Urine-derived renal epithelial cells isolated after kidney transplant are sensitive to neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin exposure during in vitro culture.

Urine-derived renal epithelial cells (URECs) are highly voided after kidney transplant and express typical kidney markers, including markers of kidney epithelial progenitor cells. Recently URECs have shown promising immunomodulatory properties when cultured with Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs), promoting an increase in the T regulatory cells. In vivo, kidney cells are highly exposed to damage associated molecules during both acute and chronic kidney injury. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is one of the most -known early marker of acute and chronic kidney damage. However, its role on the evolution of renal damage has not yet been fully described, nor has its impact on the characteristics of renal-derived cells during in vitro culture. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of NGAL on the characteristics of URECs isolated after kidney transplant, by exposing these cells to the treatment with NGAL during in vitro culture and evaluating its effect on UREC viability, proliferation, and immunomodulatory potential. The exposure of URECs to NGAL reduced their viability and proliferative capacity, promoting the onset of apoptosis. The immunomodulatory properties of URECs were partially inhibited by NGAL, without affecting the increase of Treg cells observed during UREC-PBMCs coculture. These results suggest that the exposure to NGAL may compromise some features of kidney stem and specialized cell types, reducing their viability, increasing apoptosis, and partially altering their immunomodulatory properties. Thus, NGAL could represent a target for approaches acting on its inhibition or reduction to improve functional recovery.

Outcomes of graft angiography with distal radial access: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the outcomes of graft angiography using these two approaches. Methods: Medical records and angiographic data of adult patients who underwent graft angiography between January 2020 and December 2022 were analyzed. Results: The study included 452 patients in the distal radial access (DRA) group and 960 patients in the femoral access group. Angiographic characteristics showed a higher prevalence of triple vessel disease in the femoral access group (29.8% vs. 20.8%; p = 0.012). The DRA group had a procedural success rate of 93.0%, while the femoral access group had a higher success rate of 95.8%. The odds ratio was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.46-0.94), indicating lower odds of procedural success in the DRA group. Conclusion: Our study suggests that both DRA and femoral access are effective and safe approaches for graft angiography after coronary artery bypass surgery.

This study compared graft angiography outcomes using wrist (distal radial) and groin (femoral) access in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery. Analyzing data from January 2020 to December 2022, 452 patients used wrist access, and 960 used groin access, with similar age and heart function across groups. Femoral access had more cases of triple vessel disease (29.8% vs. 20.8%) and a higher success rate (95.8% vs. 93.0%), with wrist access showing lower odds of procedural success. Despite this, both methods proved to be effective and safe.

Impact of Pre-Transplant Left Ventricular Diastolic Pressure on Primary Graft Dysfunction after Lung Transplantation: A Narrative Review.

Lung transplantation (LT) constitutes the last therapeutic option for selected patients with end-stage respiratory disease. Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a form of severe lung injury, occurring in the first 72 h following LT and constitutes the most common cause of early death after LT. The presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been reported to favor PGD development, with a negative impact on patients' outcomes while complicating medical management. Although several studies have suggested a potential association between pre-LT left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and PGD occurrence, the underlying mechanisms of such an association remain elusive. Importantly, the heterogeneity of the study protocols and the various inclusion criteria used to define the diastolic dysfunction in those patients prevents solid conclusions from being drawn. In this review, we aim at summarizing PGD mechanisms, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria, with a further focus on the interplay between LVDD and PGD development. Finally, we explore the predictive value of several diastolic dysfunction diagnostic parameters to predict PGD occurrence and severity.

