Formal training in two-dimensional standardized photographic documentation during residency in plastic surgery

Introduction: Plastic surgery requires diverse skills, knowledge, and competencies, and its scope is broad and challenging. Thus, all plastic surgeons go through extensive education/training, which begins during residency and continues throughout their lives. This study aims to outline a formal training program in 2-dimensional standardized photographic documentation ("photodocumentation") to complement surgical and scientific training during residency in Plastic Surgery. Methods: The components (strategies, topics covered, skills acquisition, and feedback processes) of training in photodocumentation during residency in Plastic Surgery were detailed. Results: Topics in the photodocumentation training program included resident activities, interactions among residents, professional photographers, and surgeons/preceptors, studio settings, cameras, lenses, principles (exposure, aperture, speed, ISO, and depth of field), lighting, preparation and positioning of patients and the camera, photoshoot conditions, photo views, photo database, image formats, computerized photogrammetry, and ethical and medical-legal issues. Conclusion: Training in photodocumentation complements the arsenal of skills needed by residents in Plastic Surgery for continuing education, in order to better prepare them for future careers

Formal training in scientific research increases the participation of plastic surgery residents in peer-reviewed articles

Introduction: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to outline a scientific research skills training program, (2) to evaluate the profile of participation of plastic surgery residents in articles, and (3) to analyze the impact of the implementation of the training program on quantitative bibliometric indexes. Methods: This was a bibliometric analysis of the participation of plastic surgery residents of a single institution in articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2006 and 2014. The data collected were the number of authors, position of residents among authors, article titles, indexing databases and impact factor of the journals, study design, and levels of evidence. Two periods (January 2006 to January 2010 [A] and February 2010 to February 2014 [B]) were created to study the evolutionary profile of the impact of the implementation of the training program outlined in this study. Results: A significant predominance (p < 0.05) was observed among articles published in national journals in the Portuguese language and in the SciELO and LILACS databases, and articles without residents as corresponding author, without impact factor, without assumptions, and with a level of evidence III (retrospective studies). The inter-period comparative analysis revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the numbers of published articles and residents with publications at the end of their residency, in the involvement of one or more residents, and in the articles published in English (period A < period B). Conclusion: The implementation of a scientific research skills training program led to an increase in research activity of (peer-reviewed articles) during the residency

Plastic surgeons as hand surgery specialists: determinant factors of public’s perceptions

INTRODUCTION: To assess the possible determinants that lead public to choose plastic surgeons as hand surgery specialists. METHODS: General public members (n = 701) were asked to choose one or two specialists that they perceived to be an expert in 11 hand surgery-related scenarios. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were applied to assess the possible determinants (socio-demographic data, source of reported information, and previous plastic surgery contact) of public choice of plastic surgeons as experts in the hand surgery-related scenarios. RESULTS: A significantly (all p < 0.05) poor understanding of the role of plastic surgeons was seen in infectious hand injury, hand tumor, hand fracture, hand tendon injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis deformity, and dupuytren contracture. Age was a significant (all p < 0.05) determinant of plastic surgeon as a response pattern. CONCLUSION: Participants' age was a determinant of public choose plastic surgeons as experts in hand surgery area

Human Stem Cell Cultures from Cleft Lip/Palate Patients Show Enrichment of Transcripts Involved in Extracellular Matrix Modeling By Comparison to Controls

Nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCL/P) is a complex disease resulting from failure of fusion of facial primordia, a complex developmental process that includes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Detection of differential gene transcription between NSCL/P patients and control individuals offers an interesting alternative for investigating pathways involved in disease manifestation. Here we compared the transcriptome of 6 dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) cultures from NSCL/P patients and 6 controls. Eighty-seven differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The most significant putative gene network comprised 13 out of 87 DEGs of which 8 encode extracellular proteins: ACAN, COL4A1, COL4A2, GDF15, IGF2, MMP1, MMP3 and PDGFa. Through clustering analyses we also observed that MMP3, ACAN, COL4A1 and COL4A2 exhibit co-regulated expression. Interestingly, it is known that MMP3 cleavages a wide range of extracellular proteins, including the collagens IV, V, IX, X, proteoglycans, fibronectin and laminin. It is also capable of activating other MMPs. Moreover, MMP3 had previously been associated with NSCL/P. The same general pattern was observed in a further sample, confirming involvement of synchronized gene expression patterns which differed between NSCL/P patients and controls. These results show the robustness of our methodology for the detection of differentially expressed genes using the RankProd method. In conclusion, DPSCs from NSCL/P patients exhibit gene expression signatures involving genes associated with mechanisms of extracellular matrix modeling and palate EMT processes which differ from those observed in controls. This comparative approach should lead to a more rapid identification of gene networks predisposing to this complex malformation syndrome than conventional gene mapping technologies

Analysis of bone formation of autogenous bone transfer, bovine bone mineral and tricalcium phosphate with and without mesenchymal stem cells in the repair of alveolar osseous defect using histomorphometry and radiological imaging

INTRODUÇÃO: O método padrão de reparo de falhas ósseas é o transplante do osso autólogo. No entanto, novas técnicas de bioengenharia de tecido ósseo poderão substituir o método padrão. A construção de uma técnica em bioengenharia de tecido ósseo é feita pela associação entre fatores ou células indutoras de osso e biomateriais carreadores. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi mensurar a neoformação óssea em falha óssea alveolar de modelo animal após o reparo com fontes diferentes de bioengenharia de tecido ósseo e compará-las com o reparo com o osso autólogo transplantado da região craniana. MÉTODOS: Foi criada uma falha óssea na região alveolar de 28 ratos Wistar medindo 5 mm de diâmetro. Quatro modalidades de reparo foram comparadas ao método padrão: No grupo 1 (método padrão), as falhas ósseas foram reparadas com o transplante de osso autólogo da região parietal da calvária; nos grupos 2 e 3, as falhas ósseas foram reparadas com o biomaterial carreador osso bovino mineral sem e com o emprego de células-tronco mesenquimais humanas indiferenciadas, respectivamente; nos grupos 4 e 5, as falhas ósseas foram reparadas com o biomaterial carreador -tricálcio fosfato sem e com o emprego de células-tronco mesenquimais humanas indiferenciadas, respectivamente. A neoformação óssea na falha alveolar foi aferida por meio de imagens de tomografia computadorizada e avaliação histomorfométrica após 8 semanas da cirurgia. A neoformação óssea obtida por meio da avaliação histomorfométrica possibilitou a comparação dos grupos 2, 3, 4 e 5 com o grupo 1. Foi criado um sistema de pontos para determinar a distribuição do osso na falha óssea alveolar por meio das imagens de tomografia computadorizada em cinco animais por grupo, sendo 1 ponto para ossificação parcial, 2 pontos para ossificação total e heterogênea e 3 pontos para ossificação total e homogênea. O índice de significância estatístico p<0,05 foi determinado pelo teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação histomorfométrica, o grupo 1 apresentou 60,27% ± 16,13% de osso na falha (n=7). Os grupos 2 e 3 apresentaram respectivamente, 23,02% ± 8,6% (n=3) Resumo (p=0,01) e 38,35% ± 19,59% (n=5) (p=0,06) de osso na falha. Os grupos 4 e 5 apresentaram respectivamente, 51,48% ± 11,7% (n=3) (p=0,30) e 61,8% ± 2,14% (n=6) (p=0,88) de osso na falha. Na avaliação radiológica, os animais dos grupos 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 apresentaram média de pontos respectivamente igual a 2; 1,4; 1,5; 1,6, 1,8. CONCLUSÕES: O grupo de animais cujas falhas ósseas alveolares foram reparadas com -tricálcio fosfato e células-tronco mesenquimais apresentou a neoformação óssea mais semelhante a do grupo de animais cujas falhas ósseas foram reparadas com osso autólogoINTRODUCTION: The current criterion standard to repair bone defects is an autogenous bone transfer. However, bone engineering strategies may become the first choice in the future. Bone bioengineering strategies are created through the association of inductive factors, stem cells and biomaterial matrices. The objective of this study was to measure the bone formation in an alveolar osseous defect animal model using different bone tissue engineering strategies and to compare them with the autogenous bone transfer. METHODS: Alveolar circular bone defects measuring 5 mm of diameter were created in 28 Wistar rats. Four alternative modalities were compared to the traditional modality of autogenous bone transfer: In group 1 (traditional modality), defects were repaired with autogenous bone graft from the calvarial region; in groups 2 and 3, defects were repaired using bovine bone mineral free of cells and loaded with undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells, respectively; in groups 4 and 5, defects were repaired with - tricalcium phosphate free of cells and loaded with mesenchymal stem cells, respectively. Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were compared with group 1. Bone formation was evaluated by computed tomography imaging, and by histomorphometry at 8 weeks after surgery. Radiologically, a score system was developed to determine the bone distribution measured by computed tomography imaging in five animals of each group. Statistical significance was determined as p<0.05 by the non-parametric statistical hypothesis test called the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Histomorphometrically, group 1 showed 60.27% ± 16.13% of bone in the defect (n=7). Groups 2 and 3 showed respectively, 23.02% ± 8.6% (n=3) (p=0.01) and 38.35% ± 19.59% (n=5) (p=0.06) of bone in the defect. Groups 4 and 5 showed respectively, 51.48% ± 11.7% (n=3) (p=0.30) and 61.80% ± 2.14% (n=6) (p=0.88) of bone in the defect. Radiologically, groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 scored on average 2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, respectively. CONCLUSION: The group of animals whose alveolar osseous defects Summary were repaired with -tricalcium phosphate and mesenchymal stem cells showed the most similar bone formation to the group whose alveolar osseous defects were repaired with autogenous bon

