• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.334-340
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• 2016

Objective : The aim of our study was to evaluate the neuroprotective functions of the combination therapy using methylprednisolone (MP) and tranilast (TR) after spinal cord injury (SCI) in adult rats. Methods : Spinal cord compression injury model was achieved using Yasargil aneurysm clip. Rats were divided into control group, MP group, TR group, and combination therapy group using TR and MP. Rat models were assessed for locomotor functional recovery using Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score, spinal cord water content and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity 24 hours post SCI, haematoxylin and eosin staining and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) staining at 7 and 14 days post SCI. Results : The spinal cord water content and MPO activity in the combination therapy group was significantly lower than the control group and the individual therapy groups p<0.05. The combination therapy group had significantly higher BBB scores than control group and individual therapy groups (p<0.05). At one week after SCI, GFAP expression in the combination group was significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05) but there was no significant difference compared to the individual therapy groups (p>0.05). At 2 weeks after SCI there was a slight decrease in GFAP expression compared to the first week but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05), GFAP expression between the groups was not statistically significant p>0.05. Conclusion : Combining MP and TR is therapeutically more effective in improving functional recovery, inhibiting inflammation and glial scar formation after acute SCI.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.58-76
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• 1990

This study was designed to elucidate the distribution of the immunoglobulins in the experimentally induced rat periapical lesions. The pulp exposure was performed in 80 molars from 40 rats and the animals were sacrificed at 15, 30, 60 and 90 days after the operation and examined and radiographed. Of the 80 samples, 56 samples were routinely sectioned ($4-6{\mu}$ in thickness) and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for the light microscopic examination and 50 samples were stained with toluidin blue for mast cells and 50 samples were stained using the Avidin-Biotin horseradish peroxidase for detecting the presence of Ig A, Ig E, Ig M and Ig G containing cells. The following results were obtained : 1. The periapical lesions could be observed in all of 80 teeth by radiogragh (100%) and the periapical lesions were detected in 50 samples of 51 samples by light microscopy (98%). The size of lesions increased with time lapse both by radiograph and by light microscopy(p<0.05). 2. Of the 50 samples, 19 samples were diagnosed as periapical abscesses, 18 as periapical granulomas, 10 as fibrous scar tissues and 3 cysts. 3. After pulp exposure, periapical granulomas were developed mostly in the 15 day group, with time lapse periapical abscesses and fibrous scar tissues increased. 4. In the 50 periapical lesions, the numbers of Ig G containing cell (57.2%) were prominent and the percentage of Ig A, Ig E and Ig M containing cells were 16.4%, 14.7% and 11.8% respectively. The numbers of all classes of immunoglobulin containing cell were highest in the periapical granulomas and lowest in the cysts(p<0.05). 5. The number of the mast cell and immunoglobulin containing cells decreased generally with time lapse after the pulp exposure and Ig A, Ig E, Ig M and Ig G containing cells and mast cells had the high correlation one another(>0.6).

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.342-345
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• 2007

Purpose: A common side effect of the scalp reduction is a creation of a 'slot' with the hair growing in the opposite directions away from the scar. Overcoming the unnatural appearance of the slot has been a vexing problem in the scalp reduction surgery. None of the conventional corrective surgical techniques provides a complete and satisfactory aesthetic result. The Frechet flap is a triple transposition flap used for the correction of the slot defect secondary to scalp reduction surgery, seldom needing further scar revision. The Frechet technique provides a solution to the problem of the central slot concealment that is unattainable by other means, such as; Z-plasty and mini-graft. Methods: Authors applied the Frechet technique to Asian patients who had undergone scalp reduction and operated on 4 patients from March, 2000 to January, 2001. Average follow-up period was 13 months. Patients with long scars passing through the temporoparietoccipital zone were excluded. All the undermining was performed in the subgaleal plane, reaching the upper auricular sulcus and stopping just above the nuchal ridge. Results: None of the patients experienced infection, hematoma, nor any permanent hair loss. Transient telogen effluvium at the distal end of flap 2 and 3 was noticeable in one case. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results are aesthetically satisfactory without any significant complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.769-775
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• 2015

