No abstract available.
Graves Disease* ; Humans ; Thyroid Gland*

No abstract available.
Trigger Points*

PURPOSE: The cell cycle control system is necessary for the normal growth and differentiation of cells. The purposes of this study were to compare CD99 expression with a known intracellular marker of a specific cell cycle and to evaluate the potential of CD99 as surface marker for this cell cycle. METHODS: We induced arrest of the cell cycle in fetal lung fibroblast by contact inhibition or serum deprivation from culture media. We activated peripheral blood lymphocytes with the treatment of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). Next, we synchronized the cell cycle of peripheral blood lymphocytes to the late G1 phase with rapamycin. According to their CD99 expression, the peripheral blood lymphocytes were separated by magnetic bead and analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: CD99 expression in fetal lung fibroblast rapidly decreased in cell cycle arrest and recovered soon after G1 activation of the cell cycle. By analyzing chronologic changes of CD99 expression and PI-histogram, we found CD99 expression decreased after passing the G1 checkpoint. G1/S transition was interrupted by potent immunosuppresant, rapamycin. IL-2 receptor remained high after rapamycin treatment in the activated lymphocytes, whereas CD99 expression and propium iodide decreased as compared with the same condition without rapamycin. This suggested that CD99 expression was decreased in the late G1 phase. Retinoblastoma gene (Rb) and CDK-2 are necessary for G1/S transition. We found both of these in CD99+ lymphocyte through Western blotting only. Cyclin B, which has an important role in S/G2/M transition, was only found in CD99-activated lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: CD99 may be a G1 phase specific surface marker.
Blotting, Western ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Cell Cycle* ; Contact Inhibition ; Culture Media ; Cyclin B ; Fibroblasts ; G1 Phase ; Genes, Retinoblastoma ; Interleukin-2 ; Lung ; Lymphocytes ; Receptors, Interleukin-2 ; Sirolimus

The aim of this study was to show the feasibility and potential advantages of using the new intraoral distraction device for alveolar ridge augmentation. Four adult mongrel dogs were used. We designed intraoral distraction device for augmentation of vertical height of the edentulous ridge. The left upper and lower premolars and first molars were extracted and an alveoloplasty was performed to simulate an atrophic ridge. After 12 weeks of healing, an osteotomy was made and the intraoral distraction device was applied in order to distract alveolar segment upward. A permucosal pin was exposed intraorally. Latency period was allowed for 7 days before distraction began. The distraction device was activated with a rate of 1.0 mm/day for 9 days. At 2 weeks after completion of the distraction, the device was removed. At 8 weeks after distraction, the animals were sacrificed. Clinical, radiographic, and histologic examinations were performed. Macroscopically, no significant abnormalities such as infection were occurred in the distracted area. The average distracted distance was 7.6+/-1.4 mm and new bone was formed in the distracted gap in all animals. Bone remodeling without crestal bone resorption was observed in the distracted area. In several animals, fibrous tissue was present in the buccal cortical bone area. These results suggest that the intraoral diatraction device may have the potential for use in augmentation of the atrophic edentulous ridge.
Adult ; Alveolar Process* ; Alveolar Ridge Augmentation* ; Alveoloplasty ; Animals ; Bicuspid ; Bone Remodeling ; Bone Resorption ; Dogs* ; Humans ; Latency Period (Psychology) ; Molar ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Osteotomy

Adult ; Alveolar Process ; Animals ; Bicuspid ; Bone Resorption ; Dogs ; Humans ; Latency Period (Psychology) ; Molar ; Osteotomy

Congenital unilateral renal agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly. Furthermore, renal agenesis associated with neuroblastoma and cryptorchism is more rare in incidence. Recently we experieced a case of Rt. renal agenesis combined with cryptorchism and neuroblastoma. We diagnosed it with IVP and selective renal angiography and confirmed it with explolaparotomy and biopsy. We reviewed the literatures on renal agenesis, cryptorchism and neuroblastoma, and discussed possible embryological relationships between them and other combined congenital anomalies.
Angiography ; Biopsy ; Cryptorchidism* ; Embryology ; Incidence ; Male ; Neuroblastoma*

