Loose Skin Research Articles

How Can We Manage Skin Incision and Craniotomy for Avoidance of Postoperative Esthetic Concern?

A successful microsurgical neck clipping of cerebral aneurysm is one of the milestones for neurosurgeons. However, a 'complete clip closure of aneurysm without neurological deficit' is not enough for the patient, as esthetic problems can occur several months after the surgery. In this paper, we describe a series of surgical tips concerning the surgical steps starting from skin incision to craniotomy to minimize the esthetic impact. First, the skin incision should be oriented perpendicular to the fall pattern of hair follicles in the temporal area so that the hair covers the scar line and the scalpel is tilted about 50° to face in the frontal area for preservation of hair roots. After minimum coagulation and skin clip application, interfascial fat pad is dissected at 2 cm dorsal to McCarty keyhole to root of zygomatic process, in order to protect facial nerve. Subgaleal connective tissue with periosteum is harvested as a flap for reconstruction of the calvarial defect. The temporal muscle should be dissected from the caudal to rostral position to avoid delayed muscular atrophy. Central dural tenting sutures are placed at the dural incision. The craniotomy line should be filled with bone crust and covered by subgaleal connective tissue with the periosteum. Single, short-distance galeal sutures, and loose skin sutures can reduce post-operative granulation. From the day after surgery, the patient can shampoo his/her head.

Comparison of exterior traits in selected giant and medium rabbit breeds

<p>Generally, in recent times across the breeding spectrum, rabbits of giant, medium, small and dwarf breeds have been reared. The largest representation among breeders at most breeding exhibitions held in central European countries is amongst giant and medium breeds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the qualities and exterior faults in selected giant and medium rabbit breeds in different colour varieties according to a current book of rabbit standards. Of 1779 rabbits from 11 exhibitions held in the territory of the Czech and Slovak Republics, 646 giant rabbits weighing 5.5 kg and over and 1133 medium rabbits between 3.25 to 5.5 kg of different breeds and colour varieties were selected. Giant (large) breeds population included 210 of Giant, 187 of Giant Papillon and 249 of Lop. In the medium weight category, 308 of Big Light Silver, 184 of Chinchilla Giganta and 641 of Vienna group breeds were selected. The qualities and exterior faults of typical breed traits were evaluated in six positions: weight, shape, type, coat, top colour or markings and undercolour. The results of the work show that the most common exterior faults in these categories were in the shape, type and coat positions. In the shape position, significant exterior faults were found, such as slightly protruding hips with slanting rump, worse legs position with bowed or splayed limbs and loose skin on the body. Especially observed in the type position in all selected breeds were narrow chest, body too lean or too long and a more delicate head with finer structure of ears. The coat was usually thick and less elastic with the lighter undercolour at the base of the skin and non-sharply defined intermediate colour. The data obtained are ground-breaking, representing a new approach to assist in the characterisation of giant and medium rabbit breeds included in a study and to select individuals with the best exterior properties with a view to improving the breed quality.</p>

