Antibacterial activity and effect on gingival cells of microwave-pulsed non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma in artificial saliva.

Although various oral pathogens are inactivated by non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP), the in vivo effects of NTAPP are poorly understood. The first aim of this study was to examine the antibacterial activity of microwave-pulsed NTAPP against Staphylococcus aureus in artificial saliva to mimic oral environmental conditions. The second aim was to determine the influence of microwave-pulsed NTAPP on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). The microwave-pulsed NTAPP reduced bacterial viability (as measured by colony forming units [CFU]) to a greater extent in artificial saliva than in saline. Extending the post-treatment incubation time increased bacterial inactivation in artificial saliva compared to saline. HGFs viability was unaffected by microwave-pulsed NTAPP for bacterial inactivation. Rather, HGFs proliferation increased after a 5-min microwave-pulsed NTAPP. Less tumor necrosis factor alpha was released by microwave-pulsed NTAPP-treated HGFs stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) than by untreated, LPS-stimulated HGFs; thus, plasma appeared to suppress the inflammatory response. Our study suggests that microwave-pulsed NTAPP may have stronger in vivo antibacterial activity than in vitro activity, and that microwave-pulsed NTAPP may have the additional advantage of suppressing gingival inflammatory responses.

An Alternative to Annealing TiO2 Nanotubes for Morphology Preservation: Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Treatment.

Titanium oxide nanotube layer formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is known to be excellent in biomaterial applications. However, the annealing process which is commonly performed on the TiO2 nanotubes cause defects in the nanotubular structure. The purpose of this work was to apply a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet on diameter-controlled TiO2 nanotubes to mimic the effects of annealing while maintaining the tubular structure for use as biomaterial. Diameter-controlled nanotube samples fabricated by plasma electrolytic oxidation were dried and prepared under three different conditions: untreated, annealed at 450 °C for 1 h in air with a heating rate of 10 °C/min, and treated with an air-based non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet for 5 minutes. The contact angle measurement was investigated to confirm the enhanced hydrophilicity of the TiO2 nanotubes. The chemical composition of the surface was studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the morphology of TiO2 nanotubes was examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy. For the viability of the cell, the attachment of the osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 was determined using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay. We found that there are no morphological changes in the TiO2 nanotubular structure after the plasma treatment. Also, we investigated a change in the chemical composition and enhanced hydrophilicity which result in improved cell behavior. The results of this study indicated that the non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet results in osteoblast functionality that is comparable to annealed samples while maintaining the tubular structure of the TiO2 nanotubes. Therefore, this study concluded that the use of a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet on nanotube surfaces may replace the annealing process following plasma electrolytic oxidation.

Cytotoxicity and terminal differentiation of human oral keratinocyte by indium ions from a silver-palladium-gold-indium dental alloy.

OBJECTIVE: Dental alloys containing indium (In) have been used in dental restoration for two decades; however, no study has investigated the biological effects of In ions, which may be released in the oral cavity, on human oral keratinocytes. The objective of the present study was to investigate the biological effects of In ions on human oral keratinocyte after confirming their release from a silver-palladium-gold-indium (Ag-Pd-Au-In) dental alloy. METHODS: As a corrosion assay, a static immersion tests were performed by detecting the released ions in the corrosion solution from the Ag-Pd-Au-In dental alloy using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity and biological effects of In ions were then studied with In compounds in three human oral keratinocyte cell lines: immortalized human oral keratinocyte (IHOK), HSC-2, and SCC-15. RESULTS: Higher concentrations of In and Cu ions were detected in Ag-Pd-Au-In (P<0.05) than in Ag-Pd-Au, and AgCl deposition occurred on the surface of Ag-Pd-Au-In after a 7-day corrosion test due to its low corrosion resistance. At high concentrations, In ions induced cytotoxicity; however, at low concentrations (∼0.8In(3+)mM), terminal differentiation was observed in human oral keratinocytes. Intracellular ROS was revealed to be a key component of In-induced terminal differentiation. SIGNIFICANCE: In ions were released from dental alloys containing In, and high concentrations of In ions resulted in cytotoxicity, whereas low concentrations induced the terminal differentiation of human oral keratinocytes via increased intracellular ROS. Therefore, dental alloys containing In must be biologically evaluated for their safe use.

Changes in skin color after smoking cessation.

