Rheological properties and preclinical data of novel hyaluronic acid filler containing epidermal growth factor.

Recently, a novel hyaluronic acid (HA) filler containing the epidermal growth factor (EGF) was developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rheological properties, preclinical efficacy and biocompatibility of the EGF-containing HA filler (HA-EGF filler) using a photoaged mouse model. The rheological properties of the new HA-EGF filler were assessed. Twenty-four female hairless mice (SKH1) underwent photoaging induction with 8 weeks of ultraviolet-B irradiation. The mice were randomly divided into four groups and intradermally injected 100 µl of phosphate-buffered saline, HA-EGF filler, HA filler or polynucleotide (PN) into the dorsal region. We examined the effect of fillers on photoaged skin by dermoscopic examination. Furthermore, histological evaluation with immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the biocompatibility and collagen formation at the 10th week. A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and western blot test assessed the expression of collagen I/III, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and transforming growth factor. The viscosity and elasticity of the HA-EGF filler were lower than those of the HA filler. Histological evaluation revealed no significant differences in the collagen synthesis between the HA-EGF, HA and PN filler groups. No inflammation was observed during the experimental period. The HA-EGF filler induced type I/III collagen production and downregulated the expression of MMP-1, 3 and 9. Our results suggest that the novel HA-EGF filler may be an additional therapeutic option for photoaged skin, which works by inducing collagen synthesis. Based on these preclinical results, further well-controlled clinical studies are required.

Selective sterilization of Vibro parahaemolyticus from a bacterial mixture by low-amperage electric current.

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of using low-amperage electrical treatment (LAET) as a selective bacteriocide. Mixtures containing Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were treated with different electric current intensities and for different times. The results showed that at 263 mA, treating bacteria for 100 ms eliminated all V. parahaemolyticus colonies. Although LAET reduced the populations of the three microorganisms, V. parahaemolyticus was more injured by LAET than S. aureus and E. coli when treated at the same processing conditions.

A Case of Zenker's Diverticulum Treated by Argon Plasma Coagulation / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Zenker's diverticulum occurs mainly in elderly patients with typical symptoms including dysphagia, regurgitation, chronic cough, aspiration, and weight loss. A diagnosis is easily established on upper endoscopy or barium studies. The treatment is surgery or endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy. Endoscopic procedures include staple assisted diverticulostomy, CO2 laser, transparent oblique-endhood attached endoscopic diverticulostomy, and argon plasma coagulation. Minimally invasive endoscopic treatments are associated with a shorter operating time, shorter postoperative hospital stay, quicker resumption of oral intake, and fewer overall complications. Argon plasma coagulation can be performed in any regular endoscopy unit and is less invasive, economical, faster, and well-tolerated. In particular, older patients in a poor general condition, at high surgical risk or with contraindications to general anesthesia can be treated with argon plasma coagulation.