Background The radial forearm flap is a versatile, widely used flap. However, the possibility of donor site complications has led to concern over its use. Some surgeons prefer using other flaps whose donor sites can be closed primarily with less morbidity, including avoiding unpleasant scarring. However, in our experience, donor site stability of the radial forearm flap can be reliably achieved by using well-implemented specific procedures. Here, we present a collection of donor site cases of the radial forearm flap and investigate factors that affect the aesthetic results as the basis for a reference for selecting a radial forearm flap. Methods In this retrospective study, we reviewed 171 cases in which a radial forearm flap was used for free tissue transfer after resecting head and neck cancer. We focused on donor site morbidity rates. Each operation involved a detailed procedure designed to minimize donor site morbidity. Moreover, statistical investigations were conducted for 22 cases to determine factors affecting the scar appearance. Results Only one case developed total skin graft necrosis as a major complication. Scar-related aesthetic results were acceptable, and the body-mass index, body weight, diabetes, and cardiac problems were significant factors related to the appearance of scars. Conclusions Performing the radial forearm flap using a well-implemented detailed technique helps achieve acceptable donor site morbidity results. The aesthetic results were more promising for patients without excess body weight, diabetes, or cardiac problems. Therefore, anxiety about donor site morbidity should not be a reason to avoid selecting the radial forearm flap in suitable patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.337-343
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• 2014

Background The reconstruction of large skin and soft tissue defects on the lower extremities is challenging. The skin graft is a simple and frequently used method for covering a skin defect. However, poor skin quality and architecture are well-known problems that lead to scar contracture. The collagen-elastin matrix, Matriderm, has been used to improve the quality of skin grafts; however, no statistical and objective review of the results has been reported. Methods Thirty-four patients (23 male and 11 female) who previously received a skin graft and simultaneous application of Matriderm between January 2010 and June 2012 were included in this study. The quality of the skin graft was evaluated using Cutometer, occasionally accompanied by pathologic findings. Results All 34 patients showed good skin quality compared to a traditional skin graft and were satisfied with their results. The statistical data for the measurement of the mechanical properties of the skin were similar to those for normal skin. In addition, there was no change in the engraftment rate. Conclusions The biggest problem of a traditional skin graft is scar contracture. However, the dermal matrix presents an improvement in skin quality with elastin and collagen. Therefore, a skin graft along with a simultaneous application of Matriderm is safe and effective and leads to a significantly better outcome from the perspective of skin elasticity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.86-91
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• 2008

Purpose: The performance of rhinoplasty on the patient who has already undergone unsatisfactory results or complications after augmentation rhinoplasty is a challenging surgical problem. Because the dead space is remained after removal of the foreign body and the thickness of the skin is not even, the deformity would be more conspicuous if the nose is reconstructed again with hard implant only or autogenous cartilage. In these cases, the autogenous fascia can be used to get a good result. We present our clinical experience of secondary rhinoplasty using Scarpa's fascia of lower abdomen. Methods: Thirty-two patients underwent the procedure from March of 2002 to February of 2007. Nine patients were reconstructed with Scarpa's fascia only, eighteen patients were reconstructed with silicone implant and fascia, and five patients were reconstructed with cartilage and fascia for secondary rhinoplasty. Results: There were no major complications. Most of the patients were satisfied with the results. The deviation of the silicone implant and postoperative hypertrophic scar of the donor site were seen in one case each. Postoperative absorption of fascia were seen in two cases using Scarpa's fascia only. Conclusion: Secondary rhinoplasty using Scarpa's fascia is very useful method which offers a minimized donor site scar, low complication rate, shorter operation time and patient satisfaction and prevents the alopecia caused by the harvest of temporalis fascia.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.513-519
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• 2014

Background Currently, breast conservation therapy is commonly performed for the treatment of early breast cancer. Depending on the volume excised, patients may require volume replacement, even in cases of partial mastectomy. The use of the latissimus dorsi muscle is the standard method, but this procedure leaves an unfavorable scar on the donor site. We used an endoscope for latissimus dorsi harvesting to minimize the incision, thus reducing postoperative scars. Methods Ten patients who underwent partial mastectomy and immediate partial breast reconstruction with endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle flap harvest were reviewed retrospectively. The total operation time, hospital stay, and complications were reviewed. Postoperative scarring, overall shape of the reconstructed breast, and donor site deformity were assessed using a 10-point scale. Results In the mean follow-up of 11 weeks, no tumor recurrence was reported. The mean operation time was 294.5 (${\pm}38.2$) minutes. The postoperative hospital stay was 11.4 days. Donor site seroma was reported in four cases and managed by office aspiration and compressive dressing. Postoperative scarring, donor site deformity, and the overall shape of the neobreast were acceptable, scoring above 7. Conclusions Replacement of 20% to 40% of breast volume in the upper and the lower outer quadrants with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap by using endoscopic harvesting is a good alternative reconstruction technique after partial mastectomy. Short incision benefits from a very acceptable postoperative scar, less pain, and early upper extremity movement.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.194-197
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• 2020

