This study was aimed to evaluate endogenous metabolic changes before and after cisplatin and radiation therapy in patients with cervical cancer via untargeted metabolomic analysis using plasma samples. A total of 13 cervical cancer patients were enrolled in this study. Plasma samples were collected from each patient on two occasions: approximately one week before therapy (P1) and after completion of cisplatin and radiation therapy (P2). Of the 13 patients, 12 patients received both cisplatin and radiation therapy, whereas one patient received radiation therapy alone. The samples were analyzed using the Ultimate 3000 coupled with Q Exactive TM Focus Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap TM mass spectrometry (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). Chromatographic separation utilized a Kinetex C18 column 2.1×100 mm (2.6 μm) (Phenomenex, Torrance, CA, USA), and the temperature was maintained at 40°C. Following P2, there were statistically significant increases in the concentrations of indoxyl sulfate, phenylacetylglutamine, Lysophosphatidyethanolamine (LysoPE) (18:1), and indole-3-acetic acid compared with the concentrations observed at P1. Specifically, in the human papillomavirus (HPV) noninfection group, indoxyl sulfate, LysoPE (18:1), and phenylacetylglutamine showed statistically significant increases at P2 compared with P1. No significant changes in metabolite concentrations were observed in the HPV infection group. Indoxyl sulfate, LysoPE (18:1), phenylacetylglutamine, and indole-3-acetic acid were significantly increased following cisplatin and radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) after tooth extraction in patients with osteoporosis on oral bisphosphonates in Korea and to evaluate local factors affecting the development of BRONJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical records of 320 patients who underwent dental extraction while receiving oral bisphosphonates were reviewed. All patients had a healing period of more than 6 months following the extractions. Each patient's clinical record was used to assess the incidence of BRONJ; if BRONJ occurred, a further radiographic investigation was carried out to obtain a more definitive diagnosis. Various local factors including age, gender, extraction site, drug type, duration of administration, and C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) level were retrieved from the patients' clinical records for evaluating their effect on the incidence of BRONJ. RESULTS: Among the 320 osteoporotic patients who underwent tooth extraction, 11 developed BRONJ, reflecting an incidence rate of 3.44%. Out of the local factors that may affect the incidence of BRONJ, gender, drug type, and CTx level showed no statistically significant effects, while statistically significant associations were found for age, extraction site, and duration of administration. The incidence of BRONJ increased with age, was greater in the mandible than the maxilla, and was associated with a duration of administration of more than 3 years. CONCLUSION: Tooth extraction in patients on oral bisphosphonates requires careful consideration of their age, the extraction site, and the duration of administration, and close postoperative follow-up should be carried out to facilitate effective early management.
Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw ; Diagnosis ; Diphosphonates* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Osteoporosis ; Risk Factors* ; Tooth Extraction* ; Tooth*

Pharmacokinetic blood sampling is a prerequisite for successful early clinical trials. It is essential to take samples at the precise designated times to ensure the reliability of the clinical trial data; however, investigators have encountered difficulties in conducting procedures with limited manpower. We have recently developed automated schedule broadcast software (Rooibos™) to manage the precise scheduling of procedures for clinical trial centers. Rooibos™ is platform independent because it is programmed in the Java language. It generates scheduled times based on a reference time. It alarms at the scheduled times and pages subjects and alerts staff to prepare for the upcoming procedures. Rooibos™ can also group subjects when multiple clinical trials are conducted simultaneously in one or more clinical trial wards. This software may be applied to any study involving procedures that must be performed at designated times.
Appointments and Schedules* ; Humans ; Indonesia ; Pharmacology, Clinical* ; Research Personnel

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the coordinates of anatomical landmarks on cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images in varied head positions before and after reorientation using image analysis software. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images were taken in a normal position and four varied head positions using a dry skull marked with 3 points where gutta percha was fixed. In each of the five radiographic images, reference points were set, 20 anatomical landmarks were identified, and each set of coordinates was calculated. Coordinates in the images from the normally positioned head were compared with those in the images obtained from varied head positions using statistical methods. Post-reorientation coordinates calculated using a three-dimensional image analysis program were also compared to the reference coordinates. RESULTS: In the original images, statistically significant differences were found between coordinates in the normal-position and varied-position images. However, post-reorientation, no statistically significant differences were found between coordinates in the normal-position and varied-position images. CONCLUSION: The changes in head position impacted the coordinates of the anatomical landmarks in three-dimensional images. However, reorientation using image analysis software allowed accurate superimposition onto the reference positions.
Anatomic Landmarks ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Gutta-Percha ; Head* ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Orthodontics ; Skull

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent disorder that affects millions of men worldwide. ED is now considered an early manifestation of atherosclerosis, and consequently, a precursor of systemic vascular disease. This study was designed to investigate the effects of male silkworm pupa powder (SWP) on the levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, nitrite, and glutathione (GSH); lipid peroxidation; libido; and erectile response of the corpus cavernosum of the rat penis. We induced ED in the study animals by oral administration of 20% ethanol over 8 weeks. The SWP-treated male rats were divided into 3 groups that were orally administered 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. The libido of the SWP-administered male rats was higher than that of the ethanol control group. In addition, the erectile response of the corpus cavernosum was restored in males on SWP administration, to a level similar to that of the normal group without ED. The testosterone concentration did not increase significantly. The lipid peroxidation in the corpus cavernosum of the male rats administered SWP decreased significantly. In contrast, compared to the ethanol group, SWP-administered male rats showed increased GSH levels in the corpus cavernosum. The level of nitrite and NOS expression in the corpus cavernosum of SWP-administered male rats increased significantly. These results indicated that SWP effectively restored ethanol-induced ED in male rats.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; Bombyx ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Ethanol ; Glutathione ; Humans ; Libido ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Penis ; Pupa ; Rats ; Testosterone ; Vascular Diseases

