OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the urinary concentrations of hydroxyridinium crosslinks of collagen in patients with osteoarthritis(OA) or rheumatoid arthritis(RA), and to compare its clinical correlation with the classic indices of the disease activity of RA. METHODS: Concentrations of urinary pyridinoline (Pyd) and deoxypyridinoline(Dpd) were measured in urinary samples collected from 18 control patients, 35 patients with OA, 45 patients with RA by competitive enzyme immunoassay using microplate coated with monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: 1) Mean urinary concentrations of Pyd in OA patients were 33.5nmol/mmol creatinine, in RA patients were 50.0nmol/mmol creatinine which were higher than the values in controls (25.1 nmol/mmol creatinine). Also, mean concentrations of Dpd in OA patients were 9.2nmol/mmol creatinine, in RA patients were 10.1nmol/mmol creatinine which were higher than the values in controls(5.6nmol/mmol creatinine)(p<0.01). 2) Mean urinary concentration of Pyd was 50.0 nmol/mmol creatinine in RA patients, which was significantly higher than the values in OA(33.5 nnmol/mmol creatinine)(p<0.05), but the mean Dpd concentratians were not significantly different between the two groups. 3) The concentrations of urinary Pyd in RA patients was significantly correlated with the biologic markers indicating inflammatory activity such as ESR(r=0.68, p<0.001), CRP(r=0.72, p<0.001) and the number of tender joint(r=0.66, p<0.01) CONCLUSION: Urinary concentrations of Pyd and Dpd were significantly higher in OA and RA patients than in controls, Especially urinary Pyd concentrations were significantly increased in RA patients than in OA patients, and strongly correlated with disease activity index of rheumatoid arthritis. The mean Dpd concentration, bone specific analogue, in RA patients was not significantly different from that of OA patients and it was not correlated with disease activity index Thus measurement of urinary Pyd might provide a sensitive, noninvasive biochemical marker for studying activity of RA.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Biomarkers ; Collagen ; Creatinine ; Humans ; Immunoenzyme Techniques ; Osteoarthritis

Many of early findings regarding intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and their niche in the human intestine have relied on colorectal cancer cell lines and labor-intensive and time-consuming mouse models. However, these models cannot accurately recapitulate the physiologically relevant aspects of human ISCs. In this study, we demonstrate a reliable and robust culture method for 3D expanding intestinal spheroids (InSexp ) mainly comprising ISCs and progenitors, which can be derived from 3D human intestinal organoids (HIOs). We did functional chararcterization of InSexp derived from 3D HIOs, differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells, and optimization culture methods. Our results indicate that InSexp can be rapidly expanded and easily passaged, and show enhanced growth rates via WNT pathway activation. InSexp are capable of exponential cell expansion and cryopreservation. Furthermore, in vitro-matured HIO-derived InSexp proliferate faster than immature HIO-derived InSexp with preservation of the parental HIO characteristics. These findings may facilitate the development of scalable culture systems for the long-term maintenance of human ISCs and provide an alternative platform for studying ISC biology.

BACKGROUND: The accidental swallowing of foreign body is a common problem in the children. Ingested foreign bodies may be managed by endoscopy, observation, or surgery. So we analyzed the methods of removal, type, location and complications of foreign bodies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This report reviewed 37 cases of ingested foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract at the Department of Pediatrics, Yeungnam University Hospital between January 1997 and April 2001. RESULTS: The age ranged from 8 months to 8 years. The most prevalent age group was between 1 year and 2 years of age(19%). The male to female ratio was 2.1:1 with 25 male and 12 female patients. The type of foreign bodies were coins in 20 cases(54%), nail in 4 cases(11%), key in 4 cases(11%), pin in 2 cases(5.5%), necklace in 2 cases(5.5%) and others. The locations of foreign bodies were upper esophagus in 12 cases(32.5%), lower esophagus in 4 cases(10.8%), stomach in 16 cases(43.2%), small bowel in 5 cases(13.5%). 4. Presenting symptoms were variable with asymptomatic (59. 4%) , vomiting (19. 0%) , epigastric pain (8.1%), dysphagia (5. 4%) and others. The methods for removal of foreign bodies included 20 cases of endoscopic removal(54.0%), 3 cases of spontaneous removal(8.1%) and there was no surgical removal. 14 cases(37.9%) did not confirmed removal of foreign body because of no revisit of our hospital. Endoscopic finding of patients were normal(15 cases), ulceration(2 cases), erosion(1 case), inflammation(l case), mucosal scratch(l case). CONCLUSION: It appears that the endoscopic approach is the preferable method for the removal of upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies in the children.
Child* ; Deglutition ; Deglutition Disorders ; Endoscopy ; Esophagus ; Female ; Foreign Bodies* ; Gastrointestinal Tract* ; Humans ; Male ; Numismatics ; Pediatrics ; Stomach ; Vomiting

No abstract available.

Recently, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the U-TOP™HL Genotyping Kit has been introduced to detect genetic hearing loss caused by certain type of gene variants popularly found in Korea. The mitochondrial 12S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) genes are related to aminoglycoside induced or non-syndromic, sensorineural hearing loss. Among them, 1555A>G is commonly found and reported worldwide. We are presenting the case of a mother and a son, who were screened by real-time PCR using the U-TOP™HL Genotyping Kit and were found both to have the mitochondrial 12s rRNA 1555A>G variant with a different hearing loss phenotype. This report encourages clinicians to use this or similar screen methods for patients with familial hearing loss.

To understand the role of IGF2 gene in development of human ovary, IGF2 expression was detected by monoclonal antibody for IGF2 to its producted protein with immunohistochemical technique on human ovarian tissues. The results was as follows. IGF2 was highly expressed in ovum of mature follicle, IGF2 expression, however, was not high in granulosa and the cells. IGF2 was not highly expressed in ovum of primary follicle. Highly expressed IGF2 was found on corpus luteum and no expression of IGF2 was found in stroma and epithelial cells. These results suggest that IGF2 is important role in ovulation and in production of progesterone. Abnormal IGF2 expression may be concerned to carcinogenesis of ovarian tumor because most of all tumor from ovary is originated from epithelium.
Carcinogenesis ; Corpus Luteum ; Epithelial Cells ; Epithelium ; Female ; Humans* ; Ovary* ; Ovulation ; Ovum ; Progesterone ; Theca Cells

The National Health Screening program has been implemented in Korea since 1980. First, we had searched recent scientific evidences and verified the accuracy of the data on target oral diseases. In order to determine the validity, we searched scientific bibliographic data and concluded that dental caries and periodontal disease were major oral problems. Second, we developed new improved forms for National Oral Health Screening. To improve these forms, we reviewed previous forms and gathered expert opinions. The new forms were consistent with the examination forms given to all age groups, and information on oral health conditions, dental education needs, and post-treatment care was included in the modified forms. We then designed manuals for dentists, which contained information on the screening criteria as well as consultation and patient education guidelines. The manuals were divided into three parts, including explanation of the screening criteria, standard of the decision, and education and consultation guidelines. By using these new and modified National Oral Health Screening forms, we expect an improvement in the National Oral Health Screening Program and enhancement in the oral health condition of patients.
Adult ; Counseling ; Dental Caries ; Dentists ; Education ; Education, Dental ; Expert Testimony ; Humans ; Infant ; Korea ; Mass Screening* ; Oral Health* ; Patient Education as Topic ; Periodontal Diseases ; Tooth Diseases

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of commercially available fluoride-containing oral rinses on the corrosion behavior of titanium alloys, which are the main components of orthodontic miniscrews. METHODS: Four commercially available oral rinses (solution A, pH 4.46/260 ppm fluoride; solution B, pH 4.41/178 ppm fluoride; solution C, pH 6.30/117 ppm fluoride; and solution D, pH 4.17/3.92 ppm fluoride) were tested on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) circular plates, and saline was used as the control. The open-circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarization of these materials were measured. Thereafter, all samples were evaluated under a field-emission scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Among the tested oral rinses, except solution D, the more the fluoride content was, the greater was the corrosion potential downtrend; the corrosion resistance of the titanium alloy sample was also lowered significantly (p < 0.05). Field-emission scanning electron microscopic analysis of the surface morphology of the titanium alloy samples revealed that all samples had some defects, crevices, or pitting after exposure to the oral rinses than before treatment. In particular, the samples in solution A showed the most changes. CONCLUSIONS: Commercially available oral rinses having a high fluoride concentration and a low pH may reduce the corrosion resistance of titanium alloys used in dental appliances such as orthodontic titanium miniscrews and brackets.
Alloys* ; Corrosion* ; Fluorides ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Titanium*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the patients who had undergone vasovasostomy and to analyze the reasons for an increase in the number of these operations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1999 to April 2007, 105 patients were analyzed by examining their medical records and conducting telephone surveys. The patients were divided into two groups before and after insurance payments for a vasovasostomy. Analysis of the differences between the two groups was performed by grouping the patients who had a vasovasostomy before July 2004 and those who had a vasovasostomy after July 2004. RESULTS: Among the 105 patients, 35 patients (0.58/month) had a vasovasostomy before receiving their insurance payment. However, the number of operations increased by more than 4 times (70 patients, 2.33/month) after insurance repayment (p<0.05). After the payment, the proportion of patients willing to have a vasovasostomy due to changing their mind increased, whereas the proportion of patients willing to have a vasovasostomy for remarriage and loss of a child decreased (p<0.05). The overall patency and birth rates were 87.6% and 76.1%, respectively (43 boys and 37 girls). Among such factors as the age of the patient and his spouse, the duration of ligation and the presence of seminal fluid and sperm, the duration of ligation was the only factor that showed relevance to the anatomical patency (p<0.05). There were no variables that showed significant relevance to the pregnancy rate. CONCLUSIONS: The main reason of vasectomy reversal was to have another child. The numbers of vasovasostomies were influenced by the medical insurance payment. The duration of ligation affected the anatomical patency rate. The overall patency rate was 87.6% and the birth rate was 76.1% in this study.
Birth Rate ; Child ; Humans ; Insurance ; Ligation ; Marriage ; Medical Records ; Parturition ; Pregnancy Rate ; Spermatozoa ; Spouses ; Telephone ; Vasovasostomy

Fibromatous tumors of the ovary are considered to originate from specialized ovarianstromal cells and account for approximately 4% of all ovarian neoplasms. Most ovarianfibromatous tumors are benign, but infrequently there are histologically malignant appearances.Malignant fibromatous tumor can be categorized into two separate types of tumorsrelating to prognosis, cellular fibroma and fibrosarcoma. The cellular fibroma has one tothree mitotic counts per 10 high power fields(HPF). Unless an adhesion or rupture appearson this tumor, recurrence should not happen after operation. Furthermore, where themitotic count per 10 HPF is over four, it is classified as a very bad fibrosarcoma case interms of prognosis.We have met a case of large ovarian fibrosarcoma with has ten mitotic counts per10 HPF. We hereby report this case with the brief review of literatures.
Female ; Fibroma ; Fibrosarcoma* ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; Ovary ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Rupture