Objective: : Osteoporosis result from age-related decline in the number of osteoblast progenitors in the bone marrow. Probiotics have beneficial effects on the host, when administered in appropriate amounts. This study investigated the effects of probiotics expressing specific genes, especially the effects of genetically modified bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2-expressing Lactobacillus plantarum CJNU 3003 (LP) on ovariectomized rats. Methods: : Twenty-eight female Wistar rats (250–300 g, 12 weeks old) were divided into four groups : the sham (control), the ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis group (OVX), the OVX and LP (OVX/LP), OVX and genetically modified BMP-2-expressing LP (OVX/LP with BMP) groups. The three groups underwent bilateral OVX and two of these groups were administered two different types of LP via oral gavage daily. At 16 weeks post-OVX, blood was collected from the heart and the bilateral tibiae were extracted and were scanned by ex-vivo micro-computed tomography and stained with hematoxylin-and-eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome stain for pathological assessment. The serum levels of osteocalcin (OC), rat C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), BMP-2, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-ĸB ligand (RANKL) were measured. Results: : The 3D-micro-computed tomography images showed that the trabecular structure in the OVX/LP with BMP group was maintained compared with OVX and OVX/LP groups. No significant differences were detected in trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) between control and OVX/LP with BMP groups (p>0.05). Furthermore, a tendency toward increased BMD, trabecular bone volume, Tb.Th, and trabecular number and decreased trabecular separation was found in rats in the OVX/LP with BMP groups when compared with the OVX and OVX/LP groups (p>0.05). The H&E and Masson’s trichrome stained sections showed a thicker trabecular bone in the OVX/LP with BMP group compared with the OVX and OVX/LP groups. There was no difference in serum levels of OC, CTX and RANKL control and OVX/LP with BMP groups (p>0.05). In contrast, significant differences were found in OC and CTX-1 levels between the OVX and OVX/LP with BMP groups (p<0.05). Conclusion : Our results showed that the expression of genetically modified BMP-2 showed inhibition effect for bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis.

Background: Liver fibrosis is defined as the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and scar formation. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been demonstrated to participate in fibrogenesis. S100B is a ligand of RAGE and exerts extracellular functions by inducing a series of signal transduction cascades. However, the involvement of S100B and RAGE in cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated S100B and RAGE expression during liver fibrosis in mice that underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL). Methods: BDL was performed in 10-week-old male C57BL/6J mice with sham control (n = 26) and BDL (n = 26) groups. Expression levels of S100B, RAGE and fibrotic markers in the livers from both groups at week 1 and 3 after BDL were examined by western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Liver fibrotic changes were examined by histological and ultrastructural analysis. Results: Histological staining with Sirius Red and the evaluation of the messenger RNA expression of fibrotic markers showed noticeable periportal fibrosis and bile duct proliferation. S100B was mainly present in bile duct epithelial cells, and its expression was upregulated in proportion to the ductular reaction during fibrogenesis by BDL. RAGE expression was also increased, and interestingly, triple immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that both S100B and RAGE were expressed in proliferating bile duct epithelial cells and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of the BDL livers. In addition, in rat HSCs (HSC-T6), treatment with recombinant S100B protein significantly increased fibrotic markers in a dose-dependent manner, and RAGE small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed S100B-stimulated upregulation of fibrotic markers compared with cells treated with scramble siRNA and S100B. Conclusion These findings suggest that the increased expression of S100B and RAGE and the interaction between S100B and RAGE may play an important role in ductular reaction and liver fibrosis induced by BDL.

