Search

(1) Background: Dental glass–ceramics shrink during crystallization, complicating restoration manufacturing. Thermo-pressure molding was introduced to address this, with lithium disilicate crystals providing high strength. Residual tensile stresses can influence the chipping strength of single tooth crowns. (2) Methods: Insync dentine was layered onto three lithia-based disilicate core ceramics (Amber Press, IPS e.max Press) for microtensile bond strength tests. The Vickers test assessed the residual tensile stress and interfacial bonding. Porcelain-veneered posterior ceramic crowns were fabricated and subjected to axial loading, measuring fracture loads (three per group). (3) Results: A chemical bonding layer formed at the interface, which was thicker in the Insync-IPS e.max Press and increased with more firings. The ultimate tensile bond strength was 28.5 MPa for the four-times-fired Insync-Amber Press, similar to the twice-fired Insync-IPS e.max Press. No residual tensile stress was found in the Insync-Amber Press; the Insync-IPS e.max Press showed crack growth within 250 μm of the bonded interface. The average fracture resistance was twice as high for the Insync-Amber Press. (4) Conclusions: The Insync-Amber Press exhibited better thermal harmony with no crack growth, while the IPS e.max Press showed crack growth due to residual tensile stress. Insync-Amber Press posterior ceramic crowns had significantly greater fracture resistance than Insync-IPS e.max Press crowns.

Esophageal cancer is a representative cancer that occur physical deterioration but, physical problems after surgery were not well reported. The purpose of this study is to report on the long thoracic neuropathy after surgery, and to identify the symptoms and effects of physical therapy after esophageal cancer surgery. This is a case of a 61-year-old man who showed winging of the scapula with long thoracic nerve injury on the results of electromyography after an esophageal cancer surgery. Physical therapy programs were implemented 8 sessions during hospitalization. The quality of life, fatigue, shoulder range of motion (ROM), numeric rating scale (NRS), 6-minute walk test, and 30-second chair stand test were assessed. The quality of life, fatigue, shoulder ROM, NRS (pain), 6-minute walk test, and 30-second chair stand test were improved. However, the esophageal-specific symptom was not different after physical therapy program. As esophageal cancer suffers from physical difficulties after surgery, physical therapy programs are thought to be helpful.

Sageretia thea is used in the preparation of herbal medicine in China and Korea; this plant is rich in various bioactive compounds, including phenolics and flavonoids. The objective of the current study was to enhance the production of phenolic compounds in plant cell suspension cultures of Sageretia thea. Optimum callus was induced from cotyledon explants on MS medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D; 0.5 mg L−1), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA, 0.5 mg L−1), kinetin (KN; 0.1 mg L−1) and sucrose (30 g L−1). Browning of callus was successfully avoided by using 200 mg L−1 ascorbic acid in the callus cultures. The elicitor effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was studied in cell suspension cultures, and the addition of 200 µM MeJA was found suitable for elicitation of phenolic accumulation in the cultured cells. Phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were determined using 2,2 Diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethybenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays and results showed that cell cultures possessed highest phenolic and flavonoid content as well as highest DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP activities. Cell suspension cultures were established using 5 L capacity balloon-type bubble bioreactors using 2 L of MS medium 30 g L−1 sucrose and 0.5 mg L−1 2,4-D, 0.5 mg L−1 NAA, and 0.1 mg L−1 KN. The optimum yield of 230.81 g of fresh biomass and 16.48 g of dry biomass was evident after four weeks of cultures. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed the cell biomass produced in bioreactors possessed higher concentrations of catechin hydrate, chlorogenic acid, naringenin, and other phenolic compounds.

