repeated vulvoperineal reconstruction, both in nonirradiated and irradiated women. This concept of reuse of the gluteal fold flap is useful for recurring (pre)malignant vulvoperineal defects, and reconstructive surgeons and patients may benefit from this potential option.

Course Review: AOTrauma—Hand Fixation for Surgeons

Hand trauma forms an important part of plastic surgery and orthopedic training curricula. Although numerous practical hand trauma courses exist, there is always difficulty in achieving the right balance between educational content and practical workshops. AOTrauma—Hand Fixation for Surgeons is a 2.5-day course for plastic surgery and orthopedic trainees that aims to instill the principles of hand fracture fixation and soft tissue coverage through self-directed learning, lectures, small group discussion, and dry bone practical workshops. This course with international faculty and delegates is held in Leeds, United Kingdom, at a cost of 860 Swiss francs (880 US dollars). In this review, we provide an evaluation of the course.

Extracorporeal Perfusion in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: Current Concepts and Future Prospects

imageSevere injuries of the face and limbs remain a major challenge in today's reconstructive surgery. Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has emerged as a promising approach to restore these defects. Yet, there are major obstacles preventing VCA from broad clinical application. Two key restrictions are (1) the graft's limited possible ischemia time, keeping the potential donor radius extremely small, and (2) the graft's immunogenicity, making extensive lifelong monitoring and immunosuppressive treatment mandatory. Machine perfusion systems have demonstrated clinical success addressing these issues in solid organ transplantation by extending possible ischemia times and decreasing immunogenicity. Despite many recent promising preclinical trials, machine perfusion has not yet been utilized in clinical VCA. This review presents latest perfusion strategies in clinical solid organ transplantation and experimental VCA in light of the specific requirements by the vascularized composite allograft's unique tissue composition. It discusses optimal settings for temperature, oxygenation, and flow types, as well as perfusion solutions and the most promising additives. Moreover, it highlights the implications for the utility of VCA as therapeutic measure in plastic surgery, if machine perfusion can be successfully introduced in a clinical setting.

Outcomes Analysis of Chief Cosmetic Clinic Over 13 Years

imageBackground Adequate resident training in aesthetic surgery has become increasingly important with rising demand. Chief resident aesthetic clinics allow hands on experience with an appropriate amount of autonomy. The purpose of this study was to compare resident cosmetic clinic outcomes to those reported in the literature. Furthermore, we sought to assess how effective these clinics can be in preparing residents in performing common aesthetic surgery procedures. Method A retrospective chart review of 326 patients and 714 aesthetic procedures in our chief cosmetic clinic over a 13-year period was performed, and complication and revision rates were recorded. In addition, an electronic survey was sent to 26 prior chief residents regarding their experience and impressions of the chief resident aesthetic clinic. Result A total of 713 procedures were performed on 326 patients. Patient ages ranged from 5 to 75 years old (mean, 40.8 years old) with a mean follow-up of 76.2 days. On average, there were 56 procedures performed per year. Of the 714 total procedures performed, there were 136 minor procedures and 578 major procedures. Of the 136 minor procedures, there were no complications and there was 1 revision of a cosmetic injection. Of the 578 major procedures, the overall complication rate was 6.1% and the revision rate was 12.8%. Complication and revision rates for each individual surgery were further analyzed and compared with the literature. The complication rates for these procedures fell within the reference ranges reported. In regards to the chief resident survey, there was a 77% response rate. All respondents reported that the chief resident clinic positively affected their residency education and future practice. Ninety percent of respondents felt "very comfortable" performing facelifts, body contouring, and aesthetic breast surgery. No respondents completed a subsequent cosmetic fellowship, and 60% stated that their positive experience in chief clinic contributed to their decision not to pursue a cosmetic fellowship. Conclusions Chief resident clinics can provide results with acceptable complication and revision rates that fall within the acceptable ranges in the literature. In addition, it provides a valuable experience that leaves residents with high comfort levels in performing key procedures in aesthetic surgery.

