Search Results (84)

A retrospective study on 135 cases of teat and udder surgical conditions in 129 small ruminants is described. On 19 repairs of teat lacerations, a primary- and a secondary-intention healing in 13 (68%) and in 4 (21%) cases, respectively, was observed; 2 (11%) had poor response and consequent mastitis. Good outcome and first-intention healing in 100% of the fistula repairs (2 cases), thelectomies (5 cases), teat neoplasm removals (14), and mastectomies (2 cases) were observed. Among 26 teat curettage cases, all 18 (69%) unilateral lesions treatment had a good outcome versus the 8 (31%) with bilateral lesion that suffered definitive relapse. In 67 skin udder neoplasm removals, a primary- and a secondary-intention healing in 59 (88%) and in 8 (12%) cases, respectively, was observed; however, 2 of the latter suffered mastitis. These procedures are associated with a good prognosis, and the percentage of favorable outcomes was high. Wound infections and dehiscence were the main complications observed. More interest in teat and udder surgery on small ruminants should be encouraged, and farmers should be made aware that the animal can often return into production at a reasonable cost; however, their post-operative care is the key to success. Full article

Fish skin, a by-product of commercial fish processing, represents a viable source of type I collagen. Acetic acid has been widely used for the extraction of collagen from fish skin because it can preserve the native structure. However, it requires an extraction time of more than 72 h and complex and time-consuming dialysis steps to remove acetic acid residues from the extracted collagen which can otherwise cause inferior structural modifications. Therefore, this study describes a simple time- and cost-effective method to extract collagen using hydrochloric acid. The experiments focused on understanding the behavior of fish skin and changes in the extraction medium. The extraction procedure developed in this study includes treatment with a 0.01 M hydrochloric acid solution at a 1:20 mass to volume ratio for 5 h, followed by homogenization. The native triple-helical structure of collagen was confirmed by ATR-FTIR and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Thermal stability was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry. This study also provides guidelines for the application of this knowledge to skin of any fish species of interest: (i) an upper limit of pH 4 during collagen extraction; (ii) a manageable viscosity of the collagen extract solution; and (iii) as few undissolved skin pieces as possible after homogenization. Full article

A common cause of teeth malocclusion and feeding disorders in guinea pigs is macrodontia and odontogenic abscesses. If the maxillary second or third molar teeth are affected, surgical access to them has so far been achieved through enucleation or orbital evisceration due to their location at the base of the orbit. The study aims to demonstrate a transorbital surgical approach to the apices of the maxillary molar teeth (M2 and M3) in guinea pigs, allowing preservation of the eye. Twenty six apicoectomies of maxillary M2 and M3 were performed. The surgical approach involved a skin incision above the zygomatic arch, followed by soft tissue dissection, incision of the orbital ligament, and gentle dorsolateral displacement of the eyeball. Blunt dissection between the lacrimal and zygomatic glands provided direct access to the affected tooth apices, which were removed using a dental bur. After the procedure, the soft tissues and the eye were repositioned and the skin was sutured. All animals recovered uneventfully. The described method may be applied in cases where it is necessary to perform maxillary second and/or last molar tooth apicoectomy while avoiding damage to the eyeball. Care must be taken to protect the corneal surface of the affected eye. Full article

Background/Objectives: Keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome is an exceptionally rare congenital multisystem disorder, with an estimated prevalence below 1:1,000,000 and fewer than 100 reported cases worldwide. It is characterized by hyperkeratosis, alopecia, nail dystrophy, hearing loss, and ocular involvement. While dermatological management is well described, surgical experience with wound treatment in KID syndrome remains extremely limited. The objective of this report is to describe the surgical management and outcomes of a patient with chronic lower-limb wounds associated with KID syndrome. Methods: A 35-year-old male with KID syndrome was referred to the surgical outpatient clinic for chronic traumatic wounds of both lower limbs resistant to conservative dermatological therapy. Initial outpatient treatment included serial sharp surgical debridement under local anesthesia, combined with topical keratolytics and silver sulfadiazine with hyaluronic acid. Due to minimal improvement after three months, an inpatient surgical approach was initiated, involving complete excision of hyperkeratotic tissue, creation of a wide ulcer bed, and adjunct systemic and topical therapies. Results: The inpatient management enabled thorough removal of pathological tissue and better control of local infection and inflammation. Combined systemic antibiotic and antipsoriatic therapy, together with topical sodium hyaluronate and iodine, was associated with gradual wound healing and improved skin condition. The patient tolerated the procedures well, without major complications. Conclusions: Surgical debridement and excision, when combined with targeted dermatological and antimicrobial therapy, can be an effective and safe strategy for managing chronic wounds in KID syndrome. This case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and individualized surgical planning in this extremely rare disorder. Full article

