The immune response to M. tuberculosis engages T-cell medicated reactions which determine the degree of resistance and also the clinical pattern of disease. Although antibodies produced by the infected host have yet no proven protection, they are appilicable for alternative diagnostic tests in tuberculosis. Preparation of purified antigens from Mycobacteria with specific antigenic determinants would improve serological diagnosis in tuberculosis. The antigen was prepared by extraction of M. tuberculosis with perchloric acid which was found to be major bands of 71, 42, 38 and 10 kD by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Thirteen sera from patients with active tuberculosis showed positive reactions to TB-P by ELISA, but the reaction to perchloric acid extract antigen is weaker than to PPD. The IgG subclass profiles to TB-P were IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4. By means of western blotting, the antibodies in the tuberculous patients showed the reaction with antigens of lower molecular weight such as 14, 12, 11 and 10 kD. These results suggested that the perchloric acid soluble antigen of M. tuberculosis might be more related with cell-mediated immune reactions rather than humoral immune reactions.
Antibodies ; Blotting, Western ; Diagnosis ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Electrophoresis ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epitopes ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Molecular Weight ; Sodium ; T-Lymphocytes ; Tuberculosis*

This study was carried out to obtain information regarding eating habits, including health related behavior and health food consumption patterns. The subjects of this study were 149 men and 152 women residing in the Ulsan area. We obtained results by means of a questionnaire and an interview, and these were analyzed using the SPSS package program. The results of this study are summarized as follows : The average age of the men was 47.6 +/- 7.3 years and of the women was 47.3 +/- 7.6 years old. The average height and weight of the men were 169.4 +/- 5.5 cm and 67.7 +/- 8.2 kg, respectively. Those of the women were 157.6 +/- 5.0 cm and 58.2 +/- 7.5 kg, respectively. The BMI values of all the subjects ranged from 20.0 to 25.0, all within the normal levels. In the case of dietary patterns, 24.3% of the total population always skipped a meal. In particular, 15.9% of the total population skipped breakfast. No time to eat, no appetite, having no taste, and having poor health were themain reasons for skipping meals. With regard tohealth care, there was a significant difference between the men and the women with respect to smoking and drinking (p < 0.001). Of the total population, 40.5% hardly exercised (less than once a week), 26.2% exercised occasionally, 13.6% frequently exercised, and 19.6% exercised almost every day. A total of 60.7% responded that they were not interested in their health. The mean eating habit score of the subjects was 65.6 +/- 9.9. The women had a higher eating habit score than the men (64.0 +/- 9.6 for the men and 67.2 +/- 9.9 for the women). Except for one group above 60 years, the older group had a higher eating habit score than the younger one. The group having a higher income and a more specialized career had a higher eating habit score than the one having a lower income and a less specialized career. There was also a marital difference. The group of single subjects showed a lower eating habit score than the married group. The group having a higher eating habit score drank, smoked and went out for meals less, and exercised more than the group having lower scores. They also were more concerned about their health. In the older group, there were more diabetic and hypertensive individuals. The subjects who had a higher BMI index were more likely to be patients with hypertension, especially in the men's group. Those who had a higher BMI index and hypertension simultaneously took a variety of medicines and foods for promoting health. Those who worried a lot about their health and had health problems tended to take special foods for their health. Patients usually took tonics. Special foods for health included Chinese medicines, tonic foods, vitamin or mineral supplements and manufactured health food supplements. Preferences for them depended on the sex and age of the subject. In the case of tonic foods, the men liked them more than the women. Foods other than tonic foods were favorites with the women. This study may provide basic information on the eating habits and health related behaviors of middle-aged people. However, further studies are needed to improve the eating habits and to change the nutritional attitudes, so that people can make better choices of health foods.
Adult* ; Appetite ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Breakfast ; Drinking ; Eating ; Female ; Food Habits* ; Food, Organic* ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Male ; Meals ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Ulsan* ; Vitamins ; Surveys and Questionnaires

The objects of this study were to analyze the crown angulation, crown inclination, molar offset angle, and crown in and out of the Korean adults having normal occlusion. 14 subjects (7 male, 7 female) were chosen in the 80 subjects who had ideal occlusion and beautiful profile we thought. The casts were obtained from the subjects, and then they were scanned with 3-dimensional scanner machine. We analyzed them with computer program based upon Andrews methods and the following results were obtained. 1. We got the norm of the crown angulation, crown inclination, molar offset angle, and crown in and out in the Korean adults. 2. The analysis using 3 dimensional scanner and computer program was more fast and accurate than the manual methods.
Adult ; Crowns ; Humans ; Male ; Molar ; Tooth*

