A Reliable Stem Cell Carrier: An Experimental Study in Wistar Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Treatments based on cell biology need reliable and precise carriers for reaching the desired targets. For that reason, a PDO-based cell carrier was idealized, with the purpose of carrying stem cells to distant sites at room temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three modalities of the same carrier were evaluated: one containing undifferentiated human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs); one loaded with stem cells induced to neurogenic differentiation (DPSCNs); and one without cells (Blank). The carriers were implanted in sciatic nerve gaps in 48 Wistar rats that were divided in three groups. Two other rats were included in a SHAM control group. Immunohistochemical, histological and clinical analyses were performed in two, four, six and eight weeks of time. RESULTS: Efficacy of human stem cell transportation at room temperature to rats was attested. Moreover, it was possible to confirm that those cells show tropism for inflamed environments and are also prone to induction of neurogenesis in the first two weeks, vanishing after that period. CONCLUSION: Clinical evaluation of the animals' gait recovery shows a promising perspective of success with the inclusion of stem cell-loaded PDO tubes in nerve gaps, which may be positively compared to previously published studies. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. 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.

Um novo instrumento para marcação intraoperatória / A new tool for intraoperative marking

Este artigo descreve a adaptação de um mandril de micro-punch - normalmente empregado em transplantes capilares - para uso em marcações intraoperatórias. O mandril foi usado como cabo para manuseio de palitos de dente esterilizados nas demarcações de procedimentos cirúrgicos diversos, como abdominoplastias, mamoplastias e ritidoplastias. O emprego deste instrumento oferece um meio confortável, acessível, preciso e de baixo custo para todos os tipos de marcações cirúrgicas em cirurgia plástica, sendo mais barato e eficiente do que canetas demarcatórias descartáveis.

This article describes the adaptation of a micro-punch mandrel, which is usually used in hair transplants, in intraoperative markings. The mandrel was used as a wire for sterile toothpick handling in different surgical marking procedures, such as those in abdominoplasties, mammoplasties, and rhytidectomies. The use of this instrument offers a comfortable, affordable, precise, and low-cost tool for all types of surgical marking performed in plastic surgery. It is cheaper and more efficient than disposable pens.

Stem cells from the fat tissue of rabbits: an easy-to-find experimental source.

Stem cells, because of their pluripotentiality and unlimited capacity for self-renewal, project great promise for tissue engineering and are expected to allow significant advances for distinct reconstructive procedures. This study aimed to establish a versatile experimental model with potential application to distinct lines of research in plastic surgery. The search was guided by the need for mesenchymal stem cells that can be easily obtained for laboratory research. The authors studied the anatomy of a number of animals as potential donors and indicated the white New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) for this purpose. The animals of this species present definite areas of lipid tissue on their back, allowing easy access to the tissue by either exeresis or liposuction.

Método de avaliação da suspensão do SMAS no rejuvenescimento facial / A method to evaluate the SMAS suspension in facelift

INTRODUÇÃO: A suspensão do sistema musculoaponeurótico superficial (SMAS) é um procedimento amplamente aceito nas ritidoplastias. Com o objetivo de avaliar a eficácia de tal suspensão na técnica de tratamento do SMAS em round block com cicatrizes curtas, foi proposto método em que a redução da área descolada é avaliada ao final da cirurgia, assegurando sua eficácia, baseada em clara evidência. MÉTODO: Foram analisadas 20 cirurgias consecutivas de ritidoplastia, todas realizadas pelo mesmo cirurgião, com os mesmos padrões. Foram tomadas 12 medidas em cada lado da face, 7 antes e 5 após a realização da suspensão, permitindo a elaboração de 40 diagramas compreendendo as áreas avaliadas antes e após o procedimento. Foi utilizado o software ImageJ (NIH Image) para cálculo das áreas. RESULTADOS: A área descolada nas 40 medidas apresentou média de 52,6 cm², mudando para 32,6 cm² após a suspensão, com redução média de 38%. Os diagramas obtidos refletiram a exata atuação nos diversos pontos da face. CONCLUSÕES: O método descrito confirma que a técnica é eficiente quanto à suspensão do SMAS, com redução significativa da área descolada e consequente diminuição do espaço morto pós-operatório, e pode servir como parâmetro para comparação de diferentes técnicas.

BACKGROUND: The superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) suspension is a globally accepted procedure in rhytidoplasties. In order to evaluate the efficacy of suspension performed with the round block SMAS treatment, the authors planned a method in which the wound area reduction is measured to assure its functionality, based in clear evidence. METHODS: Twenty consecutive rhytidoplasties were evaluated, all of them done by the same surgeon, using the same standards. Twelve measures were taken in each side of the face, 7 before suspension and 5 after, allowing for the elaboration of 40 diagrams comprising the areas evaluated before and after suspension. The software ImageJ (NIH Image) was used to evaluate the surfaces. RESULTS: The undermined area in the 40 measures had a mean of 52.6 cm², which changed to a mean of 32.6 cm² after suspension, with a mean reduction of 38%. The diagrams also showed the exact handled points of the face. CONCLUSIONS: The described methodology confirms that the round block SMAS treatment technique is efficient regarding the suspension of the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, with significant reduction of the undermined area, consequently reducing the dead space, and may be a parameter to comparison of different techniques.

Ética em publicidade médica

Apresenta orientações sobre a Ética Médica, abordando vários assuntos pertinentes a essa questão, como: a Internet e a publicidade médica, cirurgia estética e os limites da ética, o sensacionalismo na atividade médica e muitos outros temas. Traz ao final do texto, atualização de normas, leis e regulamentações estabelecidas de 2002 até agora. Documento em formato PDF, requer Acrobat Reader.