Hypertrophic scars and keloids are fibroproliferative disorders that may arise after any deep cutaneous injury caused by trauma, burns, surgery, etc. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are cosmetically problematic, and in combination with functional problems such as contractures and subjective symptoms including pruritus, these significantly affect patients’ quality of life. There have been many studies on hypertrophic scars and keloids; but the mechanisms underlying scar formation have not yet been well established, and prophylactic and treatment strategies remain unsatisfactory. In this review, the authors introduce and summarize classical concepts surrounding wound healing and review recent understandings of the biology, prevention and treatment strategies for hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Background. Macrolides have received considerable attention for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions beyond the antibacterial effect. These two properties may ensure some efficacy in a wide spectrum of respiratory viral infections. We aimed to summarize the properties of macrolides and their efficacy in a range of respiratory viral infection.Methods. A search of electronic journal articles through PubMed was performed using combinations of the following keywords including macrolides and respiratory viral infection.Results. Bothin vitroandin vivostudies have provided evidence of their efficacy in respiratory viral infections including rhinovirus (RV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza virus. Much data showed that macrolides reduced viral titers of RV ICAM-1, which is the receptor for RV, and RV infection-induced cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Macrolides also reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokines which were induced by RSV infection, viral titers, RNA of RSV replication, and the susceptibility to RSV infection partly through the reduced expression of activated RhoA which is an RSV receptor. Similar effects of macrolides on the influenza virus infection and augmentation of the IL-12 by macrolides which is essential in reducing virus yield were revealed.Conclusion. This paper provides an overview on the properties of macrolides and their efficacy in various respiratory diseases.

Caudal septal deviation is a major cause of nasal obstruction. This perplexing problem greatly inhibits normal nasal breathing by narrowing of the external valve area and the nasal valve angle. Successful management of caudal septal deviation is challenging because it is difficult to overcome intrinsic cartilage memory. Septoplasty for the management of caudal septal deviation can involve multiple incisions on the concave aspect of the septal cartilage or wedge-shaped excision of convex-sided cartilage pieces, preserving intact contralateral cartilage alignment.¹ However, the effect of these incisional or excisional techniques is not uniformly predictable because the eventual straightening of the septum is completed by a secondary healing process. Thus, surgeons frequently observe undercorrection or overcorrection of caudal cartilage deviation and weakening of the caudal septal support with subsequent nasal deformity.²