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Immunologists have activated T cells in vitro using various stimulation methods, including phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin and αCD3/αCD28 agonistic antibodies. PMA stimulates protein kinase C, activating nuclear factor-κB, and ionomycin increases intracellular calcium levels, resulting in activation of nuclear factor of activated T cell. In contrast, αCD3/αCD28 agonistic antibodies activate T cells through ZAP-70, which phosphorylates linker for activation of T cell and SH2-domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kD. However, despite the use of these two different in vitro T cell activation methods for decades, the differential effects of chemical-based and antibody-based activation of primary human T cells have not yet been comprehensively described. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies to analyze gene expression unbiasedly at the single-cell level, we compared the transcriptomic profiles of the non-physiological and physiological activation methods on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell–derived T cells from four independent donors. Remarkable transcriptomic differences in the expression of cytokines and their respective receptors were identified. We also identified activated CD4 T cell subsets (CD55+) enriched specifically by PMA/ionomycin activation. We believe this activated human T cell transcriptome atlas derived from two different activation methods will enhance our understanding, highlight the optimal use of these two in vitro T cell activation assays, and be applied as a reference standard when analyzing activated specific disease-originated T cells through scRNA-seq.
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Background@#Immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy can be challenging in some patients for medical or oncological reasons. Delayed two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction is a reliable option for these patients. However, data regarding surgical techniques, outcomes, and complication rates are limited. This study reports our experience using the two-stage tissue expander/implant procedure for delayed breast reconstruction. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included 32 patients (34 breasts) who underwent delayed two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction at our institution from January 2018 to July 2022. We summarized the techniques used in the procedure and evaluated the 1-year postoperative outcomes and complication rates. @*Results@#The mean time from mastectomy to expander insertion was 210±25 days, and 8.2±2.3 additional expansions were required prior to the implant insertion. The mean time of tissue expansion was 187±15 days, and the mean volume of expansion was 495±31 mL. No major complications occurred that required reoperation, and the patients were highly satisfied with the surgical results. @*Conclusions@#Although delayed two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction resulted in satisfactory outcomes, consensus regarding the operative technique is still needed. Two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction is a safe and effective option for delayed breast reconstruction.
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Background@#With the increase in meals at home due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pattern and incidence of enteritis seemed to change. Some types of enteritis, such as Campylobacter enteritis, appear to have increased. Our study aimed to evaluate the change in the trend of enteritis, especially Campylobacter enteritis, before COVID-19 (2016– 2019) and at the present time during COVID-19 in South Korea. @*Methods@#We analyzed data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. From 2016 to 2020, the International Classification of Diseases codes related to enteritis were examined to distinguish bacterial and viral enteritis and the trends of each were analyzed.The aspects of enteritis, before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, were compared. @*Results@#Both bacterial and viral enteritis declined in all age groups from 2016 to 2020 (P< 0.001). In 2020, the reduction rate of viral enteritis was higher than that of bacterial enteritis. However, unlike other causes of enteritis, even after COVID-19, Campylobacter enteritis increased in all age groups. An increase of Campylobacter enteritis in 2020 was particularly noticeable in children and adolescents. The prevalence of viral and bacterial enteritis was higher in urban areas than in rural areas (P < 0.001). Campylobacter enteritis was more common in the rural areas (P< 0.001). @*Conclusion@#Although the prevalence of bacterial and viral enteritis have decreased in COVID-19, Campylobacter enteritis has increased in all age groups and in rural areas compared to urban areas. Recognizing that the trend of Campylobacter enteritis before and during COVID-19 is helpful for future public health measures and interventions.
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Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between locking plates and non-locking plates using posterior anti-glide plating for supination external rotation type lateral malleolar fractures. @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 50 patients who underwent internal fixation of posterior anti-glide plating due to lateral malleolar fractures, classified as supination-external rotation (SER) as per the Lauge-Hansen classification system, at our hospital from January 2017 to November 2018 were retro-spectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: 1/3 semi-tubular locking plate (24 patients) and 1/3 semi-tubular non-locking plate (26 patients). A radiographic assessment was performed after surgery to evaluate the time of bone union. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot functional score was measured after the surgery to evaluate the clinical outcomes. @*Results@#The two groups showed similar distributions in sex, age, height, body mass index, fracture pattern, and mean follow-up period. Complete bone union was obtained in all cases and the mean bone union time was 13.00±3.38 weeks in Group 1 and 12.92±3.26 weeks in Group 2 (p=0.87). The mean AOFAS score at 24 weeks was 95.66±2.86 in Group 1 and 95.84±2.79 in Group 2 (p=0.82). The mean AOFAS score at 48 weeks was 97.25±3.54 in Group 1 and 96.57±3.07 in Group 2 (p=0.47). Two cases of complications were observed in the non-locking plate group. @*Conclusion@#For the treatment of Lauge-Hansen SER type lateral malleolar fracture, internal fixation us-ing locking 1/3 semi-tubular plate and non-locking 1/3 semi-tubular plate are both favorable fixation methods.
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Purpose@#To compare the results between plating and intramedullary nailing for ipsilateral fibular fractures in pilon fractures. @*Materials and Methods@#Among 124 patients with pilon fractures from November 2008 to March 2019, 50 patients with a fibular fracture were studied retrospectively and divided into two groups:Group A using a plate and Group B using a Rush pin. The radiological tests confirmed the fracture pat-terns (Rüedi–Allgöwer classification, AO/OTA classification) and evaluated the degree of reduction of fibular and tibial fractures after surgery. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) was examined for a clinical evaluation, and the complications were checked. @*Results@#The two groups showed similar distributions in gender, age, injury mechanism, diabetes, smoking, mean follow-up period, Rüedi–Allgöwer classification, AO/OTA classification, and open fracture.The fibular fractures were classified as simple, wedge, multiple, and segmental, showing significant differences between the two groups (p=0.03). There was no difference in the Talocrural angle, Shenton line, and Dime sign. In the reduction of pilon fractures, the appropriate reduction was obtained in 22 cases (88.0%) for both groups. The AOFAS averaged 83.24 in Group A and 80.44 points in Group B, showing no significant difference in complications (nonunion, malunion, infection, and arthritis). @*Conclusion@#Regardless of how the fibular fracture was fixed, the reduction of pilon fractures in bothgroups showed good results. Both intramedullary nail and plate fixation could be a suitable fixation method for ipsilateral fibular fractures with a low risk of shortening in pilon fractures.
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Purpose@#To compare the results between plating and intramedullary nailing for ipsilateral fibular fractures in pilon fractures. @*Materials and Methods@#Among 124 patients with pilon fractures from November 2008 to March 2019, 50 patients with a fibular fracture were studied retrospectively and divided into two groups:Group A using a plate and Group B using a Rush pin. The radiological tests confirmed the fracture pat-terns (Rüedi–Allgöwer classification, AO/OTA classification) and evaluated the degree of reduction of fibular and tibial fractures after surgery. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) was examined for a clinical evaluation, and the complications were checked. @*Results@#The two groups showed similar distributions in gender, age, injury mechanism, diabetes, smoking, mean follow-up period, Rüedi–Allgöwer classification, AO/OTA classification, and open fracture.The fibular fractures were classified as simple, wedge, multiple, and segmental, showing significant differences between the two groups (p=0.03). There was no difference in the Talocrural angle, Shenton line, and Dime sign. In the reduction of pilon fractures, the appropriate reduction was obtained in 22 cases (88.0%) for both groups. The AOFAS averaged 83.24 in Group A and 80.44 points in Group B, showing no significant difference in complications (nonunion, malunion, infection, and arthritis). @*Conclusion@#Regardless of how the fibular fracture was fixed, the reduction of pilon fractures in bothgroups showed good results. Both intramedullary nail and plate fixation could be a suitable fixation method for ipsilateral fibular fractures with a low risk of shortening in pilon fractures.
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Background@#Despite the wide demand for thin flaps for various types of extremity reconstruction, the thin elevation technique for anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps is not very popular because of its technical difficulty and safety concerns. This study proposes a novel perforatorcentralizing technique for super-thin ALT flaps and analyzes its effects in comparison with a skewed-perforator group. @*Methods@#From June 2018 to January 2020, 41 patients who required coverage of various types of defects with a single perforator-based super-thin ALT free flap were enrolled. The incidence of partial necrosis and proportion of the necrotic area were analyzed on postoperative day 20 according to the location of superficial penetrating perforators along the flap. The centralized-perforator group was defined as having a perforator anchored to the middle third of the x- and y-axes of the flap, while the skewed-perforator group was defined as having a perforator anchored outside of the middle third of the x- and y-axes of the flap. @*Results@#No statistically significant difference in flap thickness and dimension was found between the two groups. The arterial and venous anastomosis patterns of patients in both groups were not significantly different. Only the mean partial necrotic area showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (centralized-perforator group, 3.4%±2.2%; skewed-perforator group, 15.8%±8.6%; P=0.022). @*Conclusions@#The present study demonstrated that super-thin ALT perforator flaps can be elevated safely, with minimal partial necrosis, using the perforator-centralizing technique.
