MOF-Derived Co Nanoparticles Catalyst Assisted by F- and N-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Oxygen Reduction.

The oxygen reduction reaction is crucial in the cathode of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Consequently, designing robust and durable ORR catalysts is vital to developing metal-air batteries and fuel cells. Metal-organic frameworks feature an adjustable structure, a periodic porosity, and a large specific surface area, endowing their derivative materials with a unique structure. In this study, F and N co-doped on the carbon support surface (Co/FN-C) via the pyrolysis of ZIF-67 as a sacrificial template while using Co/FN-C as the non-noble metal catalysts. The Co/FN-C displays excellent long-term durability and electrochemical catalytic performance in acidic solutions. These performance improvements are achieved because the CQDs alleviate the structural collapse during the pyrolysis of ZIF-67, which increases the active sites in the Co nanoparticles. Moreover, F- and N-doping improves the catalytic activity of the carbon support by providing additional electrons and active sites. Furthermore, F anions are redox-stable ligands that exhibit long-term operational stability. Therefore, the well-dispersed Co NPs on the surface of the Co/FN-C are promising as the non-noble metal catalysts for ORR.

Expanding the use of internal mammary artery perforators as a recipient vessel in free tissue transfer: An anatomical analysis by computed tomography angiography in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The internal mammary artery (IMA) perforator has assumed recent prominence as recipient vessels in free autologous breast reconstruction. However, anatomical understanding is unclear, due to limited cadaver and clinical studies. We evaluated the usability of these vessels by evaluating perforator size, dominance, laterality, interspace location, and relationship with breast volume. METHODS: A retrospective review assessed 197 female patients with breast cancer who had undergone computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest wall. The average age and body mass index (BMI) of patients was 49.0 ± 6.5 years and 24.2 ± 5 .8 kg/m2 , respectively. The average volume of breasts was 437 ± 190 mL. Our analysis focused on the anatomy of IMA perforator and its relationship to volume and BMI. RESULTS: A total of 377 hemi-chest evaluations were performed. Most patients (95.5%) had sizeable perforating artery identified on CTA. Among all sizeable perforators identified, the mean diameter of the most dominant arterial perforator was 1.8 ± 0 .8 mm. The right hemi-chest had significantly larger perforators than the left (1.9 ± 0 .9 mm vs. 1.7 ± 0 .7 mm, p = 0.002). The first intercostal space (ICS) had a slightly greater of perforators than second ICS (34.6% vs. 29.8%, p = 0.172). However, second ICS had a greater number of most dominant perforators compared to first ICS (38.9% vs. 34.7%, p = 0.357). Perforators from first ICS emerge medial to the sternal edge and breast footprint. When dividing groups with 0-1 versus 2-3 reliable perforators, breast volume was significantly higher in the later (422.0 mL vs. 461.2 mL, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: These results are expected to encourage microsurgeons to use the IMA perforator by providing a clear anatomical roadmap.

Reconstruction for Skull Base Defect Using Fat-Containing Perifascial Areolar Tissue.

Skull base reconstruction is a challenging task. The method depends on the anatomical complexity and size of the defect. We obtained tissue by harvesting fat-containing perifascial areolar tissue (PAT) for reconstruction of limited skull base defects and volume augmentation. We demonstrated the effective option for reconstruction of limited skull base defects and volume augmentation. From October 2013 to November 2015, 5 patients underwent operations using fat-containing PAT to fill the defect in skull base and/or perform volume replacement in the forehead. Perifascial areolar tissue with 5- to 10-mm fat thickness was harvested from the inguinal region. The fat-containing PAT was grafted to the defect contacting the vascularized wound bed. Patients were followed up in terms of their clinical symptoms and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings. Four patients were treated using fat-containing PAT after tumor resection. One patient was treated for a posttraumatic forehead depression deformity. The fat-containing PAT included 5- to 9-mm fat thickness in all cases. The mean size of grafted PAT was 65.6 cm (28-140 cm). The mean follow-up period was 18.6 months (12-31 months). There was no notable complication. There was no donor site morbidity. We can harvest PAT with fat easily and obtain the sufficient volume to treat the defect. It also could be used with other reconstructive method, such as a free flap or a regional flap to fill the left dead space. Therefore, fat-containing PAT could be additional options to reconstruction of skull base defect.

Reconstruction of Large Defects in the Perineal Area Using Multiple Perforator Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Perineal defects are commonly encountered during the treatment of conditions such as malignancy, infectious disease, and trauma. Covering large defects in the perineal area is challenging due to its complicated anatomy and the need for functional preservation. METHODS: Fourteen patients who underwent reconstructive surgery with multiple perforator flaps for defects >100 cm(2) in the perineal area were included in this retrospective cohort study. Characteristics of the perforator flap operation and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Reconstruction was performed using 2 perforator flaps for 13 patients and 3 perforator flaps for 1 patient. Internal pudendal artery perforator flaps were mainly used for covering the defects. The average defect size was 176.3±61.8 cm(2) and the average size of each flap was 95.7±31.9 cm(2). Six patients had minor complications, such as wound dehiscence and partial necrosis of the flap margin, which were corrected with simple revision procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple perforator flaps can be used to achieve successful reconstructions of large perineal defects that are difficult to reconstruct with other coverage methods.