Can Covey's 7 Habits Produce a Highly Effective Plastic Surgeon?

No abstract available

Design of Mini Latissimus Dorsi Flap Based on Thoracodorsal Vascular Patterns

imageIntroduction Latissimus dorsi (LD) flap has been used for reconstructive purposes in oncoplastic breast surgery. Using large part of the muscle as a flap leads to a residual functional loss. Muscle sparing and mini LD flaps can be used with no functional sequelae. However, the design of such flap presents a challenge. Methods Twenty cadavers were dissected on both sides to identify the different vascular patterns of the thoracodorsal (TD) pedicle. The vessels were counted, and the following measurements were taken: diameter, length, distance from inferior angel of scapula, and vertebral level. Data were collected and entered into the personal computer. Statistical analysis was done using (SPSS/version 20) software. Results Five vascular patterns of TD pedicle were found. Type 1: a long vertically descending pedicle giving 3 to 4 transverse medial branches to LD in 40%. Type 2: a short pedicle terminating into 1 to 2 serratus anterior collaterals and 1 to 2 transverse lateral branches to LD in 10%. Type 3: a long vertically descending pedicle giving 2 to 3 small lateral branches to upper part of LD and terminating into medial and lateral branches in the lower part of LD in 10%. Type 4: a short pedicle that gives 4 to 5 terminal branches to LD, one of them is a long vertically descending branch to lower part of LD in 20%. Type 5: a short pedicle that terminates into a transverse medial and a long vertical branch to LD in 20%. Conclusion The classically described pattern of TD pedicle (type 5) was found in 20% of cases, whereas the most commonly found pattern was type 1. This means that the pattern of TD branching is unpredictable, and a preoperative ultrasound is essential to define the existing pattern and plan the best LD flap design for each patient. In types 1 and 5, the flap can be designed using the transverse medial branch or branches. In type 2, one of the lateral transverse branches can be used. In types 3, 4, and 5, the long descending vertical branch can be used. It has a sizeable diameter (1.80.23 mm), length (12.31.64 cm), and can be located 6.50.96 cm below the inferior angle of scapula.

Long-term Fate of Denervated Skeletal Muscle After Microvascular Flap Transfer

imageBackground Muscle flap is a valuable option in soft tissue reconstruction. Denervated skeletal muscle is known to undergo degeneration. However, information regarding histological and genetic changes in muscle free flap without reinnervation over long-term follow-up remains unclear. Methods We collected flap muscles obtained during secondary exploration surgery after more than 15 years of previous muscle free flap without reinnervation. Compared with normal muscle and fat, histomorphometric and gene expression analysis of flap muscle were performed. Results During the study period, we collected 5 samples of previous muscle free flap. The mean ± SD postoperative duration after free flap was 18.6 ± 4.0 years. All flap muscles were replaced with adipose tissue based on gross and histological findings. In flap muscle, the expression of gene related to muscle-specific MYH2 gene was downregulated, whereas the expression of genes related to adipose, fibroadipogenic progenitor, and blood vessel was upregulated compared with that of normal muscle. Vascular density and pattern were also similar to those in normal fat. Conclusions We demonstrated that muscle free flap without reinnervation eventually converts into adipose tissue regardless of spontaneous reinnervation during muscle regeneration. The long-term findings of the present study will be valuable for muscle flap selection and prognosis.

