Objective: Motion-corrected averaging with a single-shot technique was introduced for faster acquisition of late-gadoliniumenhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging while free-breathing. We aimed to evaluate the image quality (IQ) of free-breathing motion-corrected single-shot LGE (moco-ss-LGE) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Materials and Methods: Between April and December 2019, 30 patients (23 men; median age, 48.5; interquartile range [IQR], 36.5–61.3) with HCM were prospectively enrolled. Breath-held single-shot LGE (bh-ss-LGE) and free-breathing mocoss-LGE images were acquired in random order on a 3T MR system. Semi-quantitative IQ scores, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs), and quantitative size of myocardial scar were assessed on pairs of bh-ss-LGE and moco-ss-LGE. The mean ± standard deviation of the parameters was obtained. The results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: The moco-ss-LGE images had better IQ scores than the bh-ss-LGE images (4.55 ± 0.55 vs. 3.68 ± 0.45, p < 0.001). The CNR of the scar to the remote myocardium (34.46 ± 11.85 vs. 26.13 ± 10.04, p < 0.001), scar to left ventricle (LV) cavity (13.09 ± 7.95 vs. 9.84 ± 6.65, p = 0.030), and LV cavity to remote myocardium (33.12 ± 15.53 vs. 22.69 ± 11.27, p < 0.001) were consistently greater for moco-ss-LGE images than for bh-ss-LGE images. Measurements of scar size did not differ significantly between LGE pairs using the following three different quantification methods: 1) full width at half-maximum method; 23.84 ± 12.88% vs. 24.05 ± 12.81% (p = 0.820), 2) 6-standard deviation method, 15.14 ± 10.78% vs. 15.99 ± 10.99% (p = 0.186), and 3) 3-standard deviation method; 36.51 ± 17.60% vs. 37.50 ± 17.90% (p = 0.785). Conclusion Motion-corrected averaging may allow for superior IQ and CNRs with free-breathing in single-shot LGE imaging, with a herald of free-breathing moco-ss-LGE as the scar imaging technique of choice for clinical practice.

Objective: Motion-corrected averaging with a single-shot technique was introduced for faster acquisition of late-gadoliniumenhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging while free-breathing. We aimed to evaluate the image quality (IQ) of free-breathing motion-corrected single-shot LGE (moco-ss-LGE) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Materials and Methods: Between April and December 2019, 30 patients (23 men; median age, 48.5; interquartile range [IQR], 36.5–61.3) with HCM were prospectively enrolled. Breath-held single-shot LGE (bh-ss-LGE) and free-breathing mocoss-LGE images were acquired in random order on a 3T MR system. Semi-quantitative IQ scores, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs), and quantitative size of myocardial scar were assessed on pairs of bh-ss-LGE and moco-ss-LGE. The mean ± standard deviation of the parameters was obtained. The results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: The moco-ss-LGE images had better IQ scores than the bh-ss-LGE images (4.55 ± 0.55 vs. 3.68 ± 0.45, p < 0.001). The CNR of the scar to the remote myocardium (34.46 ± 11.85 vs. 26.13 ± 10.04, p < 0.001), scar to left ventricle (LV) cavity (13.09 ± 7.95 vs. 9.84 ± 6.65, p = 0.030), and LV cavity to remote myocardium (33.12 ± 15.53 vs. 22.69 ± 11.27, p < 0.001) were consistently greater for moco-ss-LGE images than for bh-ss-LGE images. Measurements of scar size did not differ significantly between LGE pairs using the following three different quantification methods: 1) full width at half-maximum method; 23.84 ± 12.88% vs. 24.05 ± 12.81% (p = 0.820), 2) 6-standard deviation method, 15.14 ± 10.78% vs. 15.99 ± 10.99% (p = 0.186), and 3) 3-standard deviation method; 36.51 ± 17.60% vs. 37.50 ± 17.90% (p = 0.785). Conclusion Motion-corrected averaging may allow for superior IQ and CNRs with free-breathing in single-shot LGE imaging, with a herald of free-breathing moco-ss-LGE as the scar imaging technique of choice for clinical practice.

Various functional activities have been reported for the fermented soybean products doenjang (DJ) and cheonggukjang (CGJ), although no systemic investigations of their immune functions have been conducted to date. We examined the effects of an experimental diet of DJ, CGJ, or a mixture of unfermented raw material for 4 weeks on overall immunity and immune safety in mice. No significant alterations were observed in peripheral or splenic immune cells among groups. Enhanced splenic natural killer cell activity was observed in the DJ and CGJ groups compared with the plain diet group. T helper type-1 (Th1)-mediated immune responses were enhanced in the DJ and CGJ groups with an upregulated production ratio of IFN-γ vs. IL-4 and IgG2a vs. IgG1 in stimulated splenic T and B cells, respectively. Resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection was observed in the DJ and CGJ groups. Overall, the results of this study suggest that DJ and CGJ intake consolidates humoral and cellular immunity to Th1 responses.
Animals ; B-Lymphocytes ; Diet ; Immunity, Cellular ; Immunoglobulin G ; Interleukin-4 ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Listeria monocytogenes ; Mice* ; Soybeans*

