Multiple Injections of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Improve Graft Survival in Human-to-Rat Skin Xenotransplantation through Immune Modulation

BACKGROUND@#Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) exert immunomodulatory effects in the treatment of transplant rejection. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ADSCs on the skin graft survival in a human-to-rat xenograft transplantation model and to compare single and multiple injections of ADSCs. @*METHODS@#Full-thickness human skin xenografts were transplanted into the backs of Sprague–Dawley rats. The rats were injected subcutaneously on postoperative days 0, 3, and 5. The injections were as follows: triple injections of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS group), a single injection of ADSCs and double injections of PBS (ADSC 9 1 group), and triple injections of ADSCs (ADSC 9 3 group). The immunomodulatory effects of ADSCs on human skin xenografts were assessed. @*RESULTS@#Triple injections of ADSCs considerably delayed cell-mediated xenograft rejection compared with the PBS and ADSC 9 1 groups. The vascularization and collagen type 1–3 ratios in the ADSC 9 3 group were significantly higher than those in the other groups. In addition, intragraft infiltration of CD3-, CD4-, CD8-, and CD68-positive cells was reduced in the ADSC 9 3 group. Furthermore, in the ADSC 9 3 group, the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-c) were decreased and immunosuppressive prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) was increased in the xenograft and lymph node samples. @*CONCLUSION@#This study presented that triple injections of ADSCs appeared to be superior to a single injection in suppressing cell-mediated xenograft rejection. The immunomodulatory effects of ADSCs are associated with the downregulation of IFN-c and upregulation of PGES in skin xenografts and lymph nodes.

Reliability of a chairside CAD-CAM surgical guide for dental implant surgery on the anterior maxilla: An in vitro study

PURPOSE@#. This study evaluated the reliability of the chair-side CAD-CAM surgical guide (CSG) in the anterior maxilla by comparing its accuracy with the laboratory 3D-printed surgical guide (3DSG) and manual surgical guide (MSG) concerning different levels of dentists' surgical experience. @*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#. Ten surgical guides of each type (MSG, 3DSG, and CSG) were fabricated on a control study model with missing right and left central incisors. Sixty implants were placed in 30 study models by two dentists (one inexperienced and one experienced) using three different types of surgical guides. Horizontal deviations at shoulder and at apex, vertical, and angular deviations were measured after superimposing the planned and placed implant positions in the software. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the accuracy of three types of surgical guides in each dentist group and the accuracy of each surgical guide between two dentists (α = .05). @*RESULTS@#. There were no significant differences in any deviations between CSG and 3DSG, apart from angular deviation, for both dentists’ groups. Moreover, both CSG and 3DSG showed no significant differences in accuracy between the two dentists (P > .05). In contrast, MSG demonstrated significant differences from CSG and 3DSG and a significant difference in accuracy between the two dentists (P < .05). @*CONCLUSION@#. CSG provides superior accuracy to MSG in implant placement in the maxillary anterior region and is comparable to 3DSG at different levels of surgical experience, while offering the benefits of shorter manufacturing time and reduced patient visits.

Postoperative Refractive Outcomes of Biometric Formulas in Phacovitrectomy with Gas Tamponade

Purpose@#To investigate the refractive accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation for biometric formulas in phacovitrectomy. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included 357 eyes of 357 patients who underwent phacovitrectomy using four commonly available IOL power formulas: Hoffer Q (87 eyes), Holladay 1 (78 eyes), Holladay 2 (91 eyes), and SRK/T (101 eyes). The mean refractive error (ME) and the mean absolute refractive error (MAE) were calculated based on the predicted postoperative refraction error, and they were compared using analysis of variance test. Subjects were divided into high myopic eyes (axial length, ≥26 mm) and nonhigh myopic eyes (axial length, <26 mm). @*Results@#The ME and the MAE after phacovitrectomy did not show a significant difference among the four IOL power formulas (p = 0.546 and p = 0.495, respectively). There was no significant statistical difference in formulas when the eyes were grouped into high myopia and nonhigh myopia (ME: p = 0.526 and p = 0.482, respectively; MAE: p = 0.715 and p = 0.627, respectively). The ME showed myopic shift in all formulas regardless of IOL formula used. The ME showed greater myopic shift in high myopia group than nonhigh myopia group in all formulas. @*Conclusions@#Our study did not find evidence for superiority of any formula in phacovitrectomy. However, in phacovitrectomy, possible myopic shift should be considered for IOL power calculation. Especially, in phacovitrecotmy in patients with high myopia, more myopic shift should be considered when selecting IOL.

Survey of Foodservice Management Status according to Welfare Facility Type for Disabled Persons

This study aimed to determine foodservice and hygiene management statuses at welfare facilities catering to disabled persons by facility type to provide basic data for foodservice management guidelines. An online survey was distributed to workers at 1,984 welfare facilities for disabled persons in Korea, and 531 facilities responded, which represented a response rate of 26.8%. The survey requested general information about the facilities, facility users, meals, hygiene, and management. Statistical analyses were performed, and frequency analysis and the chi-square test were used to investigate responses by facility type. The survey results revealed that daycare centers were most common and accounted for 27.4% of responses. Residential facilities for the severely disabled and sheltered workshops accounted for 16.9% and 16.4%, respectively, and residential facilities by disability type accounted for 13.0%. The presence of dietitians at welfare facilities varied by facility type. Welfare centers for the disabled (94.7%) had the highest percentage of dietitians, followed by residential facilities for the severely disabled (87.8%). On the other hand, sheltered workshops and daycare centers for disabled persons had the lowest percentages of dietitians (10.3% and 4.1%, respectively). This study highlights the variations that exist in foodservice management across different welfare facilities for disabled persons and emphasizes the challenges faced by those responsible for managing foodservices and maintaining hygiene, particularly in large facilities with no dietitians. Therefore, we recommend tailored meal management guidelines be developed for each type of welfare facility for disabled persons.

Extraction of mandibular third molars: relationship of preoperative anxiety with body mass index, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, and visual analog scale scores and predictors of postoperative complications

Objectives@#Patients undergoing oral surgery exhibit high anxiety, which may elevate their cortisol levels and affect postoperative recovery. Overweight patients are often encountered in the dental clinic due to the increasing prevalence of overweight. We aimed to investigate the relationships between preoperatively assessed body mass index (BMI), serum cortisol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores and preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing mandibular third molar (MM3) extraction and to identify predictors of postoperative complications. @*Patients and Methods@#We analyzed 43 patients (age, 20-42 years) undergoing MM3 extraction. At the first visit, patients completed the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) questionnaires. Their BMI and VAS scores were also calculated. The participants underwent blood tests 1 hour before MM3 extraction. On the first postoperative day, the participants’ VAS scores and serum hs-CRP levels were reevaluated. @*Results@#We found that BMI was significantly correlated with preoperative VAS scores. Further, BMI and preoperative hs-CRP levels were significantly correlated among women and patients undergoing extractions of fully impacted MM3s. No correlations were found between serum cortisol and other variables. The preoperative MDAS and VAS scores were significantly positively correlated, especially among patients undergoing extractions of fully impacted MM3s. Multiple linear regression showed that BMI and the eruption status of the MM3 were significant predictors of postoperative hsCRP levels and VAS scores, respectively. @*Conclusion@#In MM3 removals, patients with higher BMI showed elevated hs-CRP and higher VAS scores before surgery. Patients with higher anxiety among those undergoing extractions of fully impacted MM3s showed higher preoperative VAS scores. The two main predictors of postoperative complications were BMI and MM3 eruption status.

The double-barrier technique using platelet-rich fibrin for closure of oroantral fistulas

An oroantral fistula (OAF) or oroantral communication (OAC) is an opening between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. If left untreated, these openings may cause chronic maxillary sinusitis. Although small defects (diameter <5 mm) may close spontaneously, larger communications require surgical intervention. Various studies have been conducted on OAC closure using a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane; most of these prior studies have involved simple direct application of PRF clots. This study introduces a new “double-barrier technique” using PRF for closure of an OAF involving sinus mucosal lifting and closure. The PRF material is inserted into the prepared maxillary sinus space, and the buccal advancement flap covers the oral side. This technique was successfully used to treat two patients with chronic OAF in the posterior maxillary region after implant removal or tooth extraction. The use of a PRF membrane in a double-barrier technique may have advantages in soft-tissue healing and could enable easy closure of chronic OAF with minimal trauma.

