• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.29-37
• /
• 2000

Background and Objectives : The concentration of sulfur dioxide($SO_2$) gas in the ambient air appears increasing in the industry and urban area day by day. It was known that $SO_2$ is noxious gas. $SO_2$ can be irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, upper respiratory tract and skin. It produces sulfurous acid on contact with water and is extremely irritating to the nasopharynx and respiratory tract. Laminin is a family of extracellular matrix glycoproteins localized in the basement membrane that separates epithelial cells from the underlying stroma. The biological activities of laminin are to promote cell migration, wound healing, growth and differentiation. Meterials and Methods : The histologic changes and the expression of laminin in tracheal mucosa sacrificed at every weeks (to 7 weeks) after continued $SO_2$ exposure of 250ppm for 30 minutes a day were studied in rats. Results : Pathologic tissue was formed at the tracheal mucosa and the underlying tissue by the infiltration of monocytes and epithelium was transformed to the single cell layered epithelium above 5 weeks after exposure. At the 6 weeks after exposure, epithelial cells were partially lost and epithelial cell layer was transformed to be leaf-shaped. Submucosal tissue was transformed to be lymphatic tissue. An intense positive staining for laminin was found in apical cytoplasm and lateral surface of the normal epithelial cells and basement membrane but at the 5 and 6 weeks after exposure, laminin activity was decreased to the moderate activity. At the 7 weeks after exposure, laminin activity was decreased to the weak activity. Conclusion : Our finding suggests that $SO_2$ makes histologic damage on the tracheal mucosa and decreases immunoreactivity for laminin. Longer duration of the exposure of $SO_2$ makes more histologic damage on the tracheal mucosa and decreases immunoreactivity for laminin.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
• /
• v.37C no.12
• /
• pp.1318-1327
• /
• 2012

With the recent increased risk of livestock disease spread and human infection, livestock disease control has become very important. Consequently, there has been an increased attention on an implantable real-time monitoring and traceability system for individual cattle. Therefore, we have developed a robust monitoring and traceability system based on an implantable MFAN/RFID sensor tag. Our design combines the MFAN technology that is capable of robust wireless communication within cattle sheds and the 900MHz RFID technology that is capable of wireless communication without battery. In MFAN/RFID implantable sensor tag monitoring system, UHF sensor tag is implanted under the skin and accurately monitors the body temperature and biological changes without being affected by external environment. In order to acquire power needed by the tag, we install a MFAN/RFID tranceiver on the neck of cattle. The MFAN coordinator passes through the MFAN node and the RFID-reader-combined MFAN/RFID transceiver and transmits/receives the data and power for the sensor tag. The data stored in the MFAN coordinator is transmitted via the internet to the livestock history monitoring system, where it is stored and managed. By developing this system, we hope to alleviate the problems related to livestock disease control.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.15-29
• /
• 2004

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship among knowledge, attitude, and behavior of dental personnel about the defense against dental radiation according to general features, and help them recognize the importance of defense against dental radiation. A questionnaire survey of 187 dental personnel who were working in 121 medical institutions such as university hospitals, general hospitals, hospitals, clinics, and public health centers in Seoul area was conducted from December 2002 to January 2003. Study findings are as follows: 1. The average knowledge score for the defense of radiation was 9.51(full score=14): By the demographic features, the know level for the defense of radiation was appeared to be different with the occupational category, age, academic background, workplace, year of working, and whether having the education of radiation or not. By questionnaire items, the knowledge for the defense of radiation was high in general, but for the item. 'the average amount of being bombed with radiation according occupations cannot be over 20mSv in a year for prescribed 5 years'. it was 18.7%: and for the item. 'the longer the length between focus and film. the less the amount of skin exposure', it was 40.6%. showing less knowledge for these two items. 2. The average attitude score for the defense of radiation was 64.24 (full score=75): By the demographic features, the attitude score was higher with respondents who were 31-35 years old. 11-15 years of working. and having radiation education. The attitude score by questionnaire items was generally high for all the items. 3. The average behavior score for the defense of radiation was 45.43: (a) By the demographic features, the behavior score for the defense of radiation was appeared to be higher with respondents who were dentists for occupational category, the aged for age, holding higher diploma for academic background, working in the university hospitals for workplace, and having longer occupational career for the year of working. (b) The behavior score for the defense of radiation by questionnaire items was lower than that of the attitude score for all the items. For the item, 'the amount of X-ray radiation is adjusted according to such conditions as patients' age, radiating areas, and kind of films', the score was 4.03; and for the item, 'Must receive the education of safety management of radiation periodically', the score was 1.73 and it was the lowest one. 4. As for the correlation among the knowledge, attitude, and behavior for the defense of radiation, the higher the level of knowledge and attitude, the higher the level of behavior.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.169-175
• /
• 2007

Purpose: $Allevyn^{(R)}$(Smith & Nephew, England) is a type of polyurethane foam material with good wound discharge absorption. $Acticoat^{(R)}$(Smith & Nephew, England) is a silver coated dressing material which is effective in infected wound. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of dry gauze, $Acticoat^{(R)}$ and $Allevyn^{(R)}$ on infected full-thickness wound healing in rat. Methods: One hundred and twenty rats were divided into 3 groups: group I(dressing with dry gauze, n=40), group II(dressing with $Allevyn^{(R)}$, n=40), group III(dressing with $Acticoat^{(R)}$, n=40). A $15{\times}15mm$ square full-thickness wound was made on the dorsum and left open for 24 hours. The size of wound defects were measured each dressing changes. The histological evaluation was performed on the 3rd day, 7th day, 14th day, 21th day. Results: After the wound was left open for 24 hours, typical findings of bacterial infection was observed. After the 7th day, group III showed larger area of epithelialization, smaller defect size compared to those of two other groups. Complete replacement by fibrotic scar tissue was observed in group III with no signs of inflammation on the 14th day. By day 21, the average defect size in group III was decreased from initial 100% to 3.63%. while in group I and II, it was decreased to 62.66% and 53.62%, respectively. Conclusion: $Acticoat^{(R)}$ is an effective tool in the treatment of infected wound.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.38 no.5
• /
• pp.616-620
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster syndrome (MRK) is second common cause of primary amenorrhea. It is a syndrome of vaginal aplasia and Mullerian duct anomaly. Vaginal aplasia varies from agenesis of whole vagina to aplasia of upper 2/3. For reconstructing vagina, various methods are introduced. Gracilis myocutaneous flap was the first attempt in that the flap is used in vaginal reconstruction. Various flap-based vaginal reconstruction methods have been introduced. Modified Singapore flap (pedicled neurovascular pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap) is one of those methods that used posterior labial artery as pedicle, and pudendal nerve branch as sensory root. As its donor lies on inguinal crease that is easily hidden and there are benefits on sexual intercourse by early sensory recovery, authors think that modified Singapore flap is effective for young MRK syndrome patients. Methods: Eight patients underwent surgery between 2008 and 2010. The flap was designed on both groin area with external pudendal artery branch as a pedicle. All flaps were fixated in pelvic cavity with absorbable suture, and additional compression on neovaginal wall was supplied by polyvinyl alcohol sponge ($Merocel^{(R)}$). Results: All patients were successfully reconstructed without flap related complications such as congestion or partial flap loss. The average size of the flap (each side) was 69.34 $cm^2$. Polyvinyl alcohol sponge ($Merocel^{(R)}$) was inserted into neovagina for 5 days on every patient. One case of rectal laceration was occurred while making pelvic pocket by OBGY team. Other complications such as lumen narrowing, wound contracture or vaginal prolapsed were not reported during 8 months of follow up. Conclusion: Modified Singapore flap is a sensate fasciocutaneous flap that is thinner than other myocutaneous flap such as VRAM, and more durable over skin graft. Therefore this is a good choice for vaginal reconstruction in MRK syndrome. And known complications of Modified Singapore flap could be reduced with careful procedure and mild compression techniques.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.38 no.5
• /
• pp.695-698
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Since spinal tuberculosis is increasing in prevalence, it appears that a repair of spinal soft tissue defect as a complication of spinal tuberculosis can be a meaningful work. We report this convenient and practical reconstructive surgery which use bilateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous advancement flap. Methods: Before the operation, $13{\times}9.5$ cm sized skin and soft tissue defect was located on the dorsal part of a patient from T11 to L3. And dura was exposed on L2. Under the general endotrachel anesthesia, the patient was placed in prone position. After massive saline irrigation, dissection of the bilateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps was begun just upper to the paraspinous muscles (at T11 level) by seperating the paraspinous muscles from overlying latissimus dorsi muscles. The plane between the paraspinous muscles fascia and the posterior edge of the latissimus dorsi muscle was ill-defined in the area of deformity, but it could be identified to find attachment of thoracolumbar fascia. The seperation between latissimus dorsi and external oblique muscle was identified, and submuscular plane of dissection was developed between the two muscles. The detachment from thoracolumbar fascia was done. These dissections was facilitated to advance the flap. The posterior perforating vasculature of the latissimus dorsi muscle was divided when encountered approximately 6 cm lateral to midline. Seperating the origin of the latissimus dorsi muscle from rib was done. The dissection was continued on the deep surface of the latissimus dorsi muscle until bilateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps were enough to advance for closure. Once this dissection was completely bilateraly, the bipedicled erector spinae muscle was advanced to the midline and was repaired 3-0 nylon to cover the exposed vertebrae. And two musculocutaneous units were advanced to the midline for closure. Three 400 cc hemovacs were inserted beneath bilateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps and above exposed vertebra. The flap was sutured with 3-0 & 4-0 nylon & 4-0 vicryl. Results: The patient was kept in prone and lateral position. Suture site was stitched out on POD14 without wound dehiscence. According to observative findings, suture site was stable on POD55 without wound problem. Conclusion: Bilateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous advancement flap was one of the useful methods in repairing of large spinal soft tissue defect resulting from spinal tuberculosis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.396-399
• /
• 2010

