Effect of various surface treatment methods of highly translucent zirconia on the shear bond strength with resin cement / 대한치과보철학회지

Purpose@#. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface treatments on the shear bond strength of two types of zirconia (3-TZP and 5Y-PSZ) with resin cement. @*Materials and methods@#. Two different types of zirconia specimens with a fully sintered size of 14.0 × 14.0 × 2.0 mm 3 were prepared, polished with 400, 600, and 800 grit silicon carbide paper, and buried in epoxy resin. They were classified into four groups each control, sandblasting, primer, and sandblasting & primer. Cylindrical resin adhered to the surface-treated zirconia with resin cement. It was stored in distilled water (37°C) for 24 hours, and a shear bond strength test was performed. The normality of the experimental group was confirmed with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov & Shapiro-Wilk test. The interaction and statistical difference were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. A post-hoc analysis was performed using Dunnett T3. @*Results@#. As a result of two-way ANOVA, there was no significant difference in shear bonding strength between zirconia types (P > .05), but there was a significant correlation in the sandblasting, primer, and alumina sandblasting & primer group (P Primer > sandblasting > control group (P < .05). @*Conclusion@#. There was no difference in shear bond strength between the types of zirconia. The highest shear bond strength was shown when the mechanical and chemical treatments of the zirconia surface was performed simultaneously.

Transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: 2023 expert consensus-based practical recommendations of the Korean Liver Cancer Association

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was introduced in 1977 with the administration of chemotherapeutic agent to gelatin sponge particles through the hepatic artery in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and was established as conventional TACE using Lipiodol in the 1980s. In the 2000s, drug-eluting beads were developed and applied clinically. Currently, TACE is a commonly used non-surgical treatment modality for patients with HCC who are unsuitable for curative treatment. Considering the vital role of TACE in the management of HCC, it is crucial to organize current knowledge and expert opinions regarding patient preparation, procedural techniques, and post-treatment care in TACE, which can enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety. A group of 12 experts in the fields of interventional radiology and hepatology, convened by the Research Committee of the Korean Liver Cancer Association (KLCA), has developed expert consensus-based practical recommendations in TACE. These recommendations have been endorsed by the Korean Society of Interventional Radiology and provide useful information and direction in performing TACE procedure as well as pre- and post- procedural patient care.

Transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: 2023 Expert consensus-based practical recommendations of the Korean Liver Cancer Association

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was introduced in 1977 with the administration of chemotherapeutic agent to gelatin sponge particles through the hepatic artery in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and was established as conventional TACE using Lipiodol in the 1980s. In the 2000s, drug-eluting beads were developed and applied clinically. Currently, TACE is a commonly used non-surgical treatment modality for patients with HCC who are unsuitable for curative treatment. Considering the vital role of TACE in the management of HCC, it is crucial to organize current knowledge and expert opinions regarding patient preparation, procedural techniques, and post-treatment care in TACE, which can enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety. A group of 12 experts in the fields of interventional radiology and hepatology, convened by the Research Committee of the Korean Liver Cancer Association (KLCA), has developed expert consensus-based practical recommendations in TACE. These recommendations have been endorsed by the Korean Society of Interventional Radiology and provide useful information and direction in performing TACE procedure as well as pre- and post- procedural patient care.

Radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: what clinicians need to know

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium 90 (90Y) has been used in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for more than 10 years in Korea. There are two types of 90Y radioactive microspheres available, namely, glass and resin microspheres, with comparable clinical outcomes. In general, TARE outperforms transarterial chemoembolization regarding post-embolization syndrome, time to progression, tumor downsizing for liver transplantation, and hospitalization stay. Although TARE is commonly recommended for patients with unresectable large HCCs, it can be an alternative to or performed in combination with ablation, surgical resection, and systemic treatment. This review aimed to address 90Y radioactive microspheres, patient selection, clinical outcomes, simulation tests, radioembolization procedures, follow-up imaging, and complications.

Analysis of relationship between cracked tooth syndrome and occlusion using Q-ray and T-scan / 대한치과보철학회지

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the patient's occlusion and a cracked tooth by using T-scan occlusal analysis and a quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology. @*Materials and Methods@#This study was carried out on 51 patients having cracked teeth between January, 2019 and December, 2020. The tooth crack was determined with a Q-ray pen and QLF parameters (ΔFmax and ΔRmax) were obtained by a Q-ray software. T-scan tests were conducted to all subjects and then, the occlusal force and disclosing time were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the occlusal force and disclosing time between cracked teeth groups and contra-lateral normal teeth groups (α = .05). Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare ΔFmax and ΔRmax according to the results of cold/bite tests (α = .05). A Spearman correlation analysis was run to determine the relationship between ΔFmax or ΔRmax and occlusal force or disclosing time (α=.05). @*Results@#The mean occlusal force and disclosing time were significantly higher on cracked teeth than on normal teeth (P .05). There was no correlation between ΔFmax or ΔRmax and occlusal force or disclosing time (P > .05). @*Conclusion@#There was a significant relationship between occlusion and cracked tooth syndrome. QLF has the potential to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of tooth crack in clinical practice.

Analysis of relationship between cracked tooth syndrome and occlusion using Q-ray and T-scan / 대한치과보철학회지

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the patient's occlusion and a cracked tooth by using T-scan occlusal analysis and a quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology. @*Materials and Methods@#This study was carried out on 51 patients having cracked teeth between January, 2019 and December, 2020. The tooth crack was determined with a Q-ray pen and QLF parameters (ΔFmax and ΔRmax) were obtained by a Q-ray software. T-scan tests were conducted to all subjects and then, the occlusal force and disclosing time were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the occlusal force and disclosing time between cracked teeth groups and contra-lateral normal teeth groups (α = .05). Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare ΔFmax and ΔRmax according to the results of cold/bite tests (α = .05). A Spearman correlation analysis was run to determine the relationship between ΔFmax or ΔRmax and occlusal force or disclosing time (α=.05). @*Results@#The mean occlusal force and disclosing time were significantly higher on cracked teeth than on normal teeth (P .05). There was no correlation between ΔFmax or ΔRmax and occlusal force or disclosing time (P > .05). @*Conclusion@#There was a significant relationship between occlusion and cracked tooth syndrome. QLF has the potential to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of tooth crack in clinical practice.

Gadolinium Deposition in the Brain: Current Updates

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are commonly used for enhancement in MR imaging and have long been considered safe when administered at recommended doses. However, since the report that nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is linked to the use of GBCAs in subjects with severe renal diseases, accumulating evidence has suggested that GBCAs are not cleared entirely from our bodies; some GBCAs are deposited in our tissues, including the brain. GBCA deposition in the brain is mostly linked to the specific chelate structure of the GBCA: linear GBCAs were responsible for brain deposition in almost all reported studies. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge about GBCA brain deposition and discuss its clinical implications.

Factors affecting modulation transfer function measurements in cone-beam computed tomographic images

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the effects of voxel size, the oversampling technique, and the direction and area of measurement on modulation transfer function (MTF) values to identify the optimal method of MTF measurement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images of the wire inserts of the SedentexCT IQ phantom were acquired, and MTF values were calculated under different conditions (voxel size of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm; 5 oversampling techniques; simulated pixel location errors; and different directions and areas of measurement). The differences in the MTF values across various conditions were evaluated. RESULTS: The MTF 10 values showed smaller standard deviations than the MTF 50 values. Stable and accurate MTF values were obtained in the 0.1-mm voxel images. In the 0.3-mm voxel images, oversampling techniques of 11 lines or more did not show significant differences in MTF values depending on the presence of simulated location errors. MTF 10 values showed significant differences according to the direction and area of the measurement. CONCLUSION: To measure more accurate and stable MTF values, it is better to measure MTF 10 values in small-voxel images. In large-voxel images, the proper oversampling technique is required. MTF values from the radial and tangential directions may be different, and MTF values vary depending on the measured area.

Amitriptyline inhibits the MAPK/ERK and CREB pathways and proinflammatory cytokines through A3AR activation in rat neuropathic pain models / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The pain-relief properties of tricyclic antidepressants can be attributed to several actions. Recent observations suggest that adenosine is involved in the antinociceptive effect of amitriptyline. The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is the only adenosine subtype overexpressed in inflammatory and cancer cells. This study was performed to investigate the role of A3AR in the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline. METHODS: Spinal nerve-ligated neuropathic pain was induced by ligating the L5 and L6 spinal nerves of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The neuropathic rats were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups (8 per group): a neuropathic pain with normal saline group, a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline group, and a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl- 2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS) group. Amitriptyline or saline was administered intraperitoneally and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS-1191), an A3AR antagonist, was injected subcutaneously immediately before amitriptyline administration. The level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase P44/42 (ERK1/2), cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and proinflammatory cytokines were assessed using immunoblotting or reverse-transciption polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Amitriptyline increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold of the neuropathic rats. The level of phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-CREB proteins, and proinflammatory cytokines produced by spinal nerve ligation were significantly reduced by amitriptyline administration. However, the use of MRS-1191 before amitriptyline administration not only reduced the threshold of mechanical allodynia, but also increased the signaling protein and proinflammatory cytokine levels, which were reduced by amitriptyline. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline involves the suppression of ERK1/2 and CREB signaling proteins, and A3AR activation also affects the alleviation of the inflammatory response.

Amitriptyline inhibits the MAPK/ERK and CREB pathways and proinflammatory cytokines through A3AR activation in rat neuropathic pain models / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND@#The pain-relief properties of tricyclic antidepressants can be attributed to several actions. Recent observations suggest that adenosine is involved in the antinociceptive effect of amitriptyline. The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is the only adenosine subtype overexpressed in inflammatory and cancer cells. This study was performed to investigate the role of A3AR in the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline.@*METHODS@#Spinal nerve-ligated neuropathic pain was induced by ligating the L5 and L6 spinal nerves of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The neuropathic rats were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups (8 per group): a neuropathic pain with normal saline group, a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline group, and a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl- 2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS) group. Amitriptyline or saline was administered intraperitoneally and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS-1191), an A3AR antagonist, was injected subcutaneously immediately before amitriptyline administration. The level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase P44/42 (ERK1/2), cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and proinflammatory cytokines were assessed using immunoblotting or reverse-transciption polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#Amitriptyline increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold of the neuropathic rats. The level of phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-CREB proteins, and proinflammatory cytokines produced by spinal nerve ligation were significantly reduced by amitriptyline administration. However, the use of MRS-1191 before amitriptyline administration not only reduced the threshold of mechanical allodynia, but also increased the signaling protein and proinflammatory cytokine levels, which were reduced by amitriptyline.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results of this study suggest that the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline involves the suppression of ERK1/2 and CREB signaling proteins, and A3AR activation also affects the alleviation of the inflammatory response.

Temporomandibular joint synovial chondromatosis accompanying temporal bone proliferation: A case report

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare metaplastic disease affecting the joints, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Since its symptoms are similar to those of temporomandibular disorders, a careful differential diagnosis is essential. A 50-year-old male patient was referred with the chief complaint of pain and radiopaque masses around the left TMJ on panoramic radiography. Clinically, pre-auricular swelling and resting pain was found, without limitation of mouth opening. On cone-beam computed tomographic images, multiple calcified nodules adjacent to the TMJ and bone proliferation with sclerosis at the articular fossa and eminence were found. T2-weighted magnetic resonance images showed multiple signal-void nodules with high signal effusion in the superior joint space and thickened cortical bone at the articular fossa and eminence. The calcified nodules were removed by surgical excision, but the hypertrophic articular fossa and eminence remained. A histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was followed up few months later without recurrence.