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Virginal mammary hypertrophy (VMH), also known as juvenile mammary hypertrophy, is characterized by excessive enlargement of the breasts. Especially in adolescent patients, this condition can cause a negative body image to develop and result in significant psychological stress. Furthermore, social problems can arise from difficulties in finding appropriately-fitting attire and having trouble exercising. Although the mechanism of VMH has not been fully elucidated, several associated drugs have been identified. In this report, we present a 15-year-old female patient with Wilson disease who developed macromastia after administration of penicillamine for 8 months. Despite cessation of penicillamine for 3 months, the condition remained stable; thus, reduction mammoplasty was performed. After surgery, the patient was able to return to activities of daily living. Although rare, physicians should be aware of the fact that penicillamine can cause VHM. Therefore, patients with Wilson disease should be checked regularly for changes in breast volume in order to minimize possible complications.
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The emphasis on tip plasty in Asian rhinoplasty has led to heightened concerns about complications regarding nasal tip skin. Although uncommon, these complications can cause tremendous frustration to surgeons when encountered. Conventional methods such as skin graft or healing by secondary intention cause an unpleasant scar. Instead, an extended dermofat graft in revision rhinoplasty enables both replacement of the dorsal implant and adequate coverage of the nasal tip without modifying the previous tip plasty. A patient who experienced nasal tip skin thinning after augmentation rhinoplasty was treated successfully with an extended dermofat graft. The authors believe that this is a solid method for managing patients with nasal tip skin complications.
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Purpose@#A pharmacology course in undergraduate medical education aims to enable students to cultivate the ability of applying drugs in the clinical context using basic scientific knowledge. Although team-based learning could be a useful approach, the literature on pharmacology education using team-based learning is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a pharmacology course using team-based learning. @*Methods@#We developed an “integrated clinical pharmacology” course for first-year medical students. All 49 students enrolled in the course. Individual and group scores were recorded for each session, and a post-course survey was conducted after the course. We compared the performance of the current class to that of a previous class based on scores in a nationwide test conducted at the end of every year. @*Results@#The reactions of the students were generally positive, with the exception of their perception of the preparatory burdens for the individual test. Throughout the team-based learning sessions, the achievement at the group level was significantly higher than at the individual level. In the nationwide test, however, when we divided students into high and low achiever groups, only the low achievers demonstrated significant improvement compared to the cohort from the previous year. @*Conclusion@#The study demonstrates that team-based learning could be an effective way of teaching pharmacology to medical students in the preclinical stage. Although most of the students were actively engaged regardless of their preparedness, low-achieving students in particular seemed to gain more benefits than high achievers regarding the acquisition of knowledge.
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Since April 2015, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction has been covered by the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). The frequency of these procedures has increased very rapidly. We analyzed data obtained from the Big Data Hub of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) and determined annual changes in the number of breast reconstruction procedures and related trends in Korea. We evaluated the numbers of mastectomy and breast reconstruction procedures performed between April 2015 and December 2018 using data from the HIRA Big Data Hub. We determined annual changes in the numbers of total, autologous, and implant breast reconstructions after NHIS coverage commenced. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The post-mastectomy breast reconstruction rate increased from 19.4% in 2015 to 53.4% in 2018. In 2015, implant reconstruction was performed in 1,366 cases and autologous reconstruction in 905 (60.1% and 39.8%, respectively); these figures increased to 3,703 and 1,570 (70.2% and 29.7%, respectively) in 2018. Free tissue transfer and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap creation were the most common autologous reconstruction procedures. For implant-based reconstructions, the rates of directto-implant and tissue-expander breast reconstructions (first stage) were similar in 2018. This study summarizes breast reconstruction trends in Korea after NHIS coverage was expanded in 2015. A significant increase over time in the post-mastectomy breast reconstruction rate was evident, with a trend toward implant-based reconstruction. Analysis of data from the HIRA Big Data Hub can be used to predict breast reconstruction trends and convey precise information to patients and physicians.
