Patterns and Characteristics of Midface Fractures in North-Eastern Romania.

Midface fractures are common injuries that are the result of interpersonal violence, traffic accidents, falls, work-related accidents, sports-related accidents, or animal aggression. In the northeastern part of Romania, these injuries are a significant health concern that, if left untreated, may lead to functional and esthetic sequelae. Background and Objectives: This study aims to update the statistical data available to help promote a different lifestyle, with awareness campaigns to prevent aggression, accidents, and domestic violence. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted over five years and included 651 patients of both sexes, with ages between 3 and 95 years, that addressed our center for midface fracture treatment. Results: The authors of this study found that men are more predisposed to fractures of the middle third of the face, with anterior laterofacial fractures being the most common type of fracture. Interpersonal violence was the most incriminated etiology for all midface fractures. Conclusions: The present study regarding midfacial fractures shows similar results compared to the medical literature. These findings could help promote a different lifestyle, with awareness campaigns to prevent aggression, accidents, and domestic violence.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biocompatibility Evaluation of Novel Chitosan Lipid Micro-Systems for Modified Release of Diclofenac Sodium.

The purpose of our study was the obtaining, characterization and biocompatibility estimation of novel carrier systems for diclofenac. Diclofenac is a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with frequent gastrointestinal side effects, impairing the quality of the patient's life. Original diclofenac-loaded micro-vesicles coated with chitosan were prepared and physico-chemical analyzed. We investigated their in vitro hemocompatibility and in vivo biocompatibility in rats. The animals were treated orally as follows: group 1 (Control): distilled water 0.3 mL/100 g body weight; Group 2 (CHIT): 0.3 mL/100 g body weight 0.5% chitosan solution; Group 3 (DCF): 15 mg/kg body weight diclofenac; Group 4 (DCF-ves): lipid vesicles loaded with diclofenac 15 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected for assessing: red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and leukocyte formula. A series of specific parameters of the liver and kidney function, some markers of immune defense, as well as the activity of some enzymes involved in oxidative processes, were also investigated. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and fragments of liver, kidney and stomach were collected for histopathological examination. No blood hemolysis was evidenced by the in vitro test with the administration of diclofenac vesicles. The animals treated with diclofenac lipid vesicles stabilized with chitosan did not display any notable differences in their hematological and biochemical profile compared to control animals. These data correlated with the histological results, which showed the absence of architectural changes in the examined tissues. Biological in vitro and in vivo evaluation revealed that the microvesicles containing diclofenac are biocompatible, with potential to be used as delivery systems to modify the drug release, thus making them an attractive candidate for biomedical applications.

Autologous Fat Grafting for Craniofacial Reconstruction in Oncologic Patients.

Due to the anatomical and functional complexity of the region, craniofacial tumor removal requires some of the most challenging surgical approaches, often complemented with advanced chemo-radiotherapy techniques. However, these modern therapies often lead to sequelae that can drastically reduce the quality of life for the surviving patients. Recent advances in the field of regenerative medicine opened new avenues for craniofacial reconstruction following head and neck cancer treatment. One of the most promising recent strategies relies on the use of autologous fat transplant. In this mini review, we briefly present some of the fat's biological properties that make it an ideal tissue for craniofacial reconstruction following cancer treatment. We then outline the recent advances that led to a better understanding of the detailed anatomy of the craniofacial fat depots. Furthermore, we provide a succinct review of the methods used for fat harvesting, processing and engrafting in the craniofacial area after head and neck tumor removal, discussing their main applications, advantages and limitations.