Priming stem cells with protein kinase C activator enhances early stem cell-chondrocyte interaction by increasing adhesion molecules

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) can be defined as degradation of articular cartilage of the joint, and is the most common degenerative disease. To regenerate the damaged cartilage, different experimental approaches including stem cell therapy have been tried. One of the major limitations of stem cell therapy is the poor post-transplantation survival of the stem cells. Anoikis, where insufficient matrix support and adhesion to extracellular matrix causes apoptotic cell death, is one of the main causes of the low post-transplantation survival rate of stem cells. Therefore, enhancing the initial interaction of the transplanted stem cells with chondrocytes could improve the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy for OA. Previously, protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)- induced increase of mesenchymal stem cell adhesion via activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been reported. In the present study, we examine the effect PMA on the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) adhesion and spreading to culture substrates, and further on the initial interaction between ADSC and chondrocytes. RESULTS: PMA treatment increased the initial adhesion of ADSC to culture substrate and cellular spreading with increased expression of adhesion molecules, such as FAK, vinculin, talin, and paxillin, at both RNA and protein level. Priming of ADSC with PMA increased the number of ADSCs attached to confluent layer of cultured chondrocytes compared to that of untreated ADSCs at early time point (4 h after seeding). CONCLUSION: Taken together, the results of this study suggest that priming ADSCs with PMA can increase the initial interaction with chondrocytes, and this proof of concept can be used to develop a non-invasive therapeutic approach for treating OA. It may also accelerate the regeneration process so that it can relieve the accompanied pain faster in OA patients. Further in vivo studies examining the therapeutic effect of PMA pretreatment of ADSCs for articular cartilage damage are required.

A spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor attenuates the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND: Pathologic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration after vascular injury promotes the development of occlusive vascular disease. Therefore, an effective chemical agent to suppress aberrant proliferation and migration of VSMCs can be a potential therapeutic modality for occlusive vascular disease such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. To find an anti-proliferative chemical agent for VSMCs, we screened an in-house small molecule library, and the selected small molecule was further validated for its anti-proliferative effect on VSMCs using multiple approaches, such as cell proliferation assays, wound healing assays, transwell migration assays, and ex vivo aortic ring assay. RESULTS: Among 43 initially screened small molecule inhibitors of kinases that have no known anti-proliferative effect on VSMCs, a spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor (BAY61-3606) showed significant anti-proliferative effect on VSMCs. Further experiments indicated that BAY61 attenuated the VSMC proliferation in both concentration- and time-dependent manner, and it also significantly suppressed the migration of VSMCs as assessed by both wound healing assays and transwell assays. Additionally, BAY61 suppressed the sprouting of VSMCs from endothelium-removed aortic rings. CONCLUSION: The present study identified a Syk kinase inhibitor as a potent VSMC proliferation and migration inhibitor and warrants further studies to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms, such as its primary target, and to validate its in vivo efficacy as a therapeutic agent for restenosis and atherosclerosis.

Pulmonary Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis as an Initial Presentation of Myelodysplastic Syndrome / 결핵및호흡기질환

Systemic vasculitis involving the lung is a rare manifestation of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and secondary vasculitis is considered to have poor prognosis. A 44-year-old man presented with fever and dyspnea of 1 month duration. A chest radiograph revealed bilateral multiple wedge shaped consolidations. In addition, the results of a percutaneous needle biopsy for non-resolving pneumonia were compatible with pulmonary vasculitis. Bone marrow biopsy was performed due to the persistence of unexplained anemia and the patient was diagnosed with MDS. We reported a case of secondary vasculitis presenting as non-resolving pneumonia, later diagnosed as paraneoplastic syndrome of undiagnosed MDS. The cytopenia and vasculitis improved after a short course of glucocorticoid treatment, and there was no recurrence despite the progression of underlying MDS.

Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion with tent screws and a custom-made palatal expander: a case report / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Rapid palatal expansion(RPE) with the tooth-born appliance is not sufficient to apply to the patients with periodontal problem or insufficient tooth anchorage, and it leads to tipping of the anchorage teeth and increasing teeth mobility and root resorption. To avoid these disadvantages, we present the case using palatal screws and custommade palatal expander. A 23-year-old patient underwent surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion with the Hyrax expansion using 4 tent screws. The study models were used to measure the pre-/-post surgical width of the anterior and posterior dental arches with a digital sliding caliper. In the result, the custom-made palatal expander with 4 tent screws is suitable for delivering a force to the mid-palatal suture expansion. And it is low cost, small sized and simply applied. The results indicated that maxillary expansion with the custom-made palatal anchorage device is predictable and stable technique without significant complications in patients.

Acute gastric volvulus treated with laparoscopic reduction and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy / 대한외과학회지

Acute gastric volvulus requires emergency surgery, and a laparoscopic approach for both acute and chronic gastric volvulus was reported recently to give good results. The case of a 50-year-old patient with acute primary gastric volvulus who was treated by laparoscopic reduction and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is described here. This approach seems to be feasible and safe for not only chronic gastric volvulus, but also acute gastric volvulus.

Four Voltage-Gated Potassium Currents in Trigeminal Root Ganglion Neurons

Various voltage-gated K+ currents were recently described in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. However, the characterization and diversity of voltage-gated K+ currents have not been well studied in trigeminal root ganglion (TRG) neurons, which are similar to the DRG neurons in terms of physiological roles and anatomy. This study was aimed to investigate the characteristics and diversity of voltage-gated K+ currents in acutely isolated TRG neurons of rat using whole cell patch clamp techniques. The first type (type I) had a rapid, transient outward current (I(A)) with the largest current size having a slow inactivation rate and a sustained delayed rectifier outward current (I(K)) that was small in size having a fast inactivation rate. The I(A) currents of this type were mostly blocked by TEA and 4-AP, K channel blockers whereas the I(K) current was inhibited by TEA but not by 4-AP. The second type had a large I(A) current with a slow inactivation rate and a medium size-sustained delayed IK current with a slow inactivation rate. In this second type (type II), the sensitivities of the I(A) or I(K) current by TEA and 4-AP were similar to those of the type I. The third type (type III) had a medium sized I(A) current with a fast inactivation rate and a large sustained I(K) current with the slow inactivation rate. In type III current, TEA decreased both I(A) and I(K) but 4-AP only blocked I(A) current. The fourth type (type IV) had a smallest I(A) with a fast inactivation rate and a large IK current with a slow inactivation rate. TEA or 4-AP similarly decreased the I(A) but the I(K) was only blocked by 4-AP. These findings suggest that at least four different voltage-gated K+ currents in biophysical and pharmacological properties exist in the TRG neurons of rats.

Effectiveness of endoscopic clipping and computed tomography gastroscopy for the preoperative localization of gastric cancer / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: Before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer can be planned, it is very important to know the precise location of the tumor. The aim of this study was to evaluate 3 methods of predicting the exact location of the tumor: preoperative gastrofibroscopy (GFS), preoperative computed tomography gastroscopy (CT), and intraoperative gastroscopy-guided laparoscopy (Lap). METHODS: In this study, 15 patients were prospectively identified, and endoscopic clips were preoperatively placed on the proximal 1 cm of the tumor, at the angle on the greater curvature and opposite the angle on the greater curvature. The distances between the pylorus and the proximal tumor clip (PT), the angle clip (PA), the greater curvature clip (PG), and the gastroesophageal junction were measured by preoperative GFS, preoperative CT, intraoperative Lap, and visual inspection (Vis). RESULTS: PT, PA, and PG values measured by preoperative GFS differed significantly from the Vis values (P < 0.01). However, preoperative CT measurements of PT, PA, and PG did not differ from the Vis values (P = 0.78, P = 0.48, and P = 0.53, respectively). Intraoperative Lap and Vis PT values differed by only 1.1 cm on an average (P = 0.10), but PA and PG values varied by 1.9 and 3.4 cm, respectively (P = 0.01 for both). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic clipping combined with preoperative CT gastroscopy is more useful than preoperative GFS for preoperatively predicting the location of early gastric cancers and will be helpful for planning laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Survival of hypoxic human mesenchymal stem cells is enhanced by a positive feedback loop involving miR-210 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has emerged as a potential new treatment for myocardial infarction. However, the poor viability of MSCs after transplantation critically limits the efficacy of this new strategy. The expression of microRNA-210 (miR-210) is induced by hypoxia and is important for cell survival under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia increases the levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) protein and miR-210 in human MSCs (hMSCs). miR-210 positively regulates HIF-1alpha activity. Furthermore, miR-210 expression is also induced by hypoxia through the regulation of HIF-1alpha. To investigate the effect of miR-210 on hMSC survival under hypoxic conditions, survival rates along with signaling related to cell survival were evaluated in hMSCs over-expressing miR-210 or ones that lacked HIF-1alpha expression. Elevated miR-210 expression increased survival rates along with Akt and ERK activity in hMSCs with hypoxia. These data demonstrated that a positive feedback loop involving miR-210 and HIF-1alpha was important for MSC survival under hypoxic conditions.

