• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1036-1045
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• 2023

Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the insidious loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, represents a significant and growing healthcare challenge, impacting the mobility and quality of life of aging populations worldwide. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of soybean leaf extract (SL) for dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced muscle atrophy in vitro and in an in vivo model. In vitro experiments showed that SL significantly alleviated Dexa-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotube cells, as evidenced by preserved myotube morphology, density, and size. Moreover, SL treatment significantly reduced the mRNA and protein levels of muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1) and muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx), key factors regulating muscle atrophy. In a Dexa-induced atrophy mouse model, SL administration significantly inhibited Dexa-induced weight loss and muscle wasting, preserving the mass of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles. Furthermore, mice treated with SL exhibited significant improvements in muscle function compared to their counterparts suffering from Dexa-induced muscle atrophy, as evidenced by a notable increase in grip strength and extended endurance on treadmill tests. Moreover, SL suppressed the expression of muscle atrophy-related proteins in skeletal muscle, highlighting its protective role against Dexa-induced muscle atrophy. These results suggest that SL has potential as a natural treatment for muscle-wasting conditions, such as sarcopenia.

• Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.2241-2255
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• 2018

RSM methodology was applied to present mathematical models for the fabrication of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) dual-layer hollow fibers in membrane distillation process. The design of experiments was used to investigate three main parameters in terms of polymer concentration in both outer and inner layers and the flow rate of dope solutions by the Box-Behnken method. According to obtained results, the optimization was done to present the proper membrane with desirable properties. The characteristics of the optimized membrane (named HF-O) suggested by the Box-Behnken (at the predicted point) showed that the proposed models are strongly valid. Then, a morphology study was done to modify the fiber by a combination of three types of a structure such as macro-void, sponge-like and sharp finger-like. It also improved the hydrophobicity of outer surface from 87 to $113^{\circ}$ and the mean pore size of the inner surface from 108.12 to 560.14 nm. The DCMD flux of modified fiber (named HF-M) enhanced 62% more than HF-O when it was fabricated by considering both of RSM and morphology study results. Finally, HF-M was conducted for long-term desalination process up to 100 hr and showed stable flux and wetting resistance during the test. These stepwise approaches are proposed to easily predict the main properties of PVDF dual-layer hollow fibers by valid models and to effectively modify its structure.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.88-91
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• 2000

The osteochondroma is the most common benign bone tumor, which occupies 40% of the benign bone tumor. About 80% of lesions arise in the long bone of the extremities, particularly in the knee and the upper extremity. But the occurrence of an intraarticular osteochondroma is rare, especially in the interphalangeal joint. We report the case of a intraarticular osteochondroma which occurred at the interphalangeal joint of the hand in a 12-year-old male patient. The plain X-ray demonstrates an exostosis arising from intraarticular dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx of the right middle finger. The excised mass was round, measuring $8{\times}3$mm in size and 1 mm in thickness with definite cartilage capsule.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.226-231
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• 2013

