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Jeonghoon Ha,1 Hansang Baek,1 Chaiho Jeong,2 Hyunsam Kim,3 Ki-Hyun Baek,4 Moo Il Kang,1 Dong-Jun Lim1 1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea; 2Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Korea; 3Department of Internal Medicine, Dongshin Hospital, Seoul, Korea; 4Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, KoreaCorrespondence: Dong-Jun LimDivision of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, KoreaEmail ldj6026@catholic.ac.krPurpose: Studies investigating the association between vitamin D and metabolic parameters have reported inconsistent results depending on the characteristics of the subjects. We aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and various metabolic indicators in healthy Korean adults by using nationally representative data.Methods: A total of 3640 participants were included after excluding subjects who were ≤ 19 years of age and had a history of treatment for dyslipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes and a history of other chronic diseases such as liver and kidney diseases. After dividing the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level into quartiles, the risk of having each metabolic parameter higher than the median value was determined according to the 25(OH)D quartile by using regression analysis.Results: In a multivariate regression analysis, a higher 25(OH)D quartile tended to have a significantly lower risk of having a triglyceride (TG) level higher than the median value (103.1 mg/dl). As the quartile increased, the risk of having a waist circumference or body mass index higher than the median value also decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant. No significant changes were observed in fasting glucose or glycated hemoglobin level according to quartile.Conclusion: We demonstrated that subjects with a higher 25(OH)D quartile exhibited a significantly lower risk of having a TG level higher than the median value in a representative Korean population. More evidence from a prospective study on whether vitamin D supplementation improves serum TG levels in healthy adults is needed.Keywords: 25-hydroxyvitamin D, triglyceride, glucose, body mass index, waist circumference

B lymphocytes have long been recognized for their critical contributions to adaptive immunity, providing defense against pathogens through cognate antigen presentation to T cells and Ab production. More recently appreciated is that B cells are also integral in securing self-tolerance; this has led to interest in their therapeutic application to downregulate unwanted immune responses, such as transplant rejection. In this study, we found that PMA- and ionomycin-activated mouse B cells acquire regulatory properties following stimulation through TLR4/TLR9 receptors (Bregs-TLR). Bregs-TLR efficiently inhibited T cell proliferation in vitro and prevented allograft rejection. Unlike most reported Breg activities, the inhibition of alloimmune responses by Bregs-TLR relied on the expression of TGF-β and not IL-10. In vivo, Bregs-TLR interrupted donor-specific T cell expansion and induced Tregs in a TGF-β–dependent manner. RNA-Seq analyses corroborated the involvement of TGF-β pathways in Breg-TLR function, identified potential gene pathways implicated in preventing graft rejection, and suggested targets to foster Breg regulation.

Jeongmin Lee,1 Jeonghoon Ha,2 Sang-Kuon Lee,3 Hye Lim Park,4 Sung-Hoon Kim,5 Dong-Jun Lim,2 Jung Min Lee,1 Sang-Ah Chang,1 Moo Il Kang,2 Min-Hee Kim1 1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 2Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 3Division of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 4Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 5Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of KoreaCorrespondence: Min-Hee KimDivision of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of KoreaTel +82-2-2030-4348Fax +82-2-2030-4641Email benedict@catholic.ac.krPurpose: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is mainly comprised of aldosterone-producing adenoma and bilateral idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia. Current guidelines recommend adrenal venous sampling (AVS) as a gold standard method to classify the subtypes. However, because of technical challenges in AVS including invasiveness of AVS and a wide range of success rate for cannulation, it is not uncommon that appropriate decisions could not be made depending on AVS. The aim of this study is to elucidate the proper role of I‑131‑6β‑iodomethyl‑norcholesterol (NP-59) scintigraphy in management of PA.Patients and Methods: Between January 2009 and October 2018, patients with PA were retrospectively reviewed for the study. Five patients were included in the study who had NP-59 scintigraphy with non-conclusive AVS results or without AVS. We described the clinical outcome of patients in whom clinical decisions were made according to NP-59 scintigraphy results.Results: Patients in the presenting cases were diagnosed for PA. AVS, the most reliable test to identify unilateral APA, were not applicable because of hypersensitivity to contrast dye (patient 1), and use of antiplatelet agents after acute cerebral infarction (patient 2). NP-59 scintigraphy was performed in patients 3 and 4 whose result of AVS and CT scan were inconsistent. In patient 5, who had bilateral adrenal adenomas (two in the left and one in the right adrenal gland), both unsuccessful catheterization and coexistence of cortisol overproduction made AVS results unreliable.Conclusion: Based on clinical outcomes of these case series, it is noticeable that NP-59 scintigraphy could play a substantial role in management of PA in selected cases.Keywords: hyperaldosteronism, angiography, aldosterone, radionuclide imaging

Ptaquiloside, a naturally occurring cancer-causing substance in bracken fern, has been detected in the meat and milk of cows fed a diet containing bracken fern. A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitative analysis of ptaquiloside in bracken fern, meat, and dairy products was developed using the QuEChERS method and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists guidelines and met the criteria. A single matrix-matched calibration method with bracken fern has been proposed, which is a novel strategy that uses one calibration for multiple matrices. The calibration curve ranged from 0.1 to 50 µg/kg and showed good linearity (r2 > 0.99). The limits of detection and quantification were 0.03 and 0.09 µg/kg, respectively. The intraday and interday accuracies were 83.5–98.5%, and the precision was −5 µg/kg b.w./day. The significance of this study is to evaluate commercially available products in which ptaquiloside may be present, to monitor consumer safety.

Chaiho Jeong,1 Hyunsam Kim,1 Jeongmin Lee,2 Jeonghoon Ha,1 Min-Hee Kim,2 Moo Il Kang,1 Dong-Jun Lim1 1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 2Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of KoreaCorrespondence: Dong-Jun LimDivision of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-Daero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of KoreaTel +82-2-2258-6009Fax +82-2-599-3589Email ldj6026@catholic.ac.krBackground: The Korea Thyroid Association published the revised guidelines for thyroid nodules in 2016. However, whether fine-needle aspiration is accurately performed based on indications and whether the results of this procedure are appropriately addressed according to clinical guidelines, particularly in subcentimeter nodules, are unclear.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the fine-needle aspiration data of 331 thyroid nodules of patients who were referred to a tertiary hospital clinic for fine-needle aspiration. Each nodule was categorized according to ultrasonography findings based on the recommendations of the Korea Thyroid Association for fine-needle aspiration. Only nodules with a final pathological diagnosis of benign or malignant made using the Bethesda system were included.Results: Up to 32% of thyroid nodules that were not indicated for fine-needle aspiration were aspirated. Regarding subcentimeter nodules, only 28 of 123 (22.8%) aspirated nodules were indicated for fine-needle aspiration. Of the 49 malignant subcentimeter nodules, 33 (67.3%) underwent immediate surgery. Meanwhile, 14 (28.6%) nodules were lost to follow-up, and two (4.1%) were under active surveillance. Eighteen (36.7%) malignant subcentimeter nodules were not indicated for fine-needle aspiration but underwent surgical resection instead of active surveillance.Conclusion: Despite the recommendations in the revised guidelines, several thyroid nodules that do not meet the indications for FNA are aspirated in real-world practice. To reduce overtreatment, a widespread knowledge of the correct indications for fine-needle aspiration is important in clinical practice, particularly for subcentimeter nodules.Keywords: thyroid nodule, fine-needle aspiration, thyroid cancer, KTA guidelines

Ho Yeon Chung,1 Jawon Koo,1 Su Kyoung Kwon,2 Moo-IL Kang,3 Seong-Hwan Moon,4 Jin-Young Park,5 Chan Soo Shin,6 Byung-Koo Yoon,7 Hyun-Koo Yoon,8 Jae-Suk Chang,9 Yoon-Sok Chung,10 Hyoung-Moo Park111Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 2Department of Statistics, 3Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, 4Department of Orthopedics, Yonsei University, 5Department of Orthopedics, Konkuk University, 6Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University, 7Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sungkyunkwan University, 8Department of Internal Medicine, Kwandong University, 9Department of Orthopedics, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea; 10Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea; 11Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South KoreaPurpose: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of monthly risedronate, with and without cholecalciferol, on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and bone markers in Korean patients with osteoporosis.Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, prospective, 16-week clinical trial was conducted in ten hospitals. A total of 150 subjects with osteoporosis were randomized to one of the two treatment groups: RSDM+ (monthly risedronate 150 mg and cholecalciferol 30,000 IU combined in a single pill, n = 74) or RSDM (monthly risedronate 150 mg alone, n = 76). We measured serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and bone markers, as well as performing muscle-function tests at baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment.Results: After 16 weeks, serum 25(OH)D levels significantly increased from 17.8 to 26.8 ng/mL in the RSDM+ group, but did not change in the RSDM group. The RSDM+ group exhibited significantly decreased serum PTH from 46 to 36.7 pg/mL, while the RSDM group showed a tendency for PTH to increase from 38 to 40.6 pg/mL. In both groups, serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and C-terminal telopeptide rapidly declined, with significance at 16 weeks; there were no significant differences between the groups.Conclusion: A once-monthly pill of risedronate and cholecalciferol provided equivalent antiresorptive efficacy to risedronate alone in terms of bone turnover and improved 25(OH)D levels over the 16-week treatment period without significant adverse events in Korean patients with osteoporosis. Keywords: bisphosphonate, cholecalciferol, bone markers, 25(OH)D

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Hydroxycholesterols (OHCs), metabolites of CNS cholesterol, are involved in diverse cellular responses to inflammation and demyelination, and may also be involved in the pathogenesis of NMO. We aimed to develop a sensitive and reliable method for the quantitative analysis of three major OHCs (24S-, 25-, and 27-OHCs), and to evaluate their concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of patients with NMO. The levels of the three OHCs in the serum and CSF were measured using liquid chromatography-silver ion coordination ionspray tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with picolinyl ester derivatization, respectively. The linear range was 5-250 ng/mL for 24S- and 27-OHC, and 0.5-25 ng/mL for 25-OHC in serum, and was 0.1-5 ng/mL for 24S- and 27-OHC, and 0.03-1 ng/mL for 25-OHC in CSF. Precision and accuracy were 0.5%-14.7% and 92.5%-109.7%, respectively, in serum, and were 0.8%-7.7% and 94.5%-119.2%, respectively, in CSF. Extraction recovery was 82.7%-90.7% in serum and 68.4%-105.0% in CSF. When analyzed in 26 NMO patients and 23 control patients, the 25-OHC (0.54 ± 0.96 ng/mL vs. 0.09 ± 0.04 ng/mL, p = 0.032) and 27-OHC (2.68 ± 3.18 ng/mL vs. 0.68 ± 0.25 ng/mL, p = 0.005) were increased in the CSF from NMO patients. When we measured the OHCCSF index that controls the effects of blood-brain barrier disruption on the level of OHC in the CSF, the 27-OHCCSF index was associated with disability (0.723; 95% confidence interval (CI)- 0.181, 0.620; p = 0.002), while the 24-OHCCSF index (0.518; 95% CI- 1.070, 38.121; p = 0.040) and 25-OHCCSF index (0.677; 95% CI- 4.313, 18.532; p = 0.004) were associated with the number of white blood cells in the CSF of NMO patients. Our results imply that OHCs in the CNS could play a role in the pathogenesis of NMO.

Objective : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Dong-Qi acupuncture treatment for the patients with low back pain and sciatica. Methods : 60 patients were divided into two, Group A of 30 persons and Group B of 30 persons. Only Group A was treated with Dong-Qi acupuncture treatment, Group B was treated with just Dong-Si acupuncture treatment. Results : In VAS, Group A is 6.57±1.91 and Group B is 5.20±2.22(P=0.013). In Improvement index, Group A is 0.2295±0.1036 and Group B is 0.1545±0.0895 (P=0.004). Conclusion : We knew that Dong-Qi acupuncture treatment is more effective.

