The nfa1 gene was cloned from a cDNA library of pathogenic Naegleria fowleri by immunoscreening; it consisted of 360 bp and produced a 13.1 kDa recombinant protein (rNfa1) that showed the pseudopodia-specific localization by immunocytochemistry in the previous study. Based on the idea that the pseudopodia-specific Nfa1 protein mentioned above seems to be involved in the pathogenicity of N. fowleri, we observed the effect of an anti-Nfa1 antibody on the proliferation of N. fowleri trophozoites and the cytotoxicity of N. fowleri trophozoites on the target cells. The proliferation of N. fowleri trophozoites was inhibited after being treated with an anti-Nfa1 polyclonal antibody in a dose-dependent manner for 48 hrs. By a light microscope, CHO cells co-cultured with N. fowleri trophozoites (group I) for 48 hrs showed severe morphological destruction. On the contrary, CHO cells co-cultured with N. fowleri trophozoites and anti-Nfa1 polyclonal antibody (1: 100 dilution) (group II) showed less destruction. In the LDH release assay results, group I showed 50.6% cytotoxicity, and group II showed 39.3%. Consequently, addition of an anti-Nfa1 polyclonal antibody produced a decreasing effect of in vitro cytotoxicity of N. fowleri in a dosedependent manner.
Animals ; Antibodies, Protozoan/*immunology ; Antigens, Protozoan/genetics/*immunology ; CHO Cells ; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic ; Female ; Hamsters ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Naegleria fowleri/growth & development/immunology/*pathogenicity ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics/*immunology ; Recombinant Proteins/immunology ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research is to determine whether pontic metal substructures, which are currently used in clinical surgeries, are designed appropriately and identify the problems that can occur due to their shape, size, and position. Then it aimed to emphasize the importance of making and designing pontic metal substructures based on basic principles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research measured pontic basal surface (P1) used sample metal substructures in this study, gingiva margin (P2), and the porcelain thickness of maximum infrabulge of labial surface around 1/3 of cervix dentis (P3). One-way ANOVA analysis was carried out to test the differences among groups, Tukey Honestly Significant Difference Test was conducted for statistical analysis among groups. RESULTS: For porcelain thickness and SD value, the P1 part was 1.2 - 1.8 (±0.17) mm for experimental group 1, 1.2 - 1.7 (±0.17) mm for experimental group 2, and 0.4 - 2.8 (±0.92) mm for experimental group 3. Next, the P2 part was 1.4 - 1.6 (±0.07) mm for experimental group 1, 1.3 - 1.8 (±0.07) mm for experimental group 2, and 0.5 - 2.7 (±0.67) mm for experimental group 3. The P3 part was 1.4 - 1.7 (±0.10) mm for experimental group 1, 1.5 - 2 (±0.10) mm for experimental group 2, and 0.9 - 3.1 mm (±0.90) for experimental group 3. There was no significance when One-way ANOVA analysis/Tukey Honestly Significant Difference Test was conducted for statistical analysis among groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The suggested metal substructures can be used clinically as they meet the requirements that pontic must have.
Dental Porcelain ; Denture, Partial, Fixed* ; Gingiva ; Tooth Cervix

Objective of this study was to compare the color stability, mechanical and chemical properties of three different types of temporary crown resins. Commercially available powder-liquid (Group PL), light-cured (Group LC) and auto-mix syringe (Group AM) types' temporary crown resins were used as experimental groups for each of the evaluation. All the test groups were evaluated after 1 day and 7 days of immersion in various staining solutions. The colors of all groups before and after storage in the staining solutions were measured by a spectrophotometer based on CIE Lab system, and the color differences (ΔE(*)) thereby calculated. Micro hardness test was performed before water storage and aging after 7 days at 37 ℃. In addition, flexural strength, water sorption and solubility tests were performed according to international standard, ISO 10477. All experimental groups showed significant color change in staining solutions when compared to those stored in the control solution (distilled water) (p<0.05). Group PL showed the least color change among the three groups followed by Group AM (p<0.05). This tendency was observed after 7 days of immersion. In terms of the micro hardness test, Group PL showed the highest value among the three groups followed by Group AM (p<0.05). Additionally, the flexural strength decreased in the following order: AM > PL > LC (p<0.05). Water sorption and solubility increased in the following order: AM < PL < LC (p<0.05). The results of this study would provide useful information when choosing temporary crown resin types in various clinical situations.
