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JACS Au Feb 2024Flexible crystals have gained significant attention owing to their remarkable pliability, plasticity, and adaptability, making them highly popular in various research... (Review)
Review
Flexible crystals have gained significant attention owing to their remarkable pliability, plasticity, and adaptability, making them highly popular in various research and application fields. The main challenges in developing flexible crystals lie in the rational design, preparation, and performance optimization of such crystals. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental origins of crystal flexibility is crucial for establishing evaluation criteria and design principles. This Perspective offers a retrospective analysis of the development of flexible crystals over the past two decades. It summarizes the elastic standards and possible plastic bending mechanisms tailored to diverse flexible crystals and analyzes the assessment of their theoretical basis and applicability. Meanwhile, the compatibility between crystal elasticity and plasticity has been discussed, unveiling the immense prospects of elastic/plastic crystals for applications in biomedicine, flexible electronic devices, and flexible optics. Furthermore, this Perspective presents state-of-the-art experimental avenues and analysis methods for investigating molecular interactions in molecular crystals, which is vital for the future exploration of the mechanisms of crystal flexibility.
PubMed: 38425899
DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00481 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... May 2024This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical application of the dorsoproximal interphalangeal island flap as an alternative approach to skin graft or cross-finger flap...
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical application of the dorsoproximal interphalangeal island flap as an alternative approach to skin graft or cross-finger flap to repair lesions at the ventral site at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) finger joint.
METHODS
Fifteen patients received flaps (11 men and four women, n = 25 flaps). The repair of volar contracture in finger sequelae after burn injuries was the main indication. Five patients underwent two or more flaps during the same surgical session. The mean patient age was 18 years (range, 7-56 years). Most patients presented with palmar finger contractures of the PIP joint. In three patients, six flaps were rotated to the lateral radial and ulnar proximal surfaces of the finger to treat syndactyly.
RESULTS
Most flaps survived and provided satisfactory functional and aesthetic improvement of palmar scar contracture in the PIP region. Postoperative donor site follow-up was normal. The color and pliability of the skin are similar to those of the surrounding area. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 12 years.
CONCLUSIONS
Dorsoproximal interphalangeal island flaps are an option for repairing lesions that lack soft tissue and range in size from 10 × 15 to 12 × 18 mm at the volar site and around the PIP joint. The arch of rotation of this flap allows for lateral, ulnar, and radial rotations around the joint. The indication of six flaps in three patients to repair a proximal lack of tissue caused by syndactyly demonstrated its potential use in this anomaly.
PubMed: 38798926
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005805 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Dec 2023Vocal fold fat injection is a technique for treating glottic insufficiency (GI) resulting from various conditions. The use of fat as a graft has several advantages over... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Vocal fold fat injection is a technique for treating glottic insufficiency (GI) resulting from various conditions. The use of fat as a graft has several advantages over other grafts. Similar pliability, and vibratory characteristics as a normal vocal fold, not causing foreign body reactions, having the potential to contain stem cells, and often can be done in the office. Long-term results, however, are unpredictable. The objective of this study is to carry out a systematic review of published articles using the technique of fat injection in the vocal folds.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
REVIEW METHODS
A literature search was conducted utilizing the combination of the following keywords "vocal folds fat injection," "laryngoplasty," and "autologous fat injection vocal folds." The criteria inclusion of the study for the systematic review were based on PICOTS (population, intervention, comparison outcome, timing, and setting) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statements. Outcomes reviewed included technique, study duration, perceptual and acoustic analysis, and quality of life preoperation and 1-year postoperation.
RESULTS
A systematic review on PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases included 13 studies analyzing the data of 472 patients, that had fat injection laryngoplasty for treatment of GI. The causes of GI varied substantially across studies. Considerable heterogeneity across studies was found, including technique for harvest, processing the fat, site of injection, and acoustic analysis. In the studies that measured maximum phonation time (MPT) there was a significant improvement in a follow-up of at least 1 year after the injection. The patient's perception of vocal quality, measured by the Voice Handicap Index, also showed significant improvement in several studies after fat injection laryngoplasty.
CONCLUSION
Fat injection laryngoplasty seems to be safe and effective for GI for at least 12 months. Multiple studies show favorable outcomes, but the lack of control groups, the heterogeneity in inclusion criteria, nonstandardized techniques, and objective voice evaluations limit this evaluation.
