• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.159-167
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• 1994

The contraction of rabbit basilar artery was examined as a function of changes in the $Na^+$ electrochemical gradient in order to determine the contribution of $Na^+/Ca^{2+}$ exchange to the modulation of contractility. Ouabain $(10^{-5}\;M)$ or $K^+-free$ Tyrode solution caused an increase in tonic tension even in the presence of a $Ca^{2+}$ channel blocker $(10^{-6}\;M\;verapamil)$ and an ${\alpha}-receptor$ blocker $(10^{-5}\;M\;phentolamine)$. After treatment with ouabain $(10^{-5}\;M)$, contractions were augmented by reduction of external $Na^+$ concentration. The longer the treatment with ouabain $(10^{-5}\;M)$ was, the larger the amplitude of $Na^+-free$ contracture was. $Na^+-free$ contracture wag induced by either substitution of equimolar Tris for $Na^+$ or substitution of equimolar $Li^+\;for\;Na^+$. The competition between $Na^+\;and\;Ca^{2+}$ for the $Na^+/Ca^{2+}$ exchange carrier would exist, because it was observed that contractility was dependent on the $Na^+$ electrochemical gradient or the extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration (2 mM, 4 mM). Ryanodine $(10^{-7}\;M)$, the blocker of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, did not suppress the development of $Na^+-free$ contracture. The contractile response to norepinephrine $(10^{-6}\;M)$ was augmented by reducing the extracellular $Na^+$ concentration. The relaxation rate from caffeine-induced contraction was dependent on the extracellular $Na^+$ concentration (0 mM, 140 mM). From the above results, it could be suggested that $Na^+/Ca^{2+}$ exchange can move $Ca^{2+}$ either into or out of rabbit basilar arterial smooth muscle. $Ca^{2+}$ entry or extrusion is dependent upon the $Na^+$ electrochemical gradient. $Na^+/Ca^{2+}$ exchange plays a significant role in the regulation of contractility in rabbit basilar arterial smooth muscle.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.649-654
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• 2011

Purpose: Split-or full-thickness skin grafts are used to reconstruct palmar skin and soft tissue defects after trauma or to release burn scar contracture on the hand. Glabrous skin defects should be substituted with similar skin to preserve function and aesthetics. The authors report their experiences with a technique that uses a full-thickness graft taken from glabrous skin on the ulnar edge of the palm for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the hand. Methods: During a three-year period from 2007 to 2010, 22 patients with burn scar contracture and 12 patients with post-traumatic skin defects on their hands were treated with full-thickness skin graft operations. The palmar skin and soft tissue defects after release of burn scar contracture or debridement of post-traumatic wounds were reconstructed with full-thickness skin grafts harvested from the ulnar border of their palms. All donor-site wounds were primarily closed. Results: The followup periods ranged from 3 to 25 months. Contractures of the hand were corrected without recurrence, and the grafts showed relatively good contour and color match to the adjacent fields. There were no reported complications such as significant color change or hypertrophic scarring. The grafted skin showed an average 5.9 mm static two-point discrimination obtained in fingertip reconstruction cases, indicating satisfactory reinnervation. Conclusion: Glabrous full-thickness grafts harvested from the palmar ulnar border is a very useful way of reconstructing soft tissue defects on hands, including fingertips, for function restoration, favorable aesthetic results, and low donor-site morbidity.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.1067-1073
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• 1990

To clarify the changes of left ventricular function under normothermia, the time interval between the onset of ischemia and the beginning of contracture of left ventricle[TIC] were recorded in newborn piglet. Myocardial performance was assessed using intraventricular balloon to determine compliance and systolic function after 5 to 10 minutes interval per-fusing normothermic substrate free Krebs solution as a perfusate. The time to onset TIC was 29.5\ulcorner1.7 minutes and peak ischemic contracture was 46.7\ulcorner4.0 minutes[p<0.01]. In myocardial performance, systolic function of left ventricle[defined as cardiac contractility] was kept until 25 minutes of perfusion, but was decreased abruptly after 30 minutes of perfusion[p<0.0018] and diastolic function of left ventricle[defined as diastolic compliance] was kept until 15 minutes of perfusion, but was decreased after 20 minutes of perfusion [p=0.00\ulcorner9]. This study demonstrated maximal time of the tolerance to normothermic global ischemia and functional changes of left ventricle using Krebs perfusate under the same condition.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.609-611
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• 2016

