No abstract available.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn* ; Microbubbles*

BACKGROUND: Lipids of horny layer forming multiple lamellar structure in the intercellular space acts as a skin barrier having a primary protective function and keeps softness and flexibility of the skin by absorbing and maintaining moistures. Among the intercellular lipids, ceramides mainly contribute to this important role. In xerotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and experimentally induced scaly lesion showing dryness and scales, the amount of ceramides is decreased or distribution of ceramide is changed. In addition to lipids, free amino acids, a component of NMFs, serve as a water retainer and are decreased in ichthyosis or experimentally induced scaly lesion. Hand eczema has dry and scaly lesion showing impaired skin barrier and low water content. So, changes of ceramides or free amino acids can be considered in the lesion of hand eczema. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to confirm the relationship between the development of hand eczema and changes of ceramides or free amino acids. METHOD: The lipids and free amino acids in scales from lesion of hand eczema were analyzed by using high performance thin layer chromatography and amino acid analyzer. RESULTS: Amounts of total lipids extracted were 0.63+/-0.33 microgram/cm2 in hand eczema and 0.44+/-0.26 microgram/cm2 in control. There was no difference between the two groups. Cholesterol sulfate, glucosyl ceramide, cholesterol, triglyceride, sterol ester, and n-alkane showed no difference between hand eczema and control. But ceramides were significantly decreased in hand eczema(11.0+/-5.5%) compared with control(21.4+/-8.0%)(p<0.05). Especially, ceramide type IV was significantly decreased in hand eczema (6.6+/-5.3%) compared with control(15.6+/-6.2%)(p<0.05) but ceramide type III in hand eczema did not differ from control. Amounts of total free amino acids in 10mg of scale were 10.4+/-3.1nmol in hand eczema and 9.5+/-3.0nmol in control. There was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Dry skin and scales in hand eczema are related to the decrease of total amount of ceramides and ceramide type IV than amino acids in horny layer. To clarify the exact pathogenesis of hand eczema, further investigations on all types of ceramides and their defect in the process on biosynthesis of ceramides will be necessary.
Amino Acids* ; Ceramides* ; Cholesterol ; Chromatography, Thin Layer ; Dermatitis ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eczema* ; Extracellular Space ; Hand* ; Ichthyosis ; Pliability ; Psoriasis ; Skin ; Triglycerides ; Water ; Weights and Measures

BACKGROUND: Lipids of horny layer forming multiple lamellar structure in the intercellular space acts as a skin barrier having a primary protective function and keeps softness and flexibility of the skin by absorbing and maintaining moistures. Among the intercellular lipids, ceramides mainly contribute to this important role. In xerotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and experimentally induced scaly lesion showing dryness and scales, the amount of ceramides is decreased or distribution of ceramide is changed. In addition to lipids, free amino acids, a component of NMFs, serve as a water retainer and are decreased in ichthyosis or experimentally induced scaly lesion. Hand eczema has dry and scaly lesion showing impaired skin barrier and low water content. So, changes of ceramides or free amino acids can be considered in the lesion of hand eczema. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to confirm the relationship between the development of hand eczema and changes of ceramides or free amino acids. METHOD: The lipids and free amino acids in scales from lesion of hand eczema were analyzed by using high performance thin layer chromatography and amino acid analyzer. RESULTS: Amounts of total lipids extracted were 0.63+/-0.33 microgram/cm2 in hand eczema and 0.44+/-0.26 microgram/cm2 in control. There was no difference between the two groups. Cholesterol sulfate, glucosyl ceramide, cholesterol, triglyceride, sterol ester, and n-alkane showed no difference between hand eczema and control. But ceramides were significantly decreased in hand eczema(11.0+/-5.5%) compared with control(21.4+/-8.0%)(p<0.05). Especially, ceramide type IV was significantly decreased in hand eczema (6.6+/-5.3%) compared with control(15.6+/-6.2%)(p<0.05) but ceramide type III in hand eczema did not differ from control. Amounts of total free amino acids in 10mg of scale were 10.4+/-3.1nmol in hand eczema and 9.5+/-3.0nmol in control. There was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Dry skin and scales in hand eczema are related to the decrease of total amount of ceramides and ceramide type IV than amino acids in horny layer. To clarify the exact pathogenesis of hand eczema, further investigations on all types of ceramides and their defect in the process on biosynthesis of ceramides will be necessary.
Amino Acids* ; Ceramides* ; Cholesterol ; Chromatography, Thin Layer ; Dermatitis ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eczema* ; Extracellular Space ; Hand* ; Ichthyosis ; Pliability ; Psoriasis ; Skin ; Triglycerides ; Water ; Weights and Measures

