Aesthetic Problems Research Articles

Thermoablation Using Radiofrequency and Microwaves of Autonomous Thyroid Nodules: Our Experience

Significant results have been achieved using ultrasound-guided and ultrasound-assisted ablative techniques, such as Laser Thermal Ablation (LTA), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), and Microwave Ablation (MWA). These techniques are ideally suited for the treatment of normally functioning benign thyroid nodes with local compressive symptoms or aesthetic problems. These treatments have been applied to hyperfunctioning “hot” nodes. LTA and RFA are the most commonly used. From January 2021 to July 2023 at our Center, a total of 160 patients with benign thyroid nodules were treated, of which 35 had autonomous nodules [1-4]. Our analysis focused on evaluating the locoregional treatment of the latter. Based on the volume and ultrasound-vascular characteristics, patients were selected for thermoablative treatment with either RFA or MWA (Amica Gen HS - Hospital Service) starting in July 2022. No complications were documented. However, one patient was referred for surgery and 1 patient was re-treated with MWA. In the light of personal experience ultrasound-guided thermal ablation treatment with RFA in patients with a single pretoxic or toxic thyroid nodule with or without associated compressive or aesthetic symptoms has proven to be very effective and satisfactory. The treatment must be preceded by adequate information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the various procedures and the methods of the treatment session. MWA proved to be more effective than RFA with no functional recovery of the treated nodules even if they were relatively larger in size. We obtained the suspension of thyrostatic therapy with normalization of the TSH level in the third month after treatment.

Lactate promotes bone healing by regulating the osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through activating Olfr1440

Bone malunion or nonunion leads to functional and esthetic problems and is a major healthcare burden. Activation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and subsequent induction of osteogenic differentiation by local metabolites are crucial steps for bone healing, which has not yet been completely investigated. Here, we found that lactate levels are rapidly increased at the local injury site during the early phase of bone defect healing, which facilitates the healing process by enhancing BMSCs regenerative capacity. Mechanistically, lactate serves as a ligand for the Olfr1440 olfactory receptor, to trigger an intracellular calcium influx that in turn activates osteogenic phenotype transition of BMSCs. Conversely, ablation of Olfr1440 delays skeletal repair and remodelling, as evidenced by thinner cortical bone and less woven bone formation in vivo. Administration of lactate in the defect area enhanced bone regeneration. These findings thus revealed the key roles of lactate in the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, which deepened our understanding of the bone healing process, as well as provided cues for a potential therapeutic option that might greatly improve bone defect treatment.

Practical Reconstructive Techniques Using the Transoral Approach to Segmental Mandibulectomy With Cosmofix: Technical Report.

This paper introduces a new, less invasive, aesthetic, and functional reconstructive method using a transorally inserted, custom-made Cosmofix fixation plate. Two medication-related cases with stage 3 osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) are presented. Both procedures required a segmental mandibulectomy as the osteonecrosis had progressed to the mandibular inferior margin and was reconstructed by a transoral approach with a good prognosis. The reconstructed sites were satisfactorily restored with good occlusal conditions and with dentures. No esthetic or functional problems were evident >1 year after surgery. Compared to traditional reconstructive surgery involving facial skin incisions, this technique takes less time, is minimally invasive, is not associated with aesthetic complications, and does not cause facial nerve palsy. Therefore, this procedure may be safely performed in patients with advanced MRONJ who are in poor general condition or older patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Nanofat Injection in the Treatment of Postburn Scars Using Optical Skin Imaging Analysis.

Burn scars are considered one of the challenging issues that can affect the quality of life by causing aesthetic and functional problems. Injecting nanofat particles, which are considered a source of stem cells, into the dermis and/or subcutis of the burned area is considered a promising procedure for the treatment of scars and the correction of volume shortage and skin renewal. To assess the safety and effectiveness of using autologous nanofat injections to treat burn scars. Thirty patients with postburn scars participated in the trial. Each patient received one session of liposuction, which was then converted into nanofat and injected back into the scar tissue. Four months after the session, the evaluation was conducted both objectively using the Antera camera 3D imaging and subjectively using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS). Because there were statistically significant improvements in the treated scars' height, color, vascularity, and pliability, the total VSS scores differed significantly before and after treatment. Furthermore, the Antera 3D imaging revealed a statistically significant variation in the treated scars' indentations, erythema, and pigmentation scores. The study findings demonstrated that nanofat is a successful postburn scar treatment option that improves patients' quality of life.

Utility of gingival crevicular fluid components for periodontal diagnosis.

Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent chronic diseases, and severe periodontitis creates functional and esthetic problems and decreases self-esteem for a large percentage of the older population worldwide. In many cases of periodontitis, there is no distinct tell-tale pain that motivates a patient to seek treatment, rather the signs become clinically detectable late, and typically when the disease has progressed to a problematic level for the life of the dentition. Early periodontal screening and diagnostics tools will provide early recognition of periodontal diseases and facilitate timely management of the disease to reduce tooth loss. To this goal, gingival crevicular fluid is easily sampled, can be repeatedly and non-invasively collected, and can be tested for potential biomarkers. Moreover, the site specificity of periodontal diseases enhances the usefulness of gingival crevicular fluid sampled from specific sites as a biofluid for diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of periodontal diseases. The present review aimed to provide up-to-date information on potential diagnostic biomarkers with utility that can be assayed from gingival crevicular fluid samples, focusing on what is new and useful and providing only general historic background textually and in a tabulated format.

Potency of Strawberry Extract (Fragaria X Annanassa) as Stain Removal Strips Against Extrinsic Stain on the Surface of the Teeth of Adolescents Aged 18-25 Years

Extrinsic stain is a staining of teeth that is attached directly to the surface of the tooth. Disorders caused by stains are causing aesthetic problems that can have a considerable psychological impact, especially if they occur in the anterior tooth. Stains are difficult to clean just by brushing your teeth. Utilizing natural strawberry ingredients as Stain Removel Strips for an alternative to cleaning extrinsic stains on the surface of teeth. Objective: Proven administration of Stain Removal Strips strawberry extract (Fragaria x Ananassa) effectively cleans extrinsic stains on the surface of teeth. Method: This study used the Quasy experimental method with a pretest posttest design with control group. Research sampling was carried out by purposive sampling. The sample consisted of 20 people divided into 2 groups. The control group with 6% hydrogen peroxide strips and the intervention group with 40% strawberry extract stain removal strips twice a day with a duration of 30 minutes for 7 days. Results: The results showed that giving strawberry extract Stain Removal Strips was 40% effective in cleaning extrinsic stains on day 3 and day 7 against extrinsic stains on the tooth surface with values of p = 0.009 and p = 0.002 (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Stain Removal Strips 40% strawberry extract has potential as an alternative to cleaning extrinsic stains on tooth surfaces.

Effectiveness of removable expander appliances in posterior crossbite: A review of the literature

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of removable expander appliances in the treatment of posterior crossbite by reviewing and analyzing clinical studies, scientific articles and published case reports. Background: Posterior crossbite is a dental malocclusion characterized by a transverse misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, where the upper teeth bite into the lower teeth. This condition can affect one or more dental organs and if left untreated, can lead to functional and esthetic problems, as well as imbalances in maxillofacial growth. Early correction of posterior crossbite is crucial to avoid future complications such as uneven tooth wear, temporomandibular dysfunction and facial asymmetries, and different treatment methods have been used, including removable appliances. Methodology: The research was structured from a search tree (PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar, Dialnet, Scopus), with keywords such as: removable expandable appliance; posterior crossbite; removable orthodontics; treatment efficacy AND posterior crossbite; posterior crossbite NOT fixed appliance. Conclusions: Removable expander appliances are an effective option for treating posterior crossbite in children. Studies show that these devices correct malocclusion, promote maxillary growth and improve dental alignment. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the cooperation of the child and parents. The choice of appliance should be based on a careful evaluation of the patient's needs, considering cooperation, severity of the malocclusion and the preferences of the patient and the orthodontist.

Abdominoplasty Combined with the Anterior Component Separation Technique for Reconstruction of Midline Large Ventral Hernias: Functional and Aesthetic Outcome Clinical Study

Abstract Background Large midline ventral hernias, diastasis of recti and the associated laxity and abdominal shape deformity, represent aesthetic and functional problems for the patients. So, the surgical treatment of both pathologies at the same time is highly recommended if the patient’s general condition permits. This can be achieved by a comprehensive technique incorporating abdominoplasty performed by a transverse lower abdominal incision into any of the hernia repair techniques. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcome of the combined abdominoplasty and anterior component separation technique in the management of midline ventral abdominal hernias. Patients and Methods This study is a prospective case control study that evaluates both functional and aesthetic outcome of performing abdominoplasty on patients with large midline ventral hernias. This study was conducted between December 2020 to March 2022 at the Plastic Surgery Department, Demerdash University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Study consisted of fifteen patients with different presentations of abdominal wall laxity and ventral hernias. Patients were evaluated regarding their age, BMI, degree of rectus diastasis, Pre-operative radiological findings, post Operative complication and hernia reoccurrence, patients’ satisfaction, and the pre-operative and post-operative umbilical measurements were compared. Results and Conclusion The current study showed that Abdomioplasty can be combined with complex hernia repair by anterior component separation technique within the same setting in high-risk patients safely with an excellent functional outcome and acceptable satisfactory aesthetic results. Although, this can be associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical site complications such as; skin necrosis and wound infection. Patient characteristics associated with the development of complications following anterior component separation combined with abdominoplasty include obesity, previous abdominal procedures and previous pregnancies.

Kant’s Aesthetics in the Perspective of Sensory Studies

This article gives a synopsis of one of the fastest expanding in the last few decades interdisciplinary scientific fields keeping aesthetic problems and questions in its core, that of sensory studies, in order to sift out and systematize their interpretation of Kant’s aesthetics from his Critique of Pure Reason, Critique of Judgement and Anthropology from a Pragmatic Point of View. On that basis, six general conclusions are drawn on the interpretability and actuality of Kant’s transcendental aesthetics, analytics of the beautiful and the sublime, division of the fine arts, and his later observation on the outer senses – through the lens of sensory studies.

Expansión Rápida del Maxilar: Revisión actualizada de las técnicas disponibles

The transverse deficiency of the maxilla is a dentomaxillary anomaly capable of producing functional problems in occlusion, respiration and esthetics. Its traditional clinical presentation is dental crowding, which obstructs the correct eruption of the teeth. Its management corresponds to rapid maxillary expansion, which can be assisted by means of mini-implants (MARPE), surgery (SARPE) or a combination of both techniques (MISMARPE). The objective of this article is to present a contrast between the techniques used in rapid maxillary expansion to simplify clinical decision making. A narrative review was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Epistemonikos databases, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials and observational studies published between 2013 and 2023. A total of 23 articles were included, which met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The clinical management of transverse deficiency of the maxilla frequently requires an interdisciplinary management, combining an orthopedic and surgical approach. As found in the current review, all techniques; MARPE, SARPE and MISMARPE, report indications and limitations, as well as associated complications. It is recommended to deepen and prolong the study of new techniques in order to analyze their long-term stability in comparison to other therapeutic currents.

