Prognosis of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment to Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Cleft palate is a congenital malformation that causes hypernasality and decreases the intelligibility of pronunciation and leads to velopharyngeal insufficiency. It causes difficulty in language development. Many studies and treatments have been conducted to reduce this problem, but there are limitations. In this study, the effect obtained through continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment was analyzed by statistical methods. METHODS: From May 2012 to December 2018, using patient demographics, computed tomography (CT) scan, and nasalance test was performed on 25 patient groups treated with CPAP devices for 8 weeks to confirm the effect after 6 months. RESULTS: After CPAP treatment in a total of 25 patients, 13 patients had a therapeutic effect. The average age of the patient group with treatment effect (effective group [EG]) was 51.2months, and the patient group with no treatment effect (ineffective group [iG]) was 73.6 months. ( P < 0.05). In CT data analysis, the highest palatal arch point was 6.31 mm in EG and 7.36 mm in IG, which was lower in EG ( P < 0.01), and the distance from incisive foramen to posterior pharyngeal wall was 41.39 mm in EG and 49.07 mm in IG ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Through the statistical analysis, the group of patients who were effective in treatment had a low age at the beginning of treatment, the height of highest palatal arch point was low on CT data, and the length of distance from incisive foramen to posterior pharyngeal wall was short. It will be helpful to set the CPAP treatment patient group with respect to the results and age and CT data when treating VPI patients.

A new horizon of precision medicine: combination of the microbiome and extracellular vesicles.

Over several decades, the disease pattern of intractable disease has changed from acute infection to chronic disease accompanied by immune and metabolic dysfunction. In addition, scientific evidence has shown that humans are holobionts; of the DNA in humans, 1% is derived from the human genome, and 99% is derived from microbial genomes (the microbiome). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-delimited nanoparticles and key messengers in cell-to-cell communication. Many publications indicate that microbial EVs are both positively and negatively involved in the pathogenesis of various intractable diseases, including inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancers. Microbial EVs in feces, blood, and urine show significant differences in their profiles between patients with a particular disease and healthy subjects, demonstrating the potential of microbial EVs as biomarkers for disease diagnosis, especially for assessing disease risk. Furthermore, microbial EV therapy offers a variety of advantages over live biotherapeutics and human cell EV (or exosome) therapy for the treatment of intractable diseases. In summary, microbial EVs are a new tool in medicine, and microbial EV technology might provide us with innovative diagnostic and therapeutic solutions in precision medicine.

Usefulness of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Decreasing Wound Complication Rates and Seroma Formation Following Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Seroma is a common complication in prepectoral breast reconstruction. PICOTM dressing, a type of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT), was used to reduce complications postoperatively. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study that included patients who underwent prepectoral breast reconstruction between February 2017 and July 2019. There were two groups: one that received PICOTM dressing and a control group. The frequencies of overall complications, major seromas, and reoperations were analyzed. The durations and total amounts of seromas were also analyzed. RESULT: Sixty patients were included in this study (PICOTM : 37 and non-PICOTM patients: 23). The overall incidence of complications, major seromas, and frequency of reoperations were lower in the PICO group compared to the non-PICOTM group (18.9% vs. 52.2%, p = 0.007; 16.2% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.020; 2.7% vs. 26.1%, p = 0.006, respectively). Univariate analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for complications due to the application of PICOTM dressing and showed statistically significant results for any complication. When univariate analysis was performed on risk factors for seroma, the duration of seroma showed statistical significance in association with PICOTM dressing status and mastectomy volume. The total number of patients who developed seroma was statistically correlated with age, PICOTM dressing status, and mastectomy volume. CONCLUSIONS: PICOTM dressing after prepectoral breast reconstruction could be a useful tool for reducing the frequency of complications and major seroma, as well as the duration and total incidences of seroma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Usefulness of Endoscopic Harvesting of the Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Breast Reconstruction Using a Single-Port and CO2 Gas Insufflation Technique.

