An objective skin-type classification based on non-invasive biophysical parameters.

BACKGROUND: Despite the invention of various non-invasive bioengineering tools, skin-type analysis has largely been based on subjective assessments. However, advancements in the functional cosmetic industry and artificial intelligence-assisted dermatology are creating a greater demand for an objective skin-type classification system. OBJECTIVES: To propose an objective skin-type classification system solely based on non-invasive, bioengineering devices; provide reference values applicable to the Korean population; and compare our reference values with those of published studies. METHODS: Biophysical parameter measurements were obtained from the 2018 International Skin Characteristics Data Bank Project conducted by the Foundation of Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute. The participants were 434 healthy South Korean adults. Each participant was assessed using eight bioengineering devices (Tewameter® , pH-meter® , Corneometer® , Sebumeter® , Cutometer® , Spectrophotometer® , PRIMOS® lite, and Janus® ). The measurements were divided into tertiles to determine reference points. RESULTS: Our objective skin-type classification consists of five main categories (sensitivity, hydration, oiliness, elasticity, and skin tone) and five corresponding subcategories (erythema, roughness, pores, wrinkles, and pigmentation, respectively). Each skin type was assigned based on the reference point of the biophysical parameter, which was established as the tertile value associated with 'unfavourable' skin characteristics. Individuals were categorized as having sensitive skin when the TEWL scores were over 18.0 g/m2 /h or the pH was over 5.45; dehydrated skin when the corneometric value measured below 47.17 A.U.; oily skin when the sebumetric value exceeded 70 µg/cm2 ; and loose skin when the cutometric R2 value was below 0.68 E/mm. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to provide a comprehensive skin-type classification system based solely on non-invasive biophysical parameters. As measurement data accumulate, the reference points will progress to become more accurate, and they will be subdivided according to gender, age, and ethnic group. Therefore, our classification system serves as a basis for artificial intelligence-based skin-type analysis.

Lymphatic vessels arise from specialized angioblasts within a venous niche.

How cells acquire their fate is a fundamental question in developmental and regenerative biology. Multipotent progenitors undergo cell-fate restriction in response to cues from the microenvironment, the nature of which is poorly understood. In the case of the lymphatic system, venous cells from the cardinal vein are thought to generate lymphatic vessels through trans-differentiation. Here we show that in zebrafish, lymphatic progenitors arise from a previously uncharacterized niche of specialized angioblasts within the cardinal vein, which also generates arterial and venous fates. We further identify Wnt5b as a novel lymphatic inductive signal and show that it also promotes the 'angioblast-to-lymphatic' transition in human embryonic stem cells, suggesting that this process is evolutionarily conserved. Our results uncover a novel mechanism of lymphatic specification, and provide the first characterization of the lymphatic inductive niche. More broadly, our findings highlight the cardinal vein as a heterogeneous structure, analogous to the haematopoietic niche in the aortic floor.

Fracture recurrence in hip fracture with menopausal hormone therapy versus risedronate: a clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: An open-label, randomized trial was conducted to examine the effects of risedronate versus menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in postmenopausal women with recent hip fracture. METHODS: Among 1165 eligible women, 281 were recruited and randomly assigned to receive oral risedronate (35 mg/week) or percutaneous estradiol gel (1.5 mg/day) plus oral micronized progesterone (100 mg/day) for 4 years. The primary end point was recurrent fracture and the secondary end points were mortality and bone mineral density (BMD). RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analyses showed no significant differences in fracture recurrence and mortality between the two groups. The incidence of any new fracture per 100 person-years (PY) was 8.63 in the risedronate group and 12.86 in the MHT group (p = 0.180); that of clinical fracture was 4.75 and 6.99, respectively (p = 0.265); and that of asymptomatic vertebral fracture was 4.87 and 5.58, respectively (p = 0.764). The respective incidence of death per 100 PY was 3.58 and 4.40 (p = 0.503). BMD increased comparably at the lumbar spine in both groups. BMD at the total hip did not change in the risedronate group, but increased significantly by 2.8% in the MHT group. CONCLUSIONS: MHT might not differ from risedronate in the prevention of secondary fractures and death among postmenopausal women with recent hip fracture.

