The flexibility of surface layer of skin is largely dependent upon the layer's water content. This, in turn, depends primarily on the quantity of water soluble hygroscopic and surface active msterials within the straturn corneum, often known as the natural moisturizing fsctors(NMF). It consist of amino acid, lactic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and inorganic salts etc.. Some of these components are greatly influenced by hydrogen ion content and ionic form of them were found to be highly hygroscopic. In this experiment, sunburn exfoliated human stratum corneum and pig epidermis separated by 2N-NaBr were used as in vitro test. These tissues were so treated to hsve each pH value (3, 5, 7, 9) and their water holding capacity and hygroscopicity were measured by gravimetric method. The results are summarized as follows : 1, Water holding capactiy of sunburn exfoliated human skin showed significant increase at pH 5 (p<0.1), 7 (p<0.01), 9 (p<0.01) compared to pH 3, and increase in pH 7 (p<0.1), 9 (p<0.05) compared to pH 5 in lactic acid. In pig epidermis, there was significant increase at pH 5 (p<0.05), 7 (p<0.01), 9 (p<0.05) cornpared to pH 3 in lactic acid. 2. Hygroscopicity of pig epidermis showed significant increase at pH 5 (p<0.05), 7 (p<0.1), 9 (p<0.05) in lactic acid and at pH 5 Epidermis ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration* ; Lactic Acid ; Pliability ; Protons ; Salts ; Skin* ; Sunburn ; Water ; Wettability

We present a case of Kyrle's disease. The pstient was a 48-year-old male who had been undergoing hemodialysis for 6 years due to chronic renal failure caused by polycystic kidney. The lesions were hyperkeratotic papules on the lower legs and abdomen witb 3 months' duration. Histopathologically, the epidermis showed central invsgination filled with heavy keratotic, partly parakeratotic plug, basophilic debris and neutrophils. There were a few premature keratinized cells below the parakeratotic plugs and complete epidermal perforation was present.
Abdomen ; Basophils ; Epidermis ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic* ; Leg ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neutrophils ; Polycystic Kidney Diseases ; Renal Dialysis

We present a case of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia (AILD) in a 57-year-old male who had suffered from fever and general weakness of one month's duration. He showed generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly and purpuric maculopapules on the whole body surface. Lahoratory findings show anemia, polyclonal gammaglobulinemia and thrombocytopenia. The lymph node biopsy specimens show morphologic triad of AILD except lack of interstitial deposits of eosinophilic materials and the skin biopsy specimen shows lymphohistiocytic vasculitis. Bone marrow biopsy specimen shows similar findings in lymph node, suggesting bone marrow involvement. He have been treated with COPP chemotherapy.
Anemia ; Biopsy ; Bone Marrow ; Drug Therapy ; Eosinophils ; Fever ; Hepatomegaly ; Humans ; Immunoblastic Lymphadenopathy* ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Skin ; Thrombocytopenia ; Vasculitis

We have experienced a case of the more unusual form of supernumerary breast tissue which is characterized by the presence of aberrant gland tissue alone. The case was a 30-year-old female patient in puerperium with bilateral axillary masses of seven years duration. Gentle pressure over the right-sided one caused milk to exude from a skin pore. Histopathologic findings of the tumors revealed the lobules of the breast forming islands of glandular tissue.
Adult ; Breast* ; Female ; Humans ; Islands ; Milk ; Postpartum Period ; Skin

BACKGROUND: This study was performed in order to investigate the changes of Na+ transport system in the red blood cells of patients with essential hypertension. METHODS: Na(+)-Li(+) countertransport and Na(+)-K(+) pump activity were measured in 30 cases of essential hypertension and 20 healthy normal controls. And these measurements were analyzed in terms of some important clinical parameters in the patients, i.e., body mass index(BMI), status of hypertension and plasma lipids. RESULTS: Na(+) and K(+) contents of red cells in hypertensive patients were 16.9+/-1.4 and 77.8+/-2.1mmol/L cells, respectively, and no significant difference was found compared with respective value of normal control(14.2+/-0.9 and 82.2+/-2.8mmol/L cells). Na(+)-Li(+) countertransport in the patients group was significantly ancreased compared with control group(62.5+/-4.5 and 46.8+/-3.0umol/L cells.hr), and Na(+)-K(+) pump activity was also showed a significant depression(8.72+/-0.80 and 12.79+/-0.52umol Pi/mg.hr). In the analysis regarding the relationship between Na(+) transport system and some important clinical parameters of the patients with essential hypertension, Na(+)-Li(+) countertransport was related to BMI, and the level of triglyceride. On the other hand, Na(+)-K(+) pump activity was related to the WHO stage and the levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride. But level of blood pressure did not show a significant correlation with either are of the two Na(+) transport system. CONCLUSION: These resluts suggest that Na(+)-Li(+) countertransport and Na(+)-K(+) pump activity in patients with essential hypertension were significantly altered compared with heathy normal controls, and these Na(+) transport system were also influenced by BMI, WHO stage, and the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride. And the individual variation in Na(+) transport system were also suggested by the findings being overlapped between hypertensive patients and controls.
Blood Pressure ; Cholesterol ; Erythrocytes* ; Hand ; Humans ; Hypertension* ; Plasma ; Triglycerides