Purpose: In hand injury, pedicle is usually damaged by avulsion injury or crushing injury. Because of postoperative pedicle obliteration, it is often hard to save the injured hand and fingers, even after successful replantation. The author introduces three cases of extensive hand injury, and successful results after applicatoin of multiple venous grafts to these patients. Methods: In all cases there was no circulation in any finger. In the first case, some vessels were extracted, so venous graft was applied to two sites of severely damaged venous sites. In the second case, venous grafts were applied to all four digital arteries of all fingers except thumb which got severely crushed, and two sites of dorsal veins. In the third case, venous graft was applied to all four digital arteries of all five fingers, and two sites of dorsal veins and palmar veins each. Results: In all cases, survival of hands and fingers was successful. In the second case, however, amputation in thumb and little finger at DIP joint level was inevitable, because of its severe damage, and the large dorsal defect on index finger was filled with DIEP free flap. Thumb was reconstructed with toe-to-thumb free flap, and additional debulking procedures and contracture release is furtherly needed. In the first case, additional surgery was done, as FDP tendon got re-ruptured, but in long term follow-up, satisfactory range of motion was attained. In the third case, FTSG on dorsal skin region was planned. as flap on dorsal area got partial necrosis. Conclusion: In hand injury, there are many structures to be repaired, but sometimes venous graft is avoided for its long operating time. Even though the length of damaged vessel is enough for anastomosis, the endothelium is often damaged (zone of injury). In extensive hand injury, successful reconstruction would be possible with active venous graft to all vessels suspicious for damage.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.5
• /
• pp.559-564
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Surgical reconstruction of an ischial soft tissue defect presents a challenging problem owing to a high rate of recurrence, especially paraplegic patients. Although various muscle, musculocutaneous and fasciocuta - neous flaps have been used in the reconstruction of ischial soft tissue defect, it is still debated which type of flaps are the best. We had performed a relatively durable adductor magnus perforator island flap based on the perforators originated from the first medial branch of the profunda femoris artery for coverage of ischial soft tissue defect where was not a region universally reconstructed by perforator flap. Methods: From August 2005 until January 2008, the adductor magnus perforator island flap had been used for resurfacing of the ischial soft tissue defects in a series of 6 patients (4 male and 2 female). Ages ranged from 26 to 67 years (mean, 47.5 years), and follow - up period from 13 to 26 months (mean, 16.7 months). Causes were 4 pressure ulcers, 1 cellulitis and 1 suppurative keratinous cyst. Results: The sizes of these flaps ranged from 12 to 18 cm in length and 7 to 9 cm in width. The flaps survived in all patients. Marginal loss over the distal area of the flap by infection was noted in one patient, which was treated successfully with a subsequent split - thickness skin graft. Average thickness of the flap was 0.94 cm, which was more thicker than other perforator flaps. Long term follow - up showed a good flap durability. Conclusion: In planning a reconstructive option of ischial soft tissue defect, the adductor magnus perforator island flap is a relatively large cutaneous flap with a durable thickness. With proper patient selection, careful vascular dissection and postoperative management, we recommend this flap is a good and suitable option for coverage of the ischial soft tissue defect.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.52-56
• /
• 2007

