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This study aimed to propose a novel four-type deformity and treatment-oriented classification of the lower eyelids that directs the therapeutic combination of three-step lower blepharoplasty for Asian populations. We reviewed 183 patients who underwent a therapeutic combination of three steps of lower blepharoplasty after being diagnosed with four types of lower eyelid deformities between July 2018 and April 2021. The three-step lower blepharoplasty includes: (1) mid-face and lower eyelid augmentation, (2) transconjunctival eye bag removal, and (3) skin pinch removal. Consecutive digital images, detailed fat graft volume, fat removal amount, skin pinch removal amount, complications, and patient’s satisfaction and aesthetic improvement score were recorded. The overall patient’s satisfy score is 91. Aesthetic improvement score is 80.2 and 83.3 among lay persons and experts, respectively. The volume of the fat graft ranges from 2 to 3 mL per orbit according to the severity of the deformity. The amount of fat removed was 0.53 ± 0.36 and 0.61 ± 0.40 mL per orbit in types II and III patients, respectively. There is no lower lid malposition. Eleven patients had over-correction of fat grafting, and they need steroid injection; 20 patients had under-correction of fat grafting, and they need secondary fat grafting. Ten patients need secondary skin pinch excision due to post-op skin redundancy. Two patients had conjunctiva wound granuloma. The combination of three-step lower blepharoplasty according to the novel classification is a straightforward and effective method to correct lower eyelid deformities. The complication rate was low with high patient satisfaction. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

BACKGROUND Several materials can serve as spacer grafts in the repair of retracted lower eyelids. However, previous studies did not reveal any of these to be superior to the others. From our perspective, autologous dermal grafts are ideal because they are biologically compatible and abundantly available. However, the absorption of these grafts is an issue, and the thickness of the dermal grafts is crucial. We evaluated the dermal thickness at five potential donor sites using ultrasonography and the efficacy and safety of the posterior neck dermis as a spacer graft in the correction of retracted lower eyelids. METHODS In 20 healthy volunteers, the dermal thickness was assessed using ultrasonography and compared between the posterior neck, upper arm, inguinal area, intergluteal cleft, and gluteal sulcus. Between January 2018 and June 2021, eight retracted lower eyelids in eight patients were repaired using a posterior neck dermal graft. The surgical results of these grafts were also evaluated. RESULTS The mean age of the volunteers was 37.8 years, and the mean body mass index was 24.45 kg/m2. The intergluteal cleft provided the thickest dermis followed by the posterior neck and gluteal sulcus, which were not significantly different. The upper arm and inguinal area had the thinnest dermis without significant differences between them. The mean marginal reflex distance 2/iris ratio decreased by 0.15 (p=0.008). The mean cosmetic score (0-10) for evaluation of lower eyelid reconstruction increased by 3.38 (p=0.011). The mean Vancouver Scar Scale score for evaluation of donor site scarring was 3.21. CONCLUSIONS Although the posterior neck dermis is the second thickest, it is an ideal spacer graft in the reconstruction of retracted lower eyelids. Adequate thickness, uncomplicated methods, and a closer surgical field are its advantages. Additionally, donor site morbidity is minimal, with acceptable scarring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm broadens to several research fields. Thus, Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) has been adopted as a standard to create an IoT scheme implemented on healthcare system. Furthermore, IoT can be employed to measure several diseases including stroke, diabetes, as well as respiratory diseases to monitor patient condition and environment change that might be harmful for patients. Implementation and realization of IoT for monitoring respiratory diseases is needed since in Taiwan the risk to get more severe symptoms by those diseases is relatively high considering the air pollution that is getting higher. In this study, IoT system is built based on the integration of several independent applications. In addition, our scheme consists of four main components such as environment sensing box, patient monitoring tools, android apps, and web Graphical User Interface (GUI). Web GUI is useful for health practitioners such as doctors and nurses to monitor the condition of patients obtained by patient monitoring tools. Moreover, patients and doctors can assess the status of weather and environmental condition whether it is safe or harmful for patients. Finally, android based apps is necessary for patients to connect all of schemes as well as monitoring all conditions including health and environmental status. The assessment of our tools indicates that the implemented scheme is consistent enough shown by low Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Average Percentage Error (MAPE) achieved by our IoT system.