Skin Graft Fixation Using Hydrofiber (Aquacel® Extra)

imageBackground The traditional method of skin graft fixation is with tie-over bollus dressing. The use of splints in the extremities for skin graft fixation is a common practice. However, these splints are heavy and uncomfortable and contribute considerably to our overall medical waste. Hydrofiber (Aquacel® Extra) has a strong fluid absorption property and fixates well to the underlying wound once applied. In this study, we used hydrofiber for fixation, avoiding the use of splints after skin grafting. Methods A total of 56 patients reconstructed with split-thickness skin graft that was fixated only with hydrofiber between March 2015 and March 2016 were included in this retrospective study. Results There were 44 men and 12 women with a mean age of 61 ± 18 years. The defect size ranged from 1 × 1 cm for fingertips to 30 × 12 cm for lower limb defects. The average defect size was 61 ± 78 cm2. The mean skin graft take was 96% ± 6%. Because splints were not required, we saved around 48 kg of medical waste over the space of 1 year. Conclusions The use of hydrofiber for skin graft fixation was effective and technically very simple. Splints were not required with this method, decreasing the medical waste created and increasing patient comfort. We suggest that this is an excellent alternative for skin graft fixation while at the same time decreasing our carbon footprint as surgeons.

Classification and Treatment of the Adult Buried Penis

imageIn contrast to the concealed penis found in children, the adult buried penis (BP) is associated with obesity or found in patients after massive weight loss. Bariatric patients present with enormous prepubic fat masses into which the penile shaft retracts. As a consequence, urinating problems occur with wetting of the adjacent tissue. Many BP patients are circumcised with recurrence and worsening of the symptoms. In postbariatric patients, the penis is not engulfed into the prepubic tissue. In contrast to highly obese patients, the BP is covered underneath the cutaneous apron. Although all conditions are called BP, it is conceivable that plastic-surgical treatment differs. Hence, a novel classification for the adult BP was needed to adjust the procedures accordingly. We propose 3 types of the adult BP. The first type is termed "pseudo-BP." The penis is covered underneath the lax skin without signs of retraction. Here, an apronectomy and prepubic lift with tissue fixation are sufficient. The second type is the "intermediate-type BP" with partial penile invagination. After prepubic apronectomy, anchoring sutures secure the penile shaft from retraction. The third type is the "classical BP" seen in obese patients. The penile shaft is completely retracted into the prepubic fat. Often a stenotic scar tissue is found after previous circumcisions. The plastic-surgical reconstruction comprises scar excision, reduction of the prepubic fat masses with extraction of the penile shaft, anchoring sutures, and reconstruction of the penile envelope. In short, the etiology of the adult BP, a novel classification, and a treatment algorithm according to each type are presented in this comprehensive overview.

Risk Factors of Vasopressor-Induced Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene

imageBackground Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is an uncommon syndrome showing symmetrical gangrene in acral regions without evidence of large-vessel occlusion or vasculitis. Intravenous vasopressors are frequently used to manage hemodynamically unstable patients. There have been few reports about SPG after using inotropics. However, risk factors for SPG have not been extensively studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze several cases of SPG and identify risk factors for SPG. Methods From October 2013 to October 2016, 36 patients with SPG after using vasopressors were included in this study. SPG is an extremely rare disease entity. Therefore, this work was designed as a matched case-control study. For the control group, 42 patients (25 men and 17 women) with similar age, admission department, sex, and vasopressor usage in intensive care unit patients during the same period were selected. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify risk factors within the following categories: medical conditions, vasopressor-related factors, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores. Results Differences between the 2 groups concerning medical condition-related variables did not exist. Statistically significant differences were found in intensive care unit duration (P = 0.0011) and survival. All vasopressor-related factors were adjusted according to weights of patients. Weight-compensated mean dose of dopamin significantly (P = 0.028) affected the occurrence of SPG. Weight-compensated peak dose of norpin, dopamin, and epinephrine also significantly contributed to SPG. Conclusions Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is a rare clinical syndrome related with a high mortality and up to 70% of patients who survive require amputation. Several studies have mentioned that there are several factors affecting the result of SPG. Few studies on SPG have been reported and most of them are case reports. In this study, we revealed the influence of vasopressors to the occurrence of SPG, and this was the first matched case-control study based on the analysis of multiple risk factors.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization in the Treatment of Maxillofacial Fractures With Life-Threatening Hemorrhage

