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Influence of dacron tissue thickness on the performance of the Pintucci biointegrable keratoprosthesis: an in vitro and in vivo study.

PURPOSE: In 1979 Pintucci developed a biointegrable keratoprosthesis with polymethylmethacrylate optical cylinder integrated with a Dacron tissue-colonizable supporting element to avoid the complications caused by the interaction between the haptic element and the eye. The purpose of this article is to compare the colonization of three Dacron fabrics (thicknesses of 0.25 mm, 0.6 mm, and 1.4 mm) in vitro and in vivo to optimize the device performance. METHODS: In vitro three different Dacron fabrics were cultured for 3 days with 3.5 x 10(5) human fetal lung fibroblasts and observed with a scanning electron microscope. In vivo three different Dacron fabrics were implanted on the sclera near the superior rectus insertion in the right eye of six albino rabbits and were observed after 4 days with light and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: In the in vitro experiments, the cells were preserved and their structure was found to be normal. The 0.25-mm thick fabric was coated only on the surface, and the other fabrics were colonized in three dimensions. In the in vivo experiments, the 0.25-mm thick fabric appeared coated only on its surface. The other fabrics were three-dimensionally colonized and the Dacron filaments appeared embedded in neovascularized connective tissue with minimal foreign body reaction. The 1.4-mm thick colonized fabric showed a substantial loss of pliability. CONCLUSION: Given that the 0.25-mm thick fabric was coated only by connective tissue, that the 0.6-mm and 1.4-mm thick fabrics were perfectly colonized, and that the 1.4-mm thick fabrics showed a substantial loss of pliability, the 0.6-mm thick fabric haptic part of the Pintucci keratoprosthesis is preferred. For 19 years, the 0.6-mm Dacron fabric Pintucci keratoprosthesis was implanted in 159 eyes with good results, overcoming the apparently inseparable difficulties represented by mechanical anchorage and biointegrability of a keratoprosthesis.

Animals↗

The quality of pediatric burn scars is improved by early administration of basic fibroblast growth factor.

Pediatric burn wounds can be problematic because an accurate evaluation is difficult as the result of anatomically immature vasculature or immobilization failure, especially in patients with second-degree burns, and because the burn surface areas and the burn depth tend to worsen over the course of time. Delayed wound healing results in unsightly scarring, such as hypertrophic scars, which are problematic both esthetically and functionally. Among cytokines and growth factors, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is clinically proven, having demonstrated accelerated acute and chronic wound healing. Accelerated wound healing may lead to improved scarring. To elucidate the effects of bFGF on second-degree pediatric burn wounds, a comparative study was performed. A total of 20 pediatric patients ranging from 8 month to 3 years (average 1 year, 3 months +/- 6 months) who suffered from the burns by various causes were divided into two groups, conventional (n = 10) and treatment with bFGF (n = 10). A moisture meter, used to objectively measure the stratum corneum and epithelial-mesenchymal functions, was used to assess scars at least 1 year after wound healing. Clinical evaluation of pigmentation, pliability, height, and vascularity demonstrated significant differences between conventional and bFGF-treated scars (1.7 +/- 0.55 vs 0.7 +/- 0.58, 2.4 +/- 0.82 vs 1.1 +/- 0.69, 1.8 +/- 0.66 vs 0.5 +/- 0.57, 1.9 +/- 0.63 vs 0.8 +/- 0.68; conventional vs bFGF-treated, pigmentation, pliability, height, and vascularity, respectively, P < .01). The effective contact coefficient was significantly greater in conventional wounds than bFGF-treated wounds (14.6 +/- 1.68 % vs 8.7 +/- 2.82 %; conventional vs bFGF, P < .01) and bFGF-treated wounds demonstrated significantly less transepidermal water loss values than conventional treatment (8.3 +/- 1.90 g/m/h vs 5.7 +/- 1.85 g/m/hr; conventional vs bFGF, P < .01). Pediatric burn patients treated with bFGF showed less damaging function of the stratum corneum after healing both in clinical assessment and moisture meter analysis.

