Yonsei medical journal
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Yonsei medical journal · Feb 2022
ReviewFabrication Techniques of Nerve Guidance Conduits for Nerve Regeneration.
Neuronal loss and axonal degeneration after spinal cord injury or peripheral injury result in the loss of sensory and motor functions. Nerve regeneration is a complicated and medical challenge that requires suitable guides to bridge nerve injury gaps and restore nerve function. Due to the hostility of the microenvironment in the lesion, multiple conditions should be fulfilled to achieve improved functional recovery. ⋯ Extensive reviews have focused on the biological functions and in vivo performance of polymeric nerve conduits. In this paper, we emphasize the fabrication method of nerve conduits by polymers and their properties. By learning from the existing candidates, we can advance the strategies for designing novel polymeric systems with better properties for nerve regeneration.
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Yonsei medical journal · Feb 2022
Meta AnalysisEfficacy and Safety of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Agents for Patients with Intestinal Behcet's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Intestinal Behcet's disease (BD) is a systemic autoimmune disease for which treatment options are limited. As a prospective therapeutic strategy for intestinal BD, anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents have received increasing attention. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-TNF-α agents for patients with intestinal BD. ⋯ Our study indicated that anti-TNF-α agents may serve as an effective treatment with acceptable safety for patients with intestinal BD. However, more robust evidence from randomized controlled trials is urgently needed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of anti-TNF-α agents for those patients.
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Yonsei medical journal · Feb 2022
ReviewBasic Principles and Clinical Applications of CRISPR-Based Genome Editing.
Advances in sequencing technologies have facilitated the discovery of previously unknown genetic variants in both inherited and acquired disorders, and tools to correct these pathogenic variants are rapidly evolving. Since the first introduction of CRISPR-Cas9 in 2012, the field of CRISPR-based genome editing has progressed immensely, giving hope to many patients suffering from genetic disorders that lack effective treatment. In this review, we will examine the basic principles of CRISPR-based genome editing, explain the mechanisms of new genome editors, including base editors and prime editors, and evaluate the therapeutic possibilities of CRISPR-based genome editing by focusing on recently published clinical trials and animal studies. Although efficacy and safety issues remain a large concern, we cannot deny that CRISPR-based genome editing will soon be prevalent in clinical practice.
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Yonsei medical journal · Feb 2022
Observational StudyThe Value of Thermal Imaging for Knee Arthritis: A Single-Center Observational Study.
To compare (non-contact) thermal imaging with power Doppler (PD) for the evaluation of knee arthritis with joint effusion. ⋯ In this study, we found that high thermographic temperatures of the knee suggest a positive PD signal. Thus, thermography might be used as an adjuvant tool of PD for non-invasive evaluation of knee arthritis.
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Yonsei medical journal · Feb 2022
Dual Pallidal and Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for Complex Ipsilateral Dystonia.
Globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) has become an established target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in dystonia. Previous studies suggest that targeting the ventralis oralis (Vo) complex nucleus improves dystonic tremor or even focal dystonia. Research has also demonstrated that multi-target DBS shows some benefits over single target DBS. In this study, we reviewed patients who had undergone unilateral DBS targeting the GPi and Vo. ⋯ Unilateral thalamic and pallidal dual electrode DBS may be as effective or even superior to DBS of a single target for dystonia. Although the number of patients was small, our results reflected favorable clinical outcomes.