Background Many Asian patients desire a narrower nasal base with less flaring of the alar lobules. However, patients who underwent multiple rhinoplasty surgeries with nostril contracture or an overreduction of the alar base may experience nostril contracture and deformity, which may lead to further airway obstruction. We present a technique that combines paranasal augmentation with composite chondrocutaneous graft transfer to overcome this problem. Methods Nine patients underwent composite chondrocutaneous graft transfer to the soft triangle or alar base combined with paranasal augmentation using preshaped porous polyethylene implants to correct nostril contracture and airway obstruction between September of 2014 and May of 2018. Preoperative and postoperative alar base distances and cross-sectional areas of the nostrils were measured and compared. Results The average thickness of paranasal augmentation was 5.5 mm (range, 4.0-7.0 mm). Eighteen composite grafts were located over the soft triangle (n = 3) and the alar base (n = 15). The average number of composite grafts for each person was 2 (range, 1-4). All composite grafts survived totally or partially, and no graft failed. The average follow-up was 10.9 months (range, 3-28 months). The alar base increased 13.9% (range, 2.2%-23.9%), and the nostril area increased an average of 78.1% (range, 4.5%-316.8%) postoperatively. Patients had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. Conclusions Combining paranasal augmentation and composite graft transfer increased the cross-sectional area of the external valve and improved nostril contracture and airway obstruction after the overresection of the alar base or nose contracture after multiple rhinoplasty surgeries.

Airway collapse can occur when the forces of inhalation overpower the strength of the nasal lining flap. The authors established an animal model of the reconstructed nasal airway, and examined mechanical properties of tissue composites based on various materials. Twenty-three Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups: control (n = 5), irradiated homologous costal cartilage (IHCC, n = 10), and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE, n = 8). Two dorsal skin flaps represented nasal lining and skin envelope. No framework, an IHCC or ePTFE rim graft was used as framework. At three weeks, changes in the cross-sectional area of the lining flap were measured when negative pressure was applied. En-bloc specimens containing the graft and soft tissue were examined for histological change and tissue ingrowth. Reduction of cross-sectional area with simulated inhalation was 87.74% in the control group, 82.76% (IHCC), and 67.29% (ePTFE). Cross-sectional reduction was significantly less in ePTFE group than control group (p = 0.004) and IHCC group (p = 0.001). The difference was not significant in the control and IHCC groups. There was histologic evidence of tissue ingrowth in the ePTFE group. This novel animal model of nasal airway reconstruction supports the use and potential benefit of using ePTFE for prevention of airway collapse.

Restoring the nasal lining is a great challenge in the reconstruction of nasal defects. In this series, the authors present our experience in using the upper buccal musculomucosal (UBMM) flap for the reconstruction of full thickness columellar or nasal lining defects. Ten patients who underwent UBMM flap reconstruction of columellar or nasal lining defects, with or without composite grafting, were identified between December of 2014 and February of 2017. The records were retrospectively reviewed to determine the demographics, nasal deformity etiology, surgical technique, complications, flap survival rate and duration of follow-up. Of these ten patients, three were men, and seven were women; the average age was 48.1 years (range, 34-66 years). Four patients underwent bilateral UBMM flaps, and 6 patients underwent unilateral UBMM flap reconstruction. All of the donor sites were closed without complications, except for one small granuloma that occurred 8 months later. Of the total 14 flaps, 7 healed well, 6 healed well after minimal debridement in the clinic, and one failed and was replaced with a contralateral UBMM flap. The average follow-up time was 20.1 months (range, 8-38 months). All patients had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. Due to the limited availability of healthy local tissue for nasal lining reconstruction after multiple surgeries, the UBMM flap serves as an applicable choice to restore columellar or nasal lining defects, with minimal donor site morbidity and no visible external scarring.

