• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.217-221
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• 2011

Purpose: FGF4 (fibroblast growth factor 4) is a newly characterized gene which was found to be a transforming gene in several cancerous cells. FGF4 expression and amplification has been subsequently observed in several human cancers including stomach cancer, breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer and bladder cancer. This study was designed to measure the protein expression of FGF4 in malignant skin cancers. Methods: We examined 8 normal skin tissues and 24 malignant skin tumor tissues which were 8 malignant melanomas, 8 squamous cell carcinomas and 8 basal cell carcinomas. The specimens were analyzed for the protein expression of FGF4 using immunohistochemical staining. To evaluate the amount of expression of FGF4, the histochemical score (HSCORE) was used. Results: FGF4 was expressed more intensely in malignant melanoma, followed by SCC and BCC in immunohistochemistry. The average HSCORE was 0.01 for normal skin, 2.02 for malignant melanoma, 1.28 for squamous cell carcinoma, and 0.27 for basal cell carcinoma, respectively. The expression of FGF4 in malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma was increased in comparison with normal tissues and basal cell cancer, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The difference between malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma was not statistically significant. Conclusion: These findings provide evidences that the expression of FGF4 plays an important role in malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma progressions. This article demonstrates expression of FGF4 in human skin malignant tumors, and suggests that FGF4 is more expressed in highly aggressive skin tumors.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.352-357
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• 2007

Purpose: The coverage of distal soft tissue defects and bony exposure of the lower extremity has long been recognized to be difficult clinical problem. Covering with a local skin flap is usually impractical because of the extensive and deep crush, hence free flap has been used commonly for the coverage of the wound. Although it can provide good results, it has many disadvantages. Designing an adipofascial flap raised on perforating vessels of the posterior tibia artery is a reliable and simple method to perform, and it can solve these problems. Methods: From May 2005 to May 2006, 8 patients underwent reconstruction of lower leg defects utilizing various type of the posterior tibial artery perforator adipofascial flaps. The flap provided a durable and thin coverage for the defect, as well as a well vascularized bed for skin grafting. Results: The flap size ranged $15-80cm^2$, and skin graft was done for the recipient site. The flap were successfully used for the lower extremity reconstruction in most cases. Minor complications occurred in 4 cases. There was no functional disability of the donor site with esthetically pleasing results. Furthermore, these flaps were both easy to raise and insured sufficient arterial blood supply. Conclusion: We believe there are many advantages to this posterior tibial artery perforator adipofascial flap and that it can be highly competitive to the free flaps in the lower extremity reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.123-127
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• 2007

Purpose: Rigid external distraction(RED) is a highly effective technique for correction of maxillary hypoplasia in patients with cleft or syndromic craniosynostosis. Despite many advantages of RED, it also has the problem of relapse as the conventional advancement surgery. Bicoronal approach, that is the common approach to gain access to the craniofacial skeleton, had some morbidity, such as hair loss, sensory loss, wide scar and temporal hollowing. We present our clinical experience of RED distraction with minimal invasive approach and early rigid fixation to overcome these disadvantages. Methods: A 27-year-old female patient with Crouzon's disease underwent Le Fort III osteotomy and RED device application through the minimal invasive direct skin incisions. After the latent period of 5 days, distraction was undertaken until proper convexity and advancement were obtained. During the rigid retention period, inflammation occurred on the right cheek, and proper conservative managements were done including continuous irrigation. To maintain the stability of distraction, early rigid fixation was undertaken on the osteotomy sites through another skin incisions. Preoperative and postoperative orthodontic treatments were performed. Serial photographs and cephalometric radiographs were obtained preoperatively, after distraction and 6 months after distraction. Results: The cephalometric analysis demonstrated postoperatively significant advancement of the maxilla and improvement of facial convexity. After 6-month follow-up period, the maxilla was stable in the sagittal plane and no relapse was found. Facial scars were not noticeable and other deformity and morbidity did not occur. Conclusion: This effective and stable technique will be a good alternative for the patients who need large amount of distraction and for adult patients with severe maxillary hypoplasia or syndromic craniosynostosis.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.241-248
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• 1995

This experiment was conducted to obtain basic information for the management of soil and fertilization for plastic-house soil cultivated Khwari green pepper in Dang Jin area of Chung Nam Province. The range of pH with highest frequency for 36 sites investigated was 6.1~6.5, OM 1.6~2.5%, available phosphorous 601~800mg/kg, CEC 12.1~14.0 c mol/kg, clay 16.1~18.0% and below 2.0ds/m for electical conductivity of soil. Fesh fruit weight of green pepper showed very high significant positive correlation with organic matter, clay content and cation exchange capacity, while negaive correlation with electrical conductivity. Electrical conductivity showed highly significant negative correlation with CEC, clay content and organic matter in soil, respectively. To decrease below 2.0 dS/m of electrical conductivity in plastic-house soil, the content of clay and organic matter could be maintained at above 1.8% and 2.3%, respectively.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.233-238
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• 2019

Background: The open reduction of craniofacial bone fractures requires internal fixation using metal plates and screws, which have been considered the gold standard. However, metal implants pose a risk of palpation, protrusion, and foreign body reaction, and they may require an additional operation for removal. Recently, good results have been reported for absorbable implants which complement the disadvantages of metal implants. This study presents the results of using absorbable mesh, plates, and screws with cyanoacrylate for more accurate and firmer fixation of comminuted fractures of the maxilla. Methods: In total, 235 patients underwent operations for comminuted fractures of the maxilla. From January 2012 to December 2014, absorbable mesh and screws were used in 114 patients, while from January 2015 to December 2017, absorbable mesh, plates, and screws with cyanoacrylate were used in 121 patients. Open reduction of the bone fragments was performed, after which absorbable implants were accurately molded and fixed by screws. Results: All patients underwent postoperative computed tomography scans, which showed highly accurate reduction and firm fixation in the patients who underwent procedures using absorbable implants, screws, and cyanoacrylate. There were no postoperative complications or cases of abnormal facial contour. Conclusion: When absorbable implants and screws are used for maxillary fractures, no additional surgery to remove the metal plate is required. In addition, the use of cyanoacrylate enables accurate and firm fixation of the tiny bone fragments that cannot be fixed with screws.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.183-186
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• 2022

Plastic surgery around the eyes is usually performed under local anesthesia, using a mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine. Blindness is a rare but devastating complication after the injection of local anesthesia in this region. Most cases reported to date have been caused by occlusion of the ophthalmic artery or central retinal artery. In this case report, however, we present a highly unusual case of blindness caused by corneal edema after a local anesthetic injection. A patient visited the emergency room with a laceration on the eyebrow, and local anesthesia was injected before suturing. Immediately after the injection, severe corneal edema developed, making it impossible to observe the structures in the anterior chamber in detail or check the light reflex and visual acuity of the naked eye. An antibiotic (moxifloxacin hydrochloride) and high-concentration steroid eyedrops were promptly applied. High-concentration steroids were also administered orally. On day 13 post-injury, the visual acuity of the naked eye improved to 1.0, and no recurrence of corneal lesions was observed. Although the cause of corneal edema after the local injection could not be conclusively identified, we hope that this report will help raise clinicians' awareness of this complication and appropriate treatment methods.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.557-562
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• 2023

Augmentation mammoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, but there is a high reoperation rate (29.7%) commonly due to capsular contracture, implant malpositioning, infection, and unsatisfactory size. Although infection only accounts for 2% of cases, its management is very challenging, especially with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection. Breast prosthetic NTM infection is a rare but is a disastrous condition with an incidence of approximately 0.013%. Immediate salvage reimplantation is usually not suggested, and most studies recommend a gap of 3 to 6 months after combination antibiotics therapy before reimplantation. However, delayed reimplantation often leads to great psychological stress and struggle between the doctor and patient. We present the case report of successful reimplantation in treating prosthetic NTM infections in a 28-year-old female. We discuss a novel technique "transaxillary capsulorrhaphy" to correct the bottoming-out deformity. One year after the combination of antibiotics and surgery, the follow-up computed tomography scan showed complete remission of NTM without recurrence. We discuss the surgical technique in detail. The 1-year follow-up assessment (photos and dynamic video) revealed good cosmesis and reliable correction using the new technique. This report is the first formal description and discussion of one-stage reimplantation following NTM infections. Transaxillary capsulorrhaphy allows for a successful salvage operation when an implant is displaced. This approach provides highly favorable result in eastern women undergoing revision augmentation mammoplasty. This study reflects level of evidence V, considering opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.171-177
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• 2022

