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

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

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*

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

PURPOSE: Adolescence is a period of growth and development in body structure and physiologic, psychologic, and social functioning. Smoking and drinking in this period are very harmful and may lead to other forms of substance abuse. We surveyed the actual aspects of smoking and drinking among Korean adolescents and analyzed associated factors. METHODS: A survey was performed among adolescents using a questionnaire about smoking and drinking. Data were collected from students who visited pediatric clinics for routine school examinations from July to November 2007. RESULTS: A total of 2,546 adolescents (smoking 1,512; drinking 1,034) participated in the study. The overall smoking and drinking rates were 29.2% and 48.2%, respectively, and the mean age at the first instance of smoking and drinking was 13.8 and 14.1 years, respectively. Among drinking adolescents, 30.1% were offered a drink by their parents, although most adolescents were encouraged to smoke or drink by their friends. Dissatisfaction with family and school life, economic status, and school performance was associated with a higher smoking and drinking rate (P<0.001). Broken families were associated with a high rate of smoking, but peer satisfaction was not related to smoking or drinking. The frequency and amount of smoking and drinking in adolescents were as high as those in adults. Social sanctions seemed insufficient to keep adolescents from smoking and drinking. CONCLUSION: Adolescent smoking and drinking are highly influenced by family and school environments, so more active social sanctions are required, including parental involvement and legislation preventing adolescents from smoking and drinking.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Alcohol Drinking ; Drinking ; Friends ; Growth and Development ; Humans ; Korea ; Parents ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Substance-Related Disorders

Purpose: Although Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infection can cause wheezing in non-asthmatic children, the mechanisms of this symptom remain unclear. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major mediator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability, and is also known to be elevated in cases of chronic pulmonary disease such as asthma. We hypothesized that VEGF may increase in children with acute M. pneumoniae pneumonia and wheezing. Methods: Nine patients with clinical and laboratory evidence of acute M. pneumoniae pneumonia were enlisted from children admitted to Korea University Hospital. They had had more than one episode of wheezing during the illness, which was confirmed by a physician; they comprised the wheezer group. The individuals with M. pneumoniae pneumonia without wheezing were 63 in number, and they comprised the non-wheezer group. Patients with a history of asthma or who had received asthma medications were excluded. Serum concentrations of VEGF, total IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were measured. Results: The serum VEGF concentrations were higher in the wheezer group (mean+/-SD; 650.2+/-417.9 pg/mL) than in the non-wheezer group (376.5+/-356.2 pg/mL, P=0.049). M. pneumoniae antibody (1:1,380 vs. 1:596, P=0.048) and serum total IgE (591.8 IU/mL vs. 162.2 IU/mL, P=0.032) were higher in the wheezer group than in the non-wheezer group. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of serum ECP concentration or blood eosinophil count. Conclusion: In the presence of wheezing, serum VEGF concentrations were higher in the children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia. This finding suggests that VEGF may associate with wheeze-related symptoms in children with acute M. pneumoniae pneumonia.
Asthma ; Capillary Permeability ; Child ; Eosinophil Cationic Protein ; Eosinophils ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Korea ; Lung Diseases ; Mycoplasma ; Mycoplasma pneumoniae ; Pneumonia ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma ; Respiratory Sounds ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A