The Use of E-Learning in Peyton's 4-Step Approach: Evaluation of Facial Computed Tomography Scans.

Imparting procedural skills is challenging. Peyton's approach is an effective face-to-face teaching technique increasingly used in complex skills training. Institutions are beginning to incorporate online training as part of their procedural curriculum. We developed E-Peyton's to employ Peyton's approach through an electronic learning platform. The efficacy of E-Peyton's approach in teaching the interpretation of facial computed tomography (CT) scans is evaluated in this study. Naïve learners (n=41) were randomized into 2 groups based on teaching techniques employed: E-Peyton's (n=20) and Peyton's (n=21) approaches. The distance between the infraorbital margin and the posterior ledge was measured using a 3-part standardized measuring protocol on OsiriX. Twenty measurements were assessed for accuracy against the benchmark (±2 mm) at week 0 and week 1. Training durations were compared. Questionnaires were administered before and after the study to identify learners' acceptance of teaching techniques and their confidence in interpreting facial CT scans. Learners in both teaching techniques had comparable skills retention. Gap scores indicate significant improvement in learner's confidence levels regardless of teaching technique (P<0.05). Both teaching techniques were well-accepted by learners. E-Peyton's and Peyton's approaches required a similar training duration. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of effective remote learning platforms. E-Peyton's approach is comparable to that of Peyton's in all areas of assessment. E-Peyton's approach effectively automates Peyton's approach, allowing for standardized, high-quality procedural skills training while reducing manpower burden.

Postoperative Scar Management Protocol for Asian Patients.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative scar formation remains a morbidity for patients even with the advent of minimally invasive techniques. Furthermore, the significant difference between the Asian and Caucasian skin results in poorer postoperative scar outcomes in Asians, supporting the need for an evidence-based scar management protocol. METHODS: Following a literature review of the PubMed and the Cochrane databases over the past 10 years, we constructed a novel postoperative scar management protocol for the Asian skin, utilized in a Singaporean tertiary healthcare institution. RESULTS: We describe a timeline-based scar protocol from the point of skin closure to a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. We support the use of intraoperative botulinum toxin for selected high-risk individuals upon skin closure with a follow-up regimen in the postoperative setting. For recalcitrant keloids, we have described a multimodal therapy comprising elements of intralesional steroids, botulinum toxin, lasers, surgery, and radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: A consolidated postoperative scar management protocol provides the necessary guidance for improved scar outcomes in the Asian skin. There is inherent potential in expanding the protocol to include post-traumatic and burn wounds or support other skin types including the Caucasian skin. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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 .

Backward Planning a Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Curriculum for the Surgical Workforce in Low-Resource Settings.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a significant contributor to global disease, and low-income countries disproportionately shoulder this burden. Education and training are critical components in the effort to address the surgical workforce shortage. Educators can tailor training to a diverse background of health professionals in low-resource settings using competency-based curricula. We present a process for the development of a competency-based curriculum for low-resource settings in the context of craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma education. METHODS: CMF trauma surgeons representing 7 low-, middle-, and high-income countries conducted a standardized educational curriculum development program. Patient problems related to facial injuries were identified and ranked from highest to lowest morbidity. Higher morbidity problems were categorized into 4 modules with agreed upon competencies. Methods of delivery (lectures, case discussions, and practical exercises) were selected to optimize learning of each competency. RESULTS: A facial injuries educational curriculum (1.5 days event) was tailored to health professionals with diverse training backgrounds who care for CMF trauma patients in low-resource settings. A backward planned, competency-based curriculum was organized into four modules titled: acute (emergent), eye (periorbital injuries and sight preserving measures), mouth (dental injuries and fracture care), and soft tissue injury treatments. Four courses have been completed with pre- and post-course assessments completed. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons and educators from a diverse geographic background found the backward planning curriculum development method effective in creating a competency-based facial injuries (trauma) course for health professionals in low-resource settings, where contextual aspects of shortages of surgical capacity, equipment, and emergency transportation must be considered.

