A fabrication method of inner and outer crown using CAD/CAM is presented. The information of abutment teeth is transferred to a computer through a 3-dimensional scanner. A Konus inner and outer crown is designed on a computer and a real crown is machined based on this design using CAM. This method can save laboratory time and reduce inaccuracies compare to conventional casting procedure. A stone model with six prepared abutment teeth from a patient was used in this study. Three dimensional information from the model was transferred to a computer using a contact type 3dimensional scanner with a 25micrometer accuracy. All margins were identified on a computer image where there is a change in surface taper of a model. To provide a cement space, the image of a inner surface of a Konus inner crown was duplicated 25micrometer apart from the surface of a prepared abutment teeth image. The cement space was 20micrometer at the cervical margin. All Konus crowns were machined with a 10micrometer accuracy. It was concluded that this method can reduce working-time for the laboratory process and increase accuracy. A further research is required to make a simplified process for a more complex prosthesis.
Computer Graphics* ; Crowns* ; Humans ; Prostheses and Implants ; Tooth

A 46-year-old female was admitted to Soon Chun Hyang University hospital with a complaint of intermittent epigastric pain. X-ray and endoscopic pictures showed diffase irregular shallow depression which is similar to the macroscopic pattern of the type IIc early gastric cancer. But endoseopic biopsy showed no malignant cell infiltration. Hndoaeopic biopsy plays an important role in excluding the possibility of carcinoma. But operation shoud be considered inspite of biopsy result because malignant lymphoma ean not be completely ruled out. Histopathologic diagnosis was pseudolymphoma of stomach.
Biopsy ; Depression ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; Middle Aged ; Pseudolymphoma* ; Stomach ; Stomach Neoplasms

Angiodysplasia is an important vascular lesion of the gastointestinal tract , located at the site of ectasia of intestinal submucosal veins and overlying mucosal capillaries. It is a major cause of morbidity from gastrointestinal bleeding in old age, but rather rare in children. Its cause is still unknown, though is mostly considered to be acquired as a result of a degenerative process associated with aging. We experienced a case of colonic angiodysplasia in 14-year old boy, diagnosed by colonoscopy. The patient had a history of repeated hematochezia for a year. This report summarized our case and reviewed the literature.
Aging ; Angiodysplasia ; Capillaries ; Child ; Colon ; Colonoscopy ; Dilatation, Pathologic ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Male ; Veins

BACKGROUND: The specificity of HBsAg enzyme immunoassay (EIA) has been previously reported between 95% and 100% for blood donor screening in Korea. Considering that Korea is highly endemic in HBV infection, it is highly recommended that blood donors showing true positive for HBsAg were permanently deferred from donation. Identification of false-positive results by a confirmation assay would be a necessary step for this purpose. This study was intended to evaluate LG HBsAg Confirm (LG Chemicals Corp., Seoul, Korea) kit as a confirmation test and know the positive predictive value for HBsAg screening results. METHODS: LG HBsAg Confirm reactivities were evaluated in 279 patients and 185 blood donor samples, all of which were positive in HBsAg EIA. Patients samples were positive in both HBsAg EIA and HBV DNA. Confirm positive was determined according to the following 2 step criteria: (1) the percent neutralization is 50% or more (first-step neutralization), or (2) if not, the percent neutralization after 1:1,000 dilution of original sample is 50% or more (second-step neutralization). RESULTS: LG HBsAg Confirm kit confirmed all 279 patients~ sera as positive. All of 185 blood donor samples showed true positive results. First-step neutralization confirmed 157 sera (33.8%) as positive and second-step neutralization confirmed 307 sera (66.2%) among 464 samples. CONCLUSION: Performance of LG HBsAg Confirm was so excellent that all the samples showing positive in both HBsAg EIA and HBV DNA tests could be determined as confirm positive.
Blood Donors ; DNA ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens* ; Humans ; Immunoenzyme Techniques ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Neutralization Tests ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Seoul

Inflammation has recently been implicated in cancer formation and progression. As tissue transglutaminase (TG2) has been associated with both inflammatory signaling and tumor cell behavior, we propose that TG2 may be an important link inducing interleukin-6 (IL-6)-mediated cancer cell aggressiveness, including cancer stem cell-like characteristics and distant hematogenous metastasis. We evaluated the effect of differential TG2 and IL-6 expression on in vivo distant metastasis of human ovarian cancer cells. IL-6 production in human ovarian cancer cells was dependent on their TG2 expression levels. The size and efficiency of tumor sphere formation were correlated with TG2 expression levels and were dependent on TG2-mediated IL-6 secretion in human ovarian cancer cells. Primary tumor growth and propagation in the peritoneum and distant hematogenous metastasis into the liver and lung were also dependent on TG2 and downstream IL-6 expression levels in human ovarian cancer cells. In this report, we provide evidence that TG2 is an important link in IL-6-mediated tumor cell aggressiveness, and that TG2 and downstream IL-6 could be important mediators of distant hematogenous metastasis of human ovarian cancer cells. Intervention specific to TG2 and/or downstream IL-6 in ovarian cancer cells could provide a promising means to control tumor metastasis.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra* ; Humans* ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; Liver ; Lung ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Ovarian Neoplasms* ; Peritoneum

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of anti-HCV assay, post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) was remakably reduced. Recently, based on the estimation of HCV seroincidence rate in blood donors, an investigator insisted that alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test be discontinued as a surrogate marker. This study was designed to determine the HCV seroincidence in Korean blood donors. METHODS: HCV seroincidence was calculated using repeat donors who had donated repeatedly during the 26 months from Nov. 1994 through Dec. 1996. To calculate the person-years according to ALT value, the computer database of the Korean National Red Cross (KNRC) was used in which results for anti-HCV by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) were filed up. To count the true incidence cases, who were defined as donors showing seroconversion by confirmatory test in two successive donation, seroconverted donors by EIA were individually reconfirmed whether they were true seroconverters. Finally, projected impact on HCV risk of discontining of ALT screening was calculated by using two important value previously known, such as periods of seroconversion window for anti-HCV and ALT preconversion window. RESULTS: HCV seroincidence was estimated to be 13.79/100,000 person-years. Seroincidences according to the ALT groups were as follows; 13.22 in the normal ALT group (< or = 64 IU/L), 34.15 in the elevated group (65-130 IU/L), 87.13 in the highly elevated group (> or =131 IU/L). By this study, investigators also could find seroconverted donors, whose result for anti-HCV by immunoblot was positive at the first donation and changed to negative by EIA at the next donation, as many as 100 donors. Among these falsely seroconverted persons, 16% of donors showed elevated ALT value. 8 units per 1 million donations were estimated to be discarded only by abnormal results of ALT testing in Korea. CONCLUSION: HCV seroincidence in Korean donors was 2.8 times as high as in American donors. HCV seroincidence calculated by this study seems to be somewhat lower than true rate because of the problem of summing-up the person-years. Considering that higher seroincidence results in more donors in seroconversion window phase, donor selection by careful history taking should be re-emphasized to reduce the seroincidence rate in Korean blood donation program.
Alanine Transaminase ; Biomarkers ; Blood Donors* ; Donor Selection ; Hepacivirus ; Hepatitis ; Humans ; Immunoenzyme Techniques ; Incidence ; Korea* ; Mass Screening ; Red Cross ; Research Personnel ; Tissue Donors

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study. OBJECTIVES: To determine the usefulness of allograft and compare the result of allograft mixed with local bone and autograft in posterolateral lumbar fusion. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Allograft is used for the purpose of spinal fusion, especially in the scoliosis surgery. In some studies allograft is not recommended in posterior lumbar spinal fusion alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients underwent one level posterolateral lumbar fusion using freeze-dried allograft mixed with local bone. We compared them with twenty four patients using autogenous iliac bone graft mixed with local bone about radiographic fusion grading, duration of fusion and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Radiographic fusion grading of allograft was 7 cases of grade 1, 5 cases of grade 2, 3 cases of grade 3, and grading of autograft was 21 cases of grade 1, 2 cases of grade 2, 1 cases of grade 3. Bone fusion was complete after 11.1 months in allograft and 6.7 months in autograft. Clinically, there were 4 excellent, 9 good, 2 fair cases in allograft and 10 excellent, 11 good, 3 fair cases in autograft. CONCLUSIONS: Allograft was inferior to autograft in posterolateral lumbar fusion because allograft mixed with local bone reduced radiographic fusion grading and prolonged duration of bone fusion.
Allografts* ; Autografts* ; Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; Spinal Fusion ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: Mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) are now used increasingly in patients with hematologic and solid tumors to reconstitute hematopoiesis after dose-intensive chemotherapy. We evaluated the efficacy of large-volume leukapheresis (LVL) and compared the ability of Fenwal CS3000 Plus and Cobe Spectra to collect mononuclear cells (MNCs) for PBSCT. METHODS: Twenty liters of whole blood per LVL were processed in 22 patients with acute leukemia and lymphoma. LVL were performed in rapid recovery phase (white cells >3x109/L, or CD34+ cells > 1% of white cells) after chemotherapy followed by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. The end point of LVL was mononuclear cells (MNCs) >8x108/kg, or CD34+ cells > 6x106/kg. A-35 collection chamber was used in Fenwal CS3000 Plus and whole blood flow was set at 85mL/min, whole blood to anticoagulant ratio 11~13:1, interface offset 150. MNC procedure was used in Cobe Spectra, whole blood flow was 90~100mL/min, whole blood to anticoagulant ratio 24:1 with heparin to anticoagulant and product bags, collection rate 1mL/min, and hematocrit 2~3%. RESULTS: Total 53 LVL (35 with Fenwal CS3000 Plus and 18 with Cobe Spectra) were performed on 22 patients. An average of 2.4 LVL per patient (range 1~4) were performed. With Fenwal CS3000 Plus, post-LVL values of hematocrit, platelets and MNCs were reduced by 12.4%, 53.1%, and 33.0% and with Cobe Spectra, 9.2%, 36.1%, and 39.6%, respectively. Mean collection volume of Fenwal CS3000 Plus and Cobe Spectra were 135.7mL and 175.2mL per LVL, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference in the yields of LVL between Fenwal CS3000 Plus (3.4+/-1.9x108/kg MNCs, 7.2+/-11.2x106/kg CD34+ cells) and Spectra (4.7+/-2.1x108/kg MNCs, 7.4+/-9.6x106/kg CD34+ cells). The yields of LVL were correlated well with patients' pre-MNC counts in both cell separators. Mean percentages of MNC were 95.4% with Fenwal CS3000 Plus and 74.0% with Cobe Spectra (P<0.001) and collection efficiencies were 53.6+/-18.8% and 57.3+/-27.8%, respectively (P> 0.05). LVL product with Cobe Spectra contained less red cells (10.5+/-2.7mL) than Fenwal CS3000 Plus (34.1+/-10.8mL) (P<0.001). Platelet contamination was not different for Fenwal CS3000 Plus (2.3+/-2.1x1011) and Cobe Spectra (3.1+/-1.0x1011). CONCLUSION: LVL could be conveniently used for PBSC collection with good collection efficiency and safety without serious citrate toxicities. LVL products with Fenwal CS3000 Plus showed less collection volume and granulocyte contamination. The products with Cobe Spectra showed less red cell contamination and less decrease in patients' platelet counts.
Blood Platelets ; Citric Acid ; Drug Therapy ; Granulocytes ; Hematocrit ; Hematopoiesis ; Heparin ; Humans ; Leukapheresis* ; Leukemia ; Lymphoma ; Platelet Count ; Stem Cells*

A very rare case of mycotic aneurysm in the descending thoracic aorta due to salmonellosis was treated in our hospital. The patient was a 62 year-old male who 48 days before the operation was admitted to the department of internal medicine complaining of fever, nausia, vomiting, and loose stool. He was treated for 35 days and discharged. Three days after discharge, however, the patient was readmitted to the hospital complaining of right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Fever developed on the third hospital day, and on the eighth hospital day, the patient complained of back pain and epigastric pain. A simple chest x-ray showed evidence of hemothorax in the left plueral space, and therefore, computed tomography of the chest was done. The patient was diagnosed as a ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta, and was transferred to our Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. The aneurysm and infected tissues was widely debrided, and the site was then patched with a Dacron graft. Salmonella choleraesuis was identified in the blood and aneurysm cultures, and antibiotics were administered for 6 weeks according to the sensitivity of the organism. The patient experienced no complication thereafter and for the last three months since the operation, he has been leading a healthy and normal social life.
Abdominal Pain ; Aneurysm ; Aneurysm, Infected ; Aneurysm, Ruptured* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Aorta, Thoracic* ; Arteritis* ; Back Pain ; Fever ; Hemothorax ; Humans ; Internal Medicine ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyethylene Terephthalates ; Salmonella Infections ; Salmonella* ; Thorax ; Transplants ; Vomiting

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance has been identified as one of the risk factor of atherosclerosis. Hypertension, obesity, glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia could induce atherosclerosis through mechanism of insulin resistance. And there are some reports that hyperinsulinemia itself could induce coronary artery disease(CAD). Then we planed to investigate relationship between CAD and insulin resistance. And smoking is also known as one major risk factor of CAD. So we also investigated the relationship between smoking and insulin resistance in the CAD patients. METHODS: Among 36 subjects in whom coronary angiography was done, we grouped 25 subjects who had stenotic coronary artery as a CAD group and 11 subjects without stenosis as control group. We compared insulin and glucose response to oral glucose load(75g), serum lipid concentrations, blood pressure, and degree of obesity between two groups. We also divided CAD group into smoking and nonsmoking subgroups, compared the above parameters. RESULTS: 1) There were no significant difference in body mass index, blood pressure, creatinine, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, between the CAD group and the control group. There were significantly higher incidence of smokers in CAD group. 2) Insulin concentration at 120 minutes after glucose load were significantly higher in the CAD group than the control group. 3) In the CAD group, fasting plasma insulin concentration insulin area, peak plasma insulin concentration and insulin concentration at 60,90,120 minutes after glucose load were significantly higher in non-smoking group. CONCLUSION: Enhanced insulin reponse such as higher insulin concentration 60 minutes after glucose load in the CAD group suggests that insulin resistance is a risk factor of CAD. And insulin response was more pronounced in the non-smoker subgroup than smoker subgroup in the CAD patients. Thus role of insulin resistance in provoking coronary artery disease is more important in the non-smoker.
Atherosclerosis ; Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Creatinine ; Dyslipidemias ; Fasting ; Glucose ; Glucose Intolerance ; Humans ; Hyperinsulinism ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Insulin Resistance* ; Insulin* ; Obesity ; Plasma ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking