Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction Using a New Protocol with All Clinical-Grade Drugs: From Basic Study to Clinical Application.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield, viability, clinical safety, and efficacy of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) separated with a new protocol with all clinical-grade drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SVF cells were isolated from lipoaspirate obtained from 13 participants aged from 30 to 56 years by using a new clinical protocol and the laboratory protocol. The cell yield, viability, morphology, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) surface marker expression, and differentiation abilities of the SVF cells harvested from the two protocols were compared. Furthermore, three related clinical trials were conducted to verify the safety and efficiency of SVF cells isolated by the new clinical protocol. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the yield, viability, morphology, and differentiation potential of the SVFs isolated with the clinical protocol and laboratory protocol. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASC) surface marker expression, including that of CD14, CD31, CD44, CD90, CD105, and CD133, was consistent between the two protocols. Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of the SVF isolated with the new clinical protocol in improving skin grafting, promoting mechanical stretch-induced skin regeneration and improving facial skin texture. No complications occurred. CONCLUSION: SVF isolated by the new clinical protocol had a noninferior yield and viability to that of the SVF separated by the laboratory protocol. SVFs obtained by the new protocol can be safely and effectively applied to improve skin grafting, promote mechanical stretch-induced skin regeneration, and improve facial skin texture. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trials were registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03189628), the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000039317), and the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02546882). All the three trials were not patient-funded trials. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Therapeutic targeting of white adipose tissue metabolic dysfunction in obesity: mechanisms and opportunities.

White adipose tissue is not only a highly heterogeneous organ containing various cells, such as adipocytes, adipose stem and progenitor cells, and immune cells, but also an endocrine organ that is highly important for regulating metabolic and immune homeostasis. In individuals with obesity, dynamic cellular changes in adipose tissue result in phenotypic switching and adipose tissue dysfunction, including pathological expansion, WAT fibrosis, immune cell infiltration, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and ectopic lipid accumulation, ultimately leading to chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. Recently, many distinct subpopulations of adipose tissue have been identified, providing new insights into the potential mechanisms of adipose dysfunction in individuals with obesity. Therefore, targeting white adipose tissue as a therapeutic agent for treating obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases is of great scientific interest. Here, we provide an overview of white adipose tissue remodeling in individuals with obesity including cellular changes and discuss the underlying regulatory mechanisms of white adipose tissue metabolic dysfunction. Currently, various studies have uncovered promising targets and strategies for obesity treatment. We also outline the potential therapeutic signaling pathways of targeting adipose tissue and summarize existing therapeutic strategies for antiobesity treatment including pharmacological approaches, lifestyle interventions, and novel therapies.

Tracing the Change and Contribution of Subcutaneous Adipose to Skin Expansion Using a Luciferase-Transgenic Fat Transplantation Model.

BACKGROUND: During skin expansion, subcutaneous adipose tissue undergoes the greatest change. The adipose layer appears to gradually thin or even disappear in long-term expansion. The response and contribution of adipose tissue to skin expansion remain to be elucidated. METHODS: The authors established a novel expansion model by transplanting luciferase-transgenic adipose tissue into the rat dorsum, followed by integrated expansion, to trace the dynamic changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue during expansion and the migration of adipose tissue-derived cells. In vivo luminescent imaging was performed to continuously track the adipose tissue changes. Histologic analysis and immunohistochemical staining evaluated the regeneration and vascularization of the expanded skin. Growth factor expression in expanded skin with or without adipose tissue was determined to evaluate the paracrine effect of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue-derived cells were traced in vitro by anti-luciferase staining, and their fate was determined by costaining for PDGFRα, DLK1, and CD31. RESULTS: In vivo bioimaging showed that cells in adipose tissue were alive during expansion. After expansion, the adipose tissue exhibited fibrotic-like structures, with more DLK1 + preadipocytes. Skin expanded with adipose tissue was significantly thicker than that without adipose tissue, with more blood vessels and cell proliferation. Vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor expression was higher in adipose tissue than in skin, indicating paracrine support from adipose tissue. Luciferase-positive adipose tissue-derived cells were observed in expanded skin, indicating direct participation in skin regeneration. CONCLUSION: Adipose tissue transplantation can effectively promote long-term skin expansion by contributing to vascularization and cell proliferation by means of various mechanisms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The authors' findings suggest that it would be better if the expander pocket is dissected over the superficial fascia to preserve a layer of adipose tissue with skin. In addition, their findings support the treatment of fat grafting when expanded skin presents with thinning.

Identifying characteristics of dermal fibroblasts in skin homeostasis and disease.

Heterogeneous dermal fibroblasts are the main components that constitute the dermis. Distinct fibroblast subgroups show specific characteristics and functional plasticity that determine dermal structure during skin development and wound healing. Although researchers have described the roles of fibroblast subsets, this is not completely understood. We review recent evidence supporting understanding about the heterogeneity of fibroblasts. We summarize the origins and the identified profiles of fibroblast subpopulations. The characteristics of fibroblast subpopulations in both healthy and diseased states are highlighted, and the potential of subpopulations to be involved in wound healing in different ways was discussed. Additionally, we review the plasticity of subpopulations and the underlying signalling mechanisms. This review may provide greater insights into potential novel therapeutic targets and tissue regeneration strategies for the future.

A reinforced framework construction technique using unilateral auricular cartilage in Asian rhinoplasty to prevent long-term nasal tip drooping.

BACKGROUND: Enhancing nasal tip projection is an important objective in Asian rhinoplasty. Nasal tip enhancement using auricular cartilage is simple and suitable for Asian patients. However, the long-term retraction problem of the auricular framework still needs to be solved for optimal results. OBJECTIVES: The authors propose a modified auricular cartilage framework construction technique that provides stronger long-term support to the nasal tip and columellar base. METHODS: Eighty-one patients underwent augmentation rhinoplasty between January 2016 and December 2019. The cymba and cavum conchae were harvested from one ear in all cases. The cymba concha was carved and folded to form a caudal septal extension graft (CSEG). The cavum concha was divided into an integrated cap/shield graft and a columella base graft. The columella base graft was diced into particles in size of 1 mm3, and inserted into the gap between CSEG, anterior nasal spine, and the medial crus to strengthen the foundation. The nasal profile was analyzed before the operation and at least 12 months after the operation. The patient satisfaction score was assessed 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for 12-36 months. The nasal tip projection from both the lateral and basal views was significantly improved. The columella-labial angle was increased from 83.15° (6.20°) to 96.50° (7.40°) (p < 0.05). The nostril tip proportion increased from 0.83 (0.14) to 1.17(0.16) (p < 0.01). A stable long-term outcome was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: With the modified framework construction technique, long-term nasal tip drooping can be prevented. This method can be a practical choice for Asian patients seeking augmentation rhinoplasty.

Concentrated ultrasound-processed fat (CUPF): More than a mechanically emulsified graft.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous fat grafting is still an evolving technique. Researchers have attempted to increase the survival rate of grafts by concentrating adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). In this study, we investigate a novel method that combines ultrasonic processing and centrifugation to generate small fat particles termed concentrated ultrasound-processed fat (CUPF) for grafting. METHODS: The standard approach for obtaining CUPF is described. The properties of processed fat, including CUPF, microfat, centrifuged fat, and nanofat, were investigated using histological observation. Comparative analyses were conducted on the cell number, viability, and immunophenotypic profile of stromal vascular fraction cells (SVFs). Cultured ASCs were evaluated for cell proliferation and adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic potential. The processed fats were transplanted and evaluated using in vivo and histological studies. RESULTS: Compared with microfat, centrifuged fat, and nanofat, CUPF had a condensed tissue content and higher concentration of viable cells in a small tissue structure and could smoothly pass through a 27-gauge cannula. In the CUPF group, SVFs were isolated in great numbers, with high viability and a high proportion of CD29- and CD105-positive cells. ASCs from the CUPF group exhibited high proliferation and multilineage differentiation potential. The grafts from the CUPF group were well preserved, and histological quantification revealed an increase in the abundance of Ki67- and CD31-positive cells in the tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Our study established a new fat processing strategy that combines ultrasonic processing and centrifugation to harvest small particle grafts named CUPF. CUPF concentrated a large number of ASCs and has great potential for regenerative therapy.

Autologous Concentrated Growth Factor Increases Skin Thickness and Area during Tissue Expansion: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical stretching of the skin (ie, tissue expansion) could generate additional skin, but it is limited by the intrinsic growth capacity. The authors conducted a study of autologous concentrated growth factor (CGF) to promote skin regeneration by increasing skin thickness and area during tissue expansion. METHODS: A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted from 2016 to 2019. Participants undergoing skin expansion received either CGF or saline by means of intradermal injection on the expanded skin (0.02 mL/cm 2 ), for a total of three treatments at 4-week intervals. The primary endpoint was the expanded skin thickness at 12 weeks, which was measured by ultrasound. The secondary endpoints included skin thickness at 4 and 8 weeks and surface area, expansion index, and skin texture score of the expanded skin at 12 weeks. Safety assessments, for infection symptoms and nodule formation, were assessed at 24 weeks. RESULTS: In total, 26 patients were enrolled and assigned to the CGF or control group. Compared with the control group, the CGF group had significantly increased skin thickness at 8 (control, 1.1 ± 0.1 mm; CGF, 1.4 ± 0.1 mm; -0.6 to 0.0 mm; P = 0.047) and 12 weeks (control, 1.0 ± 0.1 mm; CGF, 1.3 ± 0.1 mm; -0.6 to 0.0 mm; P = 0.047). Compared with the baseline thickness (control, 1.6 ± 0.1 mm; CGF, 1.5 ± 0.1 mm; -0.3 to 0.5 mm; P = 0.987), skin thickness was sustained in the CGF group at 8 weeks after treatment (-0.1 to 0.3 mm; P = 0.711) but decreased in the control group (0.3 to 0.7 mm; P < 0.001). At 12 weeks, the CGF group showed greater increases in surface area (control, 77.7 ± 18.5 cm 2 ; CGF, 135.0 ± 15.7 cm 2 ; 7.2 cm 2 to 107.4 cm 2 ; P = 0.027) and expansion index (control, 0.9 ± 0.1; CGF, 1.4 ± 0.2; 0.0 to 0.8; P = 0.030) than the control group. In addition, CGF-treated skin showed an improvement in texture [CGF: grade 3, n = 2 (15.8%), grade 2, n = 4 (30.7%); control: grade 3, n = 0 (0.0%), grade 2, n = 3 (23.0%)]. No severe adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: CGF treatment increases skin thickness and area during tissue expansion, and represents a safe and effective strategy for managing skin expansion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The findings of this study indicate that it is practically feasible to improve skin regeneration by applying autologous platelet concentrate therapy for skin expansion management. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Dedifferentiated Schwann cell-derived TGF-ß3 is essential for the neural system to promote wound healing.

Rationale: Wound healing is among the most complicated physiological processes and requires the synchronization of various cell types with distinct roles to re-establish the condition of the original skin. Patients affected by peripheral neuropathies often experience failure to heal. Loss of Schwann cells (SCs), a crucial population of peripheral nervous system cells in skin, may contribute to chronic wounds. However, the role of SCs in wound healing are poorly understood. Methods: The activity of SCs was investigated by using a cell atlas of the wound healing process, which was generated by integrating single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) libraries covering different states of mouse back skin. The results of in silico analysis were validated by in vitro cell culture and in vivo mouse model. Selective inhibitors and conditional RNAi by virus transfection were utilized to investigate the role of SCs in wound healing. Findings from mouse experiments were further verified in scRNA-seq analysis of diabetic patients. Results: Our in silico analysis revealed the heterogeneous cellular components of skin and the dynamic interactions of neural crest derived cells (NCs) with other cell types. We found that SCs dedifferentiated at an early stage of wound repair with upregulated Wnt signaling. We also identified dedifferentiated SC (dSC) defect in diabetic wounds in both mouse and human. Wnt inhibition at the wound site repressed SC dedifferentiation, leading to defective repair. Furthermore, dSCs derived TGF-ß3, which is context-dependent, promoted the migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Moreover, TGF-ß3 supplementation enhanced the healing of chronic wounds in diabetic mice with impaired SCs. Conclusion: Our study thus advances the understanding of the roles of neural-derived cells in skin regeneration and suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for wound healing disorders.

Adipose tissue aging: mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

Adipose tissue, which is the crucial energy reservoir and endocrine organ for the maintenance of systemic glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis, undergoes significant changes during aging. These changes cause physiological declines and age-related disease in the elderly population. Here, we review the age-related changes in adipose tissue at multiple levels and highlight the underlying mechanisms regulating the aging process. We also discuss the pathogenic pathways of age-related fat dysfunctions and their systemic negative consequences, such as dyslipidemia, chronic general inflammation, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Age-related changes in adipose tissue involve redistribution of deposits and composition, in parallel with the functional decline of adipocyte progenitors and accumulation of senescent cells. Multiple pathogenic pathways induce defective adipogenesis, inflammation, aberrant adipocytokine production, and insulin resistance, leading to adipose tissue dysfunction. Changes in gene expression and extracellular signaling molecules regulate the aging process of adipose tissue through various pathways. In addition, adipose tissue aging impacts other organs that are infiltrated by lipids, which leads to systemic inflammation, metabolic system disruption, and aging process acceleration. Moreover, studies have indicated that adipose aging is an early onset event in aging and a potential target to extend lifespan. Together, we suggest that adipose tissue plays a key role in the aging process and is a therapeutic target for the treatment of age-related disease, which deserves further study to advance relevant knowledge.

The effect of glycerol as a cryoprotective agent in the cryopreservation of adipose tissue.

BACKGROUND: Long-term preservation of adipose tissue is crucial for clinical applications. Researchers should consider both efficiency and biosafety when choosing a cryoprotective agent (CPA) for adipose tissue preservation. Glycerol has been applied as a nontoxic CPA for multiple tissues but not adipose tissue. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of glycerol as a CPA for adipose tissue cryopreservation. METHODS: Fresh human adipose tissues were obtained from patients who underwent liposuction and divided into 1 mL samples. Each sample was randomly mixed with 1 mL of CPA: 60-100% glycerol, 0.25 mol/L trehalose or DMSO + FBS and cryopreserved in - 196 °C liquid nitrogen for one month. After thawing and elution, the tissues were immediately evaluated for activity and structural integrity in vitro. Then, 0.2 mL of each sample was transplanted subdermally to the nude mouse dorsum and harvested after one month for histological examination to assess the effect of the cryopreserved fat in transplantation. RESULTS: After cryopreservation, the samples treated with DMSO + FBS, trehalose, 60% and 70% glycerol had a more integrated structure than the samples in other groups. Tissues preserved with 70% glycerol had the highest G3PDH activity of 24.41 ± 0.70, comparable to 24.76 ± 0.48 in fresh tissue (p > 0.05). Adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) viability, proliferation and differentiation capability were also better preserved in 70% glycerol group. In vivo analysis showed that tissue preserved with 70% glycerol had a retention rate of 52.37 ± 7.53%, significantly higher than other groups. Histological observation demonstrated better structural integrity and viability in 70% glycerol group. Compared to the DMSO + FBS and trehalose groups, the glycerol groups showed lower tissue inflammation. CONCLUSION: Glycerol (70%) is efficient in adipose tissue cryopreservation. Glycerol-based CPAs, which are nontoxic and show biosafety, are a promising solution for clinical tissue cryopreservation.

Mechanical Stretching Can Modify the Papillary Dermis Pattern and Papillary Fibroblast Characteristics during Skin Regeneration.

Clinical application of mechanical stretching is a reconstructive method for skin repair. Although studies have reported dermal fibroblast heterogeneity, whether stretching affects individual fibroblast subpopulations equally remains unclear. In this study, we show the changes in dermal structure and papillary fibroblast (Fp) in regenerated human skin. Exhausted skin regeneration caused dermal‒epidermal junction flattening, papillary dermis thinning, and an increase in type III collagen-to-type I collagen ratio, with upregulated hallmarks of aging. Well-regenerated skin displayed a notable increase in the Fp population. Consistent changes were observed in the rat expansion model. Moreover, we found that TGFß1 expression was especially increased in skin showing good regeneration. Activation of the TGFß1/SMAD2/3 pathway improved exhausted skin regeneration and resulted in increased collagen content and Fp proliferation, whereas pharmacological inhibition of TGFß1 action impacted well-regenerated skin. Short-term mechanical stretching that promoted skin regeneration enhanced Fp proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, and increased TGFß1 expression, leading to good regeneration. Conversely, long-term stretching induced premature Fp senescence, leading to poor regeneration. This work shows the mechanism of mechanical stretching in well-skin regeneration that enhances Fp proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis through the TGFß1/SMAD2/3 pathway and highlights a crucial role of Fps in stretching-induced skin regeneration.

Superiority of Adipose-derived CD34 + Cells over Adipose-derived Stem Cells in Promoting Ischemic Tissue Survival.

BACKGROUND: Tissue ischemia usually leads to necrosis and is a threatening condition associated with reconstructive surgery. Promoting the survival of ischemic tissue is critical for improving clinical outcomes. Although various solutions based on stem cells have been reported, there are still limitations to clinical translation. The aim of this study was to develop an effective method to promote the survival of ischemic tissue. METHODS: Adipose-derived CD34 + and CD34- cells were obtained by magnetic bead sorting from the stromal vascular faction (SVF). Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were collected by subculture. The angiogenic capacities of CD34 + cells, CD34- cells and ADSCs were evaluated in vitro by comparing mRNA and protein expression. Random axial flaps in nude mice were used to evaluate the efficacy of these cells in protecting tissue from necrosis. The effect of these cells in preventing inflammation was also evaluated. RESULTS: Our data suggest that CD34 + cells expressed higher levels of angiogenetic factors and lower levels of inflammatory factors than the other cell types. More vessel branches were formed when human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with conditioned medium from CD34 + cells than conditioned medium from the other cell types. Compared to ADSCs, CD34 + cells showed significantly higher efficacy in promoting tissue survival. More CD31 + cells and higher levels of angiogenic factors were observed in tissues from the CD34 + group than in those from the other groups. Lower levels of the proinflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1b and higher levels of anti-inflammatory factors were found in the CD34 + group than in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Adipose-derived CD34 + cells showed better efficacy in improving ischemic tissue survival than ADSCs by reducing tissue inflammation and promoting angiogenesis. CD34 + cells can be obtained easily and may be suitable for clinical applications.

A Strategy for Integrative Reconstruction of Midface Defects Using an Extended Forehead Flap.

Background: Midface reconstruction is challenging because the structures and deformities involved are complicated. In this study, we present a strategy for integrally reconstructing nasal and midface defects, including hair-bearing defects, using extended forehead-expanded flaps. Methods: From 2015 to 2018, a total of 22 patients with midface defects underwent reconstruction with extended forehead-expanded flaps. The far end of the expanded flap, which included scalp hair, was used to cover the upper lip defect (Type 1). In cases with large perioral defects (Type 2), we designed two separate supratrochlear artery flaps, one with a shorter pedicle for nasal reconstruction and the other with a longer pedicle for partial reconstruction. The pedicle of the longer flap was saved for upper lip recovery after pedicle interruption. Results: Among the 22 patients (13 male and 9 female), 17 were caused by burns and 5 by trauma. Nineteen patients had Type 1 defects, and three had Type 2 defects. The average postoperative follow-up was 17.6 ± 4.3 months. Patient satisfaction was excellent in most patients. Conclusions: Our extended forehead flap strategy can achieve aesthetic recovery of nasal and perioral defects with a single expansion treatment. The expanded flap can be flexibly designed to fit diverse midface defects.

A randomized, controlled clinical trial of autologous stromal vascular fraction cells transplantation to promote mechanical stretch-induced skin regeneration.

BACKGROUND: The regeneration response of the skin to mechanical stretching in vivo has been explored in reconstructive surgery to repair large-scale deformities. The ability of the skin to regenerate limits the reconstructive outcome. Here, we propose an approach in which autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells and mechanical stretching are combined to overcome this limitation and promote skin regeneration. METHODS: This randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial screened 22 participants undergoing tissue expansion with exhausted regeneration. Twenty eligible participants received intradermal injections of the SVF or placebo treatments. Follow-ups were conducted at 4, 8, and 12 weeks to assess efficacy and at 2 years to assess safety. The primary endpoint was the expanded skin thickness at 12 weeks. The secondary endpoints included skin thickness at 4 and 8 weeks, the expansion index (EI), and the skin texture score at 12 weeks. RESULTS: The skin thickness of the SVF group was significantly higher than that of the control group at both 8 weeks (mean difference 0.78 [95% CI - 1.43 to - 0.11]; p = 0.018) and 12 weeks (0.65 [95% CI - 1.30 to - 0.01]; p = 0.046). In the SVF group, the increase in skin thickness was significant at 4 weeks (0.49 [95% CI - 0.80 to - 0.06]; p = 0.010) to 8 weeks (0.45 [95% CI - 0.92 to 0.02]; p = 0.026) and maintained after 12 weeks, whereas that in the control group was reduced after 8 weeks (0.42 [95% CI - 0.07 to 0.91]; p = 0.037). The SVF group showed greater EI increases than the control group (0.50 [95% CI - 0.00 to 0.99]; p = 0.047). The skin texture scores in the SVF group were greater than those in the control group at 12 weeks. Histologically, SVF-treated expanded skin showed more proliferating cells and blood vessels, and the extracellular matrix volume increased. No severe adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation of SVF cells can expedite the potency of mechanical stretch-induced skin regeneration and provide clinical reconstruction with plentiful tissue. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000039317 (registered 23 October 2020-retrospectively registered).

Association of Deprescribing With Reduction in Mortality and Hospitalization: A Pragmatic Stepped-Wedge Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Deprescribing has gained awareness recently, but the clinical benefits observed from randomized trials are limited. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led 5-step team-care deprescribing intervention in nursing homes to reduce falls (fall risks and fall rates). Secondary aims include reducing mortality, number of hospitalized residents, pill burden, medication cost, and assessing the deprescribing acceptance rate. DESIGN: Pragmatic multicenter stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Residents across 4 nursing homes in Singapore were included if they were aged 65 years and above, and taking 5 or more medications. METHODS: The intervention involved a 5-step deprescribing intervention, which involved a multidisciplinary team-care medication review with pharmacists, physicians, and nurses (in which pharmacists discussed with other team members the feasibility of deprescribing and implementation using the Beers and STOPP criteria) or to an active waitlist control for the first 3 months. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-five residents from 4 nursing homes participated in the study from February 2017 to March 2018. At 6 months, the deprescribing intervention did not reduce falls. Subgroup analysis showed that intervention reduced fall risk scores within the deprescribing-naïve group by 0.18 (P = .04). Intervention was associated with a reduction in mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.16, 95% confidence interval 0.07, 0.41; P < .001] and number of hospitalized residents (HR 0.16, 95% CI 0.10, 0.26; P < .001). Pre-post analysis witnessed a reduction in pill burden at the end of the study, and a conservative daily cost saving estimate of US$11.42 (SG$15.65) for the study population. Approximately three-quarters of deprescribing interventions initiated by the pharmacists were accepted by the physicians. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Multidisciplinary medication review-directed deprescribing was associated with reductions in mortality and number of hospitalized residents in nursing homes and should be considered for all nursing home residents.

Autologous Concentrated Growth Factors Combined with Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Minoxidil (MXD) is an U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the topical treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) with minor side effects, but its hair growth (HG) effect is unsatisfactory. Methods: A double-blinded within-subjects randomized clinical trial was conducted on 16 male AGA patients who showed limited improvement after MXD treatment. Eligible participants received three concentrated growth factor (CGF) injections on half of the scalp and the placebo on the other side at 4-week intervals, and MXD was applied twice daily on both sides throughout the follow-up period. The primary endpoint was the HG ratio at V4. The secondary endpoints included the HG ratios at V2, V3, and V5; hair density and T/V ratio at V2, V3, V4, and V5; Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores at V4 and V5; and participant satisfaction at V4. Results: Each group included 16 subjects; each half of the scalp was randomly assigned to the MXD+CGF or MXD group. The HG ratio at V4 was higher in the MXD+CGF group than in the MXD group. The MXD+CGF group had significant improvements in hair density, HG ratio, and T/V ratio compared with the MXD group over the follow-up period. The GAIS scores and participant satisfaction were higher in the MXD+CGF group than in the MXD group. Unexpectedly, the MXD+CGF treatment hastened HG, which was sustained for 3 months after discontinuation. No severe adverse events occurred. Conclusions: The combined treatment of MXD and CGF is safe and more efficient for AGA patients. Combining CGF can expedite the potency of MXD and provide patients with fast and lasting HG.

The combination of trehalose and glycerol: an effective and non-toxic recipe for cryopreservation of human adipose-derived stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) promote tissue regeneration and repair. Cryoprotective agents (CPAs) protect cells from cryodamage during cryopreservation. Safe and efficient cryopreservation of ADSCs is critical for cell-based therapy in clinical applications. However, most CPAs are used at toxic concentrations, limiting their clinical application. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to develop a non-toxic xeno-free novel CPA aiming at achieving high-efficiency and low-risk ADSC cryopreservation. METHODS: We explored different concentrations of trehalose (0.3 M, 0.6 M, 1.0 M, and 1.25 M) and glycerol (10%, 20%, and 30% v/v) for optimization and evaluated and compared the outcomes of ADSCs cryopreservation between a combination of trehalose and glycerol and the commonly used CPA DMSO (10%) + FBS (90%). All samples were slowly frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen for 30 days. The effectiveness was evaluated by the viability, proliferation, migration, and multi-potential differentiation of the ADSCs after thawing. RESULTS: Compared with the groups treated with individual reagents, the 1.0 M trehalose (Tre) + 20% glycerol (Gly) group showed significantly higher efficiency in preserving ADSC activities after thawing, with better outcomes in both cell viability and proliferation capacity. Compared with the 10% DMSO + 90% FBS treatment, the ADSCs preserved in 1.0 M Tre + 20% Gly showed similar cell viability, surface markers, and multi-potential differentiation but a significantly higher migration capability. The results indicated that cell function preservation can be improved by 1.0 M Tre + 20% Gly. CONCLUSIONS: The 1.0 M Tre + 20% Gly treatment preserved ADSCs with a higher migration capability than 10% DMSO + 90% FBS and with viability higher than that with trehalose or glycerol alone but similar to that with 10% DMSO + 90% FBS and fresh cells. Moreover, the new CPA achieves stemness and multi-potential differentiation similar to those in fresh cells. Our results demonstrate that 1.0 M Tre + 20% Gly can more efficiently cryopreserve ADSCs and is a non-toxic CPA that may be suitable for clinical applications.

Nursing home team-care deprescribing study: a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: An ageing population has become an urgent concern for Asia in recent times. In nursing homes, polypharmacy has also become a compounding issue. Deprescribing practice is an evidence-based strategy to provide a better outcome in this group of patients; however, its implementation in nursing homes is often challenging, and prospective outcome data on deprescribing practice in the elderly is lacking. Our study assesses the implementation of team-care deprescribing to understand the benefits of this practice in geriatric setting and to explore the factors affecting deprescribing practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multicentre prospective study consists of a prestudy interview questionnaire, and a preintervention and postintervention study to be conducted in the nursing home setting on residents at least 65 years old and on five or more medications. We will employ a cluster randomised stepped-wedge interventional design, based on a five-step (reviewing, checking, discussion, communication and documentation) team-care deprescribing practice coupled with the use of a deprescribing guide (consisting of Beers and STOPP criteria, as well as drug interaction checking), to assess the health and pharmacoeconomic outcome in nursing homes' practice. Primary outcome measures of the intervention will consist of fall risks using a fall risk assessment tool. Other outcomes assessed include fall rates, pill burden including number of pills per day, number of doses per day and number of medications prescribed. Cost-related measures will include the use of cost-benefit analysis, which is calculated from the medication cost savings from deprescribing. For the prestudy interview questionnaire, findings will be analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is approved by the Domain Specific Review Board of National Healthcare Group, Singapore (2016/00422) and Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (2016-1430-7791). The study findings shall be disseminated in international conferences and peer-reviewed publications. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02863341), Pre-results.