Condylar repositioning using centric relation bite in bimaxillary surgery / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate displacement of the mandibular condyle after orthognathic surgery using a condylar-repositioning device. METHODS: The patient group comprised 20 adults who underwent bimaxillary surgery between August 2008 and July 2011. The degree of condylar displacement was measured by pre- and postoperative tomographic analysis using centric relation bite and a wire during surgery. A survey assessing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sound, pain, and locking was performed. The 20 tomographs and surveys were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and McNemar's test, respectively. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in the anterior, superior, or posterior joint space of the TMJ (p > 0.05). In addition, no significant change was observed in TMJ sound (p > 0.05). However, TMJ pain and locking both decreased significantly after surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Due to its simplicity, this method may be feasible and useful for repositioning condyles.

A Comparison of the Effects of Concomitant Analgesics with Midazolam for Sedative Dental Therapy

Gingival Squamous Carcinoma with Metastatic Lymph Node Involvement of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma in the Maxilla: A Case Report

Microleakage of composite resin restoration according to the number of thermocycling / 대한치과보존학회지

Present tooth bonding system can be categorized into total etching bonding system (TE) and self-etching boding system (SE) based on their way of smear layer treatment. The purposes of this study were to compare the effectiveness between these two systems and to evaluate the effect of number of themocycling on microleakage of class V composite resin restorations. Total forty class V cavities were prepared on the single-rooted bovine teeth and were randomly divided into four experimental groups: two kinds of bonding system and another two kinds of thermocycling groups. Half of the cavities were filled with Z250 follwing the use of TE system, Single Bond and another twenty cavities were filled with Metafil and AQ Bond, SE system. All composite restoratives were cured using light curing unit (XL2500, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) for 40 seconds with a light intensity of 600 mW/cm2. Teeth were stored in distilled water for one day at room temperature and were finished and polished with Sof-Lex system. Half of teeth were thermocycled 500 times and the other half were thermocycled 5,000 times between 5degrees C and 55degrees C for 30 second at each temperature. Teeth were isolated with two layers of nail varnish except the restoration surface and 1 mm surrounding margins. Electrical conductivity (microA) was recorded in distilled water by electrochemical method. Microleakage scores were compared and analyzed using two-way ANOVA at 95% level. From this study, following results were obtained: There was no interaction between variables of bonding system and number of thermocycling (p = 0.485). Microleakage was not affected by the number of thermocycling either (p = 0.814). However, Composite restoration of Metafil and AQ Bond, SE bond system showed less microleakage than composite restoration of Z250 and Single Bond, TE bond system (p = 0.005).

Acoustic Analysis of Neonatal Crying According to Body Weight, Sex and Delivery Type / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Crying is the only mode of communication, which simultaneously reflects a variety of complex neurophysiologic and laryngeal functions in neonates. Acoustic analysis of crying, as an early noninvasive screening measure of the neurophysiological integrity, can reveal important information about the biological status of neonate. The purpose of this research was to establish normative acoustic data on healthy neonatal crying. This study also attempted to find out the differences in the pattern of healthy neonatal crying according to body weight, sex and delivery type (normal spontaneous vaginal delivery and Cesarean section). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Crying of 33 healthy full term neonates (19 males, 14 females) were sampled within 1 wk postpartum. All neonates were free of any respiratory, laryngeal, CNS pathology according to the charts reviewed at one month. All neonates were considered to have normal hearing as they passed a hearing screening test using Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (EOAE). Body weight, sex, delivery type and Apgar score (1 min, 5 min) were measured. The acoustic characteristics of neonatal crying were analyzed by CSL (Computerized Speech Lab) using parameters such as fundamental frequency (F0), Jitter (%), Shimmer (%), NHR and formant frequency (F1, F2, F3). Statistics were analyzed by independent T-test, pearson's correlation coefficients (p<0.05, by SPSS ver 10.0). RESULTS: Mean body weight and Apgar score (1 min, 5 min) of all subjects were within normal range. Mean fundamental frequency (F0) value of healthy full term neonatal crying was 411.1 Hz. This value showed a shift to higher frequencies in neonates born by spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) than Cesarean section (C-sec) delivery, and so, in males than females. But statistic significance in F0 between delivery types, and between sex were not found (p-value 0.158, 0.508). Mean Jitter (%), Shimmer (%) and NHR value were 2.02, 8.34 and 0.32, respectively. These values showed a shift to higher in neonates born by C-sec delivery than SVD, and also in males than females. But statistical significance in these parameters between delivery types, and between sex were not found (p-value 0.442, 0.841, 0.301, 0.082, 0.070, 0.244). Formant frequency F1, F2 and F3 were 1882.4 Hz, 3877.9 Hz and 6053.6 Hz, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in these values between sex, and delivery types (p-value 0.619, 0.785, 0.953, 0.255, 0.698, 0.636). For the healthy full term neonates, F0 value had a tendency to decrease as the body weight increases. But there was no significantly strong negative correlations between them. (r=-0.324, p-value 0.066). Other acoustic parameters didn't show any statistically significant relevance with body weight, either. CONCLUSION: Body weight, sex and delivery type had little influence over acoustic parameters of healthy full term neonatal crying. However, this acoustic analysis of crying could be helpful in differentiating between normal and abnormal neonates, and in screening CNS dysfunction, neurophysiologic and laryngeal abnormality.

Effectiveness and Compliance of Immunotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness and the compliance rates of immunotherapy, and to identify the factors affecting the compliance of immunotherapy. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We evaluated the charts of 120 patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, for which allergen immunotherapy was carried out from 1998 and 2000. Information was obtained via chart reviews and telephone surveys. RESULTS: Among the 120 patients with allergic rhinitis, 41 patients also had asthma. The common allergens identified by the skin prick test prior to immunotherapy were D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, dog fur, cat fur, and cockroaches, et al. The skin prick test reactivity to common allergens is significantly lower after three years of immunotherapy than it is prior to immunotherapy. The satisfaction of patients after immunotherapy between the allergic rhinitis group and allergic rhinitis with asthma group are as follows: much satisfied (25.4%/27.3%), fairy satisfied (31.6%/33.7%), a little satisfied (15.2%/17.2%), not satisfied (17.1%/13.3%), and unsure (10.7%/8.5%). In our study, the compliance rates of immunotherapy were 65.7%. The reasons cited for discontinuance of allergen immunotherapy were inconvenience (45%), lack of improvement in symptoms (23%), improvement in symptoms (15%), greater improvement in symptoms through medication (11%), and other reason (7%). CONCLUSION: If we increase the compliance of immunotherapy through various researches on the compliance of immunotherapy and educating patients about it, allergen immunotherapy may become more effective in treating allergic disorders.

A Comparative Study between Male and Female Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) is considered a disorder that occurs predominantly in men. A thorough understanding of the sex difference in OSA can help the medical community in consultation, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases. So, differences between female and male should be taken into consideration in further evaluation and management of OSA. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Three hundred and sixteen patients (47 women and 269 men), diagnosed as having OSA based on polysomnography (PSG) in the sleep disorder clinic between July 1994 and December 2002, were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Female patients were older and had less severe OSA than men. In the group of patients showing the similar degree of sleep apnea measured according to RDI, female patients were significantly older, with more of them in the postmenopausal age; there were no difference with respect to obesity, except for the severe group. In the group of patients having the same age and obesity, males had more severe apnea, but females tended to have severe apnea over the age of 50. In terms of subjective symptoms, male patients noted more severe OSA symptom, daytime fatigue, attention deficiency than female patients, who noted morning headache and depression more often than their counterpart. CONCLUSION: Female patients showed less morbidity than male patients and also tended to be more obese. Current clinical evaluation of OSA must take into account this gender disparity

