Strain-invariant stretchable radio-frequency electronics.

Wireless modules that provide telecommunications and power-harvesting capabilities enabled by radio-frequency (RF) electronics are vital components of skin-interfaced stretchable electronics1-7. However, recent studies on stretchable RF components have demonstrated that substantial changes in electrical properties, such as a shift in the antenna resonance frequency, occur even under relatively low elastic strains8-15. Such changes lead directly to greatly reduced wireless signal strength or power-transfer efficiency in stretchable systems, particularly in physically dynamic environments such as the surface of the skin. Here we present strain-invariant stretchable RF electronics capable of completely maintaining the original RF properties under various elastic strains using a 'dielectro-elastic' material as the substrate. Dielectro-elastic materials have physically tunable dielectric properties that effectively avert frequency shifts arising in interfacing RF electronics. Compared with conventional stretchable substrate materials, our material has superior electrical, mechanical and thermal properties that are suitable for high-performance stretchable RF electronics. In this paper, we describe the materials, fabrication and design strategies that serve as the foundation for enabling the strain-invariant behaviour of key RF components based on experimental and computational studies. Finally, we present a set of skin-interfaced wireless healthcare monitors based on strain-invariant stretchable RF electronics with a wireless operational distance of up to 30 m under strain.

Management of chest deformity caused by microtia reconstruction: Comparison of autogenous diced cartilage versus cadaver cartilage graft partial filling techniques.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to prevent chest wall deformity after costal cartilage graft are ongoing. In this study, we introduce a new method to prevent donor site deformation using irradiated cadaver cartilage (ICC) and compare this method to the autogenous diced cartilage (ADC) technique. METHODS: Forty-two pediatric patients comprised the ADC group (n = 24) and the ICC group (n = 18). After harvesting costal cartilage, the empty perichondrial space was filled with autologous diced cartilage in the ADC group and cadaver cartilage in the ICC group. Digital photographs and rib cartilage three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) data were analyzed to compare the preventive effect of donor site deformity. We compared the pre- and postoperative costal cartilage volumes using 3D-CT and graded the volumes (grade I: 0%-25%, grade II: 25%-50%, grade III: 50%-75%, and grade IV: 75%-100%). RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 20 and 24 months in the ADC and ICC groups, respectively. Grade IV maintenance of previous costal cartilage volume was evident postoperatively in 22% of patients in the ADC group and 82% of patients in the ICC group. Intercostal space narrowing and chest wall depression were less in the ICC group. There were no complications or severe resorption of cadaver cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: ICC support transected costal ring and prevented stability loss by acting as a spacer. The ICC technique is more effective in preventing intercostal space narrowing and chest wall depression than the ADC technique. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: Samsung Medical Center Institution Review Board, Unique protocol ID: 2009-10-006-008. This study is also registered on PRS (ClinicalTrials.gov Record 2009-10-006).

Effects of dietary trans-9 octadecenoic acid, trans-11 vaccenic acid and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid in mice.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary trans fatty acids in mice. Following the administration of a 0.5/100 g diet of trans-9 octadecenoic acid (EA), trans-11 vaccenic acid (TVA) or cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) for 4 weeks, the body weights and the weights of the liver, testis and mediastinal adipose tissue (MAT) of the animals gradually decreased (P<0.05). The EA group exhibited the lowest levels of magnesium and triglycerides (P<0.05). CLA increased villus length (P<0.05), while EA and TVA decreased villus length (P<0.05). The TVA group exhibited the lowest levels of low-density lipoprotein and tumor necrosis factor-α (P<0.05). Taken together, EA, TVA and CLA affected the physiological conditions of mice differently. The potential effects of three well-known fatty acids, including trans-9 octadecenoic acid (EA), trans-11 vaccenic acid (TVA) and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), in animals or humans remain to be elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, 32 animals were randomly divided into four groups and administered a 0.5/100 g diet of EA, TVA or CLA for 4 weeks. The results demonstrated that the body weights and the weights of the liver, testis and mediastinal adipose tissue (MAT) of the animals gradually decreased (P<0.05). Blood was collected individually via the external jugular veins and the EA group exhibited the lowest levels of magnesium and triglycerides (P<0.05). CLA increased villus length (P<0.05), while EA and TVA decreased villus length (P<0.05). The TVA group exhibited the lowest levels of low-density lipoprotein and tumor necrosis factor-α (P<0.05). Taken together, EA, TVA and CLA affected the physiological conditions of mice differently and these may further our understanding of the various effects of these fatty acids on animals and humans.

