Extended-Hours Hemodialysis without Dietary Restrictions Increases Body Mass Index and Normalizes Hypertension: A Case Report.

Dialysis technology has made remarkable progress. However, many patients still suffer from malnutrition and hypertension. They cause many complications and significantly impact patients' quality of life and prognosis. To solve these problems, we developed a new dialysis modality, extended-hours hemodialysis without dietary restrictions. Here we report a case of a man who has received this treatment for 18 years. He had been on conventional hemodialysis (three times a week for 4 hours) since his dialysis initiation. He suffered from hypertension and was on five antihypertensive drugs to control his blood pressure. In addition, dietary restrictions were strict, and the nutritional status was somewhat poor. After being transferred to our clinic, the dialysis time was gradually extended to 8 hours, and dietary restrictions were greatly relaxed. Interestingly, his body mass index (BMI) increased, and his hypertension was controlled. After 3 years, he stopped all antihypertensive drugs. This result suggests that improving nutritional status may control hypertension. However, salt intake was substantially increased. Serum phosphorus and serum potassium levels were at a slightly higher level but were controlled by medications. At the time of transfer, anemia was treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and glycated iron oxide, but these drugs were gradually reduced and discontinued. However, he maintained high average erythrocyte counts and normal hemoglobin levels. Dialysis conditions were wholly slow dialysis, lower than conventional dialysis methods, but the dialysis efficiency was satisfactory. In conclusion, we speculate that extended-hours hemodialysis without dietary restrictions reduces the risk of malnutrition and hypertension.

[A Case of Central Venous Catheter Fracture after Its Implantation for Liver Metastasis of Rectal and Appendiceal Cancers].

This is the case of a 72-year-old man in whom multiple colorectal cancers including rectal and appendiceal cancers and synchronous S3 liver metastases were observed in 2014, and resection was performed in 2 stages. In 2017, a single recurrence was found in the liver S8, and he underwent a liver S8 sub-segmental resection. Implantation of a CV port for postoperative chemotherapy was planned. At the time of insertion, the catheter was punctured from the exterior portion of the left subclavian vein to avoid the pinch-off syndrome wherein the catheter is crushed between the clavicle and the first rib. Subsequently, FOLFOX therapy was started, but it was discontinued because of allergic symptoms, which appeared during the third course. Two years after the CV port was implanted, a catheter fracture was found on a chest X-ray performed during a regular visit. Since the detached catheter did not fall into the vein, it was possible to remove the port under fluoroscopy. When a catheter is implanted, even under ultrasound guidance, it is considered important to always keep in mind the possibility of a catheter fracture and to detect and respond to it early.

High expression of Krüppel-like factor 5 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer.

Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) plays an oncogenic role and has diverse functions in cancer cells. However, correlation between KLF5 and clinical outcome has not been determined in patients with colorectal cancer and colorectal liver metastasis. Herein, we analyzed 65 patients with colorectal cancer who developed colorectal liver metastasis. Clinical effects were assessed through immunohistochemical analysis of primary colorectal cancer lesions and metastatic liver lesions. High expression of KLF5 in these tissues correlated with the presence of vascular invasion, elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels, large diameters of metastatic liver tumors, and poor prognosis following surgery. Multivariate analyses revealed that high expression of KLF5 was an independent prognostic factor. Increased expression of KLF5 in both colorectal cancer primaries and colorectal liver metastasis was significantly associated with shorter overall survival time and time to surgical failure. Krüppel-like factor 5 expression positively correlated with Ki-67 and c-Myc expression in colorectal cancer tissues. In vitro experiments with colon cancer cell lines showed that siRNA knockdown of KLF5 inhibited cell proliferation. Western blot analyses revealed that knockdown of KLF5 expression reduced cyclin D1 and c-Myc expression. It also impaired the stem cell-like properties of cancer cells in tumorsphere formation assays. Furthermore, anoikis assay indicated that KLF5 contributed to anoikis resistance. High KLF5 expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastasis by promoting cell proliferation and cancer stem cell-like properties.

A novel GmFAD3-2a mutant allele developed through TILLING reduces α-linolenic acid content in soybean seed oil.