Assessment of Risk Factors Affecting Refractive Outcomes after Phacovitrectomy for Epiretinal Membrane

Purpose@#To investigate factors associated with refractive outcomes after phacovitrectomy for epiretinal membrane (ERM). @*Methods@#Retrospective review of patients undergoing phacovitrectomy for ERM was done. The main outcome measure was predictive refraction error (PE), defined as observed refraction error – target refraction error, calculated by the SRK/T, Haigis, and SRK II formulae. PE was measured at postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate factors associated with PE. @*Results@#A total of 53 eyes of 53 patients were included. The mean PEs at postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months were all negative, implying myopic shift in all patients regardless of the intraocular lens formula used. Haigis formula showed the least myopic shift among the three formulae (p = 0.001, Friedman test). There was no significant difference in PE depending on preoperative central macular thickness (CMT) in subgroup analysis. On stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, ERM etiology (β = 0.759, p = 0.004, SRK/T formula; β = 0.733, p = 0.008, Haigis formula; β = 0.933, p < 0.001, SRK II formula), preoperative anterior chamber depth (β = –0.662, p = 0.013, Haigis formula; β = –0.747, p = 0.003, SRK II formula), and decrease of CMT (β = –0.003, p = 0.025, SRK/T formula) were significantly associated with PE at postoperative 6 months. @*Conclusions@#Myopic shift in PE was observed after combined phacovitrectomy for epiretinal membrane. ERM etiology, preoperative anterior chamber depth, and decrease of CMT were significantly associated with PE at postoperative 6 months. There was no difference in PE after surgery between the two groups defined by CMT (≥500 and <500 μm).

A Case of Orbital Eccrine Hidrocystoma

Purpose@#To report the first domestic case of orbital eccrine hidrocystoma.Case summary: A 40-year-old man visited our clinic after an orbital mass was discovered in the left eye. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-defined 1 cm mass on the superomedial side of the orbit, slightly posterior to the globe. The mass was excised completely without rupture through an incision to the upper eyelid skin. The mass appeared more like a cyst than a hemangioma. The diagnosis of eccrine hidrocystoma was confirmed histopathologically. The patient recovered and there was no recurrence at the 6-month follow-up. @*Conclusions@#Although orbital eccrine hidrocystoma is very rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of orbital tumors.

The Lived Experiences of Patient’s Families with the Intensive Care Unit Diary / 중환자간호학회지

Purpose@#: Intensive care unit (ICU) diaries have been implemented across the international ICU community. This study aimed to comprehend the meaning and nature of the lived experience of patients’ families using the ICU diary in Korea. @*Methods@#: This qualitative study adopted van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenology. The participants comprised eight women and two men who were the family members of patients in the ICU for more than three days. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and observation from July 2018 to January 2019. @*Results@#: Patients’ families who experienced the ICU diary recognized it with six beings according to time: a good idea, forgotten stuff, burdensome work, touching service, my stuff, and a thing in the memory. The ICU diary had three essential meanings for the families: communication, solace and hope, and a record of life. These findings were rearranged according to van Manen’s fundamental existential, and the lived things and lived others were remarkably confirmed. @*Conclusion@#: Patients’ families experienced various ICU diary forms over time and recognized an ICU diary as a means of communication. Therefore, the ICU diary is expected to be used as an intervention between families and healthcare providers in the ICU to support mutual communication.

Effects of Atomoxetine for the Treatment of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients With Alpha-synucleinopathies: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and a Focus-Group Discussion

Background@#and PurposeNeurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) is one of the most important nonmotor symptoms in patients with α-synucleinopathies. Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine transporter blocker that is a treatment option for nOH. This systematic review and expert focus-group study was designed to obtain evidence from published data and clinical experiences of Korean movement-disorder specialists about the efficacy and safety of atomoxetine for the pharmacological treatment of nOH in patients with α-synucleinopathies. @*Methods@#The study comprised a systematic review and a focus-group discussion with clinicians. For the systematic review, multiple comprehensive databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and KoreaMed were searched to retrieve articles that assessed the outcomes of atomoxetine therapy. A focus-group discussion was additionally performed to solicit opinions from experts with experience in managing nOH. @*Results@#The literature review process yielded only four randomized controlled trials on atomoxetine matching the inclusion criteria. Atomoxetine effectively increased systolic blood pressure and improved OH-related symptoms as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Its effects were pronounced in cases with central autonomic failure, including multiple-system atrophy (MSA). Atomoxetine might be a safe monotherapy regarding the risk of supine hypertension. @*Conclusions@#Atomoxetine is an effective and safe option for short-term nOH management, which could be more evident in patients with central autonomic dysfunction such as MSA. However, there is a paucity of evidence in the literature, and data from the focus-group discussion were inadequate, and so further investigation is warranted.

Mitochondria in reproduction / 대한생식의학회지

In reproduction, mitochondria produce bioenergy, help to synthesize biomolecules, and support the ovaries, oogenesis, and preimplantation embryos, thereby facilitating healthy live births. However, the regulatory mechanism of mitochondria in oocytes and embryos during oogenesis and embryo development has not been clearly elucidated. The functional activity of mitochondria is crucial for determining the quality of oocytes and embryos; therefore, the underlying mechanism must be better understood. In this review, we summarize the specific role of mitochondria in reproduction in oocytes and embryos. We also briefly discuss the recovery of mitochondrial function in gametes and zygotes. First, we introduce the general characteristics of mitochondria in cells, including their roles in adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species production, calcium homeostasis, and programmed cell death. Second, we present the unique characteristics of mitochondria in female reproduction, covering the bottleneck theory, mitochondrial shape, and mitochondrial metabolic pathways during oogenesis and preimplantation embryo development. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with ovarian aging, a diminished ovarian reserve, a poor ovarian response, and several reproduction problems in gametes and zygotes, such as aneuploidy and genetic disorders. Finally, we briefly describe which factors are involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and how mitochondrial function can be recovered in reproduction. We hope to provide a new viewpoint regarding factors that can overcome mitochondrial dysfunction in the field of reproductive medicine.

Role of enkephalin derivative in promoting wound healing and scar remodeling via increased epidermal growth factor in a mouse model

Background@#Enkephalin, an endogenous neuropeptide, binds to the delta (δ) opioid receptor and exerts an antinociceptive effect. Recent studies have suggested that neuropeptides might effectuate cutaneous wound healing. Therefore, we investigated the effects of an enkephalin derivative on wound healing and scar formation in vivo. @*Methods@#Enkephalin derivatives (leucine-enkephalin) were synthesized using the alanine scan method, and the most promising derivative (E10) was selected for further testing. In 15 C57BL/6N mice, two full-thickness skin defects (10 mm in diameter) were made on both sides of the back (left side, enkephalin group; right side, control group). The enkephalin group was administered 100 μL of E10 (AGGFL, 200 μg/mL), and the control group received phosphate-buffered saline. The wound size was digitally analyzed on days 2, 4, 7, and 10. After 21 days, the scar tissues were histologically evaluated for the scar depression index (SDI), and the epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentration was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. @*Results@#The skin defect percentages were 98.4%±17.9% (day 2), 83.2%±24.0% (day 4), 39.7%±17.4% (day 7), and 16.2%±10.0% (day 10) in the control group and 86.1%±15.0% (day 2), 61.4%±11.6% (day 4), 26.6%±8.8% (day 7), and 16.4%±8.8% (day 10) in the enkephalin group. The SDI values were significantly lower in the enkephalin group (0.06±0.19) than in the control group (0.22±0.13, P<0.001). The EGF level was significantly higher in the enkephalin group (102.2±22.6 pg/mL) than in the control group (42.1±20.5 pg/mL, P<0.001). @*Conclusions@#An enkephalin derivative promoted wound healing and reduced depressed scar formation in a mouse model.

Research progress of visual perception training on postoperative reconstruction of binocular vision in patients with intermittent exotropia / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Intermittent exotropia(IXT)is a common ophthalmic disease with high incidence, variable deviation, and varying degrees of impaired binocular visual function. The defect of binocular visual function is related to the changes of visual cortex. IXT involves the functional changes of many brain regions, including the cortical areas related to binocular fusion. After correcting the eye position, the abnormal changes of cerebral cortex still exist in some patients with IXT, and the recovery of binocular vision is still difficult. In order to solve these problems, visual perception training is gradually applied to the postoperative reconstruction of binocular visual function in patients with IXT. Visual perception training repairs the visual cortex from the brain level, improving the ability of the visual cortex to process information by constantly stimulating the visual center, thus repairing the visual central function, so that patients can obtain good binocular visual function, stabilize the eye position and reduce recurrence. This article reviews the mechanism of binocular visual impairment and the role of visual perception training in the treatment of IXT. It is hoped to provide more evidence for visual perception training to reconstruct postoperative binocular visual function and reduce the recurrence rate in patients with IXT.

