• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.622-628
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• 2009

In the present study, the therapeutic potential of purified and well-characterized bacteriophages was evaluated in thermally injured mice infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae B5055. The efficacy of five Klebsiella phages (Kpn5, Kpn12, Kpn13, Kpn17, and Kpn22) was evaluated on the basis of survival rate, decrease in bacterial counts in different organs of phage-treated animals, and regeneration of skin cells as observed by histopathological examination of phage-treated skin. Toxicity studies performed with all the phages showed them to be non-toxic, as no signs of morbidity and mortality were observed in phage-treated mice. The results of the study indicate that a single dose of phages, intraperitoneally (i.p.) at an MOI of 1.0, resulted in significant decrease in mortality, and this dose was found to be sufficient to completely cure K. pneumoniae infection in the burn wound model. Maximum decrease in bacterial counts in different organs was observed at 72 h post infection. Histopathological examination of skin of phage-treated mice showed complete recovery of burn infection. Kpn5 phage was found to be highly effective among all the phages and equally effective when compared with a cocktail of all the phages. From these results, it can be concluded that phage therapy may have the potential to be used as stand-alone therapy for K. pneumoniae induced burn wound infection, especially in situations where multiple antibiotic-resistant organisms are encountered.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.136-143
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• 2004

Purpose : We analyse retrospectively the clinical result of consecutive free flap and osteocutaneous flap transfer in the chronic osteomyelitis, nonunion combined with infection and soft tissue defect with infection. Materials and Methods : From December 1989 to Jun 2003, free flap and osteocutaneous flap transfer was performed in 225 patients with osteomyelitis or infected non-union. 44 cases of these patients had revealed antibitotics resistant organism in wound culture, and these 44 cases were investigated in the mechanism of the injury, recurrence of infection, radiographic union, follow-up clincal results, and postoperative complications. Results : Among the 44 cases, consecutive procedures of osteocutaneous flap transfers(26 cases) and free flaps(18 cases) were performed. Causative organisms were MRSA(20 cases), Pseudomonas aeruginosa(18 cases), acinetobacter(2 cases), and so forth. Initial bony union was obtained in the average 6.3 months. Recurrence of infection in free flap and osteocutaneous free flap were occurred in 3 and 4 cases respectively. Eventually, all the cases attained successful subsidence of the inflammation. Conclusion : Free flap and osteocutaneousflap transfer have provided the greatest improvement of surgical results in infected non-union, chronic osteomyelitis and soft tissue defect with infection. Further clincal studies maybe required to minimize failure rate.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.113-117
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• 2002

Cyto-toxic effect of silver sulfadiazine (Ag-SD) on keratinocytes and its implication on wound healing process were investigated in $2^{nd}$ degree bum hairless mouse model. As a dermal model, HaCat (immortalized keratinocytes) monolayer culture in DMEM with 10% FBS was used. Cyto-toxicity of Ag-SD was estimated by measuring the cell viability using neutral red assay after adding the drug. The $2^{nd}$ degree bum was prepared on hairless mouse back skin (1 cm diameter) and dressings with Ag-SD were applied for 96 hr. The process of re-epithelialization and the presence of inflammatory cells were investigated and histology with Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was performed. Ag-SD displayed highly cyto-toxic effect on cultured HaCat cells in a concentration dependent manner $(1-100\;{\mu}g/mL)$. Topical application of Ag-SD (2%) could control the infection: no inflammatory cells were observed in histology. However the cyto-toxic effect of Ag-SD on skin cells induced the impairment in epidermal regeneration.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.144-149
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• 2010

Purpose: The aim of this case report is to present the successful clinical treatment of two cases of postoperative infection following maxillary sinus augmentation. Methods: In the two cases of postoperative infection, immediate total removal of the grafted material from the sinus was conducted to stop the spread of the infection, after which a high dose of antibiotics was administrated. Re-augmentation procedures were then conducted after the infection subsided. Results: No further complications occurred after sinus re-augmentation. The dental implants placed in the re-augmented sinus were clinically osseointegrated, and the implant-supported restorations in the two cases of postoperative infection have been functioning very well for over 2 years. Conclusions: In the case of infection of the grafted sinuses, it is necessary to completely remove the graft materials and then administer a high dose of antibiotics to treat the acute infection, after which sinus re-augmentation is suggested.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.279-284
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• 2013

Background: Sternal dehiscence is one of the most troublesome complications following cardiac surgery. Treatment failure and consequent lethal outcomes are very common. The aim of this study was to evaluate titanium plate fixation as a treatment for sternal dehiscence following major cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: Between 2010 and 2012, 17 patients underwent sternal reconstruction using horizontal titanium plating for the treatment of post-cardiac-surgery sternal dehiscence. The plates were cut and shaped, and then were fixed to corresponding costal segments using 2-3 titanium screws per each side. Results: The median age of our patients was 66 years (range, 50 to 78 years) and 9 were female. Indications for sternal reconstruction included aseptic sternal dehiscence in 3 patients and osteomyelitis in 14 patients including 6 patients who were diagnosed with mediastinitis. During the operation, sternal resection and autologous flap interposition were combined in 11 patients. One patient died due to sepsis. Two patients required additional soft tissue wound revisions. Another patient presented with a tuberculous wound infection which was resolved using anti-tuberculosis medications. The postoperative course was uncomplicated in the other 13 patients. Conclusion: Titanium plate fixation that combines appropriate debridement and flap interposition is very effective for the treatment of sternal dehiscence following major cardiac surgery.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.119-124
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• 2003

