An analysis of the associations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and uric acid with metabolic syndrome components in Korean adults by sex: a cross-sectional study using the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey 2016-2018.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and measuring levels of inflammatory molecules, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), may indicate Mets progression. Serum uric acid (SUA) has also been identified as an independent risk factor for MetS. This study aimed to investigate the association between MetS components and levels of serum hs-CRP and SUA using representative and reliable data for the Korean population. METHODS: This study used the data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2018, a cross-sectional and nationally representative survey performed by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: We analysed the data of 13,454 individuals. High hs-CRP levels were observed in 1,164 (8.7%) subjects while 3,296 (24.5%) subjects had high SUA levels. Moreover, hs-CRP was negatively correlated with serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (OR, 1.703; 95% CI, 1.431-2.027). When stratified by sex, this trend remained, but the correlation was stronger in women than in men. Furthermore, high SUA levels were significantly associated with hypertension (HTN) (OR, 1.399; 95% CI, 1.210-1.616), hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 1.735; 95% CI, 1.486-2.026), and low HDL (OR, 1.257; 95% CI, 1.106-1.429), but not with diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR, 0.478; 95% CI, 0.382-0.597). When grouped by sex, this trend remained, however, all MetS components were found to be more prevalent in women with high SUA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that low HDL was more prevalent in subjects with high hs-CRP, and high SUA levels were observed in subjects with HTN, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL. However, the prevalence of high SUA was lower in diabetic subjects.

A novel antimicrobial peptide YS12 isolated from Bacillus velezensis CBSYS12 exerts anti-biofilm properties against drug-resistant bacteria.

Nowadays, the abuse of antibiotics has led to the rise of multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity have attracted considerable attention as possible alternatives to traditional antibiotics. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of an antimicrobial peptide designed as YS12 derived from Bacillus velezensis CBSYS12. The strain CBSYS12 was isolated from Korean food kimchi and purified followed by ultrafiltration and sequential chromatographic methodology. Hereafter, Tricine SDS-PAGE revealed a single protein band of around 3.3 kDa that was further confirmed in situ inhibitory activity of the gel. A similar molecular weight (~ 3348.4 Da) protein also appeared in MALDI-TOF confirming the purity and homogeneity of peptide YS12. Intriguingly, YS12 revealed a strong antimicrobial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranging from 6 to 12 µg/ml for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli, P. aeruginosa, MRSA 4-5, VRE 82, and M. smegmatis. We also determined the mode of action of the peptide against pathogenic microorganisms using different fluorescent dyes. In addition, the anti-biofilm assay demonstrated that peptide YS12 was able to inhibit biofilm formation  around 80% for both bacterial strains E. coli and P. aeruginosa at 80 µg/ml. Notably, YS12 exhibited a greater biofilm eradication activity than commercial antibiotics. In summary, our study proposed that peptide YS12 may be used as a promising therapeutic agent to overcome drug and biofilm-related infections.

Comparison of Posttreatment Stability Between Mandibular Setback Surgery-Early and Conventional Surgery in Class III Patients: A 4.6-Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aims to compare long-term stability between the mandibular setback surgery-early (MSE) approach, involving minimal orthodontics, and the mandibular setback conventional surgery (MCS) approach, involving sufficient orthodontics, in Class III patients with mandibular prognathism. METHODS: Among 210 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery, a total of 40 subjects were enrolled based on standardized inclusion criteria: only mandibular surgery, <5 mm setback difference between right and left of the mandible, orthodontics with fixed appliances, and more than 2 years of follow-up after treatment. These patients were allocated to the MSE (n = 20) and MCS groups (n = 20) according to the duration of presurgical orthodontics. Changes in cephalometric measurements were compared between the MSE and MCS groups before surgery (T0), 1 month after surgery (T1), at the end of treatment (T2), and posttreatment retention (T3). RESULTS: The MSE and MCS groups had a mean presurgical orthodontic duration of 2 and 9.5 months, respectively. From T1 to T2, the MSE group showed a significantly larger forward movement of the mandible than the MCS group (2.1 versus 0.7 mm; P < 0.001). In addition, from T2 to T3 (average 4.6 years), the MSE group presented anterior relapse of 0.6 mm in the mandible, but there were no statistically significant intergroup differences. CONCLUSION: Although the MSE group showed greater postsurgical forward mandibular relapse than the MCS group, the two groups exhibited similar skeletal and dental stability during the posttreatment retention.

Biochemical Characterization and Application of a Detergent Stable, Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Potential Protease from Bacillus siamensis.

Proteases are important enzymes that are engaged in a variety of essential physiological functions and have a significant possible use in industrial applications. In this work, we reported the purification and biochemical characterization of a detergent stable, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm potential protease (SH21) produced by Bacillus siamensis CSB55 isolated from Korean fermented vegetable kimchi. SH21 was purified to obtain homogeneity via ammonium sulfate precipitation (40-80%), Sepharose CL-6B, and Sephadex G-75 column. By analyzing the SDS-PAGE and zymogram, it was determined that the molecular weight was around 25 kDa. The enzyme activity was almost completely inhibited in the presence of PMSF and DFP, which indicated that it was a member of the serine protease family. SH21 showed excellent activity with a broad range of pH and temperature, with its maximum pH of 9.0 and temperature of 55 °C. The enzyme had estimated Km and Vmax values of 0.197 mg/mL and 1.22 × 103 U/mg, respectively. In addition, it preserved good activity in the presence of different organic solvents, surfactants, and other reagents. This enzyme showed good antimicrobial activity that was evaluated by MIC against several pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, it exhibited strong antibiofilm activity as determined by MBIC and MBEC assay and degraded the biofilms, which were analyzed by confocal microscopic study. These properties established that SH21 is a potent alkaline protease that can be used in industrial and therapeutic applications.

Synergistic Effect, Improved Cell Selectivity, and Elucidating the Action Mechanism of Antimicrobial Peptide YS12.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted considerable attention as potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics. In our previous research, a novel antimicrobial peptide YS12 derived from the Bacillus velezensis strain showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) indicated that combining YS12 with commercial antibiotics produced a synergistic effect. Following these findings, the combination of YS12 with an antibiotic resulted in a faster killing effect against bacterial strains compared to the treatment with the peptide YS12 or antibiotic alone. The peptide YS12 maintained its antimicrobial activity under different physiological salts (Na+, Mg2+, and Fe3+). Most importantly, YS12 exhibited no cytotoxicity towards Raw 264.7 cells and showed low hemolytic activity, whereas positive control melittin indicated extremely high toxicity. In terms of mode of action, we found that peptide YS12 was able to bind with LPS through electrostatic interaction. The results from fluorescent measurement revealed that peptide YS12 damaged the integrity of the bacterial membrane. Confocal laser microscopy further confirmed that the localization of peptide YS12 was almost in the cytoplasm of the cells. Peptide YS12 also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the release of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NO. Collectively, these properties strongly suggest that the antimicrobial peptide YS12 may be a promising candidate for treating microbial infections and inflammation.