The Influence of Labor and Cesarean Section in Uroflowmetry / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the uroflow parameters of the pregnant women before delivery and immediate postpartum period. METHODS: Forty four patients delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery (NVD group) and 46 patients by Cesarean section (C/SEC group) and 28 non-pregnant young women (Control group) were included in this study. Uroflow were checked 1 day before and 2 days after delivery by Jupiter 8000 (FM Wiest(R)) uroflowmetry. Mean value of the uroflow parameters in each group was compared using ANOVA t-test. For continuous data, linear associations with each of the uroflow parameters were assessed using a Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Maximal (18.48+/-5.21 mL/sec) and mean flow rate (9.45+/-3.73 mL/sec) of pregnant women were lower than control group (22.75+/-5.14 mL/sec), and were not changed after delivery (18.79+/-6.03 mL/ sec). Total flow time of pregnant woman (14.06+/-6.09 sec) was longer than control group (8.05+/-5.32 sec) before delivery, and increased after delivery especially after cesarean delivery. Time to peak flow of pregnant women (8.44+/-9.48 sec) was shorter than control group (16.33+/-6.11 sec) before delivery, and was similar to control group after delivery. Total voided volume (121.39+/-50.17 mL) was less than control group before delivery, and was increased after delivery (246.77+/-127.42 mL). Total voided volume after delivery was not different with control group statistically. CONCLUSION: There was no statistically differences before and after delivery in maximal flow rate, but was lower than non-pregnant women. Total flow time was much prolonged after delivery, especially after cesarean delivery. Time to peak flow and voided volume were restored to levels of non-pregnant women after delivery.

Impact of Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy on Child Personality and Behavior / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although children's personality and behavior change caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy have been thought to significantly relate with children's growth and learning capability, it has not been substantiated by any available standarized assessment. We aim to uncover the impact of adenotonsillar hypertrophy on children's personality and behavior by K-CBCL (Korean Child Behavior Checklist) and KPI-C (Korean Personality Inventory for Children). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Children aged 5 through 15 years old, a total of 33 (M: 18 F: 15) who were scheduled for T & A (Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy), were studied. The control group consisted of 42 healthy children (M: 22 F: 20) of the same age. Two standard questionnaires, K-CBCL and KPI-C, were given to the parents of the children to complete and then a statistical analysis carried out by a clinical psychologist for interpretation (p<0.05, by SPSS v10.0). RESULTS: According to K-CBCL, internalizing problems and total behavior problems were of statistical significance for the patient group compared to healthy children (p<0.05). KPI-C test revealed statistical significance on ERS (ego resilience scale), ANX (anxiety), SOM (somatization) and FAM (familial relationship)(p<0.05). In both groups, the results between gender were quite different. In female patient group, the total behavior problems were indicated, while in the male patient group, the total behavior problem, internalizing problem as well as somatic complaints were indicated. Especially, indications of ERS and SOM were of statistical significance (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy have difficulty in adaptation, and lack the ability to respond to situation, and easily get broken down by stress, and experience frequent anxiety.

Pulpal and periapical reaction to formocresol and depulpin(R) in the rat teeth / 대한치과보존학회지

