The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different cooling rates and subsequent post-firing heat treatment on the final hardness of a metal-ceramic alloy. For this, Specimens of Pd-Ag-In-Sn alloy underwent simulated firing at two different cooling rates, followed by post-firing heat treatment. Hardness measurement, microstructure observation, and crystal structure analysis were conducted on the firing simulated and post-firing heat-treated specimens to analyze the causes of hardness variations. The experimental results showed that the difference in cooling rates during simulated firing had an impact on the final hardness of the alloy, and the specimens cooled at the slowest rate (Stage 3) exhibited higher hardness at all firing Stages compared to the specimens cooled at the highest rate (Stage 0). Regardless of the difference in cooling rates during the firing process, the hardness of the alloy significantly increased by the post-firing heat treatment. The increase in hardness by the post-firing heat treatment was attributed to the formation of fine precipitates in the matrix, and the precipitation reaction occurred as a result of the decrease in solubility of (Pd, Ag, Au) 3 (In, Sn, Zn) phase in the Pd-Ag-rich matrix. The clinical significance of this study is that performing the post-firing heat treatment demonstrates effectiveness in increasing the reduced hardness after porcelain firing in metal-ceramic alloys.

Background: There has been no comparison of the determinants of admission route between acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We examined whether factors associated with direct versus transferred-in admission to regional cardiocerebrovascular centers (RCVCs) differed between AIS and AMI. Methods: Using a nationwide RCVC registry, we identified consecutive patients presenting with AMI and AIS between July 2016 and December 2018. We explored factors associated with direct admission to RCVCs in patients with AIS and AMI and examined whether those associations differed between AIS and AMI, including interaction terms between each factor and disease type in multivariable models. To explore the influence of emergency medical service (EMS) paramedics on hospital selection, stratified analyses according to use of EMS were also performed. Results: Among the 17,897 and 8,927 AIS and AMI patients, 66.6% and 48.2% were directly admitted to RCVCs, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that previous coronary heart disease, prehospital awareness, higher education level, and EMS use increased the odds of direct admission to RCVCs, but the odds ratio (OR) was different between AIS and AMI (for the first 3 factors, AMI > AIS; for EMS use, AMI < AIS). EMS use was the single most important factor for both AIS and AMI (OR, 4.72 vs. 3.90). Hypertension and hyperlipidemia increased, while living alone decreased the odds of direct admission only in AMI;additionally, age (65–74 years), previous stroke, and presentation during non-working hours increased the odds only in AIS. EMS use weakened the associations between direct admission and most factors in both AIS and AMI. Conclusions Various patient factors were differentially associated with direct admission to RCVCs between AIS and AMI. Public education for symptom awareness and use of EMS is essential in optimizing the transportation and hospitalization of patients with AMI and AIS.

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has not been well studied in Asian countries. This study investigated the temporal trends in the incidence and outcomes of SCA and the impact of age, gender, economic state, and urbaniza‑ tion on SCA using a nationwide population-based sample cohort of South Korea. Methods: In the Korean National Health Insurance Service—Sample Cohort consisting of one million persons from 2003 through 2013, we identified 5,675 (0.56%) patients with SCA using ICD-10 code I46 and I49.0. We evaluated the impact of the age, gender, household income, and urbanization level on the incidence and outcome of SCA. Results: During the study period, the overall age- and gender-adjusted annual incidence of SCA increased by 46.9% from 30.9 in 2003 to 45.4 in 2013 (per 100,000 person-years, p < 0.001 for trend). The medical cost per 100,000 personyears also greatly increased about four times (p < 0.001 for trend). The overall adjusted survival to hospital discharge rate increased from 8.9% in 2003 to 13.2% in 2013 (adjusted rate ratio per year 1.05; p < 0.001 for trend). Old age and low household incomes of the population was related to increased SCA and poor survival to hospital discharge rate. The proportion of patients with intensive or advanced therapeutic modalities after SCA greatly increased from 1.6% in 2003 to 10.0% in 2013 (p < 0.001 for trend). This increase was consistent regardless of age, gender, economic state, and urbanization level. Conclusions Although the incidence of SCA was increased, the outcome was improved for the decade. However, in the elderly and low-income population, the incidence of SCA continued to rise and survival outcome was not improved.

To treat congenital heart disease, it is important to understand the anatomical structure correctly. Three-dimensional (3D) printed models of the heart effectively demonstrate the structural features of congenital heart disease. Occasionally, the exact characteristics of complex cardiac malformations are difficult to identify on conventional computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography, and the use of 3D printed models can help overcome their limitations. Recently, 3D printed models have been used for congenital heart disease education, preoperative simulation, and decision-making processes. In addition, we will pave the way for the development of this technology in the future and discuss various aspects of its use, such as the development of surgical techniques and training of cardiac surgeons.

