The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of orthodontic bands in vitro and in vivo.4 types of orthodontic bands were applied to cultured fibroblast and the supermatants were injected into dorsal subcutaneous tissue of mice. In vitro, the cytotoxixity was evaluated by an MTT assay after 2 and 6days.In vivo, the histopathologic observation was performed 2 days after injection. The results were: 1. The cell viability was significantly decreased in the group added phosphoric acid in comparison to control group, but there was not any significance among the experimental group after 2 days. 2. Cell viability decreased in the high Ni containing group after 6 days. 3. The histopathological finding was that the Cr-containing group showed severe infiltration of inflammatory cells and muscular destruction.
Animals ; Cell Survival ; Fibroblasts ; Mice ; Subcutaneous Tissue

BACKGROUND: Excessive iodine intake increases the occurrence of autoimmune thyroid disorders by enhancing immunogenecity of iodine-rich thyroglobulin, In Korea, most of postpartum women take a large amount of iodine-rich seaweed. Although the excessive iodine intake may affect the thyroid function, only a few reports were available concering iodine intake, especially on postpartum period. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken in 146 of normal delivered postpartum women. Dietary intake and urinary excretion of iodine, serum T3, T4, TSH, anti-TPO Ab and anti-Tg Ab were measured before and 1, 6, 12 and 24 weeks after delivery. Iodine intake was analyzed by one-to-one interview using 24hr recall and food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: 1. PPT was occurred in 6 (10.3%) postparturn women, It presented as hypothyroidism alone in 1 (16.7%), transient thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidisrn in 3 (50.0%), and thyrotoxicosis alone in 2 (33.3%) of the follwed-up patients. 2. During pregnancy, no difference was found in age, serum T3, T4 and TSH between PPT and normal thyroid function group. 3. In PPT group, anti-TPO and anti-Tg Ab were significantly higher than those of normal thyroid function group during pregnancy, and their sensitivity for PPT was 40% and 33%, respectively. But there was no correlation between dietary iodine intake and the titer of thyroid auto-antibodies. 4. There was no correlation between pre and post-partum dietary iodine intake and occurrence of PPT. CONCLUSION: In Korea, the incidence of PPT was slightly higher than other nations. The sensitivity of thyroid auto-antibodies was too low to use for prediction of PPT. Pre and post-partum iodine intake had no effect on the occurrence of PPT and post-partum thyroid function.
Female ; Humans ; Hypothyroidism ; Incidence ; Iodine ; Korea ; Postpartum Period ; Postpartum Thyroiditis* ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Seaweed ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyrotoxicosis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the sliding distance of lag screw in patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated with intramedullary fixation using a cephalomedullary nail with a fixed angle between the neck and shaft of the femur in relation to reduction type by lateral radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2009 to October 2013, 86 cases (86 patients) with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures were treated with intramedullary fixation using a metal nail with a fixed neck-shaft angle and followed for at least 6 months. We used AO/OTA classification, and all cases were unstable fractures. Twenty cases were 31-A22, 54 cases were 31-A23, and 12 cases were 31-A3. There were 30 men and 56 women. Average patient age was 73.7 years (range, 47-97 years). We classified reduction types into three groups as postoperative lateral radiologic findings. Group 1 showed no displacement, group 2 showed anterior displacement of the femur neck, and group 3 showed posterior displacement of the femur neck. The radiological assessment compared the sliding distance of the lag screw between postoperative X-ray and last follow-up X-ray. RESULTS: Forty-two cases were in group 1, 22 cases were in group 2, and the other 22 cases were in group 3. There was no significant difference in the patient characteristics of each group. The sliding distances of the lag screw were 4.9±3.2 mm, 4.6±3.6 mm, and 8.5±4.9 mm, respectively, and group 3 showed a significant result (p<0.0001, p=0.024). CONCLUSION: In cases treated with intramedullary fixation using a cephalomedullary nail with a fixed neck-shaft angle, appropriate reduction with a lateral radiograph before screw fixation is needed to prevent excessive lag screw sliding.
Classification ; Female ; Femur ; Femur Neck ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Hip Fractures ; Humans ; Male ; Neck

