Background:Pen-pal clubs(PPC)are used worldwide for students to learn about different cultures and other skillsets without the need for travel.Many medical students are interested in global health opportunities abroad but costs,scheduling,and other barriers allow few to participate in such experiences.It is important that medical students have nuanced global medical perspectives and can contribute to the global medical community. Objective:The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that an international medical student PPC improves medical students'perspectives of cultural competency and global health engagement. Methods:In 2021,a novel medical student PPC was established that began between an American and Japanese medical school.Following a shareholders meeting,it was decided that the number of medical schools involved globally be expanded through previous institutional affiliations and online presences.In total,the club connected 50 American medical students and 52 medical students from 17 high-and middle-income countries.The primary form of communication was online;pen-pals were encouraged to communicate monthly using provided topics,although frequency and way of communication was their discretion.In February 2022,American PPC members were emailed a qualitative survey to assess the PPC's impact. Results:The survey was completed by 42％of American PPC members,95％of which were 22-26 years.Partic-ipants were preclinical medical students,60％whom were female and the majority either white(47％)or Asian(43％).Overall,the PPC positively influenced American medical students'perception of global medicine,medical education,and their cultural competency after joining the PPC compared to prior(P=0.004). Conclusion:PPCs encourage medical students to think from a global perspective and foster open-mindedness within varying social and cultural contexts.Having a global communication platform for students during medical school education may be an additional way to train aspiring global leaders.

Background: Protection from yellow dust and particulate matter is ensured by the use of respirators among the Korean citizens and workers. However, the manikins used to test the performance of the same were manufactured considering western facial specifications owing to which they do not represent Korean facial characteristics. Methods: Analysis of the data from the 6th 3D anthropometric survey of Koreans (Size Korea; 2010–2013) of 4,583 people aged 7 to 69 years was performed to obtain their facial dimensions. We subsequently clustered 44 facial measurements using Design X software, followed by the creation of the cluster centroid. Results: Three 3D head forms were developed—small, medium, and large, and their images were stored in “.stl” format for 3D printing. The facial widths and lengths of the three head forms were 127.1 mm × 90.6 mm, 143.2 mm × 104.0 mm, and 149.1 mm × 120.2 mm, respectively. Conclusion We developed manikin head forms according to the facial dimensions of the Korean population, which was essential in evaluating respiratory protective equipment. These head forms can be used to test the performance of respirators considering the facial dimensions of the Korean population.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rating scales and to evaluate the usefulness of heart rate variability (HRV) as a psychophysiological biomarker for ADHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were recruited from outpatients in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Korea University Medical Center from August 2007 to December 2010. Subjects received methylphenidate. Time- and frequency-domain analyses of HRV, the Korean ADHD rating scale (K-ARS), and computerized ADHD diagnostic system were evaluated before treatment. After a 12-week period of medication administration, we repeated the HRV measurements and K-ARS rating. RESULTS: Eighty-six subjects were initially enrolled and 37 participants completed the 12-week treatment and HRV measurements subsequent to the treatment. Significant correlations were found between the K-ARS inattention score and some HRV parameters. All of the HRV parameters, except the standard deviations of the normal-to-normal interval, very low frequency, and low frequency to high frequency, showed a significant positive correlation between baseline and endpoint measures in completers. High frequency (HF) and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD), which are related to parasympathetic vagal tone, showed significant decreases from baseline to endpoint. CONCLUSION: The HRV test was shown to be reproducible. The decrease in HF and RMSSD suggests that parasympathetic dominance in ADHD can be altered by methylphenidate treatment. It also shows the possibility that HRV parameters can be used as psychophysiological markers in the treatment of ADHD.
Adolescent ; Attention/drug effects/*physiology ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis/*drug therapy ; Autonomic Nervous System/physiopathology ; Biomarkers ; Central Nervous System Stimulants/pharmacology/*therapeutic use ; Child ; Female ; Heart Rate/*drug effects/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Methylphenidate/pharmacology/*therapeutic use ; Prospective Studies ; Republic of Korea ; Treatment Outcome

Over 150,000 reproductive age individuals face fertility-threatening cancer treatments each year. Improved detection and treatment of cancer in reproductive-age patients have greatly increased the long-term survival and made it possible for these individuals to consider their long-term quality-of-life after cancer including having biologic offspring. Various methods of fertility preservation (FP) are now available for both males and females. In order to maximize FP options available to patients facing imminent gonadotoxic therapies, it is crucial that women have quick access to FP care and that providers expedite FP strategies. The overarching goal of a clinical FP program is to help patients and their physicians consider the impact of treatment on future fertility and facilitate FP efforts in what is often a limited time period before cancer treatment begins.
Female ; Fertility Preservation* ; Fertility* ; Humans ; Male

Epigenetics is defined as an inheritable effect that influences gene activity, but does not involve a change in DNA sequence. Epigenetic gene regulation has an essential role in determining individual gene function and activity in each specific cell type. Epigenetics includes four predominant mechanisms: DNA methylation, histone modification, nucleosome positioning and microRNA (miRNA). These mechanisms influence gene expression, cell differentiation, proliferation, DNA repair and replication. Epigenetic modifications are far more sensitive to environmental stimuli than DNA sequence alterations. Candidate gene approaches have identified a small set of genes that undergo epigenetic changes, such as aberrant DNA demethylation, histone modification, as well as regulation by miRNA in rheumatic diseases. It is well known that T cells from patients with SLE or RA, as well as synovial fibroblasts from individuals with RA, have sequences undergoing DNA hypomethylation and/or histone modifications. In addition, miRNA regulates the gene expression by pairing with its target mRNAs and is often deregulated in systemic rheumatic diseases. High-throughput approaches are necessary for screening the epigenetic alterations, and it is essential to screen the specific tissue and cell types that are relevant to the disease pathogenesis. Identification of cell-specific targets of the epigenetic deregulation in rheumatic disorders will provide clinical markers for the diagnosis, disease progression and response to therapy. Our understanding of epigenetics is in its infancy. New generation of pharmaceuticals, which manipulate the epigenome to the switch targeted genes on or off are under investigation. The new field of repairing or optimizing the epigenome through epigenetic modifier and/or diet is wide open.
Autoimmune Diseases ; Base Sequence ; Biomarkers ; Cell Differentiation ; Diet ; Disease Progression ; DNA ; DNA Methylation ; DNA Repair ; Epigenomics ; Fibroblasts ; Gene Expression ; Histone Code ; Histones ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; MicroRNAs ; Nucleosomes ; Rheumatic Diseases ; RNA, Messenger ; T-Lymphocytes

