Relationship between Saliva Factors Measured Using the SILL-HaⓇ Saliva Test System and Blood Cell Counts according to Perceived Stress Scale Scores in Female College Students / 치위생과학회지

Background@#Stress as a cause of mental health problems is known to be more prevalent in women than in men and has a negative effect on several aspects of physical health, such as the composition of blood and saliva. This study investigated the relationship of perceived stress with blood cell counts, saliva flow rate, and saliva factors. @*Methods@#We recruited women in their 20s with a high prevalence of stress. Stress was evaluated using the Korean version of the perceived stress scale. Blood tests included white blood cell, hemoglobin, and platelet. We then examined the saliva flow rate and cariogenic bacteria level, acidity, occult blood, buffer capacity, leukocyte level, protein level, and ammonia level using rinse water with the SILL-HaⓇ saliva test system. @*Results@#In a total of 70 participants, the average age was 21.64 years old, the average perceived stress score was 16.96±4.32, and high levels of stress were reported by 80% of the participants (n=56). The high-stress group had lower hemoglobin levels. In addition, the high-stress group showed a lower saliva flow rate than the low-stress group, and there was a difference in the salivary acidity and buffer capacity. The total perceived stress score showed a positive correlation with acidity and negative correlation with buffer capacity and the hemoglobin level. @*Conclusion@#This study found that stress in female college students might affect the composition of blood and saliva. High levels of stress were positively correlated with the hemoglobin level, saliva flow rate, and acidity and negatively correlated with the buffer capacity.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics of Fluorescence in Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence Images according to the Maturation Level of Dental Plaque / 치위생과학회지

Background@#Proper detection and management of dental plaque are essential for individual oral health. We aimed to evaluatethe maturation level of dental plaque using a two-tone disclosing agent and to compare it with the fluorescence of dental plaque on the quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) image to obtain primary data for the development of a new dental plaque scoring system. @*Methods@#Twenty-eight subjects who consented to participate after understanding the purpose of the study were screened. Theimages of the anterior teeth were obtained using the QLF device. Subsequently, dental plaque was stained with a two-tone disclosing solution and a photograph was obtained with a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. The staining scores were assigned as follows: 0 for no staining, 1 for pink staining, and 2 for blue staining. The marked points on the DSLR images were selected for RGB color analysis. The relationship between dental plaque maturation and the red/green (R/G) ratio was evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation. Additionally, different red fluorescence values according to dental plaque accumulation were assessed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Scheffe’s post-hoc test to identify statistically significant differences between the groups. @*Results@#A comparison of the intensity of red fluorescence according to the maturation of the two-tone stained dental plaque confirmed that R/G ratio was higher in the QLF images with dental plaque maturation (p＜0.001). Correlation analysis between the stained dental plaque and the red fluorescence intensity in the QLF image confirmed an excellent positive correlation (p＜0.001). @*Conclusion@#A new plaque scoring system can be developed based on the results of the present study. In addition, these study @*results@#may also help in dental plaque management in the clinical setting.

Possibility of a Standardized System for Task-Related Hierarchal Positions of Dental Hygienists / 치위생과학회지

Background@#Despite the demand for greater competence of dental hygienists in recent times, and the consequent standardization of systems in the organizations, there is a lack of a proper system for hierarchal positions of dental hygienists.The aim of this study was to identify the tasks performed by Korean dental hygienists in various work settings and hierarchal positions to suggest a standardized system for task-related hierarchal positions. @*Methods@#A survey was conducted by sending questionnaires to 966 dental hygienists, and responses from 757 participants were included in the final analysis. The survey comprised questions regarding participants’ general characteristics, tasks, current positions, and the internal policies or standards of the respective organizations to define these positions. The participants’ positions were analyzed as frequency and cross-sectional analysis with respect to their general characteristics, their place in the organizational charts, the size of their workplaces, and differences in the tasks performed. @*Results@#Data showed that 82.6% of the hospitals and clinics in Korea have organizational systems to determine the positions, and there was a significant difference in the systems according to the size of the health facility (p＜0.05). The standards or policies used to define positions within general or university hospitals were determined by internal regulations or bylaws, whereas work experience was the major determinant of positions in smaller dental hospitals or clinics. The main tasks performed by dental hygienists in Korea were dental assistance (81.2%), routine dental hygiene tasks (53.4%), and administrative tasks, such as reception and billing (46.1%). @*Conclusion@#Most dental hygienists in Korea are actively involved in dental assistance. Therefore, their specific tasks and responsibilities should be standardized more effectively. The data obtained from this study can be used to establish a standardized position system.

Are Vitamin Beverages Good for Dental Health? / 치위생과학회지

Background@#Although the consumption of vitamin beverages has increased because of the recent interest in health and beauty, guidelines addressing appropriate consumption habits are lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the erosive potential of several vitamin beverages and to propose guidelines for the appropriate intake of these drinks. @*Methods@#Five vitamin beverages were selected after a pre-investigation of the current beverage market. Coca-Cola and mineral water were selected as the control beverages. The pH of the beverages was measured with a calibrated pH meter, and the titratable acidity (TA) was determined by using 1 M sodium hydroxide to reach pH 5.5 (TA5.5) and 7.0 (TA7.0). The screening method suggested by the International Organization for Standardization was used to measure pH variation (pH) by using an under-saturated hydroxyapatite solution to determine the difference between the initial and final pH of the screening solution. All measurements were performed in triplicate. @*Results@#All vitamin beverages tested in this study exhibited a low pH (2.53∼2.99), similar to Coca-Cola, which is known to be a highly acidic beverage. The highest TA5.5 and TA7.0 values of the vitamin beverages were 7.03 ml and 8.81 ml, respectively. The largest change in pH determined by using the screening solution was found in Bacchus D (pH 1.44±0.05). The mean pH of the vitamin beverages was 1.12±0.29, which was higher than that of Coca-Cola (positive control, pH 0.58±0.05). @*Conclusion@#Vitamin beverages exhibited an erosive potential capable of damaging enamel surfaces. Therefore, the frequency of vitamin beverage intake should be limited, and individuals consuming these drinks should try to restore normal oral pH as quickly as possible.

Percutaneous Transabdominal Metallic Stent Placement for Palliation of Afferent Loop Syndrome: A Case Report

The authors report a successful outcome after percutaneous transabdominal placement of a self-expandable metallic stent in a patient who had afferent loop syndrome caused by recurrent common bile duct adenocarcinoma. Enhanced abdominal CT showed marked dilation of the afferent loop adjacent to the anterior peritoneum, multiple hepatic metastases and lymph node metastasis around the choledochojejunal anastomosis site without marked dilation of intrahepatic bile ducts. Percutaneous drainage catheter was successfully placed to the dilated afferent loop just below the abdominal wall. Subsequent successful palliation of the afferent loop obstruction was achieved by placing a self-expandable metallic stent via the transabdominal route with the aid of cone-beam CT.

Adenomyoma in the Body of Stomach Presenting as a Pedunculated Polyp Treated by Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

An adenomyoma is a rare, benign tumor, characteristically composed of a mixture of glandular structures with intervening bundles of smooth muscle. An adenomyoma is considered to be a variant of an ectopic pancreas, without exocrine or endocrine components. Adenomyomas of the gastrointestinal tract are found most frequently in the stomach and the small intestine is rarely involved. Gastric adenomyoma is frequently localized in the antrum or pylorus and very rarely occurs in the body. Adenomyomas often appear as a submucosal mass. A 48-year-old man was referred for further management of a 2.5-cm pedunculated polyp in the stomach. The resected tumor was diagnosed as an adenomyoma of the stomach. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature of gastric adenomyoma that presented as a pedunculated polyp in the body and was treated completely with endoscopic resection.

Efficacy of dentifrices containing policresulen in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis formation / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This clinical study aimed to investigate if dentifrices containing policresulen would help to control dental plaque and gingivitis. METHODS: Seventy-eight eligible adults participated in this double-blind and randomized clinical study after an initial oral examination, calculus removal, and tooth prophylaxis. Two weeks after the procedure, the participants were assigned to three groups using the following dentifrices: (1) a dentifrice containing 0.22% NaF (control group); (2) a dentifrice containing 0.22% NaF and 100 ppm policresulen (policresulen group); and (3) a dentifrice containing 0.22% NaF, 100 ppm policresulen, and 1.00% bamboo salt (policresulen/bamboo group). The participants used only the provided dentifrice (for 1 min, twice a day, over 8 weeks) when brushing their teeth and followed their normal brushing habits. Dental plaque accumulation and gingivitis measurements were conducted using the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index (PI), the Loe and Silness gingival index (GI), and the percent bleeding on probing (%BOP) to obtain baseline data and 4- and 8-week data after grouping. RESULTS: A total of 73 participants aged 35.92+/-11.46 years (mean+/-SD) completed the study. The results after 8 weeks demonstrated statistically significant group-by-time interactions for PI, GI, and %BOP (P<0.001). The PI observed in the control groups increased over time up to 6%, while that observed in the dentifrice groups containing policresulen decreased by 5% (P<0.001). For GI and %BOP, the control group exhibited significantly higher values after 8 weeks, while the policresulen and the policresulen/bamboo groups revealed similar index values as the baseline after 4 and 8 weeks. The changes in all indices were significantly different between the control and the two experimental groups. There were no significant differences in the results obtained from the policresulen/bamboo group and the results obtained from the policresulen group. CONCLUSIONS: Use of dentifrices containing policresulen over 8 weeks demonstrated anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis efficacy compared to a control dentifrice.

Assessing the clinical validity of a new caries activity test using dental plaque acidogenicity / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at evaluating the clinical usability of a new caries activity test (Cariview(R)), which was based on the acidogenic potential of plaque by evaluating it's correlation with the DMFT index and comparing the results of Cariview(R) with those of previous caries activity tests in an adult group. METHODS: Teeth of 74 subjects were examined, and the DMFT index was calculated according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria to determine the past caries experience. Caries activity tests were performed according to manufacturer's instructions. For Cariview(R) test, plaque samples were collected from the tooth surface by using a sterile cotton swab and incubated at 37degrees C for 48 h; an indicator was added to observe the color changes according to the plaque acidogenicity. The subjects were classified into three groups (Low, Moderate, High) according to the level of caries risk. The data were assessed using one-way ANOVA to compare the caries experiences of risk groups according to the caries activity test results, and the relationships between the caries activity tests and the DMFT index were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall mean DMFT index was 5.70+/-4.42. There was a significant difference in the DMFT index among the caries risk groups (Low, Moderate, High) according to the Cariview(R) test result (P=0.036). Further, there was a positive correlation between the Cariview(R) score and the DMFT index (r=0.23, P=0.047) and between the Cariview(R) score and the previous caries activity tests score (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The new caries activity test (Cariview(R)) can be easily used at dental clinics and enables precise caries risk assessment.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Nonsurgical Treatment of Postburn Hypertrophic Scar

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatment and to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonographic assessment in postburn hypertrophic scar. METHODS: The subjects were twenty-seven burn patients with hypertrophic scar. Hypertrophic scars were treated by four different methods: triamcinolone acetonide injection (Group I), pressure garment application (Group II), combination treatment of triamcinolone acetonide and garment (Group III) and no treatment (Group IV). To assess the effectiveness of each treatment method, ultrasonographic measurement of scar thickness and punch biopsy of scar were done before and after treatment. RESULTS: After 4 weeks treatment, the scar thickness decreased by 14.9 9.4% in Group I, 4.7 8.4% in Group II and 20.5 13.2% in Group III. However the scar thickness increased by 10.0 13.5% in Group IV (no treatment). The pathologic findings didn't show significant change. CONCLUSION: The TA solution injection therapy and pressure garment therapy were effective methods for the treatment of the postburn hypertrophic scar, but the combinations of both therapies was more effective than each single therapy. The ultrasonography can be used as objective measure to assess effectiveness of therapy.

