Evaluating the exoscope as an alternative to the operating microscope in plastic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgery is most commonly used in the anastomosis of vessels, flap harvesting, lymphedema, and nerve reconstruction, among others. During the 1920s the first microscope was invented by Nylen and Holmgren, quickly becoming the gold standard for microsurgery. However, technological advances have come forth in the form of exoscopes. METHODS: A search for full-text articles where using an exoscope was compared with a traditional operating microscope was conducted on the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. The following terms were used to guide our search: Microscope AND exoscope AND plastic surgery; Microscope AND exoscope AND microvascular surgery. RESULTS: Our search yielded 69 studies, of which 12 were included. Five exoscope systems were used by the authors. All studies reported the exoscope as a valid alternative to the standard operating microscope. The exoscope was reported as non-inferior to the operating microscope. Although some studies reported lower quality of image, this did not seem to influence the outcome of surgeries. Newer models may have bridged the gap between the operating microscope's image quality and the exoscope. Superior ergonomics was always reported among the included studies. CONCLUSION: Based on our search, we conclude that the exoscope is a safe and valid alternative to the operating microscope in plastic surgery. As newer models are now commercially available, these have overcome difficulties in image quality and zoom capabilities, responsible for the main drawbacks of the first exoscope systems.

A Review of Voice-Based Pain Detection in Adults Using Artificial Intelligence.

Pain is a complex and subjective experience, and traditional methods of pain assessment can be limited by factors such as self-report bias and observer variability. Voice is frequently used to evaluate pain, occasionally in conjunction with other behaviors such as facial gestures. Compared to facial emotions, there is less available evidence linking pain with voice. This literature review synthesizes the current state of research on the use of voice recognition and voice analysis for pain detection in adults, with a specific focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques. We describe the previous works on pain recognition using voice and highlight the different approaches to voice as a tool for pain detection, such as a human effect or biosignal. Overall, studies have shown that AI-based voice analysis can be an effective tool for pain detection in adult patients with various types of pain, including chronic and acute pain. We highlight the high accuracy of the ML-based approaches used in studies and their limitations in terms of generalizability due to factors such as the nature of the pain and patient population characteristics. However, there are still potential challenges, such as the need for large datasets and the risk of bias in training models, which warrant further research.

Hypoxia-preconditioning of human adipose-derived stem cells enhances cellular proliferation and angiogenesis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) have gained attention lately because of their ease of harvesting and ability to be substantially multiplied in laboratory cultures. Stem cells are usually cultured under atmospheric conditions; however, preconditioning stem cells under hypoxic conditions seems beneficial. AIM: This systematic review aims to investigate the effect of hypoxia preconditioning and its impact on the proliferation and angiogenic capacity of the hADSCs. METHODS: We performed a systematic review by searching PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases from all years through March 22, 2021, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Medical Subject Headings terms "adipose-derived stem cell," "Hypoxia," "cell proliferation," and "angiogenesis" guided our search. Only articles written in English using experimental models comparing a preconditioned group against a control group of hADSCs with data on proliferation and angiogenic capacity were included. RESULTS: Our search yielded a total of 321 articles. 11 articles met our inclusion criteria and were ultimately included in this review. Two studies induced hypoxia using hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha stabilizing agents, while nine reached hypoxia by changing oxygen tension conditions around the cells. Four articles conducted in-vivo studies to correlate their in-vitro findings, which proved to be consistent. Although 1 article indicated cell proliferation inhibition with hypoxia preconditioning, the remaining 10 found enhanced proliferation in preconditioned groups compared to controls. All articles showed an enhanced angiogenic capacity of hADSCs after hypoxia preconditioning. CONCLUSION: In this review, we found evidence to support hypoxia preconditioning of hADSCs before implantation. Benefits include enhanced cell proliferation with a faster population doubling rate and increased secretion of multiple angiogenic growth factors, enhancing angiogenesis capacity. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Although regenerative therapy is a promising field of study and treatment in medicine, much is still unknown. The potential for angiogenic therapeutics with stem cells is high, but more so, if we discover ways to enhance their natural angiogenic properties. Procedures and pathologies alike require the assistance of angiogenic treatments to improve outcome, such is the case with skin grafts, muscle flaps, skin flaps, or myocardial infarction to mention a few. Enhanced angiogenic properties of stem cells may pave the way for better outcomes and results for patients.

Imaging biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment response in patients with lymphedema.

Lymphedema is defined as a dysfunction of the lymphatic system producing an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the surrounding tissue, as well as edema and fibrosis. A total of 250 million people worldwide are affected by this condition. Greater than 99% of these cases are related to a secondary cause. As there is a lack of curative therapy, the goal involves early diagnosis, in order to prevent the progression of the disease. Additionally, early diagnosis can aid in decreasing the demand for more complex surgical procedures. Currently, there is an impressive breadth of diagnostic tests available for these patients. We aimed to review the available literature in relation to the utilization of imaging biomarkers for the early diagnosis and treatment response in lymphedema.

The Impact of implant-based reconstruction on persistent pain after breast cancer surgery: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing number of breast cancer survivors and reconstruction operations, persistent pain following breast cancer surgery (PPBCT) and its management is becoming a challenge for plastic surgeons. To date, most studies compared the difference in the level of PPBCT in reconstruction versus nonreconstruction groups. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess the impact of implant-based reconstruction on PPBCT levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles. We used five search strategies: (persistent pain after breast cancer surgery AND reconstruction), (chronic postsurgical pain AND breast reconstruction), (Breast Implantation [MeSH Terms] AND "Chronic Pain" [MeSH Terms]), (breast reconstruction AND chronic pain), and (postmastectomy pain syndrome AND breast reconstruction). RESULTS: A total of 2281 articles were detected. After scanning for the title and abstract, full-text articles were reviewed to identify the eligible articles. Eleven articles were included in the final review, with seven of these reporting no increased chance of PPBCT following reconstruction with implants, whereas two articles described lower chances of PPBCT following implant-based reconstruction. CONCLUSION: We discovered that implant-based reconstruction does not increase the risk of PPBCT in comparison to other surgical techniques or mastectomy alone. This relationship may facilitate doctors and their patients in the decision-making of the appropriate reconstruction technique to use. In addition, our results should prompt plastic surgeons to prescribe the same dosage and frequency of analgesics to patients undergoing implant reconstruction as they would to their patients not undergoing reconstruction.

Use of adipose-derived stem cells in lymphatic tissue engineering and regeneration.

The potential to differentiate into different cell lines, added to the easy and cost-effective method of extraction, makes adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) an object of interest in lymphedema treatment. Our study's goal was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of the use of ADSCs in lymphatic tissue engineering and regeneration. On July 23, 2019, using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Clinical Answers, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase databases, we conducted a systematic review of published literature on the use of ADSCs in lymphatic tissue engineering and regeneration. There were no language or time frame limitations, and the following search strategy was applied: ((Adipose stem cell) OR Adipose-derived stem cell)) AND ((Lymphedema) OR Breast Cancer Lymphedema). Only original research manuscripts were included. Fourteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies were experimental (in vitro or in vivo in animals), and only three were clinical. Publications on the topic demonstrated that ADSCs promote lymphangiogenesis, and its effect could be enhanced by modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-C, interleukin-7, prospero homeobox protein 1, and transforming growth factor-ß1. Pilot clinical studies included 11 patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema, and no significant side effects were present at 12-month follow-up. Literature on the use of ADSCs in lymphatic tissue engineering and regeneration demonstrated promising data. Clinical evidence is still in its infancy, but the scientific community agrees that ADSCs can be useful in regenerative lymphangiogenesis. Data collected in this review indicate that unprecedented advances in lymphedema treatment can be anticipated in the upcoming years.

Vascularized omental lymphatic transplant for upper extremity lymphedema: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Vascularized omental lymphatic transplant (VOLT) is an increasingly popular treatment of extremity lymphedema given its promising donor site. While the success of VOLT in the treatment of lymphedema has been reported previously, several questions remain. AIM: To further elucidate appropriate use of VOLT in the treatment of lymphedema, specifically addressing patient selection, harvest technique, and operative methods. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic review of VOLT for upper extremity lymphedema was performed. Of 115 yield studies, seven were included for analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies demonstrated significant reductions in extremity circumference/volume (average volume reduction, 22.7%-39.5%) as well as subjective improvements using patient-reported outcomes. Though studies are heterogenous and limited, when analyzed in aggregate, suggest the efficacy of VOLT in lymphedema treatment. CONCLUSION: This is the largest systematic review of VOLT to date. VOLT continues to show promise as a safe and efficacious surgical intervention for lymphedema in the upper extremity. Further studies are warranted to more definitively identify patients for whom this technique is appropriate as well as ideal harvest and inset technique.

Transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic colectomy.

BACKGROUND: Despite the advantages of laparoscopic colon surgery, the need for an incision in the abdominal wall to remove the surgical specimen is a morbidity factor. The objective of this article is to introduce transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic colectomy, in order to avoid an abdominal incision. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2011, 21 selected women with benign and malignant colorectal pathologies underwent laparoscopic colectomy and the extraction of the surgical specimen was done through a transvaginal access route. Of these patients, 12 had symptomatic diverticular disease, four had rectal villous adenomas, two had severe chronic constipation, and three had adenocarcinomas. We describe the surgical technique and the short-term outcomes related to the transvaginal specimen extraction. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all cases. There were no immediate complications or mortality. At follow-up, between 2 and 34 months, there were no functional disorders associated with the transvaginal specimen extraction. CONCLUSION: Specimen removal of laparoscopic colectomies via the transvaginal route avoids the abdominal wall incision and its potential complications. It is feasible, safe, and simple to perform, with no additional costs, and provides excellent cosmetic results.

Carcinoma escamoso: rara variedad de neoplasia colónica / Primary squamous cell carcinoma: a rare variety of colon cancer

Introducción: El cáncer colorrectal es la neoplasia más frecuente del tubo digestivo y la segunda en nuestro país en incidencia y mortalidad. El carcinoma de células escamosas de colon y recto es raro. La mayoría de los datos sobre ellos provienen de comunicaciones individuales y no se conoce mucho sobre su etiología, patogenia y pronóstico. Se presenta un caso de carcinoma escamoso primario localizado en ciego, con revisión de la literatura. Lugar de aplicación: Hospital de Alta Complejidad Presidente Juan Domingo Perón, Formosa, Argentina. Diseño: Presentación de caso clínico y revisión de la literatura. Pacientes y Métodos: Mujer de 67 años. Consulta en mayo de 2006 por anemia crónica y alteración del estado general. Presenta como antecedente anexohisterectomía por carcinoma epidermoide de cuello uterino con radioterapia adyuvante 10 años atrás. Al examen físico se palpa tumoración en fosa ilíaca derecha. La videocolonoscopía constata formación tumoral en ciego. Se toman biopsias, cuyo informe anatomopatológico revela carcinoma escamoso. Se realiza hemicolectomía derecha videolaparoscópica. Evoluciona sin complicaciones. Resultados: El protocolo de anatomía patológica informa: "Carcinoma escamoso moderadamente diferenciado infiltrante de ciego con metástasis en 12 de 14 ganglios resecados, con embolizaciones vasculares; estadificación patológica pT3-pN2-pMO / Dukes C2". Completó tratamiento adyuvante con 5 Fluorouracilo, Leucovorina y Oxaliplatino. Óbito por progresión de enfermedad a los 25 meses de seguimiento. Conclusiones: El carcinoma escamoso primario de colon y recto es una neoplasia sumamente infrecuente. La resección quirúrgica se presenta como la opción terapéutica más acertada. La efectividad de la adyuvancia no está comprobada. Su pronóstico parece ser peor que el de los adenocarcinomas para el mismo estadío.

Background: The colorectal cancer is more frequent neoplasia of the digestive tract and it is the second in our country in incidence and mortality. The squamous cell carcinoma of the colon and rectum is rare. Most of the data about them come from individual communications and is not know about its etiology, pathogenesis and prognosis. A primary squamous cell carcinoma of the colon case is submitted, it is located in the cecum with revision of the literature. Place of aplication: Hospital de Alta Complejidad Presidente Juan Domingo Perón, Formosa, Argentina. Design: Report of a case and revision of literature. Patients and Methods: Female patient of 67 years old. She consults in May of 2006 by chronic anemia and malaise. History of hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy in epidermoid carcinoma of uterine cervix ten years ago. In the physical examination is felt a tumor in right iliac fosse. Videocolonoscopy shows tumor mass in cecum. Biopsies are taken, whose anatomopathologic report reveals squamous cell carcinoma. Results: A laparoscopic right colectomy is carried out. Patient evolves without complications. The protocol of anatomopathology report: "Moderately differenciated squamous cell carcinoma of the cecum with metastasis in 12 of 14 resects nodes with vascular embolizations; pathological staging pT3-pN2-pMO / Dukes C2". She completes adyuvant treatment with 5 Fluorouracil, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin. She died at 25 months of follow up. Conclusions: Primary Squamous cell carcinoma of the colon and rectum is a rare malignancy. Surgical resection is presented like the wisest therapeutic option. Effectiveness of adjuvancy is not proven. Its prognostic seems to be worst than adenocarcinomas for the same phase.

Experimental design approach to the optimization of ultrasonic degradation of alachlor and enhancement of treated water biodegradability.

This work presents the application of experimental design for the ultrasonic degradation of alachlor which is pesticide classified as priority substance by the European Commission within the scope of the Water Framework Directive. The effect of electrical power (20-80W), pH (3-10) and substrate concentration (10-50mgL(-1)) was evaluated. For a confidential level of 90%, pH showed a low effect on the initial degradation rate of alachlor; whereas electrical power, pollutant concentration and the interaction of these two parameters were significant. A reduced model taking into account the significant variables and interactions between variables has shown a good correlation with the experimental results. Additional experiments conducted in natural and deionised water indicated that the alachlor degradation by ultrasound is practically unaffected by the presence of potential *OH radical scavengers: bicarbonate, sulphate, chloride and oxalic acid. In both cases, alachlor was readily eliminated ( approximately 75min). However, after 4h of treatment only 20% of the initial TOC was removed, showing that alachlor by-products are recalcitrant to the ultrasonic action. Biodegradability test (BOD5/COD) carried out during the course of the treatment indicated that the ultrasonic system noticeably increases the biodegradability of the initial solution.

Enseñanza de la cirugía laparoscópica en un centro de entrenamiento universitario. Experiencia latinoamericana / Teaching laparoscopic surgery in a university training centre: experience in Latin America

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Ultrasonic cavitation applied to the treatment of bisphenol A. Effect of sonochemical parameters and analysis of BPA by-products.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound largely used in the plastics industry, can end up in aquatic systems, which it disturbs by its endocrine disrupting effect (EDE). This study investigated the BPA degradation upon ultrasonic action under different experimental conditions. The effect of saturating gas (oxygen, argon and air), BPA concentration (0.15-460 micromol L(-1)), ultrasonic frequency (300-800 kHz) and power (20-80 W) were evaluated. For a 118 micromol L(-1)-BPA solution, with the best performance obtained at 300 kHz, 80 W, with oxygen as saturating gas. In these conditions, BPA can be readily eliminated by the ultrasound process (approximately 90 min). However, even after long ultrasound irradiation times (9 h), more than 50% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 80% of total organic carbon (TOC) remained in the solution. Analyses of intermediates using HPLC-MS investigation identified several products: monohydroxylated bisphenol A, 4-isopropenylphenol, quinone of monohydroxylated bisphenol A, dihydroxylated bisphenol A, quinone of dihydroxylated bisphenol A, monohydroxylated-4-isopropenylphenol and 4-hydroxyacetophenone. The presence of these hydroxylated aromatic structures showed that the main ultrasonic BPA degradation pathway is related to the reaction of BPA with the *OH radical. After 2h, these early products were converted into biodegradable aliphatic acids.

Bisphenol A mineralization by integrated ultrasound-UV-iron (II) treatment.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an organic compound largely used in the plastic industry as a monomer for production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate, is an emerging contaminant that is released in the environmentfrom bottles and packaging. BPA degradation (118 micromol L(-1)) under sonochemical conditions was investigated in this study, using a 300 kHz frequency, with a 80 W electrical power. Under these conditions, BPA was eliminated by the ultrasound process (-90 min). However, even after long ultrasound irradiation periods (10 h), more than 50% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 80% of total organic carbon (TOC) remained in the solution, indicating that most BPA intermediates are recalcitrant toward ultrasonic action. Accumulation of hydrogen peroxide from *OH and *OOH radical recombination was also observed. To increase the efficiency of BPA treatment, experiments combined ultrasound with Fe2+ (100 micromol L(-1)) and/or UV radiation (254 nm): Ultrasound/UV; Ultrasound/Fe2+; Ultrasound/UV/ Fe2+. Both UV and Fe2+ induced hydrogen peroxide dissociation, leading to additional *OH radicals and complete COD and TOC removal. Thus difficulties in obtaining mineralization of micropollutants like BPA through ultrasonic action alone, can be overcome by the Ultrasound/UV/ Fe2+ combination. Moreover, this technique was found to be the most cost-effective one. So, the integrated ultrasound-UV-iron(ll) process was shown to be of interest for the treatment of wastewaters contaminated with BPA.

Pediatric thoracoscopic training in an experimental pleural empyema rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopy has proved to be effective in the treatment of stage 2 (fibrinopurulent) empyema, but this technique requires different abilities from those needed in open surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of an experimental empyema in rabbits as a thoracoscopic training model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty New Zealand rabbits were anesthetized with acepromazine and ketamine. A Veress needle was introduced into the pleural space, and a turpentine and saline solution were injected. Twenty-four hours later, 1016 colony-forming units of Escherichia coli and 1 g of agar in 1 mL of saline solution were injected. The rabbits were operated on 96 hours after bacterial injection by 30 pediatric surgeons attending a hands-on pediatric laparoscopic course. The contralateral lung was selectively intubated and three ports were placed to perform an empyema debridement. The surgeons evaluated the model using subjective criteria from an evaluation form. RESULTS: One animal died (5%) and 2 (10%) did not form empyema. The other 17 rabbits (85%) presented with a fibrinopurulent empyema. All usual surgical steps could be performed. As regards the surgeons' opinion of the model, 23 (76.7%) considered it very good while 7 (23.3%) thought it was good. Twenty-three (76.7%) answered that the empyema stage was correct for thoracoscopic treatment. CONCLUSION: As reflected by our experience and the survey completed by the 30 pediatric surgeons, this empyema model in rabbits is very useful for thoracoscopic training.

Nuevos sistemaseelectroquímicos y fotoquímicos ara el tratamiento de aguas ressiduales y de bebida / New electrochmiccal and photochemical systems for water and wastewater treatment

Con la creciente presión hacia un uso más racional del recurso hídrico, el desarrollo de tecnologías apropiadas de tratamiento de aguas es cada vez más urgente. Debido a ello, en los últimos años se han propuesto procesos de oxidación fotoquímicos y electroquímicos como alternativa para el tratamiento de aguas contaminadas con sustancias antropogénicas difícilmente biodegradables, así como para eliminar bacterias en aguas destinadas al consumo humano. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar algunas de nuestras más recientes investigaciones que demuestran que tanto la electroquímica como la fotoquímica, al igual que el acople de estos procesos con tratamientos biológicos, son alternativas muy prometedoras para aumentar la calidad del agua.

With the increasing pressure on a more effective use of water resources, the developpement of appropriate water treatment technologies become more and more important. Photochemical and electrochemical oxidation processes have been proposed in recent years as an attractive alternative for the treatment of contaminated water containing anthropogenic substances hardly biodegradable as well as to purify and disinfect drinking waters. The aim of this paper is to present some of our last results demonstrating that electrochemical, photochemical, and the coupling of these processes with biological systems are very promising alternativesfor the improvement of the water quality.