Background: Primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) is a rare disease that causes irreversible destruction of hair follicles and affects the quality of life (QOL). Objective: We aimed to investigate the disease awareness, medical use behavior, QOL, and real-world diagnosis and treatment status of patients with PCA. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was administered to patients with PCA and their dermatologists. Patients aged between 19 and 75 years who visited one of 27 dermatology departments between September 2021 and September 2022 were included. Results: In total, 274 patients were included. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.47, with a mean age of 45.7 years. Patients with neutrophilic and mixed PCA were predominantly male and younger than those with lymphocytic PCA. Among patients with lymphocytic PCA, lichen planopilaris was the most common type, and among those with neutrophilic PCA, folliculitis decalvans was the most common type. Among the total patients, 28.8% were previously diagnosed with PCA, 47.0% were diagnosed with PCA at least 6 months after their first hospital visit, 20.0% received early treatment within 3 months of disease onset, and 54.4% received steady treatment. More than half of the patients had a moderate to severe impairment in QOL. Topical/intralesional steroid injections were the most common treatment. Systemic immunosuppressants were frequently prescribed to patients with lymphocytic PCA, and antibiotics were mostly prescribed to patients with neutrophilic PCA. Conclusion This study provides information on the disease awareness, medical use behavior, QOL, diagnosis, and treatment status of Korean patients with PCA. This can help dermatologists educate patients with PCA to understand the necessity for early diagnosis and steady treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the available data on the anti-anger effects of herbal medicines (HMs) as well as their underlying mechanisms in rat models. METHODS: From 6 electronic databases [PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), and Research Information Sharing Service (RISS)], relevant animal experiments were searched by using "anger," "rats," and "animal" as search keywords. The last search was conducted on November 22, 2019, and all experiments involving rat models of anger and treatment using HMs published until the date of the search were considered. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies with 16 kinds of HMs were included. Most studies have used the "tail irritating method" and "social isolation and resident intruder" method to establish anger models. According to the included studies, the therapeutic mechanisms of HMs for anger regulation and important herbs by their frequency and/or preclinical evidence mainly incladed regulation of hemorheology (Bupleuri Radix, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and Glycyrrhizae Radix), regulation of sex hormones (Bupleuri Radix, Cyperi Rhizoma, and Paeoniae Radix Alba), regulation of neurotransmitters (Cyperi Rhizoma), regulation of anger-related genes (Bupleuri Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, and Paeoniae Radix Alba), and other effects. Overall, Liver (Gan) qi-smoothing herbs including Bupleuri Radix and Cyperi Rhizoma were the most frequently used. CONCLUSIONS This review found the frequent methods to establish an anger model, and major mechanisms of anti-anger effects of HMs. Interestingly, some Liver qi-smoothing herbs have been frequently used to investigate the anti-anger effects of HM. These findings provide insight into the role and relevance of HMs in the field of anger management.
Anger ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Herbal Medicine ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Paeonia/chemistry* ; Rats

We used a heterozygous gene deletion library of fission yeasts comprising all essential and non-essential genes for a microarray screening of target genes of the antifungal terbinafine, which inhibits ergosterol synthesis via the erg1 enzyme. We identified 14 heterozygous strains corresponding to 10 non-essential [7 ribosomal-protein (RP) coding genes, spt7, spt20, and elp2] and 4 essential genes (tif302, rpl2501, rpl31, and erg1). Expectedly, their erg1 mRNA and protein levels had decreased compared to the control strain SP286. When we studied the action mechanism of the non-essential target genes using cognate haploid deletion strains, knockout of SAGA-subunit genes caused a down-regulation in erg1 transcription compared to the control strain ED668. However, knockout of RP genes conferred no susceptibility to ergosterol-targeting antifungals. Surprisingly, the RP genes participated in the erg1 transcription as components of repressor complexes as observed in a comparison analysis of the experimental ratio of erg1 mRNA. To understand the action mechanism of the interaction between the drug and the novel essential target genes, we performed isobologram assays with terbinafine and econazole (or cycloheximide). Terbinafine susceptibility of the tif302 heterozygous strain was attributed to both decreased erg1 mRNA levels and inhibition of translation. Moreover, Tif302 was required for efficacy of both terbinafine and cycloheximide. Based on a molecular modeling analysis, terbinafine could directly bind to Tif302 in yeasts, suggesting Tif302 as a potential off-target of terbinafine. In conclusion, this genome-wide screening system can be harnessed for the identification and characterization of target genes under any condition of interest.

