Otoplasty through Ventral Skin Incision and Shaping of the Antihelix by Abrasion—A Retrospective Study

(1) Background: Protruding ears are the most common auricular malformation affecting approximately 5% of the population. One common factor leading to auricular protrusion is a deficiency or total absence of the antihelix. A technique first described by Gottfried Lemperle in 2003 attempts cartilage thinning, folding, and fixation by non-absorbable mattress sutures after ventral skin incision along the ventral helical rim. (2) Methods: Retrospective analysis of patient records was performed for otoplasties according to this technique, performed between 1985 and 2014 at Agaplesion Markus Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. All recorded complications were examined. (3) Results: A total of 912 single otoplasties were performed according to this technique from 1985 to 2014. Overall complications included 26% minor complications not requiring further surgery and 11% major complications leading to revision surgery. Within those requiring revision surgery, the most common reason was recurrence of auricular protrusion (5%), followed by suture granulomas (5%) and hematomas (2%). (4) Conclusions: Lemperle’s otoplasty technique addresses the open thinning and shaping of the antihelix through a ventral incision along the helix to prevent irregularities and possible ridges. Results show a low complication rate comparable to data found in published studies. This technique is easy to perform, safe, and avoids often seen contour irregularities of the antihelix compared to techniques with a posterior approach.

A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Northern Vietnam

A new species of Gracixalus is described from northwestern Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Morphologically, the new species, Gracixalus ziegleri sp. nov., is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: (1) size small (SVL 28.1 – 30.5 mm); (2) head slightly wider than long; (3) vomerine teeth absent; (4) upper eyelid and dorsum without spine; (5) supratympanic fold distinct; (6) skin of dorsal and lateral surface of head, body and limbs rough, sparsely scattered with tubercles; (7) ventral skin granular; (8) tibiotarsal projection absent; (9) toes with moderately developed webbing, formula I1 – 11/2 II1 – 2III1 – 2IV2 – 1V; (10) dorsal surface of head and body brown to beige above, with an inverse Y-shaped dark brown marking, extending from interorbital region to central region of dorsum; (11) external vocal sac absent in males; (12) males with a nuptial pad on finger I. Phylogeneticially, the new species is a sister taxon of Gracixalus sapaensis and G. tianlinensis with well-supported values. Currently, the new species is known only from the evergreen montane tropical forest of Yen Bai Province at an elevation of ca. 2200 m a.s.l.

Characterization of a member of the CEACAM protein family as a novel marker of proton pump-rich ionocytes on the zebrafish epidermis

In humans, several members of the CEACAM receptor family have been shown to interact with intestinal pathogens in an inflammatory context. While CEACAMs have long been thought to be only present in mammals, recent studies have identified ceacam genes in other vertebrates, including teleosts. The function of these related genes remains however largely unknown. To gain insight into the function of CEACAM proteins in fish, we undertook the study of a putative member of the family, CEACAMz1, identified in Danio rerio. Sequence analysis of the ceacamz1 gene product predicted a GPI-anchored extracellular protein containing eleven immunoglobulin domains but revealed no evident orthology with human CEACAMs. Using a combination of RT-PCR analyses and in situ hybridization experiments, as well as a fluorescent reporter line, we showed that CEACAMz1 is first expressed in discrete cells on the ventral skin of zebrafish larvae and later on in the developing gills. This distribution remains constant until juvenile stage is reached, at which point CEACAMz1 is almost exclusively expressed in gills. We further observed that at late larval stages, CEACAMz1-expressing cells mostly localize on the afferent side of the branchial filaments and possibly in the inter-lamellar space. Using immunolabelling and 3D-reconstructions, we showed that CEACAMz1 is expressed in cells from the uppermost layer of skin epidermis. These cells are embedded within the keratinocytes pavement and we unambiguously identified them as proton-pump rich ionocytes (HR cells). As the expression of ceacamz1 is turned on concomitantly to that of other known markers of HR cells, we propose that ceacamz1 may serve as a novel marker of mature HR cells from the zebrafish epidermis.

Functional consequences of convergently evolved microscopic skin features on snake locomotion

The small structures that decorate biological surfaces can significantly affect behavior, yet the diversity of animal–environment interactions essential for survival makes ascribing functions to structures challenging. Microscopic skin textures may be particularly important for snakes and other limbless locomotors, where substrate interactions are mediated solely through body contact. While previous studies have characterized ventral surface features of some snake species, the functional consequences of these textures are not fully understood. Here, we perform a comparative study, combining atomic force microscopy measurements with mathematical modeling to generate predictions that link microscopic textures to locomotor performance. We discover an evolutionary convergence in the ventral skin structures of a few sidewinding specialist vipers that inhabit sandy deserts—an isotropic texture that is distinct from the head-to-tail-oriented, micrometer-sized spikes observed on a phylogenetically broad sampling of nonsidewinding vipers and other snakes from diverse habitats and wide geographic range. A mathematical model that relates structural directionality to frictional anisotropy reveals that isotropy enhances movement during sidewinding, whereas anisotropy improves movement during slithering via lateral undulation of the body. Our results highlight how an integrated approach can provide quantitative predictions for structure–function relationships and insights into behavioral and evolutionary adaptations in biological systems.

Anti-allergy Effect of Sulfated Polysaccharide from Sargassum polycystum on Dinitrofluorobenzene Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Mice

Background: Sargassum polycystum C. Agardh has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its anti-allergic effect has not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic effects of sulfated polysaccharide of S. polycystum (SPSP) in Dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)- induced allergic contact dermatitis animal model. Methods: SPSP was extracted through hot water extraction method and was subjected to compositional analyses. For the allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) model, symptoms were induced by the topical application of 0.5% DNFB on the shaved ventral skin of mice. SPSP (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) and Prednisolone were orally administered for seven days after sensitization. Elicitation was performed seven days later with 0.2% DNFB. After this, ear thickness was measured at baseline and 24 hours post elicitation using a dial thickness gauge. Serum of mice was obtained 24 hours post elicitation, and the level of IFNγ and TNF Results: SPSP afforded 33.6% carbohydrates, 23.7% sulfate, 7.5% protein, and 1.5% uronic acid contents. SPSP inhibited the ear swelling and cytokines (IFNγ and TNF Conclusion: These findings showed that the sulfated polysaccharide from S. polycytum is a potential natural source to treat Allergic Contact Dermatitis. The effect is attributed to polysaccharide-protein complex present in the extract, but further studies are needed to establish the exact mechanism of action of SPSP in the treatment of the disease.

Imperfect transparency and camouflage in glass frogs

Camouflage patterns prevent detection and/or recognition by matching the background, disrupting edges, or mimicking particular background features. In variable habitats, however, a single pattern cannot match all available sites all of the time, and efficacy may therefore be reduced. Active color change provides an alternative where coloration can be altered to match local conditions, but again efficacy may be limited by the speed of change and range of patterns available. Transparency, on the other hand, creates high-fidelity camouflage that changes instantaneously to match any substrate but is potentially compromised in terrestrial environments where image distortion may be more obvious than in water. Glass frogs are one example of terrestrial transparency and are well known for their transparent ventral skin through which their bones, intestines, and beating hearts can be seen. However, sparse dorsal pigmentation means that these frogs are better described as translucent. To investigate whether this imperfect transparency acts as camouflage, we used in situ behavioral trials, visual modeling, and laboratory psychophysics. We found that the perceived luminance of the frogs changed depending on the immediate background, lowering detectability and increasing survival when compared to opaque frogs. Moreover, this change was greatest for the legs, which surround the body at rest and create a diffuse transition from background to frog luminance rather than a sharp, highly salient edge. This passive change in luminance, without significant modification of hue, suggests a camouflage strategy, “edge diffusion,” distinct from both transparency and active color change.

Improving the Penile Skin Adequacy and Appearance by Patching of the Preputial Skin Island Flap (PSIF) in Distal and Midshaft Hypospadias Associated with Severe Ventral Skin Deficiency: Experience in 224 Cases

Objectives: Reconstruction of ventral penile skin, in midshaft and distal hypospadias is problematic in many cases of severe ventral dysplasia. So we plan to use the tailored preputial skin island flap (PSIF) to cover the ventral defect. Methods: In this prospective cohort study 224 boys with midshaft and distal hypospadias associated with sever ventral dysplasia were operated from March 2009 until January 2016. The large U-shaped bare area which exposed on the ventrum after release of curvature was quilted by the PSIF as a patch. In each case, the variable size of the flap was required. The prepuces without the predominant artery were excluded from the study due to poor vasculature. The patients followed for 8 months to 7years. Results: Flap ischemia developed in 7 initial cases (3.125%), all of which subsequently faded. Some degree of ischemic discoloration was encountered at margins of the flap (12 cases, 5.3%), which resolved spontaneously. In 5 out of 224 patients (2.23 %), the flap persisted as a hypertrophied area of skin in the long-term follow-up. All of them needed to be corrected surgically. Near normal appearing penile skin was accomplished in the majority of patients during the follow-up. However, lack of the median raphe in the ventrum was evident in all. Conclusions: Tailored preputial skin island flap, as a native tissue to cover the exposed large bare area on the ventrum in cases of the distal and mid hypospadias with severe ventral dysplasia may improve the appearance and adequacy of the penile skin. It provides room for full erection and improves the patient’ s perception of body image and self-esteem.

Functional histology of the skin in the subterranean African giant mole-rat: thermal windows are determined solely by pelage characteristics

Excavation of burrows is an extremely physically demanding activity producing a large amount of metabolic heat. Dissipation of its surplus is crucial to avoid the risk of overheating, but in subterranean mammals it is complicated due to the absence of notable body extremities and high humidity in their burrows. IR-thermography in a previous study on two species of African mole-rats revealed that body heat was dissipated mainly through the ventral body part, which is notably less furred. Here, we analyzed the dorsal and ventral skin morphology, to test if dermal characteristics could contribute to higher heat dissipation through the ventral body part. The thickness of the epidermis and dermis and the presence, extent and connectivity of fat tissue in the dermis were examined using routine histological methods, while vascular density was evaluated using fluorescent dye and confocal microscopy in the giant mole-rat Fukomys mechowii. As in other hitherto studied subterranean mammals, no subcutaneous adipose tissue was found. All examined skin characteristics were very similar for both dorsal and ventral regions: relative content of adipose tissue in the dermis (14.4 ± 3.7% dorsally and 11.0 ± 4.0% ventrally), connectivity of dermal fat (98.5 ± 2.8% and 95.5 ± 6.8%), vascular density (26.5 ± 3.3% and 22.7 ± 2.3%). Absence of large differences in measured characteristics between particular body regions indicates that the thermal windows are determined mainly by the pelage characteristics.