BACKGROUND: Scoring of atopic dermatitis has been a rather controversial issue in recent years, with scoring systems of varying complexity being advocated by different investigators. OBJECTIVE: It was the aim of this study to compare two of the most commonly used scoring methods in a clinical setting. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis were evaluated using the Rajka & Langeland grade and the SCORAD, and the two scoring systems were compared with respect to the presence or absence of clinical and laboratory parameters of atopic dermatitis. RESULTS: The patients were composed of 22 males and 36 females, with an average age of 7.1 years. The average Rajka & Langeland grade was 6.1 (maximum, 9) and the SCORAD, 42.6 (maximum, 103). In both systems, the majority of the patients belonged to the moderate group; however, there was a relatively poor agreement between the two scoring systems in the assessment of overall severity of atopic dermatitis (kappa = 0.267). The SCORAD was better cor- related with the clinical and laboratory parameters, such as associated diseases, family history, smoking of the mother, contact with animal and high IgE level. CONCLUSION: The two scoring systems cannot be used interchangeably. The Rajka & Langeland grade is more ideal for quick, large surveys, and the SCORAD, for drug-effect studies or follow-up of progression of the disease. The SCORAD is the more useful system in relation to other clinical and laboratory aspects of atopic dermatitis.
Animals ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Male ; Mothers ; Research Design* ; Research Personnel ; Smoke ; Smoking

No abstract available.
Bowen's Disease* ; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell*

Since the World Health Organization identified interprofessional education (IPE) as an important component in primary health care in the 1980s, medical and health sciences educators have continued to debate factors for implementing effective IPE in the classroom. Although IPE research is widespread internationally, few studies have been done in South Korea. This study explored the current status of IPE and examined factors that influence IPE in South Korea. A total of 30 (70%) out of 41 medical education experts in medical schools participated. Forty-seven percent of the participants reported that they allocated less than 5% of their time implementing IPE in the curriculum of their schools throughout the 4 years of medical school. Although all experts (100%) agreed that IPE is essential for medical students, they expressed practical difficulties in implementing IPE in the current education system. Factors that influence IPE are scheduling and curriculum (e.g., rigid curriculum vs. providing learning environment) and attitudes (e.g., lack of reciprocal respect vs. willingness to change). In addition, participants reported that communication skills and collaborative practice employing clinical practice or role-playing would be appropriate education methods and content for IPE in the future. The findings of this study provide a foundation for the implementation of IPE in South Korea. Future research directions for IPE in medical, nursing, and pharmacy schools are discussed.
Cooperative Behavior ; Curriculum ; Education ; Education, Medical ; Humans ; Interprofessional Relations ; Korea ; Learning ; Nursing ; Primary Health Care ; Professionalism ; Schools, Medical ; Schools, Pharmacy ; Students, Medical ; World Health Organization

No abstract available.
Education, Medical

No abstract available.
Calcinosis* ; Heel* ; Humans ; Infant*

Background: The immunological and histopathological understanding of rosacea subtypes remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), papulopustular rosacea (PPR), and granulomatous rosacea (GR) immunologically through facial punch biopsy samples. Objective: Our goal was to investigate the immunohistochemical profile of rosacea subtypes, providing insights into pathogenesis for targeted therapies. Methods: Biopsy samples from 52 rosacea patients and 25 controls were stained for antibodies retrospectively. Statistical analyses identified expression differences. Results: In the rosacea group (average age, 55.0; male-to-female ratio, 1:2.1), Langerhans cell count, p53, and vitamin D receptor expression showed no differences from controls or among subtypes. Claudin-1 and occludin expression decreased in rosacea compared to controls, with no variance among subtypes. Demodex mites were present in 40.4% of rosacea cases vs. 8.0% in controls (p=0.003), more frequently in PPR than GR, and absent in ETR. Neutrophil elastase expression mirrored the Demodex pattern. The CD4/CD8 ratio averaged 2.15 in rosacea without differences among subtypes. CD20 and CD68 expression increased in rosacea, escalating in the order of ETR, PPR, and GR, mirroring matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). ETR exhibited insignificant CD20 and MMP-2 expression. Conclusion Our findings validate a CD4＋ T cell-driven response across all rosacea subtypes. Increased neutrophils, B cells, and macrophages, likely influenced by Demodex, were observed in PPR and GR. Demodex mites may recruit additional B cells and macrophages, potentially linked to MMP-2 expression. This comprehensive characterization offers additional insights into the immunopathogenesis of rosacea, paving the way for targeted interventions.

No abstract available.

The original version of the article contained a mistake.

No abstract available.
Heel* ; Melanoma, Amelanotic* ; Ulcer*

No abstract available.