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a functional food and has been well known for keeping good health due to its anti-fatigue and immunomodulating activities. However, there is no data on Korean red ginseng for its preventive activity against acute respiratory illness (ARI). The study was conducted in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in healthy volunteers (Clinical Trial Number: NCT01478009). Our primary efficacy end point was the number of ARI reported and secondary efficacy end point was severity of symptoms, number of symptoms, and duration of ARI. A total of 100 volunteers were enrolled in the study. Fewer subjects in the KRG group reported contracting at least 1 ARI than in the placebo group (12 [24.5%] vs 22 [44.9%], P = 0.034), the difference was statistically significant between the two groups. The symptom duration of the subjects who experienced the ARI, was similar between the two groups (KRG vs placebo; 5.2 +/- 2.3 vs 6.3 +/- 5.0, P = 0.475). The symptom scores were low tendency in KRG group (KRG vs placebo; 9.5 +/- 4.5 vs 17.6 +/- 23.1, P = 0.241). The study suggests that KRG may be effective in protecting subjects from contracting ARI, and may have the tendency to decrease the duration and scores of ARI symptoms.
Adult ; Blood Chemical Analysis ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Panax/*chemistry ; Placebo Effect ; Plant Extracts/*therapeutic use ; Plant Roots/chemistry ; Republic of Korea ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult/*drug therapy/pathology/prevention & control ; Severity of Illness Index

Seizure associated with antiemetics is rare. We report seizure associated with a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist in a 38 years old female. The patient underwent ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy due to left upper ureter stone. After operation, the patient complained of nausea in the postanesthetic recovery unit. In order to subside symptom, the patient was administrated 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, palonosetron, 0.075 mg intravenously. Shortly after administration of that, the patient developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The symptom was subsided after midazolam and thiopental sodium were injected. But 40 minutes later, seizure recurred and subsided with midazolam again. The patient recovered completely without any specific sequelae.
Antiemetics ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Intravenous ; Isoquinolines ; Lithotripsy ; Midazolam ; Nausea ; Quinuclidines ; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3 ; Seizures ; Thiopental ; Ureter

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the compatibility of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) synthesized cephalograms with conventional cephalograms, and to find a method for obtaining normative values for three-dimensional (3D) assessments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample group consisted of 10 adults with normal occlusion and well-balanced faces. They were imaged using conventional and CBCT cephalograms. The CBCT cephalograms were synthesized from the CBCT data using OnDemand 3D software. Twenty-one angular and 12 linear measurements from each imaging modality were compared and analyzed using paired-t test. RESULTS: The linear measurements between the two imaging modalities were not statistically different (p>0.05) except for the U1 to facial plane distance. The angular measurements between the two imaging modalities were not statistically different (p>0.05) with the exception of the gonial angle, ANB difference, and facial convexity. CONCLUSION: Two-dimensional cephalometric norms could be readily used for 3D quantitative assessment, if corrected for lateral cephalogram distortion.
Adult ; Cephalometry ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Humans

Yerba Mate, derived from the leaves of the tree, Ilex paraguariensis, is widely-used as a tea or as an ingredient in formulated foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Yerba Mate extract on weight loss, obesity-related biochemical parameters, and diabetes in high-fat diet-fed mice. To this end, by using in vivo animal models of dietary-induced obesity, we have made the interesting observations that Yerba Mate has the ability to decrease the differentiation of pre-adipocytes and to reduce the accumulation of lipids in adipocytes, both of which contribute to a lower growth rate of adipose tissue, lower body weight gain, and obesity. Our data from in vivo studies revealed that Yerba Mate treatment affects food intake, resulting in higher energy expenditure, likely as a result of higher basal metabolism in Yerba Mate-treated mice. Furthermore, in vivo effects of Yerba Mate on lipid metabolism included reductions in serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and glucose concentrations in mice that were fed a high fat diet. In conclusion, Yerba Mate can potentially be used to treat obesity and diabetes.
Adipocytes ; Adipose Tissue ; Animals ; Basal Metabolism ; Body Weight ; Cholesterol ; Diet, High-Fat ; Eating ; Energy Metabolism ; Food, Formulated ; Glucose ; Ilex paraguariensis ; Lipid Metabolism ; Mice ; Models, Animal ; Obesity ; Tea ; Trees ; Triglycerides ; Weight Loss

Constipation is one of the most common functional digestive complaints worldwide. We investigated the laxative effects of figs (Ficus carica L) in a beagle model of constipation induced by high protein diet and movement restriction. The experiments were consecutively conducted over 9 weeks divided into 3 periods of 3 weeks each. All 15 beagles were subjected to a non-treatment (control) period, a constipation induction period, and a fig paste treatment period. We administered fig paste (12 g/kg daily, by gavage) for 3 weeks following a 3-week period of constipation induction in dogs. Segmental colonic transit time (CTT) was measured by counting radiopaque markers (Kolomark) using a radiograph performed every 6 h after feeding Kolomark capsules, until capsules were no longer observed. Fig paste significantly increased fecal quantity in constipated dogs, and segmental CTT was also reduced following fig paste administration. There were no significant differences in feed intake, water intake, body weight, or blood test results, between the constipation and fig paste administration periods. Our results demonstrate that fig is an effective treatment for constipation in beagles. Specifically, stool weight increased and segmental CTT decreased. Fig pastes may be useful as a complementary medicine in humans suffering from chronic constipation.
Animals ; Body Weight ; Capsules ; Carica ; Colon ; Complementary Therapies ; Constipation ; Diet ; Dogs ; Drinking ; Ficus ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Ointments ; Stress, Psychological