The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of additional enamel etching with phosphoric acid on the microleakage of the adhesion of self-etching primer system. Class V cavity(4 mmx3 mmx1.5 mm) preparations with all margins in enamel were prepared on buccal surface of 42 extracted human upper central incisor teeth. Prepared teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 : no additional pretreatment with 37% phosphoric acid (NE). Group 2 : additional pretreatment with 37% phosphoric acid for 10 seconds (E10s). Group 3 : additional pretreatment with 37% phosphoric acid for 20 seconds (E20s). The adhesives(Clearfil SE Bond(R), Kuraray, Osaka, Japan) and composite resins(Clearfil AP-X(R), Osaka, Kuraray, Japan) were applied following the manufacturer's instructions. All the specimens were finished with the polishing disc(3M dental product, St Paul, MN, USA), thermocycled for 500 cycles between 5degrees C and 55degrees C and resected apical 3-mm root. 0.028 stainless steel wire was inserted apically into the pulp chamber of each tooth and sealed into position with sticky wax. Surrounding tooth surface was covered with a nail varnish 2 times except areas 1 mm far from all the margins. After drying for one day, soaked the samples in the distilled water. Microleakage was assessed by electrochemical method(System 6514, Electrometer(R), Keithley, USA) in the distilled water. In this study, the microleakage was the lowest in group 1(NE) and the highest in group 3(E20s)(NE Dental Enamel* ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; Humans ; Incisor ; Paint ; Stainless Steel ; Tooth ; Water

PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot study was to determine the osteoconductivity and dimensional stability of augmented sinuses using different ratios of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) in a rabbit sinus model. METHODS: Each sinus of New Zealand white rabbits (2.5-3.5 kg) was assigned to one of two groups: BCP with a hydroxyapatite to beta-tricalcium phosphate (HA:beta-TCP) ratio of 70:30 (group TCP30) and BCP with an HA:beta-TCP ratio of 30:70 (group TCP70). After preparing a window in the antral wall of a sinus, the Schneiderian membrane was elevated, and the applicable material was grafted. A fluorochrome calcein green was injected five days before euthanizing the animals at four months post-surgery. The specimens were analyzed histologically, histomorphometrically, and by using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). RESULTS: Micro-CT analysis revealed that the total augmented volume and the new bone volume did not differ significantly between the two groups whereas the resorption of materials was greater in the TCP70 group. The trabecular thickness, number, and separation also did not differ significantly between the two groups. Histomorphometrically, the areas of total augmentation, new bone, and residual material, as well as the ratio of new-bone-material contact did not differ significantly between the groups. Histologically, the residual particles were more scattered in the TCP70 group than in the TCP30 group. The fluorescence of the calcein green did not differ notably between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The osteoconductivity and dimensional stability of the two BCPs with different ratios tested in this study were comparable after four months of healing. Therefore, we conclude that both BCPs show promise as a bone substitute for sinus augmentation.
Animals ; Bone Regeneration ; Bone Substitutes ; Calcium* ; Durapatite ; Fluorescence ; Nasal Mucosa ; Pilot Projects* ; Rabbits ; Transplants

Objective: . There is a debate over the relevance of ultrasound abnormalities to the pain, functional impairment, and radiologic severity in hand osteoarthritis (OA). This study aims to determine the association between ultrasound abnormalities and clinical, functional, and radiographic measures in hand OA. Methods: . A total of 66 patients was consecutively enrolled. All patients with gray-scale synovitis, joint effusion, and osteophytes were examined by ultrasound for 20 hand joints. Radiographic changes in both hands were evaluated by the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading system and were described as total radiographic severity score and number of affected joints. Other measures were also assessed, including each patient’s visual analogue scale for pain, the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis for functional disability, and grip and pinch strength for hand muscle strength. Results: . In total, 10 patients with gray-scale synovitis, 35 with joint effusion, and 66 with osteophytes were detected in hand OA scans on ultrasound. Osteophytes on ultrasound were significantly associated with total radiographic severity score and number of affected joint (r=0.293, p=0.003 and r=0.336, p＜0.001, respectively). In addition, there were weak associations of synovitis and joint effusion with radiographic changes. Patients with higher total radiographic severity score showed larger number of ultrasound-detected abnormalities, such as synovitis, joint effusion, and osteophytes (p=0.011, p=0.002, and p＜0.001, respectively). Conclusion . This study shows that ultrasound findings, especially osteophytes, were associated with radiographic changes based on K-L grade, but not clinical and functional status in hand OA.

