Study on the Marker Steroids of New Zealand Deer (Cervus elaphus var. scoticus) Velvet Antler by UPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-PDA Methods

Eleven steroid hormones (SHs: androstene-3,17-dione, estrone, β-estradiol, α-estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17á-hydroxyprogesterone, medroxyprogesterone, megestrol acetate, progesterone, and androsterone) were detected from New Zealand deer (Cervus elaphus var. scoticus) velvet antler (NZA, 鹿茸). A method for the quantification of eleven SHs was established by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-MS/MS. The linearities (R² > 0.991), limits of quantification (LOQ values, 0.3 ng/mL to 23.1 ng/mL), intraday and interday precisions (relative standard deviation: RSD 0.999), LOQ values (30 ng/mL to 350 ng/mL), intraday and interday precisions (RSD < 1.93%), and recovery rates (97.2% to 103.5%) for the three 7-O-CSs were determined. These quantitative methods are accurate, precise, and reproducible. As a result, it is suggested that the five steroid compounds of androstene-3,17-dione, androsterone, 7-ketocholesterol, 7α-hydroxycholesterol, and 7β-hydroxycholesterol could be marker steroids of NZA. These methods can be applied to quantify or standardize the marker steroids present in NZA.

Cyclic fatigue resistance tests of Nickel-Titanium rotary files using simulated canal and weight loading conditions

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel-titanium (NiTi) files obtained in a conventional test using a simulated canal with a newly developed method that allows the application of constant fatigue load conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ProFile and K3 files of #25/.06, #30/.06, and #40/.04 were selected. Two types of testing devices were built to test their fatigue performance. The first (conventional) device prescribed curvature inside a simulated canal (C-test), the second new device exerted a constant load (L-test) whilst allowing any resulting curvature. Ten new instruments of each size and brand were tested with each device. The files were rotated until fracture and the number of cycles to failure (NCF) was determined. The NCF were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Duncan's post-hoc test for each method. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was computed to examine any association between methods. RESULTS: Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho = -0.905) showed a significant negative correlation between methods. Groups with significant difference after the L-test divided into 4 clusters, whilst the C-test gave just 2 clusters. From the L-test, considering the negative correlation of NCF, K3 gave a significantly lower fatigue resistance than ProFile as in the C-test. K3 #30/.06 showed a lower fatigue resistance than K3 #25/.06, which was not found by the C-test. Variation in fatigue test methodology resulted in different cyclic fatigue resistance rankings for various NiTi files. CONCLUSIONS: The new methodology standardized the load during fatigue testing, allowing determination fatigue behavior under constant load conditions.

Perceived color shift of ceramics according to the change of illuminating light with spectroradiometer

PURPOSE: Perceived color of ceramics changes by the spectral power distribution of ambient light. This study aimed to quantify the amount of shifts in color and color coordinates of clinically simulated seven all-ceramics due to the switch of three ambient light sources using a human vision simulating spectroradiometer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CIE color coordinates, such as L*, a* and b*,of ceramic specimens were measured under three light sources, which simulate the CIE standard illuminant D65 (daylight), A (incandescent lamp), and F9 (fluorescent lamp). Shifts in color and color coordinate by the switch of lights were determined. Influence of the switched light (D65 to A, or D65 to F9), shade of veneer ceramics (A2 or A3), and brand of ceramics on the shifts was analyzed by a three-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Shifts in color and color coordinates were influenced by three factors (P 5.5). When switched to A, CIE a* increased (Deltaa*: 5.6 to 7.6), however, CIE b* increased (Deltab*: 4.9 to 7.8) when switched to F9. CONCLUSION: Clinically simulated ceramics demonstrated clinically unacceptable color shifts according to the switches in ambient lights based on spectroradiometric readings. Therefore, shade matching and compatibility evaluation should be performed considering ambient lighting conditions and should be done under most relevant lighting condition.