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.432-436
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• 2009

Purpose: Negative pressure therapy has been used in various conditions to promote wound healing. It has also been used to secure a skin graft by improving microcirculation and improving tight adhesion between the graft and the recipient bed. To reduce post burn scar contracture and improve aesthetical result, many types of dermal substitutes have been invented and used widely. The goal of this study was evaluate usefulness of the VAC (Kinetic concepts Inc., San Antonio, TX) in improving the take rate and time to incorporation of Integra$^{(R)}$ in reconstruction of burn scar contracture. Methods: A retrospective study was performed from October, 2006 to December, 2008. The VAC was utilized for 11 patients. The average patient's age was 19.7 years (range 5 - 27) and average surface area was $785cm^2$ (range 24 - 1600). The burn scars were excised deep into normal subcutaneous tissue to achieve complete release of the scar, Integra$^{(R)}$ was sutured in place with skin staple와 Steri - strip$^{(R)}$. Then slit incisions were made on silicone sheet only with No.11 blade for effective drainage. The VAC was used as a bolster dressing over Integra$^{(R)}$. Negative - Pressure ranging from 100 to 125 mm Hg was applied to black polyurethane foam sponge trimmed to the appropriate wound size. An occlusive seal over the black polyurethane foam sponge was maintained by a combination of the occlusive dressing, OP - site$^{(R)}$. The VAC dressing changes were performed every 3 or 4 days until adequate incorporation was obtained. The neodermis appeared slightly yellow to orange color. When the Integra$^{(R)}$ deemed clinically incorporated, The VAC was removed and take was estimated with visual inspection. Very thin STSG(0.006 ~ 0.008 inches) was performed after silicone sheet removal. Result: The mean time for clinically assessed incorporation of Integra$^{(R)}$ was 10.00 days (range 9 - 12). The mean dressing change was 3.5 times until take was obtained. In All patients, Integra$^{(R)}$ had successful incorporation in tissue without serious complications. Conclusion: Integra$^{(R)}$ in combination with Vacuum - Assisted Closure(VAC) may be incorporated earlier than conventional dressing method.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.286-292
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• 2010

Purpose: Stability of joints and maintenance of range of motion are needed for optimum function. The most common complaint about the elbow joint is joint stiffness. Recent articles have reported good outcomes in the treatment of stiff elbow joints. However, deciding which procedure to use is always difficult. Materials and Methods: Morrey et al. reported that the functional range of motion of the elbow joint is $30-130^{\circ}$ of flexion-extension and $50^{\circ}C$ of supination and pronation. About 90% of daily activities are done using this range of motion. Stiff elbow joints can be classified according to the traumatic events that caused the problem or the location of the main pathology. Intraarticular pathology includes severe articular mismatch, intraarticular adhesions, loss of articular cartilage, mechanical blockade by osteophytes, loose bodies, and hypertrophied synovium. Extraarticular pathology includes severe capsular adhesion due to the trauma or to dislocation, contracture of the collateral ligaments or muscles, bony bridge. Results and Conclusions: The main pathology underlying the loss of extension is the fibrous contracture of the anterior capsule. In this pathology, an anterior capsulectomy would be helpful. The main pathology underlying the loss of flexion is the contracture of the posterior band of medial collateral ligament.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.479-484
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• 1999

