Tissue Engineering Microtia Auricular Reconstruction: in Vitro and in Vivo Studies
MicrotiaPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) has mixed growth factors such as TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß2, vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). These growth factors appear to play an important role in wound healing and are assumed as promoters of tissue regeneration. Moreover, PRP was used as injectable scaffold seeded with chondrocytes to regenerate cartilage. In their previous study, the investigators concluded that growth factors in PRP can effectively react as a growth factor cocktail to induce human nucleus pulposus proliferation and differentiation, and also promote tissue-engineered nucleus pulposus formation. The investigators also have a hypothesis that PRP can promote tissue-engineered microtia auricular cartilage formation. TGF- ß1 exists in the highest concentration and is more important among all of the growth factors released from PRP. So TGF- ß1 can be used as the core ingredient and the indicator for applying PRP in these studies. The aim of this study was to compare the histological and biochemical character of microtia chondrocytes treated with and without PRP.
Demonstration of the Prebiotic-like Effects of Camu-camu Consumption Against Obesity-related Disorders...
OverweightMicrotia4 morePrevious work of the investigators demonstrated the anti-obesity and anti-steatosis potential of the Amazonian fruit camu-camu (CC) in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity [1]. It was demonstrated that the prebiotic role of CC was directly linked to higher energy expenditure stimulated by the fruit since fecal transplantation from CC-treated mice to germ-free mice was sufficient to reproduce the effects. The full protection against hepatic steatosis observed in CC-treated mice is of particular importance since nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. Thirty percent of adults in developed countries have excess fat accumulation in the liver, and this figure can be as high as 80% in obese subjects. NAFLD is an umbrella term encompassing simple steatosis, as well as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis which can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in up to 20% of cases. Up to now, except for lifestyle changes, no effective drug treatment are available. Previous work has suggested that CC possesses anti-inflammatory properties and could acutely reduce blood pressure and glycemia after a single intake. While CC could represent a promising treatment for obesity and fatty liver, no studies have thoroughly tested this potential in humans. Therefore, a robust clinical proof of concept study is needed to provide convincing evidence for a microbiome-based therapeutic strategy to counteract obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. The mechanism of action of CC could involve bile acid (BA) metabolism. BA are produced in the liver and metabolized in the intestine by the gut microbiota. Conversely, they can modulate gut microbial composition. BA and particularly, primary BA, are powerful regulators of metabolism. Indeed, mice treated orally with the primary BA α, β muricholic (αMCA, βMCA) and cholic acids (CA) were protected from diet-induced obesity and hepatic lipid accumulation. Interestingly, the investigators reported that administration of CC to mice increased the levels of αMCA, βMCA and CA. Primary BA are predominantly secreted conjugated to amino acids and that deconjugation rely on the microbial enzymatic machinery of gut commensals. The increased presence of the deconjugated primary BA in CC-treated mice indicate that a cluster of microbes selected by CC influence the BA pool composition. These data therefore point to an Interplay between BA and gut microbiota mediating the health effects of CC. Polyphenols and in particular procyanidins and ellagitannins in CC can also be responsible for the modulation of BA that can impact on the gut microbiota. Indeed, it has been reported that ellagitannins containing food like walnuts modulate secondary BA in humans whereas procyanidins can interact with farnesoid X receptors and alter BA recirculation to reduce hypertriglyceridemia. These effects are likely mediated by the remodeling of the microbiota by the polyphenols. In accordance with the hypothesis that the ultimate effect of CC is directly linked to a modification of the microbiota, fecal transplantation from CC-treated mice to germ-free mice was sufficient to recapitulate the lower weight gain and the higher energy expenditure seen in donor mice.
Clinical Study on the Distribution of Digestive Tract Microbiota Before and After Ileocecal Resection...