Total scalp avulsion is rare but a devastating injury. This condition burdens the patient with disfigured cosmetic appearance and permanent psychosocial trauma. Throughout history, this condition has been favored in women working with mechanics since the long hair function as a vector appliance for oblique pull of the hair into a stationary torque. We present our experience of the replantation of the total avulsed scalp in male, first to be reported in Korea. Warm ischemic time was exceeding 16 hours along with severe crushed condition of the detached margin, a relatively satisfactory result was obtained.
Cosmetics ; Female ; Hair ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Mechanics ; Replantation ; Scalp ; Torque ; Warm Ischemia

PURPOSE: Although lipoma is known as one of the most common soft tissue tumors, calcification in lipoma is very rare in its occurrence. This calcified lipoma has been reported by some as a result of regression of lipoma, but its genesis is not clearly known yet with various opinions being discussed regarding its possible metabolic relation to hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia to be considered as a regression phase of lipoma. The authors would like to present this unusual case of calcified lipoma. METHODS: A 50-year-old male patient visited our hospital with complaint of an enlarging mass on his right forehead which has been acknowledged for 5 years' period. On physical examination, a mass was observed on his forehead as palpable, non-tender, mobile and firm in its consistency. Ultra sonogram examination revealed a well-demarcated mass (1.92 cm) with central echoic zone at deep layer of forehead. Mass excision and biopsy were performed subsequently. RESULTS: According to the pathological report, the diagnosis confirmed the lipoma consisting of grown-up adipocyte and calcification. Neither growing lipoma nor relapse was observed for postoperative three years' follow-up of the patient. CONCLUSION: Now that the calcified lipoma was successfully removed and cured by a simple mass excision, authors hereby report the case of calcified lipoma on forehead.
Adipocytes ; Biopsy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forehead ; Humans ; Hypercalcemia ; Hyperphosphatemia ; Lipoma ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Physical Examination ; Recurrence

Since the time of its inception within facial anatomy, wide variability in the terminology as well as the location and extent of retaining ligaments has resulted in confusion over nomenclature. Confusion over nomenclature also arises with regard to the subcutaneous ligamentous attachments, and in the anatomic location and extent described, particularly for zygomatic and masseteric ligaments. Certain historical terms—McGregor's patch, the platysma auricular ligament, parotid cutaneous ligament, platysma auricular fascia, temporoparotid fasica (Lore's fascia), anterior platysma-cutaneous ligament, and platysma cutaneous ligament—delineate retaining ligaments of related anatomic structures that have been conceptualized in various ways. Confusion around the masseteric cutaneous ligaments arises from inconsistencies in their reported locations in the literature because the size and location of the parotid gland varies so much, and this affects the relationship between the parotid gland and the fascia of the masseter muscle. For the zygomatic ligaments, there is disagreement over how far they extend, with descriptions varying over whether they extend medially beyond the zygomaticus minor muscle. Even the ‘main’ zygomatic ligament's denotation may vary depending on which subcutaneous plane is used as a reference for naming it. Recent popularity in procedures using threads or injectables has required not only an accurate understanding of the nomenclature of retaining ligaments, but also of their location and extent. The authors have here summarized each retaining ligament with a survey of the different nomenclature that has been introduced by different authors within the most commonly cited published papers.
Cheek* ; Fascia ; Ligaments* ; Masseter Muscle ; Parotid Gland ; Rejuvenation

PURPOSE: It has always been an aspiration for Asians to look more balanced and feminine, considering their facial features regarding relatively flat midface with marked prominences of the zygoma. Many studies have been dealt in this subject. However, the authors would like to emphasize the concept and introduce the technique of repositioning of the malar complex to a cosmetically beneficial point and stationing it on proper position by fixation on zygoma body and arch. METHODS: From January 1998 to December 2007, this method was performed in 50 patients of mild to moderate prominence and malposition of the malar complex. A simplified technique of lateral orbital osteotomy and oblique osteotomy on zygomatic arch through intraoral and preauricular incision was developed. Then, liberal malar complex can be moved to a supero-posterior direction and repositioned to a more cosmetically beneficial point. To maintain the stationed position and to protect from vector affected by the attached masticating muscle to zygomatc bone, fixation was done on both zygoma body and arch. RESULTS: We have obtained satisfactory results using this procedure without any observable complications. The advantages of this procedure are proper exposure, inconspicuous scar, safe, more natural contour, improved stability, and shorter healing time. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that reduction malarplasty should be approached with underlying concept of repositioning and fixation. In mild moderate malar prominent cases, our technique will provide with maintenance of aesthetic concept, equal to the malar reduction performed under coronal approach and provide with more natural facial contour with stability even with less invasive surgical approach.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cicatrix ; Humans ; Muscles ; Orbit ; Osteotomy ; Zygoma

No abstract available.
Fibroma ; Toes