Faculty Bibliography

Background/UNASSIGNED:The number of men undergoing cosmetic surgery is increasing in North America. Objectives/UNASSIGNED:To determine the incidence and risk factors of major complications in males undergoing cosmetic surgery, compare the complication profiles between men and women, and identify specific procedures that are associated with higher risk of complications in males. Methods/UNASSIGNED:A prospective cohort of patients undergoing cosmetic surgery between 2008 and 2013 was identified from the CosmetAssure database. Gender specific procedures were excluded. Primary outcome was occurrence of a major complication in males requiring emergency room visit, hospital admission, or reoperation within 30 days of the index operation. Univariate and multivariate analysis evaluated potential risk factors for major complications including age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, diabetes, type of surgical facility, type of procedure, and combined procedures. Results/UNASSIGNED:Of the 129,007 patients, 54,927 underwent gender nonspecific procedures, of which 5801 (10.6%) were males. Women showed a higher mean age (46.4 ± 14.1 vs 45.2 ± 16.7 years, P < 0.01). Men had a higher BMI (27.2 ± 4.7 vs 25.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2, P < 0.01), and were more likely to be smokers (7.1% vs 5.7%, P < 0.01) when compared to women. Men demonstrated similar overall major complication rates compared to women (2.1% vs 2.1%, P = 0.97). When specific complications were analyzed further, men had higher hematoma rates, but lower incidence of surgical site infection. Additionally, major complications after abdominoplasty, facelift surgery, and buttock augmentation were noted to preferentially affect males. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of major complications in males included BMI (RR 1.05), hospital or ambulatory surgery center procedures (RR 3.47), and combined procedures (RR 2.56). Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:Aesthetic surgery in men is safe with low major complication rates. Modifiable predictors of complications included BMI and combined procedures. Level of Evidence 2/UNASSIGNED/:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:Injuries to the extremities often require resection of necrotic hard tissue. For large bone defects, autogenous bone grafting is ideal, but similar to all grafting procedures, is subject to limitations. Synthetic biomaterial driven engineered healing offers an alternative approach. This work focuses on three-dimensional (3D) printing technology of solid-free form fabrication (SFF), more specifically robocasting/direct write. The research hypothesizes that a bioactive calcium-phosphate scaffold may successfully regenerate extensive bony defects in vivo and that newly regenerated bone will demonstrate mechanical properties similar to native bone as healing time elapses. METHODS:) and hardness (H) using nanoindentation. RESULTS:) data for the newly regenerated bone presented statistically homogenous values analogous to native bone at the three-time points, while hardness (H) values were equivalent to the native radial bone at 24 weeks. The negative control samples showed limited healing at 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS:Custom engineered β-TCP scaffolds are biocompatible, resorbable, and can directionally regenerate and remodel bone in a segmental long bone defect in a rabbit model. Custom designs and fabrication of β-TCP scaffolds for use in other bone defect models warrant further investigation.

Oral cancer is often painful and lethal. Oral cancer progression and pain may result from shared pathways that involve unresolved inflammation and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Resolvin D-series (RvDs) are endogenous lipid mediators derived from omega-3 fatty acids that exhibit pro-resolution and anti-inflammatory actions. These mediators have recently emerged as a novel class of therapeutics for diseases that involve inflammation; the specific roles of RvDs in oral cancer and associated pain are not defined. The present study investigated the potential of RvDs (RvD1 and RvD2) to treat oral cancer and alleviate oral cancer pain. We found down-regulated mRNA levels of GPR18 and GPR32 (which code for receptors RvD1 and RvD2) in oral cancer cells. Both RvD1 and RvD2 inhibited oral cancer proliferation in vitro. Using two validated mouse oral squamous cell carcinoma xenograft models, we found that RvD2, the more potent anti-inflammatory lipid mediator, significantly reduced tumor size. The mechanism of this action might involve suppression of IL-6, C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10), and reduction of tumor necrosis. RvD2 generated short-lasting analgesia in xenograft cancer models, which coincided with decreased neutrophil infiltration and myeloperoxidase activity. Using a cancer supernatant model, we demonstrated that RvD2 reduced cancer-derived cytokines/chemokines (TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL10, and MCP-1), cancer mediator-induced CD11b⁺Ly6G^- myeloid cells, and nociception. We infer from our results that manipulation of the endogenous pro-resolution pathway might provide a novel approach to improve oral cancer and cancer pain treatment.

Once activated at the surface of cells, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) redistribute to endosomes, where they can continue to signal. Whether GPCRs in endosomes generate signals that contribute to human disease is unknown. We evaluated endosomal signaling of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR₂), which has been proposed to mediate pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Trypsin, elastase, and cathepsin S, which are activated in the colonic mucosa of patients with IBS and in experimental animals with colitis, caused persistent PAR₂-dependent hyperexcitability of nociceptors, sensitization of colonic afferent neurons to mechanical stimuli, and somatic mechanical allodynia. Inhibitors of clathrin- and dynamin-dependent endocytosis and of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1 prevented trypsin-induced hyperexcitability, sensitization, and allodynia. However, they did not affect elastase- or cathepsin S-induced hyperexcitability, sensitization, or allodynia. Trypsin stimulated endocytosis of PAR₂, which signaled from endosomes to activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Elastase and cathepsin S did not stimulate endocytosis of PAR₂, which signaled from the plasma membrane to activate adenylyl cyclase. Biopsies of colonic mucosa from IBS patients released proteases that induced persistent PAR₂-dependent hyperexcitability of nociceptors, and PAR₂ association with β-arrestins, which mediate endocytosis. Conjugation to cholestanol promoted delivery and retention of antagonists in endosomes containing PAR₂ A cholestanol-conjugated PAR₂ antagonist prevented persistent trypsin- and IBS protease-induced hyperexcitability of nociceptors. The results reveal that PAR₂ signaling from endosomes underlies the persistent hyperexcitability of nociceptors that mediates chronic pain of IBS. Endosomally targeted PAR₂ antagonists are potential therapies for IBS pain. GPCRs in endosomes transmit signals that contribute to human diseases.

BACKGROUND:Barbed sutures have become increasingly popular in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery, particularly in body contouring and breast surgeries, in which the use of barbed sutures may offer both time and cost savings. Scar aesthetics is an important outcome for both the surgeons and patients in these procedures; however, there is a paucity of studies assessing the aesthetic outcome of barbed sutures with regards to scarring. METHODS:A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed from the date of their inception through July 2017 using the search terms barbed suture combined with scar or wound. Studies were included if they were prospective evaluator-blind randomized controlled trials, closed the dermal layer of incisions using barbed sutures, and included an evaluator-blind aesthetic assessment of scarring. RESULTS:Six prospective randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria. The cosmetic result of scars in 926 patients was evaluated after an average of 8.1 months. Five of the 6 controlled trials found the aesthetic results of wounds closed with barbed sutures to be equivalent to those closed with traditional sutures, and 1 study showed significantly superior aesthetic results with barbed sutures. Use of barbed sutures resulted in shorter operating times in 4 of the 5 studies that timed incision closure. Similar complication rates were observed in all evaluated studies. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Based on this systematic review, the majority of studies concluded that there were no differences in scarring aesthetics when dermal layers were closed using barbed sutures compared with traditional suturing techniques.

Background/UNASSIGNED:Anterolateral thigh flap has gained popularity for its use as a soft-tissue flap for reconstruction of regional and distal defects. There is discrepancy between the predominant skin vessels-musculocutaneous or septocutaneous. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate anatomic variation of bilateral anterolateral thigh flap vasculature in the same individual. Methods/UNASSIGNED:We performed an observational retrospective case series study in 11 patients and an observational prospective study in 7 cadavers to confirm our findings. Results/UNASSIGNED:We found bilateral anatomic variation in the main cutaneous branch of the descendent branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery between both thighs in the same individual. In 72.2% of cases, we observed that the main cutaneous branch was septocutaneous in 1 thigh and musculocutaneous in the contralateral thigh; in 16.7%, the main cutaneous branches were musculocutaneous in both thighs, and in 11.1%, the main cutaneous branches were septocutaneous in both thighs. Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:Significant anatomic variation exists between the right and the left cutaneous branches of deep circumflex femoral arteries. Hence, preoperative imaging by computed tomography angiography (CTA) aids in determination of the vascular anatomy of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and in selection of septocutaneous branches, thereby reducing operative time.