BACKGROUND: In the recent trend toward less aggressive approaches to breast reconstruction, minimally invasive harvesting of the latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps has long been a desirable goal. Endoscopically-assisted LD flap harvesting was reported as a method for minimizing scar formation and reducing donor-site morbidity. This study investigates the surgical outcomes of endoscopically-assisted immediate breast reconstruction with LD muscle flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 21 patients who underwent endoscopically-assisted breast reconstruction with LD muscle flap and 20 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with conventional harvesting LD musculocutaneous flap. In patients with nonexcised skin or possible primary closure, the reconstruction was performed with endoscopically-assisted LD muscle flaps using the single-port and CO2 gas insufflation technique. The patients were classified into groups according to the location of the defect and mastectomy type. Moreover, patient satisfaction was investigated 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: In patients who underwent endoscopically-assisted breast reconstruction with LD muscle flaps, the scar of the donor-site was vertical, and the size was 4 cm to be obscured when lowering the arms. In comparison with patients who underwent breast reconstruction with conventional LD flaps, those who underwent endoscopically-assisted breast reconstruction with LD muscle flaps showed shorter hospital stay and no difference in patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Endoscopically-assisted breast reconstruction with LD flaps showed no difference in patient satisfaction with good esthetic results compared with conventional LD flaps. The endoscopic LD muscle flap harvest technique using a single-port and CO2 insufflation technique can be very useful in breast reconstruction that does not require a skin paddle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Correction of microtia with constriction features using a superficial temporal fascial flap combined with a rib cartilage graft.

BACKGROUND: Microtia with constricted features is characterized by a short helical length of variable severity, upper antihelical or scaphal deficiency, and a downfolded upper ear. No consensus has been reached regarding the most appropriate surgical method for this condition. In this study, we aimed to introduce a simple and safe surgical method for the correction or reconstruction of upper helix ear deformities. METHODS: Between February 2011 and June 2014, eight patients with microtia with constricted upper helix ear deformity underwent reconstruction of the ear deformity. The upper ear helical framework was constructed by carving and curving the eighth rib cartilage harvested from the ipsilateral chest wall, covering this cartilage with a superficial temporal fascial flap, and adjusting the skin graft to align with the ear contour. To evaluate their satisfaction, patients were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding ear shape, symmetry, position, color, and overall outcome scored on a 5-point scale at 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: None of the patients experienced severe complications in the reconstructed ear. The preoperative and postoperative vertical ear length ratios were 0.88 and 1.02, respectively. And the mean patient satisfaction scores for shape, symmetry, position, color, and overall outcome were 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 4.4, and 4.6 out of 5 points, respectively. All patients expressed a high level of satisfaction at 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique provides a good alternative method for the reconstruction of moderate constricted upper helix ear deformities in patients who meet the surgical indications with satisfactory outcomes and few complications.

The molecular pathophysiology of vascular anomalies: Genomic research.

Vascular anomalies are congenital localized abnormalities that result from improper development and maintenance of the vasculature. The lesions of vascular anomalies vary in location, type, and clinical severity of the phenotype, and the current treatment options are often unsatisfactory. Most vascular anomalies are sporadic, but patterns of inheritance have been noted in some cases, making genetic analysis relevant. Developments in the field of genomics, including next-generation sequencing, have provided novel insights into the genetic and molecular pathophysiological mechanisms underlying vascular anomalies. These insights may pave the way for new approaches to molecular diagnosis and potential disease-specific therapies. This article provides an introduction to genetic testing for vascular anomalies and presents a brief summary of the etiology and genetics of vascular anomalies.

Surgical Intervention for Refractory Donor-Site Seroma After Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus Dorsi Flap.

Donor-site seroma persisting for > 3 weeks is the most common complication of latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Conservative treatment is insufficient for refractory seroma resolution. We report the results of surgical intervention for refractory donor-site seroma. Between January 2012 and April 2018, 319 patients undergoing breast reconstruction using an LD flap at our hospital were treated with conservative therapy if seroma was found. Refractory seroma of > 3 months' duration was observed in five patients (1.6%). Before surgery, the precise location and extent of the capsule were determined using chest computed tomography, and surgical intervention was planned. An en bloc capsulectomy was performed after confirming the internal capsule. Simultaneously, a quilting suture, bolster suture, and fibrin sealant were applied to prevent recurrence. The mean age of the patients with refractory seroma was 45.4 ( ± 7.3) years, and their mean body mass index was 31.0 ( ± 6.2) kg/m2. All patients underwent breast reconstruction with an extended LD flap or extended LD flap with a silicone implant after total mastectomy. During the follow-up period of ≥ 10.4 months, a mean of 34.4 ( ± 10.4) needle aspiration procedures were performed, and a mean of 12.8 ( ± 2.2) cc of seroma fluid was removed each time. Intraoperatively, the formation of a capsule with a well-defined border was confirmed; all patients showed complete resolution of donor-site seroma within 4 weeks after surgical intervention. Refractory donor-site seroma occurrence was rare in the cases assessed. Surgical intervention was successful in cases of refractory donor-site seroma unsuccessfully treated with conservative therapy and is thus one of the most effective methods for complete resolution of refractory seroma.Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Effect of Keratinocytes on Myofibroblasts in Hypertrophic Scars.

