Fat Grafting for Gluteal Augmentation: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.

Background: With the increasing demand for gluteal fat augmentation, reports of fatal complications have surfaced. Therefore, the authors proposed to analyze the published techniques and compare different protocols, to identify those of potential concern.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed with a search of 21 terms on the PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scientific Electronic Library Online databases.

Analysis of the vertical mammaplasty design in skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate autologous reconstruction.

Background: Skin-sparing mastectomy designs for immediate autologous breast reconstruction include racquet, Wise, and vertical mammaplasty incisions. The vertical design addresses ptosis while maintaining viable skin flaps. This study compares the racquet to the vertical incision.

The scope of plastic surgery according to 2434 allopathic medical students in the United States.

Background: The general public and physicians often equate plastic surgery with cosmetic surgery. The authors investigate whether this perception is present in U.S.

A survey of patient comprehension of readily accessible online educational material regarding plastic surgery procedures.

Purpose: When an elective procedure is under consideration, the Internet may often be the first resource utilized by a patient.

Objectives: The goal of the present study was to examine the comprehension of readily available online educational material by the patient population in a single plastic surgery clinic.

Methods: Two 5-question surveys were constructed: 1 for breast augmentation and 1 for rhinoplasty, each based on explanatory passages from patient education sections of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) websites.

Biobrane in the management of critical microsurgical wounds of the upper extremity.

Purpose: Evolving soft tissue necrosis and/or edema can complicate microsurgical reconstruction by leading to open wounds with exposure of critical structures: anastamosed vessels, nerves, and tendons. Not infrequently, primary closure of these wounds is not possible. Immediate skin grafting may lead to anatomical and/or functional failure of reconstructed structures, compromising immediate or long-term functional outcomes.

Complications following expander/implant breast reconstruction utilizing acellular dermal matrix: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The recent increase in popularity of acellular dermal matrix assistance in immediate expander/implant breast reconstruction has led to variety of viewpoints. Many studies are published indicating an increase in complications with the use of acellular dermal matrix, while others indicate there is no increase in complications.

Methods: This meta-analysis utilizes information from available studies that directly compare one specific type of acellular dermal matrix with traditional methods of immediate expander/implant breast reconstruction.

Developing oral drug delivery systems using formulation by design: vital precepts, retrospect and prospects.

Introduction: Over the past few decades, the domain of drug formulations has metamorphosed from the conventional tablets and capsules to advanced and intricate drug delivery systems (DDS), both temporal and spatial. Formulation development of the oral DDS, accordingly, cannot be adequately accomplished using the traditional 'trial and error' approaches of one variable at a time. This calls for the adoption of rational, systematized, efficient and cost-efficient strategies using 'design of experiments (DoE)'.

Analysis of comprehensibility of patient information regarding complex craniofacial conditions.

Purpose: Health care consumers are increasingly turning to the Internet for information regarding medical and surgical procedures. When an elective procedure is under consideration, the Internet is often the first resource used by a patient. Caregivers of craniofacial patients are typically overwhelmed during the surgical planning process.

Formulation optimization of hydrodynamically balanced oral controlled release bioadhesive tablets of tramadol hydrochloride.

The directly compressible floating-bioadhesive tablets of tramadol were formulated using varying amounts Carbopol 971P (CP) and hydroxy-propylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), along with other requisite excipients. In vitro drug release profile, floatational characteristics and ex vivo bioadhesive strength using texture analyzer were determined, and systematically optimized using a 3(2) central composite design (CCD). The studies indicated successful formulation of gastroretentive compressed matrices with excellent controlled release, mucoadhesion and hydrodynamic balance.

Formulation development of oral controlled release tablets of hydralazine: optimization of drug release and bioadhesive characteristics.

The current study involves development of oral bioadhesive hydrophilic matrices of hydralazine hydrochloride, and optimization of their in vitro drug release profile and ex vivo bioadhesion against porcine gastric mucosa. A 32 central composite design was employed to systematically optimize the drug delivery formulations containing two polymers, viz., carbomer and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.

Biobleaching of wheat straw-rich soda pulp with alkalophilic laccase from gamma-proteobacterium JB: optimization of process parameters using response surface methodology.

An alkalophilic laccase from gamma-proteobacterium JB was applied to wheat straw-rich soda pulp to check its bleaching potential by using response surface methodology based on central composite design. The design was employed by selecting laccase units, ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) concentration and pH as model factors. The results of second order factorial design experiments showed that all three independent variables had significant effect on brightness and kappa number of laccase-treated pulp.

Studies on dissolution enhancement and mathematical modeling of drug release of a poorly water-soluble drug using water-soluble carriers.

Role of various water-soluble carriers was studied for dissolution enhancement of a poorly soluble model drug, rofecoxib, using solid dispersion approach. Diverse carriers viz. polyethylene glycols (PEG 4000 and 6000), polyglycolized fatty acid ester (Gelucire 44/14), polyvinylpyrollidone K25 (PVP), poloxamers (Lutrol F127 and F68), polyols (mannitol, sorbitol), organic acid (citric acid) and hydrotropes (urea, nicotinamide) were investigated for the purpose.

Formulation and optimization of controlled release mucoadhesive tablets of atenolol using response surface methodology.

The aim of the current study was to design oral controlled release mucoadhesive compressed hydrophilic matrices of atenolol and to optimize the drug release profile and bioadhesion using response surface methodology. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and evaluated for bioadhesive strength and in vitro dissolution parameters. A central composite design for 2 factors at 3 levels each was employed to systematically optimize drug release profile and bioadhesive strength.

Formulation and optimization of controlled release mucoadhesive tablets of atenolol using response surface methodology.

The aim of the current study was to design oral controlled release mucoadhesive compressed hydrophilic matrices of atenolol and to optimize the drug release profile and bioadhesion using response surface methodology. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and evaluated for bioadhesive strength and in vitro dissolution parameters. A central composite design for 2 factors at 3 levels each was employed to systematically optimize drug release profile and bioadhesive strength.

Design, development and optimization of nimesulide-loaded liposomal systems for topical application.

Nimesulide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was incorporated into multilamellar liposomes to improve its performance on topical administration. The drug was loaded onto liposomes employing thin film hydration technique. Various process and formulation variables were investigated to obtain the liposomal products of desired quality.

Optimizing drug delivery systems using systematic "design of experiments." Part II: retrospect and prospects.

The first study on application of Design of Experiments (DoE) in optimizing drug formulation appeared in 1967. Since then the number of literature reports on the use of DoE optimization in development of drug delivery technologies has been piling up steadily. Such systematic techniques find their use in every type of conventional dosage form and modern drug delivery system.

Optimizing drug delivery systems using systematic "design of experiments." Part I: fundamental aspects.

Design of an impeccable drug delivery product normally encompasses multiple objectives. For decades, this task has been attempted through trial and error, supplemented with the previous experience, knowledge, and wisdom of the formulator. Optimization of a pharmaceutical formulation or process using this traditional approach involves changing one variable at a time.

Fritz de Quervain, MD (1868-1940): stenosing tendovaginitis at the radial styloid process.

Fritz de Quervain was the first surgeon to describe and treat chronic stenosing tendovaginitis at the radial styloid process. The current management of this condition differs little from his initial description and as a result the condition now bears his name. He and his mentor, Nobel Prize winner Theodor Kocher, advanced the understanding and treatment of thyroid disease, especially subacute nonsuppurative thyroiditis, another condition to which his name is attached.

Rofecoxib: an update on physicochemical, pharmaceutical, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic aspects.

Rofecoxib (MK-966) is a new generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that exhibits promising anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity. It selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 isoenzyme in a dose-dependent manner in man. No significant inhibition of COX-1 is observed with rofecoxib up to doses of 1000 mg.

Development of controlled-release buccoadhesive hydrophilic matrices of diltiazem hydrochloride: optimization of bioadhesion, dissolution, and diffusion parameters.

Buccoadhesives have long been employed to improve the bioavailability of drugs undergoing significant hepatic first-pass metabolism. Diltiazem hydrochloride (DLZ) is also reported to have low oral bioavailability due to an extensive hepatic first-pass effect. Controlled-release buccoadhesive hydrophilic matrices containing DLZ were prepared using a 3(2) factorial design.