The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the microstructural properties and mineralization quality of mesiodens with permanent and primary central incisors.Fifteen mesiodens, permanent and primary central incisors were collected. The enamel rod diameter and enamel thickness were observed and measured using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Chemical composition of the enamel was analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The measurements were then assessed using the one-way ANOVA and Tukey test.There was no statistically significant difference in the enamel rod diameter between mesiodens and permanent central incisors. However, enamel rods of primary central incisors were smaller than remaining two groups. The thickness of enamel was thick in order of permanent central incisors, mesiodens, primary central incisors. In the composition analysis using EDS, there was no difference in the Ca/P ratio and Ca/C ratio between mesiodens and permanent central incisors, but small in primary central incisors.In conclusion, the microstructural properties of mesiodens were more similar to those of permanent central incisors compared to primary central incisors. Futher, the mineralization quality of mesiodens did not differ significantly from that of permanent central incisors.
Dental Enamel ; Incisor ; Miners

These radiologic studies were carried out on 265 cases of silicosis which were diagnosed clinically atindustrial Accident Hospital affiliated with Catholic Medical Collage, suring the period of 3 years from 1974 to1976. 265 cases of silicosis consisted of 96 cases (35%) of coal miner, 91 cases (34%) of coal choicer and 82cases (31%) of others. The average age was 42.2 years and average working period was 9.2years. Qualitative andquantitative features in the analysis of roentgen findings were based on UICC/Cincinnati and KLO classification.The qualitative features showed 26% of "p" opacity, 46% of "q" opacity 4% of "r" opacity as rounded profusion and5% of "s" opacity, 11% of "t" opacity, 2% of "u" opacity as irregular profusion of small opacities.Large opacitiesshowed 3% of group A, 2% of group B and 1% of group C. Quantitative features revealed 25% of Type 1, 54% of Type2, 16% of Type 3 and 5% of Type 4. The qualitative and quantitative features showed significant differences as ageand working period increased with age and working period. Major complications were pulmonary emphysema,tuberculosis and pleural abnormalities.
Coal ; Miners ; Silicosis

No abstract available.
Child* ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Hair* ; Humans ; Miners*

BACKGROUND: A variety of agents have been used to treat female pattern hair loss (FPHL), including topical minoxidil, topical 17α-estradiol, oral anti-androgen agents, and mineral supplements. Compared with these single agent regimens, combination therapies could be a better therapeutic option in expectation of superior treatment outcome. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the efficacy of a combination therapy consisting of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil in Korean patients with FPHL. METHODS: Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in 34 women who applied topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil once daily for more than 6 months. Phototrichogram analysis was performed before and after therapy. The efficacy was evaluated with respect to total hair count, hair caliber (as assessed by phototrichogram analysis), and photographic assessment. RESULTS: Total hair count and hair caliber both increased from baseline to 6 months in patients treated with the combination therapy of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil (p<0.001). Photographic assessment also revealed significant disease improvement, thus supporting the therapeutic efficacy. CONCLUSION: A combination therapy consisting of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil can be tried as an effective treatment for FPHL.
Alopecia ; Female* ; Hair* ; Humans ; Miners ; Minoxidil* ; Retrospective Studies* ; Treatment Outcome

In the present study, we evaluated the effect of CGM on osteogenic differentiation of cultured osteoblasts, and determined whether combination treatment with LLLT had synergistic effects on osteogenic differentiation. The results indicated that CGM promoted proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of osteoblasts at the threshold concentration of 10 µg/ml; whereas, CGM showed cytotoxic properties at concentrations above 100 µg/ml. ALP activity and mineralization were increased at concentrations above 10 µg/ml. CGM in concentrations up to 10 µg/ml also increased the expression of osteoblast-activated factors including type I collagen, BMP-2, RUNX2, and Osterix. The CGM (50 µg/ml) and LLLT (80 mW for 15 sec) combination treatment group showed the highest proliferation levels, ALP activity, and mineralization ratios. The combination treatment also increased the levels of phosphorylated forms of p38, ATF2, PKD, ERK, and JNK. In addition, the osteoblast differentiation factors including type I collagen, BMP-2, RUNX2, and Osterix protein levels were clearly increased in the combination treatment group. These results suggested that the combination treatment of CGM and LLLT has synergistic effects on the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblastic cells.
Collagen Type I ; Gingiva* ; Low-Level Light Therapy* ; Miners ; Osteoblasts*

Eleven cohorts of miners occupationally exposed to relatively high concentrations of radon showed a statistically significantly high risk of lung cancer, while three cohorts from the general population showed a relatively low concentration, but the results were not statistically significant. However, the risk of lung cancer tended to increase with increased radon exposure. The risk is likely to have been underestimated due to low statistical power. Therefore, additional well-designed studies on the risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers in the general population with relatively low concentrations of radon exposure are needed in the future. In addition, country-specific preventive policies are needed in order to actively reduce radon exposure and lung cancer incidence in nonsmokers.
Cohort Studies* ; Incidence ; Lung Neoplasms* ; Lung* ; Miners ; Occupations ; Radon*

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the retention of BioAggregate (BA; Innovative BioCeramix) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; Angelus) as coronal plugs after applying different intracanal medications (ICMs) used in regenerative endodontics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred human maxillary central incisors were used. The canals were enlarged to a diameter of 1.7 mm. Specimens were divided into 5 groups (n = 20) according to the ICM used: calcium hydroxide (CH), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), triple-antibiotic paste (TAP), double-antibiotic paste (DAP), and no ICM (control; CON). After 3 weeks of application, ICMs were removed and BA or MTA were placed as the plug material (n = 10). The push-out bond strength and the mode of failure were assessed. The data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance, the Tukey's test, and the χ2 test; p values < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: The type of ICM and the type of plug material significantly affected bond strength (p < 0.01). Regardless of the type of ICM, BA showed a lower bond strength than MTA (p < 0.05). For MTA, CH showed a higher bond strength than CON, TAP and DAP; CHX showed a higher bond strength than DAP (p < 0.01). For BA, CH showed a higher bond strength than DAP (p < 0.05). The mode of failure was predominantly cohesive for BA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MTA may show better retention than BA. The mode of bond failure with BA can be predominantly cohesive. BA retention may be less affected by ICM type than MTA retention.
Calcium Hydroxide ; Chlorhexidine ; Ciprofloxacin ; Endodontics ; Humans ; Incisor ; Metronidazole ; Miners ; Pemetrexed*

We reviewed the chemical/physical properties, toxicity, environmental fate, and ecotoxicity of strong acids in soil and groundwater environments. We recommend that sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid be classified as chemicals of priority control based on volumes used, toxicity, carcinogenicity, and past significant spill events. Understanding the behavior and transport of spilled strong acids in soil and groundwater environments requires a multi-disciplinary approach, as they can undergo a variety of geochemical and biochemical reactions with complex geomedia. The toxicity of spilled acid is dependent on the characteristics of the geomedia exposed to the acid and the amount of residual protons following acid–substrate interaction. Soil texture, cation exchange capacity, mineral composition, bedrock type, and aluminum content may be important factors affecting the toxicity of spilled acid in soil-groundwater environments. We expect that the results of this study will contribute preliminary data for future research on chemical spills.
Aluminum ; Groundwater* ; Hydrofluoric Acid ; Miners ; Protons ; Soil* ; Sulfur

The use of the mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been expanded as the material can be applied on various treatment of endodontic care, which also has many advantages including bioactivity. Still, the discolorations of the materials have been presented as a concern related to esthetic appearances, which is caused by the presence of radiopacifiers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the color stability and radiopacity of white MTA with various radiopacifiers. Four different radiopacifiers [bismuth oxide (BM), calcium tungstate (CT), barium oxide (BO), and zirconium oxide (ZO)] were used. The radiopacity was tested according to ISO 6876, and the color change before and after immersing in a 5% hypochlorite solution was tested using a spectrophotometer. The group with no radiopacifier (NR) was used as a negative control and ProRoot MTA (PR) was used as the commercial control. The immersion of the PR and BM in sodium hypochlorite resulted in a dark brown discoloration, in which the values were higher than the rest of the group (p<0.05). No change was observed in the NR. Moreover, the CT and ZO showed no color change compared to the NR (p>0.05). In terms of the radiopacity, the NR showed the lowest value as expected (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the BM showed the highest value (p<0.05), followed by PR and BO (p<0.05). The NR showed the lowest radiopacity values. The result of this study will be useful for future development of MTA that would have clinically adequate radiopacity with minimum discoloration.
Barium ; Calcium ; Hypochlorous Acid ; Immersion ; Miners ; Pemetrexed ; Sodium Hypochlorite ; Zirconium

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in safety performance, the number and severity of mining-related injuries remain high and unacceptable, indicating that further reduction can be achieved. This study examines occupational accident statistics of the Ghanaian mining industry and identifies priority areas, warranting intervention measures and further investigations. METHODS: A total of 202 fatal and nonfatal injury reports over a 10-year period were obtained from five mines and the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission of Ghana, and they were analyzed. RESULTS: Results of the analyses show that the involvement of mining equipment, the task being performed, the injury type, and the mechanism of injury remain as priorities. For instance, mining equipment was associated with 85% of all injuries and 90% of all fatalities, with mobile equipment, component/part, and hand tools being the leading equipment types. In addition, mechanics/repairmen, truck operators, and laborers were the most affected ones, and the most dangerous activities included maintenance, operating mobile equipment, and clean up/clearing. CONCLUSION: Results of this analysis will enable authorities of mines to develop targeted interventions to improve their safety performance. To improve the safety of the mines, further research and prevention efforts are recommended.
Accidents, Occupational ; Ghana ; Hand ; Minerals ; Miners ; Mining ; Motor Vehicles