• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 2005

Mucin glycoproteins are the primary carriers of the oligosaccharide moieties that constitute the blood group substances in human saliva. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the conversion of either the A or B blood group antigens to the H antigen can occur during the degradation process of stored saliva samples. Forty subjects (20 subjects in each A and B blood group) identified as secretors were enrolled in this study. Fresh whole saliva samples and their clarified supernatants were stored at room temperature for 1 week. The conversion of the blood group antigens was detected by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Among the subjects showing the conversion in whole saliva, glandular saliva samples were obtained from 8 subjects (4 subjects in each A and B blood group). Submandibular-sublingual saliva (SMSL) and a mixture of SMSL and parotid saliva (PS) were stored at room temperature for 1 week. The conversion of the blood group antigens was detected by the same method. The obtained results were as follows: 1. In the clarified samples of whole saliva, the A antigen was detected as being either intact (5%) or degraded molecules (95%) after the 1 week period. Conversion of the A antigen to the H antigen was detected in 5 subjects (25%). In the unclarified samples, the A antigen was either detected as degraded molecules (90%) or was not detected (10%). Conversion of the antigen had occurred in 4 subjects (20%). 2. In the clarified samples of whole saliva, the B antigen was detected as intact (20%) or as degraded molecules (65%) or was not detected (15%) after the 1 week period. Conversion of the B antigen to the H antigen was detected in 7 subjects (35%). In the unclarified samples, the B antigen was detected as intact (5%) or as degraded molecules (65%), or was not detected (30%). Conversion of the antigen was observed in 2 subjects (10%). 3. In the glandular saliva samples, only one of the four subjects displayed an antigenic conversion from the A to H antigen or from the B to H antigen. The conversion had occurred in both the SMSL samples and the SMSL and PS mixture. No degradation of the antigens was detected in the other three samples of the A or B blood groups, nor was there any conversion. The results demonstrated that conversion of the blood group antigens could occur in saliva, and suggested that the enzymes responsible for the conversion are present in saliva. Further studies on the origin and activity of the specific glycosidases in saliva as well as quantitative measurements of the antigenic conversion will be needed.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.19-25
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• 2006

This study was undertaken to develop PCR primers for the identification and detection of Streptococcus mutans (by)using species-specific forward and universal reverse primers. These primers targeted the variable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA coding gene (rDNA). The primer specificity was tested against 11S. mutans strains and 10 different species (22 strains) of oral bacteria. The primer sensitivity was determined by testing serial dilutions of the purified genomic DNA of S. mutans ATCC $25175^T$. The data showed that species-specific amplicons were obtained from all the S. mutans strains tested, which was not observed in the other species. The direct and nested PCR could detect as little as 2 pg and 2 fg of the chromosomal DNA from S. mutans ATCC $25175^T$, respectively. This shows that the PCR primers are highly sensitive and applicable to the detection and identification of S. mutans.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.13-21
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• 1988

The author studied the vertical height of tooth crown and the amounts of alveolar bone resorption with age. All 84 subjects(44 male, 40female) who visited Dental hospital of Wonkwang University with no history of sever periodontal disease and no experience of periodontal surgery. 84 subject were divided into 3 groups by age, that is, group I(28-32yrs), group II(38-42yrs), and group III(48-52yrs). Informal radiogram with bite wing film(horizontal angulation : $0^{\circ}$, vertical angulation : $+5^{\circ}~+10^{\circ}$) were taken on premolar and molar area. The distances from cusp tip to cementoenamel junction (vertical height of tooth crown) and from cementoenamel junction alveolar crest(amount of alveolar bone resorption) were measured, and then recorded data from 946 teeth were statistically analysed. This study was undertaken to obtain the data for age estimation by the changes of tooth crown height and alveolar bone resorption in the point of forensic odontology. The obtained results were as follows : 1. The average crown height of mandibular right 1st. molar was 7.1mm in group I, 6.7mm in group II, and 6.6mm group III, and the average amount of alveolar bone resorption on mandibular right 1st. molar were 1.8mm in group I, 2.5mm in group II, and 3.0mm in group III. Ratio of tooth crown height to amount of alveolar bone resorption was 4.0:1 in groupI, 2.7:1 in group II, and 2.2:1 in group III, the ratio was decreased with age. 2. In comparison with upper teeth and lower teeth in ipsilateral side, the average value of tooth crown height and amount of alveolar bone resorption were slightly higher in upper arch than those in lower arch, but there was not a statistically significant difference. 3. The ratio of height of tooth crown to amount of alveolar bone resorption was decreased with age, and which depended mainly upon the change of amount of alveolar bone resorption rather than the change of tooth crown height.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.229-246
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• 1995

The deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) was isolated from the pulp, dentin and enamel of the 4 fresh teeth and the 7 teeth left in room temperature for 10 years. Then it was examed to find out the usefulness for forensic dental medicine. Samples of the tooth-derived DNA amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR), electrophosed for sex determination by detection of X-Y homologous amelogenin gene and D1S80 locus detection. The following results have been achieved. DNA extraction was possible in pulp and dentin of the fresh teeth, so it could be applicatable to detection of X-Y homologous amelogenin gene for sex determination, amplification of D1S80 locus by PCR. Sex determination was possible in pulp and dentin of the teeth left at room temperature for 10 years. Also, possible the detection fo AMP-FLPs to increase PCR cycling up to 40. DNA was isolated from all pulp of the fresh teeth and the teeth left in room temperature for 10 years, and also isolated from the dentin of the fresh teeth, partially isolated(3/7) from the dentin of the teeth left in room temperature for 10 years, but DNA was not isolated from enamel. From the above investigation, DNA extraction, sex determination, amplification of D1S80 locus were successfully accomplished even though the teeth were left for 10 years at room temperature. Therefore, teeth, especially pulp, are highly reliable and applicable as molecular biological samples for individual identification.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.219-223
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• 2016

Background: Promoter hypermethylation is a frequent epigenetic mechanism for gene transcription repression in cancer and is one of the hallmarks of the disease. Cadherin EGF LAG seven-pass G-type receptor 3 (CELSR3) contributes to cell contact-mediated communication. Dysregulation of promoter methylation has been reported in various cancers. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the CELSR3 hypermethylation level in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting analysis (MS-HRM) and to correlate CELSR3 methylation with patient demographic and clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: Frozen tissue samples of healthy subjects' normal mucosa and OSCCs were examined with regard to their methylation levels of the CELSR3 gene using MS-HRM. Results: MS-HRM analysis revealed a high methylation level of CELSR3 in 86% of OSCC cases. Significant correlations were found between CELSR3 quantitative methylation levels with patient ethnicity (P=0.005), age (P=0.024) and pathological stages (P=0.004). A moderate positive correlation between CELSR3 and patient age was also evident (R=0.444, P=0.001). Conclusions: CELSR3 promoter hypermethylation may be an important mechanism involved in oral carcinogenesis. It may thus be used as a biomarker in OSCC prognostication.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.209-216
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• 2020

Purpose: In India, the age of 14 years is the legal age threshold for child labour. Therefore, in suspected instances of child labour, age assessment plays a crucial role in determining whether a violation of the law on the employment of children has occurred. The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess the discriminatory ability of stages of cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) in predicting the legal age threshold of 14 years. Materials and Methods: Routinely taken lateral cephalograms from 408 subjects aged 10 to 18 years were evaluated retrospectively using the CVM stages described by Baccetti et al. Descriptive statistics, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios were calculated for stages 2, 3, and 4 of CVM. Results: Real age increased as the CVM stage gradually increased. The results of 2×2 contingency tables showed that CVM stage 4 produced an accuracy of 71% and 73%, a false positive rate of 7% and 18%, and a post-test probability of 59% and 68% for boys and girls, respectively. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the stages of CVM are of limited use for predicting the attainment of the legal age threshold of 14 years. Future studies should investigate whether combinations of skeletal and dental methods could achieve better accuracy and post-test probability.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the magnitude of artifacts produced by gutta-percha and metal posts on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans obtained with different tube currents and with or without metal artifact reduction (MAR). Materials and Methods: A tooth was inserted in a dry human mandible socket, and CBCT scans were acquired after root canal instrumentation, root canal filling, and metal post placement with various tube currents with and without MAR activation. The artifact magnitude was assessed by the standard deviation (SD) of gray values and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) at the various distances from the tooth. Data were compared using multi-way analysis of variance. Results: At all distances, a current of 4 mA was associated with a higher SD and a lower CNR than 8 mA or 10 mA (P<0.05). For the metal posts without MAR, the artifact magnitude as assessed by SD was greatest at 1.5 cm or less (P<0.05). When MAR was applied, SD values for distances 1.5 cm or closer to the tooth were reduced (P<0.05). MAR usage did not influence the magnitude of artifacts in the control and gutta-percha groups(P>0.05). Conclusion: Increasing the tube current from 4 mA to 8 mA may reduce the magnitude of artifacts from metal posts. The magnitude of artifacts arising from metal posts was significantly higher at distances of 1.5 cm or less than at greater distances. MAR usage improved image quality near the metal post, but had no significant influence farther than 1.5 cm from the tooth.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.69-77
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• 2006

