• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.349-353
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• 1996

Background: Although the paramedian approach for epidural blockade is useful in some clinical situation, the parameters which are correlated with the distance from skin to the epidural space has not been established. Methods: We studied in 143 patients having elective continuous epidural blocks for relief of postoperative pain. All blocks were performed using paramedian approach with Tuohy needle in the lumbar (group 1, n=100) and thoracic (group 2, n=45) area. We measured the distance from skin to the epidural space, body weight, height, and the angle between the shaft of the needle and the skin. Data were analyzed by linear regression. The relationships between parameters identified by the F-test with a P value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean distance from skin to the lumbar epidural space was $4.4{\pm}0.7$ cm. significant correlation between the body weight and the depth of lumbar epidural space ($\gamma$ value : 0.492) was noted with regression equation of depth(cm)=2.293+0.034${\times}$body weight (kg). Also the significant correlation between the ponderal index (PI) and the depth of lumbar epidural space ($\gamma$ value : 0.539) was noted with regression equation of depth(cm)=1.703+0.07${\times}$PI, The mean distance from skin to the thoracic epidural space was $5.2{\pm}0.7cm$ which did not correlated with other anatomic measurements. Conclusion: We found that PI and body weight are the suitable predictors of the depth of the lumbar epidural space, but not the thoracic epidural space.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.263-291
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• 2009

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of YHJST on atopic dermatitis in an experiment using an NC/Nga mice induced by DNCB, which has histological and clinical similarities to the condition in humans. Methods To investigate the effect of YHJST on atopic dermatitis(AD), we evaluated atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by clinical skin index and analyzed immunological parameters in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) and performed skin histology in ears and dorsal skin of NC/Nga ato-mouse. Results YHJST medicines decreased Serum level of IgE, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$. Also total number of $CD69^+$, $CD3^+$ in PBMCs, absolute cell number of $CCR3^+CD3^+$, $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ in Dorsal skin tissue, Serum IgG1, IgM, IgG2a and IgG2b decreased significantly. Furthermore YHJST is extremely effective to histological symptoms; dermal and epidermal thickening, hyperkeratosis and inflammatory cell infiltration and suppressed histologic infiltration of $CD4^+$ & $CCR3^+$ in ear and dorsal skin lesions significantly. YHJST decreased gene-expression of IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$, CCR3, Eotaxin mRNA than that of control group. Conclusions YHJST on atopic dermatitis to atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mouse induced DNCB was incredibly effective.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.136-143
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• 2020

Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin disorders, with a global prevalence of 2% - 3%. It is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by excessive generation of plaques on the skin with typical long-lasting red, itchy, and scaly lesions. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the anti-psoriatic effect of the methanolic extract of Persicaria senticosa (PS), a bioactive edible plant extract used in traditional medicine, using a mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis. The daily topical application of IMQ could induce human psoriasis-like lesion. The extract ameliorated IMQ-induced psoriasis. Furthermore, hematoxylin and eosin staining and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores indicated that topical application of PS led to an improvement in erythema, scaling, and thickness scores of the mouse dorsal skin and a considerable decrease in the epidermal thickness of the ear and dorsal skin in the IMQ-induced psoriatic mouse model. We also studied the effect of PS on the proliferation of keratinocytes using HaCaT cells. The extract inhibited cell proliferation and IL-6 and pSTAT3 expression induced by M5 cocktail (comprising interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-17A, IL-22, oncostatin M, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in HaCaT cells. Thus, PS might serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of psoriasis.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.119-127
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of frankincense oil in a skin aging animal model. Skin aging was induced by both the irradiation of UVB and the application of squalene monohydroperoxide (Sq-OOH) to the back of experimental animals for 4 weeks. And at the same time experimental materials were applied topically. Six to seven weeks female SHR-1 hairless mice were divided into five groups including normal (N: saline), control (C: UVB+Sq-OOH+saline), vehicle control (VC: UVB+Sq-OOH+jojoba oil), positive control (PC: UVB+Sq-OOH+0.01% retinoic acid) and experimental (E: UVB+Sq-OOH+3% Frankincense oil) groups, five animals each group. The skin erythema index for the PC and E groups were lower than that of the C group. Whereas, both the lipid and water capacities for the PC and E groups were higher than those of the C group. Wrinkles for the C group were formed as a pattern of deep furrows and thick crests. Whereas, wrinkles for the PC and E groups were formed as a pattern of shallow furrows and thin crests which were similar to that of the N group. As for the both absolute and relative weight of the spleen, the PC group were significantly higher than the other groups. In conclusion, frankincense oil can be used practically for the prevention or improvement of skin aging in terms of health promotion and beauty for the people.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.601-607
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• 2015