Dynein is a multi-subunit motor protein that moves toward the minus-end of microtubules, and plays important roles in fly development. We identified Dhc64Cm115, a new mutant allele of the fly Dynein heavy chain 64C (Dhc64C) gene whose heterozygotes survive against lethality induced by overexpression of Sol narae (Sona). Sona is a secreted metalloprotease that positively regulates Wingless (Wg) signaling, and promotes cell survival and proliferation. Knockdown of Dhc64C in fly wings induced extensive cell death accompanied by widespread and disorganized expression of Wg. The disrupted pattern of the Wg protein was due to cell death of the Wg-producing cells at the DV midline and overproliferation of the Wg-producing cells at the hinge in disorganized ways. Coexpression of Dhc64C RNAi and p35 resulted in no cell death and normal pattern of Wg, demonstrating that cell death is responsible for all phenotypes induced by Dhc64C RNAi expression. The effect of Dhc64C on Wg-producing cells was unique among components of Dynein and other microtubule motors. We propose that Dhc64C differentially regulates survival of Wg-producing cells, which is essential for maintaining normal expression pattern of Wg for wing development.

Summary: Cancer cachexia is a disorder characterized by involuntary weight loss and impaired physical performance. Decline in physical performance of patients with cachexia is associated with poor quality of life, and currently there are no effective pharmacological interventions that restore physical performance. Here we examine the effect of GDF15 neutralization in a mouse model of cancer-induced cachexia (TOV21G) that manifests weight loss and muscle function impairments. With comprehensive assessments, our results demonstrate that cachectic mice treated with the anti-GDF15 antibody mAB2 exhibit body weight gain with near-complete restoration of muscle mass and markedly improved muscle function and physical performance. Mechanistically, the improvements induced by GDF15 neutralization are primarily attributed to increased caloric intake, while altered gene expression in cachectic muscles is restored in caloric-intake-dependent and -independent manners. The findings indicate potential of GDF15 neutralization as an effective therapy to enhance physical performance of patients with cachexia.

Abstract Background We sought to examine the association between childhood experience of parental death (CEPD) and adulthood suicidal ideation, and the mediating role of adulthood SES in the association. Methods We analyzed a nationally representative dataset of 8609 adults from the Korea Welfare Panel Study, which is a longitudinal cohort dataset in South Korea. CEPD was measured using a question: “During your childhood (0-17 years old), have you experienced the death of parents?” We classified responses of CEPD during 2006–2011 into ‘yes,’ and the others into ‘no.’ Suicidal ideation over the past year was assessed annually during 2012–2019. As a potential mediator, adulthood educational attainment and household income in 2011 were included in the analysis. Logistic regression was applied to examine the association of CEPD with adulthood suicidal ideation across age groups (early adulthood, 19–39 years old; middle adulthood, 40–59 years old; late adulthood, ≥60 years old), after excluding people who reported lifetime suicidal ideation in 2011. Causal mediation analysis using a parametric regression model was applied to examine the mediating role of adulthood SES in the association between CEPD and adulthood suicidal ideation. Results After adjusting for potential confounders including childhood SES, CEPD was significantly associated with adulthood suicidal ideation among the late adulthood group (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.13–1.81), while the association was not statistically significant among the early; and middle adulthood groups. In mediation analysis of adulthood household income, both indirect association (ORNIE: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09) and direct association (ORNDE: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.09–1.73) were statistically significant among the late adulthood group. In the mediation analysis of adulthood education attainment among the late adulthood, only a direct association was statistically significant (ORNDE: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.14–1.80). Conclusions These results suggest that CEPD could be a risk factor for adulthood suicidal ideation. Furthermore, the findings imply that income security policy might be necessary to reduce suicide among the late adulthood group.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) with gelatin sponge particles for symptomatic focal and diffuse adenomyosis. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted between January 2014 and December 2019. All women underwent UAE for symptomatic adenomyosis without leiomyomas. Gelatin sponge particles were used in all cases. Patients were assessed for effectiveness of symptom control, changes in uterine volume, and degree of tumor necrosis on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Results: One hundred and sixty-three patients underwent UAE. There were statistically significant differences in bleeding score, pain score, and uterine volume at three months after UAE (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Complete tumor necrosis occurred in 66.9% of cases after UAE. Proportion of complete necrosis were significantly different in cases with focal adenomyosis compared with diffuse adenomyosis (P = 0.023). Symptom recurrence occurred in 20.6% of cases at 12-month follow-up. Focal adenomyosis patients with complete necrosis had no recurrent menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. No major complications were observed. Conclusions: UAE using gelatin sponge particles is an effective and safe treatment for symptomatic adenomyosis. Patients with focal adenomyosis with complete necrosis after UAE had no symptom recurrence at midterm follow-up.

