Crown-root angulations of the maxillary anterior teeth according to malocclusions: A cone-beam computed tomography study in Korean population / 대한치과교정학회지

Objective@#To compare crown-root angulations of the permanent maxillary anterior teeth in skeletal Class I, Class II, and Class III Korean malocclusion patients using cone-bean computed tomography (CBCT) images. @*Methods@#Sixty CBCT images were collected from orthodontic patients archive based on skeletal Class I (0˚< A point-nasion-B point angle [ANB] < 4˚), Class II (ANB ≥ 4˚), and Class III (ANB ≤ 0˚) to have 20 samples in each group. Mesiodistal crown-root angulation (MDCRA) and labiolingual crown-root angulation (LLCRA) were evaluated after orientation of images. Crown-root angulations were compared among Class I, Class II, and Class III groups and among the maxillary anterior teeth in each group. @*Results@#LLCRAs of the maxillary central incisor and the lateral incisor were significantly lower in Class III group than those in Class I group. However, those of the canine showed no significant differences among groups. MDCRAs of the maxillary anterior teeth did not significantly differ among groups either. @*Conclusions@#Our results suggest that skeletal Class III malocclusion might affect LLCRA of the maxillary incisors, especially the central incisor.

Real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Using Total RNA Extracted from Nasopharyngeal Aspirates for Detection of Pneumococcal Carriage in Children

PURPOSE: Monitoring pneumococcal carriage rates is important. We developed and evaluated the accuracy of a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol for the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae. METHODS: In October 2014, 157 nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from patients aged <18 years admitted to Chung-Ang University Hospital. We developed and evaluated a real-time PCR method for detecting S. pneumoniae by comparing culture findings with the results of the real-time PCR using genomic DNA (gDNA). Of 157 samples, 20 specimens were analyzed in order to compare the results of cultures, realtime PCR, and real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The concordance rate between culture findings and the results of real-time PCR was 0.922 (P <0.01, Fisher exact test). The 133 culture-negative samples were confirmed to be negative for S. pneumoniae using real-time PCR. Of the remaining 24 culture-positive samples, 21 were identified as S. pneumonia-positive using real-time PCR. The results of real-time RT-PCR and real-time PCR from 20 specimens were consistent with culture findings for all S. pneumoniae-positive samples except one. Culture and real-time RT-PCR required 26.5 and 4.5 hours to perform, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study established a real-time RT-PCR method for the detection of pneumococcal carriage in the nasopharynx. Real-time RT-PCR is an accurate, convenient, and time-saving method; therefore, it may be useful for collecting epidemiologic data regarding pneumococcal carriage in children.

Hypertension and Increased Left Ventricular End-diastolic Pressure Influence Arterial Stiffness

