• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.295-307
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• 2006

Styela clava, called non-native tunicate or sea squirt, is habitat which include bays and harbors in Korea and several sites in the sea faced world. We fabricate cellulose membrane nerve conduit (CMNC) from this native sea squirt skin, and evaluate the capacity of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration in the rat sciatic nerve defect model. After processing the pure cellulose membrane from the sea squirt skin as we already published before, CMNC was designed as a non-tubular sheet with 14 mm length and 4 mm width. Total eleven male Spraque-Dawley rats (12 weeks, weighing 250 to 300g) were divided into sham group (n=2), silicone tube grafted control group (n=3) and experimental group (n=6). Each CMNC grafted nerve was evaluated after 4, 8 and 12 weeks in the experimental group, and after 12 weeks, sciatic function was evaluated with sciatic function index (SFI) and gait analysis, and histomorphology of nerve conduit and the innervated tissues of sciatic nerve were all examined using image analyzer and electromicroscopic methods in the all groups. The regenerated axon and nerve sheath were found only in the inner surface of the CMNC after 4 weeks and became more thicker after 8 and 12 weeks. In the TEM study, CMNC grafted group showed more abundant organized myelinated nerve fibers with thickened extracellular matrix than silicone conduit grafted group after 12 weeks. The sciatic function index (SFI) and ankle stance angle (ASA) in the functional evaluation were $-47.2{\pm}3.9$, $35.5^{\circ}{\pm}4.9^{\circ}$ in CMNC grafted group (n=2) and $-80.4{\pm}7.4$, $29.2^{\circ}{\pm}5.3^{\circ}$ in silicone conduit grafted group (n=3), respectively. And the myelinated axon was 41.59% in CMNC group and 9.51% in silicone conduit group to the sham group. The development of a bioactive CMNC to replace autogenous nerve grafts offers a potential and available approach to improved peripheral nerve regeneration. As we already published before, small peptide fragment derived from the basement membrane matrix proteins of squirt skin, which is a kind of anchoring protein composed of glycocalyx, induced the effective axonal regeneration with rapid growth of Schwann cells beneath the inner surface of CMNC. So the possibilities of clinical application as a peripheral nerve regeneration will be able to be suggested.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.484-489
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• 2018

Large and ptotic breast reconstruction in patients who are not candidates for a transverse rectus abdominalis myocutaneous flap and revision surgery for the contralateral breast remains challenging. We developed a novel breast reconstruction technique using a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (LD m-c) flap set at the posterior aspect of the reconstructed breast, combined with an anatomical silicone breast implant (SBI), following tissue expander surgery. We performed the proposed technique in four patients, in whom the weight of the resected tissue during mastectomy was >500 g and the depth of the inframammary fold (IMF) was >3 cm. After over-expansion of the lower portion of the skin envelope by a tissue expander, the LD m-c flap was transferred to cover the lower portion of the breast defect and to achieve a ptotic contour, with the skin paddle set at the posterior aspect of the reconstructed breast. An SBI was then placed in the rest of the breast defect after setting the LD m-c flap. No major complications were observed during the follow-up period. The proposed technique resulted in symmetrical and aesthetically satisfactory breasts with deep IMFs, which allowed proper fitting of the brassiere, following large and ptotic breast reconstruction.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.75-83
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• 2013

PURPOSE. Maxillofacial silicone elastomer is usually colored intrinsically with color pigments to match skin colors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the color stability of a maxillofacial silicone elastomer, colored with a thermochromic, color changing pigment. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Disc-shaped maxillofacial silicone specimens were prepared and divided into 3 groups: a conventionally colored control group, one group additionally colored with 0.2 wt% thermochromic pigment, and one group with 0.6 wt% thermochromic pigment. Half of the surface of each specimen was covered with an aluminium foil. All of the specimens were exposed to UV radiation in 6 hour cycles over 46 days. In between the UV exposures, half of the specimens were stored in darkness, at room temperature, and the other half was stored in an incubator, at a humidity of 97% and a temperature of $+37^{\circ}C$. Color measurements were made with a spectrophotometer and registered according to the CIELAB $L^*a^*b^*$ color model system. The changes in $L^*$, $a^*$ and $b^*$ values during artificial aging were statistically analyzed by using paired samples t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. P-values <.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS. The UV exposure resulted in visually noticeable and statistically significant color changes in the $L^*$, $a^*$ and $b^*$ values in both of the test groups containing thermochromic pigment. Storage in the incubator lead to statistically significant color changes in the $a^*$ and $b^*$ values of the specimens containing thermochromic pigment, compared to those stored at room temperature. CONCLUSION. The specimens containing thermochromic pigment were very sensitive to UV radiation, and the thermochromic pigment is not suitable, as such, to be used in maxillofacial prostheses.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.422-429
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• 2018

