The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is to promote the regeneration of lost periodontal tissue, there have been many attempts to develop a method to achieve this goal, but none of them was completely successful. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Bio-Oss(R) on alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity in human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB1). The results of this study were as follows, in ALP Activity, 100 microgram/ml Bio-Oss(R) treated group showed significantly increased value than negative control group, but positive group(10(-7) M dexamethasone treated group) showed the highest ALP activity at 3 day. In mineralization assay, numerous mineralized nodules were identified as darkly stained spots in 100 microgram/ml Bio-Oss(R) treated group than two control groups, whereas a small number of mineralized nodules were showed in the positive control. ALP may relate to the initial phase of bone nodule formation. On the basis of these results, this study showed Bio-Oss(R) is capable of accelerating new bone formation through hFOB1 differentiation in vitro.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Calcification, Physiologic* ; Dexamethasone ; Humans* ; Osteoblasts* ; Osteogenesis ; Regeneration

Epithelial-mesenchymal interaction plays a important role in cell growth and differentiation. This interaction is already well known to have an importance during the organ development as well as cell growth and differentiation. However, in vitro experimental model is not well developed to reproduce in vivo cellular microenvironment which provide a epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. Because conventional monolayer culture lacks epithelial-mensenchymal interaction, cultivated cells have an morphologic, biochemical, and functional characteristics differ from in vivo tissue. Moreover, it's condition is not able to induce cellular differention due to submerged culture condition. Therefore, the aims of this study were to develop and evaualte the in vitro experimental model that maintains epithelial-mesenchymal interaction by organotypic raft culture, and to characterize biologic properties of three-dimensionally reconstituted oral keratinocytes by histological and immunohistochemical analysis. The results were as follow; 1. Gingival keratinocytes reconstituted by three-dimensional organotypic culture revealed similar morphologic characteristics to biopsied patient specimen showing stratification, hyperkeratinosis, matutation of epithelial architecture. 2. Connective tissue structure was matured, and there is no difference during stratification period of epithelial 3-dimensional culture. 3. The longer of air-exposure culture on three-dimensionally reconstituted cells, the more epithelial maturation, increased epithelial thickness and surface keratinization 4. In reconstitued mucosa, the whole epidermis was positively stained by anti-involucrin antibody, and there is no difference according to air-exposured culture period. 5. The Hsp was expressed in the epithelial layer of three-dimensionally cultured cells, especially basal layer of epidermis. The change of Hsp expression was not significant by culture stratification. 6. Connexin 43, marker of cell-cell communication was revealed mild immunodeposition in reconstitued epithelium, and there is no significant expression change during stratification. These results suggest that three-dimensional oragnotypic co-culture of normal gingival keratinocytes with dermal equivalent consisting type I collagen and gingival fibroblasts results in similar morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics to in vivo patient specimens. And this culture system seems to provide adequate micro-environment for in vitro tissue reconstitution. Therefore, further study will be focused to study of in vitro gingivitis model, development of novel perioodntal disease therapeutics and epithelial-mensenchymal interaction.
Cells, Cultured ; Cellular Microenvironment ; Coculture Techniques ; Collagen Type I ; Connective Tissue ; Connexin 43 ; Epidermis ; Epithelium ; Fibroblasts* ; Gingivitis ; Humans ; Keratinocytes* ; Models, Theoretical ; Mucous Membrane

Recently, many natural medicines, whose advantages are less side effects and possibility of long-term use, have been studied for their capacity, their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and regenerative potential of periodontal tissues. Cervi Parvum Cornu(CPC) have been traditionally used as an hale, growth, hematogenous, anti-aging, back pain in Eastern medicine. The purpose of present study was to investigate the effects of CPC extract on cell cycle progression and its molecular mechanism in human fetal osteoblasts. CPC extracts (10 microgram/ml) increased cell proliferation in the human fetal osteoblasts as compared to non-supplemented control. There was no significant change in the G1 and S phase, but a increase in the G2/M phase in 10 microgram/ml and 100 microgram/ml of CPC extracts group as compared to non-supplemented control. The protein expression of cyclin E, cdk 2, cyclin D, cdk 4, and cdk 6 was higher than that of control group. The level of p21 was lower than that of control. But that of pRb and p16 was not distinguished from control. These results indicate that the increase of cell proliferation by CPC extracts may be due to the increased expression of cyclin E , cdk 2, cyclin D, cdk 4 and cdk 6, and the decreased expression of p21 in human fetal osteoblasts .
Back Pain ; Cell Cycle* ; Cell Proliferation ; Cyclin D ; Cyclin E ; Cyclins ; Humans* ; Osteoblasts* ; S Phase

