γδ T cells are a rare and unique prototype of T cells that share properties with natural killer cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Although many studies have revealed the function and importance of adult-derived γδ T cells in cancer biology and regenerative medicine, the low numbers of these cells hamper their application as therapeutic cell sources in the clinic. To solve this problem, pluripotent stem cell-derived γδ T cells are considered alternative cell sources; however, few studies have reported the generation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived γδ T cells. In the present study, we investigated whether lymphoid lineage γδ T cells were successfully generated from human pluripotent stem cells via hemogenic endothelium under defined culture conditions. Our results revealed that pluripotent stem cells successfully generated γδ T cells with an overall increase in transcriptional activity of lymphoid lineage genes and cytolytic factors, indicating the importance of the optimization of culture conditions in generating lymphoid lineage γδ T cells. We uncovered an initial step in differentiating γδ T cells that could be applied to basic and translational investigations in the field of cancer biology. Based on our result, we will develop an appropriate method to purify γδ T cells with functionality and it helpful for the study of basic mechanism of γδ T cells in pathophysiologic condition as well as clinic application.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effects of a pubovaginal sling (PVS), with a Martius labial fat pad interposition (MLFI), on patients with a female urethral diverticulum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 23 consecutive cases with a female urethral diverticulum were retrospectively reviewed. The pre-operative evaluations included the history, physical examination, voiding cystourethrogram, cystoscopy, transperineal ultrasound and urodynamic studies to investigate the urethral function and the concomitant stress urinary incontinence. The treatment consisted of a transvaginal diverticulectomy alone, or with a PVS only, or combined with a MLFI. RESULTS: A transvaginal diverticulectomy only was performed, using a 3-layer closure, in nine patients (39.1%) and a concomitant PVS with a diverticulectomy in eight (34.8%) with stress urinary incontinence. A MLFI, combined with the above procedure, was performed in six patients (26.1%) with large defects of the urethra following the resection of diverticulum. No women having undergone a diverticulectomy with, or without, a PVS and MLFI had an urethrovaginal fistula, recurrent diverticulum or postoperative incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: In complicated cases, a simultaneous transvaginal diverticulectomy, pubovaginal sling and Martius labial fat pad interposition can be performed safely and effectively.
Adipose Tissue* ; Cystoscopy ; Diverticulum ; Female* ; Fistula ; Humans ; Physical Examination ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography ; Urethra ; Urinary Incontinence ; Urodynamics

Purpose: This study analyzed the current status of face mask usage. It also identified factors related to the knowledge and behavior regarding the same among older adults living alone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted via a telephone survey involving 283 older adults living alone in S City from March to April 2020. Knowledge and behavior pertaining to face mask usage were measured using Hilda Ho’s Face Mask Use Scale; reliability of the measurement was Kuder-Richardson formula-20 = .62, Cronbach’s α = .92. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression. Results: Older adults used one mask for 3.55 days on an average. The knowledge level was 9.97 (± 1.84) out of 12 and behavior level was 15.49 (± 1.55) out of 16. Level of education (β = - .31, p < .001), living region (β = .13, p = .017), personal income (β = .12, p = .041) significantly affected the face mask usage-related knowledge, and living region (β = .15, p = .010) significantly affected the face mask usage-related behavior. Conclusion Older adults living alone are aware of the effects of using face masks. However, their mask usage is inappropriate, for example, the prolonged use of the same mask. Considering the low level of face mask usage-related knowledge, it is necessary to develop customized education programs and infectious disease prevention strategies for older adults possessing low educational levels living alone in urban-rural complex areas.

Purpose: This study analyzed the current status of face mask usage. It also identified factors related to the knowledge and behavior regarding the same among older adults living alone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted via a telephone survey involving 283 older adults living alone in S City from March to April 2020. Knowledge and behavior pertaining to face mask usage were measured using Hilda Ho’s Face Mask Use Scale; reliability of the measurement was Kuder-Richardson formula-20 = .62, Cronbach’s α = .92. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression. Results: Older adults used one mask for 3.55 days on an average. The knowledge level was 9.97 (± 1.84) out of 12 and behavior level was 15.49 (± 1.55) out of 16. Level of education (β = - .31, p < .001), living region (β = .13, p = .017), personal income (β = .12, p = .041) significantly affected the face mask usage-related knowledge, and living region (β = .15, p = .010) significantly affected the face mask usage-related behavior. Conclusion Older adults living alone are aware of the effects of using face masks. However, their mask usage is inappropriate, for example, the prolonged use of the same mask. Considering the low level of face mask usage-related knowledge, it is necessary to develop customized education programs and infectious disease prevention strategies for older adults possessing low educational levels living alone in urban-rural complex areas.

Male infertility, due to pituitary or hypothalamic disease, which results in a deficiency of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or both, is less common than that due to primary testicular damage, but should be eminently treatable by replacement of either or both of these hormones. Exogenous gonadotropin, or pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing, hormone is now commonly used to treat male infertility due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Here, we report on a male patient with an acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which developed after puberty, who underwent successful treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG).
Adolescent ; Chorionic Gonadotropin ; Fertility* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; Gonadotropins ; Humans ; Hypogonadism* ; Hypothalamic Diseases ; Infertility ; Infertility, Male ; Luteinizing Hormone ; Male ; Puberty

Firefighters are facing occupational hazards such as exposures to a variety of carcinogens and toxic agents, heat, physical stress and psychological stress. This occupation involves an increased risk of particular health concerns including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and reproductive hazards. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of lifetime mortality among the firefighters as well as the principal cause of on-duty deaths. In spite of "healthy worker effect", a number of studies have found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in firefighters. There are various carcinogens in the fire smoke. Many studies address that some types of cancers are related to firefighting. These cancers include brain tumors, cancers of hematopoietic and lymphatic systems, cancers of genitourinary tract, and skin cancers. To date, the relationship between firefighting and reproductive hazards has not been widely studied. However, since firefighters are exposed to various chemical and physical hazards which might influence the reproductive systems, the concerns are raising. It is important to recognize that firefighters are at a risk of several significant health problems. To reduce the risk, it should be encouraged to use protective equipments efficiently and manage physically exerted firefighters appropriately at the fire scene. Furthermore, we should activate not only screening programs to detect health risk factors, but also medical programs to help firefighters maintain a good physical fitness.
Brain Neoplasms ; Carcinogens ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Firefighters ; Fires ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Lymphatic System ; Mass Screening ; Occupations ; Risk Factors ; Skin Neoplasms ; Smoke ; Stress, Psychological

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the vertical position of maxillary first molar and vertical skeletal measurements in lateral cephalograms by using new linear measurements on the vertical axis of coordinates with calibration. Methods: The vertical position of maxillary first molar (U6-SN), and the conventionally used variables (ConV) and the newly derived linear variables (NwLin) for vertical skeletal patterns were measured in the lateral cephalograms of 103 Korean adults with normal occlusions. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed with and without calibration using the anterior and posterior cranial base (ACB and PCB, respectively) lengths to identify variables related to U6-SN. Results: The PCB-calibrated statistics showed the best power of explanation. ConV indicating skeletal hyperdivergency was significantly correlated with U6-SN.Six NwLin regarding the position of palatal plane were positively correlated with U6-SN. Each multiple linear regression analysis generated a two-variable model: sella and nasion to palatal plane. Among the three models, the PCBcalibrated model yielded highest adjusted R2 value, 0.880. Conclusions U6-SN could be determined by the vertical position of the maxilla, which could then be used to plan the amount of molar intrusion and estimate its clinical stability. Cephalometric calibration on the vertical axis of coordinates by using PCB for vertical linear measurements could strengthen the analysis itself.

Aged ; Caregivers ; Dementia ; Depression ; Empathy ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Korea ; Pilot Projects

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is one of several prevalent oral diseases caused by dental plaque biofilms. This study evaluated the anti-cariogenic effects of a bamboo salt (BS) and sodium fluoride (NaF) mixture on oral bacteria.METHODS: The effects of several mixtures of NaF and BS on acid production, growth, and adhesion to glass beads of Streptococcus mutans, and their anti-cariogenic properties were investigated. The growth of S. mutans was measured according to optical density at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 hours after treatment using spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 600 nm, while pH was measured using a pH meter. Adhesion of S. mutans was measured according to the weight of glass beads from each group before and after incubation. Gene expression was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Acid production and growth patterns of S. mutans were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance, followed by Scheffe's post-hoc test. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare adhesion, followed by the Mann–Whitney test. Gene expression in the experimental and control samples was compared using the Student's t-test.RESULTS: Growth, acid production, and adhesion of S. mutans were inhibited in all experimental groups. Expression of gft and fructosyltransferase in S. mutans was inhibited in all groups. A mixture of NaF and BS significantly reduced growth, acid production, adhesion, and gene expression of S. mutans compared with the other groups.CONCLUSION: Results of the present study demonstrated that a mixture of NaF and BS was useful as a mouth rinse in preventing dental caries.
Bacteria ; Biofilms ; Dental Caries ; Dental Plaque ; Gene Expression ; Glass ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Mouth ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sodium Fluoride ; Sodium ; Spectrophotometry ; Streptococcus mutans

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the vertical position of maxillary first molar and vertical skeletal measurements in lateral cephalograms by using new linear measurements on the vertical axis of coordinates with calibration. Methods: The vertical position of maxillary first molar (U6-SN), and the conventionally used variables (ConV) and the newly derived linear variables (NwLin) for vertical skeletal patterns were measured in the lateral cephalograms of 103 Korean adults with normal occlusions. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed with and without calibration using the anterior and posterior cranial base (ACB and PCB, respectively) lengths to identify variables related to U6-SN. Results: The PCB-calibrated statistics showed the best power of explanation. ConV indicating skeletal hyperdivergency was significantly correlated with U6-SN.Six NwLin regarding the position of palatal plane were positively correlated with U6-SN. Each multiple linear regression analysis generated a two-variable model: sella and nasion to palatal plane. Among the three models, the PCBcalibrated model yielded highest adjusted R2 value, 0.880. Conclusions U6-SN could be determined by the vertical position of the maxilla, which could then be used to plan the amount of molar intrusion and estimate its clinical stability. Cephalometric calibration on the vertical axis of coordinates by using PCB for vertical linear measurements could strengthen the analysis itself.