Body Self-Perception After Breast Reconstruction in Young Female Patients Affected by Poland Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic and social aspects of breast anomalies in Poland syndrome are not negligible. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic timing may have a positive impact on quality of life. METHODS: Females affected by Poland syndrome, who had breast reconstruction between 2014 and 2018, were asked to complete the Body Uneasiness Test and the postoperative Breast-Q. Correlation between scores was evaluated. Correlation between scores was statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty patients who had completed breast reconstruction at 20.9 ± 6.5 yo fulfilled the questionnaires at the average age of 26.5 ± 8.1 yo. BUT scores were similar to healthy population considering different age groups, with the exception of Compulsive Self-Monitoring subscale for 16-17-year age group. A correlation between Depersonalization and "Thighs" and "Legs" was present. On average, satisfaction with breast resulted 79.1%, satisfaction with surgical outcome was 94.9%, psychosocial well-being was 78.5%, sexual well-being was 75.3%, and relative physical well-being in chest and upper body was 36.9%. Global Uneasiness, Avoidance, Weight Phobia, Body Image Concern and Depersonalization were significantly correlated with lower psychosocial well-being. Avoidance was significantly correlated with lower sexual well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Breast reconstruction in Poland syndrome can help to improve quality of life. However, general body uneasiness can affect satisfaction with the final result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .

The Medical Historical Cultural Foundations of Western Nasal Surgery from Ancient Greece to the Middle Ages.

The manuscript aims to clarify the origins of Western rhinosurgery through the ancient texts of the greatest physicians of the past, up to the Byzantine Era, focusing on the "exchange of knowledge" between peoples. This excursus is carried out by quoting the texts of the greatest doctors of the past, such as Hippocrates, Galen and Celsus and by analysing the works of Byzantine authors such as Oribasius, Aetius, Antillus, which, more than others, represent the moment of fusion and interpenetration of Ancient Medical knowledge, paving the way for the Medieval Scholae Medicae in the West. The aim, therefore, is to fill that sort of "great gap" (from the foundation of Constantinople in the 4th century AD to the early Arab culture in the 11th century AD) due to the fact that figures such as Branca, Vianeo and, finally, Tagliacozzi, are considered direct actors of a recovery of the "ancient knowledge" of classic authors. This literature tends to less evaluate, instead, that important and huge cultural exchange -literally osmotic- in medical and surgical knowledge between peoples and civilizations, that find a trait d'union in the application of medical knowledge and surgical practical techniques matured in the Byzantine, Arab and Early Medieval period. In final analysis, through the History of Rhinosurgery, this paper aims to highlight how Western medical knowledge is made up of the ensemble of cultures which are apparently distant and different from each other, which merge themselves in a truly universal and transcultural knowledge: the Medical knowledge. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. 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 .

Interdependence of Molecular Lesions That Drive Uveal Melanoma Metastasis.

The metastatic risk of uveal melanoma (UM) is defined by a limited number of molecular lesions, somatic mutations (SF3B1 and BAP1), and copy number alterations (CNA): monosomy of chromosome 3 (M3), chr8q gain (8q), chr6p gain (6p), yet the sequence of events is not clear. We analyzed data from three datasets (TCGA-UVM, GSE27831, GSE51880) with information regarding M3, 8q, 6p, SF3B1, and BAP1 status. We confirm that BAP1 mutations are always associated with M3 in high-risk patients. All other features (6p, 8q, M3, SF3B1 mutation) were present independently from each other. Chr8q gain was frequently associated with chr3 disomy. Hierarchical clustering of gene expression data of samples with different binary combinations of aggressivity factors shows that patients with 8q|M3, BAP1|M3 form one cluster enriched in samples that developed metastases. Patients with 6p combined with either 8q or SF3B1 are mainly represented in the other, low-risk cluster. Several gene expression events that show a non-significant association with outcome when considering single features become significant when analyzing combinations of risk features indicating additive action. The independence of risk factors is consistent with a random risk model of UM metastasis without an obligatory sequence.

Ultrastructural imaging reveals vascular remodeling in migraine patients.