The original version of this article contained a typographical error in the Abstract, Main text, and Figure 1. These errors have now been corrected in the online version of the Article.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationships of serum and urine uric acid with severity or activity in knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A total of 42 patients with knee OA was enrolled, together with 58 healthy controls. Serum uric acid and spot urine uric acid levels were assessed for all patients. The severity and activity of knee OA were assessed by musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) and plain radiography of the knee joint. Ultrasonographic abnormalities in knee OA includedsynovial hypertrophy, suprapatellar effusion, cartilage degradation, and osteophyte formation. Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade was used to evaluate radiological progression of knee OA. RESULTS: Patients with K-L grade III had a higher urine uric acid/creatinine ratio compared to those with K-L grade I (p=0.043). Patients with synovial hypertrophy had higher serum uric acid level compared to those without synovial hypertrophy (p=0.016). The urine uric acid/creatinine ratio was higher in patients with cartilage degradation compared to those without cartilage degradation (p=0.022). Serum uric acid was significantly associated with synovial hypertrophy thickness (r=0.375, p=0.018) but not with cartilage thickness after adjusting for age and body mass index. Lower urine uric acid was related with knee OA compared to healthy controls (odds ratio=0.974, 95% confidence interval 0.954~0.994, p=0.013). CONCLUSION The results of our study suggest that serum and urine uric acid reflects synovial inflammation based on MSUS and radiographic progression and then is associated with the pathogenesis of knee OA.

Alveolar ridge defects may limit or restrict placement of implants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and histopathologic results which occur following guided bone regeneration using platelet-rich plasma, bovine bone powder and e-PTFE membrane in the localized alveolar bone defects. Ten patients who required guided bone regeneration in implant placemnet, were slelected. Alveolar crest height and width were measured at baseline and, afer 2nd surgery 5 months later At 5 months , we obtained histopathological results as follows: 1. Alveolar crest height was an average of 8.20+/-3.74 mm preoperatively and decreased to an average of 7.40 +/-1.84 mm postoperatively. There was no significant difference. 2. Alveolar crest width was an average of 4.25+/-2.03 mm preoperatively and significantly increased to an average of 7.20+/-2.44 mm postoperatively (P<0.01) 3. The change of Alveolar crest height and width were 0.80+/-1.40 mm, 2.95+/-1.09 mm 4. Histopathological evaluations revealed new bone formation with graft material and laminated bone containing the presence of osteocyte-like cell In conclusion, guided bone regeneration using platelet-rich plasma, bovine bone powder and e-PTFE membrane would provide a viable therapeutic alternative for implant placement in the localized alveolar defect or implant failure
Alveolar Process ; Bone Regeneration ; Humans ; Membranes ; Osteogenesis ; Platelet-Rich Plasma* ; Transplants*

