2017, Vol.30, No.2

Anatomy & Biological Anthropology 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.33

pISSN : 2671-5651 / eISSN : 2671-566X
https://journal.kci.go.kr/aba

This pilot study was performed to compare the functional and clinical results including complications after surgery in the open repair of Achilles tendon rupture with regard to the type of suture material. A consecutive series of twenty patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who underwent open repair were enrolled in this pilot study. The patients were divided equally into 2 groups according to suture type. In the nonabsorbable suture group, No. 2 braided nonabsorbable polyethylene terephthalate sutures were used, and in the absorbable suture group, braided absorbable polyglactin sutures were used. The Korean version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and complications were assessed to evaluate functional and clinical result. Mean total Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) was 89.8 (range, 71.1~100) in the nonabsorbable suture group and 82.7 (range, 61.9~92.5) in the absorbable suture group (p=0.22). All patients returned to their previous life activity. The absorbable suture group had fewer postoperative complications (10%) than the nonabsorbable suture group (20%), but there was no significant difference between two groups (p=0.45). This pilot study showed that use of an absorbable suture for Achilles tendon repair had functional and clinical results comparable to those of the nonabsorbable suture. However, a use of an absorbable suture was associated with a lower incidence of complications than the use of nonabsorbable suture. Therefore, these results have to be confirmed in a randomized controlled cohort trial with larger population.

The goal of this study was to determine the characteristics of the horizontal cervical wrinkle and to investigate histological feature, especially with respect to elastin and collagen fiber. Histologic sample were harvested from two fresh adult cadavers where the cervical wrinkle is in the neck. The tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) or Masson’s Trichrome. In sections of neck skin, keratinization was observed in the epidermis, and many collagen fibers were observed in the dermis layer as in other skin. Specifically, a lot of short and curly elastic fiber were observed between the collagen fibers in the dermis. These elastic fibers were not stained with eosin and observed in gray. This long ligament-like structures were observed in the dermis. The ligament-like structures were stained with dark red by trichrome. These results indicate that these ligament-like structures are neither typical ligament nor typical smooth muscles. The results obtained from present study showed a ligamentous structure originating from the fascial layer (platysma muscle or investing layer). The results may help to understand the reasons about the formation of horizontal cervical wrinkle.

Mast cells are major immune cells in allergy to secrete allergic mediators by a degranulation process and make and secrete inflammatory lipids and cytokines in response to antigen stimulation. An amino acid tryptophan regulates immune functions. Tryptophan ameliorates inflammatory colitis in which mast cells are engaged. However, its effects on mast cells remain to be solved. We investigated the effect of tryptophan on IgE-mediated allergic responses in the mast cells and mice. IgEmediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice were examined. Also IgE-mediated mast cell activation responses such as degranulation of stored granules and secretion of inflammatory lipid LTB4 and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-4) were measured. Intraperitoneal administration of tryptophan suppressed PCA in mice. Also, in the cellular level tryptophan inhibited IgE-mediated mast cell activation such as IgE-mediated degranulation and the production of LTB4. Also, it inhibited production of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-4. In summary, tryptophan suppressed IgE-mediated allergic activation in vivo and in vitro. Tryptophan supplementation is beneficial for IgE-mediated allergy.