Eleven steroid hormones (SHs: androstene-3,17-dione, estrone, β-estradiol, α-estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17á-hydroxyprogesterone, medroxyprogesterone, megestrol acetate, progesterone, and androsterone) were detected from New Zealand deer (Cervus elaphus var. scoticus) velvet antler (NZA, 鹿茸). A method for the quantification of eleven SHs was established by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-MS/MS. The linearities (R² > 0.991), limits of quantification (LOQ values, 0.3 ng/mL to 23.1 ng/mL), intraday and interday precisions (relative standard deviation: RSD < 2.43%), and recovery rates (97.3% to 104.6%) for all eleven SHs were determined. In addition, a method for the quantification of three 7-oxycholesterols (7-O-CSs: 7-ketocholesterol, 7α-hydroxycholesterol, and 7β-hydroxycholesterol) in the NZA was established by using an HPLC-photodiode array (PDA) method. The linearities (R² > 0.999), LOQ values (30 ng/mL to 350 ng/mL), intraday and interday precisions (RSD < 1.93%), and recovery rates (97.2% to 103.5%) for the three 7-O-CSs were determined. These quantitative methods are accurate, precise, and reproducible. As a result, it is suggested that the five steroid compounds of androstene-3,17-dione, androsterone, 7-ketocholesterol, 7α-hydroxycholesterol, and 7β-hydroxycholesterol could be marker steroids of NZA. These methods can be applied to quantify or standardize the marker steroids present in NZA.
Androsterone ; Animals ; Antlers ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Deer ; Dehydroepiandrosterone ; Estrone ; Medroxyprogesterone ; Megestrol Acetate ; Methods ; New Zealand ; Progesterone ; Steroids ; Testosterone

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel-titanium (NiTi) files obtained in a conventional test using a simulated canal with a newly developed method that allows the application of constant fatigue load conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ProFile and K3 files of #25/.06, #30/.06, and #40/.04 were selected. Two types of testing devices were built to test their fatigue performance. The first (conventional) device prescribed curvature inside a simulated canal (C-test), the second new device exerted a constant load (L-test) whilst allowing any resulting curvature. Ten new instruments of each size and brand were tested with each device. The files were rotated until fracture and the number of cycles to failure (NCF) was determined. The NCF were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Duncan's post-hoc test for each method. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was computed to examine any association between methods. RESULTS: Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho = -0.905) showed a significant negative correlation between methods. Groups with significant difference after the L-test divided into 4 clusters, whilst the C-test gave just 2 clusters. From the L-test, considering the negative correlation of NCF, K3 gave a significantly lower fatigue resistance than ProFile as in the C-test. K3 #30/.06 showed a lower fatigue resistance than K3 #25/.06, which was not found by the C-test. Variation in fatigue test methodology resulted in different cyclic fatigue resistance rankings for various NiTi files. CONCLUSIONS: The new methodology standardized the load during fatigue testing, allowing determination fatigue behavior under constant load conditions.
Androsterone ; Fatigue

BACKGROUND: We evaluated volumetric differences of syringe brand compatibilities, and investigated the impact of false brand settings on target-controlled infusion (TCI) and their methods of correction. METHODS: Gravimetric measurement of 10 ml bolus infusions was performed using BD Plastipak (BDP) and Terumo compatible syringes, while setting to 7 different kinds of brand compatibilities (BDP, Sherwood Monoject, BD Perfusion, Braun Perfusor, Braun Omnifix, Fresenius Injectomat, and Terumo). To investigate the performance of TCI using BDP with a false setting to Terumo (BDPTERUMO) and Terumo to BDP (TERUMOBDP), 24 TCI targeting 4.0 microg/ml of effect-site concentration (Ceff) of propofol were performed. Subsequently, another 24 TCI were evaluated for simple corrections of false settings at 30 min. We also investigated 24 TCI using active corrections (fill-up for BDPTERUMO, evacuation for TERUMOBDP) based on the pharmacokinetics of propofol. The Ceff at 30 min of TCI and time to normalize to +/- 5% of target concentration (T+/-5%target) were compared. RESULTS: The Ceff of BDPTERUMO showed negative bias and 17.2% inaccuracy, and the Ceff of TERUMOBDP showed positive bias and 19.5% inaccuracy. The Ceff at 30 min showed no difference between the methods of correction in BDPTERUMO or TERUMOBDP. The T+/-5%target in both the active corrections was significantly shorter than that of each simple corrections (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: False brand setting of syringe proportionally maintained different predicted concentrations as much as the volumetric differences of syringe brand. Based on the results, it is proposed that correction methods based on pharmacokinetics could effectively normalize the differences, without giving up the wrong TCI.
Androsterone ; Bias (Epidemiology) ; Perfusion ; Propofol ; Syringes

PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate the effect of the solution temperature on the mechanical properties of dualcure resin cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the study, five dual-cure resin cements were chosen and light cured. To evaluate the effect of temperature on the specimens, the light-cured specimens were immersed in deionized water at three different temperatures (4, 37 and 60degrees C) for 7 days. The control specimens were aged in a 37degrees C dry and dark chamber for 24 hours. The mechanical properties of the light-cured specimens were evaluated using the Vickers hardness test, three-point bending test, and compression test, respectively. Both flexural and compressive properties were evaluated using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed using a two way ANOVA with Tukey test to perform multiple comparisons (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: After immersion, the specimens showed significantly different microhardness, flexural, and compressive properties compared to the control case regardless of solution temperatures. Depending on the resin brand, the microhardness difference between the top and bottom surfaces ranged approximately 3.3-12.2%. Among the specimens, BisCem and Calibra showed the highest and lowest decrease of flexural strength, respectively. Also, Calibra and Multilink Automix showed the highest and lowest decrease of compressive strength, respectively compared to the control case. CONCLUSION: The examined dual-cure resin cements had compatible flexural and compressive properties with most methacrylate-based composite resins and the underlying dentin regardless of solution temperature. However, the effect of the solution temperature on the mechanical properties was not consistent and depended more on the resin brand.
Aged ; Androsterone ; Collodion ; Composite Resins ; Compressive Strength ; Dentin ; Hardness Tests ; Humans ; Immersion ; Light ; Resin Cements ; Water

PURPOSE: Perceived color of ceramics changes by the spectral power distribution of ambient light. This study aimed to quantify the amount of shifts in color and color coordinates of clinically simulated seven all-ceramics due to the switch of three ambient light sources using a human vision simulating spectroradiometer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CIE color coordinates, such as L*, a* and b*,of ceramic specimens were measured under three light sources, which simulate the CIE standard illuminant D65 (daylight), A (incandescent lamp), and F9 (fluorescent lamp). Shifts in color and color coordinate by the switch of lights were determined. Influence of the switched light (D65 to A, or D65 to F9), shade of veneer ceramics (A2 or A3), and brand of ceramics on the shifts was analyzed by a three-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Shifts in color and color coordinates were influenced by three factors (P<.05). Color shifts by the switch to A were in the range of 5.9 to 7.7 DeltaE*abunits, and those by the switch to F9 were 7.7 to 10.2; all of which were unacceptable (DeltaE*ab > 5.5). When switched to A, CIE a* increased (Deltaa*: 5.6 to 7.6), however, CIE b* increased (Deltab*: 4.9 to 7.8) when switched to F9. CONCLUSION: Clinically simulated ceramics demonstrated clinically unacceptable color shifts according to the switches in ambient lights based on spectroradiometric readings. Therefore, shade matching and compatibility evaluation should be performed considering ambient lighting conditions and should be done under most relevant lighting condition.
Androsterone ; Ceramics ; Humans ; Light ; Lighting ; Reading ; Vision, Ocular

BACKGROUND: Topical corticosteroids are not uncommonly abused in patients with facial dermatoses. Although it is well known that uncontrolled use of topical corticosteroids cause steroid-induced rosacea, its clinical manifestation is not studied yet in Korean patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this epidemiological study was to investigate a usage history of topical corticosteroid and clinical manifestation of steroid-induced rosacea. METHODS: Among the 424 rosacea patients who visited the dermatologic clinics of Pusan National University Hospital between January 2006 and May 2011, a face-to-face structured questionnaire was given to 66 rosacea patients with a history of topical corticosteroid use on the face for more than 1 month before onset of rosacea symptoms. Investigated factors include sex, age, history about use of topical corticosteroids and clinical manifestations. RESULTS: Of the 66 patients, 41 were female and 25 were male with the mean age of 52.1+/-14.6 (range 16~76) year. Celestone-G(R) (n=14) was the most commonly used product in the 34 patients who remembered the brand name of topical corticosteroids, which they had used. Forty-three patients used topical corticosteroids for treatment of facial skin lesions without diagnosis. Eighteen patients purchased topical corticosteroids without doctor's prescription. The mean duration and frequency of topical corticosteroid use was 3.8 years and 1.3 times per day, respectively. Constant erythema (n=31) was the most common symptom and it started to occur 2 months after use of topical corticosteroid. CONCLUSION: High-potency topical corticosteroids are frequently used for patients with facial dermatoses without correct diagnosis and without doctor's prescription. Besides, abuse of topical corticosteroids cause rosacea symptoms, such as constant erythema. To prevent the occurrence of steroid-induced rosacea, there should be a great social concern for abuse and misuse of topical corticosteroid in patients with facial dermatosis.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Androsterone ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Erythema ; Facial Dermatoses ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prescriptions ; Rosacea ; Skin ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVES: The cloud computing-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) allows access to computing environments with no limitations in terms of time or place such that it can permit the rapid establishment of a mobile hospital environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the empirical issues to be considered when establishing a virtual mobile environment using VDI technology in a hospital setting and to examine the utility of the technology with an Apple iPad during a physician's rounds as a case study. METHODS: Empirical implementation issues were derived from a 910-bed tertiary national university hospital that recently launched a VDI system. During the physicians' rounds, we surveyed patient satisfaction levels with the VDI-based mobile consultation service with the iPad and the relationship between these levels of satisfaction and hospital revisits, hospital recommendations, and the hospital brand image. Thirty-five inpatients (including their next-of-kin) and seven physicians participated in the survey. RESULTS: Implementation issues pertaining to the VDI system arose with regard to the highly availability system architecture, wireless network infrastructure, and screen resolution of the system. Other issues were related to privacy and security, mobile device management, and user education. When the system was used in rounds, patients and their next-of-kin expressed high satisfaction levels, and a positive relationship was noted as regards patients' decisions to revisit the hospital and whether the use of the VDI system improved the brand image of the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile hospital environments have the potential to benefit both physicians and patients. The issues related to the implementation of VDI system discussed here should be examined in advance for its successful adoption and implementation.
Adoption ; Androsterone ; Electronic Health Records ; Empirical Research ; Field Hospitals ; Hospital Information Systems ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Inpatients ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; Ophthalmoplegia ; Patient Satisfaction ; Privacy

PURPOSE: Debonding of a composite resin core of the fiber post often occurs at the interface between these two materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different surface treatment methods on bond strength between fiber posts and composite core. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four fiber posts were picked in two groups (Hetco and Exacto). Each group was further divided into four subgroups using different surface treatments: 1) silanization; 2) sandblasting; 3) Treatment with 24% H2O2, and 4) no treatment (control group). A cylindrical plexiglass matrix was placed around the post and filled with the core resin composite. Specimens were stored in 5000 thermal cycles between 5degrees C and 55degrees C. Tensile bond strength (TBS) test and evaluation using stereomicroscope were performed on the specimen and the data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, Post Hoc Scheffe tests and Fisher's Exact Test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the effect of different surface treatments on TBS (P<.001) but different brands of post (P=.743) and interaction between the brand of post and surface treatment (P=.922) had no significant effect on TBS. Both silanization and sandblasting improved the bonding strength of fiber posts to composite resin core, but there were not any significant differences between these groups and control group. CONCLUSION: There was not any significant difference between two brands of fiber posts that had been used in this study. Although silanization and sandblasting can improve the TBS, there was not any significant differences between surface treatments used.
Androsterone ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; Post and Core Technique

BACKGROUND: Gray hair naturally develops in the process of human aging. Many people with gray hair periodically dye their hair. Hair dyeing products are widely used and they can cause adverse effects. Therefore, the user's knowledge and recognition about hair dyeing and related side effects are important. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to lay the foundation for understanding, preventing and treating side effects caused by hair coloring products. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire survey for adult males and females aged over 20 who had gray hair. A total of 500 subjects were included in this study and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Large numbers of the people who had experience with hair dye (233 out of 319 people, 73.0%) did not know about the exact brand name of the hair dye product that they were using. Of 319 hair dye users, 23.8% (76 out of 319) people stated that they experienced side effects. Despite the occurrence of side effects from hair dyeing products, it seems they did not realize the seriousness of the side effects or the need for treatment. CONCLUSION: It is advisable to introduce a system that enables users to become aware of the ingredients and side effects of hair coloring products and give opportunities for users to become aware of the side effects of hair coloring through education, publicity and publication of an informational booklet.
Adult ; Aged ; Aging ; Androsterone ; Female ; Hair ; Hair Color ; Hair Dyes ; Humans ; Male ; Pamphlets ; Publications ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo determine whether the cardioprotection of puerarin (Pue) against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury is mediated by mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoK(ATP)) and/or mitochondria calcium-activated potassium channel(mitoK(Ca)).

METHODSCardiomyocytes were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats and hypoxia/reoxygenation injury was induced by myocyte pelleting model. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion and mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by loading with TMRE. The opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore was determined spectrophotometrically.

RESULTSPretreatment with Pue at 0.24 mmol/L for 5 min increased the cell viability against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury, while mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 100 micromol/L, 20 min) or mitochondrial calcium-activated potassium channel blocker paxilline (Pax, 1 micromol/L, 5 min) attenuated the effect of puerarin. The pretreatment with Pue at 0.24 mmol/L for 5 min attenuated collapse of delta-psim induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation injury, 5-HD and Pax abrogated the effect of Pue. In mitochondria isolated from hearts pretreated with Pue, a significant inhibition of Ca(2+)-induced swelling was observed, and this inhibition was attenuated by 5-HD and Pax.

CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate that Pue protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via activating mitoK(ATP) channel and mitoK(Ca) channel, and inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening.

Androsterone ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Cell Hypoxia ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Indoles ; pharmacology ; Isoflavones ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins ; metabolism ; Myocardium ; cytology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Potassium Channels ; metabolism ; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley