Universal adhesives that simplify bonding procedures and be used in multi-etch mode have been developed. In this study, the effects of agitation and solvent evaporation time of a universal adhesive on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) were evaluated by varying the times of these two procedures. Eighteen human molars were used to fabricate specimens, and the teeth were randomly divided into six experimental groups. Each group had different agitation time (5 s, 10 s, 20 s) and evaporation time (10 s, 20 s). The specimens were cut into a rod-shape with a cross-sectional area of 1 mm2 , and their µTBS was measured. The data were analyzed using an ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. After this, the debonded surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the groups with a solvent evaporation time of 20 s, µTBS was statistically higher, even with a short agitation time (p<0.05). Furthermore, for the groups with the shorter evaporation time, bonding strength decreased statistically as the agitation time shortened (p<0.05). The results of this experiment suggest that if the solvent was adequately evaporated, sufficient bonding strength could be obtained even when the adhesive was agitated for a short time. This is supported by the results of SEM image analysis, which revealed a uniform adhesive layer with well-infiltrated tags in the groups with the prolonged evaporation time. It may be crucial to secure an adequate evaporation time in order to obtain optimal bonding strength.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic human diseases that are challenging to cure and are often unable to be resolved. The inbred mouse strain C57BL/ 6 N has been used in investigations of IBD as an experimental animal model. The purpose of the current study was to compare the inflammatory responsiveness of C57BL/6NKorl mice, a sub-strain recently established by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS), with those of C57BL/6 N mice from two different sources using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Results: Male mice (8 weeks old) were administered DSS (0, 1, 2, or 3%) in drinking water for 7 days. DSS significantly decreased body weight and colon length and increased the colon weight-to-length ratio. Moreover, severe colitisrelated clinical signs including diarrhea and rectal bleeding were observed beginning on day 4 in mice administered DSS at a concentration of 3%. DSS led to edema, epithelial layer disruption, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cytokine induction (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β) in the colon tissues. However, no significant differences in DSS-promoted abnormal symptoms or their severity were found between the three sub-strains. Conclusions These results indicate that C57BL/6NKorl mice responded to DSS-induced colitis similar to the generally used C57BL6/N mice, thus this newly developed mouse sub-strain provides a useful animal model of IBD.

Universal adhesives that simplify bonding procedures and be used in multi-etch mode have been developed. In this study, the effects of agitation and solvent evaporation time of a universal adhesive on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) were evaluated by varying the times of these two procedures. Eighteen human molars were used to fabricate specimens, and the teeth were randomly divided into six experimental groups. Each group had different agitation time (5 s, 10 s, 20 s) and evaporation time (10 s, 20 s). The specimens were cut into a rod-shape with a cross-sectional area of 1 mm2 , and their µTBS was measured. The data were analyzed using an ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. After this, the debonded surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the groups with a solvent evaporation time of 20 s, µTBS was statistically higher, even with a short agitation time (p<0.05). Furthermore, for the groups with the shorter evaporation time, bonding strength decreased statistically as the agitation time shortened (p<0.05). The results of this experiment suggest that if the solvent was adequately evaporated, sufficient bonding strength could be obtained even when the adhesive was agitated for a short time. This is supported by the results of SEM image analysis, which revealed a uniform adhesive layer with well-infiltrated tags in the groups with the prolonged evaporation time. It may be crucial to secure an adequate evaporation time in order to obtain optimal bonding strength.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic human diseases that are challenging to cure and are often unable to be resolved. The inbred mouse strain C57BL/ 6 N has been used in investigations of IBD as an experimental animal model. The purpose of the current study was to compare the inflammatory responsiveness of C57BL/6NKorl mice, a sub-strain recently established by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS), with those of C57BL/6 N mice from two different sources using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Results: Male mice (8 weeks old) were administered DSS (0, 1, 2, or 3%) in drinking water for 7 days. DSS significantly decreased body weight and colon length and increased the colon weight-to-length ratio. Moreover, severe colitisrelated clinical signs including diarrhea and rectal bleeding were observed beginning on day 4 in mice administered DSS at a concentration of 3%. DSS led to edema, epithelial layer disruption, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cytokine induction (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β) in the colon tissues. However, no significant differences in DSS-promoted abnormal symptoms or their severity were found between the three sub-strains. Conclusions These results indicate that C57BL/6NKorl mice responded to DSS-induced colitis similar to the generally used C57BL6/N mice, thus this newly developed mouse sub-strain provides a useful animal model of IBD.