Permanent Versus Bioresorbable Implants in Orbital Floor Blowout Fractures.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of bioresorbable and permanent implants in the reconstruction of isolated orbital floor blowout fractures. METHODS: Retrospective series of all patients who had orbital floor fracture repair in a single tertiary trauma center from January 2005 to December 2014. The authors reviewed the case notes and CT scans of patients with orbital floor fracture repair with either bioresorbable or permanent implants. Main outcome measures were enophthalmos, diplopia, and ocular motility restriction 1.5 years after fracture repair. Implant-related complications were collected for analysis. RESULTS: There were a total of 88 patients in our study. Bioresorbable implants were used in 48 patients (54.5%) while 40 patients had permanent implants (45.5%). The authors analyzed the implants used in various sizes of orbital fractures: small (<13.3 mm), medium (13.3-20 mm), and large (>20 mm). One and a half years after fracture repair, both groups had comparable clinical outcomes (n = 2 and n = 0 for diplopia for permanent and bioresorbable implant groups, respectively, n = 0 for enophthalmos for both groups and n = 1 for ocular motility limitation for both groups) overall and across all fracture sizes. CONCLUSION: Bioresorbable implants degrade after fracture healing through hydrolysis and promote the gradual transfer of functional forces to healing bone during its disintegration. The clinical outcomes of diplopia, enophthalmos, and ocular motility restriction associated with the use of resorbable implants are comparable to that of permanent implants for all fracture sizes. Their study shows that bioresorbable and permanent implants are equally safe and effective for the treatment of patients with isolated orbital floor blowout fractures.

Planes of Reference for Orbital Fractures: A Technique for Reproducible Measurements of the Orbit on Computed Tomography Scans.

PURPOSE: Planes of reference for orbital fractures (PROF) was developed to standardize measurements made on orbital computed tomography scans. This study describes the use of PROF in determining the location along the orbital floor where the posterior ledge (PL) most commonly occurs. The transverse inclination and anterior-posterior inclination of the orbital floor will also be measured. METHODS: This study evaluates 104 patients with unilateral orbital fracture. Fifty-two patients had intact infra-orbital margin (IM) and 52 had fractured IM. Facial computed tomography scans were analyzed using Osirix Lite Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine Viewer version 7.0.1 (Geneva, Switzerland). All skull positions were standardized by orientation according to Frankfurt and mid-sagittal planes. Measurements of distance of PL from IM were determined in the sagittal view. Measurements of the inclination of the orbital floor in the transverse and anterior-posterior sections were done on the coronal and sagittal views respectively. RESULTS: For patients with intact and fractured IM, the mean distances of PL from IM were 22.1 mm (95% CI: 21.2-23.0) and 21.1 mm (95% CI: 20.2-21.9) respectively. Mean transverse inclination was 19.4° (95% CI: 18.3-20.5). Mean anterior-posterior inclination was 15.5° (95% CI: 14.5-16.5). CONCLUSION: Planes of reference for orbital fractures is a simple and effective method to acquire standardized measurements of the orbital cavity on computed tomography scans. Understanding the commonest location of PL and the orientation of the orbital floor in 3-dimensional space allows surgeons to perform dissection with greater precision.

Comparative study of adipose-derived stem cells and bone marrow-derived stem cells in similar microenvironmental conditions.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which were first isolated from the bone marrow, are now being extracted from various other tissues in the body, including the adipose tissue. The current study presents systematic evidence of how the adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Bm-MSCs) behave when cultured in specific pro-adipogenic microenvironments. The cells were first characterized and identified as MSCs in terms of their morphology, phenotypic expression, self-renewal capabilities and multi-lineage potential. Subsequently, the proliferation and gene expression profiles of the cell populations cultured on two-dimensional (2D) adipose tissue extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated tissue culture plastic (TCP) and in three-dimensional (3D) AlgiMatrix® microenvironments were analyzed. Overall, it was found that adipogenesis was triggered in both cell populations due to the presence of adipose tissue ECM. However, in 3D microenvironments, ASCs and Bm-MSCs were predisposed to the adipogenic and osteogenic lineages respectively. Overall, findings from this study will contribute to ongoing efforts in adipose tissue engineering as well as provide new insights into the role of the ECM and cues provided by the immediate microenvironment for stem cell differentiation.

Pen Torch Transillumination: Difficult Venepuncture Made Easy.

