• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.9
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• pp.538-544
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• 2023

The formation of uniform vitreous ice is a crucial step in the preparation of samples for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Despite the rapid technological progress in EM, controlling the thickness of vitreous ice on sample grids with reproducibility remains a major obstacle to obtaining high-quality data in cryo-EM imaging. The commonly employed classical blotting process faces the problem of excess water that cannot be absorbed by the filter paper, resulting in the formation of thick and heterogeneous ice. In this study, we propose a novel approach that combines the recently developed nanowire self-wicking technique with the classical blotting method to effectively control the thickness and homogeneity of vitrified ice. With simple procedures, we generated a copper oxide spike (COS) grid by inducing COSs on commercially available copper grids, which can effectively remove excess water during the blotting procedure without damaging the holey carbon membrane. The ice thickness could be controlled with good reproducibility compared to non-oxidized grids. Incorporated into other EM techniques, our new modification method is an effective option for obtaining high-quality data during cryo-EM imaging.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.491-495
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• 2005

In partial thickness burn injuries, silver sulfadiazine cream 1%(SSD, $Silvadene^{(R)}$) is the most commonly used topical agent worldwide. But silver sulfadiazine cream 1% has no exudate absorption property. Usually after escar is removed from wound surface, $Silvadene^{(R)}$ is changed to saline wet gauze dressing to promote epithelization. $Aquacel^{(R)}$(ConvaTec, UK) is a 100% sodium carboxymethylcellulose Hydrofiber material. It absorbs exudates directly into the hydrofibers by vertical wicking which allows rapid uptake of liquid into the fibers. The absorbed exudate fluid can be distributed to the entire dressing rather than just over the wound surface, which results in larger fluid absorption capacity. From April, 2003 to July, 2004 a study was done with 40 patients who had variable partial thickness burns. $Aquacel^{(R)}$ dressing was compared in 21 cases to silver sulfadiazine cream 1% and saline wet gauze dressings in 19 cases. In the $Aquacel^{(R)}$ cases, the average healing time on the face was $5.36{\pm}1.69$ a day; on the hands was $8.46{\pm}2.15$ a day; and, on the neck was $6.0{\pm}2.0$ a day. With the $Silvadene^{(R)}$ and Saline wet gauze dressing, the average healing time on the face was $6.44{\pm}1.74$ a day; on the hands was $13.79{\pm}5.35$ a day; and, on the neck was $11.17{\pm}3.31$ a day. As a result, the $Aquacel^{(R)}$ group showed a shorter healing time compared to the $Silvadene^{(R)}$ and saline wet gauze dressing group and patients were satisfied because of less pain and improved comfort. In conclusion, $Aquacel^{(R)}$ is a better choice for partial thickness burn injuries because of shorter healing time, less pain and more confortable dressing.