• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.335-344
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• 2023

Purpose: This bibliometric analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the characteristics, trends, and level of diagnostic efficacy of studies on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) published in Imaging Science in Dentistry (ISD) from 2011 to 2022. Materials and Methods: Publications related to CBCT identified in the electronic collection of ISD were selected according to eligibility criteria by 2 independent reviewers who collected data on the characteristics of the articles (year, authors, and country). The type and topic of studies were analyzed using VOSviewer v.1.6.18 (Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands). The research articles were classified according to the hierarchical scale of diagnostic efficacy. Results: Of the 236 articles included, most were from South Korea and Brazil. Bong-Hae Cho and Yun-Hoa Jung were the most prolific authors on the topic of CBCT. The most frequently published types of studies were cross-sectional and laboratory-based. The most popular topics WERE related to the diagnosis of pathologies and/or alterations, as well as anatomical variations. On the diagnostic efficacy scale, most studies were rated level 1 (technical efficacy) or 2 (diagnostic accuracy efficacy). Conclusion: A steady increase was observed in publications related to CBCT, which are of both clinical and academic interest. The trends in these publications were analyzed, revealing that most are cross-sectional studies primarily exploring the capabilities of CBCT in diagnosing pathologies and/or changes in the oral and maxillofacial complex. These studies were typically classified as level 1 or 2 on the diagnostic efficacy scale.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.21-27
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the stress distribution and deformation in implant abutments made from titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), zirconia, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), including their screws and fixtures, under various loading conditions using finite element analysis (FEA). Methods: Three-dimensional models of the mandible with implant abutments were created using Siemens NX software (NX10.0.0.24, Siemens). FEA was conducted using Abaqus to simulate occlusal loads and assess stress distribution and deformation. Material properties such as Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were assigned to each component based on literature and experimental data. Results: The FEA results revealed distinct stress distribution patterns among the materials. Titanium alloy abutments exhibited the highest stress resistance and the most uniform stress distribution, making them highly suitable for long-term stability. Zirconia abutments showed strong mechanical properties with higher stress concentration, indicating potential vulnerability to fracture despite their aesthetic advantages. PEEK abutments demonstrated the least stress resistance and higher deformation compared to other abutment materials, but offered superior shock absorption, though they posed a higher risk of mechanical failure under high load conditions. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate materials for dental implants. Titanium offers durability and uniform stress distribution, making it highly suitable for long-term stability. Zirconia provides aesthetic benefits but has a higher risk of fracture compared to titanium. PEEK excels in shock absorption but has a higher risk of mechanical failure compared to both titanium and zirconia. These insights can guide improved implant designs and material choices for various clinical needs.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.444-452
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the survival and failure rates of RESTORE^® implants over a follow-up period of 10-15 years at a university dental hospital and to investigate the factors affecting the survival rate of these dental implants. Methods: A total of 247 RESTORE^® dental implants with a resorbable blast media (RBM) surface inserted in 86 patients between March 2006 and April 2011 at the Department of Periodontology of Seoul National University Dental Hospital were included. Patients with follow-up periods of less than 10 years were excluded, and data analysis was conducted based on dental records and radiographs. Results: Over a 10- to 15-year period, the cumulative survival rate of the implants was 92.5%. Seventeen implants (6.88%) were explanted due to implant fracture (n=10, 4.05%), peri-implantitis (n=6, 2.43%), and screw fracture (n=1, 0.4%). The results of univariate regression analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that implants placed in male patients (hazard ratio [HR], 4.542; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.305-15.807; P=0.017) and implants that supported removable prostheses (HR, 15.498; 95% CI, 3.105-77.357; P=0.001) showed statistically significant associations with implant failure. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective study, the RESTORE^® dental implant with an RBM surface has a favorable survival rate with stable clinical outcomes.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.213-220
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• 2024