Botulinum toxin injection has been used in the masticatory muscle area as an effective treatment method of various movement disorders and facial contouring, but its effects on jaw function have not been evaluated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of botulinum toxin type A injection into the masseter muscle on the EMG activities of masseter and anterior temporal muscles, and the limitation of jaw function. Fourteen healthy subjects were recruited. Five subjects were injected with 80 units of botulinum toxin type A(Dysport, Ipsen, Wrexham, UK) into each side of masseter muscle, and nine subjects were injected with saline into the same site as the botulinum toxin group. The surface EMG activities at maximum voluntary contraction of masseter and anterior temporal muscles were recorded before, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after injection. Presence of jaw functional limitations in each subject was investigated using Korean version of Jaw Functional Limitation Scale(JFLS) questionnaire. The masseter muscle EMG was gradually decreased in the botulinum toxin group comparing with that of the control group(p<0.001), but the anterior temporal muscle EMG did not show significant changes. There was significant increases in the mastication (p<0.01), and global jaw limitation(p<0.05) subscales of JFLS at 1 week after injection, but no significant changes in the other subscales including opening, and verbal and emotional expression during the recording periods. Our results suggest that botulinum toxin injection into masseter muscle can affect modest limitation in mastication function at 1 week after injection but recovered to the baseline until 3 weeks after injection. The EMG activity of masseter muscle had been gradually decreased until 3 weeks after botulinum toxin injection but the anterior temporal muscle did not show any significant changes.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.201-214
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• 2005

Age estimation is fundamental and important in personal identification with forensic medicine and dentistry. Recently, a lot of studies using various part of the body have been done for age estimation. Age estimation with teeth is the most significant method comparing ones with other part of the body. Gustafson method and Johanson method using postmortem teeth have been authorized in accuracy and systemization and used domestically and internationally. The verification of the accuracy in above methods had been tried many times but it is still rare in Korea. Fifty-nine teeth(incisors, canine, premolars and molars) which were extracted due to periodontal diseases or orthodontic problem were collected. Present study is to 1) compare the accuracy of estimated age in applying Gustafson method and Johanson method to the teeth in Korea, 2) compare and analyze the correlation with results using Gustafson method and Johanson method by age, gender, maxilla - mandible and anterior - premolar - molar. Teeth were embedded in resin and sliced and then examined each one using Gustafson method and Johanson method. The results are as follows: 1. Actual age was a significant difference in estimated age by Johanson method. Actual age was a significant correlation in estimated age by Gustafson method and modified Johanson method. Modified Johanson method was more significant than Gustafson method. 2. In estimated age by Gustafson method, Johanson method and modified Johanson method, there was no significance with actual age by location and gender. 3. In estimated age by Gustafson method, Johanson method and modified Johanson method, there was significance with actual age by age group. Finally, Gustafson method and Johanson method can be used in Korea. To make more accurate verification, however, it needs more specimen and postmortem teeth. Johanson equation proposed by himself has to be developed by further studies.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.37-54
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• 1996

In this thesis, a new superimposition scheme using a computer vision system was proposed with 7 pairs of skull and ante-mortem photographs, which were already identified through other tests and DNA fingerprints at the Korea National Institute of Scientific Investigation. At this computer vision system, an unidentified skull was caught by video-camcoder with the MPEG and a ante-mortem photograph was scanned by scanner. These two images were processed and superimposed using pixel processing. Recognition of the individual identification by anatomical references was performed on the two superimposed images. These results were as followings. 1. For the enhancement of skull and ante-mortem photographs, various image processing schemes, such as SMOOTH, SHARPEN, EMBOSS, MOSAIC, ENGRAVE, INVERT, NEON and COLOR TO MONO, were applied using 3*5 window processing. As an image processing result of these methods, the optimal techniques were NEON, INVERT and ENGRAVE for the edge detection of skull and ante-mortem photograph. 2. Using various superimposition image processing techniques (SRCOR, SRCAND, SRCINVERT, SRCERASE, DSTINVERT, MERGEPAINT) were compared for the enhancement of image recognition. 3. By means of the video camera, the skull image was inputed directly to a computer system : superimposing it on the ante-mortem photograph made the identification more precise and time-saving. As mentioned above, this image processing techniques for the superimposition of skull and ante-mortem photographs simply used the previous approach, In other wrods, taking skull photographs and developing it to the same size as the ante-mortem photographs. This system using various image processing techniques on computer screen, a more precise and time-saving superimposition technique could be able to be applied in the area of individual identification in forensic practice.