imageIntroduction Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has gained importance in the management of maxillofacial fractures with life-threating hemorrhage (MFH). However, clinical evidence supporting the use of TAE has not been clearly established in the literature. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of TAE for MFH, based on data obtained from the Japan Trauma Data Bank. Methods Patients were identified from Japan Trauma Data Bank entries for the years 2004 to 2014. Inclusion criteria for MFH were defined using the Abbreviated Injury Scale code (Maxilla fracture, LeFort III; blood loss. > 20%). On the basis of the treatment strategy, patients were categorized into either the TAE group or the non-TAE group. A comparative analysis of the demographics, injury characteristics, and outcomes was performed. Results From among 198,744 documented cases of trauma, a total 118 patients were eligible for the study; 26 of these patients (22.0%) underwent TAE. The Glasgow Coma Scale score was significantly lower in the TAE group than in the non-TAE group (P = 0.019); the other variables did not significantly differ between the groups. Overall, the in-hospital mortality rate was 39.8%, and the median hospital length of stay was 21.0 days (0.0–53.5 days). The in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the TAE group than in the non-TAE group (23.1% vs 44.6%; odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14–1.02; p = 0.048). However, patients in the TAE group had a longer median hospital length of stay (39.5 [7.3–53.5] vs 14.0 [0.0–55.3] days, p = 0.072). In the logistic regression model, the use of TAE was extracted as the independent predictor for better outcomes after adjusting for potential confounders (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.66–0.88; P = 0.032). Hypotension, a high Injury Severity Score, aged 60 years or older, and a low Glasgow Coma Scale score were also independently associated with mortality, with an OR of 5.48, 3.99, 3.30, and 2.89, respectively. Conclusions Cases of MFH are rare, but they are associated with a high mortality. Transcatheter arterial embolization use appears to lead to successful outcomes in such cases. Further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of TAE and evaluate its indications and complications.

Modified 2-Stage Method for Auricular Reconstruction

imageBackground Auricular reconstruction is one of the most challenging procedures in the field of plastic surgery. The aims of this study were to apply the modified 2-stage method to perform auricular reconstruction and to summarize the clinical experience in the past 10 years. Methods Auricular reconstruction was performed in 243 patients (total 254 ears) of congenital microtia using autologous costal cartilage. The whole procedure is divided into 2 stages. Stage I: the individualized framework fabricated with autologous costal cartilage is inserted into subcutaneous pocket in the mastoid region, and then the earlobe was transposed backward to connect with the lower part of the framework. The second-stage surgery mainly includes the following main contents: ear elevation, fixing the bracket behind the reconstructed ear framework, harvesting the retroauricular fascial flap to cover the bracket, and closing the defect with free skin grafts. Results A total of 243 patients (254 ears) of congenital microtia underwent ear reconstruction. The follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 4 years; 220 patients were satisfied with the results. Surgery-related complications such as infection, partial skin graft necrosis, flap necrosis, bad projection of the constructed auricle, and extrusion of cartilage occurred in 24 cases, and hypertrophic scars occurred in 16 patients. Conclusions This modified 2-stage method for auricle reconstruction can receive acceptable results and fewer complications; furthermore, it is relatively simple and easy to master. The 10-year experience validates that this modified method is an ideal method in auricular reconstruction.

Masculinizing Top Surgery: A Systematic Review of Techniques and Outcomes

imageBackground Chest wall masculinization by means of mastectomy is an important gender affirming surgery for transmasculine and non-binary patients. Limited data exist comparing commonly used techniques in masculinizing top surgery, and most are single institution studies. Methods A systematic review was performed on primary literature dedicated specifically to the technical aspects and outcomes of mastectomy for masculinizing top surgery. For each study, patient demographics and surgical outcomes were compared. Results Eight studies met inclusion criteria. There were 2138 breasts with an average patient age of 28.6 years and the average breast weight was 353 g. The most commonly reported techniques are those without skin resection (8.0%), those with periareolar skin resection (34.1%), inferior pedicle mammoplasty (15.7%), and inframammary fold skin excision with free nipple grafting (FNG, 42.2%). In total, 6.0% of all breasts required acute reoperation for hematoma and 26.5% required secondary operations. Acute reoperation occurred significantly less often in the FNG cohort (4.8%) compared with both the inferior pedicle mammaplasty cohort (8.9%, P