Estimation of the effective dose of dental cone-beam computed tomography using personal computer-based Monte Carlo software

PURPOSE: To calculate the effective doses of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using personal computer-based Monte Carlo (PCXMC) software (Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Helsinki, Finland) and to compare the calculated effective doses with those measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and an anthropomorphic phantom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An Alphard VEGA CBCT scanner (Asahi Roentgen Ind. Co., Kyoto, Japan) with multiple fields of view (FOVs) was used for this study. The effective doses of the scout and main projections of CBCT using 1 large and 2 medium FOVs with a height >10 cm were calculated using PCXMC and PCXMCRotation software and then were compared with the doses obtained using TLD-100 LiF and an anthropomorphic adult human male phantom. Furthermore, it was described how to determine the reference points on the Y- and Z-axes in PCXMC, the important dose-determining factors in this software. RESULTS: The effective doses at CBCT for 1 large (20.0 cm×17.9 cm) and 2 medium FOVs (15.4 cm×15.4 cm and 10.2 cm×10.2 cm) calculated by the PCXMC software were 181, 300, and 158 µSv, respectively. These values were comparable (16%–18% smaller) to those obtained through TLD measurements in each mode. CONCLUSION: The use of PCXMC software could be an alternative to the TLD measurement method for effective dose estimation in CBCT with large and medium FOVs.

Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (DSC) Perfusion MR in the Prediction of Long-Term Survival of Glioblastomas (GBM): Correlation with MGMT Promoter Methylation and 1p/19q Deletions

PURPOSE: To investigate the surgical, perfusion, and molecular characteristics of glioblastomas which influence long-term survival after treatment, and to explore the association between MR perfusion parameters and the presence of MGMT methylation and 1p/19q deletions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board. A total 43 patients were included, all with pathologic diagnosis of glioblastoma with known MGMT methylation and 1p/19q deletion statuses. We divided these patients into long-term (≥ 60 months, n = 7) and short-term (< 60 months, n = 36) survivors, then compared surgical extent, molecular status, and rCBV parameters between the two groups using Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney test. The rCBV parameters were analyzed according to the presence of MGMT methylation and 1p/19q deletions. We investigated the relationship between the mean rCBV and overall survival using linear correlation. Multivariable linear regression was performed in order to find the variables related to overall survival. RESULTS: Long-term survivors (100% [7 of 7]) demonstrated a greater percentage of gross total or near total resection than short-term survivors (54.5% [18 of 33]). A higher prevalence of 1p/19q deletions was also noted among the long-term survivors (42.9% [3 of 7]) than the short-term survivors (0.0% [0 of 36]). The rCBV parameters did not differ between the long-term and short-term survivors. The rCBV values were marginally lower in patients with MGMT methylation and 1p/19q deletions. Despite no correlation found between overall survival and rCBV in the whole group, the short-term survivor group showed negative correlation (R2 = 0.181, P = 0.025). Multivariable linear regression revealed that surgical extent and 1p/19q deletions, but not rCBV values, were associated with prolonged overall survival. CONCLUSION: While preoperative rCBV and 1p/19q deletion status are related to each other, only surgical extent and the presence of 1p/19q deletion in GBM patients may predict long-term survival.

Inter-Vendor and Inter-Session Reliability of Diffusion Tensor Imaging: Implications for Multicenter Clinical Imaging Studies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inter-vendor and inter-session reliability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and relevant parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 10 healthy subjects (5 women and 5 men; age range, 25–33 years). Each subject was scanned twice using 3T magnetic resonance scanners from three different vendors at two different sites. A voxel-wise statistical analysis of diffusion data was performed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) values were calculated for each brain voxel using FMRIB's Diffusion Toolbox. RESULTS: A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that there were no significant differences in FA values across the vendors or between sessions; however, there were significant differences in MD values between the vendors (p = 0.020). Although there were no significant differences in inter-session MD and inter-session/inter-vendor RD values, a significant group × factor interaction revealed differences in MD and RD values between the 1st and 2nd sessions conducted by the vendors (p = 0.004 and 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although FA values exhibited good inter-vendor and inter-session reliability, MD and RD values did not show consistent results. Researchers using DTI should be aware of these limitations, especially when implementing DTI in multicenter studies.

Predictive Value of Dental Maturity for a Positive Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulation Test Result in Girls with Precocious Puberty

Dental maturity is associated with skeletal maturity, which is advanced in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). We investigated the performance of dental maturity as a screening method for CPP using mandibular second premolar and molar calcification stages, assessed the associated anthropometric and laboratory factors, and evaluated pubertal response predictors using the gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test (GnRHST) in prepubertal and pubertal girls. A prospective case-control study was conducted in girls, aged 7.0–8.9 years, classified into pubertal (peak luteinizing hormone [LH] after GnRHST ≥ 5 IU/L), prepubertal (peak LH < 5 IU/L), and control groups. Auxological and biochemical tests, panoramic radiographs, and GnRHSTs in participants with breast development were conducted. Dental maturity was assessed using the Demirjian index (DI). We included 103 girls (pubertal, 40; prepubertal, 19; control, 44). Chronological age (CA) was not significantly different between groups. Bone age (BA) and BA advancement was higher in the pubertal and prepubertal groups. Increased DI values at the mandibular second premolar and molar were significantly associated with CA, BA, BA advancement, height standard deviation score (SDS), peak LH after GnRHST, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) (all P < 0.05). Moreover, odds ratio (OR) of the mandibular second premolar and molar (a DI value of ≥ E) for predicting a positive response to GnRHST was 8.7 (95% confidence intervals [CI], 2.9–26.1) and 5.2 (95% CI, 2.2–12.7), respectively. Dental maturity was a strong predictor for diagnosing CPP. Determining dental maturity in girls with suspected precocious puberty might help determine the performance of GnRHSTs.

Novel tailoring algorithm for abrupt motion artifact removal in photoplethysmogram signals

Photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals are widely used for wearable electronic devices nowadays. The PPG signal is extremely sensitive to the motion artifacts (MAs) caused by the subject's movement. The detection and removal of such MAs remains a difficult problem. Due to the complicated MA signal waveforms, none of the existing techniques can lead to satisfactory results. In this paper, a new framework to identify and tailor the abrupt MAs in PPG is proposed, which consists of feature extraction, change-point detection, and MA removal. In order to achieve the optimal performance, a data-dependent frame-size determination mechanism is employed. Experiments for the heart-beat-rate-measurement application have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method, by a correct detection rate of MAs at 98% and the average heart-beat-rate tracking accuracy above 97%. On the other hand, this new framework maintains the original signal temporal structure unlike the spectrum-based approach, and it can be further applied for the calculation of blood oxygen level (SpO₂).

Establishment of a dental license regulation authority is required in Korea: results of the Delphi technique / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: In addition to dental education, a system for the evaluation and management of dental licensing and certification is required to meet the growing societal demand for more competent dentists. In this study, the Delphi technique was used to gather opinions from a variety of professionals on the problems of and remedies for the dental license management system in Korea. METHODS: Delphi surveys were conducted from April 2016 to October 2016 in South Korea. A variety of dental professionals were included and categorized into 3 groups according to their expertise as follows: the basic dentistry group, the clinical dentistry group, and the policy group. The Delphi technique was conducted in 3 rounds of e-mail surveys, each with different questions that probed with increasing depth on the dental license management system. In each successive round, the responses were categorized, scored on a Likert scale, and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: After categorizing the results of the first survey and ranking the results of the second survey using the Delphi technique, regulation by a licensing authority was found to be the most critical issue. This was followed by the license renewal system, continuing education, a tiered licensure system, improvement of foreign license approval, and utilization of retirees, in decreasing order of importance. The third Delphi survey showed a similar ranking, with regulation by a licensing authority being the major concern. Opinions regarding the dental license management system were provided as open-ended responses. The responses of the 3 groups showed statistically significant differences in the scores for the issue of regulation by a licensing authority. After re-grouping into the dentistry group and the policy group, the issue received a significantly higher score in the dentistry group. CONCLUSION: The quality of dental treatment should be managed to protect patients and dental professionals. For this purpose, the establishment of an independent license regulation authority along with legislative changes is required.

