Relationship between vertical components of maxillary molar and craniofacial frame in normal occlusion: Cephalometric calibration on the vertical axis of coordinates / 대한치과교정학회지

Objective@#The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the vertical position of maxillary first molar and vertical skeletal measurements in lateral cephalograms by using new linear measurements on the vertical axis of coordinates with calibration. @*Methods@#The vertical position of maxillary first molar (U6-SN), and the conventionally used variables (ConV) and the newly derived linear variables (NwLin) for vertical skeletal patterns were measured in the lateral cephalograms of 103 Korean adults with normal occlusions. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed with and without calibration using the anterior and posterior cranial base (ACB and PCB, respectively) lengths to identify variables related to U6-SN. @*Results@#The PCB-calibrated statistics showed the best power of explanation. ConV indicating skeletal hyperdivergency was significantly correlated with U6-SN.Six NwLin regarding the position of palatal plane were positively correlated with U6-SN. Each multiple linear regression analysis generated a two-variable model: sella and nasion to palatal plane. Among the three models, the PCBcalibrated model yielded highest adjusted R2 value, 0.880. @*Conclusions@#U6-SN could be determined by the vertical position of the maxilla, which could then be used to plan the amount of molar intrusion and estimate its clinical stability. Cephalometric calibration on the vertical axis of coordinates by using PCB for vertical linear measurements could strengthen the analysis itself.

Neuroprotective Effects of N-Acetyldopamine Dimers from Cicadidae Periostracum

The chemical investigation of the 90% EtOH extract from Cicadidae Periostracum led to the isolation and identification of seven known N-acetyldopamine dimers (1-7). These compounds were identified by comparing mass spectrometry data and NMR spectroscopic data with those previously reported. In this study, complete interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR data of 1 and 2 were reported for the first time. In addition, compounds 3 and 4 were isolated from this material for the first time. All isolates were obtained as racemic mixtures, as confirmed by chiral HPLC. Furthermore, we evaluated the neuroprotective activities of compounds 1–7 and found that compounds 1, 5, and 6 significantly attenuated rotenone-induced death of SH-SY5Yneuroblastoma cells at a concentration of 100 μM. Parallel to this result, compounds 3 and 6 displayed antioxidant effects in the cytoplasm, as determined by CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence intensity, while compounds 1 and 5 showed antioxidant effects in the mitochondria, as assessed by MitoSox fluorescence intensity. Overall, these results suggest that some of these compounds protect neuroblastoma cells by ameliorating the release of reactive oxygen species. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which these compounds exhibit antioxidant and neuroprotective actions.

Relationship between vertical components of maxillary molar and craniofacial frame in normal occlusion: Cephalometric calibration on the vertical axis of coordinates / 대한치과교정학회지

Objective@#The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the vertical position of maxillary first molar and vertical skeletal measurements in lateral cephalograms by using new linear measurements on the vertical axis of coordinates with calibration. @*Methods@#The vertical position of maxillary first molar (U6-SN), and the conventionally used variables (ConV) and the newly derived linear variables (NwLin) for vertical skeletal patterns were measured in the lateral cephalograms of 103 Korean adults with normal occlusions. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed with and without calibration using the anterior and posterior cranial base (ACB and PCB, respectively) lengths to identify variables related to U6-SN. @*Results@#The PCB-calibrated statistics showed the best power of explanation. ConV indicating skeletal hyperdivergency was significantly correlated with U6-SN.Six NwLin regarding the position of palatal plane were positively correlated with U6-SN. Each multiple linear regression analysis generated a two-variable model: sella and nasion to palatal plane. Among the three models, the PCBcalibrated model yielded highest adjusted R2 value, 0.880. @*Conclusions@#U6-SN could be determined by the vertical position of the maxilla, which could then be used to plan the amount of molar intrusion and estimate its clinical stability. Cephalometric calibration on the vertical axis of coordinates by using PCB for vertical linear measurements could strengthen the analysis itself.

