Agrifood consumer competency and organic food purchase intentions according to food-related lifestyle: based on data the 2019 Consumer Behavior Survey for Food

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#The increased consumers’ interests in health and food safety have increased the demand for organic foods. Many studies have been performed on consumers’ purchase intentions for organic foods and their influencing factors, and various studies have shown that the prices of organic foods and the consumers’ willingness to pay are important influencing factors. This study examined the payment value of organic foods and agrifood consumer competency index according to the food-related lifestyles in South Korean consumers. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#A cross-sectional analysis was performed using the 2019 Consumer Behavior Survey for Food. A total of 6,176 participants aged 19 to 74 years (male: 2,783, female: 3,393) were included in the analysis. @*RESULTS@#Three factors were extracted by factor analysis (rational consumption-seeking type, convenience-seeking type, and health, and safety-seeking type) to explain the consumers’ food-related lifestyles. The results of cluster analysis suggested that consumers were classified into 3 food-related lifestyles as the ‘exploratory consumers’ (n = 2,485), ‘safetyseeking consumers’ (n = 1,544), and ‘passive consumers’ (n = 2,147). Exploratory consumers showed a significantly higher willingness to pay for imported organic foods (P < 0.05). Safety-seeking consumers had a significantly higher willingness to pay for domestic organic foods (P < 0.05). For the agrifood consumer competency index, exploratory consumers had the highest score, followed in order by safety-seeking consumers and passive consumers. @*CONCLUSIONS@#These results provide basic data in understanding consumption tendency for organic foods and agrifoods based on food-related lifestyles of South Korean consumers.

Agrifood consumer competency index and food consumption behaviors based on the 2019 Consumption Behaviors Survey for Food / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#This study investigated the food consumption behaviors in Korean adults, according to the agrifood consumer competency index (ACCI). @*Methods@#Data obtained from the 2019 Consumption Behaviors Survey for Food were analyzed. A total of 6,176 adults (2,783 males, 3,393 females) aged ≥ 19 years, were included in the study. Based on the score of agrifood consumer competency index, the subjects were classified into three groups. The dietary habits, eating-out and food-delivery/take-out behaviors, opinion of food labeling, and concerns for domestic products were compared among the 3 groups. @*Results@#The ACCI scores of the male and female subjects were 63.6 and 64.8, respectively. Subjects of both genders in the highest tertile of the ACCI were more likely to have a higher education level and higher health concerns, as compared to subjects in the lowest tertile (p < 0.05). Male subjects having highest tertile of the ACCI reported significantly more exercise and alcohol consumption, as compared to subjects in the lowest tertile (p < 0.05). A higher score of the ACCI also portrayed a higher satisfaction in own diet and greater checking of the food label. Moreover, subjects with a higher score of the ACCI showed greater satisfaction and reliability in the food label, as well as increased concerns for domestic agrifoods, local foods, and eco-friendly foods. Subjects in the lowest tertile of the ACCI acquired their dietary information from acquaintances, whereas subjects in the highest tertile of the ACCI learnt the information from food labels themselves. @*Conclusion@#These results are indicative of the food consumption and behaviors of Koreanadults according to their ACCI scores, and provide basic data that will be useful for implementing an effective food policy.

An iodine database establishment and iodine intake in Korean adults: Based on the 1998~2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study analyzed iodine intake by establishing an iodine database of general Korean foods eaten by Korean adults based on the data from the 1998 ~ 2014 KNHANES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). METHODS: Data on 56,818 subjects aged 19 years and older were obtained from health behavior interviews and a 24-hour dietary recall survey. Iodine intake of subjects was analyzed according to general characteristics, dietary lifestyle, food groups, and cooking method. RESULTS: An iodine database was established for 312 food items. The mean iodine intake of Korean adults decreased from 641.6 μg in 1998 to 236.2 μg in 2014 per day. Iodine intake of women was higher than that of men. For age distribution, those aged 30 ~ 49 years constituted more than 39 ~ 46% of subjects by survey year. Regarding iodine intake according to dietary lifestyle, the highest iodine intake was 29.4 ~ 34.4% for lunch while that of breakfast decreased. The highest iodine contribution by food group was seaweed such as kelp, sea mustard, and laver. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that iodine intake of Korean adults has been decreasing, and iodine intake is associated with the prevalence of thyroid disease. This study provides basic data for the estimation of iodine intake in Korean adults.