Background: Liver fibrosis is defined as the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and scar formation. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been demonstrated to participate in fibrogenesis. S100B is a ligand of RAGE and exerts extracellular functions by inducing a series of signal transduction cascades. However, the involvement of S100B and RAGE in cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated S100B and RAGE expression during liver fibrosis in mice that underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL). Methods: BDL was performed in 10-week-old male C57BL/6J mice with sham control (n = 26) and BDL (n = 26) groups. Expression levels of S100B, RAGE and fibrotic markers in the livers from both groups at week 1 and 3 after BDL were examined by western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Liver fibrotic changes were examined by histological and ultrastructural analysis. Results: Histological staining with Sirius Red and the evaluation of the messenger RNA expression of fibrotic markers showed noticeable periportal fibrosis and bile duct proliferation. S100B was mainly present in bile duct epithelial cells, and its expression was upregulated in proportion to the ductular reaction during fibrogenesis by BDL. RAGE expression was also increased, and interestingly, triple immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that both S100B and RAGE were expressed in proliferating bile duct epithelial cells and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of the BDL livers. In addition, in rat HSCs (HSC-T6), treatment with recombinant S100B protein significantly increased fibrotic markers in a dose-dependent manner, and RAGE small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed S100B-stimulated upregulation of fibrotic markers compared with cells treated with scramble siRNA and S100B. Conclusion These findings suggest that the increased expression of S100B and RAGE and the interaction between S100B and RAGE may play an important role in ductular reaction and liver fibrosis induced by BDL.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of lithium disilicate ceramic pressed zirconia prostheses and monolithic zirconia prostheses and to investigate the complications after two years of follow-up in posterior edentulous site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 17 patients (male: 12, female: 5) were treated with 60 posterior fixed implant-supported prostheses (LP. lithium disilicate ceramic pressed zirconia prostheses: n = 30, MZ. monolithic zirconia prostheses: n = 30). After 24-month, clinical examination of Implant survival rate, marginal bone resorption, probing depth, plaque index, bleeding index, calculus and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no failed implants and all implants were normal in function without mobility. Marginal bone resorption was lower in LP group than MZ group at 12-month (P < .05), and 12-month probing depth and calculus deposit in LP group were significantly higher than MZ group (P < .05). Most common complications in MZ were marginal bone resorptions more than 1.5.mm and 2 chipping occurred in LP group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, lithium disilicate ceramic pressed zirconia is considered as a predictable treatment option as much as monolithic zirconia in posterior fixed implant-supported prostheses.
Bone Resorption ; Calculi ; Ceramics ; Dental Implants ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Lithium ; Prospective Studies ; Prostheses and Implants ; Survival Rate

Traditional options for posterior edentulous treatment include removable partial dentures and implant fixed prostheses. Recently, the concept of implant assisted removable partial denture, in which two treatments are fused, has been introduced in consideration of systemic health and patient's needs, costs, residual alveolar bone status and so on. Implant assisted removable partial denture has the advantage of increasing the retention and stability of the denture and improving its esthetics in cases of large bone defects or biomechanical disadvantages. In addition, it is possible to strategically place the implants in a site where the alveolar bone is relatively sufficient, thereby overcome the limit of the conventional removable partial denture design as well as reducing the burden on a wide range of implant surgery. Cost reduction is also expected. In this case, the patient was treated by placing the implant in both premolar sites of the mandible and fabricating the distal extension removable partial denture with the implant fixed prosthesis as an abutment. After delivering the definitive prosthesis, the patient showed satisfaction with the masticatory function and esthetics. and has been regularly followed-up for more than one year. The following 20-months follow-up case report describes the design of an implant-assisted-removable partial denture (IARPD) in which two cementretained implant crowns used to provide support and stability.
Bicuspid ; Crowns* ; Denture, Partial ; Denture, Partial, Removable* ; Dentures ; Esthetics ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Humans ; Mandible ; Prostheses and Implants

PURPOSE: There are fewer patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Korea compared with Western countries. The incidence of GERD has increased in recent years however, concerning many physicians. Here, we report our early experiences of using a recently introduced method of laparoscopic antireflux surgery for the treatment of GERD in Korean patients. METHODS: Fifteen patients with GERD were treated using antireflux surgery between May 2009 and February 2012 at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with 360degrees wrapping was performed on all patients. RESULTS: Eleven male and four female patients were evaluated and treated with an average age of 58.1 +/- 14.1 years. The average surgical time was 118.9 +/- 45.1 minutes, and no complications presented during surgery. After surgery, the reflux symptoms of each patient were resolved; only two patients developed transient dysphagia, which resolved within one month. One patient developed a 6-cm hiatal hernia that had to be repaired and reinforced using mesh. CONCLUSION: The use of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of GERD is safe and feasible. It is also an efficacious method for controlling the symptoms of GERD in Korean patients. However, the use of this surgery still needs to be standardized (e.g., type of surgery, bougienage size, wrap length) and the long-term outcomes need to be evaluated.
Deglutition Disorders ; Female ; Fundoplication ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Hernia, Hiatal ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Laparoscopy ; Male ; Operative Time

PURPOSE: Because of complex inguinal structures, we cannot overcome the neurogenic complications in open inguinal herniorrhaphy. Nowadays, there are few studies of anatomical danger zones in open herniorrhaphy. So, in this study we would cover the danger zones in hernia surgery with a cadaver. METHODS: We studied the anatomic structures of three male cadavers. There was no anatomical variation among them. We can ascertain the running of the ilioinguinal nerve, iliohypogastric nerve, and genitofemoral nerve. RESULTS: We can see that the ilioinguinal nerve runs anterior to the spermatic cord in the inguinal canal and lies beneath the external oblique aponeurosis. The iliohypogastirc nerve runs on the anterior surface of the internal oblique muscle, and aponeurosis medial and superior to the internal ring. The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve lies on the iliopubic tract and accompanies the cremaster vessels to form a neurovascular bundle. In these areas, we often suture the anchor in open herniorrhaphy, increasing probability of these nerves suffering injury. CONCLUSION: In open inguinal herniorrhaphy, surgeons must have a comprehensive understanding of the neural anatomy of the groin to reduce post-operative complications. Moreover, we must consider not only anatomical understanding but also surgical procedures reducing neurogenic complications. So, we suggest certain procedures to reduce nerve injury such as three dimensional mesh or the use of fibrin glue.
Cadaver ; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive ; Groin ; Hernia ; Herniorrhaphy ; Humans ; Inguinal Canal ; Male ; Muscles ; Running ; Spermatic Cord ; Stress, Psychological ; Sutures