To introduce an innovative refinement, the “double V cutting folded derotation graft” (DVCFD graft), which is a method for nasal tip lengthening in aesthetic rhinoplasty with strong holding force and efficient cartilage use. A retrospective study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2019 with 101 patients, including 11 males and 90 females with an average age of 36.87 ± 10.12 years, at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; the patients received classic derotation grafts (n = 49, 17 of them were one layer and 32 of them were two layers) and DVCFD grafts (n = 52) for cosmetic tip plasty. The tip projection, columella labial angle and nasolabial angle were measured through clinical photography at three different times (T0: pre-operation, T1: two weeks post-operation and T2: five months post-operation). The differences between the original derotation graft and the DVCFD graft were identified using paired-t and independent-t tests. The final relapse ratios of the classic derotation graft and DVCFD graft were 36.78% versus 36.92% for tip projection, 40.65% versus 38.58% for columella labial angle and 45.00% versus 47.76% for nasal labial angle, respectively. The P values of the independent-t tests were 0.991, 0.564 and 0.439, respectively. Both the classic derotation graft and DVCFD graft possess similar stability in tip plasty. The novel modification of the DVCFD graft has more efficient cartilage usage and is a feasible and safe surgical option for patients with limited harvestable cartilage for tip lengthening. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Background Patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have high mortality rates. Disseminated intravascular coagulation has been reported in SJS/TEN patients. The influence of this lethal complication in patients with SJS/TEN is not well known. Objective This study aimed to investigate the risk and outcomes of disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with SJS/TEN. Methods We analyzed the disseminated intravascular coagulation profiles of patients receiving a diagnosis of SJS/TEN between 2010 and 2019. Results We analyzed 150 patients with SJS/TEN (75 with SJS, 22 with overlapping SJS/TEN, and 53 with TEN) and their complete disseminated intravascular coagulation profiles. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was diagnosed in 32 patients (21.3%), primarily those with TEN. It was significantly associated with systemic complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding, respiratory failure, renal failure, liver failure, infection, and bacteremia. Additionally, SJS/TEN patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation had elevated procalcitonin levels. Among patients with SJS/TEN, disseminated intravascular coagulation was associated with a greater than 10-fold increase in mortality (78.1% vs 7%). Limitations The study limitations include small sample size and a single hospital system. Conclusion Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a potential complication of SJS/TEN and associated with higher mortality. Early recognition and appropriate management of this critical complication are important for patients with SJS/TEN.

Autologous costal cartilage dorsal onlay graft is widely used for dorsum and radix augmentation in secondary cleft lip nasal rhinoplasty. The most common drawback of costal cartilage dorsal onlay graft is warping. The purpose of this article is to describe our chimeric autologous costal cartilage graft technique, which prevents warping significantly. "Chimeric" means the combination of 2 different tissues (bone and cartilage) to make a single dorsal onlay graft.From June 2011 to June 2014, 16 cleft lip patients who underwent rhinoplasty and needed dorsal onlay grafts with costal cartilage graft using the chimeric autologous costal graft method were identified. All patients were operated by the corresponding author. Patients' nasal profiles were documented and photographed preoperatively and postoperatively.There were 5 males and 11 females with ages ranging from 20 to 52 years (averaging 29.5 years). There were 14 unilateral and 2 bilateral cleft lips. The average follow-up time was 12.1 months. Six patients received revision surgery, including 1 (6%) warping and 5 (30%) revisions. All patients were harvested rib cartilage graft as cartilage donor and there was no complication with the donor site.From the clinical observation of all patients during the follow-up period, this technique is effective for preventing cartilage warping.L’autogreffe dorsale d’apposition du cartilage costal est largement utilisée pour l’augmentation du dos et de la racine du nez lors de la rhinoplastie secondaire de la fente de la lèvre et de la cavité nasale. La déviation est le principal inconvénient de ce type de greffe. Le présent article vise à décrire la technique d’autogreffe chimérique de cartilage costal, qui évite la déviation de manière significative. « Chimérique » signifie la combinaison de deux tissus (os et cartilage) pour former une seule greffe dorsale d’apposition.Entre juin 2011 et juin 2014, 16 patients ayant une fente labiale ont subi une rhinoplastie accompagnée de greffes dorsales d’apposition de cartilage costal à l’aide de la technique d’autogreffe costale chimérique. Tous les patients ont été opérés par l’auteur-ressource. Le profil nasal des patients a été consigné au dossier et photographié avant et après l’opération.Cinq hommes et 11 femmes de 20 à 52 ans (moyenne de 29,5 ans) ont subi l’opération, pour un total de 14 fentes labiales unilatérales et deux fentes labiales bilatérales. Ils ont participé à un suivi moyen de 12,1 mois. Six patients ont subi une opération de révision, y compris une déviation (6 %) et cinq révisions (30 %). Le cartilage costal avait été prélevé dans les côtes chez tous les patients, qui étaient leurs propres donneurs. Il n’y a eu aucune complication au site de prélèvement.D’après l’observation clinique de tous les patients lors du suivi, cette technique prévient la déviation du cartilage.

