Objective: Chemical exchange-dependent saturation transfer (CEST) MRI is sensitive for detecting solid-like proteins and may detect changes in the levels of mobile proteins and peptides in tissues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of chemical exchange proton pools using the CEST MRI technique in patients with dementia. Materials and Methods: Our institutional review board approved this cross-sectional prospective study and informed consent was obtained from all participants. This study included 41 subjects (19 with dementia and 22 without dementia). Complete CEST data of the brain were obtained using a three-dimensional gradient and spin-echo sequence to map CEST indices, such as amide, amine, hydroxyl, and magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTR asym) values, using six-pool Lorentzian fitting. Statistical analyses of CEST indices were performed to evaluate group comparisons, their correlations with gray matter volume (GMV) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Amine signals (0.029 for non-dementia, 0.046 for dementia, p = 0.011 at hippocampus) and MTR asym values at 3 ppm (0.748 for non-dementia, 1.138 for dementia, p = 0.022 at hippocampus), and 3.5 ppm (0.463 for non-dementia, 0.875 for dementia, p = 0.029 at hippocampus) were significantly higher in the dementia group than in the non-dementia group. Most CEST indices were not significantly correlated with GMV; however, except amide, most indices were significantly correlated with the MMSE scores. The classification power of most CEST indices was lower than that of GMV but adding one of the CEST indices in GMV improved the classification between the subject groups. The largest improvement was seen in the MTR asym values at 2 ppm in the anterior cingulate (area under the ROC curve = 0.981), with a sensitivity of 100 and a specificity of 90.91. Conclusion CEST MRI potentially allows noninvasive image alterations in the Alzheimer’s disease brain without injecting isotopes for monitoring different disease states and may provide a new imaging biomarker in the future.

Objective: Chemical exchange-dependent saturation transfer (CEST) MRI is sensitive for detecting solid-like proteins and may detect changes in the levels of mobile proteins and peptides in tissues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of chemical exchange proton pools using the CEST MRI technique in patients with dementia. Materials and Methods: Our institutional review board approved this cross-sectional prospective study and informed consent was obtained from all participants. This study included 41 subjects (19 with dementia and 22 without dementia). Complete CEST data of the brain were obtained using a three-dimensional gradient and spin-echo sequence to map CEST indices, such as amide, amine, hydroxyl, and magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTR asym) values, using six-pool Lorentzian fitting. Statistical analyses of CEST indices were performed to evaluate group comparisons, their correlations with gray matter volume (GMV) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Amine signals (0.029 for non-dementia, 0.046 for dementia, p = 0.011 at hippocampus) and MTR asym values at 3 ppm (0.748 for non-dementia, 1.138 for dementia, p = 0.022 at hippocampus), and 3.5 ppm (0.463 for non-dementia, 0.875 for dementia, p = 0.029 at hippocampus) were significantly higher in the dementia group than in the non-dementia group. Most CEST indices were not significantly correlated with GMV; however, except amide, most indices were significantly correlated with the MMSE scores. The classification power of most CEST indices was lower than that of GMV but adding one of the CEST indices in GMV improved the classification between the subject groups. The largest improvement was seen in the MTR asym values at 2 ppm in the anterior cingulate (area under the ROC curve = 0.981), with a sensitivity of 100 and a specificity of 90.91. Conclusion CEST MRI potentially allows noninvasive image alterations in the Alzheimer’s disease brain without injecting isotopes for monitoring different disease states and may provide a new imaging biomarker in the future.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition of global concern, with increasing incidence in both sexes. Bone mineral density (BMD), a highly heritable trait, has been proven a useful diagnostic factor in predicting fracture. Because medical information is lacking about male osteoporotic genetics, we conducted a genome-wide association study of BMD in Korean men. With 1,176 participants, we analyzed 4,414,664 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after genomic imputation, and identified five SNPs and three loci correlated with bone density and strength. Multivariate linear regression models were applied to adjust for age and body mass index interference. Rs17124500 (p = 6.42 × 10⁻⁷), rs34594869 (p = 6.53 × 10⁻⁷) and rs17124504 (p = 6.53 × 10⁻⁷) in 14q31.3 and rs140155614 (p = 8.64 × 10⁻⁷) in 15q25.1 were significantly associated with lumbar spine BMD (LS-BMD), while rs111822233 (p = 6.35 × 10⁻⁷) was linked with the femur total BMD (FT-BMD). Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between BMD and five genes previously identified in Korean men. Rs61382873 (p = 0.0009) in LRP5, rs9567003 (p = 0.0033) in TNFSF11 and rs9935828 (p = 0.0248) in FOXL1 were observed for LS-BMD. Furthermore, rs33997547 (p = 0.0057) in ZBTB and rs1664496 (p = 0.0012) in MEF2C were found to influence FT-BMD and rs61769193 (p = 0.0114) in ZBTB to influence femur neck BMD. We identified five SNPs and three genomic regions, associated with BMD. The significance of our results lies in the discovery of new loci, while also affirming a previously significant locus, as potential osteoporotic factors in the Korean male population.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Body Mass Index ; Bone Density* ; Femur ; Femur Neck ; Genetics ; Genome-Wide Association Study* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Linear Models ; Male ; Osteoporosis ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Spine

MicroRNA (miRNA, miR) is essential in regulating cell differentiation either by inhibiting mRNA translation or by inducing its degradation. However, the role of miRNA in odontoblastic cell differentiation is still unclear. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism of miR-27-mediated regulation of odontoblast differentiation in MDPC-23 mouse odontoblastic cells derived from mouse dental papilla cells. The results of the present study demonstrated that the miR-27 expression increases significantly during MDPC-23 odontoblastic cell differentiation. Furthermore, miR-27 up-regulation promotes the differentiation of MDPC-23 cells and accelerates mineralization without cell proliferation. The over-expression of miR-27 significantly increased the expression levels of Wnt1 mRNA and protein. In addition, the results of target gene prediction revealed that Wnt1 mRNA has an miR-27 binding site in its 3'UTR, and is increased by miR-27. These results suggested that miR-27 promotes MDPC-23 odontoblastic cell differentiation by targeting Wnt1 signaling. Therefore, miR-27 is a critical odontoblastic differentiation molecular target for the development of miRNA based therapeutic agents in dental medicine.
3' Untranslated Regions ; Animals ; Binding Sites ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Dental Papilla ; Mice ; MicroRNAs ; Odontoblasts* ; Protein Biosynthesis ; RNA, Messenger ; Up-Regulation

No abstract available.
Arteries* ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Cerebral Infarction* ; Hand* ; Paresthesia* ; Thromboembolism*

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a clinical assessment tool that is widely used in clinical trials and practice to evaluate stroke-related neurological deficits. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the NIHSS (K-NIHSS) for evaluating Korean stroke patients. METHODS: The K-NIHSS was translated and adapted with regard to cultural and linguistic peculiarities. To examine its content validity, we quantified the Content Validity Index (CVI), which was rated by 11 stroke experts. The validity of the K-NIHSS was assessed by comparison with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and the Barthel Index. The reliability of the K-NIHSS was evaluated using the unweighted kappa statistics for multiple raters and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The CVI of the K-NIHSS reached 0.91-1.00. The median K-NIHSS score at baseline was 3 (interquartile range, 2-7), and the mean+/-SD score was 6.0+/-6.6. The baseline K-NIHSS had a significantly negative correlation with the GCS at baseline and the Barthel Index after 90 days. The K-NIHSS also had a significantly positive correlation with the mRS after 90 days. Facial paresis and dysarthria had moderate interrater reliability (unweighted kappa, 0.41-0.60); kappa values were substantial to excellent (unweighted kappa, >0.60) for all the other items. The ICC for the overall K-NIHSS score was 0.998. The intrarater reliability was acceptable, with a median kappa range of 0.524-1.000. CONCLUSIONS: The K-NIHSS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing neurological deficits in Korean acute stroke patients.
Dysarthria ; Facial Paralysis ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Humans ; Linguistics ; National Institutes of Health (U.S.) ; Reproducibility of Results ; Stroke

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare benign disease of unknown etiology characterized by accumulation of calcium phosphate in the submucosa of large airways and benign proliferation of bone and cartilage resulting in nodular formation. We report a case of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica diagnosed by Endobronchial ultrasonography in a 56-year-old man. Chest Computed Tomography revealed thickening of tracheal and bronchial wall, and multiple nodules through whole trachea. Endobronchial ultrasonography showed numerous submucosal nodules with hetero-echogenecity in the third and fourth layers. Histopathological examination revealed nonspecific bronchitis with squamous metaplasia and metaplastic ossification. We confirmed tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica. The patient's symptoms were successfully treated with antibiotics and oxygen supplyment. endobronchial ultrasonography can helpful diagnosis in tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bronchitis ; Calcium ; Calcium Phosphates ; Cartilage ; Humans ; Metaplasia ; Middle Aged ; Osteochondrodysplasias ; Oxygen ; Thorax ; Trachea ; Tracheal Diseases

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke occurring during sleep is still an unexplored area of cerebrovascular event. As the exact onset time of stroke while sleeping (SWS) cannot be determined, these patients are generally excluded from the thrombolytic therapy of acute ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to know whether differences in clinical features exist between patients suffering a SWS and those with stroke while awake (SWA). METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of acute ischemic stroke patients consecutively registered in Hallym Stroke Databank between January 1999 and June 2007. We compared the risk factors and clinical features between the SWS and SWA groups. RESULTS: A total of 2,962 patients were included in the study, of which 821 (27.7%) were SWS. No differences between SWS and SWA were identified with regard to baseline clinical characteristics and risk factors except a history of smoking. In stroke subtype, small vessel occlusions were more frequently in SWS group than SWA group. Intravenous rt-PA treatments were performed frequently in the SWA group. Clinical outcomes at discharge were better in SWA group than SWS group. CONCLUSION: This study suggest that no major differences were exist in clinical characteristics between SWS and SWA patients, except the history of smoking. Clinical outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke within 6 hours after stroke onset were poor in SWS group. In SWS group, relatively little chances of thrombolysis might be the explanation of these finding.
Glycosaminoglycans ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Stress, Psychological ; Stroke ; Thrombolytic Therapy

The edentulous posterior maxilla generally provides a limited amount of bone height because of atrophy of the ridge and pneumatization of the maxillary sinus. Maxillary sinus augmentation is one of the surgical techniques for reconstruction of the severely resorbed posterior maxilla. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival rate of implants and the long-term changes of graft height after maxillary sinus augmentation by lateral window approach. From September 1996 to July 2004, maxillary sinus augmentation with mixed grafts of autograft, allograft, xenograft and alloplast were performed on 45 patients and 100 implants were placed. We evaluated the survival rate of implants and the changes of BL(bone length)/IL(implant length) according to time using panoramic radiographs. The survival rate of implants was 91.0% for follow-up period. The mean reduction of graft heights was 0.34mm(3.0%) for 6 months and 1.22mm(10.66%) for 3 years after augmentation. The total mean BL/IL was 1.34+/-0.21 during 5 year observation period after augmentation and decreased slightly over time. The result means that graft materials were stable above the implant apex. BL/ILs of 1 stage procedure were significantly decreased at 1-2 year, 3-4 year after augmentation and no statistically significant changes were observed in those of 2 stage procedure. The graft materials of both procedures were stable above the implant apex. No statistically significant changes of BL/IL were observed in the grafts combined with low amount of autogenous bone or without autogenous bone. The graft materials of both groups were stable above the implant apex. The results indicated that the placement of dental implants with maxillary sinus augmentation showed predictable clinical results and the grafts combined with low amount of autogenous bone or without autogenous bone had long-term resistance to resorption in maxillary sinus.
Allografts ; Atrophy ; Autografts ; Dental Implants* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heterografts ; Humans ; Maxilla ; Maxillary Sinus* ; Survival Rate ; Transplants*

PURPOSE: To compare the variable inflammatory parameters of acute pyelonephritis patients treated with inpatient therapy at 13 hospitals, according to the age and gender distributions. MATERIALS AND MATHODS: A total of 3,544 medical records of patients with confirmed acute pyelonephritis, and admitted to hospital between January 2000 and December 2005, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 43.2+/-16.2 years old, with a male:female ratio of 1 : 5.1. The average duration of hospital admission was 7.9+/-5.3 days. Underlying diseases were found in 23.0% (749/3,252 patient), largely due to diabetes (35.1%). Radiological abnormal findings were found in 13.7%. The leukocyte count, ratio of segmented form, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c-reactive protein, pyuria, positive blood culture, positive urine culture were 11,014+/-5,778/mm(3), 74.8+/-14.5%, 44.0+/-32.0 mm/hr, 12.4+/-9.3mg/dl, 83.9%, 10.5% and 46.7%, respectively. E. coli grow in 79% of the urine culture positive patients. In a comparison of 3 age groups (<40 years, 40-60 years, >61 years), the elderly patients had a greater number of underlying diseases and more pathogens in cultured blood. When divided into males and females, the elderly male patients had more pathogen in cultured urine, but contrary to the male patients, the elderly female patients had elevated leukocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Also, the old patient group had more resistance to ampicillin when they had E. coli as the uropathogen (p=0.021). Patients with higher ESR required longer hospital admission periods. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that variable clinical parameters of acute pyelonephritis patients treated with inpatient therapy differed according to both gender and age group in Korea. Therefore, these factors should be taken into account in the treatment plan.
Aged ; Ampicillin ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Female ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Korea ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Medical Records ; Pyelonephritis* ; Pyuria ; Retrospective Studies