A Comprehensive Review on the Intricate Interplay between COVID-19 Immunization and the New Onset of Pemphigus Foliaceus.

Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are characterized by the formation of vesicles, bullous lesions, and mucosal erosions. The autoantibodies target the cellular anchoring structures from the surface of epidermal keratinocyte named desmosomes, leading to a loss of cellular cohesion named acantholysis. AIBDs are classified into intraepidermal or subepidermal types based on clinical features, histological characteristics, and immunofluorescence patterns. Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an acquired, rare, autoimmune skin condition associated with autoantibodies that specifically target desmoglein-1, leading to a clinical presentation characterized by delicate cutaneous blisters, typically sparing the mucous membranes. Several factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, malignancies, medication use, and vaccination (for influenza, hepatitis B, rabies, tetanus, and more recently, severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 known as SARS-CoV-2), can potentially trigger the onset of pemphigus. With the advent of vaccines playing a pivotal role in combatting the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), extensive research has been conducted globally to ascertain their efficacy and potential cutaneous adverse effects. While reports of AIBDs post-COVID-19 vaccination exist in the medical literature, instances of PF following vaccination have been less commonly reported worldwide. The disease's pathophysiology is likely attributed to the resemblance between the ribonucleic acid (RNA) antigen present in these vaccines and cellular nuclear matter. The protein produced by the BNT-162b2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine includes immunogenic epitopes that could potentially trigger autoimmune phenomena in predisposed individuals through several mechanisms, including molecular mimicry, the activation of pattern recognition receptors, the polyclonal stimulation of B cells, type I interferon production, and autoinflammation. In this review, we present a comprehensive examination of the existing literature regarding the relationship between COVID-19 and PF, delving into their intricate interactions. This exploration improves the understanding of both pemphigus and mRNA vaccine mechanisms, highlighting the importance of close monitoring for PF post-immunization.

Adipokines-A Cohort Prospective Study in Children with Severe Burns.

Burns generate every year an important burden of morbidity, being a major global public health problem through prolonged hospitalization, complications, and increased mortality. This study's purpose was to evaluate the serum levels of three adipokines and to establish significant correlations with other circulating molecules and with some clinical parameters. We evaluated 32 children with severe burns (over 25% total burned surface area-TBSA) at 48 h, day 10, and day 21 post burn, and 21 controls. The serum levels of adiponectin, resistin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (among nine other biochemical parameters) were detected by Multiplex technique. Significant statistical differences were obtained for resistin and leptin compared to the control group, in different moments of measurements. Adiponectin serum levels presented statistically significant correlations with hot liquid mechanism of burn, the Revised Baux score, TBSA, resistin, PAI-1, CRP, TNF-α, and triglycerides (TGLs) serum levels. Resistin serum levels presented statistically significant correlations with adiponectin, CRP, PAI-1, leptin, and TNF-α. Additionally, we found statistically significant correlations between leptin serum levels and length of hospitalization, TNF-α, resistin, adiponectin, and PAI-1 serum levels. In severely burned children, adiponectin, resistin, and leptin specifically correlate with clinical parameters and with proteins involved in the systemic inflammatory response and the hypermetabolic response.

Personalized Decisional Algorithms for Soft Tissue Defect Reconstruction after Abdominoperineal Resection for Low-Lying Rectal Cancers.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoperineal resection (APR)-the standard surgical procedure for low-lying rectal cancer (LRC)-leads to significant perineal defects, posing considerable reconstruction challenges that, in selected cases, necessitate the use of plastic surgery techniques (flaps). PURPOSE: To develop valuable decision algorithms for choosing the appropriate surgical plan for the reconstruction of perineal defects. METHODS: Our study included 245 LRC cases treated using APR. Guided by the few available publications in the field, we have designed several personalized decisional algorithms for managing perineal defects considering the following factors: preoperative radiotherapy, intraoperative position, surgical technique, perineal defect volume, and quality of tissues and perforators. The algorithms have been improved continuously during the entire period of our study based on the immediate and remote outcomes. RESULTS: In 239 patients following APR, the direct closing procedure was performed versus 6 cases in which we used various types of flaps for perineal reconstruction. Perineal incisional hernia occurred in 12 patients (5.02%) with direct perineal wound closure versus in none of those reconstructed using flaps. CONCLUSION: The reduced rate of postoperative complications suggests the efficiency of the proposed decisional algorithms; however, more extended studies are required to categorize them as evidence-based management guide tools.

Serum Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1, α 1-Acid Glycoprotein, C-Reactive Protein, and Platelet Factor 4 Levels-Promising Molecules That Can Complete the "Puzzle" of the Biochemical Milieu in Severe Burns: Preliminary Results of a Cohort Prospective Study.

Background: Burns represent a serious health problem, associated with multiple-organ failure, prolonged hospitalization, septic complications, and increased rate of mortality. The main aim of our study was to evaluate the levels of various circulating molecules in children with severe burns (more than 25% TBSA), in three different moments: 48 h, day 10, and day 21 post-burn. Materials and Methods: This study included 32 children with burns produced by flame, hot liquid, and electric arc and 21 controls. Serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), α 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and platelet factor 4 (PF4) were detected using the Multiplex technique. Several parameters, such as fibrinogen, leucocyte count, thrombocyte count, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were also determined for each patient during hospitalization. Results: Significant statistical differences were obtained for CRP, AGP, and PF4 compared to the control group, in different moments of measurements. Negative correlations between CRP, AGP, and PF4 serum levels and burned body surface, and also the hospitalization period, were observed. Discussions: CRP levels increased in the first 10 days after burn trauma and then decreased after day 21. Serum PAI-1 levels were higher immediately after the burn and started decreasing only after day 10 post-burn. AGP had elevated levels 48 h after the burn, then decreased at 7-10 days afterwards, and once again increased levels after 21 days. PF4 serum levels increased after day 10 since the burning event. Conclusions: Serum CRP, AGP, PAI-1, and PF4 seem to be promising molecules in monitoring patients with a burn within the first 21 days.

A Histological Evaluation of the Efficiency of Using Periprosthetic Autologous Fat to Prevent Capsular Contracture Compared to Other Known Methods-An Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture remains a common complication in silicone breast implantation. The etiology, formation mechanisms, predisposing and favoring factors are still subjects of research. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of using autologous fat introduced periprosthetically in preventing capsular contracture compared to other known methods: antibiotics and corticosteroids. METHODS: A cohort of 80 Wistar rats was included in the study, divided into four subgroups. All subjects received a silicone implant, implanted in a pocket created along the abdominal midline. The first subgroup served as the control group, with subjects having the implant placed without any treatment. For the second and third subgroups, the implants were treated with an antibiotic solution and intramuscular injections of dexamethasone, respectively. The subjects in the last subgroup received centrifuged autologous fat introduced periprosthetically. RESULTS: The subgroup with autologous fat exhibited a significantly smaller capsule thickness, which was poorly represented, with a smooth surface. The use of autologous fat for treating silicone prosthesis was linked with the lack of acute inflammation around the prosthetic site. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fat helps to minimize the "non-self" reaction, which results in the development of a periprosthetic capsule consisting of mature collagen fibers interspersed with adipocytes.

A Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge: Tinea Capitis.

Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte scalp infection with a marked prevalence among the pediatric population. However, in the last few years, its epidemiology has changed due to increasing population migration worldwide. Host-specific and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of tinea capitis. Clinically, tinea capitis may present as a subtle hair loss accompanied by scalp scaling, alopecia with scaly patches, or alopecia with black dots. A more severe form of tinea capitis is represented by kerion celsi, which clinically presents as a tender plaque covered by pustules and crusts. If left untreated, this dermatophytic infection may resolve with permanent scarring and alopecia. The pathological changes found in tinea capitis are reflected by a spectrum of clinical changes. Zoophilic infections typically prompt an extensive inflammatory reaction, while anthropophilic dermatophytoses often lack inflammation and result in more persistent lesions. Tinea capitis typically requires systemic antifungal therapy. Griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole are the main antifungal agents used. Currently, the duration of antifungal therapy varies based on the clinical presentation and type of dermatophyte involved. Through the reported cases and literature review, we aim to emphasize the importance of the early recognition of atypical variants of tinea capitis in immunocompetent children for the prompt initiation of systemic antifungal therapy, minimizing the need for prolonged treatment. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of regular laboratory testing during systemic antifungal therapy, particularly liver enzyme tests, to prevent adverse events, especially in cases requiring long-term treatment.

Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Associated with Tattoos and Permanent Makeup Pigments.

Tattooing is the procedure of implanting permanent pigment granules and additives into the dermal layer of the skin, serving various purposes such as decoration, medical identification, or accidental markings. There has been a significant rise in the popularity of decorative tattooing as a form of body art among both teenagers and young adults. Thus, the incidence of tattoos is increasing, with expanding applications such as permanent makeup, scar camouflage, nipple-areola, lips, and eyebrows tattooing, and utilization in oncological radiotherapy such as colon marking. However, there have been reported a broad range of adverse reactions linked to tattooing, encompassing allergic reactions, superficial and deep cutaneous infections, autoimmune disorders induced by the Koebner phenomenon, cutaneous tumors, and others. These reactions exhibit different onset times for symptoms, ranging from immediate manifestations after tattoo application to symptoms emerging several years later. Given the limited information on a tattoo's side effects, this review aims to elucidate the clinical spectrum of cutaneous complications of tattoos in different patients. The analysis will investigate both allergic and nonallergic clinical presentations of tattoo-related side effects, microscopic findings from skin biopsies, and therapeutic outcomes. This exploration is essential to improve our understanding of tattoo-related cutaneous complications and associated differential diagnoses and highlight the significance of patient awareness regarding potential risks before getting a tattoo.

Recent-Onset Melanoma and the Implications of the Excessive Use of Tanning Devices-Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Melanoma, a malignant tumor arising from uncontrolled melanocytic proliferation, commonly found in the skin but capable of affecting extracutaneous sites, ranks fifth among diagnosed oncological entities and is a significant cause of cancer deaths, constituting over 80% of skin cancer mortality. Genetic factors and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, from both natural and artificial sources, are the primary risk factors. Case Presentation: We reported the case of a 25-year-old female with numerous pigmented nevi and notable changes attributed to extensive indoor tanning sessions. Dermatological examinations and dermoscopic evaluations revealed atypical features in two pigmented nevi, leading to surgical excision. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed a compound nevus in one lesion and superficial spreading melanoma in the other, emphasizing the importance of vigilant follow-up and the correct use of immunohistochemistry. Discussion: Indoor tanning significantly elevates the cutaneous melanoma risk, with initiation before age 35 amplifying the risk by up to 75%, especially in young women. The risk escalates with cumulative sessions, particularly exceeding 480, and individuals undergoing over 30 sessions face a 32% higher risk. UVR induces DNA damage, genetic mutations, and immunosuppression, contributing to oncogenesis. Genetic factors, like the PTCHD2 gene, may influence the tanning dependency. Legislation targeting minors has been enacted globally but only with partial efficacy. Tanning accelerators, though associated with minor side effects, correlate with high-risk behaviors. The case underscores the urgency of addressing indoor tanning risks, emphasizing targeted awareness efforts and legislative improvements. Conclusions: In conclusion, the reported case highlights the increased risk of cutaneous melanoma linked to indoor tanning, particularly among young women and specific sociodemographic groups. Despite legislative measures, challenges persist, suggesting the potential efficacy of online campaigns involving relatable influencers to raise awareness and discourage artificial tanning.

Management of lower extremity traumatic injuries with negative pressure wound therapy: Experience of a pediatric plastic surgery department.

INTRODUCTION: Extensive lower limb traumatic injuries are particularly challenging when they associate skin and soft tissue defects, moreover when the patient is a child. In view of more frequent recommendations and reports of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) use for severe trauma and extensive soft tissue defects of the lower extremity, we aimed at reviewing the indications and outcomes of this technique in our pediatric plastic surgery department. METHOD: We performed a retrospective study for the period 2016-2019, in order to identify patients having suffered injuries of the ankle and foot, for who NPWT was used in the therapeutic protocol. RESULTS: For the study period we identified a total of 9 children with ankle and foot injuries who had NPWT in their therapeutic protocol. The average age was 10 years (range 3 years 5 months to 14 years 4 months) and 8 of them were pedestrians, victims of traffic accidents. Five patients presented with associated injuries and fractures in other anatomic locations. NPWT was started 1-3 days after admission and it was used in average for 21.77 days, with good results in all cases. For 8 patients NPWT was sufficient to contract the wound and cover exposed bone and tendons before closing with split thickness skin graft (STSG). One patient needed also a free muscular flap transfer before grafting. All patients achieved complete healing and started physical therapy before discharging. CONCLUSION: NPWT has proven to be an easy to use, safe and effective therapeutic tool for pediatric patients, with considerable improvement for healing in case of traumatic injuries of foot and ankle, presenting extensive skin and soft tissue defects and bone exposure in children. NPWT is also suitable for children since its use implies less frequent dressing changes, and decreases the level of pain and anxiety, and spares donor areas needed for more complicated procedures and, by creating an optimal grafting bed, it ensures good outcomes, in the short term and long term as well.