Utilization of Microdissected Thin Perforator Flap Technique in the Treatment of Bulky and Deformed Skin Flaps

imageBackground This study investigates the feasibility and clinical impact of the microdissected thin perforator skin flap strategy on bulky and deformed skin flaps during second-stage revision surgery. Methods Seventeen patients were selected and underwent the microdissected thin perforator skin flap technique to treat bulky and deformed skin flaps after free flap reconstruction between October 2013 and October 2015. Perforator vessels were isolated and protected under a microscope. Subdermal fat with a thickness of 4 mm to 7 mm was preserved, and excess adipose tissue was resected. Results No skin flap necrosis was observed after the operation in all 17 patients, and all wounds healed without complications. Patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months, with an average follow-up time of 10 months. The skin flaps maintain normal color and texture. Both appearance and function of the recipient sites were improved significantly. Conclusions The utilization of microdissected thin perforator flap technique to further thin bulky skin flaps at the second stage can be effective in a single operation. The blood supply of all free flaps was preserved, with no evidence of necrosis or healing complications. This technique offers an effective approach for secondary thinning of bulky free flaps.

Discussion: Predictors of Complications After Pectoralis Major Transposition for Sternum Dehiscence

No abstract available

Science in Places of Grandeur: Communication and Engagement in National Parks

Abstract
The United States has set aside over 400 national parks and other protected areas to be managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Collectively, these sites attract over 300 million visits per year which makes the NPS one of the largest informal education institutions in the country. Because the NPS supports and facilitates scientific studies in parks, the national park system provides abundant opportunity for biologists and other scientists to engage global audiences in learning, exploring, and even conducting science. Those opportunities are best pursued through collaborations among scientists and the professional communication staff (interpreters, educators, media specialists, etc.) of parks and their partner organizations. This article describes unique opportunities and rationale for such collaborations, presents several examples that highlight the range of activities and lessons drawn from them, and invites scientists to conduct studies in parks and bring their science into the public eye.

Phototransduction gene expression and evolution in cave and surface crayfishes

Abstract
In the absence of light in caves, animals have repeatedly evolved reduced eyes and visual systems. Whether the underlying genetic components remain intact in blind species remains unanswered across taxa. The freshwater crayfish have evolved to live in caves multiple times throughout their history; therefore, this system provides an opportunity to probe the genetic patterns and processes underlying repeated vision loss. Using transcriptomic data from the eyes of 14 species of cave and surface crayfishes, we identify the expression of 17 genes putatively related to visual phototransduction. We find a similarly complete repertoire of phototransduction gene families expressed in cave and surface species, but that the expression levels of those transcripts are consistently lower in cave species. We find statistical support for episodic positive selection, increased selection strength and decreased selection strength in caves, depending on the gene family. Analyses of gene expression evolution suggests convergent and possibly adaptive downregulation of these genes across eye-reduction events. Our results reveal of combination of evolutionary processes acting on the sequences and gene expression levels of vision-related genes underlying the loss of vision in caves.

Rumfitt on truth-grounds, negation, and vagueness

Abstract

In The Boundary Stones of Thought (2015), Rumfitt defends classical logic against challenges from intuitionistic mathematics and vagueness, using a semantics of pre-topologies on possibilities, and a topological semantics on predicates, respectively. These semantics are suggestive but the characterizations of negation face difficulties that may undermine their usefulness in Rumfitt's project.



