Cedrol, a Sesquiterpene Isolated from Juniperus chinensis, Inhibits Human Colorectal Tumor Growth associated through Downregulation of Minichromosome Maintenance Proteins

Cedrol, a sesquiterpene alcohol, isolated from Juniperus chinensis has been reported to inhibit minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins as cancer biomarkers in human lung cancer in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the anti-cancer activity of cedrol in vitro and in vivo using human colorectal cancer HT29 cells and a human colorectal tumor xenograft model. Cedrol inhibited MCM protein expression and cell growth in HT29 cells, which are associated with G1 arrest and the induction of apoptosis. We demonstrated that cedrol effectively reduced HT29 tumor growth without apparent weight loss in a human tumor xenograft model.Compared with vehicle- and adriamycin-treated tumor tissues, cedrol induced changes in the tumor tissue structure, resulting in a reduced cell density within the tumor parenchyma and reduced vascularization. Moreover, the expression of MCM7, an important subunit of MCM helicase, was significantly suppressed by cedrol in tumor tissue. Collectively, these results suggest that cedrol may act as a potential anti-cancer agent for colorectal cancer by inhibiting MCM protein expression and tumor growth.

Radiographic assessment of clinical root-crown ratios of permanent teeth in a healthy Korean population

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the absolute value of the root/crown ratio (R/C ratio) using panoramic radiographs (PRGs) in a healthy Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 99 patient radiographs (of 50 males and 49 females subjects; aged 16 to 24 years old) were examined, and 2,770 teeth were analyzed. Crown lengths and root lengths were measured with modified Lind's measurements using PACS tools by two examiners in two separate sessions two months apart. All data were analyzed using SPSS. The independent t-test was used to assess for gender differences, and the paired t-test was used to compare both arches with a significance level of P<.05. RESULTS: The mean R/C ratios varied from 1.29 to 1.89 (male: 1.28-1.84; females: 1.31-1.94). The highest R/C ratios were recorded for the mandibular canines (1.89), followed by the maxillary canines (1.79). The lowest R/C ratios were recorded for the maxillary second molars (1.31). In comparison with the maxillary teeth (1.29-1.78), the mandibular teeth yielded the higher R/C ratio (1.47-1.89), and this difference was significant in the females (P<.05). The difference between the genders was not statistically significant, except for the maxillary central incisors, mandibular canines and mandibular first premolars. CONCLUSION: These data may enhance the understanding of the clinical R/C ratio as a useful guideline for determining the status of teeth and the ethnic difference.

A short-term clinical study of marginal bone level change around microthreaded and platform-switched implants

PURPOSE: The marginal bone levels around implants following restoration are used as a reference for evaluating implant success and survival. Two design concepts that can reduce crestal bone resorption are the microthread and platform-switching concepts. The aims of this study were to analyze the placement of microthreaded and platform-switched implants and their short-term survival rate, as well as the level of bone around the implants. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 27 patients (79 implants) undergoing treatment with microthreaded and platform-switched implants between October 2008 and July 2009 in the Dental Hospital of Yonsei University Department of Periodontology. The patients received follow-up care more than 6 months after the final setting of the prosthesis, at which time periapical radiographs were taken. The marginal bone level was measured from the reference point to the lowest observed point of contact between the marginal bone and the fixture. Comparisons were made between radiographs taken at the time of fixture installation and those taken at the follow-up visit. RESULTS: During the study period (average of 11.8 months after fixture installation and 7.4 months after the prosthesis delivery), the short-term survival rate of microthreaded and platform-switched implants was 100% and the marginal bone loss around implants was 0.16+/-0.08 mm, the latter of which is lower than the previously reported values. CONCLUSIONS: This short-term clinical study has demonstrated the successful survival rates of a microthread and platform-switched implant system, and that this system is associated with reduced marginal bone loss.

A Case of Isolated Ventricular Septal Rupture Following Non-penetrating Chest Trauma

Traumatic ventricular septal rupture following traffic accident is presummed to occur by external compression of the heart during late diastole or isovolumetric systole when the ventricular chambers are full and the valves are closed. Isolated ventricular septal rupture following non-penetrating chest trauma is known to be extremely rare. We report a 29-year-old man with suddenly developed ventricular septal rupture follwing nonpenetrating chest trauma by traffic accident, which he was died suddenly due to cardiac arrest in front of an operation.

A Case of Malignant Meningioma Involving Frontal Bone and Frontal Lobe

Malignant Meningioma is rare and its initial clinical course tends to be short but otherwise indistinguishable from that of benign meningioma. And although it has been noted that many of them have propensities for invading the dural venous sinuses, the skull, and even extracranial tissues by direct spread, there seems little tendency for these to metastases. The changes of recurrence and eventual death are high in malignant meningioma. Recently we have experienced a case of malignant meningioma involving the right frontal bone and frontal lobe with infiltration to the adjacent structures.

A Case of Malignant Meningioma Involving Frontal Bone and Frontal Lobe

Malignant Meningioma is rare and its initial clinical course tends to be short but otherwise indistinguishable from that of benign meningioma. And although it has been noted that many of them have propensities for invading the dural venous sinuses, the skull, and even extracranial tissues by direct spread, there seems little tendency for these to metastases. The changes of recurrence and eventual death are high in malignant meningioma. Recently we have experienced a case of malignant meningioma involving the right frontal bone and frontal lobe with infiltration to the adjacent structures.

A Case of Pineal Germinoma with Drop Metastasis to Cauda Equina

Pineal germinoma is one of the most radiosensitive intracranial tumors and so recently a regime of radiotherapy combined with ventricular shunting was advocated. But not infrequently seeding through the subarachnoid space and shunting system was observed. We have experienced a pineal tumor, which was treated completely by irradiation following ventriculo-atrial shunt but without evidence of intracranial recurrence spinal metastasis occurred 16 months later. After myelography total laminectomy from L1 to L3 was performed and intradural tumor was removed. Histopathological diagnosis was germinoma. After would healing spinal axis irradiation was performed with symptomatic improvement.

A Case of Intramedullary Glioblastoma Multiforme Involving Thoracic Cord in Child

Primary spinal glioblastoma multiforme is very rare, especially in childhood. 13-year-old boy was admitted to our neurosurgical department because of paraparesis, sensory loss below T10 and sphincter disturbance. Thoracic myelogram showed complete obstruction at T10 level and total laminectomy with partial removal of the intramedullary cord tumor mass was performed under the impression of spinal cord tumor. Postoperatively, his symptoms and signs unchanged. Pathological diagnosis was intramedullary glioblastoma multiforme involving thoracic cord.