Background/Purpose Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of severe burn injury and is associated with mortality. The definition of AKI was modified by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Group in 2012. So far, no study has compared the outcome accuracy of the new AKI staging guidelines with that of the complex score system. Hence, we compared the accuracy of these approaches in predicting mortality. Methods This was a post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data from an intensive care burn unit in a tertiary care university hospital. Patients admitted to this unit from July 2004 to December 2006 were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data and prognostic risk scores were used as predictors of mortality. Results A total of 145 adult patients with a mean age of 41.9 years were studied. Thirty-five patients (24.1%) died during the hospital course. Among the prognostic risk models, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III system exhibited the strongest discriminative power and the AKI staging system also predicted mortality well (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.889 vs. 0.835). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified total burn surface area, ventilator use, AKI, and toxic epidermal necrolysis as independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusion Our results revealed that AKI stage has considerable discriminative power for predicting mortality. Compared with other prognostic models, AKI stage is easier to use to assess outcome in patients with severe burn injury.

Background A concave midface with its associated deep nasolabial folds is more aesthetically displeasing than a convex midface. Midfacial concavity may be addressed with autologous tissue and implants. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effect of paranasal augmentation on photogrammetric parameters. Methods Between July 2013 and August 2016, 12 patients underwent paranasal augmentation to address midface concavity. Augmentation was performed with autologous rib cartilage, autologous mandibular bone, or preshaped porous polyethylene (PPE). All operations were performed through the upper gingivobuccal approach. Twelve patients who underwent malar reduction using the same approach acted as a control group to account for the influence of the approach on soft tissue change. Preoperative and postoperative measurements were made photogrammetrically. Results The average follow-up period was 12.8 months (range, 5-30 months) for both groups. The mean thickness of augmentation grafts was 5.18 mm (range, 3-7 mm). Alar width and alar base width increased 4.84% (P = 0.01) and 7.66% (P = 0.01), respectively. The nasolabial angle increased from 97.2°to 103.6° and the columellar inclination increased from 116.0° to 119.1° but neither were statistically significant. Photogrammetric parameters did not change significantly in the control group. Partial wound dehiscence occurred in one case. There was greater postoperative increase in alar width (P = 0.020), alar base width (P = 0.024), and nasolabial angle (P = 0.033) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusions Paranasal augmentation using PPE or autologous material generates measurable soft tissue changes designed to enhance paranasal aesthetics. Level of Evidence 3

INTRODUCTION Phosphate level is often deranged during acute illness, regardless of the presence of kidney injury or not. A few studies described that hypophosphatemia may associated with outcome in patients admitted to the burn unit, but the literatures for hyperphosphatemia is limited. Our study aims to evaluate if hyperphosphatemia, one of the sign of severe tissue damage or kidney injury, will associate with mortality of patients with severe burns. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was a post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data from patients admitted to the burn unit between September 2006 and December 2011. Patients were stratified into normophosphatemic or hyperphosphatemic group by baseline plasma phosphate level. The primary endpoint is 90-day mortality. RESULTS Total 301 patients were included (hyperphosphatemia: n = 52; normophosphatemia: n = 249). The hyperphosphatemic group had lower Glasgow Coma Scale, mean arterial blood pressure, hemoglobin level, albumin, and higher TBSA of burns, APACHE II score, ABSI score, Acute kidney injury (AKI), and creatinine. The 90-day mortality was higher in the hyperphosphatemic group than in the normal group (53.8% vs 18.1%, P < .001) and this difference was still significant when adjusting for several confounding factors (hazard ratio, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.17-3.59). Multivariable Cox analysis showed risk factors of mortality included TBSA of burns, hyperphosphatemia, reduced urine output, and APACHE II score. CONCLUSIONS Our study found in addition to TBSA of burns and inhalation injury, baseline hyperphosphatemia in patients with severe burns is also associated with higher mortality.

BACKGROUND The authors evaluated the efficacy of a combined regimen of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and a steroid (triamcinolone acetonide) for treating hypertrophic scars in comparison with the treatment with each drug alone. METHODS Twenty excised human hypertrophic scar fragments obtained from surgically treated burn patients were divided into four groups: negative control (group A), triamcinolone alone (group B), Botox alone (group C), and a combination of triamcinolone and Botox (group D). These specimens were implanted into the backs of nude mice after intralesional injection from each group and were observed for 4 weeks. In total, 12 mice and 48 scars were studied. After 4 weeks, the hypertrophic scars were removed from the backs. The authors compared the scar weights, decorin staining, and the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay to evaluate treatment efficacy. RESULTS Significant differences in scar weight reduction were observed among the four groups (group A, 10 percent; group B, 17 percent; group C, 23 percent; and group D, 30 percent; p < 0.05). Treatment groups (groups B, C, and D) showed strong decorin staining. Significant differences in reduction of fibroblast proliferation were observed among the four groups (group A, 0.58; group B, 0.44; group C, 0.21; and group D, 0.08; p < 0.05). Botox or triamcinolone intralesional monotherapy showed significant therapeutic efficacy compared with the control group. The combined therapy further exhibited a significant therapeutic effect compared with monotherapy. CONCLUSION This study indicates the potential of Botox and triamcinolone when combined for intralesional therapy in treating hypertrophic scars.