Background The reconstruction of volar surface defects is difficult because of the special histologic nature of the tissue involved. The plantar surface is the most homologous in shape and function and could be considered the most ideal of reconstructive options in select cases of volar surface defects. In this paper, we evaluate a single institutional case series of volar tissue defects managed with second toe plantar free flaps. Methods A single-institution retrospective review was performed on 12 cases of reconstruction using a second toe plantar free flap. The mean age was 33 years (range, 9 to 54 years) with a male-to-female ratio of 5-to-1. The predominant mechanism was crush injury (8 cases) followed by amputations (3 cases) and a single case of burn injury. Half of the indications (6 cases) were for soft-tissue defects with the other half for scar contracture. Results All of the flaps survived through the follow-up period. Sensory recovery was related to the time interval between injury and reconstruction-with delayed operations portending worse outcomes. There were no postoperative complications in this series. Conclusions Flexion contracture is the key functional deficit of volar tissue defects. The second toe plantar free flap is the singular flap whose histology most closely matches those of the original volar tissue. In our experience, this flap is the superior reconstructive option within the specific indications dictated by the defect size and location.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.943-951
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to analyze the physiological effects of non-elastic corset on women's health and pain through measuring the clothing pressure, subjective pressure sensation, blood velocity and metabolism. 5 women in their twenties were picked as our subjects, their average size being 85cm at bust girth, 69 cm at waist girth. With the subjects each wearing a corset, we are testing in artificial environment with a treadmill according to the planned exercise procedures. The average pressure of the corset is 0.938 kPa (maximum 3.006 kPa at 45 degree front bowing), which is 10.2 times higher than the control group, averaging from 9.3 times higher at resting, 11.4 times at walking, 11.1 times at running. The effect of corset pressure on the physiological responses of the body is increased more when exercise than when resting. Clothing pressure increased in the order of the postures: sitting > standing with 45 degree bowing > standing. They experienced a high level of tighten discomfort of 5.6 in the scale of 1.0 to 7.0 due to the high pressure of the corset when resting, after intense exercise the level increased to 6.0, while without corset the level increased 1.7 to 2.2. With corset on, the blood circulation did not increase even though when the body exercised and blood flow became unbalanced making great gaps between both at the right and left finger tips. Perspiration of chest and back decreased 37.3% when wearing corset; 27.5% at resting, 56.7% at walking, 25.8% at running, and 39.0% at recovery. With corset on oxygen consume and metabolism increased 9.0%, 7.9%, respectively, which means the corset makes the body uncomfortable. Lung volume exchange VE decreased almost 4.1~7.3% with corset on and $VCO_2/VO_2$, RER and total volume in lung, VT also decreased too, which means the digestion of stomach and lung function are inhibited due to the high corset pressure.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.420-427
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• 2017

Background It can be difficult to select an appropriate flap for various defects on the hand. Although defects of the hand usually must be covered with a skin flap, some defects require a flap with rich blood supply and adequate additive soft tissue volume. The authors present their experience with the anconeus muscle free flap in the reconstruction of various defects and the release of scar contractures of the hand. Methods Ten patients underwent reconstruction of the finger or release of the first web space using the anconeus muscle free flap from May 1998 to October 2013. Adequate bed preparations with thorough debridement or contracture release were performed. The entire anconeus muscle, located at the elbow superficially, was harvested, with the posterior recurrent interosseous artery as a pedicle. The defects were covered with a uniformly trimmed anconeus muscle free flap. Additional debulking of the flap and skin coverage using a split-thickness skin graft were performed 3 weeks after the first operation. Results The average flap size was $18.7cm^2$ (range, $13.5-30cm^2$). All flaps survived without significant complications. Vein grafts for overcoming a short pedicle were necessary in 4 cases. Conclusions The anconeus muscle free flap can be considered a reliable reconstructive option for small defects on the hand or contracture release of the web space, because it has relatively consistent anatomy, provides robust blood supply within the same operative field, and leads to no functional loss at the donor site.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.117-123
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• 2005

The reconstructive modalities for vaginal reconstruction include simple dilatation, skin graft, use of intestinal segments and various methods using flaps. However, skin grafting procedure is the most commonly used technique and the McIndoe procedure is a representative technique among skin grafting procedures. McIndoe procedure is easier, faster and has a lower morbidity compared to other techniques. However the conventional McIndoe procedure has several problems such as incomplete vestibule formation, excessive bleeding during dissection, possibility of recto-vaginal or urethro-vaginal fistula formation, late vaginal contracture and discomfort in wearing hard plastic mold for a long time after operation. To solve these problems, the authors modified the conventional McIndoe procedure in several perspectives. The undeveloped vestibule was incised with X-shaped mucosal incision between the urethral opening and posterior margin of the vestibule and deepened by blunt finger dissection to provide a sufficient diameter & length of the neovagina and to minimize bleeding. A sizable medium thickness split skin graft was harvested and wrapped over a roll gauze-filled condom mold. Applying multiple stab incision on the skin grafted condom mold, it was inserted into the prepared neovaginal canal. Distal margin of the skin graft was secured with tips of the mucosal flaps created by X-shaped vestibular incision to prevent accidental extrusion of the skin grafted mold. During last 15 years, we applied this modification to 20 vaginal agenesis patients and investigated results of the 12 patients who could be followed up serially including hematoma formation and skin graft survival rate, size, depth, presence of late contracture, appearance, comfortness, and hygiene of the neovagina. And they were compared with 8 patients of 20 patients who underwent conventional McIndoe procedures. The modified McIndoe procedure revealed lower complication rate, higher patient satisfaction and better functional results.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.239-244
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• 2010