Human gingival fibroblasts have proven to useful as a species specific cell culture system in various system on periodontal disease and regeneration. However, their use is limited, since they are hard to obtain and lifespan is short due to replicative senescence. To overcome these disadvantages, we transfected primary human gingival fibroblasts by the E6 and E7 genes of the Human papilloma virus(HPV) 16. The full length of HPV 16 E6 and E7 was cloned from the pBR322 into BamH1 and Sal I of a pBabe vector including hygromycin B resistance. Before pBabeE6/E7 plasmid transfection, peak 8 GFP including G418 resistance was transfected into primary GF to check the transfection efficency. PBabe E6/E7 plasmid was transfected using Lipofectamine plus following manufacter's instruction into primary normal human gingival fibroblasts in 60mm dishes with FBS free DMEM. After 2 days of transfection, the cells were treated with hygromycin for 2 weeks until the transfected control cells died. The resulting hygromycin resistant colonies were pooled, and clonned, and sucessful transfection was established for immortalized gingival fibroblast cell lines. Immoralized GF cells showed stellate shape, that is similar to that of orange grains, and more rapid growth and higher proliferation than that of primary gingival fibroblasts. This cell lines overcame crisis and could be cultured over 30 subcultured, could be use for three dimentional culture, epithelial-mesenchymal interaction study.
Cell Aging ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Line* ; Edible Grain ; Citrus sinensis ; Clone Cells ; Fibroblasts* ; Human papillomavirus 16 ; Humans* ; Hygromycin B ; Papilloma ; Periodontal Diseases ; Plasmids ; Regeneration ; Transfection

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of an ultrasound needle guidance system (NGS) based on standard needle magnetization in a phantom study of thyroid nodule (TN)-targeting punctures. Methods: Six trainees and a staff radiologist performed TN-targeting punctures with or without the NGS in phantom models (group 1, experience <50 cases; group 2, experience ≥50 cases and <100 cases; group 3, experience ≥100 cases of TN-targeting punctures). The feasibility, technical success rate, number of punctures, and procedure time were recorded. Results: The feasibility of NGS was 98.6% (138/140). In group 1, the technical success rate increased from 60.0%±8.2% to 80.0%±8.2% when the NGS was used (P=0.046), with a reduction in the number of punctures from 2.2 to 1.2 (P=0.005). In group 2, the rate changed from 95.0%±5.8% to 100.0%±0.0% with the NGS (P=0.157), with a minimal decrease in the number of punctures from 1.1 to 1.0 (P=0.157). The procedure time significantly decreased in both groups (P=0.041 and P=0.010, respectively) when the NGS was used. In group 3, there were no significant differences in the technical success rate and the number of punctures according to whether the NGS was used (P=0.317 and P=0.317, respectively). Conclusion NGS using standard needle magnetization is technically feasible and has potential to improve the efficacy of TN-targeting punctures for less-experienced operators, especially beginners, according to the findings of this phantom study.

BACKGROUND: Stainless steel wiring remains the most popular technique for primary sternal closure. Recently, a multifilament cable wiring system (Pioneer Surgical Technology Inc., Marquette, MI, USA) was introduced for sternal closure and has gained wide acceptance due to its superior resistance to tension. We aimed to compare conventional steel wiring to multifilament cable fixation for sternal closure in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively on 1,354 patients who underwent sternal closure after major cardiac surgery, using either the multifilament cable wiring system or conventional steel wires between January 2009 and October 2010. The surgical outcomes of these two groups of patients were compared using propensity score matching based on 18 baseline patient characteristics. RESULTS: Propensity score matching yielded 392 pairs of patients in the two groups whose baseline profiles showed no significant differences. No significant differences between the two groups were observed in the rates of early mortality (2.0% vs. 1.3%, p=0.578), major wound complications requiring reconstruction (1.3% vs. 1.3%, p>0.99), minor wound complications (3.6% vs. 2.0%, p=0.279), or mediastinitis (0.8% vs. 1.0%, p=1.00). Patients in the multifilament cable group had fewer sternal bleeding events than those in the conventional wire group, but this tendency was not statistically significant (4.3% vs. 7.4%, p=0.068). CONCLUSION: The surgical outcomes of sternal closure using multifilament cable wires were comparable to those observed when conventional steel wires were used. Therefore, the multifilament cable wiring system may be considered a viable option for sternal closure in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery.
Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Mediastinitis ; Mortality ; Propensity Score ; Retrospective Studies ; Stainless Steel ; Steel ; Thoracic Surgery* ; Wounds and Injuries

PURPOSE: Education of adult laypersons in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been done frequently and done worldwide. Effective performance of bystander CPR has a decisive effect on outcomes for children as well as for adults. Although the chance of coming into contact with cardiac arrest and acute airway obstruction in a child is relatively high, there are only a few studies of the performance of CPR and abdominal thrust (Heimlich maneuver) done by teachers in child care centers. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CPR and abdominal thrust (Heimlich maneuver) education on teachers in child care centers, especially on their confidence and attitude while performing CPR and Heimlich maneuvers. METHODS: Between August 2009 and October 2009, 245 participants who worked in child care centers received 2 hours of education regarding CPR & emergency procedures for airway obstruction (Heimlich maneuver, abdominal thrust). Participants were asked questions (using a questionnaire) about their confidence and willingness to perform bystander CPR & the Heimlich maneuver. These questions were asked both before their education session and afterwards. Those who answered that they wouldn't perform bystander CPR & Heimlich maneuvers were asked to state the reason. In addition, participants were asked if they were aware of the law exempts from liability bystanders who are not health care providers and who provide CPR or Heimlich as an emergency procedure. RESULTS: The 'definitely yes' answer to 'willingness to perform CPR and abdominal thrust on a child increased from 33.1%, 41.2% before the education session to, respectively, 82.9%, 86.9% afterward (p<0.001). If we included 'yes' and 'relatively yes' answers, the accuracy of performance of acute airway obstruction (abdominal thrust, Heimlich maneuver) increased from 36% before education to 86.9% after. Meanwhile, the reasons for not performing bystander CPR and abdominal thrust, the ratio of 'fear of disease transmission' and 'fear of legal liability' was high in comparison to the ratio of 'fear of poor knowledge/performance'. Only 20.8% answered 'yes' to 'awareness that the law provided exemptions from liability for bystanders doing such emergency procedures. CONCLUSION: Adequate, constant education, including theoretical and practical child CPR and emergency maneuvers for acute airway obstruction of non-health care providers increased their confidence, accuracy and willingness to perform bystander CPR and abdominal thrust maneuvers.
Adult ; Airway Obstruction ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Child ; Child Care ; Emergencies ; Health Personnel ; Heart Arrest ; Heimlich Maneuver ; Humans ; Jurisprudence

Rhododendron brachycarpum has been known as a panacea in Korean folk medicine, and is used to treat various diseases including hypertension. Excessive ingestion can cause intoxication by grayanotoxin. We experienced a 59 year-old man suffering of grayanotoxin intoxication following excessive ingestion of Rhododendron brachycarpum. The patient presented dizziness, weakness, and chest discomfort with cold sweats. Electrocardiography showed marked sinus bradycardia with atrio-ventricular dissociation. With intravenous saline and atropine, the patient recovered. This case calls attention to the potential cardiotoxicity of Korean folk medicine Rhododendron brachycarpum.
Atropine ; Bradycardia* ; Dizziness ; Eating* ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Medicine, Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Rhododendron* ; Sweat ; Thorax

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness as well as correct the post-traumatic severe ankle equinus deformity by conducting the treatment surgery, which is divided into 2 stages, soft tissue adhesiolysis and ankle arthrodesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have conducted the methods, which are Z-plasty Achilles tendon lengthening, multiple capsulotomy and tendon lengthening (flexor hallucis longus muscle, flexor digitorum longus, posterior tibialis tendon) for 10 patients who has shown equinus deformity after post-traumatic compartment syndrome due to the injury. The average age of patients was 33.7 year-old; there were 8 men and 2 women, and the follow up period was 13 months (6~31 mon). Outcomes were rated based on American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and patient's satisfaction after operation. RESULTS: The average degree of preoperative equinus deformity was 64 degree (-60~-70), and we've obtained AOFAS anklehindfoot score that was evaluated after 4 months of 2nd operation which was 76.7 score on average. We've also checked the decreased pain score from all of the patients according to the fact that the average VAS before the surgery was 6 (4~8), but it reduced to 3 (1~4). The patient's satisfaction showed generally great satisfactions which was 5 cases were excellent, 2 cases were good, and 3 cases were fair. CONCLUSION: The two staged surgical treatment of post -traumatic severe ankle equinus deformity, which was conducted of soft tissue adhesiolysis and arthrodesis, could be one of the effective methods to improve patients walking ability.
Achilles Tendon ; Animals ; Ankle ; Arthrodesis ; Compartment Syndromes ; Equinus Deformity ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Humans ; Male ; Muscles ; Tenotomy ; Walking

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. GERD can be divided into two groups, erosive esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with erosive esophagitis to those with NERD. All participating patients underwent an upper endoscopy during a voluntary health check-up. The NERD group consisted of 500 subjects with classic GERD symptoms in the absence of esophageal mucosal injury during upper endoscopy. The erosive esophagitis group consisted of 292 subjects with superficial esophageal erosions with or without typical symptoms of GERD. Among GERD patients, male gender, high body mass index, high obesity degree, high waist-to-hip ratio, high triglycerides, alcohol intake, smoking and the presence of a hiatal hernia were positively related to the development of erosive esophagitis compared to NERD. In multivariated analysis, male gender, waist-to-hip ratio and the presence of a hiatal hernia were the significant risk factors of erosive esophagitis. We suggest that erosive esophagitis was more closely related to abdominal obesity.
Adult ; Alcohol Drinking ; Body Mass Index ; Esophagitis, Peptic/complications/*diagnosis ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux/complications/*diagnosis ; Gastroscopy ; Hernia, Hiatal/complications ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Obesity/complications ; Republic of Korea ; Risk Factors ; Sex Factors ; Smoking/adverse effects ; Triglycerides/blood ; Waist-Hip Ratio