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Compared to the frequency of occurrence of pre-auricular skin tag, cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants is one of congenital, benign neck masses that is very rare all over the world. Most of these rare anomalies are reported in case reports and especially, rare cases of unilateral cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants have been reported in Korean. Materials & Methods: A 9-year-old male patient visited the hospital on September 2017 for a rod-shaped mass. As a simultaneous diagnosis and treatment method, complete surgical excision was executed. Results: Excised mass was 0.5cm in diameter, 1.2cm in. Histologically, a hyaline and elastic cartilage was found in the core. As a family history, the same remnant was found in the right Anterior neck area of his mother. Conclusion: In this case, it is possible to diagnose and treat simply at the same time and even an optimal aesthetic result can be obtained.
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Compared to the frequency of occurrence of pre-auricular skin tag, cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants is one of congenital, benign neck masses that is very rare all over the world. Most of these rare anomalies are reported in case reports and especially, rare cases of unilateral cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants have been reported in Korean. Materials & Methods: A 9-year-old male patient visited the hospital on September 2017 for a rod-shaped mass. As a simultaneous diagnosis and treatment method, complete surgical excision was executed. Results: Excised mass was 0.5cm in diameter, 1.2cm in. Histologically, a hyaline and elastic cartilage was found in the core. As a family history, the same remnant was found in the right Anterior neck area of his mother. Conclusion: In this case, it is possible to diagnose and treat simply at the same time and even an optimal aesthetic result can be obtained.
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BACKGROUND: Subbrow blepharoplasty (SBB) has advantages over traditional blepharoplasty in that it results in more natural-looking creases and contours and is more effective for lateral periorbital rejuvenation. However, in older patients with sunken upper eyelid, this procedure might make the superior eyelid sulcus appear worse because the thicker upper eyelid tissue in the subbrow area is replaced by thinner tissue. To overcome this limitation, we developed a de-epithelialized musculocutaneous flap for SBB. METHODS: From August 2016 to January 2018, 13 patients with sunken upper eyelid deformity underwent SBB. For each of these patients, a typical SBB incision was made, but the tissue usually removed in SBB was dissected as a flap based on the branch of the ophthalmic vessel. After elevation, the flap was transposed or folded to correct the sunken deformity. The results were assessed by the patients themselves and by three plastic surgeons at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 63 years (range, 47–81 years). There were no postoperative complications related to wound dehiscence, hypertrophic scarring, or sensory changes. All patients and plastic surgeons provided scores indicating good to excellent results and were satisfied with the cosmetic outcomes. All patients reported improved functional visual acuity after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique is simple and effectively addresses both sunken upper eyelid deformity and dermatochalasis. Unlike fat or dermofat grafting, our new technique does not require an additional donor site, and it is more reliable in terms of vascularity.
Subject(s)
Humans , Blepharoplasty , Cicatrix, Hypertrophic , Congenital Abnormalities , Eyelids , Myocutaneous Flap , Plastics , Postoperative Complications , Rejuvenation , Surgeons , Tissue Donors , Transplants , Visual Acuity , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
Although it is very rare, hemopneumothorax can occur during breast augmentation. This potentially fatal surgical complication can be experienced by any plastic surgeon who performs breast augmentation surgery. In this article, we present a case from our institution and review the related literature in order to explore the etiological mechanism of hemopneumothorax, as well as preventive measures and treatments. In addition, we have tried to emphasize the importance of a thorough knowledge of anatomical variations and proper surgical techniques as ways to minimize the likelihood of this complication.
Subject(s)
Breast , Hemopneumothorax , Hemorrhage , Hemothorax , Plastics , Pneumothorax , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
The management of mandibular angle fractures is often challenging and results in the highest complication rate among fractures of the mandible. In addition, the optimal treatment modality for angle fractures remains controversial. Traditional treatment protocols for angle fractures have involved rigid fixation with intraoperative maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) to ensure absolute stability. However, more recently, non-compression miniplates have gained in popularity and the use of absolute intraoperative MMF as an adjunct to internal fixation has become controversial. In this article, the history of, and current trends in, the treatment of mandibular angle fractures will be briefly reviewed. In addition, issues regarding the management of the third molar tooth will be discussed.
