Statement of problem. Proliferation of Candida albicans is primarily within the plaque on the fitting surface of the denture rather than on the inflamed mucosa. Consequently, the treatment of the denture is equally important as treatment of the tissue. Cleansing and disinfection should be efficiently carried-out as the organisms can penetrate into the voids of the acrylic resin and grow in them, from which they can continue to infect and reinfect bearing tissues. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of photocatalytic reaction to eliminate Candida albicans from acrylic resin denture base, and to investigate the antifungal effect with various UVA illumination time. Materials and Methods. The specimens were cured by the conventional method following the manufacturer's instruction using thermal polymerized denture base resin (Vertex RS; Dentimex, Netherlands). TiO2 photocatalyst sol(LT), which is able to be coated at normal temperature, was made from the Ti-alkoxide progenitor. The XRD patterns, TEM images and nitrogen absorption ability of the TiO2 photocatalyst sol(LT) were compared with the commercial TiO2 photocatalyst P-25. The experimental specimens were coated with the mixture of the TiO2 photocatalyst sol(LT) and binder material (silane) using dip-coater, and uncoated resin plates were used as the control group. Crystallinity of TiO2 of the specimen was tested by the XRD. Size, shape and chemical compositions were also analyzed using the FE-SEM/EDS. The angle and methylene blue degradation efficiency were measured for evaluating the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 film. Finally, the antifungal activity of the specimen was tested. Candida albicans KCTC 7629(1 ml, initial concentration 105cells/ml) were applied to the experiment and control group specimens and subsequently two UVA light source with 10W, 353 nm peak emission were illuminated to the specimens from 15cm above. The extracted 2 microliter of sample was plated on nutrient agar plate (BactoTM Brain Heart Infusion; BD, USA) with 10 minute intervals for 120 minute, respectively. It was incubated for 24 hours at 37 degree C and the colony forming units (CFUs) were then counted. Results. Compared the characteristics of LT photocatalyst with commercial P-25 photocatalyst, LT were shown higher activity than P-25. The LT coated experimental specimen surface had anatase crystal form, less than 20 nm of particle size and wide specific surface area. To evaluate the photocatalytic activity of specimens, methylene blue degradation reaction were used and about 5% of degradation rate were measured after 2 hours. The average contact angle was less than 20.indicating that the LT photocatalyst had hydrophilicity. In the antifungal activity test for Candida albicans, 0% survival rate were measured within 30 minute after irradiation of UVA light. Conclusion. From the results reported above, it is concluded that the UVA-LT photocatalytic reaction have an antifungal effect on the denture surface Candida albicans, and so that could be applicable to the clinical use as a cleaning method.
Absorption ; Agar ; Brain ; Candida albicans* ; Candida* ; Crystallins ; Denture Bases* ; Dentures* ; Disinfection ; Heart ; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions ; Lighting ; Methylene Blue ; Mucous Membrane ; Nitrogen ; Particle Size ; Polymers ; Stem Cells ; Survival Rate

The formation of cysts in the parameatal area has been reported as rare. A parameatal urethral cyst is a congenital anomaly and has been reported even more rarely in adults. In this study, we present two cases of parameatal urethral cyst and aim to investigate their causes and treatment methods. The extent of cyst spread was assessed using a urethroscope prior to cyst excision, and the excision range was determined accordingly. Complete excision of the cyst was performed as the treatment for parameatal urethral cyst. Both patients were adults who presented with urinary symptoms related to the cyst, necessitating the excision of the congenital parameatal urethral cyst.

