• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.331-339
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• 2022

Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes to protect the skin from external stimuli, mainly ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, abnormal and excessive production of melanin causes hyperpigmentation disorders, such as freckles, age spots, and discoloration. Natural cosmeceuticals are a new trend for treating or preventing hyperpigmentation due to fewer side effects and biocompatibility. In this context, the current study focused on Cnidium japonicum, a halophyte with several uses in folk medicine, to evaluate its potential as a skin-whitening agent. The effect of C. japonicum extract (CJE) on melanin production was analyzed in melanogenesis-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. The results showed that CJE successfully inhibited the oxidation of tyrosine and L-DOPA by tyrosinase and subsequently decreased the production of the key enzymes responsible for melanin production: tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1, and protein-2. This effect was confirmed by decreased intracellular and extracellular melanin levels in B16F10 melanoma cells after CJE treatment. Further experiments to elucidate the action mechanism revealed that CJE treatment suppressed melanin production by inhibiting the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSKβ)/β-catenin and protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) pathways, which are the upstream activators of melanogenesis. In conclusion, the present study suggests that C. japonicum is a potential natural source of bioactive substances for the development of novel cosmeceuticals that can act against hyperpigmentation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.579-583
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• 1999

Background: Thoracic sympathicotomy has been used safely and successfully to manage palmar hyperhidrosis. The preoperative and postoperative recording of Sympathetic Skin Responses(SSR) was performed for objective evaluation and follow-up of thoracic sympathicotomy in hyperhidrosis patients, and also for ascertaining the clinical usefullness of SSR. Material and Method: The recording of SSR was performed on 15 patients suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis with Medelec Sapphire Plus electromyogragh before and after thoracic sympathicotomy. Eletrical stimuli on the right median nerve was made in patients in supine position and results were recorded on right and left palms with soles at the same time by 4 channels. Skin temperatures were also monitored simultaneously. T2,3 sympathicotomy was performed with VATS in every patients. SSR was done in 2 patients one month later. Result: Clinically, all patients had symptomatic improvement with satisfaction. Postoperative complication was small amount of residual pneumothorax in 5 patients but it was absorbed sponteneously. There was no recurrence during follow-up period and ten patients(66%) complained compensatory hyperhidrosis. After operation, SSR change was shown in every 15 patients. Abolition of SSR on both palms was achieved in 12 patients(80%) and on both soles in 6 patients. In the other 3 patients, the latencies were significantly delayed and the amplitudes were significantly reduced at both palms and soles. In two patients who were examined at one month later after operation, similar results with postoperative SSRs were shown. The skin temperature on preoperative both palm and sole were lower than normal temperature, and those on postoperative both palm and sole were increased. Those had statistical significance(p<0.05), and the temperature on the palm was increased higher that than on the sole. Conclusion: After thoracic sympathicotomy was performed on palmar hyperhidrosis patients, an increment of skin temperatures and SSR changes were achieved at both palms and soles of all patients. Palmar SSRs were completely abolished in 12 patients(80%), and similar results of postoperative SSRs were achieved. The recording of SSR may be useful to easily and objectively assess the completeness of sympathicotomy and the follow-up of recurrence in hyperhidrosis patients.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2014

Preservatives such as paraben, phenoxyethanol, and chlorphene are commonly used in cosmetics thanks to cheap price and good antiseptic effect. Recently, consumers' concerns about their possible toxicity and skin irritation forced them to be replaced with straight 1,2-alkanediols. However, as the alkanediols may also irritate skin, limited amount of them should be used in cosmetics. Three 1,2-alkanediols including 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol in cosmetics were analyzed simultaneously by gas chromatogrphy with flame ionization detector. As a result of method validation, the specificity was confirmed by the calibration curves of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol showing good linearity correlation coefficient of above 0.999 over the concentration range of $100{\sim}1,200{\mu}g/g$. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol were 31, 40, and $19{\mu}g/g$ and 98, 108, and $57{\mu}g/g$, respectively. The precision (Repeatability) of the amount in cosmetics showed less than 2.0%. Relative Standard Deviation (% RSD) and the Accuracy (% recovery) of the amount in cosmetics showed 99.3 ~ 103.3, 99.4 ~ 106.7, 97.5 ~ 107.3% respectively. As a result, simultaneous analysis of antimicrobial three 1,2-alkanediols in cosmetics were possible. This method can be utilized in accurate quantitative analysis of 1,2-alkanediols in cosmetics.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.738-743
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• 2009

Background: There is no standardized tool and parameter that can accurately assess the sympathetic function before and after performing sympathectomy in patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis. We examined the effective-ness of the sympathetic skin response (SSR) study for documenting the change of sympathetic denervation before and after performing selective thoracic sympathicotomy. Material and Method: We prospectively investigated the SSR from 12 healthy subjects who were diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis. Each SSR was recorded on the right palm or sole with electrical stimuli applied to the skin at the left wrist and foot and vice versa for the controlateral side. This test was performed before, 2 weeks and 1 year after selective thoracic sympathicotomy. The data was corrected for the onset latency and the amplitude of the SSR (n=24). Result: The mean age of the 12 patients was $24.6{\pm}0.4$ years (range: 19~36) and the gender ratio was 1 : 0.7. The mean values of the preoperative, postoperative 2 weeks and postoperative 1 year onset latency and amplitude of the palmar side (n=24) were $1.46{\pm}0.24$ msec and $6,043{\pm}2,339{\mu}V$, $1.63{\pm}0.42$ msec and $823{\pm}638{\mu}V$, and $1.44{\pm}0.39$ msec and $2,412{\pm}1,546{\mu}V$, respectively. The mean values of the plantar side (n=38) were $1.83{\pm}0.42$ msec and $2,816{\pm}1,694{\mu}V$, $2.16{\pm}0.39$ msec and $1,445{\pm}1,281{\mu}V$ and $1.95{\pm}0.25$ msec and $1,622{\pm}865{\mu}V$, respectively. Among the documented parameters, only the palmar amplitude (p=0.002) showed statistical significance in recording the change of the sympathetic system within the same individual for the pre and postoperative period. Conclusion: The SSR amplitude ratio may be a useful parameter for documenting the efficacy of sympathetic denervation after selective sympathicotomy.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.9
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• pp.971-976
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• 2008

Purpose : Surveillance for detecting and managing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a key component of tuberculosis control. The classic surveillance tool, the tuberculin skin test (TST), may have some limitations when used in the Bacillus Calmette-$Gu{\acute{e}}rin$ (BCG)-vaccinated population. The object was to perform a blood test $QuantiFERON^{(R)}$-TB Gold In Tube (QFT-G IT) based on the detection of interferon-$\gamma$ ($IFN-{\gamma}$) released by T cells in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens, and to compare the efficacy of this new diagnostic tool for LTBI with that of TST. Methods : For six months, between October 1, 2006 and April 30, 2007, data were collected from 111 patients under 15 years of age at Severance Children's Hospital. TST and QFT-G IT tests were performed with children with or without contact histories of tuberculosis. In addition to these tests, we examined comparative data from 29 adults who had tuberculosis, to detect false negative rates in the QFT-G IT method. Results : Thirty-three children had household contact histories. In this group, 15% and 42% of cases were found to be positive using the QFT-G IT assay and TST, respectively. Agreement was low between these two tests (${\kappa}=0.39$). In the adult active tuberculosis group, the QFT-G IT false negative rate defined as a positive culture and a negative QFT-G IT result was 12.5%. Conclusion : In diagnosing LTBI in children, the usefulness of a whole-blood $IFN-{\gamma}$ assay employing TB-specific antigens will be revealed only by examining additional longitudinal clinical data; this study serves as a starting point in that process.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.330-339
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• 2008

Ceramide, cholesterol and free fatty acids are the major intercellular lipids, maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. However, the roles of these lipids in canine skin barrier function are little known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the repairing effects of 2% ceramide (CER), 2% cholesterol (CHO), 2% linoleic acid (LIN) and 2% intercellular lipid mixture (ILM) on damaged canine skin barrier by 1.25% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, skin pH and skin thickness were assessed. Histological profiles and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) profiles were assessed on day 12. SLS effectively induced the canine skin barrier damage. TEWL was significantly decreased by topical application of CER and ILM in SLS and vehicle-treated skin on day 8 and 12, respectively (p < 0.05, p < 0.0 I). By end of the experiment all lipids significantly decreased the TEWL as compared with SLS and vehicle control, but CER and ILM more significantly decreased the TEWL than UN and CHO, respectively (p < 0.01). Skin hydration was significantly increased by CER and ILM during experimental periods (p < 0.01). Skin pH was significantly decreased by CER, LIN and ILM. In histological profiles, the thickness of the stratum corneum (SC) was significantly increased by the SC lipids as compared with vehicle and SLS (p < 0.01). Especially, CER and ILM showed more prominent improvement of barrier recovery. In TEM of the SC, SLS induced exfoliations of corneodesmosomes in the SC, and CER and ILM effectively protected exfoliations of corneodesmosomes on SLS-damaged canine skin. These results indicated that topical application of CER and ILM dramatically improved damaged-skin barrier function by SLS. Also, it was considered that the use of CER or ILM was recommended for the management of skin barrier dysfunction by irritant and inflammatory skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.965-976
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• 2023