Hydroa Vacciniforme is a rare, light sensitive dermatitis characterized by discrete vesicles followed by varioliform scar formation, which was first described by Bazin on 1862. We have expe"ienced three cases of hydroa vacciniforme in childhood. The first case was a 6-year-old boy who had discrete vesicles, crusts and pitting scars on forehead, both cheeks, ears and dorsum of the hands in symmetrical distribution with itching sensation, which had used to recur in every summer since last three years ago. Histologic section of a primary lesion showed necrosis and severe edema in the epidermis and adjacent dermis with the dermal inflammatory cell infiltration. The second case was a 10-year-old girl who had discrete vesicles, crusts, erosive and depigmented patch and scars on face, lip, dorsum of the hand and forearm with itching sensation, which had also developed on last spring. The third case was a 7-year-old boy who had vesiclee, erosive patch, crusts and pitting scars on face, Iower lip, both dorsum of the hand and forearm with itching sensation, which had recurred in every summer since last two years ago, On urine examination, porphyrin, was negative in all three cases. Diagnosis was established by clinical characteristics and laboratory findings and histological pictures. Symptomatic treatment was done in all three cases. The literatures were briefly reviewed.
Cheek ; Child ; Cicatrix ; Dermatitis ; Dermis ; Diagnosis ; Ear ; Edema ; Epidermis ; Female ; Forearm ; Forehead ; Hand ; Humans ; Hydroa Vacciniforme* ; Lip ; Male ; Necrosis ; Pruritus ; Sensation

BACKGROUND: Massive bleeding, inability to identify important landmarks and structures, and necessity for a blood transfusion have been the usual problems of hemangioma excision. OBJECTIVE: We introduce a CO2 laser excision technique as a surgical method for the treatment of hemangioma of the lips and demonstrate its benefits. METHODS: In 4 patients with nevus flammeus of hemiface and accompanying hemangioma of the lips, excision of the hemangioma was performed using a focused beam from a CO2 laser under local anesthesia. RESULTS: Excellent to good results were achieved with minimal blood losses in all patients. No or minimal post-operative pain and edema and no significant complications were observed. CONCLUSION:The CO2 laser excision technique is recommended since it renders less textural change, greater volume reduction, hemostasis and an overall good cosmetic outcome than defocused modes or conventional scalpel surgery.
Anesthesia, Local ; Blood Transfusion ; Edema ; Hemangioma* ; Hemorrhage ; Hemostasis ; Humans ; Lasers, Gas* ; Lip* ; Port-Wine Stain

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct equivalence of the five general factors (subjective health, eating habits, physical activities, sedentary lifestyle, and sleeping behaviors) and to compare the latent means between male and female middle school students in Incheon, Korea. METHODS: The 2008 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey data was used for analysis. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test whether the scale has configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender. RESULTS: Configural invariance, metric invariance, and factor invariance were satisfied for latent means analysis (LMA) between genders. Male and female students were significantly different in LMA of all factors. Male students reported better subjective health, consumed more fast food and carbonated drinks, participated in more physical activities, showed less sedentary behavior, and enjoyed better quality of sleep than female students. CONCLUSION: Health providers should consider gender differences when they develop and deliver health promotion programs aimed at adolescents.
Adolescent ; Carbonated Beverages ; Eating ; Fast Foods ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Male ; Motor Activity ; Risk-Taking ; Sedentary Lifestyle ; Sex Characteristics

