Contemporary management of primary parapharyngeal space tumors

The parapharyngeal space is a complex anatomical area. Primary parapharyngeal tumors are rare tumors and 80% of them are benign. A variety of tumor types can develop in this location; most common are salivary gland neoplasm and neurogenic tumors. The management of these tumors has improved greatly owing to the developments in imaging techniques, surgery, and radiotherapy. Most tumors can be removed with a low rate of complications and recurrence. The transcervical approach is the most frequently used. In some cases, minimally invasive approaches may be used alone or in combination with a limited transcervical route, allowing large tumors to be removed by reducing morbidity of expanded approaches. An adequate knowledge of the anatomy and a careful surgical plan is essential to tailor management according to the patient and the tumor. The purpose of the present review was to update current aspects of knowledge related to this more challenging area of tumor occurrence.Peer reviewe

A three dimensional view of stereopsis in dentistry

Stereopsis and its role in dental practice has been a topic of debate in recent editions of this Journal. These discussions are particularly timely as they come at a point when virtual reality simulators are becoming increasingly popular in the education of tomorrow's dentists. The aim of this article is to discuss the lack of robust empirical evidence to ascertain the relationship (if any) between stereopsis and dentistry and to build a case for the need for further research to build a strong evidence base on the topic

Anisotropic nanomaterials: structure, growth, assembly, and functions

Comprehensive knowledge over the shape of nanomaterials is a critical factor in designing devices with desired functions. Due to this reason, systematic efforts have been made to synthesize materials of diverse shape in the nanoscale regime. Anisotropic nanomaterials are a class of materials in which their properties are direction-dependent and more than one structural parameter is needed to describe them. Their unique and fine-tuned physical and chemical properties make them ideal candidates for devising new applications. In addition, the assembly of ordered one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) arrays of anisotropic nanoparticles brings novel properties into the resulting system, which would be entirely different from the properties of individual nanoparticles. This review presents an overview of current research in the area of anisotropic nanomaterials in general and noble metal nanoparticles in particular. We begin with an introduction to the advancements in this area followed by general aspects of the growth of anisotropic nanoparticles. Then we describe several important synthetic protocols for making anisotropic nanomaterials, followed by a summary of their assemblies, and conclude with major applications

Platysma Prominence: Review and Expert Analysis of Clinical Presentation, Burden, and Treatment Considerations

Background:. Platysma prominence (PP) is a sign of aging in the lower face and neck characterized primarily by a blunting of the jawline and the presence of vertical banding along the anterior and posterior margins of the muscle on one or both sides of the neck. The aim of this review was to combine findings from the literature on topics relevant to PP with expert perspective to help guide clinical decision-making in assessment and treatment. Methods:. A review of the literature focusing on platysma muscle anatomy and function; PP signs, characteristics, causes, clinical severity, and aesthetic and psychosocial effects; and treatment options for PP was performed and summarized. Expert clinical perspectives of these findings elucidated from the authors’ experience were used to develop considerations for the evaluation and treatment of PP. Results:. PP is an aesthetically undesirable condition that is bothersome to affected individuals and has negative effects on quality of life and psychological and emotional well-being. Knowledge of platysma muscle anatomy, proper patient assessment, and considerations in the use of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of PP, including selection of the appropriate candidates and careful dosing and injection techniques, can produce consistent results with limited adverse events, potentially enhancing the patient’s quality of life. Conclusions:. PP is a bothersome condition with a detrimental impact on patient quality of life and psychological and emotional well-being. OnabotulinumtoxinA is a nonsurgical treatment option with a record of safe, consistent results in treating PP