• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.125-128
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• 2007

Docetaxel is a taxoid antineoplastic drug, which is widely used to treat locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among the adverse dermatological reactions, nail disorders such as bending, onycholysis, hypoor hyperpigmentation are rare. We report a case of a 62-year-old male with advanced NSCLC (cT4N3M1, stage IV), who developed purulent discharge and onycholysis in the nail of all his fingers and the left great toe after five courses of anti-neoplastic chemotherapy, which included docetaxel (cumulative dose: $370mg/m^2$, 590 mg). Seven days after the final session of chemotherapy, the patient had become aware of discoloration and swelling of the nail beds with out pain. Three days later, greenish-yellow purulent discharge oozed out from the involved nails. Microbiologic studies revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Intravenous and topical antibiotics (mupirocin) were applied. After 2 weeks, regrown nails were observed and the onycholysis had improved.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to discuss the diagnostic classification of the traditional medicine for pilosis, and the hair removal treatments in traditional medicine and its clinical application. Backgrounds : In recent years, appearance and beauty have become main interest that have positioned in the medical area. In clinical Korean medicine, a variety of methods such as moxibustion, superficial bleeding, multiple microneedling, facial meridian massage, herbal medicine facial pack, laser acupuncture, and intense pulsed light (IPL) have been applied. Methods and Results : Pilosis, a condition of abnormal hair growth, is stated for the first time in the publication, [Pathogenesis and Manifestations of All Diseases] by Chao Yuan-fang in 610 A.D. It shows that pilosis has been recognised as a disease for ages in Asia. Reviewing several publications, we found multiple approaches to pilosis were already existed in korean medicine. They include internal medicinal classification and its' medications. Acupuncture treatments also focused on regulation of radical causes and superficial removal of abnormal hairs. Specific treatments includes body and ear acupuncture, ear acupressure, hypodermic acupuncture, hypodermic acupuncture injection, laser acupuncture treatment. Physical and chemical methods of hair removal were widely invented. we resulted that significant scientific approaches to pilosis are under way in the korean medical field, and found a variety of medical treatments such as herbal medicines and dermatological methods. Conclusions : Hair removal treatments for pilosis in traditional medicine has a long history. Combined with advanced modern technology it can achieve greater advance in cosmetology.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.159-171
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• 2020

Objectives : This study aimed to understand the characteristics of the cases covered in the case studies on traditional Korean medicine (TKM) and furthermore, to provide basic information that can lead the discussion on 'what cases are worth reporting' in future case reports. Methods : Case reports on TKM were searched using the OASIS. The searched researches were analyzed according to the type of case, including information on disease/symptoms and intervention. Results : A total of 940 researches were searched. The most frequently reported type of case study was the report on the effectiveness of intervention. Case reports, which were only two cases in the 1970s, increased rapidly in the 2000s, and in particular, 314 cases within the last five years accounted for about 33% of the total literature. As for the number of studies by disease, the cases dealing with musculoskeletal diseases such as spine, shoulder and knee joint disorders were the most prevalent. Besides, there were many case reports related to cardiovascular, gynecological, cancer, psychiatric, and dermatological diseases. In a total of 51.9% of the included case reports, a combination of two or more Korean medical treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine was used at once, and western treatment was used with Korean medical treatment in 28.2% of the studies. The types of Korean medical treatments were varied, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, pharmacopuncture, electroacupuncture, Chuna, acupotomy, herbal medicine, external preparation, and psychotherapy. The main purpose of the publication of the included case reports was analyzed as a report of TKM treatment for rare diseases, or the application of TKM treatment to diseases or symptoms that are "uncommon in TKM treatment" even if it is not a rare disease. Conclusions : Case reports have the strength of generating new scientific hypotheses by detecting the basic needs and novelty of medicine. The current case studies of TKM do not seem to be sufficient to highlight these strengths. It is necessary to discuss which cases are reported as cases of patients worth publishing, and based on this, it is necessary to activate case studies of TKM by utilizing diagnostic tools and science technology.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.69-80
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• 2008

