Mandibular Reconstruction Using a Customized Three-Dimensional Titanium Implant Applied on the Lingual Surface of the Mandible.

A patient had a right mandibular defect due to resection of an ameloblastoma. Previously, the defect had been reconstructed by an iliac bone graft, and subsequently, a titanium mesh with xenograft was used. However, it was not successfully reconstructed. For the recovery of mandible continuity and rehabilitation of jaw movement, we manufactured a customized 3-dimensional titanium implant by computer-aided design and manufacturing and electron beam melting technology. This implant was designed to have a porous body structure and lingual plate. The customized implant was accurately inserted in the bony defect. As a result, the patient showed a normal range of mouth opening and jaw movement. New bone migration was observed in the porous structure of the implant. Although there was a slight plate exposure and lack of alveolar bone formation, the customized 3D titanium implant successfully reconstructed the mandibular discontinuous defect and recovered jaw movement.

Two different protein expression profiles of oral squamous cell carcinoma analyzed by immunoprecipitation high-performance liquid chromatography.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most dangerous cancers in the body, producing serious complications with individual behaviors. Many different pathogenetic factors are involved in the carcinogenesis of OSCC. Cancer cells derived from oral keratinocytes can produce different carcinogenic signaling pathways through differences in protein expression, but their protein expression profiles cannot be easily explored with ordinary detection methods. METHODS: The present study compared the protein expression profiles between two different types of OSCCs, which were analyzed through immunoprecipitation high-performance liquid chromatography (IP-HPLC). RESULTS: Two types of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) occurred in a mandibular (SCC-1) and maxillary gingiva (SCC-2), but their clinical features and progression were quite different from each other. SCC-1 showed a large gingival ulceration with severe halitosis and extensive bony destruction, while SCC-2 showed a relatively small papillary gingival swelling but rapidly grew to form a large submucosal mass, followed by early cervical lymph node metastasis. In the histological observation, SCC-1 was relatively well differentiated with a severe inflammatory reaction, while SCC-2 showed severely infiltrative growth of each cancer islets accompanied with a mild inflammatory reaction. IP-HPLC analysis revealed contrary protein expression profiles analyzed by 72 different oncogenic proteins. SCC-1 showed more cellular apoptosis and invasive growth than SCC-2 through increased expression of caspases, MMPs, p53 signaling, FAS signaling, TGF-ß1 signaling, and angiogenesis factors, while SCC-2 showed more cellular growth and survival than SCC-1 through the increased expression of proliferating factors, RAS signaling, eIF5A signaling, WNT signaling, and survivin. CONCLUSIONS: The increased trends of cellular apoptosis and invasiveness in the protein expression profiles of SCC-1 were implicative of its extensive gingival ulceration and bony destruction, while the increased trends of cellular proliferation and survival in the protein profile of SCC-2 were implicative of its rapid growing tumor mass and early lymph node metastasis. These analyses of the essential oncogenic protein expression profiles in OSCC provide important information for genetic counseling or customized gene therapy in cancer treatment. Therefore, protein expression profile analysis through IP-HPLC is helpful not only for the molecular genetic diagnosis of cancer but also in identifying target molecules for customized gene therapy in near future.

Botulinum Toxin Conjugated With Silk Fibroin and 4-Hexylresorcinol.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether silk fibroin (SF) incorporated into 4-hexylresorcinol (4HR) could increase botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 30 rats were used for this study. The animals were divided into 6 groups according to the injected materials (SA: saline only; SF; 4HR; B2: 2 units of BTX-A; B2 + SF + 4HR: combination of B2, SF, and 4HR; B5: 5 units of BTX-A). Serial sonography was used for the evaluation of muscle thickness after injection. Immunohistochemical staining was used for the evaluation of myosin type II (myo2) and Bcl-2 protein expression. RESULTS: The relative thickness of the masseter muscle in B2 group was 66.14% ±â€Š4.55% to the preinjection level; in B2 + SF + 4HR group was 54.59% ±â€Š4.83%, and in B5 group was 56.19% ±â€Š8.28%. Any BTX-injected group showed significantly lower value of the relative muscle thickness compared to SA, SF, or 4HR group (P < 0.001 for all). The difference of relative muscle thickness between B2 group and B2 + SF + 4HR group was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The intensity of myo2 immunostaining in B5, B2, and B2 + SF + 4HR group was significantly higher than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When 2 units of BTX was incorporated to SF and 4HR, combination formula showed similar activity to those of 5 units of BTX.