Clinical and radiologic comparison between oblique lateral interbody fusion and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the short-term clinical efficacy and radiologic differences between oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on 58 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis treated with OLIF or MIS-TLIF from April 2019 to October 2020. Among them, 28 patients were treated with OLIF (OLIF group), including 15 males and 13 females aged 47 to 84 years old with an average age of (63.00±9.38) years. The other 30 patients were treated with MIS-TLIF(MIS-TLIF group), including 17 males and 13 females aged 43 to 78 years old with an average age of (61.13±11.10) years. General conditions, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, complications, lying in bed, and hospitalization time were recorded in both groups. Radiological characteristics, including intervertebral disc height (DH), intervertebral foramen height (FH), and lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), were compared between two groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical effect.@*RESULTS@#The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, lying in bed, and hospitalization time in OLIF group were significantly less than those in the MIS-TLIF group (P<0.05). The intervertebral disc height and intervertebral foramen height were significantly improved in both groups after the operation (P<0.05). The lumbar lordosis angle in OLIF group was significantly improved compared to before the operation(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the MIS-TLIF group before and after operation(P>0.05). Postoperative intervertebral disc height, intervertebral foramen height, and lumbar lordosis were better in the OLIF group than in the MIS-TLIF group (P<0.05). The VAS and ODI of the OLIF group were lower than those of the MIS-TLIF group within 1 week and 1 month after the operation (P<0.05), and there were no significant differences in VAS and ODI at 3 and 6 months after the operation between the two groups(P>0.05). In the OLIF group, 1 case had paresthesia of the left lower extremity with flexion-hip weakness and 1 case had a collapse of the endplate after the operation;in the MIS-TLIF group, 2 cases had radiation pain of lower extremities after decompression.@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with MIS-TLIF, OLIF results in less operative trauma, faster recovery, and better imaging performance after lumbar spine surgery.

The Influence of Life Stress and Sleep Disturbance on White Matter Integrity

Objective@#This study investigated whether sleep and stress mutually interact to induce changes in white matter integrity. @*Methods@#Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was conducted on 36 participants (male=22, female=14; mean age=38.33±12.78 years). Participants were divided into three groups depending on their sleep quality and stress levels: poor sleepers with stress, poor sleepers without stress, and good sleepers. Sleep quality and stress level were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Life Experiences Survey, respectively. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were calculated employing DTI tractography. @*Results@#After controlling for age and sex, poor sleepers with stress exhibited a lower FA of the left inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP) than did poor sleepers without stress (t=2.81, p=0.02). Poor sleepers without stress showed a higher FA of the right middle longitudinal fasciculus (MdLF) than did good sleepers (t=3.35, p=0.006). @*Conclusion@#The current study reports the effects of sleep, stress, and their interaction on the white matter integrities of the ICP and MdLF. ICP change seems to be associated with sleep disturbances related to stress, while MdLF change would be associated with sleep disturbances unrelated to stress.

Effect of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Vaccination on Patients with Atopic Dermatitis Treated with Dupilumab: A Multicenter, Observational Study

Background@#Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients usually wonder if their condition will worsen after vaccination or if they should continue with the treatment they are receiving. Considering that many patients treated with dupilumab had previously experienced severe AD symptoms and flares, the concerns are more understandable. @*Objective@#This study aimed to investigate the safety of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients with AD treated with dupilumab. @*Methods@#We enrolled 133 patients (101 dupilumab-treated and 32 systemic oral agentstreated as control group) with AD from six hospitals. Patients were asked about worsening pruritus and AD (5-point Likert scale) after vaccination. AD variables (eczema area and severity index [EASI], investigator’s global assessment [IGA], itch numerical rating scale [NRS], sleep NRS, and patient-oriented eczema measure [POEM]) were compared pre- and postvaccination. Adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccination were observed. @*Results@#The incidence of adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines and worsening AD symptoms in dupilumab-treated patients were not significantly different compared with that in the control group. The itch NRS score increased significantly after vaccination (p<0.001).However, there were no statistically significant differences between the pre-and post-EASI, IGA, and POEM scores. Eight patients (7.9%) had worse EASI scores and required rescue therapy; however, most were easily managed with low-dose steroids or topical agents. None of the patients discontinued dupilumab treatment. @*Conclusion@#No serious adverse reactions were observed in patients with AD after COVID-19 vaccination. Exacerbation of pruritus and AD symptoms was observed but was mostly mild and transient.

