Autologous Cultured Fibroblast Injection for Facial Contour Deformities: A Prospective, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND: Previous data indicate that injections of autologous fibroblasts increase collagen formation, accompanied by a concomitant increase in thickness and density of dermal collagen. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine efficacy and side effects of autologous living fibroblast injections versus placebo in a randomized Phase III trial for the treatment of various facial contour defects. METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomized comparison of injectable living autologous fibroblast cells and placebo for the treatment of facial contour defects (N=215). Live fibroblasts (20 million/mL) or placebo (the transport medium without living cells) were given as three doses administered at 1- to 2-week intervals. Efficacy evaluations were performed 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months after the first injection. RESULTS: Living fibroblasts produced statistically significantly greater improvements in dermal deformities and acne scars than did placebo. The difference between live fibroblast injections and placebo achieved statistical significance at 6 months (p<.0001). At 9- and 12-month follow-up, live fibroblast-treated patients continued to demonstrate benefit from treatment with response rates of 75.0 and 81.6%, respectively. No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that autologous fibroblast injections can safely and effectively produce improvements in rhytids, acne scars, and other dermal defects continuing for at least 12 months after injection.     

What is the value of minimizing access trauma for patients?]

Minimizing the access trauma of surgical interventions is becoming an essential task in modern surgery in order to make the treatment more comfortable for the patient. Minimally invasive surgery has had a major impact on the improvement of surgical results over the last decade. This is why such surgery is often named as the third patient friendly revolution in surgery after the introduction of asepsis and anesthesia. Operations that caused a huge strain on the patients in the past and led to immense costs for society because of the patient's lost working time and extensive rehabilitation, have lost their fear thanks to this technique. The physical strain is lower, the cosmetic effect is considerable and the costs for society might be reduced due to the significantly shorter duration of convalescence.Despite its known advantages, which have been reported in numerous studies, minimally invasive surgery has recently gained increased interest because of the installation of new accounting systems as well as strict budgeting and restricted resources.Realistic cost-benefit analysis and objectified quality controls are needed in order to guarantee innovative and patient friendly basic approaches in medicine in the future.     

Diagnosis goes digital.

Accurate images of the craniofacial region are critical for the development of an orthodontic diagnosis and treatment plan. The NewTom QR 9000 Volume Scanner (QR s.r.l., Verona, Italy) represents a significant advance in imaging capabilities for dentistry and orthodontics. This new-generation scanner uses computed tomography technology to provide a complete 3D view of the maxilla and mandible with relatively high resolution and low radiation exposure to patients. This article discusses some technical aspects of this new scanner and its possible orthodontic uses.     

血管介入仿真模拟器在心血管医生冠状动脉介入技术规范化培训中的作用

目的明确Angiomemor（美国Simbionix公司生产）血管介入仿真模拟器是否有助于冠状动脉造影技术的掌握和提高。方法选取16名无血管放射介入经验的心血管医生，接受相同课时的冠状动脉介入造影理论培训后，按随机表编码随机分为模拟器培训组与非培训组各8名，模拟器培训组8名医生接受Angiomemor血管介入仿真模拟器培训，模拟冠状动脉造影操作，非培训组8名心血管医生未接受仿真模拟器培训。在随后的真实临床环境中操作冠状动脉造影时，评价2组医生冠状动脉造影操作过程中错误的频数、平均造影时间、造影剂使用量及术中放射线剂量。结果相对于非培训组，模拟器培训组医生在冠状动脉造影操作中错误频数减少62．5％、平均造影时间减少44．0％、造影剂使用量减少44．0％，术中平均放射线曝光时间减少了57．7％，平均X线累计曝光剂量减少51．6％，单位面积X线累计曝光剂量减少了52．4％。结论Angiomemor血管介入仿真模拟器有助于医生较快地熟练掌握冠状动脉造影技术，是冠状动脉介入规范化培训的重要辅助手段之一。