Marjolin's ulcer is a rare and often-aggressive cutaneous malignancy that arises in previously traumatized or chronically inflamed skin, particularly after burns. We experienced two cases after burns. Case I involved a forty eight year-old man who had suffered from a flame burn at the parietal scalp area, where had been initially described three years earlier as a full-thickness wound including the pericranium. The man consulted us for a persistent ulcerative and infected wound on the burned lesion during the last 24 months, which turned out on the contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to be the squamous cell carcinoma with involving the skull and the dura mater. Although the posterior auricular lymph node was enlarged on the ipsilateral side, recent positron emission tomography (PET) CT did not show any metastatic lesion. It was impossible for us to resect the intracranial involvement of the tumor radically, and the postoperative PET CT still showed a focal fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake around the wall of the superior sagittal sinus. We think that an aggressive combined approach is essential for treatment in early stages for a high success rate, before the intracranial structures are involved because there is no consensus on the treatment for advanced disease, and the results are generally poor. Case 1 also did not involve a radical resection because of the intracranial invasion to the wall of superior sagittal sinus and the possibility of damage to the major cortical veins. He received adjuvant radiotherapy and must be followed periodically. Case 2 involved an eighty six year-old women who suffered from a painful scalp ulcer lesion after flame burns three years earlier. Unlike case 1, neither tumor infiltration into the dura nor lymph node enlargement was observed on the contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) CT. We did a radical resection of the tumor, including the involved bone, and a cranioplasty with bone cement.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.41-46
• /
• 2003

Background and Objectives: Surgical ablation of tumors in the oral cavity and the oropharynx results in a three dimensional defect because of the needs to resect the adjacent area for the surgical margin. Although a variety of techniques are available, radial forearm free flap has been known as an effective method for this defect, which offers a thin, pliable, and relatively hairless skin and a long vascular pedicle. We report the clinical results of our 54 consecutive radial forearm free flaps used for oral cavity and oropharynx cancers. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who were offered intraoral reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap after ablative surgery for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers from August 1994 to February 2003 and analyzed surgical methods, flap survival rate, complication, and functional results. Among these, 20 cases were examined with modified barium swallow to evaluate postoperative swallowing function and other 8 cases with articulation and resonance test for speech. We examined recovery of sensation with two-point discrimination test in 15 cases who were offered sensate flaps. Results: The primary sites were as follows : mobile tongue (18), tonsil (17), floor of mouth (4), base of tongue (2), soft palate (2), retromolar trigone (3), buccal mucosa (1), oro-hypopharynx (6), and lower lip (1). The paddles of flaps were tailored in multilobed designs from oval shape to tetralobed design and in variable size according to the defects after ablation. This procedures resulted in satisfactory flap success rate (96.3%) and showed good swallowing function and social speech. Eight of 15 cases (53.3%) who had offered sensate flap showed recovery of sensation between 1 and 6 postoperative months (average 2.6 month). Conclusion: The reconstruction with radial forearm free flap might be an excellent method for the maximal functional results after ablative surgery of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers that results in multidimensional defect.