A short course of anti-CD45RB leads to long-term islet allograft survival and donor-specific tolerance in approximately half of immunocompetent mice. We have previously demonstrated that anti-CD45RB antibody-mediated tolerance requires B-cells for cardiac allograft survival. We therefore asked whether B-cells were also required for anti-CD45RB antibody-mediated survival of islets. Unexpectedly, we found that nearly 100% of islet allografts survive long term in B-cell-deficient mice. Similarly, B-cell depletion by anti-CD22/cal augmented anti-CD45RB-mediated tolerance when administered pretransplant, although it had no effect on tolerance induction when administered posttransplant. Our results demonstrate that the role of B-cells in promoting tolerance with anti-CD45RB is graft specific, promoting tolerance in cardiac grafts but resisting tolerance in islet transplantation. These findings may help elucidate the varied action of B-cells in promoting tolerance versus rejection.

Many adolescents worldwide suffer from stress or unhealthy emotional states such as depression. There is a trend toward limited physical contact via social distancing practices that developed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An experimental study aimed at investigating the effects of a mindfulness program on stress, concentration, self-esteem, and self-control in high school students. A 10-week mindfulness intervention was provided to the experimental group (n = 89) from September-November 2020, while the control group (n = 89) received general health education. Four weeks after the program, the experimental group showed reduced stress and improved concentration, self-esteem, and self-control compared to baseline.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) have evolved to acquire various additional domains. These domains allow ARSs to communicate with other cellular proteins in order to promote non-translational functions. Vertebrate cytoplasmic isoleucyl-tRNA synthetases (IARS1s) have an uncharacterized unique domain, UNE-I. Here, we present the crystal structure of the chicken IARS1 UNE-I complexed with glutamyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (EARS1). UNE-I consists of tandem ubiquitin regulatory X (UBX) domains that interact with a distinct hairpin loop on EARS1 and protect its neighboring proteins in the multi-synthetase complex from degradation. Phosphomimetic mutation of the two serine residues in the hairpin loop releases IARS1 from the complex. IARS1 interacts with BRCA1 in the nucleus, regulates its stability by inhibiting ubiquitylation via the UBX domains, and controls DNA repair function.

Immunosenescence predisposes the elderly to infectious and autoimmune diseases and impairs the response to vaccination. We recently demonstrated that ageing also impedes development of transplantation tolerance. Unlike their young counterparts (8-12 weeks of age) aged male recipients (greater than 12 months of age) transplanted with a full MHC-mismatched heart are resistant to tolerance mediated by anti-CD45RB antibody. Surprisingly, either chemical or surgical castration restored tolerance induction to levels observed using young recipients. Based on the strong impact of endocrine modulation on transplant tolerance, we explored the impact of ageing and castration on the immune system. Here we report a significant increase in the percentage of T cells that produce interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in aged male versus young male animals and that the overall increase in IFN-γ production was due to an expansion of IFN-γ-producing memory T cells in aged animals. In contrast to IFN-γ production, we did not observe differences in IL-10 expression in young versus old male mice. We hypothesized that endocrine modulation would diminish the elevated levels of IFN-γ production in aged recipients, however, we observed no significant reduction in the percentage of IFN-γ+ T cells upon castration. Furthermore, we neutralized interferon-γ by antibody and did not observe an effect on graft survival. We conclude that while elevated levels of interferon-γ serves as a marker of tolerance resistance in aged mice, other as yet to be identified factors are responsible for its cause. Defining these factors may be relevant to design of tolerogenic strategies for aged recipients.