Perception and practice regarding allergen labeling: focus on food-related employees

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Most consumers are able to recognize allergenic foods. However, the frequency of checking such foods is reportedly low, resulting in higher prevalence of food-related allergic reactions in Korea compared to other countries. Thus, this study was performed to investigate the overall perception of allergenic food labeling and its practice level in food manufacturing company employees. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The survey was administered to food safety employees and food development teams at food companies located in metropolitan areas. A total of 399 (93.8%) valid samples were used in the final analysis. Statistical analyses, including Frequency Analysis, t-test, Anova, PCA (Principal Component Analysis), and Pearson Correlation Analysis using SPSS ver. 21.0, were performed. RESULTS: The correct answer rate in the analysis of allergy-related knowledge level ranged from 15.0% to 89.7%. Analysis of differences in allergy-related perception by knowledge level showed significant differences in introduction of a food recall system, strengthening of relevant laws and regulations, content labeling, description of substitutional food, and differentiated package by age. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that labeling of allergenic foods should be made easier and more convenient for checking by employees, developers, and consumers, and it is necessary to provide contents through the development of publicity, guidelines, or APP along with labeling.

Trends in nutrient intakes and consumption while eating-out among Korean adults based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1998-2012) data

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Eating-out among Korean people has become an important part of modern lifestyle due to tremendous growth of the food service industry and various social and economic changes. This study examined trends in meal patterns and meal sources while eating-out among Korean adults aged 19 years and older. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data were from the 1998-2012 KNHNES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) by the 24-hour dietary recall method. This study included 55,718 adults aged 19 years and older. For analysis of eating-out frequency, data were categorized by source of meals and serving place. RESULTS: Average frequency of meals consumed away from home increased from 1998 to 2012, although it remained lower than that of meals at home. In addition, male, unmarried, employed, higher educated, and high income individuals more frequently consumed meals away from home. Moreover, sodium intake while eating-out significantly increased from 2,370 mg in 1998 to 2,935 mg in 2012. Lastly, percentage contributions of daily total protein intake, fat intake, and sodium intake from eating-out increased to more than half (53-55%) in 2012 compared with 47-48% in 1998. CONCLUSIONS: As eating-out has grown in popularity, greater recognition of public health and nutritional education aimed at promoting healthy food choices is needed. In addition to developing consumer education for overall healthier eating patterns, individuals who are younger, unmarried, higher educated, and males are especially at risk and require attention.

Investigation of variations in energy, macronutrients and sodium intake based on the places meals are provided: Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 1998-2009)

This study was conducted to investigate nutrient consumption by Korean adults in various places. To accomplish this, we used the 1998-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Subjects of this investigation were over 19 years and the study included 37,160 people. The meals were categorized as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks consumed at home, or while eating-out. Investigation of the rate of consumption at serving places based on daily meals and years showed that eating-out generally increased with time. The consumption of meals prepared at home was higher than that of meals consumed anyplace else in 1998, 2001, 2005, and 2007-2009. However, the rate of consumption of home meals decreased from 1998 to 2007-2009, while the rate of eating-out increased during this period. Annual nutrient intake according to serving places with respect to meals, energy, fat, and sodium were significantly lower in home meals than those consumed elsewhere in 2007-2009 relative to 1998. The sodium intake and energy distribution ratio of fat in meals consumed while eating-out increased significantly from 1998 to 2007-2009. The energy, fat and sodium intake and energy contribution ratio of fat consumed in meals at institutions was significantly higher in 2007-2009 than in 1998. Based on these results, additional research is required to develop guidelines for dietary life improvement at each serving place and to address education and policies for balanced nutrition intake.