Reynoutria japonica is a perennate plant belonging to Polygonaceae and grows wild in East Asia containing Korea. Roots of Reynoutria japonica (R. japonica), part of roots of Reynoutria japonica, has been used for anti-inflammation and antispasmodics and contains emodin as active compound. Epidermis of skin is crucial roles to defense our body against stimulants, harmful substance and prevent water loss. In this study, we examined the effect of R. japonica and emodin, its active compound, on skin-barrier and moisturizing on HaCaT cells. First, antioxidant effect of R. japonica was prominent by scavenging ABTS⁺ radicals. Next, we conducted real time PCR and expression of filaggrin mRNA which is crucial role in differentiation of keratinocyte increased by R. japonica and emodin dose-dependently. In addition, R. japonica and emodin significantly elevated the expression of HAS-2 mRNA which play a role in hyaluronic acid synthesis on HaCaT cells. Taken together, R. japonica containing emodin, as active compound has potential as a cosmetic material for enhancing the function of skin-barrier and moisturizing in epidermis.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2019

In this study, $L-{\alpha}-amino$ acid, which is a constituent of natural moisturizing factor, was applied to skin in periodic cycle to improve skin tone and texture roughness. Based on the polarity of the alkyl group (R) of the $L-{\alpha}-amino$ acid, the acid was categorized into two groups and their efficacy was studied. As a result, it was found that the improvement rate of $L-{\alpha}-amino$ acid complex with polar alkyl group ($L-{\alpha}-AAC-1$) is 21% higher than that of $L-{\alpha}-amino$ acid complex with non-polar alkyl group ($L-{\alpha}-AAC-2$). For clinical trials, emulsions containing $L-{\alpha}-amino$ acid complex ($L-{\alpha}-AAC-1$) were applied to the randomly selected 20 to 40 year old female participants, as an experimental group, on the right facial cheek once per day for 8 weeks, and emulsions without $L-{\alpha}-amino$ acid complex, as a control group, were applied to the left facial cheek in the same way. Improvements in skin tone were measured using $JANUS^{(R)}$ equipment and analyzed using image analysis software. Skin texture improvement was measured and analyzed mechanically using the phaseshift rapid in-vivo measurement of the skin (PRIMOS) equipment. As a result, improvements of skin tone and skin texture were 11.7% and 6.7%, respectively. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted to the participants on the aesthetic improvement and the degree of the feeling of skin improvement. The results suggest that $L-{\alpha}-amino$ acid can be used as a cosmetic substance that can provide aesthetic satisfaction through physiological skin tone and texture roughness.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.13 no.1_2
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• pp.149-152
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• 1997

This test was performed to evaluate the ocular and skin irritation of EPO (Erythropoietin). The results as follows: 1. Ocular irritation test There were no observed clinical signs, body weght changes by EPO during experimental period. The acute ocular irritation index(A.O.I.), mean ocular irritation index(M.O.I.) and Day-7 individual ocular irritation index(I.O.I.) of EPO at dose of 1000U and 10, 000U were 0, respectively. Therefore we evaluated that EPO was non-toxic to eyes. 2. Skin irritation test There were no observed clinical signs, body weght changes and gross pathologic findings by EPO during experimental period. There were no observed erythema, eschar formation and edema formation on intact and abraded skin treated by EPO. The primary irritation index(P.I.I.) of EPO at dose of 1000U and 10, 000U were 0, respectively and were evaluated none irritating product about skin irritation.

• 한국HCI학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2006.02a
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• pp.463-466
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• 2006

최근 전자기기에서 시각 및 청각과 함께 촉각 디스플레이가 정보를 출력하는 중요한 수단으로 부각되고 있다. 본 논문에서는 촉각 정보 출력을 위한 소형진동촉각(vibrotactile) 디스플레이 모듈을 개발하였다. 개발한 모듈은 주파수와 진폭을 독립적으로 조절할 수 있으며 핀이 직접 피부에 자극을 주기 때문에 몸체 전체가 떨리는 기존의 진동모터보다 정밀하고 다양한 촉각 표현을 할 수 있다. 또한 고전압을 이용하는 Piezo 방식과 달리 낮은 전력으로 동작이 가능하여 휴대장치에 직접 장착할 수 있는 장점을 가지고 있다.