OBJECTIVE: There have been few studies regarding the relationship between arterial stiffness and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). In the current study, we evaluated the relationship between the LVEDP and arterial stiffness in patients with hypertension (HTN). METHODS: Group I (n=34) included patients with a normal E/E' (8) without HTN, group III (n=20) included patients with a normal E/E' (8) with HTN. Aortic distensibility (AD) and the right brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were measured. RESULTS: The mean age was 46.0+/-11.3 years. The mean value of AD was significantly lower in the group III compared to the group I. The group IV showed significantly lower AD compared to the group II. The group III demonstrated higher baPWV compared to the group I (1422+/-182 cm/sec vs. 1186+/-178 cm/sec, p<0.01), and the group IV showed higher baPWV compared to the group II (1456+/-228 vs. 1259+/-238 cm/sec, p<0.01). However, AD and baPWV were not significantly different between the group I and II, and between the group III and IV. The E/E' ratio showed a weak negative correlation with AD and a weak positive correlation with baPWV. CONCLUSION: Patients with hypertension showed a lower AD and a higher baPWV compared to those with normal blood pressure independent of the LVEDP. But the correlation between E/E' ratio and arterial stiffness suggests that a high LVEDP might not significantly influence arterial stiffness.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SCM) is characterized by a transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction due to emotional and physical stress. There are limited data about the clinical characteristics in Korean patients. We sought to clarify the clinical features and prognosis in patients with SCM. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 39 cases diagnosed with SCM in a tertiary hospital. The SCM was diagnosed as: 1) no previous history of cardiac disease, 2) acute onset, 3) regional wall motion abnormality, typically in the takotsubo or inverted takotsubo shape by echocardiography, and 4) no significant stenosis in the coronary angiogram. We evaluated clinical characteristics, biomarkers, and prognosis. RESULTS: Mean age was 61.3+/-16.1 years (female 69%). The triggering factors were physical stress in 32 patients (82%) and emotional stress in 5 patients (13%). The initial symptom was dyspnea (n=18, 46%) rather than chest pain (n=10, 26%). An initial electrocardiogram (EKG) presented T-wave inversion (n=18, 46%), ST-elevation (n=11, 28%), and ST-depression (n=2, 5%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that initial high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) {odds ratio (OR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.02-1.97} and initial left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR 0.89, 95% CI; 0.80-0.98) were significantly associated with death or cardiogenic shock, respectively. CONCLUSION: The major triggering factor of SCM is physical stress due to illness or surgical procedures, and the first manifestation is dyspnea rather than chest pain. Elevated hs-CRP and decreased LVEF at admission were independent risk factors for death or cardiogenic shock.

Real-Time 3-Dimensional Echocardiography of the Heart 13 Years After Partial Left Ventriculectomy

No abstract available.

Effectiveness of the Hugging Balloon Technique in Coronary Angioplasty for a Heavy, Encircling, Calcified Coronary Lesion

We report our experience in coronary angioplasty and intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) on a heavy, encircling, calcified lesion that was not dilated with the use of a cutting balloon and a non-compliant balloon. The angioplasty was successfully performed with a simple and inexpensive hugging balloon technique.

A case of subepicardial aneurysm in the left ventricle after acute myocardial infarction / 대한내과학회지

A subepicardial aneurysm is a rare, life-threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction. Clinical and pathologic features include abrupt interruption of the myocardium, a narrow neck, and a propensity for progression to sudden transmural rupture. Echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography are diagnostic imaging tools used for identifying subepicardial aneurysms after acute myocardial infarction. Surgical repair is thought to be the best treatment modality for this type of aneurysm. Here, we report a case of a 72-year-old woman with subepicardial aneurysm of the left ventricle after acute myocardial infarction. She was treated using surgical repair without complications.

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Long-Term Prognosis in Low-Risk Patients With Unstable Angina

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level is a strong predictor of mortality. Most ACS patients have a history of myocardial infarction (MI) or high risk ACS, clinical entities that are anticipated to lead to elevated BNP levels. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between BNP levels and long-term prognosis in low-risk patients with unstable angina (UA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between September 2002 and June 2004, BNP was measured in baseline samples from 137 patients referred for angiography. UA was defined as a clinical diagnosis paired with significant coronary artery narrowing. Patients had to exhibit no ST segment changes or abnormal Q waves, no elevation of cardiac enzymes, and no abnormal left ventricular diastolic or systolic function or regional wall motional abnormality on echocardiography. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as cardiovascular death, MI, or readmission due to heart failure. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 62.2+/-10 years, and 70 (51.1%) of the patients were men. The mean follow-up duration was 44.5 months. Six patients died due to cardiac causes, 4 were admitted due to heart failure, and 2 had MIs. The mean BNP level was not different between patients suffering MACEs and those not suffering MACEs. Other characteristics were similar between the groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed a statistically significant benefit in the BNP < or =80 pg/mL group (p=0.037). There were no significant prognostic factors on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: A single BNP measurement was not an independent prognostic factor, but was related to event-free survival in patients with low-risk UA.