Genomic characterization and probiotic potential of Lactobacillus casei IDCC 3451 isolated from infant faeces.

Probiotics play an important role in health benefits on the host. However, they also possess potentials for infectivity or in situ toxin production; thus, requiring a comprehensive assessment of their safety. In this study, we report genomic characteristics of a newly isolated Lactobacillus casei IDCC 3451 from infant faeces. Phenotypic assays based on enzyme activities and carbohydrate fermentation profiles represented metabolic features of the strain. Safety evaluation for antimicrobial resistance, biogenic amines production and cytotoxicity to a murine mouse model suggested its safe use as a probiotic strain. Our findings on the genetic background of L. casei IDCC 3451 and its potential features provide a promising functional and safe probiotic strain for the human consumption.

Ambient air pollution and in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes.

STUDY QUESTION: Is air pollution associated with IVF treatment outcomes in the USA? SUMMARY ANSWER: We did not find clear evidence of a meaningful association between reproductive outcomes and average daily concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Maternal exposure to air pollution such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide or O3 may increase risks for adverse perinatal outcomes. Findings from the few studies using data from IVF populations to investigate associations between specific pollutants and treatment outcomes are inconclusive. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION: Retrospective cohort study of 253 528 non-cancelled fresh, autologous IVF cycles including 230 243 fresh, autologous IVF cycles with a transfer of ≥1 embryo was performed between 2010 and 2012. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: We linked 2010-2012 National ART Surveillance System data for fresh, autologous IVF cycles with the ambient air pollution data generated using a Bayesian fusion model available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. We calculated county-level average daily PM2.5 and O3 concentrations for three time periods: cycle start to oocyte retrieval (T1), oocyte retrieval to embryo transfer (T2) and embryo transfer +14 days (T3). Multivariable predicted marginal proportions from logistic and log-linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% CI for the association between reproductive outcomes (implantation rate, pregnancy and live birth) and interquartile increases in PM2.5 and O3. The multipollutant models were also adjusted for patients and treatment characteristics and accounted for clustering by clinic and county of residence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: For all exposure periods, O3 was weakly positively associated with implantation (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.02 for T3) and live birth (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.002-1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.004-1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.02, 95% CI 1.004-1.03 for T3). PM2.5 was not associated with any of the reproductive outcomes assessed. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The main limitation of this study is the use of aggregated air pollution data as proxies for individual exposure. The weak positive associations found in this study might be related to confounding by factors that we were unable to assess and may not reflect clinically meaningful differences. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: More research is needed to assess the impact of air pollution on reproductive function. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): None.

Gender difference in the impact of coexisting diabetes mellitus on long-term clinical outcome in people with heart failure: a report from the Korean Heart Failure Registry.

AIM: Few data are available on the gender-related differences in the prognostic impact of diabetes in people with heart failure. This study was performed to investigate whether there is a gender difference in the association between diabetes and long-term clinical outcomes in people hospitalized for heart failure. METHODS: A total of 3162 people hospitalized with heart failure (aged 67.4 ± 14.1 years, 50.4% females) from the data set of the nationwide registry were analysed. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure readmission. RESULTS: People with diabetes (30.5% for males vs. 31.1% for females, P = 0.740) were older and had more unfavourable risk factors and laboratory findings than those without diabetes in both genders. During a median follow-up period of 549 days, there were 1418 cases of composite events (44.8%). In univariable analysis, the coexistence of diabetes was significantly associated with a higher incidence of composite events in both genders (P < 0.05 each for males and females). In multivariable analysis, the prognostic impact of diabetes on the development of composite events remained significant in females even after controlling for potential confounders (hazard ratio 1.43, 95% confidence intervals 1.12-1.84; P = 0.004). However, an independent association between diabetes and composite events was not seen in males in the same multivariable analysis (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In people with heart failure, the impact of diabetes on long-term mortality and heart failure readmission seems to be stronger in females than in males. More careful and intensive management is needed especially in females with heart failure and diabetes.

