Age-stratified analysis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis using cone-beam computed tomography.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate age-stratified radiographic features in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis using cone-beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: In total, 210 joints from 183 patients (144 females, 39 males, ranging from 12 to 88 years old with a mean age of 44.75±19.97 years) diagnosed with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis were stratified by age. Mandibular condyle position and bony changes (flattening, erosion, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, and subchondral pseudocysts in both the condyle and articular eminence, thickening of the glenoid fossa, joint space narrowing, and joint loose bodies) were evaluated through cone-beam computed tomography. After adjusting for sex, the association between age groups and radiographic findings was analyzed using both a multiple regression model and a multinomial logistic regression model (α=0.05). Results: The prevalence of joint space narrowing and protruded condyle position in the glenoid fossa significantly increased with age (P<0.05). The risks of bony changes, including osteophytes and subchondral pseudocysts in the condyle; flattening, erosion, osteophyte, and subchondral sclerosis in the articular eminence; joint loose bodies; and thickening of the glenoid fossa, also significantly rose with increasing age (P<0.05). The number of radiographic findings increased with age; in particular, the increase was more pronounced in the temporal bone than in the mandibular condyle (P<0.05). Conclusion: Increasing age was associated with a higher frequency and greater diversity of bony changes in the temporal bone, as well as a protruded condyle position in the glenoid fossa, resulting in noticeable joint space narrowing in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

Quality Management System for an IoT Meteorological Sensor Network-Application to Smart Seoul Data of Things (S-DoT).

Meteorological data with a high horizontal resolution are essential for user-specific weather application services, such as flash floods, heat waves, strong winds, and road ice, in urban areas. National meteorological observation networks, such as the Automated Synoptic Observing System (ASOS) and Automated Weather System (AWS), provide accurate but low horizontal resolution data to address urban-scale weather phenomena. Many megacities are constructing their own Internet of Things (IoT) sensor networks to overcome this limitation. This study investigated the status of the smart Seoul data of things (S-DoT) network and the spatial distribution of temperature on heatwave and coldwave event days. The temperature at above 90% of S-DoT stations was higher than that at the ASOS station, mainly because of different surface covers and surrounding local climate zones. A quality management system for an S-DoT meteorological sensor network (QMS-SDM) comprising pre-processing, basic quality control, extended quality control, and data reconstruction using spatial gap-filling was developed. The upper threshold temperatures for the climate range test were set higher than those adopted by the ASOS. A 10-digit flag for each data point was defined to discriminate between normal, doubtful, and erroneous data. Missing data at a single station were imputed using the Stineman method, and the data with spatial outliers were filled with values at three stations within 2 km. Using QMS-SDM, irregular and diverse data formats were changed to regular and unit-format data. QMS-SDM application increased the amount of available data by 20-30%, and significantly improved data availability for urban meteorological information services.

Spatiotemporal variations in urban CO2 flux with land-use types in Seoul.

BACKGROUND: Cities are a major source of atmospheric CO2; however, understanding the surface CO2 exchange processes that determine the net CO2 flux emitted from each city is challenging owing to the high heterogeneity of urban land use. Therefore, this study investigates the spatiotemporal variations of urban CO2 flux over the Seoul Capital Area, South Korea from 2017 to 2018, using CO2 flux measurements at nine sites with different urban land-use types (baseline, residential, old town residential, commercial, and vegetation areas). RESULTS: Annual CO2 flux significantly varied from 1.09 kg C m- 2 year- 1 at the baseline site to 16.28 kg C m- 2 year- 1 at the old town residential site in the Seoul Capital Area. Monthly CO2 flux variations were closely correlated with the vegetation activity (r = - 0.61) at all sites; however, its correlation with building energy usage differed for each land-use type (r = 0.72 at residential sites and r = 0.34 at commercial sites). Diurnal CO2 flux variations were mostly correlated with traffic volume at all sites (r = 0.8); however, its correlation with the floating population was the opposite at residential (r = - 0.44) and commercial (r = 0.80) sites. Additionally, the hourly CO2 flux was highly related to temperature. At the vegetation site, as the temperature exceeded 24 ℃, the sensitivity of CO2 absorption to temperature increased 7.44-fold than that at the previous temperature. Conversely, the CO2 flux of non-vegetation sites increased when the temperature was less than or exceeded the 18 ℃ baseline, being three-times more sensitive to cold temperatures than hot ones. On average, non-vegetation urban sites emitted 0.45 g C m- 2 h- 1 of CO2 throughout the year, regardless of the temperature. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that most urban areas acted as CO2 emission sources in all time zones; however, the CO2 flux characteristics varied extensively based on urban land-use types, even within cities. Therefore, multiple observations from various land-use types are essential for identifying the comprehensive CO2 cycle of each city to develop effective urban CO2 reduction policies.