Multiple Trichoepitheliomas: A Disfiguring Lesion Successfully Treated with Excision and Skin Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Multiple trichoepitheliomas are rare benign adnexal tumours that present a unique challenge both to the patient and the managing physician. The multiple nature of the lesion and face being a common location often causes cosmetic concern and psychosocial challenges. Physicians on the other hand face the challenge of providing an ideal treatment with a satisfactory outcome. Dermabrasion and laser therapy have been used to treat this lesion successfully, though they require multiple sessions, and recurrence is common. These options are however either not available or unaffordable in low-resource countries such as Nigeria. Surgical excision though an option, has rarely been advocated due to scarring, leading some experts to offer no treatment at all in developing nations. We report a challenging case of sporadic multiple trichoepitheliomas successfully treated with surgical excision and full-thickness skin graft. METHOD: Following diagnosis, the patient was counselled on the procedure, the risks and benefits. She had en-bloc excision of the lesion, and full-thickness skin graft harvested from the right groin was transplanted and anchored with Monocryl 5-0. All wounds were dressed, and the graft site was reviewed on day 10. She was discharged for outpatient follow-up. RESULT: Graft take was 95%. Epidermolysis which was seen on postoperative day 10 resolved. Hypertrophic scar on the ala nasi is softening on scar massage, and the patient is very satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSION: Surgical excision can be a valuable tool in low-resource settings for the management of multiple trichoepitheliomas.

CONTEXTE: Les trichoépithéliomes multiples sont des tumeurs annexielles bénignes rares qui présentent un défi unique à la fois pour le patient et le médecin traitant. La nature multiple de la lésion et le visage étant un site commun entraînent souvent des préoccupations esthétiques et des défis psychosociaux. Les médecins, de leur côté, sont confrontés au défi de fournir un traitement idéal avec un résultat satisfaisant. La dermabrasion et la thérapie au laser ont été utilisées avec succès pour traiter cette lésion, bien qu'elles nécessitent plusieurs séances et que la récidive soit fréquente. Ces options ne sont cependant pas disponibles ou abordables dans les pays à faibles ressources tel que le Nigeria. L'exérèse chirurgicale, bien qu'une option, a rarement été préconisée en raison des cicatrices, conduisant certains experts à ne proposer aucun traitement du tout dans les pays en dével oppement . Nous rappor tons un cas difficile de trichoépithéliomes multiples sporadiques traités avec succès par exérèse chirurgicale et greffe de peau totale. MÉTHODE: Après le diagnostic, la patiente a été informée de la procédure, des risques et des avantages. Elle a subi une exérèse en bloc de la lésion, et une greffe de peau totale prélevée dans l'aine droite a été transplantée et fixée avec du Monocryl 5-0. Toutes les plaies ont été habillées, et le site de la greffe a été examiné le 10e jour. Elle a été renvoyée pour un suivi en consultation externe. RÉSULTAT: La prise de greffe était de 95 %. L'épidermolyse observée le 10e jour postopératoire a disparu. La cicatrice hypertrophique sur l'aile du nez s'assouplit avec le massage de la cicatrice, et la patiente est très satisfaite du résultat. CONCLUSION: L'exérèse chirurgicale peut être un outil précieux dans les contextes à faibles ressources pour la prise en charge des trichoépithéliomes multiples. MOTS-CLÉS: Trichoépithéliomes multiples, Thérapie au laser, Électrocautérisation, Exérèse chirurgicale, Greffe de peau totale.

Efficacy and safety of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) combined with autologous bone for the treatment of long bone nonunion: A report of a prospective case series.

INTRODUCTION: Recombinant human Bone morphogenetic proteins have been used for the treatment of nonunions with promising results. We have been investigating both experimentally and clinically the efficacy of the rhBMP-2 with the macro / micro-porous hydroxyapatite carrier granules on the potency on the reconstruction of long bone defect. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of this specific rhBMP-2 with HA carrier granules mixed with autologous cancellous bone in patients with nonunion and bone defect resulted from the fracture related infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a prospective cohort at a university hospital. Patients diagnosed with nonunion under the definition of the United States Food and Drug Administration with bone defect after long bone fractures were enrolled from January 2020 to February 2021. We included patients with atrophic and oligotrophic nonunion, and hypertrophic nonunion with malalignment that needed to be corrected. The other patient group was consisted of segmental bone defect resulted from FRI. The maximum amount of rhBMP-2 allowed in this clinical study was 6 mg and was added to autologous bone at a 1:1 ratio. Autologous bone was added to the mixture if the volume of mixed graft was insufficient to fill the bone defect. Patients were followed 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively. Each visit, a radiograph was taken for assessment. Visual analog scale (VAS), questionnaire for quality of life (SF-12 physical component summary [PCS], mental component summary [MCS]), and weight-bearing status were collected for functional outcome assessment. Drug safety was assessed by examining BMP-2 antibodies. RESULTS: Of the 24 enrolled patients (mean age: 57 years), 15 (62.5 %), 2 (8.33 %), and 7 (29.17 %) presented atrophic nonunion, hypertrophic nonunion with deformity, and bone defect after fracture related infection, respectively. Thirteen patients had nonunion in the femur, 9 in the tibia, and 1 in the humerus and radius. The average amount of harvested autologous bone was 9.25 g and 4.96 mg of rhBMP-2. All 24 patients achieved union after 1-year follow up. The union rate was 95.83 % and 100 % at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. Preoperative SF-12 PCS (mean: 34.71) improved at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. Preoperative SF-12 MCS (mean: 42.89) improved 12 months postoperatively (49.13, p = 0.0338). Change of VAS was statistically significant 3 months postoperatively (p = 0.0012). No adverse effects or development of BMP-2 antibodies were observed. CONCLUSION: BMP-2 combined with autogenous bone resulted in excellent radiographical and functional outcomes in a relatively small prospective series of patients with nonunion and bone defect, without adverse effects. Further investigations are necessary to support our finding and optimize treatment strategies in nonunion patients.

Systemic diseases affecting the GI tract: A review of clinical and histopathologic manifestations.

A variety of systemic diseases may affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Since the GI tract responds to injury in limited ways, identifying these processes may be challenging, especially on small endoscopic biopsies. This article reviews the clinicopathologic features of commonly encountered systemic diseases affecting the tubular GI tract: sarcoidosis, graft vs. host disease, mast cell disorders, systemic sclerosis, and IgG-4 related disease. In addition, we offer guidance in differentiating them from their mimics.

No-Graft Dural Closure in the Retrosigmoid Approach: Enhancing Outcomes for Neurovascular Conflicts and Beyond.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving watertight dural closure without grafts via the retrosigmoid approach can be challenging, contributing to a significant rate of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. This study describes a dural incision technique for achieving primary dural closure without grafts following the retrosigmoid approach and presents clinical data from the authors' experience. METHODS: Clinical and surgical data of 227 patients who underwent the dural incision technique following the retrosigmoid approach for various pathologies were retrospectively reviewed. To achieve no-graft watertight dural closure, the dural incision involves two critical steps: a 1 cm transverse incision of the dura parallel to the foramen magnum to drain CSF from the cisterna magna, and a vertical linear opening of the retrosigmoid dura. Dural incisions were closed watertight with vicryl 4/0 running sutures, without the use of grafts, fibrin glue, hemostatic overlays, or dural substitutes. Pre- or postoperative lumbar drainage was not employed. RESULTS: Primary watertight dural closure was successfully achieved in all patients without the use of grafts or duraplasty. The average duration of dura closure was 17.7 minutes. During an average follow-up period of 49.3 months, there were no instances of CSF leaks or meningitis. CONCLUSION: In the authors' preliminary experience, the linear dural incision described herein was effetcive for achieving a no-graft, watertight primary dural closure in the retrosigmoid approach, with no CSF leaks or meningitis in our series. Validation of these preliminary data in a larger patient cohort is necessary.

Primary Reconstruction Using Fibular Strut Allograft for Distal Humerus Intra-articular Comminuted Open Fracture (AO/OTA13C2, G-A type IIIA): A Case Report.

Distal humerus intra-articular comminuted open fracture is a challenging injury, with nonunion, infection and stiffness considered as major concerns. We report a 58-year-old woman who was admitted to the emergency department from a car accident, sustaining an open wound with severe comminution of distal humerus and complete articular fracture, classified as AO/OTA 13C2 and Gustillo Anderson type IIIA. Debridement and external fixation was done first, followed by open reduction and internal fixation with fibular strut allograft. The patient showed excellent results in radiological and functional outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Cross-Facial Nerve Grafting Used Independently in Facial Reanimation: A Narrative Review.