As increasing number of adult patients, the esthetic orthodontic appliances are needed. They are tooth-colored or translucent ceramic and resin brackets. Although ceramic and resin bracket have good esthetics, there are some disadvantage such as frictions. Recently, metal-reinforced resin bracket(MRRB) were introduced. The purpose of this study is to find frictional force of MRRB, ceramic bracket and resin brackets. There is few study in frictional force about metal reinforced resin bracket(MRRB). This study used 4 orthodontic wire(.016S-S, .016TMA(R), .017X.025 TMA(R))and 5 brackets(one metal bracket, one ceramic bracket, one resin bracket, two MRRB). the following result is obtained using metal bracket(Ormco.Co., U.S.A), ceramic brackets(Crystalline(R), resin bracket(Clear Medium Siamase(R)). Following conclusions are obtained. 1. Ceramic and resin bracket have significantly more frictional forces than metal reinforced resin bracket and metal bracket. 2. There is no significant difference in frictional force according to the slot types of metal-reinforced resin brackets. 3. There is no significant difference in frictional force between metal reinforced resin bracket and metal bracket. 4. Frictional force is decreased in S-S wire than TMA wire.
Adult ; Ceramics ; Esthetics ; Friction* ; Humans ; Orthodontic Appliances

Background: The development process of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) must adhere to development standards and must be supported and steered by a representative and consistent governing body. We aimed to investigate the current status of the most recent CPGs published in Korea through surveys of medical professional societies and literature searches. Methods: We collected CPGs developed in Korea in the past 5 years through several electronic database searches (MEDLINE, Embase, and KoreaMed), hand searches, and surveys of medical society memberships from the Korean Academy Medical Societies. Three authors selected Korean CPGs according to our inclusion/exclusion criteria and extracted data from selected CPGs about general characteristics, characteristics of CPGs for setup, evidence evaluation, and the finalization phase. Results: Out of 2,337 articles searched from various sources and 66 documents collected by survey, 129 guidelines (122 by database searching and 7 by survey) were selected. During the recent 5 years, the yearly numbers of CPGs developed were around 25. A single organization was the most frequent CPG development body (42, 32.6%). The most common development methodologies described in the CPGs included were de novo (53, 41.1%) followed by adaptation (48, 37.2%) and hybrid (4, 3.1%). Systematic literature searching was performed in most of the guidelines (79.8%). The evidence level was reported in 104 guidelines (80.6%).There were 77 guidelines (59.7%) that reported an update plan. Fifty guidelines were published in Korean (41.0%), and 46 guidelines were published in English only (37.7%). Conclusion Among CPGs developed in Korea in the last 5 years, the proportion adhering to CPG development standards has increased, but there is still room for improvement.

Background: The development process of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) must adhere to development standards and must be supported and steered by a representative and consistent governing body. We aimed to investigate the current status of the most recent CPGs published in Korea through surveys of medical professional societies and literature searches. Methods: We collected CPGs developed in Korea in the past 5 years through several electronic database searches (MEDLINE, Embase, and KoreaMed), hand searches, and surveys of medical society memberships from the Korean Academy Medical Societies. Three authors selected Korean CPGs according to our inclusion/exclusion criteria and extracted data from selected CPGs about general characteristics, characteristics of CPGs for setup, evidence evaluation, and the finalization phase. Results: Out of 2,337 articles searched from various sources and 66 documents collected by survey, 129 guidelines (122 by database searching and 7 by survey) were selected. During the recent 5 years, the yearly numbers of CPGs developed were around 25. A single organization was the most frequent CPG development body (42, 32.6%). The most common development methodologies described in the CPGs included were de novo (53, 41.1%) followed by adaptation (48, 37.2%) and hybrid (4, 3.1%). Systematic literature searching was performed in most of the guidelines (79.8%). The evidence level was reported in 104 guidelines (80.6%).There were 77 guidelines (59.7%) that reported an update plan. Fifty guidelines were published in Korean (41.0%), and 46 guidelines were published in English only (37.7%). Conclusion Among CPGs developed in Korea in the last 5 years, the proportion adhering to CPG development standards has increased, but there is still room for improvement.

BACKGROUND: Keloids are characterized by excessive collagen deposition in the dermis, in which transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling plays an important role. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is reported as effective in preventing keloids in clinical reports, recently. To date, studies investigating the effect of LLLT on keloid fibroblasts are extremely rare. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of LLLT with blue (410 nm), red (630 nm), and infrared (830 nm) light on the collagen synthesis in keloid fibroblasts. METHODS: Keloid fibroblasts were isolated from keloid-revision surgery samples and irradiated using 410-, 630-, 830-nm light emitting diode twice, with a 24-hour interval at 10 J/cm². After irradiation, cells were incubated for 24 and 48 hours and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed. Western blot analysis was also performed in 48 hours after last irradiation. The genes and proteins of collagen type I, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad7 were analyzed. RESULTS: We observed no statistically significant change in the viability of keloid fibroblasts after irradiation. Collagen type I was the only gene whose expression significantly decreased after irradiation at 410 nm when compared to the non-irradiated control. Western blot analysis showed that LLLT at 410 nm lowered the protein levels of collagen type I compared to the control. CONCLUSION: LLLT at 410 nm decreased the expression of collagen type I in keloid fibroblasts and might be effective in preventing keloid formation in their initial stage.
Blotting, Western ; Collagen Type I ; Collagen* ; Dermis ; Fibroblasts* ; Humans* ; In Vitro Techniques* ; Keloid* ; Low-Level Light Therapy* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcription ; Transforming Growth Factors