Survival analysis of implants after surgical treatment of peri-implantitis based on bone loss severity and surgical technique: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Few trials have compared the results of surgical treatment for peri-implantitis based on severity of peri-implantitis and surgical method. This study investigated the survival rate of implants based on type of surgical method used and initial severity of peri-implantitis. Classification of severity was determined based on bone loss rate relative to fixture length. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent peri-implantitis surgery from July 2003 to April 2021 were identified. Classification of peri-implantitis was divided into 3 groups (stage 1: bone loss < 25% (of fixture length), stage 2: 25% < bone loss < 50%, stage 3: bone loss > 50%) and performance of resective or regenerative surgery was investigated. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox hazards proportional models were used to analyze the cumulative survival rate of implants. Median survival time, predicted mean survival time, hazard ratio (HR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Based on Kaplan-Meier analysis, 89 patients and 227 implants were included, and total median postoperative survival duration was 8.96 years. Cumulative survival rates for stage 1, 2, and 3 were 70.7%, 48.9%, and 21.3%, respectively. The mean survival time for implants in stage 1, 2, and 3 was 9.95 years, 7.96 years, and 5.67 years, respectively, with statistically significant difference (log-rank p-value < 0.001). HRs for stage 2 and stage 3 were 2.25 and 4.59, respectively, with stage 1 as reference. Significant difference was not found in survival time between resective and regenerative surgery groups in any peri-implantitis stage. CONCLUSIONS: The initial bone loss rate relative to the fixture length significantly correlated with the outcome after peri-implantitis surgery, demonstrating a notable difference in the long-term survival rate. Difference was not found between resective surgery and regenerative surgery in implant survival time. Bone loss rate could be utilized as a reliable diagnostic tool for evaluating prognosis after surgical treatment, regardless of surgical method used. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered. (KCT0008225).

Association of Scapular Dyskinesis with Neck and Shoulder Function and Training Period in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu Athletes.

Background and Objectives: Neck and shoulder injuries are common in Brazilian ju-jitsu (BJJ) athletes, and scapular dyskinesis (SD) is associated with these injuries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SD in BJJ athletes, their neck and shoulder function and strength, and the BJJ training period. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight BJJ athletes participated in the study. Years of experience with BJJ, belt, shoulder internal and external rotation strength, neck strength, neck disability index (NDI), and SD were measured. Results: Approximately 31 BJJ athletes (64.6%) showed SD, and the nondominant arm showed a more obvious SD (n = 22, 45.8%) than the dominant arm (n = 18, 37.5%). Those with over five years of BJJ training experience showed a significantly higher rate of SD (p = 0.006) than those with less than five years of experience. Shoulder isometric internal rotation strength was significantly weaker in the obvious SD group than in the normal SD group (p = 0.014). Neck isometric strength and NDI did not differ significantly between individuals with or without SD. Conclusions: SD was common among BJJ athletes, and more experienced BJJ athletes exhibited higher rates of SD. Shoulder rotational strength was weaker with SD. Further studies are necessary on the neck and shoulders of BJJ athletes with SD.

Neck and Shoulder Pain with Scapular Dyskinesis in Computer Office Workers.

Background and Objectives: Computer office workers spend long periods in front of a computer, and neck and shoulder pain are common. Scapular dyskinesis (SD) is associated with neck and shoulder pain. However, SD in computer office workers has not been elucidated. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of SD, neck and shoulder pain, disability, and working hours in computer office workers. Materials and Methods: In total, 109 computer office workers participated in this study. The results of a scapular dyskinesis test (SDT), lateral scapular slide test (LSST), neck disability index (NDI), shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), visual analog scale (VAS) scores of the neck and shoulder, and working hours were recorded. Results: Ninety-eight computer office workers (89.9%) had SD. Computer office workers with SD had significantly higher NDI (p = 0.019), neck VAS (p = 0.041), and dominant shoulder VAS scores (p = 0.043). The LSST results showed a significantly greater distance (p = 0.016) in participants with SD. Conclusions: The prevalence of SD was very high in computer office workers, and neck and shoulder pain were more prevalent in workers with obvious SD.

Low Bone Density Predictability of CBCT and Its Relation to Primary Stability of Tapered Implant Design: A Pilot Study.

Research regarding bone density assessment using cone beam computed tomography in low bone density regions is sparse. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the predictability of cone beam computed tomography for low bone density regions and its correlations with primary implant stability when placing tapered design implants with a stepped osteotomy. Eighteen porcine mandibular condyles were used as simulated low bone density regions. Hounsfield units (HU), obtained via multislice computed tomography, and gray values (GV), obtained via cone beam computed tomography, were measured three times at one-month intervals. The maximum implant insertion torque (MIT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were recorded as the taper design implants were placed using a stepped osteotomy. HU and GV were measured as 335.05-803.07 and 389.98-906.40, respectively. For repeated measurements of HU and GV, the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.989 and 0.980; the corresponding value for mean HU and GV was 0.768. Bland-Altman plots showed a mean difference between HU and GV of -78.15. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed a strong correlation between HU and GV (r=0.91, p<0.01). The mean ± standard deviation values for MIT and ISQ were 36.44 ± 6.64 Ncm and 80.85 ± 2.03, respectively, but no statistically significant correlations were found with GV and HU. Within the study's limitations, GV showed similar bone density estimation compared to HU in soft bones. Tapered implant placement with a stepped osteotomy achieved stable primary implant stability in soft bones. However, these in vitro results need to be approved in further clinical studies.

Long-term evaluation of the prognosis of super hydrophilic surface treated CA implants: a retrospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of the CA implants (Osstem Implant, Busan, Korea), calcium-modified surfaced treated implants on acid-etched surfaces sandblasted with alumina. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2015, 258 implants of 120 patients placed between 2013 and 2015 were retrospectively studied. Using medical records and periapical radiographs, sex, age, location, fixture width and length of placed implants, presence or absence of bone graft, types of bone substitutes and membrane used for bone grafting, primary and secondary stability, initial and delayed complications, and marginal bone loss were investigated. The success rate and survival rate of the implants in each group were analyzed retrospectively based on the criteria suggested by Albrektsson et al. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2015, with a follow-up longer than 5 years, 258 implants with an average diameter of 4.63 mm (3.5-5.5 mm) and an average length of 9.94 mm (7.0-13.0 mm) were placed in a total of 120 patients (61 males and 59 females) with a mean age of 63.7 years for an average of 62 months of observation period. The survival rate was 97.3%, the success rate was 94.2%, and the average final marginal bone loss was 0.074 mm. CONCLUSION: The CA implants manufactured with the improved surface treatment method exhibited a survival rate of 97.3% and a success rate of 94.2% over an average observation period of 62 months. The implants were not affected by most factors and had very high survival and success rates over a long period of observation. In particular, the stability of the implant was excellent, with no cases of failed implants in delayed placement after bone grafting and a healing period.

Accuracy of dental implant placement with computer-guided surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of virtual planning of computer-guided surgery based on the actual outcomes of clinical dental implant placement. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients among whom implant treatment was planned using computer-guided surgery with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The patients who received implant according to the guide with the flapless and flapped approach were classified as group 1 and 2, respectively, and the others who could not be placed according to the guide were allocated to the drop-out group. The accuracy of implant placement was evaluated with the superimposition of CBCT. RESULTS: We analyzed differences in the deviated distance of the entrance point and deviated angulation of the insertion of implant fixtures. With regard to the surgical approach, group 2 exhibited greater accuracy compared to group 1 in deviation distance (2.22 ± 0.88 and 3.18 ± 0.89 mm, respectively, P < 0.001) and angulation (4.27 ± 2.30 and 6.82 ± 2.71°, respectively, P = 0.001). The limitations of guided surgery were discussed while considering the findings from the drop-out group. CONCLUSIONS: Computer-guided surgery demonstrates greater accuracy in implant placement with the flapless approach. Further research should be conducted to enhance the availability of guides for cases with unfavorable residual bone conditions.

Accuracy of intraoral scan images in full arch with orthodontic brackets: a retrospective in vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the accuracy of intraoral scan (IOS) images in the maxillary and mandibular arches with orthodontic brackets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From digital impressions of 140 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment, consecutive IOS images were selected based on standardized inclusion criteria: Two pre-orthodontic IOS images (IOS1 and IOS2) of permanent dentition with fully erupted second molars and IOS images obtained immediately after orthodontic bracket bonding (IOSb). Superimpositions were performed to evaluate the reproducibility of repeated IOS images. Accuracy of IOSb images was analyzed by comparing the average surface errors between IOS1c and IOS2c images, which were IOS images cut based on the same region of the interest as between IOS1 and IOSb images. RESULTS: A total of 84 IOS images was analyzed. The average surface errors between IOS1 and IOS2 images were 57 ± 8 µm and 59 ± 14 µm in the maxillary and mandibular arch, respectively, and their reliability was almost perfect. The average errors between IOSb and IOS1c images exhibited an increase, which measured 97 ± 28 µm in the maxillary arch and 95 ± 29 µm in the mandibular arch. These surface deviations between IOSb and IOS1c images were significantly larger in each region as well as entire dentition (P < 0.001) compared to those between IOS1c and IOS2c images. CONCLUSIONS: The average surface errors of the scans with brackets showed increased values compared with those without brackets. This suggests that orthodontic brackets could affect the trueness of intraoral scan images. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is necessary for clinicians to consider the effect of brackets on digital impression when using IOS images in orthodontic patients.

Soft Tissue Changes After Clockwise Rotation of Maxillo-Mandibular Complex in Class III Patients: Three-Dimensional Stereophotogrammetric Evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the linear, angular, and volumetric changes of soft tissue after clockwise repositioning of the maxillo-mandibular complex in skeletal class III patients using three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry and to determine the correlation between changes in the skeletal and soft tissue variables. METHODS: This study included 18 skeletal class III patients who underwent two-jaw surgery; superior impaction and clockwise rotational movement of the maxilla with the rotation center at upper incisors, and setback of the mandible. Lateral cephalograms and 3D photographs taken before and 6 months after surgery were compared. RESULTS: After maxillary impaction of anteriorly 1.7 mm and posteriorly 3.1 mm, and mandibular setback of 8.7 mm, the volume of lower lip and chin region decreased significantly by 33.6 cm3 (13% net change, P < 0.001), while paranasal and upper lip region volume increased by 3.2 cm3 (2%) and 7.2 cm3 (4%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The clockwise rotation of maxillo-mandibular complex in class III patients significantly reduced lower lip and chin volume with minimal increase in paranasal and upper lip volumes. 3D stereophotogrammetry can provide quantitative evaluation of facial soft tissue volumetric changes.

Analysis of Sagittal Position Changes of the Condyle After Mandibular Setback Surgery Across the Four Different Types of Plating Systems.

ABSTRACT: The authors analyzed the three-dimensional postoperative condylar position change across the plating systems. This retrospective study was conducted with the patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy with setback surgery. The condylar change was analyzed from preoperative cone-beam computed tomography to postoperative 1 month (T1) and postoperative 6 months (T2) using superimposition software, automatically merging based on the anterior cranial base. The condylar changes during T1 and T2 were analyzed across the four types of plates (4-hole sliding, heart-shaped, 3-hole sliding, and 4-hole conventional) Mean intraclass correlation coefficient values were consistently high for each measurement (>0.850). During T1, the conventional plate had a decreased condylar anterior distance when compared with the 3-hole sliding plate (P = 0.032). During T2, the conventional plate had an increased condylar posterior distance when compared with the 3-hole sliding plate (P = 0.031). Superimposition software based on the anterior cranial base could be available for measurement of condylar position with highly reproducible results. After bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy, the 3-hole sliding plate could effectively compensate for the anterior displacement of the condyle compared to other plates.

Cisplatin Plus Cetuximab Inhibits Cisplatin-Resistant Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Migration and Proliferation but Does Not Enhance Apoptosis.

