Physical properties and color stability of injection-molded thermoplastic denture base resins

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare mechanical and physical properties of injection-molded thermoplastic denture base resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, six commercially available products (VA; Valplast, LC; Lucitone, ST; Smiltone, ES; Estheshot-Bright, AC; Acrytone, WE; Weldenz) were selected from four types of thermoplastic denture base materials (Polyamide, Polyester, Acrylic resin and Polypropylene). The flexural properties and shore D hardness have been investigated and water sorption and solubility, and color stability have evaluated. RESULTS: For the flexural modulus value, ES showed the highest value and WE showed significantly lower value than all other groups (P < .05). Most of experimental groups showed weak color stability beyond the clinically acceptable range. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, thermoplastic denture base resin did not show sufficient modulus to function as a denture base. In addition, all resins showed discoloration with clinical significance, and especially polyamides showed the lowest color stability.

Effects of Nursing Workplace Spirituality on Job Satisfaction, Burnout and Turnover Intention among General Hospital Nurses / 임상간호연구

PURPOSE: Nursing workplace spirituality (NWS) has received attention as a new and meaningful subject for nursing to consider, but little is known about the relation of NWS to nursing. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of NWS on job satisfaction, burnout and turnover intention. METHODS: Participants were 145 clinical nurses, who had worked for over 6 months in one of four general hospitals in B city. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson coefficient and hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: In the second hierarchy controlling general characteristics, significant predictors of job satisfaction were burnout and NWS, which explained 45.0% of the variance. NWS had more influence on job satisfaction than burn out, and the model was suitable. NWS showed no statistically significant effect on burnout and turnover intention, when general characteristics and job related factors were controlled. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that nursing workplace spirituality has a positive influence on job satisfaction, but no direct influence on burnout or turnover intention, which may indicate an indirect influence. Nurse managers need to develop the NWS enhancement program and provide them to nurse to improve job satisfaction.

The role of adiponectin in the production of IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and MMPs in human endothelial cells and osteoblasts: implications for arthritic joints

This study was performed to evaluate the contribution of adiponectin to the production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-13 in human endothelial cells and osteoblasts in arthritic joints. Cultured human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and osteoblasts were stimulated with adiponectin (1 or 10 mug ml-1) or IL-1beta (0.1 ng ml-1) in the presence or absence of hypoxia for 24 h. The protein expression patterns were examined by analyzing culture supernatants using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Adiponectin significantly stimulated the production of VEGF, MMP-1 and MMP-13 in osteoblasts but not in endothelial cells, whereas it significantly stimulated the production of IL-6 and IL-8 in both endothelial cells and osteoblasts. The increase in VEGF production induced by adiponectin was significantly greater than that induced by IL-1beta. The production of IL-6 and IL-8 in adiponectin-stimulated endothelial cells was approximately 10-fold higher than that in IL-1beta-stimulated endothelial cells; in osteoblasts, adiponectin-induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion was approximately twofold higher than that induced by IL-1beta. In addition, IL-8 production in endothelial cells was approximately sevenfold higher than in osteoblasts. However, IL-6 levels were similar between the two cell types, suggesting that adiponectin may be involved in the production of IL-8 in endothelial cells, which may have an important role in neutrophil recruitment to arthritic joints. Furthermore, the increases in protein expression induced by adiponectin were differentially regulated by hypoxia. In conclusion, adiponectin has a more important role than does IL-1beta in the production of mediators that drive synovitis and joint destruction in endothelial cells and osteoblasts at physiological concentrations.

Glycemic index of dietary formula may not be predictive of postprandial endothelial inflammation: a double-blinded, randomized, crossover study in non-diabetic subjects

The emerging role of endothelial inflammation in diabetes has stimulated research interest in the effects of nutrition on related indices. In the current study we investigated whether the nutrient composition of dietary formula as reflected in glycemic index (GI) may be predictive of postprandial endothelial inflammation in non-diabetic subjects. A double-blinded, randomized, crossover study was conducted in non-diabetic subjects (n = 8/group). Each subject consumed three types of diabetes-specific dietary formulas (high-fiber formula [FF], high-monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) formula [MF] and control formula [CF]) standardized to 50 g of available carbohydrates with a 1-week interval between each. The mean glycemic index (GI) was calculated and 3-hour postprandial responses of insulin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), nitrotyrosine (NT) and free fatty acids (FFA) were measured. The MF showed the lowest mean GI and significantly low area under the curve (AUC) for insulin (P = 0.038), but significantly high AUCs for sICAM-1 (P < 0.001) and FFA (P < 0.001) as compared to the CF and FF. The FF showed intermediate mean GI, but significantly low AUC for NT (P < 0.001) as compared to the CF and MF. The mean GI was not positively correlated to any of the inflammatory markers evaluated, and in fact negatively correlated to changes in FFA (r = -0.473, P = 0.006). While the MF with the lowest GI showed the highest values in most of the inflammatory markers measured, the FF with intermediate GI had a modest beneficial effect on endothelial inflammation. These results suggest that nutrient composition of dietary formula as reflected in the GI may differently influence acute postprandial inflammation in non-diabetic subjects.

Synergy between adiponectin and interleukin-1beta on the expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and cyclooxygenase-2 in fibroblast-like synoviocytes

To determine whether adiponectin may have synergistic effects in combination with the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1beta regarding the production of proinflammatory mediators during arthritic joint inflammation, synovial cells from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were treated with adiponectin, IL-1beta, and their combination for 24 h. Culture supernatant was collected and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for levels of IL-6, IL-8, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Adiponectin-mediated intracellular signaling pathways were investigated to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their synergy. The association of proinflammatory mediators with adiponectin was investigated in the synovial fluid of arthritis patients. Adiponectin functioned synergistically with IL-1beta to activate IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2 expression in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes; Levels of VEGF, MMP-1, and MMP-13 were not synergistically stimulated. Adiponectin and IL-1beta each increased the expression of both adiponectin receptor 1 and IL-1 receptor 1. However, adiponectin and IL-1beta did not synergistically support the degradation of IkappaB-alpha or the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. Synergistically increased gene expression was significantly inhibited by MG132, an NF-kappaB inhibitor. Supporting the in vitro results, IL-6 and IL-8 levels were positively associated with adiponectin in synovial joint fluid from patients with RA, but not osteoarthritis (OA). In conclusion, adiponectin and IL-1beta may synergistically stimulate the production of proinflammatory mediators through unknown signaling pathways during arthritic joint inflammation. Adiponectin may be more important to the pathogenesis of RA than previously thought.

Taurine ameliorates hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia by reducing insulin resistance and leptin level in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats with long-term diabetes

This study aimed to determine whether taurine supplementation improves metabolic disturbances and diabetic complications in an animal model for type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether taurine has therapeutic effects on glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and diabetic complications in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats with long-term duration of diabetes. Fourteen 50-week-old OLETF rats with chronic diabetes were fed a diet supplemented with taurine (2%) or a non-supplemented control diet for 12 weeks. Taurine reduced blood glucose levels over 12 weeks, and improved OGTT outcomes at 6 weeks after taurine supplementation, in OLETF rats. Taurine significantly reduced insulin resistance but did not improve beta-cell function or islet mass. After 12 weeks, taurine significantly decreased serum levels of lipids such as triglyceride, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Taurine significantly reduced serum leptin, but not adiponectin levels. However, taurine had no therapeutic effect on damaged tissues. Taurine ameliorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, at least in part, by improving insulin sensitivity and leptin modulation in OLETF rats with long-term diabetes. Additional study is needed to investigate whether taurine has the same beneficial effects in human diabetic patients.

The Properties of Antibiotic and NSAIDs Administration Before Extract of the Impacted Mandibular Third Molar

A Clinical Study of Mandible Fracture for 10 Years at Chuncheon City

Osteopontin, CD44, and NFkappaB Expression in Gastric Adenocarcinoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Osteopontin (OPN) binds to CD44 and nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) and OPN mediates tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis, but the interrelationships between OPN, CD44 and NFkappaB are not fully understood, and especially in gastric carcinogenesis. We examined the expressions of OPN, CD44, and NFkappaB in untreated gastric adenocarcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials from 211 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma were immunostained for OPN, CD44 and NFkappaB by using a tissue microarray. The OPN mRNA expression was measured in 10 cases by performing real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The expression of OPN, CD44 and NFkappaB was noted in 61.7%, 11.4% and 26.6% of the adenocarcinoma tissues, respectively. No significant correlation was detected among the expressions of these proteins. The OPN protein expression was negatively correlated with angioinvasion (p<0.05) and patient survival (p<0.05), whereas the CD44 and NFkappaB protein expressions were not correlated with any of the clinicopathological factors we examined. The depth of invasion, lymph node status and perineural invasions were prognostic factors based on the Cox analysis. The OPN mRNA expression showed no significant difference between the adenocarcinoma and the paired normal mucosa on real-time RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: OPN may have a currently undetermined role in gastric carcinogenesis, and CD44 and NFkappaB may have minor roles in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Coptis chinensis Extract Inhibits the Production of Inflammatory Mediators and Delayed Type Hypersensitivity in Mice

BACKGROUND: Coptis chinensis rhizome has been used as a medicinal herb in traditional Oriental medicine. We investigated the effects of Coptis chinensis extract on inflammatory mediators and delayed type hypersensitivity in mice. METHODS: The inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract of Coptis chinensis (CCE) on cell proliferation was evaluated using MTS assay. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and the Con A-activated mouse splenocytes were cultured with various concentrations of CCE. Total nitric oxide (NO) production was determined by Griess reaction. The amounts of secreted prostaglandine E2 (PGE(2)), interleukin (IL)-2 and IFN-gamma were measured by ELISA. To investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of CCE, oxazolone-induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) model was used. RESULTS: The CCE at 100 microgram/ml significantly blocked the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE) in RAW264.7 macrophages. Also, it significantly inhibited cell proliferation and cytokine (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) production in splenocytes. Furthermore, when splenocytes from CCE fed mice (200 mg/kg for 2 weeks) were activated with Con A, cell proliferation and cytokine production were significantly inhibited. In addition, CCE decreased in vivo inflammation in oxazolone-induced DTH model mice. CONCLUSION: We suggest that Coptis chinensis can be used as an anti-inflammatory drug by exerting an inhibitory effect in inflammatory mediator- and cell-mediated inflammation.

Coptis chinensis Extract Inhibits the Production of Inflammatory Mediators and Delayed Type Hypersensitivity in Mice

BACKGROUND: Coptis chinensis rhizome has been used as a medicinal herb in traditional Oriental medicine. We investigated the effects of Coptis chinensis extract on inflammatory mediators and delayed type hypersensitivity in mice. METHODS: The inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract of Coptis chinensis (CCE) on cell proliferation was evaluated using MTS assay. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and the Con A-activated mouse splenocytes were cultured with various concentrations of CCE. Total nitric oxide (NO) production was determined by Griess reaction. The amounts of secreted prostaglandine E2 (PGE(2)), interleukin (IL)-2 and IFN-gamma were measured by ELISA. To investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of CCE, oxazolone-induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) model was used. RESULTS: The CCE at 100 microgram/ml significantly blocked the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE) in RAW264.7 macrophages. Also, it significantly inhibited cell proliferation and cytokine (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) production in splenocytes. Furthermore, when splenocytes from CCE fed mice (200 mg/kg for 2 weeks) were activated with Con A, cell proliferation and cytokine production were significantly inhibited. In addition, CCE decreased in vivo inflammation in oxazolone-induced DTH model mice. CONCLUSION: We suggest that Coptis chinensis can be used as an anti-inflammatory drug by exerting an inhibitory effect in inflammatory mediator- and cell-mediated inflammation.

A case report about correction of implant position at horizontal plane after corticotomy

Decompression treatment for odontogenic cyst in mandible using specific decompression appliance: case report

Ameloblastoma removed by curettage and enucleation after SSRO: case report

The association of programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1) gene polymorphism with ankylosing spondylitis in a Korean population / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The programmed death 1 (PD-1) protein, the product of the PDCD1 gene, is a negative regulator of T cells, and a genetic association of PDCD1 in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Caucasians has been reported. However, there have been no studies on the association of this gene and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of PD-1 polymorphisms with ankylosing spondylitis in the Korean population METHODS: One single-nucleotide polymorphism PD-1.9 T/C were genotyped in 95 patients with AS and 130 healthy controls in a case-control association study. We analyzed this SNP by use of a PCR-RFLP assay using genomic DNA. RESULTS: The T allele of the PD-1.9 polymorphism was significantly more frequent in a Korean male population with AS than in Korean male controls (21.0% versus 6.9%; odds ratio[OR] 1.89; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.483-2.408). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the presence of the PD-1 polymorphism in Korean AS patients. This finding suggests a genetic association between the PD-1 polymorphism and AS susceptibility.

A Case of Respiratory Distress associated with Congenital Bilateral Nasolacrimal Duct Mucoceles / 대한주산의학회잡지

Congenital obstruction of the nasolacrimal drainage system commonly occurs, but rarely causes significant symptoms. A congenital nasolacrimal duct mucocele (NLDM) is an uncommon condition due to a distal and proximal obstruction of the nasolacrimal drainage system. It may presents an asymptomatic medial canthal mass, epiphora, dacryocystitis, periorbital cellulitis, sepsis and nasal obstruction. It is a rarely reported cause of respiratory distress in the newborn. Bilateral NLDSMs may cause severe respiratory distress in the newborn and must be required surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction. Nasal endoscopy, CT scan and MRI scan are used in the diagnostic work-ups to evaluate the condition. We report a case of bilateral nasolacrimal duct mucoceles which presented with respiratory distress in newborn.

Arthroscopic Ankle Fusion Using Two Medial Cannulated Screws / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical and radiological results of arthroscopic ankle fusion using 2 medial screws which had advantages of less morbidity, early weight-bearing and high union rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From April, 2002 to March, 2004, 8 patients who had ankle osteoarthritis were treated by ankle fusion using 2 medial screws under arthroscopy; five patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis, two with post-infectious arthritis and one with paralytic foot. There were 5 male and 3 female. Average age was 67 years old ranging from 57 to 71 years. We evaluated them clinically preoperative and postoperative using AOFAS score, VAS pain scale and patient's satisfaction. In regard to radiological fusion, we checked them by simple AP, lateral and mortise view. Follow up period was average 11 months (range, 6~24 months). RESULTS: All ankles were successfully fused with 2 medial screws under arthroscopy. The mean time of fusion was 10.5 weeks (range, 8~14 weeks). Patient's satisfaction checked at 6 months after operation had favorable results (excellent and good 75%). One case had pain on medial malleolar area because of screw's protrusion. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic ankle fusion using 2 medial screws was good modality of ankle fusion with less morbidity and early weight-bearing in some cases of ankle arthritis.

A Case of Right Diaphragmatic Eventration Initially Diagnosed as Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia / 대한주산의학회잡지

Diaphragmatic eventration is an abnormal elevation of an intact diaphragm into the thoracic cavity as a result of paralysis, aplasia or atrophy of muscular fibers, which accounts for 5~10% of all diaphragmatic disorders. Congenital eventration result from a incomplete muscularization of the pleuroperitoneal membranes at 8~10 weeks' menstrual age, the cause of this failure is not known. Although some patients are asymptomatic and find out incidentally, significant compression of the affected chest contents can result in severe respiratory distress. The differentiation between congenital diaphragmatic eventration and congenital diaphragmatic hernia by sonography may be difficult, but important because of a significant differences in postnatal management and prognosis. We experienced a case of right congenital diaphragmatic eventration with severe respiratory distress during immediate postnatal period, who was initially diagnosed as congenital diaphragmatic hernia and performed plication at 18 hours after birth. So we report this case with review of literatures.

Aortic Dissection during the Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Development of intraoperative aortic dissection during coronary artery bypass surgery is extremely rare with catastrophic outcomes resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality. The prognosis is highly dependant upon prompt diagnosis and emergent treatment. We report our experience on a 72 year old female patient who successfully received ascending aortic graft replacement for acute intraoperative aortic dissection during coronary artery bypass procedure.

Serum Thyroglobulin Levels Predicting Recurrence and Distant Metastasis after Surgery in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: Reports on serum thyroglobulin(Tg) levels being used to predict recurrence or distant metastasis during the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer(DTC) has been inconsistent. In addition, there have been few reports that attempt to define the cut-off value of Tg for recurrence or distant metastasis obtained by a receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve. As well, there are differences in opinions on what the value should be on the first serum Tg level measured just before radioactive iodine(RAI) ablation(Tg-RAI), during thyroxine administration (Tg-on), and after thyroxine withdrawal(Tg-off) during the follow-up. Reports on the positive predictive values(PPVs) and negative predictive values(NPVs) of these Tg values are rare. METHODS: A total of 205 patients(42 males, 163 females) with DTC were studied. All patients had undergone total or near-total thyroidectomy. After surgery and RAI ablation, annual thyroxine withdrawal 131I-whole body scan(WBS) with Tg measurements was performed. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.0 (1.4~7.4) years. The most sensitive and specific Tg values(cut-off values) for tumor recurrence and/or distant metastasis were selected by using ROC curves. We also calculated the PPVs and NPVs for recurrence and/or distant metastasis using two-by-two tables. RESULTS: Cut-off values of Tg-RAI, Tg-on, and Tg-off for recurrence were 11.8, 1.4, and 3.3ng/mL, respectively. For these values, the sensitivities were 85.4, 82.2, and 93.3%, with the specificitiesat 89.2, 92.4, and 88.0%. PPVs were 71.9, 77.1, and 77.0% while NPVs were 95.0, 94,4, and 97.8%. The cut-off values for distant metastasis were 27.4, 2.5, and 7.9ng/mL, respectively. For these cut-off values, the sensitivities were 86.7, 87.5, and 92.3%, with the specificities being 86.2, 90.8, and 80.2%. PPVs were 34.2, 46.7, and 25.0% and NPVs were 98.7, 98.8, and 99.3%. CONCLUSION: All three serum Tg levels were sensitive and specific markers for recurrence and distant metastasis. Their PPVs were low in contrast to the high NPVs. In comparison with Tg-on, Tg-off showed higher sensitivity and NPV as well as lower specificity and PPV. Therefore, in the case of higher Tg-on during the follow-up period, efforts to find recurrence and distant metastasis,such as 131I-WBS, should be done. In addition, regular measurement of Tg-off or Tg after stimulation with recombinant human TSH is recommended as a screening test.