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) oil typically contains 8% α-linolenic acid that is highly unstable and easily oxidized. This property is undesirable in many food and industrial applications. Genetic strategies for reducing α-linolenic acid content would enhance the commercial value. However, genetic resources for low α-linolenic acid content are limited among natural soybean variations. Microsomal omega-3-fatty acid desaturase (FAD3) is responsible for the synthesis of α-linolenic acid in the polyunsaturated fatty acid pathway. There are four FAD3 homologs (Glyma02g39230, Glyma11g27190, Glyma14g37350 and Glyma18g06950) in the soybean genome. While non-functional alleles have been reported for Glyma02g39230 (GmFAD3-1a) and Glyma14g37350 (GmFAD3-1b), little variation is seen in Glyma18g06950 (GmFAD3-2a). We isolated seven mutant GmFAD3-2a alleles, each containing a single-nucleotide substitution, from 39,100 independent mutant lines by using targeting induced local lesions in genomes (TILLING). Analysis of GmFAD3-2a transcripts and enzyme activities revealed that one missense mutant, 'P1-A9', contains a non-functional allele of GmFAD3-2a. By combining three non-functional alleles (GmFAD3-1a, GmFAD3-1b, and GmFAD3-2a), we generated soybean lines containing <2% α-linolenic acid in their seeds. The reverse-genetics-based development of novel mutant alleles in the fatty acid metabolic pathway will allow the improvement of soybean with better oil quality through conventional breeding.

Efficacy of Topical Application of a Skin Moisturizer Containing Pseudo-Ceramide and a Eucalyptus Leaf Extract on Atopic Dermatitis: A Review.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with pruritus, an impaired cutaneous barrier function and a disrupted water holding capacity. Levels of ceramides, which are major components of intercellular lipids and are crucial for their functions, are decreased in the stratum corneum of patients with AD. Treatments to increase ceramide levels are effective for AD care. Synthetic pseudo-ceramide (cetyl PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide (SLE66)), which has a structure developed via molecular designs, and a eucalyptus leaf extract (ELE) enhance ceramide synthesis in the epidermis. The topical application of a skin moisturizer containing SLE66 and ELE improves the barrier functions and water holding capacity of AD skin accompanied by an improvement in skin symptoms. This is a multifaceted review that summarizes the efficacy of the topical application of a skin moisturizer containing SLE66 and ELE on atopic dermatitis.

Characterization of vulvar skin of healthy Thai women: influence of sites, age and menopause.

Although the physiological characteristics of vulvar skin have been characterized in Caucasians, little is known about the vulvar skin of Asian women. This study assessed the moisture content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pH of vulvar skin of 99 healthy Asian women residing in Bangkok, aged 20-69 years, during their non-menstrual period, including 39 post-menopausal women. Skin pH was acidic at all sites, and the pH of the vulvar areas was significantly higher than the control sites (inner thigh, inner forearm). Skin moisture was slightly, but significantly, lower around the vulvar area and the thigh than around the forearm. TEWL was significantly higher in vulvar areas than control sites. Ageing and menopause did not cause notable alterations in most properties of vulvar skin. In conclusion, the vulvar skin of Asian women has similar properties to that of Caucasians.

Efficacy of the continuous use of a lotion with carbon dioxide on male subjects with mild acne.

OBJECTIVE: Acne vulgaris is caused by dyslipidemia, dyskeratosis and/or abnormal bacterial growth. The obstruction of skin pores due to hyperkeratosis of the infundibulum contributes to the formation of comedones. Thus, normalizing keratinization of epidermal cells in skin pores might be useful to improve acne. Recently, it has been found that the transcutaneous application of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) regulates imbalances of the desquamatory process. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a skin lotion containing CO2 on mild acne. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy Japanese males (20-29 years old) with mild acne attended this evaluation. The subjects were divided into 2 groups, one group used a skin lotion containing CO2 and the other group used a skin lotion without CO2 . Following facial washing, each subject topically applied the skin lotion with or without CO2 twice a day for 4 weeks. Prior to the start of the evaluation (week 0) and following 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, acne symptoms were assessed by a dermatologist and by instrumental measurements. RESULTS: Topical application of the skin lotion with CO2 for 4 weeks significantly improved acne symptoms, which was recognized by the subjects. However, treatment with the skin lotion without CO2 did not improve acne symptoms. This improvement of acne symptoms by CO2 was not accompanied by changes in sebum levels, skin surface pH, skin capacitance, or porphyrin levels. CONCLUSION: The transcutaneous application of a lotion with CO2 improves acne symptoms by normalizing keratinization without affecting skin surface conditions.