Application of triolein-embedded cellulose acetate membrane (TECAM) passive sampler to study phase distribution of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in sediment

Abstract

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) are a class of widely used brominated flame retardants (BFRs) that exhibit strong hydrophobicity. The ubiquity and persistence of HBCDs in sediment have attracted significant attention because of public health concerns. The environmental fate and ecological risks of HBCDs closely depend on their phase distribution in sediments. However, little information is available regarding the freely dissolved concentrations (Cfree ) of HBCDs in sediment porewater. In this study, we developed a method to measure Cfree of HBCDs in sediment porewater using triolein-embedded cellulose acetate membranes (TECAM). The TECAM-to-water partitioning coefficient (log KTECAM ) was 4.69, 4.77, and 4.63 for α-HBCD, β-HBCD, and γ-HBCD, respectively. In sediments, HBCDs sorbed to the sediment solid phase accounted for more than 99% of the total chemical mass. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC)-water partition coefficient (KDOC ) values were derived from TECAM measurements, and the log KDOC values ranged from 5.77 to 6.23 for the three HBCD diastereomers, suggesting a strong tendency for HBCDs to sorb to DOC. The high sorption of HBDCs for DOC implies a potential for DOC-facilitated transport which may enhance the environmental mobility of HBCDs.



Iron nanoparticles in situ encapsulated in lignin-derived hydrochar as an effective catalyst for phenol removal

Abstract

In this work, we have developed a low-cost and green strategy for nanoscale zero-valent iron (ZVI) in situ encapsulated in lignin-derived hydrochar (Fe@HC) by a facile one-pot synthesis route. The as-synthesized Fe@HC was characterized for physicochemical properties by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Further catalytic experiment revealed that phenol could be completely degraded by Fe@HC-800 within 20 min with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) at mild temperatures. Fe@HC-800 catalyst also exhibited stable performance after three runs of regeneration. The XPS and XRD results proved the key role of Fe0 in the degradation of phenol. This approach is of great potential to the development of green materials biomass-derived carbon materials for wastewater treatment applications.



Targeting glioblastoma-derived pericytes improves chemotherapeutic outcome

Abstract

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain cancer in adults, with poor prognosis. The blood–brain barrier limits the arrival of several promising anti-glioblastoma drugs, and restricts the design of efficient therapies. Recently, by using state-of-the-art technologies, including thymidine kinase targeting system in combination with glioblastoma xenograft mouse models, it was revealed that targeting glioblastoma-derived pericytes improves chemotherapy efficiency. Strikingly, ibrutinib treatment enhances chemotherapeutic effectiveness, by targeting pericytes, improving blood–brain barrier permeability, and prolonging survival. This study identifies glioblastoma-derived pericyte as a novel target in the brain tumor microenvironment during carcinogenesis. Here, we summarize and evaluate recent advances in the understanding of pericyte's role in the glioblastoma microenvironment.



Cultivable bacteria from Pectinatella magnifica and the surrounding water in South Bohemia indicate potential new Gammaproteobacterial, Betaproteobacterial, and Firmicutes taxa

Abstract
Pectinatella magnifica is a freshwater bryozoan, which has become a subject of scientific interest because of its invasive expansion worldwide. To obtain a comprehensive overview of its influence on environments, information on associated bacteria is needed. In this study, cultivable bacteria associated with P. magnifica were investigated. In total, 253 isolates were selected for preliminary identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and clustered based on REP-PCR profiles. Among these, 169 strains were selected and identified using 16S rRNA gene comparative analyses. The sequences were grouped into 76 phylotypes and affiliated with 67 species. The majority of isolated bacteria belonged to Gammaproteobacteria, followed by Betaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. Most strains within the Betaproteobacteria were isolated exclusively from bryozoan colonies. Aeromonas was the genus predominantly isolated from both P. magnifica and the water samples. Based on 16S rDNA similarity values, 15 putative new species belonging to the genera Aeromonas, Aquitalea, Clostridium, Herbaspirillum, Chromobacterium, Chryseobacterium, Morganella, Paludibacterium, Pectobacterium, Rahnella, Rhodoferax, and Serratia, and putative new genera belonging to families Clostridiaceae and Sporomusaceae were revealed. The majority of the detected bacteria were species widely distributed in the environments; nevertheless, a possible symbiotic association of two new putative species with P. magnifica cannot be excluded.

