• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.213-222
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• 2011

The native extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of an integrated fibrous protein network and proteoglycan-based ground (hydrogel) substance. We designed a novel electrospinning technique to engineer a three dimensional fiber-hydrogel composite that mimics the native ECM structure, is injectable, and has practical macroscale dimensions for clinically relevant tissue defects. In a model system of articular cartilage tissue engineering, the fiber-hydrogel composites enhanced the biological response of adult stem cells, with dynamic mechanical stimulation resulting in near native levels of extracellular matrix. This technology platform was expanded through structural and biochemical modification of the fibers including hydrophilic fibers containing chondroitin sulfate, a significant component of endogenous tissues, and hydrophobic fibers containing ECM microparticles.

• The Korean Journal of Food & Health Convergence
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.23-26
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• 2020

Active and therapeutic sport recovery is becoming a popular and important component in approving performance for pro and recreational athletes alike. It is also helping in the realm of injury prevention. In the search of finding modalities that are widely effective, natural, and safe, acupuncture is a viable and cost-effective treatment for helping athletes achieve this goal. More direct related research is needed, but testimonials from pro athletes and the body of research that currently exists provides powerful evidence on acupunctures ability to help with enhancing recovery. Specializing in acupuncture and exercise science, Chris integrates acupuncture into musculoskeletal rehabilitation therapy or fitness training for pain modulation, speedy recovery, and enhanced performance. Clients can choose to focus on one-on-one corrective exercise therapy, manual and massage therapy, or acupuncture. However, for best results, Chris recommends all three. Other modalities that he uses in therapy are acu-taping, herbal therapy, nutrition supplementation, cupping, guasha, and stretching techniques. The corrective exercise component is one-on-one body balancing management, focusing on strength and conditioning, post physical rehab - exercise therapy, integrative sport specific exercise, weight loss, core strengthening, dynamic lumbar stabilization, active recovery techniques, and myo-fascial release techniques. The acupuncture component focuses on sport injuries, myofascial pain, peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, facial rejuvenation, stress, smoking cessation, addiction detoxification program, weight management, sport recovery and performance.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.49-55
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• 2024

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomally dominant tumor suppressor syndrome and multisystem disease. Central giant-cell granulomas (CGCGs) can be seen in patients with NF1. A 21-year-old female was diagnosed with two CGCGs, one in the mandible and then one in the maxilla, in a 7-year period. Increased incidence of CGCGs in NF1 patients was thought to be caused by an underlying susceptibility to developing CGCG-like lesions in qualitatively abnormal bone, such as fibrous dysplasia. However, germline and somatic truncating second-hit mutations in the NF1 gene have been detected in NF1 patients with CGCGs, validating that they are NF1-associated lesions. Oral manifestations in patients with NF1 are very common. Knowledge of these manifestations and the genetic link between NF1 and CGCGs will enhance early detection and enable optimal patient care.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.434-439
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• 2023

Pseudoaneurysms are rare but devastating complications of penetrating head traumas. They require rapid surgical or endovascular intervention due to their high risk of rupture; however, complex presentations may limit treatment options. Our objective is to report a case of severe vasospasm, flow diversion, and in-stent stenosis complicating the treatment of a middle cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm following a gunshot wound. A 33-year-old woman presented with multiple calvarial and bullet fragments within the right frontotemporal lobes and a large right frontotemporal intraparenchymal hemorrhage with significant cerebral edema. She underwent an emergent right hemicraniectomy for decompression, removal of bullet fragments, and evacuation of hemorrhage. Once stable enough for diagnostic cerebral angiography, she was found to have an M1 pseudoaneurysm with severe vasospasm that precluded endovascular treatment until the vasospasm resolved. The pseudoaneurysm was treated with flow diversion and in-stent stenosis was found at 4-month follow-up angiography that resolved by 8 months post-embolization. We report the successful flow diversion of an middle cerebral artery (MCA) pseudoaneurysm complicated by severe vasospasm and later in-stent stenosis. The presence of asymptomatic stenosis is believed to be reversible intimal hyperplasia and a normal aspect of endothelial healing. We suggest careful observation and dual-antiplatelet therapy as a justified approach.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.478-483
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• 2015

Due to the fact that it reliably results in positive outcomes, lymph node flap transfer is becoming an increasingly popular surgical procedure for the prevention and treatment of lymphedema. This technique has been shown to stimulate lymphoangiogenesis and restore lymphatic function, as well as decreasing infection rates, minimizing pain, and preventing the recurrence of lymphedema. In this article, we investigate possible additional benefits of lymph node flap transfer, primarily the possibility that sentinel lymph nodes may be used to detect micrometastasis or in-transit metastasis and may function as an additional lymphatic station after the excision of advanced skin cancer.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.986-990
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• 2004