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study are to evaluate the lip morphology and change of lip commissure after mandibular setback surgery (MSS) for class III patients and analyze association between the amount of mandibular setback and change of lip morphology. METHODS: The samples consisted of 14 class III patients treated with MSS using bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Lateral cephalogram and cone-beam CT were taken before and about 6 months after MSS. Changes in landmarks and variables were measured with 3D software program Ondemand™. Paired and independent t tests were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Landmarks in the mouth corner (cheilion, Ch) moved backward and downward (p < .005, p < .01). However, cheilion width was not statistically significantly changed. Landmark in labrale superius (Ls) was not altered significantly. Upper lip prominence angle (ChRt-Ls-ChLt °) became acute. Landmarks in stomion (Stm), labrale inferius (Li) moved backward (p < .005, p < .001). Lower lip prominence angle (ChRt-Li-ChLt °) became obtuse (p < .001). Height of the upper and lower lips was not altered significantly. Length of the upper lip vermilion was increased (p =< 0.01), and length of the lower lip vermilion was decreased (p < .05). Lip area on frontal view was not statistically significantly changed, but the upper lip area on lateral view was increased and change of the lower lip area decreased (p > .05, p < .005). On lateral view, upper lip prominent point (UP) moved downward and stomion moved backward and upward and the angle of Ls-UP-Stm (°) was decreased. Lower lip prominent point (LP) moved backward and downward, and the angle of Stm-LP-Li (°) was increased. Li moved backward. Finally, landmarks in the lower incisor tip (L1) moved backward and upward, but stomion moved downward. After surgery, lower incisor tip (L1) was positioned more superiorly than stomion (p < .05). There were significant associations between horizontal soft tissue and corresponding hard tissue. The posterior movement of L1 was related to statistically significantly about backward and downward movement of cheilion. CONCLUSIONS: The lip morphology of patients with dento-skeletal class III malocclusion shows a significant improvement after orthognathic surgery. Three-dimensional lip morphology changes in class III patients after MSS exhibited that cheilion moved backward and downward, upper lip projection angle became acute, lower lip projection angle became obtuse, change of upper lip area on lateral view was increased, change of lower lip area decreased, and morphology of lower lip was protruding. L1 was concerned with the lip tissue change in statistically significant way.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Humans ; Incisor ; Lip* ; Malocclusion ; Mouth ; Orthognathic Surgery ; Osteotomy, Sagittal Split Ramus

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) is one of the most common facial injuries. A previous study has performed 3D analyses of the parallel and rotational displacements that occur in a fractured ZMC. However, few studies have investigated adequate fixation methods according to these displacements. Here, we assessed whether specific approaches and fixation methods for displacement of ZMC fractures produce esthetic results. METHODS: Hospital records and pre- and post-surgical computed tomographic scans of patients treated for ZMC fractures at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Wonkwang University, between January 2010 and December 2015, were selected. Data were analyzed according to the direction of displacement and post-reduction prognosis using a 3D software. RESULTS: With ZMC fractures, displacement in the posterior direction occurred most frequently, while displacement in the superior-inferior direction was rare. A reduction using a transconjunctival approach and an intraoral approach was statistically better than that using an intraoral approach, Gillies approach, and lateral canthotomy approach for a posterior displacement (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When posterior displacement of a fractured ZMC occurs, use of an intraoral approach and transconjunctival approach simultaneously is recommended for reducing and fixing the displaced fragment accurately.
Dentistry ; Facial Injuries ; Hospital Records ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Surgery, Oral

OBJECTIVES: The maxillary sinus mucosa is reported to recover to preoperative sterility after sinus floor elevation. However, when drainage of maxillary sinus is impaired, recovery can be delayed and maxillary sinusitis can occur. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the correlations between anatomic variants that can interrupt the ostium of the maxillary sinus and incidence of complication after sinus lifting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects are 81 patients who underwent sinus lifting in Wonkwang University Dental Hospital (Iksan, Korea). Computed tomography (CT) images of the subjects were reviewed for presence of nasal septum deviation, anatomic variants of the middle turbinate, and Haller cells. Correlations between anatomic variations and occurrence of maxillary sinusitis were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with anatomic variants of ostio-meatal units, such as deviated nasal septum, concha bullosa or paradoxical curvature of the middle turbinate, or Haller cells, showed a higher rate of complication. However, only presence of Haller cell showed statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Before sinus lifting, CT images are recommended to detect anatomic variants of the ostio-meatal complex. If disadvantageous anatomic variants are detected, the use of nasal decongestants should be considered to reduce the risk of postoperative sinusitis.
Anatomic Variation ; Drainage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infertility ; Lifting* ; Maxillary Sinus* ; Maxillary Sinusitis ; Mucous Membrane ; Nasal Decongestants ; Nasal Septum ; Postoperative Complications* ; Sinus Floor Augmentation ; Sinusitis ; Turbinates