Cisplatin is among the most widely used anticancer drugs used in the treatment of several malignancies, including oral cancer. However, cisplatin treatment often promotes chemical resistance, subsequently causing treatment failure. Several studies have shown that epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) play a variety of roles in cancer progression and overcoming cisplatin resistance. Therefore, this study focused on EGFR inhibitors used in novel targeted therapies as a method to overcome this resistance. We herein aimed to determine whether the combined effects of cisplatin and cetuximab could enhance cisplatin sensitivity by inhibiting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in cisplatin-resistant cells. In vitro analyses of three cisplatin-resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, which included cell proliferation assay, combination index calculation, cell cytotoxicity assay, live/dead cell count assay, Western blot assay, propidium iodide staining assay, scratch assay, and qRT-PCR assay were then conducted. Our results showed that a cisplatin/cetuximab combination treatment inhibited cell proliferation, cell motility, and N-cadherin protein expression but induced E-cadherin and claudin-1 protein expression. Although the combination of cisplatin and cetuximab did not induce apoptosis of cisplatin-resistant cells, it may be useful in treating oral cancer patients with cisplatin resistance given that it controls cell motility and EMT-related proteins.

Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 by Peptide YD1 Attenuates Inflammatory Symptoms through Suppression of TLR4/MYyD88/NF-κB Signaling Cascade.

In this study, we investigate the immunomodulatory effects of a novel antimicrobial peptide, YD1, isolated from Kimchi, in both in vitro and in vivo models. We establish that YD1 exerts its anti-inflammatory effects via up-regulation of the Nrf2 pathway, resulting in the production of HO-1, which suppresses activation of the NF-κB pathway, including the subsequent proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. We also found that YD1 robustly suppresses nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by down-regulating the expression of the upstream genes, iNOS and COX-2, acting as a strong antioxidant. Collectively, YD1 exhibits vigorous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, presenting it as an interesting potential therapeutic agent.

Prognosis of single tooth implants following alveolar ridge preservation with two recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 delivery systems.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported similar efficacies of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) on single extraction socket with two different E. coli derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) delivery systems (Cowell BMP, Cowell medi Co, Busan, Korea; ß-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite particle & O-BMP, Osstem Implant Co, Busan, Korea; absorbable collagen sponge). After the trial, we completed implant therapy and observed over an average of 3 years. This follow-up study was performed retrospectively to compare result of implant treatment at the preserved alveolar ridge site. METHODS: Patients who underwent extraction of single tooth and received ARP with one of two rhBMP-2 delivery systems from October 2015 to October 2016 were enrolled. Twenty-eight patients (Group 1: Cowell BMP 14; Group 2: O-BMP 14) who underwent implant therapy and prosthetic treatment were included in study. Stability and marginal bone loss (MBL) of each implant were collected from medical charts and radiographs, and analyzed. The survival and success rates of implants were calculated. RESULTS: The primary implant stability represented by implant stability quotient (ISQ) for Groups 1 and 2 was 69.71 and 72.86, respectively. The secondary implant stability for Groups 1 and 2 was 78.86 and 81.64, respectively. Primary and secondary stabilities were not statistically different (P = 0.316 and 0.185, respectively). MBL at the latest follow-up was 0.014 mm in Group 1 over 33.76 ± 14.31 months and 0.021 mm in Group 2 over 40.20 ± 9.64 months, with no significant difference (P = 0.670). In addition, the success rate of implants was 100% (14/14) in Group 1 and 92.9% (13/14) in Group 2, with survival rate of 100% (14/14) in Group 1 and 92.9% (13/14) in Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed good prognosis in both groups as a result of implant therapy after ARP with each of two rhBMP-2 carriers.

Associations between mandibular torus and types of temporomandibular disorders, and the clinical usefulness of temporary splint for checking bruxism.