Surgical Strategies For Soft Tissue Management In Hypertelorbitism

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Although craniofacial bone correction is the essential step in hypertelorbitism correction, the final result depends on the management of soft tissue deformities. The purpose of this study was to reviewour surgical strategies for soft tissue reconstruction in hypertelorbitism correction. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of consecutive patients with hypertelorbitism, undergoing hypertelorbitism correction between 2007 and 2014. All aspects related to the craniofacial surgical procedures (number and type of procedures, outcomes, and complications) were verified through medical records, clinical photographs, and interviews with all patients. The surgical results were classified based on a previously published outcome grading scale I- IV on the need for additional surgery. Results: The present study included 16 patients diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome (n = 2), Apert syndrome (n = 1), encephalocele (n = 1), frontonasal dysplasia (n = 2), craniofrontonasal dysplasia (n = 5), Tessier number 10 type (n = 1), and Tessier number 0 to 14 type (n = 4). The number and types (local flaps, medial canthopexy, Converse scalping flap, and/or the K stitch technique) of surgeries performed varied according to the facial soft tissue deformities of each patient. The overall rate of surgical results ranked according to the need for additional surgery was 1.56 +/- 0.51 (between categories I and II). Conclusions: As hypertelorbitism has been associated with a variety of congenital deformities, plastic surgeons who deal with these patients should have a broad surgical armamentarium tailored to each individual presentation.784421427Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) [2015/12852-7]Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Qualidade de vida de crianças com fissura labiopalatina: análise crítica dos instrumentos de mensuração Quality of life among children with cleft lips and palates: a critical review of measurement instruments

INTRODUÇÃO: A equipe multidisciplinar que trata crianças portadoras de fissura labiopalatina busca promover qualidade de vida (QV) a essa população. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi identificar, na literatura, instrumentos que possibilitem a avaliação global da QV dessa população, envolvendo aspectos estéticos, funcionais e resposta do indivíduo ao tratamento. MÉTODO: Foi realizada revisão da literatura disponível no PubMed, no período de 2001 a 2011, em busca de instrumentos específicos para avaliação de QV em crianças portadoras de fissura labiopalatina, com as seguintes palavras-chave (em língua inglesa): quality of life & oral cleft, quality of life & craniofacial deformities, quality of life & oral cleft speech, voice related quality of life. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 457 artigos relacionados ao tema. Foram avaliados os seguintes instrumentos específicos para a faixa etária pediátrica utilizados na mensuração da QV de pacientes com fissura labiopalatina: Quality of Life Instrument - Craniofacial Surgery (YQOL-CS), Youth Quality of Life Instrument-Facial Differences (YQOL-FD), Child Oral Health Quality of Life Questionnaire (COHQOL), Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP), Pediatric Voice Outcome Surgery (PVOS) e Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life Survey (PVRQOL). CONCLUSÕES: Não se identificou, na literatura, um instrumento que avaliasse integralmente as crianças com fissura labiopalatina, no que se refere aos aspectos estéticos, às consequências conceituais e perceptuais, bem como a todos os aspectos funcionais (aparelhos mastigatório e respiratório e ressonância vocal) que envolvem essa importante anomalia craniofacial congênita.BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary teams that treat patients with cleft lips and palates seek to promote quality of life (QoL) in this population. In this study, we aim to identify instruments in the literature that can be used to assess comprehensive aspects of QoL (related to functionality, aesthetics, and outcomes) for this population. METHODS: We searched literature on PubMed published between 2001 and 2011 for specific instruments used to evaluate QoL among cleft lip and palate patients using the following keywords: quality of life & oral cleft, quality of life & craniofacial deformities, quality of life & oral cleft speech, voice related quality of life. RESULTS: We identified 457 papers related to the subject and evaluated the following specific pediatric instruments for assessing QoL among cleft lip and palate patients: Quality of Life Instrument - Craniofacial Surgery (YQOL-CS), Youth Quality of Life Instrument-Facial Differences (YQOL-FD), Child Oral Health Quality of Life Questionnaire (COHQOL), Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP), Pediatric Voice Outcome Surgery (PVOS) and Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life Survey (PVRQOL). CONCLUSIONS: No pediatric QoL instrument exists in the current literature that comprehensively evaluates children with cleft lips and palates, including aspects related to aesthetics, conceptual and perceptual consequences, and functionality (chewing and respiratory systems, and vocal resonance) associated with this important congenital craniofacial anomaly