Rosacea and its association with enteral microbiota in Korean females.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis affecting the face and eyes. An association between systemic comorbidities and rosacea has been reported, but the link to enteral microbiota is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the link between rosacea and enteral microbiota. A cross-sectional study was performed in a sample of Korean women who participated in a health check-up programme at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Health Screening Center between 23 June 2014 and 5 September 2014. The gut microbiome was evaluated by 16S rRNA gene and metagenome sequence analyses. A total of 12 rosacea patients and 251 controls were enrolled. We identified links between rosacea and several changes in gut microbiota: reduced abundance of Peptococcaceae family unknown genus, Methanobrevibacter (genus), Slackia (genus), Coprobacillus (genus), Citrobacter (genus), and Desulfovibrio (genus), and increased abundance of Acidaminococcus (genus), Megasphaera (genus), and Lactobacillales order unknown family unknown genus. A link between rosacea and enteral microbiota was observed in this metagenomic study. A large and elaborate study is needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms involved.

Erratum: Treatment and Classification of Nevus of Ota: A Seven-Year Review of a Single Institution's Experience.

[This corrects the article on p. 446 in vol. 29, PMID: 28761293.].

Treatment and Classification of Nevus of Ota: A Seven-Year Review of a Single Institution's Experience.

BACKGROUND: Nevus of Ota (NO) is a relatively common pigmentary disorder in Asians. Tanino's classification is an old but tacit consensus to delineate the disease. Various treatment options have been presented. However, a few studies have been conducted on available laser options and current treatment strategies or the classification of NO. OBJECTIVE: To investigate current laser options and their effectiveness for the treatment of NO, contributing factors to clinical outcomes, and verification of classification. METHODS: A retrospective study of NO was conducted by reviewing medical charts and photographs of sixty-seven patients. Statistical analysis was used to compare excellent and poor outcomes and determine contributing factors. RESULTS: The median age of onset was below the age of 1 (interquartile range [IQR], 0~1). Tanino's and PUMCH classification systems failed to classify patients in 24 (35.8%) and 6 (9.0%) of patients, respectively. A 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser without additional lasers was used most frequently in 42 patients (62.7%). The frequency of treatment was 19.0 (IQR, 10.0~23.0) in the cured group defined as subjects showing 95% improvement or above, compared to 10.0 (IQR, 6.25~13.75) in the unattained group defined as subjects showing less than 95% improvement (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: A 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a reliable treatment armamentarium, functioning as a single infallible modality as well as a combination treatment modality for NO. Repetitive laser treatments without interruption seems to be the most suitable in clearing NO. The current classification systems of NO are defective. Thus, a new classification should be developed.

Comparison of effect between high intense focused ultrasound devices for facial tightening: Evaluator-blinded, split-face study.

BACKGROUND: Various high intense focused ultrasound (HIFU) devices have been introduced in recent years for improving skin laxity, with satisfactory results. However, there is no comparative study on the efficacy and safety of available HIFU devices. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of two HIFU devices for facial skin tightening and subsequently, to validate the quantitative assessment. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed a split-face comparative study in 20 Korean patients. Two different HIFU devices were used on each side of the face. Patients received one treatment session on the same number of coagulative zones. Patient assessments were recorded. Three blinded clinicians evaluated paired pretreatment and post-treatment photographs. Quantitative assessment using a fixed point as well as a variable point was additionally performed for objective evaluation. RESULTS: Qualitative assessments of both HIFU devices conducted by both clinicians and patients generally showed mild to moderate improvement, similar to previous studies. The two devices had similar efficacy in blinded clinician and quantitative assessment, although there were some differences in patient satisfaction and degree of pain. There was a correlation between clinician qualitative scores and quantitative values, which suggests successful skin tightening. CONCLUSION: To the author's knowledge, both HIFU devices tested can be used safely and effectively for facial tightening.

A clinicopathologic analysis of 177 acral melanomas in Koreans: relevance of spreading pattern and physical stress.

IMPORTANCE: The pathogenesis of acral melanoma remains unclear, even though trauma may be a predisposing factor. A study about the association of long-term physical stress with the incidence and spreading patterns through detailed anatomic mapping may be important to understand the unique features of acral melanoma. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the epidemiologic and clinicopathologic characteristics of acral melanoma and evaluate how long-term physical stress or pressure strength influences acral melanoma based on the analysis of differences in incidence, prognosis of the distinct site (weight or non-weight-bearing portion of sole, volar, or subungual location), and the spreading pattern of melanoma on the soles. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Cross-sectional, retrospective study of 177 Korean patients with acral melanoma from January 1, 1994, through October 31, 2012. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Anatomic mapping and histopathologic examination of acral melanoma. RESULTS The male to female ratio was 1:1.03, and the mean age at first admission was 55.3 years. Acral lentiginous melanoma was the most common histopathologic subtype (85.9%), followed by nodular melanoma (12.8%). There was a high incidence of acral melanoma at more physically stressed sites, such as the center of the heels and inner forefoot. In addition, a peculiar spreading pattern with the long axis of melanoma, typically along naturally occurring creases due to long-term pressure on the soles, was often observed. The prognostic index and survival rate showed no significant difference between volar and subungual locations or between weight and non-weight-bearing portions of the soles. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Clinicopathologic characteristics of acral melanoma diagnosed at an advanced stage and resulting in a low survival rate are not significantly different between Koreans and other Asians. Interestingly, based on our study, long-term physical stress or pressure strength can influence the incidence and spreading pattern of acral melanoma in a particular manner. Acral melanoma occurs on more physically stressed sites with the long axis along natural creases on the sole. A further prospective investigation, especially of in situ lesions, regarding location-based differences in incidence, progress, and survival is necessary to better understand the pathophysiologic characteristics of acral melanoma.