Reduced graphene oxide layered WO3 thin film with enhanced electrochromic properties.

The electrochromic (EC) properties of inorganic-organic hybrids of tungsten oxide/reduced graphene oxide (WO3/rGO) thin films were examined. Using hydrothermal method WO3 nanorods were deposited on a conducting Indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate. In succession, the reduced graphene oxide thin film was coated on WO3 thin film using improved Hummers method. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrochromic responses of WO3, rGO, and WO3/rGO films are illustrated. Compared with pure WO3 film, WO3/rGO composite film demonstrates improved EC performance because of enhanced double insertion/extraction of ions and electrons. It realizes a large optical modulation (58.8% at 633 nm) with a significant increase in Coloration Efficiency (CE) and EC stability.

Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of Brain Metastasis from Lung Cancer: Correlation of MRI Parameters with the Histologic Type and Gene Mutation Status.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Development of noninvasive imaging biomarkers indicating the histology and the gene mutation status of brain metastasis from lung cancer is important. We aimed to investigate diffusion-weighted imaging parameters as predictors of the histology and gene mutations of brain metastasis from lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DWI data for 74 patients with brain metastasis from lung cancer were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were first grouped according to the primary tumor histology (adenocarcinoma, small-cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma), and those with adenocarcinoma were further divided into epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR) mutation-positive and wild type groups. Sex; age; number, size, and location of brain metastasis; DWI visual scores; the minimum ADC; and the normalized ADC ratio were compared among groups using χ2 and ANOVA. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of the EGFR mutation. RESULTS: The minimum ADC was lower in the small-cell lung cancer group than in the other 2 groups, though the difference was not significant. Furthermore, minimum ADC and the normalized ADC ratio were significantly lower in the EGFR mutation-positive group than in the wild type group (P = .021 and .014, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that minimum ADC and the normalized ADC ratio were independently associated with the EGFR mutation status (P = .028 and .021, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that DWI parameters (minimum ADC and normalized ADC ratio) for the solid components of brain metastasis from lung cancer are not correlated with their histology, whereas they can predict the EGFR mutation status in brain metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma.

The relationship of the anterior articular capsule to the adjacent subscapularis: An anatomic and histological study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to delineate the anatomic relationship between the anterior articular capsule and the adjacent subscapularis by measuring the dimensions of the anterior articular capsule attachment and the subscapularis footprint on the humerus, as well as investigating the interface between the two structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three shoulder specimens underwent histological analysis; for histological analysis, cross-sections through the subscapularis-capsule complex were harvested at the tendinous and muscular insertion sites. The dimensions of the anterior articular capsule attachment and the subscapularis footprint (including the tendinous and muscular insertions) were measured in thirteen cadaveric shoulder specimens. RESULTS: Histologically, the articular capsule has thin and loosely arranged collagen fibers with many interspersing fibroblast nuclei, whereas the outer layer of the articular capsule blends into a layer of more loosely spaced and less organized collagen fibers. This interface between the subscapularis and the underlying articular capsule is filled with more loosely spaced and less organized collagen fibers. The macroscopic evaluation showed that the minimum articular capsule width (4.2mm, SD 2.2mm) was located at its initiation 4.9mm (SD, 2.1mm) inferior to the superior margin of the subscapularis; the corresponding subscapularis footprint width measured 10.1mm (SD, 4.9mm). The maximum articular capsule width was11.1 mm (SD, 3.7mm) and was located 5mm distal to the inferior margin of the tendinous footprint. The maximum subscapularis footprint width was 15.8mm (SD, 2.9mm); the corresponding articular capsule attachment measured 5.2mm (SD, 1.8mm). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the anterior articular capsule attachment of the glenohumeral joint complements the footprint of the subscapularis and occupies a larger area of the lesser tubercle and metaphysis of the humerus than previously documented. The histological study confirms the presence of a demarcation between the subscapularis and articular capsule, specifically more significant at the region medial to the tendon insertion and at the muscular insertion of the subscapularis.