Quality of hair-coat covering and skin of Karakul lambs bred in Kalmykia

Karakul breed of sheep is one of the oldest breeds. For the development of semi-desert pastures more than 176 thousand heads of Karakul sheep of gray and black colors were brought to the Republic of Kalmykia from the republics of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Scientists of the Kalmyk Scientifi c and Research Institute of Agriculture and practical breeders were tasked with creating specialized herds of Karakul sheep of diff erent colors and krimmer lamb types that produce high-grade krimmer lambs. The purpose of the research was to study the quality of hair-coat covering and skin of Karakul lambs bred in Kalmykia. Some qualities of the hair-coat covering and skin of gray and black Karakul lambs in the APC “Polynny” and “Erdnievsky” have been analyzed in the article. The physical and mechanical parameters of the hair-coat covering and skin of Karakul lambs have been studied: the length of the hair in the curl, the hair tone, the degree of silkiness and shine, and the total thickness of the skin. Karakul lambs of black and gray color have diff erent properties of hair-coat covering; lambs of gray color have longer and thinner hair, relatively less shiny, dense hair-coat covering. The average length of white hairs in the rump area of the gray karakul was by 2,4±0,2 mm or 22 %, black hairs by 0,3±0,2 mm or 2,7 %, in the withers by 2,0±0,3 mm and 0,2±0,3 mm longer, respectively, than in similar areas of the black karakul skins. In the lambs of gray color more thick and rather loose skin than in lambs black color. Thus, the skin thickness of gray lambs was by 176 microns or 6,7 % more than black lambs. The primary follicles of white hairs are by 559 microns deeper, and the secondary follicles are 200 microns deeper than the hair follicles of black lambs. Features of the hair cover of lambs of diff erent colors are shown in absolutely identical conditions of feeding and housing, these diff erences should be taken into account when improving of Karakul sheep.

Wuhan

Watered down vinyl detergent fills my room from the halls every morning. My eyes force themselves open; there is always a millisecond of hope that my waking life is a dream. It’s always grey here. There’s no clock in here; just a calendar, perhaps to count the days of my abandonment. Oh, how much I would give to have my own bathroom again. Long grey strands of hair hang dead along my face as I take small tired steps, shuffling towards the communal bathroom. Nanny Pa warned me how fast our whānau age. I refused to believe him. Loose skin flapping as I walk, and hard for me to ignore. I try to console myself; my skin reflects my story. Rays of morning sun weave through the hall and warm my delicate skin. I wish my room would get some light. I tilt my head, “stir it up, little darling, stir it up...” echoes through the hall speakers. I pause and feel my heart flutter.

Cutis laxa: A comprehensive overview of clinical characteristics and pathophysiology.

Cutis laxa (CL) syndromes comprise a rare group of multisystem disorders that share loose redundant skin folds as hallmark clinical feature. CL results from impaired elastic fiber assembly and homeostasis, and the known underlying gene defects affect different extracellular matrix proteins, intracellular trafficking, or cellular metabolism. Due to the underlying clinical and molecular heterogeneity, the diagnostic work-up of CL patients is often challenging. In this review, we provide a practical approach to the broad differential diagnosis of CL syndromes, provide an overview of the molecular pathogenesis of the different subtypes, and suggest general management guidelines.

On the fit of skins with a particular focus on the biomechanics of loose skins of hagfishes

There is a considerable diversity in how skins fit. Here, we review the function of both tight and loose skins and note that the latter are poorly understood. Analysis of loose skin examples suggest five functional categories: (I) freedom of movement, (II) surface area enhancement, (III) increased structural extensibility, (IV) lubrication, and (V) maladaptive examples arising through sexual or artificial selection. We investigate the skins of hagfishes as a model for understanding loose skin function by examining its structure using histology, standardized puncture resistance testing using the ASTM F1306 protocol, and the effect of internal pressure using a simple inflated balloon model. Skins of hagfishes are composed of multiple layers of cross-helically wound connective tissue fibers of a 45° angle to the longitudinal axis, resulting in a skin that functions as fabric cut “on the bias”. Hagfish skins are relatively yielding; however, skin looseness adds a “structural extensibility” that may allow hagfishes to compensate for low puncture resistance. Physical balloon models, with stiff cores that limit length changes, show that only low pressures allow short loop radii without local buckling. Hagfishes represent ideal organisms for studying loose skin function because their skins seem to fit in all functionally adaptive categories.

A novel homozygous variant in REN in a family presenting with classic features of disorders involving the renin-angiotensin pathway, without renal tubular dysgenesis.