Burns↗

Treatment of hypertrophic scars using a long-pulsed dye laser with cryogen-spray cooling.

Hypertrophic scars are common and cause functional and psychologic morbidity. The conventional pulsed dye laser (585 nm) has been shown previously to be effective in the treatment of a variety of traumatic and surgical scars, with improvement in scar texture, color, and pliability, with minimal side effects. This prospective study was performed to determine the effectiveness of the long-pulsed dye laser (595 nm) with cryogen-spray cooling device in the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Fifteen Asian patients with 22 hypertrophic scars were treated by the long-pulsed dye laser (595 nm) with cryogen-spray cooling device. In 5 patients, the scar area was divided into halves, one half of which was treated with the laser, whereas the other half was not treated and was used as a negative control. All patients received 2 treatments at 4-week intervals, and evaluations were done by photographic and clinical assessment and histologic evaluation before the treatment and 1 month after the last laser treatment. Treatment outcome was graded by a blind observer using the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) Burn Scar Assessment Scale. Symptoms such as pain, pruritus, and burning of the scar improved significantly. VGH scores improved in all treated sites, and there was a significant difference between the baseline and posttreatment scores, corresponding to an improvement of 51.4 +/- 14.7% (P < 0.01). Compared with the baseline, the mean percentage of scar flattening and erythema elimination was 40.7 +/- 20.7 and 65.3 +/- 25.5%, respectively (P < 0.01). The long-pulsed dye laser (595-nm) equipped with cryogen spray cooling device is an effective treatment of hypertrophic scars and can improve scar pliability and texture and decrease scar erythema and associated symptoms.

Adolescent↗

Treatment of surgical scars with the cryogen-cooled 595 nm pulsed dye laser starting on the day of suture removal.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic results after skin surgery are a key component of patient satisfaction and self-image. Various lasers have been used to attempt scar improvement, without consistent results. The optimal time to initiate laser treatment has not been determined. A recent study using a noncooled 585 nm pulsed dye laser starting on the day of suture removal demonstrated substantial improvement in scar appearance. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of the 595 nm cryogen-cooled pulsed dye laser in the treatment of surgical scars starting on the day of suture removal. METHODS: Sixteen patients with postoperative linear scars of greater than 2 cm were treated three times at 4- to 8-week intervals with a 595 nm cryogen-cooled pulsed dye laser. All patients had Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV. Each scar was divided at the midline into two fields, with half receiving treatment using a 7 mm spot size at 1.5 ms with 8 J/cm2 and a 30 ms spray duration with a 10 ms delay. The other half was not treated. Scars were evaluated for pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, and height by a blinded examiner using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). In addition, the same blinded examiner evaluated the cosmetic appearance using a scale from 0 (worst) to 10 (best) prior to the second treatment and 1 month after the final treatment. RESULT: SThe average sum of all parameters in the VSS showed significant improvement from 1-month post-treatment to the final evaluation of 60% compared with the control of -3%. Also, scars in the treated portions scored an average of 2 points higher in the overall cosmetic appearance by the same blinded examiner based on a scale of 0 (worst) to 10 (best). Among the individual parameters in the VSS, the most significant improvements were found in vascularity and pliability. CONCLUSION: The cryogen-cooled 595 nm pulsed dye laser is a safe and effective option to improve the cosmetic appearance of surgical scars in skin types I to IV starting on the day of suture removal.

Adult↗

Evaluation of natural change of skin function in split-thickness skin grafts by noninvasive bioengineering methods.

BACKGROUND: Autologous split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) are considered the mainstay for the treatment of large full-thickness wounds. There have been few studies reporting the natural change of the skin function in STSGs after procedure, however. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the natural change of the skin function in STSG using noninvasive bioengineering methods. METHODS: Eighteen patients were eligible for the study. The skin functions of the graft and the control site were evaluated by an evaporimeter, corneometer, mexameter, and cutometer at Postoperation Days 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. RESULTS: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of the graft was maintained around that of the normal skin. The values of the skin hydration testing generally decreased during the follow-up period. Erythema was highly maintained for the whole period. For the pigmentation, the ratio tended to increase after 6 months. The skin pliability of the graft was abruptly decreased at 0.5 month, and it recovered from 3 to 12 months. The value did not reach that of the normal skin, however. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the STSGs had changed within the frame of the skin function, including the TEWL, epidermal hydration, color, and pliability, throughout 1 year after surgery. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Adolescent↗

Fabrication of pliable biodegradable polymer foams to engineer soft tissues.

We have fabricated pliable, porous, biodegradable scaffolds with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) blends using a solvent-casting and particulate-leaching technique. Our study investigated the effects of four different processing parameters on pliability and pore morphology of the biodegradable scaffolds. The parameters investigated were the PLGA copolymer ratio, the PLGA/PEG blend ratio, the initial salt weight fraction, and the salt particle size. A wide range of shear moduli (0.59 to 9.55 MPa), porosities (0.798 to 0.942), and median pore diameters (71 to 154 microns) was able to be achieved by varying the combination of these parameters. Our study indicates that initial salt weight fraction and PLGA/PEG blend ratio have the most significant effects on the physico-mechanical properties of the scaffolds. Enhanced pliability of the three dimensional foams made with blends of PLGA and PEG is evidenced by the ability to roll them into a tube without macroscopic damage to the scaffold. Pliable polymer substrates hold great promise for regeneration of soft tissues such as skin, or those requiring a tubular conformation such as intestine or vascular grafts.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Massage in hypertrophic scars.

Various attempts have been made to intervene with the formation of hypertrophic scarring (HTS) or to ameliorate it once it has developed, but none have yet proved effective. Massage therapy is routinely used by therapists for the treatment of various conditions, and there have been reports of increased scar pliability and decreased scar banding with the use of massage. This study examines the use of friction massage over a 3-month period in a group of 30 pediatric patients with HTS. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either therapeutic massage sessions of 10 minutes per day in combination with treatment with pressure garments or they were treated with pressure garments alone. A modified Vancouver Burn Scar Assessment Scale was used to measure the characteristics of the identified scars (10 cm by 10 cm) before and after the implementation of massage therapy. The study failed to demonstrate any appreciable effects of massage therapy on the vascularity, pliability, and height of the HTS studied, although there were reports of a decrease in pruritus in some patients. Further studies, with prolonged treatment intervals, are necessary to conclusively demonstrate the ineffectiveness of this therapy for HTS.

Burns↗

Water deprivation test in the dog: maximal normal values.

Studies were undertaken to determine maximal urine osmolality and urine specific gravity following water deprivation for 20 dogs with normal renal function. In addition, the reliability of body weight, skin pliability, total plasma protein concentration, and packed cell volume as indices of negative water balance was assessed. Following water deprivation for periods sufficient to induce dehydration, the mean maximal urine osmolality was 2,289 mOsm/kg. The corresponding mean maximal urine specific gravity was 1.062 and ranged from 1.050 to 1.076. The ratio of mean maximal urine osmolality to mean serum osmolality at the time of peak urine concentration was 7.3. There was no detectable difference in urine concentration indices between males and females. Changes in skin pliability and packed cell volume proved unreliable as estimates of dehydration. Weight loss and increases in total plasma protein concentration proved to be more consistent indicators of hydration status. Abnormal increases in serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations occurred rarely, even though some dogs had water withheld for periods of up to 96 hours.

Animals↗

An evaluation of 8-0 polyglycolic acid braided synthetic absorbable suture in cataract surgery.

This study describes the operative and postoperative performance of 8-0 polyglycolic acid braided suture, trademarked Dexon "s", in cataract surgery. The evaluation consists of a clinical comparison of 8-0 Dexon to the same suture in 7-0 size in 109 cataract surgical procedures. The 8-0 Dexon, like 7-0, gave high tensile strength, good knot security, batch-to-batch uniformity, relatively good pliability, and provoked minimal reaction while disappearing at a predictable rate of around 35 days. When compared to 7-0 Dexon, 8-0 produced less tissue drag, fibrillation, and reaction, while providing better pliability. However, the smaller suture possessed less tensile strength, and had an increased tendency to cut through tissue when tied too tightly.

Absorption↗

[A nasal reconstruction via the expansion of the tissue].

The techniques that offer the best results in total nasal reconstruction are those that use frontal skin. Even if traditional procedures meet most of the reconstructive needs, they are often limited by the size of the tissues to be transplanted and by the scarring they leave in the donor area. The stiffness and scarce pliability of the frontal skin hinder fine modelling of the alae, of the columella and of the nasal tip. Expanded forehead flaps to day offer a substantial advantage. In the period from 1986 to 1991 total nasal reconstruction was performed in 12 patients (4 males and 8 females). Their ages ranged from 4 to 69 years. Four patients presented a recurrence of a basal cell carcinoma, 1 patient presented a trichoepithelioma. In 3 cases an arteriovenous vascular malformation was present, in 1 there were radiodermatitic lesions while in another 3 cases there was extensive scarring. In all cases a rectangular skin expander without base and with a remote filling port was used. The nominal volume ranged from 100 cc to 260 cc. All expanders were introduced through a vertical hair incision in the subgaleal plane, except in 1 case in which it was placed over the frontal muscle. The mean time of expansion was 79 day. The mean volume at the end of the expansion was 283 cc. The results obtained are presented and the advantages of the technique are exposed. These are: 1) the possibility of obtaining forehead flaps wide enough to cover large defects, 2) the direct closure of the donor area even if large flaps are raised, and 3) the improved pliability of the expanded frontal skin. A minor complication present in all the patients treated was moderate pain during inflation of the expander, easily controlled with common analgesics. A bony crest was frequently observed around the base of the skin expander which, however, was easily removed with a curette. Only in one case was a major complication observed; that of a preoperative infection necessitating removal of the expander, which was reapplied a few months later in order to complete the initial reconstructive program.

Adolescent↗

A compliant biological vascular prosthesis.

One requirement of the mechanical parameters for an acceptable vascular prosthesis is compliance. The compliance of a vascular prosthesis is defined as the fractional change in luminal volume per unit change in applied pressure. A compliant prosthesis has been correlated to prosthesis patency and long-term efficacy in an animal study. However, there have been very few reports on how to manufacture a compliant prosthesis. It is the objective of this study to research the processing methods to manufacture a reasonably compliant vascular prosthesis. A new fixative, polyepoxy compound, was used to fix an artery. The arteries were fixed under different degrees of longitudinal retraction. By locking in the collagen micro-structure at an overly relaxed state and then crosslinking said collagen, the resulting biological prosthesis exhibited extreme compliance and pliability. A prosthesis matching its arterial origin in tensile modulus was achieved by crosslinking an artery at its 45% retraction longitudinally. This flexible prosthesis showed a volumetric compliance index of 18.4 +/- 0.9 % delta/100 mmHg and a longitudinal tensile modulus of 942 grams/cm2. Our current study indicated that a prosthesis fixed with polyepoxy compounds has shown more pliability than that with glutaraldehyde. Further animal study to correlate prostheses patency to different degrees of compliance is needed to confirm this proposed manufacturing approach.

Bioprosthesis↗

Evaluation of a vaginal moisturizer in baboons with decreasing ovarian function.

Decrease of estrogen concentrations in postmenopausal women leads to many urogenital problems including vaginal dryness, atrophy, stenosis, itching, and irritation, along with sexual dysfunction. Systemic estrogen replacement is effective in many women but may not be effective in others because estrogen therapy may be contraindicated for medical reasons. The reproductive tract in nonhuman female primates has been used successfully as a model for a variety of research including, but not limited to, anatomy and physiology, reproduction, cancer, infectious disease, and menopause. The baboon is especially valuable because of the similarity of its menstrual cycle to women's, prior research with this animal, and its adaptability to captivity. A nonhormonal, nonsystemic, bio-adhesive vaginal moisturizer was evaluated in baboons as a possible alternative to hormonal therapy for vaginal symptoms due to a decrease in estrogen concentrations. Eight baboons with decreasing ovarian function were used in a two-part study to evaluate vaginal health with pliability, elasticity, mucosal secretion, pH, and histologic features as criteria. The first study involved a single intravaginally administered dose of test product, with evaluation at 20 min and 24 h later. The second study consisted of five doses given at 24-h intervals, with daily evaluations for 9 consecutive days. There was marked improvement in vaginal pliability, elasticity, and secretions, with decreased pH and thickness of the vaginal epithelium. These effects appeared 1 or 2 days after drug administration, reached the maximum on day 4, and mostly decreased by day 8. However, increased secretions, vaginal elasticity, and vacuolization of the epithelium in biopsy specimens persisted to the last day of observation. The study results indicate the efficacy of the test product and the value of the baboon as a model to study decreasing ovarian function and vaginal health.

Animals↗

Autograft from quadrangular resection for floppy valve repair in endocarditis.

We present a case of reconstruction of the anterior leaflet in mitral valve prolapse and subacute bacterial endocarditis in which the resected prolapsing segment of the posterior leaflet was used as patch material. Competence of the valve was achieved with no recurrence of infection. Quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet supplies presumably viable patch material for valve repair, which is particularly useful in bacterial endocarditis and when pliability is required.

Aged↗

Use of a bovine jugular vein graft with natural valve for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction: a one-year animal study.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated a bovine jugular vein graft with a natural trileaflet valve for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in a canine study for an entire year. METHODS: Heparinized bovine jugular vein grafts with a natural valve cross-linked with a hydrophilic polyepoxy compound of 18 to 20 mm in internal diameter were implanted in the right ventricular-pulmonary arterial position in eight dogs, and the main natural pulmonary artery was ligated. Anticoagulants were not used after implantation. Five grafts were retrieved on day 182 after implantation and the other three grafts on days 196, 375, and 385, respectively, and were inspected by macroscopic and microscopic observation. Cardiac catheterization, followed by angiography and echocardiography, was done just before graft retrieval. RESULTS: No graft kinking or regurgitation of the valve was observed. Echocardiography showed natural valve motion without thickening of the leaflets. Blood pressure in the conduits ranged from 18/9 to 31/4 mm Hg, in the right ventricle from 18/4 to 40/0 mm Hg, and the gradient varied from 0 to 14 mm Hg. The explanted conduits maintained their original shape, softness, and pliability with good coaptation of valves, without calcification or degenerative changes, except for one leaflet with slight deformation. In microscopic observation, endothelial cells lined the luminal surface of the conduit except for the areas adjacent to the valve. CONCLUSION: The graft worked perfectly as a right ventricular-pulmonary arterial valved conduit without anticoagulant therapy for a long time.

Animals↗

Comparison of fresh and glutaraldehyde-treated autologous stented pericardium as pulmonary valve replacement.

The use of fresh autologous pericardium in valve surgery has shown poor results in the past mainly due to thickening and retraction. Recently, it has been suggested that a short treatment with glutaraldehyde might radically change its behavior. In an attempt to determine whether this disparity in results is due to the glutaraldehyde treatment or to a better present-day surgical technique, fresh and glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium was mounted in a frame and implanted in the pulmonary position of adult sheep. Six survivors obtained in each group were sacrificed between 2 and 8 months in the "fresh" group and between 2 and 6 months in the "glutaraldehyde-treated" group. Macroscopically, the fresh pericardium became thickened and retracted in all specimens, eventually resulting in severe regurgitation, while the glutaraldehyde-treated, although slightly thickened, retained its pliability without significant retraction. Microscopically, viability of the central core of the collagen was more often preserved in the fresh pericardium. Endothelialization was irregular. In conclusion, short glutaraldehyde treatment seems to improve the results of autologous pericardium mounted on a valve stent. Its effect on calcification remains to be ascertained.

Animals↗

Skin scoring in systemic sclerosis: a modification--relations to subtypes and the aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP).

Forty-one patients with systemic sclerosis were investigated with a new and simple skin score method measuring the degree of thickening and pliability in seven regions together with area involvement in each region. The highest values were, as expected, found in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (type III SS) and the lowest in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (type I SS) with no lesions extending above wrists and ancles. A positive correlation was found to the aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen, a serological marker for synthesis of type III collagen. The skin score is considered simpler than previous methods and is recommended for more general use.

Arm↗

Treatment response of keloidal and hypertrophic sternotomy scars: comparison among intralesional corticosteroid, 5-fluorouracil, and 585-nm flashlamp-pumped pulsed-dye laser treatments.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical response of keloidal and hypertrophic scars after treatment with intralesional corticosteroid alone or combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 5-FU alone, and the 585-nm flashlamp-pumped pulsed-dye laser (PDL). DESIGN: Prospective, paired-comparison, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A private ambulatory laser facility. PATIENTS: Ten patients with previously untreated keloidal or hypertrophic median sternotomy scars at least 6 months after surgery that were considered problematic by the patients. INTERVENTIONS: Five segments were randomly treated with 4 different regimens: (1) laser radiation with a 585-nm PDL (5 J/cm(2)); (2) intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) (20 mg/mL); (3) intralesional 5-FU (50 mg/mL); and (4) intralesional TAC (1 mg/mL) mixed with 5-FU (45 mg/mL). One segment of each scar received no treatment and served as a control. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scar height, erythema, and pliability were evaluated before and every 8 weeks after treatment. Patients' subjective evaluations were tabulated. Histologic sections of segments were examined in 1 biopsy sample per segment at week 32. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant clinical improvement in all treated segments. No significant difference in treatment outcome vs method of treatment was noted. However, intralesional formulas resulted in faster resolution than the PDL: scar induration responded better to intralesional formulas, scar texture responded better to the PDL, and scar erythema responded the same as the control with all treatments. Adverse sequelae, including hypopigmentation, telangiectasia, and skin atrophy, were observed in 50% (5/10) of the segments that received corticosteroid intralesionally alone. No long-term adverse sequelae were demonstrated in the segments treated with other modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical improvement of keloidal and hypertrophic scars after treatment with intralesional corticosteroid alone or combined with 5-FU, 5-FU alone, and PDL seemed comparable, with the exceptions of the incidence of adverse reactions, which were most common with intralesional corticosteroid. Intralesional 5-FU is comparable to the other therapies.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Tissue response to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and silicone implants in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and silicone are safe and relatively biocompatible materials. OBJECTIVE: To compare, using multiple histologic parameters, the tissue response to a standard silicone soft tissue implant with the response to a modified ePTFE implant. The modified form of ePTFE is reinforced with fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEPRePTFE), which provides increased pliability and material integrity. METHODS: The implants were placed into a subperiosteal pocket over the skull of adult New Zealand white rabbits. At 7, 30, and 90 days after implantation, en bloc tissue specimens, including skin, implants, surrounding soft tissue, and underlying bone were harvested for gross and histologic evaluation. OUTCOME MEASURES: The tissue response to the implants was assessed with respect to the number of foreign body giant cells present, the thickness of the fibrous capsule, and the general inflammatory response (n = 6 for each implant at each evaluation period). RESULTS: There were no cases of rejection, extrusion, or infection. The silicone implants elicited a significantly thicker capsule and less neovascularization (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The FEPRePTFE demonstrated a favorable tissue response when compared with silicone, particularly in regard to capsule thickness and vascular ingrowth.

Animals↗