Clinical observation of postoperative visual perceptual training in children with intermittent exotropia on the recovery of visual function at all levels / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the role of visual perception training on the recovery of visual function at all levels and the improvement of perceptual eye position in children with intermittent exotropia(IXT).METHODS: Prospective clinical study. A total of 74 patients with IXT who received corrective surgery for strabismus in the Ophthalmology Department of the First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City from January to June 2022 were collected and followed up for 3mo. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups at 1d after surgery: 35 patients in the training group received binocular visual perception training, and 39 patients in the control group did not receive visual training. The changes of visual function and perceived eye position at all levels were observed at 1d and 3mo after operation.RESULTS: There were 24 patients(69%)with simultaneous perception in the training group at 1d after surgery and 34 patients(97%)with recovered visual function at 3mo after surgery, which was significantly higher than 1d after surgery(P=0.002). Furthermore, there were 22 cases(56%)of fusion function in the control group at 3mo after surgery, 13 cases(33%)of far stereopsis, 20 cases(51%)of dynamic stereopsis and 17 cases(44%)of static fine stereopsis. In the training group, there were 31 cases(89%)of fusion function, 25 cases(71%)of far stereopsis, 30 cases(86%)of dynamic stereopsis and 27 cases(77%)of static fine stereopsis, which were significantly higher than those in the control group(all P&#x003C;0.05). The degree of perceived eye displacement in the training group decreased more significantly than that in the control group(all P&#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: Postoperative visual perceptual training in children with IXT can promote recovery of visual function at all levels, improve perceptual eye position and enhance the control of eye position at the perceptual level of the brain.

Comparing the Expression of Canonical and Non-Canonical Inflammasomes Across Glioma Grades: Evaluating Their Potential as an Aggressiveness Marker

Background@#Inflammasomes are key in the initiation of inflammatory responses and serve to de-fend the organism. However, when the immune system is imbalanced, these complexes contribute to tumor progression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of non-canonical inflammasomes on glioma malignancy. @*Methods@#We performed bioinformatics analysis to confirm the expression of canonical andnon-canonical inflammasome-related molecules according to the degree of malignancy through immunohistochemical examination of glioma tissues obtained with patient consent from our institution. @*Results@#Bioinformatics analysis confirmed that the expression levels of non-canonical inflam-masome-related molecules were significantly higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues, and they also increased according to malignancy, which adversely affected the survival rate. Furthermore, in gliomas, positive correlations were found between N-form gasdermin-D, a key molecule associated with the non-canonical inflammasome, and other related molecules, including NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-4, and caspase-5. These results were verified by immunohistochemical examination of glioma tissues, and the expression levels of these molecules also increased significantly with increasing grade.In addition, the features of pyroptosis were confirmed. @*Conclusion@#This study identified the potential of non-canonical inflammasomes as aggressiveness markers for gliomas and presented a perspective for improving glioma treatment.

The significance of split-face studies and electromyography in forehead rejuvenation

Background@#Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic substance with a wide range of uses, from the treatment of musculoskeletal spasms to antiaging regimens by improving wrinkles. Split-face studies in which drugs are injected in the right and left sides of the faces have been actively conducted in botulinum toxin studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the reliability of a split-face study for determining the effectiveness of botulinum toxin based on eyebrow height and movement, and electromyography results. @*Methods@#Thirty-one women aged 35 to 55 years were included in the study. Eyebrow height was measured as the distance from the eyebrows to the upper eyelid margin on the primary gaze, and eyebrow movement was measured as the distance when the forehead was wrinkled for 5 seconds. A noninvasive method was used for electromyography of the frontalis muscles. @*Results@#No statistically significant differences in right and left eyebrow heights and movements, and electromyography findings (p= 0.256, p= 1.000, and p= 0.978, respectively) were found. Pearson correlation analysis showed that electromyography muscle activity is positively associated with eyebrow movement, respectively (p< 0.001). @*Conclusion@#We advocate the reliability of split-face study and the usefulness of electromyography of frontalis muscle in forehead rejuvenation research.

Bloodless de-epithelialization in reduction mammoplasty with hydrodissection using a digital automatic anesthesia injector: case series

De-epithelialization is a technique that thins out the epidermis layer of the skin to resurface defects in a cavity or to implant a flap pedicle subcutaneously, preserving the subdermal plexus to support the vascularity of the flap. However, in reduction mammoplasty, de-epithelialization of the pedicle is a time-consuming and tedious step. Although various methods have been proposed to facilitate the completion of this step, a standard has not been established. We used a digital automatic injector that could inject a mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine at a constant, adjustable rate without any special effort. With this method, we could inject local anesthetic into the junction of the epidermis and dermis accurately, which saved time by making dissection easier (hydrodis-section) and decreased bleeding during de-epithelialization. Furthermore, we could use less of the lidocaine and epinephrine mixture, thereby reducing its potential side effects.