Purpose: This study compared the outcomes of three commonly used reconstructive techniques—the thenar flap, partial toe pulp free flap, and radial artery superficial palmar (RASP) flap—for the reconstruction of fingertip and pulp defects, in order to provide guidance for surgeons in selecting the appropriate method based on defect size and patient characteristics. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 50 patients who underwent fingertip or pulp reconstruction. Nine patients received thenar flaps, 26 received partial toe pulp free flaps, and 15 received RASP flaps. Patient demographics, defect size, flap survival, donor site morbidity, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. Results: All flaps survived. In the RASP flap group, three cases of partial necrosis were successfully managed without additional surgical interventions. The thenar flap group had donor site pain and joint stiffness, while the partial toe pulp free flap group exhibited no donor site complications. The RASP flap group experienced hypertrophic scarring in five cases. Patient satisfaction was high across all groups, with the partial toe pulp free flap yielding the most positive outcomes. Conclusion The thenar flap is a reliable option for small defects, especially those with exposed bone, but is associated with donor site morbidity and joint stiffness. The partial toe pulp free flap provides superior functional and aesthetic results for moderate defects, though it requires more surgical expertise and has a longer recovery time. The RASP flap is optimal for larger defects, offering good cosmetic results but requiring careful donor site management to avoid hypertrophic scarring.

Purpose: This study compared the outcomes of three commonly used reconstructive techniques—the thenar flap, partial toe pulp free flap, and radial artery superficial palmar (RASP) flap—for the reconstruction of fingertip and pulp defects, in order to provide guidance for surgeons in selecting the appropriate method based on defect size and patient characteristics. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 50 patients who underwent fingertip or pulp reconstruction. Nine patients received thenar flaps, 26 received partial toe pulp free flaps, and 15 received RASP flaps. Patient demographics, defect size, flap survival, donor site morbidity, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. Results: All flaps survived. In the RASP flap group, three cases of partial necrosis were successfully managed without additional surgical interventions. The thenar flap group had donor site pain and joint stiffness, while the partial toe pulp free flap group exhibited no donor site complications. The RASP flap group experienced hypertrophic scarring in five cases. Patient satisfaction was high across all groups, with the partial toe pulp free flap yielding the most positive outcomes. Conclusion The thenar flap is a reliable option for small defects, especially those with exposed bone, but is associated with donor site morbidity and joint stiffness. The partial toe pulp free flap provides superior functional and aesthetic results for moderate defects, though it requires more surgical expertise and has a longer recovery time. The RASP flap is optimal for larger defects, offering good cosmetic results but requiring careful donor site management to avoid hypertrophic scarring.

Purpose: This study compared the outcomes of three commonly used reconstructive techniques—the thenar flap, partial toe pulp free flap, and radial artery superficial palmar (RASP) flap—for the reconstruction of fingertip and pulp defects, in order to provide guidance for surgeons in selecting the appropriate method based on defect size and patient characteristics. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 50 patients who underwent fingertip or pulp reconstruction. Nine patients received thenar flaps, 26 received partial toe pulp free flaps, and 15 received RASP flaps. Patient demographics, defect size, flap survival, donor site morbidity, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. Results: All flaps survived. In the RASP flap group, three cases of partial necrosis were successfully managed without additional surgical interventions. The thenar flap group had donor site pain and joint stiffness, while the partial toe pulp free flap group exhibited no donor site complications. The RASP flap group experienced hypertrophic scarring in five cases. Patient satisfaction was high across all groups, with the partial toe pulp free flap yielding the most positive outcomes. Conclusion The thenar flap is a reliable option for small defects, especially those with exposed bone, but is associated with donor site morbidity and joint stiffness. The partial toe pulp free flap provides superior functional and aesthetic results for moderate defects, though it requires more surgical expertise and has a longer recovery time. The RASP flap is optimal for larger defects, offering good cosmetic results but requiring careful donor site management to avoid hypertrophic scarring.

Recently, we reported that the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonist LJ529 (2-chloro-N6-(3-iodobnzyl)-5'-N-methylcarbamoyl-4'-thioadenosine) reduces cerebral ischemic injury via inhibition of recruitment of peripheral inflammatory cells into ischemic brain lesion. A3AR agonists, however, are known to possess anti-platelet activity, which may deter the combination therapy with tissue plasminogen activator for the therapy of cerebral ischemic stroke. Thus, the present study investigates the neuroprotective/anti-ischemic effect of a synthetic seco-nucleoside, LMT497 ((S)-2-((R)-1-(2-chloro-6-(3-iodobenzylamino)-9H-purin-9-yl)-2-hydroxyethoxy)-3-hydroxy-N-methylpropanamide) with little anti-platelet activity. LMT497 neither showed A3AR binding activity nor anti-platelet activity. In our present study LMT497 significantly attenuated the injury/death of cortical neurons exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by re-oxygenation (R). LMT497 significantly reduced the ascending cellular level of reactive oxygen species under ischemic conditions by increasing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. LMT497 also inhibited the migration of microglia which mediates inflammatory responses in ischemia. In rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO, 1.5 h) followed by reperfusion, LMT497 largely reduced brain infarction volume, and edema, and improved neurological score. Therapeutic efficacy of LMT497 was obtained by twice treatments even at 10 h and 18 h after the onset of ischemia. Collectively, LMT497 could be a therapeutic drug candidate with a wide therapeutic time window for the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke.
Animals ; Brain ; Brain Infarction ; Brain Ischemia ; Edema ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; Inflammation ; Ischemia ; Microglia ; Neurons ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Receptors, Purinergic P1 ; Reperfusion ; Stroke ; Superoxide Dismutase ; Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Objective: The incidence of hip fractures is increasing worldwide with the aging population, causing a challenge to healthcare systems due to the associated morbidities and high risk of mortality. After hip fractures in frail geriatric patients, existing comorbidities worsen and new complications are prone to occur. Comprehensive rehabilitation is essential for promoting physical function recovery and minimizing complications, which can be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. Recommendations are required to assist healthcare providers in making decisions on rehabilitation post-surgery. Clinical practice guidelines regarding rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapies) and management of comorbidities/complications in the postoperative phase of hip fractures have not been developed. This guideline aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for various treatment items required for proper recovery after hip fracture surgeries. Methods Reflecting the complex perspectives associated with rehabilitation post-hip surgeries, 15 key questions (KQs) reflecting the complex perspectives associated with post-hip surgery rehabilitation were categorized into four areas: multidisciplinary, rehabilitation, community-care, and comorbidities/complications. Relevant literature from four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed) was searched for articles published up to February 2020. The evidence level and recommended grade were determined according to the grade of recommendation assessment, development, and evaluation method. Results A multidisciplinary approach, progressive resistance exercises, and balance training are strongly recommended. Early ambulation, weigh-bearing exercises, activities of daily living training, community-level rehabilitation, management of comorbidities/complication prevention, and nutritional support were also suggested. This multidisciplinary approach reduced the total healthcare cost. Conclusion This guideline presents comprehensive recommendations for the rehabilitation of adult patients after hip fracture surgery.

Objective: The incidence of hip fractures is increasing worldwide with the aging population, causing a challenge to healthcare systems due to the associated morbidities and high risk of mortality. After hip fractures in frail geriatric patients, existing comorbidities worsen and new complications are prone to occur. Comprehensive rehabilitation is essential for promoting physical function recovery and minimizing complications, which can be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. Recommendations are required to assist healthcare providers in making decisions on rehabilitation post-surgery. Clinical practice guidelines regarding rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapies) and management of comorbidities/complications in the postoperative phase of hip fractures have not been developed. This guideline aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for various treatment items required for proper recovery after hip fracture surgeries. Methods Reflecting the complex perspectives associated with rehabilitation post-hip surgeries, 15 key questions (KQs) reflecting the complex perspectives associated with post-hip surgery rehabilitation were categorized into four areas: multidisciplinary, rehabilitation, community-care, and comorbidities/complications. Relevant literature from four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed) was searched for articles published up to February 2020. The evidence level and recommended grade were determined according to the grade of recommendation assessment, development, and evaluation method. Results A multidisciplinary approach, progressive resistance exercises, and balance training are strongly recommended. Early ambulation, weigh-bearing exercises, activities of daily living training, community-level rehabilitation, management of comorbidities/complication prevention, and nutritional support were also suggested. This multidisciplinary approach reduced the total healthcare cost. Conclusion This guideline presents comprehensive recommendations for the rehabilitation of adult patients after hip fracture surgery.