No abstract available.
Mucous Membrane* ; Prolapse* ; Vitelline Duct*

The physiological activity of osteoblasts is known to be closely related to increased intracellular Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) in osteoblasts. The cellular regulation of [Ca2+]i in osteoblasts is mediated by Ca2+ movements associated with Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores, and transmembrane Ca2+ influx via Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, and Ca2+ ATPase. Reactive oxygen species, such as H2O2, play an important role in the regulation of cellular functions, and act as signaling molecules or toxins in cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of H2O2 on cellular Ca2+ regulation in osteoblasts by measuring intracellular Ca2+ activities using cellular calcium imaging techniques. Osteoblasts were isolated from the femurs and tibias of neonatal rats, and cultured for 7 days. The cultured osteoblasts were loaded with a Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye, Fura-2, and fluorescence images were monitored using a cooled CCD camera, and subsequently analyzed using image analyzing software. The results obtained are as follows: (1) The osteoblasts with lower basal Ca2+ activities yielded a transient Ca2+ increase, a Ca2+ spike, while osteoblasts with higher basal Ca2+ activities showed a continuous increase in [Ca2+]i leading to cell death. (2) Ca2+ spikes, generated after removing Na+ from superfusing solutions, were blocked by H2O2 and this was followed by a sustained increase in Ca2+ activity. (3) ATP- induced Ca2+ spikes were inhibited by pretreating with H2O2 and this was followed by a continuous increase of [Ca2+]i. When cells were pretreated with the exogenous nitric oxide (NO) donor S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicilance (SNAP, 50 microM), treatments of ATP (1 mM) induced a Ca2+ spike-like increase, but [Ca2+]i did not return to the basal level. (4) The expression of inositol- 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R) was enhanced by H2O2. Our results suggest that H2O2 modulates intracellular Ca2+ activity in osteoblasts by increasing Ca2+ release from the intracellular Ca2+ stores.
Animal ; Calcium/*metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Hydrogen Peroxide/*pharmacology ; Osteoblasts/*drug effects/*metabolism ; Oxidants/*pharmacology ; Rats

Background: The On-X valve was recently introduced. It was the aim of this study to assess the safety and feasibility from the data derived from 28 patients who underwent aortic and/or mitral valve replacement with this prosthesis in National Medical Center. Material and Method: From May 1999 and May 2003, a series of 28 consecutive patients who had been implanted with 32 On-X prosthesis were reviewed. The operative procedure comprised of 12 MVR, 10 AVR and 6 DVR. The study followed the guidelines of AATS/STS. Mean follow-up was 27 months (total 64 patient-years). Result: Early ( Bilirubin ; Echocardiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Freedom ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Heart Valves* ; Heart* ; Hematocrit ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mitral Valve ; Mortality ; Prostheses and Implants ; Reference Values ; Reticulocytes ; Surgical Procedures, Operative

The aortic coarctation is located in the distal thoracic aorta or abdominal aorta, or both and is often called "middle aortic syndrome" or "mid-aortic dyspastic syndrome". Etiology is controversial and most cases are seen in young female women. Severe complication such as cardiac or renal dysfunction as well as cerebral hemorrhage may occur, so aggressive surgical intervention may take effect. Lately we experienced a middle aortic syndrome which was not typical because of the patient's advanced age at the time of clinical presentation. The Axillo-femoral artery bypass graft with 6 mm PTFE vascular graft was done.
Aorta, Abdominal ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Aortic Coarctation ; Arteries ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged* ; Polytetrafluoroethylene ; Transplants ; Vascular Diseases