Autosomal recessively inherited pathogenic variants in genes associated with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) result in early onset oligohydramnios and clinical features of the Potter sequence, typically in association with proximal renal tubules dysgenesis. We describe two siblings and a first cousin who had severe oligohydramnios in the second trimester, and presented at birth with loose skin, wide fontanelles and sutures, and pulmonary insufficiency. Two had refractory hypotension during their brief lives and one received palliative care after birth. All were found to have a homozygous nonsense variant, REN: c.891delG; p.Tyr287*, on exome sequencing. Autopsy limited to the genitourinary system in two of the children revealed normal renal tubular histology in both. Immunoblotting confirmed diminished expression of renin within cultured skin fibroblasts. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of an association between biallelic variants in REN and oligohydramnios in the absence of renal tubular dysgenesis. Due to its role in the RAAS, it has previously been proposed that the decreased expression of REN results in hypotension, ischemia, and decreased urine production. We suggest sequencing of genes in the RAAS, including REN, should be considered in cases of severe early onset oligohydramnios, even when renal morphology and histology are normal.

Establishment of a Novel Mouse Model for Soft Tissue Expansion

BackgroundDespite its increasing use, not much is known about tissue expansion, and its complication rates are significantly high. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish a stable animal model to overcome the limitations and complications of tissue expansion. Although the mouse model has shown several advantages in the in-depth studies, an appropriate mouse expansion model has rarely been reported, likely because of its loose skin. Materials and methodsA micro expander was designed and implanted under the scalp of a mouse (expanded group); sterilized saline was regularly injected into the expander. In sham-operated mice (control group), a silicone sheet was implanted under the scalp. Skin samples were collected 5 wk after surgery. Histologic changes including epidermal and dermal thickness and collagen fiber arrangement were analyzed. In addition, vascular density and cell proliferation ratio were determined. An ultrastructural analysis was also performed. ResultsWith the application of the expansion device, the skin became tight and showed area enlargement. The epidermal thickness of the expanded skin increased significantly (P < 0.01), whereas the thickness of the dermis decreased significantly (P < 0.05) as compared with the control skin. Masson staining demonstrated that collagen bundles were arranged more compactly in the expanded skin (P < 0.05) than in the controls. Furthermore, more proliferating cells (P < 0.05) and blood vessels (P < 0.01) were observed. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the fibers of expanded skin were stretched and broken into bundles of various diameters, with abundant active fibroblasts. ConclusionsA reliable mouse model of scalp skin expansion was successfully established, which may be a promising tool for in-depth studies on skin soft tissue expansion.

EFFECT OF PHOTOTHERAPY ON SERUM CALCIUM LEVELS IN NEONATAL JAUNDICE IN FULL TERM NEONATES

Introduction: The most prevalent anomalous physical finding during the first week of life is neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NNH). It is estimated that more than two thirds of newborn babies have acquired clinical jaundice. It was also discovered that in the unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia of most neonates represents a common or exaggerated physiological syndrome. The physical immaturity of infants to handle increased production of bilirubin is referred to as Jaundice. This becomes potentially neurotoxic if severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is left untreated. One of the routine strategies for treating hyperbilirubinemia is known as phototherapy. However it is not a harmless interference. This can produce negative results, such as dehydration, temperature volatility, blood flow redistribution, genotoxicity, rashes on the skin, loose skin, stools, damage to retinas, hypocalcemia and bronze baby syndrome. One of the lesser known but which has a potential adverse effect of phototherapy is hypocalcemia. A total serum calcium concentration of &lt; 7 mg / dl or ionised calcium concentration &lt; 4mg / dl (&lt; 1mol / L) is classified as neonatal hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia increases the permeability of cells to sodium ions and increases the excitability of cell membranes.&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: 60 full term neonates were included in present cross sectional study who was admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Full term neonates who completed 37 weeks of gestation with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia who require phototherapy. Under the normal protocol, traditional phototherapy equipment containing four blue light fluorescent lamps with wavelengths of 410-470 nm was mounted at a distance of 25-35 cm from the skin surface of neonates with entirely covered eyes and genitals. At 15μW / cm2 /nm at the level of the infant's skin, the irradiance during phototherapy was assessed and maintained consistently.&#x0D; Results: Among 60 neonates included in this study there were 27 (45%) male whereas 33 (55%) female neonates. In present study the mean levels of serum calcium before phototherapy was 9.21 with standard deviation of 0.83 while the serum calcium levels after phototherapy were 8.36 with standard deviation of 0.78. There was a statistically significant difference between serum mean calcium levels before and after phototherapy (p=0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: A major issue is phototherapy induced hypocalcemia. Before beginning and during phototherapy for neonatal jaundice and close monitoring of neonates for signs of hypocalcemia, careful calcium status calculation should be carried out.. After phototherapy, there is a substantial reduction in the amount of serum calcium, but the risk of hypocalcemia in stable full-term neonates is minimal.

Congenital cutis laxa with multi-system involvement

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;Cutis laxa is a heterogeneous group of inherited and acquired rare connective tissue disease characterized by loose, wrinkled, and inelastic skin. It clinically presents as loose skin with folds giving a premature aged appearance. Cutis laxa is very rare, with an estimated incidence of one in 4 million. There are many case reports on acquired cutis laxa but very few on “congenital” cutis laxa. Authors report a 15 years old female presenting with a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections since the age of 2 years associated with flaccid skin all over her body and extensive loose folds of skin over face, neck, abdomen, arms and thighs since birth. Cutis laxa has been diagnosed based on the clinical picture and histopathological appearance. No medical treatment is available for correction of the pathology of disease. Plastic surgery remains the only modality of treatment to improve the cosmetic appearance. Systemic abnormalities need specific treatment depending upon the condition. The purpose of this report is due to its rarity and involvement of skin, hairs, respiratory, cardiovascular and genitourinary system in a single patient.&lt;/p&gt;

Exploring the Experiences of Women Who Develop Restrictive Eating Behaviours After Bariatric Surgery

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the experiences of women who had developed excessively restrictive eating behaviours following bariatric surgery.MethodFive female participants, who were at least nine months post-bariatric surgery and exhibiting restrictive eating behaviours, were recruited from Bariatric Surgery Psychology Services and asked to complete qualitative face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).ResultsThree super-ordinate themes emerged: (1) experiences of weight stigma and weight history on self, (2) the impact of loose skin, (3) thoughts about food and disordered eating patterns. These captured the impact of past weight-related experiences—including weight stigma, intense fears of weight gain, negative cognitions about the self, the impact of excess skin, changes in the way the women thought about food and restrictive eating behaviours.DiscussionThis study is one of the first to specifically explore restrictive eating disorders after bariatric surgery using a qualitative approach. The findings of this study may offer helpful aspects for professionals to hold in mind when identifying individuals with problematic restrictive eating behaviours following bariatric surgery. Body contouring surgery, internalised weight bias and weight stigma are explored in relation to the post-bariatric surgery treatment pathway. The current diagnostic criterion for anorexia nervosa are discussed to highlight difficulties in diagnosing this presentation in the post-bariatric surgery population, where people can have BMIs over 25 kg/m2 but are severely restricting energy intake.

Modified Internal Mastopexy Technique in Muscle Splitting Biplane Breast Augmentation.

The technique of muscle splitting biplane breast augmentation associated with internal mastopexy to correct breast hypoplasia, ptosis and asymmetry was reported in 2014. The purpose of this article is to present recent modifications and results of this technique. Since 2016, 30 patients with breast hypoplasia associated with excessive or loose skin envelope or breast ptosis grade I have benefited from a new and improved technique of internal suture mastopexy combined with the muscle splitting biplane breast augmentation (muscle splitting biplane breast augmentation with internal mastopexy type II or MSBBA-IM2). Excellent long-term results have been obtained by using the muscle splitting biplane breast augmentation with internal mastopexy type II, which maintains a natural breast shape and a smooth transition between the soft tissue and implant in the upper pole by redraping the breast parenchyma both at the level of the upper pole and at the level of the lower pole of the breast. The new technique of muscle splitting biplane breast augmentation with internal mastopexy type II or MSBBA-IM2 offers improved long-term aesthetic results and is an effective alternative in selected patients requiring correction of breast hypoplasia associated with excessive or loose skin envelope or breast ptosis grade I. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. 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.

Type II acquired cutis laxa associated with recurrent urticarial vasculitis: brief report

BackgroundCutis laxa is a connective tissue disease characterized by loose, wrinkled, and redundant skin. It is either inherited or acquired. In most cases, acquired cutis laxa is associated with neoplasms, drugs, and autoimmune diseases. We present a rare case of acquired cutis laxa following a recurrent urticaria-like eruption in the absence of an autoimmune disease, neoplasm, drugs and or syndrome.Case presentationWe report a case of a 45-year-old Chinese lady with a 1-year history of widespread pruritic urticarial eruption and a 6-month history of progressive skin wrinkling. On examination, the patient appeared older than her actual age, with apparent wrinkling on the mid-torso with generalized smooth, erythematous macules and wheals. A family history of similar conditions was absent. Biopsy revealed hypersensitivity and atrophy. Following the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, we administered antihistamines, which relieved the itching, but her hyperpigmentation and cutis laxa never improved.ConclusionOur case shows that the decrease of elastic fibers may be associated with the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the dermis. This supports the hypothesis that chemical mediators may play a major role in the destruction of elastic fibers, thus causing cutis laxa. In addition, we advise practitioners to take a complete clinical and family history to determine if the condition is inherited or acquired.

Visible Implant Alphanumeric (VIA) as a marking method in the lesser snouted treefrog Scinax nasicus

In this study we assessed the efficacy of Visible Implant Alphanumeric (VIA) for marking adults and juveniles of the Neotropical treefrog Scinax nasicus. We evaluated the success of this technique in the identification of individuals and the prevalence of tags in the field. As a control, we marked the same individuals through toe-clipping. Of 196 marked individuals, 57 were recaptured in a 7-month study period. Only one mark was unreadable because it was located too deep in the skin. We found one case of tag expulsion and two inverted tags. Almost complete regeneration of the adhesive disk was observed by the fifth month of the study in all recaptured frogs. We suggest VIA tagging method as suitable for S. nasicus over long term studies. Even though, a hybrid method for marking (VIA + toe-clipping) is recommended for species with dark and/or loose skin, or large frogs.

A 9-year-old Korean girl with Fontaine progeroid syndrome: a case report with further phenotypical delineation and description of clinical course during long-term follow-up

BackgroundGorlin–Chaudhry–Moss syndrome (GCMS) and Fontaine–Farriaux syndrome (FFS) are extremely rare genetic disorders that share similar clinical manifestations. Because a de novo missense mutation of the solute carrier family 25 member 24 (SLC25A24) gene was suggested to be the common genetic basis of both syndromes, it has been proposed recently that they be integrated into a single disorder under the name of Fontaine progeroid syndrome (FPS).Case presentationA 9-year-old Korean girl presented with typical clinical features of FPS. She had generalized loose skin with decreased subcutaneous fat, skin wrinkling on the forehead and limbs, skull deformities and a peculiar facial appearance with microphthalmia and midface hypoplasia, anomalies of the digits and nails, a large umbilical hernia and a nearly normal developmental outcome. She exhibited prenatal and postnatal growth retardation together with short stature, and records showed that her height and weight were invariably under − 2.0 SD from birth to the age of 10 years. SLC25A24 analysis revealed a heterozygous mutation reported previously, NM_013386:c.650G > A, p.[Arg217His]. After screening her family for the identified mutation, she was confirmed as being a de novo case of FPS caused by an SLC25A24 mutation.ConclusionWe describe a Korean girl with typical clinical findings of FPS and a de novo mutation in SLC25A24, as well as 10 years of clinical follow-up, including growth and developmental achievements.

Anthropometric Analysis of the Human Skull for Developmental Left-Sided Asymmetry, New Finding.

Facial and cranial asymmetry is common in bilateral vertebrates, particularly human beings. Through years of injecting fillers and performing face-lift operation on patients, we began to observe that more fillers were required on the right side to reach symmetry and also more loose skin and soft tissue was observed on the right side in the majority of patients (Fig.5). Here, we conducted an analytical study to comprehensively measure human skulls in order to observe and quantify this difference. We collected forty-one natural skulls available from five medical schools of Tehran province in Iran. Standard photography was conducted from the front, lateral, and superior views. Measurements and statistics were completed using Image J software (National Institutes of Health) for exact comparison of fixed-point distances on the samples. Comparison of right and left dimensions on the skulls revealed several fixed asymmetries. The most significant differences were measurements around the orbit. The distance between the upper orbit point and zygion (zy), zygion to sub-nasal, and orbital areas were significantly larger on the left side. Measuring the anterior gonion-pogonion distance showed a wider mandibular body on the left side. We did not find any considerable differences between any other left-sided and right-sided skull dimensions. Asymmetry of the face and body is a general rule in human anatomy, but correlation and consistency of this asymmetry between the left and right sides is a novel finding based on our measurements. Our findings showed that the orbit was significantly bigger in width, height, and surface area on the left side. We also quantified a narrower mandible on the right side. We hope these findings can be translated to aesthetic surgery practice to make the plastic surgeon and patient more familiar with the patient's specific anatomy in order to better predict, plan, and successfully implement aesthetic procedures such as injecting fillers or doing peri-orbital procedures. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. 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.

Pathology Of "Post-Upper Blepharoplasty Syndrome": Implications For Upper Eyelid Reconstruction.

BackgroundThe anatomical basis for eyelid changes after upper blepharoplasty is largely uninvestigated. The post upper blepharoplasty syndrome (PUBS) is here defined as upper eyelid ptosis, hollow sulcus, high or absent upper eyelid crease, eyelash ptosis, loose eyelid platform skin, and compensatory brow elevation.ObjectiveThe anatomical basis for the post-upper blepharoplasty syndrome was investigated.MethodsA retrospective, case-controlled, consecutive series of patients was explored for blepharoptosis after cosmetic blepharoplasty (cases) or ptosis surgery (controls). The upper eyelid crease was lowered, blepharoptosis was corrected by anterior levator aponeurosis resection ptosis surgery, eyelash ptosis was corrected with anchor blepharoplasty, and upper eyelid fold volume was restored using anterior orbital fat. Morphologic and anatomical findings were compared between case and control eyelids.ResultsData were available for 42 patients (81 eyelids). Case and control eyelids presented with a clinically similar appearance but internally had a marked difference in their anatomical findings. Eyelids with post-upper blepharoplasty syndrome (n= 24 patients, 48 eyelids) were internally found to have a white-line disinsertion of the levator aponeurosis. The disinserted, central levator aponeurosis was bound into the septal scar created by removal of anterior orbital fat at blepharoplasty. Among the 18 controls (33 eyelids), levator disinsertion was not identified.ConclusionHollowness and ptosis in post-upper blepharoplasty syndrome eyelids are related to a white-line disinsertion of the levator aponeurosis and matting of anterior orbital fat in the internal septal scar created during fat removal with blepharoplasty. Knowing where to look for the disinserted central levator is critical to surgically repairing these post-blepharoplasty eyelids.