요약 전세계적으로 코로나19 관련 상황이 장기화되고 있고, 우리나라 역시 종식 시점에 대한 전망이 어렵다. 그럼에도 강력한 사회적 거리두기를 지속하기에는 어려움이 있기 때문에 국내에서는 5월 6일부터 생활 속 거리두기 단계로 전환하였다. 이러한 생활 속 거리두기는 일상생활과 경제활동을 보장하면서, 코로나19 유행 차단을 위한 감염예방 활동이 조화되는 방향으로 전개 중이었다. 보건복지부에서는 이와 관련하여 개인방역 핵심 수칙 등을 공개하였다. 발표된 개인방역 핵심 수칙은 ‘아프면 3 ~ 4일 집에 머물기’, ‘사람과 사람 사이, 두 팔 간격 거리두기’, ‘30초 손씻기, 기침은 옷소매에’, ‘매일 2번 이상 환기, 주기적 소독’, ‘거리는 멀어져도 마음은 가까이’ 이렇게 5가지로 구성되었다. 하지만, 우리 주변의 취약계층에 속한 대상자들은 이러한 생활수칙을 준수하는데 어려움이 따를 수밖에 없다. 이에 생활 속 거리두기 실천을 위한 개인방역 핵심 수칙을 바탕으로 우리 사회의 취약계층별로 직면하게 되는 어려움과 이들을 위한 지원방안을 제시하고자 하였다. 이러한 노력을 통해 우리 사회의 가장 약한 부분을 돌아보게 되어 사회 구조 전반을 강화할 수 있을 것으로 기대되는 바이다.

Objective: Diabetes is characterized by pancreatic β-cell dedifferentiation. Dedifferentiating β cells inappropriately metabolize lipids over carbohydrates and exhibit impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. However, the mechanism linking the β-cell's response to an adverse metabolic environment with impaired mitochondrial function remains unclear. Methods: Here we report that the oxidoreductase cytochrome b5 reductase 3 (Cyb5r3) links FoxO1 signaling to β-cell stimulus/secretion coupling by regulating mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species generation, and nicotinamide actin dysfunction (NAD)/reduced nicotinamide actin dysfunction (NADH) ratios. Results: The expression of Cyb5r3 is decreased in FoxO1-deficient β cells. Mice with β-cell-specific deletion of Cyb5r3 have impaired insulin secretion, resulting in glucose intolerance and diet-induced hyperglycemia. Cyb5r3-deficient β cells have a blunted respiratory response to glucose and display extensive mitochondrial and secretory granule abnormalities, consistent with altered differentiation. Moreover, FoxO1 is unable to maintain expression of key differentiation markers in Cyb5r3-deficient β cells, suggesting that Cyb5r3 is required for FoxO1-dependent lineage stability. Conclusions: The findings highlight a pathway linking FoxO1 to mitochondrial dysfunction that can mediate β-cell failure. Keywords: Beta cell dedifferentiation, Mitochondrial complex III failure, Type 2 diabetes, Diabetes genetics, Endocrine pancreas, Transcription factor in beta cell function, Hyperglycemia, Glucose clamp, Diabetes therapy

OBJECTIVE: Precarious employment is associated with worse mental health, but it is unclear whether changes in employment status are related to suicidal behaviors. This study examined the association between change in employment status and suicidal ideation among workers in South Korea. METHODS: To maximize power of the analysis, we combined data from the ongoing Korean Welfare Panel Study. We analyzed 3793 participants who were permanent workers at baseline (2011–2014) and who either: (i) maintained permanent employment; (ii) became a full-time precarious worker; (iii) became a part-time precarious worker; or (iv) became unemployed in the following year (2012–2015). Suicidal ideation was assessed annually by asking participants, “Have you ever seriously thought about dying by suicide in the past year?” Logistic regression was applied to examine associations between change in employment status and suicidal ideation, adjusting for potential confounders such as lifetime suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms at baseline. RESULTS: Participants who became part-time precarious workers were more likely to have suicidal ideation [odd ratio (OR) 2.37, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.07–5.25, P=0.033] compared to those who remained permanent workers. In analysis restricted to workers who never previously thought about dying by suicide, suicidal ideation was more common among those who became either full-time (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.09–4.99, P=0.029) or part-time (OR 3.94, 95% CI 1.46–10.64, P=0.007) precarious workers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that change in employment status from permanent to precarious employment may increase suicidal ideation among workers in South Korea.