Intracellular Ca(2+) and K(+) concentration in Brassica oleracea leaf induces differential expression of transporter and stress-related genes.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important members of the genus Brassica, cabbage, requires a relatively high level of calcium for normal growth (Plant Cell Environ 7: 397-405, 1984; Plant Physiol 60: 854-856, 1977). Localized Ca(2+) deficiency in cabbage leaves causes tip-burn, bringing about serious economic losses (Euphytica 9:203-208, 1960; Ann Bot 43:363-372, 1979; Sci Hortic 14:131-138, 1981). Although it has been known that the occurrence of tip-burn is related to Ca(2+) deficiency, there is limited information on the underlying mechanisms of tip-burn or the relationship between Ca(2+) and tip-burn incidence. To obtain more information on the genetic control of tip-burn symptoms, we focused on the identification of genes differentially expressed in response to increasing intracellular Ca(2+) and K(+) concentrations in B. oleracea lines derived from tip-burn susceptible, tip-burn resistant cabbages (B. oleracea var. capitata), and kale (B. oleracea var. acephala). RESULTS: We compared the levels of major macronutrient cations, including Ca(2+) and K(+), in three leaf segments, the leaf apex (LA), middle of leaf (LM), and leaf base (LB), of tip-burn susceptible, tip-burn resistant cabbages, and kale. Ca(2+) and K(+) concentrations were highest in kale, followed by tip-burn resistant and then tip-burn susceptible cabbages. These cations generally accumulated to a greater extent in the LB than in the LA. Transcriptome analysis identified 58,096 loci as putative non-redundant genes in the three leaf segments of the three B. oleracea lines and showed significant changes in expression of 27,876 loci based on Ca(2+) and K(+) levels. Among these, 1844 loci were identified as tip-burn related phenotype-specific genes. Tip-burn resistant cabbage and kale-specific genes were largely related to stress and transport activity based on GO annotation. Tip-burn resistant cabbage and kale plants showed phenotypes clearly indicative of heat-shock, freezing, and drought stress tolerance compared to tip-burn susceptible cabbages, demonstrating a correlation between intracellular Ca(2+) and K(+) concentrations and tolerance of abiotic stress with differential gene expression. We selected 165 genes that were up- or down-regulated in response to increasing Ca(2+) and K(+) concentrations in the three leaf segments of the three plant lines. Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that these genes participated in regulatory metabolic processes or stress responses. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the genes involved in regulatory metabolic processes or stress responses were differentially expressed in response to increasing Ca(2+) and K(+) concentrations in the B. oleracea leaf. Our transcriptome data and the genes identified may serve as a starting point for understanding the mechanisms underlying essential macronutrient deficiencies in plants, as well as the features of tip-burn in cabbage and other Brassica species.

Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), a potential biomass candidate for bioethanol: cell wall structural changes enhancing hydrolysis in a mild alkali pretreatment regime.

BACKGROUND: Imperata cylindrica is being considered as a biomass candidate for bioethanol. This work aimed to evaluate a mild alkali pretreatment effect on the Imperata recalcitrant structure. Therefore, varied concentrations of NaOH (0, 7.5, 15, 20, and 25 g L(-1) ) were applied as treatments to Imperata at 105 °C for 10 min. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies revealed that 20 to 25 g L(-1) NaOH-treated Imperata exposed amorphous cellulose on surface granules composed of lignin, waxes, and partly hemicelluloses were abolished due to the comprehensive disruption of the linkages between lignin and carbohydrates. The cellulose crystalline index was increased with 7.5 to 20 g L(-1) NaOH treatments and reduced with a 25 g L(-1) NaOH treatment. In fact, the cellulose content in solids increased with the increasing NaOH concentration and was estimated to be 720 and 740 g kg(-1) for the 20 and 25 g L(-1) NaOH treatments, respectively. The yield of the reducing sugar was obtained 805 and 813 mg g(-1) from 20 and 25 g L(-1) NaOH-treated Imperata, respectively. CONCLUSION: Considering the cost of pretreatment, the 20 g L(-1) NaOH treatment is judged to be effective for disrupting Imperata recalcitrance in this pretreatment regime.

Fatal Progression of Gorham Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Gorham disease is an idiopathic massive osteolysis, and maxillofacial involvement is rare. This report describes a case of a 12-year-old boy with severe progressive osteolysis in the mandible, hyoid bone, mastoid process, and cervical spine. Radiation therapy and interferon-α therapy were followed by bisphosphonate therapy. The patient died of respiratory failure. To describe the clinicopathologic features of Gorham disease of the jaws with an emphasis on the fatal types, 64 cases in the literature were reviewed (female-to-male ratio, 1:1.78; average age, 33.02 ± 19.38 yr). Most lesions were located only in the mandible or in other locations in combination with the mandible, except for 3 cases. During follow-up, there were 7 cases of disease-specific death, resulting in a mortality rate of 10.94%. The main causes of death were chylothorax, rib fractures secondary to osteolysis, or spinal fractures. Although most patients received surgical treatment (43.75%), the type of treatment was not related to prognosis.

Pedicled buccal fat pad flap as a reliable surgical strategy for the treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the coverage of the pedicled buccal fat pad flap (PBFP) and the long-term results of this treatment in patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients (2 men and 8 women; average age, 72.9 yr old) diagnosed with MRONJ were selected. Patients were treated with a PBFP. Data from patients regarding MRONJ stage, defect size, bone exposure after surgery, operation time, admission period, duration of antibiotic therapy, recurrence of disease, and postoperative complications were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Six patients were diagnosed with MRONJ stage 2, and 4 patients were diagnosed with MRONJ stage 3. The maximum defect in the study was 62 × 18 mm. Among the 10 patients, there was only 1 bony exposure, which occurred on postoperative day 2 after receiving the PBFP. This exposure might have been due to an incomplete resection of the affected bone. There were no severe donor site morbidities, and all patients showed satisfactory healing without incident. CONCLUSIONS: According to this evaluation, the PBFP effectively covered a relatively large surgical defect. Complications were minimal, and there was no recurrence of bony exposure during follow-up. In conclusion, using the PBFP was a reliable treatment option for the management of denuded bone in patients with MRONJ.

Functional innovations of three chronological mesohexaploid Brassica rapa genomes.

BACKGROUND: The Brassicaceae family is an exemplary model for studying plant polyploidy. The Brassicaceae knowledge-base includes the well-annotated Arabidopsis thaliana reference sequence; well-established evidence for three rounds of whole genome duplication (WGD); and the conservation of genomic structure, with 24 conserved genomic blocks (GBs). The recently released Brassica rapa draft genome provides an ideal opportunity to update our knowledge of the conserved genomic structures in Brassica, and to study evolutionary innovations of the mesohexaploid plant, B. rapa. RESULTS: Three chronological B. rapa genomes (recent, young, and old) were reconstructed with sequence divergences, revealing a trace of recursive WGD events. A total of 636 fast evolving genes were unevenly distributed throughout the recent and young genomes. The representative Gene Ontology (GO) terms for these genes were 'stress response' and 'development' both through a change in protein modification or signaling, rather than by enhancing signal recognition. In retention patterns analysis, 98% of B. rapa genes were retained as collinear gene pairs; 77% of those were singly-retained in recent or young genomes resulting from death of the ancestral copies, while others were multi-retained as long retention genes. GO enrichments indicated that single retention genes mainly function in the interpretation of genetic information, whereas, multi-retention genes were biased toward signal response, especially regarding development and defense. In the recent genome, 13,302, 5,790, and 20 gene pairs were multi-retained following Brassica whole genome triplication (WGT) events with 2, 3, and 4 homoeologous copies, respectively. Enriched GO-slim terms from B. rapa homomoelogues imply that a major effect of the B. rapa WGT may have been to acquire environmental adaptability or to change the course of development. These homoeologues seem to more frequently undergo subfunctionalization with spatial expression patterns compared with other possible events including nonfunctionalization and neofunctionalization. CONCLUSION: We refined Brassicaceae GB information using the latest genomic resources, and distinguished three chronologically ordered B. rapa genomes. B. rapa genes were categorized into fast evolving, single- and multi-retention genes, and long retention genes by their substitution rates and retention patterns. Representative functions of the categorized genes were elucidated, providing better understanding of B. rapa evolution and the Brassica genus.

Phenotypic profiling and gene expression analyses for aromatic and volatile compounds in Chamoes (Cucumis melo).

Gotgam chamoe (GgC), a native oriental melon in Korea, is known to possess the aroma of a dried persimmon, an agronomic relevance for melon breeding program. The volatile compounds and the transcript levels of aromatic compound genes in cultivar (Ohbokggul chamoe [OC]) and GgC were profiled. A total of 62 volatile compounds were identified and quantified. Twenty-eight volatile compounds were specific to either the OC or the GgC. The amounts of volatile alcohol, saturated hydrocarbon, and unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds were 2.2, 2.7, and 1.1 times higher in OC, respectively. The amounts of ketone volatiles were 1.2 times higher in GgC, whereas the total amounts of esters were similar. In the shikimate pathway, transcriptional patterns with the fruit parts were different between the two chamoes for CmDAHPS, CmDHD/SDH, and CmEPSPS. The expression levels of all six genes investigated, especially CmCS, were highest in the peel of both chamoes compared to the other parts. The transcript levels of the aromatic amino acid biosynthesis genes demonstrate that phenylalanine and tyrosine are present more in edible parts of the chamoe, while tryptophan may be accumulated low in the chamoe. In addition, phenylalanine and tryptophan are synthesized more in GgC than the OC.

Hydroxyapatite and collagen combination-coated dental implants display better bone formation in the peri-implant area than the same combination plus bone morphogenetic protein-2-coated implants, hydroxyapatite only coated implants, and uncoated implants.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare peri-implant bone formation among uncoated (UC), hydroxyapatite (HA), collagen plus HA (CH), and collagen, HA, plus bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) implant groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implants in the UC group had acid-etched surfaces. The surface coating was applied using the aerosol deposition method. The coated surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transformed infrared absorption analysis. Subsequently, 6 implants from each group (total, 24 implants) were installed in the tibias of rabbits. The animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks after implant installation. Peri-implant bone formation and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) were measured in histologic sections. Significant differences among groups were evaluated using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Based on the measured XRD patterns, there was a characteristic HA phase (International Centre for Diffraction Data [ICDD], 086-0740) coated on the titanium (ICDD, 089-3725). Subsequent coating processes for collagen and BMP-2 did not display additional diffraction peaks, but maintained the diffraction patterns of the HA-coated titanium. The presence of collagen was verified by infrared absorption analysis. When comparing these modifications with UC surfaces, only the CH coating displayed significantly greater peri-implant bone formation and BIC (P = .003 and P < .001, respectively). Adding BMP-2 to the implant surface did not produce any advantage compared with the CH coating. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the CH group displayed significantly greater new bone formation and BIC than the other groups. There was no significant difference among the other groups.

Cloning and expression of ophB gene encoding organophosphorus hydrolase from endophytic Pseudomonas sp. BF1-3 degrades organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos.

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide that has adverse effect on animals and plants. We isolated endophytic bacterial strain, Pseudomonas sp. BF1-3, from balloon flower root which can hydrolyze chlorpyrifos. A gene (ophB) encoding a protein involved in chlorpyrifos degradation from this strain was cloned into Escherichia coli DH5α for confirming enzyme activity. After sequencing, total 1024bp nucleotide sequences were found in the open reading frame of ophB. The chlorpyrifos degradation patterns by E. coli DH5α (ophB) were observed. During incubation in minimal salt (M9) medium supplemented with chlorpyrifos (100mgL(-1)), the E. coli DH5α harboring ophB degraded about 97% initial chlorpyrifos (100mgL(-1)) and accumulated 86mgL(-1) 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) within 9 days. In addition, optical density (OD) of E. coli DH5α (ophB) culture at 600nm was increased from 0.172 to 1.118 within 2 days of inoculation in the chlorpyrifos supplemented M9 medium. The estimated molecular weight of purified OphB protein was determined to be 31.4kDa by SDS-PAGE. The OphB enzyme was most active at pH 8 and an optimal temperature around 35°C. These results indicate that endophytic bacteria are supposed to be useful for biological control of environments contaminated with pesticides.

Comparison of silkworm-cocoon-derived silk membranes of two different thicknesses for guided bone regeneration.