PURPOSE: We compared body growth, blood cell counts, and chemistry among infants receiving soy-based formula (SF), breast milk (BM), and casein-based formula (CF). METHODS: Full-term neonates delivered at our hospital from June 2001 to August 2003 were recruited and divided into 3 feeding groups (BM=20, SF=19, CF=12) according to the parents wishes. Breast feeding or artificial formulae were given during the initial 3 months of age; thereafter, weaning foods were added freely. Height, weight, head circumference, skin-fold thickness, and mid-arm circumference were measured at birth and 1, 2, 4, 5, 12, and 36 months of age. Cell counts and blood chemistry were analyzed at 5, 12, and 36 months of age. RESULT: At 5 months of age, body weight was the lowest in the SF group; the height was similar among all groups. Thereafter, there were no differences in height or weight among the groups until 36 months of age. Hemoglobin was the lowest in the BM group at 5 and 12 months of age (P<0.05). At 5 months of age, serum cholesterol, BUN, phosphates, and K+ were significantly lower in the SF group; thereafter, all chemical parameters were similar until 36 months of age. CONCLUSION: Infants fed with SF showed normal growth during the first 3 years of life as compared to infants fed with BM and CF. Low values of serum phosphates and K+ at 5 months of age in the SF group, despite the high mineral content, suggest that further investigation is needed for effective mineral absorption.
Absorption ; Blood Cell Count ; Body Weight ; Breast Feeding ; Cell Count ; Cholesterol ; Head ; Hemoglobins ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Milk, Human ; Parents ; Parturition ; Phosphates ; Soy Milk ; Weaning

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of unilateral leg exercise on the contralateral leg and the cross training effect according to the training intensity. METHOD: Nineteen healthy males volunteered to be subjects for this investigation and were divided into a training group (N=13) and a control group (N=6). One leg of each subject in the training group was randomly assigned to a six week, three day/week isokinetic strengthening training program for concentric knee extension-flexion performed at 60 degrees/second (group A, N=6) and 180 degrees/second (group B, N=7). The control group did not train for six weeks. The strength of the knee extensor and flexor was tested before and after the six week period training by Cybex 770 dynamometer. RESULTS: In both groups A and B, the training resulted in significant increase of knee extensor strength in trained limb compared to control group. However, the strength increment of untrained limb was not significant compared to control group. CONCLUSION: There was no significant cross training effect following unilateral leg strength exercise.
Education ; Extremities ; Humans ; Knee ; Leg* ; Male

PURPOSE: To reveal the interaction between beta-Lapachone (beta-lap) and ionizing radiation in causing cell death in RKO human colon adenocarcinoma cells, and to elucidate the potential usefulness of combined beta-lap treatment and radiotherapy for cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cytotoxicities of various treatments were determined in vitro using clonogenic and apoptotic cell death. The changes in cell cycle distribution were studied using flow cytometry and an in vitro kinase assay. The tumor growth was studied using RKO tumors grown s.c. in the hind leg BALB/c- nuslc nude mice. RESULTS: beta-lap caused clonogenic cell death and rapid apoptosis in RKO cells in vitro, in a dose dependent manner. The repair of sublethal radiation damage was almost completely inhibited when cells were maintained in beta-lap during the interval between the two-dose irradiation. Flow cytometry study demonstrated that beta-lap induced apoptosis, independent of the cell cycle phase, and completely prohibited the induction of radiation- induced G2 arrest in irradiated cells. The prohibition of radiation-induced G2 arrest is unclear, but may be related to the profound suppression of the p53, p21 and cyclin B1-Cdc2 kinase activities observed in cells treated with beta-lap. The combination of beta-lap and radiation markedly enhanced the radiation-induced growth suppression of tumors. CONCLUSION: beta-lap is cytotoxic against RKO cells, both in vitro and in vivo, and also sensitized cells to ionizing radiation by inhibiting sublethal radiation damage repair. beta-lap is potentially useful as a potent anti-cancer chemotherapy drug and potent radiosensitizer against caner cells.
Adenocarcinoma* ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Death ; Colon* ; Cyclins ; Drug Therapy ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans* ; Leg ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Phosphotransferases ; Radiation, Ionizing* ; Radiotherapy

