Correlation between Collagen Type I/III Ratio and Scar Formation in Patients Undergoing Immediate Reconstruction with the Round Block Technique after Breast-Conserving Surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the collagen type I/III ratio and scarring in patients who underwent immediate reconstruction with the round block technique (RBT) after breast conservation surgery. Seventy-eight patients were included, and demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. The collagen type I/III ratio was measured using immunofluorescence staining and digital imaging, and scarring was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS).

An Alternative Splicing Variant of the Mixed-Lineage Leukemia 5 Protein Is a Cellular Adhesion Receptor for ScaA of Orientia tsutsugamushi.

Scrub typhus is a mite-borne disease caused by the obligately intracellular bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. We previously demonstrated that ScaA, an autotransporter membrane protein of O. tsutsugamushi, is commonly shared in various genotypes and involved in adherence to host cells.

Correlation between acellular dermal matrix (ADM) volume and breast implant size selection among patients undergoing prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction using complete ADM.

Background: In prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using the acellular dermal matrix (ADM)-assisted technique, breast volume asymmetry can occur. We hypothesized that ADM size influences implant size selection in prepectoral breast reconstruction with implant coverage using an ADM. We investigated factors influencing implant size selection and provide guidelines for surgeons.

Changing Susceptibility of Staphylococci in Patients with Implant-Based Breast Reconstructions: A Single-Center Experience.

: Infections and capsular contractures remain unresolved issues in implant-based breast reconstruction. Capsular contractures are thought to be caused by the endogenous flora of the nipple duct. However, little is known about the antibiotic susceptibility of the microorganisms involved.

"Tear-Drop Appearance" Wrap: A Novel Implant Coverage Method for Creating Natural Contour in Prepectoral Prosthetic-Based Breast Reconstruction.

Various implant wrapping methods with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) have been introduced, but most focus on random trimming and suturing aimed to maximize implant coverage. Here we present our clinical experience using a "tear-drop appearance" wrapping method to achieve natural contours through upper pole volume replacement. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 56 consecutive cases of prepectoral prosthetic-based breast reconstruction (PPBR) using this wrapping method following nipple-sparing mastectomy between March 2020 and June 2021.

Review of 107 Oncoplastic Surgeries Using an Acellular Dermal Matrix with the Round Block Technique.

The round block technique (RBT) is an oncoplastic surgery method that uses volume displacement techniques after partial mastectomy. However, cosmetic problems occur after tissue rearrangement in patients with small breasts or those in whom a large amount of breast tissue is excised. Therefore, we used an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) when the volume was insufficient after tissue rearrangement.

Staged Chest Wall Reconstruction for Radiation-induced Costochondritis.

Costochondritis after breast reconstruction and radiation therapy is rarely reported. Moreover, it is difficult to diagnose using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging; as such, wound debridement and reconstruction must be performed in several stages. A 51-year-old woman was diagnosed with invasive cancer of the right breast, and she underwent nipple sparing mastectomy and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction in November 2007.

Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction with Upper Blepharoplasty in Elderly Patients.

Unlabelled: Upper blepharoplasty in elderly patients has characteristics that differ from those of younger patients. Blepharoptosis in elderly patients causes not only aesthetic problems but also functional problems such as entropion, visual disturbance, and sore eyes. We hypothesized that factors influencing patient satisfaction with upper blepharoplasty in elderly patients include aesthetic outcomes, functional outcomes, and personal factors.

Reconstruction of a small defect of the lower vermilion adjacent to white roll using a modified O-Z flap.

Reconstruction of lip defects is important because the lips play an important role in maintaining aesthetic facial balance, facial expressions, and speech. There are various methods of lip reconstruction such as primary repair, skin grafting, and utilization of local and free flaps. It is important to select a proper reconstruction method according to the size and location of lip defect.

The ScaB Autotransporter Protein Is Required for Adhesion and Invasion of Mammalian Cells.

Autotransporter proteins are widely present in Gram-negative bacteria. They play a pivotal role in processes related to bacterial pathogenesis, including adhesion, invasion, colonization, biofilm formation, and cellular toxicity. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that , the causative agent of scrub typhus, encodes six different autotransporter genes (-).

Retrospective review of 108 breast reconstructions using the round block technique after breast-conserving surgery: Indications, complications, and outcomes.

Background: Several oncoplastic approaches have been implemented in recent years to enhance cosmetic results and to reduce complications. The round block technique is a volume displacement technique for breast reconstruction after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). However, its indications are currently limited according to tumor location, and its cosmetic results and complications have not been clearly established.

A Tuned Alternating D-A Copolymer Hole-Transport Layer Enables Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells with Superior Fill Factor and Efficiency.

