ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jun 2014
ReviewNuclear reprogramming and induced pluripotent stem cells: a review for surgeons.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated from somatic cells by the exogenous expression of defined transcription factors. iPSCs share the defining features of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in that they are able to self-renew indefinitely and maintain the potential to develop into all cell types of the body. These cells have key advantages over ESCs in that they are autologous to the donor cells and can be generated from individuals at any age. iPSCs also circumvent ethical and political issues surrounding the destruction of embryos that is necessary in the isolation of ESCs. This review briefly describes the advent of iPSC technology and the concepts of nuclear reprogramming, and discusses the potential application of this powerful biological tool in both surgical research and regenerative medicine.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Apr 2014
ReviewThe osteochondral dilemma: review of current management and future trends.
The management of articular cartilage defects remains challenging and controversial. Hyaline cartilage has limited capacity for self-repair and post-injury cartilage is predominantly replaced by fibrocartilage through healing from the subchondral bone. Fibrocartilage lacks the key properties that characterize hyaline cartilage such as capacity for compression, hydrodynamic permeability and smoothness of the articular surface. ⋯ In this review, the currently accepted surgical approaches are reviewed and considered; debridement, marrow stimulation, whole tissue transplantation and cellular repair. More recent products, which employ tissue engineering approaches to enhance the traditional methods of repair, are discussed. Future trends must not only focus on recreating the composition of articular cartilage, but more importantly recapitulate the nano-structure of articular cartilage to improve the functional strength and integration of repair tissue.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Apr 2014
Review Comparative StudyAutologous fat transfer for breast augmentation: a systematic review.
The role of autologous fat transfer (AFT) for cosmetic breast augmentation is uncertain due to ongoing concerns regarding its safety and efficacy compared with other breast augmentation techniques. ⋯ Based on the limited evidence available, AFT was considered to be at least as safe as the nominated comparator procedures in regard to complications; however, its safety in regard to cancer detection could not be determined. The efficacy of AFT could not be determined.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Apr 2014
Review Comparative StudyAutologous fat transfer for breast augmentation: a systematic review.
The role of autologous fat transfer (AFT) for cosmetic breast augmentation is uncertain due to ongoing concerns regarding its safety and efficacy compared with other breast augmentation techniques. ⋯ Based on the limited evidence available, AFT was considered to be at least as safe as the nominated comparator procedures in regard to complications; however, its safety in regard to cancer detection could not be determined. The efficacy of AFT could not be determined.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Mar 2014
ReviewLumbar artificial intervertebral disc replacement: a systematic review.
Low back pain represents a significant disease burden in Australia. Lumbar artificial intervertebral disc replacement (AIDR) has emerged as an alternative surgical option to lumbar fusion for patients suffering from axial low back pain as a result of degenerative disc disease. ⋯ In the short to medium term, the safety and effectiveness of lumbar AIDR appears to be comparable to that of lumbar fusion.