Effects of pulsed electrical stimulation on α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen expression in human dermal fibroblasts.

Pulsed electrical stimulation (PES) is known to affect cellular activities. We previously found PES to human dermal fibroblasts (HFs) promoted platelet-derived growth factor subunit A (PDGFA) gene expression, which enhanced proliferation. In this study, we investigated PES effects on fibroblast collagen production and differentiation into myofibroblasts.

Pulsed electrical stimulation and amino acid derivatives promote collagen gene expression in human dermal fibroblasts.

Several collagen types are important for maintaining skin structure and function. Previous reports show that l-hydroxyproline (Hyp), N-acetyl-l-hydroxyproline (AHyp), and l-alanyl-l-glutamine (Aln-Gln) are biological active substances with collagen synthesis-promoting effects. In this study, we combined the promotive effects of pulsed electrical stimulation (PES) with three amino acid derivatives in human dermal fibroblasts.

Staining of stratum corneum with fluorescent ε-poly-L-lysine and its application to evaluation of skin conditions.

Background: ε-Poly-L-lysine (PLL) is a cationic polymer consisting of 25 to 35 L-lysine residues that adheres to the surface of skin as well as hair. However, the properties of PLL regarding its adhesion to the skin remain to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the staining of stratum corneum (SC) with fluorescence-labeled PLL and explored its relationship with skin condition.

Effects of pulsed electrical stimulation on growth factor gene expression and proliferation in human dermal fibroblasts.

Human dermal fibroblast proliferation plays an important role in skin wound healing, and electrical stimulation (ES) promotes skin wound healing. Although the use of ES for skin wound healing has been investigated, the mechanism underlying the effects of ES on cells is still unclear. This study examined the effects of pulsed electrical stimulation (PES) on human dermal fibroblasts.

Pulsed electric current induces the differentiation of human keratinocytes.

Although normal human keratinocytes are known to migrate toward the cathode in a direct current (DC) electric field, other effects of the electric stimulation on keratinocyte activities are still unclear. We have investigated the keratinocyte differentiation under monodirectional pulsed electric stimulation which reduces the electrothermal and electrochemical hazards of a DC application. When cultured keratinocytes were exposed to the electric field of 3 V (ca.

A novel method to control the balance of skin microflora Part 2. A study to assess the effect of a cream containing farnesol and xylitol on atopic dry skin.

Background: It is recognized that colonization by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) on the skin is one of the factors that can worsen atopic dermatitis (AD). Antibiotics and germicides are not the best choice to remove bacteria from the skin of AD patients, because of problems of irritation to the skin and bacterial resistance. We therefore turned our attention to the biofilm of SA with the aim of removing only SA from the skin surface of AD patients.

A novel method to control the balance of skin microflora. Part 1. Attack on biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus without antibiotics.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is usually present in atopic dry skin, and not only in regions seriously affected by atopic dermatitis. SA discharges various toxins and enzymes that injure the skin, and forms a biofilm from fibrin fiber and glycocalyx; the biofilm is important for adhesion of SA to the skin and for resistance to anti-microbial agents. Even highly effective moisturizers do not work perfectly on atopic dry skin.

[Effects of sedative odorant inhalation on patients with atopic dermatitis].

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been clinically well-known to be frequently exacerbated by psychological and physiological stress. In this study, we examined effects of sedative odorant (modified valerian oil) inhalation on patients with AD. We investigated clinical scores, skin physiological parameters and psychological questionnaire (POMS) every 2 weeks.

Endoscopic classification of chronic gastritis based on a pilot study by the research society for gastritis.

Background:  Various types of classification of gastritis have been proposed, but no plausible classification has been available until now. The Research Society for Gastritis performed a pilot study to establish an endoscopic classification, taking into consideration the following: (i) ease of use; (ii) permitting everyone the common image; and (iii) presence of histopathological evidence.

Methods:  One hundred and fifty-five patients were enrolled and underwent gastroscopy.

Actions of farnesol and xylitol against Staphylococcus aureus.

Background: Heavy colonization of atopic dermatitis (AD) with Staphylococcus aureus is well documented. The isolation rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus is high in strains from AD in Japan.

[Abdominal surgery in patients aged over 90 years old at a provincial general hospital].

It has been commonly accepted that age itself is never an absolute contraindication for surgical treatment. Some many problems could be solved through surgical intervention, we studied perioperative status, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and short-and-long-term outcomes after abdominal surgery in a series of patients 90 year old or older, operated at a provincial General Hospital. Seven patients were treated using elective surgical procedures, while 6 had emergency surgery.