Perineal perforator-based island flaps: the next frontier in perineal reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Perineal reconstruction is a challenging prospect. Conventional flap reconstruction often involves the sacrifice of a source artery and muscle, resulting in significant donor morbidity. Perforator flaps sought to overcome this but required tedious dissection. In this article, the authors introduce a new concept in perineal reconstruction using perforator-based island flaps. METHODS: The perineal perforator-based island flap is raised based on perforators that most commonly arise from the perineal artery. The flap is designed in the inguinal and gluteal folds in order to achieve aesthetic, tension-free primary closure of the donor site. Eleven patients underwent perineal reconstruction using this approach. Patients ranged in age from 8 to 75 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 10:1. RESULTS: All 11 operations were performed by a single surgeon (S.Y.M.H.). There were no cases of flap loss or donor-site complications, as defined by wound infection, dehiscence, or keloid formation. All 11 patients reported excellent satisfaction with regard to donor-site aesthetics. CONCLUSIONS: Perineal perforator-based island flaps represent one of the most successful outcomes of the perforator concept. There is no sacrifice of donor vessels or muscle and minimal donor morbidity. The flap is also easily harvested and allows for challenging free-form flap design because it is based on reliable perforators. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Preoperative rib cartilage imaging in 3-dimensional chest computed tomography for auricular reconstruction for microtia.

BACKGROUND: There are several methods that may be used to confirm the status of rib cartilage, such as physical examinations or chest radiography, for subjects with microtia. However, these methods are limited because of clinicians' inability to gain accurate information about the rib cartilage. We performed 3-dimensional chest computed tomography to preoperatively evaluate the accuracy of rib cartilage imaging. METHODS: A total of 37 patients preparing for auricular reconstruction using a rib cartilage graft underwent preoperative 3-dimensional rib cage computed tomography (3-D rib CT). The 3-D rib CT was performed in cases of secondary revisional reconstruction, those with a history of surgery using rib cartilage, in those with a history of trauma related to the rib cage, older patients with question of calcification of rib cartilage, or those with a suspected rib cartilage anomaly on physical examination. Preoperatively, the appropriateness of using the rib cartilage were evaluated. RESULTS: With the aid of the 3-D rib CT, successful autogenous auricular reconstruction was achieved in 36 patients. Framework fabrication in combination with a porous polyethylene implant and autogenous rib cartilage was performed in the remaining patient as planned preoperatively. By analyzing the 3-D rib CT image preoperatively, auricular reconstruction using a recycled rib cartilage graft with newly harvested rib cartilage was performed successfully in 13 of 14 secondary revisional cases. Based on preoperative CT images, modified surgical planning in terms of cartilage harvest and framework fabrication was needed in 8 of 11 patients who had a history of operation using rib cartilage and in 3 of 5 subjects with suspected rib cage anomalies on physical examination. Successful reconstruction was achieved using the modified surgical plan. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative 3-D rib CT helps in surgical planning for autogenous auricular reconstruction for microtia, especially in patients with suspicious rib cartilage status.

Association of protein expression in isolated milk epithelial cells and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid proportions in milk from dairy cows.

BACKGROUND: The effects of the individual variation among dairy cows on the synthesis of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are still not well characterised. Therefore, the protein expression profiles of isolated milk epithelial cells (MECs) were detected by two-dimensional electrophoresis and their correlation with the various proportion of cis-9, trans-11 CLA were evaluated. RESULTS: Although animals were offered the same diet, the proportion of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in group High (1.02 ± 0.10%) was twice as high as that in group Low (0.59 ± 0.14%) (P < 0.05). MECs with the characteristics of native epithelial cells were successfully isolated from the milk and these cells had no obvious RNA degradation or were hardly contaminated with leucocytes or blood red cells. Moreover, the protein expression pattern of cathelicidin 5 in isolated MECs was positive, whereas annexin I (confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction), ZW10 interactor and κ-casein were negatively related to the proportion of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in the milk fat. CONCLUSION: The varied individual content of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in cows may be associated with annexin I. These findings may provide some theoretical basis for studies concerning the effects of the individual variation among dairy cows of the synthesis of cis-9, trans-11 CLA. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Vitamin D binding protein plays an important role in the progression of endometriosis.

Endometriosis, characterized by the growth of the endometrial gland and stroma outside the uterine cavity, is a gynecological disorder affecting 6­10% of women of reproductive age. However, the pathogenesis of endometriosis and the molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of this disease remain to be clarified. Therefore, in this study two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2­DE) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) were applied to explore endometrial proteins with a role in the progression of endometriosis. Expression of global proteins in ectopic endometrial tissue (n=13; endometriosis group) was compared with that of the normal endometrial tissue (n=6; control group). Sixteen differently expressed proteins, including Vitamin D binding protein (DBP), with various functions were primarily identified in the ectopic endometrial tissue. DBP was confirmed to be significantly increased in the ectopic endometrial tissue compared with that in the normal endometrial tissue (P<0.05). Results of the present study therefore showed that DBP may play an important role in the progression of endometriosis.

Identification of biomarkers for endometriosis in eutopic endometrial cells from patients with endometriosis using a proteomics approach.

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, which is caused by various factors. Proteomic analysis of two sets of eutopic endometrial cells collected from the menstrual blood of females with (n=6; n=3) or without (n=6; n=3) endometriosis was performed to identify novel potential biomarkers for endometriosis. The data revealed that samples from endometriosis patients had stem cell characteristics, as they had higher mRNA expression levels of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), SRY-box containing gene 2 (SOX2) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) compared with that of the normal controls. Three proteins, collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (UCH-L1) and myosin regulatory light polypeptide 9 (MYL9), were simultaneously identified from the two sets of samples from females with or without endometriosis by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). A difference in CRMP2 expression was confirmed with western blotting. Taken together, the results suggest that CRMP2 plays a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Reliable harvesting of a large thoracodorsal artery perforator flap with emphasis on perforator number and spacing.

BACKGROUND: Thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps are useful for covering extensive defects because of their generous donor-site dimensions. However, large flaps increase the risk of partial flap necrosis, and a reliable means of sizing thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps has not been devised. The authors reviewed a series of large thoracodorsal artery perforator flap transfers performed under various reconstructive conditions to evaluate surgical outcomes and placed emphasis on flap design and harvesting technique. METHODS: A consecutive series of large thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps (>20 cm long) performed between November of 2005 and March of 2010 were included in this study. Patient charts, operative records, and photographs were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 20 flaps with an average size of 25 × 11 cm in 20 patients were identified; the largest flap measured 32 × 13 cm. The average number of perforators included was 2.6 per flap (range, one to four). Four different harvesting techniques were used, depending on perforator numbers and locations. All large flaps survived without sizable partial flap necrosis. Complications included wound dehiscence in one donor and two recipient sites; all healed after wound repair. Tip necrosis of a small area developed but healed with conservative wound care. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the clinical safety of large thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps with customized thickness control, which can be reliably harvested beyond 20 cm in length by carefully considering perforator numbers and locations. To optimize tissue perfusion in these large flaps, effort is required to capture multiple perforators from various sources and to obtain an ideal arrangement. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Do we have to dissect infraorbital nerve from periorbita in orbital floor fracture?

The aim if this study was to see whether we have to dissect the infraorbital nerve from periorbita in orbital floor fractures.Orbital floors were reconstructed in 174 patients. Among them, 31 patients were treated with horseshoe-shaped synthetic sheets. Preoperative and postoperative findings including hypesthesia, diplopia, Hertel exophthalmometry, and occurrence of complications were checked.After the subciliary incision through skin and orbicularis oculi muscle, the skin-muscle flap was elevated just superficial to the orbital septum to the arcus marginalis. The periosteum was incised and elevated to expose the fracture site. The orbital branch of the infraorbital artery was identified. The periorbita was not separated from the infraorbital nerve, and the orbital branch of the infraorbital artery was preserved. The sheet was trimmed in horseshoe shape as the cleft fits to the infraorbital groove.On physical examination before surgery, diplopia was the most common (58.1%) associated complication, followed by hypesthesia (35.5%), limited ocular movement (9.7%), enophthalmos (3.2%), and hematoma (3.2%).Even if the fracture site is the posterior half, the periorbita does not have to be separated from the infraorbital nerve to avoid injury of the orbital branch of the infraorbital artery. Instead, the fracture site might be covered by a horseshoe-shaped sheet.

Reliability of vascular territory for a circumflex scapular artery-based flap.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cutaneous vascular territories of the circumflex scapular artery and the areas supplied by perforators from neighboring anatomical vascular territories, and also to define the safety limits of circumflex scapular artery-based flaps by means of fresh cadaver injection studies. METHODS: A total of 15 dorsal thoraxes from eight fresh cadavers were used in this study. After saline irrigation, contrast medium was injected into the subclavian artery of each specimen. Each full-thickness specimen of the posterior hemithorax was then radiographed to characterize vascular networks. RESULTS: The primary zone of the circumflex scapular artery was calculated to be 93.8 +/- 16.1 cm, which occupies a region smaller than that of the scapula. However, by capturing the secondary zone, which was composed of the territories supplied by adjacent perforators of the thoracodorsal artery, the dorsal intercostal artery, and the transverse cervical artery, potential flap survival dimensions extended beyond the scapular region. In fact, the potential zone was increased to 307.7 7 +/- 55.3 cm, which extended beyond the scapular spine, the inferior angle of the scapula, the posterior axillary line, and close to the midline of the back. CONCLUSIONS: The circumflex scapular artery is an appropriate source for harvesting a large fascial and fasciocutaneous flap based on a single perforating vessel. Surgeons should understand the limits of the circumflex scapular artery-based flap to make best use of it.