Background Autologous or implant-based breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy is increasingly preferred worldwide as a breast cancer treatment option. However, postoperative nipple-areola complex (NAC) necrosis is the most significant complication of nipple-sparing mastectomy. The purpose of our study was to identify the risk factors for NAC necrosis, and to describe the use of our skin-banking technique as a solution. Methods We reviewed cases of immediate autologous breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy at our institution between June 2005 and January 2014. The patients' data were reviewed and the risk of NAC necrosis was analyzed based on correlations between patient variables and NAC necrosis. Moreover, data pertaining to five high-risk patients who underwent the donor skin-banking procedure were included in the analysis. Results Eighty-five patients underwent immediate autologous breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy during the study period. Partial or total NAC necrosis occurred in 36 patients (43.4%). Univariate analysis and binary regression modeling found that body mass index, smoking history, radiation therapy, and mastectomy volume were significantly associated with NAC necrosis. Of the 36 cases of NAC necrosis, 31 were resolved with dressing changes, debridement, or skin grafting. The other five high-risk patients underwent our prophylactic skin-banking technique during breast reconstruction surgery. Conclusions NAC necrosis is common in patients with multiple risk factors. The use of the skin-banking technique in immediate autologous breast reconstruction is an attractive option for high-risk patients. Banked skin can be used in such cases without requiring additional donor tissue, with good results in terms of aesthetic and reconstructive outcomes.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.85-93
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• 2016

We already reported that genetically engineered resveratrol-enriched rice (RR) showed to down-regulate skin melanogenesis. To be developed to increase the bioactivity of RR using calli from plants, RR was adopted for mass production using plant tissue culture technologies. In addition, high-pressure homogenization (HPH) was used to increase the biocompatibility and penetration of the calli from RR into the skin. We aimed to develop anti-melanogenic agents incorporating calli of RR (cRR) and nanoparticles by high-pressure homogenization, examining the synergistic effects on the inhibition of UVB-induced hyperpigmentation. Depigmentation was observed following topical application of micro-cRR, nano-calli of normal rice (cNR), and nano-cRR to ultraviolet B (UVB)-stimulated hyperpigmented guinea pig dorsal skin. Colorimetric analysis, tyrosinase immunostaining, and Fontana-Masson staining for UVB-promoted melanin were performed. Nano-cRR inhibited changes in the melanin color index caused by UVB-promoted hyperpigmentation, and demonstrated stronger anti-melanogenic potential than micro-cRR. In epidermal skin, nano-cRR repressed UVB-promoted melanin granules, thereby suppressing hyperpigmentation. The UVB-enhanced, highly expressed tyrosinase in the basal layer of the epidermis was inhibited by nano-cRR more prominently than by micro-cRR and nano-cNR. The anti-melanogenic potency of nano-cRR also depended on pH and particle size. Nano-cRR shows promising potential to regulate skin pigmentation following UVB exposure.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.145-155
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• 2016