During New year's day and Thanksgiving holiday, the 1339 Information Center in Gwangju and Jeonnam received an emergency medical situation and carried out the analysis as follows ; 1. The reason for the higher phone guidance(72%) of the hospital was based on the simple query for the pain control rather than emergency care. This was explained by the unfamiliar environment of the holiday movers. Pharmaceutical guidance(12.6%) in rural area was also given during the holidays. 2. The disease counselling(2.4%) and emergency treatment instruction(First Aid)(1.6%) decreased because of the small number of request for the diseases. This explained the decrease of the disease counselling. 3. The phone calls increased 8-13 times more than usual. Five-day holidays could have more emergency patients than three-day holidays. During New year's day and Thanksgiving day, the number of received phone calls was 6,444(25.7%) and this accounted for one fourth of the total number in 2007. 4. The number of the patients increased on New year's day and Thanksgiving day because most of the medical institutions and pharmacy were off duty. 5. The patients were centered in Internal medicine and pediatrics. This showed the food-borne diseases and air-borne infection such as common cold. 6. During Thanksgiving day, ophthalmologic patients having viral keratoconjunctivitis(Apollo eye disease) increased 8 folds than in New year's day. It was estimated from the continuous epidemic of Apollo eye disease. 7. There broke out the traffic accidents, food poisoning, infectious diseases, dermatological diseases due to seasonal and environmental changes during the holiday move.

• Annals of dermatology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.694-700
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• 2018

Background: Kaempferol (3,4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid known to have a wide range of pharmacological activities. The 3-OH group in flavonoids has been reported to determine antioxidant activities. Objective: We tested whether kaempferol can affect the expression of integrins and the stem cell fate of interfollicular epidermal stem cells. Methods: Skin equivalent (SE) models were constructed, and the expression levels of stem cell markers and basement membrane-related antigens were tested. The immunohistochemical staining patterns of integrins, p63, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were compared between kaempferol- and apigenin-treated SE models. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of integrins. Results: Kaempferol increased the thickness of the epidermis when added to prepare SEs. In addition, the basal cells of kaempferol-treated SEs appeared more columnar. In the immunohistological study, the expression of integrins ${\alpha}6$ and ${\beta}1$ and the numbers of p63- and PCNA-positive cells were markedly higher in the kaempferol-treated model. However, apigenin showed no effects on the formation of three-dimensional skin models. RT-PCR analysis also confirmed that kaempferol increased the expression of integrin ${\alpha}6$ and integrin ${\beta}1$. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that kaempferol can increase the proliferative potential of basal epidermal cells by modulating the basement membrane. In other words, kaempferol can affect the fate of interfollicular epidermal stem cells by increasing the expression of both integrins ${\alpha}6$ and ${\beta}1$. These effects, in particular, might be ascribed to the 3-OH group of kaempferol.

• Annals of dermatology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.662-667
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• 2018

Background: Recently, the number of domestic pets has increased. As a consequence, sensitization to animal allergens, such as cat or dog allergens, has become a problem. Objective: We studied the annual trends of sensitization to cats or dogs, and the characteristics of the patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 7,469 patients who visited a dermatology clinic and underwent an allergic profile test, from January 2011 to December 2015. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels to cat or dog antibody greater than 3.50 IU/ml were regarded as positive results. Results: In all, 274 patients showed significant increase in levels of specific IgE antibody to dog, and 307 revealed increase in levels of of specific IgE antibody to cat. The prevalence of these specific IgEs increased from 2011 to 2015. Independent risks for sensitization to cat allergens were sensitization to dog, but not to house dust, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and D. farinae. Independent risks for sensitization to dog allergens were sensitization to cat, but not to house dust, D. pteronyssinus, and D. farinae. Total IgE level was not related to specific IgE level against either cats or dogs. Conclusion: In conclusion, the prevalence of sensitization to cat or dog has increased. Sensitization to cat or dog is related to each other, but is irrelevant to the total IgE level.

• Annals of dermatology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.668-675
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• 2018

Background: Drug survival, defined as the time until discontinuation, is a parameter reflecting real-world therapeutic effectiveness. Few studies have examined the influence of economic factors on the drug survival of biologic agents for psoriasis, particularly in Asian countries. Objective: To determine the drug survival for ustekinumab in real-life settings and investigate the factors affecting drug survival for psoriasis patients in Korea. Methods: We evaluated 98 psoriasis patients who were treated with ustekinumab at a single center. We analyzed the efficacy and drug survival of ustekinumab. Cox proportional hazard analysis and competing risk regression analysis were performed to reveal the factors affecting the drug survival of ustekinumab. Results: The overall mean drug survival was 1,596 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 904~2,288). Among the 39 cessations of ustekinumab treatment, 9 (23.1%) patients discontinued treatment after experiencing satisfactory results. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that paying on patients' own expense was the major predictor for the discontinuation of ustekinumab (hazard ratio [HR], 9.696; 95% CI, 4.088~22.998). Competing risk regression analysis modeling of discontinuation because of factors other than satisfaction of an event also revealed that ustekinumab treatment at the patient's expense (HR, 4.138; 95% CI, 1.684~10.168) was a predictor of discontinuation rather than satisfaction. Conclusion: The results of our study revealed that the cost of biologics treatment affects the drug survival of ustekinumab and suggested that economic factors affect the drug survival of ustekinumab treatment in Korea.

• Annals of dermatology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.688-693
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• 2018

Background: There are few pharmacologic options to reduce erythema and flushing in patients with recalcitrant erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR). We previously reported two cases of refractory flushing and erythema of rosacea that were successfully treated with intradermal botulinum toxin injection, and additional research is needed to prove the efficacy and safety of this treatment. Objective: To report the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin injection as an aid in persistent erythema of rosacea patients. Methods: A total of 20 Korean patients with recalcitrant ETR were enrolled to receive treatment by injection of botulinum toxin. Patients received one treatment of intradermal botulinum toxin injection and were assessed 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after treatment. The severity of erythema and telangiectasia was investigated by a non-treating physician, and the Erythema Index (EI) was assessed by mexameter at each visit. Patient satisfaction and any adverse events were also assessed at each visit. Results: 17 patients completed all follow-up visits and were included in the analysis. Intradermal injection of botulinum toxin significantly reduced erythema severity and EI in ETR patients. Patients reported a satisfaction score of $2.94{\pm}0.56$ at 8 weeks after treatment. Except for three patients who discontinued the study early due to inconvenience of facial muscle paralysis, 17 patients participating in the final analysis did not report side effects except injection pain at the time of the procedure. Conclusion: Intradermal injection of botulinum toxin can be used as an effective and relatively safe adjuvant agent for recalcitrant and persistent erythema of ETR patients.

• Annals of dermatology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.645-652
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• 2018

Background: Adiponectin, an adipokine secreted from adipocytes, affects energy metabolism and also shows anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have reported that adiponectin plays a role in regulating skin inflammation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of adiponectin on the expression of filaggrin (FLG) in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). Methods: NHEKs were serum-starved for 6h before being treated with adiponectin. Afterward, cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. We also treated with calcium, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-13 to provide positive and negative comparative controls, respectively. Gene mRNA expression was quantified using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and protein expression was evaluated using Western blot. To evaluate the relationship among mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and FLG, we also treated cells with inhibitors for MAPKs JNK, p38, and ERK1/2. Results: FLG and FLG-2 mRNA expression in NHEKs significantly increased after treatment with $10{\mu}g/ml$ adiponectin. Adiponectin also restored FLG and FLG-2 mRNA expression that was otherwise inhibited by treatment with IL-4 and IL-13. Adiponectin induced FLG expression via AP-1 and MAPK signaling. Conclusion: Adiponectin positively regulated the expression of FLG and could be useful as a therapeutic agent to control diseases related to disrupted skin barrier function.

• Annals of dermatology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.676-687
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• 2018

Background: Rosacea is associated with chronic systemic disease. However, research is lacking in Asian countries. Objective: To evaluate the association between rosacea and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) related systemic comorbidities, and the use of antihypertensive and antihyperlipidemic drugs in Korea. Methods: A five-year retrospective study, using hospital database, was conducted in five medical centers for five years. Totally 1,399,528 patients were evaluated. Results: The overall frequency for diagnosed rosacea was 0.18% over five years (2,536 rosacea patients). Patients with diabetes and patients with dyslipidemia were more likely to have rosacea (odd ratio [OR] 2.724, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.295~5.730, p=0.016; OR 1.788, 95% CI 1.445~2.212, p<0.001). Patients with CVD were less likely to have rosacea (OR 0.431, 95% CI 0.244~0.760, p=0.003). Patients with ${\alpha}$-blocker prescriptions and patients with ${\beta}$-blocker prescriptions showed a tendency diagnosed with rosacea frequently (OR 1.963, 95% CI 1.200~3.212, p=0.006; OR 3.939, 95% CI 3.512~4.419, p<0.001). Patients with [beta]-hydroxy-[beta]-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, and those with fibrate, were prone to have rosacea (OR 1.599, 95% CI 1.390~1.839, p<0.001; OR 1.660, 95% CI 1.056~2.609, p=0.026). As adjusted results, among the patients who took HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor without dyslipidemia, rosacea was less likely to be diagnosed (OR 0.780, 95% CI 0.620~0.982, p=0.034). Conclusion: Rosacea is associated with chronic diseases and drugs.