Identification and characterization of a serine protease inhibitor of Paragonimus westermani.

Paragonimus westermani is a trematode parasite that causes pulmonary and/or extrapulmonary granulomatous disease in humans. In this study, we identified a full-length gene encoding a novel serine protease inhibitor of P. westermani (PwSERPIN) and characterized the biochemical properties of the recombinant protein. PwSERPIN had an open reading frame of 1,164 bp, which encoded 387 amino acid residues. Sequence analysis of the primary structure of PwSERPIN revealed that it had the essential structural motifs which were well conserved among the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily and had shown 16.5-29.6% sequence identities with previously reported serpins from other helminthic parasites. No signal peptide or N-glycosylation site was found in the sequence. Genomic DNA structure analysis showed that PwSERPIN comprised six exons separated by five introns. The bacterially expressed recombinant PwSERPIN effectively inhibited the activities of trypsin, thrombin, and chymotrypsin in a dose-dependent manner, but showed lower inhibitory capacity on cathepsin G and elastases. Expression of PwSERPIN was detected throughout various developmental stages of the parasite, from metacercariae to adult worms, and the transcription level gradually increased with the maturation of the parasite. PwSERPIN was identified in the soluble extract of the parasite, but not in the excretory and secretory products (ESP) and in the insoluble extract of the parasite. These results collectively suggest that the PwSERPIN is an intracellular serpin of P. westermani and that might play primary roles in regulating the activities of intracellular serine proteases of the parasite.

Proximity of the common peroneal nerve to the tibial nerve entering the gastrocnemius muscle: the implications for calf reduction.

This article describes the precise anatomic relation and close proximity of the common peroneal nerve (PN) to the tibial nerve branch entering the gastrocnemius muscle (NLG) in the popliteal region. For the study, 22 legs from 13 Korean fresh cadavers (5 men and 8 women ranging in age from 50 to 80 years) were dissected. An x-axis was set as a transverse line crossing the lateral and medial epicondyle of the femur. A longitudinal y-axis accorded with a perpendicular midline between the medial malleoulus of the tibia and the lateral malleolus of the fibula. The PN diverged from the sciatic nerve above the interepicondylar line (-0.4 cm, +10.3 cm) and ran inferolaterally at 20.2 degrees +/- 2.4 degrees . The PN crossed the midpoint of the x-axis (+3.4 cm, 0 cm). The NLG diverged from the tibial nerve above the interepicondylar (transverse) line (0 cm, 2.3 cm) and ran inferiorly and laterally at 17.7 degrees +/- 4.3 degrees . The distance from the diverging point of the NLG from the tibial nerve to the nearest point of the PN was 2.5 +/- 0.5 cm. The distance from the point at which the PN crossed the x-axis to the nearest point of the NLG was 2.7 +/- 0.3 cm. In procedures that involve handling of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle itself or the nerves to the lateral gastrocnemius, surgeons should be aware of the close proximity of the PN to the NLG in the popliteal region.

Experimental study of autologous cartilage, acellular cadaveric dermis, lyophilized bovine pericardium, and irradiated bovine tendon: applicability to nasal tip plasty.

The purpose of this study was to compare the volumetric and histologic changes of the acellular cadaveric dermis, lyophilized bovine pericardium, irradiated bovine tendon, and autologous cartilage transplanted subcutaneously in the rats. Four different kinds of implants were placed in subcutaneous pockets of the dorsum of 40 Wister rats. The implants with the subcutaneous pockets were retrieved in the first, fourth, eighth, and 12th weeks after implantation. The size and histologic change of each implant were observed. The xiphoid cartilage showed the peak survival (71.0%, P = 0.247) on the 12th week, but part of the cartilage was absorbed irregularly and its shape changed unpredictably. The lyophilized bovine pericardium had a high survival rate as well (64.4%, P = 0.016). However, the size decreased significantly in the first through 12th weeks. A survival of acellular cadaveric dermis was lower (38.8%, P = 0.036) than the cartilage and pericardium, but it sustained the structure for 12 weeks and changed peripherally into the neocollagen. Irradiated bovine tendon disclosed the lowest survival rate (31.4%, P = 0.008). The structure was gradually distorted and replaced entirely by neocollagen in the 12th week after implantation. Autologous cartilage is the best choice for soft tissue and nasal tip augmentation. Although other implants than the cartilage showed significant diminution of its volume in 12 weeks, lyophilized bovine pericardium could be the next substitute to the cartilage in soft tissue augmentation.