The clinical significance of infrared thermography for the prediction of postherpetic neuralgia in acute herpes zoster patients.

BACKGROUND: Infrared thermography is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides information for damage to the nerve, there was some reports that thermal asymmetry of acute Herpes zoster (HZ) patients was significantly related to development of PHN. OBJECTIVE: To identify whether infrared thermography is useful as a predictor for the development of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and as an objective assessment tool of subjective pain in acute HZ patients. METHODS: Infrared thermography was performed on the affected body regions of 112 patients who had been diagnosed with an acute stage of HZ. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Differences >0.5°C for the mean temperature across the face and trunk were considered abnormal. According to whether PHN developed or not, we analyzed the correlation of risk factors. RESULTS: The study consisted of a total of 112 subjects (46 males and 66 females) with an age range of 9-93 years. The following summarizes the analysis results. (1) As pain severity increased, the occurrence of PHN increased significantly. (2) In older patients, the occurrence of PHN was significantly higher. (3) As the temperature difference between the affected and contralateral dermatome (ΔT) increased, the occurrence of PHN increased significantly. (4) There is a statically significant association between diabetes mellitus and the occurrence of PHN. (5) There is no correlation between pain intensity and ΔT. CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed that infrared thermography is useful as a predictor of PHN development in acute HZ patients but is not useful as an objective assessment tool for indicating subjective pain.

Efficacy and safety of injection with poly-L-lactic acid compared with hyaluronic acid for correction of nasolabial fold: a randomized, evaluator-blinded, comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) fillers are frequently used to correct facial wrinkles. AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of a novel injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) filler and a well-studied biphasic HA filler for the treatment of moderate to severe nasolabial folds. METHODS: In this multicentre, randomized, evaluator-blinded, comparative study, subjects were randomized for injections with PLA or HA into both nasolabial folds. Efficacy was determined by calculating the change in Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) relative to baseline. Local safety was assessed by reported adverse events. RESULTS: At week 24, mean improvement in WSRS from baseline was 2.09 ± 0.68 for the PLA side and 1.54 ± 0.65 for the HA side. Both injections were well tolerated, and the adverse reactions were mild and transient in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: PLA provides noninferior efficacy compared with HA 6 months after being used to treat moderate to severe nasolabial folds.

Efficacy and safety of topical glycopyrrolate in patients with facial hyperhidrosis: a randomized, multicentre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, split-face study.

BACKGROUND: Although facial hyperhidrosis has been frequently associated with a diminished quality of life, various conservative modalities for its management are still far from satisfactory. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antiperspirant efficacy and safety of the topical glycopyrrolate on facial hyperhidrosis at specified posttreatment intervals. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with facial hyperhidrosis were enrolled and treated with 2% topical glycopyrrolate on one-half of the forehead, whereas the other half of the forehead was treated with a placebo. All patients applied topical glycopyrrolate or placebo once a day for nine successive days. Each evaluation included weighing sweat and assessing the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) score and any adverse effects. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo-treated sides, topical glycopyrrolate-treated sides showed a reduction in the rate of sweat production at the forehead of 25.16 ± 10.30% (mean ± SD) at 90 min after the first application (day 1), 29.63 ± 7.74% at 24 h after the first application (day 2) and 36.68 ± 11.41% at 24 h after eight additional successive daily applications (day 10) (all P < 0.025). There was a little more decrease in HDSS score with the topical glycopyrrolate-treated half of the forehead, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.025). No serious adverse events were reported during the course of this study. Only one patient developed a transient headache after treatment. CONCLUSION: Topical glycopyrrolate application appears to be significantly effective and safe in reducing excessive facial perspiration.