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dental implant procedure has been recognized as a very effective treatment to rehabilitate fully or partially edentulous patients. However, mechanical failures such as screw loosening, screw fracture have been still reported frequently. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of tungsten carbide/carbon coating, which has superior hardness and frictional wear resistance, on implant-abutment screw loosening of three different joint connections after one million cyclic loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The values of detorque before and after loading were measured in three different joint connections (Osstem Implant, Korea), one external butt joint, US II implant system and two internal cones, SS II and GS II system. The values of detorque before loading was analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and two-way ANOVA and Scheffe'test were performed for the value of detorque after loading. RESULTS: 1. The values of initial detorque of tungsten carbide/carbon coated Ti alloy screw were smaller those of Ti alloy screw (P<.01), and there were no differences among implant systems in each screw (P>.05). 2. In comparison of loss rate of detorque value after cyclic loading, US II system was greater than SS II and GS II system but there was no difference between SS II and GS II system (P<.01). 3. Loss rates of detorque value after cyclic loading decreased consistently at tungsten carbide/carbon coated Ti alloy screw comparing with Ti alloy screw in all implant systems (P<.01), and there were no differences among three systems in reduction of loss rates by using tungsten carbide/carbon coated Ti alloy screw (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Tungsten carbide/carbon coating to increase preload with reduction of friction resistance was a effective way to decrease screw loosening by functional loading.
Alloys ; Dental Implants ; Friction ; Hardness ; Humans ; Joints ; Tungsten

PURPOSE: To compare the results of open fixation and closed percutaneous pinning in managing Jakob stage II lateral condylar fractures of children's elbow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since Febuary 2000, We operated 21 children with Jakob stage II lateral condylar fractures of elbow. Eleven of the 21 were treated with closed percutaneous pinning, open fixation was done to the other 10 children. Each patient was evaluated about range of motion, carrying angle, scar satisfaction and radiologic findings for comparison between closed pinning and open fixation groups. RESULTS: Open fixation group showed 3.8 degrees decrease of elbow motion while closed pinning group showed no significant decrease. Carrying angle and radiologic findings were not different between the two groups. Open fixation group expressed dissatisfaction to their scars (average 5.2 cm) whereas all the patients of closed pinning group were satisfied with their functional and cosmetic outcomes. CONCLUSION: In managing Jakob stage II lateral condyle fractures of children's elbow, closed percutaneous pinning was thought to be superior to open fixation because of the same functional outcome and much better cosmetic results.
Child* ; Cicatrix ; Elbow ; Humans ; Range of Motion, Articular

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of clinical experiences. OBJECTIVES: The correct discrimination of a compressed root is very important for proper decompression. With a foraminal disc herniation, the cephalad root is compressed. The diagnostic importance of the clinical and radiological findings was investigated. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: A compressed root, due to a herniated disc, is known as a caudal root (i. e. L5 root compressed by L4-5 disc herniation). In some cases, a prolapsed disc may compress the cephalad root, resulting in a difficult diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The medical records, plain X-ray and MRI of 17 patients were reviewed, and the physical examination and MRI findings were carefully evaluated to retrospectively document the efficacy of the diagnoses. Every MRI image of each patient was graded according to the 4 point ranking system of diagnostic efficacy devised by the authors. The clinical outcomes and postoperative complications were also investigated. RESULTS: Ten, 5 and 2 of the 17 patients had L4-5, L5-S1 and L3-4 foraminal disc herniations, respectively. Eight of 10 L4-5 cases showed a positive femoral nerve stretching test. The knee jerk reflex was diminished in 7 patients, with bilateral hyporeflexia in the other 3. The body-cut axial MRI image was the most effective, and the coronal images were also very helpful, whereas the routine axial images were of least value. Most cases achieved a satisfactory clinical result. CONCLUSIONS: Foraminal disc herniations seem to be reasonably common. For the accurate discrimination of a compressed root, a thorough physical examination seems to be very important. When MRI is performed for these cases, in addition to routine studies, the body-cut axial and coronal MRI images are effective and useful, and their use is strongly recommended.
Decompression ; Diagnosis ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Femoral Nerve ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; Knee ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Medical Records ; Physical Examination ; Postoperative Complications ; Reflex ; Reflex, Abnormal ; Retrospective Studies