Thermoplastic nipple splint: A simple method of maintaining nipple projection

Maintaining projection of the reconstructed nipple is important for achieving natural and aesthetically appealing outcomes in breast reconstruction. Although various methods of avoiding mechanical force on the reconstructed nipple have been developed, the existing methods are inconvenient, crude, non-reusable, and difficult to clean or adjust. In the present study, a simple method of creating a nipple splint using a thermoplastic material is described. This splint can be easily manipulated, washed, and reused, and it is comfortable to wear for long-term use without any complications and convenient for the patient to apply.

α-Isocubebene modulates vascular tone by inhibiting myosin light chain phosphorylation in murine thoracic aorta

α-Iso-cubebene (ICB) is a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignin contained in Schisandra chinensis (SC), a well-known medicinal herb that ameliorates cardiovascular symptoms, but the mechanism responsible for this activity has not been determined. To determine the role played by ICB on the regulation of vascular tone, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ICB on vascular contractile responses by adrenergic α-receptor agonists. In addition, we investigated the role on myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and cytosolic calcium concentration in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In aortic rings isolated from C57BL/6J mice, ICB significantly attenuated the contraction induced by phenylephrine (PE) and norepinephrine (NE), whereas ICB had no effects on KCl (60 mM)-induced contraction. In vasculatures precontracted with PE, ICB caused marked relaxation of aortic rings with or without endothelium, suggesting a direct effect on VSMC. In cultured rat VSMC, PE or NE increased MLC phosphorylation and increased cytosolic calcium levels. Both of these effects were significantly suppressed by ICB. In conclusion, our results showed that ICB regulated vascular tone by inhibiting MLC phosphorylation and calcium flux into VSMC, and suggest that ICB has anti-hypertensive properties and therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disorders related to vascular hypertension.

Relapsed Bilateral Gigantomastia Caused by Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia after Reduction Mammoplasty

Gigantomastia is an abnormal proliferation of breasts by excessive mammary tissue. Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is a rare benign disease due to nonspecialized fibrous mammary stroma. The incidence of gigantomastia caused by bilateral diffuse PASH is extremely rare. The authors experienced a unique case of recurrent PASH-caused gigantomastia after reduction mammoplasty. Recurrent PASH-caused gigantomastia has never been reported in the literature so far. A 33-year-old woman who suffered of gigantomastia underwent bilateral reduction mammoplasty 4 years ago. Recurrence occurred, and she visited our department. Both breasts were dense without palpable mass. Mammography revealed extremely dense breasts with a bilateral complex glandular pattern. Mastectomy with Wise-pattern incision line was performed. Nipple was reconstructed at the same time using the triangular skin flaps. Pathologic examination revealed numerous slit-like stromal clefts lined by endothelial-like spindle cells were present in well demarcated nodules and diffuse hyperplastic stromas. The finding was consistent with PASH. Reconstruction of aesthetic breast was impossible due to thinned remaining skin and subcutaneous fat tissues. Nevertheless, patient was satisfied, for her anxiety about relapse and discomfort was gone.

A Case of Polymorphous Light Eruption Confirmed by Phototest / 대한피부과학회지

Polymorphous light eruption(PMLE) is an idiopathic, scquired syndrome characterized by a delayed abnormal response to light and a varied morphology of recurrent erythema, papules, vesicles or plaques on light-exposed areas of skin. We report herein s 42-year-old male patient who was clinically and histologically compatible with PMLE. To confirm the diagnosis, the phototest was performed by 50,J/crn of UVA, 5MED-UVB and visible light irradiation to the extensor surface of the forearm. Numerous erythematous papules developed at the (JVA-irradiated site. The histopathologic findings of the phototest induced lesion were compatible with PMLE. Therefore, our patient was confirmed as having PMLE with action spectrum in the IJVA range.