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is the most common antipyretic analgesic worldwide. However, APAP overdose causes severe liver injury, especially centrilobular necrosis, in humans and experimental animals. At therapeutic dosage, APAP is mainly metabolized by sulfation and glucuronidation, and partly by cytochrome P450–mediated oxidation. However, APAP overdose results in production of excess reactive metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), by cytochromes P450; NAPQI overwhelms the level of glutathione (GSH), which could otherwise detoxify it. NAPQI binds covalently to proteins, leading to cell death. A number of studies aimed at the prevention and treatment of APAP-induced toxicity are underway. Rats are more resistant than mice to APAP hepatotoxicity, and thus mouse models are mainly used. In the present study, we compared the toxic responses induced by APAP overdose in the liver of ICR mice obtained from three different sources and evaluated the usability of the Korl:ICR stock established by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation in Korea. Administration of APAP (300 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection into male ICR mice enhanced CYP2E1 protein expression and depleted hepatic GSH level 2 h after treatment accompanied with significantly increased level of hepatic malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation. Regardless of the source of the mice, hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by activity of serum alanine aminotransferase, increased from 8 h and peaked at 24 h after APAP treatment. In summary, hepatotoxicity was induced after the onset of oxidative stress by overdose of APAP, and the response was the same over time among mice of different origins.
Acetaminophen ; Alanine Transaminase ; Animals ; Cell Death ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 ; Cytochromes ; Glutathione ; Humans ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Korea ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Liver ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Necrosis ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. It is characterized by the accumulation of lipids without alcohol intake and often progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, and end-stage liver diseases such as cirrhosis or cancer. Although animal models have greatly contributed to the understanding of NAFLD, studies on the disease progression in humans are still limited. In this study, we used the recently reported high-fat L-methionine-defined and choline-deficient (HFMCD) diet to rapidly induce NASH and compared the responses to HFMCD in ICR mice from three different countries: Korea (supplied by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation), USA, and Japan during 6 weeks. Feeding HFMCD did not cause significant differences in weight gain in comparison with mice fed control diet. Relative weight of the liver increased gradually, while the relative weight of the kidneys remained unchanged. The parameters of liver injury (serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase) increased rapidly from 1 week and remained elevated for as long as 6 weeks. Histopathological analysis showed that the accumulation of hepatic lipids induced by HFMCD was prominent at 1 week after diet supplementation and increased further at 6 weeks. Inflammatory markers were significantly increased in a time-dependent manner by HFMCD. The mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated approximately 15-fold relative to control diet and that of IL-1β was increased more than 20-folds at 6 week after the onset of HFMCD intake. In addition, mRNA expression of fibrosis markers such as α-SMA, TGFβ1, and Col1a1 were also significantly increased at 6 week. In summary, the responses of Korl:ICR mice by intake of HFMCD diet were similar to those of ICR mice from other sources, which suggests that Korl:ICR mice is also a useful resource to study the pathogenesis of diet-induced NAFLD.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this report is to investigate Mycobacterium abscessus infections at a rural clinic and carry out a surveillance program to determine the extent and source of these infections. METHODS: The authors conducted an active surveillance investigation of 36 patients who had visited the clinic since 1 July 2008. Clinical specimens were collected from the patients and an envirnmental investigation. Pulsed-field gel elctrophoresis (PFGE) was performed for comparing with M. abscessus isolates from the patients. RESULTS: Six specimens were obtained from the 6 patients respectively and 22 environmental samples were obtained. M. abscessus was isolated from the wounds of two patients, and various nosocomial pathogens, but not M. abscessus, were isolated from the surrounding environment. Two strains of M. abscessus from patients were identical as a result of PFGE. CONCLUSION: Infection control education including proper hand hygiene should be emphasized for physicians performing invasive procedures. There also needs to be more attention for invasive procedures management, including trigger point injection and epidural block in rural clinics.
Hand Hygiene ; Humans ; Infection Control ; Mycobacterium ; Trigger Points

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent that plays an important therapeutic role for organ transplantation. However, complications due to type 1 renal tubular acidosis, albeit rare, have been reported. We experienced a case of severe metabolic acidosis associated with cyclosporine administration after renal transplantation. A 54-year old man was hospitalized for seizure, confusion and weakness. He demonstrated severe metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia. Continuous renal replacement therapy was started and sodium bicarbonate was administered to correct the acidosis and the dosage of cyclosporine was reduced. Thereafter, the cyclosporine level in whole blood decreased gradually, and the metabolic acidosis improved.
Acidosis ; Acidosis, Renal Tubular ; Cyclosporine ; Hypokalemia ; Kidney ; Kidney Transplantation ; Organ Transplantation ; Renal Replacement Therapy ; Seizures ; Sodium Bicarbonate ; Transplants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) often present as multifocal tumors. Whether multifocal tumors are associated with increased risk of recurrence and mortality is still the subject of controversy. The aim of current study was to individualize factors associated with multifocality of papillary thyroid cancer and determine the clinical significance of multifocal thyroid cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We undertook a retrospective study of 403 patients treated between January, 2003 and June, 2007 for papillary thyroid carcinoma by total thyroidectomy and central compartment neck dissection (n=403) with or without comprehensive lateral neck dissection. There were 342 women and 61 men whose mean age was 47.3 years old. Following criteria were used to study the pattern of and factors related with multifocality : sex, age, extracapsular extension, central compartment lymph node metastasis, the involvement of lateral neck lymph node, AMES risk group, distant metastasis. RESULTS: Of those factors, sex (p=0.0481), central compartment lymph node metastasis (p=0.0007), the involvement of lateral neck lymph node (p=0.0001) were significantly related factors for multifocality of papillary thyroid cancer. Age, primary tumor size, AMES risk group were not significantly related with multifocality. Bilateral or contralateral central compartment lymph node metastasis occurred more frequently in multifocal PTCs (64.0%) than solitary PTCs (46.9)(p=0.012). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the multifocal tumors in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma are associated with increased risk of bilateral central compartment and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis. Therefore, total thyroidectomy and bilateral central compartment lymph node dissection should be recommended as a routine procedure in multifocal papillary carcinoma
Carcinoma ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; Factor IX ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Male ; Neck ; Neck Dissection ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Sex Factors ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Thyroidectomy

PURPOSE: We evaluated the functional outcome as degeneration of articular surface of the patella after total knee arthroplasty without resurfacing the patella. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2002 to 2003, 63 cases of 52 osteoarthritis patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty without resurfacing the patella as randomized selection were evaluated. Average age was 67.2 years old. Female were 49 patients, and male 3 patients Average follow-up periods were 32 months. Used implant were all PFC-sigma. Clinical outcomes was analyzed as Feller's patella score (perfect score; 30 points), anterior knee pain, crepitation according to the extent of involvement of articular surface of the patella and patello-femoral tracking. RESULTS: The Feller's patella score increased from mean 20.1 to 26.9 (p<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences as extent of involvement of patello-femoral joint (p>0.05). The patella score was low with patellar malalignment. Anterior knee pain after operation increased during postoperative 6 months according to the extent of degeneration of patellofemoral joint, but after 6 months there is no statistically significant differences except group 4 and all groups gradually decreased. Crepitation was increased during postoperative 1 year according to the extent of cartilage degeneration and after that its incidence decreased with time. CONCLUSION: The clinical results of total knee arthroplasty without resurfacing the patella was not influenced by the extent of degeneration of patello-femoral joint, but by alignment of patellofemoral joint. Anterior knee pain and crepitation increased in proportion to the extent of degeneration of patello-femoral joint in early period, but it fade out with time.
Arthroplasty ; Cartilage ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Joints ; Knee ; Male ; Osteoarthritis ; Patella ; Patellofemoral Joint ; Track and Field