It is the aim of this study to investigate the effects of sodium fluoride and sodium orthovanadate upon the proliferation and activity of the osteoblast (MC3T3-E1 cells). MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in alpha-MEM containing 10% FBS and various concentration of sodium fluoride and sodium orthovanadate was appended to serum free media. DNA synthesis was examined through the [3H] thymidine incorporation into DNA. Collagen synthesis was examined through the [3H] proline incorporation into collagenase digestible protein and noncollagen protein. The following results were drawn; 1. Sodium fluoride stimulated the DNA synthesis of osteoblast significantly in dose-dependent manner within the concentration from 2micrometer to 10micrometer (P<0.005). 2. Sodium orthovanadate stimulated the DNA synthesis of osteoblast significantly in dosedependent manner within the concentration from 2micrometer to 8micrometer, however showed diminution at 10micrometer (P<0.001). 3. Sodium fluoride and sodium orthovanadate stimulated the percent collagen synthesis of osteoblast significantly in dose-dependent manner within the concentration from 5micrometer to 10micrometer (P<0.001). 4. Sodium fluoride and sodium orthovanadate stimulated the non collagen synthesis of osteoblast significantly in dose-dependent manner within the concentration from 5micrometer to 10micrometer (P<0.001). In conclusion, sodium fluoride and sodium orthovanadate stimulate the proliferation and activity of osteoblast by stimulation of DNA synthesis and collagen and noncollagen synthesis in osteoblast.
Cell Line* ; Collagen ; Collagenases ; Culture Media, Serum-Free ; DNA ; Osteoblasts* ; Proline ; Sodium Fluoride* ; Sodium* ; Thymidine ; Vanadates*

The objective of this experiment is to observe structural differences in the orthodontic movement of vital (control group) and devitalized (experimental group) teeth in the mongrel dogs. The 5 utilized dogs in this experiment were approximately 1 year of age and their average weight was about 12Kg. Endodontic therapy was performed on the 2nd premolars in upper & lower jaws of each animal under the general anesthesia by intravascular injection of 25mg/Kg of pentobarbital sodium. The canals of the teeth were obturated by using gutta percha in conjunction with root canal sealer (AH26 Densply). One of the roots in the 2nd premolars was hemisected to make an extraction space for the devitalized teeth to be moved. The edgewise technique was employed for the movement of the teeth. Orthodontic models and intraoral roentgenograms were taken before and after orthodontic tooth movement. The open coil springs (.010 x .040) were used at interbraket space in order to provide equal forces (75gm) between the teeth in each arch wire. After 13 weeks of active orthodontic tooth movement, dogs were sacrified and the experimental results were examined through the intraoral radiography, microscopic examination and scanning electromicroscopic examination at the root surface. From the results of the study, the following conclusions may be drawn: 1. The root resorption and cemental deposition were observed within the pressure and tension site in both group. 2. The root resorbed lacunae were observed in the cementum and/or into the dentin in both group. 3. The prominent osteoblastic activities were observed on the alveolar margin in the tension site in both group. 4. A few of blood vessels were observed in the pressure site, but also lots of blood vessels were observed in the tension site especially in the periphery of the alveolar bone in both group. 5. In the pressure site, resorbed lacunae were formed with deep and narrow cavity in the control group; the shallow and wide cavity in the experimental group. 6. In the pressure site, the repaired cementum or cementoid tissue was lined on cementum in the experimental group, but not in the control group. 7. There was no significant difference between external root resorption of endodontically and vital teeth when both were subjected to orthodontic forces.
Anesthesia, General ; Animals ; Bicuspid ; Blood Vessels ; Dental Cementum ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; Dentin ; Dogs* ; Gutta-Percha ; Jaw ; Osteoblasts ; Pentobarbital ; Radiography ; Root Resorption* ; Tooth Movement* ; Tooth* ; Tooth, Nonvital

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the growth changes of mandibular symphysis and lower incisors with age. The material was 294 lateral cephalometric radiographs taken longitudinally from 6 to 13 year old children, who were not teated orthodontically. The following conclusions seem to be warranted. 1. The sex difference of the measurements of mandibular symphysis and lower incisors were not statistically significant. 2. There were growth increments (2.69mm in boys and 2.08mm in girls) in the total thickness of mandibular symphysis. 3. There were a great change and individual variations on the curvature of anterior border of mandibular symphysis. 4. The chin angle had a tendency to decrease progressively in both sexes. 5. There were growth increments (8.23mm in boys and 7.40mm in girls) in the anterior dental height. 6. The lower anterior teeth tended to incline labially with age.
Adolescent ; Child ; Chin ; Humans ; Incisor* ; Longitudinal Studies ; Sex Characteristics ; Tooth

While intussusception can occur at any age, the disease is most often seen in children and no etiologic factor can be seen in most cases of childhood intussusception. In contrast, the adult intussusception is rare and usually has an identifiable causes such as benign tumor, malignant tumor, sarcoma, Meckel's diverticulum and congenital anomaly. Especially, adult intussusception due to primary malignant lymphoma of small intestine is rare clinical condition. Here, we describe the case of a 49-year-old male patient with ileo-ileo-colic intussusception due to primary malignant lymphoma of the small intestine. The clinical, radiographic and pathologic findings are described with brief review of the literature.
Adult* ; Child ; Humans ; Intestine, Small* ; Intussusception* ; Lymphoma* ; Male ; Meckel Diverticulum ; Middle Aged ; Sarcoma

In the correction of dental Class III molar relationship in skeletal Class II patients, uprighting of the mandibular posterior segments without opening the mandible is an important treatment objective. In the case reported herein, a C-tube miniplate fixed to the lower labial symphysis and connected with a nickel-titanium reverse-curved archwire provided effective uprighting of the lower molars, without the need of orthodontic appliances on the mandibular anteriors. Using this approach, an appropriate magnitude of force is exerted on the molars while avoiding any negative effect on the mandibular anteriors.
Biomechanics ; Humans ; Mandible ; Molar ; Open Bite ; Orthodontic Appliances ; Recurrence

Serotonin receptor subtype 6 (5-HT(6)) is a neurotransmitter receptor, which is involved in various brain functions such as memory and mood. It mediates signaling via the interaction with a stimulatory G-protein. Especially, the third intracellular loop (iL3) of 5-HT(6) and the alpha subunit of stimulatory G protein (Galpha(s)) are responsible for the signaling process of 5-HT(6). Chemical compounds that could inhibit the interaction between the iL3 region of 5-HT(6) and Galpha(s) were screened from a chemical library consisted of 5,600 synthetic compounds. One of the identified compounds bound to Galpha(s) and effectively blocked the interaction between Galpha(s) and the iL3 region of 5-HT(6). The identified compound was further shown to reduce the serotonin-induced accumulation of cAMP in 293T cells transformed with 5-HT(6) cDNA. It also lowered the Ca2+ efflux induced by serotonin in cells expressing 5-HT(6) and chimeric Galpha(s5/q). These results indicate that the interaction between the iL3 of 5-HT(6) and Galpha(s) can be exploited for screening of regulatory compounds against the signaling pathway of 5-HT(6).
Animals ; Calcium/metabolism ; Cell Line ; Cephalosporins/*pharmacology ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Cyclic AMP/biosynthesis ; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs/antagonists & inhibitors/*metabolism ; Humans ; Receptors, Serotonin/*drug effects/metabolism/*physiology ; Serotonin/pharmacology ; Serotonin Antagonists/pharmacology ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of a preformed assembly of nickel-titanium (NiTi) and stainless steel (SS) archwires (preformed C-wire) combined with temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) as the sole source of anchorage and to compare these effects with those of a SS version of C-wire (conventional C-wire) for en-masse retraction. METHODS: Thirty-one adult female patients with skeletal Class I or II dentoalveolar protrusion, mild-to-moderate anterior crowding (3.0-6.0 mm), and stable Class I posterior occlusion were divided into conventional (n = 15) and preformed (n = 16) C-wire groups. All subjects underwent first premolar extractions and en-masse retraction with pre-adjusted edgewise anterior brackets, the assigned C-wire, and maxillary C-tubes or C-implants; bonded mesh-tube appliances were used in the mandibular dentition. Differences in pretreatment and post-retraction measurements of skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue cephalometric variables were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Both groups showed full retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth by controlled tipping and space closure without altered posterior occlusion. However, the preformed C-wire group had a shorter retraction period (by 3.2 months). Furthermore, the maxillary molars in this group showed no significant mesialization, mesial tipping, or extrusion; some mesialization and mesial tipping occurred in the conventional C-wire group. CONCLUSIONS: Preformed C-wires combined with maxillary TSADs enable simultaneous leveling and space closure from the beginning of the treatment without maxillary posterior bonding. This allows for faster treatment of dentoalveolar protrusion without unwanted side effects, when compared with conventional C-wire, evidencing its clinical expediency.
Adult ; Bicuspid ; Crowding ; Dentition ; Female ; Humans ; Molar ; Stainless Steel* ; Tooth ; Tooth Movement