Herpes Simplex Esophagitis: A report of two cases

Herpes simplex esophagitis has been recognized with increased frequency as an opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed or debilitated patients. However, it is also documented as self-limited esophagitis in apparently healthy patients. We report two cases of herpetic esophagitis diagnosed by biopsies. One case was noted in an immunocompetent patient having gastric peptic ulcer who had clinical improvement with symptomatic treatment. And the other was noted in an immunosuppressed patient having chemotherapy for gastric carcinoma who had resolution of symptoms with acyclovir therapy. Histologically, esophageal mucosa exhibited erosion and inflammatory cellular exudate with intranuclear eosinophilic inclusions in the epithelial cells. These were confirmed by the PCR and immunohistochemical stain for herpes simplex virus using a biopsy material.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast: A case report

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is an uncommon carcinoma accounting for less than 1% of the breast carcinoma. This type of carcinoma has a distinctive histology, such as cylindromatous, cribriform, glandlike space and solid pattern in the variable proportion. Prognosis is favorable with rare recurrence or metastasis and the guideline for therapy is not well established. We experienced a case of ACC of right breast in the 48 year-old woman. Cytologically, it showed numerous three-dimensional, well outlined cell clusters with central core of homogeneous, eosinophilic material. The mass was well demarcated, firm and measured 2.5 2.5 2 cm. Cut surface was yellowish white and granular with focal necrosis. Histologically, the tumor was composed of cylindromatous, adenoid and solid area with marked cellular atypia. Focal invasion was identified in the adipose tissue around the tumor. Histologic and nuclear grade was III by Kleer's grade. Nodal metastasis was not found.

Secretory carcinoma of the Breast Diagnosed by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology / 대한암학회지

Secretory carcinoma is a very rare tumor of the breast and demonstrates distinctive pathologic features such as large amounts of intracellular and extracellular secretion and vacuolated or granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. We experienced a case of secretory carcinoma of the breast in a 57-year-old woman diagnosed with the fine needle aspiration and confirmed by breast conserving surgery. The cytologic smears were composed of numerous cohesive sheets or isolated tumor cells with intracytoplasmic vacuolization and extracellular lumens. The carcinoma cells were generally medium-sized, but showed mild size variation. Cytoplasm was moderate to abundant in amount and appeared vacuolated with occa sional eosinophillic, granular and lacy pattern, and was positive to PAS and D-PAS stain. Many signet ring-like cells with a single intracytoplasmic vacuole displacing the nucleus were scattered. Most of the nuclei appeared round with slight hyperchromasia, and had finely granular or opaque chromatin and small prominent nucleoli. The histologic findings showed solid or microcystic pattern of tumor cells separated by dense, hyalinized fibrous septa.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with Osteoclast-like Giant cells: A Case Report / 대한세포병리학회지

Malignant tumors of the breast with stromal multinucleated giant cells are rare entity of uncertain clinical significance. There have been few reports on the fine needle aspiration cytologic(FNAC) findings about these rare tumors. We report a FNAC case of invasive mammary carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells not only for its rare occurrence but in particular for its distinctive cytologic picture on aspirated material. The patient was a 40-year-old woman who presented with a right breast mass for one month. Mammography showed a well-demarcated rounded mass density without calcification. The aspirates of FNAC were highly cellular and two main cell types were seen; malignant epithelial cells and osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells. The carcinoma cells occurred singly or arranged in loose clusters with ill-defined cytoplasm, oval nuclei, coarse chromatin and small but distinct nucleoli. The multinucleated giant cells showed variable number of nuclei with prominent nucleoli and abundant dense oxyphilic cytoplasm. The immunocytochemical studies suggested that osteoclast-like giant cells were not of epithelial origin, but rather of histiocytic origin.

