Although various studies on predictive markers in the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are in progress, only PD-L1 expression levels in tumor tissues are currently used. In the present study, we investigated whether baseline serum levels of IL-6 can predict the treatment response of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. In our cohort of 125 NSCLC patients, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were significantly higher in those with low IL-6 (<13.1 pg/ml) than those with high IL-6 (ORR 33.9% vs. 11.1%, p=0.003; DCR 80.6% vs. 34.9%, p<0.001). The median progression-free survival was 6.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9–8.7) in the low IL-6 group, significantly longer than in the high IL-6 group (1.9 months, 95% CI, 1.6–2.2, p<0.001). The median overall survival in the low IL-6 group was significantly longer than in the high IL-6 group (not reached vs. 7.4 months, 95% CI, 4.8–10.0). Thus, baseline serum IL-6 levels could be a potential biomarker for predicting the efficacy and survival benefit of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in NSCLC.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of acid etching treatment on surface characteristics and biological response of glass-infiltrated zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hundred zirconia specimens were divided into four groups depending on surface treatments: untreated zirconia (group Z); acid-etched zirconia (group ZE); glass-infiltrated zirconia (group ZG); and glass-infiltrated and acid-etched zirconia (group ZGE). Surface roughness, surface topography, surface morphology, and Vickers hardness of specimens were evaluated. For biological response test, MC3T3-E1 cell attachment and proliferation on surface of the specimens were examined. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Group ZGE showed the highest surface roughness (Ra = 1.54 µm) compared with other groups (P < .05). Meanwhile, the hardness of group Z was significantly higher than those of other groups (P < .05). Cell attachment and cell proliferation were significantly higher in group ZGE (P < .05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that effective surface roughness on zirconia could be made by acid etching treatment after glass infiltration. This surface showed significantly enhanced osteoblast cell response.
Cell Proliferation ; Glass ; Hardness ; Osteoblasts

PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate the marginal fit of two CAD-CAM anatomic contour zirconia crown systems compared to lithium disilicate glass-ceramic crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Shoulder and deep chamfer margin were formed on each acrylic resin tooth model of a maxillary first premolar. Two CAD-CAM systems (Prettau(R)Zirconia and ZENOSTAR(R)ZR translucent) and lithium disilicate glass ceramic (IPS e.max(R)press) crowns were made (n=16). Each crown was bonded to stone dies with resin cement (Rely X Unicem). Marginal gap and absolute marginal discrepancy of crowns were measured using a light microscope equipped with a digital camera (Leica DFC295) magnified by a factor of 100. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey's HSD test were conducted to analyze the significance of crown marginal fit regarding the finish line configuration and the fabrication system. RESULTS: The mean marginal gap of lithium disilicate glass ceramic crowns (IPS e.max(R)press) was significantly lower than that of the CAD-CAM anatomic contour zirconia crown system (Prettau(R)Zirconia) (P<.05). Both fabrication systems and finish line configurations significantly influenced the absolute marginal discrepancy (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The lithium disilicate glass ceramic crown (IPS e.max(R)press) had significantly smaller marginal gap than the CAD-CAM anatomic contour zirconia crown system (Prettau(R)Zirconia). In terms of absolute marginal discrepancy, the CAD-CAM anatomic contour zirconia crown system (ZENOSTAR(R)ZR translucent) had under-extended margin, whereas the CAD-CAM anatomic contour zirconia crown system (Prettau(R)Zirconia) and lithium disilicate glass ceramic crowns (IPS e.max(R)press) had overextended margins.
Bicuspid ; Ceramics ; Computer-Aided Design* ; Crowns* ; Glass ; Lithium* ; Resin Cements ; Shoulder ; Tooth

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of geometrically different wax pattern shapes and sizes on the castability of Grade2 Cp-Ti (commercially pure titanium). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 40 mesh wax pattern (61 mm x 24 mm, 207 grids), (61 mm x 17 mm, 138 grids) was cast in this experiment. Depending on the geometrical shape of the wax pattern, 8 groups was organized; Flat, Semicircular, Horse-shoe and V-shape, each consisting 5 samples. Runner-bar sprue was used in all patterns. The number of completely cast grid in wax pattern served as a measure for the castability of comercially pure titanium. RESULTS: The mean value of square count in each group was as followed; 133.20 squares in group SS (96.52%), 132.40 squares in group SH (95.94%), 132.00 squares in group SF (95.65%), 127.60 squares in SV (91.43%), 198.60 squares in group LF (95.94%), 197.80 squares in group LV (95.56%), 196.40 squares in group LS (94.88%), and 188.00 squares in group LH (90.82%). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study the results indicate that there were no sttistically significant difference in castability of titanium regarding wax pattern shape (P>.05). However, Small size wax patterns were showing the noticeable castability more than Large size pattern.
Titanium*