An epidemiological study of androgenic alopecia in 3114 Korean patients.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss, and is characterized by the transformation of terminal scalp hair into vellus hair. The epidemiology of AGA is not fully understood. A strong genetic basis has long been identified, although little is known of its nongenetic causes. AIM: To evaluate the association of AGA with a number of environmental factors, including smoking, drinking and sleeping habit. METHODS: In total, 3114 Korean individuals with AGA who attended any one of 17 dermatology clinics in 6 cities in South Korea between March 2011 and February 2012 were enrolled in the study. Epidemiologic a data were collected using a standard questionnaire. RESULTS: No association was seen between eating or sleeping habits and severity of hair loss. However, drinking and smoking were associated with the severity of AGA in male patients. We also found that patients of both genders with a family history had more advanced types of hair loss, and the age of onset of AGA in male patients with a family history was earlier than that in male patients without a family history. CONCLUSIONS: Although the evidence for an environmental influence on AGA remains very weak, we did find an association between hair loss severity and certain environmental factors, such as smoking and drinking. Family history with more severe hair loss and an earlier age of onset.

Photodynamic therapy: new treatment for refractory lymphocytic infiltration of the skin.

Lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (LIS) is a relatively uncommon skin condition, first described by Jessner and Kanof in 1953. LIS presents mainly on the face, in particular on the cheeks and earlobe, but also on the neck, upper trunk or proximal limbs of middle-aged adults. LIS is often resistant to treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) refers to the process of applying a topical prodrug, such as 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl 5-aminolaevulinic acid (MAL), followed by irradiation with visible or ultraviolet light. The prodrug is converted by target tissue to photoactive porphyrins, which lead to local tissue destruction when activated by light. We describe a 48-year-old woman with refractory LIS, who was treated with MAL-PDT.

A randomized, observer-blinded, comparison of combined 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser plus 30% glycolic acid peel vs. laser monotherapy to treat melasma.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder that poses therapeutic challenges. Mixed-type melasma usually does not respond to conventional monotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser (1064 QNYL) and 30% glycolic acid (GA) peel in the treatment of melasma. METHODS: This was a split-face study, in which 16 patients were treated with 1064 QNYL (6-mm spot size, 2.0-2.3 J/cm(2) fluence) for six sessions at 1-week intervals to the entire face, and with GA for three sessions at 2-week intervals to the experimental side of the face. Clinical evaluations, measurements on a pigment measuring device (Mexameter), and assessment of patient satisfaction and adverse events were performed at baseline and every visit. RESULTS: After treatment, significant improvements from baseline were seen in Mexameter and modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) on both sides of the face. The combined therapy side achieved an average 32.6% improvement in Mexameter readings and 37.4% improvement in mMASI, compared with 22% and 16.7%, respectively, on the side treated with laser only (P ≤ 0.05). Both the physician and patient assessments correlated with the Mexameter results and mMASI. CONCLUSION: Combined 1064 QNYL and GA seems to be superior to 1064 QNYL alone in the treatment of mixed-type melasma.