PURPOSE. Accurate color matching of maxillofacial prostheses to skin is important for esthetics. A computerized color matching system specific to human skin has recently been developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy in color and translucency matching of the computerized color matching system across different skin colors. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The silicone was colored to simulate 28 different skin colors (n=5) to serve as "target skin colors". Using a spectrocolorometer (e-skin), color codes were determined for "replicate skin color" fabrication. CIELAB Delta-E between target skin color-replicate skin color pairs and translucency parameter were calculated. CIELAB Delta-E values were compared with one-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple-comparison. The agreement between $L^*$, $a^*$, $b^*$ and translucency parameter of target skin colors and replicate skin color were calculated by a two-way mixed average measures intraclass correlation coefficient. Translucency parameter of target skin color- replicate skin color pairs were compared with Paired t-test (${\alpha}=.05$). RESULTS. The mean CIELAB Delta-E value was 3.83 and significant differences were found among colors. The intraclass correlation coefficient showed excellent reliability for $L^*$, $a^*$, $b^*$ and good reliability for translucency parameter (P<.001). The mean translucency parameter of replicate skin colors was significantly higher than that of translucency parameter. CONCLUSION. The computerized color matching system specific to human skin was found to be reliable in terms of color and translucency between target skin colors and replicate skin color.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.779-788
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• 2020

Multi-Walled Carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) coupled with Silicone Rubber (SR) can represent applicable strain sensors with accessible materials, which result in good stretchability and great sensitivity. Employing these materials and given the fact that the combination of these two has been addressed in few studies, this study is trying to represent a low-cost, durable and stretchable strain sensor that can perform excellently in a high number of repeated cycles. Great stability was observed during the cyclic test after 2000 cycles. Ultrahigh sensitivity (GF>1227) along with good extensibility (ε>120%) was observed while testing the sensor at different strain rates and the various number of cycles. Further investigation is dedicated to sensor performance in the detection of human body movements. Not only the sensor performance in detecting the small strains like the vibrations on the throat was tested, but also the larger strains as observed in extension/bending of the muscle joints like knee were monitored and recorded. Bearing in mind the applicability and low-cost features, this sensor may become promising in skin-mountable devices to detect the human body motions.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.95-100
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• 2017

Recently, biomedical-grade texture material gauze has often been used to treat wounds. At this time, it is difficult to remove scratches and pushed gauze; if you remove it with force, the tissue may separate and bleeding may occur again. In this study, we studied a method to apply medical-grade silicone material. Similar to the research result that hypertrophic wounds reduce the thickness of scar marks. Through mini-pig experiments, we evaluated the effects on scar treatment. The test results showed that the silicone cover layer applied to the wound site had a sealing effect on the wound area, skin temperature, and histopathological examination. In conclusion, gel treatment utilizing a biocompatible substance had the effect of minimizing hypertrophic scars.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1998 no.11
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• pp.139-140
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• 1998

Urinary incontinence therapy system has been developed using electric stimulation and biofeedback techniques. In the electric stimulation, bipolar current pulses with the frequency of 10-50Hz were applied to vagina muscle. To alleviate possible skin burning caused by locally focussed current silicone electrodes rather than conventional steel electrodes have been developed.

• CELLMED
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.16.1-16.2
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• 2022

Treatment of patients with pain is directed at relieving pain and restoring function. Heat therapy has been used as a pain treatment. The mean temperatures were 40 and 41℃. Our device, Dr.Pakk heats special silicone to 41℃ with far-infrared rays and attaches it to the painful knee using a vacuum to show the effect. The core technology of the Dr.Pakk is that deep heat is generated when the heat is transmitted deeply by attaching it to the skin. In our experience, Dr.Pakk can be especially effective for knee pain.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.411-422
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• 2013

Polymers in cosmetics are used to deliver desired attributes to skin and hair. Precisely constructed block and graft copolymers widen the range of available mechanical properties and compatibilities. Stimuli responsive hydrophobic polymers can be triggered to become hydrophilic by changes in their environment and this can confer waterproof properties at low temperature and easy water removal at higher temperatures. Transfer-resistant cosmetics can be possible due to silicone resins. The control of rheology properties in cosmetics gradually continue to be easy with copolymers. Durability of colors and fragrances for rinse-off products can be enhanced by delivery systems from complex coacervates. Polymeric anti-microbials promise product preservation while minimizing the concern of skin permeation. This article reviews recent trends in the use of polymers in cosmetics.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09b
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• pp.307-307
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• 2003

Strategies to make finished products more stable and efficacious can take advantage of formulation technologies- ingredients and techniques - to improve their delivery into the skin by both enhanced penetration and delayed release. Nanometer range particles and emulsion droplets can be formed with a selection of either silicone copolyol or conventional organic surfactants and dispersion shear rates sufficient to generate stable submicron droplets. By incorporating these into systems with biomimetic liquid crystalline gel networks in either simple or multiple phase emulsions the skin delivery can be enhanced as shown in tape stripping experiments. Such systems can stabilize labile actives, such as Vitamin C and retinol, and aid delivery. Laboratories in U.S and Europe investigated actives including green tea polyphenols, salicylic acid and methyl and benzyl nicotinate.