Objective analysis of the effectiveness of facial massage using breakthrough computed tomographic technology: A preliminary pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Facial massage is empirically known to be associated with morphological changes, such as improvements in facial sagging. However, quantified objective evaluations of massage-induced changes have not been performed to date. This preliminary pilot study aimed to verify the effectiveness of facial massages by using breakthrough computed tomographic technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five healthy adult volunteers (three women and two men; age, 29-37 years) were enrolled, and computed tomography (CT) examinations using a 320 detectors-spiral CT system known as 320-multidetector-row CT (MDCT) were performed before and after facial massages. Each participant performed a self-massage twice daily for 2 weeks. Massage-induced changes in the cheeks and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) were analyzed by two radiologists on a workstation with a high-accuracy imaging analysis system. RESULTS: After facial massage, the malar top became thinner by -0.8% ± 0.45% and shifted cranially and horizontally over a distance of 3.9 ± 1.94 mm. The SMAS-height, defined as the highest vertical distance of the SMAS, increased by 2.6% ± 2.6%. The change rate in cheek thickness and SMAS-height showed a significant correlation (r = -0.63; P < 0.05). These changes were attributed to the lifting and tightening effects of facial massage. CONCLUSION: We conducted a detailed analysis of the effects of facial massages by using the breakthrough CT technology. Our results provide useful information for beauty treatments and could contribute to the collection of objective scientific evidence for facial massages.

Successful Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Regorafenib after Sorafenib-induced Hypersensitivity.

Sorafenib and regorafenib are tyrosine kinase inhibitors that are used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and which have similar chemical structures and toxicity profiles. We herein report a case in which regorafenib treatment could be continued for 10 months and stable disease could be maintained for a long period despite the discontinuation of sorafenib due to grade 4 liver injury and grade 3 fever. The severe adverse events could be attributed to drug hypersensitivity, since a drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test (DLST) indicated sensitivity to sorafenib. A DLST for regorafenib was negative. This is the first report showing that regorafenib could be safely administered after the discontinuation of sorafenib due to hypersensitivity.

Synthesis of carbazole-based selenaporphyrin via annulation.

Cu(I)-mediated alkoxylation of doubly 1,3-butadiyne-bridged carbazole dimer 1, followed by acid-catalyzed cyclization, provided furan-bridged carbazole dimer 3, while annulation reaction of 1 with selenium in the presence of hydrazine monohydrate provided selenophene-bridged carbazole dimer 5a. Oxidation of isophlorin 5a afforded carbazole-based selenaporphyrin 5b, which possessed distinct aromaticity and produced intensified and red-shifted absorption bands in the near-IR region.

Effect of sugammadex on bronchial smooth muscle function in rats.

Sugammadex can encapsulate the steroid-based neuromuscular blocker molecule and results in rapid reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium and vecuronium. However, several cases of bronchospasm after the administration of sugammadex have been reported. The current study was carried out to determine whether sugammadex directly affects smooth muscle function of the airways. The ring strips of left main bronchi were isolated from male Wistar rats and isometric forces were measured. In the isolated bronchial smooth muscle tissues, sugammadex (10⁻8-10⁻³ M) had no effect on baseline tension or the acetylcholine (ACh; 30 µM)-induced sustained contraction. Moreover, sugammadex did not affect bronchial smooth muscle responsiveness to ACh. These findings indicate that sugammadex itself does not affect contractile function in bronchial smooth muscle of the rat.

Safety of using iodized oil in chemoembolization for liver tumors in patients with previous adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety of using iodized oil in chemoembolization for liver tumors in patients with previous adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records were retrospectively reviewed for all patients with a history of an adverse reaction to iodinated contrast media who underwent angiography using gadolinium-based contrast media and/or carbon dioxide at our institution from January 1998 to September 2006. Patients who underwent chemoembolization or hepatic artery infusion for liver tumors using iodized oil were identified. RESULTS: There were 84 procedures with use of iodized oil performed in 36 patients. Mild adverse reactions potentially related to iodized oil were seen in two procedures (2.4%). There were no moderate or severe adverse reactions (0.0%). CONCLUSION: Iodized oil can be safely used in patients with previous adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media.