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AIM This study aimed to examine newborn-oriented and environmental factors of newborn skin barrier functions. METHODS This was a retrospective secondary analysis of 227 newborns from a previous study. Newborn skin barrier functions were measured on the fourth day after birth via the following parameters: stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss, skin pH, and sebum secretion. Skin barrier functions were measured at four body sites; their averaged values were used for the analysis. The associations among skin barrier functions, newborn-oriented factors, and environmental factors were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis was performed using a forced entry method, and independent variables for which p-values were

Aim This study aimed to identify the relationship between the skin barrier function after bathing at 2 weeks of age and subsequent facial skin problems during the first 6 weeks of life. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted from July 2017 to February 2018 on healthy newborns aged 2 weeks. Skin barrier function was evaluated before bathing and at 30 and 90 min after bathing by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), sebum secretion, and skin pH. Infantile facial skin problems were assessed using skin condition diaries maintained by a parent for 4 weeks. Results Analysis of the data from 56 infants showed that 29 infants (51.8%) experienced facial skin problems from 2 to 6 weeks of age. A lesser change in the sebum secretion on the forehead before bathing to 90 min after bathing and a higher SCH of the forehead before bathing were less likely to result in facial skin problems (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97-0.99; AOR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99). Conclusions A greater change in the sebum secretion on the forehead before bathing to 90 min after bathing and a lower SCH of the forehead before bathing were associated with subsequent infantile facial skin problems, indicating that a better ability to recover after bathing is important to prevent facial skin problems. Future studies should identify factors that enhance the recuperative functions of infantile skin.

A 27-year-old woman with a thyroid tumor underwent right hemithyroidectomy to rule out malignancies such as follicular carcinoma of thyroid. A subplatysmal skin flap was dissected after making an incision in the anterior aspect of the neck, and the thyroid gland was exposed through the avascular space between the heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. After the insertion of the original retractor, video-assisted hemithyroidectomy was performed using ultrasonic surgical devices and conventional endoscopic forceps. Pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed follicular adenoma, and the postoperative course was uneventful. A lateral gasless approach for video-assisted thyroidectomy enables visualization of an adequate operative field and appears to be a safe and effective method.