In a completely edentulous patient who cannot have implant-retained overdentures due to medical history and economic circumstances, a suction-effective complete denture utilizing the closed-mouth impression technique is being used to secure high retention. In this case, both a conventional complete denture using the open-mouth impression technique and a suction-effective complete denture using the closed-mouth impression technique were fabricated for a single completely edentulous patient. The results demonstrated that both methods provided excellent outcomes in terms of function, esthetics, and patient satisfaction. Conventional complete dentures increase the area of denture-bearing pressure to ensure retention and stability, whereas suction-effective complete dentures achieve retention by sealing the entire border of the denture. Since there are characteristic differences in the clinical and laboratory procedures due to differences in the concept of denture fabrication, this was compared through this case report.

In a completely edentulous patient who cannot have implant-retained overdentures due to medical history and economic circumstances, a suction-effective complete denture utilizing the closed-mouth impression technique is being used to secure high retention. In this case, both a conventional complete denture using the open-mouth impression technique and a suction-effective complete denture using the closed-mouth impression technique were fabricated for a single completely edentulous patient. The results demonstrated that both methods provided excellent outcomes in terms of function, esthetics, and patient satisfaction. Conventional complete dentures increase the area of denture-bearing pressure to ensure retention and stability, whereas suction-effective complete dentures achieve retention by sealing the entire border of the denture. Since there are characteristic differences in the clinical and laboratory procedures due to differences in the concept of denture fabrication, this was compared through this case report.

In a completely edentulous patient who cannot have implant-retained overdentures due to medical history and economic circumstances, a suction-effective complete denture utilizing the closed-mouth impression technique is being used to secure high retention. In this case, both a conventional complete denture using the open-mouth impression technique and a suction-effective complete denture using the closed-mouth impression technique were fabricated for a single completely edentulous patient. The results demonstrated that both methods provided excellent outcomes in terms of function, esthetics, and patient satisfaction. Conventional complete dentures increase the area of denture-bearing pressure to ensure retention and stability, whereas suction-effective complete dentures achieve retention by sealing the entire border of the denture. Since there are characteristic differences in the clinical and laboratory procedures due to differences in the concept of denture fabrication, this was compared through this case report.

In a completely edentulous patient who cannot have implant-retained overdentures due to medical history and economic circumstances, a suction-effective complete denture utilizing the closed-mouth impression technique is being used to secure high retention. In this case, both a conventional complete denture using the open-mouth impression technique and a suction-effective complete denture using the closed-mouth impression technique were fabricated for a single completely edentulous patient. The results demonstrated that both methods provided excellent outcomes in terms of function, esthetics, and patient satisfaction. Conventional complete dentures increase the area of denture-bearing pressure to ensure retention and stability, whereas suction-effective complete dentures achieve retention by sealing the entire border of the denture. Since there are characteristic differences in the clinical and laboratory procedures due to differences in the concept of denture fabrication, this was compared through this case report.

In a completely edentulous patient who cannot have implant-retained overdentures due to medical history and economic circumstances, a suction-effective complete denture utilizing the closed-mouth impression technique is being used to secure high retention. In this case, both a conventional complete denture using the open-mouth impression technique and a suction-effective complete denture using the closed-mouth impression technique were fabricated for a single completely edentulous patient. The results demonstrated that both methods provided excellent outcomes in terms of function, esthetics, and patient satisfaction. Conventional complete dentures increase the area of denture-bearing pressure to ensure retention and stability, whereas suction-effective complete dentures achieve retention by sealing the entire border of the denture. Since there are characteristic differences in the clinical and laboratory procedures due to differences in the concept of denture fabrication, this was compared through this case report.

The authors present a 67-year-old man who developed trigeminal neuralia caused by a dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar artery. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a tubular structure traversed the anterior surface of the sbrainstem, which compressed the left ven trilateral pons in the region of the trigeminal root entry zone. Vertebral angiography demonstrated a tortuous dilated vertebrobasilar artery. Microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve from the dolichoectatic vertebral artery and simultaneous selective trigeminal rhizotomy were performed. Postoperatively, the patient was relieved of pain but suffered a hearing deficit in the ipsilateral side.
Aged ; Angiography ; Arteries ; Brain ; Hearing ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Microvascular Decompression Surgery ; Pons ; Rhizotomy ; Trigeminal Nerve ; Trigeminal Neuralgia* ; Vertebral Artery*

