Sidestream Smoke Affects Dendritic Complexity and Astrocytes After Model Mild Closed Head Traumatic Brain Injury.

Mild traumatic brain injuries can have long-term consequences that interfere with the life of the patient and impose a burden on our health care system. Oxidative stress has been identified as a contributing factor for the progression of neurodegeneration following TBI. A major source of oxidative stress for many veterans is cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke, which has been shown to have an effect on TBI recovery. To examine the potential influences of second-hand smoke during recovery from TBI, we utilized a mouse model of closed head injury, followed by repeated exposure to cigarette smoke and treatment with a neuroprotective antioxidant. We found that neither the mild injuries nor the smoke exposure produced axonal damage detectable with amino cupric silver staining. However, complexity in the dendritic arbors was significantly reduced after mild TBI plus smoke exposure. In the hippocampus, there were astrocytic responses, including Cyp2e1 upregulation, after the injury and tobacco smoke insult. This study provides useful context for the importance of lifestyle changes, such as reducing or eliminating cigarette smoking, during recovery from TBI.

Treatment of eccrine carcinoma of the chin via submental island flap.

BACKGROUND: The submental artery island flap is a reliable reconstructive option for lower face defects. Advantages of this flap include suppleness of tissue, excellent color and texture match to facial skin, a wide arc of rotation, prominent blood supply, and a well-hidden donor site scar. METHODS: This article describes a 61-year-old man with eccrine carcinoma of the chin necessitating extensive excision. A submental artery island flap was used for the reconstruction of the extended chin subunit. RESULTS: The operation resulted in excellent aesthetic outcome and maintenance of oral competence. CONCLUSION: The submental artery island flap utilizes loose tissue of the submental area to effectively and reliably reconstruct the soft tissue subunits of the chin and is a superb option for sizable defects. The flap is sufficiently well vascularized to tolerate postoperative radiation therapy without significant fibrosis or retraction.