An Epigenome-Wide Association Study (EWAS) of Obesity-Related Traits

Abstract
We conducted an epigenome-wide association study on obesity-related traits. We used data from two prospective, population-based cohort studies: the Rotterdam Study (RS) (2006–2013) and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (1990–1992). We used RS (n = 1,454) as the discovery panel and ARIC (n = 2,097) as replication panel. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the cross-sectional association between genome-wide DNA methylation in leukocytes with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) adjusting for sex, age, smoking, leukocyte proportions, array number and position on array. The two latter were modelled as random effects. Fourteen CpGs were associated with BMI and 26 CpGs with WC in RS after Bonferroni-correction (P < 1.07 × 10−7), of which 12 and 13 CpGs replicated in ARIC Study, respectively. The most significant novel CpGs were located at MSI2 (cg21139312) and LARS2 (cg18030453) and were associated both with BMI and WC. CpGs at BRDT, PSMD1, IFI44L, MAP1A, and MAP3K5 were associated with BMI. CpGs at LGALS3BP, MAP2K3, DHCR24, CPSF4L, and TMEM49 were associated with WC. We report novel associations of methylation at MSI2 and LARS2 with obesity-related traits. These results provide further insight in mechanisms underlying obesity-related traits, which can enable identification of new biomarkers in obesity-related chronic diseases.

Residential Racial Isolation and Spatial Patterning of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Durham, North Carolina

Abstract
Neighborhood characteristics such as racial segregation may be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but studies have not examined these relationships using spatial models appropriate for geographically patterned health outcomes. We construct a local, spatial index of racial isolation (RI) for blacks, which measures the extent to which blacks are exposed to only one another, to estimate associations of diabetes with RI and examine how RI relates to spatial patterning in diabetes. We obtained 2007–2011 electronic health records from the Duke Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse. Patient data were linked to RI based on census block of residence. We use aspatial and spatial Bayesian models to assess spatial variation in diabetes and relationships with RI. Compared to spatial models with patient age and sex, residual geographic heterogeneity in diabetes in spatial models that also included RI was 29% and 24% lower for non-Hispanic whites and blacks, respectively. A 0.20 unit increase in RI was associated with 1.24 (95% credible interval: 1.17, 1.31) and 1.07 (1.05, 1.10) increased risk of diabetes for whites and blacks, respectively. Improved understanding of neighborhood characteristics associated with diabetes can inform development of policy interventions.

Longitudinal Physical Activity Patterns Among Older Adults: A Latent Transition Analysis

Abstract
Most epidemiologic studies of physical activity measure either total energy expenditure or engagement in a single activity type, such as walking. These approaches may gloss over important nuances in activity patterns. We performed a latent transition analysis to identify patterns of activity types as well as neighborhood and individual determinants of changes in those activity patterns over two years in a cohort of 2,023 older adult residents of New York City, NY, surveyed between 2011 and 2013. We identified seven latent classes: 1) Mostly Inactive, 2) Walking, 3) Exercise, 4) Household Activities and Walking, 5) Household Activities and Exercise, 6) Gardening and Household Activities, and 7) Gardening, Household Activities, and Exercise. The majority of subjects retained the same activity patterns between waves (54% unchanged between waves 1 and 2, 66% unchanged between waves 2 and 3).Most latent class transitions were between classes distinguished only by one form of activity, and only neighborhood unemployment was consistently associated with changing between activity latent classes. Future latent transition analyses of physical activity would benefit from larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods to assess predictors of and long-term impacts of changes in activity patterns.