Myofibroblasts play a central role in matrix formation and wound contraction during wound healing and undergo apoptosis at the end of the healing. Hypertrophic scarring is a pathologic condition in which myofibroblasts persist in the tissue. It has been hypothesized that abnormalities in epidermal-dermal crosstalk underlie this pathology. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether myofibroblasts are affected by keratinocytes. Transforming growth factor beta-induced myofibroblasts (Imyo) and myofibroblasts from hypertrophic scar tissue (Hmyo) were characterized using microarrays. Keratinocytes were co-cultured with myofibroblasts, and quantitative PCR analysis was performed. We found that numerous extracellular matrix- and smooth muscle cell-associated genes were upregulated in Imyo and Hmyo respectively, and these findings suggest that Hmyo are fully differentiated myofibroblasts and that Imyo are less differentiated than Hmyo. Decreased collagen type 1 gene expression was found in keratinocytes co-cultured with Imyo and Hmyo; further, α-smooth muscle actin expression in Imyo increased in the presence of keratinocytes. These observations indicate that keratinocytes play a role in the development of pathological fibrosis in hypertrophic scar tissue by regulating the behavior of dermal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. We believe that this study provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of hypertrophic scarring and identifying new therapeutic approaches for this dysfunction.No Level Assigned This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors - www.springer.com/00266 .

Prepectoral breast reconstruction with complete implant coverage using double-crossed acellular dermal matrixs.

BACKGROUND: Prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction involving full implant coverage with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is more convenient, provides better aesthetic results, and carries lower risk of complications than does the traditional dual-plane method with an ADM. However, the recently reported technique usually involves full wrapping of the implant using a single, large ADM. We aimed to clarify the usefulness of an implant covering technique using two double-crossed ADMs. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 23 breast cancer patients who, between February 2017 and March 2018, received skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy followed by immediate prepectoral implant-breast reconstruction. We assessed preoperative characteristics, cancer treatment parameters, incidence of postoperative complications (necrosis, capsular contracture, infection), and patient satisfaction at 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: This cohort (mean age, 45.5 years; body mass index, 22.1 kg/m2; preoperative breast volume, 315.7 cc, excised mass weight, 291.4 g; silicone implant size, 252.4 cc) included 11 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ and 12 with invasive ductal carcinoma. Postoperatively, one patient received radiotherapy and nine received chemotherapy. Among postoperative complications, we noted capsular contracture (1/23, 4.3%), wound dehiscence (2/23, 8.7%), and seroma (3/23, 13.0%). Good patient satisfaction (mean score, 4.2-4.8 on the KNUH Breast Reconstruction Satisfaction Questionnaire) was obtained in all categories (breast symmetry, reconstructed breast size, shape, feel, pain, scar, self-confidence, sexual attractiveness, and overall satisfaction). CONCLUSIONS: Prepectoral breast reconstruction involving complete implant coverage with double-crossed ADMs represents a good alternative to the traditional dual-plane subpectoral method, providing good patient satisfaction without adverse outcomes.

AlN passivation layer-mediated improvement in tensile failure of flexible ZnO:Al thin films.

AlN passivation layer-mediated improvement in tensile failure of ZnO:Al thin films on polyethersulfone substrates is investigated. ZnO:Al films without any passivation layer were brittle with a crack-initiating bending strain εc of only about 1.13% with a saturated crack density ρs of 0.10 µm(-1) and a fracture energy Γ of 49.6 J m(-2). On passivation by an AlN overlayer, the fracture energy of the system increased considerably and a corresponding improvement in εc was observed. AlN layers deposited at higher discharge powers yielded higher fracture energy and exhibited better performance in terms of εc and ρs.

Molecular fibers based on the honeycomb-like self-assembly of an alpha-helical polypeptide.

We have succeeded in fabricating well-grown molecular fibers of a polypeptide on substrates by using a conventional solution spin-coating and drying process. These molecular fibers were found to consist of a honeycomb-like molecular assembly formed via the hexagonal close packing of the polypeptide chains in the alpha-helix conformation.