PURPOSE: Alterations in cerebral blood flow are very important for understanding the neurological consequences of all varieties of perinatal asphyxia. The purpose of this study is to measure the change of cerebral blood flow velocity and resistance index (RI) of middle cerebral artery (MCA) according to the time in asphyxiated infants. METHODS: We studied 7 asphyxiated term infant and 27 normal term infant who were born at Ewha Womans University Hospital from January 1996 to August 1997. Using the Doppler ultrasound, we examined blood flow velocity and RI of the middle cerebral artery. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were not significantly different in both groups. Peak systolic flow velocity (PSFV) in asphyxiated infants significantly decreased than control (P<0.05). End diastolic flow velocity (EDFV) was not significantly different in both groups. RI in asphyxiated infants significantly decreased for 24 hours (P<0.05). No control infant ever had a RI value of 0.55 or below, three (42.9%) asphyxiated infants had a RI value of 0.55 or below. The changes of the systemic BP and heart rate were not significant. Two (28.6%) asphyxiated infants were proven periventricular white matter ischemia by ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: It is therefore very important to monitor RI in asphyxiated infants even if the degree of asphyxia is mild.
Asphyxia ; Blood Flow Velocity* ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Infant* ; Ischemia ; Middle Cerebral Artery ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: Alterations in cerebral blood flow are very important for understanding the neurological consequences of all varieties of perinatal asphyxia. The purpose of this study is to measure the change of cerebral blood flow velocity and resistance index (RI) of middle cerebral artery (MCA) according to the time in asphyxiated infants. METHODS: We studied 7 asphyxiated term infant and 27 normal term infant who were born at Ewha Womans University Hospital from January 1996 to August 1997. Using the Doppler ultrasound, we examined blood flow velocity and RI of the middle cerebral artery. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were not significantly different in both groups. Peak systolic flow velocity (PSFV) in asphyxiated infants significantly decreased than control (P<0.05). End diastolic flow velocity (EDFV) was not significantly different in both groups. RI in asphyxiated infants significantly decreased for 24 hours (P<0.05). No control infant ever had a RI value of 0.55 or below, three (42.9%) asphyxiated infants had a RI value of 0.55 or below. The changes of the systemic BP and heart rate were not significant. Two (28.6%) asphyxiated infants were proven periventricular white matter ischemia by ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: It is therefore very important to monitor RI in asphyxiated infants even if the degree of asphyxia is mild.
Asphyxia ; Blood Flow Velocity* ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Infant* ; Ischemia ; Middle Cerebral Artery ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of different isolation policies in reducing the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in hospital in-patients. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the effectiveness of an isolation policy on transmission of MRSA in the 745-beds hospital. First period, all patients with MRSA (March - July 2000) were not isolated Second period, strict isolation policies were performed (August 2000 - January 2002). All patients with MRSA were isolated in separated room, hand hygiene using alcohol handrub, gowning and g1oving, apply of MRSA notice sticker, criteria in isolation remove, separated disinfection and wastement. Third period, semi strict isolation policies were performed (February 2002 - August 2005). Some patients with MRSA were isolated in separated room and others were admitted in general ward for bed shortage. Only some practices were performed in hand washing and separated disinfection in general ward. RESULTS: The rates of MRSA nosocomial infection per patients during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd surveillance were reported 0.56, 0.23, and 0.42 (P<0.05). Patient-days rate of MRSA nosocomial infection during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd surveillance were reported 0.62, 0.27, and 0.38 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: With many different isolation policies, it was possible to reduce nosocomial infection of MRSA. In this study, strict isolation policies (2nd period) were the most effective practices in reducing MRSA infection.
Cross Infection ; Disinfection ; Hand Disinfection ; Hand Hygiene ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infection Control ; Methicillin Resistance* ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus* ; Patients' Rooms ; Prospective Studies

This study amis for examines the actual physical symptom and stress in caregivers of patients with cerebrovascular disease. The data were collected by a survey conducted from August to September, 1997 which included 65 caregivers of cerebrovascular disease patient in 4 hospitals located in Seoul. The caregiver's stress was measured by Choi(1992)'s instrument and the actual physical symptoms were investigated. The data were analyzed using ANOV, Scheffe test, pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression. The results were as follows : 1. The mean number of caregiver's physical symptom was 3.5. There were significantly higher number of physical symptom in women, those of who have a religious affiliation, those of two perceive their own health status perceived s bad, and those of two perceived their patients disease condition as serious than in their counterparts. Also, the number of caregiver's physical symptom was significantly higher in caregivers whose patients have a paralysis symptom and the disease onset as spontaneous. 2. The average of caregiver's stress was 57.9. The caregiver's stress was the highest in between the ages of 50 and 59. There were also significantly higher level of stress in women, those of two perceived the disease condition of their patient as serious than in counterparts. 3. The most common caregiver's physical symptom was fatigue(87.7%). This was followed by insomnia(58.5%) and muscle (47.4%). 4. Caregiver's physical symptom was positively correlated with caregiver's stress and negatively correlated with patient's activity of daily life. 5. The most important variable affecting the caregiver's physical symptom was patient's activity of daily life which accounted for 12.7% of the total variance in stepwise multiple regression analysis. The most important variable affecting the caregiver's stress was the patient disease condition perceived by the caregiver that accounted for 12.1% of the total variance.
Caregivers* ; Female ; Humans ; Paralysis ; Seoul