Telomerase activity is usually detected in most tumor tissues but not in normal tissues. Recently, there is increasing evidence that telomerase activity is associated with cell proliferation without malignancy, whereas there is little information about telomerase activity and its relationship with cell proliferation in chronic hyperproliferative skin diseases. Thus, we studied telomerase activity in skins from 10 patients with psoriasis and compared telomerase activity with the expression of Ki-67, a proliferation marker, using immunohistochemical staining. The effect of retinoic acid on the telomerase activity in HaCaT cells was also evaluated. Telomerase activity was detected in 7 (70%) of 10 lesional skins of psoriasis and none of the nonlesional skin. Telomerase activity in lesional skin was significantly associated with Ki-67 labelling index. Retinoic acid treatment on HaCaT cells inhibited telomerase activity, which correlated with inhibition of cell proliferation by the agent. The results of our study represent another example that shows telomerase activity correlates with cellular proliferation. Further studies on the regulation of the telomerase are needed to understand the cellular factors involved in controlling telomerase activity.
Cell Division/drug effects ; Cell Line ; Enzyme Inhibitors/*pharmacology ; Human ; Ki-67 Antigen/*analysis ; Psoriasis/*enzymology ; Skin/*enzymology ; Telomerase/antagonists & inhibitors/*metabolism ; Tretinoin/*pharmacology

An aneurysm of the distal superior cerebellar artery (SCA) is a highly rare disease. Fusiform aneurysms of the distal SCA are particularly challenging to treat. Clipping, trapping with or without bypass using microsurgery or endovascular treatment (EVT) were used to treat this condition. We describe the case of fusiform distal SCA aneurysms treated successfully with endovascular coiling with a 3-month follow-up. A 39 year-old male was presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and a 15 mm fusiform aneurysm of the ambient segment of the left distal SCA. EVT for parent artery occlusion and packing of the aneurysm was done. Left sixth nerve palsy appeared after 1 day of EVT. The symptom completely recovered within 1 week of the post-procedural period. No neurological deficit was seen during the clinical 3-month follow-up. EVT of fusiform distal SCA aneurysms with coils is a safe and feasible option to manage this rare condition. However, the treatment options must be carefully selected depending on the neurologic condition, development of collateral circulation, and configuration of the dissection.
Abducens Nerve Diseases ; Aneurysm* ; Arteries* ; Collateral Circulation ; Endovascular Procedures ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; Male ; Microsurgery ; Parents ; Rare Diseases ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

No abstract available.
Endometriosis* ; Exons* ; Female ; Humans ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome*

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Ceramics have been important materials for the restoration of teeth. The demands of patients for tooth-colored restorations and the availability of various dental ceramics has driven the increased use of new types of dental ceramic materials. Improved physical properties of theses materials have expanded its use even in posterior crowns and fixed partial dentures. However, ceramic still has limitation such as low loading capability. This is critical for long-span bridge, because bridge is more subject to tensile force. PURPOSE: The wire reinforced ceramic was designed to increase the fracture resistance of ceramic restoration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of wire reinforced ceramic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Heat pressed ceramic (ingot No.200 : IPS Empress 2, Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein) and Ni-Cr wire (Alfa Aesar, Johnson Matthey Company, USA) of 0.41 mm diameter were used in this study. Five groups of twelve uniform sized ceramic specimens (width 4 mm, thickness 2 mm, length 15 mm) were fabricated. Each group had different wire arrangement. Wireless ceramic was used as control group. The experimental groups were divided according to wire number and position. One, two and three strands of wires were positioned on the longitudinal axis of specimen. In another experimental group, three strands of wires positioned on the longitudinal axis and five strands of wires positioned on the transverse axis. Three-point bending test was done with universal testing machine (Z020, Zwick, Germany) to compare the flexural modulus, flexural strength, strain at fracture and fracture toughness of each group. Fractured ceramic specimens were cross-sectioned with caborundum disc and grinded with sandpaper to observe interface between ceramic and Ni-Cr wire. The interface between ceramic and Ni-Cr wire was analyzed with scanning electron microscope (JSM-6360, JEOL, Japan) under platinum coating. RESULTS: The results obtained were as follows: 1. The average and standard deviation in flexural modulus, flexural strength and fracture toughness showed no statistical differences between control and experimental groups. However, strain was significantly increased in wire inserted ceramics (P < .001). 2. Control group showed wedge fracture aspects across specimen, while experimental groups showed cracks across specimen. 3. Scanning electron microscopic image of cross-sectioned and longitudinally-sectioned specimens showed no gap at the interface between ceramic and Ni-Cr wire. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that wire inserted ceramics have a high strain characteristic. However, wire inserted ceramics was not enough to use at posterior area of mouth in relation to flexural modulus and flexural strength. Therefore, we need further studies.
Acrylic Resins ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Ceramics ; Collodion ; Composite Resins ; Crowns ; Denture, Partial, Fixed ; Electrons ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Lithium Compounds ; Mouth ; Platinum ; Polyurethanes ; Reinforcement (Psychology) ; Sprains and Strains ; Tooth ; Waxes