No abstract available.
Lymphoma ; Ulcer

Leiomyosarcoma is a rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcoma originating in smooth muscle cells. There are two forms of primary superficial leiomyosarcomas depending on the origin and prognosis, one derived from the dermis and the other from the subcutaneous tissue of the skin. Middle-aged to elderly men are particularly affected by this type of cancer. Leiomyosarcomas of the head and neck are quite rare, accounting for approximately 3%~10% of all cases. We report herein a case of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma of the scalp in a 47-year-old female patient.
Aged ; Dermis ; Female ; Head ; Humans ; Leiomyosarcoma ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; Neck ; Prognosis ; Sarcoma ; Scalp ; Skin ; Subcutaneous Tissue

BACKGROUND: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a pivotal role in the balance of cellular energy metabolism. Recent studies have reported that AMPK has numerous roles in physiological conditions, and dysregulation of AMPK induces pathological processes and diseases. However, the role of AMPK and its activators have not yet been studied in the context of hair growth regulation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of metformin on dermal papilla (DP) and outer root sheath (ORS) cells, as well as the role of the AMPK pathway in hair growth. METHODS: We evaluated whether metformin, a well-known AMPK activator, had any beneficial effects on hair growth. In addition, to evaluate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that were involved, protein levels of AMPK and β-catenin were analyzed. RESULTS: Metformin increased the cellular proliferation of human DP and ORS cells. Ki-67 expression was also significantly increased after metformin treatment in the ex vivo hair follicle organ culture. Furthermore, DP and ORS cells treated with metformin had a significant increase in AMPK phosphorylation, which in turn suppressed β-catenin degradation and enhanced its nuclear accumulation. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that metformin promoted hair growth via the AMPK/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro with DP and ORS cells. The hair-promoting effects of AMPK activators may potentially be used for the treatment of alopecia, and further investigation will be needed in the future.
Alopecia ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases ; beta Catenin ; Cell Proliferation ; Energy Metabolism ; Hair Follicle ; Hair ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Metformin ; Organ Culture Techniques ; Pathologic Processes ; Phosphorylation ; Protein Kinases

The incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has increased worldwide, including in Korea. Rectal NETs are usually single lesions, but synchronous multiple lesions are reported in 2–4.5% of patients. Small rectal NETs (≤ 10 mm) are usually confined to the submucosal layer and rarely give rise to lymph node or distant metastases. Here we describe the case of a 54-year-old woman referred to National Cancer Center for the management of two rectal subepithelial tumors. Because computed tomography revealed a small hepatic nodule suggesting atypical hemangioma rather than metastasis, endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed. However, the size of the nodules increased during follow-up. The pathologic results of a liver biopsy confirmed metastatic NET. This case was unusual in that synchronous small rectal NETs and distant liver metastasis occurred in the absence of any risk factors for metastasis. Thus, patients with rectal NETs should be carefully evaluated, especially for the possibility of metastasis.
Biopsy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemangioma ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Liver ; Lymph Nodes ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neuroendocrine Tumors ; Rectum ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUND: Based on reported results of three large cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), we aimed to investigate the overall effect of GLP-1 RAs on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and to identify subpopulations exhibiting the greatest cardiovascular (CV) benefit. METHODS: Three CVOTs reporting effects of long-acting GLP-1 RAs were included: LEADER (liraglutide), SUSTAIN-6 (semaglutide), and EXSCEL (exenatide once weekly). In all studies, the primary endpoint was three-point MACE, comprising CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. Overall effect estimates were calculated as hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the random-effects model; subgroup analyses reported in the original studies were similarly analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, statistically significant risk reductions in MACE and CV death were observed. Subgroup analysis indicated a significant racial difference with respect to CV benefit (P for interaction <0.001), and more substantial risk reductions were observed in subjects of African origin (relative risk [RR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.99) and in Asians (RR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.09 to 1.32). However, post hoc analysis (Bonferroni method) revealed that only Asians exhibited a significantly greater CV benefit from treatment, compared with white subjects (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Long-acting GLP-1 RAs reduced risks of MACE and CV deaths in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our findings of a particularly effective reduction in CV events with GLP-1 RA in Asian populations merits further exploration and dedicated trials in specific populations.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 ; Humans ; Incretins ; Myocardial Infarction ; Stroke

BACKGROUND: Anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy using antibodies such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab has shown promise for treating various types of cancer. In this study, we reviewed the frequency and spectrum of cutaneous adverse events (AEs) caused by PD-1 antibodies and their possible correlation with treatment response. METHODS: We reviewed records of all patients from a single institution treated with either nivolumab or pembrolizumab from August 1, 2014 to April 1, 2017. RESULTS: Of 211 patients included in the study, 134 (63.5%) were treated with nivolumab and 77 (36.5%) with pembrolizumab. Thirty-five patients (16.4%) developed cutaneous AEs. Cutaneous AEs were significantly associated with longer treatment cycles (P = 0.001). The prevalence of cutaneous AEs did not differ between nivolumab (17.2%) and pembrolizumab (15.6%). Patient age, gender, baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale and underlying malignancy were not associated with development of cutaneous AEs. Median time until onset of cutaneous AEs was 50.0 days (range, 1–378 days). Anti-PD-1 therapy was tolerable in most of patients with grade 1 (65.2%) and grade 2 (23.9%) cutaneous AEs. Pruritus (32.6%) and eczema (21.7%) were the most commonly reported cutaneous AEs. In lung cancer patients, cutaneous AEs were not associated with better treatment outcomes after adjusting for the number of treatment cycles. CONCLUSION: Both pembrolizumab and nivolumab exhibited tolerable cutaneous safety profiles in a variety of cancer patients undergoing anti-PD-1 therapy. Cutaneous AEs of anti-PD-1 therapy were not associated with antibody type, underlying malignancy, patient characteristics, or improved response.
Antibodies ; Eczema ; Humans ; Immunotherapy ; Lung Neoplasms ; Prevalence ; Pruritus

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the association between childhood bullying and adulthood mental disorders based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria. We investigated the association of childhood peer bullying with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) psychiatric disorders and suicidality in adults. METHODS: A total of 5,102 respondents aged 18 or over completed the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV psychiatric disorders and a questionnaire for suicidal ideas, plans, and attempts. We evaluated peer bullying using an item in the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the association between victimization of peer bullying, adult psychiatric disorders, and suicidality. RESULTS: Around 8.8% of the general population in Korea reported the experience of being bullied when growing up. Bullying experience was associated with an increase in the adulthood prevalence of nicotine use disorders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75–3.49), alcohol use disorders (aOR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.49–2.51), mood disorders (aOR, 4.23; 95% CI, 3.01–5.94), and anxiety disorders (aOR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.89–4.43) after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Among anxiety disorders, the OR for post-traumatic stress disorder (aOR, 9.95; 95% CI, 5.62–17.63) was notably high. Frequent victimization (many times) was significantly associated with suicidality even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders, whereas occasional victimization (once or a few times) was not. CONCLUSION: Childhood bullying experience was associated with adult psychiatric disorders and suicidality. The findings indicated the importance of the early detection and management of childhood peer bullying to reduce detrimental adulthood consequences.
Adult ; Anxiety Disorders ; Bullying ; Crime Victims ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Mental Disorders ; Mood Disorders ; Odds Ratio ; Prevalence ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic ; Suicide ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tobacco Use Disorder

PURPOSE: Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is highly expressed on dendritic cells. ALCAM and its receptor CD6 are co-stimulatory molecules in the immunological synapse; their interaction is required for T cell activation. While atopic dermatitis (AD) is recognized as a T helper 2 (Th2)-mediated allergic disease, the role of ALCAM in its pathogenesis is unclear. METHODS: ALCAM levels were measured in the serum of AD patients and AD-induced murine model by ovalbumin treatment. We next investigated transepidermal water loss, clinical score, Th2-immune responses, skin barrier gene expression and T-cell activation using wild-type (WT) and ALCAM deficiency mice. An oxazolone-induced AD-like model was also established and analyzed using WT- and ALCAM-deficient mice. RESULTS: We found that serum ALCAM levels were elevated in pediatric AD patients as well as WT AD mice, whereas Th2-type cytokine production and AD symptoms were suppressed in ALCAM-deficient mice. In addition, CD4+ effector T-cell counts in murine skin and skin-draining lymph nodes were lower in ALCAM-deficient mice than in their WT counterparts. ALCAM deficiency was also linked to higher expression of skin barrier genes and number of lamellar bodies. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that ALCAM may contribute to AD pathogenesis by meditating a Th2-dominant immune response and disrupting the barrier function of the skin.
Activated-Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule ; Animals ; Dendritic Cells ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Immunological Synapses ; Lymph Nodes ; Mice ; Ovalbumin ; Skin ; T-Lymphocytes ; Water

BACKGROUND: Research into the Baumann skin type (BST) has recently expanded, with growing interest in the development of an efficient and effective skin type classification system for better understanding of this skin condition. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify male-specific skin type characteristics with investigation into the distribution of BST by age and region in the Korean male population and to determine the intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to skin type. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to collect information about age, region, working behavior, drinking behavior, smoking behavior, usual habit of sun protection, medical history, and the BST which consisted of four parameters; oily (O) or dry (D), sensitive (S) or resistant (R), pigmented (P) or non-pigmented (N), and wrinkled (W) or tight (T). RESULTS: We surveyed 1,000 Korean males aged between 20 and 60 years who were divided equally by age and region. Of the total respondents, OSNW type accounted for the largest percentage and ORPW type the lowest. In terms of Baumann parameters, O type was 53.5%, S type was 56.1%, N type was 84.4% and W type was 57.5%. Several behavioral factors were found to have various relationships with the skin type. CONCLUSION: The predominant skin type in the Korean male respondents was OSNW type, and the distribution of skin types with regards to age and region was reported to be distinct. Therefore, skin care should be customized based on detailed skin types considering the various environmental factors.
Classification ; Drinking Behavior ; Humans ; Male ; Skin Care ; Skin ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Solar System ; Surveys and Questionnaires

No abstract available.
Lymphoma, T-Cell ; T-Lymphocytes