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the acceptability and feasibility of the “HAPPY ME”, a smartphone application (app) for guiding healthy eating habits and physical activities to prevent childhood obesity, through in-depth interviews of 5th and 6th grade students of an elementary school. METHODS: A total of 25 students were recruited from grades 5 and 6 of an elementary school in Gimpo. They were asked to participate in in-depth interviews about expectations regarding the “HAPPY ME”, smartphone usage behaviors, perceptions and attitudes towards health, and satisfaction with the “HAPPY ME”, before and after the 4-week trial of the “HAPPY ME”. RESULTS: Study participants reported a high level of satisfaction regarding gamification elements such as awarding points as rewards for completing missions and using closed social networking services with friends. They also reported that their eating habits had improved after the 4-week trial. However, some students felt that the app was complicated to use and recommended that it should have prompts as notifications. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the “HAPPY ME” is acceptable and feasible for use with children. However, the app needs to be modified based on the results of this study.
Awards and Prizes ; Child ; Child Nutrition Sciences ; Eating ; Friends ; Gyeonggi-do ; Humans ; Mobile Applications ; Motor Activity ; Obesity ; Pediatric Obesity* ; Religious Missions ; Reward ; Smartphone*

No abstract available.
Female ; Humans

Leptin is one of the adipocytokines produced from adipose tissue but its functions in periodontal tissue have not previously been investigated. In our current study, we examined the effects of leptin on the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and gingival fibroblasts. Leptin receptor expression was evaluated by RT-PCR and the production of cytokines was measured by ELISA. The phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2 was assessed by western blotting. mRNA of long and short form leptin receptors were detected in both PDL cells and gingival fibroblasts. Leptin was found to increase the production of IL-6 and IL-8 in both of these cell types, an effect which was not blocked by polymyxin B, an inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Leptin did not alter the production of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by LPS in PDL cells but increased Akt and Erk1/2 phosphorylation in these cells. These results suggest that leptin acts as an inducer of IL-6 and IL-8 in PDL cells and gingival fibroblasts.
Adipokines ; Adipose Tissue ; Blotting, Western ; Cytokines ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fibroblasts ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukin-8 ; Interleukins ; Leptin ; Periodontal Ligament ; Phosphorylation ; Polymyxin B ; Receptors, Leptin ; RNA, Messenger

BACKGROUND: There is high interest in a new approach to improve children's lifestyle habits in order to prevent childhood obesity. A smartphone application (app) is a new technology platform that can be used to prevent childhood obesity. METHODS: The key messages for healthy eating habits and physical activities were selected by experts in nutrition, physical activity, and psychology and were adjusted for use in elementary school students. Gamification techniques were used to increase app user engagement. A total of 249 students in grades 4-6 were asked to rate their satisfaction for the app after 4 weeks of use. RESULTS: The main menu of "HAPPY ME" was composed of user profile, "EVERYDAY QUEST," exercise diary, diet diary, settings, and notifications. The app users were asked to complete 6-9 daily missions regarding healthy eating habits and physical activities through "EVERYDAY QUEST." The mean satisfaction scores for each variable were distributed from 3.6 to 4.0 points, and most of the students responded that they would continue to use the app (4.0 points). CONCLUSION: We developed a smartphone app (HAPPY ME) for 4th-6th grade elementary students aimed to provide educational information about healthy eating habits and physical activities in order to prevent childhood.
Child ; Diet ; Eating ; Humans ; Life Style ; Motor Activity ; Pediatric Obesity ; Psychology ; Religious Missions ; Smartphone

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a valuable modality for directly examining the small bowel in a relatively noninvasive and safe manner. CE is being increasingly used for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn's disease, drug induced ulcer and small bowel tumor. Although capsule retention is a relatively infrequent complication, small bowel obstruction and strictures have been considered contraindications to CE. But some authors have reported that capsule endoscopy can be safely used to help identify the etiology and site of small bowel obstruction, and the retention of the capsule indicates the presence of a lesion requiring surgery. We report here on a case of small bowel obstruction and capsule retention by a small bowel ulcer, and the small bowel ulcer was not found when performing capsule endoscopy.
Capsule Endoscopy ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Crohn Disease ; Endoscopy ; Hemorrhage ; Retention (Psychology) ; Ulcer