Importance: Cross-Facial Nerve Grafting (CFNG) for facial palsy offers potential to restore spontaneous facial expression, but specific indications and associated outcomes are limited. Updates to this technique have aided in its successful employment in select cases. This review aims to explore the context in which CFNG has been successfully utilized as a primary modality. Observations: Literature review was performed auditing all studies investigating CFNG as a primary modality, which reported outcomes. A total of 326 cases reporting outcomes for primary CFNG were included. Eye closure outcomes were 83.3% successful at ages 0-18, 77.3% successful at ages 19-40, and 57.1% successful at ages 41+. Smile outcomes were 73.7% successful at ages 0-18, 81.5% successful at ages 19-40, and 52.8% successful at ages 41+. For synkinesis, 89% of cases were considered successful; 100% successful at ages 0-18, and 78.4% successful in adults. Conclusions and Relevance: CFNG may offer return of spontaneous facial function in select cases. Higher percentages of successful outcomes are observed in younger patients, when performed in two stages, and when performed earlier from the onset of FP in cases of eye closure restoration. In the modern era, CFNG has been more commonly employed as an adjunctive procedure to other reanimation techniques.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for inherited metabolic disorders: 35 years' experience at a single institution.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplants for inherited metabolic disorders performed at Tokai University Hospital between June 5, 1986, and May 28, 2021, were analyzed and compared between the period before 2007 and the period from 2007 onward based on availability of medical resources. Transplants were performed for 38 patients with mucopolysaccharidosis, 33 with adrenoleukodystrophy, and 16 with another disorder. Before 2007, oral busulfan-based regimens were mainly used. From 2007 onward, intravenous busulfan-based regimens or 4 Gy of thoracoabdominal irradiation (TAI), fludarabine, and melphalan (Mel)/treosulfan were adopted. Between 2002 and 2010, adrenoleukodystrophy was treated with 12 Gy of TAI and Mel. HLA-identical sibling bone marrow was used in 43% of cases before 2007 and 15% from 2007 onward, while alternative donors were selected for other transplants. Overall survival and event-free survival (EFS) before 2007 and from 2007 onward were 76% and 62%, and 97% and 85%, respectively (P = 0.006 and 0.017). Transplant era predicted superior overall survival and EFS, while myeloablative conditioning also predicted EFS. The incidence of primary graft failure decreased from 2007 onward, especially in cord blood transplant when 4 Gy of TAI with 150 mg/m2 fludarabine and 180 mg/m2 Mel or 42 g/m2 treosulfan were used as conditioning.

Bone augmentation with alloplastic graft material in a patient under bisphosphonate therapy: A case report and literature review.

Cases of relatively safe dental implant treatment in patients with low-volume bisphosphonate (BP) have been gradually reported. Although bone augmentation is commonly used when the bone volume is insufficient for implant placement, the studies and case reports regarding the safety of bone augmentation in patients treated with BP remain insufficient. Herein, we report a case wherein bone augmentation was performed after BP treatment, with bone healing realized according to imaging, and we review the literature regarding BP and bone augmentation. A sixty-seven-year-old Japanese woman requested implant treatment for a hopeless lower right second molar. She had been taking minodronic acid hydrate (50 mg/4 wk) for 18 mo to treat steroid-induced osteoporosis. After obtaining informed consent, tooth extraction and bone augmentation within the extraction socket were performed. The tooth was extracted atraumatically to preserve the surrounding alveolar bone, and the extraction socket was intensely curetted. Subsequently, the socket was filled with carbonate apatite granules and covered with a biodegradable membrane, and the wound was sutured without tension. Although protracted wound healing without any symptoms of infection was observed, the wound healed completely. No clinical symptoms were observed, the color of the mucosa at the site was healthy, and imaging findings at a six month post-operation indicated that osteogenesis had progressed uneventfully.

First Report of Two-stage Living Donor Liver Transplantation to Avoid Futility and Ensure Double Equipoise in Acute Liver Failure Complicated by Toxic Liver Syndrome.

Acute hepatic failure may occasionally be complicated by toxic liver syndrome. Emergency hepatectomy for stabilization followed by delayed graft implantation is a recognized strategy in such cases in the setting of deceased donor liver transplantation. Living donor liver transplantation adds additional complexity to this scenario as the donor liver is a directed donation and failure to stabilize the patient after emergency hepatectomy can lead to a futile live donor hepatectomy, hepar-divisum, or an orphan graft. We report a case where the two-stage strategy was utilized to circumvent this situation. A patient with toxic liver syndrome underwent emergency hepatectomy and was closely monitored in the operating theater. A live donor hepatectomy was started after the recipient demonstrated cardiovascular and neurological stabilization. Graft implantation was completed after an anhepatic period of 9.45 h. To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of using the two-stage strategy in living-donor-liver-transplantation for toxic liver syndrome to prevent futile donor surgery and achieve double equipoise.

Collagen-Type Composition in the Semitendinosus, Quadriceps, and Patellar Tendons of a 22-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report.

Graft failure is a common postoperative complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Recently, a theory has emerged that histological and microstructural factors of autografts may be related to graft failure. We simultaneously collected the semitendinosus tendon (ST), quadriceps tendon (QT), and patellar tendon (PT) from a 22-year-old patient to provide insights into the differences in the collagen-type composition of the three tendons in skeletally mature patients. These findings may serve as a basis for selecting autografts for ACL to reduce graft failure rates. The patient was a 22-year-old female who required the removal of artificial ligament, screws, and washers and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with an ST autograft after two surgeries for recurrent dislocation of the left patella. The ST, QT, and PT obtained during necessary intraoperative procedures were used as samples. The tissues were processed and immunostained; this was followed by confocal microscopy. Evaluation was performed by calculating the percentage of areas positive for collagen types I and III.The percentage of type I collagen in the ST, QT, and PT groups was 88%, 85%, and 88%, respectively.The collagen-type composition was examined following simultaneous collection of the ST, QT, and PT. The results revealed no significant differences in the content of physically strong type I collagen, which supports previous findings showing that the clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction do not vary with the autograft used.

Efficacy of using autologous cells with graft substitutes for spinal fusion surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes and imaging features.

Over the past several decades, there has been a notable increase in the total number of spinal fusion procedures worldwide. Advanced spinal fusion techniques, surgical approaches, and new alternatives in grafting materials and implants, as well as autologous cellular therapies, have been widely employed for treating spinal diseases. While the potential of cellular therapies to yield better clinical results is appealing, supportive data are needed to confirm this claim. This meta-analysis aims to compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes between graft substitutes with autologous cell therapies and graft substitutes alone. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies comparing graft substitutes with autologous cell therapies and graft substitutes alone up to February 2024. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Downs and Black checklist. The following outcomes were extracted for comparison: fusion success, complications/adverse events, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. Thirteen studies involving 836 patients were included, with 7 studies considered for the meta-analysis. Results indicated that the use of graft substitutes with autologous cell therapies demonstrated higher fusion success rates at 3, 6, and 12 months, lower VAS score at 6 months, and lower ODI score at 3, 6, and 12 months. The complication rate was similar between graft substitutes with autologous cell therapies and graft substitutes alone. Although the current literature remains limited, this meta-analysis suggests that the incorporation of cellular therapies such as bone marrow and platelet derivatives with graft substitutes is associated with a higher fusion rate and significant improvements in functional status and pain following spinal fusion. Future well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to definitively assess the clinical effectiveness of cellular therapies in spinal fusion.