Reconstruction of postburn axillary contractures is difficult and particularly challenging without healthy adjacent soft tissue for axillary scar resurfacing. In this case, a free soft-tissue transfer is among the best treatment options. Here, we describe our experience with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for reconstruction in postburn axillary contractures.We enrolled 10 patients with postburn axillary contractures from August 2003 to July 2015. They all underwent wide scar contracture release through a transverse incision from the anterior axillary fold to the posterior axillary fold. The ALT flap was subfascially raised. The huge soft tissue defect after scar release was resurfaced with the ALT flap.Eight male patients and 2 female patients (age, 16-64 years; mean, 46 years) were included. The mean total burn surface area, follow-up time, duration between injury onset and free-flap transfer surgery, and flap size were 48%, 27 months, 7.7 months, and 12 × 23 cm, respectively. The most common recipient vessels were the thoracodorsal artery and vein (77%). The mean improvement in the range of motion of shoulder abduction was 86 degrees (range, 60-130 degrees). The mean operative time was 7 hours. All flaps survived without reexploration or failure. All but 1 donor site was managed by split-thickness skin grafting. No infection, hematoma, or deaths were noted postoperatively. Transient brachial palsy was noted in a 16-year-old male patient postoperatively, with full recovery 3 months after.For postburn axillary contractures without healthy adjacent soft tissue for scar resurfacing, ALT flap reconstruction represents a suitable treatment option. It allows simultaneous surgery on both the donor and recipient sites, without the need to change the patient's position. Furthermore, the ALT flap provides sufficient soft tissue and blood flow for reconstruction, leading to satisfactory functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND The formation of hypertrophic scaring (HSc) is an abnormal wound-healing response. In a previous study, an animal model with human scar tissue implanted into nude mice (BALB/c) has been successfully established. The effects of verapamil as well as combination therapy with verapamil and kenacort have been studied and compared. OBJECTIVE To treat persistent hypertrophic scars, local injection of drugs composed of steroids, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and interferon might be a good method. What is the best dose of the regimen and what are the mechanisms are also a worthwhile study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Scar specimens were harvested from patients with HSc or Keloid resulting from burn injury, and then implanted to BALB/c-nu nude mice for 4 weeks. Before implantation, the specimen was either injected with or without drugs such as steroids (kenacort), CCBs (verapamil), and interferons (INFα2b), respectively. After the removal of implants, quantitative gene expressions of decorin and collagenase (MMP13) were measured using a real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect their mRNAs. Two way-ANOVA and Post Hoc were used for statistical analysis using the software SPSS 15.0. RESULTS All drug-treated groups increased the expressions of decorin and MMP13 in comparison with those in noninjected group (p < .001) in a dose-dependent manner. Comparing equal amounts of individual drugs, gene expression of decorin was increased with increasing injection amount, and the best result in low amount of injection (0.02 mL of each) was shown in the group injected with INFα2b followed by kenacort and verapamil. However, the results were changed while injection amount was up to 0.04 mL and the strongest decorin gene expression was found in kenacort injection. Regarding MMP-13 expression, low-amount injection (0.02 mL) of INFα2b has strongest gene expression followed by kenacort and verapamil, but in the large-amount regimes (0.04 mL), verapamil had strongest gene expression followed by INFα2b and kenacort. CONCLUSION This study showed that the kenacort, verapamil, and INFα2b all inhibited HSc in a dose-dependent manner through the evidence of gene expression of decorin and MMP13. In comparison with the injections between small amounts of drugs, INFα2b potentiated the strongest decorin and MMP13 expression. On the contrary, among the large-amount injection regimes, kenacrot was more effective on decorin expression as verapamil to MMP13 expression. To decrease side effects from the drugs and produce promising results for the clinical practice, it is suggested to maintain the dose of INFα2b along with an increased dose of verapamil for HSc improvement.