PubMed: 38142186
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.09.029 -
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery May 2024Laser therapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality for improving the appearance and symptoms associated with hypertrophic and keloid scars. In this network... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Laser therapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality for improving the appearance and symptoms associated with hypertrophic and keloid scars. In this network meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different laser types in treating hypertrophic and keloid scars.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of four databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up until July 2023. Data were extracted from eligible studies and pooled as mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data in a network meta-analysis (NMA) model, using R software.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies, comprising 550 patients, were included in the analysis. Pooling our data showed that fractional carbon dioxide (FCO2) plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was superior to control in terms of Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), pliability score, and thickness; [MD = - 5.97; 95% CI (- 7.30; - 4.65)], [MD = - 2.68; 95% CI (- 4.03; - 1.33)], [MD = - 2.22; 95% CI (- 3.13; - 1.31)], respectively. However, insignificant difference was observed among FCO2 plus 5-FU compared to control group in terms of erythema, vascularity, redness and perfusion, and pigmentation [MD = - 0.71; 95% CI (- 2.72; 1.30)], [MD = - 0.44; 95% CI (- 1.26; 0.38)], respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our NMA found that the FCO2 plus 5-FU was the most effective intervention in decreasing the VSS and thickness, while FCO2 plus CO2 was the most effective intervention in decreasing the pliability score. Further research is needed to determine the optimal laser parameters and long-term efficacy of laser therapy in hypertrophic and keloid scars.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV
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 www.springer.com/00266 .
PubMed: 38760539
DOI: 10.1007/s00266-024-04027-9 -
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Oct 2023At present, there are many kinds of hypertrophic scar treatment methods, among which pressure therapy and silicone therapy are very common and standard therapies, but... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Efficacy and Safety of Pressure Therapy Alone and in Combination with Silicone in Prevention of Hypertrophic Scars: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
BACKGROUND
At present, there are many kinds of hypertrophic scar treatment methods, among which pressure therapy and silicone therapy are very common and standard therapies, but whether they are used alone or in combination is still controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to compare the efficacy and safety of the combination of pressure therapy and silicone therapy (PTS) with pressure therapy alone (PT) in the treatment of hypertrophic scars to provide clinicians with information so that they can make better decisions.
METHODS
Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected by searching PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to assess scar scores (The Vancouver Scar Scale, VSS; Visual Analog Scale, VAS) and adverse effects.
RESULTS
We screened 1270 articles and included 6 RCTs including 228 patients. We found that height (MD = 0.15, 95%CI 0.10-0.21, p < 0.01) and pliability (MD = 0.35, 95%CI 0.25-0.46, p <0.01) had a significant difference, these two measures showed that the PTS group was superior to the PT group. Results in other aspects, such as VSS, vascularity, pigmentation, VAS, and adverse effects were similar between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
There was no significant difference between PTS and PT in the overall treatment efficacy of hypertrophic scars with similar VSS and adverse effects, but PTS might have potential benefits for height and pliability. Additional studies with larger sample size and sound methodological quality are needed to confirm our conclusions. Level of Evidence IV 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 www.springer.com/00266 .
Topics: Humans; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Silicones; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37648929
DOI: 10.1007/s00266-023-03591-w -
Cureus Dec 2023Keloids, benign fibrous growths resulting from atypical skin responses to injuries, present a complex challenge in dermatology. These lesions, characterized by excessive... (Review)
Review
Keloids, benign fibrous growths resulting from atypical skin responses to injuries, present a complex challenge in dermatology. These lesions, characterized by excessive collagen production, often lead to physical discomfort and psychological distress. While various treatment methods exist, the lack of a universally effective modality underscores the need for a systematic evaluation of current approaches. This systematic review aims to comprehensively analyze the current available treatment modalities used for the management of keloids in the pediatric population in terms of their effectiveness, safety, and quality of life outcomes. The review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies published in English. The review specifically focused on randomized controlled trials involving patients under 18 diagnosed with keloids, assessing different treatment modalities, and reporting validated measures of treatment efficacy, safety outcomes, and quality of life. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool for randomized studies to ensure the methodological quality of the included trials. Four studies met the inclusion criteria, collectively involving 196 pediatric patients. Treatment interventions included glucocorticosteroid and fusidic acid cream with silicone gel patches, botulinum toxin type A injections, and Scarban silicone gel sheets. Patient-reported outcomes exhibited varying degrees of improvement in scar size, vascularity, and pliability. Complications, such as rash and wound infection, were reported in some cases. Based on our review of the selected studies and due to the incompletely understood pathogenesis of keloids, there is an ongoing lack of universally effective treatment modality for the management of keloids resulting in their persistently high recurrence rate.
PubMed: 38205454
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50290