The jugular foramen (JF) is located between the temporal and occipital bones. The JF is a primary pathway for venous outflow from the skull and passage of nerves. Variations are common in this region and may have clinical and surgical implications. To analyze the sexual dimorphism and JF morphology in skulls from Northeastern Brazil. 128 human skulls from the Anatomy Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraíba, 64 male and 64 female, were selected and the JFs analyzed for bone septation and the presence of a dome. Data analysis considered P<0.05 as significant. On at least one side, complete septation was observed in 26 skulls (20.3%), incomplete septation in 93 skulls (72.6%) and 61 skulls (47.6%) did not present septation. In 114 skulls (89%), 47.6% female and 41.4% male, have a unilateral presence of the dome and 71 (55.4%) have it bilaterally. Posterolateral compartment diameters and JF area had higher values on the right side in the total sample and separated by sex (P<0.05). Most morphometric variables of the anteromedial compartment were higher in male than in female (P<0.05), fact that was not observed in the posterolateral compartment (P>0.05). This study showed a higher prevalence of complete septation in males compared to females. Morphometric analysis presented a peculiar morphology of the JF in this study. These results suggests that the surgical approach to diseases that affect the JF may be peculiar to the studied population, confirming the importance of morphological analysis of the skull base.

• Journal of the Health Care and Life Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.165-172
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• 2023

This study involved 220 dental hygiene students who had experience in field clinical practice. It was carried out to grasp the awareness and practice of dental infection control and to use it as basic data for dental infection control practice. As a result of examining the awareness of dental infection control, the average score was 4.58 points, and the average infection control practice was 4.50 points. As a result of identifying differences between infection control awareness and practice, there were statistically significant differences in all domains. As a result of investigating the effect on infection prevention practices, the grade level, the experience of infection during practice, whether infection control guidelines are provided in the laboratory, awareness of handwashing areas, and wearing personal protective equipment were found to be significant predictors.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.480-489
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• 2024

Objectives: Excess deaths, an indicator that compares total mortality rates before and during a pandemic, offer a comprehensive view of the pandemic's impact. However, discrepancies may arise from variations in estimating expected deaths. This study aims to compare excess deaths in Korea during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic using 3 methods and to analyze patterns using the most appropriate method. Methods: Expected deaths from 2020 to 2022 were estimated using mortality data from 2015-2019 as reference years. This estimation employed 3 approaches: (1) simple average, (2) age-adjusted average, and (3) age-adjusted linear regression. Excess deaths by age, gender, and cause of death were also presented. Results: The number of excess deaths varied depending on the estimation method used, reaching its highest point with the simple average and its lowest with the age-adjusted average. Age-adjusted linear regression, which accounts for both the aging population and declining mortality rates, was considered most appropriate. Using this model, excess deaths were estimated at 0.3% for 2020, 4.0% for 2021, and 20.7% for 2022. Excess deaths surged among individuals in their 20s throughout the pandemic, largely attributed to a rise in self-harm and suicide. Additionally, the results indicated sharp increases in deaths associated with "endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases" and "symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified." Conclusions: Substantial variations in excess deaths were evident based on estimation method, with a notable increase in 2022. The heightened excess deaths among young adults and specific causes underscore key considerations for future pandemic responses.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.99-104
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• 2018

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the major pathogens in community-acquired diseases, and it contains several factors that promote its pathogenesis, including pneumolysin (PLY). PLY is a member of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin family, which attacks cholesterol-containing membranes, thereby forming ring-shaped pores. Thus, it is a major key target for vaccines against pneumococcal disease. We cloned the PLY gene from S. pneumoniae D39 and inserted it into the pQE-30 vector. Recombinant PLY (rPLY) was overexpressed in Escherichia coli M15 and purified by $Ni^{2+}$ affinity chromatography. Similarly, a PLY-EGFP fusion gene was produced by inserting the EGFP gene at the 3' end of the PLY gene in the same vector, and the recombinant protein was purified. Sodium dodecyl sulfate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that both recombinant proteins were purified. rPLY exhibited significant hemolytic activity against 1% human red blood cells (RBCs). Complete hemolysis was obtained at 500 ng/ml, and 50% hemolysis was found with a 240 ng/ml concentration. In contrast, rPLY-EGFP did not show hemolytic activity. However, rPLY-EGFP did bind the RBC membrane, indicating that rPLY-EGFP lost hemolytic activity via EGFP fusion, while retaining its membrane-binding ability. These data suggest that PLY's C terminus is important for its hemolytic activity. Therefore, these two recombinant proteins can be extremely useful for investigating the toxin mechanism of PLY and cell damage during pneumonia.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.17
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• pp.7097-7103
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• 2014