In this study, hydrogen production using ethanol steam reforming (ESR) over monometallic Cox/ZnO and bimetallic PtyCo10/ZnO catalysts was investigated. Cox/ZnO (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% Co) and PtyCo10/ZnO catalysts (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 wt% Pt and 10 wt% Co) were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) method. The catalytic activity of the ESR was evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor under 22,000 h−1 gas hourly space velocity and an H2O/EtOH molar ratio of 13. According to the results we find that the optimum loading of Co10/ZnO catalyst exhibited higher surface area and better catalytic activity for the ESR reaction. Further, in order to understand the catalytic performance over Co-based catalysts for the ESR reaction, other focused on the effect of Pt loading. The Pt0.5Co10/ZnO catalyst showed the best intimately mixed and synergistic effect, combining the advantages of the Pt and Co catalysts, respectively, i.e. Pt was active for the dehydrogenation of ethanol and decomposition of acetaldehyde at temperatures lower than 300 °C; Co was active for the reforming of acetaldehyde. The product distribution showed that good performance was achieved at 325 °C with a composition of H2/CO2/CH4/CO equal to 73.2/23.8/2.4/0.6 %. The Pt0.5Co10/ZnO catalyst shows high catalytic activity at 325 °C with a composition of H2/CO2/CH4/CO equal to 73.2%/23.8%/2.4%/0.64%.

Hydrogen production through steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) over Mg modified Co-based catalysts supported on mesoporous SBA-15 was studied herein to evaluate the catalytic activity and the behavior of coke deposition. The CoyMgx/SBA-15 catalysts are obtained according to the steps of consecutive impregnation of Mg (x = 5 and 10 wt%) to be incorporated on SBA-15 and then follow the loading of Co (y = 10 and 20 wt%) using the incipient wetness impregnation method. The catalysts are characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and BET techniques. Also, the spent catalysts are further characterized by using XRD and TEM. The catalytic activity of the SRE is evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor under 22,000 h-1 GHSV and with an H2O/EtOH molar ratio of 13. All the CoyMgx/SBA-15 catalysts present a mesoporous structure, even after the SRE reaction. The optimum catalyst of Co20Mg5/SBA-15-H650 comes from the high loading of Co and high reduction temperature pretreatment, which show a high catalytic activity and stability at 550°C with a hydrogen yield (YH2) up to 5.78 and CO selectivity around 3.10%.

Intrascar excision with debulking procedure is a good choice for scar revision in unique 3-dimensional facial aesthetic units, especially in the auricular area. It can remove or reduce scars in a shorter course without distortion of the surrounding anatomic structures and visible operative scars. This retrospective study was done to present intrascar excision procedures in persistent auricular hypertrophic scars or keloids.Between 1997 and 2010, 18 ears in 13 patient cases with persistent hypertrophic scars and/or keloids in their external ear due to burns or trauma were collected for evaluation. There were 10 males and 3 females. The age distributions ranged from 5 to 49 years with an average of 20.1 years. All received intrascar excision with debulking procedure for their ear deformity. One case combined with YV-plasty procedure to obtain better aesthetic result. The follow-up period ranged from 0.3 to 14 years with an average of 3.6 years.There was no recurrence in a series of average 3.6 years follow-up. Of the 13 patients, 11 (84.6%) objectively presented good and satisfactory surgical outcomes and the other 2 patients were acceptable.The intrascar excision in auricular persistent scars or keloids has the following advantages: it (1) achieves primary closure, (2) does not distort the anatomic landmarks, (3) does not sacrifice the important structures, (4) has a debulking effect, (5) can be done anytime, even if scars are not mature, (6) has good cosmetic results, (7) may combine with Z- or VY-plasty for functional improvement, and (8) has minimal complications.

Ceria-supported Pt, Ir and Co catalysts are prepared herein by the deposition–precipitation method and investigated for their suitability in the steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) at a temperature range of 250–500 °C. SRE is tested in a fixed-bed reactor under an H2O/EtOH molar ratio of 13 and 20,000 h−1 GHSV. Possible pathways are proposed according to the assigned temperature window to understand the different catalysts attributed to specific reaction pathways. The Pt/CeO2 catalyst shows the best carbon–carbon bond-breaking ability and the lowest complete ethanol conversion temperature of 300 °C. Acetone steam reforming over the Ir/CeO2 catalyst at 400 °C promotes a hydrogen yield of up to 5.3. Lower reaction temperatures for the water–gas shift and acetone steam reforming are in evidence for the Co/CeO2 catalyst, whereas the carbon deposition causes its deactivation at temperature over 500 °C.