Diagnostic utility of skin autofluorescence when patch test results are doubtful.

BACKGROUND: The standard diagnostic test for allergic contact dermatitis is the patch test, which can also be used to identify irritant contact dermatitis. Doubtful reactions (?+) can be often clinically relevant to individuals and can require additional tests. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine whether autofluorescence (AF) measurements in patients with doubtful reactions are helpful in diagnosing contact dermatitis. METHODS: Patients with a history of contact dermatitis were patch tested on the upper back for 48-hours of occlusion using aqueous solutions of 5% sodium lauryl sulfate. Reaction intensity was scored, and AF was measured on reactive lesions and non-lesions. Three dermatologists classified the results as positive or negative using the fluorescence photographs of patients with a doubtful reaction. RESULTS: Among doubtful reactions, the R/G% values were significantly higher in the AF- based positive group than in the negative group (P = .0086). On the other hand, the heterogeneity values of R, G, and B (HR, HG, HB) were significantly lower in the AF-based positive group (P = .0026, .0046, .0004 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring AF along with the clinical readings can help confirm doubtful patch test reactions.

Nonlinear association between bone mineral density and all-cause mortality: the Dong-gu study.

There was a U-shaped association between hip BMD and all-cause mortality, with the lowest mortality in the 90th percentile in males. However, there was an inverse linear relationship in females. In contrast, the association between lumbar spine BMD and mortality was less evident in males, with no association in females. INTRODUCTION: Bone mineral density (BMD) is reported inversely associated with mortality. Although some previous studies provided evidence for nonlinear associations, these were not adequately assessed in most previous works. METHODS: We evaluated the nonlinear relationship between BMD and mortality in Asians. Our study involved 8629 participants in the Dong-gu study from 2007 to 2010. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) according to BMD categories after adjusting for potential confounders. During a follow-up of 6.7 ± 1.4 years, 712 participants died. RESULTS: There was a U-shaped association between hip BMD and all-cause mortality, with the lowest mortality in the 90th percentile in males. However, there was an inverse linear relationship in females. In males, compared with the 75th to 95th percentile group, the < 2.5th percentile group had a 3.89 (95% CI 2.41-6.28)-fold higher risk and the 2.5th to 5th percentile group had a 2.51 (95% CI 1.25-5.04)-fold higher risk. The HR was 2.51 (95% CI 1.25, 5.04) in the > 97.5th percentile group. In females, compared with that in the 75th to 95th percentile group, the HR was 2.33 (95% CI 1.24, 4.39) in the < 2.5th percentile group. In contrast, the association between lumbar spine BMD and mortality was less evident in males, with no association in females. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study shows that the association between BMD and mortality varies by gender and that high and low BMD are predictors of all-cause mortality in males.

Amyloid-ß and hyperphosphorylated tau synergy drives metabolic decline in preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

This study was designed to test the interaction between amyloid-ß and tau proteins as a determinant of metabolic decline in preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD). We assessed 120 cognitively normal individuals with [18F]florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measurements at baseline, as well as [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET at baseline and at 24 months. A voxel-based interaction model was built to test the associations between continuous measurements of CSF biomarkers, [18F]florbetapir and [18F]FDG standardized uptake value ratios (SUVR). We found that the synergistic interaction between [18F]florbetapir SUVR and CSF phosphorylated tau (p-tau) measurements, rather than the sum of their independent effects, was associated with a 24-month metabolic decline in basal and mesial temporal, orbitofrontal, and anterior and posterior cingulate cortices (P<0.001). In contrast, interactions using CSF amyloid-ß1-42 and total tau biomarkers did not associate with metabolic decline over a time frame of 24 months. The interaction found in this study further support the framework that amyloid-ß and hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates synergistically interact to cause downstream AD neurodegeneration. In fact, the regions displaying the metabolic decline reported here were confined to brain networks affected early by amyloid-ß plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Preventive clinical trials may benefit from using a combination of amyloid-ß PET and p-tau biomarkers to enrich study populations of cognitively normal subjects with a high probability of disease progression in studies, using [18F]FDG as a biomarker of efficacy.