Role of vasospasm in acute coronary syndrome: insights from ergonovine stress echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that ergonovine stress echocardiography (ESE) may be a valuable noninvasive tool for the diagnosis of vasospasm after the confirmation of no significant fixed stenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: From May 1999 to January 2002, 52 patients who presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and had normal or near-normal coronary angiograms were enrolled. A 50 microg bolus of ergonovine was given intravenously at 5-min intervals, until a positive result was observed or a total dose of 350 microg was given. After the ergonovine injection, positive results were found in 25 (48%) of 52 patients: 5 (26%) of 19 with unstable angina, 10 (53%) of 19 non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and 10 (71%) of 14 patients with ST elevation MI. Using univariate analysis, the elevation of troponin concentration, clinical diagnosis of MI, and ST segment elevation on initial electrocardiographic were significantly associated with positive stress test results. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitation that coronary spasm was not confirmed angiographically with ergonovine provocation, ESE may be a useful technique for the noninvasive diagnosis of vasospasm.

Comparison between a sustained administration of carvedilol versus atenolol to reduce restenosis after coronary stenting.

BACKGROUND: Carvedilol is a direct inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation through inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase activity and regulation of cell cycle progression. It produced an 84% suppression of neointimal hyperplasia in rat carotid angioplasty model, but no data are available regarding its effect on stent restenosis in patients. We tested whether a sustained oral administration of carvedilol reduces restenosis after coronary stenting in patients. METHODS: One hundred fifty-nine patients were randomly assigned to receive either carvedilol (50 mg/d, n = 80) or atenolol (50 mg/d, n = 79) at least 1 day before stenting and continued on the same medication over a period of 3 months. The primary end point was angiographic restenosis (>50% diameter stenosis) at follow-up angiography. RESULTS: Baseline clinical and angiographic variables were similar between the carvedilol and atenolol group. The carvedilol dose was tolerable in most patients but reduced in 3 patients because of hypotension or dizziness. Angiographic follow-up was done in 137 patients (86%), and restenosis rate was not different significantly between both groups (17.1% versus 19.4%, P =.732). CONCLUSIONS: A sustained oral administration of carvedilol is not effective to reduce restenosis after stenting in patients. With carvedilol targeting regulators of cell cycle progression and having a profound neointimal inhibition with a high blood concentration in an animal study, further investigations with a stent-based delivery to achieve a high local concentration may be warranted.

Formation of a two-dimensionally well-ordered monolayer of a peptide oligomer by a simple spin-coating process.

Oligo(N(6)-carbobenzyloxy-L-lysine) (OCBL) with n = 8 (n is the number-average degree of polymerization) was synthesized by the n-propylamine-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of N(6)-carbobenzyloxy-L-lysine N-carboxylic anhydride, which was derived from N(6)-carbobenzyloxy-L-lysine. The formation of two-dimensionally well-ordered strip array monolayer films of the OBCL oligopeptide on graphite substrates was first succeeded by a conventional solution spin-coating process. The ordered strip array monolayer structure was characterized in detail by atomic force microscopy, and its assembly mechanism was examined.

Effect of antioxidant probucol for preventing stent restenosis.

Probucol is a lipid-lowering drug that has an antioxidant effect. The authors sought to investigate the effect of probucol on stent restenosis after the usual 3-day pretreatment protocol. From March 1999 to August 2000, 78 patients (mean age, 56 +/- 8; 49 male) with coronary artery disease who underwent coronary stenting were enrolled. After a diagnostic angiography was done, each eligible patient was randomized to either the probucol or the control group. Following the procedure, ticlopidine was administered for 1 month; aspirin and probucol continuously. Angiographic follow-up was done in 81% (57/70) and angiographic restenosis was not different between the two groups (21% vs. 24%; P = 0.81). In conclusion, antioxidant probucol did not show a beneficial effect on stent restenosis with 3 days of premedication protocol.

Influence of alcohol cosurfactants on surfactant-enhanced flushing of diesel-contaminated soil.

The effects of medium-chain alcohols on the surfactant-enhanced diesel removal from contaminated sandy soil were investigated. The mixture of Tween 80, which has a double bond in its hydrophobic structure, and hexanol showed the best performance of diesel removal among the combinations of surfactants (Tween 20, Tween 60, and Tween 80) and alcohols (n-butanol, n-pentanol, and n-hexanol) used in this study. The efficiency of diesel flushing increased as the alkyl-chain length of the alcohol and the alcohol fraction in the flushing solution increased. Meanwhile, the removal rate was reduced when the surfactant concentration was too high most likely due to the surfactant aggregation or emulsion formation. A pulsed pumping of flushing solution was not beneficial for improving the removal rate under the experimental conditions described in this study.