Over-expression of de novo lipogenesis (DNL) genes is associated with the prognosis of various types of cancers. However, the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes on recurrence and survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after surgery are still unknown. In this study, a total of 500 NSCLC patients who underwent surgery treatment were included. Eight SNPs in 3 genes (ACACA, FASN and ACLY) of the DNL pathway were examined using the Sequenom iPLEX genotyping system. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the association of SNPs with patient survival and tumour recurrence. We found that two SNPs in the FASN gene were significantly associated with the recurrence of NSCLC. SNP rs4246444 had a significant association with lung cancer recurrence under additive model (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.67-1.00; p=0.05). Under the dominant model, rs4485435 exhibited a significant association with recurrence (HR, 0.75; 95%CI, 0.56-1.01; p=0.05). Additionally, SNP rs9912300 in ACLY gene was significantly associated with overall survival in lung cancer patients (HR, 1.41; 95%CI, 1.02-1.94, p=0.04) under the dominant model. Further cumulative effect analysis showed moderate dose-dependent effects of unfavorable SNPs on both survival and recurrence. Our data suggest that the SNPs in DNL genes may serve as independent prognostic markers for NSCLC patients after surgery.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.118-125
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• 2019

Purpose: Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drugs (including zolpidem) are associated with an increased risk of suicide and suicidal ideation. Considering the wide usage of zolpidem, this drug should be considered a possible etiology for stupor or coma in any patient exposed to this drug. However, there are no reports on zolpidem blood levels in emergency department patients in Korea. We therefore reviewed the analyzed data of a toxicology laboratory at one university affiliated hospital. Methods: The sex, age, chief symptoms, suspiciousness of poisoning, and presumption of poison were analyzed from January 2018 to June 2019. The detection frequency and level of zolpidem in the patient blood were compared to the mental changes presented, which is the main consequence of zolpidem. Results: A total of 229 toxicological analyses, requested to a toxicological laboratory at one university affiliated hospital, were reviewed. Among 229 patients, the mean age was 54.3±20.7 years old with 113 women and 116 men. 8.7% of patients have psychiatric illness and 39.7% were poisoned intentionally. The chief symptoms detected were: mental change 55.0%, gastrointestinal 14.4%, cardiovascular 10.5%, focal neurological 7.4%, respiratory 3.5%, none 8.7%, and unknown 0.4%. A request for detailed reports revealed that causative poisons were specified only in 20.1% cases. Zolpidem was detected in 22.3% cases (51/229), with median blood level 1.26 mg/L (interquartile 0.1, 5.06 mg/L) and urine 0.90 mg/L (interquartile 0.11, 5.6 mg/L). Furthermore, zolpidem was more frequently detected in toxicology analysis of patients where mental change was the primary symptom, as compared to other symptoms (32.5% vs. 9.7%, p<0.01). Conclusion: This study reported the blood level of zolpidem in suspected poisoning patients admitted to the emergency department.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.68-74
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• 2018

Purpose: In 2012, a revised guideline for acute acetaminophen overdose was proposed in the UK, recommending that the treatment threshold should be lowered to 100 mcg/ml at 4 hours after ingestion without risk stratification of hepatotoxicity. However, the poison centers in some developing countries do not have laboratory resources to provide serum drug levels in time. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the cut-off value of reported dose per kilogram to determine when N-acetylcysteine treatment is warranted under the revised guideline. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from the toxicology registry of an urban emergency medical center between 1st January 2010 and 30th June 2017. Inclusion criteria were single acute overdose of more than 75 mg/kg in 15 hours from ingestion and over 14 years of age. Subgroups were created by 25 mg/kg increments of reported dose, then sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated for the cut-off values of 100 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 175 mg/kg for toxic serum level over '100-treatment line'. Results: A total of 99 patients were enrolled in the study; 24 patients showed toxic serum levels (24.2%). Zero of 17 patients with an ingestion dose under 100 mg/kg showed toxic level (0%), and 0 of 15 under 125 mg/kg (0%), 2 of 14 under 150 mg/kg (14.3%), and 4 of 12 under 175 mg/kg (33.3%) had toxic levels. The higher the ingested dose per kilogram of weight, the higher the frequency of the toxic serum concentration on the first test (${\chi}^2$ test for trend, ${\chi}^2=22.66$, p-value<0.001) and the sensitivity of each value was 100%, 100%, 92% and 76%. Conclusion: In acute single acetaminophen intoxication, the ingestion dose of 100 mg/kg of weight will be useful in determining the need for the N-acetylcysteine antidote in the indigent laboratory environment.