The Role of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Gut Health

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a unique subset of cells with different functional characteristics compared to classical dendritic cells. The pDCs are critical for the production of type I IFN in response to microbial and self-nucleic acids. They have an important role for host defense against viral pathogen infections. In addition, pDCs have been well studied as a critical player for breaking tolerance to self-nucleic acids that induce autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus. However, pDCs have an immunoregulatory role in inducing the immune tolerance by generating Tregs and various regulatory mechanisms in mucosal tissues. Here, we summarize the recent studies of pDCs that focused on the functional characteristics of gut pDCs, including interactions with other immune cells in the gut. Furthermore, the dynamic role of gut pDCs will be investigated with respect to disease status including gut infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancers.

Comparison of the Usefulness of MDCT (Multidetective Computed Tomogram) in Facial Bone Fractures

PURPOSE: In maxillofacial surgery, proper preoperative diagnosis is very important in achieving good postoperative results. Although conventional CT scans are useful for visual representations of fractures, they cannot provide direct guidance for reconstructing facial bone fractures. However, the recent technology of multislice scanning has brought many clinical benefits to CT images. Direct correlations can be made between preoperative imaging data and operative planning. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the differences between conventional CT and multidetective three-dimensional CT(3D MDCT) measurements in craniofacial deformities. METHODS: From January 2005 to November 2005, MDCT scans of 41 patients were evaluated by comparing them with conventional CT scans. The 3D MDCT images were assessed and reviewed by using a simple scoring system. RESULTS: The 3D MDCT scans offered easy interpretation, facilitated surgical planning, and clarified postoperative results in malar complex fractures, mandibular fractures, and extensive maxillofacial fractures and cranioplasty. However, 3D MDCT images were not superior to conventional CT scans in the diagnosis of blowout fractures. CONCLUSION: In spite of its limitations, the 3D MDCT provided additional and more comprehensive information than the conventional CT for preoperative assessment of craniofacial deformities. Therefore, the 3D MDCT can be a useful tool for diagnosis and systematic treatment planning in craniofacial skeletal deformities.

Multilayer Onlay Cartilage Graft with Perichondrium: Comparing Growth Rate and Strength in a Rabbit Model

Multilayered cartilage graft has been clinically used at tip plasty, total ear reconstruction, and cleft lip nasal deformities. Perichondrial flap or a free perichondrium has been also commonly used for induction of neocartilage. However, the influence of perichondrium on multilayered cartilage graft to strength and growth rate is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the strength and growth rate of different multilayered cartilage graft and to present the most ideal model of multilayered cartilage graft. Twenty New- zealand white rabbit were used. Triple layers of cartilage grafts with various perichondrium were inserted into six separate pockets in paravertebral region of rabbits. The grafts were grossly and microscopically observed on 8 and 16 weeks after grafting. On gross observation, the grafts showed marked enlargement of three layers of cartilage grafts with perichondrium compare with three layers of cartilage grafts without perichondrium In histologic examination, the number of PCNA-labelled cells were significantly high on three layers of cartilage grafts with perichondrium. In conclusion, this study suggested that triple-layer graft of cartilage grafts with perichondrium on the outside of triple-layer graft has strength and an effect on chondrogenetic induction by the perichondrium.

Treatment of Axillary Osmidrosis with Power- Assisted Lipoplasty(PAL)

Axillary osmidrosis is caused by excessive apocrine gland secretion, which causes an unpleasant odor. Axillary osmidrosis causes difficulty in social activities and personal handicap. Many surgical procedures have been introduced for treatment of axillary osmidrosis. Most of them are based on the surgical excision of subcutaneous tissue including apocrine glands. However, these methods also have complications such as wide surgical scar, skin necrosis, hematoma, seroma. For this reason, developing a new treatment that is as effective as surgery but causes fewer complications is reasonable. We have used the technique of power-assisted lipoplasty(PAL) as a method of treatment for axillary osmidrosis. From July 2003 to June 2004, a total of 45 patients(26 men and 19 women) had been treated with this procedure for axillary osmidrosis. Forty patients(88.89 percent) had good results, and 2 patients(4.47 percent) had poor results. The power-assisted lipoplasty(PAL) for axillary osmidrosis has the advantages of a high success rate with minimal complications and rapid recovery for daily activity. Therefore, power-assisted lipoplasty(PAL) is a viable option for treatment of axillary osmidrosis.