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of silk membranes (SMs) of different thicknesses for guided bone regeneration. Two kinds of SMs were prepared (SM1: 0.01 mm thickness, SM2: 0.5 mm thickness). Before use in animal experiments, scanning electron microscope images were taken to examine the gross morphology of each membrane. Ten New Zealand white rabbits were used for this study. Bilateral round-shaped defects were created in the parietal bone (diameter: 8.0 mm) and each defect was covered with SM1 or SM2. Animals were killed at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Bone regeneration was analyzed in each specimen by micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) and histological analysis. In the µ-CT analysis, the average amount of newly formed bone in the SM2 group was greater than that in the SM1 group. There was a significant difference at 4 weeks after surgery (P = 0.004). In the histological analysis, the amount of formed lamellar bone was much greater in the SM2 group than in the SM1 group at 8 weeks after surgery (P = 0.021). In conclusion, the thick SM was much more effective for bone regeneration of bone defects than the thin SM.

Effect of mild alkali pretreatment on structural changes of reed (Phragmites communis Trinius) straw.

The effect of dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on reed straw structural change at 105 degreeC temperature was evaluated in this study. Various concentrations of NaOH (1% to 2.5%) were used for pretreatment of reed straw at 105 degreeC for 10min. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies showed that 2% and 2.5% NaOH pretreated sample exposed more cellulose fibers compared with other treatments. The cellulose crystalline index was increased by the 1% to 2.0% NaOH treatments and slightly lowered by the 2.5% NaOH treatment due to destructing cellulose fibres. Two per cent NaOH pretreatment caused 69.9% lignin removal, whereas 2.5% NaOH pretreatment removed 72.4% lignin. Besides, reed straw, when pretreated at 2% and 2.5% NaOH, resulted 56.4% and 60.5% hemicellulose removal, respectively. However, the difference in removal of lignin and hemicellulose between 2% and 2.5% NaOH treated reed straw was very marginal. In addition, very negligible increase of cellulose level was estimated, amounting 78.8% and 76.6% in 2.5% and 2% NaOH-treated sample, respectively. Moreover, after 72 h, reducing sugar yield was 81.2% and 83.3% using enzyme loading of 15 FPU (g dry biomass)-' and 30 IU (g dry biomass)- and xylanase 4 FXU (g dry biomass)-1 from 2% and 2.5% NaOH pretreated reed straw, respectively. Reducing sugar yield was increased very marginally when NaOH concentration increased from 2% to 2.5% for reed straw pretreatment. Therefore, 2% NaOH is supposed to be effective for reed straw pretreatment at this mentioned condition.

Layered structure of sialoliths compared with tonsilloliths and antroliths.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the ultrastructural and chemical composition of sialoliths, tonsilloliths, and antroliths and to describe their growth pattern. Materials and Methods: We obtained 19 specimens from 18 patients and classified the specimens into three groups: sialolith (A), tonsillolith (B), and antrolith (C). The peripheral, middle, and core regions of the specimens were examined in detail by histology, micro-computed tomography (micro- CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: In the micro-CT, group A showed alternating radiodense and radiolucent layers, while group B had a homogeneous structure. Group C specimens revealed a compact homogeneous structure. Histopathologically, group A showed a laminated, teardrop-shaped, globular structure. Group B demonstrated degrees of immature calcification of organic and inorganic materials. In group C, the lesion was not encapsulated and showed a homogeneous lamellar bone structure. SEM revealed that group A showed distinct three layers: a peripheral multilayer zone, intermediate compact zone, and the central nidus area; groups B and C did not show these layers. The main elemental components of sialoliths were O, C, Ca, N, Cu, P, Zn, Si, Zr, F, Na, and Mg. In group B, a small amount of Fe was found in the peripheral region. Group C had a shorter component list: Ca, C, O, P, F, N, Si, Na, and Mg. TEM analysis of group A showed globular structures undergoing intra-vesicular calcification. In group B, bacteria were present in the middle layer. In the outer layer of the group C antrolith, an osteoblastic rimming was observed. Conclusion: Sialoliths had distinct three layers: a peripheral multilayer zone, an intermediate compact zone and the central nidus area, while the tonsillolith and antrolith specimens lacked distinct layers and a core.

Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical evaluation of hyperplastic soft tissues surrounding dental implants in fibular jaws.

In reconstructive surgery, complications post-fibula free flap (FFF) reconstruction, notably peri-implant hyperplasia, are significant yet understudied. This study analyzed peri-implant hyperplastic tissue surrounding FFF, alongside peri-implantitis and foreign body granulation (FBG) tissues from patients treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University Dental Hospital. Using light microscopy, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, anucleate and pyknotic prickle cells, and excessive collagen deposition were observed in FFF hyperplastic tissue. Ultrastructural analyses revealed abnormal structures, including hemidesmosome dilation, bacterial invasion, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) swelling. In immunohistochemical analysis, unfolded protein-response markers ATF6, PERK, XBP1, inflammatory marker NFκB, necroptosis marker MLKL, apoptosis marker GADD153, autophagy marker LC3, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis markers were expressed variably in hyperplastic tissue surrounding FFF implants, peri-implantitis, and FBG tissues. NFκB expression was higher in peri-implantitis and FBG tissues compared to hyperplastic tissue surrounding FFF implants. PERK expression exceeded XBP1 significantly in FFF hyperplastic tissue, while expression levels of PERK, XBP1, and ATF6 were not significantly different in peri-implantitis and FBG tissues. These findings provide valuable insights into the interconnected roles of ER stress, necroptosis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of oral pathologies, offering a foundation for innovative strategies in dental implant rehabilitation management and prevention.

The renoprotective effect of cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor and nitroprusside in a rat model of cyclosporin A-induced nephrotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: The cyclosporin A (CsA) nephrotoxicity limits its usefulness as an immunosuppression. We studied the administration of both nitroprusside and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (udenafil) in order to determine whether these agents could ameliorate the renal injury in CsA nephrotoxicity. METHODS: 30 8-week-old SD rats were divided into 5 groups: the control (1), SQ with 15 mg/kg CsA (Group 2), CsA along with 5 mg/kg IP nitroprusside (Group 3), CsA with 10 mg/kg PO udenafil (Group 4), and CsA with udenafil and nitroprusside (Group 5). RESULTS: Group showed an increase in creatinine compared o the control group. Group 5 showed a decrease in creatinine compared to Group 2. In TUNEL, Group 2 increased apoptosis in proximal tubules compared to control. Group 5 showed a decrease in apoptosis compared to Groups 2, 3, and 4. In IHC, the eNOS in Group 2 was stronger than in the controls. Groups 3, 4, and 5 showed decreased staining intensity compared to Group 2. In IHC, the VEGF in Groups 2, 3, and 4 increased compared to the controls. The eNOS protein expression was increased in both Groups 3 and 5 compared to the controls. The VEGF protein expression was increased in Groups 3 and 5 compared to Group 2. The eNOS mRNA was decreased in Group 2 compared to the control group and tended to increase in Groups 3, 4, and 5 compared to Group 2. The VEGF mRNA was increased in Group 2 and tended to increase more in Groups 3 and 5. CONCLUSION: The udenafil and nitroprusside ameliorated renal injury in rat model of CsA nephrotoxicity. The mechanism appears to be associated with decreasing tubular apoptosis by decreasing eNOS and increasing VEGF.

Satisfaction of industrial health care managers regarding the work of industrial hygiene engineers: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGRUOUND: A group health service is a system that delegates workplace health management to an entrusted institution. There have been various studies on group health services to date, but recent changes, such as an increase in foreign workers, are rapidly changing industry characteristics. METHODS: Satisfaction was assessed using a 27-question survey distributed among 203 workplaces employing health professionals. The survey items consisted of general characteristics, comprehensive satisfaction, requirements for health professionals' work, and satisfaction with work environment management, ergonomic management, and healthcare management. Multiple regression and frequency analyses were performed. RESULTS: The comprehensive satisfaction was 4.08 points on average, out of 5. The comprehensive satisfaction of health professionals in the industry was positively correlated with each factor. Hazardous materials and chemical management (material safety data sheets, MSDSs) were the most common requirements. CONCLUSION: A low level of satisfaction with work environment management indicates high demand for healthcare management. The working environment should be improved by identifying characteristics of the workplace, examining harmful substances, inspecting equipment, and enhancing worker methods. The shorter the work experience of health professionals, the more dependent they are on group health services. The variables affecting comprehensive satisfaction were the period of work, healthcare management satisfaction, and work environment management satisfaction. Most of the requirements of health professionals in the workplace were practical improvement case presentations, MSDSs, and legal document management.