PURPOSE: It is reported that 65% of diabetic male patients over 60 of their age are impotent. However, there is no report concerning the effect of serum glucose control on erectile dysfunction in diabetic patient. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of serum glucose control on erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AMD METHODS: The development of Diabetes mellitus was defined that the serum glucose level was above 200mg/dL in random test at 25 weeks. We designed the experimental specimen into 3 groups; group I: diabetic OLETF (Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty) rats without blood sugar control (n=10), group II: diabetic OLETF rats with blood sugar control with 4U insulin subcutaneous injection daily from 26 to 46 weeks (n=10), group III: diabetic OLETF rats with blood sugar control with 10U insulin subcutaneous injection daily from 26 to 46 weeks (n=10). We estimated the collagen content of penile tunica albuginea with the scanning electron microscopy and observed the endothelial layers of corpus cavernosum with the transmission electron microscopy in each group. RESULTS: The serum glucose level was 249 +/- 4.1mg/dL, 234 +/- 2.7mg/dL, 215 +/- 3.0mg/dL respectively in group I, II, III, and decreased in order of group II, III. The differences among groups were statistically significant (p<0.05). The thickness of collagen bundles of penile tunica albuginea was 0.98 +/- 0.1 micrometer, 0.94 +/- 0.3 micrometer, 0.92 +/- 0.1 micrometer respectively in group I, II, III, and decreased in order of group II, III. The differences among groups were statistically significant (p<0.05). The endothelial layers of corpus cavernosum were decreased in II, III. CONCLUSIONS: The serum glucose control in diabetic rats decreases the collagen con tents in penile tunica albuginea and the endothelial layers of corpus cavernosum.
Animals ; Blood Glucose* ; Collagen* ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Endothelium ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Humans ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Insulin ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Rats* ; Rats, Inbred OLETF

The use of a cultured autologous keratinocyte sheet has become a recognized method for the coverage of extensive bums during recent years. The disadvantages of these sheet grafts are a long time-lag until keratinocyte sheets are available, the fragility and difficulty in handling of grafts, an unpredictable take rate and extremely high costs. In this study we investigated the transplantation of cultured keratinocytes as single cells suspended in autologous fibrin glue. In a rat model with standardized full thickness wounds, this new transplantation technique was evaluated and compared directly to the conventional keratinocyte sheet grafting technique. After transplantation, wounds were evaluated for the degree of epithelial coverage, and then microscopic structures were evaluated under light and electron microscopy. The results were as follows: 1) The fibrinogen solution prepared from autologous blood had 12 times more fibrinogen compared to the original blood. 2) After transplantation of cultured keratinocyt-es in fibrin glue, the degree of epithelial coverage was 79% at 2 weeks, which was comparable to 17% for cultured keratinocyte sheet graft 3) Typical basement membrane structures were consistently found at 2 weeks after transplantation of keratinocytes in fibrin glue. 4) Rete ridges were found at 4 weeks after transplantation of keratinocytes in fibrin glue. In conclusion, the transplantation technique of keratinocytes in fibrin glue is available earlier than sheet grafts, it transfers actively proliferating cells and it simplifies the grafting procedure. As well, this technique leads to an earlier epithelial covering and an earlier restoration of the dermo-epidermal junction than sheet grafting.
Basement Membrane ; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive* ; Fibrin* ; Fibrinogen ; Keratinocytes* ; Microscopy, Electron ; Models, Animal ; Transplants ; Wounds and Injuries

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy has, become increasingly popular in recent years. Reconstruction surgeons have responded to patients' needs for effective and versatile procedures that will restore the normal shape and symmetry of breasts. Among the various techniques for these purpose, transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) flap is now cosidered as the most acceptable technique. However, there are some limitations to use the TRAM flap, such as heavy smoker, obesity, and previous abdominal surgery. Also TRAM flaps are not good candidates for the patients with absent anterior axillary fold. In these respects, latissimus dorsi flap can be used as an alternative method for successful breast reconstuction. Latissiomus dorsi flaps have several advantages as compared to TRAM flaps, such as reliable blood supply, versatility of skin paddle orientation, and low donor site morbidity. It is also available for patients without anterior axillary fold, such as radical mastectomy defect or Poland syndrome. Latissimus dorsi flaps, however, and implants to obtain projection and symmetry of the reconstructed breast. Main disadvantages of latissimus dorsi flap method are difference in color and texture between skins of flap and chest, and capsular contracture resulted in high riding implant or distortion of breast contour. In this study, we performed latissimus dorsi flap for reconstruction fo breast and anterior axillary fold in 10 cases. To minimize the above problems more fullness and natural shape, implants were completely covered with muscle and overexpanded for more than 3-months and then deflated to the desired volume. These maneuvers produced aesthetically acceptable results during the latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction.
Breast* ; Contracture ; Female ; Humans ; Mammaplasty* ; Mastectomy ; Mastectomy, Radical ; Obesity ; Poland Syndrome ; Rectus Abdominis ; Skin ; Superficial Back Muscles* ; Thorax ; Tissue Donors

No abstract available.
Animals ; Atrophy* ; Electric Stimulation* ; Muscle, Skeletal* ; Rats* ; Sciatic Nerve*

No Abstract Available.
Blepharoplasty*