Effect of solution temperature on the mechanical properties of dual-cure resin cements

PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate the effect of the solution temperature on the mechanical properties of dualcure resin cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the study, five dual-cure resin cements were chosen and light cured. To evaluate the effect of temperature on the specimens, the light-cured specimens were immersed in deionized water at three different temperatures (4, 37 and 60degrees C) for 7 days. The control specimens were aged in a 37degrees C dry and dark chamber for 24 hours. The mechanical properties of the light-cured specimens were evaluated using the Vickers hardness test, three-point bending test, and compression test, respectively. Both flexural and compressive properties were evaluated using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed using a two way ANOVA with Tukey test to perform multiple comparisons (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: After immersion, the specimens showed significantly different microhardness, flexural, and compressive properties compared to the control case regardless of solution temperatures. Depending on the resin brand, the microhardness difference between the top and bottom surfaces ranged approximately 3.3-12.2%. Among the specimens, BisCem and Calibra showed the highest and lowest decrease of flexural strength, respectively. Also, Calibra and Multilink Automix showed the highest and lowest decrease of compressive strength, respectively compared to the control case. CONCLUSION: The examined dual-cure resin cements had compatible flexural and compressive properties with most methacrylate-based composite resins and the underlying dentin regardless of solution temperature. However, the effect of the solution temperature on the mechanical properties was not consistent and depended more on the resin brand.

False selection of syringe-brand compatibility and the method of correction during target-controlled infusion of propofol / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: We evaluated volumetric differences of syringe brand compatibilities, and investigated the impact of false brand settings on target-controlled infusion (TCI) and their methods of correction. METHODS: Gravimetric measurement of 10 ml bolus infusions was performed using BD Plastipak (BDP) and Terumo compatible syringes, while setting to 7 different kinds of brand compatibilities (BDP, Sherwood Monoject, BD Perfusion, Braun Perfusor, Braun Omnifix, Fresenius Injectomat, and Terumo). To investigate the performance of TCI using BDP with a false setting to Terumo (BDPTERUMO) and Terumo to BDP (TERUMOBDP), 24 TCI targeting 4.0 microg/ml of effect-site concentration (Ceff) of propofol were performed. Subsequently, another 24 TCI were evaluated for simple corrections of false settings at 30 min. We also investigated 24 TCI using active corrections (fill-up for BDPTERUMO, evacuation for TERUMOBDP) based on the pharmacokinetics of propofol. The Ceff at 30 min of TCI and time to normalize to +/- 5% of target concentration (T+/-5%target) were compared. RESULTS: The Ceff of BDPTERUMO showed negative bias and 17.2% inaccuracy, and the Ceff of TERUMOBDP showed positive bias and 19.5% inaccuracy. The Ceff at 30 min showed no difference between the methods of correction in BDPTERUMO or TERUMOBDP. The T+/-5%target in both the active corrections was significantly shorter than that of each simple corrections (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: False brand setting of syringe proportionally maintained different predicted concentrations as much as the volumetric differences of syringe brand. Based on the results, it is proposed that correction methods based on pharmacokinetics could effectively normalize the differences, without giving up the wrong TCI.

Implementation Issues of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Its Case Study for a Physician's Round at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: The cloud computing-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) allows access to computing environments with no limitations in terms of time or place such that it can permit the rapid establishment of a mobile hospital environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the empirical issues to be considered when establishing a virtual mobile environment using VDI technology in a hospital setting and to examine the utility of the technology with an Apple iPad during a physician's rounds as a case study. METHODS: Empirical implementation issues were derived from a 910-bed tertiary national university hospital that recently launched a VDI system. During the physicians' rounds, we surveyed patient satisfaction levels with the VDI-based mobile consultation service with the iPad and the relationship between these levels of satisfaction and hospital revisits, hospital recommendations, and the hospital brand image. Thirty-five inpatients (including their next-of-kin) and seven physicians participated in the survey. RESULTS: Implementation issues pertaining to the VDI system arose with regard to the highly availability system architecture, wireless network infrastructure, and screen resolution of the system. Other issues were related to privacy and security, mobile device management, and user education. When the system was used in rounds, patients and their next-of-kin expressed high satisfaction levels, and a positive relationship was noted as regards patients' decisions to revisit the hospital and whether the use of the VDI system improved the brand image of the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile hospital environments have the potential to benefit both physicians and patients. The issues related to the implementation of VDI system discussed here should be examined in advance for its successful adoption and implementation.

A Survey of the Awareness, Knowledge and Behavior of Hair Dye Use in a Korean Population with Gray Hair

BACKGROUND: Gray hair naturally develops in the process of human aging. Many people with gray hair periodically dye their hair. Hair dyeing products are widely used and they can cause adverse effects. Therefore, the user's knowledge and recognition about hair dyeing and related side effects are important. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to lay the foundation for understanding, preventing and treating side effects caused by hair coloring products. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire survey for adult males and females aged over 20 who had gray hair. A total of 500 subjects were included in this study and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Large numbers of the people who had experience with hair dye (233 out of 319 people, 73.0%) did not know about the exact brand name of the hair dye product that they were using. Of 319 hair dye users, 23.8% (76 out of 319) people stated that they experienced side effects. Despite the occurrence of side effects from hair dyeing products, it seems they did not realize the seriousness of the side effects or the need for treatment. CONCLUSION: It is advisable to introduce a system that enables users to become aware of the ingredients and side effects of hair coloring products and give opportunities for users to become aware of the side effects of hair coloring through education, publicity and publication of an informational booklet.

Comparative evaluation of effects of different surface treatment methods on bond strength between fiber post and composite core

PURPOSE: Debonding of a composite resin core of the fiber post often occurs at the interface between these two materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different surface treatment methods on bond strength between fiber posts and composite core. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four fiber posts were picked in two groups (Hetco and Exacto). Each group was further divided into four subgroups using different surface treatments: 1) silanization; 2) sandblasting; 3) Treatment with 24% H2O2, and 4) no treatment (control group). A cylindrical plexiglass matrix was placed around the post and filled with the core resin composite. Specimens were stored in 5000 thermal cycles between 5degrees C and 55degrees C. Tensile bond strength (TBS) test and evaluation using stereomicroscope were performed on the specimen and the data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, Post Hoc Scheffe tests and Fisher's Exact Test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the effect of different surface treatments on TBS (P<.001) but different brands of post (P=.743) and interaction between the brand of post and surface treatment (P=.922) had no significant effect on TBS. Both silanization and sandblasting improved the bonding strength of fiber posts to composite resin core, but there were not any significant differences between these groups and control group. CONCLUSION: There was not any significant difference between two brands of fiber posts that had been used in this study. Although silanization and sandblasting can improve the TBS, there was not any significant differences between surface treatments used.

A Clinical Study of 66 Patients with Steroid-Induced Rosacea / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Topical corticosteroids are not uncommonly abused in patients with facial dermatoses. Although it is well known that uncontrolled use of topical corticosteroids cause steroid-induced rosacea, its clinical manifestation is not studied yet in Korean patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this epidemiological study was to investigate a usage history of topical corticosteroid and clinical manifestation of steroid-induced rosacea. METHODS: Among the 424 rosacea patients who visited the dermatologic clinics of Pusan National University Hospital between January 2006 and May 2011, a face-to-face structured questionnaire was given to 66 rosacea patients with a history of topical corticosteroid use on the face for more than 1 month before onset of rosacea symptoms. Investigated factors include sex, age, history about use of topical corticosteroids and clinical manifestations. RESULTS: Of the 66 patients, 41 were female and 25 were male with the mean age of 52.1+/-14.6 (range 16~76) year. Celestone-G(R) (n=14) was the most commonly used product in the 34 patients who remembered the brand name of topical corticosteroids, which they had used. Forty-three patients used topical corticosteroids for treatment of facial skin lesions without diagnosis. Eighteen patients purchased topical corticosteroids without doctor's prescription. The mean duration and frequency of topical corticosteroid use was 3.8 years and 1.3 times per day, respectively. Constant erythema (n=31) was the most common symptom and it started to occur 2 months after use of topical corticosteroid. CONCLUSION: High-potency topical corticosteroids are frequently used for patients with facial dermatoses without correct diagnosis and without doctor's prescription. Besides, abuse of topical corticosteroids cause rosacea symptoms, such as constant erythema. To prevent the occurrence of steroid-induced rosacea, there should be a great social concern for abuse and misuse of topical corticosteroid in patients with facial dermatosis.

The role of mitochondrial K+ channels in the cardioprotection of puerarin against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine whether the cardioprotection of puerarin (Pue) against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury is mediated by mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoK(ATP)) and/or mitochondria calcium-activated potassium channel(mitoK(Ca)).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cardiomyocytes were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats and hypoxia/reoxygenation injury was induced by myocyte pelleting model. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion and mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by loading with TMRE. The opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore was determined spectrophotometrically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Pretreatment with Pue at 0.24 mmol/L for 5 min increased the cell viability against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury, while mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 100 micromol/L, 20 min) or mitochondrial calcium-activated potassium channel blocker paxilline (Pax, 1 micromol/L, 5 min) attenuated the effect of puerarin. The pretreatment with Pue at 0.24 mmol/L for 5 min attenuated collapse of delta-psim induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation injury, 5-HD and Pax abrogated the effect of Pue. In mitochondria isolated from hearts pretreated with Pue, a significant inhibition of Ca(2+)-induced swelling was observed, and this inhibition was attenuated by 5-HD and Pax.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These findings indicate that Pue protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via activating mitoK(ATP) channel and mitoK(Ca) channel, and inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening.</p>

Actividad inducida por androsterona y hemisuccinato de androsterona sobre la presión de perfusión y la resistencia vascular / Activity induced by androsterone and hemisuccinate of androsterone on perfusion pressure and vascular resistance

Introducción. Existen pocos datos sobre los efectos de la androsterona y sus derivados a nivel cardiovascular. Además, el mecanismo molecular de estos andrógenos y su sitio de acción celular son poco claros. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto inducido por la androsterona y el hemisuccinato de androsterona sobre la presión de perfusión y la resistencia vascular. Materiales y métodos. Los efectos de la androsterona y del derivado de androsterona sobre la presión de perfusión y la resistencia vascular fueron evaluados en un modelo de corazón aislado de rata (Langendorff). Resultados. Los resultados mostraron que: 1) el hemisuccinato de androsterona [10-9 M] incrementa la presión de perfusión y la resistencia vascular en comparación con la androsterona [10-9 M]; 2) los efectos del derivado de androsterona [10-9 M-10-5 M] sobre la presión de perfusión no fueron inhibidos por indometacina [10-6 M]; 3) la nifedipina [10-6M] bloquea los efectos ejercidos por el hemisuccinato de androsterona [10-9 M-10-5 M] sobre la presión de perfusión, y 4) el efecto del derivado de androsterona [10-9 M-10-5 M] sobre la presión de perfusión en presencia de flutamida [10-6 M] fue inhibido. Conclusiones. Los efectos inducidos por androsterona y hemisuccinato de androsterona sobre la presión de perfusión y la resistencia vascular pueden depender de su estructura química. En el caso de la actividad ejercida por el análogo de androsterona, podría involucrar la interacción del esteroide-receptor androgénico e, indirectamente, la activación del canal de calcio y, consecuentemente, inducir variaciones en la presión de perfusión.

Introduction. Few data exist with respect to the effects of androsterone and their derivatives at cardiovascular level. In addition, the molecular mechanisms and cellular site of action of these androgens are still unclear. Objective. An evaluation was conducted on the effects induced by androsterone and hemisuccinate of androsterone on perfusion pressure and vascular resistance. Materials and methods. The effects of both androsterone and hemisuccinate of androsterone on the perfusion pressure and vascular resistance in isolated rat hearts (Langendorff model) were evaluated. Results. The results showed that: (1) the hemisuccinate of androsterone [10-9 M] increases the perfusion pressure and vascular resistance in comparison with the androsterone [10-9 M]; (2) the effect of androsterone-derivative [10-9 M-10-5 M] on perfusion pressure not was inhibited by indometacin [10-6 M]; (3) nifedipine [10-6 M] blocks the effects exerted by hemisuccinate of androsterone [10-9 M-10-5 M] on perfusion pressure; and (4) the effect of androsterone-derivative [10-9 M-10-5 M] on perfusion pressure in presence of flutamide [10-6 M] was inhibited. Conclusions. The effects induced by androsterone and hemisuccinate of androsterone on the perfusion pressure and resistance vascular probably involve the interaction of steroid-receptor androgenic and, indirectly, activation of the calcium channel to induce variations in the perfusion pressure.

Effect of androsterone on scavenger receptor class B type I in human vascular endothelial cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of FXR on scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) expression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human vascular endothelium Eahy926 cells were treated with FXR agonist androsterone, and the specific target gene of FXR SHP mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. SR-BI mRNA and protein were determined using RT-PCR, real-time PCR and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of SHP mRNA in Eahy926 cells increased after androsterone treatment at different concentrations for 24 h, demonstrating FXR activation in the cells. RT-PCR, real-time PCR and Western blotting detected increased SR-BI expression at both mRNA and protein levels after FXR activation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FXR increases the expression of SR-BI in human vascular endothelium cells.</p>

A Study on Brand Personality and Employee's Self: Image Congruity and Job Satisfaction: Especially for Family Restaurant / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This day's research analyzed the difference between brand personality, self - image congruity, job satisfaction and their influences towards employees of family restaurants in order to suggest a plan which would induce researcher's interest as well as influencing diversification of management strategies toward dining-out business. The purpose of this research is to analyse the difference between brand personality, self - image congruity, job satisfaction and their influences towards employees of family restaurants. The survey questionnaires were distributed to 300 employees of family restaurants in Seoul from August 1th until August 30th 2009, and 257 of them were used for analysis. The top seven company's were chosen by base on data from 2009 Annual Dinner of the Korea. Statistics handling of this research used SPSS WIN 17.0 statistics package program, which performed frequency analysis, factor analysis, regrssion anlysis. The research result shows, first of all, the relationship between company's brand personality and personal self - image congruity, it shows that the company's brand personality has higher on 'ability/capability, loyalty/ fidelity, and strong' the personal self - image congruity appeared higher. The relationship between company's brand personality and social self-image congruity, it shows that the company's brand personality has higher on 'ability/ capability and loyalty/fidelity' the social self-image congruity appeared higher. Second of all, in a relation between the self-image congruity and job satisfaction, the personal self-image congruity has shown positive impact on job satisfaction. Third of all, in a relationship between the company's brand personality and job satisfaction, if 'interest or loyalty/fidelity' shows higher on brand personality, than job satisfaction has shown higher.

The Effect of Androsterone as the Metabolite of Testosterone to Seizure Suppression

BACKGROUND: Androsterone is one of the major metabolites from testosterone whose clinical importance remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of androsterone on seizure susceptibility in mouse models of epilepsy. METHODS: The efficacy of androsterone (10~200 mg/kg, i.p.) against seizures induced by various GABA receptor antagonists and glutamate receptor agonists was evaluated. RESULTS: Androsterone protected mice against seizures induced by PTZ (pentylenetetrazol), PCX (picrotoxin), and DMCM (methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate) in a dose-dependent manner. Androsterone did not protect against seizures induced by kainic acid, NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid), or 4-AP (4-aminopyridine) in mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that androsterone exhibits anticonvulsant activity that occurs largely via nongenomic mechanisms. Testosterone-derived androsterone might be an endogenous protective neuroactive steroid in the brain.

Relationship between Brand Nicotine Yield of Cigarettes and Urine Cotinine Level in Male Smokers / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: As one of harm reduction strategies, tobacco manufacturers have begun to introduce lower-yield cigarettes. Lower-yield cigarettes, so called light cigarettes, have been perceived as less hazardous by some smokers. However, there have been very few studies concerning smoking lower yield products the lead to lower nicotine absorption. We evaluated the association between brand nicotine yield of cigarettes and actual nicotine intake by measuring urinary cotinine. METHODS: Four hundred sixty four male smokers aged 18 or over who participated in health check-ups in a hospital from May to October 2007 filled out a self-administered smoking questionnaire. Urinary cotinine concentration was measured at the time of participation. The subjects were divided into three groups (ultralight [nicotine: 0.05 mg], light [0.1 mg], and regular [> 0.1 mg] group) according to the level of brand nicotine yield of cigarettes which they smoked. RESULTS: The median urinary cotinine concentrations of ultralight (N = 62), light (N = 216), and regular (N = 186) groups were 735.5 ng/mL (interquartile range, 320 to 1,300 ng/mL), 956.0 ng/mL (429 to 1,491 ng/mL), and 1,067.5 ng/mL (615 to 1,613 ng/mL), respectively. There was a signifi cant difference in urinary cotinine between the regular and the other groups (P = 0.015). However, multiple logistic regression analysis to evaluate the risk of being in the highest quartile of urinary cotinine concentration (> or = 1,532 ng/mL) after adjusting for possible confounding variables showed that the odds ratios were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.52 to 1.37) in the light nicotine group and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.38 to1.72) in the ultralight nicotine group compared to the regular nicotine group. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the risk of elevated urinary cotinine concentrations in male adult smokers according to brand nicotine yield of cigarettes groups.

The Problems of Nonproprietary Names Prescription

The government is now operating a pilot project of generic prescription in the National Medical Center and planning to execute it after analyzing the results. The aims of changing Brand Name Prescription (Proprietary Names Prescription) to Generic Prescription (Nonproprietary Names Prescription) are to reduce medical expenses, to increase patient's conveniences and rights, and to strengthen pharmaceutical companies' internal competitiveness. However, we doubt whether these goals can be reached by the execution of the Generic Prescription. More important is that Korea is not well prepared with the medicine bioequivalent experiments, which can be potentially harmful to patients. If the government should carry out this plan just because the pilot project involving some relatively safe medicines does not show problems, it will confront with big damages. Namely, carrying out the Generic Prescription in an unprepared condition will not benefit but will cause a big damage to the patients.

Comparative analysis of various corrosive environmental conditions for NiTi rotary files / 대한치과보존학회지

The aim of the present study is to compare the corrosion tendency using two kinds of NiTi files in the various environmental conditions through the visual examination and electrochemical analysis. ProTaper Universal S2, 21 mm (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and Hero 642, 0.06 tapers, size 25, 21 mm (Micromega, Besancon, France) rotary instruments were tested. The instruments were randomly divided into eighteen groups (n = 5) by the immersion temperature, the type of solution, the brand of NiTi rotary instrument and the presence of mechanical loading. Each file was examined at various magnifications using Scanning Electron Microscope (JEOL, Akishima, Tokyo, Japan) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). EDX was used to determine the components of the endodontic file alloy in corroded and noncorroded areas. The corrosion resistance of unused and used NiTi files after repeated uses in the human teeth was evaluated electrochemically by potentiodynamic polarization test using a potentiostat (Applied Corrosion Monitoring, Cark-in-Cartmel, UK). Solution temperature and chloride ion concentration may affect on passivity of NiTi files. Under the conditions of this in vitro study, the corrosion resistance is slightly increased after clinical use.

Scale Development for Measuring the Brand Images of Contract Foodservice Management Companies

The aim of this study was to measure the brand images of contract foodservice management companies by identifying brand image attributes and then developing a measurement scale to measure the weight of these attributes. The measurement scale was developed by following a 5-stage process that included face-to-face interviews with experts, literature review, questionnaire surveys, verification of scale validity, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. A total of 137 items measuring brand image were collected: 37 items from studies of brand image and corporate image, 55 items from studies of contract foodservice management companies and 45 items from the internet and websites of contract foodservice management companies. A survey was then conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire items. Ultimately, the 137 items were reduced to 40 items. The calculated Cronbach's alpha for the 40 brand image items was 0.934, demonstrating good internal consistency. Based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA), employee attitude, menu content, corporate image, dining location and ambience, along with 33 subattributes, were identified as brand image attributes. Employee attitude was the most significant attribute influencing brand image. After confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and a review process, four brand image attributes and 33 subattributes were finalized and incorporated into the scale.

A Survey of the Awareness, Knowledge, and Behavior of Topical Steroid Use in Dermatologic Outpatients of the University Hospital / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Topical steroids are a widely used therapeutic agent in dermatology. However, little objective data has been collected in order to assess the awareness, knowledge and behavior of patients regarding the use of topical steroids. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the current state of awareness, knowledge, and behavior of patients regarding topical steroid use. METHODS: A written questionnaire was distributed to 570 outpatients who visited the dermatologic clinics of the University Hospital. Of these, 504 were appropriate and thus were included in this study for further statistical analysis. The questionnaire consisted of 26 items concerning the overall evaluation of the awareness, and behavior of outpatients regarding their use of topical steroids. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that of 504 patients included in the analysis, 53.8% bought topical steroids with a dermatologist's prescription, whereas 33.6% obtained their topical steroids without prescription. The patient recognition rate of brand name, therapeutic effects, and side effects of topical steroids was 58%, 77% and 26%, respectively. Twenty percent of patients who have used topical steroids complained of side effects, the most common of which being pruritus (7.5% of cases). More than half of the patients said they obtained their information about topical steroids from sources other than the dermatologist. More than three quarters of patients (77%) applied topical steroids 1-2 times per day, whereas the overusers (4%) and the long-term users (16%) were applying topical steroids more than 5 times a day and longer than 16 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that topical steroids have been used without sufficient information and guidelines. Taken together, it is suggested that dermatologists should more thoroughly explain the therapeutic effects, indications, and side effects of topical steroids to their patients.

Glutathione supplements and the skin: An exploratory study and review of the best current evidence

BACKGROUND: Glutathione is an important intracellular anti-oxidant involved in different cellular and body functions. In recent years, glutathione-containing products have become extremely popular as evidenced by the proliferation of these products especially for 'skin whitening'. The investigators conducted this exploratory study in preparation for further investigations to validate the efficacy and safety of glutathione-containing products. OBJECTIVES: 1) To describe the different glutathione products, their claims on efficacy and safety, as advertised on the Internet; 2) To report the best current evidence on the claims of efficacy and safety of glutathione supplements and glutathione-containing products for the skin. METHOD: An online search for glutathione distributors was conducted from February to March 2008 to find out their claims on the efficacy and safety of glutathione-containing supplements or IV glutathione. For the search of the best current evidence on glutathione products, various electronic databases were searched up to September 2008 for any human clinical trials or reports of adverse events. Key informants were also interviewed. RESULTS: From the Internet search, there were 20 brands oftopical glutathione products, 21 oral preparations, and 2 injectable glutathione products. There were also a variety of glutathione formulations available, mainly capsules containg glutathione plus other antioxidants. All products claimed a skin 'whitening' effect. There were no published human clinical trials, whether quasi-experimental or controlled trials (ex. RCTs) supporting the claims of skin whitening or skin rejuvenating effects of glutathione. There was one unpublished randomized controlled trial and one local clinical trial ongoing in the Philippines. No adverse events associated with glutathione products were reported in published literature. Anecdotal reports of adverse effects were gathered during key informant interviews. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence on whitening and skin rejuvenation effects and safety is insufficient because these are based on testimonials and anecdotal reports, all of which are at high risk of bias. The magnitude of glutathione's skin whitening effect nor its side-effects have not yet been established. RECOMMENDATIONS: Good quality, randomized, controlled trials are needed to validate claims of skin 'whitening' from the use of glutathione supplementation or glutathione skin products. Health professionals and consumers should document and report adverse events related to glutathione-containing products for the sake of public safety.