One fifth dilution of formocresol is usually used for pulpotomy of the primary teeth and emergency pulpotomy of the permanent teeth. However, the use of formaldehyde has been subjected to criticism because it may be absorbed into the blood stream and become distributed systemically, it may also alter the pulp tissue rendering it immunologically active, and have carcinogenic potential. Recently Depulpin(R)(VoCo., Germany) gains popularity as a devitalizing agent during root canal therapy in spite of high concentration of 49% paraformaldehyde because it facilitate devitalization of pulp and make root canal therapy easier. But there have been not enough publications about the reaction of pulp and periapical tissue caused by Depulpin. This study was performed to evaluate the histological changes in pulp and periapical tissue of rats after pulpotomy using formocresol and Depulpin and to elucidate the toxic effects of these agents. Thirty six Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of ketamine. Maxillary first molar teeth were used for pulpotomy with formocresol and Depulpin. Rats were sacrificed after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. Specimens were histologically observed by light microscope changes in pulp and periapical tissue. The obtained results were as follows. 1. Formocresol group A zone of fixed tissue, in which odontoblasts could clearly be defined, was present directly underneath the pulpotomy dressing in almost all teeth of this group. This was followed by an area of necrotic tissue which resembled dried out fibrous tissue with no cellular detail except some pyknotic nuclei. In the specimens of after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks in which vital tissue was present, it was separated from the fibrous area by a zone of inflammation. In the specimens of after 3 weeks and after 4 weeks, inflammatory infiltrate was in the periodontal ligament adjacent to the apical foramina of the teeth. 2. Depulpin(R) group The area of necrotic tissue which had no cells and fibers, was present adjacent to the dressing. This was followed by dried out fibrous tissue with no cellular details except some pyknotic nuclei. A short stump of vital pulp with odontoblasts was present at the end of the canal after 2 days. Inflammatory infiltrate was in the periodontal ligament after 4 days and after 1week. Severe root resorption and necrosis of periapical tissue opposite the root resorption site were defined after 2 weeks and after 3 weeks. Periapical lesion which consist of necrotic tissue surrounded by a fibrous connective wall, was found after 4 weeks. The results indicated that Depulpin can cause more adverse reaction to the dental pulp and periapical tissue than formocresol, and further studies are needed for its clinical use with safety.

Infrared thermographic analysis of temperature rise on the surface of buchanan plugger / 대한치과보존학회지

This study was performed to evaluate the temperature rise on various position of the Buchanan plugger, the peak temperature of plugger's type and the temperature change by its touching time of heat control spring. The heat carrier system 'System B'(Model 1005, Analytic Technologies, USA) and the Buchanan's pluggers of F, FM, M and ML sizes are used for this study. The temperature was set to 200degrees C which Dr. Buchanan's "continuous wave of condensation" technique recommended on digital display and the power level on it was set to 10. In order to apply heat on the Buchanan's pluggers, the heat control spring was touched for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 seconds respectively. The temperature rise on the surface of the pluggers were measured at 0.5 mm intervals from tip to 20 mm length of shank using the infrared thermography (Radiation Thermometer-IR Temper, NEC San-ei Instruments, Ltd, Japan) and TH31-702 Data capture software program (NEC San-ei Instruments, Ltd, Japan). Data were analyzed using a one way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test and linear regression test. The results as follows. 1. The position at which temperature peaked was approximately at 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm far from the tip of Buchanan's pluggers (p<0.001). The temperature was constantly decreased toward the shank from the tip of it (p<0.001). 2. When the pluggers were heated over 5 seconds, the peak temperature by time of measurement revealed from 253.3+/-10.5degrees C to 192.1+/-3.3degrees C in a touch for 1 sec, from 218.6+/-5.0degrees C to 179.5+/-4.2degrees C in a touch for 2 sec, from 197.5+/-3.0degrees C to 167.6+/-3.7degrees C in a touch for 3 sec, from 183.7+/-2.5degrees C to 159.8+/-3.6degrees C in a touch for 4 sec and from 164.9+/-2.0degrees C to 158.4+/-1.8degrees C in a touch for 5 sec. A touch for 1 sec showed the highest peak temperature, followed by, in descending order, 2 sec, 3 sec, 4 sec. A touch for 5 sec showed the lowest peak temperature (p<0.001). 3. A each type of pluggers showed different peak temperatures. The peak temperature was the highest in F type and followed by, in descending order, M type, ML type. FM type revealed the lowest peak temperature (p<0.001). The results of this study indicated that pluggers are designed to concentrate heat at around its tip, its actual temperature does not correlate well with the temperature which Buchanan's "continuous wave of condensation" technique recommend, and finally a quick touch of heat control spring for 1sec reveals the highest temperature rise.