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to propose the position of maxillary anterior teeth and intercanine width measurements based on the incisive papilla in accordance with the cephalic type and gender of dentate Korean adult with normal teeth alignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 students with Class I normal occlusion, without crowding or spacing, were selected from the Chonnam National University School of Dentistry. The lateral skull radiographs of the subjects were taken and were classified as different cephalic types, based on their PFH / AFH ratios. 42 casts of their maxilla were prepared and both the distance between the upper central incisors and the middle of the incisor papilla was measured with a vernier caliper (A) and the distance between the maxillary canine cusp tips (B) were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 15 and their significance was investigated. RESULTS: For dolichocephalic group, the mean values for A and B were 8.43 (SD: 0.61) and 36.73 (SD: 2.17), respectively. The mean value for A was 8.51 (SD: 1.27) for the mesocephalic group and 8.76 (SD 1.03) for the brachycephalic group. The mean value for B was 35.91 (SD: 1.86) for the mesocephalic group and 37.34 (SD: 2.23) for the brachycephalic group. For the male group, the mean A value was 8.86 (SD: 1.04) and the mean B value was 37.60 (SD: 0.24). For the female group, the mean A value was 8.41 (SD: 0.93) and the mean B value was 36.18 (SD: 2.01). The difference between male and female group in A values were not statistically significant (P>.05). The B values of the male subjects were greater than those of the female subjects and was statistically significant (P<.05). CONCLUSION: 42 students with normal dentition and occlusion in korea, the distance from the incisive papilla and the incisal edge of maxillary central incisors had no difference in cephalic type or gender. However, the distance between the cusp tip of both canines had significant difference in gender where the male showed higher values than the female, while having no difference in cephalic types.
Adult ; Crowding ; Dentistry ; Dentition ; Denture, Complete ; Female ; Humans ; Incisor ; Korea ; Male ; Maxilla ; Palate ; Skull ; Tooth

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of chromium chloride addition on coloration, mechanical property and microstructure of 3Y-TZP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chromium chloride was weighed as 0.06, 0.12, and 0.25 wt% and each measured amount was dissolved in alcohol. ZrO2 powder was mixed with each of the individual slurry to prepare chromium doped zirconia specimen. The color, physical properties and microstructure were observed after the zirconia specimen were sintered at 1450degrees C. In order to evaluate the color, spectrophotometer was used to analyze the value of L*, C*, a* and b*, after placing the specimen on a white plate, and measured according to the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) standard, Illuminant D65 and SCE system. The density was measured in the Archimedes method, while microstructures were evaluated by using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and XRD. Fracture toughness was calculated Vickers indentation method and indentation size was measured by using the optical microscope. The data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA test (alpha= 0.05). The Tukey multiple comparison test was used for post hoc analysis. RESULTS: 1. Chromium chloride rendered zirconia a brownish color. While chromium chloride content was increased, the color of zirconia was changed from brownish to brownish-red. 2. Chromium chloride content was increased; density of the specimen was decreased. 3. More chromium chloride in the ratio showed increase size of grains. 4. But the addition of chromium chloride did not affect the crystal phase of zirconia, and all specimens showed tetragonal phase. 5. The chromium chloride in zirconia did not showed statistically significant difference in fracture toughness, but addition of 0.25 wt% showed a statistically significant difference (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the above results, this study suggests that chromium chlorides can make colored zirconia while adding in a liquid form. The new colored zirconia showed a slight difference in color to that of the natural tooth, nevertheless this material can be used as an all ceramic core material.
Ceramics ; Edible Grain ; Chlorides ; Chromium ; Chromium Compounds ; Humans ; Lighting ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Tooth ; Zirconium

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the linear sintering behavior of presintered zirconia blocks of various densities. The mechanical properties of the resulting sintered zirconia blocks were then analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three experimental groups of dental zirconia blocks, with a different presintering density each, were designed in the present study. Kavo Everest(R) ZS blanks (Kavo, Biberach, Germany) were used as a control group. The experimental group blocks were fabricated from commercial yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia powder (KZ-3YF (SD) Type A, KCM. Corporation, Nagoya, Japan). The biaxial flexural strengths, microhardnesses, and microstructures of the sintered blocks were then investigated. The linear sintering shrinkages of blocks were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Despite their different presintered densities, the sintered blocks of the control and experimental groups showed similar mechanical properties. However, the sintered block had different linear sintering shrinkage rate depending on the density of the presintered block. As the density of the presintered block increased, the linear sintering shrinkage decreased. In the experimental blocks, the three sectioned pieces of each block showed the different linear shrinkage depending on the area. The tops of the experimental blocks showed the lowest linear sintering shrinkage, whereas the bottoms of the experimental blocks showed the highest linear sintering shrinkage. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the density difference of the presintered zirconia block did not affect the mechanical properties of the sintered zirconia block, but affected the linear sintering shrinkage of the zirconia block.
Cyclic N-Oxides ; Zirconium