Neuroprotective Effects of N-Acetyldopamine Dimers from Cicadidae Periostracum

The chemical investigation of the 90% EtOH extract from Cicadidae Periostracum led to the isolation and identification of seven known N-acetyldopamine dimers (1-7). These compounds were identified by comparing mass spectrometry data and NMR spectroscopic data with those previously reported. In this study, complete interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR data of 1 and 2 were reported for the first time. In addition, compounds 3 and 4 were isolated from this material for the first time. All isolates were obtained as racemic mixtures, as confirmed by chiral HPLC. Furthermore, we evaluated the neuroprotective activities of compounds 1–7 and found that compounds 1, 5, and 6 significantly attenuated rotenone-induced death of SH-SY5Yneuroblastoma cells at a concentration of 100 μM. Parallel to this result, compounds 3 and 6 displayed antioxidant effects in the cytoplasm, as determined by CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence intensity, while compounds 1 and 5 showed antioxidant effects in the mitochondria, as assessed by MitoSox fluorescence intensity. Overall, these results suggest that some of these compounds protect neuroblastoma cells by ameliorating the release of reactive oxygen species. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which these compounds exhibit antioxidant and neuroprotective actions.

A Comparative Study of Anxiety, Pain and Maternal-fetal Attachment between Women who became Pregnant after Infertility Treatment and became Pregnant Naturally

PURPOSE: This study was a comparative study to understand the levels of anxiety, pain and maternal-fetal attachment between women who became pregnant after infertility treatment and became pregnant naturally. METHODS: This study used a comparative survey design. Data were collected by 50 couples of natural pregnancy and of who became pregnant after infertility treatment who visited delivery room in C Medical hospital, Seoul. These couples were to have first baby, and cervix dilatation of women was less than 3 cm regardless of diagnosis. RESULTS: The score of anxiety of infertile women was significantly higher than that of naturally pregnant women; however, that of spouses showed no difference. The pain score for infertile women was significantly higher in both the active and transition phases. Pain scores that reported by their spouses did not show differences in either phase. The score of maternal-fetal attachment showed no difference between two groups of women. CONCLUSION: The result showed the importance of nursing intervention to reduce women's anxiety and pain, through both antenatal-childbirth education programs and assertive nursing interventions. It is necessary to develop and evaluate new intervention which would be more effective for reducing pain and anxiety for couples who became pregnant after infertility treatment.

Long-term Functional Outcome and Related Factors in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term functional changes and its underlying factors in stroke patients. METHOD: Data were collected retrospectively from the stroke patients who had been completed at least 2 times of functional evaluation after discharge. 60 stroke patients were included and we investigated long-term change of motor, cognition and activities of daily living score at 6 months from the onset and the last score during the follow up period. The motor function included manual function test (MFT), Korean version of Berg balance scale (K-BBS), cognitive function by Korean version of mini-mental status examination (K-MMSE), activities of daily living by Korean version of modified Barthel index (K-MBI). To identify the factors influencing long-term function outcome after stroke, biographical data and risk factors were collected and bivariate correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 23.4 months and MFT, BBS, MMSE, and K-MBI scores showed no significant difference between 6 months from the onset and final evaluation. History of recurrent stroke (p = 0.007) and hypertension (p = 0.017) were significantly related with decline of cognition during follow up period. All the other independent variables were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: None of the function showed significant changes during the 2 year of mean follow-up period. Recurrent stroke and hypertension were significant predictor for decline of cognitive function. Our results suggest that secondary prevention including blood pressure control is important to prevent decline of cognitive function after stroke.

Long-term Functional Outcome and Related Factors in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term functional changes and its underlying factors in stroke patients. METHOD: Data were collected retrospectively from the stroke patients who had been completed at least 2 times of functional evaluation after discharge. 60 stroke patients were included and we investigated long-term change of motor, cognition and activities of daily living score at 6 months from the onset and the last score during the follow up period. The motor function included manual function test (MFT), Korean version of Berg balance scale (K-BBS), cognitive function by Korean version of mini-mental status examination (K-MMSE), activities of daily living by Korean version of modified Barthel index (K-MBI). To identify the factors influencing long-term function outcome after stroke, biographical data and risk factors were collected and bivariate correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 23.4 months and MFT, BBS, MMSE, and K-MBI scores showed no significant difference between 6 months from the onset and final evaluation. History of recurrent stroke (p = 0.007) and hypertension (p = 0.017) were significantly related with decline of cognition during follow up period. All the other independent variables were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: None of the function showed significant changes during the 2 year of mean follow-up period. Recurrent stroke and hypertension were significant predictor for decline of cognitive function. Our results suggest that secondary prevention including blood pressure control is important to prevent decline of cognitive function after stroke.

