Mesenchymal Stem Cells: a Potential Treatment Approach for Refractory Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

The etiopathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is not fully elucidated, and almost 30-40% of patients are resistant to treatments; therefore, there is still a need for the development of new and effective treatments. This study aimed to develop experimental cellular therapy for CSU patients resistant to current treatment options. Autologous adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were administered to 10 refractory CSU patients who were then followed up for six months. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated according to the weekly urticaria activity scores (UAS7) and drug use scores (DUS7). To observe the effect of treatment on immune cells, CD4+ T cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the serum IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17a, IL-21, IL-22, TGF-ß1, PGE2, IDO and anti-FcεRI levels were measured using the Luminex and ELISA methods. The values obtained were compared with 10 control refractory CSU patients and five healthy controls. We found that the T cell subsets and inflammatory molecules were not affected by MSC treatment during the follow-up period. In control patients, a significant decrease was detected only at the Th2 subset, TGF-ß1, PGE2, IDO and anti-FcεRI levels on the 14th day of treatment. The UAS7 and DUS7 values of the MSC-treated patients significantly decreased during the follow-up period, but in control patients, a significant but temporary decrease was seen. According to our findings, unlike conventional treatment, MSC therapy resulted in longer and more effective recovery. Our data indicate that MSCs may be an alternative and effective approach for treatment-resistant CSU patients. Graphical Abstract.

Evaluation of the effect of surgical treatment on quality of life with the Dermatology Life Quality Index in patients with facial nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Skin cancers are the most common type of cancer. Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are more common than melanoma. Although the mortality rate is low, cancer word can be frightening for patients. Surgery is the main treatment. As skin cancers are most commonly located on the face, undesirable cosmetic results can occur as a result of treatments or due to primary disease. Therefore, the quality of life of patients could be affected. To determine the effect of surgical treatment on quality of life of the patients with facial NMSC using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at baseline and 3 months after surgery. We aimed to see if there was any improvement in quality of life scores after surgery, and to identify factors affecting quality of life. A total of 255 patients; 174 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (68.2%) and 81 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (31.8%) were included in our study. All participants completed DLQI at baseline and 3 months after surgery. The mean total DLQI scores were 6.37 ± 6.28 in patients with BCC, and 6.35 ± 6.16 in patients with SCC. The mean total DLQI scores were 3.96 ± 5.14 in patients with BCC (P < .001), and 4.49 ± 5.24 in patients with SCC (P < .001) 3 months after surgery. In patients with primary skin cancer, all subscale scores and total DLQI scores were worse than the recurrent skin cancer group in both BCC and SCC at baseline. According to the treatment modalities, total DLQI scores and all subscales were worse in the graft group in BCC and SCC patients at baseline. Interestingly, the sex and the type of skin cancer did not affect quality of life, but tumor localization ([auricula OR: 6.45 [95% CI: 1.28-37.47] and eyelid OR:0.20 [95% CI: 0.04-0.96]) treatment procedure ([flap procedure OR: 7.90 [95% CI: 2.64-23.62] and graft procedure OR: 5.47 [95% CI: 1.60-18.71]) and, primary tumor OR:3.86 (95% CI: 1.01-14.78) were significant. The quality of life of skin cancer patients was affected by tumor localization, treatment procedure, primary, or recurrent tumor. The quality of life showed a significant improvement in patients with facial NMSC after surgical treatment. However, the type of NMSC seems to have no effect on the quality of life.

An effective technique for managing vascular diameter discrepancies in microsurgery: tapering with a hemoclip.

Microvascular anastomosis is mandatory for free flap surgery, but free flap transfer can be challenging because of vascular diameter discrepancies during microsurgery. Different methods have been described for preventing vascular discrepancies. The aim of this study was to test a simple technique using a hemostatic clip to taper the vessels. In 12 patients who had free tissue transfer with diameter discrepancies between donor and recipient vessels, tapering with a hemostatic clip technique was used. After key sutures were placed on the vessels, a hemostatic clip was placed in an oblique fashion on the vessel with a larger diameter. After the vessel was tapered and the same diameters in the donor and recipient vessels were achieved, anastomosis was completed. This technique was used in head and neck reconstruction and lower extremity reconstruction. The luminal diameters of arteries, and veins of the flap and recipient differed by 1.6- to 3.0-fold and 1.5- to 2.6-fold, respectively. All the flaps survived without complications. Tapering with a hemoclip technique is a rapid procedure that can be considered for managing vascular diameter discrepancies in free tissue transfers.

Clinicopathological characteristics and mutation profile of BRAF and NRAS mutation in cutaneous melanomas in the Western Turkish population

Background/aim: Malignant melanoma is the most common cause of death due to skin cancers. The most common mutations in RAFRAS pathway from tumor oncogenes are BRAF and NRAS. In this study, we analyzed the frequency of BRAF and NRAS gene mutations and investigated their association with clinicopathological features of melanomas in the Turkish population. Materials and methods: 65 primary cutaneous melanoma were included in the study. The mutations were evaluated with real-time PCRbased PCR-array through allele-specific amplification, and the results were correlated with various clinicopathological characteristics. Results: 52.3% of the patients were female and 47.7% were male. The mean age of the patients with a mutation was lower than those without mutation. 16 patients had BRAF mutation. 12 patients had NRAS mutation. NRAS mutation was statistically more common in men (P = 0.036). The number of mitoses increased with the increase of the tumor thickness (P = 0.003). There was more mitosis in the presence of ulceration (P = 0.05). A total of 41.7% of NRAS mutations had adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: We found lower mutation rate when compared to regional studies. NRAS mutation was common in men. This is the first study from our region evaluating the prognostic value of clinical stage and necessity of adjuvant treatment with the presence of BRAF and NRAS mutations.

Modified Temporalis Muscle Flap for Eyelid Reanimation.

The reanimation of both upper and lower paralytic eyelids requires dynamic procedures for longevity of correction. Temporalis muscle ensures the criteria for reanimation and is used widely as a result. Many modifications were described to improve the success of the classical technique. One of these modifications was reported by the senior author in 1999. Twice as much muscle mass (in thickness) to the upper eyelid than the lower was taken and passed submuscularly 5 to 6 mm away from the limbus and a thinner split was passed subcutaneously beneath the lower cilia. The aim of this study was to present the outcomes of the technique after 38 operations with 37 patients and to describe deep temporalis musculofascial-fatty flap to recover depression of temporalis muscle split donor area. Seventeen lower eyelids were evaluated as mild, 12 were as moderate, and 9 were as severe ectropion. One upper eyelid was evaluated as mild, 14 were as moderate, and 23 were as severe lagophthalmos preoperatively. Mean follow-up time was 28.8 months. Five patients had mild ectropion and 2 patients had mild lagophthalmos postoperatively at last follow-up. Two patients needed medial canthal tendon reinsertion secondary to relaxation of fixation suture at medial canthus. All patients tolerated the procedure and all complaints were resolved without creating a notable cosmetic deformity.

Cranially-based nasolabial flaps for the reconstruction of nasal surgical defects.

BACKGROUND: Cranially-based nasolabial flaps are a good alternative for the reconstruction of nasal defects. METHODS: A cranially-based nasolabial flap was used in 18 patients to reconstruct defects of the nose from 2010 to 2016, and the long-term results are presented in this report. RESULTS: Fifteen of the flaps completely survived. All the patients had a bulky appearance, but they did not want to undergo a second operation for cosmesis. The dissection of the flap took approximately 20 minutes, and the total operation lasted for 1 hour. The patients were hospitalized for 1-7 days, and the postoperative follow-up period was 1-28 months (mean, 17 months). CONCLUSIONS: The cranially-based nasolabial flap possesses all the advantages of the traditional forehead flap, and can safely be used in selected cases.

Malignant tumor of outer root sheath epithelium, trichilemmal carcinoma. Clinical presentations, treatments and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To emphasize different clinical features of tumor that can be misdiagnosed clinically. METHODS: A total of 8 cases operated between September 2009 and 2016 at the Celal Bayar University, Faculty of Medicine were included in the study. Patients' clinicopathological features, type of surgery and follow up information were evaluated. Results: Six patients were male. The average age was 75.50. The lesions were located on the head and neck, and chest wall. Six patients had a history of the rapid growth of lesion. There was no metastasis at the time of diagnosis. None of the patients needed adjuvant therapy. Mean follow up time was 19.37 months. None of the patients developed recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion: This tumor resembles basal or squamous cell carcinoma. The histopathological evaluation may lead to misdiagnosis. Regional or distant metastasis is very rare. There is no consensus about adjuvant therapy. Screening for metastasis and close follow up are mandatory.

Case Report: Gorham-Stoute Syndrome with Involvement of Majority of Mandible, and Partial Maxillary, Temporal and Zygomatic Bones.

The Gorham-Stout syndrome is a rare condition in which spontaneous, progressive resorption of bone occurs. The diagnosis is based on clinical, radiological and histopathological findings after excluding other etiologies and as a result it is often delayed. We present the case of a 21-year-old male diagnosed with Gorham-Stout syndrome with involvement of the majority of the mandible, partial involvement of right maxillary, temporal and zygomatic bones and discuss its diagnostic and therapeutic features.

Factors determining poor prognostic outcomes following diabetic hand infections.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hand ulcers are seen in a small percentage of patients with diabetes. The predisposing factors of diabetic hand varies between different countries. However, the effects of predisposing factors on prognosis are not clear in diabetic hand infections. In this study, our aim was to determine the effects of predisposing factors on poor prognostic outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with diabetes mellitus who were treated and followed up for a hand infection in between 2008 and 2014 were investigated retrospectively. Patients were evaluated according to predisposing factors defined in the literature that included disease period, age, gender, admission time, presence of neuropathy, smoking habits, HbA1c levels at admission time, peripheral vascular disease, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and trauma. Death and minor/major amputation cases during treatment were defined as poor prognosis. RESULTS: Patients who had ESRD, peripheral neuropathy, or an HbA1c level greater than 10% had significantly higher amputation rates. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral neuropathy, ESRD, and HbA1c levels greater than 10% at the time of admission were determined as poor prognosis criteria for diabetic hand treatment.

Double layer repair of tibialis anterior muscle hernia in a soccer player: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: muscle herniations usually present in athletes especially in the lower legs; occurring through defects in the deep fascial layer of the muscles and typically seen following local blunt trauma or muscle hypertrophy after strenuous exercise. Management of muscle hernias varies from conservative therapy to surgical repair and usually needs multidisciplinary collaboration for differential diagnosis. METHODS: herein tibialis anterior muscle hernia in 17-year-old male soccer player was presented. The diagnosis was confirmed with dynamic ultrasonographic views changing with the different movements of the ankle. Since the symptoms were not relieved with conservative methods, surgical repair of the defect was offered. RESULTS: we preferred to repair fascial defect with double layer and Mesh graft that were placed over primary suture repair. No complications were reported such as wound or mesh infection postoperatively. The patient was clinically satisfied and returned his previous activity level after 3 months of surgery. After 2 years of follow-up the feature of the bulge was dissolved and player was satisfied with the operation. CONCLUSION: knowledge of the lower extremity muscle herniation is essential for both proper management and/or surgical referral. The importance of protective devices in prevention, dynamic ultrasonography in diagnosis and double layer repair of the fascial defect with Mesh graft in treatment of muscle herniations were highlighted.

Versatility of delayed reverse-flow islanded sural flap for reconstructing pretibal defects among high-risk patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Reconstructing defects related to the leg soft tissue may be quite difficult because the soft tissue over the bone is rather thin and the tendons lie right under the skin. Distal pedicle sural neurocutaneous flap with its long pedicle composed of skin, subcutaneous tissue and fascia is suitable for superficial defects. This study aimed to determine the usability of the delayed reverse-flow (distally based) islanded sural flap for correcting tibial and ankle defects. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A prospective clinical trial conducted from 2012 to 2013 in Plastic & Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery clinic, Necmettin Erbakan University, Turkey. METHODS: Eleven patients with pretibial defects and a visible open bone who underwent reconstruction with reverse-flow islanded sural flap between 2012 and 2013 were included in the study. All patients who had defects between the middle of the tibia and the foot underwent surgery in 2 sessions under spinal anesthesia. In the first session, necrotic tissues were debrided and cultures were taken, and the flap was delayed. Reconstruction was performed in the second session. RESULTS: The biggest flap was 16.11 cm and the smallest one was 5.6 cm. The longest pedicle was 27 cm long and the shortest one 21 cm. A total of 6 patients were smokers and 3 had diabetes mellitus. One patient had partial necrosis of the flap, and the necrosis was healed secondarily. No complications were seen in other patients. CONCLUSION: Delayed reverse-flow islanded sural flaps can be used as an easy, quick, and secure surgical alternative to free flaps for correcting in leg defects involving an exposed bone between the middle portion of the tibia and the heel.

Soft-tissue management with immediate free flap transfer in segmental prosthetic replacement of proximal tibia sarcomas.

Knee reconstruction with endoprosthesis after tumor resection is accepted as superior when compared with the other methods. But sometimes soft tissue reconstruction would be a challenging problem in this way of treatment. Five patients who were operated for tumor resection in this location, followed by reconstruction were presented with their one-year post operative results. Four latissimus dorsi and one rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flaps were used in these patients in order to manage soft tissue problems. All patients underwent chemotherapy in postoperative period. All flaps were successful in one year post operative examination. In this report we would like to stress the importance of surgical planning and soft tissue reconstruction of a specific patient population. We think that large musculocutaneous flaps such as latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps should be preferred in soft tissue reconstruction of knee region after tumor resection followed by prosthetic replacement. Additionally, this way of treatment is superior when compared to the other methods in order to prevent complications such as prosthesis exposure or infection.