Migraine is a neurological disorder and one of the most common pain conditions worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the basic biology and underlying mechanisms contributing to the development of migraine are still poorly understood. It is still unclear, for instance, whether the vasculature, both extra and intracranial, plays a significant role in the generation of migraine pain. Neuroimaging data, indeed, have reported conflicting results on blood vessels abnormalities like vasodilation, while functional studies suggest that vessels dysfunction may extend beyond vasodilation. Here we combined light and electron microscopy imaging to investigate the fine structure of superficial temporal (STA) and occipital arteries (OA) from patients that underwent minimally invasive surgery for migraine. Using optical microscopy, we observed that both STA and OA vessels showed marked endothelial thickening and internal elastic lamina fragmentation. In the muscular layer, we found profound shape changes of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), abundant extracellular matrix, and the presence of clear extracellular vacuoles. The electron microscopy analysis confirmed putative VSMCs infiltrated within the intima layer and revealed a consistent shifting of VSMCs from contractile to a synthetically active phenotype. We also report the presence of (i) abundant extracellular vacuoles filled with fine granular material and membranes, (ii) multilamellar structures, (iii) endosome-like organelles, and (iv) bona fide extracellular vesicles in the matrix space surrounding synthetically active cells. As both the endothelial layer and VSMCs coordinate a variety of vascular functions, these results suggest that a significant vascular remodeling is occurring in STA and OA of migraine patients. Thus, this phenomenon may represent an important target for future investigation designed toward the development of new therapeutic approaches.

"The use of Autologous Flaps in Breast Reshaping After Massive Weight Loss: A Systematic Review".

BACKGROUND: Massive weight loss (MWL) has a positive impact on the comorbidities associated with obesity but leaves patients with ongoing body issues due to skin excess. Almost all patients present some degree of breast ptosis and breast volume deficiency, which can be addressed with different techniques including autologous flaps. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted by using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. Patient's characteristics, type of bariatric surgery, amount of weight loss, flap size and design, simultaneous breast and extra-breast procedures were analyzed. Aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes, postoperative complications, revision rate, and donor site morbidity were also registered. RESULTS: Twelve articles fulfilled inclusion criteria, and 79 patients were included, for a total of 157 flaps. Different flap designs and flap combinations were described; those originating from lateral chest wall area were the most commonly used. Simultaneous breast procedures were reported in 72 patients. Simultaneous extra-breast body contouring (BC) procedure was performed in 40 cases. The overall complication rate was 9.55% and a total of ten revisionary procedures were performed. Satisfaction of the patients was globally quite high. CONCLUSIONS: Advantages of the use of autologous tissue in breast reshaping after MWL is the avoidance of implant-related complications and the simultaneous improvement of the silhouette. The complication rate resulted in acceptable, aesthetic, and patient-reported outcomes resulted to be encouraging, even if there was a lack of standardization in the evaluation. A comparative randomized study to confront the use of autologous flaps combined with mastopexy versus the use of implants combined with mastopexy can be useful to confirm the promising results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. 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 .

The masks of Lorenzo Tenchini: their anatomy and surgical/bioengineering clues.

An academic, anatomist, and Lombrosian psychiatrist active at the University of Parma in Italy at the end of the 19th century, Lorenzo Tenchini produced ceroplastic-like masks that are unique in the anatomical Western context. These were prepared from 1885 to 1893 with the aim of 'cataloguing' the behaviour of prison inmates and psychiatric patients based on their facial surface anatomy. Due to the lack of any reference to the procedure used to prepare the masks, studies were undertaken by our group using X-ray scans, infrared spectroscopy, bioptic sampling, and microscopy analysis of the mask constituents. Results showed that the masks were stratified structures including plaster, cotton gauze/human epidermis, and wax, leading to a fabrication procedure reminiscent of 'additive layer manufacturing'. Differences in the depths of these layers were observed in relation to the facial contours, suggesting an attempt to reproduce, at least partially, the three-dimensional features of the facial soft tissues. We conclude the Tenchini masks are the first historical antecedent of the experimental method for face reconstruction used in the early 2000s to test the feasibility of transferring a complete strip of face and scalp from a deceased donor to a living recipient, in preparation for a complete face transplant. In addition, the layering procedure adopted conceptually mimics that developed only in the late 20th century for computer-aided rapid prototyping, and recently applied to bioengineering with biomaterials for a number of human structures including parts of the skull and face. Finally, the masks are a relevant example of mixed ceroplastic-cutaneous preparations in the history of anatomical research for clinical purposes.

Scalp expansion: Surgical considerations and possible future directions.

