Melanoma is a highly lethal form of skin cancer caused by rapid proliferation of melanocytes, pigment‐producing cells of the skin. Despite continued advancements, current diagnostic and treatment techniques have been inadequate in decreasing the global health burden of this disease. Therefore, increased research has gone into solving these hindrances to treatment, with nanomedicine offering many promising solutions. In this review, different subtypes of nanomedicine will be discussed along with their clinical utility in relation to melanoma. First, risk factors, pathogenesis, and current therapeutic techniques relating to melanoma will be summarized and discussed. Then, the main types of nanomedicine and their use in treating melanoma will be discussed including nanoparticles, nanodevices, and nanotechnological tools in drug delivery and diagnosis.
Meatotomy is a surgical procedure performed primarily on infants and adolescents to widen the urethral opening (meatus). The current standard surgical meatotomy requires several steps and multiple instruments. The procedure is oftentimes performed with local anesthesia in the office setting. We present a novel, all-inclusive device that utilizes a centrally-located blade on the upper jaw flanked on all sides by parallel grooves acting as a crimping platform. The simultaneous action of these two important steps aims to improve patient cooperation by minimizing the tools and steps required for this procedure. Qualitative data is used to compare the novel device to current surgical tools. In addition, modeling material and chicken skin are used to illustrate the workflow of the metal 3D-printed prototype. Ultimately, we plan to fabricate a device with the potential to become the preferred instrument for meatotomy procedures.
Background: Many physicians who are not board-certified plastic surgeons have started performing aesthetic procedures, leading to unsafe practices that jeopardize patients' health. Methods: Patients of a cosmetic and reconstructive private plastic surgery practice were asked to complete a survey that assessed their understanding of plastic surgeon credentials and advertising practices, and what influences their choice of a plastic surgeon. Results: Eighty-five patients completed the survey, with 37.2% reporting prior aesthetic surgery; 84.9% were unaware of the lack of legal regulations governing the advertising practices of physicians. When asked if a doctor can perform surgery to improve their appearance without being a board-certified plastic surgeon, 22.1% responded "yes," 50% responded "no," and 27.9% responded "I don't know;" 98.8% reported a sense of comfort knowing their provider is boardcertified in plastic surgery. When asked what factors help them decide if a surgeon is knowledgeable and trustworthy, the overwhelming majority reported referral from patients and providers as the most important factor, followed by online ratings and reviews. When deciding whether to recommend a plastic surgeon, personal experience was the most important factor. When deciding who should perform their cosmetic procedure, the most important factor was experience, followed by plastic surgery board certification. Discussion: Current physician advertising practices lack strict guidelines and are often misleading. Patients would benefit from more thorough education on these practices. Of the various plastic surgeon assessment factors, most patients rely heavily on feedback obtained from patients and providers.
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