Comparison of Treatment Adherence between Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Moclobemide in Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder

OBJECTIVE: With respect to the pharmacotherapy of social anxiety disorder (SAD), it has been suggested that treatment duration is an important factor that can significantly predict responses. The present study aimed to compare the treatment adherence of SAD patients who were taking either SSRIs or reversible inhibitors of MAO-A (moclobemide) by measuring treatment duration and all-cause discontinuation rates of pharmacotherapy in a natural clinical setting. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the data of 172 patients diagnosed with SAD. Depending on their medication, we divided the patients into two groups, SSRI (n=54) or moclobemide (n=118). The expected number of all-cause discontinuation every 2 weeks after starting treatment was calculated by life table survival methods. A multi-variable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze the potential influence of explanatory variables. RESULTS: Treatment duration was significantly longer in the SSRI group [46.41+/-56.96, median=12.0 (weeks)] than in the moclobemide group [25.53+/-34.74, median=12.0 (weeks), Z=2.352, p=0.019]. Overall, all-cause discontinuation rates were significantly lower with SSRIs (81%) than moclobemide (96%, chi2=4.532, p=0.033). CONCLUSION: The SSRI group had a longer treatment duration and lower all-cause discontinuation rate than moclobemide. Further, only the type of medication had a significant effect on all-cause discontinuation rates and therefore, we could predict better treatment adherence with the SSRIs in the treatment of SAD.

An Association Study of the Dopamine D2 Receptor Taq1A Polymorphism and Temperament in Korean Pathological Gamblers

OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) is associated with pathological gambling (PG). We investigated the association of the DRD2 Taq1A polymorphism and the temperament in PG using Cloninger's temperament and characteristic inventory (TCI). METHODS: 104 PG patients and 114 control subjects were recruited. Tests for DRD2 Taq1A polymorphism were conducted in both PG patients and controls. PG patients were requested to complete the TCI. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in frequencies of the genotype (chi2 = 0.77, p = 0.681), allele (chi2 = 0.52, p = 0.469), and allele (A1) carrier (chi2 = 0.15, p = 0.695) between the PG patients and the control group. When we compared the TCI profile in the PG patients according to genotypes, there were significant differences in harm-avoidance (HA, p = 0.033), and self-directedness (SD, p = 0.012) among genotypes. These difference were more evident between A1 allele carriers and non-carriers (HA, p = 0.009 and SD, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Present results suggest Taq1A polymorphism may not play an important role in the susceptibility to pathological gambling in our population. However, Taq1A polymorphism might be associated with some temperament in Korean PG patients.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Pegmatite by in Vivo and in Vitro Study

PURPOSE: This work aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effect of pegmatite in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Author evaluated the suppressive effects of pegmatite on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production, TNF-alpha and IL-6 release in the RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. RESULTS: Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with pegmatite significantly reduced LPS-stimulated NO production and inflammatory cytokine such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. Also pegmatite showed topical anti-inflammatory activity in the arachidonic acid (AA)-induced ear edema and acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability assessment in mice. It was also found that pegmatite (10 mg per ear in DW) inhibited arachidonic acid induced edema at 24 h more profoundly than 1 h by topical application. Furthermore, the vascular permeability increase induced by acetic acid was significantly reduced in mice that received pegmatite in 50 mg per mouse. CONCLUSION: Therefore the results of the present study suggest that pegmatite is a potent inhibitor of the LPSinduced NO and inflammatory cytokine in RAW 264.7 macrophages and showed anti-inflammatory activities in vivo animal model.

Various Methods of Reconstruction in Nasal Defect

PURPOSE: Nasal defect can be caused by excision of tumor, trauma, inflammation from foreign body reaction. Nose is located in the middle of face and protruded, reconstruction should be done in harmony with size, shape, color, and textures. We report various methods of nasal reconstruction using local flaps. METHODS: From March 1998 to July 2008, 36 patients were operated to reconstruct the nasal defects. Causes of the nasal defects were tumor(18 cases), trauma(11 cases), inflammation from foreign body reaction(5 cases) and congenital malformation(2 cases). The sites of the defects were ala(22 cases), nasal tip(8 cases) and dorsum(6 cases). The thickness of the defects was skin only(5 cases), dermis and cartilagenous layer(7 cases) and full-thickness(24 cases). According to the sites and thickness of the defects, various local flaps were used. Most of alar defects were covered by nasolabial flaps or bilobed flaps and the majority of dorsal and tip defects were covered by paramedian forehead flaps. Small defects below 0.25cm2 were covered with composite graft or full-thickness skin graft. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 14 months. Partial flap necrosis was observed in a case, and one case of infection was reported, it was improved by wound revision and antibiotics. Nasal reconstruction with various local flaps could provide satisfactory results in terms of color and texture match. CONCLUSION: The important factors of nasal reconstruction are the shape of reconstructed nose, color, and texture. Nasolabial flap is appropriate method for alar or columellar reconstruction and nasolabial island flap is suitable for tip defect. The defect located lateral wall could be reconstructed with bilobed flap for natural color and texture. Skin graft should be considered when the defect could not afford to be covered by adjacent local flap. And entire nasal defect or large defect could be reconstructed by paramedian forehead flap.

Limited Dissection Face Lift with PDS Quilting Suture

PURPOSE: Facial rejuvenating surgery has become a challenge to most plastic surgeons. Patients are demanding fewer complications, a prompt recovery, and more natural results. Current trend of the face lift surgery has been developed into less invasive procedures. Every aging patient in Asia wants to look younger without obvious evidence of surgical correction. METHODS: The authors performed the limited dissection face lift with PDS quilting suture on twenty five patients. These five quilting sutures consist of sutures at 1~2 cm posterior to the prominent point of zygoma to the periosteum of the zygomatic arch, at the lateral border of Bichat's fat pad area to the zygomatic arch, at the lateral border of the orbicularis oculi muscle to the deep temporal fascia, at the upper lateral border of the platysma to the periosteum of the mastoid, and at the anterior lower margin of the earlobe to the deep temporal fascia by quilting suture technique to achieve rejuvenation. RESULTS: These procedures could produce a balanced volumetric rejuvenation. This method gave considerable benefit of stable and satisfactory results. It provides reduced operative time, well corrected nasolabial fold and neck wrinkle, and swift recovery with minimal complications. CONCLUSION: Although it could not replace the classic facelift, this technique can be recommended as an option for patients who do not present with advanced facial aging or not want a more extensive procedure.

Median Nerve Injury after Liposuction of Upper Arm

Liposuction of upper arm is often performed to attain muscular definition of arms and correct lipodystrophy, referred to as the "Bat-wing deformity", with scarless results compared to brachyplasty. Many complications, however, have been reported with this procedure, including hematoma, irregularity, inadequate skin retraction, and so on. Authors hereby report one of serious complications, which is a median nerve injury after liposuction of upper arm. A 51 years old woman underwent liposuction on both arms at a private clinic. Immediately after procedure, the patient complained bullae formation and color change on medial side of left arm, and tingling sensation on left hand. She was transferred to our hospital with necrotic wounds, swelling on left arm, and severe pain. Several evaluations were made, resulting in diagnosis of median nerve injury and CRPS(complex regional pain syndrome). Necrotic wound was treated by debridement and primary closure. Prednisolon(60mg; Kukje Pharm, Korea) was used for median nerve injury, and pain was managed by PCA(patient controlled analgesia). We should be aware of such complications that can occur during the liposuction on upper arm. Through this experience, we must pay attention to important structures, especially the medial bicipital groove, and avoid the injury of median nerve.

A Case of Skin Eruption Occurred after Switching Formulation of Quetiapine Fumarate

Adverse drug reactions are very common in clinical practice, and skin is one of the most frequent organs for adverse drug reactions. We report a case of a 71-year-old male patient who developed skin eruptions after switching formulation of quetiapine immediate release(IR) to quetiapine extended release(XR). He had been taking quetiapine IR(400mg/day) for treatment of manic episode which was developed one year ago. The patient showed great improvement of symptoms after taking quetiapine IR for about one year, thus dosage of medication was reduced to 50mg/day on the average. Unfortunately dose reduction has tended to worsen symptoms, so dose of quetiapine was increased again to 200mg/day with formulation changes to XR. Two days after he took new formulation, erythematous papules were occurred over his anterior neck and ventral side of left wrist. As he stopped quetiapine XR, the skin lesions gradually subsided. And he was successfully treated with readministration of quetiapine IR without any skin lesions.