Subject(s)
Clinical Protocols , Fracture Fixation, Internal , Jaw Fixation Techniques , Mandible , Mandibular Fractures , Molar, Third , ToothABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To assess choroidal thickness (CT) variation according to refractive errors using enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography. METHODS: Eighty-nine eyes (in 89 children) <±6 diopter were categorized into three groups: hyperopia, emmetropia, and myopia, according to refractive error, and underwent choroidal scans using enhanced-depth imaging-optical coherence tomography. CT was measured at the fovea and at 1 mm and 3 mm nasal (N1 and N3), temporal (T1 and T3), superior (S1 and S3), and inferior (I1 and I3) from the fovea. RESULTS: Mean foveal CTs were 346.86 µm, 301.97 µm, and 267.46 µm in the hyperopia, emmetropia, and myopia groups, respectively (p < 0.05). CTs at N3 and T3 were 214.59 µm and 318.68 µm, 163.92 µm and 320.79 µm, and 153.93 µm and 295.61 µm in the hyperopia, emmetropia, and myopia groups, respectively (p < 0.05). All CTs in the hyperopia group were thicker than those of other groups (p < 0.05). Fovea was thickest and was significantly thicker than at N3 and I3 in hyperopia (p < 0.05). T3 thickness in the emmetropia and myopia groups was greater than thickness at other areas, particularly the nasal and inferior choroids (p < 0.05). CT was positively correlated with spherical equivalent (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: In Korean children, CTs were greater in the hyperopia group than in the emmetropia and myopia groups. The temporal choroid was thicker than the nasal choroid, regardless of the refractive error. The thickest location in the hyperopia group was the fovea; however, the temporal choroid was thickest in the emmetropia and myopia groups.
Subject(s)
Child , Humans , Choroid , Emmetropia , Hyperopia , Korea , Myopia , Refractive Errors , Tomography, Optical CoherenceABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To compare the changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness between intravitreal aflibercept and ranibizumab injection in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Fifty patients with wet AMD patients who were treated with aflibercpet or ranibizumab were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were treated with pro re nata after 3 consecutive monthly injections and were followed up for at least 6 months. We measured subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography before the first injection and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after initial injection. RESULTS: The SFCT measures before initial injection and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after initial injection were 244.94 ± 103.77 µm, 219.04 ± 95.89 µm, 208.74 ± 91.03 µm, 203.64 ± 91.35 µm, and 226.98 ± 96.79 µm in the aflibercept group (25 eyes) and 222.68 ± 102.04 µm, 210.23 ± 95.91 µm, 203.66 ± 99.39 µm, 197.27 ± 100.25 µm, and 210.32 ± 111.86 µm in the ranibizumab group (28 eyes). Mean change in SFCT was greater in the aflibercept group at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after initial injection (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in SFCT was greater after aflibercept injection than ranibizumab injection in 3 consecutive months. However, at 6 months after initial injection, the difference in the change in SFCT was not significant.
Subject(s)
Humans , Choroid , Macular Degeneration , Ranibizumab , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, Optical CoherenceABSTRACT
Cutaneous leiomyomas can be classified into three types according to the site of origin: piloleiomyoma, angioleiomyoma, and dartoic (genital) leiomyoma. It might be expected that leiomyomas are commonly found on the scalp because there are many arrector pili muscles and vessels. However, leiomyomas are actually rarely reported in the scalp. Recently, we observed a case of cutaneous leiomyoma in the scalp and present our experience along with a literature review.
Subject(s)
Angiomyoma , Hair Follicle , Leiomyoma , Muscle, Smooth , Muscles , Scalp , Skin NeoplasmsABSTRACT
With the steady rise of health and environmental awareness, the number of bicyclists is increasing. However, there are few epidemiologic studies on bicycling under the influence (BUI). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of BUI and the associated risk factors in a representative Korean population. The data of 4,833 adult bicyclists who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2012) were analyzed. Among the 4,833 participants investigated in this study, 586 (12.1%) had experienced BUI. As participants’ age increased, so did the prevalence of BUI (P < 0.001), with the participants who were aged 60–69 showing the highest prevalence of BUI (19.6%). With regard to BUI and drinking habits, the likelihood of being a heavy or high-risk drinker increased with the frequency of BUI (P < 0.001). In addition, there was a positive relationship between the frequency of BUI and alcohol use disorder identification score level. Finally, those who had previous experiences of BUI were significantly more likely to drive and ride motorcycles under the influence (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the prevalence of BUI was 12.1% and several associated risk factors for BUI were elucidated in this study. The development of specific preventive strategies and educational programs aimed at deterring individuals at a high risk of engaging in BUI is expected to reduce the number of alcohol-related bicycle injuries.