Purpose: Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), also known as Masson's pseudoangiosarcoma, is a rare disease which is now considered as a reactive process of the endothelium rather than a benign neoplasm. It can occur in any blood vessels in the body but more common in the head and neck region as a solitary, often tender, bluish or reddish nodule. IPEH is characterized by the development of endothelial-lined papillary projections in a vascular lumen, usually associated with thrombotic material, the endothelial cells in the papillary structures showing only slight atypia and occasional mitotic Figures, the absence of tissue necrosis. Methods: 8 patients with IPEH were enrolled in the study from 2002 to 2007. All 8 lesions were surgically excised for histopathologic diagnosis. Results: 4 patients were female. The duration of the lesions ranged from 3 months to 15 years. The tumors were first noted between the ages of 20 and 72 years. 4 patients had lesions on the head; 2 on the toe; 1 on the back; and 1 on the finger, respectively. All lesions were solitary, ranged in size from 2 mm to 27 mm. There were no recurrences. Conclusion: The clinical appearance of IPEH is not specific, presented as a primary neoplasm, and the diagnosis can be established by microscopic examination. Complete surgical excision is the best choice of therapy for patients with IPEH, and is both diagnostic and curative. Awareness of this lesion will prevent incorrect diagnosis and overly aggressive treatment.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.319-325
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• 2022

Two-port laparoscopic ovariectomy (Lap-OVE) has been performed in small dogs, using 3-mm and 5-mm portal sites, and is associated with reduced surgical stress and postoperative pain. However, extension of the incision is often needed to extract the ovaries. In this study, we aimed to minimize invasiveness by using smaller-sized cannulas as well as a novel technique for ovary extraction. Lap-OVE was performed on six, healthy female dogs (range, 3 to 7.2 kg) using two 3-mm midline portals. The middle finger of a size M nitrile glove was cut at its base and sterilized preoperatively. The ovary was suspended at the body wall using a 1-0 blue nylon needle, and the ovarian pedicle and ligaments were transected using a 3-mm bipolar forceps. To facilitate the glove passing through the 3.9-mm port, it was turned inside out to expose the smooth inner surface, before being inserted into the abdominal cavity with an applicator. Both ovaries were placed inside, and the mouth of the glove was exteriorized through the port with a laparoscopic grasping forceps. The ovaries were morcellated inside the glove, using Adison-Brown tissue forceps and iris scissors, which enabled safe extraction without incision enlargement. Median incision lengths were 4.3 mm (3.5-mm cranial cannula) and 4.8 mm (3.9-mm caudal cannula). An advantage of this procedure was that there was no need for skin sutures. In conclusion, using our novel technique, sutureless Lap-OVE was possible in small dogs using two 3-mm portal sites without additional incision.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.64-64
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• 2003

The sex differentiation of fishes occurs under the control of genetic and various environmental factors. DM-domain containing genes are novel zinc finger transcription factors and play key roles in sex determination. In order to isolate the wrasse DMRT (wDMRT) cDNA from the protogynous wrasse (Halichoeres tenuispinnis), the wrasse testis cDNA library was screened using the $^{32}$ P-labeled PCR products, which were amplified with the degenerate primers from conserved DM-domain regions of several DMRT genes. Among a few positives obtained through screening, the full length wDMRT cDNA of 2.9kb size encoding a predicted 300 amino acid residues was isolated. The sequence analysis exhibited 60%, 43% sequence identity with rainbow trout and tilapia DMRT1, respectively. RT-PCR assay showed that wDMRT was expressed specifically in male testis. Also, wDMRT gene was strongly expressed in May during reproductive season, when the reproductivity of wrasse is most active. This results suggested that wDMRT gene function in testis differentiation The conserved DM-domain regions were amplified using PCR from DMRT genes of several species among Labridae, and their sequences were determined. The sequence of DM-domain region of Halichoeres. tenuispinis was identical to those of Pseudolabrus japonicus, Pteragogus flagellifera, and showed 94% identity with that of Halichoeres poecioptrerus.