Cytologic Findings of Infectious Mononucleosis Lymphadenitis: A Report of Four Cases / 대한세포병리학회지

Infectious mononucleosis(IM) is an acute self-limiting lymphoproliferative disorder associated with infection by the Epstein-Barr Virus(EBV), with the characteristic triad of fever, sore throat, and cervical or generalized lymphadenopathy. And also there are atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. Cytological findings of IM lymphadenitis are characterized by a florid immunoblastic and atypical lymphoid cell proliferation. However, the small number of cases were studied by fineneedle aspiration cytology(FNAC) even though there was a complexity of lymph node pathology. It is important to recognize the reactive pattern of IM that would initiate EBV study and to avoid unnecessary biopsy. We studied findings of lymph node FNAC from 4 patients with EBV infection confirmed by EBV-specific serologic studies. All of the cases were positive for viral capsid antigen(VCA) and one case was positive for anti-EBV nuclear antigen(EBNA). Cytologically, all of the cases exhibited high cellularity and atypia with great numbers of large immunoblastic lymphocytes.

Progression of Dermatofibrosarcoma Proruberans to Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma: Report of a case

A 52-year-old woman was admitted with a palpable mass on the abdominal wall. This tumor had developed at the same site of a previously resected dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. The biopsy specimen from the recurrent tumor revealed malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Immunohistochemistry with anti-CD34 antibody revealed diffuse linear positivity on the tumor cells of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and negativity on malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Anti CD34 antibody was valuable for a differential diagnosis of these two lesions.

A Study on the Expression of p53 and nm23 Protein in the Colorectal Adenoma and Carcinoma

The expression of the nuclear phosphoprotein p53, a product of tumor suppressor gene, has been noted in a number of human tumors as a tumor suppressor. nm23 is a gene associated with low tumor metastatic potential and has been proposed to be a metastasis suppressor gene. To assess the role of p53 and nm23 expression in colorectal tumorigenesis and the association with clinicopathological parameters, an immunohistochemical study for mutant p53 and nm23 was done using mouse monoclonal antibodies in 43 colorectal carcinomas, 55 tubular adenomas and corresponding normal mucosa. In the tubular adenomas, p53 expression was significantly correlated with the degree of atypism(p<0.05) but not with other variables as well as with nm23. In the colorectal carcinoma, there were evidence of some correlation between metastasis, laterality and p53; laterality, depth of invasion and nm23 expression, but without statistical significance. Other clinicopathologic features were not significantly correlated. In the aspect of 'adenoma-carcinoma sequence', normal mucosa was totally negative for both p53 and nm23, and they were increasingly expressed through tubular adenoma to carcinoma with statistical significance(p<0.05). Therefore, it is suggested that both p53 and nm23 expressions occur in and around the time of transition to carcinoma from adenoma but are not significantly associated with the infiltrative behavior and metastasis.

Expression of DNA Topoisomerase II and P-Glycoprotein in Breast Cancer / 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: To determine whether the expression of DNA topoisomerase II and P-glycoprotein are of prognostic value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the expression of DNA topoisomerase II and P-glycoprotein immunohistochemically in a retrospective study of samples from 44 patients with breast cancer. Thirty two among 44 patients (72.7%) received chemotherapeutic treatments (CMF or FAC protocol) and/or tamoxifen postoperatively. RESULTS: P-glycoprotein was detected in the 27 samples of 44 patients (61.3%). The expression of P-glycoprotein was increased in the patients older than 50 years, with distant metastases, and with death on follow-up. DNA topoisomerase II was detected in the 34 samples of 44 patients (77.2%). The expression of topoisomerase II was increased in the patients younger than 50 years, with recurrent tumor, with distant metastases, and with death on follow-up. The expression of P-glycoprotein and topoisomerase II was not correlated with other clinico-pathological factors including the size of primary tumor, involvement of lymph node, histologic grade, and clinical stage. The correlation between expression of P-glycoprotein and topoisomerase II was not significant. CONCLUSION: The immunohistochemical evaluation of P-glycoprotein and topoisomerase II before treatment in breast cancer has little clinical prognostic value.