Molecular characterization of two high-palmitic-acid mutant loci induced by X-ray irradiation in soybean.

Palmitic acid is the most abundant (approx. 11% of total fatty acids) saturated fatty acid in conventional soybean seed oil. Increasing the saturated acid content of soybean oil improves its oxidative stability and plasticity. We have developed three soybean mutants with high palmitic acid content by X-ray irradiation. In this study, we successfully identified the mutated sites of two of these high-palmitic-acid mutants, J10 and M22. PCR-based mutant analysis revealed that J10 has a 206,203-bp-long deletion that includes the GmKASIIA gene and 16 other predicted genes, and M22 has a 26-bp-long deletion in the sixth intron of GmKASIIB. The small deletion in M22 causes mis-splicing of GmKASIIB transcripts, which should result in nonfunctional products. In addition, we designed co-dominant marker sets for these mutant alleles and confirmed the association of genotypes and palmitic acid contents in F(2) seeds of J10 X M22. This information will be useful in breeding programs to develop novel soybean cultivars with improved palmitic acid content. However, in the third mutant, KK7, we found no polymorphism in either GmKASIIA or GmKASIIB, which suggests that several unknown genes in addition to GmKASIIA and GmKASIIB may be involved in elevating the palmitic acid content of soybean seed oil.

[A case of hepatocellular carcinoma treated by resection of metachronous rib metastasis after primary hepatectomy].

A 76-year-old man underwent right hemihepatectomy and partial hepatectomy of segment II for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at our institution. Four months after the primary hepatectomy, the patient complained of severe back pain on the right side, and computed tomography and bone scintigraphy indicated metastasis of the eighth rib on the right side. Because no metastatic lesions were observed in any organ, the patient underwent surgical intervention for the rib metastasis in December 2011. Histopathological findings confirmed that the metastatic tumor originated from the HCC and that cancer tissues were absent from the surgical margins. Postoperative radiotherapy was additionally performed for preventing local recurrence. The sharp cancerous pain disappeared completely, and the patient was lived without recurrence 6 months after the second surgery. In cases where intrahepatic or other metastatic lesions are controllable and only a solitary bone metastatic lesion is evident, surgical resection is effective in HCC patients with bone metastasis.

Effects of a moisturizer containing pseudo-ceramide and a eucalyptus extract on sweating function in adult atopic dermatitis: a double-blind, randomized, controlled left-right comparison clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have a decreased ability to sweat. Several factors can cause decreased perspiration, such as weak tight junctions of sweat ducts, reduced acetylcholine receptor function, and inhibition of perspiration by histamines. Parakeratosis of AD skin also decreases sweating by occluding sweat pores. Increased ceramide levels in the stratum corneum reduce parakeratosis by improving stratum corneum functions. Furthermore, ceramides and/or ceramide derivatives may affect claudin-3 and acetylcholine receptors. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a moisturizer containing pseudo-ceramide and a eucalyptus extract to increase ceramide levels in the epidermis to improve the sweating ability of patients with AD. METHODS: Nineteen patients with AD applied moisturizers with or without pseudo-ceramide and a eucalyptus extract on the cubital fossa of either arm twice a day for 4 weeks. Skin conditions and sweating ability, measured as the response to acetylcholine stimulation, were evaluated prior to the start of the study (Week 0) and at the end of Weeks 2 and 4. RESULTS: Both moisturizers improved the visually evaluated skin symptoms and skin hydration. However, only the moisturizer containing pseudo-ceramide and the eucalyptus extract significantly improved cutaneous barrier function and significantly increased the ceramide level in the stratum corneum. That moisturizer also increased the sweating volume and shortened the latency time for sweating, an indicator of sweating ability, but the other moisturizer did not. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, the moisturizer containing pseudo-ceramide and a eucalyptus extract helps recover the sweat function of AD patients.

