No abstract available.
Aging* ; Anatomy, Comparative* ; Animals*

Human hairs have been known to be easily contaminated with microorganisms. This study was performed in order to measure what bacterial species and how much microorganisms contaminate human hairs in specific place. Virgin human hairs were left at 6 positions in inside corner and beside window in a laboratory for 7 days. The number of viable bacterial cells, which were determined by most probable number method, contaminating the human hairs was measured at a maximum of 10(6)/g hair and a minimum of 10(3)/g hair in inside corner and maximum of 10(6)/g hair and a minimum of 10(3)/g hair beside window. The bacterial cells-contaminating human hairs were observed via fluorescence light microscopy after 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. The bacterial community contaminating human hairs was analyzed via the thermal gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) technique, based on the diversity of the 16S-rDNA variable region. In total, approximately 20 bacterial species were detected from 12 groups of hair samples. In this study, general experimental methods-fluorescence staining, TGGE and MPN-were combined to develop new method for observation and estimation of bacteria contaminating human hairs.
Bacteria ; Electrophoresis ; Fluorescence ; Hair ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Light ; Microscopy ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; Ophthalmoplegia

Human hairs have been known to be easily contaminated with microorganisms. This study was performed in order to measure what bacterial species and how much microorganisms contaminate human hairs in specific place. Virgin human hairs were left at 6 positions in inside corner and beside window in a laboratory for 7 days. The number of viable bacterial cells, which were determined by most probable number method, contaminating the human hairs was measured at a maximum of 10(6)/g hair and a minimum of 10(3)/g hair in inside corner and maximum of 10(6)/g hair and a minimum of 10(3)/g hair beside window. The bacterial cells-contaminating human hairs were observed via fluorescence light microscopy after 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. The bacterial community contaminating human hairs was analyzed via the thermal gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) technique, based on the diversity of the 16S-rDNA variable region. In total, approximately 20 bacterial species were detected from 12 groups of hair samples. In this study, general experimental methods-fluorescence staining, TGGE and MPN-were combined to develop new method for observation and estimation of bacteria contaminating human hairs.
Bacteria ; Electrophoresis ; Fluorescence ; Hair ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Light ; Microscopy ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; Ophthalmoplegia

OBJECTIVES: To assess the absorption of α-tocopherol acetate and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, which are used as active ingredients in toothpaste, into a reconstructed gingival tissue. METHODS: EpiGingival™ tissues were treated with a 25% slurry of toothpaste containing 2% α-tocopherol acetate and 0.3% 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, for 2 minutes. The treatment was repeated up to 6 times, with 1 hour intervals. After completion of all treatments, the active ingredients in the tissue extracts and receiver solutions were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Although α-tocopherol acetate was not detected, α-tocopherol was detected in the tissue extracts, indicating that α-tocopherol acetate was bioconverted to α-tocopherol after absorption. We could detect 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid both in the tissue extracts and in the receiver solutions, with a positive correlation to the number of treatments. CONCLUSIONS: We found that our toothpaste effectively delivered α-tocopherol acetate and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid to a reconstructed gingival tissue in vitro.
Absorption* ; Chromatography, Liquid ; In Vitro Techniques* ; Periodontal Diseases ; Tissue Extracts ; Toothpastes

PURPOSE: To report the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) formulas according to axial length, anterior chamber depth, and mean corneal curvature when performing biometry with an immersion type A-scan with mannual keratomery and an IOL Master®. METHODS: Retrospective medical chart reviews were carried out for 82 eyes of 65 patients who underwent cataract surgery performed by a single surgeon. Biometry was performed using IOL Master®, mannual keratometry, and immersion type A-scan ultrasound in sequence. Prediction diopter was obtained using Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff/Theoretical (SRK-T) and Holladay 1 formulas calculated with the biometric value measured by mannual keratomery and A-scan, and using SRK-T and, Holladay 2 formulas with IOL Master®. The final refractive outcome was determined as manifested refraction at least 7 weeks after the surgery, and it was compared with the preoperative prediction dipoter (D) of the IOL formulas. RESULTS: Mean axial length and mean keratomtric measurements as determined by A-scan with mannual keratomery showed significant statistical differences from those of IOL Master®. However, there was no difference in postoperative mean absolute error between biometric measurements, or among formulas according to axial length, anterior chamber depth, or mean corneal curvature. However, the percentage of actual refraction within ±0.50 D of the intended refraction was dirrerent among the four formalas according to axial length, anterior chamber dept, mean corneal curvature. CONCLUSIONS: Biometry measurement using the immersion-type A-scan with mannual keratomery is as accurate as that using IOL Master® for predicting the postoperative refractive state of cataract surgery. However, it is suggested that the best IOL formula be chosen according to axial length, anterior chamber depth, and mean corneal curvature.
Anterior Chamber ; Biometry ; Cataract ; Humans ; Immersion ; Interferometry* ; Lenses, Intraocular* ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography*