Many synthetic bone materials have been studied for their potential of regenerative effects in periodontal tissue. Safflower seeds have been traditionally used as a drug for the treatment of fracture and blood stasis in oriental medicines. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the osseous responses in rat calvarial defects between bone substitutes such as calcium carbonate and bovine-derived hydroxyapatite and feeding of safflower seeds. The calvarial defects were made with 8 mm trephine bur in 24 Sprague-Dawley rats. Two graft materials were implanted in each experimental groups, whereas the control and safflower seed feeding groups were sutured without any other treatment. And then the rats of safflower seed feeding group were supplied with 3 g/day of safflower seeds. Each group was sacrificed at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. To study a histopathology related to bone healing and regeneration, Goldner's Masson Trichrome stain was done at each weeks. The tissue response was evaluated under light microscope. There were more osteoblastic activity, new bone formation, dense bony connective tissues in bovine-derived hydroxyapatite group compared to other groups at 8 weeks. The osseous defect area of safflower seed feeding group was filled with prominent fibrous tissues, where less inflammatory infiltration and new capillary proliferation. In the early phase of bone healing, safflower seed feeding reduces the inflammatory response and promotes the proliferation of connective tissue. These results suggest that natural bovine-derived HA and safflower seed feeding could enhance the regenerative potential in periodontal defects.
Animals ; Bone Substitutes* ; Calcium Carbonate ; Capillaries ; Carthamus tinctorius* ; Connective Tissue ; Durapatite ; Osteoblasts ; Osteogenesis ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Regeneration ; Transplants

The aim of periodontal treatments is the complete restoration of the structure and function of damaged periodontal tissues. Although it is very difficult to attain this goal, recent advances in periodontal wound healing concepts encourage hope reaching it. Safflower seeds has been used for the treatment of blood stasis, bone fracture and osteoporosis in traditional Korean medicine. The purpose of this study is to examine effects of the isolated extracts from Safflower seeds on mineralization of periodontal ligament cells and osteoblastic cells. Periodontal ligament cells were primarily obtained from a extracted premolars with non-periodontal diseases. Osteoblastic cells were obtained from calvariae of a fetal rat. Cells were cultured with DMEM at 37degrees C with 5% CO2 in 100% humidity incubator. Safflower seeds were isolated into the H2O layer and the butanol layer. MTT assay and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) level were examined. Also the number of bone calcification nodules were evaluated. The obtained results were as follows: 1. The cellular activity of periodontal ligament cells was significantly increased in 10(-3)g/ml, 10(-6)g/ml of both H2O layer and butanol layer of Safflower seeds. 2. The cellular activity of osteoblastic cells was significantly increased in 10(-3)g/ml, 10(-6)g/ml of H2O layer of Safflower seeds. 3. ALP level of periodontal ligament cells was significantly increased in 10-3g/ml of both H2O layer and butanol layer of Safflower seeds. 4. ALP level of osteoblastic cells was significantly increased in 10(-3)g/ml, 10(-6)g/ml of H2O layer and especilly more increaton was showed in 10(-3)g/ml of H2O layer. 5. Calcification nodules of periodontal ligament cells slightly increased in 10(-3)g/ml of both H2O layer and butanol layer of Safflower seeds. 6. Calcification nodules of osteoblastic cells slightly increased in 10(-3)g/ml, 10(-6)g/ ml of H2O layer of Safflower seeds. These results indicate that H2O layer and butanol layer of the isolated extracts from Safflower seeds has excellent effects on mineralization of periodontal cells and osteoblastic cells.

Bowen disease (BD), or intraepithelial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), may progress to an invasive SCC. Although surgery is preferred because of the low recurrence rate, it can result in hypertrophic scarringor contracture, particularly in lesions on the hands. We report a case of BD in the first web space of the hand, which was treated with ablative fractional laser-assisted photodynamic therapy (AFXL-assisted PDT). After multiple AFXL-assisted PDT sessions, the lesion showed no clinical or pathological abnormalities. Thus, we believe that PDT can be an alternative treatment for BD occurring in the web space of the hand.
Bowen's Disease* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Contracture ; Hand* ; Photochemotherapy* ; Recurrence