Background Nail fold deformities from burn injury frequently result in eponychial retraction, proximal nail exposure, pain, and distal phalangeal function impairment. Secondary nail abnormalities including longitudinal ridges, surface cracks, and fragility are common sequelae to nail fold deformities. Surgical management of postburn nail fold deformity is challenging because of scar contractures involving the dorsum of digits and lack of surrounding healthy tissues that can be used as source of soft tissue for reconstruction. Previous reports have discussed several methods for reconstruction of these deformities. However, all of these methods are associated with significant donor site morbidities. Methods From August 2008 to January 2010, "onion" flap reconstruction was performed for postburn nail fold contractures and deformities on 32 fingers of eight patients (five men and three women; average age, 44.4 years; age range, 23-54 years). This novel technique was used to release scar contractures in the eponychial area and allow soft tissue restoration by redraping the eponychium in a single-step procedure. All 32 fingers received single-stage "onion" flap reconstruction for their nail fold deformities at least 6 months after the initial injury. Results The follow-up period, with an average of 7.8 months, revealed that all nails had good esthetic and functional results. All experienced amelioration of nail abnormalities. The "onion" advancement flap had effectively released the scar contracture around the nail fold and simultaneously restored the eponychial fold. Conclusions The "onion" flap technique provides superior results compared with those from conventional techniques. We recommend it as the mainstay of treatment for reconstruction of the postburn eponychial deformities. Level of evidence V, therapeutic study.

This paper reports the catalytic performance of a PtRu/ZrO 2 catalyst modified with Na and Mg in an oxidative steam reforming of ethanol (OSRE) reaction tested in the temperature range of 300–400 °C. The results show that the PtRuMg 1 /ZrO 2 catalyst requires higher temperatures (T R ~ 400 °C) to achieve complete conversion than either the PtRuNa 1 /ZrO 2 or PtRu/ZrO 2 catalysts (T R ~ 300 °C). Also, an apparent coke deposit is found on the PtRuMg 1 /ZrO 2 catalyst. The preferential PtRuNa 1 /ZrO 2 catalyst shows active at temperatures as low as 300 °C and produces less CO (

Donor site scarring after forehead flap nasal reconstruction is acceptable. However, as aesthetic outcomes standards for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery merge, we aim to enhance results. We recently demonstrated the cosmetic benefit of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for cleft lip cheiloplasty outcomes. We hypothesize that similar mechanism(s) benefit forehead flap donor scars.A single surgeon performed 26 forehead flap reconstructions. Indications were cancer (n = 17), trauma (n = 3), and congenital deformity (n = 6). In this split-scar study half the forehead was pretreated with BTX-A and half with normal saline after random assignment. Photographs were evaluated at most recent follow-up. Scar evaluation was based on photographs by 3 plastic surgeons using a composite subjective visual analogue score (VAS).Photographic follow-up was 27 months (range, 10-60 months). Botulinum toxin type A was assigned to the upper forehead in 16 cases and lower forehead in 10 cases. Intrarater reliability among 4 evaluators of 104 VAS scores was 78.1%. Upper forehead VAS (7.9 ± 1.2) was not different than lower forehead VAS (7.9 ± 1.2) regardless of treatment (P = 0.62). The VAS score of BTX-A-treated scars (8.5 ± 1.0) was significantly higher than the control (7.3 ± 1.1; P < 0.0001). Among 104 individual comparisons (26 patients × 4 observers), there were 73 instances (70.2%) where the experimental VAS score was higher than the control.Preoperative BTX-A injection is feasible and enhances donor site scar appearance after forehead flap nasal reconstruction in an Asian population.

BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scar (HSc) treatment continues to be a clinical challenge. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a combined regimen of calcium channel blocker (verapamil), steroid, and interferon in treating HSc. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten excised human HSc fragments obtained from surgically treated burn patients were divided into 3 groups: A (no drug), B (steroid, 0.05 mL), and C (verapamil, steroid, and interferon, 0.016 mL each). These specimens were implanted on the backs of nude mice after treatment with intralesional injections of drugs and observed for 4 weeks. Fibroblast proliferation, scar weights, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, fibroblast activity using the fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL) method, and the quantity of collagen were determined to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. RESULTS All the implants were removed from animal body 4 weeks later for study. For the fibroblasts activity study, another 10 days of cell culture was done. The viability and proliferation of HSc fibroblasts in group C mice were significantly decreased at 10 days after explantation. The fibroblast numbers in the 3 groups were as follows: (A) 16.6×10⁵; (B) 1.5×10⁵; and (C) 0.4×10⁵ (P

A modified PtRu/ZrO2 catalyst with Mg is evaluated for the oxidative steam reforming of ethanol (OSRE) and the steam reforming of ethanol (SRE). In order to understand the variation in the reaction mechanism on OSRE and SRE, further analysis of both fresh and used catalyst is concentrated on for TEM, TG, Raman, and TPR characterization. The results show that the OSRE reaction requires a higher temperature ( 𝑇 𝑅 ∼ 3 9 0 °C) to achieve 100% ethanol conversion than the SRE reaction ( 𝑇 𝑅 ∼ 2 5 0 0 °C). The distribution of CO is minor for both reactions (< 5% for OSRE, < 1% for SRE). This demonstrates that the water gas shift (WGS) reaction is an important side-reaction in the reforming of ethanol to produce H2 and CO2. A comparison of the temperature of WGS ( 𝑇 W G S ) shows it is lower for the SRE reaction ( 𝑇 W G S ∼ 2 5 0 °C for SRE, ~340°C for OSRE).

The thiodiphenyl epoxy (THEP) was prepared by the 4,4′-thiodiphenol (THDOL) and the epichlorohydrin (ECH) without using any NaOH or KOH catalysts. The THEP possessed weak hydrogen bonding in the cured THEP/DGEBA system. The intermolecular motion parameters k and q were 0.26 and −168.5, respectively, which determined by the Gordon-Taylor and Kwei equations. The soft sulfide linkage (S) of the THEP degraded at lower temperature than cured DGEBA material, and further to form various thermal stable sulfate derivative chars. The char yields increased from 11.43 to 25.94 wt % and from 0.65 to 1.04 wt % in the nitrogen and air, respectively. Introduction of the THEP into the DGEBA could provide the antioxidation thermal property and improve the thermal stability of the DGEBA epoxy in the air. In the air atmosphere, the activation energies of the second thermal degradation were increased from 66.67 to 103.42 kJ/mol. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010

We report a case with two distinct clinical manifestations of bilateral anterior uveitis caused by two different members of the herpes virus group. A 72-year-old immunocompetent man, who had a documented history of two episodes of Posner-Schlossman syndrome in the left eye, presented with multiple mutton-fat keratic precipitates and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in his right eye. Herpes simplex virus Type I DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in the aqueous humor of the right eye. One year later, the patient appeared with a few round and whitish keratic precipitates and elevated IOP in his left eye. Polymerase chain reaction analysis showed positive for cytomegalovirus in the aqueous humor of the left eye. During both episodes, the anterior uveitis subsided and IOP returned to normal after systemic and topical antiglaucomatous medication as well as topical steroid.

Purposes Heterotopic ossification (HO) is an uncommon, but high profile complication of burns. In this paper, a retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate our treatment and results of HO. Relevant literature was also reviewed to search for new advances in prevention and management for patients with HO after burns. Materials and methods A retrospective study was undertaken in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou. We collected 12 patients who suffered from HO after burn and received operation in our hospital between June 2000 and September 2007. The data was expressed as mean. Results Patients’ gender distribution was 10 males and 2 females. The mean age was 43 years old (range, 30–59). Causes of burn were flame burn (75%), scald burn (8%), contact burn (8%), and high-voltage electrical burn (8%). Mean TBSA was 39% (range, 8–90%). Nine of 12 patients (75%) were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and 6 (50%) received mechanical ventilator support. The mean ICU stay was 82 days (range, 26–240 days). The elbow was the most commonly affected joint (92%). The outcome of surgery was acceptable in all elbows at the time of surgery. The mean ROMs before surgery were 31° (range, 0–75°). The mean ROMs after surgery were 99° (range, 70–115°); mean gain was 68° (range, 35–115°). One (8%) patients had recurrent HO after operation. The mean outpatient department follow-up time was 14.6 months (range, 1–40 months). The incidence of HO in our burn center is 0.15%. Conclusion Although HO after burn is uncommon, physicians should keep the complication in mind. When burn patients complain decreased ROM or “locking sign” in their joints, X-ray examination is indicated to rule out HO. Surgery is the treatment of choice when the diagnosis of HO is confirmed.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) due to electrostatic chuck (ESC) during ion implantation was observed in our fab. This defect could burn out the inter-layer dielectric and jeopardize the circuit performance. the yield impact on 0.35 micrometers product could be 40 percent. The defect distributed around the wafer edge and has a ring-type map. This defect occurred right after ESD implantation. The fringe field of the electrostatic chuck is the key reason why ring-type electrostatic discharge damage happened right after ion implantation. Our experimental result also showed that the junction characterization and surface conductivity will influence the probability of ESD damage caused by electrostatic chuck of ion implanter.