The severity of periodontitis and metabolic syndrome in Korean population: The Dong-gu study.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the association between periodontal disease status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its individual components in Korean adults over 50 years old. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the Dong-gu study, 5078 men and women aged over 50 years were included. They underwent a questionnaire survey, physical assessment, biochemical assessment and periodontal assessment. The percentages of sites with periodontal probing depth ≥4 mm, and clinical attachment loss ≥4 mm were recorded for each participant. Periodontal disease was also classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology definition of periodontitis and the American Academy of Periodontology definition (1999). MetS was defined by the 2009 guidelines of the International Diabetes Federation. This study used multivariate negative binominal regression analysis to assess the association between the severity of periodontitis and MetS, after age, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and physical activity related factors were adjusted for. RESULTS: Prevalence of MetS was 32.3%, 36.2% and 45.9% among men with no or mild, moderate and severe periodontitis, respectively. The severity of periodontitis was positively associated with the prevalent MetS in men but not in women. In men, severe periodontitis showed a higher risk of MetS than those with no or mild periodontitis (relative risk 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.17-1.73) after adjusting for confounders. Periodontal probing depth was positively associated with the prevalence of MetS in both genders. In the analysis separated by individual MetS components, periodontitis severity was positively associated with hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in men, while positively associated with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and abdominal obesity in women. CONCLUSION: Increasing the severity of periodontitis was associated with the risk of prevalent MetS in Korean adults. This result confirmed that periodontal inflammation might be a contributive factor of MetS.

[Attitudes towards psychotherapy in South Korea and Germany : A cross-cultural comparative study]. / Einstellungen gegenüber Psychotherapie in Südkorea und Deutschland : Eine kulturvergleichende Studie.

BACKGROUND: Due to the relatively recent introduction of psychotherapy in South Korea and against the background of collectivist and Confucian values, it has been suggested that South Koreans harbor more negative attitudes towards psychotherapy compared to Germans and that the social acceptance of psychotherapy is lower. METHODS: We compared the attitudes of 99 women from South Korea with 98 German women using the questionnaire on attitudes towards psychotherapeutic treatment (FEP). For the study of the South Korean women we translated the questionnaire into the Korean language. RESULTS: The results of the psychometric analysis suggest that the Korean version of the FEP is of acceptable quality. South Korean women reported a significantly more negative attitude towards psychotherapy compared to German women. Furthermore, South Korean women anticipated a more skeptical social attitude towards psychotherapy compared to Germans. CONCLUSION: The presented results suggest the relevance of cultural imprinting in psychotherapy. They are discussed with respect to culture-specific self-concepts, concepts of disease and healing expectations and the increase of individualistic values in the Korean society.

Dietary total, animal, vegetable calcium and type 2 diabetes incidence among Korean adults: The Korean Multi-Rural Communities Cohort (MRCohort).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although a possible mechanism for developing type 2 diabetes in relation to calcium intake has been suggested, there is currently little epidemiological evidence on the association between dietary calcium and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to evaluate the prospective association between dietary calcium and T2D incidence among adults 40 years of age or over, from the Multi-rural Communities Cohort (MRCohort), South Korea. METHODS AND RESULTS: In total, 8313 participants (3033 men and 5280 women) who did not have diabetes at baseline were recruited between 2005 and 2013. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) was estimated using a modified Poisson regression model with a robust error estimator. During follow-up (31,570 person-years), 322 T2D cases were newly diagnosed. Dietary calcium (total and vegetable calcium) were inversely associated with the risk of T2D incidence among women (IRR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.43-0.86, P for trend = 0.007 in third tertile of baseline total calcium intake comparing to the first tertile; IRR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.39-0.84, P for trend = 0.006 for baseline vegetable calcium intake), not for men. The tendency of those inverse associations remained in both the normal fasting blood glucose group and the impaired fasting blood glucose group and were independent of obesity, smoking, and magnesium intake. CONCLUSIONS: Total and vegetable calcium may be inversely associated with T2D incidence among women, regardless of impaired fasting blood glucose group or normal group. The associations may be potentially dose-responsive. Moderate dietary calcium may be related to lower risk of T2D incidence comparing to low intake group among women.

Comparative study of skin autofluorescence expression in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis: A prospective in vivo study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis requires their differentiation from other eczematoid dermatitis and a determination of disease severity. However, both can be clinically difficult and the findings subjectively interpreted. We investigated the utility of in vivo autofluorescence (AF) measurements for diagnosis of both diseases, and determination of severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with AD and 30 with psoriasis were recruited, together with sex- and age-matched patients with healthy skin. AF intensity was measured using the EcoSkin® fluorescence video dermatoscope. In AD and psoriasis patients, AF in non-sun-exposed lesional and non-lesional skin was measured. To identify the locations that reflect characteristics of AD, AF was also measured at the other sites in the patients with AD. RESULTS: AD was associated with lower AF and psoriasis with higher AF intensity peaking around 620 nm. In addition, skin AF intensity of each disease was associated with severity of lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive measurement of skin AF in vivo can aid in diagnosis of AD and psoriasis as well as in treatment monitoring.

Pilot study on the correlation between skin auto-fluorescence and serum antioxidant enzyme: skin auto-fluorescence is negatively associated with levels of malondialdehyde.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Various methods have been used to objectively record skin changes. However, estimating the intrinsic and extrinsic aging of skin remains a challenge. Our objective was to study intrinsic skin aging with respect to patient age and extrinsic photo-aging of human dorsal (photo-exposed) and volar (photo-protected) forearm in vivo through skin auto-fluorescence (AF). We also examined the correlations between serum antioxidant enzyme, malondialdehyde(MDA), and skin AF. METHODS: 37 healthy volunteers were enrolled. We measured skin AF and its heterogeneity on the dorsal and volar forearms. We also examined serum concentration of catalase, superoxide dismutase, vitamin E, and MDA levels in every participant. RESULTS: In photo-protected areas, skin AF intensity in the 40 years or older group was significantly higher compared to the group less than 40 years-old. On the other hand, heterogeneity value was significantly higher in the less than 40 years-old group in photo-protected area. With respect to serum antioxidant enzyme and MDA level, only MDA level showed a negative correlation with skin AF intensity in photo-exposed area. CONCLUSION: We determined that skin AF intensity of the photo-protected area reflects intrinsic skin aging. In addition, degree of photo-aging could be indirectly inferred by skin AF of photo-exposed area and serum MDA level.

Comparative analysis of the effects of CO2 fractional laser and sonophoresis on human skin penetration with 5-aminolevulinic acid.

Successful delivery of a photosensitizer into the skin is an important factor for effective photodynamic therapy (PDT). The effective method to increase drug penetration within short incubation time overcoming skin barrier have been investigated. This study was performed to analyze and compare the effectiveness of ablative fractional laser (FXL) pretreatment and/or sonophoresis for enhancing the penetration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into human skin in vivo. Twenty-four identical 1 × 1 cm2 treatment areas were mapped on the backs of ten healthy male subjects. Each area received FXL pretreatment and/or sonophoresis with different energy settings and ALA incubation times. After treatments, porphyrin fluorescence reflecting the ALA penetration were measured. Application of ablative CO2 FXL pretreatment resulted to higher fluorescence intensities than the non-treatment group. Incubation times were positively correlated with the increments of ALA penetration. However, increasing pulse energy or combining with sonophoresis did not show additional positive effects on ALA penetration. Ablative CO2 FXL pretreatment effectively facilitated ALA penetration in human skin in vivo. Ablative CO2 FXL alone without sonophoresis setting pulse energy of 10 and 20 mJ with more than 60 min of ALA incubation time could be an ideal setting for ALA penetration.

Expression of immunogenic structural proteins of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 in vitro assessed using immunofluorescence.

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), also called koi herpesvirus (KHV), is the aetiological agent of a fatal disease in carp and koi (Cyprinus carpio L.), referred to as koi herpesvirus disease. The virus contains at least 40 structural proteins, of which few have been characterised with respect to their immunogenicity. Indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFAs) using two epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were used to examine the expression kinetics of two potentially immunogenic and diagnostically relevant viral antigens, an envelope glycoprotein and a capsid-associated protein. The rate of expression of these antigens was determined following a time-course of infection in two CyHV-3 susceptible cell lines. The results were quantified using an IFA, performed in microtitre plates, and image analysis was used to analyse confocal micrographs, enabling measurement of differential virus-associated fluorescence and nucleus-associated fluorescence from stacks of captured scans. An 8-tenfold increase in capsid-associated protein expression was observed during the first 5 days post-infection compared to a ≤ 2-fold increase in glycoprotein expression. A dominant protein of ~100 kDa reacted with the capsid-associated MAb (20F10) in western blot analysis. This band was also recognised by sera obtained from carp infected with CyHV-3, indicating that this capsid-associated protein is produced in abundance during infection in vitro and is immunogenic to carp. Mass spectrometry carried out on this protein identified it as a previously uncharacterised product of open reading frame 84. This abundantly expressed and immunogenic capsid-associated antigen may be a useful candidate for KHV serological diagnostics.

Three-dimensional isotropic fast spin-echo MR lymphangiography of T1-weighted and intermediate-weighted pulse sequences in patients with lymphoedema.

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography acquired using three-dimensional (3D) isotropic T1-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) and 3D isotropic intermediate-weighted FSE sequences, as the new method of MR lymphangiography, and to compare the results of these two methods in patients with lymphoedema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three extremities of 27 patients with primary or secondary lymphoedema and who had undergone radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy and MR lymphangiography with 3D isotropic T1-weighted FSE and 3D isotropic intermediate-weighted FSE were included in the study. The results of both imaging techniques were independently reviewed by two readers in consensus who rated the lymphatic drainage pattern, the quality of the depiction of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, and the level of lymph vessel enhancement. The assessment scores of each imaging sequence were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results were expressed as means with standard deviations. RESULTS: More lymphatic vessels were visualised on T1-weighted FSE than on intermediate-weighted FSE (p<0.001). As more lymphatic vessels were detected on T1-weighted FSE, the per-extremity grade of the lymphatic drainage pattern was higher (p=0.046) and the visible levels of lymph-vessel enhancement were also significantly higher (p=0.004) on the T1-weighted FSE sequence, whereas the conspicuity of lymph nodes was superior on intermediate-weighted FSE (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: MR lymphangiography using the 3D FSE pulse sequence is a feasible and noticeable new technique of MR lymphangiography. Between the two applicable protocols used, T1-weighted FSE provided better information regarding lymphatic vessels and their drainage, whereas intermediate-weighted FSE has the advantage of depicting lymph nodes in lymphoedematous extremities.