Changes in Urine Osmolar Composition seen in Different Age Groups in the Local Korean Population

Due to their unique living conditions and dietary habits, the Koreans' renal function model may be different from that of the Western people. About 40 years ago, a researcher reported that two thirds of the urine osmolality in Koreans was contributed by NaCl, while less than 1/3 by urea. It is known that the Koreans' daily consumption of NaCl is higher while their protein intake is lower, compared to that of the Westerners. Now-a-days, the Korean's dietary habit is changing to a westernized life style. In this study, we investigated whether there were changes in urine composition and osmolality according to age. The subject of study were 215 Koreans (128 male, 142 female, age 7-68 years) living in the Chonbuk and Chonnam province in Korea. We performed routine physical examinations and analyses of the urine Na+, K+, Cl-, urea, NH3, creatinine, and osmolality on their 24 hour urine samples. In the case of the male, total body water, Na and Cl excretion, urine ammonia excretion were significantly changed between groups. In the case of the female, total body water and urine creatinine excretion were significantly changed between groups. We calculated the urine osmolar contribution of NaCl and urea. Our results showed that NaCl composed 63.6 % of total urine osmolality and Urea composed 36.4% of total urine osmolality. In conclusion, urine osmolar composition is similar to the 1960's, but further studies are required to elucidate the change of urine composition in this population for another 50 years.

A Clinical Analysis of Neonatal Surgical Gastrointestinal Diseases in Daegu?Busan Area / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: Perinatal mortality rates have been used as a summary statistic for evaluating child health and medical status. Neonatal mortality rates have decreased over the past 30 years in Korea. To understand the current status of neonatal surgical gastrointestinal diseases in Daegu?Busan area, we have studied about neonatal gastrointestinal diseases with their clinical features, postoperative outcome, and mortality rates. METHODS: A clinical analysis on 202 neonates who underwent neonatal surgery from January 1996 to July 2003 at Pusan National University, Kyungpook National University, Youngnam University, and Daegu Catholic University was carried out. RESULTS: The main diseases of surgical conditions were anorectal malformation (23.8%), atresia/ stenosis of midgut (13.4%) and pyloric stenosis (13.4%). The male to female ratio was 2.8:1. Thirty-five cases (17.0%) had one or more associated anomalies including congenital heart disease, cryptoorchidism, hydronephrosis, and chromosomal anomaly. Twenty cases (10.0%) were diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound. Patients with esophageal atresia had the longest hospitalization for 54.6 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 18 cases (8.9%). The main postoperative complications were wound infection (3.5%) and anastomotic leakage (2.5%). Overall mortality was 5.9%. Diaphragmatic hernia showed the highest mortality rate (37.5%), and esophageal atresia (28.6%) and omphalocele (20.0%) were followed. CONCLUSION: The current status of neonatal surgical gastrointestinal diseases in Daegu?Busan area has improved because the disease categories are various, postoperative complications and mortality rates are decreased.

The Changes of Growth Hormone, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 Levels after Long-Term Dialysis Therapy / 대한신장학회잡지

The insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I) is a hormone that has growth stimulation and metabolic effects. Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) were known to be the most important factors that affect bioavailability of IGF. Thereby, the changes of IGFBPs may affect the bioavailability of IGF-I. Because growth hormone/IGF system may be affected by dialysis therapy, the changes of GH, IGF-1, IGFBPs levels after dialysis therapy can affect the bioavailability of IGF. To evaluate the changes of serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 after long-term dialysis therapy, we measured the serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels in the patients on hemodialysis and on peritoneal dialysis. Eight patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, 10 patients undergoing hemodialysis, and age-matched 10 normal control patients were studied. In patients on hemodialysis, the mean serum level of IGF-I before hemodialysis was 90.6+/-9.0 nanogram/mL, and after long-term hemodialysis was 130.9+/-31.0 nanogram/milliliter. The mean serum level of IGFBP-3 before hemodialysis was 14,549+/-7,815 microgram/liter, and after long-term hemodialysis was 5,726+/-883 microgram/liter. There were no significant changes of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels after long-term hemodialysis therapy. In patients on peritoneal dialysis, the mean serum level of IGF-I before peritoneal dialysis was 169.8+/-20.5 nanogram/milliliter, and after long-term peritoneal dialysis was 242.6+/-37.6 nanogram/mL. The mean serum level of IGFBP- 3 before peritoneal dialysis was 10,272+/-885 microgram/liter, and after ling-term peritoneal dialysis was 8,604+/-1,721 microgram/liter. There were no significant changes of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels after long-term peritoneal dialysis. We found that the level of IGF-1 before hemodialysis was lower then that of normal control group and the level of IGFBP-3 before hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis was higher then that of normal control group. Our results suggested that the blood levels of growth hormone, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 may not be significantly affected by long-term dialysis therapy.