Rare endocrine diseases are complex conditions that require lifelong specialized care due to their chronic nature and associated long-term complications. In Korea, a lack of nationwide data on clinical practice and outcomes has limited progress in patient care. Therefore, the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) study was initiated. This study involves 30 centers across Korea. The study aims to improve the long-term prognosis of Korean patients with rare endocrine diseases by collecting comprehensive clinical data, biospecimens, and patient-reported outcomes to identify complications and unmet needs in patient care. Patients with childhood-onset pituitary, adrenal, or gonadal disorders, such as craniopharyngioma, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and Turner syndrome were prioritized. The planned enrollment is 1,300 patients during the first study phase (2022–2024). Clinical, biochemical, and imaging data from diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up during 1980–2023 were retrospectively reviewed. For patients who agreed to participate in the prospective cohort, clinical data and biospecimens will be prospectively collected to discover ideal biomarkers that predict the effectiveness of disease control measures and prognosis. Patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life and depression scales, will be evaluated to assess psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, a substudy on CAH patients will develop a steroid hormone profiling method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to improve diagnosis and monitoring of treatment outcomes. This study will address unmet clinical needs by discovering ideal biomarkers, introducing evidence-based treatment guidelines, and ultimately improving long-term outcomes in the areas of rare endocrine and metabolic diseases.

Rare endocrine diseases are complex conditions that require lifelong specialized care due to their chronic nature and associated long-term complications. In Korea, a lack of nationwide data on clinical practice and outcomes has limited progress in patient care. Therefore, the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) study was initiated. This study involves 30 centers across Korea. The study aims to improve the long-term prognosis of Korean patients with rare endocrine diseases by collecting comprehensive clinical data, biospecimens, and patient-reported outcomes to identify complications and unmet needs in patient care. Patients with childhood-onset pituitary, adrenal, or gonadal disorders, such as craniopharyngioma, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and Turner syndrome were prioritized. The planned enrollment is 1,300 patients during the first study phase (2022–2024). Clinical, biochemical, and imaging data from diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up during 1980–2023 were retrospectively reviewed. For patients who agreed to participate in the prospective cohort, clinical data and biospecimens will be prospectively collected to discover ideal biomarkers that predict the effectiveness of disease control measures and prognosis. Patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life and depression scales, will be evaluated to assess psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, a substudy on CAH patients will develop a steroid hormone profiling method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to improve diagnosis and monitoring of treatment outcomes. This study will address unmet clinical needs by discovering ideal biomarkers, introducing evidence-based treatment guidelines, and ultimately improving long-term outcomes in the areas of rare endocrine and metabolic diseases.

Rare endocrine diseases are complex conditions that require lifelong specialized care due to their chronic nature and associated long-term complications. In Korea, a lack of nationwide data on clinical practice and outcomes has limited progress in patient care. Therefore, the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) study was initiated. This study involves 30 centers across Korea. The study aims to improve the long-term prognosis of Korean patients with rare endocrine diseases by collecting comprehensive clinical data, biospecimens, and patient-reported outcomes to identify complications and unmet needs in patient care. Patients with childhood-onset pituitary, adrenal, or gonadal disorders, such as craniopharyngioma, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and Turner syndrome were prioritized. The planned enrollment is 1,300 patients during the first study phase (2022–2024). Clinical, biochemical, and imaging data from diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up during 1980–2023 were retrospectively reviewed. For patients who agreed to participate in the prospective cohort, clinical data and biospecimens will be prospectively collected to discover ideal biomarkers that predict the effectiveness of disease control measures and prognosis. Patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life and depression scales, will be evaluated to assess psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, a substudy on CAH patients will develop a steroid hormone profiling method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to improve diagnosis and monitoring of treatment outcomes. This study will address unmet clinical needs by discovering ideal biomarkers, introducing evidence-based treatment guidelines, and ultimately improving long-term outcomes in the areas of rare endocrine and metabolic diseases.