Aging ; Crowns ; Hardness Tests ; Immersion ; Solubility ; Syringes ; Water

INTRODUCTION: Protamine reversal of heparin anticoagulation often produces profound hypotension. However, the precise mechanisms of its hypotensive effect have not been fully elucidated. Using a canine model, we explored the effects of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (INDO), and nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) either alone or both on the cardiopulmonary responses to protamine. METHODS: Fifty-four mongrel dogs in five groups were studied during 1.5% halothane anesthesia. GroupI (n=17) received heparin (300 IU/kg iv) followed by protamine (3 mg/kg iv over 30 s) 5 min after the heparin. The same protocol were used in groups II (n=11), III (n=12), and IV (n=7), except that L-NAME (20 mg/kg), INDO (10 mg/kg), and INDO (10 mg/kg) plus L-NAME (10 mg/kg) were infused over 10 min beginning 30 min before the protamine injection, respectively. Animals in group V (n=7) were given protamine (3 mg/kg) alone. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), LVdP/dt and cardiac output and left circumflex coronary flow (LCX flow) via Doppler flowmeter and heart rate were continuously recorded in baseline conditions and up to 15 min. Plasma NOx (NO2-, NO3-) levels were also measured before (baseline) and 3, 5, 10, and 15 min after protamine injection. RESULTS: In group I, protamine caused immediate but transient decreases of MAP (41%), cardiac index (CI, 58%), dP/dt (28%), and LVEDP (62%) and increases of MPAP (38%) and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance indices (SVRI, 30%; PVRI, 316%). INDO significantly attenuated the hemodynamic responses to protamine, whereas L-NAME did not affect them at all. INDO plus L-NAME prevented protamine-induced hypotension, but CI (-24%) and LVEDP (-30%) showed similar changes as those in group II. Protamine increased MPAP but inconsistently, meanwhile no correlation was found between the magnitude of increase of MPAP and decrease of MAP at peak responses in groups I-IV. LCX flow increased significantly (124~188%) immediately after protamine infusion without any changes in plasma NOx levels in groups I-IV. Neither significant hemodynamic effects nor NOx release was found in animals given protamine alone. CONCLUSION: Protamine in the presence of heparin induces profound hypotension which may be mediated by a prostanoid and other potent vasodilators. In addition, increase of PAP and NO release may not play a significant role in the protamine-induced hypotension.
Anesthesia ; Animals ; Arterial Pressure ; Cardiac Output ; Dogs* ; Flowmeters ; Halothane ; Heart Rate ; Hemodynamics ; Heparin ; Hypotension* ; Indomethacin ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Plasma ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Protamines* ; Vascular Resistance ; Vasodilator Agents

For the assessment the effect of succinylcholine (SCh) on atracurium, 59 adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were subjected to this study in which the nEMG response (twitch height) of the hand to TOF stimulation (0.2 Hz) of ulnar nerve was monitored and recorded with Datex Relaxograph. According to the amount and mode of the drugs administered, the patients were divided into four experimental groups;1) Group I, a bolus injection of atracurium in dose of 0.5 mg/kg 2) Group II, atracurium 1.0 mg/kg, a double dose of group I 3) Group III, atracurium 0.5 mg/kg after 25 to 50% recovery of initial twitch height from twitch height depression induced by SCh (1 mg/kg) 4) Group IV, mixed injection of SCh (1 mg/kg) and atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) Followings were the results. 1. Mean onset time of the atracurium, which was 4.5+/-0.6 minutes in group I and 4.00.7 minutes in group II, changed to 2.7+/-0.6 and 4.0+0.8 minutes in group III and IV respectively, showing no significance. 2. Mean action duration of atracurium was 49.1+/-3.4 minutes in group I and 72.0+/-3.7 minutes in group II, the latter being significant (p<0.001). It was, however, 49.0+/-3.6 minutes in group III, indicating that SCh shnwed a little effect, while it was 38.1+/-1.8 minutes in group IV, being significantly shorter than those of group I and IlI (p<0.01). 3. Mean potency of atracurium expressed by the percentage change of initial twich height was 0.7+/-0.5% in group I and it was decreased to 0% in group II but it was not sinificant. In group III, it was increased to 0.9+/-0.6% but it was also no significance. In group IV, it was decreased to 0.4+/-0.2% which was not significant. 4. Presence of atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) in group IV did not have any effect on the intensity of fasciculation induced by SCh. These results indicate that succinylcholine did not attect the onset time and action potency of atracurium. However, in group of the mixed injection, SCh shortened only the duration of action of atracurium.
Adult ; Anesthesia, General ; Atracurium* ; Depression ; Fasciculation ; Hand ; Humans ; Succinylcholine* ; Ulnar Nerve

For the assessment the effect of succinylcholine (SCh) on atracurium, 59 adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were subjected to this study in which the nEMG response (twitch height) of the hand to TOF stimulation (0.2 Hz) of ulnar nerve was monitored and recorded with Datex Relaxograph. According to the amount and mode of the drugs administered, the patients were divided into four experimental groups;1) Group I, a bolus injection of atracurium in dose of 0.5 mg/kg 2) Group II, atracurium 1.0 mg/kg, a double dose of group I 3) Group III, atracurium 0.5 mg/kg after 25 to 50% recovery of initial twitch height from twitch height depression induced by SCh (1 mg/kg) 4) Group IV, mixed injection of SCh (1 mg/kg) and atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) Followings were the results. 1. Mean onset time of the atracurium, which was 4.5+/-0.6 minutes in group I and 4.00.7 minutes in group II, changed to 2.7+/-0.6 and 4.0+0.8 minutes in group III and IV respectively, showing no significance. 2. Mean action duration of atracurium was 49.1+/-3.4 minutes in group I and 72.0+/-3.7 minutes in group II, the latter being significant (p<0.001). It was, however, 49.0+/-3.6 minutes in group III, indicating that SCh shnwed a little effect, while it was 38.1+/-1.8 minutes in group IV, being significantly shorter than those of group I and IlI (p<0.01). 3. Mean potency of atracurium expressed by the percentage change of initial twich height was 0.7+/-0.5% in group I and it was decreased to 0% in group II but it was not sinificant. In group III, it was increased to 0.9+/-0.6% but it was also no significance. In group IV, it was decreased to 0.4+/-0.2% which was not significant. 4. Presence of atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) in group IV did not have any effect on the intensity of fasciculation induced by SCh. These results indicate that succinylcholine did not attect the onset time and action potency of atracurium. However, in group of the mixed injection, SCh shortened only the duration of action of atracurium.
Adult ; Anesthesia, General ; Atracurium* ; Depression ; Fasciculation ; Hand ; Humans ; Succinylcholine* ; Ulnar Nerve

BACKGROUND: As childhood-onset obesity has been known to have a poor prognosis, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing, many children and adolescents are becoming concerned about obesity and try various weight control methods. This study assessed the experience and behaviors of weight control in obese adolescents. METHODS: A total of 732 among 840 obese students from 28 schools in Seoul metropolitan area were assessed with a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Middle school students showed the highest trial rate of weight control. Elementary and high school girls showed significantly higher trial rates of weight control than boys(P<0.05). The methods more frequently used were physical exercise, and diet, drugs and other methods, and visits to obesity clinics in that order. Elementary school girls most frequently tried physical exercise while high school girls went on a diet most frequently. All groups of girls were dieting significantly more often than boys(P<0.05). High school girls were the most frequent users of drugs and other methods while elementary school boys and middle schoolgirls visited obesity clinics most frequently. Unhealthy weight control methods observed were monodiet(2.7%), fasting(1.9%), dieting pills(1.4%), and vomiting(0.1%). The mean number of weight control methods was decreased with increasing age. The possibility of overall weight control was significantly higher in girls, having higher weight dissatisfaction levels. The possibility of physical exercise was significantly higher in younger ages, having mother with a career and a family history of obesity. The possibility of dieting was significantly higher in girls, older ages, having higher obesity index. The possibility of using drugs and other methods was significantly higher if they had higher weight dissatisfaction levels and a family history of obesity. The possibility of visiting obesity clinics was significantly higher if they had higher obesity index. CONCLUSION: Although, exercise and diet were frequently chosen by obese adolescents for weight control, the munber unhealthy methods chosen were found to be higher and physical exercise decreased with increasing age. Therefore, an appropriate weight control program that is not detrimental to normal growth and development is called for in early adolescence.
Adolescent* ; Child ; Diet ; Exercise ; Female ; Growth and Development ; Humans ; Mothers ; Obesity ; Pediatric Obesity ; Prevalence ; Prognosis ; Seoul ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: Scrub typhus is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and can become severe and potentially life-threatening. It is suggested that specific host factors can modify the host response during O. tsutsugamushi infection. It is known that susceptibility and outcome of infectious disease are associated with genetic polymorphisms of some cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood of 144 patients who were diagnosed with scrub typhus and of 311 unrelated healthy subjects were collected. A diagnosis of scrub typhus was made upon demonstration of a fourfold rise in antibody titer to O. tsutsugamushi in paired serum specimens in an indirect immunofluorescent (IFA) test. Genomic DNAs were extracted from peripheral mononuclear cells and genotypings for IL-1 (-511C/T), IL-1beta (+3953T/C), IL-2 (-330T/G), IL-4 (-590C/T), IL-4R(-1902G/A), IL-10 (-1082G/A), IL-10 (-819C/T), TNF-alpha (-238G/A) and TNF-alpha (-308G/A) were performed simultaneously using PCR-SSP (sequence specific polymorphisms) assay. RESULTS: The frequency of IL-1 (-511T/T) (OR=0.53, P<0.01) and IL-2 (-330T/T) (OR=0.56, P<0.01) were significantly decreased, but that of IL-2(-330G/G) (OR=4.49, P<0.01) was increased, in the scrub typhus patients compared to the healthy controls. And, there were no statistically significant differences in the genetic polymorphisms of IL-4 (-590C/T), IL-4Ralpha (-1902G/A), IL-10 (-1082G/A), IL-10 (-819C/T), TNF-alpha (-238G/A), TNF-alpha (-308G/A) genes, in the scrub typhus patients compared to the unrelated healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokine polymorphisms in the IL-1 (-511T/T) and the IL-2 genes may influence the host response to O. tsutsugamushi.
Communicable Diseases ; DNA ; Humans ; Interleukin-1 ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-2 ; Interleukin-4 ; Orientia tsutsugamushi ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Scrub Typhus ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Background: In modern society, rapid changes in the medical environment have required medical staff to access various information and be competent in active and effective problem-solving through collegial interactions. In line with these changes, universities are aiming to connect education. This study aimed to provide basic data of connected-convergence education by survey the awareness and needs of college students in health-related fields. Methods: This study included 122 college students from the health field. A survey regarding “the awareness and need of connected-convergence education” was conducted and general characteristics of the participants were collected from June to July 2022. Results: The awareness of connected-convergence education was low at 19.7%, but the intention to participate was high at 74.6%. Subject requirements were 18.0% for medical psychology, 13.5% for communication and counseling, 13.5% for medical artificial intelligence technology convergence, and 10.4% for sports health management. In the group showing high satisfaction with the major curriculum, the demand for connected education was also high. For efficient operation, it was investigated that it was necessary to secure specialized training courses, recognition of liberal arts credits, the right to register for courses equal to those of major students, and secure dedicated classrooms. Conclusion Although the awareness and experience of connected-convergence education among the participants were low, the intention to participate was high. As such a plan to revitalize the university curriculum was required. It is timely to discuss the nurturing of convergence-type talents and multidisciplinary thinking skills. It is meaningful to provide basic data necessary for connected-convergence education in health-related fields at university. Universities should strive to enhance job competency in the health field by providing connected-convergence education based on student demands.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hyperglycemia is associated with decreased 2-18[F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) uptake by tumors assessed by positron emission tomography (PET). In this retrospective study we investigated a comparison of standardized uptake values (SUVs) in patients with primary colorectal cancers who either had diabetes mellitus (DM) or were otherwise healthy. METHODS: The medical records of 397 patients who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and underwent PET-CT between January 2006 and December 2012 were analyzed. Eighty patients with DM and 317 patients without DM were included. Clinical characteristics were reviewed and maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were calculated in the primary colorectal lesions. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between tumor SUVmax in DM patients (10.60+/-5.78) and those without DM (10.92+/-5.44). In addition, no significant difference was detected between tumor SUVmax in DM patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels <8% (10.34+/-5.17) and those with HbA1c levels > or =8% (10.61+/-7.27). The maximum size of the primary colorectal tumor was associated with SUVmax in a linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that DM did not influence FDG uptake values in colorectal cancer patients regardless of glucose levels.
Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Diabetes Mellitus* ; Glucose ; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; Linear Models ; Medical Records ; Positron-Emission Tomography* ; Retrospective Studies