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to review the disease course, clinical and laboratory manifestations, prognosis and treatment of adult onset Still s disease (AOSD) in Korea. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with AOSD were enrolled from 1986 to 1997 in Hanyang University Hospital. Diagnosis of AOSD was based on the criteria proposed by Yamaguchi. We classified the disease course into self-limited, inter mittent, or chronic disease course. RESULTS: Twenty-four (75%) patients were female. Skin rash occurred in 28 (88%) patients, lymphadenopathy in 8 (25%), hepatomegaly in 4 (13%), and pericarditis in 2 (6%) out of 32 patients. The most commonly affected joints were knee joints (88%). Elevated LDH was seen in 18 (60%) patients and decreased CK in 17 (61%) patients. Rheumatoid factor was detected in 4 (13%) patients and ANA in 12 (38%) patients. Anemia (Hb < 10 g/dL) was seen in 13 (41%) patients and hypoalbuminemia (<3. 5 g/dL) in 14 (52%) patients. Elevated ferritin (300 ng/mL) level was seen in 23 (79%) patients. Twenty-five (78%) patients had elevated serum transaminase. Bone marrow studies were performed in 16 patients. Nine out of 16 patients showed hyperplasia of the myeloid series and 2 patients displayed the features of a hemophagocytic syndrome. The mean duration of follow up of 32 patients was 32 months (range 3- 108). Eight (27%) patients had a self-limited, 9 (30%) an intermittent, and 13 (43%) a chronic disease course. The hypoalbuminemia was significantly associated with an "intermittent or chronic disease group" (p<0. 05). Thirty-two patients received systemic corticosteroids and 21 patients received single or combination of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. CONCLUSION: We found that hypoalbuminemia at presentation was significantly associated with an unfavorable outcome, intermittent or chronic disease group. The clinical manifestations and disease course of AOSD in Korea were similar to those previously reported in other countries except significantly lower incidence of lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, and pericarditis.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Adult* ; Anemia ; Antirheumatic Agents ; Bone Marrow ; Chronic Disease ; Diagnosis ; Exanthema ; Female ; Ferritins ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatomegaly ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Hypoalbuminemia ; Incidence ; Joints ; Knee Joint ; Korea* ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic ; Pericarditis ; Prognosis ; Rheumatoid Factor ; Still's Disease, Adult-Onset*

PURPOSE: Long-term steroid therapy for various glomerular disorders in children has been known to decrease serum Vit D3 level and develop osteomalacia. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of long-term steroid therapy on growth and bone density in children with nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: Bone density of 17 steroid-treated nephrotic syndrome was compared with that of 17 similar aged healthy children by biochemical measurement, bone age and bone mineral density. Serum Vit D3, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were measured and bone mineral content was measured in the lumbar vertebra by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (HOLOGIC QDR 2000 X-Ray Bone densitometer). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in height ,weight and bone age between the two groups. The mean bone density was significantly lower in children receiving steroid (0.58 +/- 0.04g/cm2) than in the control group (0.65 +/- 0.07g/cm2) (P<0.001). There was no significant correlation between duration of steroid therapy and decrement of bone density. Serum Vit D3 level was significantly lower in the group receiving steroid (16.7 +/- 6.1pg/ml) than in the control group (31.0 +/- 5.8pg/ml) (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: we conclude that alternate-day steroid therapy doesn't affect growth but may lead to decrement of serum Vit D3 level and bone mineral density in children with nephrotic syndrome.
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Age Determination by Skeleton ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Bone Density* ; Calcium ; Child* ; Humans ; Nephrotic Syndrome* ; Osteomalacia ; Phosphorus ; Spine

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to investigate clinical time course in the diagnosis of SLE,clinical features at disease onset,and their effects on organ damage and disease activity METHODS: We evaluated 244 patients in the Korean Hanyang Lupus Cohort by medical record review and direct interview:the time at disease onset,clinical diagnosis,and diagnosis meeting ACR criteria for SLE (ACR diagnosis),clinical features at onset,SLICC/ACR damage index,SLAM-R,education,and income. The risk factors of delayed diagnosis and their effect on damage and activity were examined with uni and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Mean age and disease duration were 33.9 (+/- 11.9)and 6.2 (+/- 4 .4 )years. The mean time from onset to clinical diagnosis and ACR diagnosis were 2.4 (+/- 3.6)and 2.7 (+/- 3.3)years.The clinical features at disease onset were as follows;arthritis (46.3%),skin rash (13.7%),fever (7.4%),hematologic disorder (7.4%),nephritis (5.7%),Raynaud phenomenon (3.7%),neuropsychiatric syndrome (2.4%).Diagnosis was delayed when oral ulcer,photosensitivity,and arthritis were presented as 1st clinical features compared to when nephritis, malar rash,and fever as 1st clinical features.Delayed diagnosis (based on median time in clinical diagnosis)was not associated with damage,disease activity,education,and income. CONCLUSIONS: SLE was diagnosed late over 2 years after first symptoms onset and the time interval from clinical symptoms to ACR diagnosis is about 4 months;the delayed diagnosis and the prognosis in terms of damage and activity might depend on 1st clinical features.
Arthritis ; Cohort Studies ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Diagnosis ; Exanthema ; Fever ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Multivariate Analysis ; Nephritis ; Prognosis* ; Risk Factors