In this study, the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on ischemia/reperfusion injury were investigated on isolated heart perfusion model. Hearts were perfused with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution (pH 7.4, $37^{\circ}C$) on a Langendroff apparatus. After equilibration, isolated hearts were treated with UDCA 20 to 160 $\mu$M or vehicle (0.04% DMSO) for 10 min before the onset of ischemia. After global ischemia (30 min), ischemic hearts were reperfused and allowed to recover for 30 min. The physiological (i.e. heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure, coronary flow, double product and time to contracture formation) and biochemical (lactate dehydrogenase; LDH) parameters were evaluated. In vehicle-treated group, time to contracture formation was 21.4 min during ischemia, LVDP was 18.5 mmHg at the endpoint or reperfusion and LDH activity in total reperfusion effluent was 54.0 U/L. Cardioprotective effects of UDCA against ischemia/reperfusion consisted of a reduced TTC $(EC_{25}=97.3{\mu}M)$, reduced LDH release and enhanced recovery of cardiac contractile function during reperfusion. Especially, the treatments of UDCA 80 and $160 {\mu}M $ significantly increased LVDP and reduced LDH release. Our findings suggest that UDCA ameliorates ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial damage.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.118-127
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• 2018

Background A variety of island flaps can be based on the superficial temporal artery with variable tissue composition. They can be used for defect reconstruction, cavity resurfacing, facial hair restoration, or contracture release. Methods Seventy-two patients underwent facial reconstruction using a superficial temporal artery island flap from October 2010 to October 2014. The defects had various etiologies, including trauma, burns, tumors, exposed hardware, and congenital causes. We classified the patients by indication into 5 groups: cavity resurfacing, contracture release, facial hair restoration, skin coverage, and combined. The demographic data of the patients, defect characteristics, operative procedures, postoperative results, and complications were retrospectively documented. The follow-up period ranged from 24 to 54 months. Results A total of 24 females and 48 males were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was $33.7{\pm}15.6years$. The flaps were used for contracture release in 13 cases, cavity resurfacing in 10 cases, skin coverage in 17 cases, facial hair restoration in 19 cases, and combined defects in 13 cases. No major complications were reported. Conclusions Based on our experiences with the use of superficial temporal artery island flaps, we have developed a detailed approach for the optimal management of patients with composite facial defects. The aim of this article is to provide the reader with a systematic algorithm to use for such patients.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1998.11a
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• pp.199-199
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• 1998

In this study, the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on ischemia/reperfusion injury were investigated on retrograded aortic perfusion model. Hearts from Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution (pH 7.4, 37) on a Langendorff apparatus. After equilibration, hearts were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid 10, 20, 40 and 800 M or vehicle (0.04% DMSO) for 10 min before the onset of ischemia. Following 25 min of global ischemia, ischemic hearts were reperfused and allowed to recover for 30 min. The physiological (i.e. heart rate, left ventricular diastolic pressure, coronary flow and time to contracture formation) and biochemical (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH) endpoints were evaluated. In vehicle group, time to contracture formation (TTC) value was 19.5 min during ischemia, LVDP was 20.8 mmHg at the endpoint of reperfusion and LDH activity in reperfusate was 59.7 U/L. Cardioprotective effects of UDCA following ischemia/reperfusion consisted of a reduced TTC (EC$\_$25/ = 16.10 M), reduced LDH release and enhanced recovery of contractile function during reperfusion. Especially, the treatments of UDCA 80 M remarkably increased LVDP (68.1 mmHg) and reduced LDH release (33.2 U/L). Our findings suggest that UDCA ameliorates ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial damage, in agreement with physiological and biochemical parameters.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.131-140
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• 2009

The aim of this study is to find out benefits of symptom questionnaire for oriental medical treatments. We analyzed symptom questionnaire of Korean association of abdomen diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions are as below. 1. Appetite, taste and digestion have a deep connection with accumulation and muscular contracture, with which the method of reinforcement and reduction is decided. 2. Feces, urine and, sweat have a deep connection with accumulation and water, with which the method of diaphoresis, emesis and purgation is decided. 3. Thirst and chillness and fever have a deep connection with water poisons and feverish feeling, based on which the cold and heat is classified. 4. we can find out the lesions with departmentalized physical sections of the head and the face, the chest, the abdomen, the articulations, the limbs and the skin. 5. It is possible to select appropriate prescription and assess before & after treatment through the questionnaire.