[Advances in the research of application of skin-stretching device in wound closure].

Skin-stretching device as a new treatment method of wound closure has been recognized by many discipline fields. Through continuous improvement and adjustment in clinical application, it has achieved remarkable results in some departments. This article summarizes the basic theory, history, classification, and application of skin-stretching devices.

Hydrogels for Advanced Stem Cell Therapies: A Biomimetic Materials Approach for Enhancing Natural Tissue Function.

Stem-cell-based therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of a myriad of diseases and injuries. However, the low rate of cell survival and the uncontrolled differentiation of the injected stem cells currently remain key challenges in advancing stem cell therapeutics. Hydrogels are biomaterials that are potentially highly effective candidates for scaffold systems for stem cells and other molecular encapsulation approaches to target in vivo delivery. Hydrogel-based strategies can potentially address several current challenges in stem cell therapy. We present a concise overview of the recent advances in applications of hydrogels in stem cell therapies, with a focus particularly on the recent advances in the design and approaches for application of hydrogels in tissue engineering. The capability of hydrogels to either enhance the function of the transplanted stem cells by promoting their controlled differentiation or enhance the recruitment of endogenous adult stem cells to the injury site for repair is also reviewed. Finally, the importance of impacts and the desired relationship between the scaffold system and the encapsulated stem cells are discussed.

Changing Trends in Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction. Analysis of a Single-institution Experience Between 2004-2016.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recently, "conservative" mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction (M-R) has become the gold standard when the breast must be removed. We analyzed the evolution in the choice of mastectomy type in our Unit, focusing on factors associated with renounce to reconstruction and risk factors for its failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical-pathological and surgical features of 132 patients who underwent mastectomy in our Unit from 2004 to 2016 were analyzed. M-R rate and different mastectomy techniques' rates between 2004-2009 and 2010-2016 were compared. RESULTS: M-R was associated with younger age at diagnosis (p<0.001) and early tumor stage (p=0.03). M-R rate increased from 49.1% to 72.2% (p=0.002) in the last years, with prominent use of nipple-sparing-mastectomy (p<0.001). M-R failure rate was associated with previous or subsequent irradiation/chemotherapy in 92.3% of cases. CONCLUSION: M-R and particularly nipple-sparing-mastectomy represented the standard in more recent years; reconstruction failure was associated with irradiation/chemotherapy, especially in implant-based reconstructions.

Reconstrucao da mamaria imediata e tardia com expansores de tecidos / Immediate and delayed reconstruction of the breast using tissue expanders

No periodo de 1988 a 1992 os autores realizaram 64 reconstrucoes mamarias nas quais utilizaram expansores de tecidos seguidos da introducao de implantes de silicone num segundo tempo cirurgico. As reconstrucoes foram imediatas ou tardias em pacientes submetidos a mastectomia radicais modificadas. Neste trabalho sao descritos detalhes dos tempos cirurgicos e analisadas as indicacoes, vantagens e desvantagens da tecnica. Com resultados satisfatorios em 85 por cento dos casos, considera-se que a expansao de tecidos e uma tecnica que deve permanecer como uma opcao valida para reconstrucao de mama.