Should friction losses be included in an electromechanical model of a bioinspired flapping-wing micro aerial vehicle to estimate the flight energetic requirements?

The paper aims to examine the effects of mechanical losses on the performance of a bioinspired flapping-wing micro aerial vehicle (FWMAV) and ways to mitigate them by introducing a novel electromechanical model. The mathematical model captures the effect of a DC gear motor, slider-crank, flapping-wings aerodynamics, and frictional losses. The aerodynamic loads are obtained using a quasi-steady flow model. The parameters of the flight mechanism are estimated using published experimental data which are also used to validate the mathematical model. Incorporating the flapping mechanism friction losses into the mathematical model enables capturing the physics of the problem with higher accuracy, which is not possible with simpler models. It also makes it possible to estimate the aerodynamic energetic requirements. Moreover, the model enabled evaluations of the effects of adding bioinspired elastic elements on the efficiency of the system. Although it is established through experimental studies that the addition of a bioinspired elastic element can improve system efficiency and increase lift generation, the existing mathematical models fail to model and predict such effects. It has been demonstrated that the addition of an elastic element can reduce friction losses in the system by decreasing the internal forces. Optimised parameters for a FWMAV incorporating elastic elements are also obtained.

Hand grip strength as a surrogate marker for postoperative changes in spinopelvic alignment in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

There are a few studies on the postoperative changes in sagittal alignment and corresponding factors, including hand grip strength (HGS) and muscle performance tests for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Thus, we aimed to determine whether HGS can be a surrogate marker for global sagittal alignment changes after decompression with fusion surgery for LSS. This retrospective observational study included 91 patients who underwent spine fusion surgery for LSS. Radiological spinopelvic parameters, including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), global tilt (GT), and T1 pelvic angle (T1PA), were analyzed preoperatively and 1 year after posterior decompression and fusion surgery. To assess muscle performance, the 6-m walk (SMT), timed up and go (TUGT), and sit-to-stand (STS) tests were conducted. The relationship between HGS and postoperative SVA was examined through multiple linear regression analysis. Additionally, the relationship between HGS and preoperative/postoperative radiologic spinopelvic parameters and muscle performance test results was analyzed through Pearson's correlation. HGS was significantly correlated with age, preoperative and postoperative SVA, and the muscle performance tests. Furthermore, HGS was a factor that can significantly influence postoperative SVA changes in multiple linear regression analyses. Therefore, HGS may be a good predictor of postoperative SVA change.

Hand grip strength can predict clinical outcomes and risk of falls after decompression and instrumented posterolateral fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There has been limited research on the association between hand grip strength (HGS) as one of the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia and surgical outcomes of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the effect of HGS on surgical outcomes and risk of fall in patients with LSS. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective observational study. PATIENT SAMPLE: We included 200 patients who underwent spinal surgery for LSS. OUTCOME MEASURES: We recorded clinical outcome parameters, including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Euro-QOL (EQ-5D), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back or leg pain. To assess the risk of fall we used HGS and four functional mobility tests (alternative step test, six-meter walk test, timed up and go test, sit-to-stand test). MATERIALS AND METHODS: ODI, EQ-5D, and VAS scores for back and leg pain were assessed preoperatively and 1 year after surgery. The four functional mobility tests were assessed at each time point during the 1-year follow-up period to assess the risk of fall in patients with LSS. We divided the patient cohort according to sex and allocated them into two different groups based on HGS: high HGS (≥26 kg for men, n=26; ≥18 kg for women, n=35), and low HGS (<26 kg for men, n=48; <18 kg for women, n=91). The pre- and postoperative ODI, EQ-5D, and VAS scores for back and leg pain, as well as the functional mobility test results, and demographic data were compared between the two groups using independent t tests. Correlations between HGS and clinical outcome parameters were analyzed using Pearson correlation. RESULTS: In women and men, HGS correlated with the preoperative/postoperative ODI (r1=-0.217/r2=-0.345 in women, and r1=-0.384/r2=-0.411 in men) and EQ-5D scores (r1=0.190/r2=0.309 in women, and r1=0.373/r2=0.467 in men). HGS also correlated with the four postoperative results for the functional mobility tests: alternative step test (r=-0.238 in women, r=-0.431 in men), six-meter walk test (r=-0.232 in women, r=-0.282 in men), timed up and go test (r=-0.285 in women, r=-0.359 in men), and sit-to-stand test (r=-0.238 in women, r=-0.251 in men). The preoperative and postoperative ODI and EQ-5D scores in the high HGS group were superior to those in the low HGS group. Among the four functional mobility tests, preoperative and postoperative six-meter walk test results showed improvements in the high HGS group. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the multifactorial nature of falls, HGS may be a useful surrogate marker for predicting the risk of falls and clinical outcomes in patients with LSS.

Factors controlling surface ozone in the Seoul Metropolitan Area during the KORUS-AQ campaign.

To understand the characteristics of air quality in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, intensive measurements were conducted under the Korea-United States Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) campaign. Trace gases such as O3, NOx, NOy, SO2, CO, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), photochemical byproducts such as H2O2 and HCHO, aerosol species, and meteorological variables including planetary boundary layer height were simultaneously measured at Olympic Park in Seoul. During the measurement period, high O3 episodes that exceeded the 90 ppbv hourly maximum occurred on 14 days under four distinct synoptic meteorological conditions. Furthermore, local circulation such as land-sea breeze and diurnal evolution of the boundary layer were crucial in determining the concentrations of precursor gases, including NOx and VOC as well as O3. During such episodes, the nighttime NOx and VOC and daytime UV levels were higher compared to non-episode days. The overall precursor levels and photochemical activity were represented fairly well by variations in the HCHO, which peaked in the morning during the high O3 episodes. This study revealed that toluene was the most abundant VOC in Seoul, and its concentration increased greatly with NOx due to the large local influence under stagnant conditions. When O3 was highly elevated concurrently with PM2.5 under dominant westerlies, NOx and VOCs were relatively lower and CO was noticeably higher than in other episodes. Additionally, the O3 production efficiency was the highest due to a low NOx with the highest NOz/NOy ratio among the four episodes. When westerlies were dominant in transport-south episode, the nighttime concentration of O 3 remained as high as 40~50 ppbv due to the minimum level of NOx titration. Overall, the Seoul Metropolitan Area is at NOx-saturated and VOC-limited conditions, which was diagnosed by indicator species and VOC/NOx ratios.

Impacts of atmospheric vertical structures on transboundary aerosol transport from China to South Korea.

To forecast haze pollution episodes caused by high concentrations of long-range transported pollutants emitted in the areas upstream of South Korea, it is crucial to study and identify their behaviour. We analysed the three-dimensional air quality structure in Seoul using ground observation data and aerosol lidar measurements to identify vertical aerosol intrusion into the Korean Peninsula during the spring of 2016. The intrusions were particularly affected by the development of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) in the leeward regions. The nocturnal pollutant intrusion into the Korean peninsula via the Yellow Sea was examined using measured data. The pollutants first reached the area above the nocturnal boundary layer (548 ± 180 m) and approached ground level on the following day due to convective mixing depending on the convective ABL growth (1182 ± 540 m) in daytime. These intrusion mechanisms were mostly attributed to extremely high concentrations (i.e. >100 µg m-3) of fine particulate matter in the leeward regions, accounting for four of the total of six cases for which the warnings and alerts were issued in Seoul Metropolitan Area over a year-long period (2016). The horizontal and vertical pathways of the long-range transported pollutants and the atmospheric vertical structure were identified as key factors affecting the surface air quality concentration in the leeward regions.

Salivary extracellular RNA biomarkers for insulin resistance detection in hispanics.

