• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.94-99
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• 2018

Objective: Prompt diagnosis and management are essential for saving the adnexal organs from infarction in cases of ovarian torsion (OT). This study aimed to determine the diagnostic significance of signal peptide, complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, and Bmp1 (CUB), and epidermal growth factor-like domain-containing protein-1 (SCUBE-1) levels in cases of OT, an emergent ischemic condition, and the relationship of SCUBE-1 with oxidative stress parameters. Methods: This prospective study was conducted among 15 OT patients and 20 age- and gravidity-matched healthy women. SCUBE-1 serum concentrations were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and glutathione (GSH). Results: The SCUBE-1 titers were significantly higher in the patients with OT than in the controls (p=0.008). In addition, serum FRAP and GSH levels were significantly lower in the OT patients than in the controls (p<0.001 for both). Serum AOPP levels were higher in the OT patients, but this trend was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Furthermore, there were no correlations between SCUBE-1 levels and age, gravidity, parity, cyst size, and AOPP, FRAP, or GSH levels (p>0.05). Conclusion: We believe that SCUBE-1 may be a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis of OT.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권13호
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• pp.5515-5519
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• 2015

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) ss469415590 in the interferon lambda-4 (IFNL4) gene has recently been reported to have an association with treatment response in chronic hepatitis C. However, any importance of the SNP in association with response to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unclear. We retrospectively analyzed data for Thai patients with CHB treated with PEG-IFN for 48 weeks. Virological response (VR) for HBeAg-positive CHB was defined as HBeAg seroconversion plus HBV DNA level <2,000 IU/mL at 24 weeks post-treatment. VR for HBeAg-negative CHB was defined as an HBV DNA level <2,000 IU/mL at 48 weeks. The SNP was identified by real time PCR using the TaqMan genotyping assay with MGB probes. A total 254 patients (107 HBeAg-positive and 147 HBeAg-negative) were enrolled in the study. The distribution of TT/TT, ${\Delta}G/TT$ and ${\Delta}G/{\Delta}G$ genotypes was 221 (87.0%), 32 (12.6%) and 1 (0.4%), respectively. Patients with non-TT/TT genotypes had significantly higher baseline HBV DNA levels than patients with the TT/TT genotype. In HBeAg-positive CHB, 41.2% of patients with TT/TT genotype versus 50.0% with non-TT/TT genotype achieved VR (P=0.593). In HBeAg-negative CHB, the corresponding figures were 40.3% and 43.5%, respectively (P=0.777). There was no significant correlation between the SNP genotypes and HBsAg clearance in both groups of patients. In summary, ss469415590 genotypes were not associated with response to PEG-IFN in Thai patients with HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative CHB.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2018

Purpose: To evaluate osseous changes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to correlate the imaging findings with the severity of TMJ dysfunction, clinical findings, and laboratory findings. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 28 subjects, including 14 RA patients and 14 controls, who were scheduled to undergo CBCT imaging for the diagnosis of a complaint not related to or affecting the TMJ. The Fonseca's questionnaire was used to assess the severity of TMJ dysfunction. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were assessed in the RA patients. CBCT was then performed in all subjects and osseous TMJ abnormalities were assessed. Results: According to the Fonseca's questionnaire, 14.3% of the patients had no TMJ dysfunction, while 50%, 21.4%, and 14.3% had mild, moderate, and severe dysfunction, respectively. RF was positive in 64.3% of patients, and the ESR level was high in 100%. Imaging findings revealed a statistically significantly higher prevalence of erosion (85.7%), flattening (89.3%), osteophyte formation (32.1%), subchondral cyst (32.1%), sclerosis (64.3%), and condylar irregularities (28.6%) in the RA patients than in the controls. No correlations were found between CBCT findings and the clinical findings, the severity of TMJ dysfunction, disease duration, or laboratory results. Conclusion: RA patients might show extensive osseous abnormalities with no/mild clinical signs or symptoms of TMJ dysfunction that necessitate TMJ imaging for these patients. CBCT is a valuable and efficient modality that can assess osseous TMJ changes in RA patients.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.60-65
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• 2021

