The aim of the study is to compare the fluoride release and recharge properties of glass ionomer cements and ‘alkasite’.
Specimens of two glass ionomer cements (Fuji Ⅸ GP and Riva Self Cure), ‘alkasite’ restorative material (Cention N) and composite resin (FiltekTM Z350XT) were prepared. The fluoride release of each specimen was measured for 28 days. Thereafter, 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel was applied to experimental groups. No treatment was performed on control groups. The fluoride release was measured for additional 7 days to evaluate the fluoride recharge properties of each materials.
The fluoride release was highest in Riva Self Cure, followed by Fuji Ⅸ GP, Cention N (p < 0.05). Fluoride release of Cention N was measured to be approximately 49% of Fuji Ⅸ GP’s. After the application of 1.23% APF gel, increases in fluoride release were observed in Riva Self Cure, Fuji Ⅸ GP and Cention N (p < 0.05). Fluoride recharge was observed in Cention N as well as in glass ionomer cements. Further studies are required to evaluate the anti-cariogenic properties of Cention N at clinical conditions.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of sodium fluoride(NaF) varnish and potassium iodide(KI) on remineralization efficacy of silver diamine fluoride(SDF) by measuring microhardness and evaluating surface morphology by scanning electron microscope(SEM).
Artificial caries lesions were induced on extracted primary molars and vickers microhardness was measured. Specimens were randomly separated into 4 groups for treatment. The specimens in group I were treated with SDF, group II with NaF varnish after SDF, group III with KI after SDF and group IV with distilled water. After 8 days of pH cycling, vickers microhardness was measured and difference before and after treatment was calculated. For SEM, 2 samples were evaluated respectively after enamel polishing, lesion formation and after pH cycling.
Group III showed highest increase in microhardness. Group I showed higher increase in microhardness than Group II but without statistical difference. Group IV showed lowest increase in microhardness value among 4 groups.
On SEM image, group I, II and III showed smoother and less irregular surface compared to group IV. Amorphous crystal pellicles were observed in group III.
In conclusion, SDF, SDF and NaF, SDF and KI groups showed smoother surface and increase in microhardness suggesting the possibility that remineralization effect might take place in oral conditions. In addition, in limited conditions of this study, applying NaF varnish after SDF did not increase the remineralization efficacy of SDF while KI significantly increased the remineralization efficacy of SDF. However, additional study considering various conditions that might affect demineralization and remineralization in clinical situations need to be conducted.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for falls and to suggest data for developing a program for preventing falls. METHODS: This was a case-control study in five university hospitals and a general hospital. In total, 216 patients over the age of 18 yr admitted from January 1 to December 31, 2007 participated. One hundred eight patients with experience of falling were matched by gender, age level, diagnosis, and length of stay with 108 patents with no experience of falling admitted on the same unit. A quality assurance coordinator nurse in each hospital examined 35 fall risk factors developed by researchers. RESULTS: In acute hospitals, history of falls, orientation ability, dizziness or vertigo, general weakness, urination problems, transfer/mobility difficulty, walking dependency, impatience, benzodiazepines, diuretics, and vasodilators showed significance on adjusted-odds ratios for fall. Logistic regression analysis was performed to elucidate the factors that influence falls. The probability of falls was increased by dizziness/vertigo, general weakness, and impatience/agitation. CONCLUSION: This finding can be used as a useful resource in developing nursing intervention programs to predict and prevent the falls of inpatients.
Accidental Falls/*prevention & control ; Adult ; Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Dizziness ; Female ; Hospitalization ; Hospitals, General ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Inpatients/psychology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Psychomotor Agitation ; Regression Analysis ; *Risk Factors