Portal vein arterialization in 25 liver transplant recipients: A Latin American single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein arterialization (PVA) has been used in liver transplantation (LT) to maximize oxygen delivery when arterial circulation is compromised or has been used as an alternative reperfusion technique for complex portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The effect of PVA on portal perfusion and primary graft dysfunction (PGD) has not been assessed. AIM: To examine the outcomes of patients who required PVA in correlation with their LT procedure. METHODS: All patients receiving PVA and LT at the Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota between 2011 and 2022 were analyzed. To account for the time-sensitive effects of graft perfusion, patients were classified into two groups: prereperfusion (pre-PVA), if the arterioportal anastomosis was performed before graft revascularization, and postreperfusion (post-PVA), if PVA was performed afterward. The pre-PVA rationale contemplated poor portal hemodynamics, severe vascular steal, or PVT. Post-PVA was considered if graft hypoperfusion became evident. Conservative interventions were attempted before PVA. RESULTS: A total of 25 cases were identified: 15 before and 10 after graft reperfusion. Pre-PVA patients were more affected by diabetes, decompensated cirrhosis, impaired portal vein (PV) hemodynamics, and PVT. PGD was less common after pre-PVA (20.0% vs 60.0%) (P = 0.041). Those who developed PGD had a smaller increase in PV velocity (25.00 cm/s vs 73.42 cm/s) (P = 0.036) and flow (1.31 L/min vs 3.34 L/min) (P = 0.136) after arterialization. Nine patients required PVA closure (median time: 62 d). Pre-PVA and non-PGD cases had better survival rates than their counterparts (56.09 months vs 22.77 months and 54.15 months vs 31.91 months, respectively). CONCLUSION: This is the largest report presenting PVA in LT. Results suggest that pre-PVA provides better graft perfusion than post-PVA. Graft hyperperfusion could play a protective role against PGD.

Viabahn endoprosthesis for femoropopliteal aneurysm repair: safety, success rates, and long-term patency.

BACKGROUND: The Viabahn endoprosthesis has become a vital option for endovascular therapy, yet there is limited long-term data on its effectiveness for peripheral aneurysm repair. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, technical and clinical success, and long-term patency of the Viabahn endoprosthesis for treating femoropopliteal aneurysms. METHODS: This retrospective tertiary single-center study analyzed patients who underwent a Viabahn endoprosthesis procedure for femoropopliteal aneurysm repair from 2010 to 2020. Intraoperative complications, technical and clinical success rates, and major adverse events (MAE, including acute thrombotic occlusion, major amputation, myocardial infarction, and device- or procedure-related death) at 30 days were assessed. Incidence of clinically-driven target lesion revascularisation (cdTLR) was noted. Patency rates were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Among 19 patients (mean age, 72 ± 12 years; 18 male, 1 female) who underwent aneurysm repair using the Viabahn endoprosthesis, there were no intraoperative adverse events, with 100% technical and clinical success rates. At the 30-day mark, all patients (19/19, 100%) were free of MAE. The median follow-up duration was 1,009 days [IQR, 462-1,466]. Popliteal stent graft occlusion occurred in 2/19 patients (10.5%) after 27 and 45 months, respectively. Consequently, the primary patency rates were 100%, 90%, 74% at 12, 24, and 36-72 months, respectively. Endovascular cdTLR was successful in both cases, resulting in sustained secondary patency at 100%. CONCLUSION: The use of Viabahn endoprostheses for femoropopliteal aneurysm repair demonstrated technical and clinical success rates of 100%, a 0% 30-day MAE rate, and excellent long-term patency.

Understanding Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease to Facilitate an Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach.

Ocular Graft-versus-Host Disease (oGVHD) remains a challenging and potentially devastating complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). It significantly impacts the quality of life of affected survivors, however, is often underrecognized particularly during the early stages. Targeting all providers in the HSCT community who see patients regularly and frequently for their post-allo-HSCT care, this review and opinion piece introduces the basic concepts of ocular surface pathophysiology, dissects the different stages of clinical presentation of oGVHD, explains why the current diagnostic criteria tend to capture the late disease stages, highlights the warning signs of early disease development, in hope to facilitate prompt referral of oGVHD suspects for ocular specialist care. In addition to introducing a comprehensive list of treatment options, this review emphasizes basic therapeutic strategy and options that are safe and effective to be initiated by any care provider. We believe in empowering the patients as well as the care providers beyond disciplinary boundaries, in order to provide the most cohesive and integrated care to our patients in a multidisciplinary approach.

Socket Preservation Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Free Gingival Grafts.

OBJECTIVE: The present randomised controlled trial is based on the null hypothesis that there is no difference in crestal bone levels (CBLs) following socket preservation (SP) using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and free gingival graft (FGG). The aim was to evaluate CBLs following SP using PRF and FGG. METHODS: This study is a parallel-arm randomised controlled trial. Patients in the test and control groups underwent SP using PRF and FGG, respectively. Intraoral visual examination was performed to clinically assess signs of swelling, pus/abscess, and stability of sutures and graft. Self-rated postoperative pain was assessed after 1 week and 6 months using the visual analogue scale (VAS). At the 6-month follow-up, cone-beam computed tomography was performed to evaluate CBL in mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions. The preoperative cone-beam computed tomographic images were superimposed with those taken at the 6-month follow-up to compare CBLs. Statistical comparisons were performed and level of significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: The test and control groups each comprised 13 individuals with comparable ages. All teeth included in the test and control groups were located in the maxillary aesthetic zone. At the 1-week follow-up, VAS scores were higher in the control than in the test group (P < .01). At the 6-month follow-up, none of the participants reported self-rated pain. The change in buccolingual dimension was greater in the control group than in the test group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Both FGG and PRF are effective techniques for SP; however, the latter technique is more effcacious in maintaining buccolingual dimensions of the extraction socket.

Engineering a 3-dimensional tissue construct with adipose-derived stem cells for healing bone defect: An ex vivo study with femur head.

The compatibility of bone graft substitutes (BGS) with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is an important parameter to consider for their use in repairing bone defects as it eventually affects the clinical outcome. In the present study, a few commercially available BGS - ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP), calcium sulfate, gelatin sponge, and different forms of hydroxyapatite (HAP) were screened for their interactions with MSCs from adipose tissue (ADSCs). It was demonstrated that HAP block favorably supported ADSC viability, morphology, migration, and differentiation compared to other scaffolds. The results strongly suggest the importance of preclinical evaluation of bone scaffolds for their cellular compatibility. Furthermore, the bone regenerative potential of HAP block with ADSCs was evaluated in an ex vivo bone defect model developed using patient derived trabecular bone explants. The explants were cultured for 45 days in vitro and bone formation was assessed by expression of osteogenic genes, ALP secretion, and high resolution computed tomography. Our findings confirmed active bone repair process in ex vivo settings. Addition of ADSCs significantly accelerated the repair process and improved bone microarchitecture. This ex vivo bone defect model can emerge as a viable alternative to animal experimentation and also as a potent tool to evaluate patient specific bone therapeutics under controlled conditions.

Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction Using a New Protocol with All Clinical-Grade Drugs: From Basic Study to Clinical Application.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield, viability, clinical safety, and efficacy of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) separated with a new protocol with all clinical-grade drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SVF cells were isolated from lipoaspirate obtained from 13 participants aged from 30 to 56 years by using a new clinical protocol and the laboratory protocol. The cell yield, viability, morphology, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) surface marker expression, and differentiation abilities of the SVF cells harvested from the two protocols were compared. Furthermore, three related clinical trials were conducted to verify the safety and efficiency of SVF cells isolated by the new clinical protocol. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the yield, viability, morphology, and differentiation potential of the SVFs isolated with the clinical protocol and laboratory protocol. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASC) surface marker expression, including that of CD14, CD31, CD44, CD90, CD105, and CD133, was consistent between the two protocols. Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of the SVF isolated with the new clinical protocol in improving skin grafting, promoting mechanical stretch-induced skin regeneration and improving facial skin texture. No complications occurred. CONCLUSION: SVF isolated by the new clinical protocol had a noninferior yield and viability to that of the SVF separated by the laboratory protocol. SVFs obtained by the new protocol can be safely and effectively applied to improve skin grafting, promote mechanical stretch-induced skin regeneration, and improve facial skin texture. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trials were registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03189628), the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000039317), and the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02546882). All the three trials were not patient-funded trials. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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 .