AIMS: Insulin resistance (IR) detection is challenging and no test is currently used in clinical practice. We developed salivary biomarkers that could be used for IR detection. METHODS: We collected saliva from 186 healthy and 276 pre-diabetic participants, divided them into high and low IR groups based on a HOMA cutoff of 2.5. We profiled extracellular transcriptome by microarray in saliva supernatant from 23 high IR and 15 low IR participants, and pre-validated the top ten extracellular mRNA (exRNA) markers in a new cohort of 40 high and 40 low IR participants. A prediction panel was then built and validated in an independent cohort of 149 high and 195 low IR participants. RESULTS: Transcriptomic analyses identified 42 exRNA candidates differentially present in saliva of high and low IR participants. From the top ten candidates, six were individually validated (PRKCB, S100A12, IL1R2, CAMP, VPS4B, CAP1) (p<0.01) and yielded AUC values ranging from 0.66 to 0.76. Body mass index (BMI) was significant higher in high compared to low IR group with AUC of 0.66, and showed no correlation with any of candidate biomarkers. The combination of four exRNA markers (IL1R2, VPS4B, CAP1, LUZP6) with BMI achieved excellent results in the prediction panel building dataset (AUC=0.79, sensitivity=79%, specificity=64%). The prediction model was validated in an independent cohort (AUC=0.82, sensitivity=63%, specificity=92%). CONCLUSIONS: A panel of four salivary exRNA biomarkers (IL1R2, VPS4B, CAP1, LUZP6) and BMI was validated that can distinguish high and low IR participants, overall and in subgroups of healthy and pre-diabetic participants.

Correlation between pain and degenerative bony changes on cone-beam computed tomography images of temporomandibular joints.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess correlation between pain and degenerative bony changes on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of temporomandibular joints (TMJs). METHODS: Two hundred eighty-three temporomandibular joints with degenerative bony changes were evaluated. Pain intensity (numeric rating scale, NRS) and pain duration in patients with degenerative joint disease (DJD) were also analyzed. We classified condylar bony changes on CBCT into five types: osteophyte (Osp), erosion (Ero), flattening (Fla), subchondral sclerosis (Scl), and pseudocyst (Pse). RESULTS: Degenerative bony changes were the most frequent in the age groups of 10~19, 20-29, and 50~59 years. The most frequent pain intensity was "none" (NRS 0, 34.6%) followed by "annoying" (NRS 3-5, 29.7%). The most frequent condylar bony change was Fla (219 joints, 77.4%) followed by Ero (169 joints, 59.7%). "Ero + Fla" was the most common combination of the bony changes (12.7%). The frequency of erosion was directly proportional to NRS, but the frequency of osteophyte was inversely proportional. The prevalence of Ero increased from onset until 2 years and gradually decreased thereafter. The prevalence of Osp, Ero, and Pse increased with age. CONCLUSIONS: Osp and Ero can be pain-related variables in degenerative joint disease (DJD) patients. "Six months to 2 years" may be a meaningful time point from the active, unstable phase to the stabilized late phase of DJD.

Neck Pain following Laminoplasty.

Study Design Retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data. Objective To compare preoperative and postoperative neck pain following laminoplasty using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Methods Seventy-two patients undergoing laminoplasty from 2006 to 2009 at a single institution were identified. Thirty-four patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up who completed preoperative, 6-week, and 1-year postoperative NDI questionnaires were enrolled. Demographic data and surgical data including estimated blood loss (EBL), length of surgery, number of laminoplasty levels, complications, and length of hospitalization were collected. Results Mean age was 62 years (range: 34 to 88), mean follow-up was 17 months (range: 12 to 31), and there were 21 men and 13 women. Diagnoses were cervical spondylotic myelopathy (n = 26), ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (n = 6), and central cord syndrome (n = 2). Mean EBL was 120 mL (range: 50 to 200), and mean surgical time was 152 minutes (range: 70 to 240). Average number of laminoplasty levels was 3 (range: 1 to 5). The open door technique was used, and 24/34 (71%) did not have laminoplasty at C3 and C7. No intraoperative complications were noted, and average hospital stay was 1.6 days (range: 1 to 7). Significant improvement in NDI total score was noted at 1 year (p < 0.002) and in NDI pain score at 6 weeks (p < 0.028) and 1 year (p < 0.007) postoperatively. Conclusions Patients having laminoplasty experienced significant improvement in NDI pain subscore and NDI total scores at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively.