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hydrogen peroxide at different application time and concentrations on the microtensile bond strength of resin restorations to the deep and the pulp chamber dentin. A conventional endodontic access cavity was prepared in each tooth, and then the teeth were randomly divided into 1 control group and 4 experimental groups as follows: Group 1, non treated; Group 2, with 20% Hydrogen peroxide(H2O2); Group 3, with 10% H2O2; Group 4, with 5% H2O2; Group 5, with 2.5% H2O2; the teeth of all groups except group 1 were treated for 20, 10, and 5min. The treated teeth were filled using a Superbond C&B (Sun medical Co., Shiga, Japan). Thereafter, the specimens were stored in distilled water at 37degrees C for 24-hours and then sectioned into the deep and the chamber dentin. The microtensile bond strength values of each group were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test(p < 0.05). In this study, the microtensile bond strength of the deep dentin (D1) was significantly greater than that of the pulp chamber dentin (D2) in the all groups tested. The average of microtensile bond strength was decreased as the concentration and the application time of H2O2 were increased. Analysis showed significant correlation effect not only between the depth of the dentin and the concentration of H2O2 but also between the concentration of H2O2 and the application time(p < 0.05), while no significant difference existed among these three variables(p > 0.05). The higher H2O2 concentration, the more opened dentinal tubules under a scanning electron microscope(SEM) examination.
Dental Pulp Cavity ; Dentin ; Electrons ; Hydrogen ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Tooth ; Water

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The adhesion between titanium and ceramic is less optimal than conventional metal-ceramic bonding, due to reaction layer form on cast titanium surface during porcelain firing. PURPOSE: This study characterized the effect of titanium-ceramic adhesion after gold and TiN coating on cast and wrought titanium substrates. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Six groups of ASTM grade II commercially pure titanium and cast titanium specimens(13mm x 13mm x 1mm) were prepared(n=8). The conventional Au-Pd-In alloy served as the control. All specimens were sandblasted with 110micrometer Al2O3 particles and ultrasonically cleaned for 5min in deionized water, and dried in air before porcelain firing. An ultra-low-fusing dental porcelain(Vita Titankeramik) was fused on titanium surfaces. Porcelain was debonded by a biaxial flexure test at a cross head speed of 0.25mm/min. The excellent titanium-ceramic adherence was exhibited by the presence of a dentin porcelain layer on the specimen surface after the biaxial flexure test. Area fraction of adherent porcelain(AFAP) was determined by SEM/EDS. Numerical results were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Student- Newman-Keuls test at alpha=0.05. RESULTS: The AFAP value of cast titanium was greatest in the group 2 with TiN coating, followed by group 1 with Au coating and the group 3 with Al2O3 sandblasting. Significant statistical difference was found between the group 1, 2 and the group 3 (p<.05). The AFAP value of wrought titanium was greatest in the group 5 with TiN coating, followed by the group 4 with Au coating and the group 6 with Al2O3 sandblasting. CONCLUSION: No significant difference was observed among the three groups (p>.05). The AFAP values of the cast titanium and the wrought titanium were similar. However the group treated with Al2O3 sandblasting showed significantly lower value (p<.05).
Alloys ; Ceramics* ; Dental Porcelain ; Dentin ; Fires ; Head ; Tin ; Titanium* ; Water

Wegener's granulomatosis is a disease with an unknown etiology that is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis involving the upper and lower respiratory tract and the kidneys. The typical pulmonary findings are bilaterally involved multiple variable sized nodules. We report a case of Wegener's granulomatosis that presented as a single lung mass. A male patient presented with a nasal obstruction, arthralgia, cough, and intermittent dyspnea. The chest radiograph showed a mass, approximately 4.5 cm in diameter, in the right lower lobe. Lung cancer or tuberculosis was initially considered. However, the clinical, laboratory and pathological findings of the mass indicated Wegener's granulomatosis. The patient was administered prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, and improved temporarily. Unfortunately, the immunocompromised patient expired as a result of respiratory failure with pneumonia.
Arthralgia ; Cough ; Cyclophosphamide ; Dyspnea ; Humans ; Immunocompromised Host ; Kidney ; Lung Neoplasms ; Lung* ; Male ; Nasal Obstruction ; Opportunistic Infections ; Pneumonia ; Prednisolone ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Respiratory System ; Tuberculosis ; Vasculitis ; Wegener Granulomatosis*