Dental health care workers (DHCW) are at a risk of occupational exposure to Helicobacter pylori from the aerosolized oral biofilms and saliva of patients. We designed this study to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori in the oral biofilms of a group of dental and non-dental undergraduates from Sri Lanka. After obtaining informed consent, oral biofilms were collected from 38 dental undergraduates (19 males and 19 females) undergoing clinical training and 33 non-dental undergraduates (14 males and 19 females). The participants were in the age range of 22-27 years and had healthy periodontium. Total DNA from the oral biofilms were extracted, and H. pylori DNA was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16S rRNA gene of H. pylori using JW22-JW23 primers, and the results were confirmed using PCR amplification of H. pylori-urease specific HPU1-HPU2 primers. Out of 71 participants, 11 (28.95%) dental and 3 (9.09%) non-dental undergraduates had H. pylori in their oral biofilms indicating an overall prevalence rate of 19.72% (14/71). Thus, the prevalence of H. pylori in oral biofilms was significantly higher in dental undergraduates than in non-dental undergraduates (p < 0.05). An odds ratio of 4.07 indicated that dental undergraduates were four times more likely to harbor H. pylori in their oral biofilms than non-dental undergraduates. Foregoing data support the fact that there may be greater occupational risk of exposure to H. pylori for dental undergraduates during clinical training than that for non-dental undergraduates, warranting meticulous infection control practices during clinical dentistry.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.46.1-46.8
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• 2022

Background: Stenting is an effective treatment option for tracheal collapse in dogs. Cross-braided tracheal stents are currently the norm in veterinary medicine, but cross-and-hook braided stents have recently been adopted in human medicine. We examined whether stents manufactured using this novel braiding technique provided additional advantages for the treatment of tracheal collapse in dogs. Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of cross-and-hook braided stent implantation in the treatment of tracheal collapse in dogs. Methods: The medical records of 22 client-owned dogs that underwent luminal placement of cross-and-hook braided Fauna Stents for the treatment of tracheal collapse between January 2018 and July 2021 were examined and data on canine signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were retrieved and analyzed statistically. Results: Twenty-six stents were surgically implanted, with 20 dogs (90.9%) receiving one stent and the remaining two (9.1%) receiving two or more stents. All dogs survived the procedure. The median survival time at a median follow-up of 990 days was 879 days. At the final follow-up examination, loss or mild improvement of cough was observed in all dogs. Conclusions: Compared with conventional lumen stents, the cross-and-hook braided Fauna Stent offered a higher survival rate and improved clinical symptoms in all patients. The results of this study suggest that the Fauna Stent may be a promising treatment option for dogs with tracheal collapse.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제52권2호
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• pp.116-126
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• 2022

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy of treating periodontitis using subgingival nano-hydroxyapatite powder with an air abrasion device (NHAPA) combined with scaling and root planing (SRP). Methods: A total of 28 patients with stage III periodontitis (grade B) were included in this study, although 1 was lost during follow-up and 3 used antibiotics. The patients were divided into a test group and a control group. All patients first received whole-mouth SRP using hand instruments, and a split-mouth approach was used for the second treatment. In the test group, the teeth were treated with NHAPA for 15 seconds at 70% power per pocket. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from the 2 deepest pockets at the test and control sites before treatment (baseline) and 3 months after treatment. The full-mouth plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and at 1- and 3-month post-treatment. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the colonisation of Treponema denticola (Td), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the subgingival plaque. Results: From baseline to the first month, the test group showed significantly larger changes in BOP and CAL (43.705%±27.495% and 1.160±0.747 mm, respectively) than the control group (36.311%±27.599% and 0.947±0.635 mm, respectively). Periodontal parameters had improved in both groups at 3 months. The reductions of PI, GI, BOP, PD, and CAL in the test group at 3 months were greater and statistically significant. The total bacterial count and Td and Pg species had decreased significantly by the third month in both groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: Applying NHAPA in addition to SRP improves clinical periodontal parameters more than SRP alone. Subgingival NHAPA may encourage clot adhesion to tooth surfaces by increasing surface wettability.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제52권6호
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• pp.455-465
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• 2022