The need for optoelectronic and chemical compatibility between the layers in colloidal quantum dot (CQD) photovoltaic devices remains a bottleneck in further increasing performance. Conjugated polymers are promising candidates as new hole-transport layer (HTL) materials in CQD solar cells (CQD-SCs) owing to the highly tunable optoelectronic properties and compatible chemistries. A diketopyrrolopyrrole-based polymer with benzothiadiazole derivatives (PD2FCT-29DPP) as an HTL in these devices is reported.

Monolithic Organic/Colloidal Quantum Dot Hybrid Tandem Solar Cells via Buffer Engineering.

Monolithically integrated hybrid tandem solar cells (TSCs) that combine solution-processed colloidal quantum dot (CQD) and organic molecules are a promising device architecture, able to complement the absorption across the visible to the infrared. However, the performance of organic/CQD hybrid TSCs has not yet surpassed that of single-junction CQD solar cells. Here, a strategic optical structure is devised to overcome the prior performance limit of hybrid TSCs by employing a multibuffer layer and a dual near-infrared (NIR) absorber.

Vaccination with single plasmid DNA encoding IL-12 and antigens of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus elicits complete protection in IFNAR knockout mice.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV) infection. Despite a gradual increase of SFTS cases and high mortality in endemic regions, no specific viral therapy nor vaccine is available. Here, we developed a single recombinant plasmid DNA encoding SFTSV genes, Gn and Gc together with NP-NS fusion antigen, as a vaccine candidate.

Treatment of post-traumatic chin deformities using bilateral botulinum toxin injections.

Post-traumatic hematoma formation is a common complication of contusion. If the hematoma is large enough to aspirate or drain, it can be treated quickly and appropriately. However, if the hematoma is small or concealed by local swelling, it may be overlooked and left untreated.

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Infection or Mixed Infection with Scrub Typhus in South Korea in 2000-2003.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome is a tick-borne viral disease, with a high mortality rate that was first reported in China in 2009. Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by , a bacterium transmitted to humans through chigger mite bites. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome and scrub typhus are endemic to South Korea.

Metformin Ameliorates Lipotoxic β-Cell Dysfunction through a Concentration-Dependent Dual Mechanism of Action.

Background: Chronic exposure to elevated levels of free fatty acids contributes to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Although it is well known that metformin induces cellular energy depletion and a concomitant activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) through inhibition of the respiratory chain, previous studies have shown inconsistent results with regard to the action of metformin on pancreatic β-cells. We therefore examined the effects of metformin on pancreatic β-cells under lipotoxic stress.

Immunization with a recombinant antigen composed of conserved blocks from TSA56 provides broad genotype protection against scrub typhus.

Scrub typhus is an acute febrile disease caused by infection. Despite the wide range of approaches explored during the last seventy years, an effective prophylactic vaccine is not yet available. Here, we developed a novel recombinant antigen derived from conserved regions of 56 kDa type-specific antigen (TSA56), a major outer membrane protein responsible for genetic heterogeneity and antigenicity, and evaluated it as a protective vaccine antigen.

Rhinogenic Headache: Standardization of Terminologies Used for Headaches Arising From Problems in the Nose and Nasal Cavity.

Objective: The use of different expressions between physicians frequently results in confusion in the process of diagnosis and treatment of patients with headaches due to problems in the nose and nasal cavity. The aim of this study was to assess the terminologies that have been used most frequently to standardize these terminologies.

Methods: Terminologies that are most frequently used in general, including rhinogenic migraine, sinus headache, rhinogenic contact point headache, middle turbinate headache syndrome, and rhinogenic headache, were found by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

Correlation between dermal thickness and scar formation in female patients after thyroidectomy.

Background: Minimizing scarring has long been a challenge in plastic surgery. Factors affecting scar formation are well known, but the effect of some patient-specific factors such as dermal thickness remains unverified. Management of factors predictive of scarring can improve postoperative patient satisfaction and scar treatment.

3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-Heptamethoxyflavone, a Citrus Flavonoid, Inhibits Collagenase Activity and Induces Type I Procollagen Synthesis in HDFn Cells.

fruits contain various types of flavonoids with powerful anti-aging and photoprotective effects on the skin, and have thus been attracting attention as potential, efficacious skincare agents. Here, we aimed to investigate the chemical composition of and its protective effects on photoaging. We isolated and identified a bioactive compound, 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), from peels using ethanol extraction and hexane fractionation.

Longevity of antibody and T-cell responses against outer membrane antigens of Orientia tsutsugamushi in scrub typhus patients.

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi infection, has been a serious public health issue in the Asia-Pacific region, with rising incidence and sporadic outbreaks. However, human protective immunity against specific antigens has been poorly characterized for this bacterium. In addition, immunity produced in early vaccine trials or even after natural infections, did not last long and had poor cross-reactivity among various genotypes.