Stratum Corneum Ceramide Profiles Provide Reliable Indicators of Remission and Potential Flares in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Prevention of exacerbation of AD is a crucial issue for all physicians. However, exacerbation of AD often is seen during reduction of AD treatment, even with appropriate follow-up by tapered topical corticosteroids and daily topical moisturizers, indicating the need for good indicators of AD remission. We hypothesized that the presence of mutations in FLG or the stratum corneum ceramide profile on AD remission phase may predict the ease of AD exacerbation. This study examined the differences in the frequency of FLG mutations or stratum corneum ceramide profiles (stratum corneum levels and carbon chain length for 11 ceramide classes [ceramides containing nonhydroxy fatty acids and dihydrosphingosines; nonhydroxy fatty acids and sphingosines; nonhydroxy fatty acids and 6-hydroxysphingosines; nonhydroxy fatty acids and phytosphingosines; a-hydroxy fatty acids and dihydrosphingosines; a-hydroxy fatty acids and sphingosines; a-hydroxy fatty acids and 6-hydroxysphingosines; a-hydroxy fatty acids and phytosphingosines; ester-linked fatty acids, o-hydroxy fatty acids, and sphingosines; ester-linked fatty acids, o-hydroxy fatty acids, and 6-hydroxysphingosines; and ester-linked fatty acids, o-hydroxy fatty acids, and phytosphingosines]) at AD remission phase between the two AD study groups: subsequent exacerbation (‒) and (+) of AD. The frequency of FLG mutations did not differ between the study groups. On the other hand, the carbon chain lengths of ceramides containing nonhydroxy fatty acids and dihydrosphingosines, nonhydroxy fatty acids and sphingosines, and nonhydroxy fatty acids and 6-hydroxysphingosines were shorter in the exacerbated AD group than in the maintained-AD group. Thus, the stratum corneum ceramide profile at the remission phase of AD is a potential biomarker, predicting the likelihood of substantial AD remission or subsequent AD exacerbation.

Pancreatic serous cystadenocarcinoma diagnosed with liver metastasis at 7 years after the resection of the primary serous neoplastic lesion.

Pancreatic serous neoplasms are rare tumors that are usually benign. However, histopathological differentiation between benign (serous cystadenoma) and malignant (serous cystadenocarcinoma) lesions is difficult. We present the case of a patient with pancreatic serous cystadenocarcinoma that was diagnosed with liver metastasis 7 years after the resection of the primary serous neoplastic lesion. A woman in her 60 s was diagnosed with pancreatic serous cystadenoma based on imaging and histopathological examination findings. The tumor was resected, and the patient was followed up every 6 months to monitor tumor progression. At 7 years after the resection of the primary lesion, liver tumors showing marked flare-like contrast enhancements were detected on arterial phase computed tomography findings and on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging findings acquired 60 s after the administration of a contrast agent. Laparoscopic segmental hepatectomy of S4 and S6 was performed to resect these tumors. Histopathological examination revealed that these tumors were metastatic and developed from the primary lesion. Therefore, a diagnosis of serous cystadenocarcinoma was confirmed. The flare-like contrast enhancement around the metastatic liver lesions on computed tomography and dynamic magnetic resonance images may be an indicator of serous cystadenocarcinoma with liver metastasis that could assist in diagnosis.

An investigator blinded cross-over study to characterize the cutaneous effects and suitability of modern sanitary pads for menstrual protection for women residing in the USA.

BACKGROUND: The cutaneous and sensory effects of the practical usage of sanitary pads have been studied globally. However, clinical studies in the United States were conducted only quite a long time ago, and the results of these studies were not published. METHODS: Fifty-four women residing in the United States were asked to use commercially available sanitary pads with a nonwoven unique surface sheet and pads with a perforated film. This was a cross-over study design conducted over the course of two menstrual periods. A board certified dermatologist evaluated the levels of erythema and fissuring, burning, stinging and itching sensations based on clinical observations and interviews. Measurement of pH and swabs for bacteria counting of vulvar skin were also performed. Data from the first clinical evaluation conducted prior to the first menstrual cycle were used as the baseline. At the end of the study, the subjects were asked to complete self-assessment questionnaires about product suitability. RESULTS: Forty-two women (age: 18-50, mean: 37.5) completed the study. No signs of irritation or meaningful differences from the baseline were found in the clinical observations or in the interviews by the dermatologist for either product. No significant difference from baseline was found in the vulvar skin surface pH or in the number of total bacteria for either product. The results of the suitability indicated that the majority of subjects were highly satisfied with both types, but they especially preferred the sanitary pad with a nonwoven unique surface top sheet. CONCLUSION: These results revalidate the results of a previous clinical study in the United States and are consistent with recent reports of worldwide clinical trials of high performance sanitary pads.

