Increased frequencies of capsular contracture were recorded in breast reconstruction that were not attributable to estrogen or menopausal status. On the basis of these results, the authors propose a follow-up period longer than 42 months and the inclusion of Baker grade II subjects.

No abstract

The authors conclude that pathologic capsular contracture can be reliably induced in the rabbit. This animal model provides the framework for future investigations testing the effects of various systemic or local agents on reduction of capsular contracture.

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 at www.springer.com/00266.

The use of cannabinoids to treat fibrotic skin diseases is an emergent issue. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate systemic and skin endocannabinoid responses in the wound-healing process in humans. A prospective study was performed in 50 patients who underwent body-contouring surgery. Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Ten (20%) patients developed hypertrophic (HT) scars. No significant changes were observed between the normal (N) scar and HT scar groups in terms of plasma and skin endocannabinoids. Nevertheless, a positive correlation between plasma and skin AEA concentrations was found in the N group (r = 0.38, p = 0.015), which was absent in the HT group. Moreover, the AEA concentration was significantly lower in HT scar tissue than in normal scar tissue (0.77 ± 0.12 ng/g vs 1.15 ± 0.15 ng/g, p < 0.001). Interestingly, in all patients, the surgical intervention produced a time-dependent effect with a U shape for AEA, PEA and OEA plasma concentrations. In contrast, 2-AG plasma concentrations increased 5 days after surgery and were reduced and stabilized 3 months later. These results suggest crosstalk between systemic and local skin endocannabinoid systems during human wound healing. AEA appears to be the most likely candidate for this link, which is deficient in patients with HT scars. Endocannabinoids are the endogenous ligands for cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, which are two G-protein coupled receptors that have a widespread distribution throughout the body 1,2. The most studied endocannabinoids are the arachidonic acid derivatives N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) 3 and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) 4. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) are N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) that act by influencing AEA metabolism and binding to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) and to transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) 5-7. Endocannabinoids and related NAEs play an essential role in many physiological central and peripheral processes. These include emotional responses, cognition, memory, motor behaviour, immune function, feeding, energy consumption and metabolic regulation at the systemic and cellular levels 8-13. Endocannabinoids are present in human blood, and their concentrations are dynamic. Food consumption, obesity, exercise, sleep pattern, time of the day, stress, anxiety, inflammation and pain are known to modify the endocannabinoid concentrations in the circulation 14. They have also been quantified in other biological samples obtained from humans, including saliva 15 , hair 16 , semen 17 , breast milk, and amniotic fluid 18 .

Fibrin was associated with reduced capsule formation in this preclinical animal model, which makes fibrin an attractive potential therapeutic agent in women undergoing breast augmentation procedures. Clinical strategies for preventing bacterial contamination during surgery are crucial, as low pathogenic agents may promote CC.

No abstract

Azaindoles are rare in nature but extremely attractive for drug discovery programs. Azaindoles can be obtained by diverse methods, including those involving metal-catalyzed reactions. This important core has been fascinating the scientific community due to their challenging synthesis and relevant bioactivity. This paper highlights the diverse synthetic methodologies developed to date involving metal-catalyzed reaction to attain azaindoles and its functionalization.