INTRODUCTION: Repairing large scalp defects has always been a difficult task for plastic surgeons. This is because the requirements of such procedures are two-fold: sufficient soft-tissue coverage is required, and to obtain a satisfactory aesthetic outcome, a sufficient number of covering hairs should be ideally provided. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the author's experience in this repair technique over a 20-year period, this article presents some technical details of scalp expansion, surgical refinements and possible directions for further technical advancement. RESULTS: Data and details on relevant scalp anatomy, expander choice, expander placement, subgaleal undermining, galeotomies and acute scalp expansion are provided. CONCLUSIONS: The author hopes that the above-mentioned details may be of some utility in the complex field of scalp expansion.

Relationship between lunar cycle and haemorrhagic complication rate in surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible relationship between lunar cycles and haemorrhagic complication rate in surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The possible relationship between moon phases and surgical outcome was tested by evaluating the haemorrhagic complication rate for 18,760 patients who underwent surgery between January 2001 and December 2008 at the National Institute for Cancer Research in Genoa. A total of 103 lunar phases were considered using Chi-square (χ2) test analysis, and patients were allocated a surgery date. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-seven haemorrhagic complications were observed. Three hundred and nine new moon phase days were analysed and 12 incidences of complications detected, with a 3.9% complication rate per day. In the waxing moon phase, 1184.5 d were analysed with 68 incidences of complications at a daily rate of 5.7%. In the full moon phase there was a 4.9% complication rate per day (15 incidences in 309 d), whereas in the waning moon phase, the 6% percentage rate per day resulted from 72 incidences in 1184.5 d. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant correlations were found between moon cycles and postoperative haemorrhagic complications (p = .50).

Which is the Ideal Breast Size?: Some Social Clues for Plastic Surgeons.

To provide plastic surgeons with more detailed information as to factors affecting the perception of female attractiveness, the present study was aimed to investigate whether the interaction effect of breast and body size on ratings of female attractiveness is moderated by sociodemographic variables and whether ratings of shapeliness diverge from those of attractiveness.A community sample of 958 Italian participants rated the attractiveness and the shapeliness of 15 stimuli (5 breast sizes × 3 body sizes) in which frontal, 3/4, and profile views of the head and torso of a faceless woman were jointly shown.Bigger breast sizes obtained the highest attractiveness ratings, but the breast-by-body size interaction was also significant. Evidence was found of a moderator role of sex, marital status, and age. When the effects of breast and body size and their interaction had been ruled out, sex differences were at best very slight and limited to very specific combinations of breast and body sizes. Ratings of attractiveness and shapeliness were highly correlated and did not significantly differ.Results suggest that to address women's psychological needs, concerns, and expectations about their appearance, plastic surgeons should not simply focus on breast size but should carefully consider the 'big picture': the body in its entirety.

A Standardized Method of Isolating Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Clinical Applications.

White adipose tissue is the most abundant and accessible source of stem cells in the adult human body. In this paper, we present a standardised and safe method of isolating and maximizing the number of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from conventional liposuction for clinical applications, which was carried out through both mechanical (centrifuge) and enzymatic (collagenase) means. Isolated cells were characterized through flow cytometry assay. Gathered data showed a greater amount (9.06 × 10(5) ASCs from 100 mL of adipose tissue) of isolated ASCs compared to previous protocol, also with high (99%) cell vitality; the procedure we presented is easy and fast (80 minutes), allowing collecting a significative number of mesenchymal stem cells, which can be used for clinical purposes, such as wound healing.

A simple technique for the excision of cutaneous carcinoma: the round block purse-string suture.

BACKGROUND: Purse-string suture is a simple technique that can be used to reduce the surface area of circular wounds in an effort to obtain minimal scarring. In this report, we provide evidence of the effectiveness of the purse-string suture as a stand-alone procedure that allows a permanent primary complete closure of small to moderate skin defects. The procedure is used primarily for the repair of skin defects due to cutaneous tumor excision in older patients. METHODS: The purse-string suture is executed by using a 1-0 absorbable suture, always by exiting and reentering intradermally and never penetrating the epidermis, in a circumferential fashion. RESULTS: The immediate postoperative folds flatten in about a 4-week postoperative time span, and the resulting scar is the smallest obtainable. CONCLUSIONS: The round block purse-string suture is a simple technique which allows complete closure of skin defects without importing tissue from a distance, and it can be particularly suitable for older patients because of their skin laxity.

Temporal aneurysms and migraine surgery.

The present study reports two cases of chronic migraines associated with superficial temporal artery aneurysms. The patients received aneurysm's ligation, with no other surgical maneuvers. In the six months following surgery, both patients were disease-free and did not experience any migraine attacks. Evidence-based medicine ranking: Level V.

Basal cell carcinoma of the scalp: surgical approach and reconstructive options.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical therapy of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) is based on complete excision of the neoplasm and its immediate suitable reconstruction. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibility of creating a reconstructive algorithm in cases of scalp BCC, depending on the amplitude of the tumor. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was carried out using the databases of PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Based on the experiences reported in the literature, it was possible to structure a decision-making algorithm that summarizes the various steps involved in the choice of the most suitable reconstructive surgical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm described we hope will be of reference or help to less experienced reconstructive plastic surgeons.

Active Occipital Motion with Digipressure as Preoperative Screening in Migraine Surgery.

Background: Modern surgical therapy of chronic headaches/migraines is essentially based on the release/neurolysis of extracranial nerves, which, when compressed or inflamed, act as trigger points and, as such, trigger headache attacks. The aim of this article was to describe a novel maneuver we use as an aid in the preoperative planning of occipital trigger sites. Methods: In the period of January 2021-September 2023, we operated on 32 patients (11 men, 21 women, age range: 26-68 years), who underwent migraine surgery for occipital trigger point release. All patients were evaluated using the described preoperative maneuver. In a dedicated card, the levels of tenderness at each point were marked accordingly, differentiating them by intensity as nothing (-), mild (+), medium (++), or high (+++). Patients were then operated on at the points corresponding only to the ++ and +++ signs. Results: At 6-month follow-up, we observed significant improvement (>50%) in 29 patients (91%), with complete recovery in 25 patients (78%). Conclusions: In our experience, the maneuver described, in addition to being very simple, has been shown to have good sensitivity and reproducibility. We therefore recommend its use, especially for those surgeons beginning their practice in this particular area of plastic surgery.

Association between PD-1 single nucleotide gene variants and the risk of metastatic melanoma.

Previous studies showed an association between single nucleotide gene variants (SNVs) of PD-1 and cancer susceptibility. We analyzed PD1.5 C > T and PD1.7 T > C SNVs to investigate their association with the risk of developing metastatic melanoma (MM). Utilizing a cohort of 125 MM patients treated with anti-PD-1 agents and 84 healthy controls, we examined genotype/allele frequencies through a modified Poisson regression model, adjusted for age and sex. Our findings indicate that the PD1.5 T allele is associated with a reduced risk of MM, showing a significantly lower risk in both codominant (RR = 0.56, 95%CL: 0.37-0.87) and dominant (RR = 0.73 95%CL: 0.59-0.90) models. Conversely, the PD1.7 C allele is linked to an increased risk of MM, with the C/C genotype exhibiting a higher risk in the codominant (RR = 1.65, 95%CL: 1.32-2.05) and allelic (RR = 1.23, 95%CL: 1.06-1.43) models. These results are consistent with previous meta-analyses on other cancer types, mainly highlighting the PD1.5 SNV's potential role in promoting anti-tumor immunity through increased PD1-positive circulating effector T cell activity.

Frontal site surgery for chronic migraine therapy.

BACKGROUND: According to the most current theories, chronic inflammation of some cranial nerves give rise to an inflammatory chain that would result in migraines. As for frontally located attacks, the nerves involved are two (on each side): the supraorbital and the supratrochlear. Surgical treatment includes complete neurolysis of both of these nerves. METHODS: In this work, we describe our experience with this type of surgery. From 2011 to 2022, we treated 98 cases suffering from chronic migraine not responsive to drugs with frontal localization. The results were evaluated through a specific questionnaire three months and one year after surgery. RESULTS: After three months post-surgery, we observed a success rate (reduction of monthly attacks equivalent to or greater than 50%) in 87% of patients (32% complete recovery). These results were essentially confirmed one year after surgery. The rare complications (mainly paresthesias and dysesthesias of the frontal area) have always resolved spontaneously within a few months. CONCLUSION: The surgical approach allowed to obtain good therapeutic results with a low rate of complications.

Surgical therapy of occipital (Arnold) neuralgia: A case series.

Objective: The idea to treat occipital neuralgia patients with a surgical procedure is relatively recent. The aim of this paper was to describe the surgical techniques and our 12-year experience in this field. Materials and methods: From June 2011 till February 2022 we have performed surgery over 232 patients with occipital neuralgia. Results: The surgical procedure elicited a positive response in 86% of the patients. Conclusions: The described techniques allowed to obtain an high rate of positive results with a minimum percentage of complications.