Positivity rates of antithyroid antibody, antinuclear antibody and thyroid peroxidase antibody in different types of vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is associated with various autoimmune disorders, and organ-specific autoantibodies are frequently found in patients with this disorder. Vitiligo is classically divided into segmental vitiligo (SV) and nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV), and it is believed that the pathogenesis differs between these two types. As the NSV type is related to an autoimmune mechanism, autoantibody detection rates are likely to be higher in the NSV type than in the segmental type; however, no comparative studies have been performed. AIM: To analyse the rates of autoantibody positivity according to the clinical features in patients with vitiligo. METHODS: Rates of antithyroid antibody (Tg Ab), antinuclear antibody (ANA) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO Ab) positivity were analysed and compared according to the sex, clinical type and age of onset of 807 patients with vitiligo. RESULTS: There were 106 patients with SV (13.1%) and 701 patients with NSV (86.9%). Tg Ab and ANA positivity did not differ between the SV and NSV types. A positive TPO Ab result was obtained in 16 patients with SV (15.1%) and 173 patients with NSV (24.7%). The TPO Ab positivity rate was significantly higher in NSV (χ² = 4.14, P < 0.05). The positivity rates of the three autoantibodies differed significantly according to age of onset (P = 0.001, P = 0.02 and P < 0.001 for Tg Ab, ANA and TPO Ab positivity, respectively). The TPO Ab positivity rate also showed a sex difference (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The positivity rates for the three autoantibodies showed differences according to age of onset and sex. The rates of Tg Ab and ANA positivity showed no significant differences according to clinical type, but the TPO Ab positivity rate was significantly different between SV and NSV. It appears likely that an autoimmune mechanism contributes to the pathogenesis of SV.

How much related to skin wrinkles between facial and body site? Age-related changes in skin wrinkle on the knee assessed by skin bioengineering techniques.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Skin aging has been focused the wrinkle on the face than on the body, so most studies have been studied the change in Crow's feet for ages. Only little is known about the age-dependent changes of wrinkles on body sites. The aim of this study was to establish new grading criteria for severity of wrinkles on knees and to investigate the relationship of wrinkle severity with age- and site-dependent. METHODS: The skin on the knee of 38 healthy Korean female volunteers, divided into two groups young and old, were photographed. Standard photograph for body wrinkle was established (grade 0~7), and then visual assessment, skin wrinkle, and skin elasticity were evaluated on Crow's feet and the knee. We examined for any significant differences and the correlation of skin aging parameters with age and two different sites. RESULTS: Skin wrinkle severity with standard photograph and wrinkle parameters (Ra, Rmax, Rz, and Rv) had a significantly positive correlation with age-dependent on the knee (P < 0.001). Also, skin elastic parameters (R2, R5, R6, R7, and Q1) showed a significant negative correlation with age on the knee (P < 0.001). Skin wrinkle severity with standard photograph was highly correlated with all skin wrinkle parameters and skin elastic parameters (R2, R5, R7, and Q1) on the knee (P < 0.001). In addition, all the skin aging parameters on the knee were significantly correlated with Crow's feet (P < 0.01). Skin aging on the knee had the same tendency as the Crow's feet. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown the new grading criteria of wrinkles on the knee. Skin wrinkle and elasticity on the knee are age-dependent related and aging on the knee is highly related to Crow's feet. Those parameters are using a quantitative method to evaluate body aging. Also, the knee is considered that it could be a suitable site to evaluate body aging.

Twelve-point scale grading system of scanning electron microscopic examination to investigate subtle changes in damaged hair surface.

BACKGROUND: To assess the hair surface condition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) is commonly used and it remains an indispensable hair morphology characterization technique. Yet, the technique is criticized for having subjective viewpoints and limitations in distinguishing the appearance of cuticle layers. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to establish an objective classification system and also to subdivide by detailed description of damaged cuticle layers. METHODS: Hair samples were collected from female subjects (n = 500) who participated in hair efficacy study and Asian hair bunches (n = 180) that were previously collected. Damage to hair was initiated by chemical, heat stress and ultraviolet irradiation. We suggested the grading criterion on a 12-point scale and compared with a wide range grading system on a 5-point scale. We evaluated other hair surface-related parameters such as hair luster-ring and combing load to verify the validity and efficacy of our new grading system. RESULTS: The grading criterion on our 12-point scale revealed an improved discrimination compared to the wide range grading system. Hair surface-related parameters were significantly improved after hair care product, and these tendencies were likely to be determined to be similarly improved using the 12-point scale grading system. CONCLUSION: The 12-point scale classification system was demonstrated to be a more precise standardization and appropriate evaluation method to investigate the subtle distinction of the hair shaft after hair care product application.