Crohn DiseaseMicrotia1 moreIn this study, the microbiota sequencing was used to investigate the changes of microbiota in the terminal ileum and the middle part of ascending colon, the mesenteric adipose tissue of ileum and ascending mesocolon, and oral cavity of patients with Crohn's disease before and after ileocecal resection, so as to further explore the role of ileocecal region in inducing remission of disease.
The Effect of Prebiotics on Endurance Performance
MicrotiaThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a six-week period personalised food intervention with prebiotic supplementation on intense exercise performance in healthy, recreationally active adults.
Silicone Gel to Improve Scar in Microtia Patients
MicrotiaScarEffort to reduce post-surgical scar is especially important for microtia patients. Even the scar lies posterior to ear auricle, but hypertrophic scar contracture may limit the ear auricle projection. If the scar is hypertrophic and conspicuous, this stigmata will accompanies the child for many years.The main objective aim of this study is to examine whether post-operative use of silicone gel can improve scar formation for microtia reconstruction scars.
Bisphenol A and Muscle Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin SensitivityGlucose Metabolism Disorders1 moreThis study examine oral bisphenol A consumption on muscle insulin sensitivity and hepatic glucose suppression. Half of the participants will receive a diet plus BPA and the other half will receive a diet plus no bisphenol A.
Use of Platelet-enriched Plasma During Auricular Reconstruction
Ear CartilagePlatelets1 moreIn this study investigators are trying to determine the benefits of using platelet enriched plasma during the second stage of auricular reconstruction. The intervention will be blinded to the surgeon and the surgical team. The main outcome will be the evaluation of the integration rate of the skin full thickness graft used to coat the auricular frame.
Effect of Antibiotics on Urinary Microbiome
MicrotiaUTI3 morePlanning to study urine microbiota at baseline and after administration of bactrim antibiotics in healthy volunteers. Will intermittently collect voided urine specimens for 16 s DNA analysis over a period of 6 months after 2 weeks of bactrim or placebo.
Study of Analgesic Efficacy of Nerve Blocks on Otoplastic Surgery
MicrotiaMicrotia1 moreBackground: Children with microtia complain of severe postoperative pain during early postoperative days after rib cartilage harvest for auricular reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of intercostal nerve block (ICNB) and paravertebral block(PV) for preventing postoperative pain after rib cartilage graft for auricular reconstruction in children with microtia. Methods: In this prospective randomized study, 144 children will be enrolled in this study and randomized into 3 groups:48 patients will received ultrasound-guided ICNB(UG-ICNB group);48 patients will receive ICNB under direct vision (DV-ICNB group) and 48 patients will receive paravertebral block(PV group) undergoing postoperative pain control using either preventive ICNB followed by catheter-based infusion (33 patients, study group) or intravenous (IV) analgesia alone (33 patients, control group). ICNB will be performed by injecting 1% lidocaine plus 1/200000 epinephrine 3ml into each of three intercostal spaces before perichondrial dissection. PV will be carried out by injecting 1% lidocaine plus 1/200000 epinephrine 9ml into T7 paravertebral space just after induction of anesthesia.before wound closure.Each patient receive patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA) after surgery.Severity of pain,nausea,vomiting and other side effects would be assessed for the postoperative period of 48 hours.
Craniofacial Microsomia: Longitudinal Outcomes in Children Pre-Kindergarten (CLOCK)
Craniofacial MicrosomiaHemifacial Microsomia3 moreThis study is a multi-center, longitudinal cohort study of 125 infants with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and 100 infants without craniofacial anomalies. Participants will undergo a series of evaluations between 0-3 years of age to comprehensively evaluate the developmental status of infants and toddlers with CFM. This research design will also explore specific pathways by which CFM may lead to certain outcomes. Specifically, the study explores (1) the longitudinal relations between facial asymmetry and emotion-related facial movements and socialization; and (2) associations among ear malformations, hearing and speech deficits and cognitive outcomes. Results of this research will ultimately lead to future investigations that assess new interventions and corresponding changes in current standards of care for children with CFM.