The Necessary & Method of Scrotoplasty in Female to Male Transgender

PURPOSE: Transgender is a disorder of gender identity, who have appropriate chromosomal, hormonal and anatomical characteristics corresponding to their sexual phenotype but feel strongly with respect to their sexual identity, that they belong to the opposite sex. There is a persistence discomfort and sense of inappropriateness about one's assigned sex in a person who has reached puberty. Transgender is a psychiatric problem, but surgical method provides more satisfactory adjustment for patients. In gender reassignment surgery for female to male transgender, mastectomy, nipple reduction, hysterectomy, oophorectomy and phalloplasty are included. And as the final operation, recommended for scrotoplasty and artificial testes insertion. So we investigated the necessity and method of scrotoplasty in the final operation of female to male transgender. METHODS: The authors have long term follow-up of 75 cases female to male transgender from January 1991 to February 2008. Among them, 13 cases were evaluated in this study. During phalloplasty, the labium major skin preserved. And this labium majoral skin flap was made for the neoscrotum. At least six months later, artificial testes were inserted in neoscrotum with local anesthesia. Middle sized(3cm diameter) artificial testes(silicon gel or carving soft silicone implant) were used because of the limitation of the neoscrotum. We evaluated the questionnaire and interview about the postoperative satisfaction in configuration of reconstructed scrotum, and the necessity of operation, the postoperative psychosocioeconomic improvement and limitation of body exposure activities such as swimming, public bathing. RESULTS: Based on this study, satisfaction of reconstructed scrotum after scrotoplasty was improved(92%). The necessity of scrotoplasty was in 92.3% and the postoperative psychosocioeconomic well-being improvement was 77% in answers. Less limitation of activities requiring body exposure was 54% in answers. Most of the patients were satisfied with the results of surgical operation despite of some postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: This study reports that the scrotoplasty in female to male transgender is not only a conversion of external genitalia but also an improvement of psychosocial state. As most of the patients sincerely hope to take this operation, we improve our surgical method for more good results.

A Study for the Biologic Changes and Viability of Adipose Tissue in Cryopreserved Fat Graft

PURPOSE: Adipose tissue injection as a free graft for the correction of soft-tissue deficiency or depression deformity is a widespread procedure in plastic surgery. This study is to analyze the changes and viability of cryopreserved adipose tissue and to find out efficient long-term storage period. METHODS: After centrifugation of aspirated abdominal tissues, 10mL of packed Adipose tissue were freezed at -20degrees C. For 2, 4, 6, 8 months, each frozen samples were taken and injected into scalp of SCID mice. After 15 weeks, injected Adipose tissue were sampled and analyzed at 2 months interval. We compared and analyzed each group about the weight of the injected fat, histologic impressions, activity of mitochondria, size of a fat cell and rate of survival. RESULTS: Significant weight changes were observed in cryopreservation for 2 months(p<0.05). Histologic changes were observed, independent of the freezing period with H-E stain. Among cryopreservations for 2, 4, 6 months, no significant change were observed. The reduction of mitochondrial enzymatic activity was observed independent of time interval but activity of mitochondrial dehydrogenase was reduced less than 50% in MTT assay. CONCLUSION: Freezing at -20degrees C for 6 months has no adverse effect to Adipose tissue, but fragile adipocytes, damaged cell membrane during harvesting procedure, were disrupted within 1-2 month and the maximum volume reduction were followed less than 2 months. These results demonstrate that tissue preparation cells without membrane damage have the greatest viability level and cryopreservation less than 2 months has great volume effect and cryopreservation for 6 months has stable volume effect.

