The nevus of Ota is a benign dermal melanocytic lesion that most commonly occurs unilaterally in areas innervated by the first and second division of the trigeminal nerve. Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules(ABNOM) are located bilaterally on the forehead, temples, eyelids, cheeks, and/or nose. They usually occur in the fourth or fifth decade of life in women(rarely in men). In contrast to the nevus of Ota, ABNOM have not been observed in the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nose, or eyes. Traditional treatments were palliative, risky electrocautery, or cryotherapy. These methods resulted in permanent pigmentary changes and/or scarring. Recently utilizing the principle of selective photothermolysis, the Q-switched Alexandrite laser has been reported to be successful in treating benign pigmentary lesions and tattoos. Our study evaluated the treatment of 127 patients with nevus of Ota and ABNOM with the Q-switched Alexandrite laser(755 nm, 100 nsec). Nevi were treated up to 7 times with 7-8 J/cm2 at a minimum of 6 weeks interval. Good therapeutic effects were gained (up to 50% improvement was seen in 89% of patients.) and our patients were very satisfied. No patients had permanent textural change or scarring. Treatment with on Alexandrite laser for nevus of Ota & ABNOM is considered to be a safe and effective method.
Cheek ; Cicatrix ; Cryotherapy ; Electrocoagulation ; Eyelids ; Forehead ; Humans ; Lasers, Solid-State* ; Mouth ; Mucous Membrane ; Nevus of Ota ; Nevus* ; Nose ; Trigeminal Nerve

No abstract available.
Animals ; Horns* ; Pregnancy*

No abstract available.
Animals ; Horns* ; Pregnancy*

A various type of hairline and height of forehead is considered as a result of genetic effect. The conventional corrective surgical operation of low hairline in forehead has been too complicated and painful to apply, and also has many disadvantages such as scar, bleeding, risks of anesthesia. Recently four classes of devices are designed to remove hair with intense light beam : Nd-Yag lasers with carbon cream, the Ruby lasers, the Alexandrite lasers, and the polychromic broad band light source of flashlamp technology. The goal of these therapeutic modality is to destroy the melanin pigment selectively in hair follicle without injuring the skin for permanent epilation. We have been used long pulse infrared Alexandrite laser for treat low hair line in 27 patients from Dec. 1997 to Dec. 1998. We experienced 3 cases of temporary hyperpigmentation and 1 case of bulla, and the most of patients were satisfied in 89%. The average lengthening of forehead was 2.2cm (median line) and 2.3cm (paramedian line). We achieved successful result without permanent hyperpigmentation or scarring
Anesthesia ; Carbon ; Cicatrix ; Forehead ; Hair Follicle ; Hair Removal ; Hair* ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hyperpigmentation ; Lasers, Solid-State* ; Melanins ; Skin

No Abstract Available.
Lower Extremity* ; Varicose Veins*

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate musculo-skeletal symtoms of municipal sanitation workers and to evaluate working conditions of municipal sanitation workers to search for the factors related to musculo-skeletal symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey. The study subjects were comprised of 543 municipal sanitation workers in some divisions of Seoul and the Gyeonggi province. Musculo-skeletal analysis was done by using the modified criteria of NIOSH musuclo-skeletal symptoms, RULA and, REBA. Statistical analysis was done by using the chi-square test, multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 72.2% of the subjects complained musculo-skeletal symptoms (39.6% on the upperlimbs, 30.0% on the lumbar region, 27.4% on the legs). For the musculo-skeletal symptoms criteria (1~3), street cleaners complained of more musculo-skeletal symptoms than the solid waste collectors, after classifying the jobs of sanitation workers. On logistic regression analysis of the musculo-skeletal "symptoms criteria1" positive groups, age was related to the criteria positive (prevalence odds ratio=1.018, 95% CI: 0.993-1.046). The worktime was significantly related to 'criteria positive 1 and, 2' (prevalence odds ratio=2.165 (95% CI: 1.156-4.131), 2.187 times (95% CI: 1.071-4.651)). The RULA score, the subtotal A score of RULA, the REBA score and , the total A REBA score of the upperlimbs of solid waste collectors were higher than those of the street cleaners. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the lower ergonomic evaluation score of the street cleaner, the street cleaners complained of more musculo-skeletal symptoms than did the solid waste collectors due to more frequent repetitive motions, a longer work time (over 10 hours) etc. It is suggested that the sanitation workers need to use the proper methods to avoid musculo-skeletal disease.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Human Engineering ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Lumbosacral Region ; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (U.S.) ; Sanitation ; Solid Waste ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Upper Extremity

No abstract available.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Humans

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical feature and the results of the treatment of Lisfranc joint fracture/dislocation with limited open reduction, pin fixation and Ilizarov external fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2001 to May 2003, six patients with Lisfranc fracture/dislocation were treated. The average periods of follow-up was 23 months. After limited open reduction on the second tarso-metatarsal joint, we performed pin fixation of the above joint. On the other Lisfranc joint fracture/dislocation, closed reduction and the application of Ilizarov external fixator was done. This rigid system produced the early partial weight bearing and joint motion of the injured foot and ankle joint. The parameters used were radiographic evaluation, patient's clinical assesment and the AOFAS midfoot score. RESULTS: We used the Myerson's criterier to evaluate the radiographic result. All cases could be achieved more than nearly anatomical reduction. Three cases of excellent and 3 cases of good result could be obtained in the evaluation of the patient's clinical assesment. The average AOFAS midfoot score was 87.2 (76~95) points. CONCLUSION: The treatment using Ilizarov external fixation on Lisfranc joint fracture/dislocation can be another useful method.
Ankle Joint ; Dislocations* ; Equidae ; External Fixators ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Humans ; Joints* ; Weight-Bearing

Vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1 (VDUP1) is a potent growth suppressor that inhibits tumor cell proliferation and cell cycle progression when overexpressed. In a previous study, we showed that VDUP1 knockout (KO) mice exhibited accelerated liver regeneration because such animals could effectively control the expression of cell cycle regulators that drive the G1-to-S phase progression. In the present study, we further investigated the role played by VDUP1 in initial priming of liver regeneration. To accomplish this, VDUP1 KO and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) and sacrificed at different times after surgery. The hepatic levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 increased after PH, but there were no significant differences between VDUP1 KO and WT mice. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) were activated much earlier and to a greater extent in VDUP1 KO mice after PH. A single injection of TNF-alpha or IL-6 caused rapid activation of JNK and STAT-3 expression in both mice, but the responses were stronger and more sustained in VDUP1 KO mice. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence that VDUP1 plays a role in initiation of liver regeneration.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Carrier Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; Hepatectomy ; Hepatocytes/*cytology/physiology ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics/metabolism ; Liver/*physiology ; Male ; Mice, Knockout ; NF-kappa B/genetics/metabolism ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; *Regeneration ; STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics/metabolism ; Thioredoxins/*genetics/metabolism

Varicose vein can cause embarrassment in life not only for pathophysiological reasons but also for aesthetic reasons, especially when wearing shorts or swimming suits. The main traditional therapy has been the surgical obliteration or stripping of greater or lesser saphenous veins. However, as the varicose veins are not bothersome in life, many patients can not easily decide to receive such painful operations. In Europe, the sclerotherapy has been applied since several decades ago with good results, which can obliterate these veins by the simple injection of a sclerosing solution into the vessel. From 1995 to 1999, We conducted the sclerotherapy of varicose veins in 549 patients (765 cases). Selected sclerosing agent was Fibrovein (sodium tetradecyl sulfate) which has the safest, painless and excellent effect. Due to the above mentioned benefits, this agent has been used popularly by phlebologist in the world. The results were excellent, average treatment sessions were 3 times and average follow up period was 1 year (3 months - 5 years). Most of the patients were satisfied with the results and no severe complications were observed. Recurrence were recognized in 69 cases (9%) within the first year. We did not experience any life threatening allergic reaction nor severe complications. The pain elicited by needle injection could be minimized using small caliber. In conclusion, compression sclerotherapy is simple, safe, excellent treatment for varicose veins and it would be applicable in the field of plastic surgery.
Europe ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Lower Extremity* ; Needles ; Recurrence ; Saphenous Vein ; Sclerotherapy* ; Surgery, Plastic ; Swimming ; Varicose Veins* ; Veins