This study was performed to assess changes in skin color over 1 month after smoking cessation. The study population consisted of 49 men who participated in a smoking cessation program from March 2010 to June 2010 at a public health centre in Yangsan, South Korea. Thirty-four men who stop smoking completely were included in our study. Instrumental evaluations of skin color were performed using Mexameter (MX 18; Courage and Khazaka Electronic GmbH) at the beginning of the study and at 1-week and 4-week follow-up visits. Skin color was evaluated by measurement of 2 main color bases-melanin and haemoglobin-with the results expressed as melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI). Both MI and EI were significantly reduced at the 4-week follow-up visit on all 7 sites measured. We anticipate that desirable effects on skin color after smoking cessation will play a positive role in maintaining smoking abstinence in routine clinical practice.

Apocrine Carcinoma of the Groin Possibly Associated with Extramammary Paget's Disease.

Apocrine carcinoma is a rare malignancy with invasive potential. It presents as painless, slow-growing, firm or cystic, red nodules with focal ulcerations. The tumor is capable of hematogenous dissemination to the liver, lungs, and bone as well as lymphatic spread. In addition, apocrine carcinomas cause intra-epidemial pagetoid spread. We report a case of an apocrine carcinoma related with extensive extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD). The relationship between apocrine carcinoma and EMPD remains to be understood. Co-existing cases with apocrine carcinoma and EMPD are discussed to better understand the relationship between these two malignant apocrine tumors.

Pulmonary metastasis of Basal cell carcinoma.

Although basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, it rarely metastasizes. Metastatic basal cell carcinoma may, therefore, initially elude diagnosis and management. We describe the case of a patient with a metastatic basal cell carcinoma present in the lungs. The differential diagnosis of suspected metastatic lesions should include metastases from a cutaneous basal cell carcinoma, in addition to those from more commonly metastasizing carcinomas, especially in patients with a history of a large basal cell carcinoma that has involved the head and neck regions, and was refractory to treatment.

Imiquimod as an adjuvant treatment measure for desmoplastic trichoepithelioma.

Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma is a rare benign adnexal tumor. Although it is a benign lesion, patients often want to treat it due to cosmetic concerns when it occurs in an easily visible site. For our two cases, topical 5% imiquimod was an attractive treatment option as it is applied by the patients themselves and it has minimal side effects, including leaving no scar. However, the lesions recurred after clinical remission. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only report on utilizing imiquimod to treat a benign adnexal tumor, and especially desmoplastic trichoepithelioma.

A case of pachydermodactyly.

Pachydermodactyly (PDD) is a rare, benign form of digital fibromatosis and this is characterized by asymptomatic soft tissue swelling that affects the lateral aspects of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the fingers. Although the etiology of PDD is unknown, the possibility of repetitive minor trauma by habitual or compulsive habits of interlacing the fingers or rubbing of the fingers has been suggested as a cause by several authors. We experienced a 14-year-old boy who was diagnosed as having PDD by the clinical manifestations and this was supported by a radiological study and the routine laboratory tests. He also had the habit of repetitively manipulating his hands when feeling emotional distress. PDD sometimes can be misdiagnosed as a rheumatic condition. Although an unusual disorder, PDD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with digital bulbous swelling.

Antibiotic susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from acne vulgaris in Korea.

Propionibacterium acnes plays an important role in the development of acne, and inflammatory lesions are improved by antibiotics. Long-term use of antibiotics may result in development of resistant strains and treatment failure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the isolation rate of P. acnes and to evaluate its antibiotic susceptibility to widely used antibiotics in acne in Korea. Among 46 patients, 31 P. acnes strains were cultured. Isolated P. acnes was measured for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin and clindamycin using an Epsilometer test. Age, disease duration and previous history of antibiotic therapy for acne were compared in relation to the MIC. The mean MIC of tetracycline, minocyclines, doxycycline, clindamycin and erythromycin were all below the breakpoint of antibiotic resistance. The patients with acne vulgaris with disease duration of more than 2 years documented higher MIC values in doxycycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin than those of less than 2 years. The patients who were previously treated with topical or systemic antibiotics showed higher MIC in doxycycline. Antibiotic resistance of P. acnes is still low in Korea, but at this point, there is an increasing trend of MIC. Caution and acknowledgement of increased risk of antibiotic resistant P. acnes should be advised in acne antibiotic treatment to minimize and avoid the emergence of the resistant strain.

Reticulated myxoid tumor of the tongue: 2 cases supporting an expanded clinical and immunophenotypic spectrum of ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor of the tongue.

An ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor (ECMT) is a rare neoplasm that exclusively occurs in the anterior dorsum of the tongue. The tumor consists of small round to fusiform or spindle cells with myxoid or chondroid stroma. The tumor consistently shows a positive reaction with glial fibrillary acidic protein antibodies, especially polyclonal antibodies. We report 2 cases of reticulated myxoid tumors arising in the tongue. One tumor occurred in the posterior dorsum of the tongue and another in the anterior. Both tumors showed characteristic morphology of ECMT; however, both were negative for reactions with monoclonal and polyclonal glial fibrillary acidic protein antibodies. On the basis of morphology, they are thought to be belonging to ECMT. Hence, we suggest that ECMT can show broader spectrum of clinical and immunophenotypic feature.