PURPOSE: Fruit and vegetable juices are known to be rich sources of antioxidants, which have beneficial effects on diseases caused by oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the antioxidant activities of fruit and vegetable juices marketed in Korea. METHODS: We analyzed four fruit juices, two vegetable juices, two yellow-green juices, and six mixed vegetable juices. Antioxidant activities were analyzed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) test, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Protective effects against DNA damage were determined using an ex vivo comet assay with human lymphocytes. RESULTS: DPPH radical scavenging activities were in the following order: blueberry juice > mixed vegetable C juice > kale juice > mixed vegetable P juice > grape juice. ABTS radical scavenging activities were in the following order: blueberry juice > mixed vegetable C juice > grape juice > mixed vegetable P juice > kale juice. Peroxyl radical scavenging activities as assessed by ORAC assay were in the following order: blueberry juice > kale juice > mixed vegetable C juice > grape juice. Grape or blueberry juice showed strong abilities to prevent DNA damage in lymphocytes, and the difference between them was not significant according to the GSTM1/GSTT1 genotype. CONCLUSION: Antioxidant activities of fruit and vegetable juices and ex vivo DNA protective activity increased in the order of blueberry juice, grape juice, and kale juice, although the rankings were slightly different. Therefore, these juices rich in polyphenols and flavonoids deserve more attention for their high antioxidant capacity.
Antioxidants ; Blueberry Plant ; Brassica ; Comet Assay ; DNA Damage* ; DNA* ; Flavonoids ; Fruit and Vegetable Juices* ; Fruit* ; Genotype ; Humans ; Korea* ; Lymphocytes* ; Oxidative Stress ; Oxygen ; Polyphenols ; Vegetables ; Vitis

PURPOSE: In the field of pediatric surgery, neonatal surgery occupies a special portion and has clinical varieties. Recently many associated physicians, such as pediatric surgeons, neonatologists, anesthetists, pathologists and radiologists, work collaboratively for care. This study was designed to identify characteristics of neonatal surgery based on clinical experiences in a single institute. METHODS: Neonates receiving operation during a 5-year period between Jan. 2003 and Dec. 2007 in Pusan National University Children's Hospital were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups of age after birth; early neonatal (before 7 days) and late neonatal period (after 7 days) and the operation was classified as a primary procedure for definite treatment and a staged procedure including 2nd look operation. We analyzed their clinical data and postoperative results. RESULTS: 286 cases of neonates were included during this period, 118 cases (41.3%) in early neonatal and 168 (58.7%) in late neonatal period. Distribution of diseases was as follows, sequentially; 60 (21.0%) anorectal malformations, 46 (16.1%) intestinal atresia, 44 (15.4%) Hirschsprung's disease, 35 (12.2%) necrotizing enterocolitis, 24 (8.3%) hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, 20 (6.9%) inguinal hernia, 13 (4.5%) malrotation, 9 (3.1%) tumor, 8 (2.7%) diaphragmatic hernia, 6 (2.0%) abdominal wall defect and 21 (7.3%) others. According to the operation, a primary procedure was performed in 205 cases (71.7%) and a staged procedure in 81 cases (28.3%). The morbidity and mortality was 3.1% and 2.8% respectively. CONCLUSION: When considering morbidity and mortality after neonatal surgery for patients who have associated anomalies, collaborative care is necessary to expect a good outcome.
Abdominal Wall ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Hernia, Diaphragmatic ; Hernia, Inguinal ; Hirschsprung Disease ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intestinal Atresia ; Pyloric Stenosis, Hypertrophic

Purpose: Patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) can develop atelectasis, and some cases of atelectasis may persist for over 4 weeks. However, the risk factors for the development and persistence of atelectasis ( > 4 weeks) in children with MPP and their clinical characteristics remain understudied. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and associated factors of MPP with atelectasis in children. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 477 children with MPP treated at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital from November 2014 to March 2020. Demographics, clinical information, laboratory data, and radiological findings were collected from all patients. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of atelectasis with MPP. The group with atelectasis was further divided into 2 groups according to whether atelectasis was improved. Results: Among 477 children with MPP, 105 developed atelectasis, and 34 showed persistent atelectasis. Children with atelectasis had longer lengths of hospitalization than children without atelectasis. High lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and whole lobar consolidation were independently associated factors for presenting with atelectasis, and long macrolide therapy duration before admission ( > 3 days) was related to persistent atelectasis ( > 4 weeks). Conclusion High LDH levels and whole lobar consolidation were independent associated factors for presenting with atelectasis, and a long macrolide therapy duration before admission was associated with persistent atelectasis. Careful observation and management of children with these associated factors for atelectasis will improve the prognosis of children with MPP.

