Optimization of 3D autologous chondrocyte-seeded polyglycolic acid scaffolds to mimic human ear cartilage.

Auricular reconstruction in children with microtia is one of the more complex procedures in plastic surgery. Obtaining sufficient native material to build an ear requires harvesting large fragments of rib cartilage in children. Herein, we investigated how to optimize autologous chondrocyte isolation, expansion and re-implantation using polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffolds for generating enough cartilage to recapitulate a whole ear starting from a small ear biopsy. Ear chondrocytes isolated from human microtia subjects grew slower than microtia rib or healthy ear chondrocytes and displayed a phenotypic shift due to the passage number. Rabbit ear chondrocytes co-cultured with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) at a 50 : 50 ratio recapitulated the cartilage biological properties in vitro. However, PGA scaffolds with different proportions of rabbit chondrocytes and MSC did not grow substantially in two months when subcutaneously implanted in immunosuppressed mice. In contrast, rabbit chondrocyte-seeded PGA scaffolds implanted in immunocompetent rabbits formed a cartilage 10 times larger than the original PGA scaffold. This cartilage mimicked the biofunctional and mechanical properties of an ear cartilage. These results indicate that autologous chondrocyte-seeded PGA scaffolds fabricated following our optimized procedure have immense potential as a solution for obtaining enough cartilage for auricular reconstruction and opens new avenues to redefine autologous cartilage replacement.

Three-dimensional planning in craniomaxillofacial surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Three-dimensional (3D) planning in oral and maxillofacial surgery has become a standard in the planification of a variety of conditions such as dental implants and orthognathic surgery. By using custom-made cutting and positioning guides, the virtual surgery is exported to the operating room, increasing precision and improving results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present our experience in the treatment of craniofacial deformities with 3D planning. Software to plan the different procedures has been selected for each case, depending on the procedure (Nobel Clinician, Kodak 3DS, Simplant O&O, Dolphin 3D, Timeus, Mimics and 3-Matic). The treatment protocol is exposed step by step from virtual planning, design, and printing of the cutting and positioning guides to patients' outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: 3D planning reduces the surgical time and allows predicting possible difficulties and complications. On the other hand, it increases preoperative planning time and needs a learning curve. The only drawback is the cost of the procedure. At present, the additional preoperative work can be justified because of surgical time reduction and more predictable results. In the future, the cost and time investment will be reduced. 3D planning is here to stay. It is already a fact in craniofacial surgery and the investment is completely justified by the risk reduction and precise results.

Clinical significance of extrapyramidal signs in patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Extrapyramidal signs have been described in cirrhosis and there is little information about their clinical significance. The aims of this study have been to investigate the relationship between extrapyramidal signs and cognitive impairment, and what is their influence on quality of life. METHODS: 46 patients with cirrhosis were evaluated for cognitive impairment with psychometric tests (Trail-Making Test part A, Grooved-Pegboard, Block-Design, Oral Symbol Digit and Stroop Test) and cognitive evoked potentials (P300). Extrapyramidal signs were evaluated using the UPDRS scale. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) was measured using SF-36 scale and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ). RESULTS: Twenty-two patients had extrapyramidal signs, and these patients scored worse in all psychometric tests, except Block-Design. Patients with extrapyramidal signs also showed a longer P300 latency. Moreover, patients with extrapyramidal signs had the worst score in all the HRQL scales used. A multivariate analysis disclosed that the only variable showing an independent relationship to the mental component summary of SF-36 and with CLDQ was UPDRS score. CONCLUSIONS: We have found a clear relationship between the presence of extrapyramidal signs and cognitive impairment. Moreover, patients with extrapyramidal signs have worse scores in quality of life scales.