Relationship of Serum Homocysteine with Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Middle Aged Women / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Several studies showed the relationship between serum homocysteine and pulse wave velocity, but their subjects were confined to high risk group for cardiovascular diseases and recent study revealed no relationship in young healthy adults. We hypothesized that time interval would be needed for serum homocysteine to infl uence pulse wave velocity after exposure to vascular endothelium. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between serum homocysteine and pulse wave velocity in middle aged women on the basis of that hypothesis and necessity for further study in general population. METHODS: The study subjects were 110 middle aged women who visited a health promotion center of a general hospital. We collected medical history by means of self-reported questionnaire and measured height, weight, blood pressure and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Blood sampling was performed after overnight fasting. We analyzed the relationship between several cardiovascular risk factors and baPWV and performed multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: BaPWV velocity was correlated significantly with age, mean blood pressure, serum homocysteine, total cholesterol and diabetes mellitus, but not with body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine clearance, alcohol intake, hypertension and smoking. In multiple regression, there was a significant association between age (P = 0.04), moderate hyperhomocysteinemia (P = 0.02), mean blood pressure (P < 0.001) and baPWV. CONCLUSION: In middle aged women, there was an independently positive association between serum homocysteine and baPWV

Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer and Reproductive Hazards in Firefighters

Firefighters are facing occupational hazards such as exposures to a variety of carcinogens and toxic agents, heat, physical stress and psychological stress. This occupation involves an increased risk of particular health concerns including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and reproductive hazards. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of lifetime mortality among the firefighters as well as the principal cause of on-duty deaths. In spite of "healthy worker effect", a number of studies have found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in firefighters. There are various carcinogens in the fire smoke. Many studies address that some types of cancers are related to firefighting. These cancers include brain tumors, cancers of hematopoietic and lymphatic systems, cancers of genitourinary tract, and skin cancers. To date, the relationship between firefighting and reproductive hazards has not been widely studied. However, since firefighters are exposed to various chemical and physical hazards which might influence the reproductive systems, the concerns are raising. It is important to recognize that firefighters are at a risk of several significant health problems. To reduce the risk, it should be encouraged to use protective equipments efficiently and manage physically exerted firefighters appropriately at the fire scene. Furthermore, we should activate not only screening programs to detect health risk factors, but also medical programs to help firefighters maintain a good physical fitness.

Influence of Metabolic Syndrome on Brachial- Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a core set of disorders, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension. Many studies have shown that MetS is associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. However, the relationship of MetS with early stage of cardiovascular diseases, which is even more important from a prevention prespective, has not been examined extensively. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is known to predict future cardiovascular events. Thus, we examined the relationship of MetS, defined using the NCEP-ATP III criteria, with baPWV. METHODS: We examined a total of 400 participants who did not have a past history of either coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease. All subjects underwent physical examination, blood chemistry, and baPWV. RESULTS: Compared with subjects without MetS, subjects with MetS had increased age, body mass index (BMI), and ALT. Mean value of baPWV (adjusted for age, BMI, and blood pressure) was significantly higher in subjects with MetS (P=0.002). The baPWV was positively correlated with age, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subjects with MetS. In group without MetS, the baPWV was associated with age, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood sugar, AST, ALT, homocysteine, CRP, and ferritin. The mean values of baPWV with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 components of MetS were 1,362.3+/-182.2 cm/s, 1,531.3+/-267.0 cm/s, 1,694.1+/-315.8 cm/s, 1,777.0+/-334.0 cm/s, 2,087.7+/-192.3 cm/s, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, the MetS was associated with the risk for increased baPWV.

Influence of Metabolic Syndrome on Brachial- Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a core set of disorders, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension. Many studies have shown that MetS is associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. However, the relationship of MetS with early stage of cardiovascular diseases, which is even more important from a prevention prespective, has not been examined extensively. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is known to predict future cardiovascular events. Thus, we examined the relationship of MetS, defined using the NCEP-ATP III criteria, with baPWV. METHODS: We examined a total of 400 participants who did not have a past history of either coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease. All subjects underwent physical examination, blood chemistry, and baPWV. RESULTS: Compared with subjects without MetS, subjects with MetS had increased age, body mass index (BMI), and ALT. Mean value of baPWV (adjusted for age, BMI, and blood pressure) was significantly higher in subjects with MetS (P=0.002). The baPWV was positively correlated with age, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subjects with MetS. In group without MetS, the baPWV was associated with age, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood sugar, AST, ALT, homocysteine, CRP, and ferritin. The mean values of baPWV with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 components of MetS were 1,362.3+/-182.2 cm/s, 1,531.3+/-267.0 cm/s, 1,694.1+/-315.8 cm/s, 1,777.0+/-334.0 cm/s, 2,087.7+/-192.3 cm/s, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, the MetS was associated with the risk for increased baPWV.

Relationship of Serum Ferritin with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

BACKGROUND: Sullivan has suggested that higher incidence of coronary heart disease in men and postmenopausal women is due to higher levels of stored iron in these two groups. A few epidemiologic studies in humans have reported the association between iron stores and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. But there is conflicting evidence regarding the relationship between iron and cardiovascular diseases. The present study evaluated the relationship between ferritin and well established cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: There were 288 healthy subjects who visited a health promotion center of a general hospital. We collected data by means of self-reported questionnare and measured height, weight and blood pressure. Serum ferritin, fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles, and C-reactive protein were measured at a fasting state. RESULTS: Mean serum ferritin values were 150.1+/-82.2 ng/mL in men and 61.7+/-38.2 ng/mL in women (P<0.001). Serum ferritin level in current smoker was higher than in non-smoker (157.6+/-111.8 ng/mL versus 100.5+/-64.2 ng/mL, P=0.006). Serum ferritin was significantly and positively correlated with body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride. There was no statistical significance in age, C-reactive protein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In multiple regression analysis, there was association between ferritin and sex (beta=-80.333, P<0.001) and triglycerides (beta=0.182, P=0.030). CONCLUSION: The serum ferritin level in men is higher than in women in healthy adults. Serum ferritin is positively associated with triglycerides.

Acute Reduction of Pulse Wave Velocity after Sauna in Adults in a Community

BACKGROUND: Recently, thermal therapy such as sauna and sweating room is popular as a health behavior. In patients with heart failure, sauna treatment improves hemodynamic data and clinical symptoms by restoring endothelial function. The purpose of this study was to investigate that sauna bath could decrease pulse wave velocity reflecting vascular function of people in the community. METHODS: A total of 43 volunteers (11 male, 32 female) older than 40 years old were kept in 60 degrees C dry sauna for 15 to 20 minutes. We measured the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), blood pressure, heart rate, body weight and body temperature before and, 30 and 60 minutes after sauna bath and assessed the differences of the means of these measurements with repeated measures of ANOVA. Then, we peformed multiple regression analysis to find out the factors independently associated with the amount of baPWV change. RESULTS: The BaPWV and systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly 30 and 60 minutes after sauna bath comparing to those before (P<0.001, P=0.003, P=0.011, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that baseline baPWV and history of hypercholesterolemia independently influenced on the amount of baPWV change (beta=-0.47, P=0.002; beta=-0.36, P=0.013, respectively). CONCLUSION: We studied the acute reduction of pulse wave velocity after sauna bath in adults over 40 years old. This change was striking in the subjects with faster baseline baPWV. This result suggests that sauna bath can improve vascular function in the high risk group of cardiovascular diseases.

Relationship between Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase Level and Serum Ferritin Level in Healthy Adults

BACKGROUND: Serum gamma-GT is one of the biliary enzymes with the only enzymatic activity capable of cleaving extracellular glutathione, thus originating precursor amino acids for the intracellular resynthesis of glutathione. Several population-based studies have shown a strong cross-sectional association between serum gamma-GT concentration and cardiovascular risk factors. And prospective studies showed that serum gamma-GT concentration had a prognostic impact on cardiovascular mortality. But, the mechanism by which gamma-GT is associated with cardiovascular disease is not elucidated. We hypothesized that there was an association between serum gamma-GT and ferritin, a marker of oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum gamma-GT and serum ferritin. METHODS: By reviewing the medical records of 288 healthy adults, we determined the serum levels of gamma-GT and ferritin according to age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, hs-CRP, serum ferritin, AST, ALT, uric acid and smoking history. We studied the relationship between the variables by Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple stepwise regression analysis. Mean values of serum gamma-GT according to the smoking history were compared using t-test. RESULTS: Serum gamma-GT correlated positively with serum ferritin (r=0.42; P<0.001). BMI, triglycerides, total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, AST and ALT also showed statistically significant correlation. Smokers showed significantly higher serum gamma-GT. Serum gamma-GT correlated with serum ferritin, ALT, current smoking and triglycerides by multiple stepwise regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Serum gamma-GT correlated positively with serum ferritin.