To treat congenital heart disease, it is important to understand the anatomical structure correctly. Three-dimensional (3D) printed models of the heart effectively demonstrate the structural features of congenital heart disease. Occasionally, the exact characteristics of complex cardiac malformations are difficult to identify on conventional computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography, and the use of 3D printed models can help overcome their limitations. Recently, 3D printed models have been used for congenital heart disease education, preoperative simulation, and decision-making processes. In addition, we will pave the way for the development of this technology in the future and discuss various aspects of its use, such as the development of surgical techniques and training of cardiac surgeons.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between family history of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and incidence of any GI cancer in the Korean population. METHODS: Between January 2015 and July 2016, 711 GI cancer patients and 849 controls in 16 hospitals in Korea were enrolled. Personal medical histories, life styles, and family history of GI cancers were collected via questionnaire. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the incidence of family history of GI cancer between GI cancer patients and controls (p=0.002). Patients with family history of GI cancer tended to be diagnosed as GI cancer at younger age than those without family history (p=0.016). The family members of GI cancer patients who were diagnosed before 50 years of age were more frequently diagnosed as GI cancer before the age of 50 years (p=0.017). After adjusting for major confounding factors, age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.065, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.053–1.076), male gender (AOR 2.270, 95% CI; 1.618–3.184), smoking (AOR 1.570, 95% CI; 1.130–2.182), and sibling's history of GI cancer (AOR 1.973, 95% CI; 1.246–3.126) remained independently associated with GI cancers. CONCLUSIONS: GI cancer patients tended to have a first relative with a history of concordant GI cancer. Personal factors (old age and male) and lifestyle (smoking) contribute to the development of GI cancer, independently. Individuals with high risk for GI cancers may be advised to undergo screening at an earlier age.
Age Factors ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Life Style ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Medical History Taking ; Odds Ratio ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Folic acid supplementation before pregnancy is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. The purposes of this study were to investigate the awareness, knowledge, and use of folic acid supplements along with their associated factors among non-pregnant Korean women of childbearing age. SUBJECTS/METHODS: From August 2012 to March 2013, 704 women aged 19–45 years completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding their awareness, knowledge, and use of folic acid as well as questions to identify risk of inadequate folate intake. RESULTS: Approximately 67% of women reported that they had heard of folic acid, and 23.7% had knowledge of both the role of folic acid in preventing birth defects and appropriate time for taking folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects. However, only 9.4% of women took folic acid supplements at the time of the survey. Women aged 19–24 years, unmarried women, and women who had never been pregnant were less likely to be aware and knowledgeable of folic acid or take folic acid supplements. In addition, women at high risk of inadequate folate intake were less likely to take folic acid supplements. In a multivariate analysis, women aged 19–24 years, women with a high school diploma or lower education level, and unmarried women were less likely to be aware and have knowledge of folic acid. The percentage of women taking folic acid supplements was significantly higher among knowledgeable women than among unknowledgeable women. CONCLUSIONS: These results support our hypothesis that women with knowledge of folic acid are more likely to take folic acid supplements. Therefore, educational programs or campaigns to improve knowledge regarding the importance of folic acid and to promote consumption of folic acid supplements as well as folate-rich foods are needed to target young, less educated, and unmarried women.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Dietary Supplements ; Education ; Female ; Folic Acid ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neural Tube Defects ; Pregnancy ; Single Person

Effect of cooling rate during oxidation treatment on the hardness change by post firing heat treatment of a Pd-Cu-Ga-Zn alloy after simulated porcelain firing was investigated and the following results were obtained. In the firing simulated specimens after quenching during the oxidation treatment, the hardness did not increase by post-firing heat treatment. However, in the firing simulated specimens after slow cooling during the oxidation treatment, post-firing heat treatment for 25 minutes was effective in increasing the hardness (p < 0.05). In the firing simulated specimens after quenching during the oxidation treatment, the significant decrease in hardness during the post-firing heat treatment was attributed to the coarsening of fine precipitates formed in the matrix and plate-like precipitates. In the firing simulated specimens after slow cooling during the oxidation treatment, the increase in hardness during the post-firing heat treatment for 25 minutes was due to precipitation hardening. From these results, it was found that the cooling rate during the oxidation treatment affected the change of hardness by the post-firing heat treatment after the simulated firing. From these results, post-firing heat treatment increased the hardness of the Pd-Cu-Ga-Zn alloy only when the cooling rate during the oxidation treatment was slow.
Alloys ; Dental Porcelain ; Fires ; Hardness ; Hot Temperature

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress is closely related with inflammation and development of many diseases. Black soybean seed coat contains high amount of anthocyanins, which are well-known for free radical scavenging activities. This study investigated inflammatory response and action mechanism of black soybean anthocyanins with regard to antioxidant activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: RAW 264.7 cells were treated with anthocyanins extracted from black soybean seed coats in a concentration range of 12.5 to 100 µg/mL. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and the signaling in the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway were examined. RESULTS: Black soybean anthocyanins significantly decreased LPS-stimulated production of ROS, inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6, in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity (P < 0.001). Black soybean anthocyanins downregulated the expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (P < 0.001). Moreover, black soybean anthocyanins inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of MAPKs, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that black soybean anthocyanins exert anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting ROS generation and subsequent MAPKs signaling, thereby inhibiting inflammatory responses.
Anthocyanins* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Cytokines ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; Macrophages* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases* ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Oxidative Stress ; Phosphorylation ; Phosphotransferases ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Reactive Oxygen Species* ; Soybeans* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha