Adipose-derived stem cells decolonize skin Staphylococcus aureus by enhancing phagocytic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the atopic rats.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is known to induce apoptosis of host immune cells and impair phagocytic clearance, thereby being pivotal in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) exert therapeutic effects against inflammatory and immune diseases. In the present study, we investigated whether systemic administration of ASCs restores the phagocytic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and decolonizes cutaneous S. aureus under AD conditions. AD was induced by injecting capsaicin into neonatal rat pups. ASCs were extracted from the subcutaneous adipose tissues of naïve rats and administered to AD rats once a week for a month. Systemic administration of ASCs ameliorated AD-like symptoms, such as dermatitis scores, serum IgE, IFN-γ+/IL-4+ cell ratio, and skin colonization by S. aureus in AD rats. Increased FasL mRNA and annexin V+/7-AAD+ cells in the PBMCs obtained from AD rats were drastically reversed when co-cultured with ASCs. In contrast, both PBMCs and CD163+ cells bearing fluorescent zymosan particles significantly increased in AD rats treated with ASCs. Additionally, the administration of ASCs led to an increase in the mRNA levels of antimicrobial peptides, such as cathelicidin and ß-defensin, in the skin of AD rats. Our results demonstrate that systemic administration of ASCs led to decolonization of S. aureus by attenuating apoptosis of immune cells in addition to restoring phagocytic activity. This contributes to the improvement of skin conditions in AD rats. Therefore, administration of ASCs may be helpful in the treatment of patients with intractable AD.

Wedge-shaped polydioxanone threads in a folded configuration ("Solid fillers"): A treatment option for deep static wrinkles on the upper face.

BACKGROUND: Facial wrinkles are key signs of aging which affect one's quality of life and psychological well-being. Absorbable wedge-shaped polydioxanone (PDO) sutures are popular in the esthetic clinics of Korea and may be a treatment option for static wrinkles on the upper face. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel technique applicable to deep static wrinkles on the upper face and to assess its safety and efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on the static wrinkle cases which were treated with folded, wedge-shaped PDO threads. A total of 33 Korean patients with glabellar and forehead wrinkles were included. All participants underwent a single treatment session. The results were assessed objectively using serial photography and subjectively based on the patients' satisfaction scores. Complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Our patients displayed moderate (15.2%), severe (39.4%), and very severe (45.4%) static wrinkles at baseline. The majority of patients (81.8%) considered the results satisfactory. Consensus ratings by two independent dermatologists showed that the objective outcomes at 2-month follow-up were very much improved (30.3%), much improved (30.3%), and improved (24.2%). The incidence of complications was low, and the complications were minor. CONCLUSION: Wedge-shaped PDO sutures in a folded configuration ("solid fillers") are a promising treatment option for deep static wrinkles on the upper face. They may be applied as an adjunct, or as an alternative to conventional therapies such as botulinum toxin and soft tissue filler injection.

Visible Perforating Lateral Osteotomy: Internal Perforating Technique with Wide Periosteal Dissection.

There are two general categories of lateral osteotomy techniques-the external perforating method and the internal continuous method. Regardless of which technique is used, procedural effectiveness is hampered by limited visualization in the surgical field. Considering this point, we devised a new technique that involves using a wide subperiosteal dissection and internal perforation under direct visualization. Using an intranasal approach, whereby the visibility of the intended fracture line was maintained, enabled a greater degree of control, and in turn, results that were more precise, and thus predictable and reproducible. Traditionally, it has been taken as dogma that the periosteum must be preserved, considering the potential for dead space and bony instability; however, under sufficient visualization of the surgical field with an internal perforating method, complete osteotomy with fully preserved intranasal mucosa could be conducted exactly as intended. This intact mucosal lining compensates for the elevated periosteum. Compressive dressing and drainage through a Silastic angio-needle catheter enabled the elimination of dead space. Therefore, precise, reproducible, and predictable osteotomy minimizing the potential for associated complications such as ecchymosis, that is, bruising owing to hemorrhage, could be performed. In this article, we introduce a novel technique for lateral osteotomy with improved visualization.