Utility of decellularised urinary bladder extracellular matrix in full mucosalisation of a post-oncological maxillectomy defect

This report highlights the utility of MatriStem Surgical Matrix Thick UBM™ (rebranded as Gentrix® ACell, Inc), a decellularised urinary bladder extracellular matrix in the reconstruction of a post-oncological maxillectomy defect. In utilising this biological construct to serve as a biological dressing, our patient underwent complete mucosalisation of his surgical site without the development of an oroantral fistula and with adequate maxillary vestibule to allow for definitive oral rehabilitation with a removable partial denture.

Nanodiamond-enabled biomedical imaging

Biomedical imaging allows in vivo studies of organisms, providing valuable information of biological processes at both cellular and tissue levels. Nanodiamonds have recently emerged as a new type of probe for fluorescence imaging and contrast agent for magnetic resonance and photoacoustic imaging. Composed of sp3-carbon atoms, diamond is chemically inert and inherently biocompatible. Uniquely, its matrix can host a variety of optically and magnetically active defects suited for bioimaging applications. Since the first production of fluorescent nanodiamonds in 2005, a large number of experiments have demonstrated that fluorescent nanodiamonds are useful as photostable markers and nanoscale sensors in living cells and organisms. In this review, we focus our discussion on the recent advancements of nanodiamond-enabled biomedical imaging for preclinical applications.

A National, Randomized Survey of HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes Among Psychiatrists in Training

Given the broad spectrum of medical and psychiatric complications associated with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) disease, HIV-related education is an important curriculum topic for all physicians. This study examined the HIV-related knowledge and attitudes among psychiatrists in training to evaluate their training needs. A survey instrument was developed containing 15 knowledge items, 15 attitude items, demographic items, and questions concerning how HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) affected residency choice and self-perception of training needs. The questionnaire was mailed to 2,252 psychiatrists in training randomly selected and stratified by American Psychiatric Association district and postgraduate training year. The sample consisted of 825 respondents representing 37% of the initial pool. Knowledge was most lacking in areas dealing with HIV-related neuropsychiatric complications and issues concerning HIV/AIDS and special populations. In general, the respondents expressed positive attitudes about HIV-related issues; however, three items correctly endorsed by fewer than 75% of the sample dealt specifically with the management of neuropsychiatric complications, working with dying patients, and the range of normal sexuality. Targeted HIV-related education is needed for psychiatrists in training and particularly should encompass neuropsychiatric syndromes and issues of special populations.