BACKGROUND: Atelocollagen is widely recognized as a biomaterial for regenerative medicine because of its good compatibility and low antigenicity. Injury of the outermost layer of articular cartilage, known as the lamina splendens, can lead to osteoarthritis (OA) and eventually full-thickness cartilage loss. The intra-articular injection of atelocollagen has been designed to restore the cartilage layer and cartilage defects in OA joints. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of atelocollagen as a cartilage supplement for joint defects. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of atelocollagen in animals with cartilage defects. Femoral groove defects were artificially created in 12 male New Zealand white rabbits, which were treated with intra-articular injection of either atelocollagen (experimental) or normal saline (control). The results were observed 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks following macroscopic and histological evaluations. RESULTS: At 3 weeks, cartilage tissue was restored in the experimental group, whereas the control group did not show signs of restoration. At 12 weeks, defects in both groups were filled with regenerated tissue, but the experimental group displayed a morphologically better appearance. Histologically, the regenerated tissue in the experimental group showed statistically significant improvement compared to the control group, with a structure similar to that of normal articular cartilage. CONCLUSION The results showed that the intra-articular injection of atelocollagen enhanced cartilage regeneration following rabbit patellar groove defects. Therefore, intra-articular injection of atelocollagen can be used as an effective supplement for joint defects.

BACKGROUND: Atelocollagen is widely recognized as a biomaterial for regenerative medicine because of its good compatibility and low antigenicity. Injury of the outermost layer of articular cartilage, known as the lamina splendens, can lead to osteoarthritis (OA) and eventually full-thickness cartilage loss. The intra-articular injection of atelocollagen has been designed to restore the cartilage layer and cartilage defects in OA joints. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of atelocollagen as a cartilage supplement for joint defects. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of atelocollagen in animals with cartilage defects. Femoral groove defects were artificially created in 12 male New Zealand white rabbits, which were treated with intra-articular injection of either atelocollagen (experimental) or normal saline (control). The results were observed 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks following macroscopic and histological evaluations. RESULTS: At 3 weeks, cartilage tissue was restored in the experimental group, whereas the control group did not show signs of restoration. At 12 weeks, defects in both groups were filled with regenerated tissue, but the experimental group displayed a morphologically better appearance. Histologically, the regenerated tissue in the experimental group showed statistically significant improvement compared to the control group, with a structure similar to that of normal articular cartilage. CONCLUSION The results showed that the intra-articular injection of atelocollagen enhanced cartilage regeneration following rabbit patellar groove defects. Therefore, intra-articular injection of atelocollagen can be used as an effective supplement for joint defects.

Background: Chondroblastomas, which account for approximately 1% of all bone tumors, typically occur in long bones, such as the femur, humerus, and tibia. However, in extremely rare cases, they may also occur in the craniofacial region where the tumor is often found in the squamous portion of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and in the temporal bone.Case presentation: This case report describes a large chondroblastoma (diameter, approximately 37 mm) that occurred in the TMJ. The tumor was sufficiently aggressive to destroy the TMJ, mandibular condyle neck, external auditory canal (EAC), mandibular fossa of the temporal bone, and facial nerve. The tumor was completely excised using a pre-auricular approach. The EAC and surgical defect were successfully reconstructed using a temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) and an inguinal free fat graft. There was no local tumor recurrence at the 18-month follow-up visits. However, the patient developed sensory neural hearing loss, and his eyebrow paralysis worsened, eventually requiring plastic surgery. Conclusion Large, invasive chondroblastomas of the TMJ can be completely removed through a pre-auricular approach, and the resulting surgical defect can be reconstructed using TPFF and free fat grafts. However, preoperative evaluation of the facial nerve and auditory function is necessary. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is essential.

Osteoporosis is a worldwide disease leading to significant economic and societal burdens globally. Osteoporosis is caused by unbalanced bone remodeling between the rate of osteoclast bone resorption and osteoblast bone formation. Acer tegmentosum Maxim (AT) is a traditional herbal medicine containing multiple biological activities such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory purposes. However, its role in osteoporosis has not been fully studied. Therefore, we investigated whether AT has a potent inhibitory effect on osteoporosis and its mechanism through a systemic evaluation in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. OVX mice were orally administrated with the AT at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 10 weeks. Histological images and histomorphometry analyses were performed by H&E and Toluidine blue satin, and the expression levels of receptor activator for nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL), nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasm 1 (NFATc1), c-Fos, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) related to the osteoclast differentiation were investigated using immunohistochemical analysis. Administration of AT prevented bone loss and the alternations of osteoporotic bone parameters at the distinct regions of the distal femur and spongiosa region in OVX mice. Further, administration of AT increased periosteal bone formation in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, AT inhibited not only the expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos, which are two major regulators of osteoclastogenesis but also reduced bone resorbed encoding expression of MMP9 and RANKL. Our results indicated that administration of AT prevented bone loss and the alternations of osteoporotic bone parameters at the distinct regions of the distal femur and spongiosa region in OVX mice. Also AT has the bone protective effect through the suppression of osteoclast and promotion of osteoblast, suggesting that it could be a preventive and therapeutic candidate for anti-osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND: Transverse facial clefts are Tessier's number 7 facial cleft among numbers 1–15 in Tessier's classification of craniofacial malformations, which varies from a simple widening oral commissure to a complete fissure extending towards the external ear.CASE PRESENTATION: In a patient with a transverse facial cleft, to functionally arrange the orbicularis oris muscle and form the oral commissure naturally, we performed a surgical procedure including orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction and cheiloplasty with Z-plasty. CONCLUSION We achieved good results functionally and esthetically by orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction and cheiloplasty with Z-plasty. The surgical modality of our anatomical repair and 3 months follow-up results are presented.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the improvement of pain and the increase in mouth opening after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis and the possible association with various factors such as previous splint treatment, medication, and diagnosis. RESULTS: We studied 57 temporomandibular joint disorder patients who underwent arthrocentesis at Korea University Anam Hospital. These patients (24 males and 33 females, aged between 15 and 76 years) underwent arthrocentesis that was performed by one surgeon. The degree of mouth opening (assessed using the maximum mouth opening: MMO) and pain (assessed using the visual analog scale: VAS) were assessed pre- and post-arthrocentesis. The study also investigated whether treatment modalities other than arthrocentesis (medication and appliance therapy) were performed. Statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in mouth opening and pain after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis. Preoperative appliance therapy affected the results of arthrocentesis, but it was not statistically significant. With regard to pain relief, preoperative diagnosis did not show a significant difference. However, with regard to maximum mouth opening, patients with disc displacement without reduction with limited mouth opening (closed lock) showed the highest recovery (11.13 mm). CONCLUSION The average of MMO increase after arthrocentesis was 9.10 mm, and patients with disc displacement without reduction with locking (closed lock) showed most recovery in maximum mouth opening and it was statistically significant. The average pain relief of patients after arthrocentesis was 3.03 in the VAS scale, and patients using anterior repositioning splint (ARS) preoperatively showed the most pain relief.

BACKGROUND: Radioiodine therapy has been widely used for thyroid disease patients, but hyposalivation and xerostomia may occur in 10~30% of patients. Sialocentesis is a procedure that removes inflammatory substances in the salivary duct and expands the duct for the secretion and delivery of saliva. In this study, thyroid disease patients treated with radioactive iodine were selected among the patients with xerostomia who visited the hospital, and the effect of sialocentesis was compared and analyzed. And then, comparison between the radioiodine therapy-experienced group and the non-radioiodine therapy-experienced group was conducted. RESULTS: In this study, we studied xerostomia patients who underwent radioiodine therapy due to thyroid diseases and who underwent sialocentesis at the Korea University Anam Hospital. Sialocentesis is conducted by one surgeon. The study also compares the clinical symptoms before and after the surgery. After the procedure, the discomfort due to xerostomia was reduced, and the symptom was improved effectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed that sialocentesis has a clinical effect in the treatment of xerostomia, which is a side effect of radioiodine therapy. In addition, the possibility of further clinical application of sialocentesis in the future is found.