Periodontal healing using a collagen matrix with periodontal ligament progenitor cells in a dehiscence defect model in beagle dogs

PURPOSE: To histologically characterize periodontal healing at 8 weeks in surgically created dehiscence defects in beagle dogs that received a collagen matrix with periodontal ligament (PDL) progenitor cells. METHODS: The bilateral maxillary premolars and first molars in 6 animals were used. Standardized experimental dehiscence defects were made on the buccal side of 3 premolars, and primary culturing of PDL progenitor cells was performed on the molars. Collagen matrix was used as a scaffold and a delivery system for PDL progenitor cells. The experimental sites were grafted with collagen matrix (COL), PDL progenitor cells with collagen matrix (COL/CELL), or left without any material (CTL). Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed after 8 weeks. RESULTS: The defect height from the cementoenamel junction to the most apical point of cementum removal did not significantly differ across the CTL, COL, and COL/CELL groups, at 4.57±0.28, 4.56±0.41, and 4.64±0.27 mm (mean ± standard deviation), respectively; the corresponding values for epithelial adhesion were 1.41±0.51, 0.85±0.29, and 0.30±0.41 mm (P<0.05), the heights of new bone regeneration were 1.32±0.44, 1.65±0.52, and 1.93±0.61 mm (P<0.05), and the cementum regeneration values were 1.15±0.42, 1.81±0.46, and 2.57±0.56 mm (P<0.05). There was significantly more new bone formation in the COL/CELL group than in the CTL group, and new cementum length was also significantly higher in the COL/CELL group. However, there were no significant differences in the width of new cementum among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: PDL progenitor cells carried by a synthetic collagen matrix may enhance periodontal regeneration, including cementum and new bone formation.

Survey of CME Recognition and Satisfaction among Primary Care Physicians / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the level of recognition and satisfaction of continuing medical education(CME) among primary care physicians. METHODS: A survey was conducted on the physicians in the primary care sector and the response rate was 39.7%(1,192/3,000). Collected responses were processed through SPSS 11.0 statistics program. RESULTS: The survey showed that 91.9% of the respondents completed their CME courses. 48.1% considered CME necessary through inefficient in the way it carried out. 37.0% of those who did not complete their CME requirements replied that they see CME as unnecessary. Regarding overall satisfaction with hosting organizations, academic societies were given 3.50/ 5.00, medical universities and hospitals 3.40/5.00, and medical associations 3.16/5.00. CONCLUSION: The survey shows that the meaning and significance of CME is diminishing gradually. These results could provide with some guidelines on further CME policies including CME regulation amendment, evaluation and accreditation procedure.

Sleep Habits and Sleep Disorders among the Elderly Between 65-84 years Who are Living in a Part of Pusan / 수면정신생리

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to analyse sleep habits and sleep disorders in the elderly population ased 65-84 years. METHODS: Epidemiological survey was performed at home by means of semistructured interviews in the city of Pusan, Korea. Subjects were randomly selected. The questionnaire consisted of 128 items including demographic findings, sleep habits, sleep disorders, somatic illnesses, and psychological distresses. RESULTS: (1) The mean retiring time was 10.28 h (SD1.30 h) and the mean wake-up time was 5.24 h (SD 1.33 h). The mean duration of sleep was 5.63 h (SD 1.80 h ). The subjects reported they woke up an average of 2.05 (SD 1.59) times per night. All of the above results were not related to age or gender. However, the mean frequency of difficulty in initiating/maintaining sleep was 2.2 times for men and 3.2 times for women (p<0.05). (2) The prevalence of insomnia was 57.7% and was not related to age or gender. Difficulty in initiating sleep was the most commonly reported insomnia complaint(52.4%). Early morning awakening was reported by 50.0% of patients and difficulty in maintaining sleep was reported by 45.1% of them. Worrying in bed and physical pain were strong contributing factor to insomnia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed several characteristics of sleep habits in the elderly. Sleep disorder in old age is not inevitable or trivial. Since sleep disturbance in older adults is common and distressing, it has implications for general health and well-being. Active concern and therapeutic intervention for the sleep habits and sleep disorders in the elderly are needed.