Purpose: Periodontal diseases are inflammatory conditions that alter the host's response to microbial pathogens. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease that affects the incidence and severity of periodontal diseases. This study investigated the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and interleukin-34 (IL-34) in patients with stage III grade C periodontitis (SIII-GC-P) and stage III grade C periodontitis with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (SIII-GC-PD). Methods: In total, 72 individuals, including 24 periodontally healthy (PH), 24 SIII-GC-P, and 24 SIII-GC-PD patients, were recruited for this study. Periodontitis patients (stage III) had interdental attachment loss (AL) of 5 mm or more, probing depth (PD) of 6 mm or more, radiographic bone loss advancing to the middle or apical part of the root, and tooth loss (<5) due to periodontal disease. Radiographic bone loss in the teeth was also evaluated; grade C periodontitis was defined as a ratio of the percentage of root bone loss to age greater than 1.0. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), presence of bleeding on probing (BOP), PD, and clinical AL were used for clinical periodontal assessments. GCF samples were obtained and analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: All clinical parameters-PD, AL, GI, BOP, and PI-were significantly higher in the SIII-GC-PD group than in the PH and SIII-GC-P groups for both the full mouth and each sampling site (P<0.05). The total IL-34 and CSF-1 levels were significantly higher in the SIII-GC-PD group than in the PH and SIII-GC-P groups (P<0.05), and there were significant differences between the periodontitis groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that IL-34 and CSF-1 expression increases in patients with SIII-GC-PD. CSF-1 was associated with the inflammatory status of periodontal tissues and T2DM, while IL-34 was associated only with T2DM.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제57권3호
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• pp.212-222
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• 2024

Objectives: Epilepsy is a chronic disease that requires long-term treatment and intervention from health workers. Medication adherence is a factor that influences the success of therapy for patients with epilepsy. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the role of pharmacists in improving the clinical outcomes of epilepsy patients, focusing on medication adherence. Methods: A scoping literature search was conducted through the ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The literature search included all original articles published in English until August 2023 for which the full text was available. This scoping review was carried out by a team consisting of pharmacists and neurologists following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, including 5 steps: identifying research questions, finding relevant articles, selecting articles, presenting data, and compiling the results. Results: The literature search yielded 10 studies that discussed pharmacist interventions for patients with epilepsy. Five articles described educational interventions involving drug-related counseling with pharmacists. Two articles focused on similar pharmacist interventions through patient education, both verbal and written. Three articles discussed an epilepsy review service, a multidisciplinary intervention program involving pharmacists and other health workers, and a mixed intervention combining education and training with therapy-based behavioral interventions. Conclusions: Pharmacist interventions have been shown to be effective in improving medication adherence in patients with epilepsy. Furthermore, these interventions play a crucial role in improving other therapeutic outcomes, including patients' knowledge of self-management, perceptions of illness, the efficacy of antiepileptic drugs in controlling seizures, and overall quality of life.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권11호
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• pp.5735-5739
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• 2012

Background: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an insidious tumor with poor prognosis, arising from mesothelial surfaces such as pleura, peritoneum and pericardium. We here aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and radiological features of patients with MM followed in our center as well as their survival. Methods: The study included 228 patients (131 male, 97 female) who were followed up in our institution between 1993 and 2010 with the diagnosis of MM. Results: The mean age was 59.1 years in men and 58.7 years in women and the sex ratio was 1.4:1 in favor of males. Environmental asbestos exposure was present in 86% of the patients for a mean duration of $40{\pm}20$ years (range: 3-70). Pleural effusion and thoracic/abdominal pain were the most common presenting signs and symptoms (70.2% and 57.8%, respectively). One hundred-thirteen (66%) patients were treated with platinum-based combination chemotherapy (PBCT) plus supportive care (SC) and 67 (34%) patients received SC alone. The median follow-up time was 10.0 months. The median overall survival was significantly improved with PBCT plus SC compared to SC alone (11.4 vs. 5.1 months; p=0.005). The 6, 12, 18, and 24-month survival rates were significantly improved with PBCT plus SC compared to SC alone (72%, 43%, 19%, and 2% vs. 49%, 31%, 11%, and 1%). Conclusion: The survival of patients with MM improved in patients treated with PBCT. The survival advantage continued 12- and 24-month after the initial time of combination chemotherapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권6호
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• pp.3555-3559
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• 2013

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of HBV genetic variation and the R249S mutation of the p53 gene, a marker of AFB1-induced HCC, in Thai patients chronically infected with HBV. Sixty-five patients with and 89 patients without HCC were included. Viral mutations and R249S mutation were characterized by direct sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in serum samples, respectively. The prevalences of T1753C/A/G and A1762T/G1764A mutations in the basal core promotor (BCP) region were significantly higher in the HCC group compared to the non-HCC group. R249S mutation was detected in 6.2% and 3.4% of the HCC and non-HCC groups, respectively, which was not significantly different. By multiple logistic regression analysis, the presence of A1762T/G1764A mutations was independently associated with the risk of HCC in Thai patients.