High and Frequent Dose of Dexlansoprazole and Amoxicillin Dual Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infections: A Single Arm Prospective Study / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recently, the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has decreased to less than 80% worldwide with the use of clarithromycin-based triple therapy owing to the increased resistance of H. pylori to antibiotics, especially clarithromycin and metronidazole. This prospective study aimed to determine eradication rate of H. pylori following high and frequent doses of extended-release dexlansoprazole and amoxicillin, as a dual therapy in a region with high clarithromycin resistance rate. METHODS: A total of 50 treatment-naïve patients with active H. pylori infections, who were confirmed through via rapid urease test or histology and serology between November 2015 and February 2016 at our hospital, were included for analysis. All enrolled patients were treated with 750 mg amoxicillin and 30 mg dexlansoprazole, four times a day for a total duration of 14 days. Treatment success was determined using urea breath test four weeks after treatment completion. RESULTS: Seven out of the 50 patients (29 men and 21 women; mean age, 57 years) dropped out during the study. The total eradication rate was 52% (26/50), and that for those with a compliance rate of over 90% was 68.4% (26/38). H. pylori infections were not successfully eradicated in patients with a compliance rate of less than 90%. Nine patients (18%) reported side effects, such as mild diarrhea and abdominal fullness. No significant factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, affected the infection the eradication rate. CONCLUSIONS: High and frequent doses of proton pump inhibitor–amoxicillin dual therapy were not effective in eradicating H. pylori infection in a province with high clarithromycin resistance rate.

The Effects of Remifentanil on Expression of High Mobility Group Box 1 in Septic Rats

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a pivotal mediator of sepsis progression. Remifentanil, an opioid agonist, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in septic mice. However, it is not yet known whether remifentanil affects the expression of HMGB1. We investigated the effects of remifentanil on HMGB1 expression and the underlying mechanism in septic rats. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups; a sham group, a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group, and a CLP with remifentanil treatment (Remi) group. The rat model of CLP was used to examine plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, tissue HMGB1 mRNA and the activity of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in the liver, lungs, kidneys, and ileum. Pathologic changes and immunohistochemical staining of NF-κB in the liver, lungs, and kidneys tissue were observed. We found that remifentanil treatment suppressed the level of serum interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α 6 hours after CLP, and serum HMGB1 24 hours after CLP. HMGB1 mRNA levels and the activity of NF-κB in multiple organs decreased by remifentanil treatment 24 hours after CLP. Remifentanil treatment also attenuated nuclear expression of NF-κB in immunohistochemical staining and mitigated pathologic changes in multiple organs. Altogether, these results suggested that remifentanil inhibited expression of HMGB1 in vital organs and release of HMGB1 into plasma. The mechanism was related to the inhibitory effect of remifentanil on the release of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of NF-κB.

Analysis of the priority of anatomic structures according to the diagnostic task in cone-beam computed tomographic images

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate differences in the required visibility of anatomic structures according to the diagnostic tasks of implant planning and periapical diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images of a real skull phantom were acquired under 24 combinations of different exposure conditions in a cone-beam computed tomography scanner (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110 kV and 4, 6, 8, and 10 mA). Five radiologists evaluated the visibility of anatomic structures and the image quality for diagnostic tasks using a 6-point scale. RESULTS: The visibility of the periodontal ligament space showed the closest association with the ability to use an image for periapical diagnosis in both jaws. The visibility of the sinus floor and canal wall showed the closest association with the ability to use an image for implant planning. Variations in tube voltage were associated with significant differences in image quality for all diagnostic tasks. However, tube current did not show significant associations with the ability to use an image for implant planning. CONCLUSION: The required visibility of anatomic structures varied depending on the diagnostic task. Tube voltage was a more important exposure parameter for image quality than tube current. Different settings should be used for optimization and image quality evaluation depending on the diagnostic task.