Acute spinal subdural hematoma after vigorous back massage: a case report and review of literature.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report and review of literature. OBJECTIVE: We report on a patient with traumatic spinal subdural hematoma after vigorous back massage while on vacation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traumatic spinal subdural hematoma is extremely rare, and to our knowledge, this is the first case reported after violent back massage. We emphasize a high index of suspicion for early recognition and treatment for a good neurological recovery. METHODS: A 41-year-old male was brought to our hospital with severe back pain, motor and sensory impairments of the bilateral lower extremities, and urinary dysfunction after vigorous back massage. Magnetic resonance images revealed an acute spinal subdural hematoma in the thoracolumbar region. After careful monitoring of his neurological status, the patient was successfully managed with conservative treatment. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of hospitalization, complete motor power recovery was achieved with only minor sensory deficit. At a follow-up of more than 12 months, the patient has no residual neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: Spinal subdural hematoma secondary to physical trauma is quite rare. This case brings new information that traumatic spinal subdural hematoma can be caused by violent massage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Comparison of Effects of Nonoperative Treatment and Decompression Surgery on Risk of Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Falling: Evaluation with Functional Mobility Tests.

BACKGROUND: Falls are a major factor contributing to fragility fractures. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis have an increased risk of falling. We are aware of no prior report demonstrating the effect of medical treatment and decompression surgery on the risk of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis falling. METHODS: From June to November 2011, seventy-six patients were enrolled into the surgery group and fifty patients, into the nonoperative group. Four functional mobility tests, including the Alternate-Step test, Six-Meter Walk test, Sit-to-Stand test, and timed "Up & Go" test, were used to evaluate the risk of falling. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) visual analog scale (VAS) were utilized to assess clinical improvement. RESULTS: The mean age was 62.4 years in the surgery group and 64.6 years in the nonoperative group. The results of the Alternate-Step test significantly improved during the follow-up period in the surgery group (p = 0.001). However, the results of the Alternate-Step test significantly worsened during the follow-up period in the nonoperative group (p = 0.001). Comparison between the two groups showed more significant improvement in the surgery group, especially for the Six-Meter Walk test at one year postoperatively (p = 0.042) and for the timed "Up & Go" test at three months and one year (p = 0.046 and 0.000). However, the ODI and EQ-5D VAS scores improved in both groups. In a linear mixed model, age, surgery, and the presence of an osteoporotic compression fracture significantly affected the test results related to the risk of falling (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The surgery group showed a greater decrease in the risk of falling than those in the nonoperative group. Improved physical performance, including walking and balancing, after decompression lumbar spinal surgery reduces the future risk of falling. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Yam tuber mucilage as a candidate substance for saliva substitute: in vitro study of its viscosity and influences on lysozyme and peroxidase activities.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the viscosity of yam tuber mucilage (YTM) and its effects on lysozyme and peroxidase activities in solution phase and on surface phase. METHODS: Two kinds of YTM were extracted, one containing both protein and carbohydrate and the other containing mainly carbohydrate. Hen egg-white lysozyme and bovine lactoperoxidase were used as lysozyme and peroxidase sources, respectively. Viscosity was measured with a cone-and-plate digital viscometer. Lysozyme activity was determined using the turbidimetric method, and peroxidase activity was determined using the NbsSCN assay. Hydroxyapatite beads were used as a solid phase. RESULTS: The viscosity values of YTM followed a pattern of a non-Newtonian fluid. The carbohydrate concentration affected the viscosity values at all shear rates, while the protein concentration affected the viscosity values at low shear rates. It could be suggested that YTM composed of 1.0 mg/ml protein and 1.0 mg/ml carbohydrate has viscosity values similar to those of unstimulated whole saliva at shear rates present at routine oral functions. Hydroxyapatite-adsorbed YTM significantly increased the adsorption and subsequent enzymatic activities of lysozyme, but not those of peroxidase. CONCLUSIONS: Yam tuber mucilage has viscoelastic properties similar to those of human saliva and enhances the enzymatic activity of lysozyme on hydroxyapatite surfaces.

Down-regulation of collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase expression in myofibroblasts from Dupuytren nodule using adenovirus-mediated relaxin gene therapy.

Dupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative connective tissue disorder characterized by contracture of the palmer fascia of the hand. Relaxin (RLN) is a multifunctional factor which contributes to the remodeling of the pelvic ligament by inhibiting fibrosis and inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the RLN gene on the inhibition of fibrosis in myofibroblastic cells. Myofibroblast cells with adenovirus LacZ (Ad-LacZ) as a marker gene or adenovirus relaxin (Ad-RLN) as therapeutic gene showed transgene expressions in beta-galactosidase assay and Western blot analysis. Myofibroblastic cells with Ad-RLN demonstrated a 22% and 48% reduction in collagen I and III mRNA expressions respectively, a 50% decrease in MMP-1, 70% decrease in MMP-2, 80% decrease in MMP-9, and a 15% reduction in MMP-13 protein expression compared with cultures with viral control and saline control. In addition, myofibroblastic cells with Ad-RLN showed a 40% decrease in TIMP 1 and a 15% increase in TIMP 3 protein expression at 48 h compared to cultures with viral control and saline control. Also, myofibroblastic cell with Ad-RLN demonstrated a 74% inhibition of fibronectin and a 52% decrease in total collagen synthesis at 48 h compared with cultures with viral control and saline control. In conclusion, the RLN gene render antifibrogenic effect on myofibroblastic cells from Dupuytren's nodule via direct inhibition of collagen synthesis not through collagenolytic pathway such as MMP-1, -13, TIMP 1, and 3. Therefore relaxin can be an alternative therapeutic strategy in initial stage of Dupuytren's disease by its antifibrogenic effect.

Pre-emptive and multi-modal perioperative pain management may improve quality of life in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Compared to an abundance of data on surgical techniques for degenerative spine conditions and the outcomes thereof, little is available to guide optimal perioperative pain management after spinal surgery. The aim of this study was to survey patterns of perioperative pain management after spinal surgery and to investigate the effects of perioperative pain management, such as pre-emptive analgesia and multi-modal postoperative pain management, on acute postoperative satisfaction, pain reduction, and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing spinal surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Non-blind multicenter prospective observational clinical series. SETTING: Seventeen tertiary hospitals (14 hospitals attached to medical colleges and 3 general hospitals). METHODS: Pain management protocols of 393 patients (153 men, 240 women; mean age of 67 years, ranging from 21 to 91 years) from 17 tertiary hospitals after spinal surgery for degenerative spine disease were evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 79 (20%) patients received pre-emptive analgesics, which included cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, with or without administration of anticonvulsants, immediately before surgery at the time of antibiotic prophylaxis. Postoperative pain was managed mainly by multi-modal therapy (363 cases, 92%), along with various combinations of patient controlled anesthesia (PCA), conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), COX-2 inhibitors, and narcotics. Self-reported levels of pain were not significantly different among postoperative multiple modalities of pain management, but were different significantly for pre-emptive pain management regimens (P < 0.05, independent t-test). The number of patients that reported the self-administrative use of PCA was higher in the no pre-emptive pain management group compared to the pre-emptive group (P < 0.05). In regards to EQ-5D usual activity, depression/anxiety and self-care improved significantly in the pre-emptive pain management group when measured at 2 weeks postoperative (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: The limitation of our study is that it is not a randomized controlled observational study. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-emptive analgesia and multi-modal pain management after spinal surgery may lead to better health-related quality of life, greater patient satisfaction, and less postoperative pain.

Three-dimensional interpretation of intercanine width change in children: a 9-year longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: The immutability of intercanine width has long been the subject of discussion. The aims of this study were to describe the longitudinal intercanine width changes of children from 6 to 14 years of age and to interpret them with a 3-dimensional method. METHODS: Complete dental stone casts were annually prepared for 66 subjects (50 girls, 16 boys) from 6 to 14 years of age. By using 3-dimensional laser scanning and reconstruction software, virtual casts were constructed. Intercanine width was measured as well as the related 3-dimensional measurements, such as the area of the intercanine triangle, the intercanine angle, the radius of the inscribed circle, and the angles formed by the virtual axes of the canines and the occlusal plane. The measurement changes over time were analyzed by using mixed-effects analysis for longitudinal data. RESULTS: There were slight decreases in intercanine widths for both sexes and both arches. However, the amounts of change were relatively small when compared with the initial values and individual random variability. The values of area, the angles formed by the virtual axes of the canines and the occlusal plane, and the radius showed decreasing trends, whereas the intercanine angle exhibited increasing trends during the observation period. Although the intercanine width changed over time, it was not clinically significant, showing relative stability. CONCLUSIONS: The intercanine width of an untreated subject after stabilization in the mouth is considered to be quite stable, even though individual variation is great.

Optical configuration for symmetric and high contrast ratio in three-dimensional polarization switching display.

We propose an optical configuration to achieve symmetric and high contrast ratio (CR) in three-dimensional (3D) polarization switching (PS) displays. This optical configuration is accomplished using three retardation films and a λ/2 retardation switching panel. Typically, λ/2 retardation switching in the PS panels has an unanticipated asymmetric CR on the left- and right-hand side of 3D glasses because of the wavelength-dependent phase dispersion. To overcome this problem, we designed an optical configuration and applied it to the electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) cell. As a result, symmetric and high CRs are obtained for the 3D PS display.

Estimation of soil respiration using automated chamber systems in an oak (Quercus mongolica) forest at the Nam-San site in Seoul, Korea.

Soil respiration (R(soil)) is the largest component of ecosystem respiration produced by the autotrophic and heterotrophic respirations. Its variability on multiple time scales strongly depends on environmental variables such as temperature and moisture. To investigate the temporal variations of R(soil) in a cool-temperate oak (Quercus mongolica) forest at the Nam-San site in Seoul, Korea, continuous measurements of R(soil) using the automated chamber systems, air and soil temperatures and soil moisture are made for the period from April 2010 to March 2011. The observed data indicate that the R(soil) shows a remarkable seasonal variation in accordance with temperatures with high in summer and low in winter. The R(soil) is found to be strongly correlated with soil temperature (T(s)) at the 5cm depth throughout the year. However, the high fluctuation of R(soil) is found to be related with soil moisture content (M(s)) during the forest growing season. The estimated annual Q(10) value using the 1.5m-high air temperature is found to be 2.4 that is comparable with other studies in temperate forest ecosystems. The optimal regression equation of R(soil) with the T(s) at 5cm depth and the M(s) at 15cm depth is found to be R(soil)=124.3 exp (0.097T(s))-55.3 (M(s))(2)+2931.9 (M(s))-38516 for T(s)≥0°C and R(soil)=0 for T(s)<0°C with r(2)=0.97, P<0.01, suggesting the importance of T(s) and M(s) for R(soil). The annual total soil respiration estimated by the optimal regression equation is found to be 1264gCm(-2) with a maximum of 685gCm(-2) in the summer season and a minimum of 33gCm(-2) in the winter season. The present study can be implemented for the determination of the carbon balance of a cool-temperate Q. mongolica forest with the provision of photosynthesis.

Improved parameterization of dust emission (PM10) fluxes by the gradient method using the Naiman tower data at the Horqin desert in China.

Dust emission/deposition flux has been estimated using the gradient method with the two-level (3 and 15m high) measured PM(10) concentrations and the sonic anemometer measured momentum and kinematic heat fluxes at 8m high from a 20-m monitoring tower located at Naiman (Horqin desert) in the Asian dust source region in China for the winter of November 2007 to March 2008. The time series of measured PM(10) concentration at 3m high is used to identify the dust event and the non-dust event periods. It is found that the dust emission/deposition flux (F(C)) shows a significant diurnal variation with the maximum emission flux of 5.8 kg km(-2)h(-1) at noon and the minimum of -1.6 kg km(-2)h(-1) in the afternoon for the non-dust event cases. Whereas for the dust event cases, the dust emission flux is found to occur when the prevailing winds are westerlies to northerlies with the maximum flux of 1275 kg km(-2)d(-1), while the maximum dust deposition flux of 148 kg km(-2)d(-1) occurs with the prevailing winds of southerlies to easterlies without any diurnal variation. The optimal regression equation between F(C) and the friction velocity (u(*)) for the dust emission cases is found to be F(C)=9.55 u(*)(3.13) with the R(2) value of 0.73. However, this regression equation can be improved by taking into account the convective velocity (w(*)). The resulting optimal regression equation is found to be F(C)=9.3(u(*)-0.1w(*))(3.19) for the stable stratification (w(*)<0) with the R(2) value of 0.77 and F(C)=10.5(u(*)+0.34w(*))(4.11) for the unstable stratification (w(*)>0) with the R(2) value of 0.78, suggesting the importance of the convective velocity on the dust emission flux.