Condensation of salicylaldehyde $(2-HOC_6H_4C(O)H)$ with allylamine afforded the unsaturated salicylaldimine, $2-HOC_6H_4C(H)=NCH_2CH=CH_2$. Similar reactivity was observed with substituted salicylaldehydes. Further reaction of these Schiff bases with palladium acetate or $Na_2PdCl_4$ afforded complexes of the type $PdL_2$, where L = deprotonated Schiff base. The molecular structure of the parent salicylaldimine palladium complex $[trans-(2-OC_6H_4C(H)=NCH_2CH=CH_2)_2Pd]$ (1) was characterized by an X-ray diffraction study. Crystals of 1 were monoclinic, space group $P2_1/n,\;a\;=\;14.0005(9)\;{\AA},\;b\;=7.2964(5)\;{\AA},\;c\;=\;17.5103(12)\;{\AA},\;{\beta}\;=\;100.189(1)^{\circ}$, Z = 4. Analogous chemistry with 4-vinylaniline also gave novel palladium complexes containing a pendant styryl group. Crystals of $[trans-(2-HOC_6H_4C(H)=N-4-C_6H_4CH=CH_2)_2Pd]$ (4) were monoclinic, space group $P2_1/c$, a = 13.7710(14) ${\AA}$, b = 11.0348(11) ${\AA}$, c = 7.8192(8) ${\AA}$, ${\beta}\;=\;98.817(2)^{\circ}$, Z = 2.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.80-86
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• 2018

The Epidural blood patch is considered the gold standard for managing postdural puncture headache when supportive measures fail. However, it is a procedure which can lead to another inadvertent dural puncture. Other potential adverse events that could occur during a blood patch are meningitis, neurological deficits, and unconsciousness. The bilateral greater occipital nerve block has been used for treating chronic headaches in patients with PDPH with a single injection. This minimally invasive, simple procedure can be considered for patients early, along with other supportive treatment, and an epidural blood patch can be avoided.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.626-629
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• 2015

Peripheral nerve injuries remain a challenge for reconstructive surgeons with many patients obtaining suboptimal results. Understanding the level of injury is imperative for successful repair. Current methods for distinguishing healthy from damaged nerve are time consuming and possess limited efficacy. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an emerging optical biopsy technology that enables dynamic, high resolution, sub-surface imaging of live tissue. Porcine sciatic nerve was either left undamaged or briefly clamped to simulate injury. Diluted fluorescein was applied topically to the nerve. CLE imaging was performed by direct contact of the probe with nerve tissue. Images representative of both damaged and undamaged nerve fibers were collected and compared to routine H&E histology. Optical biopsy of undamaged nerve revealed bands of longitudinal nerve fibers, distinct from surrounding adipose and connective tissue. When damaged, these bands appear truncated and terminate in blebs of opacity. H&E staining revealed similar features in damaged nerve fibers. These results prompt development of a protocol for imaging peripheral nerves intraoperatively. To this end, improving surgeons' ability to understand the level of injury through real-time imaging will allow for faster and more informed operative decisions than the current standard permits.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.231-236
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• 2021

Mucormycosis is an invasive, rapidly progressive, life-threatening fungal infection, with a propensity for diabetic, immunosuppressed, and trauma patients. The classic rhinocerebral variation is most common in diabetic patients. While the cutaneous form is usually caused by direct inoculation in immunocompetent patients. Cutaneous mucormycosis manifests in soft tissue and risks involvement of underlying structures. Tibial osteomyelitis can also occur secondary to cutaneous mucormycosis but is rare. Limb salvage is typically successful after lower extremity cutaneous mucormycosis even when the bone is involved. Herein, we report two cases of lower extremity cutaneous mucormycosis in diabetic patients that presented as acute worsening of chronic pretibial ulcers. Despite aggressive antifungal therapy and surgical debridement, both ultimately required amputation. Such aggressive presentation has not been reported in the absence of major penetrating trauma, recent surgery, or burns.

• BMB Reports
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• v.42 no.12
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• pp.817-822
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• 2009

Type-1 phosphatase (PP-1) was assessed in foot muscle (FM) and hepatopancreas (HP) of estivating (EST) Otala lactea. Snail PP-1 displayed several conserved traits, including sensitivity to inhibitors, substrate affinity, and reduction in size to a 39 kDa catalytic subunit (PP-1c). During EST, PP-1 activity in FM and HP crude extracts was reduced, though kinetics and protein levels of purified PP-1c isoforms were not altered. PP-1c protein levels increased and decreased in nuclear and glycogen-associated fractions, respectively, during EST. Gel filtration determined that a 257 kDa low $K_m$ PP-1$\alpha$ complex decreased during estivation whereas a 76 kDa high $K_m$ complex increased in EST. Western blotting confirmed that the 76 kDa protein consisted of PP-1$\alpha$ and nuclear inhibitor of PP-1 (NIPP-1). A suppression of PP-1 activity factors in the overall metabolic rate depression in estivating snails and the mechanism is mediated through altered cellular localization and interaction with binding partners.