Quantifying low-molecular-mass (LMM) flavanols in wines is relevant because these compounds, though typically minor, reflect flavanol structural composition (seed vs. skin contributions) and relate to cultivar and winemaking technique. Their determination is challenging because oligomeric and polymeric tannins interfere with standard spectrophotometric assays. This study introduces a coupled procedure that isolates and selectively quantifies LMM flavan-3-ols by combining the well-established methylcellulose precipitation assay (MCP) to remove oligomers and polymers with dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) determination of the MCP supernatant. The sequential workflow uses DMAC specificity and sensitivity and minimizes interference caused by higher-mass flavanols. Additionally, samples are quantified following dilution in the highly stable MCP supernatant medium. A Small Flavanol Index (SFI, %) is also introduced, expressing the LMM fraction relative to methylcellulose-precipitable tannins and providing a descriptor of flavanol composition. The method was validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection and quantification (LOQ in the supernatant, 1.58 mg L⁻¹), precision, and recovery. Applicability is demonstrated in Marselan and Tannat (Vitis vinifera), resolving compositional differences by cultivar, grape tissue (skins vs. seeds), and maceration technique. Compatible with microplate formats and simple instrumentation, this robust analysis enables tandem determination of LMM flavanols and condensed tannins and represents an analytically valuable tool for commercial wineries and research. Full article

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent skin disease that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life both physically and mentally. It often requires a complex treatment process. Laser therapy, which is highly effective and well-tolerated, is an effective alternative to pharmacological treatment. This review aimed to synthesize information on laser therapy for HS, highlighting its clinical outcomes. In the current management guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa, laser therapy is listed as one of the recommended procedural treatment options, applicable at different stages of disease severity (Hurley I–III). Methodology: This systematic review was conducted using the PubMed and Embase databases, regardless of publication year, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Applied key search terms were: “laser AND (hidradenitis suppurativa OR acne inversa)”. A total of 26 relevant studies were identified, and their data were extracted. Results: The CO₂ laser is mainly used in advanced stages of the disease (Hurley II–III). It allows effective removal of lesions with a minimal risk of relapse and a good aesthetic effect. The Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet; Nd: Y₃Al₅O₁₂) laser is effective at various stages of the disease (Hurley I–III) by reducing inflammation and destroying hair follicles, thereby reducing disease symptoms. IPL (intense-pulse light) therapy, or the combination of IPL with radiofrequency (RF), known as LAight^®, delivers significant clinical improvement and enhanced quality of life, especially in less advanced cases. The diode laser works precisely and deeply, leading to the selective destruction of hair follicles and fistulas. The Alexandrite laser (755 nm) also limits hair follicle occlusion and is particularly effective in patients with lighter skin phototypes. Conclusions: In modern dermatology, laser therapy is a reliable treatment for HS, contributing to effective regression of the disease at all stages. Combination strategies seem to improve clinical outcomes and enable a more personalized approach to HS, which is essential as various factors influence therapeutic efficacy. Further, larger-scale studies are needed to validate long-term outcomes and establish clinical guidelines. Full article

Background: Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is one of the most common aesthetic surgeries performed worldwide. The procedure consists of removing excess skin with or without muscle and/or fat from the upper eyelid by a transcutaneous approach and placement of a supratarsal crease. The surgery is performed in a cosmetically sensitive area and every attempt to avoid poor scar formation should be made. Methods: This review presents a conspectus of the existing medical literature regarding scar-avoiding strategies in upper blepharoplasty with the aim of contributing to the reduction in postoperative scar formation. The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched on 2 September 2025. Results: The search yielded a total of 562 records, and, following screening, eleven publications were included. Conclusions: A systematic approach to pre-, intra-, and postoperative measures to minimize scarring are presented. There is a need to standardize scar assessment and reporting to facilitate inter-study comparison of effects, as well as prospective, randomized studies comparing suture materials and techniques. Full article

This study presents the development of an advanced three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted skin scaffold integrating sodium alginate (SA), gelatin (Gel), human skin-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), and microbiota-derived postbiotics. To ensure a biocompatible and functional ECM source, human skin samples collected during elective aesthetic surgical procedures were utilized. Following enzymatic treatment, the dermal layer was carefully separated from the epidermis and subjected to four different decellularization protocols. Among them, Protocol IV emerged as the most suitable, achieving significant DNA removal while maintaining the structural and biochemical integrity of the ECM, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Building on this optimized dECM-4, microbiota-derived postbiotics from Limosilactobacillus reuteri EIR/Spx-2 were incorporated to further enhance the scaffold’s bioactivity. Hybrid scaffolds were then fabricated using 7% Gel, 2% SA, 1% dECM-4, and 40 mg/mL postbiotics in five-layered grid structures via 3D bioprinting technology. Although this composition resulted in reduced mechanical strength, it exhibited improved hydrophilicity and biodegradability. Moreover, antimicrobial assays demonstrated inhibition zones of 16 mm and 13 mm against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, ATCC 43300) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), respectively. Importantly, biocompatibility was confirmed through in vitro studies using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, which adhered, proliferated, and maintained normal morphology over a 7-day culture period. Taken together, these findings suggest that the engineered hybrid scaffold provides both regenerative support and antimicrobial protection, making it a strong candidate for clinical applications, particularly in the management of chronic wounds. Full article

Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) is a promising technology for solute removal from organic media, yet developing membranes with stable separation performance remains challenging. This study presents a solvent-resistant double-crosslinked nanofiltration membrane fabricated via a two-step strategy: preparation of the membrane by the polyion complexion reaction-assisted non-solvent-induced phase inversion (PIC-assisted NIPS) method and then post-crosslinking with hydrothermal treatment followed by quaternization with 1,3,5-tris(bromomethyl)benzene (TBB). To enhance solvent stability, molybdenum sulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets were incorporated into a hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (H-PAN) substrate. The H-PAN/MoS₂/PEI base membrane was fabricated by PIC-assisted NIPS with a polyethylenimine (PEI) aqueous solution as the coagulation bath. The membrane subsequently underwent dual crosslinking comprising hydrothermal treatment and 1,3,5-tris(bromomethyl)benzene (TBB)-mediated quaternization crosslinking, ultimately yielding the H-PAN/MoS₂/PEI (Ther.+TBB QCL) composite membrane. These crosslinking procedures reduced the membrane’s separation skin layer thickness from 64 nm (uncrosslinked) to 41 nm. The resultant membrane effectively separated dyes from ethanol, achieving a rejection rate of 97.0 ± 0.9% for anionic dyes (e.g., Congo Red) and a permeance flux of 23.6 ± 0.2 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹·bar⁻¹ at 0.4 MPa. Furthermore, after 30 days of immersion in ethanol at 25 °C, its flux decay rate was markedly lower than that of a non-crosslinked control membrane. The enhanced separation performance and stability are attributed to the thermal crosslinking promoting amide bond formation and the TBB crosslinking introducing quaternary ammonium groups. This double-crosslinking strategy offers a promising approach for preparing high-performance OSN membranes. Full article

Introduction: Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is a benign breast lesion characterized by stromal myofibroblast proliferation forming slit-like pseudoangiomatous spaces. Although most frequently diagnosed in premenopausal women, it has also been reported in adolescent girls, where it may present as a rapidly enlarging mass that mimics fibroadenoma or phyllodes tumor. The pathogenesis is thought to be hormonally influenced, particularly by progesterone, with a possible role for estrogen. Case Report: We report the case of a 14-year-old girl who presented with a painless, rapidly growing mass in the left breast, first noticed approximately six months earlier. Clinical examination revealed a mobile lesion about 10 cm in diameter without skin changes, lymphadenopathy, or nipple discharge. Ultrasound and MRI demonstrated a large, well-circumscribed solid tumor (10.4 × 11.2 × 4.2 cm³) displacing normal breast tissue but without infiltration; both were classified as BI-RADS 4. Given the tumor size, diagnostic uncertainty, and potential risk of a non-representative core needle biopsy, a decision was made to proceed with primary radical excision. The mass was completely removed with preservation of the glandular tissue. Histopathology confirmed PASH, described macroscopically as a solid, gray–yellow, encapsulated tumor and microscopically as slit-like spaces lined by spindle cells (CD34+, CD31–). Postoperatively, the breast gradually regained symmetry with the contralateral side, and at 14 months of follow-up, no recurrence was observed. Conclusions: PASH, although benign, may present as a large breast tumor in adolescents and clinically mimic both benign and malignant lesions. Histological evaluation based on an adequately performed biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Complete excision with capsule preservation is recommended to minimize the risk of recurrence. In adolescents, a watchful waiting approach after surgery may be beneficial, as breast tissue often remodels and regains symmetry spontaneously, reducing the need for reconstructive procedures. This case underscores the importance of individualized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in managing rare benign breast lesions in pediatric patients. Full article

Background: Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) includes a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the skin and mucous membranes. These disorders are characterized by extreme fragility and blister formation after minimal or no trauma. Oral and systemic manifestations vary by subtype; the more severe forms often present with extensive intra-oral blistering, scarring, microstomia, vestibular obliteration, ankyloglossia, and—in some cases—oral cancer. This study aims to collect data on oral-health practices and challenges in people with EB to inform preventive strategies and dental care. Methods: An international, structured online questionnaire with 31 items was distributed to individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of EB. The survey explored clinical and oral manifestations, home-care routines (oral hygiene and diet), experiences with dental professionals, and the impact of oral health on quality of life. Results: Eighty-two questionnaires were completed. Dystrophic EB was the most often reported subtype (69.5%). Most respondents (67.1%) experienced recurrent oral blisters and/or erosions. Many reported relying exclusively on soft foods and struggling with mechanical plaque removal because of microstomia and pseudo-syndactyly. Severe oral pain hindered effective brushing in 17% of participants. Hand contractures and microstomia interfered with oral hygiene in 74% and 31% of participants, respectively. Nearly 30% sought dental care only when in pain. Among those who did not attend regular check-ups or hygiene sessions (44.6%), the most cited reason was that dental clinics were inadequately equipped or trained to manage EB. Conclusions: Because dental procedures carry significant risks for patients with EB, preventive care should begin in early childhood. Yet many patients are still insufficiently informed about essential preventive measures and lack access to dental professionals trained in EB management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tissue expander (TE)-based breast reconstruction is a common procedure, but postoperative infection rates can reach up to 30%. The optimal skin antiseptic solution for minimizing these infections remains uncertain. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the impact of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine for skin antisepsis in preventing surgical site infections in patients who underwent TE-based breast reconstruction. Methods: The TriNetX database was queried to identify patients who underwent TE-based breast reconstruction. Patients were classified into two cohorts: the chlorhexidine group and the povidone-iodine group. A propensity score matching analysis was performed to control infection risk factors. The primary outcome was the occurrence of surgical site infections, while secondary outcomes included wound dehiscence, emergency department visits, debridement, and TE removal. All outcomes were assessed at 30, 60, and 90 days following surgery. Results: After matching of both the chlorhexidine cohort and povidone-iodine cohort, each consisted of 1446 patients. Within 30 days post-surgery, no significant differences were observed between the chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine groups in terms of the risk of surgical site infections (RR 0.62, p = 0.168), wound dehiscence (RR 1.00, p = 1.000), emergency department visits (RR 0.95, p = 0.700), debridement (RR 0.71, p = 0.271), or TE removal (RR 0.84, p = 0.335). Similar results were seen at 60 and 90 days post-surgery. Conclusions: This study suggests that chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine may be equally effective for skin antisepsis in preventing surgical site infections and associated complications in patients undergoing TE-based breast reconstruction. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this case series is to evaluate the outcomes and safety of video-assisted mastectomy, illustrating the harmonious collaboration of oncologic and plastic surgery. This novel minimally invasive technique allows immediate prosthetic reconstruction and represents a cost-effective alternative to robotic breast surgery. Methods: Video-assisted, single-port nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed in patients with small to medium-sized breasts, followed by immediate direct-to-implant reconstruction with either prepectoral or dual plane implant placement. The patients’ electronic medical records were analyzed, including demographic characteristics, operative times and histopathology reports. Results: A total of 18 patients underwent successful video-assisted mastectomy, without conversion to traditional open procedure. Fifteen of the operations were risk-reducing mastectomies. Twelve patients had complementary procedures performed concurrently on the previously operated contralateral breast (delayed reconstruction/expander-to-implant exchange). Moreover, three patients benefited from additional minimally invasive techniques during the same surgery (prophylactic laparoscopic hysterectomy). Immediate breast reconstruction with polyurethane or microtextured breast implants up to 450 cc was performed, with satisfactory aesthetic outcomes and no cancer recurrences at 6 to 12 months postoperative follow-up. Early complications included transient hypercapnia, areolar congestion and cellulitis. No skin necrosis or implant-related complications were reported. The most frequently encountered late issues were contour irregularities. Conclusions: Video-assisted mastectomy facilitates the safe removal of proven pathologic or healthy breast tissue with minimal damage to the breast’s skin envelope, facilitating single-stage breast reconstruction. Full article

Treatment for deep diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and infections (DFIs) includes debridement of any dead/infected non-viable tissue, systemic antibiotics, and surgical drainage to avoid exudate stasis. Surgical drainage can cause extended incisions leading to long scars which expose these sites to ulcer recurrence and inadequate rehabilitation. In order to treat the negative impact of stasis on wound healing, we have designed an easy, minimally invasive surgical drainage technique which allows adequate ulcer cleansing by daily irrigation of any drained tract. A probe is passed along the ulcer’s infected recesses until the end and pushed against the skin, which is incised and pierced. A small 6 Fr-size silastic tube is then anchored to the probe and pulled backwards. The two ends of the tube are tied together to construct an ulcer-piercing drainage (UPD) ring. The UPD ring is designed to keep any tract open for irrigation with a syringe through both sides of the skin opening. The UPD procedure is easy and safe. The constructed blocked ring of tubing the system avoids the possibility for drainage displacement or accidental removal and can be easily utilized by any home caregiver. The UPD and irrigation are useful to provide any recess cleansing, reduce critical and negative ulcer bioburden and bacterial load, and it could avoid unnecessary and untimely extended surgical incisions leading to long uncomfortable scars, inadequate rehabilitation, relapses, or distal amputations. Full article

Human cutaneous malignant melanoma is a skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells specialised in the production of eu- and pheomelanin. A growing body of evidence suggests that pheomelanin in particular is involved in melanoma development. The aim of this study was to develop a new method enabling the determination of the pheomelanin in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens of human nodular (NM) and superficial spreading (SSM) melanomas. The pheomelanin level was evaluated in a small amount of material obtained from FFPE melanoma samples (less than 1 mg), using a multi-step procedure of paraffin removal, tissue rehydration, and homogenisation, omitting the melanin isolation step. The obtained product was studied for pheomelanin content using the Py-GC/MS/MS method operating in a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The results of our research confirmed the presence of all the pheomelanin markers in the FFPE human melanoma specimens and showed that the tissues analysed contained different amounts of pheomelanin isomers (5-S-cysteinylDOPA and 2-S-cysteinylDOPA). The developed Py-GC/MS/MS procedure enables sensitive quantification of pheomelanin in FFPE human melanoma samples, facilitating broader studies on its role in melanoma development and progression. This method opens new avenues for investigating pheomelanin’s involvement in melanoma malignancy. Full article