Oral hairy leukoplakia which occurred as a presenting sign of acute myeloid leukemia in a child.

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is caused by the reactivation of a previous Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the epithelium of the tongue. Most lesions are characterized by corrugated whitish patches on the lateral border of the tongue. It is frequently associated with AIDS, but cases in patients with other immunosuppressed states have also been reported. In leukemia patients, OHL is rarely encountered, and appears only after chemotherapy. We report a case of OHL which occurred as a presenting sign of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a previously healthy 15-year-old child. A 15-year-old boy presented with a whitish patch on the left lateral border of the tongue. The biopsy specimen revealed papillomatosis, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and ballooning degeneration in the stratum spinosum. The patient was EBV seropositive, and PCR analysis of EBV DNA in the lesional tissue was positive. After the diagnosis of OHL in dermatologic department, the patient was referred to pediatrics due to the abnormal peripheral blood smear, and was diagnosed with AML.

An open, randomized, comparative clinical and histological study of imiquimod 5% cream versus 10% potassium hydroxide solution in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum.

BACKGROUND: Although molluscum contagiosum (MC) resolves spontaneously, there are several reasons to treat this dermatological disorder. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 5% imiquimod cream versus 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution in treating MC, and to propose the mechanism of cure by observing the histological findings. METHODS: Imiquimod or KOH were applied by the patient or a parent 3 days per week until all lesions cleared. The number of MC lesions was counted and side effects were evaluated at 5 points during the treatment (the initial visit, week 2, week 4, week 8, and week 12). Histological changes were compared between 2 patients of each group, before and after the 2 weeks of application. RESULTS: In both group, the mean lesion counts decreased all through to week 12, and the reduction in number of lesions were statistically significant in both groups (p <0.005). Over 40% of each group developed local side effects, and no systemic side effects were noted in either group. Before treatment, histological findings showed little or no dermal infiltrates. After treatment, specimens showed dense lymphocytic infiltrates, especially T cells, around the lesions which had resolved. CONCLUSION: Both 10% KOH solution and 5% imiquimod cream are effective and safe treatment of MC.

X-Linked reticulate pigmentary disorder in a female patient.

BACKGROUND: X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder is a very rare cutaneous condition characterized by different clinical manifestations according to sex. METHODS: We report a 31-year-old woman with X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder. RESULTS: On examination, there were multiple, asymptomatic, brownish macules in linear and whorled patterns over the trunk, axillae, groin, and extremities. The woman had not experienced any systemic manifestations involving the gastrointestinal, pulmonary, or ocular systems. Her hair, teeth, and nails were normal on close observation. All laboratory data were within the normal range. A genetic study was not performed. CONCLUSIONS: Although a genetic study was not performed, we believe that our patient can be diagnosed with X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder according to the clinical and histopathologic findings.

Angiomyxolipoma (vascular myxolipoma) of subcutaneous tissue.

Lipoma is the most common neoplasm of mesenchyme, and several subtypes have been described that vary according to their location and the presence of other tissue elements. Angiomyxolipoma is a very rare variant that consists of an admixture of adipose and myxoid elements with numerous vascular structures. It should be differentiated from other subtypes of benign and malignant lipomas. Here the case of a 69-year-old male is described who presented with a solitary asymptomatic mass on the left iliac crest. The histopathologic findings showed alternating nests of myxoid and adipose tissue containing dilated blood vessels, which was consistent with angiomyxolipoma.

Primary venous aneurysms of the superficial venous system.

Venous aneurysm can be classified into superficial or deep and secondary or primary. The aim of this study was to introduce primary venous aneurysm of the superficial venous system and to report the experiences treating it with sclerotherapy. A retrospective study with 120 cases of venous dilatation detects 4 patients. The clinical features, histopathology, and radiological findings were investigated. In 2 patients, sclerotherapy was performed. The patients had an asymptomatic, soft subcutaneous mass on the extremities or neck for 5.2 years on an average. Color duplex scanning showed a well-defined anechoic cystic structure with no arterial flow. Histopathologically, normal vein wall with varying degrees of thinning was observed. The patients who underwent sclerotherapy were treated successfully with no recurrence. Primary venous aneurysm of the superficial venous system should be included in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous mass. In addition, it may be simply and effectively treated with sclerotherapy.