Diabetes is associated with the de-differentiation of β-cells into a more progenitor-like cell type. Here, the authors identify Aldh3 as a marker of de-differentiating β-cell in animal models of diabetes, and show Aldh3+cells have impaired insulin secretion and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Objectives: In South Korea (hereafter Korea), the number of adolescent offspring of immigrants has rapidly increased since the early 1990s, mainly due to international marriage. This research sought to examine the association between the experience of school violence and mental health outcomes, and the role of help-seeking behaviors in the association, among biethnic adolescents in Korea. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data of 3627 biethnic adolescents in Korea from the 2012 National Survey of Multicultural Families. Based on the victim’s help-seeking behavior, adolescents who experienced school violence were classified into three groups: ‘seeking help’ group; ‘feeling nothing’ group; ‘not seeking help’ group. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to examine the associations between the experience of school violence and depressive symptoms for males and females separately. Results: In the gender-stratified analysis, school violence was associated with depressive symptoms in the ‘not seeking help’ (odds ratio [OR], 7.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.76 to 13.23) and the ‘seeking help’ group (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.73 to 4.44) among male adolescents after adjusting for potential confounders, including the nationality of the immigrant parent and Korean language fluency. Similar associations were observed in the female groups. However, in the ‘feeling nothing’ group, the association was only significant for males (OR, 8.34; 95% CI, 2.82 to 24.69), but not females (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.18 to 3.28). Conclusions: This study suggests that experience of school violence is associated with depressive symptoms and that the role of victims’ help-seeking behaviors in the association may differ by gender among biethnic adolescents in Korea.

Acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare toxic encephalopathy caused by accumulated plasma ammonia. A few literatures are reported about MRI findings of acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy. It is different from the well-known chronic hepatic encephalopathy. The clinical symptom and MRI findings of acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy can be reversible with proper treatment. Acute hepatic encephalopathy involves the cingulate cortex, diffuse cerebral cortices, insula, bilateral thalami on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery. Acute hepatic encephalopathy might mimic hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy because of their similar predominant involving sites. We experienced 2 cases of acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy consecutively. They showed restricted diffusion at the cingulate cortex, cerebral cortices, insula, and bilateral dorsomedial thalami on DWI. One patient underwent acute fulminant hepatitis A, the other patient with underlying chronic liver disease had acute liver failure due to hepatotoxicity of tuberculosis medication. In this report, we presented the characteristic features of DWI in acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy. In addition, we reviewed articles on MRI findings of acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy.

Purpose To investigate the characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with cystic changes visible on ultrasonography (US). Methods This study included 553 PTCs in 553 patients between January 2003 and August 2004. One radiologist with 10 years of experience in thyroid imaging retrospectively reviewed the preoperative US images. Two different groups were formed according to two different reference points (group 1, 25%; group 2, 50%) of the cystic component. Patients between the groups were compared according to their clinicopathologic characteristics. Disease-free survival (DFS) was estimated. Cox’s multivariate proportional hazards regression model was used to identify the effect of variable factors on the recurrence risk. Results Fifty-six patients (10.1%) were confirmed to have tumor recurrence within the follow-up period. Thirty-five patients had regional metastasis, one had distant metastasis, eight had multiple site metastases, and 12 had biochemical recurrence. PTC patients with a ≤ 50% or PTC patients with a ≤ 25% cystic component did not have a statistically significant longer DFS than those with a >50% (hazard ratio [HR], 1.118; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.255 to 4.910; P=0.883) or those with a >25% cystic component (HR, 0.569; 95% CI, 0.164 to 1.976; P=0.375), respectively. Moreover, independent predictors of recurrence were pathologic size, male gender, and lymph node metastasis, not a >50% or >25% cystic component. Conclusion The proportion of the cystic component in PTCs did not affect DFS.