The co‐occurrence of loose skin and underwater calling in frogs—further evidence from Amolops ricketti and its implications

AbstractUnderwater vocalizations of frogs are usually inaudible to the human ear and have been poorly documented. Some authors believe that they are more common than currently recognized, yet there have been no new records at the genus level for nearly 30 years. I report on the recordings of underwater calling by the ranid species Amolops ricketti (Boulenger, 1899) from a mountain stream in southern China. Males emitted 2.2–3.5 calls per minute under submerged rocks, which were inaudible to the human ear. Most of the recorded calls lasted 0.73–2.09 s and contained a weak initial note with fewer pulses (1–5) and one to three subsequent notes (3–13 pulses each) repeated at a rate of 0.82–1.99 notes·s−1, with an internote interval lasting 0.36–1.19 s. The dominant frequency of calls ranged from 2.1 to 3.0 kHz, and the notes exhibited increasing intensity and slight upward frequency modulation. Comparisons between individuals of different sexes and breeding stages reveal that the loose skin of the flanks and thighs is a male nuptial trait in A. ricketti. The finding extends the phylogenetic distribution of underwater vocalization to a distinct lineage and constitutes another instance of loose‐skin frogs calling underwater, which can also been identified in Pelobates (Pelobatidae), Leptobrachium (Megophryidae), Telmatobius (Telmatobiidae), Rana italica and Rana sakuraii (Ranidae). These independent cases may allow the proposal of an evolutionary correlation of the two traits in anurans, as a large surface/volume ratio facilitates high levels of cutaneous respiration required for the effective performance of underwater calling. An awareness of this possibility may aid in increasing our understanding of the natural history of anurans.

Adipose-derived stem cells-induced burn wound healing and regeneration of skin appendages in a novel skin island rat model.

The study of effectiveness of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in treating burn wounds is still a developing field. The process of wound contraction in areas of loose skin is a major confounding factor in the evaluation and study of burn wound healing in animal models. To evaluate the effect of local ASCs administration, deep partial thickness burn wounds were induced by 30 s application of hot copper plates in a novel skin island burn wound rat model to avoid interference from primary wound contraction. Skin islands were divided into two treatment groups-control group (n = 9) injected with PBS and ASCs-treated group (n = 9) injected with 5 × 10 ASCs intradermally. Progress in wound healing was checked at regular intervals after injury (on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week) by measuring the mean wound area and analyzing the wound histologically and immunohistochemically, after unstitching the overlaying skin to expose the skin island. It was found that local intradermal injection of ASCs improved burn wound healing at all given time points when compared with control groups, especially in the first 2 weeks (p < 0.05). The percentage of live follicles increased gradually in the ASCs-treated groups compared with control groups between the 3rd and 4th weeks (p < 0.05). The vascular density and proliferating cell nuclear antigen index were also significantly increased in the ASCs-treated groups. Thus, in this study, a novel burn wound rat model with reduced interference from wound contraction has been put forth to investigate the therapeutic effects of local administration of ASCs on burn wound healing. Local injection of ASCs not only improved burn wound recovery but also enhanced angiogenesis and skin appendage regeneration.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Unusual Localized Skin Laxity in Sika Deer (Cervus nippon).

Cutis laxa represents a heterogeneous group of rare, inherited, or acquired connective tissue disorders with the common feature of loose and redundant skin with decreased elasticity. The skin of affected deer showed abnormal collagen fiber morphology. To identify the differentially expressed genes of the unusual localized skin laxity in sika deer, we performed transcriptome analysis in the affected and control sika deer. The transcriptome analysis showed 700 genes with significant differential expression in the affected skin as compared with normal skin. Pathway analysis revealed an enrichment of genes involved in tumor necrosis factor signaling, the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, platelet activation, and Huntington's disease. A gene network was constructed, and the hub nodes such as PTGS2, THBS1, COL1A1, FOS, and NOS3 were found through PPI network analysis, which may contributed to the unusual localized skin laxity in sika deer. Abnormal expression patterns of genes during the development of the affected sika deer were successfully uncovered in the present study, which provides a reference for revealing the related mechanism underlying cutis laxa in sika deer and human beings.