The aim of this study was to compare compressive strength and microhardness of recently introduced alkasite restorative materials with glass ionomer cement and flowable composite resin. For each material, 20 samples were prepared respectively for compressive strength and Vickers microhardness test. The compressive strength was measured with universal testing machine at crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. And microhardness was measured using Vickers Micro hardness testing machine under 500 g load and 10 seconds dwelling time at 1 hour, 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and 35 days. The compressive strength was highest in composite resin, followed by alkasite, and glass ionomer cement. In microhardness test, composite resin, which had no change throughout experimental periods, showed highest microhardness in 1 hour, 1 day, and 7 days measurement. The glass ionomer cement showed increase in microhardness for 7 days and no difference was found with composite resin after 14 days measurement. For alkasite, maximum microhardness was measured on 14 days, but showed gradual decrease.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of the hemostatic agent containing aluminum chloride with hemostatic agent containing ferric sulfate on the shear bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement(RMGIC) to dentin in primary tooth.
Twenty extracted non-carious human primary teeth were collected in this study. The specimens were cut to expose dentin and polished. The specimens were randomly seperated into 3 groups for treatment; group I: polyacrylic acid(PAA), RMGIC; group II: aluminum chloride, PAA, RMGIC; group III: ferric sulfate, PAA, RMGIC
Ten specimens from each group were subjected to shear bond strength test.
The mean shear bond strength of each group was as follows: 10.07 ± 1.83 MPa in Group I, 7.62 ± 0.78 MPA in group II, 5.23 ± 0.78 MPa in group III. There were significant differences among all groups(p < 0.001).
In conclusion, both aluminum chloride hemostatic agent and ferric sulfate hemostatic agent decreased the shear bond strength of RMGIC to dentin. And ferric sulfate hemostatic agent decreased the shear bond strength of RMGIC more than the aluminium chloride hemostatic agent.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a hemostatic agent containing aluminum chloride on the shear bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) to the dentin of primary teeth.
Thirty-six extracted non-carious human primary teeth were collected in this study. Dentin surfaces were cut and polished. The specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups; group I: RMGIC without conditioning; group II: polyacrylic acid (PAA), RMGIC; group III: aluminum chloride, RMGIC; group IV: aluminum chloride, PAA, RMGIC.
All teeth were thermocycled between 5.0℃ and 55.0℃ for 5000 cycles. Fifteen specimens from each group were subjected to shear bond strength test and 3 specimens from each group were inspected using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
The mean shear bond strength of each group was as follows: 4.04 ± 0.88 MPa in group I, 8.29 ± 1.40 MPa in group II, 1.39 ± 0.47 MPa in group III, 6.24 ± 2.76 MPa in group IV. There were significant differences among all groups (p < 0.001). SEM image of the dentinal tubules were partially exposed in group III and group IV. Fully exposed dentinal tubules were found in group II.
In conclusion, aluminum chloride decreased the shear bond strength of RMGIC to dentin, regardless of PAA conditioning.

PURPOSE: Apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells is a type of endothelial damage that is associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins), including the alpha 12 subunit of G protein (Galpha12), have been found to modulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of numerous cell types. However, the role of Galpha12 in the regulation of apoptosis of vascular cells has not been elucidated. We investigated the role of Galpha12 in serum withdrawal-induced apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and its underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HUVECs were transfected with Galpha12 small-interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown the endogenous Galpha12 expression and were serum-deprived for 6 h to induce apoptosis. The apoptosis of HUVECs were assessed by Western blotting and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expressions of microRNAs were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Knockdown of Galpha12 with siRNA augmented the serum withdrawal-induced apoptosis of HUVECs and markedly repressed the expression of microRNA-155 (miR-155). Serum withdrawal-induced apoptosis of HUVECs was inhibited by the overexpression of miR-155 and increased significantly due to the inhibition of miR-155. Notably, the elevation of miR-155 expression prevented increased apoptosis of Galpha12-deficient HUVECs. CONCLUSION: From these results, we conclude that Galpha12 protects HUVECs from serum withdrawal-induced apoptosis by retaining miR-155 expression. This suggests that Galpha12 might play a protective role in vascular endothelial cells by regulating the expression of microRNAs.
*Apoptosis ; Atherosclerosis/*blood/genetics/immunology ; Cell Proliferation ; Endothelial Cells/*metabolism ; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, G12-G13/*genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/cytology ; Humans ; MicroRNAs/*metabolism ; Protective Agents ; *RNA, Small Interfering ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; *Transfection