Circulating Levels of Interleukin-6 and Soluble Interleukin-6 Receptor in Acute Asthma / 결핵

BACKGROUND: The recognition of bronchial asthma as an inflammatory disease led to a search for soluble markers that would be useful in assessing airway inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a representative proinflammatory cytokine that has been shown to be connected with various inflammatory diseases. IL-6 acts via specific receptors that consist of the IL-6 binding glycoprotein gp80 and the signal transducer gp130. In the search for markers of airway inflammation, we investigated the role of soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) and IL-6 in acute asthma. METHODS: Serum levels of sIL-6R and IL-6 were measured in 78 acute asthmatics, in 15 patients with asymptomatic asthma and in 10 healthy control subjects by a specific ELISA using a murine antihuman IL-6R, IL-6 mAb (Quantikine sIL-6R, IL-6). RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-6 in acute asthmatics significantly exeeded those of control subjects. Those of sIL-6R in acute asthmatics were also significantly increased compared to those of control subjects. The serum concentration of IL-6 obtained in acute asthmatics was elevated as compared with the asymptomatic asthmatics. However, Association between eosinophilic count / IgE and IL-6 / sIL-6R in acute asthma could not found. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that IL-6 may be involved in the pathogenesis of acute asthma and serum levels of IL-6 and sIL-6R may reflect the severity of airway inflammation.

Morphology of the Maxillary Anterior Teeth in Akha, Lahu Tribes in Northern Thailand / 체질인류학회지

In order to clarify the genetic relationship between Koreans and Akha, Lahu native tribes around the mountain area in Northern Thailand, authors examined the metric and non-metric mophological variations of the maxillary anterior teeth. The subjects were 54 in Akha tribe (25 males, 29 female) and 114 in Lahu tribe (57 males, 57 females), and their ages were 20 to 65 (mean age 34). The prevalence of the shovel-shaped incisor in maxillary anterior teeth was 85% in Lahu tribe. Among the another non-metric variations, the prevalence of the peg lateralis was 3 cases in Akha female and 8 cases in Lahu tribe (4 males, 4 females). And the supernumernary tooth located between the right and left maxillary central incisors was observed in 2 cases, the congenital missings of the maxillary lateral incisor were in 2 cases(1 Akha, 1 Lahu tribe), and the congenital missings of the maxillary canine were in 3 cases(1 Akha, 2 Lahu tribe). The maximal mesio-distal diameters of the maxillary anterior teeth in Akha and Lahu tribes showed no discrepancy with regard to those of koreans and the dental measurements of the male were larger than the female (p<0.05). The dental measurements of the Lahu tribe were more closer to Korean than those of Akha Tribe were. Especlally, the mean mesio-distal diameter of the maxillary anterior teeth in Lahu female had no difference to Korean adult female (p<0.05). On the basis of the above results, authors thought that the anthropological similarity to Koreans was higher in Lahu than Akha tribe with respect to the dentition, but the further anthropological studies such as the height, body proportion, and finger print should be needed.

The effect of intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride on premature labor / 대한산부인과학회잡지

No abstract available.