We conducted a comparative study involving 39 female patients with lipedema and group-matched controls at a ratio of 1:5. The primary survey tool was the German Health Update (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS) questionnaire, which was developed by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany. The secondary survey tool was the German Pain Questionnaire. The prevalence of hypertension (p = 0.041) and high blood lipids (p = 0.024) was lower in the lipedema group compared to the control group. General health and well-being indicators demonstrated lower overall health ratings (p < 0.001) and higher physiotherapy use in patients with lipedema (p = 0.016). Mental health assessment revealed higher depression prevalence and severity (p = 0.001), together with a lower number of close contacts (p = 0.032). Furthermore, patients with lipedema experienced higher levels of pain (p < 0.001) and more significant pain-related disability in daily activities (p < 0.001) than controls. Correlation analysis among patients with lipedema showed a positive correlation between pain severity and depressive symptoms (ρ = 0.612, p < 0.001) and a moderate positive correlation with impaired health-related quality of life (ρ = 0.418, p = 0.010). In summary, our findings highlight significant differences in health and well-being between patients with lipedema and matched controls, especially in overall, metabolic, and mental health, as well as pain perception. The findings emphasize the need for a validated lipedema-specific questionnaire and a multidisciplinary treatment approach with a combination of physical therapies, lifestyle adjustments, and psychological strategies.

With a history of more than 100 years of different applications in various scientific fields, the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay has proven itself to be an exceptional scientific model that meets the requirements of the replacement, reduction, and refinement principle (3R principle). As one of three extraembryonic avian membranes, the CAM is responsible for fetal respiration, metabolism, and protection. The model provides a unique constellation of immunological, vascular, and extracellular properties while being affordable and reliable at the same time. It can be utilized for research purposes in cancer biology, angiogenesis, virology, and toxicology and has recently been used for biochemistry, pharmaceutical research, and stem cell biology. Stem cells and, in particular, mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSCs) are emerging subjects for novel therapeutic strategies in the fields of tissue regeneration and personalized medicine. Because of their easy accessibility, differentiation profile, immunomodulatory properties, and cytokine repertoire, ADSCs have already been established for different preclinical applications in the files mentioned above. In this review, we aim to highlight and identify some of the cross-sections for the potential utilization of the CAM model for ADSC studies with a focus on wound healing and tissue engineering, as well as oncological research, e.g., sarcomas. Hereby, the focus lies on the combination of existing evidence and experience of such intersections with a potential utilization of the CAM model for further research on ADSCs.

Background: Extracellular vesicles are pivotal mediators in intercellular communication, facilitating the exchange of biological information among healthy, pathological and tumor cells. Between the diverse subtypes of extracellular vesicles, exosomes have unique properties and clinical and therapeutical applications. Breast cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent malignancies across the globe. Both the tumor core and its surrounding microenvironment engage in a complex, orchestrated interaction that facilitates cancer’s growth and spread. Methods: The most significant PubMed literature about extracellular vesicles and Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes and breast cancer was selected in order to report their biological properties and potential applications, in particular in treating triple-negative breast cancer. Results: Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes represent a potential tool in targeting triple-negative breast cancer cells at three main levels: the tumor core, the tumor microenvironment and surrounding tissues, including metastases. Conclusions: The possibility of impacting triple-negative breast cancer cells with engineered Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes is real. The opportunity to translate our current in vitro analyses into a future in vivo scenario is even more challenging.

Background: For many years, advancements in hand joint replacement (JR) were relatively minor compared to those for large joints. However, the caution previously exercised due to high complication rates is gradually being replaced by the expanding use of JR therapies for small joints in the hand. Despite this progress, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the outcomes of hand JR and on the optimal infrastructure required to meet the growing demand for these therapies. Methods: This study examined trends and revision rates of JR for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC-1) and finger (MCP and PIP) joints in both inpatient and outpatient settings in Germany. Data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis) and the Central Institute for Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (ZI) were analyzed, focusing on the incidence, demographics, and outcomes of these procedures. Results: This study found a substantial national increase in prosthetic treatments specifically for CMC-1, with a 2.18-fold rise in the outpatient sector compared to a 1.65-fold increase in inpatient treatments. Despite this shift, 83.7% of JR procedures were still performed in an inpatient setting. Conclusions: The overall complication rates appear to be declining, suggesting that while the management of these procedures is shifting towards outpatient care, the quality remains stable.

Background/Objectives: Prophylactic mastectomy can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer in patients carrying gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Patients who opt for breast removal are offered tailored reconstructive options based on their medical history and prior treatments, and in these often young patients with limited autologous tissue reserves, implant-based reconstruction is frequently the option of choice. Complication rates of these procedures are relatively high and account for up to 30%. Subcutaneous mastectomy with primary implant reconstruction carries risks such as hematoma, seroma, skin necrosis, necrosis of the nipple–areola complex, and wound healing issues, which may necessitate revision surgery. This university-center retrospective analysis aims to improve outcomes by identifying patient- and surgery-related risk factors associated with postoperative complications in allogenic breast reconstruction following subcutaneous mastectomy. Methods: We analyzed 61 female patients and 122 breasts who underwent primary implant-based reconstruction after skin- or nipple-sparing subcutaneous mastectomy over three years between January 2021 and December 2023. Demographic and surgical variables were systematically collected and analyzed. Results: The mean patient age was 41.5 ± 10.3 years. A total of 13% of patients were active smokers, and 1.6% had diabetes mellitus. Overall, skin flap necrosis occurred in 27.9% of patients (22.1% of breasts), wound healing disorders in 19.7% of patients, wound infections in 9.8%, and revision surgery in 18.0%. A history of pregnancy was associated with skin flap necrosis (OR 10.07, 95% CI 1.79–190.06; p = 0.032); however, this finding must be interpreted with caution due to limited statistical power and model instability. Conclusions: This investigation revealed clinically relevant patterns suggesting potential risk factors for wound healing disorders and skin necrosis. Prospective studies are planned to further substantiate these findings and to help reduce overall complication rates associated with the procedure.

Background: Extracellular Vesicles are pivotal mediators in intercellular communication, facilitating the exchange of biological information among healthy, pathological and tumor cells. Between the diverse subtypes of extracellular vesicles, exosomes have unique properties, clinical and therapeutical applications, even towards cancer. Breast cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent malignancies across the globe. Both the tumor core and its surrounding microenvironment engage in a complex, orchestrated interaction that facilitates the cancer’s growth and spread. Methods: The most valuable and significant PubMed Literature about extracellular vesicles and adipose–derived stem cells exosomes was selected and analyzed in order to report their biological properties and potential applications, in particular on the Triple–Negative Breast Cancer. Results: Adipose–derived stem cells exosomes represent a potential tool to target the tumor core of the Triple–Negative Breast Cancer, its microenvironment and surrounding tissues including metastasis. The authors are developing a supportive Triple–Adipose–derived stem cells Exosomes [T.A.E.] Technology against breast cancer in order to perform a selective preconditioning of the cancer before or while the traditional oncological treatments are running. Conclusion: The possibility to exploit the impact of Adipose–derived stem cells exosomes within the T.A.E. Technology against the Triple–Negative breast cancer is real, highlighting a new era for supportive measures against breast cancer.Keywords: Extracellular vesicles; Exosomes; Adipose–derived stem cells, Tumor microenvironment, Triple–Negative Breast Cancer, T.A.E. Technology.