Effectiveness of conventional, low-dose and intermittent oral isotretinoin in the treatment of acne: a randomized, controlled comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of conventional isotretinoin treatment (0·5-1·0 mg kg⁻¹ daily for 16-32 weeks, reaching a cumulative dose of 120 mg kg⁻¹) for acne has been well established. To date, there are many reports regarding the efficacy of low-dose and intermittent isotretinoin treatment in patients with acne. Data comparing these three therapeutic regimens simultaneously, however, are unavailable. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of low-dose and intermittent isotretinoin regimens and to compare them directly with conventional isotretinoin treatment. METHODS: In this study, 60 patients with moderate acne were enrolled and randomized to receive either isotretinoin at 0·5-0·7 mg kg⁻¹ daily (group A), isotretinoin at 0·25-0·4 mg kg⁻¹ daily (group B) or isotretinoin at 0·5-0·7 mg kg⁻¹ daily for 1 week out of every 4 weeks (group C). The total period of drug administration was 6 weeks in group C, and 24 weeks in groups A and B. Evaluations included global acne grading system (GAGS) scores, lesion counts (inflammatory and noninflammatory), patient satisfaction and side-effects. A 1-year follow-up evaluation after the end of treatment was also performed. RESULTS: Differences in GAGS scores were statistically significant between groups A and C (P < 0·001) and groups B and C (P = 0·044). There was no significant difference between groups A and B. For the number of inflammatory lesions, there were statistically significant differences between groups B and C (P = 0·048) and groups C and A (P = 0·005). There was no significant difference between groups A and B. For the number of noninflammatory lesions, there were statistically significant differences between groups B and C (P = 0·046) and groups C and A (P=0·006). There was no significant difference between groups A and B. These results suggest that the conventional and low-dose regimens have similar efficacy. Intermittent treatment had less effect than either conventional or low-dose treatments. Patient satisfaction was highest in group B (3·76), followed by group C (3·31), then A (3·06), with statistically significant differences between groups A and B (P = 0·003) and groups B and C (P = 0·019) but no significant difference between groups A and C. This result suggests that the low-dose regimen is superior to other regimens (conventional or intermittent) in terms of patient satisfaction. Side-effects were more frequent with conventional treatment compared with low-dose and intermittent treatments. One year after the end of treatment, two of 16 patients relapsed in group A, three of 17 patients relapsed in group B, and nine of 16 patients relapsed in group C. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that, when considering tolerability, efficacy and patient satisfaction, low-dose treatment is most suitable for patients with moderate acne.

Management of anterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: endovascular treatment and clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: AICA aneurysms are rare and a challenge to treat surgically. We present our experience of the angiographic results and the clinical outcomes for 9 AICA aneurysms treated by EVT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2009, EVT was attempted for 9 AICA aneurysms. Six patients presented with SAH, and 3 aneurysms were found incidentally. The location of the aneurysms was the proximal AICA in 7 and the distal AICA in 2. Five aneurysms originated from an AICA-PICA variant. Clinical outcomes and procedural complications were evaluated, and angiography was performed 6, 12, and 24 months after embolization to confirm recanalization of the coiled aneurysm. RESULTS: EVT was technically successful in 7 patients (78%). Surgical trapping was performed in 1 patient after failure of EVT, and another aneurysm occluded spontaneously, along with the parent artery during EVT. In 7 patients, the AICAs had good patency on postoperative angiography. Stent-assisted coiling was performed in 3 patients. Follow-up angiographies were performed in 7 patients and showed no evidence of recanalization or progressive occlusion with further thrombosis except in 1 patient. There was no evidence of aneurysm rupture during the follow-up period, and 8 patients were able to perform all usual activities (mRS score, 0-1). CONCLUSIONS: EVT may provide a feasible and safe option as an alternative, though a microsurgical option is initially considered for the management of AICA aneurysms. Further follow-up and more experience are also necessary.

Ingestion of Rhus chicken causing systemic contact dermatitis in a Korean patient.

Rhus chicken is a common traditional remedy used to cure gastrointestinal diseases and as a health food in Korea. Unfortunately, systemic contact dermatitis (SCD) due to the ingestion of Rhus occasionally occurs. In this study, the clinical and laboratory findings were reviewed and analysed for 30 Korean patients with SCD developing after ingestion of Rhus chicken. Summer was found to be the commonest period for hospital visits because of this condition. The mean period of incubation for SCD, was 4 ± 1.5 days. The commonest skin features were generalized maculopapular eruptions. Of the 30 patients, 10 had a known history of allergy to Rhus chicken. Many of the patients developed neutrophilia and leucocytosis. All the patients responded well to standard treatments. The commonest reason for their ingestion of Rhus chicken was indigestion. We conclude that SCD often occurs in Koreans after ingestion of Rhus chicken. Patients should be educated about the harmful effects of Rhus chicken and advised not to ingest it.