On MRI, abnormal signals of the intervertebral disc, destruction of the upper and lower vertebral body endplate around the disc, and bone marrow edema around the endplate are considered typical findings of infectious spondylitis. These findings can also appear in various non-infectious spinal diseases, such as degenerative changes, acute Schmorl’s node, spondyloarthropathy, synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO), chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis, and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease. The imaging findings of infectious spondylitis that can be differentiated from these non-infectious spinal diseases on MRI are high signal intensity and abscess of the disc space, an abscess in the paraspinal soft tissue, and the loss of the linear low signal intensity on T1-weighted images of the bony endplate. However, these differentiation points do not always apply since there are many similarities in the imaging findings of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Therefore, for an accurate diagnosis, it is important to know the imaging characteristics related to the pathophysiology of not only infectious spondylitis but also non-infectious spinal diseases, which requires differentiation from infection.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis owing to its desmoplastic stroma. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting this tumor stroma should be developed. In this study, we describe the heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their diverse roles in the progression, immune evasion, and resistance to treatment of PDAC. We subclassified the spatial distribution and functional activity of CAFs to highlight their effects on prognosis and drug delivery. Extracellular matrix components such as collagen and hyaluronan are described for their roles in tumor behavior and treatment outcomes, implying their potential as therapeutic targets. We also discussed the roles of extracellular matrix (ECM) including matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors in PDAC progression. Finally, we explored the role of the adaptive and innate immune systems in shaping the PDAC microenvironment and potential therapeutic strategies, with a focus on immune cell subsets, cytokines, and immunosuppressive mechanisms. These insights provide a comprehensive understanding of PDAC and pave the way for the development of prognostic markers and therapeutic interventions.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush in plaque removal and reduction of gingivitis from hard-to-reach sites of the moderate periodontitis compared to regular manual toothbrush in 12 week follow-up. 82 subjects with incipient to moderate periodontitis were randomly assigned to use either the manual or sonic brush, instructed in its use, and asked to brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes. Plaque scores were taken at baseline, 1, 4, 12 weeks using Silness & Loe plaque index and gingival inflammation was assessed by the Loe & Silness gingival index. The results were as follows. 1. The Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush showed a significant reduction(p<0.0001) of the plaque( Silness & Loe) and gingival inflammation(Loe & Silness). 2. The Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush showed a significant better reduction of plaque and gingivitis(p<0.05) than the manual toothbrush after 1, 4, and 12 weeks. 3. The Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush demonstrated a significant reduction(p<0.0001) of the plaque in interproximal sites(p<0.0001), buccal sites(p<0.0001) and the lingual sites(p=0.0018) of the teeth. 4. The Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush demonstrated a significant reduction(p<0.0001) of the gingival inflammation in the interproximal sites(p<0.0001), the buccal sites(p<0.0001) and the lingual sites(p<0.0001) of the teeth. The results of this study support the findings that Sonicare Elite(R) power toothbrush has a great potential to remove the plaque and resolve the gingival inflammation during the period of 12 week.
Follow-Up Studies ; Gingivitis ; Inflammation* ; Periodontal Index ; Periodontitis* ; Tooth

PURPOSE: The National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort and medical checkup data from 2002 to 2013 were used to evaluate the association between periodontal surgery for the treatment of periodontitis (PSTP) and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (VED). METHODS: Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to a longitudinal retrospective database to assess the association between PSTP and VED while adjusting for the potential confounding effects of sociodemographic factors (age, household income, insurance status, health status, residence area, and smoking status) and comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, angina pectoris, cerebral infarction, and myocardial infarction). RESULTS: Among the 7,148 PSTP within the 268,296 recruited subjects, the overall prevalence of VED in PSTP was 1.43% (n=102). The bivariate analysis showed that VED was significantly related to PSTP (odds ratio [OR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38–2.06; P<0.001), and this was confirmed in the multivariate analysis after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06–1.58; P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with a history of periodontal flap surgery had a significantly higher risk of VED, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Further studies are required to identify the key mechanisms underlying the association between severe periodontal disease and VED.
Angina Pectoris ; Cerebral Infarction ; Chronic Periodontitis ; Cohort Studies ; Comorbidity ; Erectile Dysfunction* ; Family Characteristics ; Insurance Coverage ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; National Health Programs ; Periodontal Diseases ; Periodontitis* ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Smoke ; Smoking