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to retrospectively investigate the association of diseases having an influence on inhibition of angiogenesis such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, hypercholesterolemia, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 135 patients were allocated into 4 groups of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) group (1A); non-BRONJ group (1B); osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) group (2A); and control group (2B), according to histologic results and use of bisphosphonate. This retrospective study was conducted with patients who were treated in one institute from 2012 to 2013. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the odds ratios of diseases having an influence on inhibition of angiogenesis for development of ONJ. RESULTS: The effects of diabetes and hypertension were not statistically significant on development of ONJ. When not considering bisphosphonate use, RA exhibited a high odds ratio of 3.23 (P=0.094), while hyperlipidemia showed an odds ratio of 2.10 (P=0.144) for development of ONJ. More than one disease that had an influence on inhibition of angiogenesis showed a statistically significant odds ratio of 2.54 (P=0.012) for development of ONJ. CONCLUSION: Patients without diseases having an influence on inhibition of angiogenesis were at less risk for developing ONJ.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypertension ; Jaw* ; Logistic Models ; Odds Ratio ; Osteonecrosis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors*

Successful recovery from brain ischemia is limited due to poor vascularization surrounding the ischemic zone. Cell therapy with strong angiogenic factors could be an effective strategy to rescue the ischemic brain. We investigated whether cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)-Ang1, a soluble, stable and potent Ang1 variant, enhances the angiogenesis of human cord blood derived endothelial progenitor cells (hCB-EPCs) for rescuing brain from ischemic injury. COMP-Ang1 markedly improved the tube formation of capillaries by EPCs and incorporation of EPCs into tube formation with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) upon incubation on matrigel in vitro. COMP-Ang1 stimulated the migration of EPCs more than HUVECs in a scratch wound migration assay. The transplanted EPCs and COMP-Ang1 were incorporated into the blood vessels and decreased the infarct volume in the rat ischemic brain. Molecular studies revealed that COMP-Ang1 induced an interaction between Tie2 and FAK, but AKT was separated from the Tie2-FAK-AKT complex in the EPC plasma membrane. Tie2-FAK increased pp38, pSAPK/JNK, and pERK-mediated MAPK activation and interacted with integrins alphanubeta3, alpha4, beta1, finally leading to migration of EPCs. AKT recruited mTOR, SDF-1, and HIF-1alpha to induce angiogenesis. Taken together, it is concluded that COMP-Ang1 potentiates the angiogenesis of EPCs and enhances the vascular morphogenesis indicating that combination of EPCs with COMP-Ang1 may be a potentially effective regimen for ischemic brain injury salvage therapy.
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents ; Animals ; Blood Vessels ; Brain ; Brain Injuries* ; Brain Ischemia ; Capillaries ; Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein ; Cell Membrane ; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy ; Fetal Blood ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; Integrins ; Ischemia ; Morphogenesis ; Rats ; Salvage Therapy ; Stem Cells ; Wounds and Injuries

A 45-yr-old female patient was admitted with one-month history of headache and progressive left hemiparesis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a mass lesion in her right frontal lobe. Her brain tumor was confirmed as a small cell glioblastoma. Her follow-up brain MRI, taken at 8 months after her initial surgery demonstrated tumor recurrence in the right frontal lobe. Contrast-enhanced 7.0T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was safely performed before surgery and at the time of recurrence. Compared with 1.5T and 3.0T brain MRI, 7.0T MRI showed sharpened images of the brain tumor contexture with detailed anatomical information. The fused images of 7.0T and 1.5T brain MRI taken at the time of recurrence demonstrated no significant discrepancy in the positions of the anterior and the posterior commissures. It is suggested that 7.0T MRI can be safely utilized for better images of the maligant gliomas before and after surgery.
Brain Neoplasms/pathology/*radiography/surgery ; Female ; Frontal Lobe/radiography ; Glioblastoma/pathology/*radiography/surgery ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor/genetics

We investigated the safety and clinical applicability of 7.0 Tesla (T) brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with brain tumors. Twenty-four patients with intraaxial or extraaxial brain tumors were enrolled in this study. 7.0T MRIs of T2*-weighted axial and T1-weighted coronal or sagittal images were obtained and compared with 1.5T brain MRIs. The T2*-weighted images from 7.0T brain MRI revealed detailed microvasculature and the internal contents of supratentorial brain tumors better than that of 1.5T brain MRI. For brain tumors located in parasellar areas or areas adjacent to major cerebral vessels, flow-related artifacts were exaggerated in the 7.0T brain MRIs. For brain tumors adjacent to the skull base, susceptibility artifacts in the interfacing areas of the paranasal sinus and skull base hampered the aquisition of detailed images and information on brain tumors in the 7.0T brain MRIs. This study shows that 7.0T brain MRI can provide detailed information on the intratumoral components and margins in supratentorial brain tumors. Further studies are needed to develop refined MRI protocols for better images of brain tumors located in the skull base, parasellar, and adjacent major cerebrovascular structures.
Adult ; Brain Neoplasms/*radiography ; Dizziness/etiology ; Female ; Headache/etiology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/adverse effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Contraction/radiation effects