Cutaneous and sensory effects of two types of sanitary pads with different surfaces in the Shanghai, Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Regional differences in practices, ethnicity, and climate may influence the skin compatibility of sanitary pads. Although several clinical trials have been performed in North America, Mexico, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Africa, there is no clinical study reported for Asia. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the skin compatibility of two types of modern sanitary pads in Chinese women along with a dermatological assessment and their satisfaction and preference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The self-feeling and safety of a new sanitary pad with a non-woven top specially-shaped surface sheet was tested and compared with a conventional sanitary pad with a perforated film top sheet. The subjects studied were 22 Chinese women (age: 20-50 years) with a history of mild and occasional sanitary pad dermatitis residing in Shanghai. One subject wished to discontinue the trial for personal reasons, thus 21 subjects completed the trial. These subjects were randomly assigned to two types of sanitary pads, and used one type during their next menstrual period, and another type during their following menstrual period. After each menstrual period, a dermatologist examined the objective and subjective skin symptoms and determined a score. The subjects were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with respect to overall usability, softness, stickiness, dryness, and absorbency, and to choose which pad they had preferred. RESULTS: No adverse effect was observed for either type of pad. Edema, erythema, burning, and stinging were not obvious symptoms for either type of pad. For itching, 30-65% of the subjects scored slight or mild for both types of pads. A comprehensive evaluation showed that several symptoms were observed on both type of pads at slight and mild levels, but minimal and insignificant differences were found between them. The majority of subjects were highly satisfied with both types, but preferred the new sanitary pad with a non-woven specially-shaped surface top sheet for its softness and absorbency. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that both types of sanitary pads were tolerated well by Chinese women, thereby providing an important extension of earlier studies.

[Falsely low MMP-3 by latex turbidimetric immunoassay].

We experienced a case with a falsely low value by a blood MMP-3 measuring reagent employing a recently structured new latex immunoturbidity. The case involved duplicate orders for one patient in a single day, and the blood collection amounts and measured values were approximately 6.0 mL and 206.6 ng/mL and approximately 1.0 mL and 107.5 ng/mL. The latter MMP-3 concentration was 48% of the former, showing a low tendency. Therefore, an experiment was conducted by adding serum to the blood collection tubes with or without a serum-separating agent of four different manufacturers (Terumo, Sekisui Medical, Nipro, and Becton Dickinson), and similar results as our experienced case were obtained with the Terumo tube with serum-separating agent, which had been used in this case. The amount of whole blood was obtained by conversion assuming a hematocrit value of 40%, and the addition ratio was calculated relative to the predetermined amount of the tube showing a falsely low value. Falsely low values were observed at < or = 56%, < or = 21%, < or = 20%, and , or = 33% for Terumo, Sekisui Medical, Nipro, and Becton Dickinson, with tubes containing a serum-separating agent, and at < or =10%, < or =8%, < or =19%, and < or =14% for Terumo, Sekisui Medical, Nipro, and Becton Dickinson, respectively, with plain tubes. Falsely low values were not observed with the 10-ml plain tube of Terumo and the 9-ml plain tube of Nipro (untreated tube). Based on these results, care should be taken if samples are below the predetermined amount of the blood collection tube to determine the serum MMP-3 by this method.