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal trauma is an uncommon but potentially catastrophic injury. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between injury mechanism and the degree of injury, and to assess the outcome after the treatment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A 10-year retrospective study of 21 patients with acute laryngeal trauma seen from 1988 to 1997 at Wonju Christian Hospital is presented. All patients are classified by injury mechanism (penetrating vs blunt) and degree of injury (Group I through V). These patients have been studied with attention to clinical manifestation, injury mechanism, degree of injury and outcome after the treatment. RESULTS: The main presenting symptoms and signs were dyspnea, hoarseness, tenderness and subcutaneous emphysema. Eleven cases were categorized as penetrating injury and the other ten cases as blunt injury. Sites of laryngeal injury included thyroid cartilage fracture, soft tissue laceration, cricoid cartilage fracture, pyriform sinus perforation and vocal folds injury. All patients were decannulated. Sixteen patients made a full return to normal voice, four were assessed fair but one was graded as poor. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment of group II injuries was effective. In this cases, the greater the actual trauma, the poorer the results. Also, blunt trauma proved more serious than penetrating trauma and early surgical intervention was associated with better outcome. Authors suggest esophagoscopy to be performed at the time of operation.
Cricoid Cartilage ; Dyspnea ; Esophagoscopy ; Gangwon-do ; Hoarseness ; Humans ; Lacerations ; Pyriform Sinus ; Retrospective Studies ; Subcutaneous Emphysema ; Thyroid Cartilage ; Vocal Cords ; Voice ; Wounds, Nonpenetrating

Background: Inflammation induces dysfunction of endothelial cells via inflammatory cell adhesion, and this phenomenon and reactive oxygen species accumulation are pivotal triggers for atherosclerosis-related vascular disease. Although exosomes are excellent candidate as an inhibitor in the inflammation pathway, it is necessary to develop exosome-mimetic nanovesicles (NVs) due to limitations of extremely low release rate and difficult isolation of natural exosomes. NVs are produced in much larger quantities than natural exosomes, but due to the low flexibility of the cell membranes, the high loss caused by hanging on the filter membranes during extrusion remains a challenge to overcome. Therefore, by making cell membranes more flexible, more efficient production of NVs can be expected. Methods: To increase the flexibility of the cell membranes, the suspension of umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) was subjected to 5 freeze and thaw cycles (FT) before serial extrusion. After serial extrusion through membranes with three different pore sizes, FT/NVs were isolated using a tangential flow filtration (TFF) system. NVs or FT/NVs were pretreated to the human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs), and then inflammation was induced using tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Results: With the freeze and thaw process, the production yield of exosome-mimetic nanovesicles (FT/NVs) was about 3 times higher than the conventional production method. The FT/NVs have similar biological properties as NVs for attenuating TNF-α induced inflammation. Conclusion We proposed the efficient protocol for the production of NVs with UC-MSCs using the combination of freeze and thaw process with a TFF system. The FT/NVs successfully attenuated the TNF-α induced inflammation in HCAECs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Homocysteine is a metabolite of methionine metabolism with atherogenic and thrombotic properties. Increased blood homocysteine has been recognized as a risk factor for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, but it is not much to be clarified in this country. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In a case-control study, we examine the relationship between the risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and serum total homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and other conventional risk factors. Thirty nine patients with significant stenosis of epicardial coronary artery and 20 healthy age-sex matched control subjects were included. Fasting venous blood was obtained and serum total homocysteine (tHCY) concentration was measured by high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescent detection method. RESULTS: Compared with control group, case group had higher tHCY concentrations (14.9+/-6.9 vs 10.8+/-4.2 mol/L, p<0.05) and lower folic acid concentration (6.7+/-3.6 vs 11.0+/-5.7 ng/mL,p<0.05). There were higher tHCY concentrations of patients with 2 vessel and 3 vessel disease than that of patients with 1 vessel disease (17.2+/-6.7 and 18.4+/-9.8 micro mol/L vs 12.4+/-3.9 micro mol/L,p<0.05). Vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 concentrations showed no significant difference between case group and control group. Compared with control group, there were more smokers (51.5% vs 25.0%, p<0.05), and patients with hypertension (39.4% vs 0%, p<0.001) and diabetes (30.3% vs 0%, p<0.001) in case group. Increased tHCY (tHCY over 14.7 mol/L) was an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (OR; 6.75, 95% CI; 1.15 - 40.99, p<0.05) together with smoking (OR; 5.4, 95% CI; 1.22 - 23.95, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These data support the hypothesis that elevated serum tHCY concentration is a risk factor for Korean patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, and low folate concentration may be responsible for elevated tHCY concentration.
Case-Control Studies ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Coronary Artery Disease* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Fasting ; Folic Acid ; Homocysteine* ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Metabolism ; Methionine ; Risk Factors* ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Vitamin B 12 ; Vitamin B 6