Baboons receiving xenogeneic livers from wild type and transgenic pigs survive less than 10 days. One of the major issues is the early development of profound thrombocytopenia that results in fatal hemorrhage. Histological examination of xenotransplanted livers has shown baboon platelet activation, phagocytosis and sequestration within the sinusoids. In order to study the mechanisms of platelet consumption in liver xenotransplantation, we have developed an in vitro system to examine the interaction between pig endothelial cells with baboon platelets and to thereby identify molecular mechanisms and therapies.Fresh pig hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal and aortic endothelial cells were isolated by collagenase digestion of livers and processing of aortae from GTKO and Gal+ MGH-miniature swine. These primary cell cultures were then tested for the differential ability to induce baboon or pig platelet aggregation. Phagocytosis was evaluated by direct observation of CFSE labeled-platelets, which are incubated with endothelial cells under confocal light microscopy. Aurintricarboxylic acid (GpIb antagonist blocking interactions with von Willebrand factor/vWF), eptifibatide (Gp IIb/IIIa antagonist), and anti-Mac-1 Ab (anti-α(M)β(2) integrin Ab) were tested for the ability to inhibit phagocytosis.None of the pig cells induced aggregation or phagocytosis of porcine platelets. However, pig hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal and aortic endothelial cells (GTKO and Gal+) all induced moderate aggregation of baboon platelets. Importantly, pig liver sinusoidal endothelial cells efficiently phagocytosed baboon platelets, while pig aortic endothelial cells and hepatocytes had minimal effects on platelet numbers. Anti-MAC-1 Ab, aurintricarboxylic acid or eptifibatide, significantly decreased baboon platelet phagocytosis by pig liver endothelial cells (P

Abstract Background Metastasis formation is the leading cause of death among colon cancer patients. We established a new in-situ model of in vivo microscopy of the lung to analyse initiating events of metastatic tumor cell adhesion within this typical metastatic target of colon cancer. Methods Anaesthetized CD rats were mechanically ventilated and 106 human HT-29LMM and T84 colon cancer cells were injected intracardially as single cell suspensions. Quantitative in vivo microscopy of the lung was performed in 10 minute intervals for a total of 40 minutes beginning with the time of injection. Results After vehicle treatment of HT-29LMM controls 15.2 ± 5.3; 14.2 ± 7.5; 11.4 ± 5.5; and 15.4 ± 6.5 cells/20 microscopic fields were found adherent within the pulmonary microvasculature in each 10 minute interval. Similar numbers were found after injection of the lung metastasis derived T84 cell line and after treatment of HT-29LMM with unspecific mouse control-IgG. Subsequently, HT-29LMM cells were treated with function blocking antibodies against β1-, β4-, and αv-integrins wich also did not impair tumor cell adhesion in the lung. In contrast, after hydrolization of sialylated glycoproteins on the cells' surface by neuraminidase, we observed impairment of tumor cell adhesion by more than 50% (p < 0.05). The same degree of impairment was achieved by inhibition of P- and L-selectins via animal treatment with fucoidan (p < 0.05) and also by inhibition of the Thomson-Friedenreich (TF)-antigen (p < 0.05). Conclusions These results demonstrate that the initial colon cancer cell adhesion in the capillaries of the lung is predominantly mediated by tumor cell - endothelial cell interactions, possibly supported by platelets. In contrast to reports of earlier studies that metastatic tumor cell adhesion occurs through integrin mediated binding of extracellular matrix proteins in liver, in the lung, the continuously lined endothelium appears to be specifically targeted by circulating tumor cells.

Abstract Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequently encountered brain cancer. Although the existence of cancer stem cells in GBM has been previously established, there is little evidence to explain the difference between cancer stem cells and radio-resistant cells in GBM. In an effort to increase our understanding of whether cellular radio-resistance is a characteristic associated with cancer stem cells, we developed a dissociated cell system of subpopulations derived from GBM, and demonstrated radiotherapy resistance therein. Results The radio-resistant cancer cell subpopulations of GBM abundantly express CD133, CD117, CD71, and CD45 surface markers, and these radio-resistant cancer cell subpopulations have the capacity for extensive proliferation, self-renewal, and pluripotency. These radio-resistant cancer subpopulations have been shown to initiate tumorigenesis when transplanted into SCID mouse brains. Moreover, these tumors evidenced highly peculiar nest-like shapes harboring both vascular and cancerous tissue structures, which expressed the blood vessel specific marker, the von Willebrand factor. Accordingly, subpopulations of radio-resistant cells in GBM have been shown to be very similar to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the circulating blood. This similarity may contribute to increased tumor growth and GBM recurrence. Conclusion The results of the present study provide further evidence for radio resistant subpopulations of cancer stem cells in GBM. Also, our results will assist in the identification and characterization of cancer stem cell populations in glioma, and will help to improve the therapeutic outcomes of GBM.

Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) have been the focus of developmental and regenerative studies, yet our understanding of the signalling events regulating their specification remains incomplete. We demonstrate that supt16h, a component of the Facilitates chromatin transcription (FACT) complex, is required for HSPC formation. Zebrafish supt16h mutants express reduced levels of Notch-signalling components, genes essential for HSPC development, due to abrogated transcription. Whereas global chromatin accessibility in supt16h mutants is not substantially altered, we observe a specific increase in p53 accessibility, causing an accumulation of p53. We further demonstrate that p53 influences expression of the Polycomb-group protein PHC1, which functions as a transcriptional repressor of Notch genes. Suppression of phc1 or its upstream regulator, p53, rescues the loss of both Notch and HSPC phenotypes in supt16h mutants. Our results highlight a relationship between supt16h, p53 and phc1 to specify HSPCs via modulation of Notch signalling.

Objective: This case report presents a female adult patient who exhibits poor oral hygiene, a mutilated dentition with multiple missing teeth, and skeletal asymmetry. Clinical Considerations: Interdisciplinary treatment was necessary to maintain oral hygiene, treat caries, extract residual roots, and upright a horizontally impacted third molar using a miniplate. Additionally, orthodontic mini‐implants were utilized as anchorage to improve sagittal relationship and space closing. Space management was completed with orthodontic treatment, followed by restoration of the multiple missing teeth with dental implants. Conclusion: Consequently, an esthetic smile and functional occlusion were achieved by interdisciplinary treatment using orthodontic skeletal anchorage devices and dental implants. Clinical Significance: Missing mandibular first molar spaces were closed with retraction of the anterior teeth and protraction of the mandibular second molars using orthodontic mini‐implants. The mandibular right third molar, which should have erupted, was protracted with the second molar, while the horizontally impacted mandibular left third molar was uprighted using a miniplate and was protracted with an orthodontic mini‐implant. The missing maxillary lateral incisors were replaced with the maxillary canines, and the maxillary canines were replaced with the maxillary first premolars. The missing maxillary right second premolar and first molar and left first and second molars were successfully restored with dental implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing research reveals that early child abuse victimization and substance use and misuse in adulthood have a major relationship. To enhance the understanding of the relationship, we proposed models linking child abuse victimization to substance use and misuse later in life through a social learning process and a psychological strain process channeled through deviant peer association, perceived harms of substance use, self-esteem, and psychological distress. Using data from a probability sample of 2,799 adults in a Chinese city, we conducted an SEM analysis to test the relationships among the conceptual constructs. Child abuse victimization exhibited positive and indirect effects on multiple forms of substance use and misuse, including frequency of tobacco use, frequency of binge drinking, and illicit drug use. Deviant peer association and perceived harms of substance use mediated all effects of child abuse victimization on substance use and misuse in adulthood. Self-esteem and psychological distress, however, played varied roles in the mediating processes. Overall, child abuse victimization demonstrated a significant indirect effect on substance use and misuse in adulthood. To understand whether child abuse victimization is related to substance use behavior in adulthood, examining the indirect links between child abuse victimization and substance use and misuse is critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a case study about the experiences of a student teacher with anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorder (ADD) in a traditional teacher education program. This study tracks the student teacher's progress from his initial unsuccessful placements in fieldwork and student teaching through marked improvement after reassignment to a school with a highly supportive and inclusive environment. Using theories established in communities of practice literature and relying on ethnographic observations and interviews for our data collection and analysis, we provide an in-depth portrayal of the efforts of the communities of practice, carefully highlighting the roles of the participating teacher education communities of practice that had led him toward his academic and professional success. We conclude that student teaching is a social act which occurs within various communities of practice. When these communities worked together to build an inclusive academic and professional environment, a student teacher with special needs made significant improvement in teaching and became a full member of the communities of professional and academic practice.