Purpose: Radiation therapy targeting axilla and groin lymph nodes improves regional disease control in locally advanced and high-risk skin cancers. However, trials generally used conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy (2D-RT), contributing towards relatively high rates of side effects from treatment. The goal of this study is to determine if three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), or volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) may improve radiation delivery to the target while avoiding organs at risk in the clinical context of skin cancer regional nodal irradiation. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with locally advanced/high-risk skin cancers underwent computed tomography simulation. The relevant axilla or groin planning target volumes and organs at risk were delineated using standard definitions. Paired t-tests were used to compare the mean values of several dose-volumetric parameters for each of the 4 techniques. Results: In the axilla, the largest improvement for 3D-CRT compared to 2D-RT was for homogeneity index (13.9 vs. 54.3), at the expense of higher lung $V_{20}$ (28.0% vs. 12.6%). In the groin, the largest improvements for 3D-CRT compared to 2D-RT were for anorectum $D_{max}$ (13.6 vs. 38.9 Gy), bowel $D_{200cc}$ (7.3 vs. 23.1 Gy), femur $D_{50}$ (34.6 vs. 57.2 Gy), and genitalia $D_{max}$ (37.6 vs. 51.1 Gy). IMRT had further improvements compared to 3D-CRT for humerus $D_{mean}$ (16.9 vs. 22.4 Gy), brachial plexus $D_5$ (57.4 vs. 61.3 Gy), bladder $D_5$ (26.8 vs. 36.5 Gy), and femur $D_{50}$ (18.7 vs. 34.6 Gy). Fewer differences were observed between IMRT and VMAT. Conclusion: Compared to 2D-RT and 3D-CRT, IMRT and VMAT had dosimetric advantages in the treatment of nodal regions of skin cancer patients.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.39-43
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• 2005

The present study was carried out to investigate the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with antibiotic-resistance in vitro and the skin irritation in rabbits with surfactin produced by Bacillus subtilus Complex BC1212. The antibacterial activities of selected antimicrobial agents (surfactin, amoxacillin, colistin, norfloxacin and streptomycin) were evaluated by using the broth microdilution method. As the results, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the surfactin was less than 15.6 ㎍/ml. In the skin irritation test, two out of 4 rabbits showed very slight edema at 24 h after the administration of surfactin, and then recovered at 72 h. The change of body weight was normal during the skin irritation test. The primary irritation index in accordance with the Draize evaluation of topical reaction was calculated to be '0.125', which meant not irritating. Based on these results, it could be concluded that the test agent, surfactin, was a non-irritant. We could also think that the surfactin may be useful for the treatment of S. aureus infections such as bovine mastitis.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.79-92
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• 2012

Purpose: Obesity affects dysfunction of Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovary(H-P-O) axis. Dysfunction of H-P-O axis could be related to Skin Resistance Variability (SRV). This study investigated the impacts of obesity which related to female age on SRV. Methods: We randomly selected 400 women who had taken CP-6000A test and InBody test on the same day at Oriental Hospital of Sangji University from Jan. 2008 to Jun. 2011. In this study, the Body Mass Index(BMI) range of normal group is 18.5~24.9, obesity group is over 25, the age range of childbearing age group is 24~34 years, post-menopause group is 50~65 years. 139 women that met the criteria of this study were assorted by their BMI and age. After detection of SRV, SPSS 19.0 has conjugated for data analysis and the independent samples t-test and paired samples t-test were used to verify the results. Results: At 1st and 2nd trial, the height of 3 area of childbearing age obesity group was significantly higher than that of childbearing age normal group. At 1st and 2nd trial, the height of 1, 2 area of childbearing age obesity group was higher than that of childbearing age normal group, but there were no significant difference. At 1st and 2nd trial, the height of 1, 2, 3 area of post-menopause obesity group was mostly higher than that of post-menopause normal group, but there were no significant difference. Conclusions: This study showed the SRV of obesity group was higher than that of normal group in most of 1, 2, 3 area. Further study will be needed.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.45-55
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• 2016

Light shows various optical behaviors such as reflection, absorption, and scattering on skin for individuals. In particular, reflection of light from the skin has been widely used as the brightness index of the skin of individuals through the measurement of the physical quantity of spectral reflectance. Therefore, the study of light behavior on skin would be useful for the preparation of new evaluation method in the development stage of make-up products. In this study, multi-dimensional analysis for spectral reflectance behavior of light on individual skin was performed using Kubelka-Munk model. Also, we analyzed the contribution of skin parameters such as skin thickness and hemoglobin, which could affect the spectral reflectance, using above model and literature information. Base on this, we calculated the theoretical reflectance of normal women for visual light, which showed good agreement with the measured reflectance. Our study of light propagation in skin based on Kubelka-Munk model provides useful insight for the development of personalized cosmetic in the near future.