Rubbing the skin when removing makeup cosmetics is a major factor that worsens skin conditions in atopic dermatitis patients.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) know that harsh rubbing of their skin might worsen their skin symptoms. They consider that the force they use to rub their skin when removing their makeup cosmetics should not be hard and their cleansing habits could worsen their skin symptoms. However, we presume that the force they use to rub their skin may still be strong and might worsen their skin symptoms. AIMS: We characterized the effects of rubbing the skin of AD patients during cleansing of makeup cosmetics. PATIENTS/METHODS: A cleansing oil which has a higher cleansing ability compared the cleansers used daily by the subjects but required less rubbing force was used. We performed a 4-week clinical trial of this cleansing oil on 35 female subjects who had mild AD skin symptoms on their faces. Each subject used the cleansing oil instead of their usual makeup remover without changing their other facial skin care habits. Prior to the study, and at the end of weeks 1 and 4, the skin conditions of each subject were evaluated. RESULTS: Four weeks of usage of this cleansing oil significantly decreased skin dryness, scaling, irritation, erythema, and itchiness. Higher improvements were observed for subjects who had previously used cleansers with less cleansing ability. Accompanying those improvements, a significant increase in moisture-retention ability and a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss were observed. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that many AD patients cleanse their face with hard rubbing of their skin because of the low cleansing ability of their skin cleansers and may worsen their AD skin symptoms without realizing it.

Kininogen-Nitric Oxide Signaling at Nearby Nonexcited Acupoints after Long-Term Stimulation.

Acupuncture treatment is based on acupoint stimulation; however, the biological basis is not understood. We stimulated one acupoint with catgut embedding for 8 weeks and then used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation to screen proteins with altered expression in adjacent acupoints of Sprague Dawley rats. We found that kininogen expression was significantly upregulated in the stimulated and the nonstimulated adjacent acupoints along the same meridian. The enhanced kininogen expression was meridian dependent and was most apparent among small vessels in the subcutaneous layer. Enhanced signals of nitric oxide synthases, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and myosin light chain were also observed at the nonstimulated adjacent acupoints along the same meridian. These findings uncover biological changes at acupoints and suggest the critical role of the kininogen-nitric oxide signaling pathway in acupoint activation.

A cleanser formulated with Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane and l-arginine significantly improves facial acne in male Thai subjects.

BACKGROUND: Acne is one of the most common skin problems among human populations. A facial cleanser formulated with alkyl ether carboxylate (AEC) and alkyl carboxylate (AC) can improve acne by cleansing sebum on facial skin but cannot effectively remove keratotic plugs in the skin pores. Recently, we confirmed that Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane and L-arginine (Tris/Arg) is able to reduce sebum levels, disrupt keratotic plugs in vitro and decrease pore size on facial skin. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of the Tris/Arg-formulated cleanser with the AEC/AC cleanser in Thai subjects with acne. METHODS: We designed a randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel trial. Thirty-four male Thai subjects with mild to moderate acne were assigned to one of two groups: one group used the Tris/Arg cleanser while the other used the AEC/AC-based cleanser twice a day for 4 weeks. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, significant decreases in noninflammatory acne were observed in both groups, yet significant decreases in inflammatory acne were only observed in the Tris/Arg cleanser group. The sebum level prior to and 30 minutes after facial washing showed no change in either group. The average pore size with keratotic plugs on the cheeks was significantly decreased in the Tris/Arg group. More than half of subjects in both groups observed acne improvement but more subjects in the Tris/Arg group noted pore size improvement. CONCLUSION: The Tris/Arg formulated cleanser has a high efficacy for significantly reducing both noninflammatory and inflammatory acne accompanied by decreases in pore size with keratotic plugs in male Thai subjects.

Comprehensive quantification of ceramide species in human stratum corneum.

One of the key challenges in lipidomics is to quantify lipidomes of interest, as it is practically impossible to collect all authentic materials covering the targeted lipidomes. For diverse ceramides (CER) in human stratum corneum (SC) that play important physicochemical roles in the skin, we developed a novel method for quantification of the overall CER species by improving our previously reported profiling technique using normal-phase liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (NPLC-ESI-MS). The use of simultaneous selected ion monitoring measurement of as many as 182 kinds of molecular-related ions enables the highly sensitive detection of the overall CER species, as they can be analyzed in only one SC-stripped tape as small as 5 mm x 10 mm. To comprehensively quantify CERs, including those not available as authentic species, we designed a procedure to estimate their levels using relative responses of representative authentic species covering the species targeted, considering the systematic error based on intra-/inter-day analyses. The CER levels obtained by this method were comparable to those determined by conventional thin-layer chromatography (TLC), which guarantees the validity of this method. This method opens lipidomics approaches for CERs in the SC.