Interferon gamma has dual potential in inhibiting or promoting survival and growth of hematopoietic progenitors: interactions with stromal cell-derived factor 1.

We explored the possibility that interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) has bidirectional functions in the survival and growth of hematopoietic progenitors, especially with regard to interactions with stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1). IFN-gamma partially rescued normal bone marrow CD34+ cells and colony-forming cells from apoptosis induced by serum and hematopoietic growth factor (HGF) deprivation, and SDF-1 further enhanced cell survival. Short-term IFN-gamma treatment of CD34+ cells in the absence of serum and HGFs enhanced the clonal growth of the cells in synergy with SDF-1. In contrast, IFN-gamma inhibited the clonal growth of hematopoietic progenitor cells in a standard methylcellulose clonogenic assay and inhibited the HGF-mediated survival of normal CD34+ cells. The addition of SDF-1 did not alter these outcomes. IFN-gamma did not enhance SDF-1-induced activation of PI3K/Akt or up-regulate the expression of CXCR4 or its function in bone marrow CD34+ cells. IFN-gamma up-regulated Socs1 messenger RNA expression in normal CD34+ cells, which was further enhanced with the addition of HGFs. These results indicate that IFN-gamma, partly in concert with SDF-1, exerts dual effects on the survival and growth of hematopoietic progenitor cells; the effects of IFN-gamma on hematopoietic progenitor cells can differ, depending on the particular in vitro experimental conditions, especially the presence of HGFs.

Overexpression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 enhances endothelium-supported transmigration, maintenance, and proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells.

To clarify the direct effects of aberrant overexpression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) by the human endothelium on circulating progenitor cells, we overexpressed the SDF-1 gene in human umbilical vein endothelial cells using an adenoviral vector (HUVEC/AdeSDF-1) and examined the endothelium-supported trafficking and growth of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in mobilized peripheral blood (mPB). In culture, the HUVEC/AdeSDF-1 monolayers induced the migration of mPB CD34(+) cells underneath the endothelium within a few hours, whereas HUVEC monolayers that expressed the LacZ gene (HUVEC/AdeLacZ) did not have this effect. In the Transwell system, the HUVEC/AdeSDF-1 cells supported a higher level of spontaneous transmigration of mPB CD34(+) cells than did the HUVEC/AdeLacZ cells. The co-culturing of mPB CD34(+) cells with HUVEC/ AdeSDF-1 cells led to a greater expansion of CD45(+) cells and colony-forming cells and reduced cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, the co-culturing of mPB CD34(+) cells with HUVEC/AdeSDF-1 cells led to the formation of numerous cobblestone-like areas, whereas co-cultures of mPB CD34(+) cells and HUVEC/AdeLacZ supported only a few cobblestone-like areas. These results indicate that SDF- 1 produced by endothelial cells plays an important role not only in the transmigration but also in the growth of HPCs that are in contact with endothelial cells. Our findings suggest that the enhanced expression and production of SDF-1 in the endothelium are essential steps for stem cell or progenitor cell recruitment to specific tissues and for the maintenance of these cells in situ.

Cutaneous perforators of the forearm: anatomic study for clinical application.

We studied the distribution of constant cutaneous perforators of the forearm.A total of 25 amputated forearms of 13 Korean fresh cadavers were used for the study. The specimens were fixed in formaldehyde solution and phenol mixture in low concentration. Red latex was injected into the axillary arteries of 8 specimens, and lead oxide-gelatin mixture (radiopaque material) was given into another 8. And then the cutaneous perforators were isolated by dissection and radiographed. Free fasciocutaneous flaps with the pedicles of cutaneous perforators were exploited in 9 specimens. Two fasciocutaneous perforators were constant on the flexor surface and 3 on the extensor side. Most of the emerging points of 2 flexor perforators were within each circle, with 2.5 cm (87.5%) and 3.0 cm (75%) in diameter, respectively. Most of the emerging points of 3 extensor perforators were within each circle, with 2.0 cm (87.5%), 1.5 cm (75%), and 2.0 cm (87.5%) in diameter, respectively.A knowledge of constant perforators of the forearm is conducive to the free skin cutaneous flaps to be designed safely.