The current U.S. demographic shift toward an older population and the importance of intervening before conditions become severe warrant a concerted effort to ease the burden of access to healthcare for older adults. With regard to oral healthcare, more integrated services for older adults are needed to effectively serve their complex medical and dental needs. Using an agent-based simulation model, this paper examines the influence of social ties and transportation mode choices on opportunities for older adults to participate in community-based preventive screening events and access needed oral healthcare. This approach accounts for the heterogeneity of behavior that arises for a population exhibiting diversity in terms of social factors, including socioeconomic means and social support. In the context of older adults living in urban environments, the availability of different transportation modes ought to be taken into consideration. To explore alternative scenarios for the accessibility of preventive screening events offered at senior centers in northern Manhattan, an agent-based model (ABM) was created with a geographic information system (GIS) to simulate the influence of social ties and transportation choices on older adults seeking preventive screening services and oral healthcare. Results of simulation experiments indicate preferences for public transportation and inequities in accessibility that may be mitigated with social support. This simulation model offers a way to explore social support as an important factor in making transportation mode choices that mediate oral healthcare accessibility and thus oral health outcomes for older adults.

Ionizing radiation is a known carcinogen. Its damaging effects can be deterministic or stochastic. Deterministic effects occur only after radiation exposure thresholds are reached, but stochastic effects are random, and there is no known threshold below which harmful effects will not occur. Therefore, the use of ionizing radiation in orthodontic treatment should bring a benefit to the patient that outweighs the risks. No legally binding statutes, rules, or regulations provide explicit radiographic prescription protocols for orthodontic practice. The objective of this article was to discuss guidelines and risk management strategies for appropriate and defensible use of ionizing radiation in orthodontics. Guidelines are discussed for radiographic acquisition at different points along the orthodontic treatment timeline. In addition, risk management strategies and best practices are presented regarding adequate and defensible radiographic interpretation. These guidelines are not rigid and do not establish standards of care; they should be modified as necessary for each patient and each clinical encounter.

BACKGROUND:The prevalence of Obesity along with bariatric surgery and massive weight loss requiring panniculectomy is increasing in the United States. The effect of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) on outcomes following panniculectomy remains poorly defined despite its prevalence. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of DM on complications following panniculectomy and determine risk factors for adverse events. METHODS:The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement (ACS NSQIP) database was used to identify patients undergoing panniculectomy between 2010 and 2015. Patients were stratified based on diabetic status. Multivariate regression was performed to control for confounders. RESULTS:Review of the database identified 7,035 eligible patients who underwent panniculectomy, out of which 770 (10.9%) were diabetic. Multivariate regression showed that DM was a significant risk factor for wound dehiscence (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.41-3.15; p=0.02). Obesity was a significant risk factor for superficial (OR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.53 - 3.69; p<0.001) and deep (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.38 - 3.97; p=0.01) incisional surgical site infection (SSI). Smokers were also at an increased risk for superficial (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.19 - 1.75; p=0.03) and deep (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.31 - 2.22; p=0.02) incisional SSI. CONCLUSIONS:Our analysis shows that DM is an independent risk factor for wound dehiscence following panniculectomy. Obesity and smoking were significant risk factors for superficial and deep incisional SSI. These results underscore the importance of preoperative risk factor evaluation in patients undergoing panniculectomy for safe outcomes.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a severe and dose-limiting side effect of cancer treatment that affects millions of cancer survivors throughout the world and current treatment options are extremely limited by their side effects. Cannabinoids are highly effective in suppressing pain symptoms of chemotherapy-induced and other peripheral neuropathies but their widespread use is limited by central nervous system (CNS)-mediated side effects. Here, we tested one compound from a series of recently developed synthetic peripherally restricted cannabinoids (PRCBs) in a rat model of cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. Results show that local or systemic administration of 4-{2-[-(1E)-1[(4-propylnaphthalen-1-yl)methylidene]-1H-inden-3-yl]ethyl}morpholine (PrNMI) dose-dependently suppressed CIPN mechanical and cold allodynia. Orally administered PrNMI also dose-dependently suppressed CIPN allodynia symptoms in both male and female rats without any CNS side effects. Co-administration with selective cannabinoid receptor subtype blockers revealed that PrNMI's anti-allodynic effects are mediated by CB1 receptor (CB1R) activation. Expression of CB2Rs was reduced in dorsal root ganglia from CIPN rats, whereas expression of CB1Rs and various endocannabinoid synthesizing and metabolizing enzymes was unaffected. Daily PrNMI treatment of CIPN rats for two weeks showed a lack of appreciable tolerance to PrNMI's anti-allodynic effects. In an operant task which reflects cerebral processing of pain, PrNMI also dose-dependently suppressed CIPN pain behaviors. Our results demonstrate that PRCBs exemplified by PrNMI may represent a viable option for the treatment of CIPN pain symptoms.