BACKGROUND: A management protocol for hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) has not been established in Korea. We therefore investigated HCV transplant protocols and post-transplant results from liver transplant centers in Korea. METHODS: The HCV protocol and medical data of individual cases from eight major liver transplant centers were compiled and analyzed. RESULTS: A post-transplant protocol biopsy was performed in only three centers. In these centers, HCV treatment was considered when pathological abnormalities were confirmed on the protocol biopsy (irrespective of liver function). In the other five centers, biopsies were performed when biochemical parameters were aggravated. Only two out of the eight centers performed preemptive or prophylactic therapy. A total of 5,663 adult LTs were performed between 2000 and 2010. HCV-related liver disease was responsible for 277 LTs (4.9%). Pre-transplant data were not available in many patients, including HCV genotype and serum HCV RNA level. Tacrolimus was more frequently used for initial maintenance immunosuppression than cyclosporine A (61.7% vs. 36.8%). Post-transplant HCV treatment was performed in 135 patients (48.7%). Sixty-seven recipients (24.2%) died during follow-up after LT and 11 HCV-related graft loss (4.0%) developed. The cumulative patient survival rate was 74.7% at 5 years and 67.9% at 10 years after LT. CONCLUSIONS: The HCV management protocol after LT varied markedly between the eight Korean transplant centers and a standard protocol did not exist. A nationwide multicenter study is required to investigate the most effective treatment for HCV after LT, with the goal of establishing the most effective standard protocol.
Adult ; Biopsy ; Cyclosporine ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genotype ; Hepacivirus ; Hepatitis ; Hepatitis C ; Humans ; Immunosuppression ; Korea ; Liver ; Liver Diseases ; Liver Transplantation ; RNA ; Survival Rate ; Tacrolimus ; Transplants

Cordyceps bassiana has long been used as an oriental medicine and reported to possess diverse biological activities. The fruiting bodies of Cordyceps bassiana was extracted with ethanol and then further fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water. The butanol fraction from Cordyceps bassiana (CBBF) exhibited the most effective in anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 macrophages and the roles of CBBF on the anti-inflammation cascade in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were studied. To investigate the mechanism by which CBBF inhibits NO, iNOS and COX-2, the activation of IκB and MAPKs in LPS-activated macrophage were examined. Our present results demonstrated that CBBF inhibits NO production and iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and these effects were mediated through the inhibition of IκB-α, JNK and p38 phosphorylation. Also, CBBF suppressed activation of MAPKs including p38 and SAPK/JNK. Furthermore, CBBF significantly suppressed LPS-induced intracellular ROS generation. Its inhibition on iNOS expression, together with its antioxidant activity, may support its anti-inflammatory activity. Thus Cordyceps bassiana can be used as a useful medicinal food or drug for further studies.
1-Butanol ; Cordyceps* ; Ethanol ; Fruit ; Inflammation* ; Macrophages ; Medicine, East Asian Traditional ; Phosphorylation ; RAW 264.7 Cells* ; Water

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vascular rings refer to anomalies of the great arteries that cause respiratory or feeding problems. The purpose of this study was to analyze a series of patients with vascular rings and evaluate associated risk factors for mortality. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients identified with vascular rings between 1997 and 2010 in the Seoul National University Children's Hospital. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were diagnosed with vascular rings (median age at diagnosis, 7 months). The vascular rings of 32 patients were confirmed by cardiac computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The types of vascular rings were: a double aortic arch in ten patients, a right aortic arch with persistent left ligamentum arteriosum in seven, an aberrant subclavian artery in seven, a pulmonary sling in eight, and others types in three patients. Eleven patients were asymptomatic. Gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms were seen in ten and sixteen patients, respectively. Associated cardiovascular anomalies were present in fifteen patients. Twenty patients with definite symptoms underwent surgical treatment. The median interval between diagnosis and operation was 6 days. Four patients eventually died; three deaths were associated with complex heart diseases, and one had pulmonary artery sling with severe tracheal stenosis. Only the presence of a complex heart disease significantly influenced mortality (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Vascular rings include several types of anomalies, each with a different prognosis and symptoms. The presence of a complex heart disease was significantly associated with mortality. Early diagnosis and timely surgery in symptomatic patients are essential.
Aneurysm ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Arteries ; Cardiovascular Abnormalities ; Deglutition Disorders ; Early Diagnosis ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Prognosis ; Pulmonary Artery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Subclavian Artery ; Tracheal Stenosis

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been proven its value in adult patients with congestive heart failure of low ejection fraction and wide QRS duration. Contrast to adult patients, CRT has been rarely applied for young patients. We report on a 9-yr-old boy with progressive left ventricular (LV) dilatation and dysfunction following chronic VVI pacemaker therapy for congenital complete atrioventricular block associated with maternal anti-SSA/Ro and SSB/La antibody. His LV dysfunction was improved after epicardially established CRT.
Antibodies, Antinuclear/metabolism ; Atrioventricular Block/congenital/therapy ; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial/*adverse effects ; *Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ; Child ; Chronic Disease ; Electrocardiography ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Male ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood ; Sjogren's Syndrome/immunology ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/etiology/radiography/*therapy