Otoplasty with High Density Polyethylene Implant (MEDPOR(R))

PURPOSE: The key points of treatment of cryptotia are the elevation of invaginated ear helix and the correction of deformed cartilage. Prevention of stabilized cartilage contouring from returning to the previous state is also important. The authors carried otoplasty by modified Onizuka's method or Ohmori's method that conchal cartilage graft or high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR(R)) graft served as fixation after spreading posterior aspect of adhered antihelix and a splint for prevention of recurrence of cartilage deformities. The aim of this study is to reveal the availability of the high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR(R)) graft for the correction of cryptotia. METHODS: We have repaired 17 cryptotic deformities using cartilage graft from cavum of concha(12 cases) or high density polyethylene implant(5 cases) for correction of deformed cartilage. We investigate the operative time, complications, and satisfaction of postoperative ear shape on both autogenous cartilage graft group and high density polyethylene implant graft group. RESULTS: There was 1 case of reinvagination on autogenous cartilage graft group. Implant exposure was occurred on high density polyethylene implant graft group, as 1 case. These were statistically no differences between autogenous cartilage graft group and high density polyethylene implant graft group to the satisfaction of ear shape. CONCLUSION: High density polyethylene implant (MEDPOR(R)) present an alternative to autogenous material as they allow of fibrovascular ingrowth, leading to stability of the implant and decreased infection rates. The correction of deformed cartilage by using the high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR(R)) is a good option for the treatment of cryptotia.

Long Term Results in the Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair by Mulliken's Method

PURPOSE: The Mulliken's method is a one of the very excellent technique to correction of the unilateral cleft lip. It could decrease the need of additional operation and second operation by the early simultaneous correction of unilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity, at a time. Numerous procedures were advocated for the correction of nasal deformity, but with general dissatisfaction of the results, it became obvious that no one procedure is the ideal one. The authors have been operating on unilateral cleft lip by Mulliken's method and long term follow-up of postoperative result was evaluated. METHODS: The authors have done long term follow-up of results in the 75 cases unilateral cleft lip patient, during 1-7 years. That was repaired by simultaneous correction of cleft lip and nasal deformity by Mulliken's method at the period from June 1997 to December 2007. The patients were unilateral complete cleft lip 39 cases, unilateral incomplete cleft lip 36 cases. In the severe complete cleft lip cases, lip adhesion operation was done before definite operation. The mean age of unilateral cleft lip operation was 3.2 months. Five anthropometric parameters, which were upper lip, cutaneous lip and vermilion mucosa height, nasal tip protrusion, columella length were measured by Sliding Vernier Caliper. The anthropometric analysis was performed preoperatively, and the results were com pared with those of age- matched, normal children postoperatively in 6 months, 3, 5 and 7 years. T-tests were used to analyze the differences between the measurements. RESULTS: Long-term postoperative results were evaluated by anthropometrically. Most patients showed adequate growth of upper lip height, vermilion mucosa height and columella length. But nasal tip protrusion was relatively short compare to the normal value. Incomplete cleft lip group was nearly normal growth results than complete cleft lip group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we could make harmonious Cupid's bow, natural philtrum and lip, appropriate nasal shape by Mulliken's method. But nasal tip protrusion was under the normal values on complete and incomplete group. And incomplete group showed more good results than complete group. We have experienced repair of cleft lip by Mulliken's method with 75 cases of unilateral cleft lip patients and conclude that it is a very useful method.

The Comparative Study of Treatment Method on Adriamycin-Induced Extravasation Injury

PURPOSE: Local skin necrosis after extravasation of adriamycin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is a common problem in cancer patients. The extravasation of chemotherapeutic agents yields severe inflammatory responses, crust formation, skin necrosis, and ulceration. Even though several treatment options have been proposed for extravasation injury, there is still controversy regarding the management of such lesions. Thus the aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of saline injection (Group 1), hydrocortisone injection (Group 2), propranolol injection (Group 3) and early surgical excision as a treatment (Group 4) in a rat extravasation model. METHODS: The authors planned forty mature male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups and each group contained 10 rats. Administration of adriamycin (1.0 mg/mL) 1.5 mL by subcutaneous injection on the dorsal side of the rats was followed by protocol. The treatment options were applied 2 hours after adriamycin injection. At the end of the 5th day, the presence and size of ulcers at the injection site were checked. Three weeks after injection, a histopathologic examination was performed for each treatment and control group. T-tests were used to analyze the differences between the measurements. RESULTS: Propranolol significantly improved tissue recovery compared with control group and other groups. These data suggest that there is little role for saline and hydrocortisone in the treatment of adriamycin extravasation injury. CONCLUSION: In this study, we compared some treatment methods in adriamycin extravasation model. The findings support the propranolol injection may prevent extravasation injury. However this study was performed in the laboratory using rats, and the results could be different in clinical application. Further investigations and more clinical application are needed.