Investigating the accuracy of mandibulectomy and reconstructive surgery using 3D customized implants and surgical guides in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the accuracy of the output of three-dimensional (3D) customized surgical guides and titanium implants in a rabbit model, and of mandibulectomy, reconstructive surgery, and surgical outcome; additionally, the correlation between surgical accuracy and surgical outcomes, including the differences in surgical outcome according to surgical accuracy, was analyzed. RESULTS: The output of implants was accurately implemented within the error range (- 0.03-0.03 mm), and the surgical accuracy varied depending on the measured area (range - 0.4-1.1 mm). Regarding surgical outcomes, angle between the mandibular lower borders showed the most sensitive results and distance between the lingual cusps of the first molars represented the most accurate outcomes. A significant correlation was noted between surgical accuracy in the anteroposterior length of the upper borders pre- and postoperatively and the angle between the mandibular lower borders (regression coefficient = 0.491, p = 0.028). In the group wherein surgery was performed more accurately, the angle between the mandibular lower borders was reproduced more accurately (p = 0.021). A selective laser melting machine accurately printed the implants as designed. Considering the positive correlation among surgical accuracy in the mandibular upper borders, angle between the mandibular lower borders, and more accurately reproduced angle between the mandibular lower borders, the angle between the mandibular lower borders is considered a good indicator for evaluating the outcomes of reconstructive surgery. CONCLUSION: To reduce errors in surgical outcomes, it is necessary to devise a positioner for the surgical guide and design a 3D surgical guide to constantly maintain the direction of bone resection. A fixed area considering the concept of three-point fixation should be selected for stable positioning of the implant; in some cases, bilateral cortical bone fixation should be considered. The angle between the mandibular lower borders is a sensitive indicator for evaluating the outcomes of reconstructive surgery.

Identification of biological components for sialolith formation organized in circular multi-layers.

According to the previous studies of sialolithiasis reported so far, this study is aimed to identify the biological components of sialolith, which show different ultrastructures and chemical compositions from other stones, cholelith and urolith. Twenty-two specimens obtained from 20 patients were examined histologically, and analyzed with micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All sialoliths (n = 22) observed in this study showed a central nidus, which was filled with organoid matrix admixed with exosome vesicles, loose calcium apatite crystals, and many bacteria. The micro-CT and SEM observation clearly defined a single or multiple central nidus(es) encircled by highly calcified compact zone. The circular compact zone showed a band-like calcification, about 1-3 mm in thickness, and usually located between the central nidus and the peripheral multilayer zone. But some sialoliths (n = 5) showed severe erosion of compact zone by expanding multilayered zone depending on the level of calcification and inflammation in sialolith. By observing TEM images, many exosome vesicles and degraded cytoplasmic organelles were found in the central nidus, and some epithelial cells were also found in the calcified matrix of peripheral multilayer zone. Particularly, EDS analysis indicated the highest Ca/P ratio in the intermediate compact zone (1.77), and followed by the central nidus area (1.39) and the peripheral multilayer zone (0.87). Taken together, these data suggest that the central nidus containing many inflammatory exosomes and degraded cytoplasmic organelles has a potential to induce a band-like calcification of compact zone, and followed by the additional multilayer deposition of exfoliated salivary epithelial cells as well as salivary materials. Thereby, the calcium apatite-based sialolith is gradually growing in its volume size, and eventually obstructs the salivary flow and provides a site for the bacterial infection.

Alkali pretreatment of wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) at boiling temperature for producing a bioethanol precursor.

We evaluated the effect of dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on wheat straw at boiling temperature for removing lignin and increasing the yield of reducing sugar. Various concentrations of NaOH (0.5% to 2%) were used for pretreating wheat straw at 105 °C for 10 min. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies revealed that the 2% NaOH-pretreated sample exposed more cellulose fiber. The maximum respective removal of lignin and hemicellulose was 70.3% and 68.2% from the 2% NaOH-pretreated liquor. The reducing sugar yield was 84.6% using an enzyme dose containing 20 FPU of cellulase, 40 IU of ß-glucosidase and 4 FXU of xylanase/g of substrate. However, 2% NaOH-treated wheat straw had the lowest crystalline index of 52.5%, due to destructured cellulose fibers. The results indicate the effectiveness of producing the bioethanol precursor from wheat straw by using 2% NaOH at boiling temperature.