BACKGROUND: Occlusal stress from oral parafunctional habits is one of the causes of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and mandibular torus (MT). Although some studies have investigated the correlation between TMD and MT, understanding of the relationships between types of TMD and MT is insufficient. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the associations between presence of MT and TMD types. METHODS: This study included 77 patients diagnosed with TMD who first visited our clinic for TMD between March 2019 and July 2020. Among them, 30 (38.9%) had MT, and 54 (70.1%) had oral parafunction. Parafunctional activity during sleep was confirmed using a temporary splint for checking bruxism (TSCB). RESULTS: The relationship between prevalence of MT and oral parafunction in TMD patients was not statistically significant (P = 0.131), but the odds ratio was relatively high at 2.267. An analysis of TMD type revealed that Type I, which is classified as myalgia of the masticatory muscles, and MT had a significant association (P = 0.011). We fabricated a TSCB for 27 patients to wear during sleep and confirmed that 23 (85.2%) had nocturnal bruxism. The TSCB results and presence of MT showed a significant relationship (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Through the results of this study, clinicians may consider the hyperactivity of masticatory muscles in the presence of MT when treating TMD patients. In addition, TSCB has a great diagnostic value as it can be easily manufactured and be useful for discovering pre-existing oral parafunctions that patients are not aware of.

Effects of the methanol fraction of modified Seonghyangjeongki-san water extract on transient ischaemic brain injury in mice.

CONTEXT: Recently in Korean medicine, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Seonghyangjeongki-san (SHJKS) were reported. However, studies on the specific mechanisms of action of SHJKS for the treatment of ischaemic stroke are still lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the mechanism of action of the water extract methanol fraction of modified SHJKS (SHJKSmex) on cerebral ischaemic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6 male mice were orally administered SHJKSmex (30, 100, or 300 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days (2 days, 1 day, and 1 h, respectively) before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Twenty-four hours after MCAO, the infarct volumes were measured, brain edoema indices were calculated, and neurological deficit scores were determined. Inflammation-related substances in the ipsilateral hemisphere were determined by western blotting, dichlorofluorescin diacetate, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: SHJKSmex pre-treatment at 300 mg/kg decreased infarct volume by 87% and mean brain water content by 90% of the MCAO control group. Moreover, SHJKSmex effectively suppressed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, reactive oxygen species, interleukin 1, and caspases-8 and -9 and increased the B-cell lymphoma 2/Bcl-2-associated X protein ratio (Bcl-2/Bax) in ischaemic mouse brain. The hippocampal pyramidal cell densities were significantly increased in the 300 mg/kg SHJKSmex-administered group compared to the MCAO control group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: SHJKSmex protected the brain from ischaemic stroke in mice through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. Our findings suggest that SHJKSmex is a promising therapeutic candidate for the development of a new formulation for ischaemia-induced brain damage.

Scapular Dyskinesis in Elite Boxers with Neck Disability and Shoulder Malfunction.

Background and Objectives: Neck and shoulder injuries commonly occur during boxing, and scapular dyskinesis is related to those injuries. This study investigated scapular dyskinesis with neck disability and shoulder malfunction in elite boxers. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two elite boxers participated in this study. Scapular dyskinesis was evaluated as normal, subtle, and obvious. Neck disability index (NDI), shoulder internal (IR), and external (ER) range of motion (ROM), isometric strength of IR and ER, and pectoralis minor length were measured and compared with the severity of scapular dyskinesis. Results: Thirty-eight boxers (52.7%) showed scapular dyskinesis. NDI score was significantly different (normal = 3.89 ± 3.08, obvious = 7.36 ± 4.95, p = 0.025). Isometric IR strength was significantly different (normal = 10.48 ± 2.86, obvious = 8.46 ± 1.74, p = 0.01). The length of the pectoralis minor was significantly different (normal = 10.17 ± 0.67, subtle = 9.87 ± 0.79, obvious = 9.47 ± 0.85; p = 0.001), and the dominant and non-dominant arm IR ROM was significantly different (dominant = 57.43 ± 11.98, non-dominant = 64.62 ± 10.3, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of scapular dyskinesis is high among elite boxers. Boxers with scapular dyskinesis presented shoulder malfunction as well as neck disability. Further investigation is necessary to examine the relationship between scapular dyskinesis and neck disability in boxers.