Background: The treatment of zygoma complex fractures is of crucial importance in the field of plastic surgery. However, surgical methods to correct zygoma complex fractures, including the number of fixation sites, differ among operators. Although several studies have compared two-point and three-point fixation, no comparative research has yet been conducted on one-point versus two-point fixation using computed tomography scans of surgical results. Therefore, the present study aimed to address this gap in the literature by comparing surgical results between one-point and two-point fixation procedures. Methods: In this study, we randomly selected patients to undergo surgery using one of two surgical methods. We analyzed patients with unilateral zygoma complex fractures unaccompanied by other fractures according to whether they underwent one-point fixation of the zygomaticomaxillary buttress or two-point fixation of the zygomaticomaxillary buttress and the zygomaticofrontal suture. We then made measurements at three points-the zygomaticofrontal suture, inferior orbital wall, and malar height-using 3-month postoperative computed tomography images and performed statistical analyses to compare the results of the two methods. Results: All three measurements (zygomaticofrontal suture, inferior orbital wall, and malar height) showed significant differences (p< 0.05) between one-point and two-point fixation. Highly significant differences were found for the zygomaticofrontal suture and malar height parameters. The difference in the inferior wall measurements was less meaningful, even though it also reached statistical significance. Conclusion: Using three parameters in a statistical analysis of imaging findings, this study demonstrated significant differences in treatment outcomes according to the number of fixations. The results indicate that bone alignment and continuity can be achieved to a greater extent by two-point fixation instead of one-point fixation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.109-115
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• 2013

Background Breast reconstruction refers to the rebuilding of a woman's breast using autologous tissue or prosthetic material to form a natural-looking breast. It is increasingly offered to women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer. However, there is no systematic analysis available for the expanding area of research on breast reconstruction. Methods A bibliometric method was used to obtain a view of the scientific production about breast reconstruction by data extracted from the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI). Specific parameters were retrieved from the ISI. Articles about breast reconstruction were analyzed to obtain a view of the topic's structure, history, and document relationships using HistCite software. Trends in the most influential publications and authors were analyzed. Results The number of articles was constantly increasing. Most highly cited articles described the methods of flap construction in the surgery. Other highly cited articles discussed the psychological or emotional aspects of breast reconstruction, skin sparing mastectomy, and breast reconstruction in the irradiated breast. Conclusions This was the first breast reconstruction scientometric analysis, representing the characteristics of papers and the trends of scientific production. A constant increase in the number of breast reconstruction papers and also the increasing number of citations shows that there is an increasing interest in this area of medical science. It seems that most of the research in this field is focused on the technical aspects of surgery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.5-11
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• 2005

Prostaglandin $E_1$($PGE_1$) is known to have various physiological action such as vasodilatation, decrease of blood pressure, angiogenesis, inhibition of platelet aggregation and so forth. $PGE_1$ has been developed in many different formulations in order to overcome its chemical instability and deactivation in the lungs when administered parenterally. Lipo-AS013 is a potent drug with higher chemical stability and greater vascular wall targeting than others. The study was done on $3{\times}10cm$ model flap of dorsal skin of Sprague-Dawley rats and the flap perfusion survival were observed and documented. The flap treated with Lipo-AS013 beforehand was given intravenously Sodium fluorescein 10 minutes later, and then Percent Dye Fluorescence Index(% DFI) was calculated. The results were compared to a control group and the group administered locally epinephrine.. In the control group, the % DFI and flap survival rate increased from $54.1{\pm}6.7$ to $65.0{\pm}2.6$(p<0.01) while in Lipo-AS013 group from $55.3{\pm}2.2$ to $67.4{\pm}1.9$(p<0.01), respectively. In the epinephrine group, the % DFI(p<0.05) and flap survival rate(p<0.001) decreased. In the both epinephrine and Lipo-AS013 group Percent DFI and flap survival rate are comparable with the control group.The result indicates that the potent Lipo-AS013 enhances the blood flow and flap survival. This highly potent Lipo-AS013 may have targeting ability and accumulate $PGE_1$ onto the vascular walls. A quantitative analysis of fluorescence on the skin surface is a reliable tool to measure the blood perfusion into an ischemic flap and its viability. Further comparative study with conventional $PGE_1$ and Lipo-$PGE_1$ is needed in order to clarify the action and efficiency of Lipo-AS013.