ABSTRACT
Myocardial infarction (MI) stands as a prominent contributor to global cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality rates. Acute MI (AMI) can result in the loss of a large number of cardiomyocytes (CMs), which the adult heart struggles to replenish due to its limited regenerative capacity. Consequently, this deficit in CMs often precipitates severe complications such as heart failure (HF), with whole heart transplantation remaining the sole definitive treatment option, albeit constrained by inherent limitations. In response to these challenges, the integration of bio-functional materials within cardiac tissue engineering has emerged as a groundbreaking approach with significant potential for cardiac tissue replacement. Bioengineering strategies entail fortifying or substituting biological tissues through the orchestrated interplay of cells, engineering methodologies, and innovative materials. Biomaterial scaffolds, crucial in this paradigm, provide the essential microenvironment conducive to the assembly of functional cardiac tissue by encapsulating contracting cells. Indeed, the field of cardiac tissue engineering has witnessed remarkable strides, largely owing to the application of biomaterial scaffolds. However, inherent complexities persist, necessitating further exploration and innovation. This review delves into the pivotal role of biomaterial scaffolds in cardiac tissue engineering, shedding light on their utilization, challenges encountered, and promising avenues for future advancement. By critically examining the current landscape, we aim to catalyze progress toward more effective solutions for cardiac tissue regeneration and ultimately, improved outcomes for patients grappling with cardiovascular ailments.
ABSTRACT
Background: Effective skin rejuvenation treatments with RF technologies exist, with potential for personalized combination therapies based on individual factors. We compared microneedling and fractional RF laser effectiveness in rejuvenation, pore healing, and skin lightening. Method: The research was a non-randomized clinical trial study conducted in 2021 at Ilam Skin Clinic, Ilam, western Iran on people applying for rejuvenation, skin lightening and improvement of open pores. People were voluntarily divided into two groups based on personal preferences (group A: microneedling, 25 people, group B: fractional RF, 25 people). After data collection, SPSS22 software was used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed significant differences in the rates of low, moderate, and severe pain between the microneedling and fractional groups (10 vs. 16, 14 vs. 4, 1 vs. 5, respectively). Erythema showed no significant difference, with low, moderate, and severe cases reported in both groups. Swelling was lower in the microneedling group, but the difference was not significant. Bruising was similar in both groups, and staining was minimal. No herpes or infections were reported. The microneedling group showed better improvement in skin pores and skin lightening compared to the fractional group, with outcomes rated as good and excellent. Conclusion: Microneedling surpassed the fractional group in skin rejuvenation, lightening, and improved pores. Considering RF lasers are approximately three times more expensive than microneedling, the research indicates that choosing microneedling is not only more cost-effective but also a superior rejuvenation technique.
ABSTRACT
Background: Nasolabial folds are a common sign of aging, accompanied by various manifestations such as skin and tissue loosening, wrinkles, lip corner drooping, mandibular angle loss, platysmal bands, and skin pigmentation changes. Limited research has explored Nanofat injection methods. this study was done with the aim of comparing the effect of fat injection by two methods, conventional and Nanofat, in nasolabial folds. Method: The study conducted in 2020-2021 at the skin clinic in Ilam, western Iran was a case-control study. Participants were divided into two groups, and lipofilling procedures were performed using conventional and nanofat methods with autologous fat. Data collection utilized a researcher-made questionnaire and radiographic results. Follow-up visits occurred on the 30th, 90th, and 180th days to assess complications and recovery rates. After 6 months, participant's photographs were taken and compared with pre-intervention photographs using the GIAS criteria. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS22 version software. Results: The average age of the participants was 37.80±8.30 yr. The treatment response in the conventional fat injection group was significantly better than the nanofat group (P<0.05). Both groups were satisfied with the treatment methods, but high satisfaction was reported in the conventional group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Both methods of improving wrinkles were effective, but the improvement and response to treatment in the conventional method was better than the Nanofat method, and its effect was felt by the participants for an average period of 3 months.
ABSTRACT
Background: Clinical educational environments play a substantial role in the teaching of medical residents and fellows. In order to improve the quality of clinical education, its status should be evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to inquire about the educational environment of Plastic Surgery fellows in two teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM). Method: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, Plastic Surgery fellows studying in two teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran, in 2022 were included. The Persian version of the PHEEM questionnaire was applied for assessing the clinical educational environment. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22. Results: Twenty six Plastic Surgery fellows were studied, 15.4% of whom were women (n=4) and 84.6% were men (n=22). The mean total score of the PHEEM questionnaire was 89.68±26.02. The highest mean score was in the teaching dimension (35.08), while the lowest mean score was in the social support dimension (25.42). Conclusion: Most dissatisfaction among Plastic Surgery fellows were in the field of social support. It is necessary to adopt proper educational policies to improve the supportive resources for Plastic Surgery fellows.