INTRODUCTION: Our novel technique of pen torch transillumination (PTI) uses a cheap and easily available instrument (Penlite-LP212®, Energizer®, Missouri, USA) to visualize superficial veins invisible to the naked eye. We evaluate the efficacy of PTI in improving venepuncture success rate (SR) for patients with poor venous access. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial looked at adult patients (n = 69) aged 21-90 with difficult venous access (history of ≥3 consecutive attempts required for successful cannulation during the current admission) requiring non-emergent venepuncture. Patients underwent venepuncture over the upper-limb using one of the following: conventional venepuncture (control); Veinlite® EMS (TransLite®, Texas, USA), a commercial transillumination device; PTI. Outcome measures were: successful cannulation within 2 attempts and total duration of venepuncture. Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed. RESULTS: A significantly larger number of patients had successful venepuncture within 2 attempts using PTI (22/23, 95.7%) and Veinlite (23/23, 100%), compared to the controls (7/23, 30.4%) (p < 0.05). The total duration required for successful venepuncture was significantly shorter for Veinlite (mean 3.7 min, 1.0-5.3 min) and PTI (mean 8.5 min, range 1.08-27 min) compared to the controls (mean 23.2 min, range 1.88-46.5 min) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PTI allows users to visualize veins invisible to the naked eye. Thrombosed/tortuous veins, branch points and valves, are easily identified and avoided. It has comparable efficacy to Veinlite® and is cheaper (Veinlite®-USD 227 vs. Penlite-LP212®-USD 7.00) and more easily available. PTI improves patient care, especially in developing regions where costs are a concern.

A Case Report of Absent Epiglottis in Children With Nager Syndrome: Its Impact on Swallowing.

OBJECTIVE: This clinical report is the first literature report exploring the issues of an absent epiglottis in children diagnosed with Nager syndrome. Absent epiglottis has previously been described in children with Pierre Robin sequence and other syndromes. CONCLUSION: The function of the epiglottis and its contribution to swallowing has always been debated. In this article and from our literature review, we felt that absent epiglottis possibly contributed to the aspiration risk and may partly explain the long-term feeding issues in these children despite corrective surgeries.

A study of sports-related orbital fractures in Singapore.

With an increased popularity of sport and active living worldwide, our study aims to explore the incidence and features of sports-related orbital fractures in Singapore. 1421 computer tomography (CT) imaging scans of the face and orbits done at the National University Hospital over a 24-month period from January 2013 and December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively for orbital fractures. We identified 483 orbital fractures of which sports injury was the fourth most common etiology (n = 65; 13.5%) after road traffic accident (n = 131; 27.1%), geriatric fall (n = 81; 16.8%) and workplace injury (n = 67; 13.9%). The three most common sport in orbital fractures were soccer (n = 20; 30.8%), bicycling (n = 11; 16.9%) and jogging (n = 8; 12.3%). The three most common fracture patterns were zygomatico-maxillary complex fractures (n = 24; 36.9%), isolated one wall blowout fractures (n = 19; 29.2%) and naso-orbito-ethmoid fractures (n = 7; 10.8%). Sports-related orbital fractures were associated with a low mean age of patients (45.9 years, range, 14-79 years), a higher proportion of males (n = 58; 89.2%) than that from geriatric falls (n = 37, 45.6%) (P < 0.01), a higher likelihood of unilaterality (n = 62; 95.4%) than that from traffic accidents (n = 99; 75.6%) (P < 0.01) and a lower likelihood of pan-facial involvement (n = 4; 6.15%) than that from traffic accident (n = 60; 45.8%) (P < 0.01). Sports-related orbital fractures are the fourth most common cause of orbital fractures. Though commonly seen in young male adults, in view of the aging population and people exercising more regularly, education of safety measures among sports users is paramount to preventing sports-related orbital fractures.

Comparative Study of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells From Abdomen and Breast.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal tissue enriched with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) is often used in cell-assisted lipotransfer procedures for breast reconstruction. However, as the tissue microenvironment and stem cell niche play important roles in defining the characteristics of the resident cells, it is hypothesized that the stem cell population present in the donor abdominal tissue has dissimilar properties as compared with the cells in the recipient breast tissue, which may ultimately affect the long-term success of the graft. METHODS: Adipose-derived stem cells were isolated from breast and abdominal fat tissues and characterized for mesenchymal-specific cell surface markers, and their population doubling, colony-forming capabilities, and proliferative properties were compared. The multilineage potential of both cell populations was also investigated. RESULTS: Adipose-derived stem cells from both tissue sites were found to possess similar marker expression and multilineage differentiation potential. However, breast fat-derived ASCs were observed to have a higher self-renewal capability and an unstable population doubling as compared with abdominal fat-derived ASCs. Gene expression studies revealed that the breast fat-derived ASCs were predisposed to the osteogenic lineage and the abdominal fat-derived ASCs to the adipogenic lineage. CONCLUSIONS: Cells derived from both fat tissues possess different characteristics in terms of their growth kinetics and predisposition to the osteolineages and adipolineages. In particular, ASCs from the abdominal tissue appear to contribute to adipose tissue turnover, whereas ASCs from breast tissue, if used for cell-assisted fat grafting, may potentially be responsible for complications in fat grafting, such as oil cysts, calcifications, fat necrosis, and tumors.

An Algorithm for the Management of Concomitant Maxillofacial, Laryngeal, and Cervical Spine Trauma.

Concomitant maxillofacial, laryngeal and cervical spine injuries may occur after high-energy accidents. Although this presentation is uncommon, the multiple injuries may compromise airway, breathing, circulation, and neurologic function. We identified 8 adult trauma patients admitted to the National University Hospital with the concomitant injuries. We reviewed the patient data and existing literature to identify the important factors that must be considered for management. Seven resulted from high velocity accidents, whereas 1 was assaulted. An algorithm that prioritizes in-tandem diagnosis and acute management of the adult trauma patient with maxillofacial, laryngeal, and cervical spine trauma was developed. The first priority is to assess airway, breathing, and circulation with cervical spine immobilization. Early diagnosis of patients with severe laryngeal injury, confirmation by video endoscopy, and establishing a surgical airway prevents airway obstruction or even a laryngotracheal dissociation. Urgent computed tomography scans of the head and neck are essential for definitive diagnosis and surgical planning for the 3 injuries. Prudent sequencing of surgery is important to avoid complications and to achieve better functional outcomes.

Rare Cause of Facial Palsy: Case Report of Tick Paralysis by Ixodes Holocyclus Imported by a Patient Travelling into Singapore from Australia.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are blood-sucking arachnids that feed on all classes of vertebrates, including humans. Ixodes holocyclus, also known as the Australian Paralysis Tick, is capable of causing a myriad of clinical issues in humans and companion animals, including the transmission of infectious agents, toxin-mediated paralysis, allergic and inflammatory reactions, and mammalian meat allergies in humans. The Australian Paralysis Tick is endemic to Australia, and only two other exported cases have been reported in the literature. CASE REPORT: We report the third exported case of tick paralysis caused by I. holocyclus, which was imported on a patient into Singapore. We also discuss the clinical course of the patient, the salient points of management, and the proper removal of this tick species. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: With increasing air travel, emergency physicians need to be aware of and to identify imported cases of tick paralysis to institute proper management and advice to the patient. We also describe the tick identification features and proper method of removal of this tick species.

Swiveling a Single Expanded Forehead Flap: A Novel Effective Economical Approach to Total Bilateral Upper and Lower Eyelid Reconstruction.

In our novel approach, a single expanded forehead flap was used to reconstruct bilateral upper and lower eyelids in orbital trauma. A 40-year-old man sustained blast injury resulting in bilateral orbital exenteration and need for bilateral socket and eyelid reconstruction. The sockets were each resurfaced with a temporalis flap. A subgaleal forehead tissue expander was expanded during several weeks until enough tissue was obtained. The single expanded forehead flap was swiveled in stages to reconstruct both upper and lower eyelids beginning with the left eye then the right. With this method, the authors recreated the bilateral upper and lower eyelids with a single pedicled flap and ensured secure retention of prostheses to give an acceptable appearance. The novel approach of swiveling a single expanded pedicled forehead flap to reconstruct bilateral upper and lower eyelids is easy and effective providing adequate like for like autologous tissue, and economical requiring only 1 donor site.

Pneumocephalus Following Air Travel in a Patient With Preexisting Facial Fractures and Dural Tears.