Introduction : The purpose is a retrospective evaluation of the clinical results of the radial forearm flap transfer for foot reconstruction. Materials and methods : We evaluated 21 cases with medical records including etiology, wound dimension, presence of infection, associated fracture, ischemic time of free flap, complication of donor and recipient site. The final results were evaluated with our clinical score (walking, shoe-in, cosmetic). Results : Defects were located on the heel (12 cases), dorsum of foot (4 cases) and sole (5 cases). Mean wound dimension was $7.56{\times}6.0cm$, and mean ischemic time of free flap was 94.5minute. There were superficial skin necrosis (1 case), recurrent ulceration (2 cases) in recipient site, and no complication in donor site but complaint about cosmetic problem (3 cases). The clinical score showed excellent in 14 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 1 case and poor in 2 cases. Conclusion : We consider the radial forearm flap could provid the stable and durable restoration of normal foot contour without debulking in the foot reconstruction and achieved normal ambulation and cosmetic satisfaction.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.177-182
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• 2012

Background: Tuberculous abscess of the chest wall is a very rare disease. Few articles have reported on it and those that have enrolled few patients. To determine the characteristics of this disease and to suggest an optimal treatment strategy, we reviewed patients treated by surgical management. Materials and Methods: Between October 1981 and December 2009, 68 patients treated by surgical management for a tuberculous abscess of the chest wall were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Of 33 men and 35 women, 31 patients had a current or previous history of tuberculosis. The main complaints were chest pain, a palpable mass, pus discharge, and coughing. A preoperative bacteriologic diagnosis was performed in 12 patients. Abscess excision was performed in 54 cases, abscess cavity excision and partial rib resection in 13, and abscess excision and partial sternum and clavicle excision in 1 case. Postoperative wound infection was noted in 16 patients and a secondary operation was performed in 1 patient. Recurrence occurred in 5 patients (7.35%). Reoperation with abscess excision and partial rib resection was performed in all of the 5 cases. Conclusion: Complete excision of the abscess and primary closure of the wound with obliteration of space would decrease postoperative complications. Anti-tuberculosis medication may reduce the chance of recurrence.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.127-130
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• 2012

Sternal dehiscence is one of the most troublesome complications following cardiac surgery. Treatment failure and consequent lethal results are very common, even with all the efforts to resolve sternal dehiscence such as removal of infectious tissue, muscle flap interposition, and sternal rewiring. We report on a case of sternal osteomyelitis following coronary artery bypass grafting that was successfully treated with wide sternal resection, titanium plate fixation, and pectoralis muscle flap interposition.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.649-654
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• 2012

Background Deep burns of the elbow lead to soft tissue necrosis and infection, with exposure of deep structures. Adequate wound coverage of this area requires thin, pliable, and durable tissue, while optimal functional recovery requires early coverage and functional rehabilitation. We have found 3 types of island flaps that provide reliable coverage for the elbow. Methods A retrospective study was performed on all patients who underwent flap coverage of an elbow defect at our hospital. The patients' data including age, sex, cause of injury, wound dimensions, timing of flap coverage, postoperative elbow motion, and complications were investigated. Results Between 2001 and 2012, 16 patients were treated at our hospital. The mean age was 53.3 years. Three kinds of flaps were performed: 9 latissimus dorsi flaps, 4 lateral arm flaps, and 4 radial forearm flaps. The average defect size was 183.5 $cm^2$ (range, 28 to 670 cm2). Wound coverage was performed at mean duration of 45.9 days (range, 14 to 91 days). The mean postoperative active elbow flexion was $98^{\circ}$ (range, $85^{\circ}$ to $115^{\circ}$). Partial flap failure occurred in 1 latissimus dorsi flap. Minor complications included partial flap loss (11.8%), hematoma (23.5%), seroma (35.3%), and wound infection (5.9%). Conclusions Flap selection for elbow reconstruction is determined by the defect size and the extent of the adjacent tissue injury. Elbow reconstruction using an island flap is a single-staged, reliable, and relatively simple procedure that permits initiation of early rehabilitation, thereby improving a patient's functional outcome.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.214-217
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• 2005

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) was first attempted by Shearly et al for the relief of intractable pain. A spinal cord stimulator has traditionally been used for failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) angina pectoris, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and ischemic pain in the extremity. However, the complications associated with the use of a spinal cord stimulator, such as wound infection, hematoma, lead migration and device malfunction; make its long term application difficult. Here, our experience of an interesting case, in which intractable right leg pain was controlled using a spinal cord stimulator placed in the left epidural space, is reported, with a review of the literature.