Anterior neck burns represent a major reconstructive challenge due to severe sequalae including restriction in movement and poor aesthetic outcomes. Common treatment options include skin grafting with/without dermal matrices, and loco-regional and distant free flap transfers with/without prior tissue expansion. Such variation in technique is largely influenced by the extent of burn injury requiring resurfacing. In order to optimize like-for-like reconstruction of the anterior neck, use of wide, thin and long flaps such as the anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap have been reported with promising results. Of note, some patients have a tendency towards severe scar contractures, which may be contributed by the greater extent of inflammation during wound healing. We report our experience at 4 years' followup after secondary reconstruction of severe, anterior neck burn contractures in two patients by harvesting the ALT flap with a butterfly design. This technique provides adequate wound resurfacing of the burned neck and surrounding areas, and provides good neck extensibility by addressing both anterior and lateral aspects of the scar defect simultaneously. Such a flap design reduces tension on wound edges and thus, the risk of contracture recurrence in what remains a particularly challenging type of burn reconstruction.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.93-102
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• 2016

Objective : This study performed to evaluate that duration of acne scars effects on Qualitative Global Acne Scarring Grading System(QGASC) grade changing and treatment duration. Also this study performed to evaluate the relationship between dysmenorrhea and acne scars, and the effects of each treatment on treatment duration and Korean Acne Grading System(KAGS) and QGASC grade.Methods : 95 patients with acne scars were understood by medical records and case photos, and we evaluated pre and post acne scar grade based on KAGS and QGASC. We analyzed data by SPSS 22 for windows program, and figured out the relation between duration of acne and QGASC grade and treatment duration by Spearman correlation analysis, and performed Mann-Whitney U-test to figure out the relation between dysmenorrhea and QGASC grade. We performed Wilcoxon test to evaluate that treatment of acne scars effects on KAGS grade and QGASC grade, and performed Kruskal-Wallis test to figure out the difference of each treatment which effects on KAGS grade and QGASC grade, and performed Post-hoc analysis to figure out the group comparison.Results & Conclusions : QGASC grade depending on duration of acne was statistically significance. Subcision and Microneedle Therapy System(MTS) and pharmacopuncture were significantly improved acne scars. Other treatments were significantly more effective than subcision and pharmacopuncture combined treatment. Treatment duration of Subcision and MTS combined treatment was significantly most shortest than other treatment.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2016.11a
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• pp.156-156
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• 2016

The effect of nitrogen doping on the mechanical and tribological performance of single-layer tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C:N) coatings of up to $1{\mu}m$ in thickness was investigated using a custom-made filtered cathode vacuum arc (FCVA). The results obtained revealed that the hardness of the coatings decreased from $65{\pm}4.8GPa$ to $25{\pm}2.4GPa$ with increasing nitrogen gas ratio, which indicates that nitrogen doping occurs through substitution in the $sp^2$ phase. Subsequent AES analysis showed that the N/C ratio in the ta-C:N thick-film coatings ranged from 0.03 to 0.29 and increased with the nitrogen flow rate. Variation in the G-peak positions and I(D)/I(G) ratio exhibit a similar trend. It is concluded from these results that micron-thick ta-C:N films have the potential to be used in a wide range of functional coating applications in electronics. To achieve highly conductive and wear-resistant coatings in system components, the friction and wear performances of the coating were investigated. The tribological behavior of the coating was investigated by sliding an SUJ2 ball over the coating in a ball-on-disk tribo-meter. The experimental results revealed that doping using a high nitrogen gas flow rate improved the wear resistance of the coating, while a low flow rate of 0-10 sccm increased the coefficient of friction (CoF) and wear rate through the generation of hematite (${\alpha}-Fe_2O_3$) phases by tribo-chemical reaction. However, the CoF and wear rate dramatically decreased when the nitrogen flow rate was increased to 30-40 sccm, due to the nitrogen inducing phase transformation that produced a graphite-like structure in the coating. The widths of the wear track and wear scar were also observed to decrease with increasing nitrogen flow rate. Moreover, the G-peaks of the wear scar around the SUJ2 ball on the worn surface increased with increasing nitrogen doping.