The Role for miR-146b-5p in the Attenuation of Dermal Fibrosis and Angiogenesis by Targeting PDGFRα in Skin Wounds.

As a candidate microRNA antifibrotic effector in skin wounds, miR-146b-5p was upregulated by basic FGF, and PDGFRα was identified as a direct target of miR-146b-5p in fibroblasts. The treatment of fibroblasts with a miR-146b-5p mimic markedly downregulated the expression of PDGFRα and collagen type I. miR-146b-5p mimic transfection in wounds markedly attenuated cutaneous fibrosis, whereas a miR-146b-5p inhibitor strongly promoted fibrosis, with increases in PDGFRα and collagen I levels. These results indicate the positive effects of miR-146b-5p for the suppression of fibrosis, possibly through the inhibition of PDGFRα. The miR-146b-5p inhibitor markedly increased CD34+ vessel numbers and CD34 expression in wounds. We found miR-146b-5p+ cells in close contact with S100+ adipocytes. Moreover, we discovered the specific colocalization of the exosome marker CD81 and miR-146b-5p in the adipose tissue cells of mimic-transfected wounds, with miR-146b-5p signals being detected in the FSP1+ fibroblastic cells of adipose tissues. Therefore, fibroblastic cells of adipose tissues, which may specifically pick up and contain miR-146b-5p by exosome after transfection, may play an important role in the suppression of fibrosis. In this process, the inhibition of PDGFRα in adipose tissue cells by miR-146b-5p may lead to the loss of their PDGFRα-induced profibrotic activities, thereby suppressing fibrosis.

Use of Parotid Gland Fascia in the Prevention of Frey Syndrome After Parotidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Superficial parotidectomy is standard surgical procedure for parotid gland tumor, and Frey syndrome and depressed deformity of the region are often seen as complications. In this study, we performed prevention of Frey syndrome by covering the residual parotid gland defect with the parotid gland fascia flap. METHOD: The subjects were 5 patients with parotid gland tumor. Tumor was localized in the inferior and superior poles of the parotid gland in 3 and 2 patients, respectively, and it was confirmed on preoperative diagnostic imaging that the tumor and parotid gland fascia were not present in close proximity. Through Lazy-S incision, main trunk of facial nerve was identified and conserved following the surgical procedure of normal superficial parotidectomy, and the superficial parotid gland containing tumor was elevated. A parotid gland fascia flap with a pedicle on the nasal side was prepared and the defect after superficial parotidectomy was covered with it. RESULTS: The facial nerve and resected parotid gland stump could be sufficiently covered with the parotid gland fascia flap in all patients. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 36 months (10 months-4 years and 5 months), and there were no complications such as tumor recurrence, Frey syndrome, salivary gland fistula, or severe concavity in the parotid region. CONCLUSION: Although application of the present procedure is limited to patients in whom the parotid gland fascia and tumor are not located in close proximity, it may be useful to prevent Frey syndrome because extension of incision is not necessary, the surrounding tissue is not sacrificed, the flap can be easily elevated, and the parotid gland stump can be sufficiently covered.

A Case of Clitoral Hypertrophy of Unknown Origin.

Clitoral hypertrophy is caused by disorders of sex development and it is observed from birth in most cases. We encountered a patient in whom normal morphology at birth may have acquired deformity and hypertrophy. The patient was a 10-year-old girl with a chief complaint of pudendal deformity. The clitoral hood was enlarged and the clitoris size was 8 x 5 mm on the first examination. Various tests were performed. Sex chromosome or hormonal abnormalities and tumorous lesions were not detected, and the ovaries, uterus, and vagina were normal, indicating that disorders of mullerian development were negative. In surgery, reconstruction of the vulva was performed following the Marberger method. The present case may have been a very rare case of acquired hypertrophy of unknown origin.

Navigation-Assisted Nasal Bone Osteotomy for Malunited Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Nasal bone osteotomy subjectively judges the position for osteotomy by visual inspection and by manual feel using the fingertip. Therefore, the outcome depends on the surgeon's experience and mastery of the procedure is technically challenging. METHODS: The authors applied a navigation system for the intraoperative evaluation of the osteotomy line and reduction position in 5 patients with malunited nasal bone fracture. The authors performed the operation with a temporal bone post developed for otologic surgery using Stealth Station S7 System (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN). The suretrack is attached to the bone chisel. The authors performed the osteotomies while visualizing the tip of the chisel on the monitor.In addition, evaluation of the reduction position was performed by insertion of a 23G needle syringe with the suretrack to the nasal bone surface. RESULTS: The tip of the bone chisel was visible on the monitor, and the authors could perform osteotomies while confirming the position and direction of osteotomy. In addition, the reduction position could be visualized clearly on the monitor. CONCLUSION: Navigation systems can confirm the 3-dimensional spatial relationship around the fracture site in real time, requiring only comparatively simple preoperative preparation and intraoperative operation without radiation exposure. Therefore, the advantage is that even an inexperienced surgeon can perform an accurate evaluation. This would be useful as a guide for young doctors and medical students as it would be possible to perform safe and accurate osteotomy for old nasal bone fractures.

Cauliflower-Like Shaped Osteoma.

Skull osteoma is a benign tumor that slowly and continuously enlarges. It is frequently observed in routine medical practice and many patients show an arc shape. The authors encountered a patient with osteoma with a rare morphology that developed in the occipital region. The patient was a 66-year-old male who had been aware of the presence of a mass in the occipital region for about 50 years, but its uncomfortable feeling had recently increased, and it was resected. The excised tumor showed a pedunculated cauliflower-like shape continuous to the skull. The pathological diagnosis was osteoma. The cause of rare morphologies includes trauma and infection, but this patient had no such past medical history. Since the development site was the occipital region, it was assumed that chronic stimulation caused the rare morphology.