Water quality indices for the evaluation of the groundwater quality in southwestern Libya

ABSTRACT An investigation was undertaken to consider the quality of the groundwater. The samples were collected from the Southwestern Libya. Forty-one water samples (41) were analyzed for hydrochemical characteristics and suitability for drinking purposes. The parameters for water quality, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, sulfate, nitrate, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS), were examined. The most common worldwide used standard (ST-WQI) and the weighted arithmetic (WA-WQI) water quality indices were selected. The majority of the samples (87.5% wells) described the quality of groundwater in the Alshatti area as excellent to moderate and in the Ghat region (three wells) water quality ranges from excellent to good and is appropriate for direct consumption. In the Wadi al-Ajal areas, 62.5% (10 wells) of samples described the groundwater quality as excellent to good and the rest of the others were poor or unsuitable water. In contrast, most of the obtained results from the Sabha and Ghadduwah areas showed poor to unsuitable water quality for drinking use. Furthermore, samples are higher with pH and alkalinity values. The alkalinity does not pose a health risk but can cause esthetic problems. Generally, most of the areas’ water quality indices for physicochemical parameters indicated suitability for drinking purposes.

Treatment of Anterior Crossbite with Inverted Bracket Position, Case Report

Background: Anterior crossbite is an abnormality in the sagittal direction of one or more maxillary anterior teeth against the mandibular teeth. Although the incidence of this case is small, it can cause aesthetic problems, tooth abrasion, caries, gingivitis, bone resorption, and gingival recession. Case Report: A 24-year-old female patient presented with her upper front teeth positioned behind her lower teeth and a noticeable gap between her upper front teeth. She exhibited an anterior crossbite involving teeth 22 to 32, a central diastema, and crowding of the upper and lower front teeth. Treatment was carried out using a fixed orthodontic with an MBT system and the bracket placement of 22 in an inverted position to get a labial torque effect on the roots. Conclusion: The use of pre-adjusted brackets with the MBT system and the placement of the lateral incisive bracket in an inverted position successfully corrected the anterior crossbite in these teeth both at the crown and root without additional wire bending or auxiliary spring.

Изменение эстетических идеалов под воздействием феномена культа молодости 1920-х годов

Introduction. The principle of aesthetic transformation affects not only the functioning of fashion, but also a range of problems related to the worldview and world perception of a person, which are relevant for any time. Aesthetic problems have a deeper foundation than the change of images of vestimentary fashion, and lie in the sphere of social and cultural life of society. Theoretical analysis. At certain points in history, the aggravation of social and cultural aspects of public life causes a change in the spiritual values developed over the centuries, followed by a revision of aesthetic ideals. In the period of the 1920s, youth became the dominant age category in the society, and the cult of youth appeared. The theoretical basis of this phenomenon was provided by T. Parsons, K. Mannheim, Х. Ortega-y-Gasset, J. Huizinga and others, justifying it by the conflict of generations, the lack of continuity between them. Conclusions. An attempt has been made to take an integrated approach to the analysis of a number of aspects of a socio-cultural nature in a certain time period, which served as the starting point for the emergence of the cult of youth. The phenomenon led to the reassessment of aesthetic ideals. Fashion reacted sensitively to it, youth images inspired bold new directions and determined its development for decades to come.

Discovery of (E)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(5-hydroxypentyl)acrylamide among N-substituted cinnamamide derivatives as a novel cosmetic ingredient for hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation disorders may result from inappropriate melanin deposition and/or excessive melanin synthesis. They are classified mainly as aesthetic problems, but they can significantly affect human health by decreasing self-esteem. There are available only limited treatment options for hyperpigmentation disorder, among others, cosmetic products applied topically. Depigmenting ingredients were found to be ineffective and characterized by various side effects. As a result, many efforts are made to discover novel, potent, and safe melanogenesis inhibitors for possible use in topical cosmetic depigmenting formulations. Cinnamic acid derivatives constitute a widely tested group for that purpose. This article reports research in the group of N-alkyl cinnamamide derivatives (un)substituted in phenyl ring. Among tested series, (E)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(5-hydroxypentyl)acrylamide (compound 21) showed the most promising inhibitory properties in mushroom tyrosinase assay (IC50 = 36.98 ± 1.07 µM for monophenolase activity, IC50 = 146.71 ± 16.82 µM for diphenolase activity) and melanin production inhibition in B16F10 mouse melanoma cell line at concentration 6.25 µM resulting probably from decreasing of Tyr, Mitf, Tyrp-1, and Tyrp-2 genes expression. This compound also showed melanin production inhibitory properties in pigmented reconstructed human epidermis when used in 1 % and 2 % solutions in 50 % PEG400. In vitro evaluation of its safety profile showed no cytotoxicity to human keratinocytes HaCaT, human skin fibroblasts BJ, and human primary epidermal melanocytes HEMa, no mutagenicity in the Ames test, no genotoxicity in micronucleus test, no phototoxicity, as well as no skin irritation potential tested in PEG400 solution. This compound was also shown to penetrate across the epidermis to reach the possible site of action. The performed research led to classify (E)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(5-hydroxypentyl)acrylamide as a novel potential depigmenting cosmetic ingredient.

The Role of Dental Implant in Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation in Rizgari Teaching Hospital.

Backgrounds and objectives: Loss of any maxillofacial subunit will certainly pose a functional, esthetic, and psychological problems. In addition, the mode of fixation of prosthesis is of major concern. This research aimed to study the role of dental implant in fixing maxillofacial prosthesis. Method: A retrospective hospital-based study was designed from June 2019 to January 2023. Maxillofacial prosthetic unit is the only center in the region treating patients with lost maxillofacial subunits. Inclusion criteria were, 18 years old or above, patients who lost facial structure unit/s (mandible, maxilla, orbit, nose, auricle, etc...). Cone beam CT was used for implant site planning. All the surgeries of implant placement were done under local anesthesia through full thickness skin flaps. Implants were placed 1cm away from each other for hygienic purposes and at least 7mm away from hairy skin. Result: A total of 28 implants were used for prosthetic rehabilitation of 10 patients (7 males and 3 females) with age range of 27-70 years. All the implants passed the period of healing and the follow up period after prosthetic rehabilitation successfully with 0% failure. No unwanted sequel like skin infection or peri implantitis or pain is reported. Conclusion: Dental implant considered the best mode of fixation in maxillofacial rehabilitation with best functional, esthetic and psychological outcomes. Keywords: dental implant, rehabilitation, prosthesis, maxillofacial defects.

Operative Management of Y-Shaped Metatarsal with Biphalangeal Sixth Toe.

In the literature, there is no consensus regarding the surgical management of postaxial polydactyly, and few cases of polymetatarsia with polydactyly have been reported. Treatment of the complete deformity will prevent further foot and gait disorders. To identify literature relevant to the operative management of Y-shaped metatarsal with biphalangeal sixth toe and related skin and wound care to improve surgical treatment protocols from a clinical experience perspective. The authors searched several electronic databases in December 2022 for articles related to postaxial polysyndactyly in the feet and polymetatarsia. Databases searched included PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar gray literature. Two independent researchers conducted the searches and read the article titles and abstracts. Studies were included if they were narrative reviews, case studies, or observational studies; written in English or Spanish; and published between 2012 and 2022. Nonhuman studies were excluded. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were fully evaluated. Disagreements between reviewers were resolved by consensus, and when there was no consensus, a senior researcher was consulted. The following data were extracted from the included studies using a standardized form: author and year of publication, study type, number of participants, sex, polydactyly location, polymetatarsia, type of polydactyly, participants' history of hereditary associated diseases or malformations, treatment, removal criteria, and timing of surgery. Authors evaluated 11 studies of postaxial polydactyly that included a total of 153 participants (64 men, 89 women). They also document their clinical experience with a surgical technique used in cases of bilateral postaxial polydactyly of the foot with a Y-shaped metatarsal with biphalangeal sixth toe. Surgical correction with lateral removal of the sixth toe is a resolutive treatment to improve the functionality of the foot, its aesthetic appearance, and the patient's quality of life. Case-specific treatment should be applied and tailored to meet the individual needs. The biomechanics of gait and shoe problems in these patients improve with surgical treatment, without presenting secondary aesthetic problems in skin care.

PSYCHOANALYSIS OF BULGARIAN LITERATURE: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

The article is devoted to the development of the psychoanalytic movement in Bulgaria between the 1920s and the 1940s, when it reached its apogee. After this period, the communist regime came to power in Bulgaria and it banned all philosophical currents other than Marxist-Leninist philosophy. Psychoanalysis was also banned and it was declared to be a “bourgeois and unscientific doctrine”. The meta-analysis of the work of the Bulgarian Freudians makes it possible to distinguish the following main problem areas in which they worked: philosophical and methodological issues of psychoanalysis; the topic of religion; the “reading” of socio-political and social phenomena; issues of education and training; psychopathology and abnormal personality development; and the application of psychoanalysis as a methodology of artistic creation. This text examines the application of psychoanalysis as a methodology of artistic creation and its possibilities for analyzing the personality of the author and the literary works. It presents the interpretations of Bulgarian psychoanalytically oriented authors of the literary works of the poets Hristo Botev and Peyo Yavorov, as well as their reflections on some problems of art and aesthetics.

Temporomandibular joint stress analysis of patients with different mandibular deformities during unilateral molar occlusion

Mandibular prognathism, retrusion and deviation are common mandibular deformities. They can lead to functional and aesthetic problems due to their important role in the oral system. Different from other occlusions, unilateral molar occlusion often occurs during mastication, which has a deep impact on the functions of temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Therefore, the study of unilateral molar occlusion is of great importance and significance to the daily life of patients with mandibular deformities. A total of 35 individuals were involved in this study, including 11 asymptomatic subjects, 10 patients with mandibular prognathism, 5 patients with mandibular retrusion and 9 patients with mandibular deviation. Finite element (FE) models corresponding to the unilateral molar occlusion were constructed. During unilateral molar occlusion, mandibular deformity increases the pressure on the condyle and articular disc. Compared with mandibular protrusion or retraction, facial asymmetry will significantly increase the stress of TMJ. Chewing on the non-deviated side also will lead to higher stress in the TMJ of patients with mandibular deviation. Therefore, patients with mandibular deviation have the highest risk of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and it is recommended that patients with mandibular deviation chew bilaterally or with the deviated side.

The use of probiotics and prebiotics in the restoration of aesthetic problems. What is a proteome?

A balanced microbiome protects against external environmental factors, strengthens the skin's defenses and slows the appearance of the signs of skin aging. In recent years, alternative treatments have been sought to treat various skin problems, through modification or supplementation of the microbiome, using prebiotics and probiotics. Cosmetics with probiotics and prebiotics are a rich source of proteins and vitamins and have been shown to strengthen the skin's proteome.

Mortar functionalized with silver nanoparticles for antifungal activity

Building materials are susceptible to fungus attack, leading to structural and aesthetic problems. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of innovative products with unique properties, including antimicrobial capabilities. Although the antimicrobial potential of AgNPs is already known, research on the application of AgNPs in cementitious materials and the behavior in prevention of fungal biofilm formation are still an extremely limited topic. Specifically, against the fungi presented in this paper there are no reports. In this work, two types of composites were formulated using AgNPs (108 μg/mL and 54 μg/mL) and tested against Aspergillus and Fusarium biofilms, fungi causing losses during grain storage. The AgNPs composites showed strong antifungal capacity, reaching up to 99 % reduction of Fusarium and 57 % of Aspergillus biofilms. The reduction in the amount of Fusarium biofilm (AgNPs 108 μg/mL) is proven by SEM images. No Ag leaching and interference in the mechanical properties of 54 μg/mL mortar were observed. Thus, a promising solution is presented for applications in agribusiness. And also, with a small 6.22 % increase in cost, this innovative mortar can contribute to mitigate post-harvest losses caused by fungal contamination. Its significant role in preserving the integrity and quality of stored grains contributes significantly to food security and sustainability.