Changes in cabin pressure can potentially cause expansion of any preexisting intracranial air resulting in tension pneumocephalus. The authors describe a 28-year-old man, who was involved in a motor vehicle accident complicated by multiple facial fractures and a dural tear while on his way to the airport. Instead of seeking medical attention after the accident, he proceeded with a 2-hour commercial flight. He did not suffer from any neurologic deterioration inflight, but upon presentation to our center, a computed tomography scan was done which revealed extensive pneumocephalus, for which he required intensive monitoring and subsequent surgery. Controversy still exists regarding whether it is safe to travel by air in patients with intracranial air. It is hoped that this patient will add to the discussion regarding the safety for air travel in patients with traumatic pneumocephalus.

Autoclaved autologous bone graft for orbital reconstruction for recurrent temporal bone orbital osteosarcoma.

Post-tumor excision and reconstruction of the craniofacial region is a complex and technically demanding process due to its proximity to numerous vital structures and irregularly shaped bony tissue. As such, novel methods are needed when reconstruction of irregularly shaped structures is necessary. Autoclaving of autologous bone grafts is an established practice in orthopedic and neurosurgical practice, but has only been described twice previously for orbital reconstruction. We performed grafting of an autoclaved autologous bone segment as part of surgery on a 30-year-old man to treat his recurrent temporal osteosarcoma with orbital involvement, which is rare. In addition, we went on to highlight key differences between bone autoclaving and pasteurization, an alternative heat treatment technique, for orbital reconstruction post-tumor excision. Although he suffered a second recurrence 8 months later, there was no evidence of recurrence in the autoclaved bone. To treat his second recurrence, he subsequently underwent a modified eyelid-conjunctiva sparing orbital exenteration, also an uncommonly performed procedure. Also, we subsequently examined the novel technique of a lid-sparing and conjunctiva-sparing orbital exenteration and its benefits. He continues to remain under follow-up.

Straight-segment mandibulectomy: a reproducible porcine mandibular critical-size defect model.

Porcine mandibular defect models are commonly used for the preclinical evaluation of reconstruction techniques. Existing studies vary in technique, complexity, and postoperative outcomes. The procedures are complex and often described without sufficient detail. We describe in detail a simple and reproducible method for creating a critical-size mandibular defect in a porcine model. Seven hemimandibular critical size defects were created in five male Yorkshire-Landrace pigs, three with unilateral defects and two with bilateral defects. A transverse incision was made over the mandibular body. Periosteum was incised and elevated to expose the mandibular body and a critical-size defect of 30 × 20 mm created using an oscillating saw. The implant was inserted and fixed with a titanium reconstruction plate and bicortical locking screws, and the wound closed in layers with resorbable sutures. Intraoral contamination was avoided. Dentition was retained and the mental nerve and its branches preserved. The marginal mandibular nerve was not encountered during dissection. All pigs retained normal masticatory function, and there were no cases of infection, wound breakdown, haematoma, salivary leak, or implant-related complications. The procedure can be performed bilaterally on both hemimandibles without affecting load-bearing function. All pigs survived until the end point of three months. Postoperative computed tomographic scans and histology showed new bone formation, and a three-point bend test showed the restoration of biomechanical strength. Straight-segment mandibulectomy is a simple and reproducible method for the creation of critical-size mandibular defects in a porcine model, simulating a load-bearing situation.

ATF5, a possible regulator of osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived stem cells.

The regulatory pathways involved in maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells are partially known, whereas the regulatory pathways governing adult stem cells and their "stem-ness" are characterized to an even lesser extent. We, therefore, screened the transcriptome profiles of 20 osteogenically induced adult human adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) populations and investigated for putative transcription factors that could regulate the osteogenic differentiation of these ADSC. We studied a subgroup of donors' samples that had a disparate osteogenic response transcriptome from that of induced human fetal osteoblasts and the rest of the induced human ADSC samples. From our statistical analysis, we found activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) to be significantly and consistently down-regulated in a randomized time-course study of osteogenically differentiated adipose-derived stem cells from human donor samples. Knockdown of ATF5 with siRNA showed an increased sensitivity to osteogenic induction. This evidence suggests a role for ATF5 in the regulation of osteogenic differentiation in adipose-derived stem cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report that indicates a novel role of transcription factors in regulating osteogenic differentiation in adult or tissue specific stem cells.