The Effects of Simvastatin on Bone Healing in Mandible Fractured Rats

PURPOSE: The hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are widely used in the treatment of dyslipidemia for lowering of cholesterol level. And the studies in simvastatins have shown to enhance bone formation in vitro and in vivo in rodents. But some other researchers have reported that simvastatins' anabolic effect on bone does not exist. The peripheral distribution beyond the liver represents a small fraction of an orally administered dose. We hypothesized that this poor peripheral distribution is the likely reason that simvastatins, yield ambiguous results as anabolic agents. We therefore investigated whether the effects of simvastatins on bone may be enhanced by subcutaneous administration, providing better peripheral delivery of these drugs. METHODS: 36 rat unilaterally mandible fractured models were prepared and divided into two groups. The simvastatin treated group where 1mg/kg of simvastatin was daily injected subcutaneously. The same dose of normal saline was injected on the control group. And 3 rats in each group were sacrificed and taken bone samples in each week. Bone sample was evaluated with tensile strength and histological morphology after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks. RESULTS: In simvastatin treated group, the fracture healing process, chondrocyte aggregation, collagen formation and trabecular bone formation was rapidly proceeded than the control group histologically. The tensile strength in the simvastatin treated group was measured as 1.02, 2.25, 3.95, 4.42, 5.49 and 6.00 N/mm2 each week, while it was 0.60, 1.05, 2.17, 3.75, 4.15 and 5.17 N/mm2 in the control group. The average tensile strength was higher by 1.04N/mm2 in simvastatin treated group. CONCLUSION: The currently available data on the effects of simvastatin on bone confirms that simvastatin helps fracture healing. And the potential for simvastatin to be used as anabolic agents for bone when delivered by the subcutaneous route.

A Retrospective Study of Ear Reconstruction of Microtia

PURPOSE: Materials for ear reconstruction are autogeneous cartilage and artificial implants. Despite their potential for donor site complications, autogeneous cartilage frameworks remain the accepted standard for external ear reconstruction. The purposes of this study were to investigate our ear reconstruction cases for 12 years. METHODS: During twelve years from January 1996 to December 2008, 70 patients visited our hospital for ear reconstruction of microtia. Among them, 65 cases used autogenous cartilage frameworks, 3 cases used tissue expander and 2 cases used artificial implants. We investigated sex & age, common site, combined malformation, operation methods & their complications, donor site & their complications, anterior chest wall deformity and aesthetic evaluation. RESULTS: Males were affected more often than females. Male to female ratio was 1.8:1. The common site of microtia was right ear(72%). And hemifacial microsomia was the most common associated congenital malformation. Surgical techniques included Tanzer-Ruecker method, Tissue-expander and Artificial framework(Medpore(R)). Incidence of complication was higher with Tissue-expander & artificial framework than with Tanzer-Ruecker method. But There are few reports of using Tissue-expander & artificial framework and there was no acceptable statistical difference. And costal cartilage was harvested in ipsilateral side and anterior chest wall deformity reported only 2 cases under 10 year-old patients. Other minor complications reported such as, wound disruption and chest wall scar, but without any serious complications. Aesthetic result was evaluated by surgeons and patients for postoperative satisfaction and clinical evaluation. CONCLUSION: In ear reconstruction of microtia patient, delicate surgical strategy is important for natural shape and maintenance of postoperative contour. However, many methods were introduced for reconstrucion of microtia, the authors reconstructed an auricle in Tanzer-Ruecker method, Tissue-expander and Artificial famework(Medpore(R)) for 70 patients. In our study, we generally chose Tanzer-Ruecker method and this treatment modality was satisfactory for patients and the postoperative result was acceptable for surgeons.